Scientists successfully generated functionally mature motor neurons from induced pluripotent stem cells, paving the way for new treatments of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and spinal cord injury. This study offers a promising alternative to embryo-derived cells for regenerative medicine.
The Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation has awarded prestigious three-year fellowships to 13 outstanding postdoctoral scientists conducting basic and translational cancer research. The fellowships aim to encourage promising young investigators to pursue careers in cancer research, providing independent funding for innovative projects.
A new risk management tool, Protection Poker, can help identify security vulnerabilities during the planning process by having developers share their ideas and perspectives. This process allows for early identification of potential problems, preventing them from being included in software projects.
A study found significant confusion among pre-hospital healthcare providers regarding living wills and DNR orders, which can compromise lifesaving care. Implementing clearly defined code status designations within living wills can clarify this confusion and ensure patient safety.
A study by neurology residents at Barnes-Jewish Hospital showed that they can safely administer clot-busting enzyme tPA to stroke patients, reducing door-to-needle times from 81 minutes to 60 minutes. With proper training and feedback, residents can make complex decisions without increasing the risk of brain bleeding.
A study found that teenagers who preferred popular songs with degrading sexual references were more likely to engage in intercourse or pre-coital activities. High exposure to such lyrics was independently associated with higher levels of sexual behavior among young adolescents.
Researchers at NC State University developed a software tool that identifies on-screen code to be translated, reducing error rate and increasing productivity. The tool was applied to a popular online video game, finding 17 errors that were later corrected.
Researchers at UCR identified all the genes expressed in plant stem cells, providing a global view of which genes are expressed and where within the shoot apical meristem. This discovery can help scientists develop better varieties of crops and understand why stem cells give rise to specialized cells.
A study of 1060 vets in north Germany found that psychosocial stress increased with working hours, leading to demoralization and substance abuse. The research suggests a complex relationship between stress, tobacco consumption, problem drinking, and drug use.
The European Society of Cardiology has reaffirmed its advice on cardiovascular risks associated with long-haul flights. Studies suggest that flight duration exceeding four hours increases the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) due to immobility, dehydration, and reduced oxygen in the cabin.
A new calculation eliminates obstacles in measuring kidney function in children, relying on various blood tests that can be performed in a clinical setting. The study's findings suggest an accurate estimate is crucial to properly treat children with acute and chronic kidney problems.
Experts gather to discuss how economic growth affects well-being and whether poverty or wealth guarantees happiness. Research highlights the negative effects of unemployment, while stability in work improves health and well-being.
A new study published in JAMA found that low-income women with diabetes have a more than 50% increased risk of experiencing postpartum depression. The research suggests that healthcare facilities and clinicians should pay attention to managing mental health concerns in women with diabetes during pregnancy and the postpartum period.
Researchers at LSTM and UoL aim to develop a new antimalarial drug that targets a novel enzyme in Plasmodium falciparum, potentially eliminating malaria symptoms. The project will use computational techniques and molecular modeling to design effective inhibitors.
Low-income pregnant women and new mothers with diabetes have nearly twice the risk of experiencing depression during and after pregnancy than women without diabetes. The study, published in JAMA, found that women with any form of diabetes were significantly more likely to experience some indication of depression during pregnancy or pos...
Yale researchers discover a link between anger and sudden cardiac arrests, which claim 400,000 lives annually. The study found that patients with T-wave alternans, a measure of electrical instability, were more likely to experience arrhythmias after a mental stress test.
Researchers found that gene expression profiles differed between tumor samples from patients who had taken vitamin E, selenium, or both supplements compared to those on placebo. The study provides insight into the effects of preoperative supplement use on prostate cancer gene expression, a potential area for future investigation.
A new study finds that MSU's mentoring program improved teacher effectiveness in the Lansing district, leading to a significant reduction in teacher turnover. The program involves freeing up veteran teachers to advise beginning peers throughout the school year, providing training and support to help them succeed.
A randomised trial found that kyphoplasty treatment significantly improved quality of life, function, mobility, and pain in patients with acute vertebral fractures compared to non-surgical management. The procedure was also safe and effective, with no significant differences in adverse events between the two groups.
Researchers used game theory to explain juvenile ravens' unusual foraging behavior, finding that it occurs when searching individually is less efficient. The study suggests that abundant food and social advancement drive the adoption of 'gang' foraging, potentially improving their social status.
