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.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine have discovered the prion protein as a novel biomarker for pancreatic cancer. The study found that the prion binds to filamin A in human pancreatic cancer cells, disrupting cell organization and signaling, and leading to aggressive tumor growth.
Research published in PLOS Medicine found that severe breathing disorders during sleep are associated with a higher risk of dying. Men between 40 and 70 years old with severe sleep-disordered breathing were twice as likely to die from any cause compared to those without the condition.
A protein called Huwe1 normally functions to eliminate unnecessary proteins, acting as a tumor suppressor in brain cancer. Deregulation of Huwe1 function is involved in tumor development and may be an important factor in the development of brain cancer.
A landmark study found that moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea is associated with a 46% increased risk of death in middle-aged adults, particularly men. The study also showed that men between 40 and 70 with severe sleep apnea were twice as likely to die during the study period.
A study found that persistently present levels of unmetabolized folic acid in the population indicate that mandatory fortification may result in an excessive effect. Most Irish people already get enough folic acid from voluntarily fortified foods, suggesting mandatory policies may be unnecessary.
A study published in Neurology found that smoking is associated with an increased risk of brain lesions and brain shrinkage in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). Smokers with MS had nearly 17% more brain lesions and 13% larger ventricles compared to non-smokers.
Researchers developed a novel genome-analysis strategy to rapidly discover possible gene-disease links, enabling the search for disease-causing genes in unrelated individuals with the same condition. The approach uses targeted analysis and newer technology to identify candidate genes for Mendelian disorders, offering a promising soluti...
PortLand is a fault-tolerant, layer 2 data center network fabric capable of scaling to 100,000 nodes and beyond. It provides baseline support for virtual machines and migration while reducing administrative overhead, and leverages multipath routing and improved fault tolerance.
A new University of Washington study reveals that US-born Asian-American women are more likely to contemplate suicide, with 15.93% experiencing suicidal thoughts in their lifetime and 6.29% attempting suicide.
NASA researchers have discovered glycine, an amino acid used by living organisms to make proteins, in samples of comet Wild 2. The discovery supports the theory that some of life's ingredients formed in space and were delivered to Earth long ago.
Researchers at Delft University of Technology discovered that bacteria can retain motility in surprisingly narrow channels, growing and dividing instead of swimming. This new phenotype may be more common than thought, with implications for membrane filters and medical applications.
Scientists have uncovered new evidence on the origin and evolution of seismogenic faults in the Nankai Trough, a region prone to massive earthquakes. The research, conducted during the NanTroSEIZE expedition, reveals that fault activity varies through time, with periods of high and low activity recorded.
A single cell in a nematode worm is providing clues into cancer's ability to invade new tissues. Researchers found that integrin and netrin molecules may be a valuable target in halting cancer's spread via metastasis.
A study by neuroimaging specialists found that MS patients who smoked for six months or less had more brain tissue destruction and brain atrophy than nonsmokers. The study also showed that smoking was associated with increased physical disability and more brain lesions in MS patients.
Research by Jhumku Kohtz finds Evf2 RNA controls gene expression in brain regions involved in GABAergic interneurons. Altered Evf2 levels may contribute to mental disorders with long-lasting effects through adulthood.
A new plastic semiconductor technology allows for the transportation of both positive and negative charges, enabling simpler circuit construction and potentially revolutionizing the field of organic electronics. This breakthrough could lead to the development of cheaper, thinner, and more flexible electronic devices.
A study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that an interactive asthma education program reduced the need for emergency care and steroid use in children. The program, which included small-group interaction and personalized materials, improved asthma outcomes and caregiver burden.
Scientists at the University of North Carolina have found that drugs targeting ERBB3 could be more effective in killing colon cancers resistant to current EGFR inhibitors. Genetic studies show that blocking ERBB3 can significantly reduce cell growth and induce cell death in human colon cancer cells.
