Researchers discovered greater serotonin transporter levels in brain regions during fall/winter compared to spring/summer, suggesting more serotonin removal. This finding explains why some experience low mood and energy in the winter.
Iowa State University physicists are part of the research team taking notes as the first beam of protons begins racing around the world's largest particle accelerator. The collider aims to answer basic questions about how the universe works, including how particles acquire mass and what is dark matter.
Researchers found no significant differences in adverse events or outcomes between patients who received antihypertensive treatments and those who didn't. Patients requiring blood pressure lowering therapy had more severe strokes and higher blood glucose levels, but still benefited from clot-busting treatment.
A study found that bearded vultures choose bones with the highest fat content for their consumption and delivery to their young. This finding has significant implications for conservation efforts, as it suggests that providing the most nutritious bones in feeding programs can aid in the expansion and breeding of this endangered species.
The Cancer Genome Atlas reports findings on the MGMT gene, which makes brain cancer cells more responsive to treatment but also leads to mutations in other genes essential for DNA repair. These mutations contribute to cancer recurrence and resistance to treatment.
Research published in Archives of Disease in Childhood suggests that bilingual children are significantly more likely to stutter and find it harder to lose their impediment than monolingual children. Children who exclusively spoke one language before the age of 5 had a higher recovery rate from stuttering by the age of 12.
Patients who recover well from head injuries often report mental fatigue and decreased performance compared to healthy individuals. A recent study found that their brains show increased activity in key regions, indicating a need for enhanced cognitive support.
Researchers found massive swirling structures called gyres in the Southern Ocean, trapping pollutants and nutrients. These features play a crucial role in pumping heat poleward, moderating the planet's extremes in climate.
The September issue of the Journal of Health and Social Behavior reports findings on mental health and household crowding, barriers to care, workplace dynamics and caregiving. Women in crowded homes are more likely to be depressed than men, while white men attach greater stigma to mental health care.
A safety study on gene therapy for a rare form of blindness has shown promising results, with three patients regaining some vision. The treatment involves delivering a gene called RPE65 to the retina using an adeno-associated virus, and has been found to be fully safe with no adverse effects beyond routine postsurgical soreness.
The University of Houston has trained its first class of 'homegrown' oil geophysicists in Africa, addressing a critical shortage in the petroleum industry. The program, in collaboration with the University of Cape Town, provided a comprehensive education in petroleum geophysics and prepared students for jobs in the oil industry.
The U.S. Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute has updated the Integrated Microbial Genome System with new microbial genomes, improving its capabilities for analyzing metagenomic data. The system now includes tools for exploring gene cassettes conservation and examining functional annotation of genomes.
Scientists discovered that Cryptococcus yeast cells hide inside macrophages and use them as vehicles to travel through the body before attacking and spreading. This new escape mechanism allows the yeast cells to evade antifungal drugs and the immune system, making fatal infections harder to treat.
A study of 11 pediatric patients treated for golf-related eye injuries found that most injuries occur during unsupervised play or with other children wielding golf clubs. The authors recommend close adult supervision, protective eyewear for children learning to play golf, and secure storage of golf equipment.
The UK government's 'bare below the elbows' rule for doctors is aimed at reducing hospital-acquired infections like MRSA and C.difficile. However, medical opinion is divided on whether this policy will compromise professional image without sufficient evidence of infection reduction.
Researchers at Virginia Tech have created a new class of stable molecules that could revolutionize the field of molecular semiconductors. The discovery involves replacing one atom in a carbon fullerene with nitrogen, creating a unique electronic bond that could improve the sensitivity of MRI and NMR technologies.
Researchers at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center found a correlation between non-subcutaneous fat and calcified plaque in the arteries, increasing cardiovascular event risk. The study suggests targeting non-subcutaneous fat may be key to preventing heart disease.
A multicenter clinical trial funded by the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation found that continuous glucose monitoring significantly improved blood sugar control in patients with type 1 diabetes. HbA1c levels decreased by an average of 0.53% in patients aged 25 and older, while improvements were not observed in younger age groups.
