A new study identified five counties in Oregon with the most meth-linked incidents per capita, including sparsely populated Umatilla County. The analysis found that every lab or dump site was 11.5 times more likely to be in Umatilla County than anywhere else in the state.
New simulations suggest that stars like our sun can migrate great distances in galaxies similar to the Milky Way, potentially altering our view of habitable zones. This finding could change scientists' understanding of where and how life could evolve in a galaxy.
Prosthetic ears have been shown to improve sound pickup by 8.1 decibels, benefiting patients with normal hearing who wear them.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have found that thrombolysis can be safely administered up to four and a half hours after an ischemic stroke, without significantly increasing the risk of hemorrhage complications or death. This extends the time window for treatment, potentially benefiting more patients.
Researchers at the University of Bath are developing new rechargeable lithium batteries to enhance hybrid electric cars. These advancements aim to reduce energy consumption, lower emissions, and increase efficiency in urban driving.
Research published in BMC Ecology reveals at least 32 reef fish species exhibiting red fluorescence, a previously unknown signaling mechanism. The authors speculate that this phenomenon may serve as a private communication system among fish, allowing for attraction and presence detection.
A new species of blind, subterranean ant, Martialis heureka, has been discovered in the Amazon rainforest and is believed to be a descendant of the first ants to evolve. The ant's unique characteristics, including lack of eyes and pale body color, suggest that it may have evolved adaptations over time to its subterranean habitat.
Researchers propose using carbon nanotubes to replace conventional materials in water-purification systems due to their unique chemical properties. The technology could efficiently remove arsenic, fluoride, heavy metals and toxic organic chemicals from contaminated water.
A pilot study found that comprehensive lifestyle changes increased telomerase levels by 29% and improved telomere maintenance capacity in immune system cells. This suggests a potential link between healthy habits and slower cellular aging.
CU-Boulder's Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics has been selected by NASA to lead the $485 million Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution mission. The MAVEN spacecraft will study Mars' upper atmosphere, solar wind, and ionosphere to determine its past climate and potential life.
Research found that only 8.5% of patients accounted for 98% of guinea pig TB infections, highlighting the high infectiousness of inadequately treated drug-resistant TB patients. Implementing TB infection control measures can prevent airborne transmission in healthcare facilities.
Researchers develop nanoparticles that deliver siRNA to cancer cells, reducing tumor growth and size by up to 70%. Targeting multiple genes simultaneously leads to synergistic effects, offering a promising personalized medicine approach.
A phase II trial of the investigational drug pazopanib has shown promising results in treating ovarian cancer. The study found that 31% of patients experienced a significant decrease in CA-125 levels, with a median duration of response of 113 days.
Researchers explore 'dissimilatory metal reduction' to convert selenate into less-toxic elemental selenium, with potential for recovery and reuse. The process is efficient but requires careful temperature control to minimize formation of ecotoxicological risks.
A recent study published in Geophysical Research Letters shows that small coastal glaciers in Greenland are responsible for the majority of the island's recent ice loss. Researchers found that these smaller glaciers account for three times more ice loss than their larger counterparts.
A new study published in Journal of Consumer Research found that ad placement influences consumer perception, with experts reacting differently to positive and negative context. The researchers discovered that knowledgeable consumers evaluate products more favorably when presented with relevant context ads.
Researchers have identified a gene variant associated with childhood asthma in European children, and also found it plays a role in asthma of any severity level among white American children. Further studies are needed to determine if other genes outside the region occupy by ORMDL3 contribute to asthma susceptibility.
Rutgers geneticist Gleb Shumyatsky discovered a link between the stathmin gene and helicopter mom behavior in mice. Mice lacking this gene took longer to retrieve pups and showed less cautious behavior towards peers, revealing the importance of innate fear in species survival.
Scientists have found a novel linear chromosome in cyanobacterium Cyanothece 51142, containing genes important for producing biofuels. The discovery was made possible by simultaneous DNA sequencing and protein analysis, which revealed more genes on the linear and circular chromosomes than previously thought.
Topical estradiol application stimulates collagen production in sun-protected skin of older men and women, but not in sun-exposed areas like the face or arms. This study found that natural aging and photo-aging share biochemical features, including a reduction in collagen, which is essential for maintaining skin's inner layer structure.
Researchers found that people who are presented with vague information after making a decision tend to feel more optimistic about their choice. In three studies, participants were shown to be more optimistic when given incomplete nutritional information or sketchy reviews on products like chocolates and hand lotions.
