Researchers discovered a new cause of airway irritation and wheezing after exposure to ozone, a common urban air pollutant. They found that high amounts of hyaluronan, a sugar molecule, are responsible for narrowing the airways.
A study by ASHS researchers found no correlation between pepper heat levels and resistance to Phytophthora blight. Instead, genetic differences, cuticle thickness, and other factors may play a role in fruit response to the disease.
A new study reveals that primary care physicians often fail to recommend colorectal cancer screening, even in patients who visit their offices frequently. The research, which analyzed data from nearly 50,000 patients, found that over half of those with regular visits did not receive screening.
Scientists have discovered a chemical that prevents stem cells from turning into other cell types, allowing researchers to grow larger stocks of these cells. This breakthrough has huge potential for treating diseases and injuries without current cures.
A retrospective study of 235,473 patients found that traditional open appendectomies may be preferable to laparoscopic surgeries due to higher costs and increased risks. The study suggests that the benefits of laparoscopic surgery are limited in most cases, contradicting recent trends.
Researchers at Durham University found that commercial violent computer games can be used to build virtual worlds for training in fire evacuation procedures. The study showed that using game code from First Person Shooter games is quicker and more efficient than traditional virtual reality toolkits.
Survivors of early-stage lung cancer who engage in regular physical activity experience improved mood, vigor, and physical functioning. Moderate exercise, such as brisk walking a few times a week, may promote better quality of life and reduce depressive symptoms.
Researchers identified three genetic variants associated with delusions in people with schizophrenia, located within the neuregulin 3 gene on chromosome 10. The study suggests that this gene may contribute to the development of delusions and other symptoms of the condition.
A new study involving identical twins suggests that certain environmental factors can accelerate facial aging. Divorce and antidepressant use were found to contribute to a greater perceived age difference between siblings.
A recent study found that CXCL10 is a key factor behind the destruction of insulin-producing β cells in diabetes. The inflammatory marker was found to decrease β cell viability and impair insulin production in isolated human pancreatic cells. This discovery may lead to new treatments for preventing β cell death or restoring lost function.
Researchers at Harvard University have mapped the neural circuitry of the nose, revealing a seemingly random patchwork of receptors for different scents. Despite striking differences between smells like coffee and peppermint, cells processing similar odors are found in precisely the same location on the olfactory bulb.
Dr. Vivian S. Lee, inaugural vice dean for science at NYU Langone Medical Center, has been recognized for her transformational leadership and commitment to mentoring aspiring scientists. She has overseen significant research growth and established multiple centers of excellence.
A Swedish thesis found that people who experience nightmares after a suicide attempt are five times more likely to attempt suicide again. The study also revealed that sleeping difficulties do not increase the risk of repeat attempts, contrary to previous research.
Researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham found that exposure to second-hand smoke and alcohol significantly raises the risk of liver disease. The combined effect led to elevated levels of liver fibrosis proteins, which can lead to cirrhosis.
CSIRO's Snorocket software enhances electronic health record accuracy, enabling faster data processing and improved collaboration among healthcare professionals worldwide. The innovation is part of the IHTSDO Workbench, a platform for standardizing clinical terminology and promoting global health data consistency.
A study found that older adults who experience osteoporotic fracture have an increased risk of death for 5-10 years, and subsequent fractures further increase the risk. Non-hip, nonvertebral fractures were also associated with a significant proportion of premature mortality.
A new genomic signature has been developed to predict how breast cancer patients respond to chemotherapy. The study found that the magnitude of the tumor's microenvironment, or reactive stroma, is predictive of a response to treatment. Patients with strong stroma reactions are more likely to have a bad response.
A new study identifies Capn4 as a key molecule associated with liver cancer recurrence and metastasis after liver transplantation. The findings suggest that Capn4 expression is correlated with clinical outcomes and could be used as a prognostic marker for diagnosis.
Researchers suspect a novel gene is causing restless legs syndrome in a large family study, with 30 relatives affected and 60% female prevalence. The discovery could lead to breakthroughs in understanding the disorder and developing new treatments.
A recent study found that playing games against a virtual opponent activates different brain areas than those activated when playing against a human opponent. The medial prefrontal cortex and other regions associated with 'Theory of Mind' were more active in male players believing they were competing with another human.
