A team of UCR researchers has successfully engineered a synthetic cellulosome in yeast, increasing its ethanol-tolerant capabilities. This breakthrough could enable efficient consolidated bioprocessing for bioethanol production from biomass, making renewable fuel production more economical.
A recent study found that patients treated with teriparatide for 36 months had a greater increase in bone mineral density (BMD) and fewer new vertebral fractures than those treated with alendronate. The study also observed higher levels of calcium concentrations in the teriparatide group.
A new study published in PLOS Pathogens found that whooping cough immunity typically lasts at least 30 years and perhaps as long as 70 years after natural infection. The research suggests that repeat infections contribute relatively little to transmission and may even boost immunity in individuals with waning protection.
A recent study published by researchers at the University of Miami and Florida International University found that universal helmet laws are the most significant policy in reducing both fatal and non-fatal motorcycle injuries. The study also revealed that mandatory rider education programs can reduce non-fatal motorcycle injuries, whil...
The Lancet Editorial highlights the global undernutrition crisis, affecting over 1 billion people, particularly in Asia and Africa. The world currently produces enough food to feed everyone, yet inequitable distribution and lack of national safety nets hinder access to nutritious food.
A nationwide study of 13,000 Americans found that nearly 60% of the elevated risk of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in African Americans may be attributed to low vitamin D levels. Researchers also discovered that vitamin D deficiency contributes significantly to the increased risk of ESRD among African Americans compared to whites.
Researchers at NIST and University of Konstanz create a frequency comb that can be visually observed, allowing for precise measurement of visible light frequencies. The new comb has approximately 50,000 distinct 'teeth' separated enough to be seen with the naked eye, enabling applications in astronomy, communications, and other fields.
Researchers at Kansas State University are developing bio-based adhesives made from soybean, corn, sorghum and biomass fuels to replace environmentally hazardous materials. These adhesives could improve the economics of sustainable fuels and reduce air pollution.
The first ever World Pneumonia Day highlights the potential for renewed global action against this forgotten killer of children. The Global Action Plan for Prevention and Control of Pneumonia aims to reduce child pneumonia mortality through exclusive breastfeeding, vaccine use, and community-level management.
Recent medical school graduates are more likely to refer CKD patients for preemptive kidney transplantation, which can improve patient outcomes. The study suggests that educating veteran physicians about the benefits of preemptive transplantation may increase early referrals.
Researchers at Harvard University found that similar molecular changes turned a harmless digestive enzyme into a toxin in two unrelated species, a shrew and a lizard. The study suggests that protein adaptation may be a highly predictable process, potentially leading to the discovery of other toxins across various species.
UT Southwestern researchers successfully used a combination of the investigational drug BEZ235 and low-dose radiation to eliminate non-small cell lung cancer in mice. The treatment targeted the PI3K protein pathway, which is often activated in K-RAS mutated tumors, making these cancers resistant to traditional treatments.
Dr. Mark Easton received the award for his work on grain refinement and development of new alloys for casting applications. He is recognized for leading teams in Australian and global research communities.
A team led by Case Western Reserve University physicist Tom Shutt is planning the world's largest WIMP catcher, a 20-ton liquid xenon detector that could increase detection chances by 30,000 times. The experiment aims to confirm the dark matter theory and understand the universe's composition.
A study published in the Journal of Happiness Studies found that individuals who engage in activities increasing their competency experience decreased happiness in the moment but increased happiness on a daily basis. In contrast, those who meet their need for autonomy or connectedness report higher hourly and daily happiness levels.
Researchers have discovered a connection between gene expression and the development of lung disease in scleroderma patients. The study suggests that a specific gene profile may predict which individuals are at risk of developing lung complications, providing potential targets for new treatments.
Stress-evoked changes in serotonin-regulating brain pathways can lead to low mood and cocaine-seeking. Researchers found that the dynorphin/kappa opioid system, activated by stress or chemicals, weakens serotonin levels in the nucleus accumbens.
A study found that kidney transplant consent forms are written at a 12th-grade reading level, but should be prepared at a 5th-8th grade reading level to ensure all patients can provide informed consent. This disparity may lead to unequal access to treatment and health outcomes among different patient populations.
A new study has found that pregnant women with a history of depression who use psychiatric medication are at increased risk of delivering prematurely. The research analyzed data from nearly 3,000 women and showed that medication use and depression were strongly linked to preterm delivery before 35 weeks' gestation.
Bioethicists at Johns Hopkins University pose questions about the moral status of embryos created from induced pluripotent stem cells. The researchers advocate for clear ethical oversight to address concerns about the scientific achievement.