A recent analysis published in PLOS Medicine found that twenty-five years of healthcare reforms in Mexico have increased access to medical care, but at the cost of inefficiency and inadequate addressing of health inequities. The study highlights the need for comprehensive reform to improve the Mexican healthcare system.
Researchers at Huntsman Cancer Institute have discovered that restricting glutamine availability can halt tumor growth by blocking glucose utilization. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new drugs targeting glutamine utilization or MondoA/ TXNIP.
A study by Elliott R. Haut and colleagues found no significant differences in death rates among patients treated by novice vs. experienced trauma surgeons in a structured trauma program. Patients managed by novice surgeons showed improvement in mortality rates after structural changes were implemented.
Researchers identified miR-143 and miR-145 as key regulators of VSMC contractility and blood pressure. The study found that mice lacking these microRNAs had reduced contractile VSMCs and increased tissue matrix-producing cells, leading to signs of blood vessel disease.
A new study found that over a third of baby photos in women's magazines show babies sleeping in unsafe positions, and two-thirds of sleep environments depicted are also hazardous. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends placing babies on their backs without soft bedding to reduce SIDS risk.
A recent CSHL study has found that fruit flies require the same gene, rutabaga, for short- and long-term memories but in different circuits. Short-term memory is initiated in the gamma lobe, while long-term memory is established in the alpha-beta lobe.
A study published in Archives of Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery found that post-treatment pain in head and neck cancer patients is associated with a lower five-year survival rate and increased risk of recurrence. Pain was also linked to age, general health conditions, and treatment modality.
Researchers designed synthetic protein-like mimics that interrupt HIV's interaction with host cell proteins, blocking infection. The novel molecules, dubbed 'foldamers,' are highly resistant to degradation and have potent antiviral activity.
A new study by University of Illinois researchers reveals that environmental factors can alter aggression levels in honey bees. By analyzing gene expression patterns in response to alarm pheromone, the team found similarities between short-term and long-term changes, suggesting a connection between nurture and nature.
A national champion is needed to ensure access to vaccines and expertise, while local leaders must collaborate to respond rapidly. The Canadian Medical Association Journal emphasizes the importance of preparedness and clear communication to combat the H1N1 pandemic.
Two NASA satellites captured Hurricane Bill's 'baby pictures' shortly after he became a hurricane, revealing its large size and organized structure. The data showed heavy rainfall bands and high thunderstorms, indicating the storm's increasing power.
A study found that dermatologists detected 56.3% of all melanomas and 60% of in situ melanomas, compared to 54.5% for patient-detected cases. Dermatologist detection was also associated with thinner melanomas, with median depths of 0.33mm for physician-detected cases versus 0.55mm for patient-detected cases.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University developed a highly sensitive test using quantum dots to detect DNA methylation, an early warning sign of cancer. The test could alert people at risk and help doctors determine the effectiveness of cancer treatments.
Researchers in China have discovered a new protein-based neurotoxin, anntoxin, found in the skin of the Chinese tree frog. This finding sheds light on the evolution of amphibians and poison, revealing a unique toxin that differs from other vertebrate animals.
A recent Pitt study found that a four-day testing period for pesticide exposure may not account for long-term effects on humans and animals. The highly toxic pesticide endosulfan exhibited a 'lag effect' with delayed toxicity surfacing after direct contact had ended.
Researchers created microchannels mimicking natural vasculatures using fractal patterns. The findings detail the construction of elaborate networks capable of supporting fluid transport, addressing a critical need in tissue engineering.
NASA satellites are tracking Tropical Depression Ana as it drenches Puerto Rico and poses a threat to the US and British Virgin Islands. Ana is expected to produce heavy rainfall amounts of 2-4 inches over these regions, with isolated maximums of 6 inches in mountainous terrain.
The University of Guam and Guam Navy have partnered to establish a conservation planting of the endangered fadang tree on Tinian, which has been threatened by exotic insect species. The project aims to create a safe haven for the species outside its natural range.
