Researchers found a higher incidence of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) caused by Staphylococcus aureus, including antibiotic-resistant strains like MRSA. The study revealed a lower case-fatality rate than previously estimated, at around 13%.
The research successfully created designer enzymes for a chemical reaction known as the Kemp elimination, a non-natural chemical transformation in which hydrogen is pulled off a carbon atom. The researchers also designed an active site for the aldol reaction, involving at least six chemical transformations.
A study led by Massachusetts General Hospital confirms that a combination of gene variants associated with cholesterol levels reflect patients' cholesterol levels and increase risk of heart attack, stroke, or sudden cardiac death. The study's findings provide a foundation for personalized medicine and may lead to the development of mor...
In a tug-of-war-like mechanism, opposing motor teams determine the direction of cargo transport in cells. The winning team transports cargo quickly, while losing motors are removed from the microtubule.
Despite national guidelines for asthma treatment issued in 1997, many patients still do not receive prescription inhalers for the safest and most effective long-term control of the disease. Researchers found that elderly and minority patients were less likely to be prescribed long-acting controller medications.
Researchers found an association between high folate intake and lower levels of chromosomal abnormalities in men's sperm. The study suggests that increasing folate intake through diet or supplements may reduce the risk of chromosomal abnormalities in children.
Analysis of ancient Hadropithecus stenognathus hand bones reveals a novel joint configuration on the little finger, differing from other primates. The discovery highlights the diversity of lemurs that existed over 2,000 years ago.
A new University of Washington study found that despite public health campaigns, many women continue to use substances like tobacco, marijuana, and alcohol during pregnancy, while their partners' use remains stable. Men's patterns of substance use are bleaker, with men typically not targeted by these campaigns.
MIT researchers used computer analysis and replica construction to demonstrate the feasibility of ancient Pacific trade routes using balsa rafts. The study shows that these rafts could carry up to 30 tons of cargo and had a complex steering mechanism.
The Leopold Leadership Fellowship program selects mid-career academic environmental scientists to develop scientific information into policy. The 2008 fellows were chosen for their research and leadership ability.
The University of Pittsburgh Center for Vaccine Research has received a $11.4 million grant to study tuberculosis using new imaging technologies. The goal is to develop more effective treatments that can be tailored to individual patients, potentially improving survival rates and curtailing the global TB epidemic.
Researchers are exploring stem cell transplants to provide insulin cells for a bioartificial pancreas, addressing the shortage of human pancreatic islet tissue. They also aim to target and destroy cancer stem cells to improve therapies and develop reversible immortalized cell lines.
A study published in Neurology found that Hispanics with even small amounts of plaque build-up in the carotid artery are up to four times more likely to suffer or die from a stroke or heart attack. The study also highlights the importance of measuring plaque thickness by ultrasound as a simple tool for guiding stroke prevention therapies.
UK scientists identify 25 new biodiversity threats and opportunities until 2050, prioritizing research to mitigate surprise issues like GM crops. Horizon scanning aims to inform policy decisions, cutting the need for last-minute fixes on foreseeable problems.
Stanford researchers are developing a 3D camera with 12,616 tiny lenses to produce detailed depth maps, enabling applications such as facial recognition, biological imaging, and 3D printing. The technology has the potential to improve spatial vision for robots and enable new tasks beyond human capabilities.
The UMDNJ-University Hospital has received a grant to tailor interventions and personalize the transition from hospital to outpatient clinic for patients with type 2 diabetes. The project aims to reduce hospital emergency department visits, inpatient readmissions, and improve health-related quality-of-life and metabolic control.
Researchers have developed a tool to rapidly silence specific genes in rice, enabling faster breeding and improved crop performance. This breakthrough uses artificial miRNAs to target and disable genes of interest, with potential applications in hybrid seed production and enhanced resistance to pathogens and insects.
Researchers at the Canadian Light Source synchrotron have determined the structure of the enzyme responsible for the Norwalk virus's genetic replication. This breakthrough could lead to the development of drugs that can effectively treat outbreaks of this highly contagious and untreatable bug.
A study found that hyperactive girls are more likely to experience serious adjustment problems in adulthood, including smoking, poor job performance, and abusive relationships. The research suggests that early intervention programs targeting hyperactivity in elementary school may be crucial in preventing these issues.
A new study finds that higher CO2 concentrations increase phytoplankton productivity in the Ross Sea, Antarctica, promoting larger diatom chains. Additionally, research suggests that to stabilize global temperatures, future greenhouse gas emissions must be eliminated, committing the climate system to warming on centennial timescales.
A single injection of doxycycline hyclate has shown 100% effectiveness in preventing Lyme disease and Anaplasmosis in mice, offering a promising new treatment option. Researchers are planning to test different release kinetics and delivery methods to develop a slow-release patch for broader protection.