A team of researchers led by Dr Thorsten Wiegand and funded by the European Research Council (ERC) is investigating the composition and dynamics of species-rich communities. They will use advanced methods to understand the factors and processes governing biodiversity, utilizing extensive data sets from tropical forests.
Long-term steroid abuse in bodybuilders led to severe kidney damage, including focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. The condition causes scarring within the kidneys, similar to that seen in morbidly obese patients but with more severe effects.
Typhoon Mirinae is expected to make landfall in the northern Philippines on October 31, bringing heavy rainfall and strong winds. The storm's moderate rainfall rate was measured by NASA's TRMM satellite, which analyzed rainfall patterns before the storm hit.
A University of Pittsburgh study finds a connection between adolescent girls' weight and their participation in risky sexual behaviors. The research suggests that ethnicity, actual weight, or perceived weight may influence decision-making around sex.
A recent study by Swedish researchers found that rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients taking anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) therapy did not experience an elevated cancer risk. The study included data from 6,366 patients and compared their cancer risk to those who were not taking TNF inhibitors or using other immunosuppressant drugs.
Researchers found that simvastatin reverses biochemical changes caused by Parkinson's disease in mice. The drug blocks the activity of p21Ras protein and protects neurons, normalizing neurotransmitter levels and improving motor functions.
Scientists estimate that lightning produces 8.6 million metric tons of nitrogen oxide gas per year, mostly affecting the upper atmosphere. New research suggests stronger NOx production in mid-latitude thunderstorms than previously thought, with implications for climate and air quality models.
Researchers at the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) have identified a viral protein called nsp1 as a major contributor to SARS virus virulence. The protein interferes with host cell defenses by targeting ribosomes, which are responsible for producing proteins crucial for immune defense.
Researchers find that antioxidants can prevent the flu virus from damaging lung cells, opening the door for new treatments. The study identified a segment of the M2 protein responsible for the damage, which can be inhibited by drugs known to remove oxidants.
Researchers found that high-affinity mutant viruses alternate with low-affinity forms in antigenic drift. Increasing child vaccination could slow this process and extend seasonal influenza vaccine effectiveness.
A new study reveals that pumpkin skin contains a powerful antifungal protein that can inhibit the growth of disease-causing microbes, including Candida albicans. The protein could be developed into a natural medicine to fight yeast infections in humans.
The Fermi telescope has mapped over 1,000 discrete sources of gamma rays, exceeding previous knowledge. It has also detected a short gamma ray burst, eliminating approaches to new theories of gravity that predict energy-dependent changes in the speed of light.
A study by UAB exercise physiologists found that just 80 minutes of aerobic or resistance training per week can help prevent a regain of harmful visceral fat one year after weight loss. Participants who continued exercising maintained zero percent visceral fat, while those who stopped exercising saw a 33% increase.
The symposium will explore various funding sources, including public-private partnerships, commercialization strategies, and foundations. Presenters will share their experiences with targeted support for cultivar development and national/global programs to build capacity and provide public support.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have successfully turned human embryonic stem cells into precursors for sperm and eggs in the laboratory. This breakthrough could help unlock the mysteries of infertility, particularly in cases where an inability to produce eggs or sperm is the cause.
A recent study found that adolescents think school bullying is a natural part of life and will continue happening, leading to a negative and pessimistic attitude towards it. The researchers suggest that more comprehensive educational programs are needed to prove to children that bullying can be stopped.
The National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) is accelerating basic studies of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS) using $5.4 million in Recovery Act funding. Scientists at 16 institutions will investigate iPS cell properties and derivatives for therapeutic applications.
A 33-year-old woman accidentally swallowed a 15 cm long spoon while attempting to remove a fish bone from her pharynx. The spoon was found in the lower mid-abdomen on an urgent plain abdominal radiograph and successfully removed during exploratory laparotomy, revealing it had passed into the jejunum after 200 cm of the ligament of Treitz.
Researchers have successfully transformed human embryonic stem cells into germ cells, a breakthrough that could help identify causes of unexplained infertility and birth defects. The discovery opens new avenues for research and may lead to the development of diagnostic tools to pinpoint genetic changes underlying infertility.
The Canadian Cardiovascular Society has released new guidelines for the management of adults with congenital heart disease, cardiovascular risk evaluation tools, and simplified target levels. The guidelines aim to provide evidence-based medicine for clinicians and improve heart health in Canadians.
