Researchers identify phosducin's role in modulating blood pressure in response to stress, finding increased baseline and stress-dependent blood pressure in mice and humans. The study suggests phosducin as a promising target for developing drugs to alleviate stress-induced hypertension.
A new study from Research Australia found that moderate to heavy alcohol consumption during pregnancy increases the risk of behavioral issues in children, including anxiety, depression, and aggressive behaviors. The study suggests that both timing and intensity of alcohol exposure affect the type of behavior problems expressed.
A study by researchers at the University of California, San Diego reveals that normal skin bacteria trigger a pathway preventing excessive inflammation after injury. This mechanism involves staphylococcal lipoteichoic acid and Toll-like receptor 3 activation, providing new therapeutic approaches for inflammatory skin diseases.
Stiffer and stickier red blood cells cause anemia and joint pain in malaria patients. Researchers developed models to predict the disease's progression by analyzing temperature fluctuations and cell stiffness.
Researchers successfully produce PLA and copolymers through direct microbial fermentation, reducing production costs and environmental impact. This innovation could lead to the development of sustainable plastics based on renewable resources.
A group of researchers at City College of New York is developing a new way to generate power for planes and automobiles based on piezoelectrics, which convert kinetic energy into electricity. The devices might be mounted on cars or airplanes and would produce an output voltage that could run small electronic devices.
Researchers estimate that swimming animals generate extensive 'biogenic' mixing in the ocean, which may impact climate models. The effect is primarily due to animal displacement, not turbulence, and affects even deep-sea creatures.
Researchers at Carnegie Institution create unique hydrogen-storage material by combining xenon with molecular hydrogen under pressure, offering a new family of materials to boost hydrogen technologies. The discovery reveals unusual bonding chemistry and potential applications in synthesizing energetic materials.
Researchers at Agios Pharmaceuticals have discovered that the mutated IDH1 gene produces a metabolite called 2-hydroxyglutarate, which contributes to the formation and progression of gliomas. This finding validates cancer metabolism as an approach to identify new ways to treat cancer.
Researchers Konstantin Kornev of Clemson University have developed artificial probes inspired by the butterfly's proboscis to sample fluid inside cells. The probes use capillary action, similar to a paper towel, to draw up viscous liquid, overcoming pressure limitations.
Researchers found that a commonly inherited gene deletion can increase the risk of immune complications following bone marrow transplantation. The study analyzed 1,300 donor-recipient pairs and identified UGT2B17 as a key factor in graft-versus-host disease.
A new compound, PU-H71, has been discovered that may prove to be a powerful target for the treatment of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. The compound was found to suppress tumor formation in lab testing and animal models.
A phase 2 trial investigates the effectiveness of a combined chemotherapy regimen of gemcitabine and oxaliplatin (GEMOX-B) plus bevacizumab in treating advanced biliary-tract cancers, showing an overall response rate of 40% and stable disease in 29%. Whole-body PET scans show promising results for monitoring treatment response.
Scientists at the Brain Research Centre have discovered a new mechanism for brain cell death after a stroke, involving the over-activation of NMDA receptors and a protein called SREBP-1. A potential therapy has been found, using a drug that stabilizes Insig-1 to inhibit SREBP-1 activity.
A recent study by Johns Hopkins Medicine suggests that burned-out and depressed surgeons are more likely to report major medical errors. The research found a significant association between burnout, depression, and self-reported medical errors, highlighting the need for better support for surgeons struggling with mental health.
Researchers at MIT have created a simple robot that can dig into mudflats at a rate of 1 cm per second, inspired by the burrowing mechanisms of Atlantic razor clams. The robotic clam is small, lightweight, and energy-efficient, making it suitable for underwater applications.
A new study from the University of Chicago Medical Center found that purchasing prescription drugs in three-month supplies rather than one-month supplies can reduce out-of-pocket costs by an average of 29% for patients. The total savings, including third-party payers, averaged 18%, with estimated annual savings of $148.6 million.
Scientists at VIB have identified a bacterial defense mechanism that repairs damaged proteins caused by oxygen. The discovery, using the intestinal bacterium E. coli, has implications for human cells and may provide new insights into protein protection against oxidation.
A team of researchers has created a technique using traditional GPS satellite signals to measure snow depth and soil/vegetation moisture. This new method has the potential to benefit climate modelers, atmospheric researchers, farmers, and water resource managers by providing accurate and relatively inexpensive data.
