A global study found a genetic mutation in the RANBP2 gene increases risk for ANE, a degenerative brain disease. The study identified 12 families with the mutation, which accounted for 75% of familial or recurrent cases.
A new study by Harvard Medical School researchers found that two FDA-approved drugs can restore leptin sensitivity in obese mice, potentially treating obesity. The drugs, PBA and TUDCA, act as ER stress reducers and sensitize the brain's hypothalamus to leptin.
A gene variant that protects against weight gain and insulin resistance becomes a bad actor on high-fat diets, new research suggests. Mice with the Ala12 variant show improved insulin sensitivity and better plasma lipid profiles on balanced diets but worsen these outcomes when fed a diet high in fat.
A recent study by University of Utah researchers identified bigger, older mice as the culprits behind hantavirus transmission. The study used fluorescent powders and radio transmitters to track contacts between mice, revealing that larger-bodied individuals were responsible for maintaining the disease in deer mouse populations.
UT Southwestern University Hospital has received awards for its successful efforts to increase organ donation rates, surpassing the 75 percent goal among eligible donors. The hospital achieved this feat through a combination of effective strategies and strong transplant team leadership.
Researchers analyzed the spectrum of a gamma-ray burst afterglow to probe the star-forming environment of a distant galaxy. They detected molecular gas and metals comparable to those of the Sun, providing insights into active stellar nurseries in galaxies 10 billion years old.
Researchers at McGill University discovered that clioquinol reverses Alzheimer's disease progression and may slow down the aging process by inhibiting CLK-1. The study suggests a potential new answer to the mechanisms behind three unrelated neurodegenerative disorders.
Scientists at Argonne National Laboratory have successfully stopped and reaccelerated a stable ion through a newly constructed charge-breeder, bringing the CAlifornium Rare Isotope Breeder Upgrade (CARIBU) Project closer to completion. This achievement is a significant step towards extending the reach of ATLAS to include potentially hu...
Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope has discovered 12 new gamma-ray-only pulsars and detected pulses from 18 others. The finds are challenging our previous understanding of how pulsars work, with gamma rays now believed to originate far above the neutron star.
A study of 32 European countries reveals over 12,000 measles cases in two years, mainly among unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated children. Suboptimum vaccination coverage raises doubts about the 2010 elimination goal, with countries like Switzerland and Germany struggling to achieve high coverage rates.
Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have discovered that genetic predisposition and initial seizures can set the stage for later onset of epilepsy. The study used animal models to analyze seizure behavior and identified a genetic component that protects against long-lasting brain changes after initial seizures.
Patients with advanced Parkinson's disease who received deep brain stimulation treatment had significant improvements in movement skills and quality of life after six months. However, the treatment was also associated with a higher risk of serious adverse events, including surgical site infections and nervous system disorders.
This Festschrift issue honors Dr. Judah Folkman's groundbreaking contributions to lymphatic research and biology. Leading scientists share their findings on the impact of his work, including increased lymphatic supply to cancerous lesions and new trends in cancer therapy.
A study found that 50% of school lunches provided inadequate nutrients, while young adults often can't find time to eat. The American Dietetic Association emphasizes the importance of consistent nutrition in child-care settings and supports businesses providing scheduled meal times for young adults.
According to Kansas State University researcher David Dzewaltowski, Wii Fit can be an effective tool to promote physical activity and create or maintain a healthy lifestyle. However, the game's health measurements, such as BMI calculation and fitness age measurement, have flaws and are not suitable for children.
University of Missouri researchers developed health-monitoring technology to support seniors living at home, detecting changes in behavior and physical activity through motion sensors. The system identified patterns that predict adverse health events, such as falls, emergency room visits, and hospitalizations.
A study of 1687 young adults found that those with more time for meals consumed healthier foods and fewer fast foods. The researchers suggest addressing time barriers to promote healthy meal behaviors among young adults.
The U.S. Department of Energy's Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility has awarded three contracts for a $310 million upgrade project, which will provide a cutting-edge facility for studying the building blocks of matter. The contracts are worth $1.5 million and $3.3 million, respectively, for construction and materials require...
A key gene has been identified as a factor in maintaining the potency of various stem cells, preventing them from differentiating into specialized cell types. The scrawny gene modifies chromosomal proteins to silence genes that would cause differentiation, ensuring stem cells remain undifferentiated.
