Researchers at the London Centre for Nanotechnology have discovered a novel one-dimensional ice chain structure built entirely from pentagons, challenging the long-held assumption that hexagons are the building blocks of ice. This discovery has significant implications for understanding hydrogen bonding at interfaces and may lead to ne...
Scientists have successfully replaced damaged brain tissue in rats with stem cells, filling cavities within 7 days. The new tissue interacts with the host brain and can be gradually replaced by natural processes.
A genetic variant on chromosome 8 is found to occur significantly more frequently in people with cleft lip and palate than in the control group. The study suggests that genes may play a far more important role in the formation of clefts than previously thought.
Researchers at UC San Diego School of Medicine identified CD98hc protein as essential for B lymphocyte division and antibody secretion. The protein supports integrin signaling, which controls cell migration, survival, and proliferation.
Research found similar inflammatory cell distribution among asymptomatic tribals and duodenal ulcer patients, with increased cellular response but lower atrophy risk in tribal groups. The study suggests host factors may provide immunity to H pylori pathogenic effects.
Researchers used RNA interference to suppress MMP-2 expression in pancreatic cancer cells, leading to reduced adhesion and invasion without affecting cell proliferation and apoptosis. This finding suggests that inhibiting MMP-2 via RNA interference could be an effective therapeutic strategy for managing pancreatic tumors.
Researchers found that the omentum increases liver size by 50% after transplantation, suggesting its role in regenerating damaged liver tissue. The study also identified oval cells as the key players in this process, which may be a promising new treatment for liver disease.
Kepler will observe a broad region of the summer-time sky using a photometer to measure the brightness of stars. The mission aims to determine the number of Earth-like planets in the galaxy by watching for tiny flickers in starlight that could indicate a planet passing in front.
A study found that docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) can directly suppress arachidonic acid-induced proliferation of colon carcinoma cells, while also reducing viability. DHA supplementation may be a powerful tool to counteract AA- and PGE2-promoted colon cancer cell growth.
Aminoguanidine reduces pancreatic tumor growth, delays metastasis appearance, and extends mouse survival. The compound's mechanism involves inhibiting nitric oxide synthase, anti-angiogenic effects, and reduced antioxidant enzyme expression.
Researchers discovered evidence of earliest known domestic horses in Kazakhstan, which were both ridden and milked. The findings suggest horse domestication began around 5,500 years ago, earlier than previously thought, and had a significant impact on society.
Scientists have produced amphiphilic hybrid particles consisting of water-insoluble inorganic nanoparticles at the core surrounded by bristle-like layers of hydrophilic polymer chains. The nature of these aggregates depends on the density of polymer
Researchers at Bonn University discovered a critical improvement in treating glioblastoma, the most aggressive and common brain tumor. The combination of two drugs increased average survival time to 23 months, with some patients surviving over four years. Further investigations are needed to optimize this therapy.
The Tobacco Atlas reveals a catastrophic toll of tobacco on global health and economies, with estimated economic costs exceeding $500 billion. The report also highlights the shift in burden from high-income to low- and middle-income countries, where tobacco kills 72% of its victims.
Researchers have developed a microbial-based method to produce artemisinin, the most powerful anti-malarial drug, at lower costs. This technology can restrict access to artemisinin and delay malaria parasite resistance.
Researchers developed a blood test to measure progranulin levels, predicting the risk of frontotemporal dementia (FTD) in patients. A shortage of progranulin leads to brain cell death, causing FTD, and this test can detect it before symptoms appear.
A study by Massachusetts General Hospital found that both Latino and non-Latino women are more likely to accept HPV vaccination for themselves and their children than previously reported. The main motivator for these women is the prevention of cancer, with no association between vaccine acceptance and income or education level.
Researchers at the University of Connecticut have discovered a way to increase the luminescence efficiency of single-walled carbon nanotubes, which could lead to breakthroughs in medical imaging and biological sensors. By wrapping a chemical 'sleeve' around the nanotube, they were able to reduce exterior defects and enhance its ability...
The Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics received an Award of Excellence from the American Society of Association Executives for organizing the Moody's Mega Math Challenge. The challenge inspires high school students to solve real-world problems using computation and modeling skills, with no financial barriers for participation.
A team of University of Washington scientists has uncovered the basis for the strong yet dynamic attachment of spindle fibers to kinetochores, a site on each chromosome that mechanically couples to spindle fibers. This discovery sheds light on how chromosomes are accurately and evenly divided during cell division.
