The University of Minnesota's Daily newspaper has launched a Facebook application that tests new strategies to engage young people in current events and build community. The app aims to provide a future business model for media organizations and generate real-world impact through online social network sites like Facebook.
Researchers found that meat ants are more effective at killing and eating cane toads than native frogs, providing a potential solution to controlling the spread of this alien species in tropical Australia. Cane toads' poor escape abilities make them vulnerable to meat ants' attacks.
The Ocean State Clinical Coordinating Center at Rhode Island Hospital will oversee a Phase II study of CytoFab to treat severe sepsis. The center, led by Dr. Steven LaRosa, has been awarded $800,000 to coordinate the trial's international sites.
The International Association for Dental Research (IADR) has awarded C. E. Semino with the JDR Cover of the Year Award for his paper on self-assembling peptides and their potential in bone regeneration. The award recognizes aesthetically pleasing and scientifically novel images that enhance research impact.
The study found that treatment with cediranib reduced edema and improved survival in mice with glioblastoma tumors. Mice receiving the drug lived significantly longer than controls, despite continued tumor growth.
Scientists have identified a set of genes involved in orienting Eastern North American monarch butterflies' internal 'sun compass' and driving their 4000km migration to Mexico. The research reveals seasonal changes in genomic function help define the migratory state, independent of juvenile hormone activity.
Professor Geoffrey Gadd's research explores how microbes interact with metals and minerals, degrading ammunition and transforming pollutants. His work has significant implications for environmental biotechnology and nuclear decommissioning.
A new study published in PNAS reveals that Trichodesmium separates its carbon and nitrogen fixation processes by time, with the process switching between the two every day. The stunning images obtained using advanced imaging technology show where the fixed nitrogen is stored within a cell and how it changes over time.
A new study compares careers and long-term occupational success of individuals with congenital heart disease to the general population. Men are less likely to be employed full-time than part-time, while female patients show fewer differences in employment patterns.
Researchers have developed a new generation of natural antibiotics using bioengineering, targeting harmful micro-organisms like MRSA and Listeria monocytogenes. These enhanced nisin variants possess greater activities against clinical pathogens and could become acceptable alternatives to current antimicrobials.
A new Georgia State University study found that police officers with a higher ability to multitask are less likely to shoot unarmed persons when feeling threatened during video simulations. Officers with lower working memory capacity and high negative emotionality were more likely to make shooting decisions.
Researchers discovered a significant link between schizophrenia and type 2 diabetes in a study of 50 people newly-diagnosed with schizophrenia. The study found that 16% of participants had either diabetes or abnormal glucose metabolism rates.
A new theory suggests that massive emissions of halogenated gases from giant salt lakes at the end of the Permian Age contributed to the world's largest mass extinction. The researchers calculated that these emissions could have caused catastrophic effects on vegetation, leading to irreparable damage.
A healthy diet is linked to a reduced risk of colon cancer due to the growth of beneficial gut bacteria that produce short-chain fatty acids. The composition of diet directly influences the diversity of microbes in the gut, with complex carbohydrates supporting good bacterial populations.
The Cancer Genomics Browser is a web-based tool that enables researchers to find patterns in large-scale cancer studies, identifying genetic signatures for predicting therapy responses. By analyzing clinical and genomic data, researchers can gain insights into the complex genetic roots of cancer, leading to improved treatment outcomes.
Researchers design a lock-like molecule that controls blood clotting based on exposure to light. The biological hardware could be used to prevent the formation of tiny blood vessels that feed tumors, and also release drugs only on diseased cells or organs. This technology has potential applications in cancer treatment and drug delivery.
A new study published in the Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin found that teams with a 'socially distinct newcomer' are more likely to solve problems successfully. The key factor is not the newcomer's skills or knowledge, but their ability to shake up the group dynamic and create discomfort among team members.
Scientists studying a mysterious neurological affliction in cats discovered a key ability of the central nervous system to repair itself. Recovery was achieved through remyelination, where previously demyelinated axons became restored with thin but functional myelin sheaths.
