Scientists from Uppsala University have successfully introduced plasmid-based methods into Physcomitrella moss cells, opening doors to powerful techniques in plant research. This breakthrough enables gene cloning and overexpression directly in plant cells without the need for single-cell organisms like bacteria or yeasts.
The American Thyroid Association has released new guidelines for managing thyroid nodules and thyroid cancer, focusing on clinical evaluation, fine-needle biopsy, and surgical management. The revised guidelines aim to provide a framework for the care of patients with nodular thyroid disease and thyroid cancer.
The Alps are constantly rising in height, despite being eroded at the same rate, due to climate-driven uplift. Researchers used rare isotopes to prove this phenomenon, showing that mountains erode concurrently with their growth.
Researchers at Montana State University aim to understand how Adeno-associated Viruses (AAV) assemble and enter cells. They will use this knowledge to build specialized AAVs for targeted gene therapy applications.
The symposium focused on four main topics: mimicking photosynthesis using synthetic materials, production and use of biofuels, developing innovative solar cells, and storage and distribution of solar energy. Scientists have been successful in mimicking the fuel-making process of photosynthesis but must now find ways to do so commercially.
A Mayo Clinic study found that genetic testing results are not binary but probabilistic, requiring physicians to meticulously interpret test results. The study also showed that about 4% of healthy Caucasian volunteers have rare variants present in the background noise of genetic tests.
A study by Eva Pomerantz and Qian Wang found that parental control in Western countries can have negative effects on children's psychological development, while in East Asia, it may be more accepted due to cultural differences. The researchers recommend limiting parents' intrusiveness in their children's lives for both regions.
A new study found that dentists using the computerized system HeartScore can identify patients at risk of fatal cardiovascular events and refer them to physicians. The study followed 200 patients in Sweden and found that dentists were able to accurately assess their risk for serious complications.
The domestic horse genome sequence has been completed, providing access to specific gene sequences for identifying traits. The findings have significant implications for improved breeding practices and studying human health, particularly in relation to shared genetic conditions.
A brain imaging study found that first scents have a unique signature in the brain, regardless of whether they're pleasant or unpleasant. Early odor memories are more easily recalled, especially for bad smells, and can be predicted by brain activity.
A new treatment approach using a radiolabeled antibody to deliver targeted doses of radiation followed by a stem cell transplant has been shown to be effective in treating advanced leukemia. Forty percent of patients achieved remission, with approximately 35% surviving three years.
Gene therapy has been successfully tested in France, halting the progression of adrenoleukodystrophy in two children. The innovative approach uses a modified HIV virus to deliver a therapeutic gene to bone marrow cells, which then migrate to the brain and display correcting potential.
Kent State University has been awarded a $2.7 million NSF grant to train doctoral students in environment sensing technology for freshwater resources protection. The program, EARS, aims to prepare students for careers relevant to freshwater resources.
A team of researchers proposes a novel approach to protect the Amazon rainforest by leaving oil reserves untouched and selling carbon credits. This initiative could fund rainforest protection and combat climate change, but skeptics raise questions about funding and environmental integrity.
A study published in Science reveals that airborne nitrogen from fossil fuels and fertilizers affects alpine lakes, altering the balance of phosphorus and nitrogen. This shift limits phytoplankton growth, affecting food webs and potentially biodiversity.
Researchers will use web-based, patient-controlled personal health records to improve health and HIV prevention outcomes for HIV positive patients. The studies aim to assess the effectiveness of mobile phone text messages and a strategy called SBIRT in reducing drug and alcohol use and improving antiretroviral medication adherence.
Researchers have achieved significant success with gene therapy in treating adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD), a potentially fatal brain disorder. The treatment has arrested the progression of the disease in two boys, showing no adverse effects to date.
Researchers at Binghamton University found that when water striders have the freedom to move between groups, females prefer to cluster around non-aggressive males. This suggests that a 'gentleman' approach to mating is beneficial for group productivity. In contrast, male psychopaths disrupt the group's dynamics and reduce fertility.
A new study found that inadequate clothing can restrict children's outdoor physical activity, with three-quarters of children aged 3-6 years old spending time in childcare settings. The study suggests that parents may need education on the importance of active play for children's development.
As health insurance costs rise, doctors need to talk to patients about their financial situation to make informed treatment decisions. This conversation can help patients choose more affordable treatments and avoid unnecessary expenses.
