Researchers from Texas A&M University and the University of Cincinnati have discovered a new set of essential telomere proteins in Arabidopsis, a plant found worldwide. The team identified human counterparts to these proteins, which could help understand human cancers and cellular aging.
The Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center is building its first US cancer clinic and training center in Africa, focusing on infectious diseases. The $500,000 grant from USAID will aid in the construction of a new outpatient clinic and training facility to improve access to clinical care and train medical professionals.
The center aims to understand the explosive evolution of cancer under stress using an interdisciplinary team and physics-based approach. Researchers will create microhabitats to manipulate variables and observe cell responses, informing the development of sophisticated computer models to simulate tumor growth.
Researchers found that leukemia cells reliant on MCL-1 are more sensitive to chemotherapeutic drugs than those dependent on BCL-2. A block in apoptosis selected during oncogenesis can significantly impact cancer's response to chemotherapy.
Dr. Michael W. Brennan leads a team of American physicians working with Iraqi physicians to provide improved care as the country recovers from war traumas. He has been instrumental in developing a national emergency medical system and mental health programs, transforming Iraq's medical education and patient care.
A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences suggests that everyday actions such as home weatherization and vehicle maintenance can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The research estimated that these measures could cut total US carbon emissions by 5% over five years and 7.4% in 10 years.
A new University at Buffalo study investigates how women with early-stage breast cancer decide on their surgical treatment. The research reveals that women value control over their choices and rely on the support of their healthcare team to make informed decisions. Key findings include the importance of receiving options, managing info...
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine found that weekly and biweekly vitamin D2 doses effectively treat and prevent vitamin D deficiency. The study shows significant increases in 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels after treatment, with no reported toxicity risks.
A study found that living near a variety of restaurants and supermarkets lowers the risk of obesity. In contrast, residents who live far from any food outlets are more likely to be overweight. The researchers also found that access to healthy grocery options in low-income neighborhoods significantly reduces obesity rates.
A three-dimensional image of Tropical Storm Neki was created using TRMM Precipitation Radar instrument data. The storm showed a small area with powerful thunderstorms at heights of up to 52,493 feet.
The university has established a new Q-STEP program, which provides support and resources to increase the graduation rate of students in science and math fields. The five-year grant aims to improve retention and success in these disciplines, with goals including increased group study opportunities and assigned academic advisors.
A Dutch study found that only 8.2% of fatigue patients received a diagnosis of severe illness, with musculoskeletal problems and psychological issues being the most common diagnoses. The study highlights the complexity of fatigue as a symptom of underlying specific disease.
Researchers at King's College London discovered abnormalities in white matter that trigger the onset of schizophrenia, particularly in posterior regions. The study suggests that faulty 'wiring' in key brain areas contributes to the development of full-blown symptoms.
A new study reveals professional football players, particularly those in the larger weight classes, exhibit increased fasting glucose levels, body mass index, waist circumference, and other risk factors for cardiometabolic syndrome. This finding highlights the potential future health risks associated with large-scale exercise routines.
The FASTSAT mission will analyze the Earth's outer atmosphere with three NASA-built instruments: Thermosphere Temperature Imager (TTI), Mini-ME neutral atom imager, and Plasma and Impedence Spectrum Analyzer (PISA). The instruments will provide critical data for global space weather prediction, improving communication and navigation.
New studies suggest that adequate bowel preparation prior to colonoscopy can impact follow-up timetables. Researchers found that inadequate bowel preparation resulted in a recommended follow-up colonoscopy 17.1 months earlier than average.
Researchers developed a revolutionary packaged wastewater treatment system using naturally occurring bacteria, leaving no toxic by-products and requiring minimal energy. The system has been deployed in Afghanistan and offers scalable solutions for large-scale and small-scale applications.
A new Mayo Clinic study has found that video capsule endoscopy is safe for patients with heart devices, contradicting previous FDA contraindication. The study, involving 84 patients, showed no complications or interference between the procedure and implanted cardiac devices.
