Prokaryotes can exchange genes and merge without losing their cell membranes, a process called endosymbiosis. UCLA molecular biologist James A. Lake discovered the first exclusively prokaryote endosymbiosis, which led to the evolution of double-membrane prokaryotes that produced oxygen through photosynthesis.
Researchers at Oregon State University have created a global three-dimensional map of electrical conductivity in the Earth's mantle, indicating areas of high conductivity coincide with subduction zones. The model suggests that water drawn downward during subduction processes may be responsible for enhanced conductivity in these areas.
A new analysis by LIGO and Virgo Collaborations has set the most stringent limits yet on gravitational waves from the Big Bang, offering insight into the universe's earliest history. The study constrains models of cosmic strings and provides new constraints on the behavior of the infant universe.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University have successfully tracked bone marrow stem cells as they repair damaged brain tissue in a live animal model of Huntington's disease. The innovative use of MRI tracking enables the monitoring of cell viability and migration towards diseased areas, paving the way for potential therapy.
Researchers discovered a link between the anti-aging gene klotho and reduced high blood pressure, reversing kidney damage. The study shows that increasing klotho expression can lower blood pressure for at least 12 weeks and potentially prevent hypertension.
Researchers developed a non-destructive way to measure the elasticity of human teeth using lasers, enabling early detection of oral health issues. The new method can help predict emerging dental problems like tooth decay and cavities.
Researchers funded by NIH have found a key factor in the spread of aggressive brain cancer glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). A small designer protein can block the activity of a protein fragment that stimulates GBM cell migration, suggesting a potential new therapy target.
The European Association of Urology has published an evidence-based guideline for incontinent urostomy, offering expert guidance for nurses. The comprehensive 80-page document covers topics such as cystectomy, pre- and post-operative care, and community follow-up, providing best practices for managing this complex condition.
Researchers found that ACE inhibitors and AT1R blockers suppressed immune cells promoting inflammation, while increasing anti-inflammatory immune cells, reversing neuroinflammation and paralysis in mice. Clinical trials are planned to investigate the efficacy of these medications in humans with multiple sclerosis.
In 1932, chemist Charles Holmes Herty discovered a method to create high-quality white paper from rapidly renewable southern pine trees, sparking a massive pulp and paper industry in the southeastern US. This led to thousands of new jobs, billions of dollars in economic growth, and the preservation of old-growth forests.
Researchers found that elevated arginase levels contribute to vascular eye damage in diabetic retinopathy by reducing nitric oxide production. Normalizing arginase levels could potentially halt disease progression by preventing inflammation and vascular constriction.
A phase 3 trial found that anti-T cell globulin (ATG) reduces the incidence of both acute and chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) in transplant patients. This results in improved survival rates and reduced complications without compromising overall survival or increasing relapse rates.
Hurricane Bill is intensifying due to increased rainfall, with its eye widening and wind speeds reaching 105 mph. The storm is expected to strengthen into a Category Three hurricane, making it a major threat to the Leeward Islands.
A preclinical study suggests that ancient Chinese herbal formulas have profound nitric oxide bioactivity, which can signal blood vessel relaxation and eliminate clots. The findings offer new hope for cardiovascular disease prevention and treatment.
Researchers have identified a key protein, NanA, that allows pneumococcus bacteria to penetrate the brain, leading to meningitis. Removing or modifying this protein can prevent bacterial entry, offering potential new avenues for developing more effective vaccines.
A recent study published in Psychological Science found that bilinguals cannot completely 'turn off' a language, as knowledge of a second language affects native-language reading. Bilingual students read sentences with control words and cognates, showing shorter fixation times on cognates than controls.
Researchers found that nucleosomes package protein coding parts of genes in humans and the roundworm C elegans. This mechanism enables genes to be used in different ways, contributing to human development.
A palliative care intervention improved quality of life and mood in patients with advanced cancer, but had no significant impact on symptom intensity or hospital stays. The study found that patients receiving palliative care reported higher quality of life scores than those receiving usual care.
A WCS study has been adopted by the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service to restore waterways throughout the U.S. The study found that increases in woody vegetation lead to a greater diversity and abundance of riparian birds.
Scientists have developed a new vaccine production technology using tobacco plants to combat norovirus, which can spread rapidly through passenger liners and schools. The plant-based vaccine offers cost advantages and could lead to faster and more efficient vaccine development for other diseases.