Researchers at the University of Gothenburg have developed a new method to describe and quantify relationships between dose, concentration, and effectiveness of drugs against HIV/AIDS and malaria. The study found that genetic differences can influence efavirenz metabolism and that reducing daily doses can minimize undesired effects.
A recent study has found a strong association between high waist circumference and decreased lung function. The research, analyzing over 120,000 participants, revealed that abdominal obesity is independently associated with impaired lung function, even when accounting for other factors such as smoking history and body mass index.
A new clinical support tool developed by Martin Were and Michael Weiner significantly improves communication between doctors, resulting in better implementation of medical recommendations. The tool reduces errors and saves healthcare dollars by decreasing delays in care and prioritizing specialty treatment.
Penn Vet researchers identified colony stimulating factor 1 (Csf1) as a growth factor that enhances sperm stem cell self-renewal. The study reveals that Leydig cells secrete Csf1, which interacts with the microenvironment to support stem cell function.
Research by Denise Chen reveals that human sweat contains emotional meanings, particularly in ambiguous situations, and modulates vision to detect fear. The study found that exposure to 'fearful' sweat biases women towards interpreting facial expressions as more fearful, especially when emotions are unclear.
Researchers found that curcumin acts as a disciplinarian, inserting itself into cell membranes and making them more orderly. This improves cells' resistance to infection and malignancy by controlling information flow through the membrane.
A survey of US and Canadian pediatric hematopoietic cell transplant physicians found that only 50 out of thousands of transplants involved privately banked cord blood. The respondents generally recommended against private cord blood banking unless a family member is at risk for a blood disease requiring a stem cell transplant.
The event reveals the fundamental connection between humans and plants, showcasing how plant toxins have led to effective medicines. The Festival of Social Science celebrates British social science research, with a focus on the often-overlooked role of plants in our daily lives.
A new study found that a simplified treatment program using experienced nurses, home ambulatory diagnosis, and auto-titrating CPAP machines is not inferior to the traditional model. The program saved patients $722 per patient, but did not compromise on care or outcomes.
Engineers at UCLA have successfully harnessed 'rogue' laser waves to produce brighter, more stable white light sources. The new technology reduces fluctuations by at least 90% and decreases energy needed by 25%. This breakthrough could pave the way for better clocks, faster cameras, and more powerful radar and communications technologies.
A new study reveals that Canada's MRI wait lists are severely managed, with inadequate prioritization and quality assurance processes in place. The research emphasizes the need for standardized processes to track and manage the appropriateness of MRI scans, ensuring equitable access and rapid treatment for patients who truly need them.
Researchers find that decreased PPAR activity may cause irreversible lung damage and pulmonary hypertension in children with heart defects. Boosting PPAR signaling with existing drugs could help restore healthy blood vessel balance and prevent disease.
Researchers have rediscovered a dormant human gene, IRGM, which was thought to be extinct for millions of years. The study, published in PLOS Genetics, reveals that the gene was resurrected through a complex series of structural events, suggesting its potential importance in fighting new or resistant infectious agents.
Researchers at Penn State developed a solar-powered process converting carbon dioxide to methane using titania nanotubes, achieving a 20-times higher yield than previous attempts. The method uses dual catalysts coated on the nanotubes, resulting in significant hydrocarbon production.
Researchers at UT Southwestern used a computer-based tool to analyze millions of abstracts and found nearly 70,000 highly similar citations. Journal editors' reactions to the investigation revealed varying attitudes towards dealing with plagiarism, with some admitting to having borrowed previously published material.
A study published in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs found that older adults perform worse on visual-motor coordination tasks after moderate alcohol consumption. The researchers suggest that this is due to a disassociation between perceptions of ability and actual capabilities, which may be more pronounced in older adults.
Mobile phone handsets used by hospital workers are highly contagious with bacteria, including MRSA, and can lead to infections ranging from skin complaints to life-threatening illness. The study recommends strict infection-control procedures and decontamination methods to prevent the spread of infection.
A study by Children's Hospital of Philadelphia found that improved physician education increases prescription rates of emergency contraception pills for adolescents, reducing unintended pregnancy rates. The study identified five common barriers to prescribing ECPs, including lack of patient follow-up and concerns about birth defects.
A clinical trial involving over 3,000 women found a vaginal microbicide gel to be 30% effective in preventing HIV infection in women. The study, known as HPTN 035, demonstrated promise for an HIV prevention method that women can initiate.
Scientists at Whitehead Institute have successfully removed cancer-causing genes from human skin cells reprogrammed into embryonic-stem-cell-like state, creating patient-specific stem cells. These cells can be matured into dopamine-producing neurons, which degenerate in Parkinson's disease patients.