A computer simulation suggests that large buses running on separate traffic lanes can achieve a comfortable level of crowding without gridlock. The study's findings support mass transportation as the preferred option for most commuters, even with a few individuals choosing to drive by car.
A new study found a positive relationship between vitamin D levels and muscle power, force, velocity, and jump height in adolescent girls. The researchers measured serum vitamin D levels in 99 adolescent girls and used jumping mechanography to assess muscle power.
Researchers at Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft develop biogas plant that generates 30% more electricity from non-edible corn stalks. The new plant reduces storage time by 50-70% and boosts electrical efficiency to 40-55% with fuel cells.
A recent study by Children's Hospital found that African-American parents are twice as likely to distrust medical research as white parents. This mistrust can lead to lower participation rates in clinical trials, exacerbating racial health disparities.
Scientists at Carnegie Institution create novel 'compound' from pure boron, exhibiting low mass, high strength, and response to neutron irradiation. The discovery builds on previous superconductivity findings in boron and paves the way for understanding its transition to superconductivity under pressure.
A study found that automation and mechanization improved worker productivity and earnings in the nursery and greenhouse industries. Continuous skill improvements and year-round workforce availability are essential for sustaining industry growth.
A University of Missouri study has disproven a long-held theory about the nervous system's development, identifying key proteins involved in the process. The findings shed light on how neurofilaments affect axonal diameters and could lead to a better understanding of neurological diseases such as multiple sclerosis.
Research suggests that US public funding for specialty crops is inadequate, with production value growth not matched by research spending. Increasing funding could lead to lower fruit and vegetable prices, promoting healthier diets among Americans.
A study by UT Southwestern Medical Center found that automation in hospital information systems was associated with decreased fatalities, lower costs, and shorter lengths of stay for patients with various medical conditions. Hospitals with well-designed technology systems had better patient outcomes.
Researchers found a genetic variation in the HGF gene that increases breast cancer risk, suggesting shortening of a DNA region called DATE could be a useful marker. A study also revealed that high-fat diets can lead to insulin resistance by damaging mitochondria and increasing oxidative stress, but antioxidants may mitigate this effect.
Researchers found that firefly luciferase tests can produce false positive results, which may impact the screening process. The study's findings suggest more work is needed to ensure the accuracy of the screening process.
Migraine affects millions worldwide, causing substantial decreases in functioning and productivity. Recent clinical studies suggest it may be a progressive disease with cardiovascular and neurologic effects, requiring major reconsideration of treatments.
A researcher at the University of Texas at Austin has identified a statistical method to select people for secondary security screenings more efficiently and fairly. Square root bias sampling can reduce resource waste by screening individuals from higher-risk groups less frequently while still prioritizing them.
Scientists have discovered a link between chronic inflammation and colon cancer, with the Stat3 protein playing a crucial role in tumor development. The study found that stimulation of Stat3 by inflammatory chemicals promotes cell survival and growth, leading to increased colonic tumor incidence.
Researchers found that Snail1 promotes tissue invasion and angiogenesis in cancer cells by stimulating fibroblast function. Fibroblasts without Snail1 are less able to degrade the extracellular matrix and form invadopodia, key structures for cell invasion.
Researchers discovered that adding extra copies of a gene makes a protective protein neutralize toxic chemicals in the brain, preventing cell death. This breakthrough could offer profound protection against neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and ALS.
Scientists from Denmark and Australia have established an error-free speed-reading record using a compact ultra-fast component, reaching 640 Gbps. The new technology allows for faster network speeds and opens the door to even higher data rates approaching terabits/second.
Researchers at Ohio State University found that people consistently estimated the length of road dashed lines to be only two feet, despite them being 10 feet long. This misperception has implications for traffic safety, as drivers may be underestimating their speed and covering more ground than they think.
Mammography utilization in the US declined slightly between 2000 and 2006, with 34 states showing a decrease, according to a CDC study. The decline ranged from -0.3% to -5.3%, with no clear pattern among states by region, age, income or population density.
A study found a significant increase in quinolone-resistant gonorrhea from 2% to 28% in Ontario between 2001 and 2006. Infections among heterosexual men are linked to the rising rate of resistance.
A modeling study reveals that Katrina-flooded homes can harbor hazardous contaminants in the air, posing significant health risks to residents and first responders. The study identifies inhalation exposure routes through volatile and semi-volatile organic pollutants, highlighting the need for better preparation and safety protocols.
