Researchers at UT Houston are launching a Phase I study to treat acute stroke victims with their own stem cells, harvested from bone marrow. The goal is to assess the safety and potential benefits of this treatment in reducing disability.
A study of umbilical cord blood found evidence of a biomarker associated with prenatal exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, potentially leading to pollution-related asthma. Researchers discovered epigenetic alterations in the ACSL3 gene linked to maternal PAH exposure.
A recent survey found that six in ten Americans have taken precautions to reduce their risk of getting sick from contaminated peanut products. Many are mistakenly believing major national brands of peanut butter are involved, while others are unaware of the range of products affected.
The Association for Gerontology in Higher Education (AGHE) honors 2009 fellows with fellow status for their leadership in gerontological/geriatric education. Additionally, AGHE awards various recognitions to individuals who have made significant contributions to the field of gerontology.
Research reveals that elephants rely on bone conduction to detect seismic signals in estrus calls, allowing them to triangulate the source with greater accuracy. This method is more effective than somatosensory reception, which involves vibration-sensitive cells in the foot.
Researchers found no increased risk of Guillain-Barré syndrome after HPV vaccination, but cases still warrant careful monitoring. The study analyzed data from the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System and reported 36 cases within six weeks of vaccination.
Researchers at San Francisco State University are using non-invasive techniques to study hormones in wild mammals, revealing surprising results about behavior, social systems, and hormone function. These findings challenge previous research models and suggest species-specific adaptations for reproduction and survival.
A new study published in Nature reveals significant genetic differences between individual yeast organisms, with variations of up to 4% compared to 1% between humans and chimpanzees. The findings suggest that human activities, such as wine and beer production, have influenced the evolution of yeast strains.
Human mothers with social support can conserve energy, allowing their bodies to prepare for the next pregnancy. In contrast, nonhuman primates lack this flexibility and have relatively low reproductive rates due to similar energy demands during lactation. Social support plays a crucial role in human reproductive success.
Stephen Schneider, a climate researcher, emphasizes the need for accurate and comprehensive reporting on global warming. He stresses that developed nations must take control of their greenhouse gas emissions to make the problem solvable in developing countries.
Studies find that access to nature reduces aggression, crime rates, and improves cognitive function in children with ADHD. Living near trees also positively influences mood, life satisfaction, and social interactions, particularly among elderly adults.
A new study redefines the boundaries of viruses, highlighting their complex relationships with hosts. The genes that encode beneficial viruses in wasps are integrated into the wasp's chromosomes, blurring the line between host and virus.
Researchers at Michigan State University are using high-throughput genetic screening to identify genes affecting chloroplast structure and function, which could lead to plants bred for biofuel or high-nutrient content. This advanced technology gives scientists a broader perspective on plant metabolism than traditional methods.
Researchers found that unrelated cord blood transplantation from a mismatched donor is effective in treating children with life-threatening diseases. The study showed low incidence of complications and improved access to transplant for patients with ethnic and racial minorities.
The American Geological Institute (AGI) has released a comprehensive report on the status of the geoscience workforce, focusing on education trends from K-12 through community college. The report highlights access to earth science education, course requirements, and trends in college-bound students.
The AAAS Symposium explores emerging threats to terrestrial and marine ecosystems, including habitat loss, climate change, and overfishing. Researchers will discuss research challenges and synthesis of current and emerging threats.
Researchers found that tree-dwelling lizards have a unique escape mechanism: dropping their tails to distract predators. Without their tails, the lizards tumble backwards uncontrollably, suggesting a significant ecological cost for this life-saving adaptation.
In a study, researchers found that even slight differences between competing species can lead to the weakest being victorious in cyclical competitions. This phenomenon, known as the law of the weakest, was simulated using computer models and has implications for understanding evolution and ecosystem development.
Researchers have identified a new biomarker for fatal prostate cancer, which is high levels of ionized serum calcium. Men with the highest levels of ionized serum calcium are three times more likely to die of prostate cancer than those with lower levels.
Research shows that putting a price on carbon dioxide emitted by different land use practices can significantly change how land is used. The study found that addressing the land-based carbon is essential for stabilizing greenhouse gases at low levels.
The study solved the structure of a biological protein from the vaccinia virus, providing insights into its relationships with other viruses. This discovery is significant as it can help develop new therapies to treat various viruses, offering potential solutions to outbreaks and pandemics.
