Researchers examine the impact of disease mongering on public discourse and its implications for healthcare policy. They argue that lax regulations risk exacerbating the problem, wasting valuable resources.
A study by University of Washington researchers found that popular biofuel sources like corn-based ethanol may have negative environmental impacts. The authors recommend promoting sustainable alternatives such as switchgrass or algae-based fuels, and implementing policies to minimize land usage and energy consumption.
Researchers can now contribute to large-scale community protein annotation, enhancing comprehensive coverage of biomedical knowledge. WikiProteins combines existing authoritative databases with mined scientific papers, creating over one million concept clouds called 'Knowlets', which can be annotated by experts.
A new study by Newcastle University found that grazing cows on organic farms in the UK produce milk with significantly higher levels of nutritionally desirable fatty acids and antioxidants. The research also identified a direct link between the dairy cows' diets and the quality of their milk.
Researchers at UMass Chan Medical School have developed a new technique to target individual genes for inactivation in zebrafish embryos using engineered zinc-finger nucleases. This method has the potential to answer questions that were previously out of reach and will fundamentally change how researchers make knockouts in model organi...
Engineers at Purdue University have developed a method that uses pervasive Bluetooth signals from cell phones and other wireless devices to constantly update travel times. The method has the potential to provide valuable information for better traffic signal timing, construction work zone management, and real-time traffic information.
Arman Jahangiri, a University of Houston biology graduate, has been awarded the Merage Foundation American Dream Fellowship to pursue his dream of becoming a neurosurgeon. He plans to use his scholarship to further his medical education and advocate for affordable healthcare as a physician, policy maker, and educator.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have identified a subset of immune system B cells that can regulate inflammation. These regulatory B cells, called B10 cells, produce a potent cytokine that inhibits immune responses. Depleting or enhancing these cells may lead to new treatments for autoimmune diseases and cancer.
Scientists have discovered a molecular marker, RIP140, that controls both metabolic processes and inflammatory responses in liver cells of mice with cancer. By switching off this molecule, the lipid balance of the liver normalized within a few days, suggesting its role in causing fatty liver in affected patients.
Researchers developed techniques to coax carbon nanotubes to self-assemble into complex structures, known as serpentines, which exhibit striking order and complexity. These nanotube serpentines have potential applications in nano-device development, such as cooling elements and opto-electronic devices.
Researchers found an avian malaria parasite in a Spotted Owl from Oregon, sparking concerns about the bird's immune health and conservation status. The study highlights the need for further research into blood-borne pathogens in wild bird populations.
Researchers discovered a special digestive enzyme in silkworms that allows them to digest sucrose despite the presence of toxic alkaloids in mulberry leaves. The enzyme, beta-fructofuranosidase, is concentrated in the worm's gut and silk gland.
A new study found that elderly men with higher IGF-1 bioactivity have a significantly lower mortality rate compared to those with low bioactivity. The researchers used a new method to measure IGF-1 function, which revealed the association between high circulating IGF-1 bioactivity and extended survival.
A new study suggests that geoengineering schemes could lead to a decline in the intensity of the global water cycle. The research found that reducing sunlight through
New research on azhdarchid pterosaurs suggests they were strongly adapted for life on the ground, with features such as long limbs, stiff necks, and padded feet. The study argues that these reptiles were specialized terrestrial stalkers, using their unique anatomy to pick up prey from the ground.
Researchers found that invasive plant species, such as Buddleia and Oregon grape, have an advantage over native ones due to genetic changes and the absence of natural herbivores. This can lead to a threat to ecological balance and displacement of native species.
Researchers used recursion to correct errors in synthetic DNA building blocks, producing flawless long DNA molecules in just two rounds of construction. The new method improves upon existing methods by increasing speed and precision.
Researchers at the University of Helsinki solved the structure of archaeal virus SH1 to one nanometre resolution, revealing details about its biological membrane, genomic matter, and protein coat. The study suggests a possible common viral structural protein ancestor found in adenoviruses.
According to a study published in JAMA, the prevalence of obese children and teens in the US did not increase significantly between 1999-2006. The authors found that high BMI rates varied by age and racial/ethnic group, with certain groups having higher rates than others.
Researchers have found estrogen-dependent molecular pathways play a crucial role in regulating aggressive prostate cancer. The study used innovative technology to analyze 455 prostate cancer samples and identified an 87-gene expression signature that distinguishes fusion-positive TMPRSS2-ERG cancers from other malignancies.
