Researchers have developed a novel method to generate functional hepatocytes for drug testing, offering an unlimited and reliable source of liver cells. The new technique uses induced pluripotent stem cell technology to create hepatocytes from adult skin cells, overcoming the limitations of primary human hepatocytes.
Current screening programs have not significantly decreased deaths from breast and prostate cancers, despite high costs and increased treatment. Experts recommend focusing on identifying patients at risk for aggressive cancers and developing new tools to improve screening.
Researchers at Texas A&M University, led by Steve DiMarco, have been awarded a five-year, $3.72 million project to better understand and predict the formation of 'dead zones' in the Gulf of Mexico. The team aims to identify key factors contributing to these areas, which can cause fish kills and harm marine life.
Scientists are using seismic noise to reconstruct the history of hurricanes in the North Atlantic, analyzing patterns produced during hurricanes and regular storms. Preliminary results suggest that hurricanes produce recognizable patterns, allowing researchers to potentially establish a link between global warming and hurricane frequen...
The Lemelson-MIT InvenTeam initiative awards $10,000 grants to 15 teams of high school students to create technological solutions for global challenges. These projects include a human-powered UV water filtration device and a physical therapy chair designed to reduce muscular atrophy.
A new Harvard study reveals that uninsured adults with diabetes or high cholesterol are more likely to be misdiagnosed and undertreated. The researchers found significant gaps in care for these conditions, with the uninsured being more likely to experience poor blood pressure control and inadequate treatment.
A study published in JAMA Network found considerable differences in estimates of future physician workforce supply, with US Census Bureau data suggesting a potential younger but fewer physician workforce. The analysis used Masterfile and CPS data to identify significant age discrepancies between the two datasets.
Tropical Storm Rick is expected to pass south of the Baja, bringing heavy rainfall to extreme southern Baja California and northwestern Mexico. The storm's center is currently located 200 miles south-southwest of Cabo San Lucas, with maximum sustained winds near 65 mph.
Research using animal models has identified key brain cells and circuits affected by addiction, shedding light on the cognitive problems associated with it. These findings may lead to more effective treatment options to weaken powerful cravings, ultimately guarding against relapse.
Researchers at KIT have successfully manufactured the world's smallest optical nanoantennas from gold using electron beam lithography. These nanoantennas enable rapid information transmission and are considered a major basis for new optical high-speed data networks.
Researchers found that a high protein diet led to smaller brains in mice with Alzheimer's disease. The study suggests a possible link between high protein intake and reduced AD risk.
The University of Florida and collaborators will implement a new networking system across seven schools, linking researchers nationally and internationally to facilitate collaborations and improve ongoing studies. The program aims to create a verifiable database of researchers using Cornell's VIVO software.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University have developed a biologically active scaffold made from soluble fibers that can help replace lost or missing bone. The technology, which has shown promise in animal models, could also be used to regenerate other types of human tissues, including muscle, arteries, and skin.
Children with a history of diabetic ketoacidosis may experience persistent memory issues, according to a new study from UC Davis. The research highlights the importance of maintaining glucose control and prompt diagnosis of new cases.
Researchers at RIT are using supercomputers to study the massive dark objects, simulating what cannot be seen directly. The grants and allocations will enhance their access to sophisticated computer power, staying at the forefront of scientific computation.
Researchers found that infants can match human speech to human faces and monkey calls to monkey faces. However, they struggled to match non-human vocalizations to their corresponding species. This ability may help infants identify conspecifics even when out of view.
Stanford University researchers propose that transitioning to renewable energy could reduce global power demand by 30%, making it cheaper than fossil fuels or nuclear energy. The study finds that wind, water, and solar energy can meet the world's power demands with minimal land area required.
A study at Georgia Tech found that older adults have difficulty recognizing emotions on robots, particularly happiness and disgust. Despite this, they excel at reading sadness. The researchers suggest that the robot's facial features may not be exaggerated enough to overcome age-related recognition challenges.
Research at the University of Leeds found that logged rainforests can recover biodiversity to pre-logging levels within 15 years through managed restoration. This approach can also support carbon offsetting, providing a stronger incentive for protecting vulnerable forests.
A new study by the Spanish Foundation for Science and Technology found that adolescents' perception of family functioning is no longer decisive. Family structure is no longer a determining factor in an adolescent's perception of proper family function.
Hurricane Rick strengthened into a Category Five hurricane, bringing powerful winds and large ocean swells to the southern Baja California. NASA satellites tracked the storm's progress, revealing high thunderstorm cloud temperatures and an eye forming on October 18.
