A new study in mice reveals that early estrogen exposure 'masculinizes' the brain circuitry, leading to aggressive and territorial behaviors typically observed in males. The researchers found that female mice exposed to estrogen as pups exhibit similar behaviors, suggesting a critical role for estrogen in shaping masculine behavior.
Researchers led by Jackie Shanks aim to develop a catalyst that allows plants to produce hydrocarbons, potentially creating second-generation biofuels. The project will investigate the conversion mechanisms and structures of biological hydrocarbons, paving the way for sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels.
A new study finds that a 2005-2007 drought in the southeastern United States was not exceptional but rather part of a normal dry period, while population growth and poor planning are major contributors to water scarcity. The region's future droughts are uncertain and could strike at any time due to unpredictable weather patterns.
Researchers successfully preserved retina structure and function in animal model of retinal degeneration using human embryonic stem cell-derived pigment-containing visual cells. The study promotes potential future use of cell replacement therapies to treat devastating eye diseases.
A study published in the journal Sleep found that long-term alcoholism affects sleep quality and architecture, regardless of abstinence duration or sex. The findings suggest a possible permanent structural change in REM regulation mechanisms produced by long-term alcohol abuse.
Neuroscientists have identified a protein called SHP-2 phosphatase that controls the spacing effect, which enhances long-term memory by adjusting rest intervals. The study found that manipulating SHP-2 phosphatase activity can reverse memory deficits in mutants with Noonan's syndrome.
Researchers found that current system for determining eligibility creates inequalities in financial aid distribution, affecting families with more money in retirement funds or home equity. The study aims to simplify the financial aid application process and provide a better picture of household net worth.
Researchers discovered how bacteria convert methylmercury into a less-toxic form, a trait that lets them survive in mercury-rich environments. Understanding this mechanism may be a viable way to combat methylmercury pollution.
Mass coral bleaching events are devastating coral colonies worldwide, and researchers have found that bleaching can increase the susceptibility of corals to disease. The study reveals a link between bleaching and disease prevalence, suggesting a more complex cause of coral decline than previously thought.
A Kaiser Permanente program bundled two generic, low-cost drugs and gave daily doses to 68,560 people with diabetes or heart disease for two years, preventing 1,271 heart attacks and strokes. The study found a 60% reduction in hospitalization rates for heart attack or stroke among those taking the bundled drugs.
The Department of Health and Human Services has awarded Albert Einstein College of Medicine a three-year, $2.1 million grant to expand its Hispanic Center of Excellence. The center provides leadership and training in research to Hispanic students and faculty, with a focus on addressing health disparities in the Hispanic community.
Natural killer cells help maintain a balance between T cells and the immune system, preventing over-response that can cause harm. Understanding how to keep NK cells around could lead to new treatments for patients with compromised immune systems.
The article highlights various fossil discoveries, including fungal microfossils, single-celled sea-bottom-dwellers, and trilobite soft tissues. These findings were recovered using diverse methods and provide insights into ancient environmental changes.
Infecting mosquitoes with Wolbachia parasite wMelPop reduces transmission of lymphatic filariasis by up to 85% and boosts mosquito immune system. Researchers aim to introduce this strain into other mosquito species to combat diseases such as malaria.
A study published in Sleep found that elderly women reported shorter and poorer sleep than men, but objectively measured sleep showed the opposite pattern. Women slept longer and had higher sleep efficiency, possibly due to differences in sleep duration determinants such as medication use and alcohol consumption.
Researchers analyzed decades-old frozen infant stool samples to understand norovirus evolution. The study reveals that the GII.4 genotype emerged years before its recent identification as a cause of severe global outbreaks.
A study published in the British Journal of Psychiatry found that children who ate confectionary daily were more likely to be violent as adults. The researchers suggest this may be due to a lack of deferred gratification, leading to impulsive behavior.
A new study published in the October 2009 issue of Gastroenterology found that patients with moderate-to-severe active ulcerative colitis had a 41 percent reduction in colectomy after one year when treated with infliximab. Treatment with infliximab reduced the incidence of colectomy through 54 weeks by 41 percent.
A new laser technique called L.I.F.E. imaging successfully detected bacteria in frozen Antarctic lakes, potentially paving the way for discovering signs of life on Mars.
A study of 8,500 low-income children ages 1-5 found an association between household food insecurity and overweight prevalence. Food-insecure households were more prevalent among girls under 2 years old, but not boys; however, among girls aged 2-5, those from food-insecure households had a 47% higher odds of being overweight.
