Researchers at Duke University discovered that gold nanostars can dramatically enhance the reflected light, making them useful as tracers, labels, or contrast agents. The size and shape of the nanostars affect the spectrum of reflected light, allowing for 'tuning' to identify specific molecules or chemicals.
Researchers found improved cognitive function in transplant patients, particularly in verbal learning and memory. In contrast, dialysis patients showed declining test scores over time. The study suggests that kidney transplantation may have a beneficial effect on patients' mental function.
A study of over 200 cancer patients found that age was not a significant factor in survival rates. Instead, factors like physical quality of life and metastatic dissemination played a crucial role. The findings suggest that older patients should not be excluded from clinical trials due to their age.
Researchers developed an AI coaching system called COACH to assist older adults with moderate dementia in performing daily activities. The system uses computer vision and artificial intelligence techniques to deliver personalized reminders, resulting in increased independence for participants.
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that testosterone administered by a skin patch improves sexual well-being in post-menopausal women. The research involved over 800 participants from across the globe and suggests testosterone as a potential treatment for low libido in this demographic.
A recent study by MIT biologists has found that DNA packaging plays a crucial role in directing stem cells towards becoming specific types of adult cells. The researchers discovered that chromatin structure, specifically the variant histone H2AZ, influences gene expression and cell fate.
A new study found that family dynamics mediate the relationship between gender and mental health issues for African-American court-involved youth. Both girls and boys showed similar levels of externalizing and internalizing behavior once family dysfunction was taken into account.
Researchers at Montana State University have identified a gene called srbA that allows molds to resist drugs and thrive in low-oxygen environments. The gene is found in both humans and molds, and its removal makes the mold more susceptible to antifungal drugs and oxygen deprivation.
Brandeis University has partnered with Smart Balance to advance heart-healthy research, with a $1 million sponsored research agreement. The partnership aims to develop new fat technologies to support healthier living.
Patients with XDR-TB are more likely to fail treatment and die compared to those with MDR-TB, highlighting the need for improved diagnosis and treatment options.
A study published in Ecosystems reveals that elevated fire levels outweighed harvest reductions in the loss of older forests in the Pacific Northwest. The NWFP helped stabilize large-diameter forest numbers, but fire was the main reason for their decline.
Research at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center found that women who suffer from migraines have a 30% lower risk of breast cancer compared to those without migraines. The association is thought to be linked to hormonal fluctuations and estrogen levels.
A genetic mutation in Dalmatians causes high uric acid levels leading to bladder stones, a problem also affecting humans. Researchers identified the SLC2A9 gene responsible and plan to offer DNA testing for breeders to eliminate the trait.
Kidney transplant wait times vary widely across the US, with some patients waiting just one year and others up to 10 years. Experts will discuss issues and possible solutions for these inequities in organ allocation policies.
Researchers have uncovered the mechanism by which specialized activator proteins kickstart the RNA polymerase machine, allowing genes to be activated at specific times. This process is crucial for protein production and bacterial adaptation, making it a potential target for developing novel antibacterial compounds.
UC Davis Cancer Center researchers have discovered a metabolic deficiency in pancreatic cancer cells that can be used to slow the progress of the deadliest form of cancer. By depleting arginine levels, they were able to significantly reduce pancreatic cancer-cell proliferation and inhibit tumor growth by 50 percent.
A new study by Professor Olle Lundberg and colleagues found that policies supporting dual-earner families decrease infant mortality rates, while those supporting traditional male earner/female stay-at-home families do not. Increased generosity in basic state pensions also reduces excess mortality in old age.
A new study suggests that genetic factors may influence the size of a brain region involved in emotional processing and impulsivity in teenagers. Researchers found that those with a family history of alcohol dependence had reduced volume of the right orbitofrontal cortex, an area critical for regulating impulsive behavior.
According to the American Dietetic Association's 2008 survey, two-thirds of consumers believe diet and nutrition are very important for their personal health. Meanwhile, younger adults and those with lower education levels tend to be less concerned about these aspects. The results indicate a shift towards healthier habits among Americans.
Researchers found that the use of predictive biomarkers and targeted therapies significantly delayed the need for conventional chemotherapy in patients with early-stage but high-risk chronic lymphoid leukemia (CLL). The study resulted in a four-year delay in treatment compared to two years, showing promising results for personalized care.
