The study reveals the precise orientation of the Fenna-Matthews-Olson (FMO) antenna protein on the membrane, allowing for efficient energy transfer. The 'taco shell' protein plays a crucial role in connecting the peripheral chlorosome antenna complex to the reaction center.
Researchers found that beta-amyloid protein generates nitric oxide, which attacks and damages mitochondria in neurons. This damage leads to synaptic injury and eventual nerve cell death, contributing to Alzheimer's disease progression.
A woman developed a large blood clot in her left leg after eating grapefruit for breakfast every morning on an aggressive weight-loss diet. Treatment with clot-busting medication and a stent resolved the issue, but underlying factors included oral contraceptive use and an inherited mutation.
Researchers at NYU and Harvard created a bipedal, autonomous DNA walker that can move on its own using two fuel strands. The device forms base pairs as it moves along a track of DNA, creating energy for movement.
A new study suggests that astronauts need to modify their workouts to avoid extensive muscle loss during long-duration missions in space. Muscle biopsies taken from astronauts revealed an average of 15% muscle mass loss and 20-30% loss of muscle performance, posing risks to crewmembers' health.
Researchers discovered that naturally fluorescent molecules like NADH can be used to detect cancer cells. The team developed a non-destructive method to measure NADH levels in live cells, which could help differentiate between normal and cancerous cells at early stages of tumor progression.
A phase II study found that moxifloxacin, in combination with other drugs, significantly improved sputum culture conversion rates, potentially shortening tuberculosis treatment time. The results demonstrate moxifloxacin's antimycobacterial activity and suggest a new regimen could cure drug-resistant TB strains.
A study published in Science has provided molecular evidence for the theory of synaptic homeostasis, which suggests that sleep refreshes the brain by downscaling synapses. This process saves energy, space, and material, clearing away unnecessary proteins and 'noise' from the previous day.
Whitehead Institute researchers have identified 24 prion candidates in yeast, shifting the view from biological anomalies to mediators of trait inheritance. Prions in yeast appear to prepare individual organisms for environmental changes, sometimes providing a survival advantage.
Researchers from Baylor College of Medicine discovered a molecular switch involving nuclear hormone receptors and microRNAs that coordinates stage transitions in Caenorhabditis elegans. This finding may provide insights into cancer development, particularly hormone-dependent cancers. The study suggests a link between development and en...
Researchers identified a genetic abnormality, CATSPER1, that may prevent men from conceiving. The gene's mutation affects sperm motility and hyperactivity, leading to potential targets for a pharmacological male contraceptive.
The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology has awarded several undergraduate students with grants to support their research in biochemistry and molecular biology. The recipients of the awards will present their findings at upcoming meetings and use the funds to purchase research supplies and reagents.
Dental amalgam has been deemed safe and effective for over 200 years, with the majority of health risks associated with large doses. A person would need hundreds of amalgam fillings to experience symptoms of mercury toxicity, according to Dr. Rod Mackert.
Researchers discovered a parasitic effect when powering quantum dot amplifiers and were able to overcome it, leading to the most efficient amplifier ever measured. This breakthrough has enormous potential significance for laser technology, telecommunications, and optical computing applications.
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that starting antiretroviral treatment earlier can significantly increase survival rates among asymptomatic HIV patients. The research, led by Dr. Mari Kitahata at the University of Washington, analyzed data from over 17,500 patients and showed that delaying treatment u...
A computer program using raw observational data teases out fundamental physical laws, particularly for biological systems that have eluded detection. The breakthrough uses a computational process inspired by biological evolution to analyze data sets and identify invariant patterns.
A University of Nevada, Reno alumna's innovative straw bale house design survived a 200% increase in acceleration than the 1994 Northridge quake. The structure, built using locally sourced materials and labor, demonstrated exceptional seismic performance, surpassing estimates for the 2005 Kashmir earthquake.
Researchers have found that human heart cells develop into adulthood around age 6, with the percentage of new cells decreasing significantly with age. This discovery may lead to new pharmacological strategies to stimulate heart cell regeneration and complement cell transplantation.
The UK Biobank project, which enlists 500,000 people to study disease development, faces criticism for its methodological flaws and lack of respect for participants' rights. The Editorial highlights issues with the consent process, including a lack of privacy and incomplete information disclosure.
A new catheter-based treatment has been successfully trialled to reduce high blood pressure in patients who resist conventional drug treatments. The technique, which disrupts nerves around the kidneys, showed a large and persistent decrease in blood pressure.
Researchers found that 58% of Isle Royale wolves exhibit congenital malformations, including lumbosacral transitional vertebrae. The condition can cause paralysis and back pain, with all dead wolves displaying bone deformities over the past 12 years.
