Scientists at Burnham Institute for Medical Research have determined the structure of protein interactions responsible for triggering apoptosis. The research reveals a particular arrangement of Fas receptor and FADD proteins that act as a control switch for cell death signaling.
Researchers found that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1 are key players in the development of diabetic macular edema (DME), a serious complication of retinopathy. The study suggests that intravitreal injection of steroids like triamcinolone acetonide may be useful in treating DME.
Individuals with childhood trauma are six times more likely to develop chronic fatigue syndrome as adults, according to a recent study. Childhood trauma is also associated with neuroendocrine dysfunction and decreased cortisol levels, suggesting a biological pathway that influences adult vulnerability to illness.
Researchers found that key ecological threats can be detected in advance, allowing for swift policy change. Monitoring and analysis of ecosystem data are crucial to preventing regime shifts and averting ecological harm. The study's findings offer a new approach to predicting environmental disaster and informing conservation efforts.
Researchers found that a low-carbohydrate ketogenic diet resulted in a three-fold improvement in type 2 diabetes, with 95% of participants eliminating or reducing diabetes medications. This study suggests that cutting out carbohydrates can lead to significant reductions in blood sugar levels and weight.
A recent survey by March of Dimes found that only 17% of Spanish-speaking women of childbearing age take a multivitamin containing folic acid daily. Folic acid is crucial in preventing neural tube defects (NTDs), which are more prevalent in the Hispanic population.
A recent study by Cecil Lewis at the University of Oklahoma reveals that ancient microbes can provide insights into modern human health. The researchers analyzed 1,300-year-old feces from Central Mexico and found them to be more geographically structured than modern microbiomes.
Scientists at Stanford University School of Medicine and UC-San Francisco have successfully isolated stem cells from human testes, which can differentiate into various types of tissues. The findings suggest that these cells are not as pluripotent as embryonic stem cells but have unique therapeutic applications.
This year marks the 200th birthday of Charles Darwin and the 150th anniversary of the publication of his theory. Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News is celebrating this milestone by interviewing leading researchers in evolutionary science, including experts on Darwin.
A new calibration tool has been developed to help students and soil scientists accurately measure rupture resistance, a key factor in determining soil strength. The tool consists of four pressure calibration assemblies with varying pressures, allowing users to calibrate their thumb and forefinger for precise measurement.
A comprehensive study of nearly 150,000 people in six states found that substance abuse increases medical care costs for other health problems. The study suggests that targeting older adults with substance abuse disorders could lead to significant cost savings and improved health outcomes.
Researchers establish that trophy heads came from people living in the same place and culture as those who collected them. The study suggests that fertility rites, warfare, or ancestor veneration may be linked to the collection of human heads.
Scientists have discovered a new mechanism by which the human immune system adapts to infections, involving 'cluster mutations' in antibody genes. This discovery fills a significant gap in our understanding of how we survive microbial invasions and may lead to new ways to prevent illnesses or make them less dangerous.
Research reveals that adult-onset diabetes slows mental functioning in several ways, with deficits appearing early and persisting into old age. The study found that healthy adults performed significantly better than those with diabetes on executive functioning and processing speed tests.
A new study published in PLoS Medicine found that removing user fees for primary health care changed health utilization behavior but did not improve health outcomes among children under 5 years old in Ghana. The study's findings challenge the assumption that free healthcare leads to better health outcomes.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have discovered that metastatic cancer cells use a protein called lysyl oxidase (LOX) to target specific organs. By blocking LOX expression, the cells' migration and invasion can be prevented, offering a potential new approach to treating human disease.
Scientists from CNRS and University of Reading applied linked rainfall-runoff and Integrated Catchment Model of Nitrogen (INCA-N) models to simulate daily flow and nitrate dynamics in the Garonne watershed. The study found that 75% of the NO3-N river load came from arable farming in the lowlands.
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Microbiology found that 60% of bacteria present in women with intra-amniotic inflammations were missed by traditional culture testing. The researchers identified a comprehensive list of microbial species using new DNA methods, including harmful bacteria not previously linked to preterm birth.
Two protocols, one for DNA repair homologous recombination and another for sumoylation of proteins, are featured in CSH Protocols. These methods provide a biochemical means to dissect the mechanisms of molecular processes involved in DNA repair and post-translational modification.
A recent study by Seattle Children's Research Institute found that 54% of adolescents frequently discuss high-risk activities on MySpace, including substance abuse, sexual behavior, and violence. Profiles with church or religious involvement, sports, or hobbies were associated with decreased displays of risky behaviors.
The Milky Way galaxy is rotating about 100,000 miles per hour faster than previously understood, increasing its mass by 50 percent. This increase in speed and mass brings the Milky Way closer to colliding with the Andromeda Galaxy or smaller nearby galaxies.
Researchers at the Salk Institute have developed a new glioblastoma mouse model that closely resembles human brain tumors. The model uses modified viruses to shuttle cancer-causing oncogenes into adult mice, allowing scientists to study the development and progression of glioblastoma.
