A Missouri University researcher is studying sulfate-reducing bacteria that can convert toxic uranium into nearly insoluble uraninite, reducing contamination and environmental costs. The bacteria's ability to cleanse water is being explored, with potential applications for heavy metal pollution from storage tanks and industrial waste.
Research reveals that birds, like humans, use language to settle disputes over resources. The study found that territorial songs of two antbird species were extremely similar, while non-territorial signals like calls and plumage diverged.
A team of scientists is exploring the role of microbes in rice plants, which can affect crop yields and plant performance. They plan to analyze microbial associations using transcriptomic and metabolic profiling techniques.
Penn State researchers have received a $1 million stimulus grant to improve cyber security for modern data centers. The project aims to consolidate four areas of systems security research, including microscopic intrusion analysis and detection, redundancy, automatic response, and diversity-driven protection.
Researchers at UNC Chapel Hill have discovered a genetic risk factor for severe liver disease in people with cystic fibrosis, specifically the SERPINA1 gene variant. Those carrying this variant are five times more likely to develop cirrhosis and other liver complications than those with the normal version of the gene.
Researchers engineered a human HIV-1 inhibitor modeled after AoT5Cyp, a potent owl monkey fusion protein. The human fusion protein, hT5Cyp, blocked HIV-1 infection in human macrophage and T cell lines without disrupting normal cell function.
Patients who exhibited skin rash from lapatinib showed a greater tumor response and longer survival, while others experienced no benefit. The study suggests that larger trials with more responsive patients may show a definite survival benefit.
A new University of Toronto research links academic performance to neural signals, with students having larger error-related negativity (ERN) signals scoring better in school. The study suggests that ERN signals can be improved through self-regulation and attention to mistakes.
Jeannie Albrecht's five-year grant aims to develop techniques for increasing stability in mobile applications, benefiting students and researchers at small colleges. The project will integrate human interaction patterns into a software toolkit, providing valuable hands-on experience with emerging mobile computing systems.
A study found that one in five doctors are uncomfortable working with surrogates, reporting ineffective communication and increased stress levels. The lack of clear guidelines for surrogate decision makers can lead to difficult decisions, causing distress for both physicians and families.
In Canada, contraband cigarettes are a significant concern among adolescent daily smokers, accounting for 17% of total consumption. The study found that cigarettes from First Nations reserves were particularly popular among adolescents, leading to higher smoking levels compared to other brands.
Researchers found patients with upper GI complaints visited GPs twice as often and received double the number of prescriptions. High contact frequency was most strongly associated with upper GI symptoms, rather than psychological co-morbidity.
A new study found that healthy older brains are similar in size to those of younger individuals, contrary to previous findings. The research tested participants without neurological problems and used MRI scans to measure brain areas. Cognitive decline was measured by drops in performance on certain tests.
Researchers discover that overexpression of 14-3-3ζ launches a molecular cascade that removes bonds holding premalignant cells together, converting them to highly mobile mesenchymal-like cells. This process is recognized as a crucial step in metastasis and can be identified using biomarkers.
A study predicts a 40% increase in blindness in Nigeria by 2020, with nearly all cases being either preventable or treatable. The research found that cataracts, glaucoma, and refractive errors are the most common causes of blindness, particularly among those with limited access to healthcare.
A new study by the University of Florida combines socio-cultural and genetic data to reveal health disparities between different groups. The research suggests that social classification is a better predictor of disease status than genetic ancestry.
Professor Brenda Trofanenko argues that elementary school students lack the historical knowledge and critical sensibility necessary to understand genocide. High school students are better equipped, both emotionally and intellectually, to deal with traumatic events in world history. The professor suggests a fact-based approach to learni...
Researchers found that pathogenic E. coli strains can survive modern food processing methods and exploit different food sources than laboratory strains. They demonstrated differences in growth characteristics, antimicrobial resistance, and reaction to environmental stresses.
A five-year grant will create a comprehensive research infrastructure in the Midwest, focusing on HIV prevention, detection, and treatment. The center will concentrate its investigations around three themes: HIV and women, HIV and aging, and HIV and drug abuse.
Researchers at the Mayo Clinic have discovered that the lung cancer oncogene PKCiota is necessary for the proliferation of lung cancer stem cells. The study found that an agent called aurothiomalate substantially inhibits growth of these cancer stem cells, suggesting a potential new treatment target.
