A new species of malaria parasite, Plasmodium gaboni, has been discovered in chimpanzees in Central Africa. The parasite is closely related to the human malaria agent Plasmodium falciparum and sequencing its nuclear genome may help discover new potential drug targets.
Researchers found that donor steatosis does not affect liver disease progression, but transplants from donors with higher Donor Risk Index scores negatively impact HCV-positive recipients' outcomes. The studies suggest using high-risk grafts carefully in HCV-positive patients.
A new study suggests that reducing gasoline emissions by just 10% can lead to substantial benefits for human health, particularly in urban areas. The study used a Life Cycle Impact Assessment to evaluate the potential impact of biofuels on human health and the environment.
A study by Indiana University neuroscientist Heather Rupp found that women without sexual partners spent more time evaluating male photos, indicating a greater interest. The researchers suggest this may be due to women's relatively committed romantic relationships suppressing their attention to alternative partners.
Researchers at Scripps Florida have created a faster method to distinguish between different infectious prion strains, which can cause diseases in animals and humans. The new approach reduces the time lag for identification from six months to four months, allowing scientists to accelerate research and better understand disease risks.
A study found that people prefer reading articles that agree with their opinions, spending 36% more time on such content than opposing views. This preference has real-world implications, including increased polarization and reduced tolerance for diverse arguments.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center discovered two biochemical signals promoting the development of memory cells in immune cells. These signals, interferon alpha and IL-12, play distinct roles in driving immediate and long-term immunity.
A new study suggests that drinking tart cherry juice before and after exercise can significantly reduce muscle pain, with a clinically significant difference of 2 points on a pain scale. The researchers attribute the benefits to the fruit's natural anti-inflammatory power due to its antioxidant compounds.
A recent article in Medical Decision Making suggests that the FDA is ignoring critical information on home HIV tests, which may lead to underestimating their effectiveness. The test's manufacturer is unlikely to produce a cheaper version due to retail pricing concerns.
In a phase I/II trial, combining trastuzumab and neratinib induced clinically meaningful responses in women with HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer who had progressed on previous trastuzumab-based therapies. Nine out of 33 patients (27%) achieved an objective response to the combination therapy.
A study published in Current Biology confirms that parts of the brain responsible for object processing also activate when individuals touch objects. Despite struggling with visual input, HJA showed activity only for tactile objects, suggesting a direct connection between the sense of touch and object recognition.
Researchers found that the level of physical activity and cancer treatment do not affect a person's cardiovascular fitness. A new test, three-minute step test, can help determine a patient's current fitness level.
A national survey reveals that nearly all oncologists and ID specialists are highly concerned about the negative impact of infection on treatment outcomes in chemotherapy patients. Infections among chemotherapy patients are common, with one in four patients experiencing an infection in the last 12 months.
Scientists have shed light on the collapse of coral reefs, revealing their genetic complexity and intricate symbiotic relationship with algae. The delicate communication process between the coral and algae is also being stressed by global change, leading to coral bleaching and collapse.
Dr. Xu's research aims to develop novel dental materials that release fluoride, inhibit bacterial growth, and promote bioactivity, potentially reducing secondary cavities and improving oral health outcomes. The project has the potential to impact high-risk populations, such as children, the elderly, and those with compromised oral health.
AT-101, a cottonseed-derived compound, has shown promise in treating glioblastoma multiforme by halting the growth of tumor cells. The treatment, which must be properly dosed and monitored, has been effective in slowing cancer progression in many patients, offering new hope for those with this aggressive form of brain cancer.
Researchers found that unstable junk DNA helps tune gene activity, allowing organisms to rapidly adapt to changes. This discovery suggests that 'junk' DNA has a functional role in the evolution of our genome.
Dr. Bruce Logan has developed energy-sustainable water infrastructure that can be used in both industrialized and developing nations. His microbial fuel cells produce clean water and energy, making it a game-changer for powering water infrastructure in developing countries.
Researchers have discovered that contractile rings constrict at a constant rate proportional to cell size, maintaining consistent cell division duration despite smaller cells. This property could lead to improved therapies for cancer by preventing uncontrolled cell division.
Researchers at MIT found that neurons in the prefrontal cortex fire in unison and send signals to the visual cortex to generate high-frequency waves associated with attention, learning, and consciousness. This neural synchrony enables communication between distant brain regions.
