Researchers at Duke University have developed a new approach to attach polymers to proteins, improving their circulation and efficacy in animal models. The new conjugates showed longer half-lives and remained active for up to 18 hours, potentially reducing toxic effects.
A recent study by University of Minnesota researchers reveals that component branding is becoming increasingly important in industries such as transportation. The shift towards visibly branded components gives component makers more power to develop products and influences consumer behavior.
Researchers developed a non-toxic method to synthesize zinc oxide nanorods using water and ultrasound. The approach produces uniform nanorods of 30-100 nm in diameter, suitable for large-scale production. It enables safe use in medical applications, food products, dentistry, and electronics.
The American Society for Microbiology has awarded Dr. Angelika Gründling the ICAAC Young Investigator Award for her groundbreaking work on lipoteichoic acids and holins in bacterial membranes. Her research revealed that holins accumulate in the membrane during infection, leading to a collapse of the potential and formation of holes.
Scientists have designed a painless microneedle patch that can deliver vaccines and medications through the skin, offering a potential solution to painful injections. The patch uses tiny 'microneedles' to improve treatment of diseases such as diabetes and macular degeneration.
A study published in Journal of Consumer Research found that people tend to favor unfamiliar options when they are under stress or experiencing upheaval, rather than comfort foods or familiar choices.
Dr. Lin's work reveals a modified sexual cycle of C. neoformans with only one mating type, suggesting increased genetic diversity and pathogenic characteristics
A multidisciplinary team led by Carnegie Mellon University will develop revolutionary computational tools to advance science in fields like cancer treatment and aircraft safety. The researchers aim to improve understanding of pancreatic cancer and atrial fibrillation using Model Checking and Abstract Interpretation techniques.
Researchers from Penn State and LIGO Scientific Collaboration have put new constraints on the details of the universe's earliest moments, setting limits on gravitational waves that could have come from the Big Bang. The analysis provides vital clues to understanding how the structure of the universe evolved.
Researchers at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev are developing a novel method to exploit membrane fouling processes, achieving very high recoveries in desalination by reverse osmosis. This technology reduces brine volumes and improves economics for inland desalination processes.
Researchers found moderate to perfect agreement between nurses' and doctors' ART recommendations, suggesting increased investment in training non-physician clinicians to deliver therapy. This shift could fill a gap in rural areas where physicians are scarce, improving access to HIV/AIDS treatment.
The LIGO Scientific Collaboration and Virgo Collaboration have set the most stringent limits yet on the amount of gravitational waves that could have come from the Big Bang. The analysis of data taken over a two-year period has constrained current theories about universe formation, including models of cosmic strings and superstrings.
Scientists developed a test to evaluate the performance of smudge- and reflection-resistant coatings used in smartphones. The test revealed that fluoroether content, silica, and aluminum layers enhance anti-smudge properties and reduce glare.
A new adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction (ASIR) technique significantly reduces patient radiation doses during CT scans, enabling improved image quality. The study found that ASIR can reduce radiation doses by up to 65% without compromising diagnostic accuracy.
A major statistical review of 82 studies found that nonprofit nursing homes deliver higher quality care than for-profit homes, with benefits including more staff, lower rates of bedsores and restraints. The findings have significant patient-care implications and raise concerns about the role of for-profit firms in U.S. health reform.
Research at Virginia Tech suggests that the oldest complex life forms fed by osmosis, absorbing nutrients through their outer membrane. The two groups of modular Ediacara organisms grew and constructed their bodies in different ways to maximize surface-area to volume ratios necessary for osmosis-based feeding.
Progesterone exposure may increase breast cancer risk by activating genes involved in cell adhesion, survival, and inflammation. The study reveals targets for future work in reducing progesterone's influence on breast cancer development.
A recent report from the University of Western Ontario warns that codeine use after tonsillectomy can be deadly for some children due to ultra-rapid metabolism genotypes. The study highlights the need for cautious prescribing and monitoring of pain relief medication in these cases.
A new Harvard study finds that taxing employer-sponsored health insurance would disproportionately affect low-income families, taking up to 18.3% of their income, while high-income families face only a 2.7% tax rate. Single-payer national health insurance is proposed as a more affordable option for universal coverage.
A new study by Oregon State University professor JunJie Wu found that senior management's environmental values are a leading factor in firms' decisions to over-comply with environmental regulations. Facilities making products sold directly to consumers or offering services are less likely to violate regulations.