A new study by University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine reveals that nearly half of people in foreclosure report depressive symptoms, with 37% meeting criteria for major depression. The authors urge policymakers to tie health interventions to their response to the housing crisis.
Researchers at Caltech have pinpointed two groups of neurons in fruit fly brains that regulate fat stores, mirroring mammalian brain function. Silencing these neurons led to obese flies, while overactivating them produced lean ones, offering a promising model for studying human obesity and developing new treatments.
A new study suggests that transitioning to renewable energy sources like wind and solar could eliminate 130 worker deaths annually. The researchers found that these industries pose significantly less risk of workplace injury and death compared to traditional fossil fuel industries.
The study analyzed reports of adverse events following HPV vaccination and found a higher proportion of reports of fainting and blood clots. However, the rates were still consistent with pre-licensing data and background rates of other vaccines.
Two new software programs, caCORRECT and omniBioMarker, have improved the identification of cancer biomarkers from gene expression data. The certified tools remove noise and artifacts, and identify valid biomarkers for personalized cancer treatment.
A recent study by the Medical College of Wisconsin found that ibuprofen is as effective as acetaminophen with codeine in treating pain in children with arm fractures. The study showed that children treated with ibuprofen reported better functional outcomes and higher satisfaction rates than those receiving acetaminophen with codeine.
The study found that antibiotic prescription rates for acute respiratory tract infections decreased by 27% among children under 5 years old between 1995-1996 and 2005-2006, while rates remained stable for adults. The shift was attributed to a decline in ambulatory visits for ear infections and initiatives promoting judicious use of ant...
A study by Duke University environmental engineers reveals that microbes can convert tiny mercury particles into methylmercury, a potent toxin for nerve cells, through reactions with organic matter and sulfides. This process is crucial in understanding how mercury enters the food chain and poses risks to human health.
A Barrow researcher has received a $275,000 grant from the NIH to develop an artificial system to produce a6 nicotinic receptors, which may be a new target for smoking cessation therapies. The project aims to study drug interactions with this key receptor and develop more effective treatments with fewer side effects.
A landmark study will follow 200 people with PD for at least two years to examine the impact of disease progression on day-to-day function and quality of life. The research aims to advance understanding of how interventions like exercise affect changes in quality of life and mobility over time.
A collaborative doctor-pharmacist partnership reduces hospitalizations for heart failure patients by cutting medication misuse and improving adherence. The Australian model, which includes home visits and follow-up appointments, results in a significant reduction in hospitalization rates.
Between 1995 and 2006, the death rate for Medicare patients hospitalized for a heart attack decreased from 18.9% to 16.1%, with a significant reduction in between-hospital variation in mortality rates. The study found that hospitals made progress in reducing short-term mortality rates for acute myocardial infarction.
Researchers from Tokyo Institute of Technology and University of Copenhagen found that Carbonyl Sulphide, produced by volcanic activity, kept the planet warm, offsetting the weak young sun's energy. This discovery explains how Earth avoided freezing solid and paved the way for life to emerge.
A study by Scripps Research, UCSD, and University of Oslo teams found that genetic variations in the MECP2 gene correlate with brain structure, particularly in males. The research opens up new avenues for understanding autism and other neurological conditions, and may lead to potential treatments.
Researchers at Purdue University are developing a new plasma-based lithography to create extremely thin features in computer chips, replacing current ultraviolet light technology. The goal is to extend Moore's law by creating nanolithography that can produce fine features without using conventional methods.
Researchers found a strong link between radiotherapy treatment and fatigue, with increases in serum markers of cytokine activity also associated. This study suggests that exposure to radiation releases inflammatory cytokines contributing to fatigue.
A new study found that a vitamin D-regulated anti-bactericidal protein has been conserved in humans and primates for 60 million years. This suggests its critical role in their survival and highlights the importance of maintaining adequate levels of vitamin D.
A recent study found that low-dose estrogen treatment can stop disease progression in patients with metastatic breast cancer, with 87% of those without PET flare reactions showing no response. The treatment was also well-tolerated, with fewer severe side effects compared to high doses.
The innovative check valve spout developed by the University of Vermont's Proctor Maple Research Center increases sap yields by 50 to 90 percent per tree, extending the sugarmaking season by one-and-a-half to two-and-a-half weeks. This technology also helps mitigate the effect of global warming on the Vermont maple industry.
