Researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory demonstrate a novel approach to assemble cells into three-dimensional, multicellular microtissues. By controlling cellular connections, they can create tissues with sophisticated properties, such as the stem-cell niche.
The American Board of Medical Specialties approves a new subspecialty in Advanced Heart Failure and Transplant Cardiology, which will provide high-level care for patients with worsening heart failure. The first certified cardiologists will be trained by 2010, offering improved treatment options and outcomes for heart failure patients.
The discovery of the earliest known evidence of horse domestication suggests that horses were both ridden and milked. This finding points to the origins of horse breeds we know today, with a possible date of around 5,500 years ago in Kazakhstan.
Scientists at McMaster University have identified a key communication pathway that triggers stem cells to specialize and become blood cells in humans. The noncanonical Wnt pathway works by organizing cells to respond to signals for blood development, providing an efficient way to produce blood cells.
Leading scientists issue a challenge to find a way to purge latent HIV infection and eliminate the need for chronic therapy. A drug-free remission goal requires understanding of persistent infection reservoirs and combination approaches.
Researchers recorded moth brain activity as they smelled individual chemicals from sacred datura flowers. Only nine chemicals provoked a neural response, but all nine were necessary for the moths to fly to and feed on the flowers. This study provides insight into how insects process smells and may apply to human olfactory perception.
A new study reveals that standard brain tumor treatment may increase the number of cancer stem-like cells, making patients more vulnerable to tumor recurrence. Researchers found that a common chemotherapy drug, temozolomide, increases the aggressiveness of surviving cancer cells.
Researchers have determined the structure of a protein within its natural environment, Escherichia coli, for the first time using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. This milestone advances our understanding of molecular biology and opens new avenues for investigating protein interactions in living systems.
Scientists identified seven new species of bamboo coral, potentially representing entirely new genera. The discoveries highlight the importance of deep-sea corals supporting diverse ecosystems and their vulnerability to ocean acidification.
The LIFE research project is the world's largest study on children's health and well-being, focusing on a new Nordic diet to address obesity-related issues. The five-year project aims to strengthen public health by introducing a regional food concept in schools and families.
A team of researchers, led by Dr. Robert Koenekoop, has discovered a new gene associated with Leber congenital amaurosis and retinitis pigmentosa, two devastating forms of childhood blindness. The SPATA7 gene identifies a crucial metabolic disease pathway and opens a new avenue for potential genetic therapies.
A study led by Caltech economists found that market forces can incentivize more people to solve problems and collaborate, unlike traditional patent systems. In experiments, participants were given shares of items to pack into a knapsack, allowing them to benefit financially from solving parts of the problem.
A CU-Boulder research team has identified a type of skeletal muscle stem cell that contributes to the repair of damaged muscles in mice. The newly identified stem cells, dubbed satellite-SP cells, renew the satellite cell population after injection into injured muscle cells, contributing to recovery of muscle tissue.
Researchers have discovered a new pathway that prompts stem cells to specialize into blood cells, providing hope for regenerating the blood system in patients with leukemia or undergoing cancer treatments. The Canadian Cancer Society funded this research, which could lead to more efficient production of blood cells.
A study analyzing the periodontal health of 940 men found that regular green tea drinkers had superior periodontal health than those who consumed less. The antioxidants present in green tea may help reduce inflammation and promote healthy gums and teeth.
Research from Tel Aviv University found that people with type 2 diabetes are 1.5 times more likely to experience cognitive decline and 1.6 times more likely to suffer from dementia than those without the condition. Higher blood glucose levels may contribute to this relationship.
Research found that receiving unemployment benefits reduces both economic and psychological stress, leading to healthier behaviors. The study suggests that financial support during times of job instability is crucial in mitigating negative health effects.
Researchers at University of Michigan propose a plan to save up to 75 percent of data center energy by implementing PowerNap, which puts idle servers to sleep, and RAILS, a more efficient power supplying technique. The approach addresses the significant energy waste in data centers, where computers spend most of their time doing nothing.
Scientists have mapped large rock formations in the United States that can absorb CO2, potentially increasing carbon sequestration at a faster pace. The ultramafic rocks contain minerals that react naturally with carbon dioxide to form solid minerals, offering a new technology to store heat-trapping carbon dioxide.
Researchers at Weill Cornell Medical College discovered that chloroquine is a highly active inhibitor of infection by Hendra and Nipah viruses. The drug blocks the action of cathepsin L, an enzyme essential for virus growth and maturation.