Researchers found that three common houseplants significantly reduced indoor ozone concentrations in a simulated environment. The study suggests using plants as a cost-effective tool to mitigate indoor air pollution, especially in developing countries where expensive technology may not be feasible.
Researchers found no correlation between community garden presence and property crimes in Houston neighborhoods. However, residents reported a positive influence of gardens on neighborhood revitalization and perceived safety.
A new study assessed a handheld optical sensor, GreenSeeker, for evaluating overall turfgrass quality in three turf species. The researchers found that the sensor reduced data collection and entry time by 58% compared to human visual evaluation.
University of Iowa researchers discovered a new molecular mechanism regulating pancreatic cells and insulin secretion in children with permanent neonatal diabetes mellitus. The mechanism involves the protein ankyrin, which regulates the KATP channel complex.
The study found that regular CGM use is the primary factor in achieving better diabetes control, regardless of age. People using CGM devices six days per week or more showed similar levels of improvement in diabetes control across all age groups, from children to adults.
Scientists have discovered how salmonella kills tumors by migrating into cancerous tissues and triggering a strong inflammatory response. The inflammatory response causes blood vessels in the tumor to become permeable, allowing salmonella to spread and ultimately kill the tumor.
A new protein conjugate vaccine, PCV7, has been found to produce superior immune responses in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) compared to the currently accepted vaccine, PPSV23. The study suggests that PCV7 may offer improved protection against respiratory disease in COPD patients at risk for pneumonia.
Researchers induced pathological damage to a normal pancreas with an immune adjuvant and found that it triggered a strong anti-self response, which suppressed autoimmunity. The study highlights the complexity of immune responses in different organs and may lead to new therapeutic approaches for cancer treatment
Researchers at Fox Chase Cancer Center have identified a unique method to inhibit signaling enzymes called kinases using the small molecular inhibitor IPA-3. By targeting PAK1's regulatory domain, IPA-3 is highly selective and takes a more-or-less backdoor approach to shutting down cancer cells.
A new study found that only half of federal and state prison systems offer opioid replacement therapy (ORT), a treatment proven to reduce drug-related disease and reincarceration rates. Meanwhile, only 23 states provide referrals for inmates to treatment upon release from prison.
A recent study published by the American Society for Horticultural Science found that conventional methods for measuring nitrate concentrations in plant tissue are often time-consuming, expensive, and impractical. The researchers developed a new method using rapid potentiometric and colorimetric techniques to measure nitrate concentrat...
Researchers at the University of Utah are conducting a $10.2 million study in Idaho to develop new techniques for increasing geothermal energy production. By using oil and gas industry methods to create pathways in hot rock, they aim to unlock the country's vast geothermal potential.
Researchers have identified genes in yeast that enable it to respond to stress and are investigating ways to improve its performance by modifying its stress response mechanism. By manipulating these genes, they found a family of enzymes called sirtuins plays an important role in controlling wine yeast lifespan.
A brain-imaging study found that ADHD patients have lower-than-normal dopamine markers, which may underlie symptoms of inattention and reduced motivation. This deficit could lead to complications like drug abuse and obesity.
A new study reveals that oil development in the Arctic is attracting opportunistic predators like Arctic foxes, ravens, and gulls, which feed on nesting birds. These predators are using oil infrastructure to build nests or dens, leading to a significant loss of nests in areas closer to oil development.
Scientists have identified a complete signaling pathway for plant brassinosteroid hormones, a discovery that could lead to genetic engineering of crops with higher yields and improve understanding of human diseases like cancer and diabetes. The study shares similarities with animal steroids, but functions differently at the cellular le...
Research at Georgia Institute of Technology reveals a 35% increase in large hurricane size from the Gulf Coast, leading to a doubling in tornadoes produced per storm. The model can predict tornado activity using factors like storm size, intensity, track direction, and moisture gradients.
Scientists have engineered a human HIV-1 inhibitor modeled after an owl monkey fusion protein that potently blocks HIV-1 infection. This new treatment showed promise in preventing viral replication in mice and has the potential to be a robust anti-HIV-1 gene therapy candidate.
Scientists attach light-emitting genes to Listeria monocytogenes bacteria to detect their movement in real-time, revealing path of infection. The technology indicates which bacterial genes are switched on during infection and has potential for vaccine and DNA-delivery vectors.
Scientists at Ben-Gurion University have developed thin films that demonstrate carrier multiplication, a process that can enhance solar cell efficiency. The breakthrough, published in Nature Physics, shows that bulk PbS and PbSe films exhibit more efficient carrier multiplication than nanocrystalline films of the same materials.
