A team of scientists, led by UCR professor Sean Cutler, has made significant discoveries on how plants survive drought using the stress hormone abscisic acid. Recent studies have built upon Cutler's initial findings, shedding light on the signaling pathway that enables plants to adapt to water scarcity.
Researchers found abnormal forms of apolipoprotein A-I proteins in the livers and blood of infected male mice, but not females. These proteins may provide important markers for tracking hepatitis B progression and help explain the gender disparity in the disease's severity.
A recent UCLA study found that blindness causes structural changes in the brain, leading to compensatory growth in non-visual areas. This adaptation enables individuals with visual impairments to develop enhanced skills in other senses.
A baby's sleep position is the best predictor of deformational plagiocephaly, a misshapen skull condition. The study analyzed over 20,000 children and found that boys are twice as likely to have flat-headedness than girls, as well as babies with low birth weight and certain prenatal conditions.
Research at Yale University reveals that an overactive immune response, rather than declining immunity, is to blame for increased susceptibility to viral infections among the elderly. In a study involving infected mice, inhibiting interleuken 17 prevented liver damage and death in aged cohorts.
A new study published in Neurology shows pregnant women with multiple sclerosis are only slightly more likely to have cesarean deliveries and babies with poor prenatal growth rates than those without MS. Women with MS were not at increased risk for other pregnancy complications.
A new study published in the American Journal of Hypertension found that Transcendental Meditation significantly reduces blood pressure, anxiety and depression in young adults at risk for hypertension. The three-month intervention program showed a 52% lower risk of developing hypertension in later years.
Researchers developed a protocol to direct the hepatic specification of ES cells using valproic acid and cytokines, resulting in functional hepatocytes. This study may aid hepatocyte transplantation and provide an in vitro model for understanding liver development.
High school girls are bored, disengaged and stressed in science classes compared to boys. Class discussions are the only activity to score among the top three most engaging for both boys and girls. The researchers found that classroom discussions are a crucial way to connect with all science students.
The study found that older women have almost twice as many immune-related proteins in their saliva than younger women. This discovery could lead to a simple, noninvasive test for diagnosing and treating age-related diseases in women.
A study by neuroscientist William C. Mobley demonstrated a possible new approach to slowing cognitive decline in Down's syndrome using a pro-drug for norepinephrine, rescuing cognition in mice.
A new study explores the experiences of American female breadwinners, revealing common themes such as control, independence, and guilt. The research highlights the challenges faced by women in this role, including societal and personal expectations, and offers practical implications for organizations and families.
Researchers have unraveled the evolutionary relationships among various species of box jellyfish, providing insight into their toxicity. The study could help develop antivenoms and treatments for deadly stings.
Researchers at UCLA have created a device that captures cancer cells in the blood using nano-sized features, allowing for early detection and diagnosis of metastasis. The new method may be faster and cheaper than existing technologies, capturing up to 65% of cancer cells.
Researchers discovered that Srebp2 regulates cholesterol biosynthesis in prion-infected neuronal cells, leading to increased cholesterol levels and potential disease promotion. This finding may lead to new therapy approaches for prion-dependent diseases.
Bird flu viruses require two simultaneous genetic mutations to infect humans, making human-to-human transmission unlikely. The study suggests that H5N1's high mortality rate in humans is due to its inability to infect the right cells, increasing the odds of it being less likely to cause a pandemic.
Researchers suggest remote therapies, such as online cognitive behavioral therapy, could improve treatment outcomes for eating disorders. The study reviews the current state of eating disorder diagnosis and treatment, highlighting the need for increased access to specialized care.
Scientists at Garvan Institute of Medical Research developed a mathematical model and microscopy method to reveal mechanisms behind dopamine release. The study found that dopamine release is regulated by factors such as the frequency of nerve impulses, making it possible to develop more effective treatments.
This special issue of NeuroRehabilitation focuses on community-based residential designs for persons with neurodisability, highlighting the importance of holistic, functional, and individualized design modifications. The issue presents evidence-based literature, expert insights, and practical recommendations to facilitate independence ...
A new study from the University of Georgia suggests that outdoor smoking areas may be creating a new health hazard due to high levels of secondhand smoke. The research found cotinine levels up to 162% greater in non-smokers exposed to outdoor smoke, posing potential public health risks.
