A $1 million project aims to develop computational tools using next-generation petascale computers to analyze genome rearrangements. The team plans to test their new algorithms on a collection of fruit fly genomes, which will provide insights into the mechanisms underlying gene order diversity.
Researchers have discovered a mechanism for accelerating slow inactivation in Shaker mutant K+ channels using tetraethylammonium, providing new insights into potassium pore dynamics. The study's findings have important implications for subsequent research on this topic.
The NIST magnetic connector eliminates leakage and improves flexibility in microfluidic systems, making it suitable for various applications. Researchers demonstrated the viability of their magnetic connector in a liposome generation device with no visible leakage.
Researchers develop new algorithms using petascale computers to infer ancestral genome rearrangement events, enabling faster analysis of large genomes. The new methods will help understand the mechanisms and rate of gene rearrangements in genomes.
A new study from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center found that clinicians' and patients' reports of treatment side effects differ significantly, but together provide a more complete picture. Patients generally reported adverse symptoms earlier, more frequently, and with greater severity than their clinicians.
Depleted uranium has varied applications but its molecular chemistry is poorly understood. The €1m grant will develop new compounds and understand actinide chemical bonding.
Human performance experts Peter Weyand and Matthew Bundle conclude that Oscar Pistorius' artificial lower limbs provide a significant competitive advantage in sprint running. The blades allow him to reposition his limbs 15% more rapidly, reducing muscle forces required for sprinting by less than half.
The prevalence of high LDL cholesterol levels in the US decreased from 31.5% to 21.2% between 1999-2000 and 2005-2006. However, high-risk individuals still face barriers to screening and treatment, with only 35.5% of those with high LDL-C levels being unscreened in 2005-2006.
Researchers have discovered that ancient Egyptian mummies, some as old as 3,500 years, exhibited significant calcification in their arteries, indicating the presence of atherosclerosis. This finding suggests that heart attack and stroke may not be exclusively modern diseases.
Cyclone Anja was a powerful Category 4 cyclone on November 17, with maximum sustained winds of 86 mph. It weakened drastically due to upper-level wind shear and spread out, extending tropical storm-force winds 115 miles from its center.
Research found that 8% of obese individuals perceive themselves as satisfied with their body size or believe they can gain weight. These misperceptions are associated with a higher risk of chronic diseases and lower likelihood of seeking medical care.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh are using a mouse model to identify genes that cause congenital heart defects, which affect up to 1% of live births. The goal is to develop a diagnostic chip that can rapidly identify genetic root causes of specific heart defects.
A new study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that patient-reported symptoms were more highly associated with day-to-day health status, while clinician reports were more predictive of death and hospitalization. The study suggests that both perspectives are valuable for a comprehensive understanding of trea...
A new study published in Journal of American College Health reveals that coed college housing increases the risk of binge drinking by 2.5 times compared to all-male or all-female housing. Over 500 students from various campuses participated, with 42% of coed housing residents reporting weekly binge drinking.
A new study explores how consumers choose among health remedies and the consequences for a healthy lifestyle. Consumers prefer Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) when uncertain about an illness's cause or seeking an underlying cure, as it tolerates uncertainty better than Western medicine.
The American Institute of Mathematics (AIM) has developed a new tool, AIM Problem Lists, to help researchers tackle unsolved math problems. The lists provide clear statements of problems with expert commentary on possible approaches, allowing experts to track progress and newcomers to gain perspective.
A motivationally-enhanced cardiac rehabilitation program for women with coronary heart disease significantly improves depressive symptoms and adherence rates compared to traditional programs. The intervention, tailored to the needs of women and their stage of readiness, led to sustained improvements at a 6-month follow-up period.
Hardening of the arteries has been detected in ancient Egyptian mummies, dating back to 3,500 years ago. Atherosclerosis, a build-up of fat and cholesterol in blood vessels, was found in four out of 20 mummies.
Research highlights from NHLBI-supported studies presented at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions include new education strategies for controlling hypertension and findings on a possible link between short-term and long-term exposure to air pollution and increased risk of constricted blood vessels. Two surgical approac...
A new type of T-helper cell, called Th22 cells, has been discovered by researchers from Imperial College London. These cells play a special role in overseeing and coordinating immune cells that cause inflammation in chronic and allergic inflammatory diseases.
