The updated TAIR9 genome release includes detailed information on all 33,518 genes of Arabidopsis thaliana, including 114 newly discovered genes and 168 new pseudogenes. The new features promise to accelerate research on designing new crops for food, biofuels, industrial materials, and medicines.
According to University of Missouri researchers, human brain expansion is primarily attributed to social competition over the past 2 million years. The study found that areas with larger populations experienced greater increases in skull size and cranial capacity.
A new study published in PLoS Biology found that most fisheries management regimes are lagging behind international standards, highlighting the need for transparent policy-making processes. The research assessed global fisheries management practices and evaluated their effectiveness in ensuring sustainability.
The percentage of patients lowering 'bad' cholesterol to within target levels has nearly doubled over the last decade, with significant improvements in low-risk and high-risk groups. Researchers found that 75% of patients were taking statin drugs, and only 30% of very high-risk patients achieved their LDL target.
Researchers found that levels of paraoxonase 1 enzyme activity remained low in some individuals through age 7, contradicting the assumption that children approach adult levels by age 2. The study recommends re-evaluating EPA standards for acceptable pesticide exposure levels.
A large analysis found Caucasians are nine times more likely to be diagnosed with Ewing's sarcoma than African Americans. Additionally, men are more likely to die from the disease than women among Caucasians. The study highlights racial and gender differences in incidence and survival rates.
A new study found that coral recruitment drops sharply after major bleaching events or hurricanes, with some species not recruiting at all. This disruption threatens the survival of larger, more spectacular reef-building corals as climate change intensifies and storms become more frequent.
Scientists tracked white shark hunting patterns using geographic profiling, revealing that sharks refine search patterns with experience and concentrate efforts in prime hunting areas. The study expands knowledge of large predator hunting behavior and has implications for understanding marine communities.
Researchers found that superoxide plays a key role in bird migration by influencing the protein cryptochrome in their eyes. The molecule allows birds to 'see' Earth's magnetic field, enabling them to navigate. However, humans lack this ability due to evolutionary trade-offs between longevity and orientational ability
A 10-year national study in Canada found a 30% decline in heart disease deaths and hospital admissions. However, the study revealed high rates of cardiovascular-related deaths among elderly women, highlighting the need for increased investment in education and research on cardiovascular health in women.
A study by the CDC found that only 33.9% of adults with asthma received the flu vaccine in 2007, compared to 54.7% for those without asthma. The study also revealed a significant race/ethnicity gap in vaccination rates among non-Hispanic whites.
People with schizophrenia are at a higher risk of dying from all causes, including cancer, due to factors like smoking and delayed diagnosis. Cancer mortality rates among schizophrenic patients are significantly higher than those in the general population, particularly for women.
The US Environmental Protection Agency announced the 2009 Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Award winners, recognizing research that can make significant contributions to pollution prevention. The award winners developed innovative methods for producing greener chemicals, fuels, and materials.
A study published in Archives of Internal Medicine found that less frequent participation in social activity is associated with a more rapid rate of motor function decline in older adults. The research, which analyzed data from 906 participants, suggests that this association may be related to the risk of disability and mortality.
The Prostate Cancer Translational Research in Europe meeting showcased ongoing research efforts to identify biomarkers, genetic variants and new therapeutic options. Researchers discussed the importance of collaboration between clinicians and scientists to streamline current efforts and avoid duplication.
A new algorithm developed by Carnegie Mellon University has revealed how genetic networks in fruit flies evolve during their life cycle. The Tesla algorithm uses machine learning techniques to analyze the rewiring of these networks over time, providing insights into how they respond to stimuli and become dysfunctional.
The study found that hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) will become an increasingly larger factor in future climate warming if business-as-usual trends continue. By 2050, HFC emissions could contribute 7-12% to climate change, exceeding CO2's current contribution.
Researchers found that drinking fat-free milk increased feelings of fullness, satisfaction, and led to a decrease in calorie intake at lunch. Fat free milk provides essential nutrients including calcium and vitamin D, which may play a role in the satiety benefits.
Researchers are exploring how targeting Hsp90's helpers could lead to therapies for hormone-driven cancers like breast and prostate cancer. Understanding how these interactions work may allow for modulation of the function of steroid receptors, Hsp90, or both.
A new record reveals a systematic equilibrium relationship between global temperature and CO2 concentrations and sea-level changes over the last five glacial cycles. This suggests that even stabilisation at today's CO2 levels may commit us to sea-level rise, potentially exceeding long-term projections.
