A recent study demonstrates that the polycomb group protein Bmi-1 plays a crucial role in maintaining forebrain neural stem cell self-renewal. The findings show that overexpression of Bmi-1 increases stem cell self-renewal both in vitro and in vivo, highlighting its potential for neural regeneration and repair.
A new study found that patients who underwent rotator cuff repair surgery experienced continued pain relief and improved shoulder function, even after a tear recurrence. The study of 15 patients eight years after surgery showed that those with recurrent tears were better off in terms of pain, function, and strength than before.
Researchers analyzed transtibial and anteromedial portal drilling techniques for ACL reconstruction, finding that anteromedial portal drilling allowed for better native ACL footprint restoration and knee stability. Re-reaming of the tibial tunnel was also a significant issue with conventional transtibial techniques.
The US stimulus package is unlikely to address the financial struggles of cancer patients, who face high costs for treatment and uncertain treatment outcomes. The package's limited funding for cancer research and care may exacerbate existing inequalities in healthcare access.
Researchers at CSHL identify a family of mobile small RNAs, called ta-siRNAs, that act like morphogens to establish the top/bottom axis in leaves. These RNA molecules generate a concentration gradient across each leaf, dividing cells into distinct sections with sharply drawn boundaries.
The global financial crisis could reduce access to expensive cancer treatments, investment in drug discovery, and support for cancer sufferers and survivors. Cancer Research UK forecasts a 4% drop in income in 2009 compared with 2008.
New research suggests that UCL reconstruction prior to MLB draft selection has no effect on injury risk or professional advancement. The study, conducted from 1999-2003, analyzed data from 30 MLB draft picks with UCL reconstruction compared to a control group.
A Special Report in The Lancet Oncology explores the complexities of sharing genetic information with close relatives to prevent breast cancer. Experts weigh the pros and cons of adjusting the law, considering patient confidentiality, personal privacy, and the potential benefits of early interventions.
MIT Sensory Communication Group researchers create tactile devices that translate sound waves into skin vibrations, improving communication for deaf people relying on lip reading. The devices could be integrated into smartphones, providing a cost-effective alternative to cochlear implants.
A new intervention being tested at Case Western Reserve University aims to improve the lives of men with incontinence problems from prostate cancer treatments. The 'Stay Dry' program combines pelvic floor muscle exercises with biofeedback techniques and therapy, and will be compared to standard care in a four-year study.
The SEARCH for diabetes in youth study found alarmingly high rates of diabetes among every racial and ethnic group. Type 1 diabetes is more common than previously reported in Hispanic and African-American youth, while type 2 diabetes is more prevalent in Asian/Pacific Islanders.
A new approach to generate induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells has been developed by Austin Smith's team. They used a single reprogramming factor called Klf4 and a transposable element called Piggybac to persuade partly specialised mouse cells to reprogram into iPS cells.
A Mayo Clinic study found significant effects of obesity on total hip replacements, with a 50% higher complication rate in superobese patients. The study also reported complications with knee implants under extreme weight stress, highlighting the need for weight loss management prior to surgery.
A University of Georgia study found Salmonella in 79% of river and stream samples, with highest concentrations in summer months and after rainfall. The bacteria can persist and grow in water under certain conditions, potentially contributing to increased salmonella illnesses as a result of global warming.
Researchers analyzed genetic data from over 2,800 HIV-infected patients to identify 14 'escape mutations' that help the virus survive. These mutations allow the virus to evade the immune system's destruction, making it challenging to develop effective AIDS vaccines.
The article argues that Darwin's background and research focus prevented him from interpreting the evidence for Mendelian inheritance. Mendel's work was rediscovered in the 20th century, revealing that his understanding of biology far surpassed Darwin's.
A University of Minnesota researcher and colleagues studied human behavioral dynamics in Everquest 2's massive player base. They found that the virtual world can model social and behavioral dynamics of individuals, groups, and networks.
Researchers discovered that male Australian crayfish use deceptive signals to advertise their strength, cheating rivals with weaker but larger claws. This behavior comes at a cost, as large claws may hinder the males' ability to escape danger.
A new therapeutic target has been identified for osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer that affects about 30% of patients despite existing treatments. The protein interleukin-11 receptor alpha (IL-11Ra) is highly expressed in primary osteosarcoma and lung metastases from these tumors.
A NYU Langone Medical Center study shows that healthy elderly patients with severe to profound hearing loss can tolerate cochlear implant surgery without significant risk, contrary to conventional wisdom. The procedure significantly improves their hearing and quality of life.
