Researchers at EMBL have identified a whole family of proteins capable of directly responding to the alarm signal produced by PARP1 when DNA is damaged. Histone macroH2A1.1 plays a key role in this process, condensing chromatin around damaged areas to increase repair chances.
A DASH-style diet high in calcium, potassium, and magnesium, and low in sodium, was found to reduce the risk of kidney stone formation. Participants with higher scores on this dietary approach were between 40-45% less likely to develop kidney stones than those with lower scores.
Scientists at the University of Toronto's Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology discovered a novel gene, Ultrabithorax, responsible for water striders' unique body form. The gene lengthens mid-legs while shortening hind-legs, allowing water striders to glide on water.
Researchers have discovered how the DISC complex triggers cell death or survival by switching key molecules' activity levels. Stopping the DISC from functioning properly prevents efficient cell death, resulting in disease conditions like ALPS.
A study published in BMC Psychiatry found that lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals are twice as likely to receive mental health treatment as heterosexuals. The researchers attribute this disparity to higher exposure to discrimination and violence, as well as societal pathologizing of homosexuality.
A recent review suggests that using MRI before surgery to assess the extent of early breast cancer may not improve surgical planning or reduce follow-up surgeries. In fact, it could lead to more women being treated with mastectomy without evidence of improvement in outcomes.
Researchers developed prediction models to identify eroded waterways from digital terrain information, enabling the placement of grassed waterways and reducing soil erosion. These models accurately identified potential locations of erosion-prone areas, corresponding well with actual field observations.
Scientists developed a quantitative mathematical model of DNA replication and cell division for Caulobacter crescentus, an alpha-proteobacterium crucial to global carbon cycling. The model accurately represents the sequence of physiological events during cell division and predicts the impact of specific mutations on cell function.
A five-year study by UT Southwestern Medical Center researcher Dr. Uma Rao found that adolescents with shorter rapid-eye-movement (REM) sleep latency are more likely to develop depression. These teens reached the REM stage earlier in their sleep cycles, indicating a greater risk for depression.
Researchers identified a mutated gene hDEC2 that allows individuals to thrive on six hours of sleep, and studied its impact on mice and fruit flies. The findings suggest that the gene modulates both sleep quantity and wakefulness-behavioral drive.
Researchers discovered a first compound that targets cancer stem cells directly, reducing breast cancer stem cells by over 100-fold. Salinomycin slows tumor growth and seed tumors in mice, highlighting a new avenue for cancer therapy development.
Researchers found that urinary albumin to creatine ratio is a powerful and independent predictor of heart failure prognosis, even in patients without diabetes or kidney disease. A high ratio was associated with increased risk of death from cardiovascular causes and hospital admission for worsening heart failure.
A team of MIT chemists has created a new synthesis technique that allows for the easy addition of fluorine atoms to aromatic compounds, commonly used in drugs. This breakthrough could lead to more flexible and cost-effective drug design and development.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University have developed a protein-based injection that can regrow blood vessels in the human heart, eliminating the risk of cardiac attack and potentially replacing bypass surgeries. The therapy has shown no side effects or inflammation in animal models, paving the way for potential commercial availability.
Tropical Depression 9E appears to be fizzling in the Eastern Pacific, while Tropical Storm Guillermo forms with sustained winds near 50 mph. The satellite imagery is being closely monitored for updates, with a 30-50% chance of TD9E strengthening back into a tropical depression.
A study published in BMC Medical Research Methodology found that general practitioners (GPs) are reluctant to participate in medical research due to administrative challenges. The researchers discovered that non-medical staff often handle first contact with surgeries, making it difficult for doctors to engage with the study.
Louisiana Tech University has received $1.4M from the US Department of Energy to support engineered systems meeting US energy needs through bio- , nano-, and geo-derived technologies. Dr. Long Que's NSF CAREER award will fund research on biomolecular nanophotonic devices for real-time monitoring and high-throughput drug screening.
Companies with female board members fare worse in stock market, but perform equally well on other measures. Share values decline after women are appointed to boards.
Researchers have discovered a natural food preservative in mango seeds, which can inhibit the growth of deadly bacteria like Listeria. This breakthrough could help prevent outbreaks and save lives, as well as reduce waste by recycling fruit kernels.
