Studies confirm a region of chromosome 9 is associated with an increased risk of ALS across multiple populations. Genetic variations identified in the Finnish population contribute to familial and sporadic cases, suggesting a strong genetic link. The study provides new insights into the causes of ALS.
A study found that multiple sclerosis lesions appeared two to three times higher in spring and summer months compared to other seasons. Warmer temperatures and solar radiation were linked to increased disease activity.
A new study from Hasbro Children's Hospital reports a significant increase in sports-related concussions among young athletes, particularly in high school-aged athletes and those under 13 years old. The study highlights the need for further research and injury prevention strategies to address the rising trend.
A new species of predatory dinosaur, Balaur bondoc, has been discovered in Romania with unusual features such as a re-evolved functional big toe with a large claw. Its unique anatomy suggests it was adapted for strength over speed and likely hunted in a different way than its relatives.
A study of 45,227 patients with atherothrombosis found that hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and diabetes increased the risk of future cardiovascular events. Polyvascular disease was also identified as a strong risk factor for ischemic events.
CDX2 is an identity gene that tells a cell it is in the epithelial tissue of the intestine, enabling it to perform its job correctly. Cancer cells deactivate this gene, leading researchers to identify five anti-cancer genes and discover CDX2's role in suppressing colon cancer.
A study by University of Iowa researchers found that structural defects in heart muscle cells occur before functional decline, suggesting a potential window for intervention. The team used imaging techniques to visualize changes in T-tubule networks, which were accompanied by reduced junctophilin-2 levels and compromised integrity.
Researchers have found that African trypanosomes avoid human immune systems by mutating surface protein receptors, reducing TLF-1 uptake. This discovery may lead to the development of new therapies against the disease-causing parasites.
A new study in mice shows that social support can minimize physical damages to the brain caused by a heart attack. Socially isolated mice suffered more cell death, depressive symptoms, and inflammation than those living with a partner.
Researchers at Max Planck have developed an new MRI method that significantly accelerates image acquisition time, allowing for 'live recordings' of moving joints and organs. This breakthrough enables direct monitoring of heart muscle pumping and blood flow, potentially improving diagnosis of conditions like coronary heart disease.
A new study from North Carolina State University found that genetics play a key role in whether someone is willing to participate in surveys. The research involved sending surveys to over 1,000 sets of twins and measuring response rates. Interestingly, the behavior of identical twins was a good predictor for each other, but not for fra...
Researchers discovered a relict coral reef in the southern Pacific Ocean that thrived thousands of years ago, providing insight into how reefs adapted to sea level changes. Additionally, heavy snowfall in the US and Europe was caused by the collision of El Niño and negative North Atlantic Oscillation weather patterns.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota found that humans make decisions based on perceived structure in the world, leading to irrational behavior. The study shows how people can adapt to new information and change their decision-making strategies when presented with correct world models.
Researchers at UC San Diego and NEI Corporation are designing new types of lithium-ion batteries with exceptional energy density, potentially used in NASA space exploration projects and consumer applications. The goal is to create commercially useable cathode materials with high capacity and structural stability.
A recent study has found that hardening of the arteries significantly increases the risk of mortality, with asymptomatic cases doubling the risk. The researchers recommend a simple ankle-brachial index test as a standard diagnostic tool for elderly patients.
Researchers at UCLA report a 20-fold increase in human monkeypox cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo since smallpox vaccinations ended in 1980. The virus has become more common due to lack of health infrastructure and no surveillance, posing a risk for wider spread into animal populations.
Scientists at Nationwide Children's Hospital have discovered a distinct blood transcriptional signature associated with active TB, which may help identify patients at risk of developing the disease. The study found that this signature was present in 10-20% of latent TB patients and correlated with disease extent in active TB patients.
A new study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal finds that low doses of inhaled cannabis containing THC offer modest pain reduction and improved moods in patients with chronic neuropathic pain. The study suggests that medical cannabis may be a viable alternative for patients who have not responded to standard therapies.
A team of scientists found clear evidence of feasting at the ancient Hilazon Tachtit Cave burial site near Karmiel, Israel. The Natufian community members gathered there for special rituals to commemorate the burial of the dead, with feasts being a central element.
Research highlights the connection between circadian rhythms and affective disorders, including depression and bipolar disorder. The study found that disrupted circadian rhythms can lead to sleep disturbances, hormonal imbalances, and other health issues.
