Researchers identified a protein switch that helps prevent liver damage and cancer, offering new insights into the development of liver disease and cancer. The study suggests that TAK1 could be a master regulator of liver function, and its role in liver disease and cancer may enable the development of new therapeutic strategies.
Researchers at the University of Kansas have discovered a potential signature of nitrate and ammonia that can be found in ice cores corresponding to suspected impacts. This finding could help scientists better understand the frequency of comet strikes on Earth, providing valuable insights for future predictions.
Researchers have isolated a novel antifreeze molecule, xylomannan, from an Alaskan beetle that can survive temperatures below -100 degrees Fahrenheit. The discovery offers hope for developing new methods to resist freezing and has implications for understanding cell membrane function.
A new study from North Carolina State University suggests that health care spending can contribute to economic growth by investing in future capital and improving productivity. The researchers found that government projections of health care costs were unduly pessimistic, leading to errors of up to 35%.
The number of people overweight/obese increased significantly in sub-Saharan Africa between the early 1990s and early 2000s. The rate of increase was higher among the poor group, highlighting a pressing public health concern.
A new study found that men diagnosed with prostate cancer have a higher risk of cardiovascular events and suicide, especially during the first year after diagnosis. The researchers attribute this to emotional stress associated with the diagnosis, which may lead to increased cardiovascular morbidity and suicidal thoughts.
The Math1 gene controls the framework for perceiving external and internal body parts, including proprioception, interoception, hearing, balance, and arousal. This discovery has implications for understanding automatic movement and responses to internal and external stimuli.
A new study by the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center reveals racial disparities in radiation therapy rates for early stage breast cancer patients, with black women less likely to receive standard treatment. The study examined over 37,000 patients and found significant variations in radiation rates across different regions.
Researchers used DNA samples from frozen dirt to revise the history of woolly mammoths and ancient horses in North America. The analysis shows that these animals survived until at least 10,000 years ago, contradicting previous extinction theories based on fossil bones.
A study found that retail environments organized in a way that caters to consumers' knowledge levels can increase product learning and satisfaction. Highly knowledgeable consumers prefer novel formats, while novice consumers benefit from familiar groupings.
A consortium of five universities, including Carnegie Mellon and the University of Pittsburgh, has been awarded a collective $465 million contract to provide research services to the National Energy Technology Laboratory. The team will work on a range of projects, including fossil energy research and energy sector planning.
Penn researchers have isolated and transplanted pure populations of human spermatogonia and mouse gonocytes, showing remarkable similarity between the two species' reproductive cells. The study reveals insights into male germline stem cell lifecycle and provides hope for prepubescent men at risk of infertility due to cancer treatment.
A cluster randomized trial found that school playgrounds with granite sand surfacing significantly reduced the risk of arm fractures compared to wood fibre surfaces. The study concluded that updating safety standards to recommend granite sand will reduce common and severe injuries seen on modern playgrounds.
A newly discovered gene called Brd2 has been found to play a crucial role in regulating body energy balance and protecting against Type 2 diabetes. In mice with a reduced expression of the Brd2 gene, obesity did not lead to diabetes, highlighting the importance of inflammation in this process.
Researchers have discovered that tendons initiate bone ridge outgrowth through BMP4 secretion and muscle activity promotes further growth, highlighting the importance of tendon-bone interactions
Researchers discovered that mentally simulating physical approach towards an unpleasant product can lead to a more favorable evaluation. This finding challenges the conventional notion of approaching pleasure and avoiding pain as fundamental human behaviors.
A study finds that Turkish women wear veils as a symbol of independence from Western values and to rebel against their mothers' generation's tradition. The fashion industry responds by creating fashionable alternatives, inspiring others to adopt the practice.
The global spread of HCV 1a and 1b subtypes coincided with transfused blood use and intravenous drug expansion, but slowed after anti-HCV screening implementation. Phylogeographical analysis suggests the most plausible route was from developed to developing world.
A study found racial disparities in medication use among elderly adults, with blacks facing higher rates of non-adherence and related problems. Blacks were prescribed fewer medications but had significantly more issues, highlighting the need for tailored strategies to improve medication quality for this group.
Researchers discovered that sucker-footed bats of Madagascar use wet adhesion to attach themselves to surfaces, ruling out suction as the primary method. The finding helps scientists understand how these small creatures live in the wild and sheds light on the evolutionary relationship between two similar bat species.
Scientists from NASA and Chinese Academy of Sciences found that black carbon deposits contribute significantly to glacial retreat in the Tibetan region, rivaling greenhouse gas effects. The study suggests that reduced soot emissions are needed to avoid glacier demise and preserve seasonal fresh water supplies.
