Researchers identified IFRD1 as a gene that modifies cystic fibrosis lung disease severity by regulating neutrophil function. Deleting IFRD1 in mice reduced inflammation and disease, suggesting potential new targets for treatment.
Researchers developed a statistical model using genetic information from 569 patients, predicting an individual's lifetime risk of cardioembolic stroke with 86% accuracy. The model identifies interactions between multiple genetic factors and provides a network of predictive factors contributing to stroke.
JDRF-funded researchers have identified compounds that can stimulate insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, paving the way for potential regenerative medicines for type 1 diabetes. The study found two compounds that promote beta cell replication via different biological pathways.
Researchers found synchronous neuron pairs firing in harmony during slow-wave sleep, but not during REM sleep, which may explain why dreams are difficult to remember. This discovery provides a framework for further research into the relationship between memory and sleep.
The new guideline encourages healthy men to talk to their doctors about using 5-alpha reductase inhibitors (5-ARIs) to prevent prostate cancer, with a 25% relative risk reduction in most men. ASCO developed a Decision Aid Tool to help patients and families understand the risks and benefits of 5-ARIs.
The journal Molecular Oncology has been accepted by Thomson Reuters for inclusion in the Science Citation Index Expanded and other prominent databases. It highlights new discoveries and approaches in basic, clinical, and translational research related to cancer.
Boston University School of Medicine has received a grant to develop a framework for medical education in Armenia, making it comparable to US and Western Europe standards. The project will support the development of a dynamic learning environment for Armenian medical students.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University have developed the world's smallest periscope, allowing for multi-vantage-point imaging of cells and micro-organisms. This technology enables scientists to study dynamic processes within cells in three dimensions, providing a high resolution form of microscopy.
Researchers at the University of Alberta and NINT have made a breakthrough in plastic solar cell technology, achieving a 30% increase in efficiency through a novel approach. The development of inexpensive, mass-produced plastic solar panels could make solar energy accessible to everyone in the near future.
The new technology uses self-replicating RNA molecules to detect specific chemicals, allowing for precise measurements of drugs, toxins, and other substances. This method has the potential to revolutionize fields such as medicine, environmental monitoring, and molecular computing.
A new study forecasts when climate factors will match at geographically distant airline departure and destination points, helping to detect and intercept invasive species. The findings provide a framework for monitoring airline flights and planning more efficiently.
Studies found that low-income neighborhoods had a low availability of healthy foods, leading to poorer diet quality. Researchers suggest that place of residence plays a significant role in dietary health, with certain communities facing limited access to nutritious food options.
Researchers at the University of Liverpool found that limited media coverage of climate change results in mixed messages about its severity. The study suggests that serious media attention is crucial to instill public concern and prompt concerted political action on the issue.
A team of engineers from University of Wisconsin-Madison has created a new view of nanoscale friction by demonstrating that friction at the atomic level behaves similarly to friction generated between large objects. The researchers found that friction is proportional to the number of atoms that interact between two nanoscale surfaces.
Research finds that whites react more negatively to strongly identified minority individuals than weakly identified ones. This study provides an alternative explanation for why some minorities report experiencing more prejudice.
The City College of New York and Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center will receive funding to develop a unique partnership in cancer research, training, and community outreach. The grant aims to address cancer disparities in underserved minority communities through translational research, education, and outreach programs.
A University of Illinois study finds that public schools with certified teachers and a modern math curriculum outscore private schools. The researchers discovered that smaller class sizes, teacher certification, and instructional practices were key factors in achieving better math test scores for public school students.
Researchers discovered that the locust brain encodes turbulent plumes of odor molecules using surprisingly little neural machinery. The findings suggest a new theory on how animals smell, proposing that individual neurons preserve almost full information about precise temporal dynamics of odors.
Researchers at NIST developed a practical solution to enhance radio signal power at disaster sites using randomly placed antennas. The study found a significant increase in median received power, with a five-fold gain and a two-and-a-half to four-fold increase when using multiple transmitters.
University of Delaware researchers have won the American Physical Therapy Association's award for the best clinical paper in orthopedics published in 2008. Their study focuses on the management of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries, a common issue affecting nearly 250,000 Americans each year.
Researchers at Stanford University develop 'reverse ecology' technique to reconstruct bacterial environments millions of years in the past from genomic data. This allows for the analysis of complex evolutionary interplay between organisms like parasites and hosts.