A new study from Johns Hopkins Medicine found that extended-release niacin, a B vitamin, offers no extra benefits when combined with traditional cholesterol-lowering therapy in seniors already diagnosed with coronary artery disease. Blood cholesterol levels improved, but arteries did not show significant changes.
A Michigan State University study found that high-performing companies are more likely to engage in illegal behavior, such as fraud and environmental violations, due to unrealistic expectations and external pressures. The researchers argue that regulators should monitor both high- and low-performing firms to detect illicit activity.
A recent study published in Epilepsia found that current cigarette smokers are at a significant risk of seizure. The study analyzed data from over 116,000 female nurses and found that long-term moderate caffeine or alcohol use is not associated with an increased risk of seizures or epilepsy.
A new study reveals that nearly half of UK women have a genetic variation reducing their ability to produce sufficient vitamin A. Vitamin A plays a vital role in immune system strengthening and preventing infections. The study found that younger women are at particular risk, highlighting the importance of adequate diet for this nutrient.
Researchers have developed a new mouse variety that approximates human genetic diversity, allowing for more accurate testing of chemotherapeutic drugs. The study aims to reduce the risk of adverse reactions and improve treatment outcomes for cancer patients.
A Stanford University School of Medicine study found that boosting norepinephrine signaling in mice with Down syndrome-like conditions improves cognition. The researchers suggest using existing medications targeting depression and ADHD to treat the condition.
Professor Paul Ching-Wu Chu, a world leader in superconductivity research, has received a $2.8 million grant to explore novel materials that can operate at higher temperatures and have greater current carrying capacity. This funding will enable the development of more compact and lighter power devices with higher energy densities.
Researchers at MIT have developed a new technology that can convert waste heat into electricity with an efficiency of up to 90% of the Carnot Limit. This could lead to significant improvements in energy efficiency, such as double the talk time on cellphones and longer laptop battery life.
Researchers at Winship Cancer Institute have discovered a common switch governing cancer cells' glucose usage, which could lead to new treatments.
A recent experiment found that a proton's nearest neighbors in the nucleus may modify its internal structure, contradicting the mass-dependence picture. The study also revealed a possible new cause: the microscopic structure of nuclei, particularly in beryllium.
A study found that fructose-sorbitol (F-S) ingestion provoked gastrointestinal symptoms in over half of female ED patients, with a significant difference in response between underweight and normal-weight individuals. The response was specific for F-S and more common in anorexia nervosa patients.
A study published in JAMA found that publicly released hospital performance data did not result in significant systemwide improvement in hospitals' performance on most quality of care indicators. However, some local changes were observed in delivery of care at early feedback hospitals.
Research reveals elevated ultrafine particle emissions at regional airports, posing significant health risks to nearby residents. The study, published in Environmental Science & Technology, highlights the need for increased attention to these overlooked emissions.
Researchers found significant improvement in heart performance during treatment with sildenafil, suggesting potential benefits for exercise performance and quality of life. The study involved 28 children and young adults who received either placebo or sildenafil for 6 weeks, with improved heart function observed after switching to the ...
Researchers have developed a cutting-edge approach to understand the 'histone code,' determining why genes function differently in various cells. The new method offers unprecedented insight into stem cells, cancer, and other fundamental biological processes.
Social media pioneer Anil Dash is leading Expert Labs, an independent effort to enhance policy-making by tapping into the wisdom of crowds. The initiative will leverage social networking platforms and technology startups to provide innovative solutions for sharing expertise.
A study by the American Physiological Society found that strength training exercises using dumbbells can improve function and reduce pain in the trapezius muscle of women suffering from trapezius myalgia. The exercises also enhance the muscle's ability to respond quickly and forcefully.
Researchers at Texas A&M University discovered that phages, a type of virus, can destroy bacterial cell walls by producing an enzyme called endolysin. This finding may aid in the development of phage therapy to treat bacterial infections.
Advances in qPCR technology are expanding its applications in basic research and diagnostics, enabling more efficient detection and quantification of specific DNA sequences. Companies like Qiagen and Bio-Rad Laboratories are developing new methods to improve multiplex PCR and sample preparation.
The study found that internet retailers can successfully compete with brick-and-mortar stores by focusing on niche products. The researchers recommend that online retailers vary their product offerings based on geographic locations and promotional strategies to target specific consumer groups.
