Researchers identified a genetic contributor to fundamental morphological differences between humans and apes, finding that changes in 'junk DNA' activated genes in primordial thumb and big toe in developing mouse embryos. This study suggests non-coding regions of the genome play a crucial role in human development.
Researchers found that bumblebees slow down when approaching camouflaged crab spiders to detect predators, losing valuable foraging time. However, this strategy doesn't improve their chances of avoiding capture and even leads to reduced efficiency.
Researchers found a gene enhancer, HACNS1, that may have contributed to the evolution of the human opposable thumb and adaptations for walking on two legs. The discovery provides significant insights into genetic differences between humans and chimpanzees.
A new study in Strategic Management Journal reveals that Boards of Directors commonly make faulty hires when they hire CEOs from outside the firm. Creating nominating committees with leadership by outside directors can help avoid this problem and increase the chances of a newly appointed CEO succeeding.
The Institute for Computational Sustainability will pursue research agendas that advance computing and benefit society, focusing on ecology, conservation, and environmental management. It aims to create a new field of computational sustainability, combining constraint optimization, dynamical systems, and machine learning.
A new study finds that binge drinking among women attending an urban STD clinic is linked to high rates of gonorrhea, anal sex, and multiple sex partners. Women binge drinkers are five times more likely to have gonorrhea than non-drinking women.
A new study from the University of Cincinnati found that Bisphenol A (BPA) suppresses a key hormone, adiponectin, which regulates insulin sensitivity and puts people at risk for metabolic syndrome. The study used fresh human fat tissues and found that BPA exposure resulted in suppression of this hormone.
Research finds that intellectual work leads to a significant increase in calorie intake, with students consuming up to 253 more calories after mentally demanding tasks. The study suggests that fluctuations in glucose and insulin levels may trigger food overcompensation.
Researchers create genetically modified mice with a switch to turn on and off disease-typical proteins in renal tissue. The model simulates the natural course of disease development and healing processes, allowing for better investigation of kidney diseases.
A recent study funded by the Economic and Social Research Council found that Interactive Whiteboards (IWBs) can be a motivating tool for students, allowing them to build and test complex ideas together. The research also highlights the importance of using IWBs in the right way, avoiding superficial use due to time constraints.
11 Sudanese-Canadian doctors, trained in a comprehensive programme in Canada, have returned to Southern Sudan to provide medical care, including emergency surgery and life-saving caesarean sections. They have inspired others to commit support to further their work in the region.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University have developed a new classification system for identifying pluripotent stem cells in human tissue. By analyzing global gene expression profiles from 150 human stem cell samples, the team discovered a protein-protein network common to pluripotent cells, pointing to a key building block of their transfo...
A new study suggests that down-staging hepatocellular carcinoma can improve post-transplant outcomes for patients who undergo treatment. The research found that tumors with more favorable biology respond well to treatment and do well after liver transplantation.
Researchers develop novel weather and climate modeling strategy to isolate interactions between weather and climate, applying it to the NCAR's Community Climate System Model. This project aims to advance Earth system science, improve weather and climate predictions, and inform environmental policies.
Researchers have developed a method of catalysis that uses a weak light source, like a household light bulb, to propel chemical reactions, enabling the creation of new compounds. This discovery has the potential to revolutionize fields such as pharmaceuticals and agriculture.
A new study analyzing ancient DNA from 160 mammoth samples across Holarctica suggests that North American mammoths replaced dwindling Siberian populations around 50,000 to 5,000 years ago. The findings refute the notion of climate change as a direct cause of extinction, instead pointing to a complex pattern of migration and evolution.
A new University of Colorado at Boulder study concludes that global sea rise of more than 6 feet is physically impossible by 2100. The team estimates a total sea level rise of roughly 3 to 6 feet, which is still potentially devastating for low-lying coastal areas.
Researchers have successfully created new strains of infectious proteins called prions by mixing infectious prions from one species with normal prion proteins from another. This breakthrough could provide insight into the risk of prion diseases spreading between species and has significant implications for public health.
A study published in The Journal of Sexual Medicine found that trained sexologists could correctly infer vaginal orgasm through watching the way women walked over 80% of the time. The sum of stride length and vertebral rotation was greater for vaginally orgasmic women, suggesting a link between gait and sexual function.
Hallucinations are associated with changes in brain connections and localized activity, highlighting the need for a broader perspective on the condition. The study reveals increased activity in visual brain regions and alterations in connection strength, shedding light on the neural basis of hallucinations.