Researchers have found several compounds exhibiting strong antibiotic, antifungal, and antiviral properties, as well as anti-cancer and angiogenesis activities. These novel antibiotics demonstrate no cytotoxic responses to human cells, minimizing negative side effects associated with current drugs.
Researchers find increasing risk of staph infections from ocean beach users, but also discover sponge and coral-derived chemicals that could break down antibiotic-resistant compounds. New tools to fight antibiotic resistance have been identified, including novel antibiotics and chemicals with potential for personalized medicine.
Researchers found that monkeys, babies, and college kids share a common pre-verbal number sense, which is essential for basic arithmetic. This cognitive skill is thought to be an abstract domain of cognition that develops early in life.
Researchers developed a new technique to detect early-stage pancreatic cancer by analyzing nanoscopic changes in cell biopsies. This method may help diagnose cancers earlier and treat them more effectively.
Researchers found that carotenoids may improve male sperm quality, promote healthy offspring development, and enhance color vision in birds. They also propose a positive fitness feedback loop where high carotenoid accumulation improves an individual's state and mate selection.
Researchers at Cardiff University are making discoveries about the eye using X-ray scattering techniques at Diamond Light Source, shedding light on keratoconus and its effects. The study aims to advance laser surgeries like LASIK and develop artificial corneas to improve the quality of life for those affected by serious eye diseases.
A recent study by Arizona State University's Charles Perrings highlights the substantial economic impact of invasive species on agriculture, fisheries, forestry, and ecosystems. In some countries, such as South Africa and Brazil, invasive species account for up to 112% of agricultural GDP.
Gladstone scientists discovered that the DGAT1 enzyme plays a crucial role in regulating retinoic acid levels in the skin. Mice lacking this enzyme experienced increased retinoic acid levels, leading to skin sensitivity and hair loss, which could be prevented by restricting retinol intake.
A new University of California, Berkeley web site called Understanding Science clarifies what science is and how it works, showcasing its creative and unpredictable nature. The site provides a Science Checklist to determine the level of scientific activity in various activities.
Researchers at Georgia Tech developed nanogenerators that convert irregular biomechanical energy into electricity, generating up to 0.5 nanoamps from a hamster's movement or finger tap.
Heidelberg researchers use cryo-electron tomography to visualize the structure of Lyme disease bacteria, revealing differences in motility systems that may explain varying symptoms between European and North American patients. The study provides new insights into the complex biology of borreliosis and potential therapeutic targets.
A new surgical procedure called OCRPRC (OsteoChondral Resurfacing in Proximal Row Carpectomy) offers a promising alternative to traditional treatments for wrist arthritis. By reducing inflammation and improving cartilage status, the procedure aims to restore wrist function and alleviate pain.
AfricaArray trains masters and doctoral students in geophysics, supports research on the African superplume. The program combines student education with research and field schools, aiming to improve understanding of the continent's geological phenomena.
Scientists have identified a shared genetic predisposition between aggressive periodontitis and myocardial infarction, with a common genetic variant on chromosome 9. This discovery highlights the importance of considering periodontitis as a potential risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have made a breakthrough in growing functional heart cells from induced pluripotent stem cells, paving the way for potential therapies for heart failure patients. The discovery uses a virus to reprogram skin cells into embryo-like states and could potentially lead to new treatments.
Scientists at RIT are designing an optical sensor to fly in surveillance drones, tracking suspects and vehicles identified as threats. The sensor will collect only necessary data and adapt to different scenarios, providing more efficient sensing.
Scientists propose that structures in Vernal Crater depict areas of ancient spring activity, creating ideal locations to search for life evidence. Hot springs are crucial target areas for future Mars missions due to their ability to preserve fossilized microbial communities.
Researchers have discovered a signaling pathway involved in normal pancreatic development is also associated with type 2 diabetes. The Wnt signaling pathway is up-regulated in insulin-producing cells of pancreases from adults with type 2 diabetes.
Researchers found that monkeys devised a near-optimal strategy by balancing sensory information and prior expectations regarding rewards. The monkeys' harvesting efficiency fell within 1-2% of the theoretical maximum, revealing impressive decision-making ability.
