The American Society of Human Genetics hosted its fourth annual DNA Day essay contest to educate students and teachers about genetic science. The contest challenged high school students to write original essays on the genetic basis of various traits, including health and disease. ASHG received over 300 submissions from around the world.
Researchers found that imiquimod cream, used with surgery, can treat lentigo maligna melanoma, a type of skin cancer. This approach may reduce the area needing surgery, manage the cancer, and minimize its recurrence. The study suggests that imiquimod could be an effective treatment option for some patients.
The University of Washington's seaglider successfully operated for six months under the ice in Davis Strait, collecting data on fresh water exiting the Arctic. The record-breaking deployment contributes to understanding climate change impacts on ocean circulation.
Scientists at Queen Mary University of London have discovered a PER:PER protein pair required for circadian clock function in fruit flies. This finding may also apply to mammals, including humans, with implications for regulating our biological clocks.
A team of astronomers has discovered the most distant object in the universe, a gamma-ray burst located approximately 13 billion light-years away. This explosive event, dubbed GRB 090423, occurred when the universe was just 630 million years old and is providing valuable insights into the early universe.
Researchers identified genetic factors affecting autism risk, including genes involved in forming and maintaining brain cell connections. These findings may lead to better diagnostic strategies for children with autism.
A study by Latha Stead found that patients with diagnosed or undiagnosed obstructive sleep apnea had a higher risk of death and poor outcomes after a stroke. The research suggests that regular screening for sleep apnea in emergency department settings could improve patient outcomes.
A new study by Ohio State University finds that most NCAA athletic trainers are not following best practice standards for managing asthma among athletes. The research suggests that a majority of programs are not adhering to national guidelines, which emphasize education, management protocols, and medical professional involvement.
Two studies identify genes that may contribute to autism, including a region of chromosome 5 associated with neuronal cell-adhesion molecules. These findings suggest a significant role for genetics in the development of autism, potentially leading to new treatments.
A Purdue University study shows that dairy promotes better bone growth and strength compared to calcium carbonate, with bones of rats fed nonfat dry milk being longer, wider, more dense and stronger. The study found a strong effect of having dairy as a calcium source followed by periods of inadequate calcium.
Scientists at Karolinska Institutet have developed a simple blood test that provides accurate results, helping to ensure patients receive the right treatment. The rapid diagnostic tests (RDT) are being used in low-income countries to improve healthcare outcomes and combat malaria.
The American Dietetic Association and American Society of Nutrition recommend counseling on diet and physical activity to reduce health risks associated with excess weight in mothers and children. Infants born to obese mothers have a higher prevalence of congenital anomalies.
Researchers developed a method to estimate fetal radiation doses from ERCP procedures, revealing that doses may occasionally exceed 10 mGy. The study emphasizes the need for physicians to accurately estimate fetal radiation exposure to determine appropriate treatment and minimize risks.
A new study published in Psychological Science found that short-term visual memories of colors and shapes can last for at least four seconds without gradually fading away. After this period, the memories disappear completely, providing a clearer understanding of how memory formation and retention work.
A DNA study confirms that Native Americans and Greenlanders share a common ancestral population, with the '9-repeat allele' present in all Native American populations and absent in other Asian groups. This evidence supports the single ancestral population theory, ruling out multiple mutations and natural selection hypotheses.
A study by researchers at the University of Iowa found that disrupting ASIC1a, a brain protein involved in fear behavior and anxiety, produces an antidepressant-like effect in mice. The results suggest that ASIC1a inhibition could represent a new approach to antidepressant therapy.
The FluChip technology has been licensed by InDevR to detect the deadly flu virus. The test can distinguish between human H1N1 viruses and the new swine H1N1 subtype, a crucial gap in current diagnostics. This new tool has the potential to greatly enhance influenza surveillance and track the virus.
A study by University of Illinois psychologists found that having a conscientious partner can be good for one's health, particularly among women. The 'compensatory conscientiousness effect' suggests that this boost in health may occur even when the individual is highly conscientious themselves.
Researchers have identified a new gene variant associated with autism, found to be highly active in fetal brain regions critical for language and social behavior. The study suggests that this gene variant may contribute to an increased prenatal risk of autism.
A recent study found that only a small percentage of patients with depression qualify for clinical studies, suggesting the results may not be generalizable to most patients. The study showed better outcomes for those who met inclusion criteria, highlighting the need for more inclusive trial designs.
Researchers discovered a preference for processing information on the left side of faces, which can aid in facial recognition. In contrast, experts who read Chinese characters exhibit reduced holistic processing and show a left-side bias, indicating general visual expertise.