Middle schoolers are increasingly exposed to alcohol use due to peer pressure and social events. Parents can take proactive steps to prevent early drinking by having open conversations with their children about the risks of alcohol abuse.
Scientists have discovered that phosphatidic acid, a phospholipid component of cellular membranes, may be a promising novel anti-cancer drug target. Researchers found that siramesine, a previously failed anxiety medication, effectively inhibits the growth of cancer cells and tumors in mice.
Researchers report that male and female rufous-and-white wren partners sing duets to keep track of each other when apart. The duets also serve as a form of aggressive territory defense, with birds responding aggressively to rival individuals.
A study found that nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) patients with normal alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels have advanced fibrosis, indicating the need for liver biopsy. The researchers discovered that patients with normal ALT had milder inflammation and steatosis, but still at risk of severe hepatic disease.
A new prognostic biomarker has been identified in cases of soft tissue sarcoma (STS), suggesting a direct relationship between pRb2/p130 expression and clinical outcome. Lower levels of the gene are associated with higher risk of recurrence and death from STS, offering potential for improved treatment strategies.
A researcher used digital photography to digitize 2,500 documents, saving $15,000 on photocopying costs. He catalogued and studied the collection using Google's Picasa software, eliminating the need for frequent return trips to a foreign country.
Researchers from UC San Diego and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory have eliminated one model explaining the unusual oxygen isotope mix found in a stony meteorite. The team found that molecular symmetry, rather than photoshielding, is responsible for the anomaly, which challenges our understanding of solar system formation.
A recent US study shows that living donor liver transplants for acute liver failure patients can have high survival rates and acceptable risks. The study found that 70% of recipients survived after transplantation, while the donors experienced similar complication rates as other LDLT recipients.
Researchers discover a 546-base pair element, HACNS1, that enhances gene expression in human limbs and brain, contributing to uniquely human digit patterning. The study highlights the power of conserved noncoding sequences in regulating gene expression across species.
Researchers at Gladstone Institutes have discovered a gene, Apobec3, that controls the production of antibodies neutralizing retroviruses, including HIV. This finding may lead to the development of an HIV vaccine by eliciting neutralizing antibodies.
Researchers will develop oral vaccines against tetanus and rotavirus, targeting vulnerable infants and young children. The goal is to create a vaccine that doesn't contain live bacteria and has fewer side effects.
Yale researchers identified a molecular process in normal tissues that causes RNA molecules to be clipped and stitched together, potentially complicating cancer diagnosis and predicting anti-cancer drug side effects. The discovery suggests that cancers may mimic normal cellular processes, leading to unpredictable toxicities.
The EPA has awarded $3.6 million in research grants to develop innovative technologies for detecting known and emerging drinking water contaminants, including blue-green algae toxins and noroviruses. These new projects will improve the toolkit available to protect America's drinking water and public health.
Researchers discovered that extra chromosome 21 in embryonic stem cells disrupts a key regulating gene called NRSF or REST, leading to developmental changes. The study identifies a specific gene, DYRK1A, on human chromosome 21 responsible for the observed effects.
A new study identifies six key factors driving Colombia's violent conflict, including economic forces, state weakness, and geography. The research highlights the need for a comprehensive approach that addresses these complex issues to achieve lasting peace.
A new study reveals that lap-and-shoulder seat belts perform as well as child safety seats in preventing serious injury, while safety seats are better at reducing less serious injuries. Lap belts are also more effective than riding unrestrained, with a statistically significant reduction in injuries.
Researchers discovered that injections of N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) can prevent memory loss induced by breast cancer chemotherapy drugs. The study, published in the Springer journal Metabolic Brain Disease, suggests a potential remedy for chemobrain symptoms, which affect up to 40% of cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.
A DNA-based study has found that the last woolly mammoths had exclusively North American roots, contradicting previous assumptions. The research used ancient DNA from Siberian and North American specimens to reconstruct the evolutionary history of the species.
Researchers have developed a gene therapy that prevents blindness in an animal model of mitochondrial dysfunction. The treatment, which involves allotropic expression of mitochondrial genes, restored normal function to human fibroblasts with mutated mtDNA, effectively rescuing animals from impending blindness.
A Northwestern University research team found that cell metabolisms have evolved to be exceptionally robust, adopting organizational structures that minimize the impact of gene deletions and mutations. This could lead to improved understanding of how to design synthetic networks with similar robustness.
