Researchers studied mice with a genetic deficiency that shortens their telomeres, similar to patients with dyskeratosis congenita. After 12-14 generations, the mice's telomeres regained normal lengths, suggesting an equilibration process that could protect against telomere erosion and disease symptoms.
Researchers at Clemson University found evidence that toxin-producing algae played a deadly role in mass extinctions. The scientists analyzed ancient algal deposits and found that these algae were present in sufficient quantities to kill off plants and animals.
The International Diabetes Federation reports a staggering 285 million people worldwide have diabetes, with the disease disproportionately affecting low and middle-income countries. The number is expected to reach 435 million by 2030, posing a significant threat to global health and economies.
A transgenic rat named Hobbie-J was created by over-expressing the NR2B gene, which enhances communication between brain cells. This results in improved memory and learning capabilities, including remembering novel objects and navigating complex tasks.
A systematic review of six randomized trials found pneumococcal conjugate vaccines reduced vaccine-type IPD by 80%, all-serotype IPD by 58% and x-ray defined pneumonia by 27%. The vaccines also prevented 11% of child deaths.
A team of researchers led by Queen's University scientists has discovered significant ecological changes in an Arctic lake, which extends the record of climate change back 80,000 years. The study found that human activities are overpowering natural processes, leading to dramatic ecosystem shifts.
Super Typhoon Lupit is currently packing maximum sustained winds near 132 mph and moving westward toward northern Luzon. The storm has joined the ranks of super typhoons in the Western Pacific Ocean, with forecasters expecting a landfall in the region during the afternoon hours on October 22.
Researchers at UC Davis MIND Institute report that after adjusting for factors, typically developing children and those with autism have similar blood-mercury levels. The study, conducted as part of the CHARGE Study, looked at various sources of mercury in participants' environments, including fish consumption and vaccinations.
Researchers at the University of Gothenburg have developed a new technique that allows for precise analysis of protein sugar structures. This breakthrough may lead to a better understanding of disease mechanisms and potential new treatments, particularly for conditions such as Alzheimer's.
A new Brandeis study found that faculty values at US academic medical centers align well with institutional missions, but in some cases, institutions fall short of practicing what they preach. Faculty prioritize caring for the underserved, teaching, intellectual rigor, and freedom of discovery.
A Massachusetts General Hospital study found no evidence of deep venous thrombosis in most trauma patients with pulmonary embolism, questioning the current understanding of the condition's origin. The researchers suggest that clots may form independently in the lungs, potentially revolutionizing the way PE is prevented and treated.
A new study by Rice University's Jones Graduate School of Business found that Chinese firms benefiting from the diversity of foreign direct investment (FDI) productivity and competitiveness. The more diverse the national origins of foreign investors in an industry, the higher the productivity of Chinese firms.
Researchers analyzed ancient bison genetic mutations to identify important variations in domestic animals, potentially improving agricultural breeding programs and disease resistance. The study also revealed the evolutionary history of the ruminant family tree and provided insights into climate change adaptations.
A new facial expression recognition system is being developed to help autistic children recognize emotions of surrounding people. The portable device uses boosting classifier and derivative-based filtering to locate the face region and classify emotional expressions.
Researchers use optogentics to explore brain function in normal and pathological conditions. New findings suggest musical training enhances auditory skills and diagnostic treatments for hearing disorders.
A study of 2,240 people found that high CRP levels were associated with an increased risk of heart attack and death, while lower levels were linked to reduced risk. The protein was not linked to an increased risk of stroke in the study, suggesting it may be more useful for predicting heart health.
The American College of Physicians (ACP) has issued clinical practice guidelines for treating erectile dysfunction (ED), recommending the use of phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE-5) inhibitors and individualizing decisions on hormonal tests. For patients with stable ischemic heart disease, adding ACE inhibitors to standard care improves ou...
Researchers at Caltech have developed a robot called CYCLOPS that simulates the visual experience of blind individuals with implanted visual prostheses, refining design and enhancing its effectiveness. The robot's camera system processes images, allowing scientists to test various enhancements without relying on actual blind users.
A randomized, double-blind trial found that mangosteen juice lowered C-reactive protein levels by 1.33mg/L in obese participants. The natural treatment was safe at all dosages tested and showed promise as a potential therapeutic option for reducing inflammation and cardiovascular risk.
