Scientists at UC San Diego discovered a downward curve in the pitch of blue whale songs across the globe. The decline may be due to an increase in population size, allowing males to sing lower frequency songs that don't need to travel as far.
Researchers at UBC Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics report detailed structure and function of YEATS domain protein Yaf9, a key player in chromatin regulation. The study reveals conserved function from yeast to humans, shedding light on mechanisms of chromatin modification.
A study found that calorie-restricted diets alter proteins in abdominal subcutaneous fat cells, which could serve as markers for improving or tracking therapy effects. Volunteers who lost an average of 21 pounds showed changes in protein levels, offering new insights into the mechanisms behind these diets.
Children with poor reading skills showed increased brain connectivity after intensive training, making significant gains in reading and potentially leading to improved treatments for developmental conditions like autism. The study suggests that behavioral training can enhance brain function and improve communication between brain regions.
Astronauts returning from long-duration space missions face balance problems, including dizziness and difficulty standing. Researchers have developed an adaptability training system using a treadmill with simulated balance disturbances to help them adapt quickly.
A new cancer drug, R-Roscovitine, has been found to kill eosinophils that exacerbate asthma symptoms. Researchers believe this could offer an alternative treatment for resistant asthma patients.
A new study reveals that older dental fillings, containing beta-mercuric sulfide or metacinnabar, are unlikely to be toxic. The surface forms of mercury in these fillings lose up to 95% of their mercury over time, making human exposure less concerning.
The center will study autoimmune diseases, with a focus on multiple sclerosis and systemic lupus erythematosus, aiming to find new treatments by understanding the immune response mechanisms.
A new study by Dr. Steven Hunter found that low-carbohydrate high-fat diets do not lead to greater weight loss and increase cardiovascular disease risks. The research highlights the potential dangers of these diets for people at risk of Type 2 diabetes and obesity.
The report concludes that performance-based financial incentives could provide the necessary political will for action in developing countries. It also highlights opportunities for progress in the short-term by addressing broader causes of deforestation, such as agricultural sector pressures.
A German research team found that a severe influenza pandemic could result in a 40-50% reduction of RBC transfusion units in Germany, with up to 100,000 units being denied due to urgent needs. The study highlights the need for better understanding of demand and prioritization schemes.
A new mouse model of lung cancer has been developed that replicates the resistance of human lung cancer cells to certain treatments. The study identified secondary mutations in the EGFR gene that contribute to this resistance, which may be targetable with specific drugs.
Researchers found that genetic variations in the Sonic Hedgehog pathway increase the likelihood of bladder cancer recurrence, reduce survival time, and limit response to immunotherapy. Patients with certain variations had a significantly shorter recurrence-free survival time compared to those without.
Researchers found that tropical forest fragments store significantly less biomass and carbon dioxide than continuous natural forests. The study used a simulation model to analyze the impact of habitat fragmentation on the Atlantic Forest in Brazil.
Researchers at Brown University have identified a cellular mechanism that enables cells to transform their state, which could lead to new insights into diseases. The study found that a regulatory protein removes a lid from genes, allowing the cell to change its identity.
A phase I/II study at Johns Hopkins Medicine has shown that mini stem cell transplantation can safely reverse severe sickle cell disease in nine out of ten patients. The procedure, which uses intravenous transplants of blood-forming stem cells from healthy donors, promotes the coexistence of host and donor cells.
A faint star Alcor has been found to have a smaller red dwarf companion, orbiting it every 90 years. The discovery was made using the 'common parallactic motion' technique developed by Project 1640, which measures the movement of nearby stars relative to more distant ones.
A ubiquitous health monitoring system developed by Japanese researchers can cut hospital visits and save lives by detecting changes in a patient's vital signs. The system uses wearable sensors to track temperature, pulse, and waist size, transmitting data via cellular networks and alerting families or doctors to potential health issues.
A University of British Columbia study found that tropical birds waited until the formation of the Isthmus of Panama land bridge to migrate northward, revealing a key role in biodiversity exchange. The research suggests that many tropical bird species were reluctant to fly across open water and instead waited for the land bridge comple...
Researchers at the University of Rochester have discovered a method to turn metals black using a high-intensity laser burst, allowing them to detect electromagnetic radiation in the terahertz range. This technology has the potential to enable unprecedented diagnoses of diseases by detecting molecular properties of diseased tissues.
Researchers found that xanthohumol, a flavonoid derived from hops, blocks the effects of testosterone and prevents prostate cancer. The study suggests that this compound may have beneficial effects in animals, reducing hormone signaling and gene expression in prostate tissue.
