Researchers at the University of Utah Health have discovered a gene mutation that causes severe epilepsy and febrile seizures in some infants. The SCN9A gene mutation can alter sodium channel function in the brain, leading to seizures, and may be responsible for up to 5% of febrile syndrome patients.
The NIH Roadmap Epigenomics Program awards $62 million to study the epigenome in various diseases and conditions. These studies aim to understand how diet, environmental exposures, and stress affect human health and disease.
A Georgia State University study found that adolescent rats are less vulnerable to drug withdrawal and relapse than adult rats, suggesting a possible protective effect of youth on substance abuse. Researchers hope to apply this knowledge to develop better treatments for human addiction.
Researchers found a strong association between teenage birth rates and state-level measures of religiosity in the US. Conservative religious beliefs are strongly predicted to influence teen birth rates, even after controlling for income differences.
A University of Alberta study found that bilingual children's lexical recall is slightly lower than unilingual peers, but this is not a concern for French Immersion programs. Bilinguals showed improved recognition and translation skills, and demonstrated creative thinking in coming up with words to convey their meaning.
A five-year study at Penn State will analyze hypertension in humans and laboratory conditions, shedding light on potential therapeutic strategies for people with essential hypertension. The study aims to understand how hypertension affects the body's cardiovascular system and its impact on individuals.
Researchers discovered compounds that disable Mycobacterium tuberculosis' proteasome complex, allowing the bacteria to remain dormant. The inhibitors show high specificity for TB microbes while sparing human cells.
Scientists have discovered that the venom of isolated Florida cottonmouth snakes may differ from that of mainland snakes due to their diet of dead fish dropped by seabirds. A new technique for collecting venom, using a portable nerve stimulator, has also been developed as part of this study.
By using a special design and the principle of anti-reflective layers, researchers have made graphene visible on gallium arsenide. This achievement enables the measurement of electrical properties of the new material combination, paving the way for further research and development in electronics.
The study investigates proficiency level in laparoscopic splenectomy using the learning curve method, finding a horizontal lazy S-shape with two distinct slopes. Surgeons can be accepted as proficient after performing at least 25 cases, contrary to the widely accepted 'L' shape.
Researchers at University at Buffalo found that bitemark identification is not as reliable as DNA analysis and can lead to wrongful convictions. The study suggests that bitemarks should be carefully evaluated in criminal investigations to avoid misidentification.
Researchers used photoswitches to target enigmatic nerve cells in zebrafish, finding they trigger burst swimming and lower threshold for reflex movement. The discovery could have implications for human neurological disorders.
Researchers from the University of Florida and the University of Washington successfully used gene therapy to restore color vision in two squirrel monkeys. The study demonstrates the potential for this treatment to target adult vision disorders involving cone cells, a crucial step towards developing therapies for human cone diseases.
The K-State institute's intern program has received the National Pollution Prevention Roundtable's Most Valuable Pollution Prevention Program award for its innovation and measurable results in reducing waste and emissions. The program, launched in 2006, has led to significant environmental improvements and cost savings for participatin...
A study published in World Journal of Gastroenterology found that HBV genotypes B and C were the major genotypes in Indonesia, with genotype B being predominant. The study also identified associations between certain mutations and liver disease progression.
A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatric Society found that people with persistent pain develop functional limitations at an earlier age than those without pain. The study revealed that individuals with pain have higher rates of mobility limitations and are more likely to experience disability.
Researchers have analyzed ice cores from Greenland and small ice caps to show the evolution of the ice sheet over 11,700 years. The findings reveal that changes in elevation cause different temperatures, allowing scientists to use small ice caps as a standard reference for climate history.
A study published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology evaluated 76 cases of living donor liver transplantation and found that the Chengdu formula is reliable. The other formulas, such as Fan and Heinemann, underestimated liver volume, while Urata and Lee overestimated it.
A large-scale clinical trial, VOICE, is testing the safety and efficacy of an antiretroviral microbicide gel and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) regimen to prevent HIV infection in women in four African countries. The study aims to determine which intervention is more effective and acceptable to participants.
K-State will expand its program for recruitment and retention of Latino students, including a new learning community and academic tracking system. The goal is to improve retention rates, reduce academic warning cases, and increase graduation rates among Hispanic students.
A five-university consortium led by Michigan State University is conducting a four-year study to understand why Lyme disease is more prevalent in some areas than others. The researchers aim to identify the ecological factors that affect the Lyme disease cycle, including climate, vertebrate biodiversity, and tick genetics.