A new partnership between UCSF and MMRF aims to accelerate the development of next-generation treatments for multiple myeloma. The initiative will leverage UCSF's expertise in translational research to identify new therapeutic targets and bring them to clinical trials.
A new study found that more than half of US pharmacies in states with large Latino populations cannot translate prescription labels into Spanish. This lack of translation increases the risk of patients taking medications incorrectly, which can lead to serious health problems or even death.
A new study found that anemia in chronic heart failure patients is associated with a significantly increased risk of death and poorer left ventricular function. Researchers analyzed data from 97,699 patients and concluded that optimal treatment of anemia may reduce mortality rates and improve patient outcomes.
Researchers at the University of Bristol have successfully implemented a high-fidelity fibre controlled-NOT gate using single photons in optical fibres. This achievement paves the way for more sophisticated quantum networks with increased range and potential applications in computing, communication, and advanced measurement.
Biomedical engineers at Boston University have developed synthetic gene networks that enable bacteria to count discrete events, opening up potential applications in drug delivery and environmental sensing. The researchers designed two separate systems, the Riboregulated Transcriptional Cascade and DNA Invertase Cascade, which can be us...
A new study found that longer breastfeeding duration and higher-quality weaning diets can shape a child's body composition. Children who were breastfed for longer periods had lower fat mass, while those with higher quality weaning diets had greater lean mass at four years of age.
Researchers have identified a genetic mutation in mitochondrial DNA that causes sensory ataxic neuropathy (SAN) in Golden Retriever dogs. The mutation leads to progressive loss of neurons, affecting about five percent of the current Swedish Golden Retriever population.
The shift towards oral chemotherapy agents poses risks of non-adherence, which can lead to increased healthcare costs and reduced efficacy. Studies show that non-adherence is often linked to financial constraints, education issues, and side effects, highlighting the need for innovative strategies to improve patient compliance.
A teenage boy was hospitalized due to acute caffeine intoxication from consuming stimulant chewing gum. The boy's symptoms included agitation, abdominal discomfort, and increased urination, and he required close monitoring before recovering.
The Arctic Ocean's ownership is disputed due to varying assumptions about its geography, with countries like Russia and Canada viewing it as land with water on top, while the US sees it as just water. This misunderstanding can lead to large-scale disputes over resource extraction.
Researchers have found that injecting BDNF into the brain's reward circuitry can induce drug dependency in rats. This study suggests that BDNF is crucial for inducing a drug dependent state, one important aspect of drug addiction.
Researchers at McMaster University have discovered a 'surprising link' between three processes in cell wall synthesis, which could lead to the development of a new antibiotic. This breakthrough provides a novel method for searching for small molecule drugs targeting these pathways.
A new device has been developed that can detect viruses and biological materials more quickly and cheaply than existing methods. The device uses synthetic antibody mimic proteins attached to nanowires to create a sharp measurement of current, allowing for rapid detection in under 10 minutes.
Researchers at UF have developed gene therapy that restores the faulty enzyme for glycogen storage disease type 1A, allowing dogs to survive for extended periods without glucose supplementation. The treated dog, born with the deadly disease, is now 20 months old and healthy after receiving precise doses of cornstarch every few hours.
A meta-analysis of surveys suggests that altering or making up data is more frequent than previously estimated, particularly in medical research. Up to 14% of respondents knew someone who had fabricated or falsified data, and up to 72% knew someone who had committed other questionable practices.
The Suzaku mission has detected X-ray-emitting gas at a galaxy cluster's outskirts for the first time, providing insights into how massive structures evolve. The study reveals the temperature and density of the gas out to the cluster's virial radius, where order turns to chaos.
The Inuit community faces significant threats from climate change, including rising sea levels and permafrost thaw. A new study calls for urgent support to help these communities adapt, with a proposed 'vulnerable people's adaptation fund' that requires global state actors' involvement.
Scientists at UC San Diego discovered the gene responsible for this effect, which prevents cellular damage from reactive oxygen species. The study found that Mga2 is essential for adaptation to oxidative stress and may explain why caloric restriction can raise ROS levels and provide protection.
A new combination therapy of daily consensus interferon and ribavirin is effective for some people with chronic hepatitis C, particularly those with lower fibrosis scores. Nearly half of all HCV patients do not respond to standard therapy, and this treatment shows promise as an alternative.
Magnetic blast waves can pinpoint and predict the location where space storms dissipate energy, which is equivalent to 50 gigawatts of power or 10 large power stations. The eye of the storm is located in space beyond low-Earth orbits, providing advance warning of arrival.