The AAAS Kavli Science Journalism Awards recognize innovative storytelling on scientific topics. The 2009 winners include 'Diamond Factory,' a TV feature on lab-grown diamonds, and 'A Very Lucky Wind,' a radio story exploring randomness and probability.
A study by Ohio State University found that older adults with alcohol dependence problems drink significantly more than their younger counterparts. On average, those over 60 have 40 or more drinks per week, compared to 25-35 drinks for younger age groups with similar problems.
A novel K-anonymity algorithm ensures patient confidentiality in health records, facilitating access to a larger number of records. This method safeguards against biases introduced by individual consent requirements in health research.
Beta-blockers targeting both alpha- and beta-receptors offer the most benefit to cardiac patients, while those targeting only beta-receptors can harm the heart's structure and function.
A simple blood test can help optimize the timing of breast MRI exams in premenopausal women with irregular cycles, reducing non-diagnostic tests and repeat scans. Researchers found that a blood test to determine serum progesterone concentration can aid in optimal timing.
A study published in American Journal of Roentgenology found that chest ultrasound is a viable alternative to chest CT for evaluating pediatric patients with complicated pneumonia. The study suggests using chest radiography and ultrasound as initial evaluations, with CT reserved for cases where ultrasound is technically difficult or di...
Researchers from UC San Diego used a systems biology approach to determine how core biochemical pathways are altered in skeletal muscle cells and fat cells in people with insulin resistance. The study found that common drugs for treating insulin resistance, such as TZDs, alter these pathways, leading to improved drug therapies.
A study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology found that short-term follow-up is an acceptable alternative to invasive biopsy for women with palpable breast lesions showing benign imaging features. The study included 320 women with 375 masses and showed a low prevalence of breast cancer.
Scientists have successfully generated long chains of RNA molecules in water, shedding light on the earliest evolutionary steps in biological molecule formation. The study found that cyclic nucleotides can merge together to form polymers over 100 nucleotides long at temperatures similar to ancient Earth.
Researchers found PAHs in house dust near coal-tar-based sealcoat and used spiders as sentinels for contaminants in aquatic ecosystems. African dust carried persistent organic contaminants and metals across the ocean affecting native species. Scientists also explored using pheromones to control invasive Asian carp.
Researchers introduced a single bacterial gene into yeast to improve bioethanol production from agricultural waste, increasing ethanol yields while eliminating major byproducts glycerol and acetate. The innovation addresses second-generation bioethanol challenges, enabling more efficient and sustainable production.
Scientists are using various imaging techniques, including MRI and CT scans, to study chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and develop a better understanding of the disease. The research aims to categorize COPD patients into two major groups based on airway dysfunction and lung tissue damage.
Researchers found that adding a genetic sonogram to non-invasive prenatal screening increases the detection rate of Down syndrome by up to 98%, while decreasing false positive rates. This maximizes the capacity for noninvasive detection with currently available technology.
NJIT researchers are awarded nearly $4.3 million in NSF funding to improve the Big Bear Solar Observatory and study various aspects of solar energy, including its impact on terrestrial telecommunications and power systems.
Researchers discovered a new antioxidant system that shields single cysteine residues from oxidative harm, reducing cancer and heart disease risk
Researchers will study the entire power plant system to identify opportunities for energy and cost savings in carbon capture and compression. The goal is to recover heat generated during compression and use it to improve power plant efficiency.
Scientists have identified a gene, AEG-1, that plays a pivotal role in two processes essential for tumor development, growth, and progression to metastasis. The gene's expression is involved in oncogenic transformation and angiogenesis, critical steps for tumor progression.
The European Society of Cardiology will hold a Joint Scientific Forum on optimal diabetes management in Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. Experts will explore the link between diabetes and heart disease, and discuss treatment strategies for Asian patients.
Researchers developed an Android app called PowerTutor to help users compare the power consumption of different applications. The app provides real-time information on how phone components use power, enabling users to make informed decisions about their device's energy efficiency.
Researchers found a direct connection between childhood psychological trauma and accelerated reduction in telomere size, which promotes cellular stability. Telomeres typically shorten with age, but the study shows that childhood abuse can accelerate this process.
Researchers have discovered how a 'genetic symphony' of genes affects plant development, enabling potential disease resistance and increased yields. The study found that combining different ACS genes regulates ethylene production, which impacts various aspects of plant growth.
