Pseudomonas aeruginosa produces rhamnolipids to form a biofilm shield that kills white blood cells, evading the immune system and antibiotic treatment. This 'launch a shield' response could lead to novel antimicrobials for treating antibiotic-resistant infections.
Researchers have developed a tiny, gold nanocage that responds to light and releases carefully titrated amounts of chemotherapy drugs at specific tissue sites. The system is designed to maximize the beneficial effects of the medication while minimizing side effects.
Researchers at Georgia Tech have developed a new type of three-dimensional photovoltaic system using zinc oxide nanostructures grown on optical fibers. The approach allows PV systems to be hidden from view, providing an alternative to traditional rooftop installations.
The world's top experts in endangered languages are converging at the University of Utah to create a comprehensive online database. The gathering aims to preserve 7,000 languages that are at risk of extinction, with nearly 90% predicted to disappear in the next 100 years.
The cucumber genome has been sequenced, offering a platform for studying the cucurbit family and plant biology. The genome will aid in understanding disease and pest-resistance, flavor traits, and sex expression, with potential applications in agriculture.
Researchers at Duke University have developed a simple and inexpensive method for loading cancer drugs into nano-scale delivery vehicles. The new formulation showed promising results in animal models, eliminating tumors after a single treatment while reducing side effects associated with systematic chemotherapy.
A study found that sleep deprivation causes individuals to shift from automatic to controlled processes of information categorization, leading to performance deficits. The study involved 49 West Point Cadets who performed an information-integration categorization task twice with or without sleep between sessions.
A recent space experiment using the Fermi Gamma Ray Space Telescope has provided evidence about the fundamental structure of space and time. The team confirmed aspects of Einstein's theories of gravity, which unite space and time in the concept of space-time.
The Global Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of Pneumonia outlines a six-year plan to control the disease, with a focus on promoting exclusive breastfeeding, vaccinations, and effective case management. Implementing these interventions could save more than one million lives each year.
Research finds that lung cancer patients treated in public hospitals are more likely to have advanced stage cancer than those in private hospitals. The study highlights the need for an organized and timely approach to diagnosis and treatment to reduce health care disparities.
A study confirmed the efficacy of a simple questionnaire in identifying patients at high risk for lung cancer. The questionnaire, completed by over 1,000 patients, found almost half qualified as high risk and led to eight confirmed cases of lung cancer in five years.
A study shows that retirement is followed by a sharp decrease in sleep disturbances due to reduced work-related demands and stress. Sleep disturbance prevalence rates fell from 24.2% to 17.8% after retirement, with the greatest reduction reported among participants with depression or mental fatigue.
Research into breast cancer development, chronic pain and inflammatory diseases receives ARC funding to investigate epigenetic modifiers, immune responses and protein interactions. The institute aims to develop basic discoveries into clinical benefits for patients worldwide.