Researchers at Montreal Neurological Institute discovered a critical gene, Runx1, that regulates motor neuron development and maintenance. This finding holds promise for understanding and treating neurodegenerative diseases such as ALS.
The Carnegie Institution's Department of Global Ecology is developing a database of plant chemical and remote sensing signatures for tropical forest species with a $1.8 million MacArthur grant. This 'Spectranomics Project' will enable large-scale inventory and tracking of rainforest vegetation globally, enhancing satellite observations.
Researchers discovered that chickens are born with healthy intestinal bacteria, challenging conventional wisdom on how birds acquire these microorganisms. The study suggests that administering probiotics in ovo could improve growth and reduce the risk of food-borne illness.
Researchers aim to find out how effective early intervention is for children diagnosed with ASD by 18 months old. The study will examine the impact of parent-implemented intervention on toddlers with ASD and their families.
A study in JAMA found that low HDL cholesterol levels due to a genetic mutation do not increase the risk of ischemic heart disease. Instead, the researchers discovered that low HDL cholesterol was associated with a lower risk of IHD in certain populations.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota have developed a new standard of care for children with recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB) using cord blood and bone marrow transplants. The treatment has shown promising results in improving skin quality and reducing blisters, offering new hope for these patients.
A new study by Cardiff University researchers found that antimicrobial-containing wipes used in hospitals can spread pathogens after first use. The study highlights concerns over the suitability of these wipes and the importance of regular surveillance programs to reduce infection risks.
Research reveals new neurons produced in cerebellum of young and adult rabbits, expanding understanding of mammalian neurogenesis. This breakthrough opens new avenues for brain repair and regeneration research in humans.
Julia Laskin, a PNNL chemist, has received the Biemann Medal for her groundbreaking research on mass spectrometry. Her work advances biomaterials and biological processes for clean energy production and creates biologically inspired systems.
Ezetimibe works by blocking NPC1L1's entry into cells, reducing cholesterol uptake. Researchers found that cholesterol encourages cells to engulf and internalize NPC1L1 through endocytosis.
Researchers are exploring the human microbiome to understand its role in health and disease, with findings suggesting that changes in microbial populations may contribute to digestive disorders, skin diseases, and obesity. The study of bacterial communities inside humans has the potential to revolutionize disease diagnosis and treatment.
Researchers at Ohio State University found that instant messaging on the job reduces interruption and increases productivity. Employees use instant messaging to check in with coworkers and get quick answers to general questions, rather than engaging in face-to-face conversations or using the phone and email.
A study by UT Southwestern Medical Center has linked amphetamine abuse to a higher risk of heart attacks in young adults. Researchers analyzed data from over 3 million people and found a significant correlation between amphetamine abuse and heart attack diagnoses.
A Rice University study found that 27 percent of newly appointed CEOs leave their jobs within three years, likely due to information asymmetry and poor hiring decisions. The study suggests that the origin, context, and composition of the board's nominating committee play a significant role in CEO success.
Researchers at CSHL confirm DLC1 as a tumor suppressor gene that, when deleted or inactivated, leads to liver cancer. The team also identifies RhoA as a key signaling intermediary required for tumor formation, paving the way for new therapeutic targets.
NASA has set a new target launch date for the Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope (GLAST) on June 7, following additional time needed to resolve engineering concerns. The launch window remains unchanged, and details of the prelaunch news conference are planned.
Researchers have found a human virus in chimpanzees in Tanzania's Mahale Mountains National Park, which may be transmitted from visiting scientists and tourists. The discovery highlights the need for more research to establish a comfortable level of proof and protect the region through science-based changes.
Rising temperatures may reduce microbial carbon dioxide production due to increased nitrogen levels in the soil, but human-induced CO2 changes could shift microbial populations with significant impacts on food chains. Microbial communities under glaciers and snowpacks are also threatened by warming temperatures.
Research published in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases found that co-infections of hookworm, schistosomes, and trichuris amplify the risk of anemia in children. The study suggests that combined treatment for some helminth species could reduce anemia burden in helminth-endemic areas.
Researchers developed an artificial graft tissue by combining man-made materials with human cells, resulting in improved durability and attachment to host tissue. The study paves the way for a medical breakthrough that could save millions of lives worldwide.
Researchers found that New Zealand birds can change their nesting behavior in response to introduced predators, reducing the risk of predation. This adaptation allows island birds to survive even in areas with high levels of predator activity, providing new insights for conservation efforts.