The 4.4 million-year-old skeleton of Ardipithecus ramidus challenges previous understanding of early human evolution, showing the earliest hominids were bipedal but not as agile in trees as chimpanzees. The discovery also suggests a more amicable relationship among males, with potential for pair-bonded couples and shared food gathering.
A team of Duke and Singapore scientists have discovered a new way to classify gastric cancers based on the signaling pathways used to grow and spread. This new system may lead to more effective treatments and improved long-term survival for patients, as it allows for stratification according to tumor pathway profiles.
Research links CHRNA3 and CHRNA5 genes to increased lung cancer risk in African Americans, despite lower smoking rates. The study, published in Journal of Thoracic Oncology, confirms a stronger association with lung cancer risk than nicotine dependence.
A study by LSUHSC researchers found that unstable carotid artery plaques contain more inflammation and less omega-3 fatty acids than asymptomatic ones. Increasing dietary intake of omega-3 fatty acid-rich foods may prevent strokes or improve treatment safety.
Research from the American Sociological Review reveals racial segregation fuels early achievement disparities between young black and white children. Socioeconomic desegregation alone is not effective in improving classroom performance, and competition for college admissions perpetuates class divide in higher education.
Scientists have developed micrometer-sized capsules that can safely deliver drugs inside living cells. These 'micro shuttles' can be loaded with specific doses and released by biological triggers or light activation, offering a promising solution for managing chronic conditions.
Melor is now a typhoon with sustained winds near 115 knots, tracking northwestward towards Saipan and Rota. The National Weather Service warns of high surf and potential damaging winds for the Northern Marianas Islands.
A McMaster University study found that surgical masks are as effective as N95 respirators in protecting healthcare workers against influenza. The research showed an estimated effectiveness within one percent of the respirator, with no increased rate of infection.
Scientists extend mice lifespan by up to a fifth and reduce age-related diseases through blocking key molecular pathway, mirroring health benefits of calorie restriction. The study suggests that drug treatments targeting the S6K1 pathway may be feasible, building on existing research on calorie restriction's potential for human longevity.
Paired testing, a self-monitored testing approach, enables patients to make informed decisions about their diet and exercise habits. The study found that paired testing can help detect differences between weekend and weekday schedules and habits, facilitating positive patient self-care behaviors.
Researchers have developed a method to control the formation of carbon nanotubes, which can be used as semiconductors or metals. The breakthrough could lead to more powerful, compact and energy-efficient computers and ultra-thin electronic circuits.
The study, involving over 14,656 patients, found that two-thirds of heroin users stopped or reduced their use, while a similar proportion of crack cocaine users did the same. Heroin use decreased by an average of 15 days per month, and crack cocaine use by eight days.
Eight fellows have been selected for the prestigious fellowship program, which aims to encourage autism research as their chosen career path. The fellows will work with leading scientists and receive research training opportunities in various areas of autism spectrum disorders.
Researchers are exploring a groundbreaking method that uses electrical stimulation and exercise to enable paralyzed individuals to walk. The technique, inspired by recent breakthroughs in animal studies, shows promise for those with complete spinal cord injuries.
A study found that male diabetics with higher eosinophil counts in their blood have a stronger link to diabetic nephropathy and increased risk of heart disease. Anti-inflammatory treatments used for allergies may also benefit male patients with diabetes.
Scientists have received £1 million to research the decline of honeybees, focusing on how bees' behavior outside the hive interacts with factors affecting their health. The project aims to build a model that can predict bee responses to diseases in changing farmed landscapes.
A low protein diet boosts mitochondrial function, extending lifespan in flies. This discovery has implications for human aging and diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and cancer.
Researchers track the pattern and timing of a new subduction zone's birth in Fiordland, New Zealand, and analyze eclogites carried to the surface via serpentinite channels. The study also investigates the Yukon-Tanana terrane's crustal growth, finding predominantly crustal recycling with minor juvenile crustal growth.
Researchers found that retinoic acid reduces inflammation in the colon by increasing FOXP3 expression and decreasing IL-17 levels, which could lead to new treatments for ulcerative colitis. This discovery helps scientists understand what causes and controls inflammation in the colon.
Kansas State University assistant professor George Cai has received a $225,000 grant from the National Science Foundation to study supply chain management for the travel industry using online retail outlets like Priceline.com. The research aims to help suppliers and retailers determine optimal pricing and revenue management strategies.