Researchers found a positive correlation between Yes-associated protein (YAP) and survivin expression in gastric carcinoma, suggesting YAP's role in inducing cell proliferation and inhibiting apoptosis. The study suggests potential for YAP as an early diagnostic marker for gastric carcinoma.
Researchers used light-activated proteins to pinpoint the neural cell responsible for a specific behavior in zebrafish, a breakthrough that could lead to new insights into biological systems and synthetic biology applications. This technique may also aid in optimizing biofuels and disease-fighting therapies.
A groundbreaking study published in the Journal of Cell Biology reveals that the protein Pds5 plays a vital regulatory role during meiosis, failing to segregate and pair up properly when it is absent. This finding has significant implications for understanding human chromosomal birth defects, including Down syndrome.
The study found that S100A2 protein expression was reduced while p63 protein expression was increased, indicating their involvement in EC carcinogenesis. Combined expression of S100A2 and p63 may aid in early diagnosis and prognostication of ESCC.
A study found that ERCP quality outcomes, including complication rates, compare favorably with those of academic centers in a community hospital setting. Technical success rates met or exceeded recommended levels, indicating competence among gastroenterologists performing ERCP.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have identified unique characteristics of lung cancer in never-smokers, including exposure to second-hand smoke and radon gas. The guide recommends specific treatments, such as EGFR inhibitors, for patients with genetic mutations.
Tom Smith is experimenting with synthesizing liquid salts into a gel to create a new material that confines charge-carrying ions in a gelled, pseudo-liquid state. The goal is to improve conductivity in electrochemical devices at nanoscopic dimensions.
A new study by Jenifer Whitten-Woodring found that media freedom in countries without democratic institutions is associated with greater oppression of human rights. In the absence of other outlets for dissent, media freedom can lead to cycles of violence and repression.
The VOICE study aims to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of two ARV regimens: daily vaginal gel and daily oral tablets, to reduce HIV risk in women. The trial will enroll up to 5,000 participants across four countries and assess their willingness to use the methods.
A study published in Psychological Science found that reminders of money can reduce feelings of pain and social exclusion. The researchers suggest that acquired symbolic value of money can influence responses to both emotional and physical pain.
A partnership between MU and state organizations provides medical interpreters to LEP patients, improving communication and reducing costs. The program aims to increase access to quality care and reduce misdiagnoses.
Researchers developed a model to diagnose postnatal depression with an 80% predictive power, identifying risk factors such as social support and family history. The study also uncovered two protection factors: age and work during pregnancy, which reduce the risk of depression.
A University of Alberta study reveals that parolees with a gambling habit often resort to criminal activities and substance abuse when released from prison. The research highlights the need for sufficient practical resources to help problem gambler offenders integrate successfully into the community.
A 20-year study revealed a significant drop in liver cancer cases among vaccinated 6- to 19-year-olds. The universal vaccination program in Taiwan has been shown to extend its effectiveness into young adulthood.
Michigan State University researchers aim to help people sort out complex environmental problems in developing regions. They are testing a new survey method that taps recent insights from behavioral decision research to capture people's full willingness to make trade-offs.
The researchers aim to discover new materials that can efficiently absorb sunlight and split water into clean hydrogen fuel, which could power cars and generate electricity. The project will focus on novel metal oxides as semiconductors, with the goal of creating cheap and abundant materials for sustainable energy production.
Researchers found that zero tolerance laws had no effect on the number of nighttime accidents involving drivers under 21. Instead, other factors such as heavy drinking and mild drinking were consistent across all accident types.
A recent study found that intermittent preventive malaria treatment in African infants is both safe and effective, with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine providing protection for up to 6 weeks. However, the use of this drug is limited by potential resistance and its risks. New long-acting antimalarial drugs are urgently needed for this strategy.
Researchers have identified a critical role for protein kinase Erk3 in fetal growth potential and lung maturation, revealing the loss of this function leads to fetal growth restriction and early neonatal lethality. This finding provides new insights into intrauterine growth restriction and its associated risks.
Researchers are investigating the impact of low-level inflammation on skeletal muscle in obese individuals. They aim to determine how obesity affects muscle synthesis and breakdown, and whether an insulin-sensitising drug can reverse these effects.
Researchers at UCSF have identified microRNA collections that affect distinct processes critical for cancer progression. By analyzing these 'signatures', the team found a link between deregulated microRNAs and processes like hyperproliferation, angiogenesis, and metastasis.
A study identified a genetic variation in humans that allows some people to require less sleep. Researchers created 'insomniac' mice with the same gene variation, which appeared to function normally despite less sleep. The discovery sheds light on two aspects of sleep: biological clocks and body homeostasis.