A new class of supernova was discovered, predicted by UC Santa Barbara scientists Lars Bildsten and colleagues. The event is fainter than typical supernovae and rises and falls in brightness over a few weeks.
The company's proprietary platform enables efficient imaging with low reagent consumption, generating high-quality diploid base calls in up to 95% of the genomes sequenced. The approach identifies 3.2 million to 4.5 million sequence variants per genome processed.
Researchers at EMBL developed an integrated approach to forecast CRM activity, predicting gene expression patterns in fruit fly development. The study identifies flexibility in genetic regulation, enabling organism development without essential transcription factors.
Researchers Darío Acuña-Castroviejo and Germaine Escames found that melatonin is an effective sleep regulator, regulating the biological clock and synchronizing the body's circadian rhythms. Taking melatonin at specific hours can correct chronobiological alterations of the cycle sleep/wakefulness.
Researchers found that male sabertoothed cats were indistinguishable in size from females, suggesting a possible lack of aggression. This contrasts with the American lion, where males are significantly larger and more aggressive than females.
The new TMS clinic offers a safe and effective, non-drug treatment for major depression. TMS therapy stimulates the brain linked to depression by delivering magnetic field pulses, providing an alternative for those not responding to traditional treatments.
Scientists observe aggressive T-cells breaching blood-brain barrier, crawling along vascular walls and forming connections with phagocytes. This breakthrough understanding may aid in developing new treatments for multiple sclerosis.
A Phase II dose-finding study found that green tea extract improved histology and trended towards a reduction in biomarkers associated with cancer development in patients with oral leukoplakia. The extract was well-tolerated, with minimal side effects.
A recent study found that female water striders prefer non-aggressive males over highly sexually aggressive ones when it comes to mating. In contrast, groups of low-key male water striders mated with more females than did groups of highly aggressive males.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University discovered a 1930s gonorrhea medication, acriflavine, that can halt the growth of new blood vessels in cancer cells. By inhibiting HIF-1, a protein essential for tumor growth, acriflavine may one day be incorporated into chemotherapy cocktails to fight cancer.
The study found that each of five Chinese vowels has a unique representative peak on excitation patterns determining its phonetic quality. This conclusion explains perception phenomena and the frequency of occurrence of certain vowels in languages worldwide.
A new study found that infants as young as three to five days old produce cry melodies consistent with their native language. Researchers analyzed the cries of 60 newborns and discovered differences in melody contour based on mother tongue, suggesting an early impact of native language on sound production.
Researchers found that Bortezomib shuts down cellular machines that destroy Runx2, a protein complex that blocks the growth of bone cancer cells. The study suggests that Bortezomib may represent a new treatment option for osteosarcoma, a devastating disease that responds poorly to current chemotherapies.
Research papers published in Geophysical Research Letters highlight regional warming trends in Antarctica, improved models for shoreline loss, and the contribution of reservoirs to triggering devastating earthquakes. Scientists have developed new methods to analyze climate data, storm impacts on shorelines, and natural hazards.
Researchers at Yale University developed synthetic molecules that enhance the body's immune response to HIV and prostate cancer cells. The molecules work by binding to antibodies and proteins on infected cells, triggering an immune response and preventing infection.
Scientists at Michigan State University are using a $3 million NIH grant to study the synthesis of medicinal compounds in popular plants. The goal is to understand how genes contribute to this process, leading to cheaper and more effective drug development.
A new study suggests that green tea extract can reduce the risk of oral cancer, with patients who presented with mild to moderate dysplasia having a longer time to develop oral cancer if they took green tea extract. However, more research is needed to confirm its long-term prevention effects.
A study in Italy found that pediatricians over-prescribe antibiotics due to perceived parental expectations, particularly if parents expect a prescription for respiratory tract infections. The main factors associated with actual practices were discharge from the child's ear and parental expectation of a prescription.
The University of Alabama at Birmingham has been awarded $11.5 million to identify adolescents and young adults infected with HIV and link them to medical care. The grants will focus on two initiatives: improving HIV testing in youth and developing behavioral strategies for prevention.
Declining kidney function increases the risk of heart failure and premature death. Treatments that slow kidney function decline may safeguard heart health by stabilizing it in the normal range before kidney disease develops.
Rhode Island Hospital has received a $11 million NIH grant to study stem cell biology and tissue regeneration in lung and marrow diseases. The research will focus on determining the true phenotype of marrow stem cells and their fate as tissue.