A study found that the average BMI of adult Americans increased from 26.5 to 28.8 kg/m2, undermining progress in reducing blood pressure and fasting glucose risk factors. Despite public health efforts, there is no net improvement in the overall cardiovascular risk factor profile.
A new study found that a mastery motivational climate, emphasizing teamwork and positive communication, influences children's achievement goals in sports. Coaches who use this approach promote greater enjoyment, lower sport anxiety, and improved retention rates among young athletes.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh are leading a $9 million, five-year initiative to study the cause of facial birth defects. They will create an encyclopedic database of how faces develop and what goes wrong to cause malformations.
Students with low socioeconomic status showed significant improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness and fat-free mass after daily school physical activity classes. The study found that these children increased their VO2max by 14% and gained 2.6% more lean body mass.
A recent Canadian study reveals that half of Canadians believe they consume too much salt, but only half are taking action to reduce their sodium intake. Despite having some knowledge about the health risks of excessive sodium consumption, many respondents lack awareness on how much salt is considered too much.
Scientists reconstructed New Zealand's geological history using the first complete genetic history of the moa, revealing a history of marine barriers, mountain building, and glacial cycles over millions of years. The study also suggests that many iconic species evolved solely on the South Island.
Researchers achieved a world record by consuming approximately 19% of its low-enriched uranium, more than double the previous record. The advanced fuel design demonstrates robustness and safety, paving the way for commercial-scale HTGR fuel production.
Carbon dioxide emissions from human activities reached an all-time high of 1.3 tonnes of carbon per capita per year in 2008, driven mainly by increased use of coal. The global effort to reduce emissions from human activity must be accelerated to avoid the worst-case scenario of climate change.
A Norwegian study found that folic acid and vitamin B12 treatment was associated with a 21% increased risk of cancer diagnosis and a 38% increased risk of cancer-related death in patients with ischemic heart disease. The treatment also showed an increased risk of lung cancer incidence.
A new NIH study led by Stanford University School of Medicine researcher Mark Hlatky found that drug therapy is more cost-effective than angioplasty for diabetic patients with mild-to-moderate heart disease. The study showed an average savings of $11,000 per patient over four years.
Research at Thomas Jefferson University found that inhibiting GRK2 reduces acute ischemia injury to the myocardium, protecting cardiac myocytes from damage. The absence of GRK2 activity leads to improved recovery from acute cardiac damage.
Researchers discovered that people invest more effort in current tasks when anticipating future difficult tasks, a phenomenon dubbed the 'get ready mindset'. This behavior is driven by mental preparation for upcoming challenges, which carries over to current tasks.
Groundbreaking studies will help hospice patients and families address unresolved issues before and after a loved one passes away. The research focuses on marshaling patients' inner strengths, such as hope, optimism, and connectedness, to improve psychological outlooks.
A NJIT engineer has discovered that particles disperse rapidly on liquid surfaces due to the oscillation of particles in a phenomenon known as repulsive hydrodynamic force. The smaller the particles, the faster they move, with nanometer-sized particles reaching speeds of up to 167 kilometers per hour.
A new generation of implanted devices has shown astounding improvements in survival, quality of life, reduced complications, and device durability in patients with heart failure. The newer devices have a higher success rate, allowing patients to walk longer distances and improving their overall well-being.
Tufts University researchers identified a gene-diet interaction linked to body weight and obesity, replicated in three independent studies. Men with the CC genotype consuming high-saturated fat diets showed higher BMI scores and obesity risk compared to those with low-saturated fat intake or other genotypes.
Studies across various species reveal that males tend to exhibit more predictable behavior, particularly in parental care, aggression, and risk-taking. Females, on the other hand, are more likely to vary their behavior and respond to these traits, indicating a preference for mates with consistent personalities.
NIST researchers have developed a novel method for analyzing complex samples with minimal sample preparation, using Gradient Elution Moving Boundary Electrophoresis (GEMBE) in microfluidic devices. This technique enables the separation of components from solutions containing particulates or other contaminating materials.
A landmark review of 25-year cases shows hemicorporectomy can add years and quality of life to survivors with severe pelvic bone infections. About a third of patients survived at least nine years after the procedure, which is often considered a last resort due to limited indications.
Scientists at the University of Connecticut Health Center have visualized the movement of Lyme disease-causing microbes within feeding ticks. The study found that these microbes undergo a biphasic mode of dissemination, first forming networks of nonmotile organisms and then becoming motile invasive organisms.
