Research from the Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Development Study found that childhood abuse, neglect, social isolation or economic hardship can affect nervous, immune and endocrine functioning in adulthood. Adults who experienced these traumas were more likely to exhibit depression, chronic inflammation and metabolic markers of...
The EPSRC has invested £13 million in three new mathematical sciences Centres for Doctoral Training at Lancaster University, University of Cambridge and University of Warwick. These centres will train at least 40 students over seven years and focus on statistics, analysis and applied mathematics.
Researchers identify specific DNA segment C19MC containing miRNA genes associated with aggressive CNS-PNET tumors. High expression of these miRNAs stimulates growth and prevents normal neural stem cell development.
Researchers at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center have found that second-line CML drugs, such as nilotinib and dasatinib, provide quicker and better responses compared to traditional front-line therapy, imatinib. The studies show improved complete cytogenetic response rates and major molecular response rates in patient...
A Yale study found that while the 'Back to Sleep' campaign reduced SIDS incidence, it has leveled off since guidelines were released. The study identified key factors linked to infant sleep position, including fear of choking and comfort concerns.
Researchers found that even short interruptions can lead to longer completion times due to cognitive focus disruption. The study suggests designing pop-ups with minimal visual impact and providing time for users to rehearse their place before resuming tasks.
New studies demonstrate the thalamus' importance in sensory processing, refuting its previous view as a passive relay station. The structure is found to be involved in higher-order cortical functioning, including auditory and visual systems.
Researchers create a thermometer capable of measuring temperatures as low as tens of trillionths of a degree above absolute zero. By leveraging the magnetization of atoms in a magnetic field, scientists were able to extract temperature information from easily measurable properties.
Researchers detected low concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) on Aconcagua Mountain, indicating that mountain ranges can trap persistent organic pollutants. The findings suggest a need to investigate the role of mountains in spreading pollutants and associated risks.
A new newborn exam, the NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale (NNNS), has been developed to identify infants at risk of developmental problems. The exam identified five distinct neurobehavioral profiles, with poor performance linked to behavior problems, school readiness issues, and low IQ.
A study led by St. Michael's Hospital found that deaths from opioid use in Ontario doubled between 1991 and 2004, with a five-fold increase in oxycodone-related deaths after OxyContin was introduced in 2000. Most opioid-related fatalities were accidental, and most people who died had visited a doctor recently.
A multi-institutional team is using genomic tools and the Mexican axolotl salamander to understand regenerative capacity after spinal cord injury, stroke, and other neural conditions. The goal is to tap unused human capacities to treat these conditions.
Major reductions in infectious and nutritional causes of childhood blindness have led to increased focus on congenital and developmental cataracts. Further research is needed to address these issues with targeted interventions.
Researchers studying snowflake shape and chemical reactions on their surface may uncover clues about ground-level ozone loss in the Arctic. The unique shapes of snow crystals, influenced by temperature and humidity, can affect the rate of chemical reactions that reduce ozone levels at ground level.
Researchers found that only 3% of breast cancer decline is due to decreased hormone therapy use, while the remaining 4% remains unexplained. Additional studies are needed to determine the source of this unexpected decline in breast cancer cases.
Researchers have produced the first images of biological cells using a nanoscale X-ray imaging technique called ptychography. The technique enables accurate maps of electron density in biological samples, which could yield important insights for evolutionary biology and biotechnology.
A new study published in the Journal of Periodontology found that nearly 30% of human genes are expressed differently during gingivitis onset and healing. Biological pathways associated with immune system activation were identified as critical to controlling the body's reaction to plaque build-up.
Physicists have improved measurements of the top quark's mass, which bears on the nature of the Higgs boson. The new world average value constrains the range of possible Higgs measurements more tightly than ever.
The December 2009 Geosphere issue examines the Stateline fault along the California-Nevada border, revealing right-lateral deformation and extension. The study also investigates crystal-rich magmas of the Tuolumne batholith in the Sierra Nevada range, exploring magma chamber formation and physical processes.