A new study from the University of Missouri suggests that high-impact activities like running can have a greater positive effect on bone mineral density (BMD) than resistance training. The research found that runners had greater spine BMD than cyclists, and that high-impact activity may override the benefits of lean body mass on BMD.
The combined Journal of Optical Communications and Networking will cover theoretical and practical advances in optical communications networks. Co-editors-in-chief Keren Bergman and Vincent W.S. Chan expect the journal to accelerate optical communication and network research.
Scientists from Jülich and Göttingen have successfully visualized bulk Fermi surfaces using scanning tunnelling microscopes. This breakthrough enables direct insight into the properties of metals.
Researchers found that artificial disc replacement is as effective as, or even better than, spinal fusion surgery in treating damaged discs in the neck. Patients who received an artificial disc lost less motion and recovered faster than those who had a disc removed and the bones of the spine fused.
A new four-year grant-funded study will test the effectiveness of combining two research-proven programs, Texas Early Education Model (TEEM) and Play and Learning Strategies (PALS), to prepare children for kindergarten. The program aims to bridge the gap in learning between economically disadvantaged students and their peers.
A team of scientists has identified two proteins that may act as receptors for autophagosomes, the cell structures responsible for removing misfolded proteins and damaged organelles. This discovery sheds light on how autophagy works and could lead to new drug development.
A foreign virus called Ranavirus is devastating frog populations in the UK, killing tens of thousands each year. The frogs' immune system has responded by changing a gene called MHC, which codes for a major part of their immune system.
Amyris Biotechnologies has successfully increased the production of amorphadiene to 25g/L through E. coli fermentations, a crucial step towards commercially producing artemisinin precursors. This achievement demonstrates the potential of synthetic biology and fermentation to create a consistent and affordable source of artemisinin for ...
Research from the University of Illinois suggests that weight-loss campaigns promoting exercise may cause people to consume more food. Viewers exposed to messages urging physical activity ate significantly more than those who saw similar messages without a fitness focus.
A Purdue University study projects a weakened summer monsoon season in South Asia, potentially causing delayed onset and reduced precipitation. The research suggests that climate change could exacerbate seasonal flood risks and impact agricultural production, water availability, and hydroelectric power generation.
Researchers at UIC will enroll 500 men with early-stage prostate cancer to investigate the biological factors behind poorer outcomes in obese patients. The study aims to identify new approaches to preventing prostate cancer recurrence or progression after treatment.
Researchers found that reduced light quality leads to decreased sensitivity to jasmonic acid, a hormone involved in plant defense. This allows plants to redirect resources away from defense and towards growth, but may increase vulnerability to herbivores in densely planted crops.
Scientists at Emory Vaccine Center develop virus-like particles to combat H5N1 influenza. Mice immunized with VLPs showed long-term protection against lethal infection, offering an alternative to traditional chicken egg-based vaccines.
Studies quantify the female form's attractiveness using morphing software, confirming smaller waist-to-hip ratios and lower body weights as predictors. Additionally, research provides statistics on 302,000 liposuction procedures and 118,000 facelifts performed in 2007.
Researchers used a six-gene model to stratify patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer, predicting survival and accuracy rates. The study found the model accurate in predicting low-risk patients' survival and high-risk patients' mortality.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet identified a new gene, Wrap53, that regulates p53 activity. The study reveals that damage to Wrap53 can indirectly cause cancer, making it a potential target for future therapies.
Researchers have detailed the molecular structure of Clostridium difficile's protective 'jacket', a surface layer that helps the pathogen colonize human gut cells and cause illness. Understanding this structure could lead to new treatments, including targeted drugs and vaccines, to combat the deadly superbug.
The National Centre of Excellence for Green Chemistry, funded by $9.1 million, will develop cleaner alternatives for chemical and manufacturing industries. It aims to commercialize 50 Green Chemistry technologies, leading to at least 10 licence agreements and creating over 250 jobs.
The Society of Interventional Radiology will present research on treatments for kidney, prostate, bone cancer, herniated disks, and more at its 34th Annual Scientific Meeting. The meeting will showcase innovative interventional radiology studies and treatments.
Scientists have found that combining FDA-approved drugs meropenem and clavulanate is effective in killing laboratory-grown strains of Mtb, the bacterium that causes tuberculosis. This breakthrough could lead to a new treatment option for people infected with XDR TB, a rare but deadly form of multidrug-resistant TB.