A new recombinase, Dre, has been discovered, allowing researchers to specifically target and modify genes in mice. This enables the creation of sophisticated mouse models to study complex gene interactions and their role in human disease.
Researchers have developed a targeted cancer treatment using nanomaterials that selectively kills brain cancer cells while leaving healthy cells unaffected. The therapy uses titanium dioxide nanoparticles bonded to biological material and targets specific cell surface receptors on cancer cells.
Researchers at RIT and UB are developing real-time information products to help emergency responders during disasters. The lab will focus on technology, policy, and business-development to create potential business opportunities for industry.
Scientists at National Ignition Facility will focus on limitless energy production through nuclear fusion, a potential game-changer for electricity generation. The symposium aims to advance nuclear chemistry and provide new insights into the universe.
Despite being one of the wealthiest nations, the US struggles with health coverage, with an estimated 47 million citizens lacking any coverage. In contrast, poorer countries like Costa Rica and Cuba have achieved impressive prepaid coverage. The authors argue that universal health financing schemes can improve social sectors like educa...
Competitive birding practices like World Series of Birding and big-year birding can harm the environment by visiting polluted sites such as Superfund sites and landfills. Many birders prioritize species tracking over environmental conservation.
Researchers at Harvard Medical School found that separated cells lose energy-harvesting ability and eventually starve due to metabolic defects. Increasing antioxidant activity restores metabolic function, allowing cells to use alternative energy sources, raising the possibility of early-stage tumor cell survival.
Burning paraffin wax candles can release known human carcinogens into the air, posing health risks. Replacing them with soy or beeswax candles may provide a healthier alternative.
UBC researchers have found that single-band Hubbard physics fails to explain certain conditions in high-temperature superconductors. The study suggests new theoretical approaches may be needed, revealing potentially new or less-bizarre behavior.
Researchers found that HPRT gene plays crucial role in regulating transcription factors' expression and development of neurons, supporting a possible link to Lesch Nyhan disease. The study provides first direct experimental support for HPRT's involvement in neurological disorders.
A recent study found carvedilol to be more effective in preventing variceal bleeding in cirrhotic patients compared to traditional treatment with variceal band ligation. The results showed that carvedilol reduced the risk of bleeding by 10% compared to VBL, while survival rates remained unchanged.
Dr. Tobias M. Hohl receives the 2009 ICAAC Young Investigator Award for his groundbreaking work on Aspergillus fumigatus and its interaction with the pulmonary innate immune system. His research has improved understanding of echinocandid mechanisms of action.
Using silk templates, researchers have created composite structures with unique properties. The bio-enabled approach mimics natural material growth processes, allowing precise control over particle size and spacing. The resulting films exhibit high tensile strength, elasticity, and toughness.
Researchers at Ohio State University have developed a method to produce up to 30 grams of butanol per liter, doubling the current amount. This breakthrough could pave the way for butanol to replace gasoline in conventional automobiles.
Dr. Nicholas J. White receives the sanofi-aventis ICAAC Award for his work on artemisinin-based combination treatments and reduction of malaria transmissibility, leading to a significant decrease in global malaria morbidity.
A new robot-assisted endoscopic technique successfully treated 200 consecutive patients with thyroid cancer, offering safer and easier operations with minimal scarring. The minimally invasive procedure uses the da Vinci Surgical System to remove part or all of the thyroid gland with less risk of complications.
Researchers developed an ultra-thin material with precise silver dose that kills 99.9999% bacteria without damaging cells needed for healing. The new approach is more targeted and controlled than current wound dressings.
Rice University will lead a multi-university Center for Domain-Specific Computing with UCLA, Ohio State, and UC Santa Barbara to develop high-performance computing for medical imaging. The project aims to create energy-efficient, cost-effective solutions for preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic procedures.
The team aims to create biologically inspired material systems that can intelligently sense and actuate a network of distributed robust sensors and actuators. They will develop a robotic fish-like underwater vehicle by integrating biological investigations of fish with engineering knowledge about sensors and actuators.
Amanda Cobbs-Russell, a junior majoring in conservation biology at UC Riverside, is part of an international group trekking across Baffin Island. She will investigate the geology and climatology of the region, with a focus on the impact of climate change on the Canadian Arctic.