Researchers used fMRI to study two emotion regulation techniques: cognitive reappraisal and expressive suppression. Cognitive reappraisal reduced negative emotions by reinterpretating the meaning of disgusting images, while expressive suppression increased neural activity in the amygdala and insula.
A new study found that sleep deprivation can precipitate sleepwalking in predisposed individuals and may serve as a valuable tool in diagnosing the disorder. The study showed that sleep deprivation significantly increased the proportion of sleepwalkers experiencing complex episodes, facilitating diagnosis.
A study examines childhood ADHD in underrepresented minorities, highlighting obstacles faced by families and providing recommendations for assessment and treatment. Effective treatments exist, but many minority children lack culturally sensitive assessments, potentially leading to devastating results.
Researchers at Duke University have developed a ceramic membrane that allows fuel cells to operate at low humidity and higher temperatures, potentially improving efficiency. This new membrane could address current limitations in fuel cell technology and attract investment for its commercialization.
A multi-center study found that prostate size and urinary symptoms influence patient satisfaction with cancer treatment. Men with larger prostates may experience improved urination after surgery, while African-American men tend to be less satisfied despite receiving similar care.
A University of Oregon study reveals that Korean adoptees in the US often explore their ethnic identities through either social exposure with peers or cultural heritage. The research found that those who don't explore may assimilate into white culture, while those who do may develop a symbolic attachment to their international heritage.
Researchers Phoebe Lam and James Bishop found that the Kamchatka Peninsula and Kuril Islands are the key sources of iron in the Western North Pacific, contrary to previous assumptions. This discovery has significant implications for understanding climate change and the role of iron in the ocean carbon cycle.
Fengyan Li, a Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute assistant professor, has been recognized as a 2008 Sloan Research Fellow. Her research focuses on developing computer algorithms for solving problems in sciences and engineering, with applications in various fields such as weather forecasting, pollution control, and image processing.
Research shows that men are more likely to eat meat and poultry products, including duck and veal, whereas women favor vegetables like carrots and tomatoes. Women also have a preference for dry foods and certain fruits, such as strawberries and blueberries.
The city's transformation provides insight into the shifting dynamics of belonging and identity in small- to medium-sized U.S. cities. Woodburn's farmworker housing struggle reflects a deep resistance to Mexican immigrants, yet today there are visible changes in multicultural identity.
The Naomi Berrie Diabetes Center will receive $21 million for non-reimbursed clinical care, new pilot research, and more. The center aims to develop a cure for diabetes through focused clinical and basic science research efforts.
A new study found that men with lower folate intake have higher rates of chromosomal abnormalities in their sperm, which could affect reproductive health and birth outcomes. Higher folate intake was associated with lower rates of these abnormalities.
Researchers at Harvard Medical School have identified proteins that promote tumor growth in certain types of cancer, including breast and ovarian cancer. Targeting these proteins with small molecules may lead to new therapeutic options for patients.
A new study found that caregivers with moderate to severe depressive symptoms exhibited lower levels of warmth and higher levels of hostility towards their low-income children with asthma. Researchers used data from a longitudinal study examining treatment adherence among these families.
A community-intervention study in Calcium, New York, successfully linked increased calcium intake and physical activity with significant weight loss. The 16-week program resulted in an average weight loss of 13.2 pounds among participants.
A new study by NYU and University of Würzburg researchers found that color vision does not contribute to motion detection in fruit flies, challenging previous assumptions. The findings suggest two separate functional pathways for color and motion processing.
The UC-San Diego computer scientists have developed an algorithm to separate gloss from non-gloss in digital images, enabling the creation of photorealistic makeup portraits. Users can upload a portrait-style photograph and apply thousands of makeup products from various brands.
Researchers have identified a link between protein misfolding and sleep apnea, finding that cells with healthy proteins may repair themselves, while unhealthy cells self-destruct. A drug called salubrinal shows promise in preventing cell death, but its toxicity limits its potential.
The US food import system is a complex network of policies and procedures that regulate the entry of foreign foods into the country. The Food Policy Institute report provides an overview of current issues, processes, and proposed changes to the system.
A study by researchers at Harvard University found that punishing others does not increase the average payoff of a group. Instead, it leads to reduced individual payoff and a downward spiral of retaliation. The study suggests that punishment may have evolved for dominance hierarchy and ownership defense, rather than cooperation.
Researchers have discovered 53 million-year-old rabbit's foot bones that predates the oldest previously known rabbits by several million years. The fossils found in west-central India show advanced rabbit-like features and extend the record of rabbits on the Indian subcontinent by 35 million years.
Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology developed a robot called El-E that can find and deliver everyday items using a direct laser pointer interface. The robot uses multiple methods to localize objects and grasp them, making it particularly useful for patients with severe mobility challenges.