Researchers have discovered genetic markers associated with risk for ulcerative colitis, bringing them closer to understanding the biological pathways involved in the disease. The study's findings may lead to the development of new treatments specifically targeting these pathways.
Researchers at MIT have created a highly efficient method for pairing and fusing cells, which should facilitate the study of genetic reprogramming in hybrids. This innovation, led by Joel Voldman and Rudolf Jaenisch, improves upon existing cell fusion techniques by increasing the success rate to around 50%.
Recent research advancements reveal new techniques for studying leaf development, while also exploring the potential benefits of aquaculture when practiced sustainably. Large wetlands provide vital ecosystem services, including carbon cycling and freshwater supply, making them crucial for conservation planning.
High levels of amygdala activity predict hypersensitivity to anticipation, while anterior cingulate cortex activity predicts response to antidepressant medication. These findings have important implications for treating anxiety disorders and may lead to personalized treatment approaches.
NOAA researchers have identified a wintering ground for North Atlantic right whales in the Gulf of Maine, with 44 individual whales spotted in December. The sightings suggest that the region may also be a potential breeding ground for the endangered species, which is critical for their protection.
A CU-Boulder study reveals that peer discussion during 'clicker' questions significantly improves students' learning outcomes, leading to better answers and higher grades. The researchers used a method to test whether students were genuinely learning or influenced by their peers.
Scientists analyzed East/Japan Sea CO2 uptake, finding a surprising drop in recent years. Simulations also suggest large raindrops favor tornado formation. Remotely sensed dune celerity revealed the world's fastest moving dunes, while Martian craters indicate hidden ice deposits.
Researchers developed a hybrid SPECT-CT camera to accurately distinguish cancerous cells from healthy tissue in regional lymph nodes. This technology enables earlier detection and individualized treatment of thyroid cancer.
Researchers at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center discovered that a tumor-suppressing gene called ARHI acts as a switch for autophagy in ovarian cancer cells, allowing dormant cells to survive by avoiding starvation. Blocking this autophagic pathway could provide a novel strategy for eliminating dormant ovarian cancer...
A study suggests that aquaculture can be a sustainable way to meet growing demand for seafood, reducing pressure on wild stocks and enhancing depleted ones. Improved management techniques have diminished some harmful effects of the practice, but more comprehensive information is needed to guide its growth.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have found a genetic variation in the neuropeptide Y gene that increases susceptibility to early coronary artery disease. The study found six related variations in the gene associated with transmission from generation to generation and association across a population of patients.
Scientists have discovered a new syndrome associated with severe congenital neutropenia, linked to mutations in the G6PC3 gene. The study found that these mutations affect glucose levels, leading to cellular stress and immune system dysfunction, potentially relevant to other diseases.
Researchers found abundant tiny diamond particles in sediments dating back 12,900 years, consistent with the theory of a Clovis-age disruption by a cosmic event. The nanodiamonds are concentrated in sediment layers associated with the Younger Dryas Boundary, suggesting an environmental impact on plants and animals across North America.
A study by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine estimates that insomnia-related indirect costs are significantly higher than direct treatment costs. The total annual cost of insomnia in Quebec is estimated to be $6.5 billion, with lost productivity being the largest proportion of costs.
The Lancet's Editorial emphasizes the importance of oral health prevention in reducing dental decay and its consequences. Daily use of fluoride is identified as a cost-effective approach to prevent tooth decay, especially in low- and middle-income countries where access to dentists is limited.
A study found that frequent arousals in heart failure patients with central sleep apnea may be due to an underlying arousal disorder rather than CSA. This suggests that preventing arousals from sleep could be a new treatment approach for CSA.
Researchers at USC School of Dentistry found a link between short-term use of oral bisphosphonates and increased risk of jaw necrosis. Nine patients out of 208 who took Fosamax were diagnosed with osteonecrosis of the jaw, contradicting previous claims that oral usage posed negligible risk.
Researchers at Emory University School of Medicine have discovered that the protein alpha-synuclein interferes with the cell's recycling of MEF2D, leading to cell death. The study suggests that targeting MEF2D could be a potential way to regulate brain cells' response to toxic stresses.
A mobile phone text-messaging strategy has shown promising results in improving tuberculosis treatment adherence among patients in remote locations. The system uses SMS reminders to monitor medication intake, resulting in high treatment success rates and improved patient compliance.
Researchers at the Biodesign Institute, led by Hao Yan and Yan Liu, have successfully created 3D DNA nanotubes using gold nanoparticles, which can be used to form flexible and resilient structures. These nanostructures have potential applications in photometry, photovoltaics, touch screens, flexible displays, and biomedical advancements.
A study found that antioxidant supplementation reduced painful days and analgesic use in patients with chronic pancreatitis. The benefits were seen as early as three months and suggest a state of heightened free radical-mediated injury in the disease.