A team of scientists has discovered a previously unknown species of crustacean, Speleonectes atlantida, in the Tunnel de la Atlantida lava tube on Lanzarote. The new species is morphologically similar to another remipede found in the same cave system and is believed to be an ancient relic isolated from the main Caribbean group.
A new technique measuring pleural fluid mesothelin levels shows great promise in diagnosing mesothelioma. The study found that patients with mesothelioma had significantly higher levels of mesothelin than those with other conditions, allowing for a more accurate diagnosis.
NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center has expanded its high-end computing system to support climate simulations, including the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). The new system, powered by Intel's Nehalem architecture, will enable faster and more accurate climate modeling.
A national survey found that a majority of Americans believe in 'myths' about health care reform, including statements on end-of-life decisions, abortions, and illegal immigrants. The survey also showed that Republicans and Independents are more likely to believe these assertions.
The number of people aged 60 or over in South Africa is projected to triple by 2025, leading to a doubling of cardiovascular deaths. The burden of non-communicable diseases is expected to increase as antiretroviral therapy reduces mortality from HIV/AIDS.
A study predicts that US crop yields could decrease by 30-46% over the next century under slow global warming scenarios and by 63-82% under rapid scenarios. Crop yields are most vulnerable to temperatures above 29-32 degrees Celsius, depending on the crop.
Researchers discovered protein misfolding coincides with loss of heat shock response in C. elegans, suggesting protective mechanism deficient during aging. Early intervention with a 'vitamin' equivalent boosts heat shock response, delaying protein misfolding and extending lifespan.
A new UCLA study reveals the immune system plays a crucial role in bone loss, with high cholesterol levels contributing to the disease. The research identifies a new approach for treating osteoporosis using immune-based therapies.
Researchers found that patients with aggressive leukemia had few complications and mounted a strong immune system attack after receiving a cancer vaccine shortly after a stem cell transplant. The study suggests that the approach may be more effective than traditional transplant alone, with higher survival rates.
A recent study found that smoking is a significant risk factor for active tuberculosis (TB), with current smokers twice as likely to develop active TB as never-smokers. The study analyzed data from nearly 17,000 individuals in Taiwan and found that younger smokers were more likely to develop active TB.
The article discusses South Africa's paradox of poor health outcomes amidst high health expenditures and supportive programmes. The authors identify leadership, innovation, and priority actions needed to achieve better health outcomes and tackle pressing challenges such as HIV/AIDS and non-communicable diseases.
Researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine found a strong link between concussions and brain tissue injury, using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) to detect subtle changes in the brain. The study suggests that DTI scanning could help diagnose concussions and predict lasting loss of executive function.
The MOSAIC program is a four-year training initiative for graduate students to work with immigrant children learning English as a second language. The program addresses inadequate training of speech-language pathologists to diagnose communication disorders in multilingual children, targeting rural states with high numbers of ESL learners.
A study led by Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center found that mice on low-carb diets developed significantly more atherosclerosis and had impaired ability to form new blood vessels compared to those on Western or standard diets. Standard markers of cardiovascular risk, including cholesterol, were not affected.
A new study by RAND Corporation finds that Medicare Part D has exceeded initial expectations, with most seniors now having access to affordable prescription drug coverage. The program has been particularly successful in lowering costs for the poor and disabled.
A study published in the journal Genetics identified five new proteins necessary for memory, providing insight into fragile X mental retardation. The researchers used an artificial system to analyze the eye deformities caused by overexpression of a key protein, revealing that each protein is required for its function.
The study highlights South Africa's high injury death rate and its disproportionate impact on women, particularly intimate partner homicide rates. The authors emphasize the need for a comprehensive national action plan to address these social issues.
Resolvyx Pharmaceuticals announced positive Phase 2 clinical study results for RX-10045, a resolvin administered as a topical eye drop for treating patients with chronic dry eye syndrome. The 28-day trial showed dose-dependent improvements in symptoms and signs of dry eye.
Rui Costa's team will study the neural mechanisms underlying goal-directed and habit-based decisions using cutting-edge techniques.
Researchers found that damaged melanosomes are toxic to melanoma cells and that functional melanosomes in late-stage cancer cells make them more resistant to treatment. Manipulating melanosome status could lead to new therapeutic avenues for treating pigment-producing cell-related diseases.