A study by the European Society for Medical Oncology found substantial variation in the uptake of newer cancer drugs across EU countries. The cost of these drugs is a major barrier to access, and their complexity can make them harder to understand and use effectively.
A new set of tools, 'Pathways to Clinical Goals,' aims to improve the translational research process, accelerating cancer therapy approval. The six pathways address various categories, including anti-cancer agents and lifestyle alterations, to clarify and streamline the research process.
Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology have developed a prosthetic vein valve to replace damaged valves in people with chronic venous insufficiency. The valve has shown promise in preclinical trials, demonstrating biocompatibility and performance similar to natural body tissue.
Researchers at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh identified a genetic mutation associated with organ rejection in children. The study used a novel combination of genetic technologies to analyze DNA samples from 80 children who received liver transplants and their parents.
A new study from Johns Hopkins Children's Center found that parents of terminally ill or severely premature newborns often struggle to understand their treatment options due to miscommunication with doctors. The study's findings highlight the need for clearer explanations and empathy in end-of-life care discussions.
Research reveals pegylated liposomal doxorubicin delays disease progression while minimizing toxicity, with a low risk of serious side effects such as cardiotoxicity or mucositis. The treatment improves time-to-progression and overall survival in metastatic breast cancer patients.
Researchers at USC created an AI system called ASSA that can generate harmonious musical accompaniment in the style of a chosen artist. The system uses machine learning techniques to analyze melodic and harmonic patterns, allowing users to input their desired melody and receive an accompanying chord progression.
Children born with a congenital heart malformation are at risk for developmental delays. The study found that these children have average or low IQs and experience behavior problems leading to challenges in social development.
The new center will study active matter, which can move on its own, exhibiting properties previously observed in living materials like muscle and cells. Researchers will explore constraints on materials using DNA confinement and functioning cellular components like cilia.
A new combination therapy of trabectedin and pegylated liposomal doxorubicin shows clinical benefit for women with relapsed ovarian cancer. The treatment offers an alternative to traditional platinum-based regimens, providing a fresh option for those whose cancer recurs after first-line treatment.
A study estimates the economic value of insect pollination worldwide at €153 billion in 2005, which represented 9.5% of global agricultural production. The loss of pollinators would result in a consumer surplus loss of €190-310 billion due to price elasticity of demand.
Researchers found that changes in physical health status during the first year after diagnosis can predict long-term survival. Patients who died within five years exhibited no recovery in their scores, while those who survived showed improvement at the one-year mark.
A study from UNC School of Medicine suggests molindone, a first-generation antipsychotic, is as effective as newer drugs like olanzapine and risperidone in treating childhood schizophrenia. The medication may offer benefits due to fewer side effects, including weight gain and increased risk of heart disease.
A phase III clinical trial led by UC Irvine's Dr. Bradley Monk found trabectedin to be effective in stopping ovarian cancer cell growth, with a median progression-free time of 9.2 months for those treated with the combination therapy. The treatment has hope for improved treatment of this deadly disease.
A new study in the Journal of Consumer Research demonstrates that coupon users face stigma and their proximity affects others' perceptions. Standing near a coupon user can lead to negative opinions about one's character, especially if the individuals are similar or know each other well.
A new study finds that brief interruptions can alter purchasing decisions, causing a shift from detail-oriented, price-conscious thinking to goal-oriented, price-insensitive consideration. Participants who were interrupted in decision-making processes prioritized qualities like satisfaction and desirability over feasibility and price.
A study found that individuals with diabetes and those with larger stomach pouches are less likely to successfully lose weight after gastric bypass surgery. The researchers examined data from 361 patients who underwent the procedure between 2003 and 2006.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center discovered that two common beta-blockers can stimulate a pathway that promotes cell survival and protects heart tissue. The study finds that alprenolol and carvedilol may have greater potential to repair the heart and prevent further damage.
Researchers at the Medical College of Wisconsin have developed a new synthetic form of the CXCL12 protein, which shows promise in inhibiting cancer cell migration and potentially stopping its spread. The discovery was made using a proprietary method to improve the detection of metastatic cancers.
A new study reveals that laminin influences post-synaptic patterning by corraling cell surface receptors on the muscle side of the synapse. Maturation of the muscle side was slowed in mice lacking specific laminin chains, highlighting the protein's role in coordinating nerve and muscle fiber development.
