A study published in The Journal of Physiology found that rats fed a junk food diet during pregnancy and lactation had offspring with high cholesterol, triglyceride levels, and insulin resistance. These rats also showed increased obesity and fat around the kidneys.
Twelve investigators receive $5 million in grants to study food allergy causes, treatment, and prevention. The initiative aims to improve understanding of the condition and ultimately end its limitations on lives.
Researchers have achieved a record light conversion efficiency of 8.2% in solvent-free dye-sensitized solar cells, paving the way for large-scale outdoor applications. The development of an electrolyte mixture made from three solid salts replaces volatile organic solvents, making it possible to produce lightweight and inexpensive flexi...
An international team of researchers has identified 21 new genetic risk factors for Crohn's disease, building on earlier studies that linked the disorder to disruptions in autophagy and immune system response. The findings, published in Nature Genetics, may lead to novel therapies and prevention strategies.
Researchers at UIC have identified a novel function for an enzyme involved in tissue injury in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The finding offers new therapeutic targets for lung inflammation and injury prevention.
A longitudinal study found that only 42% of boys and 11% of girls meet the recommended weekly physical activity levels. While children who met the guidelines showed progressive improvement in predictive health indicators, those who did not showed deterioration. The authors suggest re-evaluating the guideline measures to better encourag...
Rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) have more than doubled among people aged 45 and older between 1996 and 2003. Genital warts and herpes were the most common STIs diagnosed in this age group, with rates highest among men aged 55-60 plus and women aged 45-54.
Researchers discovered that using mental strategies can decrease arousal linked to the anticipation of a potential reward. The study sheds light on how emotion regulation affects decision-making and may help control positive emotions and eventual urges, such as drug cravings.
Scientists have found that Deformed Wing Virus (DWV) does not replicate in Varroa mites, highlighting the need for further investigation into its transmission. Research suggests that the virus is transmitted to bees when the mite bites and picks up infected bees' saliva or gut contents.
A study published in Nature Genetics has identified over 30 genetic regions associated with Crohn's disease, revealing surprising links between the condition and other common diseases like asthma. The research also highlights the complexity of the disease, suggesting hundreds of genes may be involved.
Smoke-free policies are reducing heart disease related to smoke exposure, prevalence of smoking in adults, and second-hand smoke exposure. These policies also increase smoke-free environments and have benefits for non-smokers.
Researchers at the Salk Institute have made a groundbreaking discovery by reprogramming adult brain stem cells into support cells in their natural environment. This achievement opens up new avenues for treating neurological diseases such as multiple sclerosis, stroke, and epilepsy.
A large cohort study of over 87,000 women found that heavy birthweight female babies are twice as likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis in adulthood. The findings support the fetal origin of disease theory, suggesting that certain conditions and diseases may be programmed by factors during pregnancy.
Researchers have identified approximately 2000 genes that contribute to the increased drought tolerance of two Andean potato clones. The study found up-regulated genes involved in osmotic adjustment, detoxification, and cell communication and signaling, as well as increased solute concentrations to induce water uptake from drying soils.
The study found that genetics accounted for around 35% of the differences in homosexual behavior among men, while non-shared environmental factors explained 64%. For women, genetic influences were more modest, accounting for 18%, with non-shared environment and shared family factors explaining 64% and 16% respectively.
Researchers have identified two key loci responsible for extreme fruit size in tomatoes, including the fas locus that controls cell division and the locule-number locus that affects carpel number. This study provides a significant breakthrough in understanding tomato domestication and opens up new avenues for crop improvement.
Scientists are testing a new cancer treatment that uses transfused white blood cells to combat advanced forms of cancer. The treatment, called Leukocyte InFusion Therapy (LIFT), has shown promising results in lab mice and aims to replicate those findings in human patients.
Tobacco plants have evolved a self-incompatibility system to reject unwanted pollen and maintain genetic diversity. Researchers have identified a new factor, Stigma Expressed Protein (NaStEP), which plays a crucial role in the rejection mechanism.
The OptiNose Phase II study demonstrated that its nasal device combination achieves rapid and efficient migraine relief without needle-stick injuries. The results show that 74.3% of patients experienced headache relief within 60 minutes and 83.8% after 120 minutes.
Researchers have made significant progress in understanding the complex metabolic networks involved in tomato fruit development. By analyzing over 1200 quantitative metabolic loci (QMLs), scientists identified associations between metabolites and genes that regulate fruit metabolism. This knowledge can be used to alter metabolic pathwa...
