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.