A study found that unsedated colonoscopy for primary colorectal cancer screening is as effective as sigmoidoscopy in terms of patient acceptance and need for sedation. The procedure eliminates risks associated with sedation, reduces recovery time, and decreases costs.
Researchers at Stony Brook University found that high levels of carbon dioxide in seawater hinder the growth and survival of bivalve larvae, leading to a significant decline in shellfish populations. The study suggests ocean acidification poses an equally serious risk to ocean resources.
Researchers have developed a new drug, L803-MTS, that targets the GSK3 protein to prevent CNS diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. The compound slows down disease progression without exhibiting toxic side effects, offering a potential therapeutic approach for these devastating conditions.
Researchers have developed a tool to analyze marine mammal calls, finding that whales adjust click intervals to prevent cluttering echoes. This strategy enables groups of whales to explore more efficiently, suggesting a 'polite listener' behavior.
A study by Harvard researchers found that torture can lead to the perception of guilt in innocent individuals. Participants who witnessed torture and saw the victim's pain rated them as more guilty, while those who were distant from the torture sympathized with the suffering and saw them as less guilty.
N-type channel function is modified by lipids according to new Rittenhouse laboratory findings, supporting the ArA generation hypothesis. The study provides insight into VGCC modulation, shedding light on an oily competition between two hypotheses.
Red blood cells can deform into an asymmetrical slipper shape when flowing through arteries, a phenomenon that affects blood flow. Simulations suggest this deformation helps the cells catch up with fluid, leading to more efficient blood flow.
Researchers have discovered an alternative spliced form of tissue factor that contributes to cancer growth and angiogenesis. The protein is found in various tissues but plays a key role in promoting the development of new vessels to fuel tumor growth.
Researchers at UC Davis have identified nonanal as the dominant odor naturally produced in humans and birds that attracts Culex mosquitoes, a key step towards controlling mosquito-borne diseases. The study also found that combining nonanal with carbon dioxide increases trap captures by over 50%.
The first national and evidence-based guidelines for brain metastases have been released in the US, providing a framework for treating patients with brain tumors. The guidelines cover various therapeutic options, evidence-based decision-making, and demographic factors that influence clinical decisions.
The Huichol population of Mexico has the highest documented CYP2E1*c2 allele frequency, placing them at high genetic risk for alcoholism and alcoholic liver disease. The absence of protective ADH1B and ALDH2 polymorphisms in this group exacerbates their vulnerability.
A study published in BMC Public Health found that high temperatures, humidity, and low wind speed are linked to increased dengue fever cases. The authors suggest that weather conditions affect mosquito survival and flying patterns, which contribute to disease transmission.
Researchers found that African Americans who participated in culturally specific weight loss programs with frequent partner attendance had greater weight loss success. The study suggested that the involvement of a supportive partner was linked to improved weight loss outcomes, regardless of whether they attended sessions together or not.
A national survey found that 90% of physicians were satisfied or very satisfied with chaplains' spiritual services. Physicians who endorsed religion's effect on patients and believed it was acceptable to pray with patients were more likely to be satisfied. The study also found that physicians in the Midwest were more likely to be satis...
A new genetic method allows for precise identification of all eight tuna species from processed tissue, helping conservation efforts and trade controls. The analysis of DNA sequence variability enables full discrimination between the recognized species.
In a unique situation, gastroenterologists performed endoscopies on military dogs with gastrointestinal complications. The procedures involved putting their human skills to the test to care for canine heroes in the combat zone.
A new study led by Dan MacNulty found that wolves' predatory ability peaks when they are two to three years old, not throughout their entire adult lives. The study suggests that physiology limits predation and that older wolves rely on athletic ability, which diminishes with age.
A new Johns Hopkins Engineering in Oncology Center will study physical underpinnings of cancer growth and spread, aiming to develop innovative therapies and diagnostic tools. Researchers hope to gain a better understanding of the complex forces involved in metastasis.