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center discovered that FGF21 blocks the effects of growth hormone, potentially extending life span. The study found genetically altered mice with resistance to growth hormone produced greater amounts of growth hormone.
A recent animal study found that inadequate sleep in elderly mice exacerbated cellular aging, leading to increased misfolded proteins and cell death. The unfolded protein response was impaired in old mice, failing to properly handle protein synthesis in the endoplasmic reticulum.
A 50-year analysis of Narragansett Bay fish-trawl surveys reveals a shift from vertebrate to invertebrate species and from benthic to pelagic species composition. The study attributes this change primarily to global warming, with smaller, warm-water species increasing while larger, cool-water species declining.
A study showed that Caphosol use led to lower OM rates and severity, as well as low pain medication use and high patient satisfaction among cancer patients. High efficacy ratings were also reported by physicians.
Recent research suggests that almonds contain prebiotics that can stimulate the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, supporting overall digestive health. The study found that finely ground almonds significantly increased levels of certain beneficial gut bacteria, with this effect being attributed to the presence of almond lipids.
Researchers at McGill University have discovered a compound called silvestrol that can re-sensitize tumors to chemotherapy, making them susceptible to anticancer drugs. Silvestrol, derived from Malaysian folk medicine, has been shown to effectively reduce resistance to chemotherapy agents used to treat cancer.
The High-Resolution Soft X-Ray Spectrometer (SXS) will investigate dark matter, galaxy formation, and explore the nature of matter in extreme environments. NASA's Explorer Program Mission of Opportunity has awarded $44 million for the instrument and operations.
Researchers have designed a new probe to image thousands of protein interactions inside living cells, giving them a tool to untangle signaling pathways. The probes are derived from an enzyme and its peptide substrate, allowing for easy detection of protein interactions.
The study reveals that three RAMOSA genes (RA1-3) control maize inflorescence branching, leading to changes in grain yield. The genes regulate the architecture of maize ears through a complex network, influencing plant development and adaptation.
Scientists at the University of Bristol developed an intelligent, visual surveillance system to track African penguins' population dynamics and social behavior. The 'Penguin Recognition Project' uses unique biometric identifiers to monitor large numbers of species cheaply and automatically.
Researchers at the University of Missouri have discovered that submerged oak trees can store carbon for up to 14,000 years, significantly longer than trees in forests. This process reveals the importance of proper tree disposal and benefits of riparian forests in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
The INFORMS Society for Marketing Science has announced the inaugural 10 recipients of its Fellow Award, recognizing their significant contributions to the development of knowledge and practice in marketing. The honored researchers include prominent figures such as Frank Bass, John Hauser, Gary Lilien, and Richard Staelin.
Research suggests that enhancing neprilysin production can reduce plaque formation and neuron death associated with Alzheimer's disease, but at the cost of shortening lifespan. Over-activation of neprilysin also reduces CREB protein activity and increases age-dependent axon pathology.
A team of scientists has used paleobotanical evidence, genetic analysis, and microbotanical techniques to reconstruct the early history of maize agriculture. They suggest that maize may have been domesticated in Mexico around 10,000 years ago, based on findings from sediments at San Andrés, Tabasco.
Researchers at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences have been awarded a $5.6 million grant to develop vaccines and treatments for Nipah and Hendra viruses. The grant will support collaboration with Australian researchers to test vaccines and therapeutics, which have shown promising results in previous studies.
Paramutations, a process where one copy of a gene can alter the expression of another, have been found in plants and may be important for introducing changes under environmental stress. Researchers studying paramutations in maize identified genes and mechanisms involved in this epigenetic process.
A team of Brown University researchers has invented mercury-absorbent materials to capture mercury vapor from broken compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs). The technology can be applied to packaging and plastic bags, making it an inexpensive solution to mitigate environmental concerns and health risks.
Researchers at UC Davis have isolated and expressed a pheromone-degrading enzyme in the Japanese beetle, which could lead to more effective pest control methods. By degrading pheromones, males may be unable to detect females and reproduce.
Researchers found that administering a simple polymer, Polyethylene glycol, within four hours of a head injury can limit damage and improve behavioral tests in rats. The treatment is potentially feasible for victims of traumatic brain injury, especially when delivered at the scene of an accident.
To keep up with the potential half-billion users, MySpace is working with a University of Southern California specialist to improve server performance. Researchers are exploring a new heuristic algorithm to maintain and replace data in DRAM, aiming to increase capacity and speed.