Preliminary evidence suggests that shortened working weeks may further extend increases in life expectancy and health. Disability prevalence has been falling, with increasing evidence suggesting that people are living better despite an increase in chronic diseases.
A study found that 6.5% of ACL surgery patients underwent another knee operation within one year, with women and those treated by low volume surgeons at higher risk for subsequent surgeries. Younger patients under 40 were also more likely to require re-ACL reconstruction.
The American Society for Cell Biology will create an online image library of cell images, videos, and animations. This resource aims to advance science, health, and education by visualizing cellular structure and behavior.
A new study has found that older people taking cholinesterase-inhibiting drugs like donepezil are more likely to be hospitalized for bradycardia, an abnormally slow resting heart rate. This condition can cause serious symptoms such as fainting and shortness of breath.
The study provides the first comprehensive description of Ardipithecus ramidus, revealing a mix of primitive and derived traits. The findings suggest that early hominids lived in woodland environments, climbed on all fours along tree branches, and walked upright on two legs.
The University of Florida will conduct a six-year study on structured physical activity's effect on preventing or delaying major movement disability in older adults. The Lifestyle Interventions and Independence for Elders (LIFE) study seeks to fill the gap in scientific knowledge on exercise's ability to prevent mobility disability.
Vanderbilt University astronomers participate in the Baryon Oscillation Spectroscopic Survey (BOSS) to measure the distance of galaxies and quasars. The team uses 400 simulated universes to test data analysis methods and interpret BOSS's measurements of dark energy.
Researchers at Hiroshima University developed a method to temporarily control HCV levels in patients receiving new livers. Activated immune cells from donor livers were infused into patients, reducing viral activity despite immunosuppressive treatment. Further studies aim to improve this approach.
The Geological Society of America has awarded the prestigious Penrose, Day, and Donath medals to B. Clark Burchfiel, T. Mark Harrison, and Cin-Ty A. Lee for their outstanding original work in geological sciences. The awards recognize major advances in geology and are presented at the GSA Annual Meeting.
Research published in BMC Public Health found that older children are least protected by mosquito nets, putting them at high risk of developing life-threatening malaria. The study suggests that ensuring universal coverage for this age demographic is crucial to reduce transmission and impact on the community.
A three-year, $2.4 million grant will develop a systems biology approach to combat the effects of drought on staple food crops like maize, wheat, and rice. The project aims to identify key regulatory genes and signaling pathways that can improve drought resistance.
A new study found that prenatal exposure to the H1N1 strain of influenza A during the 1918-1919 pandemic increased the chances of heart disease later in life, particularly in men. Men born during the height of the epidemic were 23.1% more likely to develop heart disease after age 60.
A recent study confirms radon gas is the second leading cause of lung cancer, after smoking, in Spain and Romania. Radon levels were found to be a significant risk factor for lung cancer in homes, particularly in granite areas.
A study found that treating pregnant women with mild gestational diabetes can reduce common birth complications among infants, including smaller, leaner babies and fewer complications during delivery. Treated mothers were also less likely to develop high blood pressure or preeclampsia.
A new study published in Emotion journal proposes that consciousness mediates competing requests from different parts of the brain, allowing for decision-making and action. The research found that participants were more aware of conflicting urges involving skeletal muscles, such as those controlling movement or body temperature.
Researchers identified critical biochemical pathways linked to human muscle aging, revealing that old human muscle stem cells can be restored to youthful vigor with the right mix of biochemical signals. The study provides promising new targets for preventing muscle atrophy and other tissue degenerative disorders.
Researchers have discovered a group of substances that block flavodoxin, a key protein for H. pylori survival, offering promise for new specific antibiotics against the bacteria that causes stomach ulcers and other diseases worldwide.
A Kansas State University physicist is awarded a National Science Foundation grant to study atomic collisions in ultracold quantum gasses, which could improve experiment design and interpretation. The research has the potential to affect phenomena like superconductivity and quantum computing.
NASA's infrared satellite images showed Typhoon Ketsana dumping heavy rains on northern Philippines and Vietnam with thunderstorm cloud tops as cold as -63F. The storm brought record rainfall, deadly flooding, and mudslides, affecting over 2 million homes.
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that treating pregnant women with mild gestational diabetes resulted in fewer serious birthing problems. The treatment reduced the risk of large babies, shoulder damage during birth, and cesarean delivery.