A research team investigated a highly-selective EP4 agonist for treatment of gastric ulcers in mice. The EP4 agonist reduced acute hemorrhagic damage, promoted mucous epithelial regeneration, and accelerated ulcer healing. In vitro, it protected human gastric mucous cells from indomethacin-induced apoptosis.
Scientists estimate a decline in the oceans' ability to absorb manmade carbon, potentially impacting future climate. The study found that the proportion of fossil-fuel emissions absorbed by the oceans since 2000 may have declined by up to 10%.
A study published in World Journal of Gastroenterology found that green tea extract inhibited proliferation, reduced collagen content, and downregulated collagen type 1 expression in liver fibrosis models.
The National Science Foundation has awarded a nearly $1 million grant to support career advancement of women and underrepresented minority men in sciences and engineering. The program aims to foster environments conducive to recruiting, advancing, and retaining faculty in these fields.
The Georgia Institute of Technology has launched an experimental Green IT Initiative to tackle high-performance computing's growing power consumption problem. The effort, led by Sudhakar Yalamanchili, aims to develop sustainable power consumption methods using a 1,000-node IBM BladeCenter system.
New studies show that morphine can boost tumor-cell proliferation and inhibit the immune response, promoting angiogenesis and cancer metastasis. Shielding lung cancer cells from opiates reduces cell proliferation, invasion, and migration in both cell-culture and mouse models.
Researchers found that key employee migration reduces an organization's competitive advantage, even in superior organizations with established routines. The loss of strategic knowledge through employee migration allows rival firms to develop competitive responses.
Researchers create photoswitch that triggers and reverses paralysis in C. elegans worms using ultraviolet and visible light. The study demonstrates the potential of such 'photoswitches' in medicine and research applications.
Children exposed to secondhand smoke are at increased risk of vascular damage, with obese toddlers facing a four-fold higher risk compared to adolescents. The study found significant links between secondhand smoke exposure and markers of vascular injury in both toddler and adolescent populations.
A recent study examines how creating new school districts in Southern communities has led to a new form of segregation. Small, suburban districts have made underprivileged schools more vulnerable to racial segregation, locking students into declining and majority populations.
Researchers found raised levels of interleukin-1beta in the spinal fluid of recent-onset schizophrenia patients, indicating activated brain immune defense systems. This discovery offers new potential treatments for the condition, potentially interrupting its course at an early stage.
A large cohort study found that patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus have a threefold increased risk of pancreatic cancer and a twofold increased risk of gallbladder and extrahepatic biliary cancers compared to non-diabetic controls. This is the first comprehensive assessment of the risk for these cancers in type 2 DM patients.
Tropical Storm Anja has weakened, with its maximum sustained winds dropping to 63 mph thanks to NASA's QuikScat satellite. The storm is moving south-southeast at 23 mph and is expected to dissipate by the weekend, posing no threat to landmasses.
Researchers analyzed patients with a syndrome similar to NF1 and found that diagnosis may be difficult due to shared clinical findings. The study highlights the importance of molecular genetic testing to resolve diagnoses in cases of uncertainty.
Women with a history of preeclampsia may be at increased risk for reduced thyroid functioning, according to researchers. The study found that women who developed preeclampsia during pregnancy had higher levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and were more likely to have hypothyroidism later in life.
A UBC study suggests that finding alternative feed sources for farm animals can significantly reduce pressure on the world's dwindling fisheries, while contributing positively to climate change. The researchers propose new strategies to effect swifter and larger-scale changes in the fishing industry.
Two UNH assistant professors, Vaughn Cooper and Christopher White, received NSF CAREER grants to explore beneficial mutations in bacteria and the flow dynamics of liquefied biomass. Their research has implications for understanding adaptation, evolution, and sustainable energy solutions.
Researchers successfully delivered high-dose chemotherapy to malignant brain tumors via intra-arterial Avastin, potentially avoiding common side effects of systemic chemotherapy. The innovative technique has shown promising results in early trials and may offer a new treatment option for patients with resistant brain tumors.
Scientists at Queen Mary University of London found that insect brains are capable of intelligent behaviors like counting and categorizing, challenging the idea that larger brains are more intelligent. Research suggests that many size differences in brain size only exist in specific regions and may not lead to increased complexity.
A study by University of Chicago Press Journals found that consumers feel more comfortable standing on carpeted flooring, but their judgment of products is influenced by the distance between them and the floor. When viewed from a moderate distance, the comfort factor plays a significant role in product judgments.