A paper on stress urinary incontinence treatment has been retracted from publication after an investigation found critical deficiencies in patient consent and document authenticity. Senior author Georg Bartsch denied involvement, but the study's flaws have raised concerns about research integrity.
A study published in Public Library of Science found no association between the MMR vaccine and the onset of autism or gastrointestinal symptoms in children. The study analyzed bowel tissues from 25 children with autism and GI disturbances, as well as 13 controls, and found no presence of measles virus RNA in either group.
Low-birth-weight children may develop hypertension later in life, and measuring blood pressure is crucial to identify this condition early. Automated devices might overstate systolic blood pressure, so manual methods are recommended to confirm results.
Researchers discovered that immune cells have an unexpected compensatory mechanism to take over for nonfunctional XLF, allowing them to maintain normal immune system function. XLF-deficient mice exhibit modest decreases in mature lymphocyte numbers and nearly normal V(D)J recombination during development.
Researchers have developed a novel biometric authentication method based on human reflexes, which cannot be replicated or spoofed by malicious individuals. By tracking blind spot position and saccade responses, this approach provides unique identification for each user.
A Kaiser Permanente study found that obese adults with asthma are nearly five times more likely to be hospitalized for their condition. The study controlled for various risk factors and found that obese people with asthma have significantly worse asthma control and lower quality of life.
Researchers discover HIV's ability to break down the internal skeleton of resting T cells, allowing it to overcome a previously resistant barrier. This process involves the activation of protein cofilin and actin microfilaments, which may provide a new target for therapy.
Scientists have discovered a connection between Apobec3 and the production of neutralizing antibodies against HIV, potentially shedding light on why most people who contract the virus don't develop effective immunity. The study's findings could lead to new insights into developing HIV drugs and vaccines.
A large-scale study has identified a range of genetic mutations and signaling pathways disrupted in glioblastoma, the most common adult brain cancer. The findings validate the potential of unbiased genome analysis to lead to paradigm-shifting discoveries and identify new targets for treatment.
The NC State-led FREEDM ERC will develop technology to transform the nation's power grid into a smart grid that can store and distribute energy from renewable sources. This 'Internet for energy' system will enable millions of users to generate their own energy and sell excess back to the power companies.
A new computer program may reveal a way to predict premature birth with greater accuracy. The system, developed by Australian researchers and a pathology company, analyzes hormone levels to identify high-risk pregnancies.
The Lancet Editorial emphasizes the importance of independent medical assessment for hunger strikers and criticizes the lack of emphasis on impartial advice and care. Force feeding is deemed unacceptable in clinical management, and prisoners or detainees are entitled to highest clinical standards worldwide.
A lack of standard definition hinders efforts to regulate predatory lending practices, which target borrower vulnerabilities and involve excessive lending beyond affordable capacity. Researchers recommend strengthening industry standards through legal action and self-regulation.
UVA researchers have developed a method to reduce MRSA infections by rotating antibiotics every three months, resulting in a significant decrease in infection rates from 1.9 to 1.4 patients per 100 admissions. In-hospital mortality from surgical ICU-acquired MRSA infections also fell to zero.
A recent study found that public health institutions can increase HIV prevention program enrollment by up to 15% by offering a neutral message, rather than an invitation to counseling. This approach is particularly effective for participants with no intention of using condoms.
A new study found that firms with high analyst coverage engage in excessive external financing and capital spending, resulting in lower future returns. Firms with high analyst coverage tend to have higher levels of investment compared to those with low analyst coverage.
Researchers have developed a new class of polymer-based semiconductors that distribute themselves evenly at the top and bottom of the film, enabling large-scale manufacturing. This breakthrough could lead to practical, high-performance electronic devices such as flexible displays and photovoltaic cells.
The study identifies frequently mutated genes, including ERBB2 and NF1, which were previously underestimated in their role in glioblastoma. The analysis also provides a wide view of how cell pathways are altered during the initiation and growth of glioblastoma, offering insights into strategies to diagnose and treat the disease.
The new calibration system uses a Nobel Prize-winning technology to create an extremely precise 'ruler' for spectrographs. This will enable astronomers to accurately measure the velocities of stars and galaxies, search for planets around other stars, and study the expansion of the Universe.
A team of researchers has conducted a comprehensive analysis of genomic variation in glioblastoma, the most common and aggressive primary brain tumor. The study's findings highlight the importance of integrating genomic and epigenomic measurements to better understand cancer genetics.