Researchers at NYU College of Dentistry have been awarded a five-year grant to investigate the cooperative interactions between HIV viruses that aid in replication and disease persistence. The team aims to understand how these interactions speed up virus evolution, which could lead to new ways of slowing or stopping HIV replication.
Uppsala University is expanding its operations to provide researchers with a powerful system for large-scale compute and storage of data, revolutionizing biomedical research on public-health disorders. The new technology will help identify mutations that cause disease and develop targeted drugs.
Scientists from the University of Cambridge discovered four rare genetic mutations that reduce the risk of developing type 1 diabetes, a link between T1D and enterovirus infections established. The IFIH1 gene variants were found to protect against T1D by reducing immune activation caused by enterovirus infections.
Ecologists suggest providing heat sources to hibernating bats to reduce energy expenditure and survival rates, which could help save affected populations. The proposed measure has shown promising results in a mathematical simulation, with mortality levels dropping to as little as 8 percent.
Researchers at Duke University found that buckyballs can hinder bacterial accumulation on water membranes, leading to a potential cost savings of 50% in membrane replacements. This attribute makes buckyballs a promising anti-fouling agent for addressing one of the major problems and costs of treating water.
Researchers found that cells' ability to sense glucose presence is key to lifespan extension. Decreasing glucose levels increased yeast cell lifespan, while eliminating glucose sensor significantly boosted it.
Heidelberg cardiologists have discovered a single amino acid mutation that can severely limit heart function in zebrafish, a model similar to the human genome. The researchers hope to develop new therapies for patients with cardiac insufficiency by targeting this mutation.
A recent study on vitamin C treatment in cancer has been disputed by a nutrition expert due to the use of oxidized form of vitamin C and toxic doses. Contrasting findings suggest that high-dose vitamin C may have beneficial effects on cancer cells, tumor cell death, and postsurgical healing.
A team of experts at WPI has launched a three-year study to examine the impact of implementing electronic medical records (EMRs) on primary care providers, patients, and healthcare operations. The study focuses on four diverse sites in the US, Canada, and Israel, analyzing how organizations adapt to new systems and tools.
A groundbreaking study by MSU researchers has pinpointed four major factors that make up the total experience: benefit, convenience, price, and environment. This knowledge can help businesses allocate resources to enhance the customer experience and gain a competitive advantage.
A 30-year study reveals that drought causes massive carbon loss in tropical forests, mainly through killing trees, posing significant threat to climate change mitigation. The Amazon forest absorbs nearly 2 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide annually but lost more than 3 billion tonnes during the 2005 drought.
Researchers have developed a world-first procedure to regrow muscles in a mouse model, which could be applied to human tissue-based illnesses such as liver or brain diseases. The technique strengthens adult stem cells' ability to regenerate damaged tissue by making them resistant to chemotherapy.
A new model for treating childhood and adolescent obesity involves a stepwise intervention strategy, increasing intensity from medical management to bariatric surgery. Family involvement is crucial for successful weight loss, with parents taking an active role in nutritional and lifestyle modifications.
The GOES-O satellite has arrived at the Kennedy Space Center for final pre-launch testing, targeting a launch on April 28. The satellite will provide enhanced weather monitoring and forecast operations with improved image resolution and navigation accuracy.
MIT researchers create nanostitching to reinforce aerospace materials, resulting in 10 times stronger skins and over a million times more conductive properties. Carbon nanotubes are used to stitch together materials, improving bulk multifunctional properties with minimal cost increase.
A study found that nearly one-fifth of trauma patients have incidental CT findings, associated with age, injury severity score, and mechanism of injury. The study highlights the need for physicians to pay attention to detail in diagnosing and managing these findings.
Patients with severe asthma suffering from persistent eosinophilia show significant improvement in symptoms after receiving mepolizumab injections. The treatment reduces the need for prednisone and decreases eosinophil counts, offering new hope for managing this debilitating condition.
Researchers at Emory University School of Medicine discovered that immune cells from patients with rheumatoid arthritis have trouble turning on the enzyme that replenishes telomeres, leading to premature aging. This finding suggests that restoring defective telomerase could help 'reset' the immune system in rheumatoid arthritis.
Researchers at Rush University Medical Center identified a key immunological defense reaction to metal debris in joint replacement devices, causing loosening of components and early failure. This study found that inflammation is triggered by localized immune reactions to tiny particles of debris released from worn-out implants.
