Canadian researchers have developed a new laser technology that can mimic protein patterns surrounding cells, enabling the reproduction of complex cellular environments and miniature artwork. The technique has great potential for advances in neuroscience.
Researchers at Princeton University have discovered that protein chains act as adaptive machines, controlling their own evolution in response to natural selection. This finding extends Darwin's model and suggests that organisms can subtly direct aspects of their evolution to create order out of randomness.
Fiddler crabs grow weak and puny 'cheap' claws that deceive rivals about their fighting ability, highlighting the widespread nature of dishonesty in animal communication. The study sheds light on how animals like fiddler crabs bluff their way to survival and reproductive success.
A Johns Hopkins cardiologist disputes the American Heart Association's recommendation to screen all heart patients for depression, citing lack of evidence and potential harm from treatment. Instead, he advocates for a more nuanced approach, such as listening to patients during examinations and asking about their overall well-being.
Elevated nonfasting triglyceride levels are associated with an increased risk of ischemic stroke, according to a large population-based study. The study found that men and women with higher triglyceride levels had significantly increased risks of stroke, with the risk doubling or tripling for certain ranges of triglyceride levels.
A randomized trial of over 36,000 postmenopausal women found no association between calcium and vitamin D supplementation and reduced breast cancer risk. The findings challenge previous observational studies suggesting a potential link between vitamin D levels and breast cancer incidence.
Researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine discovered that joyful music can promote heart health by dilating blood vessels, similar to laughter. The study showed a significant increase in blood vessel diameter after listening to joyful music, while anxious music caused narrowing.
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have developed a new brain-computer interface (BCI) technology that can detect and decode brain signals associated with hand and arm movements on the same side of the body. This breakthrough may enable patients with partial paralysis to regain mobility in their limbs.
A team of scientists has developed a new type of probe for examining protein interactions using luminescence, enabling non-invasive tracking of protein association in living cells. The technique could aid understanding of serum albumin function and drug-protein interactions.
Retired NFL players had a lower prevalence of diabetes and hypertension compared to control groups, but higher rates of elevated cholesterol and impaired fasting glucose. Staying physically active may help protect against these health risks in former athletes.
Research on sildenafil use in cirrhosis patients found that it does not induce profound changes in splanchnic blood flow and portal hypertension. The study suggests phosphodiesterase type-5 inhibition is not a useful therapeutic agent for alleviating portal hypertension in end-stage liver disease.
The US Agency for International Development has awarded a $1 million grant to Virginia Tech to enhance agricultural productivity and trade barriers in Africa. The project aims to increase yields, reduce crop risks, and promote long-term productivity growth through science-based methods.
The F.M. Kirby Foundation awarded a $750,000 grant to support the education of 10 doctoral fellows at Rutgers College of Nursing. The grant will also fund a faculty member's work in teaching, research, and service.
Researchers at Yerkes National Primate Research Center discovered dental pulp stem cells can stimulate growth of neural cells, showing therapeutic potential for diseases like Huntington's and Parkinson's. The study suggests dental pulp stem cells may be used in cell therapy and regenerative medicine.
Researchers at Emory University School of Medicine found that low concentrations of hydrogen sulfide can protect mice from heart failure. The gas is administered intravenously to treat humans with heart failure, showing promising results in regaining heart function and reducing mortality.
Researchers aim to identify youth at high risk for psychosis with 85-95% accuracy, using brain development patterns, electrical activity, and gene expression. The study seeks to understand the neural mechanisms involved and potentially modify cortisol secretion to buffer teenagers against its effects.
A recent study discovered that the Overexpressed in Lung Cancer 1 (OLC1) gene is consistently expressed at high levels in most lung cancers, particularly in smokers. OLC1 overexpression was also shown to induce tumor formation in tissue culture cells and mouse models of lung cancer.
Researchers discovered that Cdk5 protein stimulates stem-cell maturation but also causes neurodegenerative diseases. Removing Cdk5 from immature nerve cells promotes normal cell division, but the cells never reach maturity. The 'Mr. Hyde' component of Cdk5 causes destructive effects on motor coordination and learning.
A clinical study presented at the AAO-SOE Joint Meeting shows that anti-VEGF therapy can effectively treat retinopathy of prematurity in premature infants, resolving abnormal blood vessels and promoting normal retinal vessel growth. The treatment has been found to be rapid, effective, and simpler than existing laser treatments.
Researchers at the University of Exeter found that a 15-minute brisk walk can reduce chocolate cravings in regular eaters. The exercise not only lowered cravings during the walk but also for at least ten minutes afterwards.
