A new gene, Toll-like receptor 8 (TLR8), has been identified as having a probable role in human susceptibility to pulmonary tuberculosis. The study found that males are more susceptible than females.
Researchers have developed a new technique using Granger causality to analyze brain activity, revealing the flow of information between brain regions. This breakthrough could advance efforts to help patients recover from brain injuries and mental disorders.
North Carolina State University is developing a multimedia training course for forensic crime scene investigation, standardizing protocols across the state. The online coursework aims to improve death investigations and reduce costs for law enforcement agencies.
The CarTel project uses a network of mobile sensors to monitor traffic conditions and provide drivers with real-time information on congestion and potential engine problems. By analyzing data from multiple vehicles, the system can identify historical and current traffic patterns, enabling more efficient routing and reducing commute times.
A University of Illinois expert argues that traditional corporate governing systems failed to prevent risky business deals, contributing to the financial meltdown. In contrast, partnership-based firms have better weathered crises through controls like tying managers' compensation to company fortunes.
A new study by scientists at the National Center for Atmospheric Research finds that wildfires can boost ozone pollution to levels violating US health standards. The research focused on California wildfires in 2007 and found that they repeatedly caused ground-level ozone to spike to unhealthy levels across a broad area.
Researchers at NYU Langone's Skirball Institute have discovered the missing link between Agrin and MuSK, essential molecules for neuromuscular synapse formation. This breakthrough may lead to new insights into causes of myasthenia gravis and ALS.
Global warming may threaten tropical plant and animal species living in mountainous regions, forcing them to move uphill in search of suitable climates. This could lead to the extinction of half of the studied species in Costa Rican lowlands unless they develop tolerances for higher temperatures.
A multi-centre study of 863 patients from 14 countries found that solifenacin significantly improved overactive bladder symptoms, with a 70% reduction in severe urgency and urgency incontinence. Patients reported reduced urine frequency and fewer incontinence episodes within three days.
The AAAS study found 626 points of destruction affecting civilians in 24 villages near Tskhinvali, with significant fire damage and evidence of military activity. The analysis contradicts Russia's claim that Georgian troops inflicted most of the damage.
University of Houston professors Matthew Franchek and Ralph Metcalfe receive a $2.8 million NIH grant to create a pulseless total artificial heart (TAH) with advanced control systems. The device aims to improve reliability and adjust to physiological needs, offering hope for those waiting for a heart transplant.
A case report highlights the risk of thiamine deficiency disease after gastric bypass surgery for obesity, which can lead to severe neurological symptoms. Patients are advised to take multivitamins and monitor their thiamine levels to prevent this condition.
A team of Penn State researchers has developed a new approach called Automatic Linguistic Indexing of Pictures in Real-Time (ALIPR) that enables computers to recognize the contents of photographs. The system uses statistical models to assign keywords to images based on pixel information, improving accuracy rates up to 90%.
The Indonesian government and World Wildlife Fund announce a commitment to protect Sumatra's forests and critical ecosystems, home to endangered species. The agreement aims to restore ecosystems and promote sustainable development on the island.
A Northwestern University-led research team has identified a new material that can transform thermoelectric technology into one that converts waste heat into electricity, potentially improving gas mileage by 5-10 percent. The discovery is promising and could lead to widespread use in the automotive industry and other applications.
Research by Anthony Norman identifies vitamin D's potential contributions to good health in immune systems, insulin regulation, heart and blood pressure, muscle strength, brain activity, and reducing cancer risk. Adequate intake is essential for 36 organs, including bone marrow, prostate, and breast tissues.
Researchers discovered that children with autism spend less time looking at a teacher's face when imitating new skills, compared to typically developing children. This finding sheds light on why children with autism struggle to learn from others and may lead to potential interventions.
The American Association for the Advancement of Science's annual survey ranks top biopharma employers based on driving characteristics such as financial strength and research-driven environment. This year, Genentech regained top honors, followed by Monsanto and Genzyme in the top three.
Researchers at North Carolina State University have successfully grown blue crabs in freshwater ponds, showing that they can thrive in these environments. The method has the potential to provide a sustainable source of crabs while reducing pressure on coastal populations.
A group of internationally recognized scientists urges the U.S. to adopt sustainable standards and practices for cellulosic biofuel production to minimize environmental harm. The experts emphasize the need for incentives to promote environmentally friendly growing practices among farmers.