Researchers from Durham University have successfully mapped the high-resolution structure of the matrix protein, a critical component of enveloped viruses like RSV. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new biochemical tools to treat respiratory ailments and other viral infections.
Astronomers have discovered a gamma-ray burst from a star that died 630 million years ago, marking the most distant cosmic explosion ever seen. The burst, dubbed GRB 090423, is approximately 13 billion light-years away.
Research found that women with tumors carrying TOP2A gene alterations had better outcomes when treated with anthracycline-based regimens, similar to those seen in HER2-positive tumors. The study suggests that TOP2A gene alteration is associated with increased benefit from anthracycline therapy.
A large study at Penn Medicine has detected variations in central nervous system genes that contribute to the genetic risk of autism. The research found a particular genetic variation linked to an increased risk of autism spectrum disorder in children.
A recent study by the RAND Corporation found that higher out-of-pocket costs for prescription medications deter patients with chronic illnesses from initiating recommended treatments. The delay in treatment is particularly pronounced among those who have not previously used medication, highlighting a potential barrier to care.
The OHSU Knight Cancer Institute is evaluating the effectiveness of the Calypso system in delivering precise radiation therapy to head and neck cancer patients. The system uses electromagnetic transponders implanted in a customized mouth guard to monitor patient movement and improve treatment accuracy.
Researchers from Purdue University have determined key structural features of the mimivirus, a possible 'missing link' between viruses and living cells. The findings revealed a starfish-shaped structure that covers a special vertex where genetic material leaves the virus to infect its host.
Research at Rush University Medical Center found a strong correlation between depression and visceral fat, particularly among overweight and obese women. The study suggests that depression triggers the accumulation of visceral fat through chemical changes in the body.
Researchers at Oregon State University have identified a genetic regulator called CTIP2 that is expressed at higher levels in aggressive types of head and neck cancers. The study found a high correlation between CTIP2 expression and the aggressive nature of cancer.
A large prospective case-cohort study found no association between dietary acrylamide intake and lung cancer risk in men, but suggested an inverse association in women. The researchers hypothesize that acrylamide may affect hormonal balances to explain the findings.
Researchers at Duke University unify biological and geophysical principles of nature's design using the constructal law, which predicts flow systems' evolution to balance imperfections. This new perspective offers a powerful tool for understanding variation in both animate and inanimate nature.
Researchers have found that attentional bias, a key factor in addiction, does not directly control the decision to consume unhealthy items. Instead, conscious rapid decision-making processes following Pavlovian-type cues may be at play. This new understanding could lead to more effective treatments.
Researchers have identified a key molecule called Liar that leads other molecules into the nucleus of blood cells, offering a potential treatment for cancer. A cellular enzyme known as Lyn has also been found to 'turn on' blood cell development, highlighting a new target for cancer therapy.
Gary Borisy, MBL director and CEO, has been elected to the National Academy of Sciences for his distinguished contributions to cell biology. He is a pioneer in the field, having discovered protein tubulin and provided insights into chromosome movement, cell motility, and microtubule dynamics.
A novel H1N1 swine influenza A virus has spread rapidly around the world, infecting over 60 people and causing seven deaths. The WHO has activated its emergency response room to coordinate global efforts to contain the outbreak.
Patients with cardiac health problems are trialing a new, home-based rehabilitation system that uses mobile phone and web technology to promote healthy lifestyles. The program aims to improve access and completion rates for cardiac rehabilitation, with personalized goals and support via text messages and video conferencing.
The US Department of Energy has funded a research center at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory to study carbon storage underground. The Center aims to develop new technologies to sequester CO2 and manage fluid dynamics, chemical interactions, and biological reactions in the subsurface.
Researchers used Google Earth to locate a quarry site in Egypt where they discovered fossilized remains of small mammals from the early Miocene Epoch. The finds may provide insights into the migration of animals from Asia to Africa and the evolution of African wildlife.
A proteomic analysis of 50 participants from the Women's Health Initiative hormone replacement therapy trial reveals estrogen upregulates proteins involved in major body processes. The study found changes in serum levels of proteins affecting coagulation, metabolism, osteogenesis, and blood vessel morphogenesis.
Researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine found that an HDAC inhibitor, LBH589, is effective in killing head and neck cancer cells grown in the laboratory. The study identified a set of genes whose expression levels change in response to the drug, which may help doctors identify patients most likely to respond.
Researchers propose trial designs to investigate the impact of physical activity and weight control on breast cancer risk, with potential causal relationships. Clusterin is identified as a tumor suppressor gene in mouse models of neuroblastoma, where its expression affects tumor growth and metastasis.