Scientists propose that rapid sea level rises over the past 5 million years led to habitat compression, causing species extinction locally. A study of 325 mammal species mapped their ranges across the peninsula, revealing a 600-kilometer gap with 30% fewer species than expected.
Research identifies elderly patients with multiple cardiovascular risk factors as higher risk for stroke and heart attack after IVIg treatment, while those with fewer risk factors have lower likelihood. The study provides guidance for physicians counseling patients on IVIg treatment risks.
Researchers discovered that mosquitoes use proteins called LRIM1 and APL1C to detect and destroy malaria parasites. The study found that 80-90% of parasites are killed, but only a few manage to evade detection, allowing the disease to be transmitted to humans.
Researchers found that controlling parents may inadvertently encourage their children to eat more, especially boys, as they seek larger portion sizes of sweetened cereal at daycare. Parents are advised to provide moderate portions and let children decide if they want additional servings.
Researchers develop a mathematical model for cloaking objects using metamaterials, which can bend light waves around regions to create an 'invisible' space. This technology has potential applications in secure communication, medical procedures, and even three-dimensional television screens.
Researchers used computer modeling to reconstruct a 1100km subducted tectonic plate and found a connection between New Caledonia and northern New Zealand. The discovery provides evidence of a geographical link between the two islands at that time, shedding light on evolution in the region.
A new study published in Academic Emergency Medicine found that African-American patients wait about an hour longer for hospital beds than patients of other races. The findings suggest that disparities in emergency department length of stay may explain some of the poorer health outcomes seen in black populations.
A short course of radiation therapy followed by high-quality surgery is the most effective treatment for patients with operable rectal cancer. Recent trials have shown a reduction in local recurrence with radiotherapy and chemotherapy before or after surgery.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have compiled a list of 93 common HIV mutations associated with drug resistance to track the spread of the virus. The updated list is based on data from over 15,000 patients and will be used globally to gauge the effectiveness of HIV medication programs.
Scientists developed a method to measure the transport of therapeutic genes through the body using magnetic nanoparticles. The technology significantly increases gene transfer efficiency compared to non-magnetic methods, with potential for targeted cell delivery.
The IBEX spacecraft is mapping the outer solar system using ENA imaging, creating global maps of interactions between the solar wind and interstellar medium. Researchers will study this region to address challenges facing manned exploration, including galactic cosmic ray radiation.
Researchers used transparent zebrafish to study atherosclerosis development, revealing plaque buildup in blood vessels. The study showed that ezetimibe significantly improved vascular wall thickness and barrier function.
Scientists at Johns Hopkins Medicine used genome scanning to locate a mutation in the PALB2 gene, responsible for initiating hereditary pancreatic cancer. The discovery highlights the value of personalized genome sequencing in identifying disease-causing mutations.
The Amazon Rainforest's drought sensitivity is a growing concern due to climate change, threatening both nature and people. The study reveals that increasing drought can cause irreparable damage to the jungle and its carbon-sequestration abilities.
Biomanufacturers are developing fully disposable bioprocess streams to minimize validation studies, sterilization, and cleaning procedures. Companies like GE Healthcare and Pall offer disposable products that reduce inventory costs and improve flexibility in bioprocessing.
The Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine's Malaria in Pregnancy Consortium has been awarded €3.6 million to research optimizing the use of an antimalarial drug given to prevent malaria in pregnancy in Africa. The project aims to determine whether pregnant women need a different dose of the SP drug due to changes during pregnancy.
A recent study found that older adults who consume moderate amounts of alcohol perform worse on cognitive tests than their younger counterparts, despite similar blood alcohol levels. The researchers suggest that this is due to factors other than age-related declines in cognitive skills, such as changes in how alcohol affects individuals.
A new study found that over 60% of pancreases from children with type 1 diabetes showed evidence of enteroviral infection, suggesting a potential link between viruses and the disease. The research suggests that enteroviral infection may trigger an immune response that destroys beta cells in the pancreas.
Research suggests that ecological and evolutionary factors can buffer some species against climate change, with rapid adaptation playing a critical role. The study of the pea aphid shows that bacteria living symbiotically within the aphids can confer heat tolerance, influencing population responses to environmental changes.
A recent study by Robert Tai at the University of Virginia found that students who focus on mastering a single topic in-depth tend to outperform those who cover more topics superficially. The research suggests that teaching fewer topics with greater depth is a more effective way to prepare students for success in college science classes.