Trinity College Dublin scientists have developed a more efficient system for detecting viruses, which uses micro-sized cantilevers to directly detect viruses binding to membrane proteins. This technology has the potential to enable portable diagnostic devices and specific blood tests.
Case Western Reserve researchers are investigating the physical and chemical consequences of sunlight absorption by toxic nitro-aromatic pollutants in the environment. The goal is to understand how these compounds transform into more harmful products and predict their environmental fate.
Researchers found that one-year survival of elderly patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention was comparable to younger patients. Data suggest age alone should not prevent more aggressive care in these patients.
Researchers at the University of Liverpool aim to quantify cellular proteins in baker's yeast, a model organism for studying metabolism, neurodegenerative diseases, and aging. The study may lead to a deeper understanding of how cells operate and how they fail to perform their normal functions in the human body.
A study found that sun-safe pool policies are associated with improved sun safety behaviors among outdoor staff, leading to fewer reported sunburns. The program also promotes healthy sun protection habits and creates a work environment conducive to developing these habits.
Researchers at UC San Diego and Stanford University have identified a molecular mechanism that predicts the progression of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) to its more dangerous blast crisis stage. This discovery may enable physicians to make more accurate prognoses and improve treatment choices.
Rice University Assistant Professor Jamie Padgett has been chosen as a 'New Face of Engineering', representing civil engineering, with research focused on identifying hazards to bridges and infrastructure. She aims to provide policymakers with tools for socially conscious infrastructure risk assessment and mitigation.
A new study reveals that the majority of US states have laws consistent with or neutral toward the CDC's revised HIV testing guidelines. Despite concerns about opt-out screening, the study finds protections for patient autonomy are not required by state laws in many cases.
Researchers found that blocking macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) protein activity can reduce the incidence and severity of skin cancer tumors in mice. The study suggests a link between MIF and chronic inflammation, which precedes skin cancer development after long-term sun exposure.
A study found that white patients have better survival rates after surgery at teaching hospitals compared to nonteaching hospitals, but this advantage does not apply to black patients. The disparity exists across different hospitals and within the same hospital for both racial groups.
A Northwestern Memorial study found that integrated team training and pre-operative discussions significantly improved staff communication and teamwork, reducing operating room errors. The study revealed a direct correlation between enhanced teamwork and a safer, more efficient operating environment.
A Duke University-led team has developed a computer program that can redesign enzymes to produce natural antibiotics. The algorithm, called K*, sorts through possible shapes and changes of the key enzyme that produces gramicidin S, a natural antibiotic. This new technique may pave the way for more automated redesign of old drugs.
Researchers at the University of Texas Medical Branch discovered a major virulence factor for Rift Valley fever virus that has a dual mechanism. The protein NSs promotes viral replication by attacking a host cell protein, preventing interferon beta production and allowing the virus to replicate unchecked.
Scientists at North Carolina State University have found that Lactobacillus acidophilus can deliver vaccines into the small intestine, where they trigger an immune response. The approach could potentially be used to create oral vaccines for other viruses and pathogens.
Research suggests that peer victimization during adolescence may predict sexual behavior later in life. Female victims tend to have sex at earlier ages and more partners, while male victims face reduced opportunities. The study's findings imply a possible evolutionary link between aggression and reproductive access.
A systematic review of insulin analogues found that they have minimal impact on managing type 1 and 2 diabetes, as well as gestational diabetes. However, rapid-acting insulin analogues may be cost-effective for adults with type 1 diabetes. Experts recommend educational programs to manage sugar levels over insulin analogues.
Astronomers are studying a mysterious gamma-ray emission from the center of the Milky Way galaxy, which is surprising given the presence of massive stars and black holes. The emission is thought to be caused by exotic particles such as dark matter or the decay of radioactive elements.
Scientists have successfully derived brain stem cells from human embryonic stem cells, providing a continual in vitro supply of diverse types of neural cells. These cells can serve as an inexhaustible source for studying neurodegenerative diseases and possible active agents directly in human neural cells.
A 6-part CMAJ series tackles antibiotic resistance in hospitals, clinics, and homes, providing practical treatment guidelines. Enhanced monitoring, hand washing, and infection control measures can help limit the spread of resistant microbes in Canada.
A Michigan State University researcher argues that the US is well ahead of the world in scientific literacy due to its general education requirements. These requirements make Americans more open-minded about innovations and allow for a broader understanding of science in other disciplines such as law. Despite this, most adults lack suf...