A large-scale genetic analysis of 17,296 women identified 43 genetic loci contributing to lipoprotein metabolism, providing new insights into the molecular basis of cardiovascular disease. The study also quantifies the contribution of common genetic variation to plasma lipoprotein concentrations.
The editorial highlights exaggerated fears and hopes in media coverage of cancer research, such as uncontrolled study results and unwarranted fear from studies. Journalists can alleviate this problem by asking the right questions, highlighting study limitations, and providing data to support claims.
A study found that nearly 40% of children with chronic kidney disease have masked hypertension, which increases the risk of heart problems. Children with masked hypertension are four times more likely to develop left ventricular hypertrophy, a common consequence of untreated hypertension.
Researchers at Helmholtz Munich have discovered Th22 cells, a previously unknown subset of T helper cells that aid in tissue repair and prevent inflammation. The newly found cells hold promise for developing new treatment methods for inflammatory skin diseases and potentially also allergic respiratory diseases.
Scientists identified two new pathways for the breakdown of 4-Hydroxybutyrate (4-HB), a brain chemical used as a date-rape drug. This discovery could lead to the development of new treatments for victims of sexual assault and those with a rare genetic disorder that causes 4-HB accumulation.
A new medical imaging technique called dynamic MRI has been found to identify pelvic organ prolapse in women with lower urinary tract symptoms. The condition can go undiagnosed due to its lack of symptoms at rest, but becomes apparent when the patient strains.
The University of Oklahoma's ACGT group has received a $7.5 million grant from the NSF for plant genomics research, focusing on the Heinz 1703 tomato genome. The project aims to improve crop yields and quality of life by understanding the chemical makeup of tomatoes.
A new study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology found that combining triple-drug TACE with a liver transplant significantly increased long-term survival rates for patients with unresectable liver cancer. The median survival time for patients who underwent the procedure was over 112 months.
Researchers found that flax can produce up to 0.3 kg of ethanol per kg of dry biomass, but its overall environmental impact is lower than Brassica carinata. Bioethanol from these sources can help mitigate climate change and reduce greenhouse gases.
The study found that real-time audio-feedback during EMS prehospital care improved clinical outcomes by better aligning CPR with AHA guidelines. However, it did not significantly impact survival to discharge or return of spontaneous circulation rates.
A new study has found that long-duration exposure to formaldehyde used in embalming practices is associated with an increased risk of death from myeloid leukemia. The study, published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, also found no associations with other lymphohematopoietic malignancies.
A questionnaire study by Tufts University found that half of barn workers experience coughs or other respiratory ailments, with higher exposure linked to increased symptoms. The study's results suggest poor air quality in horse barns may affect human health, particularly among equine industry workers.
The QPACE supercomputer is the world's most energy-efficient supercomputer, developed by a German academic consortium and IBM. It uses a novel concept of connecting processors by a network of programmable units to achieve high performance and scalability.
A study funded by NIMH found that a combination of medication and structured parent training significantly reduced serious behavioral problems in children with autism. The treatment protocol showed greater benefits compared to medication alone, including a lower dose of medication needed for symptom control.
A study published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry found that over-reactive parenting can increase aggressive behavior in introverted children, while benevolent and conscientious children are less affected. The study also showed that rule-breaking behavior tends to persist into adolescence.
A pivotal study has shown that PSD502 delays ejaculatory latency and improves sexual satisfaction in men with premature ejaculation. The treatment, a proprietary formulation of lidocaine and prilocaine, was well-tolerated and produced significant improvements in patient-reported outcomes.
Researchers Arnie Miller and Michael Foote analyzed fossil data from epicontinental seas and open-ocean-facing coastlines during three 'Big Five' mass extinction events. They found higher extinction rates in open-ocean settings, indicating these environments were more susceptible to mass-extinction-causing agents.
Researchers at the University of Washington successfully used exome sequencing to identify a previously unknown gene responsible for Miller syndrome, a mendelian disorder. This breakthrough study demonstrates the efficiency and potential of this strategy in discovering the genetic basis of rare diseases, which could lead to new therapies.
Pediatric immunologist Dr. Jordan Orange received the American Philosophical Society's Judson Daland Prize for his contributions to researching and treating inherited immune deficiency diseases. His work focuses on natural killer cells, which have an inherent ability to destroy cancer or virus-infected cells.
Researchers developed sugar-coated polymer strands that selectively kill off cells involved in triggering aggressive allergy and asthma attacks. The treatment targets specific immune cells, showing promise as a new weapon against life-endangering conditions.