A study published in the Journal of Applied Gerontology found that hairstylists have close relationships with their elderly clients and can identify signs of depression, dementia, and self-neglect. The stylists surveyed reported being willing to refer older adults to community services, but were unfamiliar with many available options.
Researchers at University of Missouri discovered that deactivating basolateral amygdala blocks consumption of fatty diet in rats, but not the desire to seek food repeatedly. The study suggests that this brain region is specifically involved in pleasure-driven overeating.
A study by Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center researchers found that obesity, alcohol use, and smoking significantly increase the risk of second breast cancer in survivors. The study suggests reducing weight, quitting smoking, and drinking in moderation to lower this risk.
A study found that people with infections were more likely to experience memory loss and cognitive decline compared to those without infections. The study suggests that reducing inflammation may be beneficial for people with Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers from the Technical University of Munich are developing a new brewing process that uses zeolite storage systems to add heat and reduce energy consumption. The system aims to save up to 20% in energy costs, making it a more sustainable option for breweries.
Researchers at UM Medical Center have identified haptoglobin 2 precursor as the molecular link to zonulin, a protein associated with inflammatory disorders. This discovery could lead to new treatments and diagnostic tools for celiac disease and other autoimmune conditions.
The UK International Health Links Centre (IHLC) aims to promote effective international health links between the UK and developing countries. The centre will provide a 'one-stop-shop' for information and guidance on strengthening existing links, as well as a library of resources for international users.
Researchers use insects like fruit flies and moths to test new drugs, reducing animal testing by up to 90% and speeding up results. The study finds that insect immune cells are structurally and functionally similar to those in mammals, offering a promising alternative for drug development.
A new genomic model defines microorganisms by their dietary habits, providing a tool for tracking environmental changes. The researchers analyzed the genomes of two bacteria with distinct lifestyles and developed a predictive model that successfully identified the habitats of dozens of bacterial samples.
Researchers used mixed consortia of bacteria to degrade naphthenic acids, a type of toxic compound found in crude oil and tar sands. The microbes broke down the compounds in just a few days, reducing environmental pollution from these areas.
Researchers discovered genetic differences between two ocean bacteria, one thriving in nutrient-rich waters and the other in poor-nutrient waters, reflecting their distinct lifestyles.
Wind energy could account for 30% of Spain's overall energy production by 2030, according to a study. The proposal also suggests a mix of solar energy and gas turbines to achieve this goal, while reducing carbon emissions. Additionally, the sector has generated 226% more jobs in the European Union since 2003.
Research in nanoscience and nanotechnology found to be highly interdisciplinary, drawing on multiple areas of science and technology. The study analyzed over 30,000 papers with 'nano' themes, revealing diverse contributions from fields like clinical medicine, biomedical sciences, and physics.
A study has found that XMRV retrovirus is present in 27% of prostate cancers, associated with more aggressive tumors. The viral proteins were predominantly found in malignant prostatic cells, suggesting a direct link between XMRV infection and tumor formation.
A study tracked genetic mutations in a roundworm over 5,000 years, finding that oxidative DNA damage is a primary cause of mutations. The research also showed that natural selection affects previously thought-to-be 'junk' DNA, suggesting new biological roles.
Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center have identified an area of the brain involved in the earliest stages of schizophrenia. Activity in this region, known as the CA1 subfield, may help predict disease progression and provide opportunities for more targeted drug development to block the mechanism.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have designed a small molecule that blocks an aberrant pathway associated with myotonic dystrophy type 1. The new compound, Ligand 1, binds tightly to its target, preventing the MBNL protein from binding to RNA and easing symptoms of the disease.
Researchers have identified versatile cells in liposuction leftovers that can be quickly converted into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells), potentially revolutionizing regenerative medicine. The study shows a 20-fold improvement in efficiency compared to skin cells, which are more challenging to reprogram.
Researchers have designed probiotics that can bind toxins in the gut, preventing them from interacting with host intestinal cells. These receptor-mimic probiotics offer a promising treatment for diseases such as cholera and traveller's diarrhoea, and may also be used to prevent outbreaks following natural disasters.
The DFG has established five new Clinical Research Units to study highly topical medical issues such as bowel cancer metastases and hormone-related obesity. The units aim to develop individual forms of treatment for conditions like glomerulonephritis and improve diagnostic strategies,