Researchers found that converting Conservation Reserve Program grasslands to bioenergy grain crops does not result in significant loss of sequestered soil organic carbon. No-till farming practices can conserve and even enhance soil carbon sequestration in these areas.
A study by University of Notre Dame biologist Giles Duffield and his team sheds new light on the circadian clock's response to light signals, focusing on the Inhibitor of DNA-binding 2 (Id2) gene. The research has important implications for understanding the development and functioning of the circadian clock in the brain and peripheral...
Researchers at Rice University have created a precise image of a virus' protective coat, containing 5 million atoms. The image provides the clearest picture yet of the viruses' genome-encasing shell called a 'capsid', which could lead to new approaches for antiviral therapies and gene delivery.
Researchers found that breast cancer cells can be made to express a transporter, allowing pyruvate to enter and induce cell death. The study aims to develop a new therapeutic target for fighting breast cancer.
A study of 170 military personnel who were evacuated from combat zones found that 34% were diagnosed with dermatitis or general skin inflammation. The study highlights the importance of identifying individuals with chronic skin conditions before deployment to reduce evacuations and improve combat effectiveness.
The new guidelines recommend using breast MRI to supplement standard imaging tools like mammography and ultrasound, particularly for detecting cancer in the contralateral breast. The guidelines also highlight the importance of clear standards for technical parameters and performance measures for clinical sites offering MRI services.
Scientists have turned a benign adeno-associated virus into a highly infectious form that can effectively deliver a gene to lung cells, potentially curing cystic fibrosis. The new strain was created by forcing evolution to increase infectivity several hundred-fold, overcoming previous limitations in gene therapy.
Researchers have identified novel genetic markers associated with an increased risk of heart attack, which are more than twice as great in individuals carrying multiple genetic markers. The study found that genes on chromosomes 3 and 12 play a crucial role in cardiovascular biology.
Researchers at University of Cincinnati discovered that estrogen receptors are present in medulloblastoma, the most common type of pediatric brain tumor. This finding suggests that anti-estrogen drug treatments may be beneficial in limiting tumor progression and improving patient outcomes.
Researchers using South Pole Telescope aim to detect extremely weak gravity waves produced by cosmic inflation. The detection could provide conclusive evidence for the theory, ruling out competing ideas for the universe's origin.
Scientists at the University of Warwick found that tiny nanoparticles can stick to liquid-liquid interfaces with increased ease, deviating from the standard model. This discovery has significant implications for the design of materials and technologies such as composite materials, quantum dots, and polymer paints.
Researchers have identified a gene AEG1 that plays a key role in human liver cancer progression. Targeting this gene may provide new therapeutic options for treating liver cancer. Additionally, adenosine signaling has been linked to alcohol-induced fatty liver disease in mice, suggesting potential treatments involving adenosine receptors.
A growing threat of food counterfeiting and contamination is outpacing international regulatory systems, with the US Food and Drug Administration inspecting only 1.8% of its imported food supply. Michigan State University researchers are calling for increased corporate responsibility and risk-based inspections to address this issue.
Researchers found that aldosterone levels were directly correlated with blood pressure levels and related changes in blood vessel function. Higher aldosterone levels were also associated with lower kidney blood flow and greater extremity blood vessel stiffness.
The accelerating urbanization presents a critical component in maintaining stable societies and ensuring quality of life. The integration of information technology into conventional infrastructure systems poses significant challenges due to the complexity of interactions between various systems.
A new study published in JACC: Cardiovascular Interventions found significant improvement in migraines following catheter-based closure of patent foramen ovale. Patients with severe migraine, large PFO, and silent brain lesions showed greater numbers of patients who had cessation of migraine attacks and over 50% reduction in migraine a...
A new study has found a potential link between a gene variant and the risk of stroke and heart attacks in women who experience migraines. Women who carried certain genotypes were found to be at double the risk of stroke and heart attacks, while those with other genotypes were not. Further research is needed to confirm these findings.
Researchers found that local climate moderates the relationship between temperature, precipitation and dengue incidence. Climate patterns affect mosquito reproduction and virus development.
A recent study in Crop Science proposes data-driven methods to group breeding programs compatible for germplasm exchange. The researchers identified three mega-targets of selection among barley breeding programs, which could produce adapted genotypes with high yields.
Researchers used Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy to analyze the structure of Tau, identifying structural properties and fast motions. This breakthrough provides insights into how phosphorylation alters binding to microtubules, leading to nerve cell damage.