Researchers at Yale University have identified a key role for cellular prion proteins in triggering the damage caused by amyloid-beta peptides in Alzheimer's patients. The study suggests that these proteins act as early targets for new therapies, offering promising hope for the treatment of this debilitating disease.
Research published in Nature reveals how IP3 receptors cluster to broadcast chemical messages, enabling better understanding of disease mechanisms and potential drug targets. The discovery fills a crucial gap in knowledge about the molecule's role in human health and its potential as a treatment for various conditions.
A group of UK scientists and social scientists highlight the need for integrated solutions to address the complex roles of plants in global systems. Key findings include the importance of balancing competing priorities for land use, energy production, and human well-being.
Researchers found that liver cancers linked to metabolic syndrome have distinct characteristics, including non-fibrotic development and better differentiation. The study suggests that the metabolic syndrome itself may cause cancer through insulin, lipid peroxidation or oxidative stress effects.
Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory have identified the mechanism behind EuO's increased magnetic ordering temperature when subjected to pressure. This discovery paves the way for manipulating material properties through strain or chemical substitutions, aiming to reach room temperature.
A systematic review of eight trials found that lowering blood pressure with medication reduced cardiovascular complications, all-cause mortality, and cardiovascular deaths among dialysis patients. The protective effects were similar across different drug classes and were well-tolerated.
The International Polar Year 2007-2008 provided critical evidence of global warming's impact on polar regions, including sea ice decline and increased ice sheet melting. Researchers also discovered significant carbon storage in permafrost and changes in Arctic vegetation affecting local ecosystems.
A study found that tillage and nutrient management practices can affect soil carbon storage differently depending on the soil profile. When considering only the top 20 cm of soil, no-till treatments showed higher organic carbon stocks, but this effect was cancelled when accounting for deeper soil layers.
Scientists at Georgetown University Medical Center have documented brain activity in anticipation of music sequences, revealing a neural process that prepares the body to act. This finding sheds light on how humans predict motor activities and provides insight into cued associative learning.
Scientists at NIST developed a measurement method to quantify the slowing down of molecular rattling in preservative formulations. The team discovered a general pattern of behavior that applies to various materials, promising better preservation and extended shelf life for vaccines, food, and other biological materials.
A two-year study found that reducing calories leads to weight loss regardless of carbohydrate, protein, or fat content. Participants who attended counseling sessions lost more weight than those without, supporting the importance of continued support in achieving weight loss goals.
A review article recommends physical therapy as a first line of treatment for symptomatic lumbar degenerative disc disease, showing exercise and manual therapy improve function and decrease pain. Physical therapists tailor individualized exercise programs to help patients avoid surgery.
Researchers have discovered that microRNAs dampen target gene expression in specific cells by working in concert with other regulatory processes. Key muscle-regulatory miRNAs, such as miR-1 and miR-133, function to mediate actin organization in developing muscles.
Researchers have precisely measured the impact of fat on cancer spread, finding that excessive dietary fat causes a significant increase in metastasizing tumor cells. The study used imaging and cell-counting tools to document changes in cancer cell membranes and count lipid-rich tumor cells in mice fed high-fat diets.
A new study found that women with a longer fertile lifespan, resulting in higher levels of naturally produced estrogen, had a lower risk of developing Parkinson's disease. However, hormone therapy did not offer protection against the disease, and may even have harmful neurological effects.
Researchers at McGill University found that Parkinson's patients who develop addictions have elevated dopamine levels, promoting addictive behaviours. Adjusting medication dosage resolved symptoms, suggesting hereditary factors contribute to addiction vulnerability.
Researchers have identified two causes of critical illness hypeglycemia in children: peripheral insulin resistance and primary beta-cell dysfunction. The study found that those with respiratory failure only had CIH caused by elevated insulin resistance, while those with both respiratory and cardiovascular failure had CIH caused by prim...
Researchers have confirmed the identities of the two missing Romanov children murdered in 1918 using DNA analysis. The study used mitochondrial and nuclear DNA to link the remains to Empress Alexandra and Crown Prince Alexei, resolving a 90-year-old mystery. Genetic connections were established through maternal and paternal lineages.
Researchers found ad clicks on Dogpile.com to be only 15% of total interactions, with 35% of queries yielding no clicks. The study challenges previous reports of a 30% ad click-through rate and suggests advertisers can leverage alternative forms of keyword advertising.
Researchers developed a novel instrument, Multi-Axis Crystal Spectrometer (MACS), to explore promising materials' properties. MACS offers improved sensitivity and range compared to older spectrometers, enabling scientists to analyze small samples in various conditions.