A University of Illinois study suggests that connecting with workers' emotions and personal identity can produce powerful triggers for calling out wrongdoing in the workplace. The study found that half of employees who witnessed wrongdoing on the job failed to report it due to fear of retaliation, but those who did reported being drive...
The pivotal trial data demonstrate that the RNS System significantly reduced seizure frequency among people with medically intractable partial onset epilepsy. The device delivered brief and mild electrical stimulations to suppress seizures, with a mean percentage reduction of 29% in disabling seizures.
New research suggests HIV-related cognitive deficits share a common link with Alzheimer's-related dementia: low levels of the protein amyloid beta in spinal fluid. This study can help find the cause of cognitive impairment in HIV patients and may impact new Alzheimer's treatments.
A phase II clinical trial shows that carfilzomib induces a response in 45% of patients with relapsed or resistant multiple myeloma, reducing neuropathy side effects. The drug also demonstrates good tolerability and dose flexibility.
Researchers at Stanford University have developed a method to produce ultra-lightweight, bendable batteries and supercapacitors using ordinary paper coated with carbon nanotubes and silver nanowires. The paper-based energy storage devices can store and discharge electricity rapidly and are highly durable.
A new study found that opioid-related deaths in Ontario, Canada have doubled since 1991, with a significant increase in oxycodone-related deaths. Most of these additional deaths were accidental, and the study suggests that increased rates of opioid prescriptions are a major factor in these deaths.
A new study finds that West Nile virus can remain in the kidneys of infected individuals for years, potentially causing chronic symptoms and kidney failure. Researchers collected urine samples from patients with severe initial infections and detected viral RNA for at least six years following infection.
Researchers from Yale University and Mirna Therapeutics, Inc., used a naturally occurring tumor suppressor microRNA to reverse the growth of lung tumors in mice. The study found that let-7, a type of micro-RNA, reduced tumors by 66% in mice with non-small cell lung cancer.
Washington University physicists are tracking down the source of cosmic rays using imaging atmospheric Cherenkov telescopes. The correlation between high cosmic-ray density and supernova rate in a starburst galaxy provides powerful evidence for supernova acceleration, long suspected to be the origin of these particles.
A team of researchers discovered evidence suggesting the Paleoasian Ocean closed at the end of the Permian period, about 251 million years ago. The study found mixed flora in Late Permian fossils, indicating plants from China and Siberia coexisted before the ocean disappeared.
A study found that antidepressants can change personality traits like neuroticism and extraversion while alleviating depressive symptoms. Individuals taking the medication reported significant decreases in neuroticism and increases in extraversion compared to those receiving placebo or cognitive therapy.
Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute found that midostaurin, a kinase inhibitor targeting FLT3 cell receptor, combined with chemotherapy reduced circulating leukemia cells in AML patients. Complete responses occurred in 80% of patients with mutated FLT3, and high survival rates were observed one and two years after treatment.
Research by University of Southern California scientists found a positive association between adolescent fitness and adult cognitive performance. Fit teenage boys scored higher on intelligence tests, logical performance, and mechanical skills, while muscle strength did not have a similar impact.
Researchers at TUM have developed a probe to take samples directly from the combustion chamber while running, aiming to discover soot formation methods and develop new emissions control techniques. The engine produces barely measurable nitrogen oxides and soot particles per kilometer, surpassing Euro 6 Norm standards.
Three African scientists have been awarded the inaugural TWAS-AAS-Microsoft Award for Young Scientists for their outstanding contributions to science and development in Africa. Youcef Bentoutou, Omar Fakih Hamad, and Tshilidzi Marwala will receive a cash prize of €7,000 each.
A Yale University team developed a method to rapidly manipulate and sort cells in blood using magnetizable liquids. This technique could dramatically improve the speed and sensitivity of tests for cancer biomarkers, blood disorders, viruses, and other diseases.