Researchers at UCI discovered a way to boost palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) levels, a potent anti-inflammatory substance. The PEA-boosting compound shows wide-scale promise as an immune-response drug treatment for allergies, illnesses and injuries.
Research by Nick Fulcher and Robert Sablowski found that plant stem cells are sensitive to DNA damage and can detect defects, triggering cell death to prevent them from being passed on. This mechanism helps protect plants against genetic damage caused by environmental stresses such as drought, high salinity, and hazardous chemicals.
A study by McMaster University reveals that plants prefer to share space with their own kind but divert resources towards leaves when paired with non-kin. This complex behavior allows siblings to access sunlight and compete more effectively for limited resources.
A new time-lapse movie shows the birth of massive stars in Orion's Great Nebula, revealing signs of rotating accretion disk and outflow streams. The data suggest magnetic fields may play a crucial role in star formation.
Chemists at Oregon State University have discovered a new blue pigment based on manganese that is safer to produce, more durable, and environmentally friendly. The compound can survive extreme temperatures and resist acid, making it suitable for various applications such as art, inkjet printers, and automobiles.
The VCU Medical Center and Richmond Ambulance Authority partnership has improved resuscitation and survival rates for cardiac arrest patients by training paramedics to lower body temperature in the field and using high-tech strategies. The strategy resulted in a two-fold improvement in return of spontaneous circulation and an increase ...
Research from the CISNET network finds that biennial screening reduces breast cancer mortality by 16.5% and false-positive rates by half, while minimizing unnecessary biopsies and anxiety.
A study found that a nurse-led telephone care program for depression post-bypass surgery improved mental health-related quality of life and physical functioning in CABG patients. The intervention showed significant reductions in mood symptoms, with men particularly benefiting from the treatment.
Research on 800 college students found that those with smaller drinking problem chances were more likely to experience problems, contrary to the idea that optimism motivates health care. The study suggests that unrealistic optimism may actually curb risky health behaviors.
A new study compares expert identification and computer analysis in reconstructing ancient fossils from hundreds of thousands of jumbled pieces. The research found that specialized experts provided the most reliable identifications, while less experienced palaeontologists made more mistakes.
A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that women are less likely to exhibit signs of structural heart disease, which is a precursor to fatal cardiac arrest. This means that fewer women may be eligible for current treatments that can prevent sudden cardiac arrest.
Daily text-message reminders significantly increased sunscreen application among participants over a six-week period. The study found that adherence rates were 56.1% with daily reminders compared to 30% without reminders.
The Laboratory will provide expertise and technological tools to four geothermal projects with Pueblo of Jemez, New Mexico Tech, and the University of Utah. Los Alamos researchers will assist in characterizing geothermal springs and developing new chemical tracers to determine heat transfer characteristics.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that migraine headaches are associated with more than two-fold higher chances of ischemic stroke. Women with migraines have a particularly high risk, with a 2.9 times higher risk compared to men.
A large-scale study of ketamine users found that heavy users experienced impaired verbal memory, forgetfulness, and difficulty recalling conversations. The study also revealed that occasional ketamine use does not lead to prolonged harms to cognitive function, but frequent use can have negative effects.
The University of Tennessee supercomputer Kraken has been ranked as the world's third fastest computer and holds the title of the world's fastest academic supercomputer. With its combined computing power with Oak Ridge National Laboratory's Jaguar, East Tennessee is now firmly established as a center for supercomputing activities.
Researchers discovered that certain cyanobacteria species have evolved rope-building traits to resist erosion and stabilize soil substrates in arid environments. This adaptation allows them to thrive in areas where other microbes would struggle to survive.
A Mayo Clinic study found that the incidence of stroke or mini-stroke related to angioplasty remained steady over a 15-year period. Researchers identified patients who suffered an angioplasty-related cerebrovascular accident (CVA), defined as a stroke, and compared outcomes with the remainder of the study population.
A protein long thought secondary to stressors like hypertension is actually a primary regulator according to researchers. Knocking out GSK-3alpha causes significant hypertrophy in mice models. The findings also suggest GSK-3alpha as a positive regulator of the beta-adrenergic system, potentially helping failing hearts pump better.
A University of California, Irvine computer model forecasts improved air quality in the Greater Los Angeles area if 75% of drivers switch to hydrogen fuel cell vehicles by 2060. The model suggests a 60% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and lower levels of soot and ozone.