Researchers found that a heat shock protein, Hsp90β, helps stabilize rapsyn, an unstable protein responsible for anchoring receptors to catch messages from neurons. This discovery could lead to new treatments for muscular dystrophies and neurological disorders.
Mussels have an active physiological barrier in their gills that protects them from harmful substances in the water. The two recently discovered proteins, both ABC transporters, ensure that substances that don't belong in the cell are transported out again.
Researchers at Yale University have created a blueprint for artificial cells that can outperform natural cells in generating electricity. The new design shows promise for powering tiny medical implants without releasing toxins into the system.
A multicenter study led by Johns Hopkins Children's Center found that hydrocortisone treatment in preemies has little to no benefit and may increase the risk of brain bleeding. Low cortisol levels in premature babies do not appear to be harmful, contrary to common belief.
A new hand transplant has shown emerging sense of touch in a 54-year-old man's former 'hand area' of the brain 35 years after amputation. The brain's map of the individual fingers is still evolving with increasing sensation, but researchers are optimistic about the potential for future recovery.
TheVisualMD.com offers interactive 3D visualizations of the cardiovascular system and various disease states. The platform provides a rich visual experience for professionals and patients to increase understanding and compliance.
Researchers developed a method to track mercury emissions from coal by analyzing natural isotopic fingerprints, which can differentiate between human-made and natural sources. This technique has the potential to identify specific regions contributing to global mercury pollution.
Researchers have developed a novel delivery system that significantly enhances vaccine effectiveness while tailoring it based on the desired type of immune response. Using RNA molecules, their system achieved immune responses five to 50 times stronger than traditional vaccines in mice studies.
A Rutgers researcher is studying how visual analysis of body movements can help identify potential terrorist threats and improve interactions with autistic individuals. People with few autistic tendencies are found to be better at detecting subtle cues, which could lead to the development of computer programs to train them.
The genome sequence of Plasmodium knowlesi has been defined, providing new research opportunities for comparisons with P. vivax. Establishing similarities and differences between the parasites' genomes will assist in the selection of genetic targets for vaccine and drug development.
The RAND Corporation study concludes that oil sands and coal-to-liquids have the potential to ease upward pressures on oil prices and expand global fuel supplies. However, these alternatives also pose significant environmental risks, including water pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
A single dose of EPO immediately after a heart attack reduces apoptosis and limits damage to the heart. The study found a 2.7-fold reduction in tracer accumulation, indicating less damage to heart tissue.
Researchers have found that Hodgkin lymphoma cells produce the cytokine IL-21, which helps them evade immune system detection. This discovery could lead to new therapy strategies for the disease, including blocking IL-21 production.
Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a method to produce complex DNA nanostructures inside living cells, using the cell's copy machine to replicate millions of copies. This breakthrough could enable the scaling up of DNA nanotechnology and open up new possibilities for synthetic biology applications.
A brain imaging study found cocaine addicts exhibit reduced cortical thickness in areas responsible for attention and reward-based decision-making. The study suggests a mixture of drug effects and predisposition underlying these structural alterations, with potential implications for prevention efforts.
Four recipients of the ASPS Patients of Courage award have undergone extensive reconstructive plastic surgeries to restore their appearance. Erin Williams, Rachel Cooney, Missy Fish, and Sgt. Robert Bartlett use their experiences to help others struggling with life's obstacles.
Scientists at Brookhaven National Laboratory have successfully engineered two-layer thin films with a nanometer-thin region of superconductivity, elevating the temperature of superconductivity to over 50 kelvin. This achievement brings researchers closer to fabricating useful three-terminal superconducting devices.
Astronomers used gravitational lensing and adaptive optics to observe a young star-forming galaxy, finding clear signs of orderly rotation and evidence for a spiral disk with a central nucleus. The study demonstrates the power of future telescopes like the Thirty Meter Telescope.
The study reveals that Plasmodium vivax has a distinct genome with only 150 genes, raising new questions about its biology and infection mechanisms. Alternative routes of infection have been identified, highlighting the need for further research to combat this parasite.
Researchers at TU Munich and ETH Zurich develop a new method to synthesize anchored proteins, enabling in-depth studies of prions and their influence on conversion to pathogenic forms. The team successfully produces a synthetic GPI-anchored protein, which attaches to cell membranes, helping to track down the infectious form of the prion.