Tropical Storm Cleo formed in the southern Indian Ocean after experiencing rapid strengthening due to low wind shear and warm ocean waters. The storm was centered approximately 425 nautical miles east-southeast of Diego Garcia at maximum sustained winds near 52 mph.
Dr. Matthew Levy has received $700,000 in Stand Up To Cancer funding to develop self-guiding drugs that target only cancer cells, reducing serious side effects of current therapies.
A new study finds that consuming caffeinated 'alcohol-energy' drinks with alcohol may lead to impaired cognitive function and increased risk of disasters. Caffeine does not reverse the negative impact of alcohol on cognition, making people more likely to believe they are not intoxicated.
A study found no association between antiepileptic drugs and increased suicidal thoughts or actions in individuals with bipolar disorder. In fact, antiepileptic drug treatment may have a protective effect on suicidality, particularly among those not receiving other treatments.
Researchers at the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center found that compounds derived from turmeric and pepper can decrease stem cells while having no effect on normal differentiated cells. This suggests a potential role for curcumin and piperine in preventing breast cancer by targeting stem cells.
A new computer model explains why certain drugs released from stents can cause blood clots and heart attacks, by predicting drug distribution in branched arteries. The findings could aid the FDA in its approval process for stents and lead to safer stent designs.
A study has identified three key factors linked to the choice of infant sleep position: physician recommendations, fear of choking, and comfort concerns. Back sleeping remains the most effective means to reduce SIDS risk, with a significant decrease in rates since the Back to Sleep campaign began.
MIT chemists develop a new platinum compound called mitaplatin that selectively destroys tumor cells while leaving normal cells intact. The compound combines cisplatin and dichloroacetate to target cancer cells' altered mitochondrial properties.
A new UK study found that delinquent boys are more likely to die or become disabled by age 48, with 16.3% experiencing this outcome compared to 2.6% of non-delinquent peers. Early antisocial behaviors and parental factors were linked to various health outcomes 40 years later.
A study found that individuals who experienced psychological or social adversity in childhood may develop lasting emotional, immune, and metabolic abnormalities that increase the risk of age-related diseases. Adverse childhood experiences were linked to depression, high inflammation levels, and metabolic risk factors in adulthood.
Researchers at MIT have developed a new method to tune terahertz quantum cascade lasers, enabling the creation of compact and tunable scanners capable of identifying explosives. The technique involves manipulating the transverse mode of the laser using a mechanical lever, allowing for precise control over the emitted frequency.
State agencies and universities nationwide will receive funding to upgrade their volcano monitoring networks, producing high-resolution maps of high-threat volcanoes and analyzing recent eruption data. This investment aims to provide more reliable information for emergency responders and create jobs in the equipment manufacturing sector.
Asthmatic smokers may be able to reverse damage to their lungs by quitting cigarettes. The research found that cigarette smoke increases the thickness of lung lining and negatively affects nitric oxide levels, leading to more severe symptoms.
Researchers have identified genes that switch their nuclear position in tumor cells, offering a potential new method of diagnosing cancer. The study found that eight genes consistently relocated in the nuclei of invasive breast cancer cells, allowing for accurate diagnosis with success rates similar to current clinical tests.
A new study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that treatment with gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists increases the risk of incident diabetes among men of all ages diagnosed with local or regional prostate cancer. The study also found an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, including coronary hear...
Researchers found that broad differences in gene activity between humans and chimps are coordinated by about 90 transcription factors, which affect nearly 1,000 genes. This suggests a unique regulatory mechanism in the human brain that allows for larger brains and different organ functions.
A study found that long-chain omega-3 fatty acid intake was linked to a reduced risk of distal large bowel cancer in white participants. However, the association was not observed among black participants. The researchers suggest an increase in dietary omega-3 fatty acids may be beneficial for colon cancer prevention.
