Scientists at the Salk Institute have identified PPAR delta as a powerful anti-inflammatory agent that can slow down lesion progression and reduce plaque buildup in arteries. Activating this protein may offer a novel approach to treating metabolic syndrome and its associated cardiovascular risks.
Researchers found that ancient sediment cores indicate the arctic tundra burned frequently in the past, with some fires occurring as often as every 30 years. A warming climate could make this type of burning more common, leading to increased greenhouse gas emissions and releasing stored carbon into the atmosphere.
A network of seismic instruments has been placed around Panama's Baru Volcano to help detect eruptions and mitigate danger. The Panamanian government funded the instrumentation, completed by the University of Panama's Department of Geosciences, in response to a joint study that revealed the volcano's potential for future eruptions.
A follow-up study of women who stopped taking hormone therapy after a clinical trial found an increased risk of cancer, with higher rates of invasive breast cancer and other cancers. Cardiovascular events were comparable between the two groups.
A study of 3,987 older men found that those with low free testosterone levels had a higher prevalence of depression, with men in the lowest quintile having three times the odds of depression compared to those in the highest quintile. Researchers suggest that hormone imbalances may contribute to this link.
Researchers demonstrate increased endorphin release in athletes' brains during long-distance running, linked to reduced pain perception and improved mood. The study provides direct evidence for the 'endorphin hypothesis', a theory that had been disputed until now.
Researchers have identified a new target for cancer therapy by targeting the non-malignant cells surrounding tumors, which can stop tumor growth in mice. This approach has shown promise in reducing tumor size and slowing growth of well-established cancers after a single injection of T cells.
An open-source clinical trial data-management system could save money and empower researchers in resource-poor settings. The system would eliminate the need for expensive database software systems, making high-standard research more accessible.
A study led by Julie Juola Exline found that men are more likely to hold grudges and exhibit vengeful behavior compared to women, who tend to be more empathetic and forgiving. This difference can be reduced when men develop empathy towards offenders, making the offense seem smaller.
African American adolescent mothers with depression are more likely to have a subsequent pregnancy within two years of giving birth. Depressive symptoms were associated with a 44% increase in risk of subsequent pregnancy, highlighting the importance of treating maternal depression.
A study of 20,627 people found that psychological distress, but not depression, was associated with an increased risk of stroke. Participants who reported lower mental well-being scores had a 11% higher risk of stroke, regardless of other factors.
A new US population-based study found that elevated liver enzymes discovered during routine medical care are associated with a higher risk of mortality. Elevated AST and ALT levels were linked to increased standardized mortality rates, suggesting these simple blood tests could be valuable indicators of long-term outcome.
Researchers have discovered a strong link between gene variants and anxiety-related traits, including shy behavior in children and introverted personality in adults. These variations were associated with increased activity of brain regions involved in emotional processing.
A study published in BioScience found that a 2007 Eastern US spring freeze caused widespread damage due to unusual warmth preceding the event. This pattern of warmer winters and colder springs may become more common with global warming, posing risks to plant life.
Researchers developed a new test to detect bacterial infections in prosthetic joints, which can help spare patients from unnecessary surgery. The test uses mRNA detection and has shown promising results in clinical trials.
Invasive tree species are changing the basic ecological structure of Hawaiian rainforests, making them less hospitable to native plant and animal species. The impact is evident in denser canopies, altered soil fertility, and suppressed understory plants.
Biological electron transfer has been captured for the first time in real time by researchers at the University of Helsinki. The discovery could lead to significant medical advancements, particularly in understanding mitochondrial diseases caused by Complex I dysfunction.
Researchers have described the mechanisms by which capon gene variants cause heart rhythm disturbances. The study found that capon interacts with a signaling molecule in heart muscle to influence signaling pathways and modify cell-to-cell interactions, leading to abnormalities in the QT interval of EKGs.
A study led by Mary J. C. Hendrix found that the Lefty protein, secreted only in human embryonic stem cells, inhibits growth and spread of melanoma and breast cancer cells. This breakthrough suggests potential therapeutic modalities for cancer treatment and highlights the utility of isolating factors within the embryonic microenvironment.
Children examined by the same doctor are more likely to receive proper preventive health screenings, including lead poisoning, anemia, and tuberculosis. Researchers found that continuity of care is crucial for vulnerable pediatric patients.
