Researchers have discovered that carbon nanotubes can accelerate seed germination and increase seedling weight, suggesting potential benefits for agriculture and biofuel production. The study's findings could lead to improved crop yields and more efficient biomass production.
A new study by Johns Hopkins researchers suggests that physicians have less respect for obese patients, with higher BMI associated with lower levels of respect. The findings raise questions about whether physician attitudes towards obesity impact patient care and health outcomes.
A new study has identified a possible link between autism and non-DNA sequence mutations in the oxytocin receptor gene, OXTR. The research found that this alteration is present in both peripheral blood cells and the brain's temporal cortex, suggesting a major role in human development.
Researchers at USC, Northwestern and Stanford will study the role of clinicians in medical technology innovation and the value of devices in treating diabetes and chronic wounds. The grants aim to develop objective data on the social and economic impact of therapeutic medical devices.
A comprehensive collection of 38 articles written by international experts provides a detailed overview of current rheumatology research. The resource covers basic, translational, and clinical research in rheumatology, offering clinicians and researchers a valuable reference work.
Researchers exploit a relationship between the KRAS and TBK1 genes, known as 'synthetic lethality,' to kill cancer cells that are resistant to standard treatments. By targeting TBK1, the strategy bypasses the difficulties in treating KRAS-driven tumors, offering a new approach against aggressive cancers.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University are developing new imaging agents to detect cancers earlier, exploiting enzyme overexpression in tumors to improve cancer surgery accuracy, and creating a system to control prosthetic arms with thought. The grants will support new researchers, equipment, and technology development.
Researchers aim to use human pluripotent stem cells to produce cardiac myocytes for transplantation into diseased hearts. The study could potentially treat 500,000 new cases of heart disease annually.
A new research project will drill through a half-mile of ice to penetrate subglacial Lake Whillans, studying hidden processes that govern the dynamics of the West Antarctic ice sheet. The team aims to develop predictive models of polar melting and understand how subglacial lakes influence ice motion.
A widely used virus assay has been shown to be inaccurate in detecting and measuring replicating viral RNA. Researchers at Virginia Tech developed a novel assay that detects anti-genomic copies of the viral genome, which is more accurate than existing methods.
Scientists at Harvard University have introduced kinks into arrow-straight nanowires, creating zigzagging 2-D and 3-D structures with enhanced electrical properties. These new nanostructures enable the integration of active devices, fostering potential breakthroughs in biomedicine and electronics.
Researchers at Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft have developed a functionally-integrated bicycle seat post made from carbon fiber composite materials, offering noticeable ride comfort and reduced weight. The innovative seat post uses laminated springs to absorb shocks, providing a smoother ride for cyclists.
Researchers have developed a novel detector molecule that can sense cyanide in water at normal pH levels and emit light, offering a potential solution for protecting people from cyanide-laced drinking water. The molecule's modular structure allows it to be modified to enhance its sensitivity and detect different toxins.
UCI scientists identify protein PT as the key to making aflatoxin, a toxin produced by mold on nuts and grains that can cause liver cancer. The discovery could lead to methods of limiting its production and developing new inhibitors to prevent liver cancer.
A new study found that carriers of Gaucher disease face a significantly higher risk of developing Parkinson's disease, with the risk being 5 times greater than the general public. The study also found that GBA alterations increase the likelihood of early disease onset.
A University of Michigan survey found that the cost of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) is a significant predictor of purchase probabilities, even more so than environmental considerations. Economic factors, such as willingness to pay for fuel savings and price premiums, played a crucial role in consumer attitudes towards PHEVs.
A new study finds that glacial melting is releasing persistent organic pollutants into lakes, despite decreased use of these compounds in products. The pollutants were deposited earlier and preserved over decades, with the flow increasing sharply since the late 1990s.
A recent study published in Pain Medicine found that women veterans are less likely to report pain compared to their male counterparts. The study, which analyzed data from over 153,000 veterans, revealed that female veterans were more likely to report moderate-severe pain but less likely to experience persistent pain.
Researchers found that two brain structures, the deep layers of superior colliculus and amygdala, interact to regulate emotional responses. Activation of one structure can lead to defensive behaviors, while inhibition of the other reveals a complex interaction between the two.
Geneticists propose six labels for genome sequence data to estimate quality, ranging from standard draft to finished sequence. This could aid in developing vaccines more efficiently and responding to emergencies.
