A groundbreaking study reveals a new avenue for harvesting stem cells from healthy newborn placentas, which contain more stem cells than umbilical cord blood and can be safely extracted for transplantation. The discovery holds promise for curing chronic blood-related disorders such as sickle cell disease and leukemia.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota Medical School have made a breakthrough in understanding how the commonly prescribed drug praziquantel works to treat Schistosomiasis. Praziquantel causes two-headed organisms by subverting normal regeneration, leading to the identification of key molecules that control its effects.
A prolonged PR interval on an electrocardiogram may indicate a higher risk of atrial fibrillation and the need for a pacemaker. Studies suggest that middle-aged to older adults with this finding are more likely to experience serious heart rhythm disturbances and premature death.
A Canada-wide technology platform will map the human interactome, providing Canadian researchers with state-of-the-art equipment and integrated infrastructure. The project, led by Dr. Benoit Coulombe, aims to elucidate dynamic organization of proteins and molecules, potentially leading to better disease treatments.
A team of researchers at the University of Leeds has developed a model that explains how errors are corrected during protein synthesis. The study suggests that a molecular machine called RNA polymerase uses a unique mechanism to remove incorrect letters from the growing RNA chain, allowing copying to resume.
Researchers from Rovira i Virgili University find that using mud from waste water treatment plants as an alternative fuel reduces CO2 emissions by 140,000 tonnes between 2003 and 2006. This sustainable solution enables cement factories to power their operations without harming human health.
Pediatric researchers found hundreds of gene variations associated with ADHD, many linked to learning, behavior, and brain function. The study suggests future drug targets and personalized treatments may be possible.
A study found that MDCT with prospective ECG triggering reduces chest radiation dose by 71% compared to retrospective gating, delivering a lower dose of 9mSv. Image quality was also slightly better with prospective triggering.
The National Institutes of Health has awarded Washington University School of Medicine four grants totaling $19 million to explore the human microbiome. The researchers aim to catalog microbes found in various body sites and determine their links to good health and disease.
Medical students practice breast exams on a mixed reality human, improving their technical abilities and empathy towards patients. The system allows for unscripted interactions, teaching students to build their database of experience and respond to patient concerns.
A landmark study demonstrates a significant reduction in heart failure or death in patients with heart disease who received CRT-D versus ICD-only. The MADIT-CRT trial showed a 29% decrease in mortality and heart failure symptoms, improving survival and outcome for patients with severe heart disease.
Researchers at the University of Missouri are developing biological joints using living tissue that can mimic normal cartilage in a healthy joint. These new joints have shown promising results in dogs and aim to be used for human patients with similar physical characteristics, potentially reducing complications from repeat surgeries.
A new form of unregulated whaling is emerging along Japan and South Korea's coastlines, threatening minke whale stocks. DNA analysis reveals that up to 300 whales may be killed annually through bycatch whaling, equivalent to Japan's scientific whaling program.
Researchers at Purdue University have developed a technique that uses sensors to monitor refrigerant temperature and estimate the amount of refrigerant in an air conditioning system, saving energy and reducing maintenance costs. The new method could be easily integrated into automotive and household air conditioners.
A study published in the Journal of Traumatic Stress found that at least half of Afghan school children have developed PTSD due to traumatic experiences. The research highlights the need for interventions addressing not only war experiences but also family disturbances and community factors.
A study from Vanderbilt University found that individuals with higher empathy levels were better at mentally transforming their body position to simulate another person's perspective. This suggests a link between spatial abilities and empathy, with implications for understanding the neural basis of emotional intelligence.
A study published in JAMA found that young adults who are overweight or obese have an increased risk of pancreatic cancer. Being overweight at an older age is also associated with a lower overall survival rate for patients with pancreatic cancer.
A recent study published by Faculty of 1000 Medicine discovered that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels are higher in women who have recovered from anorexia. This suggests that low BDNF levels may be reversible and could potentially serve as a biomarker for recovery from eating disorders.
A new study identified adding a trained depression care manager to primary care practices increases treatment, remission rates of depression, and reduces suicidal thoughts. Nearly 90% of patients in the PROSPECT care management group received treatment after two years.
Teenage girls experience increased stress levels, with seven out of ten suffering from stress. To withstand this, girls rely on various sources of strength including emotional support, controlling their daily lives, and engaging in recreational activities.
The American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM) presents eight research awards and two grants to support young researchers, clinicians, and scientists in orthopaedic sports medicine. The awards recognize outstanding research papers in various categories, including basic science, clinical science, and excellence in research.
Scientists have developed a new hydrogen storage method using carbonized chicken feather fibers, which can hold vast amounts of hydrogen at a lower cost. The method has the potential to improve upon existing methods and pave the way for a truly hydrogen-based energy economy.