A team of scientists at the University of Essex has discovered a new mechanism that regulates carbon dioxide fixation in plants by slowing down sugar production when energy from sunlight is limited. This discovery increases our understanding of this process and may lead to the development of 'fourth generation' biofuels.
A study of traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients found that more severe injuries result in greater brain tissue loss, affecting both white and grey matter. The research provides a clue to the nature of brain damage causing disability after TBI.
Researchers at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center have discovered a new genetic marker that increases breast cancer risk by 1.4 times in women with the DNA variation. The study used genome-wide association mapping to identify a gene locus on chromosome 6 associated with breast cancer risk.
Researchers studied child/adolescent psychopathy, finding it resembles adult version but with areas of instability that could inform interventions. The special issue examines various aspects, including genetics, temperament, and parenting styles.
A study by the Wildlife Conservation Society found that healthy wolf packs can keep coyote numbers in check, leading to higher survival rates for pronghorn fawns. In areas with abundant wolves, only 10% of fawns survived without them, whereas in wolf-free areas, 34% did.
Research finds black VLBW babies more likely to die in hospitals with higher neonatal death rates than white VLBW babies. Eliminating these disparities could improve survival rates for black VLBW infants by up to 34%.
Gastrointestinal polyps can arise from mutations in smooth muscle cells surrounding epithelial tissue, not just the epithelium itself. This discovery opens new avenues for treatment strategies targeting intercellular signaling.
Girls show greater activation in language areas of the brain than boys during language tasks, indicating a more abstract approach to language processing. Boys, on the other hand, rely on different parts of the brain for visual and auditory inputs.
Researchers found a significant link between alcohol intake and increased blood pressure, even among moderate drinkers with the *1 *1 genotype. This study challenges previous findings and suggests that alcohol may be a more significant risk factor for hypertension than previously thought.
Researchers analyzed skin biopsies from patients with acne before and after 1 week of treatment with 13-cis RA, suggesting new treatments may be developed to combat severe side effects. Estradiol-binding proteins play a role in protecting against hearing loss, potentially leading to new treatments for this condition as well.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota have discovered that riboflavin is responsible for much of the energy produced by Shewanella bacteria. This finding increases the power output by 370%, opening up possibilities for innovations in renewable energy and environmental clean-up.
New MSU study finds that prenatal testosterone exposure may protect against anorexia and bulimia in females, with those exposed to male twins showing lower risk. The findings suggest a biological link between testosterone and eating disorders.
Materials scientists have developed a theoretical model to predict the strength of metals at the nanoscale. Their study found that metal strengths saturate at around 10-50 nanometers diameter due to temperature and strain rate sensitivity.
A study found that a 3-variable model of serum fibrosis markers, including HA, TIMP-1, and platelet count, can accurately predict cirrhosis in patients with advanced chronic hepatitis C. The model outperformed other published models and showed strong correlation with collagen content.
A new study investigates the genetics behind the symbiotic relationship between nitrogen-fixing bacteria and plants, finding evidence of specific genetic changes. The research suggests a common evolutionary origin of intracellular root symbioses with nitrogen-fixing bacteria in plants such as legumes and actinorhiza.
A study found that restricting children's video time by using a device reduced their BMI significantly over two years. The intervention group showed a steady decline in BMI, while the control group showed an increase followed by a decline.
A team of MIT researchers has devised a new method to analyze gene expression in complex microbial populations, providing insights into the role of oceanic bacteria in regulating Earth's natural cycles. The technique has yielded surprising discoveries, including the identification of previously unknown bacterial genes and their functions.
The new voting system in Cuyahoga County has serious flaws, including a lack of review screens to catch mistakes and potential security problems. Researchers warn voters to be careful and review their ballots closely to avoid errors.
Researchers found that pigeons increase slow-wave sleep to recover from sleep loss, mirroring human brain function. This discovery sheds light on the role of sleep in animals and may provide insights into human sleep patterns.
Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a novel antibody test that can detect specific antibodies against Plasmodium falciparum's toxic sugar molecules. This test has the potential to protect adults from severe malaria and could also be used to develop a selective vaccine for infants under 5, who are most vulnerable to the disease.