Researchers at the University of Leicester have identified a single gene responsible for controlling plant growth responses to high temperatures, which could significantly impact crop production as global warming increases. The study found that mutant plants deficient in the regulatory protein PIF4 display reduced growth and biomass.
According to evolutionary biologist Alan Walker, human fine motor control limits strength compared to chimps. Humans use fewer muscle fibers for tasks, while chimps use more due to less motor neuron control. This allows humans to conserve energy and perform delicate tasks, but may also limit their physical endurance.
The study found that administering eptifibatide in the emergency room or during procedures to open blocked arteries does not significantly affect patient outcomes for those at high risk of complications after a heart attack. Researchers also noted an association between earlier use of eptifibatide and non-life-threatening bleeding.
Researchers have sequenced the genome of the human body louse, revealing a fragmented mitochondrial genome consisting of 18 minichromosomes. This discovery challenges our understanding of animal DNA structure and raises questions about its evolution and potential benefits.
Researchers have developed new powerful software that reduces the time it takes to process brain mapping data from decades to a few months. This technology allows scientists to build brain maps from their desktops, enabling the exploration of traumatic brain injury, neurodegenerative diseases, and epilepsy.
A study from Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School found that low-income families with children who have chronic conditions are more likely to be enrolled in high-deductible health plans. The study analyzed data from 839 families who were switched from traditional plans to high-deductible plans, revealing a higher perce...
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center discovered a missing enzyme that can resist the normal effects of a heart attack, allowing mice to retain nearly normal heart function. The findings suggest a potential therapy for stimulating blood vessel growth and preventing future attacks.
Research found that parasitic infection reduces immunity to future cholera infections and compromises vaccine effectiveness. Helminth-infected patients had lower IgA antibodies, indicating a weakened immune system.
Two-year-olds with autism lack selective attention to human movements, instead focusing on physically synchronous sounds and motion. Researchers tracked eye movements of children with and without autism while watching cartoon animations, revealing a key difference in how they process social cues.
Andreas Niklas, a University of Regensburg Medical School student, has won the prestigious fellowship for his proposal on developing an in vivo optical measurement device. The $2,500 prize is supported by an endowment created by late IADR President David B. Scott's wife.
Researchers examine the effectiveness of individualized instruction and observational tools to improve reading skills in fourth- and fifth-grade classrooms. Classroom observations and teacher logs are found to be reliable and valid methods for measuring instruction, with potential benefits for future research studies.
Researchers at UCL Eastman Dental Institute have developed a light-activated antibacterial coating that can kill 99.9% of E. coli bacteria when exposed to white light. The coating, made of titanium dioxide with added nitrogen, has shown promise in reducing hospital-acquired infections.
A new paper by academics from Scotland and the US explores Brazil's role in changing global AIDS policy and promoting widespread access to AIDS treatment. Brazil's successful HIV/AIDS treatment program is considered a model for other developing countries.
The 2009 William J. Gies Awards recognize outstanding papers published in the Journal of Dental Research. The awards were presented to E. Scheller et al., S. Paris et al., and A.E. Sanders et al. for their work on Wnt/β-catenin, resin infiltration, and psychological stress mediation in tooth loss.
Researchers found that treating patients with their own bone marrow stem cells after a heart attack increased circulation within the heart. The study showed that higher doses of cells led to greater improvement in blood flow, but results for cardiac function were not significant.
The Naval Research Laboratory has successfully demonstrated a hydrogen-powered fuel cell design for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), which can travel farther and carry heavier payloads than earlier battery-powered designs. The Ion Tiger UAV achieves stealthy characteristics, reducing noise, low heat signature, and zero emissions.
Researchers at the University of Leeds have discovered that C. elegans worms can exhibit both swimming and crawling behaviors, challenging the long-held assumption that these are distinct gaits. The study's findings suggest that a single underlying nervous system mechanism controls a range of locomotion behaviors.
Researchers propose using intrahepatic transplantation of hepatic oval cells to treat fulminant hepatic failure. Studies show that this approach improves liver function and increases survival rates in rats.