LX211 controls inflammation in non-infectious uveitis, significantly reducing its recurrence rate by 50% at a dose of 0.4 mg/kg twice daily. The treatment also preserves visual acuity and reduces corticosteroid use to minimize vision loss risk.
Scientists found a newly discovered gene, KIAA1212, linking to schizophrenia and autism susceptibility genes. They successfully 'rescued' damaged brain cells using rapamycin, a drug acting on mTOR protein.
Researchers found that sperm can transmit HIV to macrophages, T cells and dendritic cells by attaching to their surface and using specific molecules. This discovery suggests that sperm may be a key factor in spreading the virus during sexual intercourse.
The PLOS collection explores how genomics can provide insights into emerging infectious diseases. Genomics research has the potential to track the spread of disease agents, develop vaccines, and combat pathogens more effectively. This could lead to a better preparedness for and response to biological threats.
The University of Nevada, Reno has received an $890,000 grant from the National Science Foundation to establish a national community-user facility for environmental sensing. This facility will provide state-of-the-art fiber-optic distributed temperature (DTS) instrumentation and equipment to researchers nationwide.
Researchers found a two-tier defense mechanism in the DNA of naked mole rats, which expresses a gene called p16 that stops cell proliferation when too many cells crowd together. This discovery could potentially lead to new cancer treatments for humans.
Research found that mice lacking a crucial protein for insulin production have lower circulating insulin levels and impaired granule function. The discovery may explain a portion of Type 2 diabetes and help identify rare genetic cases.
A study on Stegodyphus tentoriicola spiders reveals that relatedness fosters better group dynamics and more efficient food foraging. This cooperative behavior helps maintain harmony in larger groups, countering the 'tragedy of the commons' phenomenon.
Researchers found evidence of two breeding seasons among five songbird species in western Mexico, challenging previous understanding of bird migration patterns. The discovery reveals that some birds take advantage of the monsoon season to raise young and then continue their journey.
A recent study published in BMC Biology identified genetic pathways associated with moderate alcohol consumption, but found no correlation between these genes and alcohol dependence. The research team found that drinking behavior was linked to pleasure and reward pathways in the brain, similar to satiety and appetite for food.
A Henry Ford Hospital study suggests that patients with diverticulosis may not require aggressive screening for colonic polyps, as they tend to have fewer and less advanced polyps. The study analyzed data from 1,668 patients and found a lower incidence of polyps in those with diverticulosis.
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh discovered a strain of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria jumping from humans to chickens, marking the first clear evidence of bacterial pathogens crossing from humans to animals since domestication. This finding has significant implications for poultry farming and food security.
A recent study found that hospital mortality after a heart attack has declined significantly for younger women, particularly those under 55 years old, over the past 12 years. The researchers attribute this improvement to changes in patient characteristics and treatments.
A German study has found that wild pigs and deer do not spread genetically modified (GM) corn through their feces or accumulate transgenic residues in their meat. The researchers fed GM-fed wild boars and fallow deer conventional maize, but found no evidence of germinable seeds in their feces.
A new study found that Jewish survivors of World War II have a higher risk of developing cancer, with increased risks observed for breast and colorectal cancer. The study, which analyzed data from over 300,000 Israeli Jews, suggests that early exposure to extreme stressors during childhood may increase cancer susceptibility later in life.
The Northwestern Physical Sciences-Oncology Center will study genes and their role in cancer, aiming to understand healthy cells to control cancer. The center brings together physical scientists and cancer biologists to use non-traditional approaches.
Carbon monoxide may have therapeutic benefits in treating cancer, bacterial infections, and organ rejection in kidney transplant patients. Researchers aim to harness CO's powers to create new therapies with low-dose exposure.
Neuroscientists have pinpointed molecular events in brain chemistry that trigger a shift from preference learning to aversion learning in infants. This transition is linked to changes in dopamine levels, which are manipulated through chemical means, advancing our understanding of attachment and development.