Researchers found that prairie dogs prefer plants with low levels of selenium, suggesting that high levels act as a deterrent. This suggests that plants may use metal hyperaccumulation to defend against herbivores, including prairie dogs.
Researchers at UT School of Public Health developed +CLICK, a game designed to educate HIV-positive youth on safe behaviors and reduce secondary transmission. The game received high credibiilty ratings from participants and showed promise in reducing risky sexual behaviors.
The Southwest Nano Consortium brings together six states and northern Mexico to pool resources, encourage collaboration, and host internationally recognized events. The consortium aims to expedite the commercialization of nanotechnology technologies with significant impact on renewable energy, biotech, IT, and other sectors.
Researchers found a direct link between smoking and brain damage due to NNK, a tobacco compound that provokes white blood cells to attack healthy brain cells. This can lead to neuroinflammation, conditions like Multiple Sclerosis. NNK is present in all forms of tobacco, also affecting second-hand smokers.
Researchers found distinct brain structure differences between queens and workers of eight New World social wasp species, linked to their respective social roles. Brain regions responded to specific challenges, such as vision and chemical communication, revealing the importance of environment in shaping brain architecture.
Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories discovered that a block of salt can stretch rather than shatter, defying its brittle nature. This finding has potential implications for desalination efforts and understanding sea salt aerosols, which affect cloud nucleation, smog formation, and asthma triggers.
A University of Alberta study found that morning people's brains are most excitable at 9am, while evening people's brains are most active at 9pm. This suggests different nervous-system functions and implications for human performance.
A lack of serotonin in the brain slows mouse growth and impairs maternal behavior, but not overall survival. Female mice with deficient serotonin still give birth and produce milk, but their offspring suffer poor survival rates.
Leading European scientific institutions are linking up their polar research through a new framework agreement, aiming to improve international teams and collaborative efforts. This will facilitate the launch of joint funding calls, share scientific data, and host scientists in each other's research stations.
A study in Zoonoses and Public Health confirms Chronix's potential for early disease detection, identifying signature sequences in serum DNA before clinical symptoms appear. The findings advance the company's ability to apply these results to laboratory tests for routine clinical use.
Researchers found that populations at the northern edge of a species' range experienced problems when exposed to warmer conditions, contradicting the assumption that they would increase. The study used two butterfly species and found that interactions among species could change under climate change.
Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital developed a protein detectable in urine as a potential biomarker for appendicitis. The leucine-rich alpha-2-glycoprotein (LRG) marker showed near-perfect sensitivity and specificity, and was strongly elevated in diseased appendices.
The ProTECT III study aims to enroll 1,140 patients across 15 states to confirm preliminary findings on progesterone's effectiveness in reducing mortality and disability in acute traumatic-brain-injured patients. Researchers believe progesterone's neuroprotective properties could lead to life-saving benefits.
Researchers found that people prefer to be addressed in their right ear and are more likely to perform a task when receiving a request there. In noisy night club environments, the side bias was consistently displayed, with 72% of interactions occurring on the right side.
A study of over 7,500 individuals found that first-degree atrioventricular block is associated with a two-fold increased risk of atrial fibrillation, a three-fold increased risk of pacemaker implantation, and a 1.4-fold increased risk of all-cause death. The researchers suggest that the natural history of this condition may not be as b...
Four leading biologists will present their research on the biological causes of aging, revealing that complex molecules become dysfunctional over time. The symposium aims to advance our understanding of aging and its relationship with age-associated diseases.
A study of 115 young women with iron deficiency anemia found that serological screening for H. pylori and celiac disease increased gastroscopy compliance rates. The tests were confirmed by gastroscopy, which identified IDA-related GI causes in most cases.
Researchers identified a new biomarker that can predict which patients with recurrent glioblastoma will respond better to anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy. The study found that vascular normalization, measured using advanced MRI and blood biomarkers, correlated with survival rates.
The survey found that women made up 56% of Obama's small donors, while McCain's were 61% male. Younger donors, aged 18-29, also favored Obama, with 15% of his small donors in this age group compared to 5% for McCain. Additionally, Obama's donors were more likely to be better educated and less affluent than McCain's. The campaign's onli...
A study by Ewa Gustafsson found that young adults with neck, arm, or hand symptoms tend to use their mobile phones differently than healthy controls. They often text message while hunched over and use the single thumb technique, which can lead to increased stress on hands and reduced breaks.
A recent study suggests that weight-loss surgery could be associated with reduced cancer risk in obese women, with a 42% decrease in first-time cancers over 10 years. However, the surgery had no effect on cancer incidence in men. The findings indicate that bariatric surgery may have broader benefits for women's cancer prevention.