Rising temperatures and mild winters have led to increased outbreaks of bluetongue and other insect-transmitted viruses in European livestock, with devastating consequences for ruminants. The UK successfully suppressed a major outbreak in 2008, but new virus types pose ongoing threats to the region.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that mothers of multiples have a 43% increased risk of moderate to severe depressive symptoms nine months after giving birth. Only 27% of mothers with depressive symptoms reported seeking professional help.
A new research study found that satisfaction, organizational commitment, autonomy, opportunities for promotion, and fewer outside job opportunities positively affect new nurse retention. High workload and organizational constraints decreased satisfaction and commitment.
A new Harvard Medical School study reveals that infants who experience rapid weight gain in the first six months of life are at a higher risk of developing obesity by age three. The research suggests that early interventions may help prevent long-term health consequences.
A novel framework reconstructs neural networks with high-throughput tools, accelerating brain mapping and enabling global collaboration. The technology enables the creation of terabyte-scale volumes and gigabyte-scale mosaics, providing a blueprint for healthy neural tissues.
Researchers investigated kinship ties in alpine wood ant colonies and found that breeding was limited to specific clusters, with individuals within clusters more related to each other. The study suggests that queens often move to breed within their cluster, while males are more mobile and contribute to male-biased gene flow.
A clinical study found that a combination of steroids and antihistamines can alleviate Plavix allergy symptoms in 88% of patients, enabling them to continue treatment. The study's findings have significant implications for cardiac patients with stents, who require long-term Plavix use.
A recent study by Penn State researchers suggests that several statistical methods used to detect natural selection at the molecular level are faulty. This has implications for the interpretation of hundreds of published studies on human evolution and the role of natural selection in shaping human traits.
Researchers at Caltech develop a targeted cancer therapy using a gallium corrole that can detect and eliminate breast cancer tumors in mice, with fewer side effects than traditional treatments. The therapy shows promise for treating aggressive HER2+ breast cancers with lower toxicity.
A study found that removing a protective protein called STAT5 from liver cells leads to an overabundance of TGFbeta, a damage-inducing protein. This results in the activation of a cancer-promoting protein, STAT3, which can promote tumor growth.
Researchers have successfully interrupted the transmission of river blindness in Escuintla, Guatemala, one of the largest endemic areas in the Western Hemisphere. This achievement marks an important victory in the campaign to eliminate the devastating disease, with eight out of 13 endemic study areas having already ended transmission.
A polypill containing a statin, aspirin, and three blood pressure-lowering drugs significantly reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure in healthy individuals. The formulation also lowered LDL cholesterol, heart rate, and urinary 11-dehydrothromboxane B2, but to a lesser extent than with individual components alone.
A study by University of Illinois professor Robert Motl found that caffeine reduces muscle pain during high-intensity exercise in both caffeine-naïve individuals and habitual users. The study suggests that pain during exercise may not show tolerance effects to caffeine.
Researchers at UW-Madison have found a safe and acceptable protein option for people with phenylketonuria (PKU), allowing them to liberalize their diet. The GMP protein derived from whey has been shown to improve protein metabolism and lower blood phenylalanine levels.
A study reveals nearly two-thirds of children receiving routine interventional cardiology procedures may be treated with off-label pediatric cardiac devices due to lack of regulatory oversight. The devices were used for approved purposes in 63% of patients, with stent implantations being 99% off-label.
A study by Purdue University scientist Joseph Garner suggests treating mice as individuals instead of standardizing them can decrease false positive test results, ultimately reducing the cost of drug development. This approach could also benefit animal welfare by using fewer mice and eliminating unnecessary testing.
A Montana State University master's graduate is working with doctors at Vanderbilt Medical Center to build a handheld laser microscope that can detect skin cancer more accurately. The device uses laser light to form an image of the skin's cellular structure and compare it to a database of known cancers.
Scientists have identified a new role for lung epithelial cells in detecting airborne antigens and triggering allergic responses. The discovery suggests that targeting Toll-like receptors may lead to novel treatments for asthma and other allergic diseases.
Arno G. Motulsky, a pioneer in medical genetics, was awarded the inaugural ACMG Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award for his outstanding leadership and contributions to the field. The award recognizes his work as a founder of pharmacogenetics and his impact on training generations of geneticists.
