A CU-Boulder team discovered how microbial life becomes established and flourishes in extreme environments, with three species of cyanobacteria colonizing soil within the first year. The diversity of bacteria increased significantly over four years, snatching gaseous forms of carbon and nitrogen from the atmosphere.
A study of 402 Parkinson's disease patients found that 69.9% experienced pain, compared to 62.8% in healthy controls. Pain types included cramping and central neuropathic pain, suggesting a link between brain structures and pain processing.
The traditional method of discovering herbicides involves random searching of chemicals, resulting in most commercial products. New biotech information allows companies to create targeted weed killers. The American Society of Agronomy developed an interactive web lesson to teach students about the history and development of herbicides.
Federal funding cuts for physician training programs could lead to a shortage of physicians in community health centers, with potentially over 2,200 fewer staff members. Meanwhile, home blood pressure monitoring has been shown to be more effective than office measurements in predicting risk of death for patients with 'white coat hypert...
A study found that people with higher vitamin B12 levels were six times less likely to experience brain shrinkage compared to those with lower levels. Researchers suggest adjusting diets to consume more vitamin B12 may help prevent brain shrinkage and save memory.
A new study highlights the need to develop systems to assess antimalarial drug safety in early pregnancy, as artemisinins have been shown to be toxic to embryos in animal models. An international antimalarial pregnancy exposure registry is proposed to enable targeted pharmacovigilance and timely assessment of risk-benefit profiles.
A new study suggests that air pollution can both increase and decrease rainfall, depending on local environmental conditions. The research, led by Prof. Daniel Rosenfeld of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, found that aerosol particles in the air can affect cloud formation and precipitation patterns.
Australian scientists identified four groupings of genes related to breast cancer cell behavior and their impact on tamoxifen treatment. This discovery could help clinicians predict which women will respond well to anti-oestrogen therapies.
Scientists discovered that biofilm bacteria produce harmful chemicals, including a protein similar to rattlesnake venom, which can cause disease progression and resistance to antibiotics. This research has significant implications for the treatment of hospital superbugs, cystic fibrosis, and cancer.
Researchers at the Salk Institute discovered that only a few mutations in an enzyme can shift the output of plant compounds, allowing them to adapt to changing environments. This finding has implications for developing environmentally friendly fungicides and pesticides, as well as new flavors and fragrances.
Researchers have developed a new method to fabricate borosilicate glass nanoparticles with increased stability, overcoming limitations of current nanoparticle materials. These nanoparticles could enable applications in diagnostic tests, targeted drug therapy, photonic devices, ultrasonic microscopy, and chemical filtration membranes.
Scientists have discovered a living sensor bacteria that can thrive in cold temperatures and clean up arsenic contamination. The discovery also opens up possibilities for developing an arsenic biosensor to warn of pollution escapes into watercourses or drinking water supplies.
A study by researchers at Johns Hopkins University found a strong correlation between children's ability to estimate the number of objects in a group and their performance in school math. The study suggests that this basic 'number sense' is related to formal mathematics learned in school.
Researchers at Mount Sinai Hospital have developed a new once-weekly treatment for type 2 diabetes that mimics the action of GLP-1, a naturally occurring hormone. The treatment showed significant improvements in glucose control and reduced side effects compared to twice-daily injections.
Scientists have discovered that milk may help prevent Staphylococcus bacteria from being killed by low concentrations of antibiotics. This could lead to a better control of mastitis, reduce disease costs, and lower the risk of antibiotic-resistant bacteria spreading.
Recent research by the University of Granada confirms that a Mediterranean diet rich in olive oil and antioxidants can help prevent chronic diseases such as pancreatic cancer and cardiovascular disease. By modifying cell membrane composition, the diet's ingredients may influence disease prevention and treatment.
A new study found that a once-weekly diabetes treatment formulation provides better blood sugar control and weight loss compared to twice-daily dosing. Patients who received the once-weekly treatment had significantly improved HbA1c levels and greater reductions in body weight.
The need for international cooperation and regulation is growing in response to climate change, overfishing, pollution, and other impacts on polar ecosystems. The conference aimed to identify priorities for law-making and research, as well as offer advice to decision-makers on protecting the Arctic and Antarctic regions.
A new study suggests that routine use of MRI scans in women with newly-diagnosed breast cancer may lead to delays in treatment and an increase in mastectomies. The study found that younger women were more likely to receive MRIs, but failed to improve surgical outcomes.