Research found that male magazines with objectified women increase self-consciousness in men, while those with average-looking models reduce it. Men are reminded to conform to appearance standards to be sexually appealing.
A new study published in The Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that dose-dependent growth hormone treatment increased final height in children with short stature who are not GH deficient. Children from parents of normal height responded better to treatment than those from short parents.
A new Cornell University study found that climate change is driving rapid ecosystem shifts in the North Atlantic, with cold Arctic waters flowing south and altering species distributions and food chains. The study reports counterintuitive findings, including northern species moving southward as temperatures rise.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have developed noninvasive methods to visualize eosinophils in real-time, revealing the impact of dexamethasone on allergic airway inflammation. These techniques may improve diagnosis and treatment assessment for asthma.
A study by The Lancet found that Sure Start programs in England boost children's social skills and parental involvement, creating better home-learning environments. The research also revealed that families in SSLP areas use more services to support child development.
A recent study found that exposure to green spaces significantly narrowed the health gap between rich and poor populations. In England, areas with more green space had half as large a difference in mortality rates between the richest and poorest individuals compared to those in less green areas.
A weakening of the summer Asian Monsoons in ancient China may have contributed to the fall of three dynasties. The researchers found that periods of weak summer monsoons coincided with times of social unrest, but a strong monsoon prevailed during one of China's golden ages.
Researchers found that infants later diagnosed with autism displayed unusual exploration of objects, including spinning and repetitive visual examination, as early as 12 months. These behaviors could be added to parent check-lists or quickly assessed during pediatric visits, potentially improving early diagnosis and treatment.
A global initiative aims to collect information on every fault in every gene worldwide, standardizing the reporting of genetic mutations. The project has been published in the journal Science and involves international collaboration between researchers from Australia, China, Japan, and Kuwait.
Researchers created a genetically modified mouse expressing excessive PAD2, resulting in significant myelin loss and behavioral deficits. The study highlights PAD as a potential therapeutic target and marker for early detection of MS and related diseases.
The study found that population-wide best-practice interventions could reduce coronary heart disease mortality by 57% and the difference between socioeconomic groups by 69%. Primordial prevention strategies could achieve even greater reductions, up to 86%.
A new study found that serial cohabiters are less likely than single-instance cohabiting unions to result in marriage. Serial cohabiters who married had even higher divorce rates compared to those who cohabited only once, with over twice the rate of women who cohabited with their eventual husbands.
New computer tools based on formal proof can provide nearly infallible proofs of important mathematical results. Formal proof assistants have become powerful enough to handle difficult proofs and explore mathematics independently.
Researchers studied glucose tolerance in two species of Peromyscus mice, finding that males from a calmer, more monogamous species had superior blood sugar regulation. A genetic variance linked to the Y chromosome is responsible for this response.
The Iowa State University Research Foundation will receive a grant from the Grow Iowa Values Fund to support the development of a cheaper and better way to make a titanium alloy powder for artificial joints. The project aims to reduce corrosion and save patients from additional surgeries.
Scientists at the University of Liverpool will use models and tissue samples to understand ochronosis development. A potential therapy may be developed if the underlying mechanisms are understood, reducing arthritis risk for Alkaptonuria sufferers.
Researchers have developed polymer patches that can ferry drugs, assist in cancer diagnosis and help with tissue engineering. The polymer backpacks allow researchers to use cells as vectors to carry materials to tumors or other tissue sites.
A study published in Cancer Prevention Research found that variations in a common gene pathway may affect esophageal cancer risk, with seven genotypes showing significant association and four more borderline significance. The risk of esophageal cancer increased with an increase in unfavorable genotypes present.
A new study by the Mayo Clinic found that the Gail model, a widely used statistical tool for predicting breast cancer risk, was not reliable for women with atypical hyperplasia. The study tested the model in 331 women with atypia and found it predicted significantly fewer invasive breast cancers than were actually observed.
Eben Alsberg, a biomedical engineering professor at Case Western Reserve University, has received the Ellison Medical Foundation New Scholar in Aging award. The award provides funding for his project to develop novel microenvironmental technology to rescue chondrogenic potential of mesenchymal stem cells from aged individuals.
A protein in H5N1 avian flu virus forms tiny tubules hiding double-stranded RNA from the immune system, allowing the virus to evade an antiviral response. The discovery could lead to drug development to block this action and potentially fight influenza worldwide.