Researchers found corticosteroid injections effective in treating vocal fold polyps, with 91% response rate after one month. The procedure avoids surgical risks and scar formation, offering an alternative to traditional microlaryngoscopic surgery.
Elective labor induction at 41 weeks of gestation lowers cesarean risk by 22 percent compared to waiting. Women whose labor was electively induced were also half as likely to have meconium-stained amniotic fluid, a sign of fetal stress. However, physicians need to give inductions sufficient time to work before deciding on a cesarean.
A new study from North Carolina State University finds that white men receive significantly more job leads than women and racial minorities, particularly among upper management positions. The disparity is attributed to social capital, a measure of connections to people in various fields of employment.
A preliminary study found that patients with peripheral arterial disease who exhibit a negative, inhibited personality type (type D) are at higher risk of death over four years. The study suggests that screening for this personality trait may be important in secondary prevention.
A study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences has identified a genetic link between physical pain sensitivity and social rejection. Researchers found that individuals with a rare form of the OPRM1 gene are more sensitive to rejection and experience increased brain activity in response to rejection.
Researchers found a Chinese herbal remedy to be more effective than standard treatment in reducing symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. In contrast, elective induction of labor may reduce cesarean deliveries and improve fetal outcomes for pregnant women at term.
A study by Purdue University and Mount Sinai School of Medicine found that chronic consumption of polyphenols from grapeseed extract can improve absorption in the brain, potentially preventing the formation of beta-amyloid protein associated with Alzheimer's disease. This research may lead to more effective treatment options for patients.
A recent study in mice suggests that the mother's immune response interferes with the fetus's ability to tolerate transplanted donor cells. Researchers found that mouse pups nursed by their biological mothers lost transplanted cells, while those nursed by foster mothers retained them.
Researchers have copied the sandcastle worm's natural glue to create a synthetic adhesive for repairing bones, which could revolutionize fracture treatment. The new adhesive is biocompatible and twice as strong as the natural glue it mimics.
The NOAA survey found high numbers of juvenile sea scallops and ocean quahogs on Georges Bank, while recruitment in the Mid-Atlantic was weaker than expected. Biomass remained high, but declined in certain areas, such as the Elephant Trunk rotational area.
Scientists at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have discovered the mechanism behind a DNA repair-blocking approach to cancer treatment, suggesting that these drugs can sensitize cancer cells to chemotherapy. The findings also indicate that normal cells may be protected from DNA damage by these inhibitors.
A $75,000 USDA grant will support environmentally friendly control tactics to reduce insecticide use and protect palm trees. Dr. Gadi V. P. Reddy's research team will develop pheromone traps and experiment with fungal spores to tackle the New Guinea sugarcane weevil threat.
A University of Michigan study found that banning phosphorus-containing lawn fertilizers led to a significant decrease in phosphorus levels in the Huron River. Phosphorus levels dropped by an average of 28% after Ann Arbor adopted the ban, suggesting that ordinances can be effective in reducing pollution.
Researchers identified a critical crosstalk pathway between lung epithelial cells and airway smooth muscle cells, contributing to lung diseases like asthma and pulmonary hypertension. The study provides potential new therapeutic targets for treating these conditions.
The use of genetic diagnosis in embryos raises concerns about eugenics and perfect child policies. Research shows that parents avoid having children with severe diseases they already carry, rather than seeking a 'perfect' child. Inflammatory language can fuel the debate, but evidence-based policy and practice are needed.
Researchers have created prototype computer electronics on the nanoscale using organic and inorganic nanowires. The new material has a low operational current, high mobility, and good stability, making it a promising alternative to silicon transistors.
Researchers have identified a new molecular mechanism underlying Anaphase B, a previously understudied stage of cell division. The discovery has implications for understanding chromosome abnormalities and their link to cancer.