Researchers define 'gut feelings' experienced by GPs as two types: sense of alarm and reassurance. The former involves feeling uneasy about possible adverse outcomes, while the latter means feeling secure despite uncertainty. This definition aims to facilitate future research on the effectiveness of 'gut-compass'.
A new study published in Academic Pediatrics found that parents are more likely to understand a body mass index (BMI) chart if it's color-coded, like a traffic light. The color-coded charts were most helpful to parents with the lowest math abilities, increasing correct answers from 51% to 81%.
A new study by University of Washington professor Virginia Berninger found that children can write more and faster with a pen than a keyboard for essay composition. Children consistently produced longer essays and composed them at a faster pace when using a pen.
A USGS study reveals over 40% of urban streams have chlorides above recommended federal criteria for aquatic protection. Chloride from deicing salt use is a major source, with levels as high as 4,000 ppm during winter months.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have invented a new type of magnetron that holds potential for more compact microwave sources with faster start-up times. The invention could lead to improved radar resolution and airborne applications, benefiting the Air Force's radar capabilities.
Johns Hopkins researchers identified a strong genetic alteration associated with the ability to clear hepatitis C without treatment. The study found that people carrying a specific variation of the IL28B gene were more likely to successfully eliminate the virus from their bodies.
Kansas State University has been awarded a five-year, $1.1 million grant to renew its successful Bridges to the Bachelor's program, which has helped almost 50 students transfer to K-State since its inception. The program aims to increase diversity in the bio-behavioral and biomedical sciences at K-State by providing cooperative learnin...
A study published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology found that underlying malignancy, liver cirrhosis, and hematemesis are key predictors of rebleeding after negative angiographic findings. The research team analyzed 128 patients with acute non-variceal gastrointestinal bleeding who had negative initial angiography results.
Researchers used MDCT to assess IPMN image characteristics, identifying larger cystic lesions and ducts in malignant cases. The combined-type IPMNs had a higher rate of malignancy than other types, while tumors with mural nodules showed a significantly higher incidence of malignancy.
Research on endothelin-1 (ET-1) reveals its role in promoting fibrosis in pancreatic stellate cells. ET-1 stimulates cell activation, leading to inflammation and fibrosis. Inhibition of ET-1 may offer a novel approach to treating chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer.
Genetic sex determination allowed ancient marine reptiles to thrive in open oceans with live birth, freeing them from land-based nesting. This adaptation led to extreme physical changes and diversification of species.
Researchers at Weill Cornell Medical College have identified new anti-tuberculosis compounds that inhibit the disease-causing bacteria's mechanism for surviving dormant in infected cells. The findings could lead to drugs that destroy TB in its dormant stage, potentially revolutionizing treatment.
Researchers found a simple intervention involving monthly follow-up phone calls improved depression care in primary practice. The trial evaluated 626 patients with depression, highlighting the potential of practice-based health care assistants to recognize and react to deteriorating symptoms.
The AF Stat Call to Action outlines critical issues and recommends priority actions in policy, education, management, and quality. The report aims to reduce the burden of atrial fibrillation by improving understanding, diagnosis, and management among all parties affected.
Researchers found that inexperienced female fruit flies can learn to prefer certain locations for laying eggs after observing mated females, indicating social learning abilities. This study suggests that even solitary insects may exhibit social learning as a survival mechanism.
Researchers have created a new technology using DNA origami that can form tiny letters with multiple branching points, addressing the need for narrow features in nanoelectronics. The breakthrough could lead to the development of nanoscale devices with unprecedented capabilities.
The Swift satellite has acquired the highest-resolution view of the Andromeda Galaxy in ultraviolet light, capturing over 20,000 ultraviolet sources. The galaxy's star-formation processes can now be studied in greater detail than previously possible with the help of three ultraviolet filters.
Researchers at Medical College of Georgia say blocking a protein that battles infection may help prevent a common cause of vision loss in chronic diseases like diabetes. The protein interleukin-6 prompts inflammation, which can lead to complications such as diabetic retinopathy.
A Yale team found a crucial molecular mechanism for mixing neurons in columns of the cerebral cortex. This intermixing is essential for normal cognitive processing and disruption can lead to severe problems like autism and mental retardation.
The HIV Nef protein inhibits cell mobility in immune cells, disrupting their ability to establish contact and combat the virus. This mechanism may lead to the malfunction of B-lymphocytes in AIDS patients.
Researchers from Brigham Young University have successfully created a customized DNA origami technique to write the letters B-Y-U on an extremely small scale. This breakthrough enables the design of nanoscale shapes for electrical circuitry and the creation of inexpensive computer chips.