Researchers at the University of North Carolina found genetic variations that lead to less efficient glucose metabolism in African-American patients compared to whites. These findings suggest a link between diet and environment in shaping genetic predispositions to diabetes.
Researchers at UC Davis have developed a fast and accurate urine test for pneumonia using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The test identifies a unique chemical 'fingerprint' in the urine of patients infected with Streptococcus pneumoniae, distinguishing it from other types of pneumonia and noninfectious lung diseases.
USF researchers Paul Sanberg and Douglas Shytle developed TC-5214, a promising alternative to antidepressants, which has shown effectiveness in treating treatment-resistant depression. The $1B deal with AstraZeneca could generate substantial revenue for the university.
A new study reveals that most antidepressants miss the mark on a key brain protein called monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A), which is highly elevated during clinical depression. This finding has important implications for understanding why antidepressants don't always work, with potential benefits for developing more effective treatments.
Scripps Research scientists have determined the structure of the Ebola virus's critical protein VP35, which blocks the human immune system. The discovery may lead to new drug therapies and vaccines for Ebola infection.
The American Dietetic Association recommends wisely choosing a wide variety of nutrient-rich foods to promote optimal health. While supplements can help fill dietary gaps, registered dietitians are essential in educating consumers on safe selection and use of nutrients.
A study published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology found that PEG placement does not guarantee elimination of gastroesophageal reflux. The researchers identified factors contributing to GER persistence, including reflux esophagitis and altered gastroesophageal flap valve function.
The 'Immune Attack' video game increased teenagers' understanding of cell biology and molecular science, according to a study. Players navigated the microscopic world of immune system proteins and cells to save a patient with bacterial infection, measurably improving their knowledge.
Researchers at UT Houston are conducting a Phase II trial using adult human mesenchymal stem cells to treat acute heart attacks. The study shows promising results, with patients experiencing fewer arrhythmias and improved overall condition after receiving the treatment.
A recent study published in JAMA found that most primary care physician practices have too few patients to reliably measure quality and cost performance. The researchers analyzed data from over 2005 Medicare Part B and found that only a small percentage of practices had sufficient caseloads to detect significant differences in common m...
Researchers at UC San Diego are developing new regenerative therapies for heart disease using adult stem cells and supportive materials. The study found that cells placed in these materials differentiate into cardiac muscle more effectively, offering a promising solution to treat cardiovascular diseases.
A Purdue University scientist has developed a nanoparticle that protects oils in food products from oxidation, which causes spoilage and degradation. The nanoparticle, modified phytoglycogen octenyl succinate (PG-OS), doubles the shelf life of oil droplets by acting as an emulsifier and barrier to oxidation.
The University of Alaska Fairbanks has selected Marinette Marine Corporation to build the 254-foot Alaska Region Research Vessel, a state-of-the-art platform for studying climate change and its implications on the Arctic environment. The $123 million contract is funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
A new game called Immune Attack teaches 7th-12th graders about immune system proteins and cells. The game shows significant gains in confidence and knowledge among players, according to an FAS expert. The game is designed to inspire high school computer programming classes to create their own games.
The Medical College of Georgia is accelerating diabetes research with a $1.8 million stimulus grant, which will support the development of animal models and sophisticated testing procedures. The grant also enables scientists to analyze large datasets and identify key missteps in prostate cancer progression.
Rats exposed to tobacco smoke show affective and physical withdrawal signs, as well as nicotine-induced changes in the hippocampus, indicating nicotine dependence. The study suggests a rat model can be used to investigate tobacco smoke's effects on the human brain and evaluate novel treatments for tobacco addiction.
Researchers found that first-line ART can be delivered safely without routine biochemistry and haematology monitoring, but CD4-cell count monitoring has a small benefit in disease progression and mortality. The trial suggests that monitoring should start from the second year of ART to guide the switch to second-line treatment.
Cleo intensified from a Tropical Storm to a Cyclone, strengthening overnight and developing an eye. The MODIS instrument captured an image of Cleo on December 8 at 08:15 UTC, showing sustained winds near 109 mph with higher gusts.
The Ground Renewable Expeditionary ENergy System (GREENS) is a 300-watt photovoltaic/battery system that provides continuous power to Marines in the field. The system reduces logistical supply chain for fuel, cutting fuel use and costs associated with resupply convoys.