A University of Oregon study found that 94% of LGBTQ respondents believe sexual violence is a problem in their community, but only 72% agree it exists locally. The study also revealed that 87% of respondents felt local agencies and law enforcement were ill-equipped to address the issue.
A study from North Carolina State University found that companies can identify winning products by critically evaluating new ideas early on, eliminating bad ideas and advancing good ones. The research provides a benchmarking template for developing customized review criteria to improve product development practices.
Chinese researchers have created the first tunable electromagnetic gateway, using transformation optics and ferrite materials to block electromagnetic waves while allowing passage of other entities. The new configuration has optimum permittivity and permeability, making it tunable and remotely switchable.
A study by The Hershey Company shows that over 85% of cocoa flavanols can be preserved in recipes for hot cocoa drinks, frosting, and cookies. Using a combination of baking powder and baking soda allows for the retention of antioxidant activity and flavanols in chocolate cakes.
Uterine fibroid embolization is a minimally invasive treatment that cuts off blood flow to painful fibroids, killing tumors and subsiding symptoms. This procedure can significantly decrease the hysterectomy rate in the United States, benefiting over 300,000 women annually.
A randomized trial found that targeting systolic blood pressure below 130 mmHg reduced left ventricular hypertrophy and clinical events, compared to a target of 140 mmHg. The study suggests that lowering systolic blood pressure in nondiabetic patients with hypertension may be beneficial.
A recent coastal shark survey from Florida to Delaware caught 1,675 sharks from 19 different species, with sandbar sharks being the most common. The survey provides valuable data on shark populations and their role in marine ecosystems.
A recent report by the American Association for Cancer Research finds that cancer mortality rates have declined steadily across all age groups over the past three decades. The decline is attributed to improved screening and treatment methods, with even younger individuals experiencing significant reductions in mortality rates.
A study found that obese individuals and those with pre-diabetes have high levels of SPARC, a protein linked to fat tissue scarring. This scarring can prevent proper fat storage, increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes.
A proven intervention program will be expanded to more women in public housing through a new $3.1 million grant. The Sister to Sister program, which utilizes help from former smokers and provides nicotine patches and group support, has shown promising results in helping women quit smoking.
A study found that capuchin monkeys prefer the company of researchers who imitate them, spending more time with their imitators. The monkeys also chose to engage in a task with their imitators over non-imitators, indicating a sense of affiliation.
A new study by Indiana University researchers found a common link between bird flocks, breast milk, and trust, regulated by neurochemicals oxytocin and mesotocin. Blocking mesotocin in female zebra finches reduced social preferences, while administering it increased social behavior.
Researchers from seven nations installed a new deep-sea observatory in the Norwegian Arctic to study mud volcano eruptions and their effects on the environment. The observatory will provide insights into the dynamics of gas eruptions and their consequences for biological communities on the seafloor.
Research finds that Easterners and Westerners have different ways of recognizing facial expressions, with Easterners neglecting the mouth and focusing on the eyes. This complexity highlights that human communication of emotion is more nuanced than previously thought.
A UK study finds that young volunteers feel disconnected from environmental conservation work due to lack of training in both conservation and youth work. The report calls for more coordination between voluntary sectors and youth services to support skills-building and regeneration policies.
Researchers discover a chemical that selectively kills cancer stem cells, which enable cancers to spread and reemerge after treatment. The compound, salinomycin, shows surprising potency against laboratory-created and naturally occurring cancer stem cells.
A recent study found that the type 1 cannabinoid receptor is key to bone development and osteoporosis. Cannabis may reduce bone strength in young people but protect against osteoporosis in older age.
Researchers have developed a new technique to efficiently edit genes in human embryonic stem cells, enabling the creation of specific cell types for modeling genetic diseases. The method uses zinc finger nucleases to cut out one gene and substitute it with another, allowing precise control over gene expression.
Researchers have discovered that three Thai orchids use a wide range of fungi to absorb carbon from the soil instead of producing their own organic carbon. The study highlights the complex relationships between plants and fungi in tropical forests, emphasizing the need for further research on these interactions.
Research found that brain processes living and non-living objects in different areas, regardless of visual experience. The brain categorizes objects based on their functional importance, such as edibility or spatial awareness.
A new study by University of Illinois finance professors reveals that unexpected inheritances significantly increase the likelihood of early retirement. Nearly a quarter of workers who received a surprise inheritance retired early compared to 18% of total workers surveyed.