Researchers have successfully demonstrated the world's smallest semiconductor laser, paving the way for ultra-sensitive bio-detection, nanoscale optics, and enhanced communication systems. The breakthrough technology has potential applications in various fields, including healthcare, optics-based telecommunications, and optical computing.
The University of Guam and the Guam Navy have partnered to conserve the endangered fadang cycad species on Tinian, which faces threats from alien insect invasions. The donation of over 200 plants aims to establish a safe haven for the species in case all plants on Guam are killed.
Researchers demonstrate how aneuploidy, or abnormal number of chromosomes, causes cancer by eliminating tumor suppressor genes. The findings provide a new understanding of the mechanism underlying cancer development and may lead to targeted therapies.
Charles M. Perou has been awarded the AACR's 2009 Outstanding Investigator Award for his groundbreaking research on breast cancer subtypes and racial disparities in diagnosis. His findings have led to a reevaluation of treatment approaches, with his work being incorporated into clinical practice worldwide.
A new class of materials may allow nanoscale machines to overcome mechanical friction by harnessing a quantum phenomenon known as the Casimir effect. Chiral metamaterials have been found to exert a repulsive force when placed in close proximity, enabling potential applications in industry, energy, and medicine.
The experiment aims to understand the durability of advanced materials and electronics when exposed to vacuum, solar radiation, atomic oxygen, and extreme temperatures. The results will provide insights into increasing the performance and useful life of next-generation satellites and launch systems.
Two Brown University faculty members are awarded federal funding to investigate brain development in infants and children with bipolar disorder. The research aims to identify biological and behavioral markers that distinguish between full-blown and sub-syndromal bipolar disorder, which could lead to more specific diagnoses and treatment.
The study examines crustal melting during continental subduction, revealing evidence of igneous diapirism and its impact on mountain belts. Researchers also investigate the weight of the Andes affecting the continental crust and correlate the Mocha fracture zone with orogenic uplift.
Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital have found a promising new approach to treating sickle cell disease by silencing a gene that suppresses fetal hemoglobin production. Inactivating the BCL11A gene led to a significant increase in gamma-globin production, potentially compensating for defective adult hemoglobin.
Researchers identified a critical pathway that stimulates Mdm2 production, binding to and extinguishing tumor suppressors like p53. Preventing Mdm2's destruction is crucial to preventing cancer from spreading within the body.
Researchers combined large datasets from Milwaukee and New York City to estimate swine flu severity, finding most deaths occur in non-elderly adults. The study suggests the autumn-winter pandemic wave should have a death toll only slightly higher than or lower than seasonal influenza.
Researchers found that feeding amino acids to brain-injured mice restored cognitive abilities and improved learning capacity. The study suggests that dietary intervention could restore a proper balance of neurochemicals in the injured part of the brain.
A new University of Pittsburgh study reveals that cigarette craving disrupts an individual's meta-awareness, making it harder to notice when the mind has wandered. Participants who craved cigarettes were more likely to acknowledge mind-wandering episodes, but their ability to recognize these episodes was impaired.
New research from Purdue University finds that middle-aged parents help each of their grown children with many types of support every few weeks. Parents are particularly eager to help the child they consider most successful, indicating a complex dynamic where parental involvement is motivated by a desire for reflection and validation.
Researchers have found that specific waves in EEG signals can reliably predict neural activity in the brain. By combining EEG and direct neuron recordings, scientists identified a link between 'frequency band coupling' and cell firing rates.
Researchers have identified a peptide called iRGD that specifically targets and penetrates cancerous tumors, delivering diagnostic particles and medicines. This breakthrough could improve cancer treatment and reduce side effects.
A phase III trial showed that defibrotide was markedly more effective than standard treatment in post-stem cell transplant patients with hepatic veno-occlusive disease. The mortality rate 100 days after transplant was reduced to 62 percent for patients receiving defibrotide.