A new study estimates that commercial ships emit about 1,100 tons of particle pollution annually, posing significant health concerns for coastal communities and affecting global climate. Ship emissions also contribute to smog-forming nitrogen oxide gases.
Scientists studied how mice fight off intestinal worm infections to discover the immune system's versatility. They found that B cells produce cytokines, presenting proteins from invaders to T cells, which are crucial for a successful response.
Research reveals that amyloid plaques may increase astrocyte activity throughout the brain, affecting neuronal function and potentially offering new therapeutic targets. The study uses advanced imaging techniques to demonstrate synchronized calcium wave transmission across astrocytes in plaque-bearing mice.
Researchers at UMMS discovered a new gene whose mutations cause familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a fatal neurological disorder. The FUS/TLS gene mutation is estimated to account for 5 percent of inherited ALS cases and implicate defective pathways previously identified in other genetic forms of ALS.
A new red raspberry cultivar, 'Moutere', has been developed in a planned breeding program at The New Zealand Institute of Plant and Food Research Limited. This variety is characterized by high yields of large, uniform size, bright red berries suitable for early season consumption.
A new study suggests that high levels of myostatin produced by muscle tissue in extremely obese individuals may contribute to the development of insulin resistance and Type 2 diabetes. Muscle loss is a key indicator of this transition, and understanding its role in metabolism is crucial for finding effective treatments.
New research finds hemlock woolly adelgid is killing hemlock trees faster than expected, altering the carbon cycle of these forests. The study suggests that infrequent frigid winter temperatures may not be enough to suppress adelgid populations, leading to rapid decline and mortality.
Researchers developed AssociationViewer to analyze genetic differences and uncover new genetic markers for diseases. The software displays SNPs on a large scale, enabling scientists to visualize significant variations in the genomic context.
A new gene mutation has been identified as a common cause of inherited ALS, affecting motor neurons in the central nervous system. This discovery is part of a national study led by Northwestern University, aiming to understand the triggers of motor neuron death and develop new treatments.
A recent study found that team-based diabetes care improves health outcomes for Medicaid patients, including significant reductions in systolic blood pressure, body mass index, and hemoglobin A1C. However, the study suggests that this approach does not result in lower treatment costs under Medicare and Medicaid.
Burn rehabilitation experts at UT Southwestern recommend a hierarchy of treatment strategies to alleviate chronic itching caused by burn scars. Topical creams and ointments are often effective, while oral antihistamines may be necessary for more severe cases. Other non-medicinal treatments like lasers and massage can also provide relief.
Researchers have imaged the nearly invisible layer of retinal pigment epithelial cells in a living eye, which could help diagnose macular degeneration at an early stage. This breakthrough technique uses fluorescent chemicals produced by the cells to detect potential disease before symptoms appear.
A new guide from Northwestern University helps doctors navigate fertility preservation strategies for cancer patients. The guide aims to increase awareness and improve treatment options for adolescents and younger adults facing cancer diagnosis.
A recent study has identified a common attachment site on influenza A virus subtypes that can be targeted to develop a universal flu vaccine. This breakthrough discovery was made by researchers at The Scripps Research Institute and provides a blueprint for the development of new antiviral drugs.
Researchers at Uppsala University have successfully formed a substitutional alloy between Cerium and Aluminium under high pressure, defying previous limitations on element compatibility. The discovery opens up possibilities for creating new alloys with unique mechanical, electronic, and magnetic properties.
A Kansas State University researcher found that youths are more likely to imitate traits of positive adults outside their family, rather than positive family members. This is significant because positive parenting and maternal involvement can help youths incorporate positive role model behaviors into their self-concept.
A new study by the American Geophysical Union estimates that commercial ships emit 0.9 teragrams of particulate pollution annually, contributing almost 30% of smog-forming nitrogen oxide gases. The study highlights the significant health risks to coastal communities due to ship pollutants.
A team of Yale scientists has discovered that a significant drop in CO2 levels triggered the rapid formation of massive ice sheets in Antarctica around 34 million years ago. The findings refute previous theories and suggest that a decline in greenhouse gases played a crucial role in shaping the climate during this period.
Researchers have discovered new genes involved in Crohn's disease using a novel approach that combines statistical tools and automated gene-hunting techniques. The study identified genes on the same biological pathways as those already known to be relevant to the biology of Crohn's disease.
A French study found that healthy elderly people who report feeling sleepy during the day have a significantly higher risk of dying from cardiovascular disease. The Three City study found a 49% relative risk increase of cardiovascular death compared to those who do not report sleepiness.