The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council has awarded £82m in grants to train Britain's future scientists and engineers, generating over 1200 PhD students. The grants aim to broaden the student experience with industry-related training, as part of EPSRC's broader commitment to excellence in postgraduate research.
Scientists create a protein that selectively binds to uranium, offering potential methods for detecting and treating uranium poisoning. The protein is based on a nickel-binding protein from E. coli and has been engineered to bind to uranium instead.
Scientists have developed a new molecular tool that pinpoint 'on-off switches' in genomes using next-gen sequencing technology. The research promises to clarify the role of vast stretches of non-coding DNA sequence, revealing powerful regulatory influence.
The AAAS plenary lecture explores the origins of evolutionary thought through the adventures of intrepid scientists Charles Darwin, Alfred Russel Wallace, and Henry W. Bates. The talk will be presented by Sean Carroll, a leading evolutionary biologist and author, who will share the stories of these pioneers who changed our view of life.
Researchers tracked songbirds using tiny geolocator backpacks, revealing they can fly up to 500 km per day, exceeding previous estimates of 150 km. Songbirds' spring return times were also found to be two to six times more rapid than in fall migration.
A recent study found that 24% of caregivers need respite care but do not receive it, with families having private insurance facing greater unmet needs. This translates to approximately 200,000 families in the US who require support services for their children's special needs.
A recent study published in The Lancet found that a short period of immobilization with a below-knee cast results in faster recovery from severe ankle sprains compared to other treatments. The authors recommend using a 10-day below-knee cast or an Aircast brace for management.
A study by the University of Minnesota and CDC found that 43% of active-duty military personnel engage in frequent binge drinking, leading to approximately 30 million episodes annually. This behavior is strongly associated with health and social problems, including job performance issues and alcohol-impaired driving.
A longitudinal study examines the consequences of adolescent gang membership on health, employment, and relationships among Mexican American men. The study aims to identify interventions that can improve outcomes for this population.
Researchers at NIST and Maryland have demonstrated a 'quantum buffer' technique to control data flow inside a quantum computer, potentially speeding up decryption and database search tasks. The technique involves delaying entangled images by up to 27 nanoseconds, which can be useful for quantum information-processing systems.
Researchers sequence genomes of 99 known cold virus strains, exposing vulnerabilities that could lead to effective remedies. The study's findings also shed light on the genetic composition of rhinovirus A and B, as well as emerging species C, which is more virulent.
Researchers have created a new test to better predict whether a given vaccine candidate will protect or harm patients with dengue fever. The test aims to address the deadly complications associated with the disease, which affects 100 million people annually and claims 22,000 lives yearly.
Researchers found that combining DHEA with red clover isoflavones increased testosterone production and reversed androgenic effects in prostate cells. The study suggests a potential cancer prevention effect of herbal supplements like DHEA, warranting further research.
A study by Ed Wasserman reveals that both baboons and pigeons can learn the relations between relations, a cognitive feat previously believed to be unique to humans. This discovery has implications for understanding animal intelligence and potentially informing methods for studying children with language impairments.
A new lunar map created at unprecedented 15-kilometer resolution confirms very little water on the Moon, even deep in its interior. The discovery could shed light on water on other planets like Mars.
Scientists are launching five NASA sounding rockets to study turbulence in the upper atmosphere. The rockets will release a glowing vapor trail nearly 87 miles up into the sky, allowing scientists to track its movement and analyze upper-atmospheric winds.
A new study reveals that airborne laser elevation (lidar) surveys provide a 10-fold improvement in topographical feature measurement precision. This technology adds greater clarity to mapping streams and rivers, allowing for better habitat analysis and restoration. The results have significant implications for various fields such as fo...
Researchers discovered that mosquitoes use RNA interference to combat dengue virus, allowing the virus to multiply and be transmitted to humans. Genetic manipulation of this response could help stop dengue virus transmission by Aedes aegypti.
Researchers have found that interferon-alpha triggers the activation of quiescent hematopoietic stem cells, which can help replenish blood cells. This mechanism may also be useful in treating certain types of cancer, such as chronic myelogenous leukemia.
Scientists have long debated the function of microsaccades, but researchers at the Salk Institute found they are actively controlled by the superior colliculus. The study reveals that individual neurons in this area are highly specific about which microsaccade directions and amplitudes they command.