The 2006 California heat wave had a significant impact on morbidity, with dramatic increases in emergency department visits and hospitalizations reported. The study found that older residents and children were particularly vulnerable to heat-related illnesses, highlighting the need for targeted public education and preparedness efforts.
Researchers found that two small robots weighing 330 pounds each can build a berm around a landing site in under six months to block the sandblasting effect. The hard-surface landing pad using indigenous materials could reduce this need, allowing for more efficient cargo transfer and reducing damage to the outpost.
Daniela Trani, a postdoctoral fellow at Georgetown University Medical Center, has been selected as an NSBRI Postdoc Fellow to investigate the effects of space radiation exposure on human health. Her research aims to understand injury responses to space radiation-induced inflammatory signaling in cells.
Prenatal vitamin manufacturers are encouraged to use only potassium iodide, not kelp, for a consistent daily iodine dose of 150µg. Iodine deficiency affects 2.2 billion persons worldwide and can cause preventable mental retardation.
Researchers at the University of Oregon have identified a new biomaterial in crab claws that is extremely fracture-resistant and could be used to develop stronger tiny tools and machines. The material, which is rich in bromine, was found to be 1.5 times harder than acrylic glass.
A new project aims to analyze if ethical training programs can prevent doping and unfair behavior in sports by teaching ethical competencies. The online program will be designed to evaluate its effectiveness in preventing doping among young elite athletes aged 12-14.
A study funded by NIH found that overweight adults can achieve similar weight loss on different diets with varying proportions of fat, protein, and carbohydrates. Participants lost an average of 13 pounds at six months and maintained a 9-pound loss at two years.
Lee Feinberg, Optical Telescope Element Manager for the James Webb Space Telescope, has been elected as a fellow of SPIE for his significant contributions to large space optics and optical technology. He will receive his award at the SPIE Optics and Photonics meeting in San Diego this August.
Scientists at UCLA have successfully differentiated human induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells into electrically active motor neurons, similar in function and efficiency to those derived from human embryonic stem cells. This discovery may open the door for new treatments for neurological disorders using patient-specific cells.
A study found that mental fatigue impairs physical performance in humans, causing participants to exhaust more quickly. The researchers speculate that perception of effort occurs in the brain and may be linked to dopamine levels.
The new short film 'Return to the Moon' showcases NASA's legacy of lunar exploration using data from the Apollo and LRO missions. The film features a six-foot sphere displaying stunning imagery, allowing viewers to witness the moon's surface and understand the rationale for returning to it.
Claire Parkinson, Marc Kuchner, and Neil Gehrels received recognition for their leadership in understanding sea-ice changes through satellite measurements and detecting extra-solar planets. The scientists' research has greatly advanced astronomers' understanding of climate change, exoplanet formation, and gamma-ray bursts.
A specific gene called protein kinase C beta (PKC beta) plays a crucial role in the weight-gain response to a high-fat diet. Mice genetically engineered to lack PKC beta showed minimal health effects and resisted fat-induced obesity, insulin resistance, and liver damage. The study suggests that blocking this gene could be a therapeutic...
A new University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine study found that two-thirds of psychiatric patients referred for care following an emergency room visit are met with voicemail or long waits. Only 10% of calls resulted in an appointment scheduled within two weeks.
A Temple researcher found that older African-American women who experienced high levels of family violence have poorer physical and mental health than their peers. Clinicians need to consider the role of past trauma in patients' current health status and refer them to social support organizations if needed.
A team of researchers has created a solid-state metamaterial device that can modulate tiny waves of radiation in the terahertz range, setting a standard for performance. The device, which is controlled electronically, can process terahertz frequencies 30 times faster and with greater precision than conventional optical devices.
Clinical practice guidelines for cardiovascular disease are often based on lower levels of evidence or expert opinion. A recent study found that the American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association guidelines have increased recommendations with more class II and fewer class III recommendations.
A study found that only 5% of released inmates filled an initial prescription for antiretroviral therapy within 10 days, highlighting significant barriers to accessing care. The majority experienced treatment interruptions lasting at least 30 or 60 days, increasing the risk of drug resistance and community transmission.
The American Institute of Physics has announced the winners of its 2008 Science Writing Awards, honoring four individuals who have improved the public's understanding of physics and related sciences through their creative endeavors. The award recipients include two scientists, a journalist, and a children's book author.