A lack of serotonin in the brain slows mouse growth and impairs maternal behavior, but not overall survival. Female mice with deficient serotonin still give birth and produce milk, but their offspring suffer poor survival rates.
Leading European scientific institutions are linking up their polar research through a new framework agreement, aiming to improve international teams and collaborative efforts. This will facilitate the launch of joint funding calls, share scientific data, and host scientists in each other's research stations.
A study in Zoonoses and Public Health confirms Chronix's potential for early disease detection, identifying signature sequences in serum DNA before clinical symptoms appear. The findings advance the company's ability to apply these results to laboratory tests for routine clinical use.
Researchers found that populations at the northern edge of a species' range experienced problems when exposed to warmer conditions, contradicting the assumption that they would increase. The study used two butterfly species and found that interactions among species could change under climate change.
Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital developed a protein detectable in urine as a potential biomarker for appendicitis. The leucine-rich alpha-2-glycoprotein (LRG) marker showed near-perfect sensitivity and specificity, and was strongly elevated in diseased appendices.
The ProTECT III study aims to enroll 1,140 patients across 15 states to confirm preliminary findings on progesterone's effectiveness in reducing mortality and disability in acute traumatic-brain-injured patients. Researchers believe progesterone's neuroprotective properties could lead to life-saving benefits.
Researchers found that people prefer to be addressed in their right ear and are more likely to perform a task when receiving a request there. In noisy night club environments, the side bias was consistently displayed, with 72% of interactions occurring on the right side.
A study of over 7,500 individuals found that first-degree atrioventricular block is associated with a two-fold increased risk of atrial fibrillation, a three-fold increased risk of pacemaker implantation, and a 1.4-fold increased risk of all-cause death. The researchers suggest that the natural history of this condition may not be as b...
Four leading biologists will present their research on the biological causes of aging, revealing that complex molecules become dysfunctional over time. The symposium aims to advance our understanding of aging and its relationship with age-associated diseases.
A study of 115 young women with iron deficiency anemia found that serological screening for H. pylori and celiac disease increased gastroscopy compliance rates. The tests were confirmed by gastroscopy, which identified IDA-related GI causes in most cases.
Researchers identified a new biomarker that can predict which patients with recurrent glioblastoma will respond better to anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy. The study found that vascular normalization, measured using advanced MRI and blood biomarkers, correlated with survival rates.
The survey found that women made up 56% of Obama's small donors, while McCain's were 61% male. Younger donors, aged 18-29, also favored Obama, with 15% of his small donors in this age group compared to 5% for McCain. Additionally, Obama's donors were more likely to be better educated and less affluent than McCain's. The campaign's onli...
A study by Ewa Gustafsson found that young adults with neck, arm, or hand symptoms tend to use their mobile phones differently than healthy controls. They often text message while hunched over and use the single thumb technique, which can lead to increased stress on hands and reduced breaks.
A recent study suggests that weight-loss surgery could be associated with reduced cancer risk in obese women, with a 42% decrease in first-time cancers over 10 years. However, the surgery had no effect on cancer incidence in men. The findings indicate that bariatric surgery may have broader benefits for women's cancer prevention.
The Human Microbiome Project is expanding its efforts to understand the relationship between the microbiome and human health. The NIH has awarded over $42 million to fund sequencing centers and disease projects, including studies on psoriasis, bacterial vaginosis, obesity, and Crohn's disease.
A genetically engineered mouse reproduces many of the non-motor symptoms associated with Parkinson's disease, including digestive problems and loss of sense of smell. The mice have delayed emptying of the stomach, fall asleep more quickly, and display signs of depression in tests.
A nationwide survey found that nearly nine out of ten adult Americans obtain weather forecasts daily, placing a value of 10.5 cents on each forecast, resulting in an annual value of $31.5 billion.
A novel adenoviral vector specifically targets the EphA2 receptor on pancreatic cancer cells, improving transduction by 10-fold in vitro. However, in vivo studies show limited targeting to human pancreatic cancer nodules upon injection into mice.
Researchers have created a new breast biopsy technique using a mechanical arm to guide the needle, resulting in increased success rates and reduced procedure times. The system has shown promise for improving biopsy efficiency and accuracy, especially for radiologists of varying experience levels.
A new study describes recent excavations in Jordan revealing the world's oldest known granaries, dating back to 11,500-10,550 B.C. The discovery sheds light on the evolution of food storage and its role in shaping Neolithic societies.