A new study by the American Cancer Society found that lung cancer death rates among never-smokers are highest among men, African Americans, and Asians in Asia. The review analyzed data from over 630,000 individuals and found that the incidence of lung cancer among lifelong nonsmokers is similar to brain and nervous system cancers.
Common painkillers such as aspirin and ibuprofen appear to lower a man's PSA level, the blood biomarker used to gauge prostate cancer risk. However, the study does not prove a direct link between the medications and reduced risk of prostate cancer.
Brookhaven researchers modified a desaturase enzyme to produce three new products, including two variations of an allylic alcohol and a fatty acid with two double bonds. The discovery expands the potential for engineering designer plant oils as biofuels and raw materials.
According to sociologist Germain Dulac, every father must see his child once in a while, regardless of the relationship. The researcher found that regular contact between fathers and children is beneficial for both parties, including support groups that help dads stay involved.
John van den Anker, MD, PhD, director of Pediatric Clinical Pharmacology at Children's National Medical Center, has received the American College of Clinical Pharmacology (ACCP) Distinguished Investigator Award. The award recognizes his sustained and prolific contributions to pediatric clinical pharmacology.
Researchers found that HPV testing with P16INK4A expression increases sensitivity for detecting high-grade precancerous cervical lesions compared to conventional cytology. This improvement comes without increasing referral to colposcopy. The study suggests using triage by P16INK4A immunostaining in HPV-positive women.
A study of 704 Amish adults found that those with low physical activity levels had a stronger association between FTO gene variants and increased BMI. Physical activity levels above average were shown to offset the genetic predisposition to obesity, suggesting personalized lifestyle recommendations may be effective in preventing weight...
Researchers developed a novel method to produce gold nanorods using an ionic liquid, eliminating the need for cytotoxic additives. This approach allows for efficient conversion of light energy into heat, making it suitable for photoinduced hyperthermia treatments.
A Tel Aviv University study found that two-thirds of cat-dog households reported a positive relationship, while aggression was observed in 10%. Cats and dogs can learn to read each other's body signals, suggesting they may have more in common than thought.
A team of researchers at Wake Forest University School of Medicine has been awarded a $9.3 million grant from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute to investigate blood lipoproteins and their role in preventing coronary heart disease. The study aims to identify molecular events regulating cholesterol transport in blood.
Researchers at Harvard School of Public Health have discovered a common genetic influence on vitamin B12 levels in the blood, suggesting a new way to approach the biological connections between an important biochemical variable and deficiency-related diseases. The study found that a gene variant associated with higher B12 levels may pr...
Researchers found that anti-angiogenic drugs block chemotherapy-induced blood vessel formation, thereby hindering tumor regrowth. This mechanism may explain why some chemotherapy combinations enhance treatment efficacy.
Researchers have discovered a link between gum disease and heart disease, suggesting that controlling gum disease could reduce the risk of heart attacks. The study found that heat shock proteins produced by bacteria can initiate atherosclerosis, a condition that causes "furring" of the arteries.
A new study found that hospitals can save significantly by implementing palliative care programs for seriously ill patients. Savings ranged from $279 to $374 per day and up to $2.5 million annually.
Researchers used computer models to simulate processes forming valley networks, finding evidence for liquid water stability at the Martian surface for tens of thousands of years. The study suggests episodic flooding alternated with long dry periods, contradicting alternative theories.
A concentration of video lottery terminals (VLTs) in underprivileged Montreal neighborhoods poses a risk to public health due to easy access. Researchers Éric Robitaille and Patrick Herjean found that over 96% of Park Extension residents can walk to a VLT within three minutes.
A study of 2 million people and 22 cancer registries found that African Americans and Asians living outside the US have higher death rates from lung cancer than Europeans. Lung cancer risk among never smokers is not increasing, contradicting previous research.
Research reveals UK children's physical activity levels are 6 times lower than reported national data, with actual levels at 24 minutes a day. Only 3% of boys and 2% of girls meet the recommended daily amounts of moderate to vigorous physical activity.