A Henry Ford study found that pregabalin effectively reduced abdominal pain and improved sleep in women with adhesions, a common complication after abdominal or pelvic surgery. The study results suggest that pregabalin may be a viable treatment option for this painful condition.
Changing behavior strategies such as pill boxes and reducing daily doses can improve medication adherence in older adults. Researchers found that these strategies have a greater impact than educating patients about the need for medication.
A new study reveals a 71% increase in Down syndrome pregnancies and births over 20 years, largely due to women delaying childbearing. Despite this rise, improvements in prenatal screening have maintained the number of babies born with the condition at around 750 per year.
Scientists will study switchgrass varieties under drought conditions to improve forecasts on productivity and identify genetic mechanisms of drought tolerance. The research aims to develop models predicting how climate change affects switchgrass production in North America.
Arizona State University scientists will study cancer cells as physical objects, examining forces, mechanical properties, and electrical properties to develop new methods for arresting tumor growth and metastasis. The goal is to understand cancer's role in the biological scheme of things and its behavior as a physical object.
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) conference in 2009 featured presentations on eyelid rejuvenation and its novel approaches, as well as the growing popularity of buttock lifts and implants. More than 220,000 eyelid surgeries were performed in 2008, with a significant increase in the Mountain and Pacific regions.
African-American women face obstacles to timely breast cancer care, with delays in follow-up exams leading to later detection and reduced survival. Despite disparities, programs like the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program show promise in addressing these issues.
A University of Exeter study found exercise decreases attention to smoking-related images, with participants spending 11% less time looking at these images after exercising. This suggests exercise can help reduce interest in and salience of smoking cues, making it easier for smokers to quit.
A new study published in PLoS Medicine reexamines the development of dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF), contradicting the long-held antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE) model. Researchers found that maternal antibodies protect infants from full-spectrum dengue disease, and a higher weight-for-age is associated with DHF risk.
A probiotic bacterium, Bacillus polyfermenticus, has been shown to effectively treat colitis in mice by promoting the growth of new blood vessels. The study found that the bacteria increased angiogenesis, a process necessary for wound healing, and reduced inflammation in affected tissues.
Cornell researchers discovered a genetic mechanism in fruit flies that prevents reproduction between two closely related species, Drosophila melanogaster and D. simulans. The mechanism involves rapidly evolving junk DNA in the male's X chromosome, which creates incompatibilities with the female's DNA, leading to embryo death.
A clinical trial found that adding two antiretroviral drugs to single-dose nevirapine effectively reduces drug resistance in mothers and babies. The combination regimen is safe, easy to provide, and effective in preventing subsequent nevirapine resistance.
The National Cancer Institute funds a new $13 million cancer research center at Cornell University, led by Harold Craighead. The center will focus on using nanobiotechnology and other physical science approaches to advance cancer research.
A decline in invasive breast cancer cases was observed in Spanish women starting in 2001, following a period of increasing rates from the 1980s and 1990s. The trend is attributed to screening saturation, which reduced the pool of undiagnosed prevalent cases.
The US Department of Energy has awarded $151 million in funding to 37 ambitious energy research projects. These projects aim to develop transformative innovations in energy storage, biofuels, carbon capture, renewable power, building efficiency, vehicles, and other energy technology areas.
Researchers found that Barrett's esophagus patients have comparable survival rates to the general population, with a 10-year overall survival rate of 68%. Esophageal cancer was not significantly more common among these patients.
Researchers at Rush University Medical Center identified a cellular pathway that explains the link between alcohol and cancer. Alcohol stimulates the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, making cancer cells more aggressive and spreading throughout the body.
Studies highlight racial disparities in gastrointestinal disease, particularly colon cancer and Barrett's Esophagus, among African Americans, Latinos, and women. These disparities underscore the importance of education, early screenings, and potentially more aggressive screening tactics for these populations.