Dr. Joel Selanikio's innovative EpiSurveyor software is revolutionizing public health in developing nations by enabling efficient data collection, analysis, and decision-making. With the help of open-source mobile technology, thousands of health workers can now access critical data, reducing measles deaths by nearly 90% in Africa.
Scientists create nanoneedle to deliver molecules into cell cytoplasm and nucleus with precision, enabling single-molecule studies and molecular manipulation. The delivery method combines molecular targeting strategies using quantum dots and magnetic nanoparticles.
Researchers have constructed a systems biology map of iron metabolism, a crucial process in animal cell survival. The study aims to improve our understanding of iron regulation and its potential manipulation for therapeutic benefits.
The NIAID and Chinese officials have signed an agreement to develop a collaborative TB research program at the Henan Provincial Chest Hospital. Researchers will focus on clinical trials of new drugs or drug combinations for MDR and XDR TB treatment. The goal is to improve diagnosis and treatment methods for this devastating disease.
A new study found that statins significantly lower PSA levels in men with prostate cancer, which may require adjusting the biopsy threshold for patients on statins. Statins have also been shown to lower prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels in healthy men.
Washington University and the Danforth Plant Science Center will be home to two new multimillion-dollar Energy Frontier Research Centers, pursuing advanced scientific research on energy. The centers aim to study forms of energy based on light harvesting and energy funneling.
Researchers found that men with highest increase in heart rate during mild mental stress had twice the risk of dying from a heart attack. The study suggests cheap and easy ways to predict who might be at risk, using pulse measurement as a prognostic marker.
A study by Japanese researchers found that a molecule called M-CSF can be used to block the formation of new blood vessels in tumors, suppressing growth even after treatment is stopped. This approach differs from existing VEGF-based treatments, which have been shown to have limited long-term effects.
The Phase 3 IMPACT trial found that sipuleucel-T significantly prolonged overall survival by 4.1 months and improved three-year survival by 38 percent compared to placebo. This innovative immunotherapy reduced the risk of death by 22.5 percent.
Jeanne Century highlights complexity of educational reform efforts, citing difficulties in replicating best practices across different contexts. She proposes Researchers Without Borders project to address disciplinary and institutional barriers hindering lasting reform.
Recent studies focus on North Sister volcano's glaciated history and the largest radial dike swarm in the Cascades. Sediment waves along submarine channels are also examined in the Espirito Santo Basin, Brazil, while a new study reveals highly explosive eruptions at Kilauea Volcano, Hawai'i.
A study of 50,806 cesarean deliveries found regional anesthesia reduced infant intubation and poor Apgar scores. This suggests that regional anesthesia may be the preferred choice for most cesarean sections.
The HJF has released the Military Advanced Regional Anesthesia and Analgesia Handbook, providing education on advanced battlefield regional anesthesia techniques and acute pain medicine. The handbook aims to manage the pain of combat trauma and is intended for use by deployed medical forces.
Research grants totaling $24 million have been awarded to study the common dust mite allergen, tuberculosis, malaria, and various immune system disorders. The grants aim to develop novel vaccines and treatments for diseases such as asthma, cancer, and Alzheimer's.
A clinical trial conducted by the University of Manchester found that No7 Protect & Perfect Intense Beauty Serum can clinically reduce wrinkles and improve sun-damaged skin. The study, which tested 60 volunteers, showed a significant improvement in facial wrinkles after 12 months of daily use.
Researchers found that comets delivered necessary ingredients for life in the Earth's ancient primordial soup. The chemical composition of comets allowed them to kickstart life by providing stable proportions of noble gases.
Tabetha Boyajian, a GSU astronomy graduate student, has been awarded the prestigious Hubble Fellowship to pursue postdoctoral research on stellar sizes and planetary systems. She will use the CHARA Array to measure the size of stars and determine their effective temperature, shedding light on the habitable zones of planets.
New research suggests that dinosaur bones from the Ojo Alamo Sandstone may date from after the extinction event, and could indicate that some species survived for up to half a million years. The study uses chemical investigations and evidence of rock age to support the hypothesis.
A new study reveals that peripheral arterial disease is frequently underdiagnosed in patients with known heart disease, even those under cardiologist care. The researchers found that approximately one out of six patients had previously unrecognized PAD, and that older patients and women were more likely to be overlooked.
A new approach has been developed to reconcile the conflict between fossil and molecular data in evolutionary studies. A recent study found a strong match between the two methods, with lineages defined by their physical appearance showing an imperfect but very good fit to molecular data.