Researchers found that within-household transmission of trachoma is more efficient than community transmission, accounting for almost three quarters of new infections. Treating all infected household members during mass antibiotic administration can prevent rapid re-infection and slow community spread.
Researchers at the University of Southern California have created a new type of supercapacitor that is both transparent and flexible, allowing for potential applications in 'e-paper' displays and conformable products. The device stores an energy density of 1.29 Watt-hour/kilogram, significantly higher than conventional capacitors.
A recent study published in the Journal of Cell Biology found that Vangl2, a protein involved in planar cell polarity, controls asymmetrical cell division and developmental fate of progenitor neurons. In Vangl2-lacking mouse embryos, large numbers of early-born neurons were observed, suggesting premature differentiation.
Scientists are conducting airborne field campaigns in the Arctic to study Greenland and Iceland ice sheets and their sea ice and glaciers. NASA's ICESat spacecraft is also completing a seasonal survey of the world's ice sheets to gauge changes in ice thickness and mass.
A catheter-based technique deactivates nerves in the kidneys, reducing blood pressure and offering a new treatment option for patients with resistant hypertension. The study found significant blood-pressure reduction in treated patients, while non-treated patients experienced an increase in blood pressure.
Researchers led by William Krabill are flying over Greenland to measure ice sheet and glacier thickness, using a combination of laser and radar instruments. The mission aims to update measurements from the Ice, Cloud and land Elevation Satellite (ICESat) and provide critical data on the future behavior of the Greenland ice sheet.
Research suggests melatonin can decrease hepatic fibrosis scores, reduce serum markers of fibrogenesis, and alleviate oxidative stress. The study provides a basis for further investigation into the protective effects of melatonin on liver function in cirrhotic patients.
A team of Penn State engineers discovered that microbes can directly convert carbon dioxide and water to methane using electricity, producing a self-sustaining process. This breakthrough could lead to a portable energy source with a low carbon footprint if powered by renewable energy.
A Tanzanian study found that using larvicides to complement existing malaria interventions can dramatically reduce malaria risk, especially in urban areas. The approach is cost-effective and could help control the disease in cities where it poses a significant problem.
Research team investigates effect of TGF-beta 1 on intestinal fibroblast migration and differentiation. Short-term incubation enhances migration, while long-term treatment reduces it, with increased FN production.
Dr. Fujio Miura receives the 2009 IADR Distinguished Service Award for his dedication to promoting JADR/IADR membership among young researchers in Japan, leading to significant growth in both Associations. The award recognizes his outstanding service and contributions to advancing dental research worldwide.
A UCSF research team has developed a technique to diagnose melanoma by measuring differences in levels of genetic markers, with a success rate higher than 90 percent. The new strategy distinguished between benign and malignant skin lesions, shedding light on difficult-to-diagnose cases.
A study found a strong association between birth defects and increased pesticide levels in surface water across the US, particularly for women conceiving in April to July. Elevated pesticide concentrations coincided with peak birth defect rates, suggesting a potential link between pesticide exposure and birth defects.
A Stanford study reveals that HLA molecules, crucial for immune function, also contribute to brain circuits involved in learning and memory. The absence of these molecules can enhance motor learning but may compromise other learning abilities.
Dr. Mirela Shinohara, a young researcher from Brazil, has been awarded the 2009 Toshio Nakao Fellowship by IADR. The fellowship supports her training and experience in dental materials science at a center of excellence. IADR is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing research and improving oral health worldwide.
Research reveals that specific HCV genotype 4a mutations affect treatment outcomes, with a higher frequency of mutations associated with sustained viral response. The study identifies potential targets for developing new assays to predict treatment efficacy.
A new web-based CME course created by PharmedOut aims to educate physicians about the many ways pharmaceutical companies attempt to influence their knowledge of drugs and prescribing behavior. The 'Pharmalyzer' course provides compelling evidence to illustrate the influence of marketing, including disease branding and detailing tactics.
A study published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology found that CT colonography detected extracolonic lesions in 57.8% of subjects, with highly significant lesions present in 8.7% and low significant lesions in 55.2%. Factors such as age, sex, symptoms, and contrast use were associated with detection of more significant lesions.