NASA has selected five contractors to receive Aircraft Catalog Blanket Purchase Agreements, allowing access to a variety of airborne platforms for science research and range support. The agreements have a maximum ordering value of $10 million and are valid through February 7, 2013.
A new study reports a safe and effective nonsurgical technique for repairing leaking mitral valves, which could significantly reduce risks associated with surgical repair. The Percutaneous Transvenous Mitral Annuloplasty (PTMA) system improved mitral regurgitation in patients treated with the reversible implant.
A new study found that increased growth factor activation is associated with poor prognosis and tamoxifen-insensitivity in luminal-B breast cancers. Targeting this pathway may lead to a new therapeutic strategy for these patients.
The Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter has entered lunar orbit, marking a crucial milestone for the mission, which aims to compile high-resolution maps of the lunar surface and survey it at various spectral wavelengths.
Researchers discovered that anxious individuals struggle to avoid distractions and take longer to switch attention between tasks. Training techniques to enhance attentional control may help anxious students achieve their full potential.
Researchers found that 31P MRS can detect changes in liver ATP levels related to liver damage score and pathologic changes. The study showed significant differences in ATP quantification among groups, indicating its potential as a non-invasive method for detecting early acute hepatic radiation injury.
A case of Meckel's diverticulum masked by intermittent recurrent subocclusive episodes is presented, highlighting the difficulty in diagnosing this condition due to overlapping symptoms. Laparoscopy proved to be a crucial diagnostic tool in establishing the final diagnosis and also therapeutic in nature.
A nationwide survey found that nearly 9 out of 10 adult Americans obtain weather forecasts regularly, with an estimated 300 billion forecasts used each year. The study reveals that most people are satisfied with forecasts and place a high value on them, equivalent to $31.5 billion annually.
Tel Aviv University researchers found that 50% of happiness is genetically determined, with positive psychology exercises improving participants' happiness levels by up to 30%. The study aims to bridge the gap between psychology and clinical medicine, exploring physical benefits of mental well-being.
A NASA-funded study is predicting land abandonment in Russia by incorporating population trends, cultural factors, and climate change. The research aims to determine which lands are most likely to be abandoned in the future, with ethnic groups playing a key role in this trend.
A study published in JAMA Network reveals a strong association between midlife migraines with aura and an increased prevalence of brain lesions in older age. Women were more likely to develop cerebellum-related lesions, suggesting a potential link between migraine with aura and brain function.
A new study found that underweight people have the highest risk of dying, followed by extremely obese individuals. In contrast, overweight people had a lower risk of dying compared to their normal-weight counterparts.
Scientists discovered two critical biochemical pathways for Ebola virus entry into cells and developed inhibitors to block them. The UTMB team prevented Ebola infection in cell culture experiments, a crucial step towards developing the first therapy for the deadly disease.
The 2008 federal elections saw a significant shift in campaign fundraising, with Democrats surpassing Republicans in raising money from individuals. The Obama campaign's use of the Internet and ground game contributed to its substantial advantage in voter mobilization.
A M.D. Anderson study found a strong relationship between high body mass index in early adulthood and an increased risk of developing pancreatic cancer at a younger age. Excess weight before diagnosis was also associated with poor outcomes, including reduced overall survival time.
A study of 5,434 patients found that 7.1% of abnormal test results were not informed to patients or documented, with practices using paper and electronic records having the highest failure rates. Practices with better testing processes had lower failure rates and more satisfied physicians.
Researchers discovered that music can induce moderate arousal with swelling crescendos and relaxation with decrescendos, modulating cardiovascular control. This study suggests a potential role for music in rehabilitative medicine, particularly for patients with heart and stroke conditions.
Researchers have created a tiny micron-sized device that allows them to measure and manipulate cellular forces as cells reorganize into tissues. This discovery has significant implications for the study of tissue mechanics and its role in coordinating cell signaling, gene expression, and behavior.
The study assesses the effectiveness of world fisheries management regimes using evaluations from nearly 1,200 fisheries experts. It reveals that most regimes are not meeting international standards and that transparency in converting scientific advice into policy is key to sustainability. Wealthier countries face challenges from exces...
Researchers found that most obsidian flakes originated in Kamchatka, suggesting a key role in maintaining social relationships among people living in the isolated Kuril Islands. The study's findings indicate that connections with other communities were essential for survival.