Researchers have found that transplanting human umbilical mesenchymal stem cells into mouse models can restore transparency to cloudy and thin corneas. The stem cells can survive in the stroma for over three months without rejection and become functional corneal cells.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins have developed therapies using gene therapy and stem cells to increase blood flow, improve movement, and decrease tissue death. The findings hold promise for developing clinical therapies to save limbs from amputation.
The American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy has issued new guidelines for managing antithrombotic agents during endoscopic procedures. Aspirin and NSAIDs may be continued for all elective procedures, while temporary anticoagulation therapy should be completed before proceeding.
Research from the Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Development Study found that childhood abuse, neglect, social isolation or economic hardship can affect nervous, immune and endocrine functioning in adulthood. Adults who experienced these traumas were more likely to exhibit depression, chronic inflammation and metabolic markers of...
The EPSRC has invested £13 million in three new mathematical sciences Centres for Doctoral Training at Lancaster University, University of Cambridge and University of Warwick. These centres will train at least 40 students over seven years and focus on statistics, analysis and applied mathematics.
Researchers identify specific DNA segment C19MC containing miRNA genes associated with aggressive CNS-PNET tumors. High expression of these miRNAs stimulates growth and prevents normal neural stem cell development.
Researchers at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center have found that second-line CML drugs, such as nilotinib and dasatinib, provide quicker and better responses compared to traditional front-line therapy, imatinib. The studies show improved complete cytogenetic response rates and major molecular response rates in patient...
A Yale study found that while the 'Back to Sleep' campaign reduced SIDS incidence, it has leveled off since guidelines were released. The study identified key factors linked to infant sleep position, including fear of choking and comfort concerns.
Researchers found that even short interruptions can lead to longer completion times due to cognitive focus disruption. The study suggests designing pop-ups with minimal visual impact and providing time for users to rehearse their place before resuming tasks.
New studies demonstrate the thalamus' importance in sensory processing, refuting its previous view as a passive relay station. The structure is found to be involved in higher-order cortical functioning, including auditory and visual systems.
Researchers create a thermometer capable of measuring temperatures as low as tens of trillionths of a degree above absolute zero. By leveraging the magnetization of atoms in a magnetic field, scientists were able to extract temperature information from easily measurable properties.
Researchers detected low concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) on Aconcagua Mountain, indicating that mountain ranges can trap persistent organic pollutants. The findings suggest a need to investigate the role of mountains in spreading pollutants and associated risks.
A new newborn exam, the NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale (NNNS), has been developed to identify infants at risk of developmental problems. The exam identified five distinct neurobehavioral profiles, with poor performance linked to behavior problems, school readiness issues, and low IQ.
A study led by St. Michael's Hospital found that deaths from opioid use in Ontario doubled between 1991 and 2004, with a five-fold increase in oxycodone-related deaths after OxyContin was introduced in 2000. Most opioid-related fatalities were accidental, and most people who died had visited a doctor recently.
A multi-institutional team is using genomic tools and the Mexican axolotl salamander to understand regenerative capacity after spinal cord injury, stroke, and other neural conditions. The goal is to tap unused human capacities to treat these conditions.
Major reductions in infectious and nutritional causes of childhood blindness have led to increased focus on congenital and developmental cataracts. Further research is needed to address these issues with targeted interventions.
Researchers studying snowflake shape and chemical reactions on their surface may uncover clues about ground-level ozone loss in the Arctic. The unique shapes of snow crystals, influenced by temperature and humidity, can affect the rate of chemical reactions that reduce ozone levels at ground level.
Researchers found that only 3% of breast cancer decline is due to decreased hormone therapy use, while the remaining 4% remains unexplained. Additional studies are needed to determine the source of this unexpected decline in breast cancer cases.
Researchers have produced the first images of biological cells using a nanoscale X-ray imaging technique called ptychography. The technique enables accurate maps of electron density in biological samples, which could yield important insights for evolutionary biology and biotechnology.
A new study published in the Journal of Periodontology found that nearly 30% of human genes are expressed differently during gingivitis onset and healing. Biological pathways associated with immune system activation were identified as critical to controlling the body's reaction to plaque build-up.
Physicists have improved measurements of the top quark's mass, which bears on the nature of the Higgs boson. The new world average value constrains the range of possible Higgs measurements more tightly than ever.
The December 2009 Geosphere issue examines the Stateline fault along the California-Nevada border, revealing right-lateral deformation and extension. The study also investigates crystal-rich magmas of the Tuolumne batholith in the Sierra Nevada range, exploring magma chamber formation and physical processes.