Researchers at Duke University discovered that ancient groundwater in Jordan's Disi aquifer contains up to 20 times the safe level of radiation, threatening long-term human consumption. To make it safe, experts recommend diluting or treating the water with technologies like ion exchange and desalination.
Researchers developed compounds that inhibit an enzyme producing nitric oxide, a neurotransmitter that can damage brain tissue. The treatment was effective in preventing cerebral palsy in animal models, suggesting a potential preventive strategy for humans in the future.
Researchers at University at Buffalo link capsaicin's analgesic effects to PIP2 lipid in cell membranes. The receptor's adaptation property allows it to continuously respond to varying stimuli, providing a novel strategy for developing safe pain-relieving medications.
Researchers are studying the life history of spiny dogfish sharks in the Gulf of Maine, using new techniques to determine their age and growth rate. Preliminary results show that the age at maturity has not changed dramatically, but the growth rate may be slowing down.
Researchers discovered that post-traumatic stress disorder impacts stroke patients' recovery and ability to resume normal life, even with minor brain damage. Early testing using simple questionnaires could lead to significant improvements in subarachnoid hemorrhage patient outcomes.
Researchers found increased PAI-1 expression in the heart of mice with diabetes leads to profibrotic effects, including increased fibrosis and functional derangements. This link may contribute to the high incidence of heart failure after myocardial infarction in people with diabetes.
Researchers at CSIRO Australia have discovered a key to overcoming three major cereal diseases, providing long-lasting protection against multiple pathogens. The Lr34 gene sequence offers broad-spectrum control of leaf rust, stripe rust, and powdery mildew, with tests showing constant protection for over 80 years.
A new study suggests blocking neutrophil migration using rhAPC could eliminate bleeding risk from sepsis treatment. The results recommend existing drugs as potential new treatments against sepsis, increasing the pace of new treatments in the clinic.
A study published in Psychological Science reveals that hand movements can aid in creating new math concepts and aid learning. Fourth-grade students who repeated a specific gesture during a lesson solved more problems correctly than those who only spoke the words or partially correct gestures.
Researchers at VIB have identified a key gene that suppresses cancer across species, including humans. The Atonal gene regulates the final step of cell specialization, which is lost in cancer cells, offering new hope for therapy.
A recent study found that post-partum haemorrhage is a significant threat to new mothers in high-income countries, resulting in severe outcomes including infertility and death. The authors recommend increased access to active management of the third stage of labour to reduce PPH rates.
Researchers have discovered unique ecosystems in Great Lake Huron's sinkholes, featuring brilliant purple mats of cyanobacteria and pallid, floating pony-tails of microbial life in dense, salty water. The unusual environments are similar to those found at the bottoms of permanently ice-covered lakes in Antarctica.
Evelyn Hirt, IEEE-USA president-elect, and William Wulf, former NAE President, will receive the organization's highest honors for their contributions to engineering professionalism and public service. They join other award recipients recognized for their achievements in advancing U.S. competitiveness in science and technology.
Researchers at Goethe University Frankfurt have discovered an enzyme that enables yeast cells to ferment xylose into ethanol, a waste sugar in the cellulosic ethanol production process. This single-step conversion technology has the potential to increase biofuel production efficiency and reduce competition with food and feed production.
A national-level analysis confirms that Physician Health Programs, which couple referral to treatment with rapid responses to noncompliance, are successful in helping doctors stay drug-free. The study found that over three-quarters of enrolled doctors stayed sober for five years and were able to return to medical practice.
Researchers have developed a computer model that replicates the growth of snow crystals in rich three-dimensional detail. The model, which can generate all types of snowflakes, is significant because it helps scientists better understand and predict how snowflakes form in clouds.
Researchers have developed a new class of cancer drugs that target multiple signaling networks controlled by mitochondrial Hsp90, leading to effective tumor cell death in mice. This combinatorial drug design approach may prove more effective than targeting single signaling pathways.
A recent study suggests that emotions play a crucial role in shaping consumer preferences, leading to greater consistency in choice-making. The researchers found that relying on feelings rather than cognitive thinking results in more consistent and long-term happiness.
A study published by the American College of Cardiology found that changes brought on by anger can predict future arrhythmias in patients with ICDs. Patients who experienced higher levels of anger-induced TWA were more likely to have arrhythmias requiring ICD termination.
Researchers found that shoppers focus on the first digit of prices, leading to biased decision-making. The study suggests that consumers should be aware of this tendency when making purchases.