Researchers have discovered a link between a genetic variant and childhood obesity, which may contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes. The study suggests that this gene variant raises the risk of being overweight during childhood, potentially setting the stage for type 2 diabetes in adulthood.
Research at Yale University and the University of Chicago found that socially isolated female rats developed more tumors and more malignant types than their group-living counterparts. The study suggests a link between social isolation and cancer susceptibility, particularly in psychiatric disorders.
A study emphasizes the need for dedicated management capacity to address blindness in sub-Saharan Africa. The region has 20% of global blindness despite having only 11% of the world's population, highlighting the importance of effective management systems.
Men with prostate cancer who engage in moderate exercise have improved overall survival, while vigorous exercise may decrease death rates from prostate cancer. Researchers found that three or more hours of physical activity per week lowered mortality risk by 35%.
A new study suggests that cost-effectiveness analyses based on data from randomized clinical trials may not be realistic enough to accurately inform policy. The researchers found a significant difference in cost-effectiveness between two painkillers when using routine clinical practice data compared to trial data.
A team of researchers from Arizona State University has developed a process that removes a key obstacle to producing lower-cost, renewable biofuels. The team has programmed a photosynthetic microbe to self-destruct, making the recovery of high-energy fats and their biofuel byproducts easier and potentially less costly.
Autopsies show that the 2009 H1N1 virus causes damage to both upper and lower respiratory tracts, with evidence of secondary bacterial infection present in over half of victims. The study also highlights the impact on younger people and the importance of identifying and treating severe infections.
Researchers identified 18 single-point genetic variations linked to recurrence and secondary cancer in early-stage head and neck cancer patients. Genetic variations in miRNA biogenesis genes and binding sites were associated with an increased risk of recurrence or secondary primary tumors.
The study documents spatial and temporal distributions of atmospheric CO2 over China, with varying levels of human activity influence. Long-term observations show changes in CO2 mixing ratios at multiple sites, shedding light on carbon source and sink distribution.
Researchers found that exposure to environmental bacteria triggers a mild inflammatory response in pregnant mice, rendering their offspring resistant to allergies. This protective mechanism could potentially prevent allergies in people by conditioning the developing immune system to tolerate microbes and allergens.
Researchers found a 3.3-fold increase in cancer risk among isolated rats with naturally occurring mammary tumors. Isolation and stress led to higher production of corticosterone, a stress hormone, and increased tumor growth. The study suggests a causal relationship between social interaction and disease.
An international team of scientists led by François Paquay found high iridium concentrations in sediments but could not replicate results. Additional lines of evidence failed to support an impact theory for the onset of the Younger Dryas cold period, contradicting a previously proposed conceptually appealing theory.
Researchers developed a universal method to analyze complex networks, including social networks, protein-protein interactions, and air transportation networks. The method accurately predicts missing and spurious connections by averaging all possible groupings of nodes, giving each grouping a weight that reflects its explanatory power.
A selenium-based antioxidant compound supplementation decreased the risk of developing new colorectal metachronous adenomas in individuals who previously had polyps removed. The study found a 40% reduction in metachronous adenoma incidence after 13 years of follow-up.
A Temple University study found that 70% of Head Start programs only serve non-fat milk, 94% offer vegetables daily, and 97% provide fruit daily. The program also provides over 60 minutes of unstructured physical activity per day.
BG-12, an investigational oral therapy, shows promising results in reducing inflammation and neuroprotection in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The compound has activated the Nrf2 pathway, which defends against oxidative-stress induced neuronal death and supports myelin integrity.
Researchers from the University of Toronto have discovered that the hippocampus is only activated when context cues enable memory recall. This finding sheds light on the mysterious process of retrieving memories, particularly in individuals with damage to the hippocampus, such as those with Alzheimer's or Epilepsy.
Researchers found a strong inverse association between coffee consumption and the risk of lethal and advanced prostate cancers. Men who drank the most coffee had a 60% lower risk of aggressive prostate cancer.