Recent research provides valuable guidance on storing wheat-based infant formulas safely. Infants can benefit from the prevention of Cronobacter species growth by using fruit juices instead of water or milk, with optimal temperatures at 4°C.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology found that traditional risk assessment tools do not accurately predict coronary heart disease. The study analyzed 1,653 patients and found that 21% of those thought to need statin drugs did not require them, and 26% of those already taking statins had no detectable plaque.
A new study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that nicotine gum can aid in gradual smoking reduction and cessation. The study showed a significant increase in odds of quitting (40-90%) and overall success rates (2-6 times) for participants using active nicotine gum, making it an effective treatment option f...
Children's researchers found that ER stress and unfolded-protein response block leptin action in the brain; chemical chaperones can re-sensitize the brain to leptin, leading to significant weight loss. Leptin-sensitizing agents may bring new hope for obesity treatment
A new study reveals that vision function decline is a primary reason older Americans decide to give up or restrict their driving. The most common predictors of stopping or decreasing driving were slow visual scanning and poor visuo-constructional skills, as well as reduced contrast sensitivity.
A recent study suggests that supermassive black holes formed first and grew before their host galaxies. The ratio of black hole mass to galactic bulge mass is nearly constant across different galaxy sizes and ages. This finding implies that the growth of black holes and galaxies was an interactive process.
A new study by Yale University researchers identifies a mechanism behind stroke in patients with sleep apnea, revealing impaired cerebral autoregulation and increased risk of death. Symptoms of sleep apnea include loud snoring, pauses in breathing and excessive daytime fatigue.
Research finds higher ladybug richness and abundance in organic olive groves, indicating respect for environmental conditions. The study suggests that ladybugs can serve as a useful bioindicator for evaluating agroecosystem health and sustainability.
Researchers at Newcastle University have identified a new line of bacteria responsible for the ripening process and flavor of French cheese Reblochon. The reblochoni microbes, part of the Actinomycetes group, outcompete traditional starter cultures to provide flavor.
Ancient flying reptiles employed all four limbs for take-off, defying conventional wisdom. The study reveals that pterosaurs had stronger front limbs than legs, allowing them to generate massive power without sacrificing size. This discovery sheds new light on the biology and evolution of these fascinating creatures.
Johns Hopkins researchers found that digoxin, a heart medication, can inhibit HIF-1 protein crucial for cancer cell survival. Digoxin slowed prostate cancer cell growth and reduced tumor size in mice by lowering HIF-1 levels.
A study published in CMAJ found that men with type 2 diabetes have a 3-fold risk of cardiovascular mortality compared to those without either condition. In the long term, however, the two groups had similar mortality risks.
A recent editorial emphasizes the importance of apologizing for medical errors to improve patient safety and quality of care. Canadian provinces and territories should enact apology laws to provide early settlement or no-fault compensation.
Researchers found that extended nevirapine regimens in breast-fed babies prevent HIV infection, but lead to drug-resistant strains if infected. The study highlights the benefits of six-week nevirapine therapy in preventing mother-to-child HIV transmission, despite increased risk of resistance.
A new study published by the American Cancer Society found that obesity may contribute to the development of ovarian cancer through a hormonal mechanism. Women who were obese had an almost 80% higher risk of ovarian cancer compared to those of normal weight, particularly in women who had never used menopausal hormone therapy.
Researchers propose a hybrid cap-and-trade system with controlled permits to reduce emissions uncertainty. A second paper suggests a modified carbon tax to protect poorer households. The third paper highlights the flexibility of tradable permits in allocating emissions value.
A new screening tool developed by Tel Aviv University researchers may help doctors advise young asthmatic adults on safer employment options and prevent asthma attacks triggered by physical exertion. The study found an indisputable connection between exercise and asthma, which could save lives.
Scientific evidence supports the use of copper surfaces to reduce hospital-acquired infections. Clinical trials demonstrate a significant reduction in micro-organisms on copper alloys compared to stainless steel and plastic.
Researchers at Burnham Institute have discovered that the protein kinase complex Cdc7/Dbf4 plays a crucial role in monitoring DNA damage control during replication and reinitiating replication after repair. This new understanding could lead to the development of new cancer therapies.
A study at Duke University Medical Center shows that seeing someone smoke can trigger abstinence efforts, highlighting the importance of breaking habitual responses. Brain scans reveal a marked increase in brain activity when quitters see photographs of people smoking, suggesting sensitization to smoking cues.
Research suggests government insurance programs for bank deposits are overly generous, putting taxpayers at risk. Finance professor George Pennacchi proposes reforms, including a central clearinghouse requiring collateral for derivative trading and private-market insurance rates.