Researchers investigated manometric measurements in patients with isolated distal reflux (IDR) to compare findings in those with erosive esophagitis and non-erosive esophagitis. IEM was observed only in patients with erosive disease, suggesting a potential pathophysiological link.
A Wisconsin statewide blood screening program successfully identified newborns with T-cell lymphopenia, a severe immune disorder. The test, which analyzes DNA from dried blood spots, detected the condition in eight infants and showed promise as a cost-effective method for early diagnosis.
Merkel cells are essential for distinguishing shapes and textures, enabling hand dexterity through the sensory coding of light touch. The discovery confirms these cells are required for this function.
A randomized controlled trial found that high-flow oxygen was more effective in treating cluster headache pain than a placebo, with 78% of patients reporting pain-free relief within 15 minutes. The treatment was also superior for other outcomes up to 60 minutes, with no serious adverse events reported.
Researchers discovered that H1N1 virus retained the bird version of the polymerase but had an additional mutation that allowed it to function in human cells. This new combination increased the virus's efficiency in human cells and could potentially lead to increased virulence and pathogenicity.
Peliosis hepatis, a rare pathological entity, can lead to spontaneous liver rupture, a life-threatening condition that necessitates prompt medical intervention. The case report highlights the importance of considering PH in patients with risk factors, emphasizing the need for early diagnosis and treatment to prevent severe complications.
Researchers found that estrogen stimulates parts of the brain dedicated to learning and memory through a protein called calpain. This discovery may lead to better drugs against Alzheimer's and other neurodegenerative diseases by targeting calpain directly.
Researchers identified significant gaps in HPV vaccine uptake among low-income minority groups, with disparities in knowledge, awareness, and healthcare provider recommendations. Tailored interventions are necessary to address these barriers and increase vaccination rates.
A study by Penn State researchers used a computer model to compare senators' voting records to their floor statements on issues. The findings showed that legislators tend to use nouns and adjectives that signal their voting patterns. Future research could include building automated programs to analyze real-time data.
Researchers at Tufts University have discovered how the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi prolongs its life in human host cells by activating anti-apoptotic molecules, enabling it to evade death. This study provides new insights into the mechanisms behind Chagas' disease.
A groundbreaking study published in the journal Pain reveals that humans have a unique sensory system located in blood vessels and sweat glands, which can provide conscious tactile information. This discovery may contribute to understanding mysterious pain conditions such as migraine headaches and fibromyalgia.
North Carolina State University's College of Veterinary Medicine requires all students to receive disaster training, enabling them to respond to the needs of both people and animals in the wake of disasters. This comprehensive program equips veterinarians with advanced state and federal disaster certifications.
A new study led by the University of Michigan reveals that polar bears get their nutrition from two main food webs: phytoplankton-based and ice algae-based. The research found that those who primarily eat phytoplankton have higher mercury concentrations, highlighting the importance of understanding Arctic ecosystems.
Archaeological evidence supports the idea that maize was adopted by Southwestern hunter-gatherers through group-to-group transmission. The researchers' scenario proposes an early (7,000 B.C.) north-to-south movement of Proto-Uto-Aztecan hunter-gatherers, followed by division into northern and southern Uto-Aztecan-speaking groups.
Scientists have ruled out meteorites as a source of methane on Mars, raising hopes that the gas might be generated by life on the red planet. Methane levels are replenished by an unknown source, with two plausible theories remaining: microorganisms producing methane as a by-product or reactions between volcanic rock and water.
A study found that 22.3% of dialysis patients receiving percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) received contraindicated antithrombotic medications, leading to increased rates of in-hospital major bleeding and death. The researchers emphasize the need for educational efforts targeting clinicians and quality improvement interventions.
Researchers found that bone marrow cells can significantly reduce the risk of death or another heart attack in patients who have had a heart attack. The treatment, known as progenitor-cell therapy, showed benefits for at least two years after the initial heart attack.
A new approach to understanding and treating lower back pain has been introduced by MSU researcher N. Peter Reeves, focusing on the interaction of parts within complex systems. The approach aims to provide a more comprehensive understanding of spinal control and diagnose treat conditions more effectively.
Astronomer Dan Dicken uses Spitzer Space Telescope data to study heat energy from distant active galaxies, aiming to distinguish between starbursts and supermassive black holes. His research could help understand galaxy evolution, co-evolution of black holes and their host galaxies, and the diversity of active galactic nuclei.