Researchers identified Gpx5 as a protective protein for immature sperm in the epididymis, reducing oxidative stress and associated with improved fertility outcomes. In contrast, males lacking Gpx5 showed increased miscarriage rates and fetal developmental defects.
Scientists have discovered a protein called prosaposin that inhibits tumor metastasis by blocking blood vessel growth. The study found that prosaposin significantly reduces lung and lymph node metastases in mice, increasing survival time.
A new ethnographic study reveals that unspoken memories of Holocaust survivors find silent expression in everyday family interactions, shaping the lives of their children. Eighty percent of interviewees did not experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), contradicting previous assumptions.
A UCLA study reveals that adolescents at high risk for schizophrenia show altered brain development, including reduced white matter integrity. This alteration can predict future functional decline and may be key to identifying individuals who need more treatment.
Researchers at Ohio State University used mathematical modeling to determine the optimal timing of the immune response to tuberculosis, finding that introducing interferon gamma during early stages could shorten the switching time and reduce bacterial load. The study suggests a cocktail approach to new TB therapies.
A new study found that intensive in-hospital smoking cessation support significantly increases long-term abstinence rates among heart patients compared to minimal support. Absence of previous heart attack, postsecondary education, and at-home smoking restrictions also contributed to successful cessation.
Kris Matyjaszewski developed an environmentally friendly form of Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization (ATRP), reducing copper catalyst levels by 1,000 times. This breakthrough has led to the creation of safer materials with tailored functionalities for various industries.
A new study reveals that 70% of participants harbor implicit stereotypes associating science with males, leading to boys performing better in eighth-grade science and math. The study highlights the powerful effect of these unconscious biases on gender equity in science engagement and performance.
Sexual medicine experts focus on treating causes of sexual dysfunction beyond physical issues, exploring relationship dynamics and hormonal imbalance. New treatments and options for women and men are being developed to address complex sexual health needs.
A study of 2911 men found that severe sleep-related breathing disorders are associated with a higher risk of abnormal heart rhythms. Different types of breathing problems are linked to different categories of arrhythmia, with obstructive sleep apnea linked to ventricular arrhythmias and central sleep apnea linked to atrial fibrillation.
Research from Washington University School of Medicine found substantial reductions in binge drinking nationwide, but not on college campuses. Binge drinking rates declined among young men and minority groups, but remained unchanged or increased among female collegians.
A study found that the Gpx5 protein helps protect immature mouse sperm from oxidative stress, which is associated with fertility issues and miscarriages. In contrast, high levels of IL-21 are linked to an increased risk of developing autoimmune diseases in multiple sclerosis patients treated with alemtuzumab.
Researchers at EMBL have produced a three-dimensional reconstruction of immature HIV, showing its protein coat assembly in unprecedented detail. The study suggests a simple model of HIV formation, involving multiple Gag proteins interacting to form a hexameric lattice.
A recent study found that bankruptcy rates vary widely across states due to differences in policy, including wage garnishment laws and Chapter 13 filings. Broad demographic factors such as age and income also influence filing rates.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University have developed a computer game therapy that corrects brain activity to treat lazy eyes, showing promising results in vision research publications. The treatment is already FDA-approved for adults and aims to make eye therapy fun for kids as well.
Research at Rush University Medical Center found that less frequent social participation is associated with a faster loss of motor function in older adults. The study, which followed 906 participants for five years, revealed that each one-point decrease in social activity was linked to a 33% more rapid decline.
A study of 5,434 patient records found that physicians failed to report clinically significant abnormal test results in nearly one in every 14 cases. Implementing simple processes such as routing all test results to the responsible physician and documenting patient notification can greatly lessen error rates.
A recent major study has found that children and young people with type 1 diabetes are more likely to be overweight or obese than those without diabetes. The research, which compared data from over 11,000 children and youths, also highlights significant differences in weight problems among different racial and ethnic groups.
A recent study published in PLOS Medicine reveals that inflammatory markers are more strongly associated with fatal than nonfatal cardiovascular events in elderly individuals. The study found that elevated levels of IL-6 and other inflammatory markers were linked to a higher risk of fatal heart attacks and strokes.
A new University of Illinois study explores the role of parent involvement on student achievement. The research found that dads who build close relationships with their children in the preschool years are more likely to stay involved when their child makes the transition to school. This early connection can set a positive tone for futu...