Researchers analyzed Y chromosome DNA from human remains on the Canary Islands to determine the origin and evolution of paternal lineages. They found a North African origin for these lineages, which declined due to European colonization and the African slave trade.
Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center found that a tailored approach to physical therapy can restore a wider variety of functions in rats with spinal cord injuries. After four weeks of training on a robotic device, trained animals had shorter stride lengths and improved walking performance compared to non-trained animals.
The Carnegie Mellon Mobile & Immersive Learning for Literacy in Emerging Economies (MILLEE) project will conduct a controlled study involving 800 children in 40 villages in Andhra Pradesh, India. The goal is to gauge the effectiveness of mobile phone-based games for teaching English lessons.
A Case Western Reserve University engineering professor is developing a miniaturized low-power device to detect how electrical signals and neurotransmitters in the brain work. The device will record 16 channels of chemical and electrical neural activity, measuring neurotransmitters and action potentials in real time.
A team of researchers has identified a biochemical signaling pathway that protects normal tissues from radiation damage. Blocking this pathway increases tumor death in mouse experiments, offering hope for new cancer therapies.
Researchers at Yale University developed a non-invasive test to assess embryo viability for IVF, based on metabolomic profiling of spent embryo cultures. The study found that this approach affected pregnancy outcomes in women treated in Europe and Australia.
The Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry will be published by Elsevier starting with Volume 49, Number 1 in January 2010. The journal aims to extend its reach and support translation of scientific discovery into improved patient care.
The CWRU Prevention Research Center for Healthy Neighborhoods aims to foster partnerships within urban neighborhoods to develop effective strategies in preventing chronic disease. The center will collaborate with neighborhood residents, leaders, and community organizations to address environmental and lifestyle issues that contribute t...
A new study suggests that a damaging inflammatory response following spinal cord injury can prevent healing and promote chronic pain. Anti-inflammatory macrophages, which are typically involved in later stages of injury repair, were found to promote effective growth of axons but disappear shortly after an injury.
A new study reveals that a single-stranded DNA-binding protein (SSB) moves back and forth along single-stranded DNA, gradually allowing other proteins to repair, recombine or replicate the strands. SSB's dynamic movement is independent of the DNA sequence and modulates the activity of critical DNA repair proteins.
Researchers found that modifying risk factors through healthy lifestyle changes remains vital to combating peripheral arterial disease. While some patients with blocked leg arteries may not exhibit symptoms, early detection and treatment are still essential to prevent progression and potential complications.
Researchers found that iron naturally occurring in red wine causes the unpleasant fishy aftertaste when paired with fish. Low-iron red wines might be a suitable match for seafood, contrary to the traditional rule of thumb.
Harris Wang won $25,000 for faster cell programming tool MAGE, while Stephen Diebold received a prize for improved pointing stick for people with quadriplegia. Other graduate and undergraduate winners were also announced for their top work.
A recent study published in BMC Pediatrics found that persistent sucking habits in infants, such as pacifier or bottle use, may lead to difficulty producing certain word sounds and simplifying pronunciation in preschool children. Delaying introduction of baby bottles until at least 9 months old can reduce the risk of speech disorders.
Researchers have identified childhood risk factors for developing substance use disorders, including increased body sway and reduced P300 amplitude. These early markers can help predict an individual's likelihood of developing a substance use disorder by young adulthood.
Cancer survivors often struggle with sexual dysfunction due to side effects from treatment. Internists rarely discuss these issues with patients, leaving them without proper care and support. Training is needed to prepare primary care physicians to address these concerns effectively.
Researchers found that latent CMV infection exacerbated intestinal inflammation and increased immune responses to normally harmless bacteria, contributing to IBD severity. Latent CMV infection may modulate mucosal immunity and predispose individuals to developing severe acute colitis and subsequently IBD.
A new study published in Nature reveals that the loss of a gene called PTEN from surrounding cells can dramatically alter the tumor environment, fostering tumor growth. The findings suggest a new role for PTEN in suppressing cancer development and could lead to entirely new treatments targeting both cancer cells and their surroundings.
Researchers have identified groups of neurons that precisely keep time in the primate brain, allowing for fine-scale control over actions. The discovery opens doors to investigations into how the brain produces and uses its natural time code.
A study found that only one-third of US patients meeting guidelines criteria were treated with aldosterone antagonists, compared to 48% in the Euro Heart Failure survey. European clinicians have greater leeway and often push new indications in their practice, leading to a more liberal approach.