A new viewpoint published in The Lancet suggests that age is not an unmodifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease, but rather a combination of factors that can be modified through early intervention. The authors argue that conventional wisdom prioritizes age over modifiable risk factors like lipid levels and blood pressure.
A two-year study found that reducing screen time by 50% in children aged 4-7 with high BMI reduced their TV viewing, calorie intake, and physical activity levels. The monitoring device gave children control over their screen time, eliminating parental vigilance.
A new guideline for treating dementia emphasizes the importance of individualized assessment and treatment based on a patient's specific medication regimen. Researchers also developed two new blood tests to diagnose latent tuberculosis, finding that one test is more sensitive than traditional methods.
A team of archaeologists from the Field Museum and Shandong University have conducted a 13-year survey of southeastern Shandong Province using the regional settlement pattern survey method. This approach reveals the overall layout of settlements, providing insights into population density, trade, and other factors. The research sheds n...
Research suggests shifts in party control occur roughly every 14 years, with presidential and full cycle changes completing about every 26-28 years. The study provides a theoretical model for explaining these cycles and refines the understanding of national electoral realignments.
Researchers from the US and China have confirmed the effectiveness of a simple treatment for amblyopia in laboratory and clinical trials. The treatment, which involves training on a visual task, has shown promising results in improving vision and challenging traditional theories about critical periods.
Researchers discuss the potential for developing new therapies for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis by targeting abnormal embryonic pathways. The treatment imperative for cardiac interventions in older patients also drives this need for innovative treatments.
Northern right whales migrate to Florida waters from November to April to give birth, while NOAA researchers collect DNA samples to identify individuals and monitor the population's genetic variation. The project helps assess the population's composition and condition, improving prospects for their survival.
A University of Arizona researcher has developed a system to identify major US cities at high, mid-range, or low risk for bioterrorism. The map highlights areas with critical industries, population density, and natural environment factors.
Researchers at The Miriam Hospital and Brown University developed a new tool, the 'Willingness to Use Microbicides' scale, to measure women's willingness to use microbicides. Women with past experience using protective methods and casual sexual partners were more willing to use microbicides compared to their peers.
A toxic pollutant found in cigarette smoke, benzo(a)pyrene (BaP), has been shown to slow bone healing by interfering with the process of stem cells becoming cartilage cells. This delay can lead to chronic pain and disability.
Researchers found an association between leptin resistance and high blood pressure in people with Bardet-Biedl syndrome, a rare genetic disorder. Leptin resistance disrupts brain signals that regulate appetite and metabolism.
A survey of 3,639 college students found that those who used prescription medications without a prescription were more likely to screen positive for drug abuse than those who used them for medical reasons. The study highlights the importance of proper diagnosis and treatment of college students taking frequently abused medications.
Researchers discovered that watery pools of osteoclast precursors in the bone marrow near affected joints may be responsible for the erosion of bones in psoriatic arthritis. This finding provides clues on how to prevent this process and offers a promising direction for developing new treatments with fewer side effects.
Researchers at NIA used Genomatix to identify two novel transcription factors, B-Myb and Maz, involved in maintaining undifferentiated stem cells or early differentiation. The study linked pluripotent stem cell-associated transcripts to regulatory gene networks.
A new study from Washington University in St. Louis found that patients and their caregivers experience a sense of relief upon receiving an Alzheimer's diagnosis, rather than increased anxiety. The study suggests that providing an early diagnosis can allow individuals to make plans for the future, including treatment and preparing for ...
Scientists at University College London have identified two cell proteins that relax the gut and help accommodate large meals. The P2Y1 and P2Y11 receptor proteins could provide a new approach to combatting weight gain by preventing stomach expansion.
Researchers found that viruses evolve to spell their genes in the same way as their bacterial hosts, demonstrating co-evolutionary behavior. The study also revealed that regions of high codon bias in viral genomes coincide with structural protein encoding, reflecting a selection for optimized protein production.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have identified a protein, ISG15, that slows down the spread of Ebola virus by blocking its ability to escape from cells. This finding offers promise for future treatments against Ebola outbreaks.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have designed a small molecule that activates the p53 protein to kill tumor cells without causing damage to normal cells. The new drug, MI-219, is highly effective in cell cultures and appears safe for use in animals.