Christine Bergeron, a Virginia Tech doctoral student, receives an EPA fellowship to study the impact of mercury on American toads' reproductive success. The research reveals that female toads transfer mercury to their eggs, affecting offspring viability and potentially long-term population health.
Researchers developed a genetic family tree for cows and ruminants, spanning 29 million years, using a new technique that also applies to humans. The study provides insights into cattle domestication, breed formation, and evolutionary connections to humans.
A new food rating system assesses both nutrition and cost value to create a nutrition-value-per-dollar score. Campbell's Healthy Request condensed vegetable soups ranked among the top affordable, nutritious options.
Researchers found that aggressive microdermabrasion using a coarse diamond-studded instrument induced molecular changes in the skin of older adults, similar to those seen during wound healing. This procedure mimicked natural skin remodeling processes and increased collagen production.
A study published in International Journal of Low Radiation found that extracts of Ginkgo biloba leaves can protect human white blood cells from gamma radiation-induced apoptosis. The results suggest that the antioxidant compounds in Ginkgo biloba extract can neutralize free radicals and prevent cellular damage.
Mother and daughter cells differ in gene expression and regulation, leading to varying cell cycles. Researchers found that proteins Ace2 and Ash1 control the commitment to divide, with daughters receiving these proteins at birth.
Professor Derek M. Isaacowitz, a Brandeis University psychologist, has received the 2009 Baltes Foundation Award for his research on emotion regulation in older adults. His work explores how people of different ages manage their emotions and maintain well-being.
A study published in Applied Cognitive Psychology found that people using cell phones were most prone to oblivious behavior, missing the presence of a unicycling clown. Meanwhile, walkers not on cell phones noticed the clown over 50% of the time, highlighting difficulties with simple tasks like walking while distracted.
A survey of resident physicians found that many are not trained in skin cancer examinations, with only a small percentage reporting skill levels in performing the procedure. The study highlights the need for comprehensive training programs to teach this essential skill.
Researchers analyzed sediment cores from a remote Arctic lake, finding unprecedented biological and chemical changes since the 1950s. Human-caused greenhouse gas emissions have overridden natural cooling processes, resulting in warming and altered ecosystems.
The company has developed a 2-week method for generating human induced-pluripotent stem cells with a 200-fold increase in yield. This breakthrough has broad implications for pharmaceutical-grade iPSCs production without genetic modification at commercial scale.
Researchers analyzed 12 focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) lesions and found polyclonal nature with no loss of heterozygosity in most cases, contrasting with 40% monoclonality in altered hepatocytes. This study provides an approach for differential diagnosis and may lead to further understanding of early human hepatocarcinogenesis.
A new class of compounds containing Ruthenium and Osmium has been found to be highly effective in killing ovarian and colon cancer cells, even those resistant to Cisplatin. The discovery is a significant step forward in the field of medicinal chemistry.
A study found increasing age, male gender, open-ended catheter, and hematogenous malignancy as significant risk factors for TIVAD failure. Close-ended catheters had lower thrombosis rates, while solid malignancies had lower infection rates compared to hematogenous malignancies.
Researchers found that exercise after whole-brain radiation treatment improved erasable memory in mice, comparable to humans' experience. Exercise also reduced depressive-like behaviors in irradiated mice, suggesting a protective effect against memory loss and depression.
Researchers found that rats with migraine-like headaches reacted to alcohol-induced pain, whereas those without migraines did not. The study suggests dehydration or impurities in alcohol are not responsible for hangovers.
Researchers at U of C have discovered a new material that allows PEM fuel cells to work at higher temperatures, increasing efficiency and reducing costs. This breakthrough could make fuel cells cheaper to produce and more efficient.
A Michigan State University experiment has watched the emergence of natural selection over 40,000 generations, providing insights into genome evolution and adaptation. The study's findings have implications for biotechnology and cancer research, revealing complex relationships between genetic mutations and environmental pressures.
A study by Cardiff University researchers found that performance reviews under the Audit Commission's Comprehensive Performance Assessment (CPA) led to improved council standards. Poorly performing councils were more likely to see a change in political leadership and management, resulting in better outcomes.
Researchers uncover positive effects of exercise on Parkinson's disease, depression, and memory. New tools help identify neural similarities between species, shedding light on human-specific faculties and diseases.
A new study suggests that some minerals beneath the Earth's surface could be of extraterrestrial origin. Researchers propose that a 'rain' of comets and meteorites may have deposited precious metals such as platinum and rhodium in the rock portion of the Earth, challenging internal geological processes.