A study by Canadian cardiologists found that patients with herceptin-related heart complications can be taken off the medication and treated for the condition, allowing them to resume cancer treatment unaffected. The research suggests that heart damage from trastuzumab is largely reversible.
A study found a significant association between a polymorphism of the µ-opioid receptor (OPRM1) gene and alcohol misuse among adolescents. The G allele variant was associated with increased sensitivity to the pleasurable effects of alcohol, leading to more frequent drinking and problems.
Researchers found that implantation of blue light-filtering IOLs at cataract surgery increased macular pigment levels, which may offer protection against age-related macular degeneration. The study suggests a strong scientific rationale for the benefits of blue light-filtering in reducing vision loss.
A recent study found that consuming moderate amounts of protein per meal, around 30 grams, is most effective for building muscle. Eating larger portions does not necessarily lead to greater muscle synthesis. Shifting extra protein from dinner to lunch and breakfast may help optimize daily intake and reduce muscle loss in the elderly.
A study found that patients with IBD, particularly those on thiopurine medications, may be at higher risk for non-melanoma skin cancer. The study also showed that recent use of immunosuppressive medications was associated with increased risk of NMSC.
The Iowa State T-ray facility offers a state-of-the-art tool for measuring and characterizing materials, with applications in automotive, energy, and medical fields. The instrument uses terahertz rays to provide spectroscopic analyses of chemical and physical compositions.
Researchers found a significant association between gastrointestinal disorders and exposure to infectious gastroenteritis, with the highest risk of functional diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome. Long-term effects of high-stress occupations on GI health are being considered for novel solutions.
Researchers have identified heterochromatin, a gene-poor compartment of DNA, as the key to explaining reproductive isolation. Odysseus, a fruit fly gene, has been found to interact with rapidly evolving DNA in heterochromatin, leading to hybrid sterility.
The third sector continues to innovate in public service delivery, despite tough economic times. Key findings from a report by the ESRC reveal the sector's ability to adapt and respond to changing circumstances.
A new species of fly discovered in Burmese amber had a unique horn and three eyes on top, suggesting it was an evolutionary dead end that later disappeared. It likely fed on tiny flowers and had other unusual characteristics.
The study found that cardiorespiratory fitness declines more rapidly after age 45, with men experiencing a greater decline than women. Maintaining a healthy BMI, being physically active, and not smoking are associated with higher levels of cardiorespiratory fitness throughout adult life.
New imaging technologies, such as the Third Eye Retroscope and high-definition (HD) colonoscopy, improve the detection of pre-cancerous growths in the colon. These advancements lead to more accurate diagnoses and potentially reduced mortality rates from colorectal cancer.
The Wellcome Trust has awarded €2.8 million to the Laboratory for Virology and Experimental Chemotherapy at K.U.Leuven to search for new treatments for dengue fever, a viral disease prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions. Researchers will collaborate with the pharmaceutical industry to develop medications for this deadly virus.
A study published in PLoS Medicine suggests that reducing dropout rates from HIV treatment programs can lead to improved patient survival and cost-effectiveness. The researchers propose strategies such as eliminating co-payments for treatment and increasing services available to patients, which could form part of the commitment to star...
A new integrated survey protocol identified areas requiring mass treatment for schistosomiasis and intestinal worm infections in Southern Sudan. Lymphatic filariasis and loiasis were found to be extremely rare, with only four individuals testing positive or reporting symptoms.
Two new studies found evidence of a large volcanic eruption in 1809 that contributed to the coldest decade on record. Researchers analyzed ice cores from Greenland and Antarctica, as well as stalagmites in Turkey, to shed light on this event. The findings challenge previous theories on climate change and provide valuable insights into ...
A large nationally representative study found that up to 20% of US children have suboptimal vitamin D levels, with Hispanic and black children at particularly high risk. The researchers recommend vitamin D supplements for all children, especially those in high latitudes, to improve health outcomes.
Researchers capture high-speed footage of tiny water droplets jumping off a man-made surface, similar to the ejection of spores from certain mushrooms. The phenomenon has applications in energy harvesting and thermal management, offering an efficient mechanism for removing condensate.