Researchers discovered a molecular alarm system in the skin that detects defects and triggers an immune response, leading to potentially harmful effects. The study found that genetic abnormalities in the skin can lead to an overproduction of white blood cells, which can be life-threatening.
Researchers identified regulatory sequences that act like zip codes, determining where odour receptors are expressed in olfactory neurons. These elements positively and negatively regulate receptor expression, suggesting a broader role in nervous system development.
Researchers at Delft University of Technology have demonstrated the avalanche effect in semiconducting nanocrystals, which could lead to higher output and lower manufacturing costs for solar cells. The findings show that specific crystals can release two or three electrons per photon, potentially increasing output to 44%.
Scientists at Karolinska Institutet have developed a new, cheaper DNA-sequence method that can map disease genes in large patient groups, leading to quicker breakthroughs for new treatments.
Consuming cocoa flavanol-rich beverages daily can positively impact blood vessel dysfunction associated with type-2 diabetes. A 30-day trial found a 30% improvement in measured vessel function among participants who regularly consumed a flavanol-rich beverage.
Researchers found that adding noninvasive imaging to risk-assessment protocols increased the number of people classified as high risk for heart disease. This approach is proposed by the Screening for Heart Attack Prevention and Education task force, which aims to identify more patients who could benefit from cholesterol-lowering therapy.
Researchers found that short-term use of antipsychotics in older adults with dementia increases the risk of hospitalization or death. Atypical and conventional antipsychotics both carry a significant risk of serious adverse events, with the former being three times more likely to cause harm than the latter.
Research found that individuals with gum disease have an increased risk of various cancers, including lung, kidney, and pancreatic cancers. Gum disease was associated with a 14% higher overall cancer risk compared to those without gum disease.
Low testosterone levels in men are often untreated, even among those with sufficient healthcare access, according to a study of Boston-area men. Despite this, treated and untreated men report similar healthcare visits, suggesting barriers may lie in diagnosis or prescription issues.
Indigenous Australians are more likely to have preventable cancers, such as lung and liver cancer, with poorer prognosis and late diagnosis. Improving tobacco control and health services is crucial to reducing cancer burden.
Researchers found that carrying alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency increases lung cancer risk in smokers and nonsmokers, with the genetic disorder explaining up to 12% of lung cancer patients. Individuals who carry the gene should be screened for lung cancer and avoid potential carcinogens.
A genetic disorder previously associated with lung disease may also increase lung cancer risk, according to a study. Researchers found that carriers of the disorder had a 70-100% increased risk of lung cancer compared to non-carriers.
A study found that nearly half of heart disease patients have poor knowledge about heart attack symptoms, which can lead to delayed treatment and reduced survival rates. The researchers suggest that targeted education efforts during medical office visits can help improve knowledge and outcomes for these high-risk patients.
Researchers found that 'flat' carbonated drinks lack essential salts and sugars for oral rehydration solution. They contain too much sugar and not enough sodium and potassium, making them an inadequate alternative.
Research suggests that high-flavanol cocoa can improve blood vessel function in people with type 2 diabetes, rivaling the benefits of exercise and common medications. Flavanols may help increase nitric oxide production, reducing artery stress and promoting cardiovascular health.
Researchers at Emory University developed an intrabody that binds to mutant huntingtin, reducing clumps and alleviating motor problems in mice. The study suggests a strategy for dissecting harmful effects of protein aggregates in other neurodegenerative diseases.
Scientists discover a new gene, sphinx, in Drosophila melanogaster that regulates male-male courtship behavior. The absence of the gene leads to increased male-male interaction and altered mating habits.
Researchers at Heidelberg University Hospital have discovered a new approach to immunize against certain types of cancer. They found that immune cells react strongly to modified proteins in tumor cells with DNA repair defects, which are present in around 15% of all tumors.
A new study predicts that buckyballs can easily absorb into animal cells, providing a possible explanation for their toxicity. The molecules were found to dissolve in cell membranes, pass into cells, and cause damage.
A new guideline developed by the American Academy of Neurology found that vertigo can be effectively treated with simple head and body movements. The Epley maneuver was deemed safe and effective for people of all ages, while restrictions on activity after treatment were not supported.
Using total internal reflection microscopy, researchers have observed hundreds of thousands of molecules coming together to form a single HIV particle. The technique allows scientists to study the assembly process in real-time and gain insights into viral behavior.