Research by Dr. Janet D. Latner and Dr. Alice D. Boyes investigated associations between body mass index (BMI) and relationship quality among 57 couples in New Zealand. Heavier women reported lower quality relationships, partnering with less desirable men and perceiving themselves as less attractive.
Scientists identify a DNA template switching mechanism that can result in rearrangements of genes and exons, leading to copy number variation. This process, called fork stalling and template switching, occurs during cell division and can cause significant changes to the genome.
Studies have documented increasing MRSA infections among dog and cat bites, with skin, soft-tissue, and surgical infections most common. Infections can spread to owners through animal saliva and skin, highlighting the need for proper treatment and precautions.
A study by US-based researchers found that great white sharks use highly focused hunting methods, comparable to those of serial criminals. The research used geographic profiling techniques to analyze shark attack data and located the anchor point for younger sharks.
The European Heart Rhythm Association recommends increasing remote monitoring of cardiovascular implantable electronic devices to enhance patient safety and reduce physician workload. This approach allows for immediate identification of device malfunctions and physiological changes, enabling timely interventions and cost-effective care.
Researchers have identified a possible method for eradicating HIV infection by targeting two subsets of memory T-cells where the virus persists. The approach involves combining medications that prevent viral replication with drugs that stop infected cells from dividing.
The European Heart Rhythm Association's (EHRA) White Book reveals significant disparities in arrhythmia treatment across Europe. The book highlights differences in guideline implementation, trained physicians, and implantation rates, with some countries having no reimbursement for ICD or pacemaker therapy.
Scientists re-examined data to discover a flawed statistical model used for calculating dinosaur mass, leading to revised estimates of Apatosaurus louisae at 18 tonnes instead of 38 tonnes. This finding has significant implications for various theories about dinosaur biology.
Patients with Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators (ICDs) are at risk of sudden incapacitation while driving. A new consensus statement recommends driving restrictions based on the type of ICD and individual patient risk. The guidelines aim to balance patients' independence with safety concerns.
A team of Canadian and American researchers have identified a way to treat HIV-AIDS by targeting both viruses in the body and those hiding in immune system cells. This breakthrough opens the door for innovative therapies that differ from current approaches.
Scientists discovered rapamycin's paradoxical effect on immune cells, stimulating memory CD8 T cells to respond faster and stronger to infections. This finding may lead to developing new vaccines with drugs similar to rapamycin.
Long-term endurance sport participation increases the incidence of cardiac arrhythmias, particularly atrial fibrillation. Research efforts are focused on preventing and treating arrhythmias through techniques like CPVA and deconditioning.
A study of a prehistoric Canadian Arctic glacier found it rapidly retreated in just a few hundred years, demonstrating the phenomenon's occurrence. This rapid retreat could lead to sharply rising global sea levels and threaten coastal populations if similar conditions recur today.
Notch signaling plays a crucial role in determining cell fate in fruit flies. A study found that mutations in the WASp gene affect T-cell function, leading to Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome. The researchers suggest that defects in Delta presentation could explain the loss and dysfunction of T-cells in patients with the disorder.
Researchers at Salk Institute discover how obesity triggers diabetes by activating ER stress, leading to abnormal glucose production in the liver. CRTC2 plays a key role in this process, with ATF6a competing for its binding site.
A recent study found that one in five people fall below the poverty line following a partner's death, with women being more at risk. The research highlights the need for better awareness of financial issues and support systems to help bereaved individuals adjust to their new economic situation.
Researchers at UC Davis have received a $750,000 grant to investigate a novel therapeutic target for treating inflammation and diagnosing asthma. The study will use metabolomics to evaluate the effectiveness of soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) inhibitors in asthma treatment.
Pavel Solin will use advanced computational methods to improve reactor simulations and support the design of next-generation reactors. The project aims to prolong the useful life of old reactors and make nuclear energy more efficient.
Research found that DOC losses from tile drains were not affected by crop management practices, but drainage hydrology and manure application played a role. The study highlighted the importance of understanding DOC contributions to surface waters in agricultural watersheds.
The SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics awarded Lukas Burger for his innovative Bayesian network methodology for predicting protein sequences. Julien Roux won the award for his paper on vertebrate genome evolution, which challenged the traditional 'hourglass' model by revealing a strong effect of constraints in early development.