A genetic tool called RNA interference may help remove harmful microbes and viruses from drinking water. The approach, which targets a specific gene in a fungus found in water, has promise for solving safe drinking water issues in underdeveloped countries.
Researchers found that low doses of resveratrol, a natural constituent in red wine, mimic the effects of caloric restriction on aging. The study shows that small doses can elicit many benefits as a reduced-calorie diet, including prevention of heart decline associated with aging.
A new vaccine targeting more common pneumococcal strains is on the horizon to replace PCV7, which has seen a rise in non-vaccine strain IPD rates by 40%. The vaccine's effectiveness against resistant bacteria is currently being tested.
The new satellite tool provides daily observations of small areas, allowing for improved yield assessments and modeling of water transfer. This enables the reorientation of irrigation towards crop parcels where it is most needed, facilitating significant improvements in cultivation practices.
Yale Environment 360, a new online magazine, covers global environmental issues with reports, analysis, and Op-Ed-style pieces. The site features original articles by leading journalists, scientists, and experts, showcasing diverse perspectives on climate change, energy policy, and more.
A team of Penn State scientists has discovered a novel bacterial species, Chryseobacterium greenlandensis, that has survived for over 120,000 years in the ice of a Greenland glacier. The microorganism's ability to persist in extreme conditions makes it useful for studying life in various environments on Earth and potentially elsewhere.
A recent study using Caenorhabditis elegans to examine the relationship between eating and weight gain found that increased eating does not necessarily lead to increased fat. The researchers discovered two separate signaling channels controlled by serotonin, which regulates feeding and fat metabolism.
Researchers at NIST have built a system that measures temperatures with precision, which may help update the definition of the Kelvin. The system uses electrical noise to measure temperatures with accuracy and is simpler than other systems, making it ideal for industrial thermometry labs.
A new study highlights the critical need for veterinarians in New England, where the region's economy relies on veterinary medicine worth $3.3 billion. The study reveals a shortage of up to 658 veterinarians by 2014 and notes that food animal veterinians will retire at nearly twice the rate of their companion animal colleagues.
Researchers have created ultrathin polymer films made of nanocrystals using a novel production technique. The method, led by Stefan Mecking, produces films with a thickness of 50 nm using individual prefabricated nanocrystal building blocks.
Researchers found that honeybees use their right and left antennae to store different types of memories. Short-term memory is linked to the right antenna, while long-term learning relies on the left antenna. This lateralization may aid bees in learning new odours without interference from existing memories.
A study published in BMC Psychiatry reveals that 54% of Ugandans meet symptom criteria for PTSD, while 67% show signs of depression. The study attributed these findings to the country's history of trauma exposure, including rape, hunger, and lack of medical care.
A study found that patients with heart failure significantly overestimated their remaining life span, with median overestimation of 40% compared to clinical predictions. Younger patients and those with more severe disease were more likely to make longer predictions, while depression was not a predictive factor.
A study of ongoing randomized clinical trials in diabetes reveals that only 20% have primary outcomes important to patients, such as illness, pain, or death. The researchers emphasize the need for a standard set of patient-important outcomes in diabetes trials to improve their informativeness.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that heart failure patients significantly overestimate their life expectancy, with an average prediction of 13 years beyond accepted survival models. Despite this, patients' predictions showed no correlation with disease severity or clinical outcomes.
A parasitoid wasp induces its moth caterpillar host to stop feeding, remain close to the pupae, and defend against predators, resulting in increased pupae survival. The caterpillar's behavioral changes appear to outweigh potential risks of increased transmission for the parasite.
Researchers will explore strategies for closing energy and nutrient cycles in small family dairy farms. Initial studies suggest that intensive management of manure, changing bedding methods, and increasing on-site grain production can achieve energy independence and a closed nitrogen system.
Researchers have developed a simple model to study injured brain tissue, enabling the induction of regeneration of axons. The fruit fly model has shown that activation of the JNK signaling pathway promotes nerve bundle repair.
The Healthcare Foundation of NJ awards Rutgers College of Nursing faculty member Rachel Jones a one-year $154,400 grant to create a series of 12 soap opera-style videos reducing HIV risk among young urban women. The new video series is based on real stories told by women in focus groups.