Experts will discuss emerging developments in plant and soil sciences, including drought-tolerant sorghum and biotechnology. The meeting also addresses climate change, energy, and sustainable development.
A team of Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute researchers, led by Eduardo Marbán, received a $5.5 million grant to develop cardiac stem cell therapies for strengthening and healing damaged heart muscle caused by cardiac arrest. The goal is to create new treatments for heart attack patients in four years or less.
A recent study found that undocumented foreign-born Latinos have lower levels of usual source of care, blood pressure checks, and cholesterol screenings compared to US-born Latinos. Perceived quality of care is also significantly impacted by immigration status.
Typhoon Mirinae is intensifying as it moves away from the Northern Marianas Islands and is expected to make landfall in the Philippines by Saturday. The storm's maximum sustained winds have increased to 98 mph, with a developing eye and strong thunderstorm development.
Research found inflammation is associated with increased pain sensitivity at joint sites, while sleep problems are linked to increased pain sensitivity at both joint and non-joint sites. This study highlights the importance of considering inflammatory and non-inflammatory factors when evaluating pain in RA patients.
A new study aims to prevent brain complications in children with sickle cell disease by comparing two treatments: standard therapy of monthly blood transfusions and chelation vs. a daily dose of hydroxyurea and monthly phlebotomy. The goal is to reduce the risk of first strokes in high-risk patients with sickle cell anemia.
The article explores the importance of understanding cultural value systems in the classroom and how educators can adapt their teaching methods to accommodate diverse learners. By recognizing the unique features of multicultural groups, educators can maximize the benefits of cultural diversity in the learning process.
A decade-long study found that intensive lifestyle changes reduced the rate of developing type 2 diabetes by 34 percent compared to placebo, resulting in a delay of about four years. In contrast, treatment with metformin reduced the risk by 18 percent after 10 years.
Two juvenile loggerhead turtles have been tracked with satellite-linked data loggers since August, providing insights into their behavior and habitat. The researchers are now working to develop new ways to avoid catching turtles in fishing gear, using the data to improve conservation efforts.
Researchers investigated gastric mucosal changes prior to gastric cancer in Indonesian and Japanese patients with H. pylori infection. They found significant differences in the grade and activity of mucosal changes, suggesting a different host response between the two populations.
Clemson University researchers have received a $195,000 grant to study breast cancer reconstruction using engineered tissue with anti-cancer properties. The project aims to improve reconstructive surgery performed on breast tissue following a lumpectomy by combining healthy cells with a degradable biomaterial.
A recent study found that statins can have profoundly different effects on brain cells, including benefits in reducing cholesterol transporter expression but potential risks in increasing Alzheimer's disease-related proteins. The findings highlight the importance of personalized treatment approaches for individuals taking statin therapy.
A team of researchers is exploring the fossil record of ancient plants in Patagonia, Argentina, which could provide insights into plant evolution, distribution, and ecology. The study aims to determine if a major plant extinction occurred when dinosaurs went extinct and how long it took for recovery.
Adult stem cells from bone marrow have shown promise in preventing and treating acute lung injury by repairing damaged endothelial cells. Researchers found that these progenitor stem cells, named Flk-1 and CD34, can repair lung damage and improve survival when administered to mice with ALI.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic found that consultation room design can enhance patient care by improving collaboration between clinicians and patients. The study, which included 63 pairs of patients and doctors, showed that experimental rooms with side-by-side seating increased clinician-patient information sharing and patient satisfaction.
A new study found that short-term Celecoxib intervention can effectively prevent gastric carcinogenesis in Mongolian gerbils. The research team suggests that COX-2 inhibitors may be used as chemoprevention for people older than 40 years old, especially those with refractory H. pylori infections at high risk of gastric cancer.
Researchers are developing innovative treatments to starve cancer cells of glucose, a strategy that has shown promising results in breast and colon cancer cases. RNA interference is also being explored as a gene therapy approach to block genes involved in cancer growth, with significant progress made in administering these medicines.
Researchers at the Mayo Clinic found that high-definition colonoscopy detected 29% more polyps than standard colonoscopy, with a 20% increase in detecting precancerous polyps. This study, conducted on 2,430 patients, marked the first comparison of these two methods in clinical practice.
Researchers discovered how fish oils convert to Resolvin D2, a chemical that reduces inflammation and may treat conditions like arthritis, sepsis, and stroke. This breakthrough could lead to new treatments for diseases associated with inflammation.
A University of Illinois professor proposes that the similarities between music, teaching, and research can improve educational outcomes. The article highlights how knowing an audience and being adaptable are essential for effective communication and making meaning.