Researchers have generated a comprehensive genetic blueprint of a forming mammalian organ, shedding light on the genetic and molecular dynamics of kidney development. The study found overlapping gene expression between different structures, revealing a more complex picture than previously thought.
The report aims to improve cancer clinical trial participation, particularly among racial and ethnic minorities and low-income groups. It recommends integrating community representatives into the research development process and disseminating results in ways that patients can understand.
Researchers identified associations between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and altered blood folate, homocysteine, and DNA uracil concentrations in Puerto Rican adults. These findings suggest that SNPs may increase the risk for cancer by causing DNA breakage.
A study by University of Rochester Medical Center researchers found that black Americans have a higher risk of death from heart disease and stroke due to uncontrolled blood pressure. The researchers concluded that reducing mean blood pressure among blacks could prevent 5,480 deaths annually.
Scientists found that higher education may delay cognitive decline in individuals with brain plaques associated with Alzheimer's disease, suggesting a potential 'cognitive reserve' benefit.
Research on small skink lizards reveals extensive body shape changes over brief geological periods, with species evolving an elongate, limbless body form. The study found rapid evolution of this snake-like body form, without reversals, and estimated the loss of limbs to have occurred within 3.6 million years.
The study found that contaminated contact lens storage cases pose a significant risk of severe eye infection, with pathogens detected in over two-thirds of cases. Refractive surgery practices for people with HIV/AIDS are also highlighted, with most surgeons taking precautions but acknowledging the need for formal study.
A diuretic has been found to reduce the risk of heart failure in women with a preserved ejection fraction, according to a study published in Circulation. The medication, chlorthalidone, was shown to be effective in reducing the occurrence of heart failure in people with a wide range of left ventricular ejection fractions.
A new study in PLoS Medicine argues that doctors should disclose off-label prescribing to patients to ensure informed consent and shared decision-making. Off-label prescriptions, which account for half of all US prescriptions, are often not supported by sound scientific evidence and can pose serious risks to patients.
Researchers at UCLA discovered a chemical called TAT2 that can prevent or slow telomere shortening in immune cells, potentially making it a key weapon in the fight against HIV. The study found that TAT2 treatment prolonged the ability of killer T-cells to divide and inhibited HIV production.
New study finds direct link between obesity and increased leptin levels, leading to damage similar to hypertension and diabetes. Leptin stimulates greater production of superoxide, creating toxic molecules that harm endothelial cells.
Kumacheva has been recognized for her innovative research in designing new materials with applications in cancer treatments and optical data storage. Her work involves creating polymer particles that deliver drugs to specific diseased sites on demand.
Malinovskaya's research aims to control coherence and overcome current barriers in quantum computing, molecular selective bio-imaging, and Raman microscopy. By using femtosecond, chirped laser pulse trains, she can selectively prepare target molecules in the excited state and restore coherence periodically.
A new study by Rice University bioengineers provides a comprehensive mathematical analysis of virus evolution, incorporating gene swaps and recombination. The results suggest that designing drugs that force viruses to mutate themselves out of existence may be possible, potentially eradicating disease.
A new study reveals that TIM-3 protein inactivates virus-killing T cells in HIV-infected patients, leading to their exhaustion. Blocking this protein may one day help patients eliminate HIV and other chronic infections.
Exposure to high temperatures reduces antifungal activity of ReNu with MoistureLoc contact lens solution, associated with the 2004-2006 Fusarium keratitis epidemic. The study found that storage at 60°C (140°F) for four weeks led to a significant decline in antimicrobial activity.
The International Journal of Social Robotics will cover a broad array of topics related to socially interactive robots, including design philosophies, human-robot interaction, and neurorobotics. The journal aims to provide an overview of the current state of the field and its impact on society.
Researchers have successfully grown human-like tissue in the lab using umbilical cord blood stem cells to create functional heart valves. The tissue-engineered valves exhibited properties similar to those of natural human valves, including collagen and elastin production.
The upgraded Oak Ridge National Laboratory supercomputer has achieved a sustained performance of over 1.3 petaflops, enabling researchers to simulate physical processes on an unprecedented scale. The new system will facilitate breakthroughs in climate modeling, renewable energy, and materials science.
Researchers have designed a new rear spoiler that can reduce drag and lift significantly, resulting in improved fuel consumption and vehicle handling. The spoiler's unique design can improve fuel efficiency by up to several miles per gallon and lower carbon emissions.