A new X-ray imaging technique has revealed unprecedented details of a painting hidden beneath another by famed American illustrator N.C. Wyeth. The confocal X-ray fluorescence microscope method is non-destructive and could reveal hidden images in hundreds of Old Master paintings.
A new study reveals that homes in California are a significant source of water pollution, with pollutants such as pesticides and fertilizers contaminating rivers and lakes. The study estimates that current models may underestimate the amount of pollution contributed by homes by up to 50%.
Researchers found that the 'washout' curve type is most predictive of malignancy, with 45.7% of lesions with this pattern being malignant compared to 20% with a plateau and 13.3% with persistent enhancement. The study suggests that kinetic features in breast MRI assessment can help determine whether a lesion needs biopsying.
The Case Center for Synchrotron Biosciences will provide three Technology Cores to support the study of proteins and nucleic acids. The center's facilities will enable researchers to understand the structure and function of proteins, including in vivo studies, as well as investigate the role of metal atoms in proteins.
MU researchers discovered a 'longevity' gene that energizes mice during exercise, potentially applicable to humans. The gene removes toxic free radicals from mitochondria, improving life quality and treating diseases like muscular dystrophy and diabetes.
Researchers develop a new technique using light to control protein behavior in cells and animals, enabling precise manipulation of cellular activity. This breakthrough has significant implications for understanding cancer spread and developing new treatments.
Anton Y. Peleg receives the American Society for Microbiology's ICAAC Young Investigator Award for his groundbreaking work on carbapenemase genes, tigecycline resistance, and prokaryote-eukaryote interactions in multidrug-resistant bacteria.
A study by Prof. Herzl Chai and colleagues reveals that teeth's wavy hierarchy and micro-cracking mechanism can inspire stronger composites for planes and aerospace engineering. Dental specialists can also use the research to create smarter crowns with improved durability.
A recent study led by Keith Lindor found that patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) who received high-dose ursodeoxycholic acid experienced poorer clinical results compared to those receiving a placebo. The therapy was associated with an increased risk of death, transplantation, and liver damage.
Researchers at LSUHSC have identified miR-27b as a major player in the development of invasive breast cancer, found to stimulate cell growth and invasion. Meanwhile, ST14 gene suppresses tumor cell growth and may serve as an early detection marker for breast cancer.
Researchers found that commensal bacteria in the human gut activate the immune system against Toxoplasma gondii by releasing signaling molecules, inducing inflammatory responses. The study suggests looking at gut bacteria to understand susceptibility to infectious diseases and developing novel probiotic strategies.
A study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology found that CT angiography can identify diseases and injuries beyond the pulmonary arteries in children. Researchers evaluated 89 CTA exams with suspected pulmonary embolism and found alternative diagnoses in 59% of cases, including pneumonia and atelectasis.
Dr. Masopust's work on immunological memory of bacterial and viral pathogens has transformed the field of memory T cell biology. His research demonstrated functional differences between lymphoid and non-lymphoid CD8 memory T cells.
New research by the UK's National Centre for Atmospheric Science suggests that targeted investments in climate science can improve climate predictions by 10-20% globally and up to 20% in specific regions. This could lead to significant economic savings by reducing the costs of adapting to a changing climate.
NASA's Aqua satellite captured two views of Hurricane Bill's cloud cover, revealing strong thunderstorms and a powerful hurricane. The storm is expected to strengthen as it nears Bermuda, posing a threat to the East Coast.
The A-Train satellite formation combines five satellites to study tropical cyclones, including Aqua and CloudSat. The data collected provide valuable insights into hurricane behavior, atmospheric composition, and climate change.
Scientists report that plastics in the ocean decompose with surprising speed, releasing potentially toxic substances like bisphenol A and PS oligomer. This discovery highlights the need for further research on plastic decomposition and its effects on marine life and human health.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have found that proteins have an intrinsic ability to change shape, allowing them to select the structure that permits the best binding. This discovery could lead to more effective treatment of diseases by designing compounds that target specific protein structures.
A recent study published in the Journal of Thoracic Oncology found that tumor size and level of visceral pleura invasion significantly impact the survival of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. Researchers analyzed data from over 9,700 surgical resection cases and divided patients into nine groups based on tumor size and VPI.
A longitudinal study of nearly 400 teens, half of whom were prenatally exposed to cocaine, will investigate the association between prenatal exposure and substance use, sex, and delinquent behaviors. The study aims to understand how environmental factors shape developmental outcomes and inform targeted therapeutic interventions.