A University of Utah study finds that women in troubled marriages are more likely to experience depression, high blood pressure, and obesity, which can increase the risk of heart disease. In contrast, men in strained marriages do not face an increased risk of metabolic syndrome, a group of risk factors for heart disease.
Researchers in Singapore have identified three specific biomarkers that accurately indicate the severity of Chikungunya fever, which can be easily detected in blood samples. These findings enable quicker and more accurate prognosis for infected patients, distinguishing CHIKF from dengue fever.
A genetic link has been identified between cats and humans for two forms of retinitis pigmentosa, a disease causing blindness. Researchers found that cats with specific mutations can be used to test the efficiency of gene therapy for both humans and animals.
The Lancet Series on Health in The Occupied Palestinian Territory highlights the urgent health struggle of mothers and children in the OPT. Despite high fertility rates, infant mortality has not decreased since 1990, and interventions require a functioning health system for effective delivery.
A new technique called stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) has been shown to significantly improve survival rates for early-stage lung cancer patients, with a median survival range of over 32 months. The treatment doubles the odds of surviving and can even cure at least half of the patients, offering hope without the need for surgery.
A University of Illinois study found that a moderately high protein diet outperforms low-carb diets for weight loss and maintenance. Participants on the protein-rich diet lost more body fat and preserved muscle mass, reducing triglyceride levels and improving overall health.
Recent studies using pure fructose are misinterpreted due to its absence of glucose, a critical factor in human diet. High fructose corn syrup and sugar have equal sweetenss and calorie content, with no meaningful difference in metabolism.
Researchers at UTMB discovered that DMPA users gained an average of 11 pounds and increased their body fat by 3.4 percent over three years. Nonhormonal contraception reversed this weight gain, with women losing nearly four pounds over two years.
A new study by the University of Toronto found that believers show less activity in the anterior cingulate cortex when making errors, resulting in fewer mistakes. This suggests that religious belief has a calming effect on anxiety and stress, allowing individuals to perform better in tasks requiring cognitive control.
Rice University researchers found that pockets of ancient water may still exist under Olympus Mons due to the presence of clay sediments. This could provide a habitable environment for thermophilic organisms, which thrive near geothermal vents on Earth.
Children with childhood obsessive and compulsive symptoms are six times more likely to suffer from an obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) as adults, according to a new study. Researchers analyzed data from the Dunedin Study, which tracked participants' psychological variables from childhood to adulthood.
A commonly used questionnaire for measuring quality of life in ADPKD patients is not sensitive enough to detect physical and mental problems. The study found links between patient characteristics and physical scores, but no significant difference in quality of life scores compared to the general population.
A study found that increased waist circumference and body mass index are associated with a higher risk of primary knee and hip joint replacement. Obesity is recognized as the most important modifiable risk factor for osteoarthritis.
In the occupied Palestinian territory (OPT), chronic diseases such as heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer are leading causes of death. The Palestinian National Authority's response has been limited due to military occupation and its consequences on the healthcare system.
Researchers are developing a computer model to analyze the behavior and customs of political and cultural groups to predict potential conflicts and facilitate peaceful resolution. The model, known as ATRAP, uses three-dimensional maps to identify relationships and affiliations between groups, enabling analysts to compute equilibrium so...
A new study by Kaiser Permanente researchers found that chronic kidney disease independently increases the risk of ischemic stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation. Kidney function may provide an additional clue about how to best assess stroke risk and decide upon the best prevention strategy for patients with AF.
Researchers are exploring various factors that contribute to glaucoma, including the role of glial cells, mitochondria, and immune response. The report highlights potential approaches for neuroprotection, such as targeting mitochondrial events and manipulating the immune system to repair neural tissue.
A new study published in the FASEB Journal reveals that a gene in the blind mole rat, which allows it to thrive in low-oxygen environments, is also active in human tumors. This discovery could lead to the development of new anti-cancer drugs that 'suffocate' tumors.
A new study shows sonohysterography as an effective diagnostic tool for women with adenomyosis, improving detection rates and reducing errors in interpretation. The technique helps identify specific signs of the condition, such as 'myometrial cracks,' which were previously difficult to characterize on standard ultrasound.
The Australia-China Research Centre aims to reduce the number of base stations required in wireless networks, thereby lowering their environmental impact. The centre will focus on advanced antenna technologies and signal processing algorithms for next-generation broadband wireless communications networks.
A University of Missouri researcher found that perceived educational barriers predict Mexican-American students' educational aspirations more than other factors. The study identified strategies for school counselors and professionals to help students overcome these barriers and achieve their goals.