A study by the Wildlife Conservation Society found that beaver dams provide critical habitat for migratory songbirds in semi-arid regions of the West. The more dams built, the more abundant and diverse local songbirds become.
A University of Cincinnati study finds that bisphenol A (BPA) induces proteins protecting cancer cells from chemotherapy's toxic effects. Researchers suggest BPA may be a contributing factor to chemotherapy resistance in cancer patients.
Researchers at Durham University and Caltech used gravitational lensing to study a young star-forming galaxy in the distant Universe, revealing its internal velocity structure and spiral disk. The findings provide insight into how the galaxy evolved into a present-day system like our Milky Way.
Researchers have discovered how bacteria respond to stress, shedding light on their infectious potential and the development of new drugs to combat bacterial infections. The stressosome molecule protects cells from external danger, triggering a response to adapt to changes in environment.
A groundbreaking surgical technique corrects severely deflated breasts without implants, lifting and restoring a natural shape and position. The 'spiral flap' procedure uses unwanted tissue to create a breast mound, providing a more youthful figure with the added benefit of body contouring.
Researchers will examine three decades of hurricane activity in unprecedented detail using a combination of climate and regional weather models. The goal is to better inform coastal communities and industries affected by changes in hurricanes.
Adults with arthritis who received exercise interventions with educational components experienced significant improvements in physical functioning and pain reduction. These patients also reported increased muscle strength and better mental health, compared to those without such interventions.
New research suggests that glacial dams formed at the mouths of tributaries helped prevent the Tsangpo River from carving into the Tibetan Plateau. These dams, made of moraines and debris, flattened the river's slope and reduced its ability to cut into the surrounding terrain.
Experts from 80 nations gather to discuss and define environmental migration, its drivers, and policy recommendations. The conference aims to address the growing issue of climate-driven displacement, with an estimated 200 million people expected to be displaced by 2050.
The Scripps Research Institute has solved the 3-D structure of Senecavirus, a viral genus that infects solid tumors such as small cell lung cancer. The unique virus shape and RNA arrangement reveal potential binding sites to cancer cells, paving the way for improved therapeutic applications.
A Caribbean experiment shows that maintaining proper balance of plant-eating fishes may be key to restoring coral reefs, which are declining dramatically worldwide. Research found significant recovery in sections of coral reefs on which fish of two complementary species were caged.
Researchers discovered a new therapeutic target for pain control, identifying a protein that acts in pain-sensing neurons to convert chemical messengers into ones that suppress pain. The protein, PAP, is eight times more effective at suppressing pain than morphine and has longer-lasting effects.
V3 neurons play a vital role in maintaining balance between both sides of the body, ensuring robust stepping rhythms. The discovery provides an important milestone in understanding neural circuitry that coordinates walking movements.
Researchers have developed a new tool to investigate the rice genome, covering nearly all 45,000 genes. The microarray reveals genes crucial for responding to light and stresses, including those involved in photosynthesis and photorespiration.
Researchers at Northwestern University believe spicy food, including pepperoni pizza, can worsen pelvic pain and urinary frequency in women with interstitial cystitis. A new treatment approach using anesthetic patches or suppositories may provide relief.
A new study published in Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry emphasizes the high antioxidant content of natural cocoa powder. Natural cocoa powders contain an average of 34.6 mg of flavanols per gram, making them one of the richest sources of these beneficial antioxidants.
Philip R. Christensen, Regents' Professor of Geological Sciences at ASU, has been awarded the G.K. Gilbert Award for his work on remote sensing of minerals on Mars using infrared instruments. The award recognizes his discoveries, including a large deposit of hematite and silica minerals, which may offer clues about a Martian biosphere.
Scientists at the Institut de recherches cliniques de Montreal have discovered a novel mechanism regulating neural stem cell development in the retina. The Ikaros gene plays a crucial role in conferring early temporal competence to retinal progenitor cells, enabling them to generate specific cell types at different stages of development.
A study found that children believe women and people of color have been excluded from the presidency due to discrimination. Many children also attribute this lack to a perceived need for specific attributes, such as intelligence or charisma.
A landmark clinical trial is underway to test whether a low-molecule-weight heparin can prevent pulmonary embolism in patients receiving chemotherapy on an outpatient basis. The trial aims to identify high-risk cancer patients and demonstrate that blood clots can be prevented with anti-coagulant therapy.