A 35-year-old woman suffered a stroke due to a blood clot caused by a heart defect and birth control pills. She received an interventional neuroradiologist-guided catheter delivery of tPA, resulting in immediate and dramatic improvement. Her stroke score improved from 13 to 1 after treatment.
The U.S. Department of Energy's Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility has received approval for a $310 million project that will double the energy of its accelerated electron beam from 6 GeV to 12 GeV, enabling scientists to study quarks and gluons in unprecedented detail.
Researchers Theresa Jefferson and John Harrald will study social vulnerability in response to an earthquake involving the New Madrid fault. The grant from FEMA enables them to focus on displaced persons, shelter needs, commodity requirements, and special needs in Phase III of the Mid America Earthquake Center research agenda.
Researchers at TGen have devised a faster and less expensive way to identify genetic variants in the human genome. By using bar-coded multiplexed sequencing, scientists can index portions of the nearly 3-billion-base genetic code, making it easier to zero in on regions most likely to show variations in genetic traits.
Researchers identified variations in the MYH9 gene strongly associated with FSGS and HIV-associated FSGS among African-Americans, with a risk 300-500% higher than whites. The findings shed light on common genetic pathways to prevent kidney disease progression.
Researchers identified eEF2K as a key player in enabling the rapid production of Arc protein, crucial for long-term memory formation. The paradoxical mechanism involves eEF2K inhibiting protein translation while also facilitating Arc protein synthesis.
Researchers found that adding four cycles of Taxotere to a sequential regimen of epirubicin and cyclophosphamide, methotrexate and fluorouracil reduces recurrence and death rates in patients with node-positive early stage breast cancer. This advantage comes at an increased toxicity level.
Scientists at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have identified a previously unsuspected gene, CDK8, as a cancer-causing gene in many colon cancers. The study suggests that blocking CDK8 may be useful against tumors driven by overactive beta-catenin.
University of Utah engineers have developed a new way to slice thin wafers of germanium for use in high-efficiency solar cells. The new method, wire electrical discharge machining (WEDM), reduces waste and breakage of the brittle semiconductor, making it more economical to produce such cells.
The University of Queensland's new center, the Pacific Malaria Initiative Support Centre (PacMISC), is part of a global effort to eliminate malaria in low and middle-income countries. PacMISC will focus on Vanuatu and Solomon Islands, providing flexible assistance to national malaria control programs.
A phase II trial involving 45 patients found that an alternating regimen of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, plus cetuximab, yields favorable complete response rates and long-term results comparable to the best reported in literature. However, skin toxicity and toxicities resulting in patient deaths were also observed.
The SITS-ISTR study found that alteplase was safe and effective when given 3-4.5 hours after stroke onset, similar to the traditional 3-hour treatment window. Outcome measures were comparable in both groups, with similar mortality rates, brain haemorrhage risk, and independence at 3 months.
Researchers have identified a new gene variant linked to non-diabetic end-stage renal disease in African Americans, increasing their risk of kidney failure. The MYH9 gene variant is found more frequently among individuals with West African ancestry and may interact with environmental factors to cause the disease.
Researchers found that patients with specific EGFR gene mutations can live almost two years on average when treated with erlotinib, outperforming chemotherapy by two-to-three fold. The study identified a subgroup of 15-22% patients who can benefit from targeted therapies
Gary Ruvkun and colleagues discovered that tiny molecules of RNA can control the activity of critical genes in animals and plants. MicroRNAs may control one third of human protein-coding genes and have potential applications in diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of disorders.
MicroRNA researcher Victor Ambros, PhD, received the prestigious Lasker Award alongside Gary Ruvkun and David Baulcombe. The award recognizes their work on microRNAs, which are now understood to regulate genes in both animals and plants.
A new study reveals that an investigational drug, R207910, is effective in killing latent tuberculosis bacteria. The drug targets a protein essential for energy production in active TB, suggesting a potential Achilles heel for dormant bacteria.
Scientists at the University of Granada have developed a new condensed TLM node to model meta-materials, allowing for the creation of structures that can hide objects in conditions difficultly reachable with commercial software. This breakthrough uses a combination of electromagnetic parameters and judicious frame design to improve hid...
Researchers have found that more than half of a proton's spin comes from the orbital motion of its quarks, rather than their spinning. This new theory resolves a long-standing puzzle in physics and agrees with recent experiments and supercomputer calculations.