A study by Cardiff University found that current hospital protocols for antimicrobial wipes can spread pathogens like MRSA. Implementing a single-use, one-surface-per-wipe approach could reduce MRSA incidence in hospitals.
Scientists have found a gene, MagA, that allows mammalian cells to produce tiny magnetic particles, making them visible under magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The gene shows potential as an imaging tool for tracking cells' movement through the body.
A new study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that local-level background checks are associated with a 27% lower firearm suicide rate and a 22% lower homicide rate compared to federal-level checks. States that rely on local-level checks have substantially lower rates of firearm suicides and homicides.
A new research project uses computer modeling to look at the best way of using ventilators while minimizing the risk of injury. Real-life data collected from patients will be used to create the models, which could lead to computer management of ventilators for optimal treatment and reduced harm.
Biodesign's Rittmann suggests that harnessing the energy of microorganisms can meet our current and future energy needs, cutting back on fossil fuel use. This approach has the potential to provide scalable, environmentally friendly, and food-sustaining solutions.
The USGS conducted a holistic study on agricultural chemicals in the environment, collecting field data and employing numerical models to simulate water and chemical transport. The results show that modifications to agricultural practices can profoundly alter chemical transport rates, affecting contaminant dilution and transformation.
Airport planners must adapt to low-cost airlines' requirements for smaller, cheaper terminals with flexible designs. Smaller airports have fewer ground and air traffic control delays than large ones.
Scientists have discovered a previously unknown molecular signaling pathway in body fat cells that normally acts to suppress harmful inflammation, but is overridden by obesity. The protective function can be boosted with drugs targeting PPAR-d, potentially treating insulin resistance and diabetes.
A new study has provided genetic clues for dealing with soil pollution by using a systems toxicology approach to understand the impact of four soil contaminants on earthworm gene expression patterns. The research reveals subtle changes induced by toxic chemicals in earthworms, offering insights into monitoring and remediation of toxins.
A recent study published in Pediatrics found that sugar-sweetened beverages are an increasingly large part of children and teens' diets, with teens consuming an average of 356 calories per day. Reducing empty caloric intake by limiting these drinks may be a key strategy for promoting healthy eating and preventing excess weight gain.
A private foster care program has been shown to significantly improve long-term health outcomes for teenagers placed in the program compared to those in public programs. The study found lower rates of mental disorders, ulcers, and cardiometabolic problems, but more respiratory disorders.
Research by Johns Hopkins Children's Center suggests that breast-feeding not only provides more protection to girls than boys but also that formula-fed girls are at a higher risk for severe respiratory infections. Breast milk helps babies cope with an infection better, rather than preventing it.
A study of 380 healthy children found that nearly half had low vitamin D levels, and about one-third showed reduced bone mineral content on X-rays. The researchers suggest that all young children should receive vitamin D supplements to prevent potential health issues.
A study found that children aged 4-6 avert their gaze when performing difficult tasks or being tested by someone familiar. This finding has implications for teachers and social workers, who can use gaze aversion to identify 'improvers' versus those regressing.
A randomized controlled trial involving 285 students found that disinfecting surfaces and using hand sanitizer reduced gastrointestinal illness-related absences by nine percent. The study suggests that elementary schools consider simple infection control practices to help keep students healthier.
Researchers found that when attention to detail is required, sad children perform better than their happy peers. This finding contradicts the idea that happiness always leads to optimal outcomes. The study suggests that a positive mood can have hidden costs for certain tasks.
A team of astronomers led by David Bennett discovered a planet with a mass about three times that of Earth, orbiting a star with a mass 6% of the sun's, potentially hosting conditions suitable for life. The discovery was made using the gravitational microlensing method and confirms predictions made in 1996.
A new study found that high school baseball-related injuries have increased in severity over the past decade, with many resulting in head/face and teeth injuries, fractures, or concussions. The study recommends the use of helmets with face shields or mouth guards to reduce these types of injuries.
Researchers found that metformin significantly increased pathologic complete response rates in diabetic women with early-stage breast cancer who took the drug during chemotherapy. The study showed a 24% response rate, three times higher than non-diabetic patients. Further investigation is needed to understand the mechanism of the drug.
A randomized controlled trial found that exposure therapy was more effective than cognitive restructuring in preventing PTSD in individuals with acute stress disorder. Exposure therapy reduced distress ratings and promoted full remission, suggesting its potential as an early intervention for high-risk patients.