A recent study found that 3T MRI is better at detecting and characterizing structural brain abnormalities in patients with focal epilepsy than 1.5T MRI, leading to a better diagnosis and safer treatment options. This improvement was seen in the detection of lesions and accurate characterization of abnormalities.
A groundbreaking study aims to determine the best cocktail of pre- and probiotic supplements for premature infants to prevent necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a deadly intestinal disease. Researchers will examine saliva and specimens to find the optimal dose, type, and combination of pre- and probiotics to grow healthy bacteria.
STDs like genital herpes and chlamydia increase the risk of becoming infected with HIV due to inflammation in Langerhans cells. Anti-inflammatory therapies might help prevent HIV transmission by modulating the immune response.
Researchers used aberration-corrected STEM instruments to visualize individual gold atoms on iron oxide surfaces, discovering that bilayer nanoclusters with 10 gold atoms are most active in CO conversion, achieving up to 100% efficiency
Scientists have identified biomarkers in cattle urine that can indicate the presence and progression of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy disease. This discovery may lead to a urine-based test for detecting BSE in live animals, allowing for alternative surveillance procedures and improving breeding stock health.
The Biophysical Society has awarded eight individuals in recognition of their groundbreaking work in biophysics. Robert Stroud and Stephen H. White were recognized for their pioneering research in transmembrane biology and lipid structure, respectively.
A new treatment strategy involving sorafenib could 're-sensitize' tumors, enabling anti-hormonal drugs like aromatase inhibitors to be effective again. Preliminary analysis shows a clinical benefit response in 26 percent of patients taking both sorafenib and anastrozole.
Private Medicare Advantage plans received 12.4% more payment per enrollee in 2008 compared to traditional Medicare fee-for-service program. Extra payments amount to $8.5 billion, exceeding expected fee-for-service costs by 10.6%.
A University of Michigan analysis shows that captive breeding colonies are too small to protect the critically endangered Asian vulture from extinction. Adding wild birds to the captive colonies is crucial but hampered by political and logistical barriers.
Scientists suggest using multiple first-line therapies to treat malaria, cutting death rates and delaying drug resistance. The approach involves distributing different drugs to patients, allowing them to choose from a variety of options.
The atomic structure of mammalian fatty acid synthase has been determined, revealing the details of its catalytic active sites. This breakthrough holds promise for the development of new anti-cancer and obesity treatments by targeting this complex molecular synthetic machine.
A computerized reminder system called ClinfoTracker increased colorectal cancer screening rates by an average of 9 percent, from 41.7% to 66.5%, among 12 primary care practices in Michigan. The greatest improvements occurred at practices that were more technologically savvy and well-adapted.
Research suggests that sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) can increase the risk of contracting HIV by activating Langerhans cells in the skin and vagina. This activation allows the virus to spread more easily, highlighting the potential for anti-inflammatory treatments to prevent HIV transmission.
Nakhiah Goulbourne's NSF CAREER award aims to develop specific models and experiments for heart stent sensors. The goal is to create diagnostic tools that can dynamically monitor the mechanical state of the stented artery, reducing implant failures and improving cardiovascular flow.
Researchers from the University of Granada found that university students following Ramadan experience macronutrient imbalances, leading to increased corporal fat and reduced muscular mass. A new diet plan has been proposed to counterbalance these effects by reducing fat and increasing protein and carbohydrate intake.
Virginia Tech's satellite communications research led to the development of wireless technologies used by companies like Direct TV and Globalstar. The university's work also contributed to advancements in cellular communications, smart antenna technologies, and cognitive radios.
Professor Constantin Chassapis and Hamid Hadim will develop educational and training programs to address energy industry workforce challenges, focusing on nuclear engineering expertise. The program aims to provide practical skills and competencies for future nuclear power engineers and technicians.
Researchers warn of the dangers of unchecked data collection and predictability as technology advances. Social psychologist Saadi Lahlou proposes a new definition of privacy, 'face-keeping,' to empower users to control their online presence.
A team of scientists has developed a new framework to better account for the impact of aerosols on precipitation in climate models. The study suggests that increased aerosol loading may lead to changes in precipitation patterns, affecting regional water resources and global climate systems.
Researchers found that uninsured patients were more likely to receive brand-name drugs after the clinic closed its drug sample closet, leading to increased costs. In contrast, Medicaid patients showed no significant change in generic prescribing despite the availability of free samples.
A new report by scientists suggests that some of the most harmful air pollution in Mexico City originates from industrial sources, including garbage incineration. The study monitored air quality throughout the month of March 2006 and found metal-containing aerosols implicated in adverse health effects.