Researchers have discovered that the blood-boosting effects of erythropoietin are not related to its impact on cognition. Instead, EPO directly influences neurons in the brain, improving memory and cognitive function. The findings may lead to new treatments for neurodegenerative diseases.
Researchers at the University of Notre Dame have made significant discoveries about bacterial cell wall recycling. The study reveals that a specific enzyme, M1tB, plays a crucial role in breaking down the cell wall, leading to pro-inflammatory events associated with bacterial infections.
Researchers have developed a new strain of bacteria that can convert waste plant fibre into ethanol, providing a potential solution to the UK's transport fuel needs. The process is energy-efficient and uses agricultural waste materials, offering greater environmental benefits than traditional biofuels.
Researchers at Dartmouth's Thayer School of Engineering have developed a thermophilic bacterium that can produce ethanol from cellulosic biomass without adding enzymes. This discovery brings the US closer to alternative fuel production and offers significant environmental benefits.
A new analysis reveals that fewer than half of older patients with colorectal cancer receive the recommended screening schedule to detect any recurrence. The study found that some patients may not meet guideline standards due to other procedures, while others receive testing that goes beyond guidelines.
Regular NSAID use can reduce serum PSA levels, potentially altering prostate cancer detection in individuals taking these medications. Chronic inflammation linked to prostate cancer may be masked by NSAIDs, which inhibit COX enzymes.
Researchers at Ohio State University found that people who watch fake news shows learn far less about political issues and candidates compared to those watching television news. However, both media types promote some knowledge gain, with news showing more factual information and learning about key topics.
Researchers used thermal neutron attenuation to measure in-situ water content and uptake of nutrients by plants, providing a non-invasive method for studying root systems. The technique, called neutron computed tomography, has potential applications in agricultural practices and ecosystem sustainability.
A national study found 27.5% of married or cohabiting men report perpetrating physical violence against their female partner. Men who witnessed parental violence as children were almost 4 times more likely to be violent.
Researchers estimate that forests in the upper Midwest can store an average of 1,300 pounds of carbon per acre per year, with some regions storing over 350,000 tons annually. Effective forest management can sustain or increase this capacity for future generations.
A survey of 124 eye patients found that 76.6% identified as Christian, with 69.4% reporting prayer is very important to their sense of well-being. The study suggests acknowledging patients' spiritual beliefs can enhance the healing process and establish trust between patients and physicians.
A simple blood test to detect Alzheimer's disease is within sight, with a specific peptide in the blood plasma indicating increased risk. The decline of this peptide may reflect the compartmentalization of amyloid Beta 42 in the brain, occurring in people with Alzheimer's.
A study by University of Maryland researchers found that high physical activity levels can blunt the effect of the FTO gene variant, which is linked to increased risk of obesity. The study analyzed genes and lifestyle of Old Order Amish individuals, finding no association between the gene and body weight in highly active participants.
The Balzan Foundation has awarded four prestigious prizes in 2008 for outstanding contributions in Visual Arts, Moral Philosophy, Preventive Medicine, and Science of Climate Change. Maurizio Calvesi, Thomas Nagel, Ian H. Frazer, and Wallace S. Broecker received the awards with a total prize money of one million Swiss Francs.
A new study reveals that tumor blood vessel cells have the potential to differentiate into cartilage- or bone-like tissues, making them remarkably atypical. The research also found that these cells can undergo calcification, a process that may facilitate metastasis and tumor cell entry into the bloodstream.
A study of 2,978 women aged 70 and older found that those sleeping five hours or less per night had a higher risk of falls. The risk was also associated with reduced sleep efficiency and greater wake time after initial sleep onset.
A recent study found that exposure to fine particles and black carbon from traffic sources was associated with ST-segment depression in patients with coronary artery disease. The study suggests that air pollution can affect heart health through inflammation of the heart muscle or reduced blood flow, highlighting the need for vigilance ...
Researchers found that IKKalpha acts as a sentry to monitor and regulate keratinocyte proliferation, preventing the development of squamous cell carcinomas. Deleting IKKalpha induced cancer in mouse models by activating the epidermal growth factor receptor pathway.
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.