A new study from the University of Minnesota finds that cellulosic ethanol has fewer negative effects on human health due to lower emissions of fine particulate matter. The study estimates that transitioning to cellulosic ethanol could reduce environmental and health costs by as much as half compared to gasoline.
A new study identifies miR-23 as a microRNA that regulates myelin formation and maintenance. By turning down lamin gene expression, miR-23 prevents demyelination due to lamin overexpression, offering a potential treatment for demyelinating illnesses.
A study by the University of Washington found that radiologists' perceived risk of malpractice lawsuits was four times higher than actual risk. This led to increased use of defensive medicine and potentially contributed to workforce shortages in breast imaging.
Researchers found little evidence that cataract surgery accelerates age-related macular degeneration (AMD) progression. The study also explored how people assess age and fatigue through gaze patterns, revealing the eye region as a key area of focus.
Researchers have discovered a gene expression signature associated with survival in advanced ovarian cancer. The study identified specific genes and pathways that correlate with overall survival, providing potential targets for therapies and personalized treatment strategies.
This issue of Cold Spring Harbor Protocols features two protocols: one for stem cell differentiation using the OP9-DL1 system, and another for RNA interference in plants using viral vectors. These methods provide new tools for understanding T-lymphocyte lineage commitment and gene silencing in plants.
Adolescents and young adults who are heavy users of marijuana are more likely to have disrupted brain development, according to a new study. The researchers found abnormalities in areas of the brain involved in memory, attention, decision-making, language, and executive functioning skills.
Dr. Dennis Hall's research reveals new ways to activate organic molecules, leading to significant uses for compounds like amides in pharmaceutical drugs. His work contributes to making chemistry more environmentally friendly by increasing efficiency and reducing waste.
A new study published in Psychological Science found differences in recovered memories of childhood sexual abuse, with some individuals prone to false memories and others forgetting earlier recollections. The research suggests that clinicians should consider the context of recovered memories to effectively treat patients.
Scientists have developed a new imaging technology that produces the best three-dimensional resolution ever seen with an optical microscope, allowing them to pinpoint fluorescent labels in all three dimensions. This breakthrough will help reveal how biomolecules organize themselves into cellular structures and signaling complexes.
Research identifies Interleukin 6 (IL-6) and STAT3 as key players in colitis-associated cancer development. The study suggests that targeting these proteins may be effective in preventing and treating CAC, a serious complication of inflammatory bowel disease.
The Office of Naval Research (ONR) has been selected by the Pentagon to manage a critical joint training program, known as FITE JCTD, which aims to develop realistic, live-action virtual environments for warfighter training. The program is expected to address joint, coalition and interagency gaps in training capabilities.
A study by Rutgers University scientists found that both humans and mice are proficient in assessing risk, challenging traditional views of human decision-making. The research suggests that risk assessment is a programmed cognitive mechanism that is present in many animals.
A study found that teenage media exposure was associated with depression symptoms in young adulthood, particularly among men. The researchers used data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Adolescent Health and found that participants who watched more television had a higher risk of developing depression.
A Canadian Medical Association Journal editorial warns of the dangers of excessive salt intake, citing that populations with very low salt consumption have no hypertension. The authors recommend a maximum daily intake of 2.8g for active young people and 2.2g for older adults.
A new study found that animal oocytes cannot fully reprogram adult human cells, making them unsuitable substitutes for producing patient-specific stem cells. The researchers tested using oocytes from cows, rabbits, and humans, but failed to achieve the necessary gene expression changes.
A study found that higher placental corticotropin-releasing hormone (pCRH) levels during pregnancy are associated with a greater risk of postpartum depression. The predictive capability of pCRH levels increased when midpregnancy depressive symptoms were also assessed.
UCLA researchers have created a non-invasive probe that enables real-time monitoring of chemotherapy drug activity in living bodies. This allows doctors to quickly pinpoint the most effective treatment and personalize it to each patient's unique biochemistry, reducing wasted time and toxic side effects.
A study by the USDA Forest Service found that aerial application of laminated flakes containing verbenone reduced mountain pine beetle attack rates by three-fold in California and Idaho. The technique could provide a large-scale solution to slow the spread of the beetles, which are devastating lodgepole pine stands across the West.