A RAND Corporation study recommends that the US and its allies in East Africa address radical Islamist groups beyond al Qaeda to create long-term stability. The report highlights existing counterterrorism programs as a starting point for stronger regional collaboration.
The Ragon Institute aims to unlock the mysteries of the immune system to find new ways of preventing and curing human disease. Its initial focus will be on identifying effective immune responses in HIV-infected individuals and designing strategies to induce those responses.
Despite high awareness, African-Americans are underrepresented in HPV vaccination due to misinformation, lack of education, and societal pressures. The survey found that most participants believed the vaccine was safe and effective, but caregivers were often unaware of its benefits.
Primary ovarian insufficiency is a menopause-like condition affecting girls and young women, characterized by loss of menstrual periods, infertility, and hot flashes. A comprehensive plan provides recommendations for diagnosis and treatment, including hormone replacement therapy and counseling.
Researchers at the University of Delaware have developed miniature power chairs that infants can control, enabling children with cerebral palsy and spina bifida to explore their surroundings. This breakthrough technology has the potential to significantly impact brain development and learning abilities in these children.
Researchers at EMBL have discovered a promising drug target in influenza virus, specifically the PA subunit responsible for cleaving host RNA caps. This finding provides new insights into the cap snatching mechanism that allows the virus to hijack human cells and multiply.
A study published in New England Journal of Medicine found that most children with RSV infections between 1 and 5 years old were previously healthy and had no other risk factors. The study estimates that about 1 in 334 hospitalizations, 1 in 38 emergency department visits, and 1 in 13 primary care office visits occur due to RSV infection.
SkyView's latest survey is now available in WorldWide Telescope, with visitors generating 300,000 images a month, up from 20,000 ten years ago. The project provides a single interface for accessing over 36 surveys covering nearly 100 wavelength bands, making astronomy accessible to everyone.
Researchers have identified specific mosquito genes associated with resistance to a common class of insecticide, a significant step toward effective malaria control strategies. Two cytochrome P450 genes in Anopheles funestus mosquitoes are linked to pyrethroid resistance.
US Department of Homeland Security scientists have developed a magnetic resonance imaging-based system to detect harmful liquids, gels, and lotions in baggage and on passengers. The MagViz system is promising and may eventually replace traditional X-ray systems.
The largest prehistoric snake ever recorded was Titanoboa cerrejonensis, which measured 13 meters and weighed 1,140 kilograms. Scientists estimate that the snake would have required an average annual temperature of 30 to 34 C to survive.
Researchers have developed a nanoemulsion that effectively kills a wide range of bacteria resistant to antibiotics, including those causing cystic fibrosis. The treatment uses ultra-fine oil-and-water emulsions that disrupt bacterial outer membranes, making resistance unlikely and offering a potential alternative to antibiotics.
Cancer stem cells are more resistant to radiation due to a protective pathway that shields normal stem cells from DNA damage. By blocking this pathway, cancer stem cells become more susceptible to killing by radiation.
Researchers developed a new technique to monitor bacterial health in wastewater treatment facilities using sensor technology. The method, called self-referencing, senses minute changes in chemistry related to bacterial health and yields results immediately.
A new study from the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center found that 19% of women eligible for post-mastectomy radiation were not treated. Researchers emphasize the importance of educating patients and improving doctor-patient communication about this potentially lifesaving treatment.
A University of Montreal study found that Zen meditators have lower pain sensitivity both in and out of a meditative state compared to non-meditators. Meditators experienced an 18 percent reduction in pain intensity, suggesting that meditation can change the way someone feels pain.
Researchers at North Carolina State University and the USDA have identified alternative fumigants to methyl bromide (MeBr) for tomato production in North Carolina. The study found that while no single alternative can fully substitute MeBr, technically and economically feasible options exist for growers to adopt.
A study published in Health Affairs found that seniors in Medicare's doughnut hole gap reduced their medication use by 14% per month. The authors suggest mandating generic drug coverage to protect seniors and prevent potential healthcare costs from hospitalizations and physician visits.
A new study found a link between the Val66Met polymorphism in the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene and risk for post-treatment relapse among alcohol-dependent patients. The findings suggest that genetic markers may be used to predict treatment outcomes and inform personalized therapy approaches.
Researchers studied the San Andreas fault system, Africa's ancient crustal blocks, and the High Plains aquifer using gravity, magnetic, and seismic data. The results show that Africa is a collage of ancient cratons with mantle roots extending deep into the Earth's interior.