Scientists have identified CAML as a human host restriction to HIV release, which can now be overcome by Vpu. This discovery may lead to new treatments for HIV, as researchers are working on defining the mechanism and developing therapies.
Scientists analyzed 15 major earthquakes and found at least 12 triggered small quakes hundreds to thousands of miles away. The study shows large earthquakes routinely trigger smaller jolts globally, contradicting previous assumptions that seismically active regions were most vulnerable.
A University of Rochester team has identified approximately 100 genes that cooperate to cause malignant cell transformation, providing a potential roadmap for next-generation cancer therapies. These genes, known as CRGs, encode proteins that regulate cell signaling and metabolism.
Researchers found that college students who used interactive career websites were more likely to apply to companies, and attributed meaning to the site based on its features. The study suggests that organizations can control their public image by optimizing website interactivity for their target audience.
Researchers discovered that phospholipase C zeta (PLCZ1) promotes calcium oscillations in egg activation, but its nuclear translocation differs among species. Additionally, a study showed that exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) can disrupt reproductive markers in rats and their grand offspring.
A remote healthcare system with three main functions could address socioeconomic problems by providing quality medical care to all citizens, regardless of location. The system uses video conferencing, vital signs data uploading, and drip infusion monitoring to support nursing staff and care managers.
Researchers found that intermittent hypoxia treatment reduced myocardial infarction and lethal arrhythmias following coronary artery occlusion and reperfusion in dogs. The treatment also suppressed cardiac activity of nitric oxide synthase, a key enzyme involved in the production of harmful compounds.
University of Michigan researchers are accelerating the natural process of succession by removing mature aspen and birch trees to measure future carbon uptake in a large-scale experiment. This will help determine how much heat-trapping carbon dioxide forests of the Upper Midwest can remove from the air in coming decades.
The AIUM Consensus Report on Potential Bioeffects of Diagnostic Ultrasound provides in-depth analysis and recommendations for assessing the risks and benefits of diagnostic ultrasound. The report covers five bioeffect categories and builds upon a previous consensus conference held in 1998.
Genetic evidence reveals a significant shift in the timeline of human migration into Island Southeast Asia, forcing a reevaluation of existing theories. The research suggests that climate change and sea-level rise drove population expansions across the region, rather than agriculture-driven 'Out of Taiwan' model.
Computer fraud can result from incompetence, ignorance, negligence or deliberate misappropriation by employees, causing millions of dollars in damages. Educating managers on security issues can minimize opportunistic computer fraud, making them aware of social and technical issues that affect organizational structure.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have identified a novel toxin receptor for H. pylori, allowing the bacterium to survive in the human stomach. The discovery provides valuable insights into the mechanisms of H. pylori's survival and may lead to new therapeutic strategies.
A study published in Occupational Environmental Medicine found that men working as painters and decorators who are exposed to glycol ethers have poor semen quality. The researchers discovered that these workers have a 2.5-fold increased risk of having a low motile sperm count compared to those with low exposure.
A new study found that lone asylum-seeking children in the UK are more likely to have experienced high levels of war trauma and combat than those with adult carers. The research suggests that foster care can help reduce their suffering and lower post-traumatic stress symptoms.
Researchers found that sea buckthorn leaf extract reduced liver damage in rats, with significant protection observed at higher doses. The study suggests that the leaves' anti-oxidant properties may help ward off liver disease.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University have developed a new ultrasound technique that targets areas of increased blood flow in the prostate gland, significantly reducing the number of unnecessary biopsies. The study found that targeted biopsies were twice as likely to detect cancer compared to conventional methods.
A survey of college students revealed mixed opinions on the benefits and drawbacks of biotechnology in sustainable agriculture, with some supporting genetically modified crops and others expressing concerns over environmental and social impacts. The study suggests that educators should provide neutral exposure to both sustainable agric...
New research suggests two well-known crystal skulls, one in the British Museum and the Smithsonian Institution, did not come from ancient Mexico. The British skull was made in 19th century Europe, while the American one was created shortly before it was bought in Mexico City in 1960.
A new University of Illinois study found that public school students made significantly greater gains in math scores by fifth grade compared to their Catholic school peers. Public schools rivaled the performance of other non-Catholic private schools, suggesting they are at least as effective in promoting student learning over time.