Scientists have unraveled plant architecture at the molecular level using genomic data, shedding light on flower and grain development in maize. They characterized key gene networks and biochemical pathways, providing insights into plant construction and evolutionary conservation.
A new implantable device blocks stomach nerve signals, resulting in significant weight loss in obese participants. The study found that a quarter of patients lost over 25% of their excess weight and three patients lost more than 30%. A follow-up double-blinded study will be conducted to assess the device's true effectiveness.
Research highlights eruptive processes in Colorado's San Juan Mountains and unique features of West Antarctica's ice record. In Colombia, climate-driven erosion rates reveal interactions between faults and mountain asymmetry. Magela Creek in northern Australia shows branching and growth patterns.
Researchers at Harvard University have identified a key mechanism by which neural activity increases blood flow to the brain. Astrocytes play a crucial role in this process, releasing neurotransmitters that bind to and elevate intracellular calcium levels, leading to blood vessel dilation.
Researchers at Cornell University have developed a new method to self-assemble metals into complex nanostructures. This allows for the creation of more efficient catalysts for fuel cells and industrial processes. Additionally, it enables the development of microstructured surfaces to enhance conductor performance.
Scientists are sequencing ancient maize landraces to recapture the full genetic diversity of this complex crop. The Palomero genome is about 22% smaller than B73, revealing a large pool of unexplored genetic diversity.
Gary Banks argues that a more cost-effective health system is necessary to address increasing demand and costs. The Productivity Commission Chairman suggests potential solutions include policy initiatives in various areas of healthcare.
A study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health researchers found significant increases in firearm homicide among young male populations between 1999 and 2005. The overall US homicide rate remained flat during this period, but firearm deaths rose sharply, with black males experiencing higher rates than whites.
A new study reveals that warmer temperatures significantly accelerated the spread of a new strain of West Nile virus across North America. The virus displaced the older strain and led to two of the largest epidemics on record, with over 270 deaths in both 2002 and 2003.
Researchers analyzed brain activity using fMRI to identify differences in connectivity between Alzheimer's patients and healthy individuals. They found that patients had fewer functional hubs, compromising regional connections and contributing to memory loss.
Researchers at Purdue University have created a hybrid molecule that can be intentionally manipulated, opening the door to quantum computing in semiconductors. This discovery enables control over the quantum state, a required step for building quantum computers.
A Kaiser Permanente study published online in the Journal of Perinatology found that integrating substance abuse screening and treatment into routine prenatal care improved health outcomes for pregnant women. The study, which examined nearly 50,000 women, found that treating pregnant women with substance abuse early in their pregnancy ...
Adults with type 2 diabetes who eat high-fat meals may experience immediate memory declines, but taking antioxidant vitamins with the meal can offset this effect. A study found that consuming healthy foods rich in fruits and vegetables is the best defense against cognitive decline.
A study found that 55-93% of new HIV infections among adults in urban Zambia and Rwanda occur within marital or cohabiting couples, with potential for increased transmission if non-cohabiting partners use condoms. Interventions targeting couples could avert 36-60% of heterosexually transmitted infections.
A University of Missouri professor found that men conducting field research on women are limited to specific subjects due to restrictions on access. The Diola people's culture and rituals, such as their fertility shrine Ehugna, were difficult for male researchers to study due to social norms and expectations.
The Early Bird Project, a five-year study funded by the National Science Foundation, has collected DNA sequence data from 169 bird species. The research revealed that birds adapted to diverse environments multiple times and that distinctive lifestyles evolved independently. The study's findings will be published in Science on June 27.
Scientists at NIST have confirmed that EUV photoresist sensitivity is twice the previously believed value. The finding raises concerns about optical system effectiveness in current demonstration tools. This discovery has significant implications for high-volume manufacturing processes in development.
A study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons found that morbidly obese patients undergoing Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery are at an increased risk of developing kidney stones as early as three months post-operation. The study suggests a possible link between the surgical procedure and changes in urinary electr...
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine discovered that mice deficient in fragile X and related genes have disrupted sleep-wake cycles, leading to a lack of rhythm. This finding provides new insights into the causes of fragile X syndrome and its impact on patients.
The Deep Green program aims to create a system that can help future combat commanders anticipate enemy moves and adjust plans. The system uses anticipatory planning with adaptive execution, generating options for all sides in an operation and predicting the likelihood of multiple futures.