A new review of randomized controlled trials has found that radiofrequency ablation significantly improves patient survival compared to percutaneous ethanol injection. Radiofrequency treatment offered a greater survival benefit due to improved local tumor response and more predictable tumor ablation.
Children can influence and observe an artificially intelligent machine in a simple computer game called 'Gorge', learning about its behavioral patterns. Researchers aim to teach kids what AI is all about using this engaging game.
Researchers at USC found that green tea extract (GTE) renders the cancer drug Velcade ineffective in treating multiple myeloma and mantle cell lymphoma. The study suggests that patients on Velcade should avoid green tea products to minimize side effects, which may be misattributed to the supplement's beneficial effects.
Researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine have discovered that the protective capsule of Cryptococcus neoformans fungus grows by linking saccharides together, allowing it to evade the immune system. This finding could lead to new therapies or vaccines against fungal infections.
A new study found that cardiac computed tomography (CT) angiography scans may expose patients to high doses of radiation. The study suggests that using available strategies to reduce radiation dose can substantially decrease patient exposure, and that educating physicians and technicians on these methods is essential
A new multimedia system, i-Maestro 3D Augmented Mirror (AMIR), uses motion capture to record a musician's posture and movement while playing. The system provides real-time analysis and feedback to improve technique, helping musicians and teachers alike.
A pioneering surgical technique developed in Spain has successfully removed benign tumors from the pancreas using laparoscopic central pancreatectomy, preserving a large part of the gland. The procedure reduces complications, hospitalization periods, and risk of post-operative diabetes.
Natural aromatic oils can trigger allergic reactions, according to a study by Lina Hagvall at the University of Gothenburg. The research found that common perfume substances, like geraniol and lavender oil, can become allergens through autoxidation and skin enzyme reactions.
Researchers at the University of North Carolina have found that disrupting the circadian clock can slow the progression of cancer. The study suggests that altering one of four essential 'clock' genes can extend the lives of mice with cancer by 50% by making cancer cells more vulnerable to cell suicide.
A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons found that a warm-up of 15-20 minutes with simple surgical exercises improves proficiency and alertness in surgeons. The research shows that warm-up exercises can benefit even fatigued surgeons, leading to better performance during operations.
A new study published in The Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that growth hormone treatment after weight loss surgery reduces lean body mass and skeletal muscle mass losses. Researchers discovered that short-term growth hormone treatment during a standardized diet and exercise program increased l...
Research by K-State professor Thomas Wright shows that happy employees perform better, exhibit higher job satisfaction, and receive better pay. The benefits of psychological well-being can lead to a competitive advantage, with studies indicating significant correlations between well-being and job performance.
A Yale University study found that the biological costs of changing sexes are rarely sufficient to disfavor sex change, suggesting a possible explanation for its rarity among animals. Researchers built theoretical models and tested them using game theory, showing that only huge costs can disfavor sex change.
Researchers at the Mayo Clinic have developed an insecticide that targets the soybean aphid, a pest ravaging Minnesota crops. The small molecule blocks acetylcholinesterase activity in aphids without inhibiting it in humans.
The Office of Naval Research (ONR) showcased its technology investments to reduce the weight of Marine Corps equipment by up to 30%. New technologies aim to improve body armor, helmets, vehicles, and communications equipment. ONR's goal is to increase mobility and survivability for Marines.
A research team developed an autologous full-thickness oral substitute that mimics the characteristics of gingiva, providing a promising solution for oral cavity reconstruction. The study's results support the need for larger clinical trials to further evaluate the effectiveness of this new tissue-engineered product.
The discovery of a 47.5 million-year-old fossil whale in Pakistan provides evidence that early whales gave birth on land, contrary to the long-held assumption that they gave birth at sea. The fossils reveal that these ancient whales had well-developed teeth and could fend for themselves from an early age.
A new study published in JAMA found that osteoporotic fractures can double or triple mortality rates for up to 5-10 years after the fracture. The risk is particularly high for hip fractures in women and men over 75, with a nearly threefold increase in mortality.
Researchers have made a breakthrough in developing a new gene-targeting therapy that uses an RNA enzyme to inhibit strains of the herpes simplex virus. The technique has shown promise in experiments with mice and rabbits, but further research is needed before it can be attempted in people infected with herpes.
UT Southwestern researchers discovered that mice without the AGPAT2 enzyme accumulated excessive liver fat, leading to metabolic complications. A fat-free diet reduced liver triglycerides by approximately 50% in these mice.
A Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute student project has created an open-source app called Vault that tracks and manages personal spending on the iPhone, while protecting users' identities. The app offers features like automatic expense categorization and GPS-located bank branches.
Researchers at Caltech have discovered intricate gene regulatory networks in various organisms, including fruit flies, nematodes, sea urchins, lampreys, and mice. These networks play a crucial role in directing developmental processes, with subtle balances of regulatory signals being essential for proper cell differentiation.
Scientists assess a quarter-century of climate change effects on coral health and find both good and bad news. Reefs in the Indian Ocean are recovering relatively well from bleaching events, while western Atlantic reefs have generally failed to recover due to chronic stressors like diseases and overfishing.
Dr Catherine Jopling has received a prestigious David Phillips fellowship to investigate the molecular biology of hepatitis C virus. The £1m funding will support her work on miR-122, a specialized liver microRNA that interacts with HCV in an unusual way.
Researchers at UTSA have made a breakthrough discovery in the fight against tularemia, a deadly bio-warfare agent. They identified a unique metabolic pathway and enzyme, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide synthetase (NMS), that is specific to Francisella tularensis, making it a potential target for therapeutic development.
Researchers have discovered a new class of compounds that selectively inhibit protein phospholipase D (PLD), an enzyme linked to multiple human cancers. The inhibitors block invasive breast cancer cell migration and could be used as antimetastatic agents.
Researchers predict regional summer monsoon rainfall in China up to 2 seasons ahead by analyzing Pacific SSTA and STA signals. The subtropical summer monsoon has shown a long-term increasing trend, but southern regions have experienced a deducing trend since 1998.
A new study found that sulfonylurea drugs can restore function and reverse symptoms in infants with neonatal diabetes by blocking potassium channels, potentially avoiding secondary damage to insulin-producing cells. Early treatment with these drugs may circumvent irreversible damage if caught early enough.
Recent research on Mars includes studies on the planet's geology and potential habitability. A new method for classifying Quaternary glacial deposits was also proposed by GSA Today's science article.
Researchers used computer simulation to study the jaw structure of Australopithecus africanus, finding it ideal for cracking hard objects. The findings suggest that early humans adapted their diet to changing food sources by using their powerful jaws.
The European team discovered the smallest transiting extrasolar planet, CoRoT-Exo-7b, orbiting a star slightly smaller than the Sun. The planet's radius is about twice that of Earth and orbits its host star in just 20 hours.
Studies found that dialysis patients living at higher altitudes had a lower rate of death, with increased hemoglobin concentrations and lower doses of erythropoietin. Increased iron availability caused by hypoxia-induced factors may explain this finding.
The NRL's Rampant Lion II survey built on the success of Rampant Lion I, completing a geophysical and remote sensing survey of Afghanistan. The upgraded sensor suite collected nearly 30 Tbytes of raw data, advancing airborne remote sensing techniques and supporting the warfighter and economic infrastructure development.
A new study suggests that green tea components may negate the effects of bortezomib (Velcade) in patients taking this medicine. The EGCG polyphenol in green tea bound to boronic acid-containing compounds like bortezomib cancels out their antitumor effects.
A qualitative study in five US medical schools revealed serious problems with relational culture affecting medical faculty vitality, professionalism, and general productivity linked to retention. The study emphasizes the need for greater support and trust in medical academia.
Researchers found that blocking off the splenic artery helped six out of seven patients suffering from small-for-size syndrome after a partial liver transplant. This approach improved liver function tests and prevented complications in most cases.
A study by Kiel University confirms a special sequence variation of the FOXO3A gene is more frequent in centenarians globally, supporting its role in longevity. The research team analyzed DNA samples from 388 German centenarians and 731 younger individuals, finding consistent results worldwide.
New rodent findings show that chronic drinking causes more injury to the liver than acute or binge drinking, with persistent gene-expression changes and deleterious conditioning. This research highlights the importance of daily, excessive drinking in programming the liver to become dependent on alcohol.
A recent study found that gardening can improve hand strength and self-esteem in older adults, as well as provide moderate physical activity. Researchers at Kansas State University assessed 15 areas of health in older gardeners compared to non-gardeners, revealing the benefits of gardening on hand function and psychological well-being.
A study published in The Journal of Neuroscience found that a mother's enriched environment during her youth can significantly impact her child's learning disorder severity. This effect, known as transgenerational inheritance, was observed even when the offspring were raised by non-enriched foster mothers.