A recent study by Henry Ford Health found that Arab-American women in southeast Detroit have dangerously low vitamin D levels, averaging 8.5 ng/mL, with those who wore the hijab showing even lower levels of 4 ng/mL. The researchers recommend supplementing with a vitamin D supplement to address this deficiency.
Researchers at Stanford University are using synchrotron X-ray technology to reveal previously unknown details about dinosaur fossils and ancient documents. By analyzing the chemical elements left behind in fossilized bones, scientists hope to gain new insights into the evolution of dinosaurs and their relationships with modern birds.
The Global Crop Diversity Trust is rapidly reviving ailing seed samples from 46 countries to preserve genetic traits vital to maintaining global food security. The effort, which includes 100,000 different crop varieties, aims to prevent extinction of staple crops like rice, maize, and wheat.
Researchers have identified two common gene variants associated with increased blood pressure levels, which may lead to new therapies. The study, published in Nature Genetics, found that these variants affect proteins involved in cardiovascular response to stress, influencing blood pressure levels.
Researchers at Iowa State University are working to improve high school chemistry education, including surveying teachers and developing laboratory experiments using household items. The team aims to address concerns about teacher certification and laboratory access, with the goal of enhancing student understanding of chemistry concepts.
A study found that using sleep to manage tension-type headache pain can lead to decreased homeostatic drive for sleep and worsen insomnia. Women in the study reported going to sleep as a way of managing their headaches, with 81% finding it an effective strategy.
A University of Michigan researcher has developed a method to reconcile data on greenhouse gas sources and sinks, improving the accuracy of climate predictions. By analyzing atmospheric sampling locations and satellite data, she aims to predict how carbon levels will evolve in the future.
A study by researchers at the University of Iowa and University of Missouri-St. Louis found that economic recession is associated with increased victimization rates among minority groups, particularly blacks and Latinos. The study analyzed data from the National Crime Victimization Surveys from 1973 to 2005 and found that poverty, urba...
Scientists at Johns Hopkins University have discovered how the Myc cancer-promoting gene uses microRNAs to control glutamine, a major energy source for cancer cells. This finding may lead to identifying new pathways to target for designing drugs with fewer side effects.
New DNA and hormone sampling techniques have provided unprecedented information about baboons' social behavior, revealing grief, paternal care, and complex kin relationships. Researchers found that male baboons provide parental care, while females form friendships with both maternal and paternal siblings.
Researchers at Rutgers University have created a novel gene silencing platform called U1 Adaptor that targets RNA biosynthesis. The platform has the potential to treat diseases resistant to current RNAi approaches and can inhibit genes that do not respond to existing methods.
A new research platform at Diamond Light Source will enable cultural heritage scientists to scan and image large relics up to two tonnes in weight with incredible precision. This will help uncover ancient secrets and answer questions about the origin, history, and technology used to create artefacts.
Researchers at Duke University and Brookhaven National Laboratory have observed striking similarities between ultracold gas clouds and ultrahot plasmas. Both exhibit near-perfect fluid flow and anisotropic expansion, expanding like 'exploding cigars'.
Researchers have detected slow slip events along a major fault zone beneath the Nicoya Peninsula, shedding light on the full spectrum of motions occurring on the fault. The findings may yield new insights into the events that lead to major earthquakes, but experts caution that more study is needed.
The NOAA CDR Project aims to address climate change data challenges by stitching together heritage satellite data and incorporating future sources like NPOESS. This project will deliver regular climate information following rigorous scientific standards, enabling understanding of climate variability and change.
P&G Beauty & Grooming scientists showcase latest findings on hair, skin, color, and shaving efficacy using advanced science and technology. The studies explore the role of genetics in skin aging, optimize color foundation formulations, and develop new blade technologies for improved shaving comfort.
Camerer discusses his cognitive hierarchy theory, which suggests people only take a few steps of iterated thinking when strategizing. This theory has been tested using various game-theory experiments and field-data sets, showing that people typically choose lower numbers in games like the Swedish LUPI lottery.
African populations are still evolving due to natural selection, with lactose tolerance and genetic variation influenced by diseases like malaria. Penn genetics researcher Sarah Tishkoff presents her findings on human evolutionary history in Africa.
Researchers have created a new class of porous materials that effectively separate hydrogen from complex gas mixtures. The materials exhibit superior performance in separating hydrogen from carbon dioxide and methane, increasing the efficiency of producing pure hydrogen.
A study found that a longer maintenance of wakefulness test protocol is more effective in detecting excessive daytime sleepiness, but motivation can override the test's accuracy. The findings highlight the need for further research to develop more reliable methods for assessing an individual's ability to remain vigilant while driving.