A study published in the journal Pain found oxycodone to be an effective treatment for acute shingles pain, with patients experiencing a significant reduction in pain levels. The medication was more than twice as effective as a placebo in reducing pain, making it a promising option for treating this debilitating condition.
A study of nearly 1,500 newborns found seasonal occurrences of Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome, with peaks between April and July, suggesting environmental factors may contribute to the disease.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have identified a gene linked to lupus, IRAK1, located on the X chromosome. This discovery may help explain why females are 10 times more susceptible to the disease than males.
A Kansas State University research team is exploring the use of native southern African plants in veterinary medicine. They have documented 18 regions where these plants are used to treat various animal health issues, including intestinal parasites and wounds.
Professor Juliet Compston has received the IBMS John G. Haddad, Jr. Award for her significant contributions to clinical research in bone and mineral metabolism. Her work focuses on metabolic bone disease, osteoporosis, and the effects of glucocorticoids on bone health.
Researchers found that nitrous oxide production rates in small stream sediments are linked to nitrate availability. The study suggests that management efforts to reduce nitrous oxide production should focus on limiting nitrate transport to stream ecosystems.
A study found 46 different species of bacteria in newborn babies' stomach contents, including two not typically found in the body. Improved dental hygiene may help reduce pregnancy complications and infections in newborns
Researchers at Oregon State University found that lipoic acid supplements can significantly reduce triglyceride levels in laboratory rats, lowering them by up to 60 percent. This natural compound may offer a new way to lower blood triglycerides and reduce the risk of atherosclerosis.
Congressman Mike Simpson has received an honorary membership from AADR for his long-standing support of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and its impact on dental research. The recognition is a testament to his commitment to advancing oral health through research.
A space experiment has shown that bone-destroying cells sense the absence of mechanical resistance and react by destroying bone. This discovery helps explain why bedridden patients and astronauts experience bone loss, providing a potential new drug target for stopping the process.
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have found that cells isolated from the eye are not retinal stem cells, contradicting previous findings. Instead, they suggest that re-engineering stem cells to develop photoreceptor cells could be a promising approach to restore vision in people with retinal degeneration.
Researchers at Emory University School of Medicine developed the Health ABC Heart Failure Model to predict risk of new onset heart failure in the elderly. The model, validated with a separate library of patient data, identifies high-risk individuals for targeted interventions.
A year-long study found that frequent handwashing by hospital staff and visitors significantly reduced MRSA transmission rates. The study's results suggest that isolating infected patients may not be the most effective strategy for controlling MRSA superbug infections.
A new study of 20,000 MS patients and 204,000 controls found a 10% lower overall cancer risk for people with MS compared to those without the disease. However, this came at the cost of higher risks for brain tumors and urinary organ cancers, increasing by up to 44%
Researchers found that phosphatase regenerating liver 3 (PRL-3) is a new independent prognostic indicator for gastric cancer, predicting tumor recurrence and survival rates. Positive PRL-3 expression was associated with advanced TNM stages, lymph node metastasis, and poorer overall survival rates.
The International Association for Dental Research (IADR) has awarded Lars Petersson with the 2009 E.W. Borrow Memorial Award for his original research and achievements in promoting children's oral health. The award recognizes Petersson's work in advancing knowledge to improve oral health worldwide.
A study published in Photochemistry and Photobiology explores the potential of light-sensitive drug delivery systems for targeted therapy. The research reveals that near-infrared light can trigger medication release without causing significant heating or damaging surrounding tissues.
Researchers developed a new method to measure heat transport in rocks, revealing that rock conductivity varies strongly with temperature. The technique, laser-flash analysis, provides more accurate data on heat transport than conventional methods.
Roseann Mulligan, a University of Southern California researcher, has been recognized by AADR for her work improving oral health in vulnerable populations. She will receive the award at the International Association for Dental Research's General Session & Exhibition in Miami, Florida.
A team of American researchers has developed a genetic switch that allows mutations or light signals to be turned on in muscle stem cells, enabling monitoring of muscle regeneration in living mammals. This breakthrough could lead to the creation of a genetic switch or drug for humans to grow new muscle cells and treat muscular dystrophy.