A University of Illinois study suggests that connecting with workers' emotions and personal identity can produce powerful triggers for calling out wrongdoing in the workplace. The study found that half of employees who witnessed wrongdoing on the job failed to report it due to fear of retaliation, but those who did reported being drive...
The pivotal trial data demonstrate that the RNS System significantly reduced seizure frequency among people with medically intractable partial onset epilepsy. The device delivered brief and mild electrical stimulations to suppress seizures, with a mean percentage reduction of 29% in disabling seizures.
New research suggests HIV-related cognitive deficits share a common link with Alzheimer's-related dementia: low levels of the protein amyloid beta in spinal fluid. This study can help find the cause of cognitive impairment in HIV patients and may impact new Alzheimer's treatments.
A phase II clinical trial shows that carfilzomib induces a response in 45% of patients with relapsed or resistant multiple myeloma, reducing neuropathy side effects. The drug also demonstrates good tolerability and dose flexibility.
Researchers at Stanford University have developed a method to produce ultra-lightweight, bendable batteries and supercapacitors using ordinary paper coated with carbon nanotubes and silver nanowires. The paper-based energy storage devices can store and discharge electricity rapidly and are highly durable.
A new study found that opioid-related deaths in Ontario, Canada have doubled since 1991, with a significant increase in oxycodone-related deaths. Most of these additional deaths were accidental, and the study suggests that increased rates of opioid prescriptions are a major factor in these deaths.
A new study finds that West Nile virus can remain in the kidneys of infected individuals for years, potentially causing chronic symptoms and kidney failure. Researchers collected urine samples from patients with severe initial infections and detected viral RNA for at least six years following infection.
Researchers from Yale University and Mirna Therapeutics, Inc., used a naturally occurring tumor suppressor microRNA to reverse the growth of lung tumors in mice. The study found that let-7, a type of micro-RNA, reduced tumors by 66% in mice with non-small cell lung cancer.
Washington University physicists are tracking down the source of cosmic rays using imaging atmospheric Cherenkov telescopes. The correlation between high cosmic-ray density and supernova rate in a starburst galaxy provides powerful evidence for supernova acceleration, long suspected to be the origin of these particles.
A team of researchers discovered evidence suggesting the Paleoasian Ocean closed at the end of the Permian period, about 251 million years ago. The study found mixed flora in Late Permian fossils, indicating plants from China and Siberia coexisted before the ocean disappeared.
A study found that antidepressants can change personality traits like neuroticism and extraversion while alleviating depressive symptoms. Individuals taking the medication reported significant decreases in neuroticism and increases in extraversion compared to those receiving placebo or cognitive therapy.
Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute found that midostaurin, a kinase inhibitor targeting FLT3 cell receptor, combined with chemotherapy reduced circulating leukemia cells in AML patients. Complete responses occurred in 80% of patients with mutated FLT3, and high survival rates were observed one and two years after treatment.
Research by University of Southern California scientists found a positive association between adolescent fitness and adult cognitive performance. Fit teenage boys scored higher on intelligence tests, logical performance, and mechanical skills, while muscle strength did not have a similar impact.
Researchers at TUM have developed a probe to take samples directly from the combustion chamber while running, aiming to discover soot formation methods and develop new emissions control techniques. The engine produces barely measurable nitrogen oxides and soot particles per kilometer, surpassing Euro 6 Norm standards.
Three African scientists have been awarded the inaugural TWAS-AAS-Microsoft Award for Young Scientists for their outstanding contributions to science and development in Africa. Youcef Bentoutou, Omar Fakih Hamad, and Tshilidzi Marwala will receive a cash prize of €7,000 each.
A Yale University team developed a method to rapidly manipulate and sort cells in blood using magnetizable liquids. This technique could dramatically improve the speed and sensitivity of tests for cancer biomarkers, blood disorders, viruses, and other diseases.
Tropical Storm Cleo formed in the southern Indian Ocean after experiencing rapid strengthening due to low wind shear and warm ocean waters. The storm was centered approximately 425 nautical miles east-southeast of Diego Garcia at maximum sustained winds near 52 mph.
Dr. Matthew Levy has received $700,000 in Stand Up To Cancer funding to develop self-guiding drugs that target only cancer cells, reducing serious side effects of current therapies.
A new study finds that consuming caffeinated 'alcohol-energy' drinks with alcohol may lead to impaired cognitive function and increased risk of disasters. Caffeine does not reverse the negative impact of alcohol on cognition, making people more likely to believe they are not intoxicated.