A recent study emphasizes the importance of evaluating eHealth interventions to improve the quality and safety of healthcare. Aziz Sheikh and Lorraine Catwell from The University of Edinburgh highlight the need for continuous systemic evaluation of eHealth solutions to address potential risks and challenges.
Researchers discovered two genetic variations linked to an increased risk of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), the most common childhood cancer in the US. Identifying these genetic glitches could improve treatment for children with this subtype of ALL, which tends to respond well to chemotherapy.
A new study by the American Psychological Association reveals that excessive exercise can lead to physical addiction, causing withdrawal symptoms. Rats given a drug that blocks the action of heroin showed severe withdrawal symptoms after running excessively, highlighting the potential for exercise to become compulsive and addictive.
Researchers link high blood pressure to multiple sclerosis and suggest a safe, inexpensive drug lisinopril could be an effective treatment option. The study found that lisinopril controls blood pressure by blocking an enzyme that converts angiotensin's precursor into the active hormone.
A new study suggests that early agricultural methods may have altered the global climate by increasing atmospheric carbon dioxide. Researchers found that earlier societies used more land for farming due to smaller populations and less incentive to maximize yield, leading to a large-scale burning of forests.
Researchers found that Wnt2 and Wnt2b molecules are crucial for specifying lung progenitor cells in the foregut region. Without these molecules, animals fail to develop lungs, highlighting their importance in treating respiratory diseases. The study's findings also suggest a connection between pulmonary and cardiac development.
A new technique uses microscopic magnetic particles to target stem cells to sites of cardiovascular injury, resulting in a five-fold increase in cell localization and six-fold increase in cell capture. The method is directly applicable to clinical practice and could lead to the treatment of heart attacks and other vascular injuries usi...
A Northwestern University study finds that musicians can better understand speech in noise due to improved auditory processing skills. The research suggests musical training could be beneficial for individuals with hearing or reading difficulties, particularly older adults and poor readers.
A study found that miR-143 and miR-145 regulate the contractile nature of vascular smooth muscle cells, with their absence leading to increased tissue matrix production and signs of blood vessel disease. The findings suggest these microRNAs could serve as therapeutic targets for enhancing blood vessel repair.
A new MIT study forecasts an increase in extreme rainfall events, with precipitation in these events expected to rise by 6% for every one degree Celsius temperature increase. Climate models show varying results within the tropics, prompting further research to determine outcomes in tropical regions.
Researchers have developed a small, inexpensive lab-on-a-chip sensor that can quickly and accurately identify sweetness in various substances. The sensor uses colorimetric technology to detect sweeteners, including natural and artificial sweeteners, and can produce results in about 2 minutes.
University of Calgary scientists discovered that stressed crops emit more methane, a potent greenhouse gas 23 times more effective than carbon dioxide. Climate change factors such as temperature, drought, and UV-B radiation enhance methane emissions from six Canadian crops.
Researchers found a common genetic variation associated with differences in brain structure, including reduced surface area in the cortex, in both healthy individuals and patients with neurological and psychiatric disorders. This variation may be a promising candidate gene for further study.
A new national study found that low-income children between 11-16 reported having sex, with the average age of first intercourse being 12.77 years old. Boys reported their first sexual intercourse at a younger age than girls.
Tropical Storm Claudette made landfall near Fort Walton Beach, Florida with maximum sustained winds near 50 mph. Heavy downpours and localized flooding are expected for Alabama and Mississippi as the storm moves north-northwest through the region.
A recent randomized trial found no association between antioxidant supplementation and melanoma risk in women. Long-term use of beta carotene and selenium also showed no link to melanoma risk. The study included over 69,000 participants and provided new insights into the potential benefits and harms of antioxidant supplements.
Scientists at Caltech and IBM's Almaden Research Center have developed a technique to orient and position self-assembled DNA shapes on surfaces compatible with semiconductor manufacturing equipment. This allows for the precise assembly of computer-chip components, enabling smaller, faster, and more energy-efficient chips.