Scripps Research scientists have made a breakthrough in creating stem cells from adult human tissue using three small drug-like chemicals. The new technique is 200 times more efficient and twice as fast than conventional methods, solving two major challenges in the development of stem-cell-based medicine.
A cohort study of 19,486 patients with inflammatory bowel disease found a significant increased risk of lymphoma associated with thiopurine use. The absolute cumulative risk remains low in young patients, but elderly patients and prolonged treatment periods warrant further investigation.
A new synthetic method creates longer polymer chains, increasing current density in plastic solar cells. The reduced reaction time cuts production time by nearly 50%, making it easier to optimize chemical structure and reduce manufacturing costs.
ANG1005 demonstrates disease control in over 70% of patients with progressive gliomas and brain metastases, with significant reductions in tumor size observed. The drug successfully crosses the blood-brain barrier without CNS toxicity or immunogenicity.
Embryonic stem cells exhibit sensitivity to localized cyclic forces due to their softness, affecting gene expression and differentiation. The study suggests that applying controlled mechanical forces could be a new method for directing cell behavior, with implications for therapeutic cloning and regenerative medicine.
Researchers have found elevated levels of gamma-synuclein in depressed animals and humans, highlighting its role in regulating neurotransmitters. The study may provide new therapeutic targets for treating depression, which currently has limited effective treatments.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have identified a cellular mechanism that causes lupus-like symptoms in mice. The study found that macrophages play a crucial role in disposing of dying cells, and a specific molecule called PPAR-delta helps regulate this process.
Researchers used photography and detailed geological mapping to identify 30 tombs on fracture traces, which can lead to flooding and damage. The team plans to use this information to stop flooding by diverting water away from tombs.
Research at Georgetown University Medical Center found that APP plays a critical role in brain development, connection of synapses, and dendritic spine development. Overproducing APP can lead to Abeta plaques and cognitive decline, highlighting the importance of maintaining balance in APP protein expression.
Researchers have discovered a new chromosomal abnormality in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) that is particularly common in children with Down syndrome. The finding has led to the development of new diagnostic tests and potential treatments, including an experimental medication targeting one of the altered genes.
Researchers found that increased calcium current density occurs before seizure onset, and remains elevated during seizure susceptibility periods.
Researchers have identified a drug that could provide the first treatment for scleroderma, a chronic connective tissue disease. In a study of 30 patients with diffuse scleroderma, Gleevec improved skin scores by 23% and lung function tests by 9.6% after one year.
A new study by Hospital for Special Surgery investigators finds that most lupus patients are not aware of their increased risk for cardiovascular disease, but a counseling program helps them make informed lifestyle choices. The program has been well-received by patients, with over 90% satisfaction rates.
A study of 124 patients with advanced biliary tract cancer found EGFR overexpression in 39.3% of tumors, while HER2 overexpression and gene amplification were present in only 5% of cases. This suggests that targeting EGFR may be a promising therapeutic approach for BTC, while routine testing and targeting of HER2 is not recommended.
Typhoon Lupit strengthened quickly from a tropical depression to a typhoon in just 24 hours. The storm's cloud temperatures were colder than minus 63F (-52.78C), indicating strong thunderstorms. Forecasts predict the northern Philippines will feel the first effects of Lupit on October 20, with residents urged to make preparations.
A study found that protein interaction networks respond to Helicobacter pylori infection by activating immune-related proteins and interacting with cancer-related proteins. The network construction reveals potential drug targets for gastric inflammation and cancer, including hub and bottleneck proteins.
A field experiment on a robust hierarchical metropolitan quantum cryptography network was recently conducted in Wuhu, China. The network uses a combination of quantum key distribution and traditional networking techniques to achieve unconditional secure communication.
The study found that students taught by participating teachers passed Regents science exams at a rate 10.1 percentage points higher than non-participating teachers' students. The program provides hands-on laboratory experience and funds for science supplies, encouraging teachers to implement more interactive exercises in their classrooms.
The NASA team has completed instrument testing on the GOES-P spacecraft, ensuring its instruments function as expected. The spacecraft is now undergoing testing of subsystems and mechanical activities before its launch in March 2010.
Researchers from Yerkes National Primate Research Center are presenting on various topics, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and memory function. The study aims to improve human health by understanding the evolutionary specializations of the human brain and its relationship with neurological disorders.