Case Western Reserve University has launched a new program to prepare high-achieving science and math undergraduates for teaching careers. The NSF-funded Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program provides scholarships, summer internships, mentoring, and post-graduation follow-up to encourage diversity in STEM education.
NASA sold a portfolio of 11 patented technologies, including the Hilbert-Huang Transform method, to Ocean Tomo Federal Services LLC through a public auction. The sale demonstrated the government's ability to commercialize federally-funded technology and accelerate innovation.
Scientists at Brookhaven National Laboratory use a new imaging method to confirm that electron pairs emerge above the transition temperature before superconductivity sets in. The findings rule out certain explanations for high-Tc superconductivity and lend support to other competing theories.
A recent study reveals that a significant proportion of used hard disks still contain sensitive information, highlighting the need for improved data security measures. The research suggests that public awareness campaigns and better education are essential to reduce the risk of harm from data entering the black market.
The EMBO Young Investigator Programme selects Europe's most talented young researchers. Over three years, they receive financial and academic support to advance their careers through networking events, lab management training, and PhD courses.
A 12,000-year-old Natufian shaman's skeleton has been discovered in northern Israel with a unique burial ritual. The grave contained 50 complete tortoise shells, the pelvis of a leopard, and a human foot, indicating a high social status and close relationship with animal spirits.
Researchers found that teenage girls are more aware of the complexities of relationships and see their partner's point of view, while boys often use aggressive language and pressure girls into sex. The study highlights the need for healthcare professionals to address alcohol use and promote healthy attitudes towards sex education.
A study by the University of Bayreuth and Helmholtz-Centre for Environmental Research found that extreme weather events like droughts and heavy rains can postpone or accelerate plant flowering times in Central Europe. On average, a one-month drought postponed the time of flowering by 4 days, equivalent to a decade of global warming.
Researchers found that blocking Cyclophilin D and developing surrounding mitochondrial targets may be viable strategies for preventing and treating Alzheimer's disease. The study provides new insights into the mechanism underlying amyloid beta-mediated mitochondrial stress, which links to synaptic plasticity and learning/memory.
Researchers at Columbia University Medical Center have discovered that elevated levels of interleukin-1 beta can initiate the progression towards stomach cancer. The study found that IL-1β works by activating myeloid derived suppressor cells, which are pro-inflammatory and contribute to gastric inflammation.
A new study by NIU researchers highlights the danger of nighttime tornadoes, which are 2.5 times more likely to kill than daytime events. The study suggests that current warning systems may not be adequate for overnight events, particularly in mobile homes where nearly 61% of fatalities occur at night.
Researchers have identified 11 single-nucleotide polymorphisms that show a significant association with esophageal cancer. Individuals with more than four unfavorable genotypes are three times more likely to develop the disease.
Researchers have identified the CNTNAP2 gene as a key player in childhood language disorders, with variants linked to specific language impairment (SLI) and delayed language development in children with autism. The study provides new insights into the molecular basis of language development and its relationship to autism.
Researchers at Washington University sequenced a cancer patient's genome to discover 10 unique genetic mutations relevant to her acute myelogenous leukemia. The study sets the stage for using comprehensive genome-wide approaches to diagnose and treat cancer.
Researchers used a massive computer simulation to 'see' gamma-rays given off by dark matter in the Milky Way galaxy. They predict that these gamma-rays should glow in a characteristic pattern near the Sun, which could help detect invisible clumps of dark matter.
A type of rock called peridotite reacts naturally with CO2 to form solid minerals at surprisingly high rates. The process could be sped up by drilling and injecting heated water containing pressurized CO2, potentially capturing large amounts of atmospheric carbon.
A large study of former fenfluramine users found a strong association between duration of exposure and prevalence of valve regurgitation. The risk of valve surgery was increased approximately seven-fold, with over 0.44% of participants undergoing surgery due to the drug's use.
A proteomics study has identified new proteins that facilitate communication between the immune system and the self-cleaning process, potentially leading to new treatments for tuberculosis. The research found that autophagy plays a crucial role in immune response, particularly against intracellular pathogens.
A radical new software program developed by Tel Aviv University researchers has been adopted by top medical centers in America to fight hospital-borne infections. The system, which collects information from microbial lab cultures, sends real-time alerts and reminders to wards every day to identify potentially contagious patients.