Scientists at Weizmann Institute of Science have developed a new method for transplanting bone marrow-based stem cells from mismatched donors, restoring the immune system faster and improving cure rates for leukemia patients. The procedure involves infusing regulatory T cells into cancer patients before receiving donor stem cells, lead...
Research shows that the majority of first mammograms in this study were for screening purposes, rather than evaluation of a breast problem. False positive rates from diagnostic mammograms varied widely between ethnic groups, raising concerns about the impact on women's future mammography use.
Researchers found that college football linemen are at risk of obesity, insulin resistance, and metabolic syndrome due to their high body fat percentage. The study suggests that athletes concerned about maintaining a large size should prioritize healthy weight management and nutrition strategies.
Researchers found high levels of Polycyclic Aromatic Compounds along the Athabasca River and its tributaries, with concentrations increasing near major oil sands up graders. The study challenges government and industry assertions that pollution is a naturally occurring seepage.
A study published in PLoS Medicine found that drivers with tighter glycemic control were more likely to be involved in motor vehicle crashes. The research suggests that a patient's HbA1c level is not necessary or sufficient for determining fitness-to-drive, questioning current traffic laws.
A large prospective study of over 20,000 Dutch men and women aged 20-65 found that accurately measured BMI and waist circumference can predict the risk of fatal and non-fatal cardiovascular disease. The associations between BMI and waist circumference with heart disease were equally strong, explaining half of all fatal and one quarter ...
Children from military families experience more emotional and behavioral difficulties than their peers, particularly when a parent is deployed overseas. Longer parental deployments are linked to greater emotional challenges for both children and non-deployed parents.
Rice University Professor Junichiro Kono and his team discovered a plasmonic material that can either stop or let through terahertz beams with adjustments to temperature and/or magnetic field. This finding helps close the knowledge gap in the electromagnetic spectrum between electronic and photonic devices.
Researchers found that religious searching behaviors remained mainstream and technologically savvy, despite secularization trends. Search engines poorly delivered relevant content, likely due to localized religious websites.
Researchers have discovered a urine test technique that can determine whether a child has obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) or habitual snoring. The study found that certain proteins are differently expressed in children with OSA compared to those with habitual snoring or healthy non-snoring children.
Scientists found an inverse relationship between gene duplication and alternative splicing in plants, with implications for diversity in animals and humans. The study reveals distinct defense strategies between fast-growing and woody perennial trees.
A new study estimates the severity of the H1N1 flu during the autumn-winter flu season in the US, finding it may be less severe than initially thought. The study suggests that young children and non-elderly adults are at higher risk of complications from the illness.
Researchers from UCLA demonstrate that human blood stem cells can be engineered into cells that target and kill HIV-infected cells. This approach, similar to a genetic vaccine, could be effective against other chronic viral diseases. The study provides proof-of-principle for using this strategy in the human body.
Astronomers have directly imaged a faint celestial body orbiting the star GJ 758, estimated to be between 10 and 40 Jupiter masses. The discovered planet, GJ 758 B, has a temperature of around 330 degrees Celsius, making it the coldest companion of a Sun-like star ever imaged.
Research from Johns Hopkins Children's Center found that children with sickle cell disease who contract H1N1 virus are three times more likely to develop acute chest syndrome and five times more likely to need ICU care. The study highlights the need for these children to be included in flu vaccination lists.
The rate of babies placed on their backs to sleep has plateaued since 2001, despite the Back to Sleep campaign's dramatic decrease in SIDS rates. Racial disparities persist in infant sleeping positions, with African American infants having more than twice the SIDS rate as white infants.
Stand Up To Cancer is awarding $9.68 million to support innovative projects by next-generation research leaders. These projects focus on groundbreaking translational research and have the potential for significant advances in identifying complex mechanisms that cause cancers to occur and spread.