UC researchers are examining the effects of ecstasy on young adult cognition, mood, and brain structure. They aim to understand how individual genetics moderate the negative effects of drug use.
A combination of estrogen and a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) may relieve menopause symptoms and lower breast cancer risk without the progestin side effects. Researchers treated breast and endometrial cell lines with the hormone mix, finding that it blocked cell growth and prevented proliferation.
A new analysis of historical documents and geological maps reveals Jerusalem's karst geology played a pivotal role in the city's selection as David's capital, allowing it to successfully fend off Assyrian sieges. The discovery highlights the significance of water security in the region, with implications for modern-day life and politics.
Researchers have developed a highly sensitive PSA assay using nanotechnology, enabling early detection of prostate cancer recurrence and improving treatment outcomes. The new technology has the potential to redefine the PSA 'zero' level, allowing for earlier diagnosis and targeted therapies.
A new analysis of a long-term survey of human health shows that humans are still evolving due to natural selection. The study found that the descendants of over 2000 women in the Framingham Heart Study will be slightly shorter and heavier, have lower blood pressure and cholesterol, and reach menopause later in life.
A new theory proposes that toxic algae may have caused the world's great species annihilations during five of Earth's largest mass extinctions. Algae blooms can kill thousands of fish and poison shellfish, with some plants on land also picking up toxins through their roots.
People with job authority report higher levels of interpersonal conflict and stressors spilling over into non-work domains. Despite benefits like greater pay and problem-solving tasks, the health costs negate the advantages of having power at work.
Deborah Friberg, COO and Executive Vice President at WakeMed Health and Hospitals, has been recognized by APIC with the first annual Healthcare Administrator Award. She supports infection prevention and control through various initiatives, including MRSA reduction and hand hygiene compliance.
Researchers at Harvard's Wyss Institute have developed a method to grow cells in three dimensions using paper stacks, mimicking real tissues. This technique allows for uniform oxygen and nutrient delivery, making it easier to study cancer and other diseases.
The American College of Physicians recommends initiating therapy with a PDE-5 inhibitor in men with ED unless there's a contraindication. Treatment with PDE-5 inhibitors results in statistically significant improvements in sexual intercourse and erectile function, regardless of cause or baseline severity.
Women without HOXA13 gene mutations do not need x-rays and tests for hand-foot genital syndrome, according to a new study. Hand-foot genital syndrome affects reproductive and urinary systems development.
The International Materials Institute for New Functionalities in Glass at Lehigh University has received a second five-year contract from the National Science Foundation. The institute aims to increase the visibility of glass globally while encouraging more students to pursue careers in this historically low-number field. Glass plays a...
Researchers at the University of Michigan have found that genes involved in fin regeneration and heart repair are also required for rebuilding damaged light receptors in the eye. The study suggests that a common molecular mechanism guides the process, no matter what body part is damaged.
A study published in Archives of Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery found that glucocorticoid medication and Ginkgo biloba significantly improved the sense of smell in individuals with previous olfactory loss due to upper respiratory infections. The treatment was effective regardless of whether it was used alone or in combination.
A multi-year study of 428 thyroidectomy patients found only slight differences in rates of complications and hospital readmissions between older and younger patients. Elderly patients had a slightly higher hospital readmission rate due to transient calcium levels issues, not age-related complications.
Researchers found that chlorhexidine-soaked wipes did not reduce neonatal sepsis or vertical transmission of group B streptococcus. The study suggests that other interventions are needed to target child mortality and achieve the Millennium Development Goal of reducing childhood mortality.
Researchers found that administration of APC protein slowed disease progression and extended survival in mice with inherited ALS. The study suggests activating APC might benefit patients with inherited and possibly sporadic ALS, but warns of potential risks.
A Yale team used whole exome sequencing to identify a mutation in a Turkish baby's genome, leading to a surprise diagnosis and treatment of congenital chloride diarrhea. The approach has potential for dramatic insights into human diseases and could become commonly used in clinical settings.
Researchers at Ohio State University have found that giving supplemental oxygen to animals during a stroke can reduce damage to brain tissue surrounding the clot. The timing of delivery is critical to achieving this benefit, and using pure oxygen delivered by mask was also effective.
Tropical Storm Neki formed near Johnston Island with maximum sustained winds of 40 mph; forecasters predict strengthening into a hurricane as it moves northwest, passing close to the island on October 21.