Scientists at UCLA and the Weizmann Institute of Science recorded individual brain cells as they recalled memories from epilepsy patients' brains. The study confirms that spontaneous memories arise with activity of the same neurons that were recorded as they fired when the memory was first being made.
A study analyzing 300 newspaper articles reveals five main 'gene frames' used by media, from deterministic to evolutionary and playful metaphors. The findings aim to provide a tool for scientists and journalists to better communicate genetics to the public.
Researchers have identified African-Americans as having a greater risk of developing lung cancer from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), with a more than sixfold increased risk. Hay fever was also found to be protective among African-Americans, reducing the risk by 44%.
A three-year study found that parent support and expectations are crucial for middle- and high-school students, with engaging teachers and positive experiences also playing a significant role. The research highlights the importance of tailoring interventions to individual subgroups, as barriers and supports vary between disciplines and...
Researchers developed a new model specifically for African-American populations, refining lung cancer risk prediction with unique results based on increased exposure to risks. The study also expanded the original Spitz model by adding DNA repair capacity measures, improving predictive capability.
The Iowa State University-led NSF Engineering Research Center for Biorenewable Chemicals aims to develop technologies transforming the petroleum-based chemical industry into a biorenewable industry. The center will educate students in multidisciplinary research and global collaborations, advancing the production of biorenewable chemicals.
Morphormics' proprietary technology enables the rapid creation of anatomical roadmaps, improving radiation treatment planning and delivery decisions. The grant will support marketing efforts to bring this UNC-developed technology to patients with prostate cancer worldwide.
Two studies found that carotid angioplasty with stenting is as effective as endarterectomy in the medium term, but carries higher risk of stroke within 30 days. The average annual risk of ipsilateral stroke is 1% or less, regardless of treatment.
Research by Queen Mary University of London scientists found that some bat species' echolocation genes are similar to those of fruit bats, indicating possible independent evolution of the trait. This suggests that echolocation may not be a single evolutionary event but rather an example of convergent evolution.
The Cancer Genome Atlas identifies new genetic mutations, including NF1, ERBB2, and PIK3R1, and core pathways disrupted in glioblastoma. The study provides an unprecedented overview of the genomic landscape of this deadly cancer.
A recent study by UC Irvine reveals that older Vietnamese Americans are more likely to experience mental health issues, including depression and PTSD, stemming from their experiences as political refugees. The findings highlight the need for improved community mental health services to address these long-standing problems.
The Chinese earthquake has triggered a significant risk of flooding and power shortages in the Sichuan Basin, which could last for decades. Dr. Alex Densmore's research found that landslides and sediment buildup pose a major threat to river valleys and reservoirs.
Researchers at Iowa State University have contributed to the release of the annotated genome of Meloidogyne incognita, a destructive nematode responsible for $157 billion in agricultural damage annually. The sequencing achievement provides a resource for understanding and controlling this widespread pest.
A $18.5 million project aims to develop biodegradable implantable devices that adapt to a patient's anatomy and dissolve once they have healed. These devices would reduce follow-up surgeries and potential complications in orthopedic, craniofacial, and cardiovascular procedures.
Researchers from Lehigh University and Cardiff University have identified gold nanoparticles triggered by bilayer clusters as responsible for the critical CO oxidation reaction. The discovery could help protect hydrogen fuel cells and firefighters entering burning buildings.
Researchers studied the Prestin gene in echolocating bats and fruit bats, finding similarities in distantly related species. This suggests that echolocation has evolved more than once in bats, defying conventional wisdom on evolutionary relationships.
A study led by Yuntao Wu reveals how HIV triggers a cell process that activates cofilin, allowing the virus to cross the cell membrane. This fundamental understanding may lead to the development of new therapeutic tools to block viral interaction.
Researchers found that participants primed with action words chose active tasks, but the stimulus triggered diverse array of tasks not normally seen together. This suggests a need for more specific cues on how to be active.
A new study has found that off-premise alcohol outlets can lead to increased injuries among neighborhood children due to reduced guardianship and social disorganization. Neighborhoods with high densities of alcohol outlets have been shown to have more injuries, particularly those with impoverished and disorganized environments.
A new electroplating process that joins many silicon nanowires to prepatterned electrodes in parallel has been chosen for the Nano 50 Award. This technique allows for lower-cost production of semiconducting nanowires used in electronic sensor arrays.