The American Society of Plant Biologists has launched 'Teaching Tools in Plant Biology' in The Plant Cell, a monthly online feature with regularly updated sets of teaching materials on important themes in plant biology. Peer-reviewed tools are designed for upper-level undergraduates but can also be adapted for introductory courses.
A large series of 91 patients found that performing capsule endoscopy did not interfere with images captured by devices like pacemakers. The study, presented at the American College of Gastroenterology meeting, suggests that capsule endoscopy can be safely used in elderly patients with implantable cardiac devices.
A Mayo Clinic study found that Clostridium difficile infections are rising in outpatient settings, with a higher proportion of cases in younger populations. The study suggests that antibiotic use may be contributing to the increased incidence and severity of C. difficile infections.
The world's largest congress on ion therapy brought together leading experts to discuss the latest scientific and clinical developments in radiation therapy. The meeting marked a significant milestone in the technology and clinical application of ion radiation, with over 70,000 patients worldwide treated so far.
Researchers at Ohio State University discovered that giant volcanoes played a pivotal role in an ancient ice age and mass extinction. The volcanoes released massive amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, causing global warming before stopping, which led to the ice age.
A study led by Penn researchers identified a molecular pathway in the brain that causes cognitive impairment due to sleep deprivation. Reducing the concentration of a specific enzyme using PDE inhibitors reversed cognitive deficits, including impaired focus and memory.
Tropical Storm Lupit is transitioning to an extra-tropical storm, while Tropical Storm 23W is approaching Saipan with sustained winds near 40 mph. The storms are being tracked by the US Navy's Joint Typhoon Warning Center.
A new study finds that a 7-day course of levofloxacin, omeprazole, nitazoxanide and doxycycline (LOAD) is more effective in eradicating Helicobacter pylori than a similar treatment with lansoprazole, amoxicillin and clarithromycin. The therapy is also found to be equally effective when reduced to 7 days.
The article discusses the need to shift focus from tertiary care services to cost-effective brief interventions for earlier stages of alcohol use disorders. Health systems in low- and middle-income countries currently prioritize treatment, but this approach is often ineffective.
A Dartmouth study has found that patients taking immunosuppressive drugs such as glucocorticoids may be at higher risk of developing bladder cancer. The research examined the long-term use of glucocorticoids in 786 bladder-cancer patients and 1,083 control subjects, revealing a potential link between the two.
Researchers found genetically modified squash are more susceptible to bacterial wilt disease due to increased feeding by cucumber beetles. The study suggests that the fitness advantage of virus-resistant crops comes at a price, with unintended consequences for biodiversity.
Middle-aged women have experienced an increase in heart attack prevalence over the past two decades. However, their chances of survival following a heart event have also improved, with women under 55 experiencing the largest reduction in mortality rates compared to men.
A study found that anti-VEGF treatment for wet age-related macular degeneration can lead to increased intraocular pressure in patients without a family history of glaucoma. A new low-cost vision screening method, using an auto-refractor and pre-made eyeglasses, has shown promise in improving vision for millions in developing countries.
A new community engagement process has been developed to enable residents to contribute their essential knowledge to emergency planning. This approach recognizes that people on the ground may have critical insights into potential problems with emergency plans, which can be overlooked by experts.
Researchers identified a cellular pathway by which alcohol promotes cancer progression through the activation of EMT in colon and breast cancer cells. This mechanism may contribute to the increased risk of these cancers associated with alcohol consumption.
Researchers recommend screening people over 40 for PAD due to its association with heart disease and stroke. The study found 17 cases of PAD among 362 volunteers, highlighting the importance of aggressive treatment and prevention strategies.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University are developing automated methods to discover astrophysical phenomena by analyzing massive amounts of cosmological data. These methods will enable scientists to identify larger patterns in observational data, providing insights into the evolution of the universe. The initiative aims to capitaliz...