The Human Microbiome Project is expanding its efforts to understand the relationship between the microbiome and human health. The NIH has awarded over $42 million to fund sequencing centers and disease projects, including studies on psoriasis, bacterial vaginosis, obesity, and Crohn's disease.
A genetically engineered mouse reproduces many of the non-motor symptoms associated with Parkinson's disease, including digestive problems and loss of sense of smell. The mice have delayed emptying of the stomach, fall asleep more quickly, and display signs of depression in tests.
A nationwide survey found that nearly nine out of ten adult Americans obtain weather forecasts daily, placing a value of 10.5 cents on each forecast, resulting in an annual value of $31.5 billion.
A novel adenoviral vector specifically targets the EphA2 receptor on pancreatic cancer cells, improving transduction by 10-fold in vitro. However, in vivo studies show limited targeting to human pancreatic cancer nodules upon injection into mice.
Researchers have created a new breast biopsy technique using a mechanical arm to guide the needle, resulting in increased success rates and reduced procedure times. The system has shown promise for improving biopsy efficiency and accuracy, especially for radiologists of varying experience levels.
A new study describes recent excavations in Jordan revealing the world's oldest known granaries, dating back to 11,500-10,550 B.C. The discovery sheds light on the evolution of food storage and its role in shaping Neolithic societies.
NASA has selected five contractors to receive Aircraft Catalog Blanket Purchase Agreements, allowing access to a variety of airborne platforms for science research and range support. The agreements have a maximum ordering value of $10 million and are valid through February 7, 2013.
A new study reports a safe and effective nonsurgical technique for repairing leaking mitral valves, which could significantly reduce risks associated with surgical repair. The Percutaneous Transvenous Mitral Annuloplasty (PTMA) system improved mitral regurgitation in patients treated with the reversible implant.
A new study found that increased growth factor activation is associated with poor prognosis and tamoxifen-insensitivity in luminal-B breast cancers. Targeting this pathway may lead to a new therapeutic strategy for these patients.
The Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter has entered lunar orbit, marking a crucial milestone for the mission, which aims to compile high-resolution maps of the lunar surface and survey it at various spectral wavelengths.
Researchers discovered that anxious individuals struggle to avoid distractions and take longer to switch attention between tasks. Training techniques to enhance attentional control may help anxious students achieve their full potential.
Researchers found that 31P MRS can detect changes in liver ATP levels related to liver damage score and pathologic changes. The study showed significant differences in ATP quantification among groups, indicating its potential as a non-invasive method for detecting early acute hepatic radiation injury.
A case of Meckel's diverticulum masked by intermittent recurrent subocclusive episodes is presented, highlighting the difficulty in diagnosing this condition due to overlapping symptoms. Laparoscopy proved to be a crucial diagnostic tool in establishing the final diagnosis and also therapeutic in nature.
A nationwide survey found that nearly 9 out of 10 adult Americans obtain weather forecasts regularly, with an estimated 300 billion forecasts used each year. The study reveals that most people are satisfied with forecasts and place a high value on them, equivalent to $31.5 billion annually.
Tel Aviv University researchers found that 50% of happiness is genetically determined, with positive psychology exercises improving participants' happiness levels by up to 30%. The study aims to bridge the gap between psychology and clinical medicine, exploring physical benefits of mental well-being.
A NASA-funded study is predicting land abandonment in Russia by incorporating population trends, cultural factors, and climate change. The research aims to determine which lands are most likely to be abandoned in the future, with ethnic groups playing a key role in this trend.
A study published in JAMA Network reveals a strong association between midlife migraines with aura and an increased prevalence of brain lesions in older age. Women were more likely to develop cerebellum-related lesions, suggesting a potential link between migraine with aura and brain function.
A new study found that underweight people have the highest risk of dying, followed by extremely obese individuals. In contrast, overweight people had a lower risk of dying compared to their normal-weight counterparts.
Scientists discovered two critical biochemical pathways for Ebola virus entry into cells and developed inhibitors to block them. The UTMB team prevented Ebola infection in cell culture experiments, a crucial step towards developing the first therapy for the deadly disease.
The 2008 federal elections saw a significant shift in campaign fundraising, with Democrats surpassing Republicans in raising money from individuals. The Obama campaign's use of the Internet and ground game contributed to its substantial advantage in voter mobilization.
A M.D. Anderson study found a strong relationship between high body mass index in early adulthood and an increased risk of developing pancreatic cancer at a younger age. Excess weight before diagnosis was also associated with poor outcomes, including reduced overall survival time.