Researchers have identified a host of genes that cancer cells depend on for survival, including serine/threonine kinase 33 and polo-like kinase 1. Targeting these kinases could potentially lead to effective treatments for various types of cancer.
A study led by Massachusetts General Hospital found that watching a video of a patient with advanced dementia can help elderly patients plan for end-of-life care. Participants who watched the video were more likely to choose comfort care and felt it was helpful in their decision-making process.
A new Stanford University School of Medicine study found that administering a potent clot-busting medication can benefit patients up to 4.5 hours after they experience their first symptom, improving outcomes without negatively affecting mortality.
Researchers found that treating gum disease improved rheumatoid arthritis symptoms, including reduced swollen joints and morning stiffness. The study's results suggest a link between periodontal disease and rheumatoid arthritis, highlighting the importance of good oral health in overall well-being.
Researchers demonstrated a non-invasive procedure that increased myocytes and reduced cardiac tissue injury by 60%, improving heart function by 40%. The therapy also reduced fibrosis, promoting regeneration of heart tissue.
Researchers have analyzed ocean plant health using a NASA satellite, detecting red light emitted by phytoplankton and assessing their productivity. The findings provide insights into the impact of climate change on ocean ecosystems and can help track long-term trends.
Research reveals a strong association between nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and both increased intestinal permeability and bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine. The study suggests that these factors contribute to the severity of steatosis, but not to more severe liver diseases like steatohepatitis or fibrosis.
Researchers found that cancer cells use many normal proteins to cope with stress and maintain their abnormal state. This discovery highlights the importance of stress management genes as potential therapeutic targets for treating tumors driven by Ras mutations.
Researchers at UCSF have identified a specialized protein called CHC22 that controls the formation of GLUT4 storage compartments in human muscles. This discovery highlights key differences between humans and mice and has implications for developing better models for studying type 2 diabetes.
A previously unknown giant volcanic eruption in China led to global mass extinction 260 million years ago, according to a new study published in Science. The eruption unleashed around half a million cubic kilometres of lava, causing massive cloud formation and acid rain that cooled the planet.
A study at Ohio State University found that roommate assignments are crucial in fostering interracial friendships among college students. White students increased their number of interracial friends during their first year, while black students showed a slight decrease. The results support the idea that
Aspirin use in primary prevention reduces non-fatal heart attacks by around 12%, mainly due to reduced risk of non-fatal heart attack. However, it also increases the risk of internal bleeding by around a third in healthy individuals.
Researchers at North Carolina State University have created a non-toxic coating that resists barnacle buildup for up to 18 months, saving ship owners millions in cleaning and fuel costs. The unique wrinkled topography of the coating prevents barnacles from latching on, a finding that could significantly reduce drag and fuel consumption.
A new study suggests that including land use changes in greenhouse gas control strategies can lead to lower costs and preserved forests. The study found that valuing terrestrial carbon emissions can reduce the cost of reducing global emissions by half compared to only taxing industrial and fossil fuel emissions.
According to a University of Pittsburgh study, African-American seniors are two times more likely than whites to prefer life-prolonging treatments when faced with a terminal illness. The majority of Medicare beneficiaries surveyed preferred not to die in a hospital or receive life-sustaining measures at the end of life.
A new blood test combined with PSA screening accurately detects prostate cancer over 90% of the time, reducing false-positives and potentially eliminating tens of thousands of unnecessary biopsies. The six-gene molecular diagnostic test improved specificity and sensitivity compared to PSA alone.
The UK's HIV strategy is being heavily criticized due to its inadequate approach to testing and diagnosis. An estimated 77,000 people are living with HIV in the UK, with 21,000 unaware of their positive status. A third of those diagnosed late could have benefited from treatment if identified earlier.
A team of 13 international scientists is developing management plans for sustainably managing forage fish, critical food sources for marine mammals and seabirds. The task force aims to prevent fishing-induced irreversible impacts on marine ecosystems.
A Spanish research team characterized the climatic impact of desert dust using a new Lidar technique. The scientists, led by Professor Lucas Alados Arboledas and Juan Luis Guerrero Rascado, found that atmospheric aerosol influences Earth's radioactive balance, potentially leading to warming or cooling.
A Canadian study found that frequent alcohol consumption increases the risk of binge drinking among all genders and age groups. Regular drinkers need more than their usual drink to experience the festive feeling and may drink beyond healthy limits sporadically or weekly.