Researchers developed an optimized mouthpiece design to reduce medication waste and improve drug delivery to the lungs. The new design allows for more medication to pass through the mouthpiece, ensuring effective delivery of future inhaled medications.
The study, funded by a $2.2 million grant, will enroll 180 obese pregnant women and test a weight maintenance program with weekly support groups. Preliminary results are expected in three years, aiming to show that obese women who maintain their weight will have better outcomes.
Researchers have identified two new glycoproteins in spider web glue, which can be produced through opposite strands of the same DNA sequence. This discovery paves the way for large-scale production of biobased glues for various applications.
Researchers at CU-Boulder are developing a precise laser ruler to measure tiny changes in infrared light caused by the gravitational wobble of small, cool stars as they interact with rocky planets. The technique will allow them to detect Earth-like planets around M stars, which are much more common than larger stars.
A study suggests that exposure to a combination of stress hormones and chemicals during fetal development can increase the likelihood of reproductive birth defects, including cryptorchidism and hypospadias. The research found that simultaneous exposure to these factors significantly increased the risk of such disorders.
Georgia Institute of Technology receives a five-year, $12 million Track 2 award to develop and deploy two heterogeneous HPC systems for various research projects. The project aims to demonstrate unprecedented performance on computational science applications while addressing energy efficiency challenges.
A team of researchers led by Prof. Todd Lencz and Prof. Ariel Darvasi will conduct a groundbreaking study on the genetic basis of schizophrenia using advanced technologies and a large sample group of 4000 Ashkenazi Jewish individuals.
A study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology found that CT scans are more effective than standard X-rays in detecting abnormalities in patients with the H1N1 virus. The extent of disease was better characterized on CT scans, making them a superior imaging modality for high-risk patients.
Professor Hanna Kokko has been awarded the Per Brinck Oikos Award 2010 for her groundbreaking research on ecological and evolutionary dynamics. Her work focuses on the interactions between individual behavior, life-history theory, and population dynamics, with applications to conservation and management problems.
Researchers at the University of Illinois found that rats exposed to high doses of amphetamines during adolescence displayed significant memory deficits as adults. The declines in short-term memory were most pronounced when exposure occurred during adolescence rather than adulthood.
Researchers discovered a new genetic signature that correlates strongly with autism and involves the way genes are turned on and off. The finding may suggest new approaches to diagnosis and treatment of autism, potentially identifying individuals who will respond better to oxytocin treatment.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University have received funding from the Gates Foundation to develop a simple and low-cost diagnostic test for malaria using the coffee ring stain phenomenon. The test has the potential to be more reliable and shelf-stable than existing methods, which require refrigeration and highly trained technicians.
A study by Michigan State University found that internet forums are used to share information about prostitution and provide warnings to other 'johns', making it harder for law enforcement. The researchers also discovered that these online communities help individuals justify their behavior and view prostitutes as commodities.
A Kaiser Permanente study of 1,656 obese women found that nearly three-quarters gained too much weight during pregnancy and retained an average of 40% of the weight one year after delivery. Younger women and first-time mothers were most likely to gain excessive weight.
Scientists are increasingly involved in preserving cultural heritage objects, using non-destructive analysis and innovative techniques. Conservation science research is funded by grants from the National Science Foundation, aiming to maximize the preservation of building materials and artworks.
The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft is launching a collaborative research program to identify new enzymes and metabolites in domestic insects for medical, pest control, and industrial applications. The program aims to develop new antibiotics and sustainable solutions for food production and quality control.
Researchers have discovered that Alzheimer's disease can cause changes in the retina, which may predict how well treatments will work. The findings could lead to the development of retinal imaging technology for earlier diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer's, a leading cause of elderly dementia.
Researchers found a significant association between cardiovascular disease diagnosis and increased risk of subsequent hip fracture. The study, using twins from the Swedish Twin Registry, suggests that genetic predisposition plays a major role in this relationship.
Researchers found that an intervention called IMPACT improved depression symptoms, quality of life, and functional impairment in older cancer patients. After six months, 55% of IMPACT participants showed a 50% or greater reduction in depression symptoms.
New research suggests that augmenting antidepressant therapy with omega-3 fatty acid supplements does not provide benefit for patients with coronary heart disease and depression. The study found no difference in improvement between groups on the Beck Depression Inventory-II scores.