Quebec's lead on publicly funding smoking cessation pharmacotherapies could benefit all Canadians, with a potential gain of 1.9 million life-years. Full financial reimbursement significantly improves abstinence rates and extends the lifespan of former smokers.
Researchers at Oregon State University have identified adjacent skin cells called 'co-conspirators' that play a key role in the development of melanoma. The study found that these cells send signals to pigment-producing cells, which can either prevent or promote melanoma growth.
A collaboration between Iowa State University's Horticulture, Library, and English departments resulted in improved student outcomes. Students valued the input from faculty and enjoyed interacting with them at poster sessions.
A team of researchers from Washington University in St. Louis has found no evidence of nanodiamonds, a key component of the YD impact hypothesis, in sedimentary deposits dating to the Younger Dryas period. The discovery suggests that the catastrophic event thought to have killed off North American megafauna may not have occurred.
Stanford researchers have developed a high-speed, low-cost filter that kills bacteria with an electrical field, allowing for faster filtering and reduced costs. The filter uses silver nanowires and carbon nanotubes to create a smooth, conducting surface, making it efficient and effective in purifying water.
A study found that individuals with borderline personality disorder experience heightened activation of limbic circuitry in response to emotions, but physical pain stimuli suppress this activation, providing possible relief. This process may help compensate for deficient emotional regulation mechanisms.
A new study finds that a school-based intervention can significantly reduce drinking rates among adolescents at risk for substance abuse. The program, which targets personality traits associated with substance use, was delivered by teachers and resulted in a 55% decrease in binge-drinking rates compared to control group.
The Metcalf Institute for Marine & Environmental Reporting has received a $199,909 NSF grant to enhance the communication of oil spill research. The project will bring together scientists and science communicators to clarify early scientific findings about the oil spill's impacts.
A team of 64 international researchers has identified 27 new MiniPromoters, greatly expanding the current limited pool of these vital tools. The Pleiades Promoter Project enables research worldwide with bioinformatics, genomics, and neuroimaging expertise.
The new journal aims to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of cell medicine in treating debilitating and fatal disorders. The journal features a diverse global editorial board and publishes papers on cell therapy with direct clinical relevance.
Two Iowa State University astronomers are using Spitzer Space Telescope data to study big cool-temperature stars and dusty disks. The telescope is also identifying regions within the Milky Way that are forming intermediate-mass stars.
A new study by Baycrest's Rotman Research Institute found that older adults are more prone to destination memory failures, including falsely believing they've shared information. They remain highly confident in these false beliefs, leading to awkward social situations and miscommunication.
A randomized controlled trial found smoked cannabis significantly reduces chronic pain intensity, improving sleep quality and anxiety levels. The study used three different potencies of THC and a placebo, with the highest THC level showing the most significant benefits.
A University of Alberta study finds that inorganic elements toxic at low concentrations are being discharged into the air and water by oilsands mining and processing. The research reveals that pollutant concentrations were highest near industry sites, contradicting claims of natural sources.
The domestic apple genome sequence has been published, providing valuable information for breeding apples with desirable traits such as disease resistance and flavor. The study confirms that the wild ancestor of the modern domesticated apple is Malus sieversii from southern Kazakhstan.
Scientists have successfully sequenced the domestic apple genome, allowing for rapid identification of desirable genes and traits. The study also reveals the wild ancestor of the modern domesticated apple, providing a valuable resource for future research and breeding programs.
The SHIFT study found that ivabradine significantly reduced cardiovascular death and hospitalization for worsening heart failure when added to standard treatment in patients with a high heart rate. Lowering heart rates with ivabradine was also associated with improved clinical outcomes, including an average reduction of 15 bpm.
The analysis of the RELY trial found that local standards of care significantly affect the benefits of switching to new treatments, particularly for stroke prevention. In centers with poor INR quality control, dabigatran showed greater advantages over warfarin in preventing stroke and cardiovascular events.
Scientists at Max Planck Institute successfully analyze all genes in human genome simultaneously to identify mutation causing Mabry Syndrome. The new process reveals a mutation in PIGV gene leading to mental retardation and other symptoms.
A CCNY-led team found that nodes with fewer connections but locations near the core of a network are just as likely to spread information or infections. This knowledge could help public health officials target resources to reduce the spread of infectious diseases.