Particulate air pollution during the 2008 Beijing Olympics was twice as high as recent games in Athens and triple that of Atlanta. Despite government efforts to reduce pollution, levels were unacceptable for most dangerous particulate matter 100% of the time, posing serious health risks to athletes and spectators.
Researchers create tiny NEMS resonator and superconducting qubit to probe quantum behavior in ordinary objects. The experiment enables measurements of discrete energy levels predicted by quantum mechanics.
Researchers found that sagebrush plants can communicate danger to their clones by emitting volatile cues, allowing them to avoid being eaten by herbivores. This complex behavior suggests that plants are capable of more sophisticated behavior than previously thought.
The BRIT1 protein enables cellular repair mechanisms to fix damaged DNA by relaxing its packaging. This allows two different DNA repair pathways to access the damage, preventing flawed DNA from being passed on as the cell divides. The study suggests that targeting BRIT1 deficiency could lead to cancer treatment.
Researchers used a combination of an immunotherapeutic agent called MDX-010 or ipilimumab with standardized hormone treatment and radiation therapy to treat advanced prostate cancer. The approach led to significant tumor shrinkage and cancer cell death, allowing surgery in two previously inoperable patients.
Researchers have identified a microbe that can digest d-n-butyl phthalate, a common pollutant found in groundwater, river water, and soil. The microbe's ability to break down phthalates could be used to treat industrial wastewater and prevent environmental pollution.
A recent study published in Cancer Prevention Research found that men with prostate cancer who consumed green tea demonstrated a significant reduction in serum markers predictive of disease progression. The study showed a 30% or greater reduction in levels of hepatocyte growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factor, and prostate-sp...
Researchers uncover evidence that chiles were independently domesticated multiple times from geographically distant wild progenitors, resulting in unique gene pools and important reservoirs of genetic diversity. Domesticated individuals exhibit reduced genetic diversity compared to semiwild populations.
The review article examines various ways nanomaterials interact with biological systems, highlighting the importance of understanding physical and chemical properties for safe use. It presents a roadmap for designing nanoparticle drug-delivery systems with targeted delivery and reducing potential hazardous interactions.
Researchers from Harvard School of Public Health found that tobacco manufacturers altered cigarette ingredients and design without disclosing these changes to consumers. The study suggests that this lack of transparency contributes to the continued harm caused by tobacco products.
The Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation has awarded prestigious fellowships to 17 outstanding postdoctoral scientists conducting innovative cancer research. The fellows will receive $140,000 each to work on projects aimed at improving cancer treatments and diagnostics.
A comprehensive review of studies on young offenders' health highlights the need for prioritizing mental and physical health for successful rehabilitation. The review found that young offenders often experience poor health due to factors such as substance abuse, trauma, and social disadvantage.
A new study by Florida State University researchers found that low river flow can lead to a decrease in phytoplankton concentration on the continental shelf, affecting food availability for young fish larvae. This could have significant implications for offshore fisheries.
Researchers generated a novel kinase-dead mutant mouse of the CaMKII alpha gene that lacks its kinase activity, leading to severe deficits in hippocampal synaptic plasticity and behavioral learning. The findings support the idea that CaMKII alpha kinase activity is essential for memory functions.
A team of scientists used fluorescence technique to find a bacterial protein can shift between two stable structures, one active and the other inactive. The discovery sheds light on how proteins regulate cellular activities through shape-shifting.
Researchers from Queen's University Belfast have developed an antioxidant supplement that may slow down sight loss in elderly people. The CARMA supplement, containing carotenoids and co-antioxidants, was shown to preserve macular pigments and slow down progression from early age-related macular degeneration (AMD) to late AMD.
Researchers at University of Georgia have developed a method to grow molecular wire brushes that conduct electrical charges, a crucial step in developing biological fuel cells. The technique, called 'grafting from,' allows for the creation of ultra-thin films with controlled polymer architecture.
Michigan State University is part of the largest epidemiological study on autism, collecting and analyzing data from nearly 3,000 families to identify factors that may put children at risk for the disease. The study will also explore physical and behavioral characteristics, health conditions, and risk factors associated with autism.
Researchers are exploring various methodologies to meet biofuel needs, including Edenspace Systems' Energy Corn and Coskata's Flex Ethanol technology. These approaches aim to lower fossil fuel reliance and mitigate global warming concerns.
The NOAA report finds that the sanctuary's marine life and habitats are fair to good overall but face emerging threats like marine debris and ocean acidification. The condition report provides a baseline for monitoring changes in sanctuary resources.