Babies born to mothers who smoke are more likely to have impaired arousal responses and increased risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). The study suggests that maternal smoking can impair a baby's ability to respond to external stimuli, which may explain their increased risk of SIDS.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital discovered a strategy to remove abnormal huntingtin protein from brain cells, accelerating its breakdown and removal through normal cellular processes. This finding could lead to new treatments for neurodegenerative disorders like Huntington's, Alzheimer's, and Parkinson's diseases.
Researchers have made significant breakthroughs in salivary diagnostics, discovering new biomarkers for detecting oral cancer, acute coronary syndrome, and systemic diseases. The study highlights the potential of saliva as a non-invasive diagnostic tool, offering clear clinical advantages over traditional methods.
Researchers found that jackdaws, a type of bird, are sensitive to human eye orientation and use it to communicate, particularly when seeking food or interacting with potential threats. The birds' ability to interpret human gestures, such as gaze alternation and pointing, suggests a high level of cognitive awareness.
Researchers found a strong association between reducing liquid calorie intake and weight loss, particularly from sugar-sweetened beverages. The study suggests limiting liquid calorie consumption among adults can aid in weight management or prevent excess weight gain.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University found that brain cells in a specific region store visual information for up to two seconds, enabling the creation of a stable visual world despite rapid changes. This discovery may have practical implications for understanding and treating disorders such as attention deficit disorder and dyslexia.
Researchers teach computer to find regularities in nature that become established laws without prior knowledge, applicable to biology, cosmology, and complex systems. The algorithm tests equations against known derivatives, repeats until accurate equations are found.
A study led by the University of Bath found that children with Asperger Syndrome do not experience a surge in cortisol levels after waking, which may contribute to their struggles with minor changes. The researchers believe this could help explain why individuals with AS have difficulties adapting to routine or environmental changes.
A recent paper suggests legislation is only part of the solution to Europe's invasive species problem, with a single coordinating body needed to tackle the issue effectively. The European Centre for Invasive Species Management (ECISM) would coordinate activities across Member States and support rapid response and public awareness.
Researchers at MDC Berlin-Buch discovered a mechanism to prevent viral myocarditis by blocking the Coxsackie-adenovirus-receptor. Genetically engineered mice without this receptor were protected from cardiac infection caused by the Coxsackievirus, showing that autoimmune response may not be the primary cause of disease process.
Pulmonary rehabilitation improves aerobic function, reducing breathlessness in COPD patients. Supervised exercise also decreases anxiety and depression by enabling patients to master new skills.
Researchers found that sleep decreases the number of new synapses formed during social enrichment, while deprivation of sleep eliminates this decrease. The study identified three genes essential to links between learning and increased need for sleep, offering a promising avenue for studying plasticity.
Researchers studied autobiographical memory in semantic dementia patients according to disease progression, finding early-stage patients could recall recent and lasting memories. As dementia evolves, mechanisms behind autobiographical memory impairment result from storage deficits and faulty retrieval strategies.
Four young researchers under 45 received the 2009 ARVO-AFER/Merck Innovative Ophthalmology Research Award for their groundbreaking research on glaucoma and back-of-the-eye diseases. The award recognizes outstanding investigative work that could lead to meaningful improvements in patients' lives.
A new study found that boosting miR-29b levels in acute myeloid leukemia cells reverses gene changes, enabling the cells to differentiate and mature. This process could lead to a drop in global DNA methylation and reactivation of tumor suppressor genes, offering a potential treatment for AML.
Researchers at Michigan State University have developed a new method for producing cancer-fighting paclitaxel using natural enzymes, potentially reducing chemical byproducts and increasing efficiency.
A large study found that glitazone diabetes drugs increase the risk of diabetic macular edema by 60%, a condition that can lead to progressive visual loss. The study's results suggest that ophthalmologists should consider the role of glitazones when treating patients with DME.
A new dual therapy approach generates new blood vessels and improves cardiac function following a heart attack, overcoming current stem-cell-mobilizing therapies' ineffectiveness in humans. This strategy stabilizes SDF-1 and enhances the recruitment of EPCs to damaged heart tissue.
A study by University of California, San Diego researchers identified a protein called Nurr1 that protects neurons from excessive inflammation, which can lead to neurodegenerative disorders like Parkinson's disease. The protein's protective function was found to involve shutting off inflammatory responses in microglia and astrocytes.
The Arctic is expected to lose four-fifths of its summer sea ice, reducing it from 4.6 million square kilometers to 1 million, with warming temperatures contributing to the decline. This rapid change is attributed to natural variability and increased greenhouse gases.