Parkinson-associated genes PINK1 and Parkin functionally interact to maintain mitochondrial function, impairing neuron loss
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that adults born with very low birth weight have significantly lower bone mineral density compared to their term-born peers. This increased risk of osteoporosis in adulthood highlights the importance of monitoring and addressing this issue for individuals born preterm.
A new study reveals consumers project motives onto brands, finding authenticity in unexpected places like The Simpsons and SUVs. Consumers' identity goals underpin their assessments of brand authenticity, highlighting the subjective nature of this concept.
A 14-year study found that young lemon sharks born at the Bimini islands in the Bahamas tend to stay near their coastal birthplace for many years. This knowledge could be crucial for conservation efforts, as it suggests that local management measures can protect these intermediate-aged sharks from overfishing and habitat destruction.
A new analysis reveals that adolescents and young adults with blood-related cancers have better long-term survival rates than those diagnosed in the 1980s. However, survival rates in this age group are still lower than those seen in younger children and some older adults.
New research finds that mortality among patients with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH) awaiting lung transplant has not decreased, despite implementation of a new allocation system. The study suggests that key prognostic indicators in IPAH are not adequately captured by the current LAS algorithm.
Researchers found that apologizing or using a first-person justification can result in lower frequencies of negligence verdicts against auditors. Apologies reduce the need for jurors to assign blame, while justifications influence their perception of the auditor's actions as reasonable and in accordance with professional standards.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have developed a new method to produce lower-cost solar cells using nanoparticle inks that can be printed like newspaper or painted onto surfaces. The goal is to reduce production costs by one-tenth, making solar energy more competitive with fossil fuels.
Researchers found that excess liver fat is linked to metabolic problems such as insulin resistance and high blood triglycerides. Losing weight can reverse fatty liver disease, with even brief calorie restriction showing significant reductions in liver fat.
The use of Twitter for healthcare communication offers numerous benefits, including fast and easy dissemination of time-critical information such as disaster alerts and drug safety warnings. However, caution is needed to preserve confidentiality and patient privacy in the clinical care setting.
Microbiologists at the University of Texas Health Science Center have discovered a cellular molecule called NOD2 that recognizes two common respiratory viruses and directs cells to mount a defense. The finding holds promise for new therapies against human RSV and influenza A, particularly among vulnerable populations.
Hurricane Bill is bringing heavy rain and strong surf to Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland, with total rainfall expected at 3-5 inches. The storm's powerful thunderstorms are accompanied by a small eye in the midst of cloud-filled imagery.
Scientists found that primary cilia can either suppress or promote basal cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer. Removing primary cilia from skin cancer cells blocks tumor growth, while boosting cilia function boosts tumor growth.
A study by Jeff Coller and his team reveals that messenger RNA (mRNA) is predominantly degraded on ribosomes, altering the common dogma of how gene expression is controlled within cells. This finding has significant implications for understanding genetic diseases linked to mRNA degradation.
Researchers found that strains of Bacteroides fragilis dupe immune cells into allowing runaway colon tissue inflammation, a precursor to malignant growth. High levels of pStat3 and Th17 activity in infected mice were linked to chronic inflammation and tumor development.
Researchers have successfully modified a human embryonic stem cell line to glow red when it becomes a red blood cell, representing a significant step towards generating mature red blood cells from human stem cells. This breakthrough could aid in tracking the differentiation of embryonic stem cells into specific cell types.
Researchers at UCSF discovered a tiny filament extending from brain cells, known as primary cilia, may play a role in the most common malignant brain tumor in children. The study found that primary cilia are present in some tumors but absent in others, suggesting they may be used by cancer cells to grow.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have identified a novel gene and enzyme that may hold the key to treating idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a life-threatening lung disease. The discovery could lead to new treatments for not only pulmonary fibrosis but also other organ-based diseases such as cardiac and kidney fibrosis.
A new study using satellite images found that nearly half of the world's farmed landscapes include significant tree cover, exceeding 10% in over 1 billion hectares. This reveals a vital role of trees in agricultural production globally, providing benefits such as carbon sequestration and nutrition for people.
Researchers captured a one-second image of gigantic jets, which are highly charged meteorological events that flash up to the lower levels of space. The study reveals that these events have comparable electrical charges to conventional lightning, but travel farther and faster due to thinner air.
Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center discovered a genetic link between childhood brain development and adult-onset epilepsy, highlighting the fragility of the brain during early childhood. The study identifies a new pathway controlling neuron circuit maturation, which may lead to new therapies for this condition.
Cystorm is a Sun Microsystems machine with 3,200 computer processor cores, powering Iowa State University's research in materials science, power systems, and systems biology. The supercomputer achieves peak performance of 28.16 trillion calculations per second.
The grants are worth a total of $7.7 million, with 19 awards from the National Science Foundation and four from the National Institutes of Health. Researchers will use the funding to build their research programs, work with students, and advance their projects.
A recent national survey found that physicians inaccurately believed in the FDA approval status of 22 drug-indication pairs, including lorazepam for chronic anxiety and quetiapine for dementia with agitation. The study highlights the need for better methods to inform physicians about the level of evidence supporting off-label drug use.
Researchers have discovered genetic biomarkers relevant to CRC, allowing for personalized medication and improved survival rates. The integration of conventional agents with novel targeted therapies has led to median overall survival exceeding two years in metastatic CRC.
A University of Michigan study analyzed 23-year patterns in weight-related activities among 17,314 young adults, revealing consistent disparities in health behaviors by gender, race, and socioeconomic status. The study found that young women exercised less than men, while black and Hispanic women had lower fruit and vegetable consumption.
The PLOS Medicine journal has made all 1500 ghostwriting documents publicly available, revealing a coordinated campaign by Wyeth and medical writing companies to promote hormone drugs. The editors call for action to eradicate ghost-writing, including retraction of papers and investigation by academic institutions.
A new study reveals that impaired axonal transport in neurons is a key factor in the development of prion diseases. The research shows that clinical symptoms correlate with reduced axonal transport in specific brain centers, providing new insights into the disease.
Dartmouth researchers have proposed a new method to create tiny quantum-sized black holes in the laboratory, allowing for better understanding of Hawking radiation. The SQUID-based setup enables exploration of analogue quantum gravitational effects and may be more straightforward for detecting Hawking radiation.
Researchers identified two core structures, a negative feedback loop and feed-forward loop, that enable cells to adapt to changing environments. These findings have potential applications in targeted drug development for complex diseases like diabetes and cancer.
A study found that diabetics with low vitamin D levels can't process cholesterol normally, leading to increased blood vessel buildup and heart attack risk. Increasing vitamin D levels may slow or reverse atherosclerosis development, researchers suggest.
A new study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that fecal DNA methylation can detect gastric and colorectal cancers. Methylation patterns were more likely to be found in advanced tumors, with detection rates of 57% for gastric cancer patients and 75% for colorectal cancer patients.
Researchers have created a robot-controlled palpating device that detects tumors with 40% more accuracy than humans, reducing tissue damage by over 35%. The device applies consistent force in each step, producing a complete map of the tissue.
A new study has found that high serum insulin levels are associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer, even within the normal range. Insulin-like growth factors may play a role in prostate cancer development.
Researchers find novel cyanobacterial lineage in lichens, with implications for ecosystem research and the study of symbiotic relationships. The discovery suggests that photobionts are selected based on their compatibility with mycobionts, leading to an increase in certain strains.
A new protein has been identified as crucial for protecting sensory cells in the ear, according to a study led by University of Iowa researchers. The protein, claudin-9, helps maintain the separation of potassium ions between cells, preventing intoxication and functional defects.
A new algorithm, SERA, explores plant community dynamics and predicts changes due to environmental factors like climate change and invasive species. The model shows agreement with empirical data on trends in plant growth and development.
Researchers at NASA and AFOSR successfully launched a small rocket using an environmentally-friendly propellant called ALICE, which has the potential to replace traditional propellants. The test achieved a maximum thrust of 650 pounds and showed promise for future space missions.
Hurricane Bill brings heavy rainfall to Bermuda, with NASA satellites capturing detailed data on rainfall, clouds, and winds. The storm is expected to produce total rain accumulations of 1-3 inches over Bermuda and affect the eastern US coast.
A study published in Sociological Inquiry examines why people form false beliefs, such as the link between Saddam Hussein and 9/11, despite a lack of evidence. Researchers found that motivated reasoning, a cognitive theory, plays a significant role in shaping these beliefs.