Researchers at Washington University found brain plaques in healthy individuals are associated with increased risk of Alzheimer's diagnosis years later. Annual cognitive tests and MRI scans revealed declining scores, shrinkage in affected brain areas, and eventual diagnosis.
Researchers strengthen the connection between sirtuins and calorie restriction's life-extending effects by targeting a brain system controlling growth and lifespan length. The findings suggest that drugs boosting sirtuin production could help fight diseases of aging, improving health in later life.
A recent study found that individuals who plan for both time and money exhibit different benefits. High money planners tend to be frugal and score high on scales measuring value consciousness. In contrast, high time planners score high in conscientiousness and self-control.
A randomized controlled trial of 36 adults found that reducing TV time by half increased energy expenditure and burned 119 more calories per day. While calorie intake remained unchanged, this intervention suggests that adults may respond differently to reductions in sedentary behaviors compared to children.
A new study reveals that HLA B*35-Px molecules cripple killer T cell responses, allowing HIV to progress more rapidly. This finding highlights the importance of inhibitory dendritic cell receptors in HIV-1 vaccine and therapy design.
Researchers at UCLA's Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center found that inhibiting fatty acid synthesis in brain cancer cells can lead to massive cell death, especially in tumors with amplified EGFR signaling. This discovery suggests a new treatment approach for glioblastomas and potentially other cancers.
New study finds that thrill-seeking teenagers are more susceptible to fruit-flavored cigarettes, which can lead to lifelong addiction. The FDA's ban on flavored cigarettes aims to reduce smoking among youth.
Research suggests that environment plays a significant role in women's interest in computer science, with stereotypical settings evoking a masculine image. Women tend to prefer non-stereotypical environments, such as those without Star Trek posters or junk food, and feel less of a sense of belonging in stereotypical settings.
According to a new study, half of urban teenage girls may acquire at least one common sexually transmitted infection (STI) within two years of becoming sexually active. The researchers found that repeated infections with chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis were very common among the participants.
A new University of Maryland study reveals that upgrading to energy-efficient natural gas furnaces and water heaters can save homeowners hundreds of dollars on average annual heating bills. The research also predicts the creation of over 80,000 jobs and a nine percent reduction in residential carbon emissions if state incentives encour...
A new report by the Economic and Social Research Council highlights the importance of volunteering in promoting employment and social inclusion. Key findings include successful examples of how volunteering helped individuals gain skills and find jobs.
A new CU-Boulder study reveals the northern Alaska coastline is eroding up to one-third the length of a football field annually. The conditions are caused by a combination of declining sea ice, warming seawater, and increased wave activity, which are leading to the steady retreat of bluffs along the Beaufort Sea.
Satellite-based findings reveal nearly enough water lost in California's Central Valley to fill Lake Mead, primarily due to increased irrigation. The region's groundwater storage is declining, with significant losses detected in the San Joaquin basin.
The Southwest Research Institute's SC-11 spacecraft control avionics unit is the brain of the WISE spacecraft, providing complete command and control over operations. The SC-11 also offers a backup 'safe mode' processor to ensure sun-safe orientation in case of main processor failure.
A study reveals cultural variations in spatial relationships, with nomadic hunter-gatherers remembering body movements differently than Westerners. German children followed a consistent pattern, while Hai||om children adapted their movements based on direction.
Studies quantify radiation doses and cancer risks from CT scans, revealing wide variations in doses and estimated lifetime cancer risks. The studies estimate that tens of thousands of future cancer cases may be related to CT scans performed annually.
Two studies published in Annals of Internal Medicine explore alternative approaches to breast lesion diagnosis and the potential of teaching health centers to expand primary care services. The research suggests that core needle biopsy is a viable option for breast lesion diagnosis with comparable accuracy to open surgical biopsy, while...
A new study by University of Cincinnati nephrologists reveals that dialysis patients admitted to long-term care hospitals experience high readmission rates and often do not recover full kidney function. Only 30% of patients with acute kidney failure recovered enough to come off dialysis, while 70% remained dependent.
A study led by Dr. Shiela Strauss found that 93% of individuals with periodontal disease are at high risk for diabetes, compared to 63% without the disease. This suggests that dental offices could serve as a valuable platform for initial diabetes screening.
Certain cardiac pacemakers may inadequately stimulate a patient's heart while undergoing an MRI scan due to the magnetic pulses mixing with electronic pulses from the pacemaker. This can lead to incorrect or absent stimulation and is potentially dangerous for the patient undergoing the scan.