A study found that people living in poorer neighborhoods are at a higher risk for death and have worse health outcomes, regardless of their dietary and lifestyle habits. The research controlled for various risk factors but still showed a significant association between neighborhood deprivation and increased mortality.
Researchers found that young adults in casual relationships do not experience higher levels of emotional distress compared to those in committed relationships. The study surveyed over 1,300 young adults and found a lower percentage of males reporting casual sexual encounters.
Two Duke undergraduates, Sarah Steele and Langtian Yuan, identified compounds that inhibit the enzyme protein kinase C zeta (PKCzeta) in brain chemistry changes involved in memory and learning. Their discovery may lead to a new remedy for methamphetamine and cocaine addiction.
A large population-based study of 5,042 female breast cancer survivors in China found that moderate soy food intake is safe and associated with lower mortality and recurrence rates. The study suggests that women with breast cancer may benefit from consuming soy foods as part of their treatment plan.
A study published in Nature found that testosterone actually encourages fair behaviors if it serves to ensure one's own status. The hormone increases sensitivity for status, leading to pro-social behavior in humans, rather than aggression. This challenges the long-held assumption that testosterone causes aggressive behavior.
The ASCB annual meeting featured the winners of 'Celldance 2009,' a film and still image contest recognizing scientifically important and visually engaging cell content. This year's top prize winners included Angela Stathopoulos for her video '2PEF Imaging Captures Gastrulation in Fly Embryos' and Aswati Subramanian for her scanning el...
According to a new study published in Injury Prevention, the risk of serious injury at resident summer camps is relatively low compared to other popular youth activities. The study found that less than 3% of camp injuries required hospital admission, with nearly 75% of injuries sustained by campers.
Researchers at the University of Florida have found a way to use reduced dosages of the chemotherapy drug TMZ to achieve better results against colon cancer cells. By combining TMZ with a small molecule, they were able to disable the ability of tumor cells to repair DNA damage.
A diet rich in pistachios may increase dietary intake and serum levels of gamma-tocopherol, potentially reducing lung cancer risk. Pistachio consumption has also been linked to a lower risk of prostate cancer.
A new study published in the Journal of Pediatric Psychology found that children with PTSD symptoms exhibit poor hippocampus function, which can lead to avoidance and numbing symptoms. The research provides a potential biomarker for early detection and improved treatments for traumatized children.
A genetic signature associated with poor patient outcomes could lead to improved therapies for ovarian cancer. The study found that MAGP2, a previously unknown cancer gene, was overexpressed in tumors of patients who died more quickly.
Researchers used EUS with contrast-enhanced harmonic imaging to diagnose small pancreatic carcinomas. Periodic follow-ups revealed accurate diagnosis of disease progression in patients with branch duct intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN).
The GPM mission will provide uniformly calibrated precipitation measurements globally every 2-4 hours for scientific research and societal applications. The mission builds on the success of TRMM and includes a Dual-frequency Precipitation Radar (DPR) and a multi-channel GPM Microwave Imager (GMI) to improve precipitation estimates.
Research shows human umbilical stem cells can improve corneal transparency and thickness in laboratory mice. The treatment has the potential to replace corneal transplants as an alternative therapy for severe genetic and corneal eye diseases.
A new study at Virginia Tech suggests that parents with weaker working memory skills are less able to control their emotions in response to children's misbehavior. This can lead to chronic parental negativity, which may reinforce negative behavior in children.
The university's School of Medicine will oversee two international trial sites in Uganda and the Philippines to test new TB treatments and regimens. The contract aims to improve TB treatment and control programs globally, benefiting millions of people affected by the disease.
Ray Jayawardhana, a University of Toronto astronomer, has been awarded the 2009 Steacie Prize for his exceptional contributions to astrophysics research. His discoveries have made headlines on several occasions, including capturing the first direct image of a giant planet revolving around a young sun-like star.
The US pediatric oral health report, published in Academic Pediatrics, emphasizes the need to improve outcomes and address disparities. The report presents key findings on the state of pediatric oral health in the US, including the prevalence of dental caries and access to care.
A novel framework encourages adult stem cells to differentiate into heart cells by mimicking the elasticity alterations that occur in protein scaffolds. More cardiomyocytes were formed on this framework than with conventional techniques, suggesting improved cardiac differentiation.
A study by Duke University researchers discovered a commonality in the genetic codes of human sex receptors and those found in other primates. This similarity suggests that varying sensitivity to specific odors may play a role in mate selection, potentially preventing cross-species couplings.