Researchers at Brookhaven National Laboratory identified an enzyme responsible for suberin production, which can help control water and nutrient transportation in plants. This discovery may lead to easier agricultural production of crops used for biofuels, enabling them to thrive in specific or harsh environments.
A new study suggests that global warming may lead to increased productivity in high-elevation forests of the Pacific Northwest, with potential increases of up to 500% in Washington. However, lower-elevation forests are expected to decline in growth due to drought stress and limited moisture.
A study published in the Journal of Cell Biology reveals that PIKfyve, a lipid kinase, protects neurons from calcium overload by degrading voltage-gated calcium channels. This mechanism may provide new insights into neurodegenerative disorders such as stroke, Parkinson's disease, and Alzheimer's disease.
A recent study found that bariatric surgery is associated with a higher risk of death in superobese patients. The research, published in Archives of Surgery, analyzed data from 856 veterans who underwent bariatric surgery between 2000 and 2006. Patients classified as superobese had a significantly increased risk of dying within one yea...
Researchers from the University of Texas at Austin and other institutions have made new ground measurements that suggest the West Antarctic ice sheet is losing ice slightly more slowly than estimated. The findings could improve estimates of ice mass loss and provide a clearer picture of Antarctica's contribution to rising sea levels.
Researchers identified populations of neurons coding time with extreme precision in the primate brain's prefrontal cortex and striatum. This fine-scale coverage enables precise timing of actions, such as speaking or driving a car.
Middle-aged and older adults with little Internet experience showed significant brain activation patterns after just a week of online training. The study found that internet searching can stimulate neural activity, enhancing decision-making and complex reasoning in older adults.
Yumei Wang, a geotechnical engineer, proposes tsunami evacuation buildings in the Pacific Northwest to mitigate the risk of massive tsunamis. The buildings would provide safe spaces for emergency response and long-term recovery, with estimated costs ranging from $1 million to $2 million.
Dr. Óscar Custance has been awarded the 2009 Feynman Prize for Experimental Work in Nanotechnology for his pioneering research in atomic-scale precision. His work could lead to more effective catalysts for hydrogen fuel production. The prize recognizes advancements toward molecular manufacturing.
Scientists have discovered a compound that dramatically slows the progression of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in mice by extending their lifespan by 25 percent and reducing muscle wasting. The enzyme APC has been shown to protect neurons from cell death caused by SOD1 mutations, which are linked to most sporadic cases of ALS.
Researchers at Duke University found a clear dose-response pattern between lead exposure and test performance, with the effects becoming more pronounced as lead levels increase. Early childhood exposure to lead accounts for 7-16% of decline in test scores, while family poverty status accounts for 25-28%, and parental education for 58-65%.
High concentrations of glutamate activate the metabotropic glutamate receptor 1 (mGlu1 receptors), which become protective against toxic effects. This finding may lead to rational drug design for therapeutic approaches to protect against excitotoxic brain damage following injury and neurodegenerative diseases.
Researchers are optimizing progesterone for treating traumatic brain injuries by combining it with vitamin D and developing more water-soluble analogues. These compounds showed equivalent ability to reduce brain swelling in animal models, suggesting potential for improved treatment outcomes.
Sarah DuRant, a Virginia Tech doctoral student, has received two national awards for her research with wood ducks. Her work explores the effects of slight changes in incubation temperature on early growth and stress endocrinology in wood ducklings. This novel approach reveals profound impacts on the health of baby birds after hatching.
Researchers studied 247 trauma patients with lung blood clots and found no association between the two conditions. The study suggests that many pulmonary embolisms form primarily in the lungs, contradicting decades-long teaching that deep venous thrombosis is a precursor to pulmonary embolism.
A study examined thyroid surgery complications in patients aged 21-65. Results showed similar rates of complications between younger and older patients, with higher readmission rates due to hypocalcemia in the elderly group.
Researchers found that administering APC and its analogs slowed disease progression and extended survival in mutant SOD1-expressing mice. These compounds worked by decreasing SOD1 expression in brain cells, indicating a potential neuroprotective effect of APC in mouse models of inherited ALS.
Uloric (febuxostat) has been shown to effectively manage hyperuricemia in patients with gout, achieving normal serum urate levels in 45-67% of patients. The treatment also reduced the risk of future gout flares and was superior to allopurinol in lowering serum urate levels.
A new study suggests that a shorter course of antibiotics following tonsillectomy may be just as effective in reducing pain and promoting recovery. The research found no significant differences between children who received a 3-day versus 7-day course of postoperative antibiotics.