A team of scientists discovered that parasitic nematode worms, Steinernema longicaudum, do not produce sperm when females are absent. This unusual behavior is thought to be related to the worms' life history and social circumstances, where males may need to wait for a mate to mature before reproducing.
Researchers have developed a microgenerator that harnesses the heart's surplus energy to produce electricity for pacemakers and defibrillators. The innovative system, called SIMM, has shown promising results in increasing energy production with each heartbeat, potentially leading to longer-lasting devices.
Babies placed in incubators have a lower risk of developing depression as adults, with a significant decrease in major depression rates. The study found that incubator care can trigger a complex chain of biological and emotional factors that help reduce depression.
A brain imaging study found that individuals with higher education levels scored higher on cognitive tests despite having evidence of brain plaques associated with Alzheimer's disease. The study supports the 'cognitive reserve' hypothesis, which suggests that greater cognitive abilities can delay symptoms of the disease. Education was ...
A new study finds that schools with good resources improve academic performance of immigrant children, especially those from Latin American countries. Children attending these schools narrow their initial score gap and sometimes surpass non-Hispanic white peers by third grade.
Researchers describe how cells recycle protein waste to prevent diseases such as Alzheimer's, cystic fibrosis, and developmental disorders. Cells use enzymes and specialized complexes, known as ESCRTs, to break down and dispose of damaged proteins.
A multidisciplinary research team discovers that the absence of the ERK2 gene is linked to birth defects affecting heart and head development. The study reveals a critical conserved role for ERK2 signaling in neural crest development, shedding light on how developmental errors occur.
Researchers at the Salk Institute found that a protein called cdk5 is necessary for correct neural migration and dendritic pathfinding in adult brains. Disabling cdk5 made newborn neurons form connections in the wrong part of the brain, with inappropriate synaptic connections persisting for months after treatment.
The new clinical performance measures provide up-to-date tools for gauging how closely doctors are sticking to guideline recommendations. Key areas include statin prescription, PCI timeliness, referral to cardiac rehabilitation programs, and elimination of beta blocker treatment within 24 hours.
Mantle cell lymphoma cells rely on heat shock protein 90 to maintain their rapid growth. Researchers are using inhibitors to block this process, causing stress in the cells' machinery. The goal is to trigger apoptosis in cancer cells.
Dr. Gary J. Bennett's research focuses on understanding how chemotherapy drug paclitaxel causes neuropathy, a painful and debilitating side effect of cancer treatment. The $80,000 grant will support his two-year study to identify novel mechanisms and potentially lead to new therapeutic strategies.
According to a study published in Archives of Neurology, only about half of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) achieve and maintain a response to interferon beta treatment over three years. Regular MRI evaluations show that many patients experience worsening disease despite treatment.
BioServe is launching two educational experiments involving butterflies and spiders on a space shuttle mission in November. The experiments will compare the life cycles of butterflies and spiders in space to those on Earth, with over 100 K-12 students from Colorado participating.
A new study reveals a steady increase in East Asian monsoon intensity from 23 to 10 million years ago, followed by a weakening until about 4 million years ago. This pattern is correlated with Himalayan erosion rates and suggests a complex system between the hydrosphere and atmosphere in mountain building.
Researchers from Emory University School of Medicine have found daily rhythms in blood vessel activity may help explain morning peak in heart attacks. The study revealed that the lining of blood vessels functions better at night, with endothelial function being particularly depressed in early morning hours.
A University of Delaware-led research team is conducting a deep-sea expedition to study hydrothermal vents on the Pacific ocean floor. The team, including experts on marine viruses and protists, aims to explore the ecosystems surrounding these underwater oases of life.
The First World Conference on Marine Biodiversity has reported a rapid northern migration of invasive marine species, spreading at 50 km per decade. This is significantly faster than terrestrial plants and may be due to the rapid dispersion of macroalgae propagules in the ocean.
Researchers at Michigan Medicine have discovered a vitamin and mineral combination that may prevent hearing loss caused by loud noises. The formula, called AuraQuell, was successful in laboratory tests and is now being tested in human clinical trials.
Researchers mapped brain activity associated with speech sounds and voices to identify unique 'neural fingerprints' in listeners. This breakthrough could improve computer systems for automatic speech recognition, revealing a less hierarchical processing of speech across the brain.
Victoria Petite, a Stevens art and technology major, presented her research project titled "Towards a Transmedia Search Engine" at the annual iDMAa conference. Her project focused on perceiving analogies in multimedia data with Professor H. Quynh Dinh and Professor Ebon Fisher.