A study found correlations between video-game playing and health risks in adults, with female players reporting greater depression and male players having higher BMI. The study suggests a need for further research on how to use digital opportunities to promote health and prevent disease.
A new study on Tasmanian devil social networks may help prevent the spread of an extinction-threatening disease. The research found that all individuals in a population are connected within a single social network, making it easy for disease to spread.
Researchers identify a genetic mutation in the renin gene as a cause of inherited kidney disease, characterized by anemia and progressive kidney disease. The discovery provides insight into the role of renin in blood pressure regulation and offers potential treatment options.
A study by Purdue University researchers found that individuals with high neuroticism levels are more likely to engage in unhealthy behaviors such as smoking and heavy drinking. These behaviors can contribute to an increased risk of mortality, making it essential to develop targeted interventions for this population.
A new NC State University study identifies ways schools and communities can work with parents to give children the greatest chance of success. The 'child and family teams' approach brings in a broad support group, giving families control over their child's situation.
A new study expands the list of hazardous chemicals in smokeless tobacco, revealing a link between snuff consumption and increased risk of oral and pancreatic cancers. The research found that users are exposed to the same amount of carcinogenic compounds as cigarette smokers, challenging the notion that smokeless tobacco is safer.
Researchers have discovered a quick and accurate way to diagnose endometriosis by testing for nerve fibres in endometrial biopsies. The test shows high specificity and sensitivity, potentially reducing lengthy delays in diagnosis and improving treatment planning.
Researchers have created a new technology that allows for the localization of nanoliter droplets of reagents over cells in high-density arrays without physical walls or dry substrates. This enables the use of hundreds of times less reagent and maintains cell viability in wet environments, revolutionizing gene expression studies.
A new scrubbing process developed by PNNL uses acid gas-binding organic liquids to capture sulfur dioxide, CO2, and other acid gases. This process requires less energy than current methods and can capture double the amount of harmful gases.
Scientists can now read large numbers of articles simultaneously using powerful digital tools that support strategic reading. These tools leverage ontologies to provide information on unambiguous term identification and relationships, allowing computers to assist scientists in their reading process.
Researchers at TUM have developed a custom-tailored anti-cancer drug by understanding the mechanism of proteasome inhibition, a promising approach to treating cancer. By analyzing the reaction pathway and producing variants of the bacteria-produced Salinosporamide A, they aim to create effective drugs with improved safety and efficacy.
Whole grain cereals contain surprisingly large amounts of healthful antioxidant substances called polyphenols, comparable to fruits and vegetables. Raisin bran has the highest amount of antioxidants per serving due to raisins.
A small study found that 18 children with severe milk allergies could safely consume milk and dairy products, with reactions decreasing over time. Regular exposure to milk was needed to maintain tolerance.
A palliative care intervention improved quality of life and mood in patients with advanced cancer, but did not reduce symptom intensity or hospital stays. The study suggests that comprehensive cancer care should address physical, psychological, and social needs.
Poor air quality in megacities, driven by pollution and urban metabolism, has severe consequences on residents and global climate. The urban metabolism model reveals how megacities consume energy, release wastes, and pollute, impacting climate change on regional and global levels.
The region may need to import over a quarter of its rice, wheat and maize if current irrigation management is not improved or innovated. A new study warns that Asia's vast irrigation systems must be revitalized to meet the growing food demand without further straining water resources.
The study reveals that the hepatitis C virus blocks the actions of an ion channel, preventing apoptosis and enabling liver cells to resist cell death for longer. This discovery may offer a potential target for drug development through combination therapy.
Researchers developed nanosized capsules compatible with various substances for medicine and energy applications. The capsules can carry anticancer drugs or medical-imaging agents to specific locations within the human body. A highly sensitive oxygen sensor was also created, detecting minute amounts of oxygen in confined spaces.
A study found that early endoscopy in elderly patients with peptic ulcer bleeding reduced hospital stay by two days and decreased the need for surgical intervention. The study analyzed Medicare claims data from 2004-2006, finding that early endoscopy was associated with increased efficiency of care.
Using ambient noise correlation, University of Illinois researchers Xiaodong Song and Zhen J. Xu observed significant changes in the behavior of parts of Earth's crust affected by three major earthquakes. The technique allowed them to detect tiny changes in seismic velocity over large areas.
Researchers at Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciencia discover that an enzyme called heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) protects mice from developing severe forms of malaria. An anti-oxidant drug, N-acetylcysteine (NAC), has the same effect on Plasmodium-infected mice.