A Dartmouth professor used digital forensics to analyze the famous Oswald photo, finding no evidence of tampering. The analysis ruled out a conspiracy and provided new insight into the photo's authenticity.
Scientists at the University of Utah demonstrated a conclusive link between the size of catalyst particles on a solid surface and their ability to speed chemical reactions. The study focused on metal nanoparticles, finding that smaller sizes lead to increased electronic properties and catalytic activity.
A large study found that PSA velocity has little predictive value for determining the outcome of a first prostate biopsy. However, a rapid rise in PSA levels may still suggest prostatitis or prostate cancer, warranting further evaluation. The findings suggest that clinical judgment should be used to guide biopsy decisions.
The survey found that half of US doctors spend substantial time dealing with insurance restrictions on patient care, while only 46% use electronic medical records. Many US physicians also report patients having difficulty paying for medications and care, and that their practices do not have provisions for after-hours care.
Researchers will drill through the Whillans Ice Stream and Ross Ice Shelf, sampling rivers, lakes, and microbial communities. The study aims to understand how the West Antarctic Ice Sheet responded to past climate changes and potentially discover new organisms that can produce beneficial compounds.
A recent study in Hawaii found that tourists and recreation enthusiasts strongly support protecting coral reef ecosystems due to their exceptional beauty. The research suggests that public attitudes toward management are largely driven by the perceived health of coral reefs, with environmental conditions being more important than human...
A research study is being conducted to assess the safety and effectiveness of an investigational corneal inlay in reducing the need for reading glasses. The inlay, called AcuFocus Corneal Inlay (ACI), is intended to improve near vision in patients with presbyopia, a natural loss of near vision that occurs after age 45.
A study found that small increases in phosphorus are associated with higher coronary artery calcification and an increased risk of heart disease. Participants with lower kidney function were also more likely to have progressive CAC.
Archaeologists at Fernbank Museum of Natural History have discovered unprecedented evidence of De Soto's path in Georgia, including rare glass beads and metal artifacts. The findings suggest a probable stop near McRae, Ga., and provide a significant link to the infamous conquistador's journey through Native communities.
Residents of the volcanic area of Mt. Etna in Catania had a more than two times higher incidence of papillary thyroid cancer compared to those elsewhere on the island. The tumors from patients in this region frequently carried the BRAF V600E gene mutation, associated with aggressive thyroid cancer.
A new study published in The Lancet Neurology found that therapeutic hypothermia reduces lesions and improves outcomes for infants starved of oxygen at birth. MRI scans predict with 80% accuracy the likelihood of death or disability by 18 months.
Researchers found a population of tropical butterflies exhibiting diverging color patterns and reproductive preferences, suggesting the potential emergence of two distinct species. The study provides insights into the earliest stage of ecological speciation, where natural selection drives the divergence of populations into new species.
A new Notre Dame study provides insights into the molecular basis by which tumor cells modulate their surroundings to favor cancer progression. The research identifies a unique population of microvesicles enriched in proteases, which facilitate tissue breakdown and remodeling at distant sites.
Researchers at UC Davis identified a bacterial signaling molecule that matches up with a specific receptor in rice plants to ward off bacterial blight disease. The study's findings have implications for controlling diseases in plants and people, potentially leading to new treatments.
Astronomers have discovered a possible new type of supernova that occurs when helium flows onto a white dwarf, causing a thermonuclear explosion. The object, dubbed SN 2002bj, is characterized by its rapid rise and fall and strong helium signature.
Scientists have analyzed the genome structures of bioethanol-producing microorganisms, uncovering genetic clues that will be critical in developing new technologies needed to implement production on a global scale. The studies identified genomic properties of industrial fuel yeasts that likely gave rise to more robust strains.
A study led by researchers at UCSF and UC Berkeley found that regular PE class participation is significantly associated with greater cardiovascular fitness and lower body mass index. Engagement in at least 20 minutes of exercise during PE class also improved weight status and decreased mile times.
Researchers developed a protocol to distort internet search engine user profiles, preserving privacy from profiling and data exploitation. The new system offers an improvement in response time while delaying searches slightly.
A collaborative project between NOAA, the Town of Riverhead, and a commercial oyster farmer is measuring the effect of a FLUPSY on water quality and sediment characteristics in Riverhead's East Creek. The study aims to determine the impact of floating shellfish nurseries on the local environment.