Computational biologists at Carnegie Mellon University have developed a statistical method to uncover genome variations underlying complex disease syndromes. The graph-guided fused lasso (GFlasso) method showed increased power in detecting gene variants associated with complex symptoms compared to other methods.
A 10-year global flea monitoring program has confirmed imidacloprid's long-standing efficacy in killing fleas. The study, which analyzed over 1,000 flea samples from around the world, found no reduced susceptibility to imidacloprid.
Researchers discovered that chiral molecules organize into separate left- and right-handed superstructures when present in equal numbers. However, a small imbalance leads to one minority forming the majority's superstructure.
Scientists discovered that endocannabinoids in the human body can disable brakes on pain signals, leading to prolonged chronic pain. In contrast, THC from cannabis may worsen toothaches, but could alleviate neuropathic pain.
The updated guidelines stress the importance of routine screening for common health problems in HIV patients, such as heart disease and cancer. Comprehensive care models that emphasize a medical home approach are also recommended to ensure holistic care for those living with HIV.
A recent study published in Leukemia suggests that genetic changes in response to environmental toxins may contribute to the development of multiple myeloma. The study found associations between specific DNA sequence variations and an increased risk of bone disease in myeloma patients.
New research reveals that ground beetles produce limonene, a natural repellent used by dogs, cats, and other animals, as a major defensive chemical. The beetle's pygidial gland produces a complex mixture of monoterpenes, including limonene and toluquinone, which acts as a permeation enhancer for the benzoquinone-based repellent.
A recent study using satellite data has found that groundwater in northern India has been receding by up to 1 foot per year over the past decade, primarily due to human consumption for irrigation. This depletion poses a significant threat to the region's agricultural output, potable water supplies, and social stability.
Researchers have discovered that gene therapy can restore vision in adults with Leber congenital amaurosis type 2, a rare form of blindness. The treated parts of the retina have acquired image-processing strength to rival the normal center for visual perception.
Researchers have found a new way to transform graphite oxide into graphene using an ordinary camera flash, which could lead to the production of low-cost transparent and flexible electronics. The process is simple, energy-efficient, and chemical-free.
The NOAA Integrated Ocean Observing System has awarded grants to support ocean observing activities from Long Island Sound to the Canadian Maritimes. The funds also support projects to improve ocean and coastal data, fisheries management, and ecosystem conservation.
Migratory birds prefer smaller, protected areas over large forest patches for rest stops and food, according to a Purdue University study. Small woodlots can provide essential refuges for birds vulnerable to predators in open habitats.
Two Princeton University researchers have solved a major advance in addressing a twist in the packing problem, jamming more tetrahedra into a space than ever before. They achieved a density of 78.2% and devised an approach involving pairs of tetrahedra face-to-face.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that carnitine supplementation improves glucose tolerance in obese rats by restoring their cells' fuel-burning capacity. This breakthrough offers potential therapy options for people with type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, and kidney disease.
Researchers report significant visual benefits in three young adults with Leber congenital amaurosis, a previously untreatable form of blindness. The gene therapy, which restored the RPE65 protein necessary for vision production, has shown safety and stability over one year.
The IBMISPS Annual Awards honored the courage and dedication of Bob Woodruff, a veteran injured in Iraq, and Colin Rich, a decorated Special Forces soldier. The awards also recognized Senator John Kerry's support for medical research and healthcare reform.
Researchers have documented remarkable vision improvements in three young adults with Leber Congenital Amaurosis after receiving gene therapy. The patients continue to experience increased sensitivity to light, and one patient was able to read an illuminated clock for the first time at 1 year after treatment.
The NOAA Integrated Ocean Observing System awards $973,083 to support ocean observing in the Gulf of Mexico. Three grants will enhance data portals and marine data delivery systems, making data easier to access for planners and policymakers.
A team of scientists has deployed a seismic network around Isla Isabela in the Galapagos to study Sierra Negra volcano. The new data will provide the first 3-D pictures of the volcanic plumbing system, helping to clarify its depth and extent.
The NOAA Integrated Ocean Observing System has awarded grants to the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute to conduct long-term monitoring of environmental conditions in Central and Northern California. This funding will support protecting marine life and habitat, as well as provide easier access to regional real-time data.