In 2008, NASA satellites tracked five tropical cyclones that hit Hispaniola, causing widespread destruction and loss of life. The storms, including Fay, Gustav, Hanna, Ike, and Kyle, brought torrential rainfall and flooding to the island, resulting in over 800 reported deaths or missing persons.
A study of a Big Brothers Big Sisters formal mentoring program found that adolescent girls benefit from relationships with female mentors, gaining emotional support and new skills. The study, led by Renee Spencer at Boston University, involved in-depth interviews of 12 pairs of girls and women mentors.
Researchers found a naturally occurring compound, azelaic acid, that primes plants' immune systems, allowing them to mount faster and stronger defense responses. The compound, already tested in humans for skin conditions, could lead to an inexpensive and environmentally safe way to improve crop resistance.
A study published in Springer's Sex Roles journal found that gay men are more likely to prefer adopting a boy, while heterosexual men are the least likely. Heterosexual couples tend to prefer girls over boys, with reasons varying by sexuality, including patriarchal norms and perceived socialization challenges.
A team of scientists at Aberystwyth University has created a Robot Scientist named Adam that independently discovered new scientific knowledge about the genomics of baker's yeast. The robot used artificial intelligence to hypothesize, test, and interpret results, demonstrating its potential for automating scientific processes.
A comprehensive study resolves decades-long debates on early animal relationships, revealing that sponges and comb jellies share a common group with bilaterians. The research also sheds light on the evolution of nervous systems, suggesting they developed only once in animal history.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have discovered a method to manipulate memories of fear by timing the extinction process. By targeting the labile state of fear memories after retrieval, they found that rats exhibited reduced fear responses and smaller chances of spontaneous memory resurfacing. This breakthrough could l...
Scientists have made significant progress in understanding post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) by examining brain activity in soldiers with and without the condition. The study found that individuals with PTSD exhibit distinct brain patterns, particularly in areas responsible for emotion processing and sense of self.
Researchers found that leaf-cutting ants and their fungal gardens actively combat invading fungi, ensuring mutualism health. The garden itself can also compete with incoming microbes, strengthening the ants' hygiene practices.
A new study identifies chondrogenic progenitor cells (CPCs) in late-stage osteoarthritis cartilage with migratory capabilities and tissue-specific stem cell characteristics. The CPCs may be recruited to degenerating cartilage, offering a potential regenerative therapy for arthritis.
A recent study by George Mason University researcher Mona Ternus found that mothers' military deployment has a significant impact on their health as well as the health of their adolescent children. Deployment duration is associated with an increase in symptoms and risk behaviors among both mothers and teens.
The Interactive Autism Network is expanding its research initiative to adults with autism, enrolling individuals to gain insight into their experiences and connect them with researchers. The IAN Project aims to provide much-needed data on the lives of adults with autism, addressing a significant unmet need.
Researchers are comparing two family-based therapies to treat adolescent anorexia nervosa. The Maudsley Approach involves supervised feeding and monitoring, while Family Systems Therapy focuses on family dynamics. Both approaches aim to break the vicious cycle of starvation and obsessive behavior.
A study of 533 American women found that those with blood lead concentrations above 8μg/dL were three times more likely to die of coronary heart disease. The research adds to the existing evidence on the adverse effects of lead on health, particularly among older cohorts exposed to higher levels of environmental lead.
Researchers at Brookhaven National Laboratory used Nimbus cloud computing infrastructure to dynamically provision virtual clusters on commercial cloud computers, enabling faster simulation results for the Quark Matter physics conference. The successful collaboration demonstrates the potential of virtualization and cloud computing for r...
Researchers discovered that growing mouse skin cells in spheres can lead to generation of cells with properties of cancer stem cells. The study found that mutation of the retinoblastoma tumor suppressor gene family led to reprogramming of differentiated cells into cancer stem cells.
A new, smaller, and lighter implantable heart pump has been shown to be effective in bridging patients with severe heart failure to eventual transplantation. The device, called a left ventricular assist device (LVAD), was tested on 98 patients and found to improve their quality of life and survival rates.
Researchers found that a gene called Nurr1 limits pro-inflammatory neurotoxic mediators in microglia and astrocytes, suggesting a link between inflammation and Parkinson's disease progression. The study may point to new avenues for therapy and anti-inflammatory treatments to combat the disease.
The publication, supported by Eurofungbase and DSM, offers valuable insights into the genomes of Aspergillus species for fungal biologists and medical researchers worldwide. The large-scale annotation projects provide a resource for understanding these organisms and their applications in health, environment, and food.