Researchers at Oregon State University have identified the gene Ctip2 as controlling tooth enamel production, a significant step towards repairing damaged enamel and preventing cavities. This discovery could lead to new approaches in dental health, including using tooth stem cells to stimulate enamel growth.
A study found that vitamin B and folic acid supplements decreased the risk of age-related macular degeneration in women, with a 34% lower risk of any AMD and a 41% lower risk of visually significant AMD. The beneficial effect began to emerge after two years of follow-up.
A new study found that mentioning time makes consumers more likely to purchase and enjoy products. Consumers are more likely to feel personal connections with products when they're primed to think about time. However, there were exceptions to this finding, particularly for status products like designer jeans.
A study found that people tend to overestimate their long-term enjoyment of products, leading them to choose cheaper options with fewer features. This is because consumers who think about how long they will use a product and anticipate decreased enjoyment are less likely to buy premium items.
The NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies found that 2008 was the coolest year on record since 2000, with most of the world experiencing near-normal or warmer temperatures. A strong La Niña event in the Pacific Ocean contributed to the cooling effect.
Researchers discovered that capsaicin, found in chili peppers, triggers a desensitization process in pain receptors, allowing them to adapt to painful stimuli. This adaptive response enables the receptor to continuously respond to varying stimuli, leading to a shift in responsiveness threshold.
Case Western Reserve researchers have developed a new method for stimulating brain circuits wirelessly using light-activated semiconductor nanoparticles. This technology eliminates the need for cumbersome wiring and has potential applicability in treating nerve or brain impairments.
The SYNTAX study found that CABG is associated with lower rates of repeat revascularization and stroke compared to PCI. Patients with high SYNTAX scores had significantly higher rates of major adverse cardiac events when treated with PCI.
A study by Boston Children's Hospital researchers has identified lipocalin 2 as a protein that triggers the epithelial to mesenchymal transition in human breast cancer cells, increasing invasiveness and metastasis. The protein is detectable in urine samples, suggesting it may be used for prognostic testing.
A new study found that parents of donor-conceived children who sought their siblings' contact experienced positive relationships, often forming close bonds. The practice is creating new family forms based on genetic links and notions of family and kinship.
Research suggests that lowering cholesterol levels can block the growth of prostate tumors and reduce cancer incidence. Ezetimibe, a cholesterol-lowering drug, has been shown to inhibit tumor angiogenesis, promoting less aggressive tumors.
A Purdue University researcher has discovered a way to increase access to cellulose in plant cell walls by shredding corn stover instead of chopping. This results in better access to the main component needed for making ethanol. Shredding corn stalks also increases the surface area of the material and reduces energy consumption.
Experts explore using social networking tools to identify prior art in patent applications, streamlining the process for the US Patent and Trademark Office. The Peer-to-Patent pilot project demonstrates a promising approach to reducing backlog, with similar initiatives being investigated by UK and European offices.
A new immune-system 'atlas' will improve doctors' ability to monitor transplanted organs and shed light on the mechanisms of gradual, cumulative kidney malfunction after transplant. The atlas allows for inexpensive, noninvasive blood tests that show whether a donated kidney is infected or accruing chronic injuries.
A University of Illinois researcher has developed a program that helps children manage their emotions and interact positively with their siblings. The study found that the program improved sibling relationship quality, reduced parental involvement, and increased children's ability to regulate their emotions.
Scientists at Uppsala University have explained the 'hidden order' phenomenon, a long-sought mystery in materials science. The discovery can control and exploit new material properties, crucial for future energy supply.
A new study in the Journal of Consumer Research found that donations are driven by overlap between donors and recipients, rather than cause-worthiness. Women tend to donate more to victims of natural disasters like Hurricane Katrina, while men donate more to victims of terrorist attacks.
A team of European scientists discovered that going gray is caused by a massive build-up of hydrogen peroxide, which blocks the normal synthesis of melanin, our hair's natural pigment. This research provides an important first step in understanding the root cause of gray hair.
MIT scientists have developed a new rocket called the Mini-Helicon Plasma Thruster, which runs on inexpensive gases and could slash fuel consumption by 10 times that of conventional systems. The propulsion system uses electrical energy to accelerate propellant, providing thrust for spacecraft maneuvers.
A 15-month study found that patients who received mailed reminders for colorectal cancer screenings were more likely to schedule screenings than those without reminders. This approach increased screening rates by 16% compared to the control group.