A study by Emory University School of Medicine and CDC found childhood trauma increases CFS risk six-fold, with posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms further exacerbating the risk. Low cortisol levels are also associated with childhood trauma, suggesting they may be a marker for CFS risk rather than a symptom
Researchers propose new way to detect anomalies in fundamental physics principle, potentially revealing space-time variations and relativity violations. This discovery could have significant implications for understanding gravity and particle behavior.
The American College of Physicians emphasizes the need for enhanced infection control practices to prevent viral hepatitis outbreaks. Researchers also stress the importance of proper antibiotic treatment for health care-associated pneumonia, highlighting its more serious nature compared to community-acquired pneumonia.
Climate researchers show that large volcanic eruptions temporarily cooled the tropics over the past 450 years. However, recent eruptions may have been overridden by rising temperatures. The study found that higher latitudes are more sensitive to volcanism and are vulnerable to temperature shifts.
Researchers have found that Viagra amplifies the effects of a protective protein called RGS2, which shields the heart from damage caused by high blood pressure. The study, published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation, provides insights into the biology of RGS2 and its potential as a therapeutic target for heart failure.
Two experts disagree on whether all African children with fever should be treated presumptively with antimalarial drugs. Blaise Genton and colleagues argue that declining malarial transmission rates support changing the policy, while Mike English and colleagues claim there is not enough evidence to abandon presumptive treatment.
Research reveals that mutations in the LMNA gene disrupt neuromuscular junction organization, leading to muscle fiber innervation disruption. This study provides insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy.
COX2 in brain and spinal cord nerve cells plays a crucial role in pain caused by inflammation, particularly mechanical inflammatory pain. Mice lacking COX2 in nerve cells have impaired hypersensitivity to pain caused by physical insult, suggesting COX2 is central to this type of pain.
Researchers at the Gladstone Institute of Neurological Disease discovered that collagen VI protects brain cells against amyloid-beta proteins, which are widely thought to cause Alzheimer's disease. The study found that increased collagen VI expression can effectively protect neurons against Aβ toxicity.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital and University of Pennsylvania found that COX2 in mouse nerve cells plays a crucial role in pain caused by physical insult, while PDE5 inhibition may prevent hypertrophy in the mouse heart. These findings have implications for treating conditions such as postoperative and arthritic inflamma...
Researchers are studying the mechanisms behind cytomegalovirus-induced cell death in the retina, which may lead to new treatment targets. Understanding this process could also provide insights into how the retina responds to other insults such as diabetes or infection.
Researchers identified a key role for the kinase Aurora A in stabilizing N-Myc, a primary driver of aggressive childhood cancer. The findings suggest that targeting Aurora A may not be effective in inhibiting cancer growth, highlighting the need for new therapeutic approaches.
A new study found that gas giants like Jupiter must form extremely fast, in less than 5 million years, or they won't form at all. This rapid growth spurt is necessary because the material from which they formed probably disappeared within a few million years.
Researchers at McMaster University have discovered a way to distinguish between healthy stem cells and cancer stem cells in humans. This breakthrough could lead to more effective cancer treatments that spare healthy cells.
The Carnegie Hubble Program aims to decrease the uncertainty of the Hubble constant from 10% to 3% by refining distances to galaxies using Cepheid variable stars and Spitzer telescope observations. The team will observe 700 hours of nearby galaxies, correcting for lingering uncertainties and systematic errors.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 22 clinical trials found that commonly used pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccines do not appear to prevent pneumonia. High-quality trials only showed no evidence of vaccine efficacy, raising questions about current recommendations for the vaccine.
A team of scientists at Princeton University has identified a long-sought gene, Metadherin, that is responsible for the aggressive behavior of poor-prognosis tumors and makes them resistant to chemotherapy. The discovery paves the way for new drugs to inhibit the gene's diabolical actions and may have significant health implications.
Researchers identified two protostars located just a few light-years from the Milky Way's central black hole, defying expectations that gravitational tides would prevent star formation. The discovery suggests molecular gas at the galactic center is denser than previously thought, allowing it to form new stars.
A report from the JAMA/Archives journals found that nearly half of teens reference sex or substance use on their online profiles. A subsequent intervention study showed a single warning email from a physician reduced mentions of sex, while references to substance use remained lower over time.
Researchers discovered abnormally high copy numbers of chromosomal region 8q22 in more than 30% of breast cancers, associated with shorter survival times. The metadherin gene (MTDH) was found to play a dual role in cancer metastasis and resistance to chemotherapy.