Researchers identified a new tumor suppressor gene, SCARA5, that is frequently silenced in human liver cancer, and also found genetic variants in the HSPB7 gene linked to heart failure. The study suggests that these genetic changes can contribute to cancer development and progression.
Researchers have identified SCARA5 as a candidate tumor suppressor gene in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a form of liver cancer. Genetic and epigenetic silencing of SCARA5 is linked to aggressive disease, including tumor invasion into blood vessels.
Researchers have discovered two new planetary systems with low-mass 'super-Earths' orbiting nearby sun-like stars. The planets are smaller than previously discovered worlds and may be habitable.
A meta-analysis of 457,922 participants found that drinking regular or decaffeinated coffee lowered diabetes risk by approximately 25%, while those who consumed three to four cups daily had a one-third lower risk. Tea consumption was also associated with a reduced risk, with more cups per day resulting in greater protection.
The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) has elected 2010 Fellows and Honorary Fellows, recognizing exceptional achievements in aerospace research and development. The 2010 Honorary Fellows are William Heiser, Robert Liebeck, and Sheila Widnall, while the 2010 Fellows include prominent figures in the field.
Patients with asymptomatic carotid stenosis who underwent intensive medical therapy had reduced rates of cardiovascular events and microemboli in the brain arteries. This approach, including aggressive control of blood pressure and cholesterol levels, resulted in lower risk of stroke, heart attack, and death.
A recent study suggests that a protozoan parasite may have contributed to the extinction of dinosaurs. The parasite, which infects birds and eats away at their jawbones, could have been transmitted through head biting among dinosaurs. The similarity between fossilized jawbones and modern-day samples supports this theory.
Scientists at Thomas Jefferson University developed a promising AIDS vaccine using a rabies virus-based strategy, inducing neutralizing antibodies and CD8+ T cell responses in monkeys. The study showed that the vaccine protected against disease and elicited significant antibody activity against SIV.
Assistant professor Jessica Lundquist uses low-cost temperature sensors and tennis balls to study mountain precipitation and its impact on lower-elevation communities. The system provides accurate temperature readings for up to 11 months in remote locations, helping improve computer models and storm flooding forecasts.
Researchers discover ultrafast population switching of quantum dots in a structured vacuum, enabling photonic computers that are hundreds of times faster than electronic counterparts. The breakthrough could lead to compact computers without heat dissipation issues.
A new study found that DC-SCRIPT has prognostic value in breast cancer, regulating nuclear receptor activity and affecting tumor behavior. Lower DC-SCRIPT expression levels were associated with poorer outcomes in ER- and/or PR-positive tumors.
A study of over 136,000 postmenopausal women found a 45% higher risk of stroke and a 32% higher risk of death among those taking antidepressants compared to non-users. The researchers note that while the overall risk is small, it can have significant implications for large patient populations.
A new study by University of Arizona Professor Dale Kunkel finds that nearly three-quarters of foods advertised on TV to children are high in nutritional value, while healthy options are largely invisible. The report calls for Congress to regulate advertising to children.
Regular coffee consumption was associated with a 7% reduced risk of diabetes, while decaffeinated coffee had a one-third lower risk. Tea consumption also showed a significant protective effect, with a one-fifth lower risk. The study suggests that compounds in these beverages may have direct biological effects.
Researchers discovered ancient DNA samples in permafrost soil, dating back to between 10,500 and 7,500 years ago, indicating that mammoths and prehistoric horses roamed the area for 2,600-5,600 years longer than previously assumed. This finding sheds new light on the extinction of these species.
A Rice University team developed a single nanoparticle that can be tracked in real-time with MRI as it targets cancer cells, tags them with fluorescent dye and kills them with heat. This all-in-one particle is a promising example of theranostics, a growing field developing technologies for diagnosis and treatment in one procedure.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that adding ethyl nitrite to carbon dioxide gas used in laparoscopy preserves normal blood flow and organ function. The use of ENO could improve outcomes and reduce recovery time by increasing nitric oxide bioactivity.
A Johns Hopkins-led study finds that while the US has more accessible high-priced cancer drugs, many patients in both countries face financial obstacles due to high out-of-pocket costs. The UK system is considered fairer, but both nations struggle with rationing and end-of-life care decisions.
A comprehensive review of electronic patient record (EPR) programs reveals significant challenges in implementing and maintaining these systems. The study highlights how EPRs can hinder primary clinical work, favor paper-based records for flexibility, and struggle with seamless integration between different systems.