A new study finds that consumers' motives and purchasing decisions change as the time since their last paycheck increases. Newly paid individuals tend to prioritize products that improve their quality of life, while those closer to payday focus on preserving their current standard of living.
A study found that genetic variation in ABCB1 affects clopidogrel metabolism, leading to increased cardiovascular risk. The variation, which is common in half the population, can render standard clopidogrel treatment less effective, highlighting the importance of personalized medicine approaches.
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine contradicts earlier reports that people with a certain genetic make-up don't benefit from the blood-thinner clopidogrel. Researchers found that the gene variant previously thought to be associated with reduced effectiveness had no impact on patients taking clopidogrel.
Researchers have discovered a genetic risk factor associated with common types of migraine, revealing a potential explanation for the link. A DNA variant on Chromosome 8 regulates glutamate levels in nerve cells, which may play a key role in migraine attacks.
Carnegie Mellon researchers found that heterogeneous groups of neurons transmit twice as much information as homogeneous groups. This diversity is essential for overall brain function and may also play a role in neurological disorders like epilepsy and schizophrenia.
A study found ticagrelor to be more effective than clopidogrel in preventing blood clots, regardless of genetic variations. This means patients with acute coronary syndromes can use ticagrelor instead of clopidogrel, eliminating the need for genetic testing.
Researchers found a technique to remotely control a key component of most quantum cryptography systems, exploiting imperfections in photon detectors. Countermeasures have been implemented with ID Quantique, a leading manufacturer, to secure the technology.
Researchers at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center have identified interleukin-17A as the chief culprit behind severe asthma-like symptoms in mice. The study found that blocking IL-17A production or targeting the complement factor 3 pathway can reduce airway hyper-responsiveness and inflammation.
A study found that parents often administer incorrect doses of medications to children, leading to a high number of calls to poison centers and emergency hospital admissions. The researchers call for improved education on proper medication usage to prevent child harm.
Schizophrenia is a complex condition characterized by altered brain structure and neurotransmission, leading to symptoms like hallucinations, delusions, and social withdrawal. Delayed access to treatment can result in slower recovery and increased risk of relapse, highlighting the need for early intervention.
Research highlights the importance of gene-environment interactions in understanding psychosis development. Environmental factors such as urbanicity, migration, and cannabis use have been shown to increase risk, while genetic vulnerability plays a role in making individuals more susceptible.
A Rutgers-led research team will design a 'clean-slate' network architecture to accommodate the shift of Internet traffic to smart cellular phones, tablet computers and emerging mobile data services. The goal is to make the mobile Internet reliable, available, secure and trustworthy.
A study of nearly 2,000 people with diabetes found that many remain sexually active, but experience impairment in desire and rewards. Men are more likely to express a lack of interest in sex and experience erectile dysfunction, while women report orgasm difficulties.
The University of Texas at Austin's Health Information Technology program has received $2.7 million in federal funding to support its launch. The program graduated its first class of 54 students this summer, and the university will establish four programs in health information technology with the new funding.
Scientists have discovered a cell-to-cell signaling pathway that designates the future location of ear's sensory organs in embryonic mice. By activating this signal, they were able to induce patches of new sensory tissue with hair cells and support cells. This breakthrough suggests a potential avenue for regenerating sensory organs in ...
A study published by the American Physiological Society suggests that as body mass index (BMI) increases, so do platelet reactivity and thrombogenic microvesicles, contributing to cardiovascular disease. Higher BMI groups also showed increased traditional cardiovascular risk factors such as blood pressure and triglycerides.
USDA scientists Jon Bates and Tony Svejcar found that burning cut juniper trees in winter helps protect native perennials from invasive cheatgrass. After 10 years, burned areas showed 1.5-2 times greater herbaceous and perennial grass cover than unburned areas.
A new technique developed by Dr. Scott Oliver may revolutionize the treatment of eye cancer, preventing blindness in most patients by blocking up to 55% of harmful radiation with silicone oil.
A genome-wide association study has revealed a strong link between a gene in the human leukocyte antigen region and Parkinson's disease, implicating the immune system. The study suggests that inflammation is involved in the origin of the disease, not just a symptom.
A pioneering project in North Korea has successfully implemented agroforestry systems on marginal sloping lands, increasing tree cover and crop diversity. The project has made a significant impact on people's lives, providing them with food, vitamins, and income through sustainable land management.