A single stimulatory molecule has been found to sustain human insulin-producing cell replication in a mouse model of diabetes, indicating potential treatment options for the condition.
For nearly three-quarters of elderly patients, intensive chemotherapy is associated with poor prognosis and low median survival time. Researchers identified several predictive factors for mortality rate, including age over 80, genetic abnormalities, and kidney function impairment.
Electrical activity in developing brain cells influences the choice of neurotransmitter, altering behavior. Researchers found that tweaking genetic signals can change an animal's behavior by changing the transmitters neurons make and use.
Researchers at D.J. Sanghvi College of Engineering have investigated various nanotechnology approaches for water purification, including nanofiltration and zeolite filtration membranes. These methods can effectively remove sediments, chemical effluents, charged particles, bacteria, and other pathogens from water.
Researchers found that chronic morphine use decreases levels of tumor angiogenesis, mediated by suppression of signaling induced by low oxygen concentrations. This effect suggests morphine may inhibit tumor growth and serve as an anti-angiogenic agent in cancer pain management.
The 'Language Bases for Reading Comprehension' grant aims to improve listening and reading skills in preschool through third grade. Researchers will develop interventions to support bilingual students, and over 3,000 children will participate in the five-year study.
A new study reveals a global decline of marine phytoplankton over the past century, with declines of about 1% per year. The decline is strongly correlated with rising sea surface temperatures and changing ocean conditions.
A team of researchers has discovered a rare and unique 'elkhorn' coral in the Pacific Ocean, with colonies reaching up to five meters across. Genetic analysis suggests that it may be a variant of the critically endangered Atlantic elkhorn coral, highlighting conservation concerns due to limited data on its population size.
A new primary care model called the patient-centered medical home has the potential to reduce diagnostic errors by focusing on teamwork, communication, and patient empowerment. The model emphasizes comprehensive and coordinated care, facilitated by partnerships between patients, their physicians, and other healthcare professionals.
Researchers have discovered two novel biomarkers for stroke and coronary heart disease in postmenopausal women. Beta-2 microglobulin levels were significantly elevated in CHD patients, while insulin-like growth factor binding protein 4 was strongly associated with stroke risk.
A large-scale study published by BGU researchers found that normal blood pressure at age 17 can predict hypertension in early adulthood, particularly in teenage boys. The study also revealed that estrogen may protect against hypertension in girls, and that monitoring weight and blood pressure is crucial for adolescents and young adults.
Researchers discovered that certain flowers produce heat as a reward to pollinators, which develop larvae in the spent flowers. This finding suggests a novel role for flower heating in plant-pollinator mutualism.
A study published in The Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that computed tomographic colonography (CTC) screening every five years is not cost-effective if reimbursed at the same rate as colonoscopy. However, CTC would be cost-effective if it enticed 25% more individuals to screen.
Researchers at Penn State have developed a method to create macroscale molds or dies that retain nanoscale features, mimicking biological tissues. The team used blowfly eyes as a template to produce high-quality polymer replicas with precise dimensions.
A study by North Carolina State University found that clustered networks of social connections play a key role in diffusing innovation. Opinion leaders within these networks can significantly influence consumer acceptance, with strong connections being crucial for successful adoption.
A study by researchers at UC Davis found that students with ADHD are less likely to finish high school on time than those with other mental-health disorders. Smoking is the strongest predictor of high school dropout among teens who engage in substance use.
Scientists have engineered a variant of fluorescent protein from reef coral to observe protein movement in live cells. The newly created mIrisFP has excellent properties as a genetically encoded marker protein, enabling the study of dynamical processes within live cells at high spatial resolution.
Researchers at CIN2 have developed a way to make artificial materials that control water condensation, leading to the formation of 'room-temperature ice' at ambient conditions. This breakthrough has significant implications for snowmaking, improved freezer systems, and new coatings for skating rinks.
Agricultural Research Service scientists have developed a new genetic map of switchgrass, which is expected to speed up the search for genes that make the perennial plant more viable as a biofuel source. The genetic map divides the switchgrass genome into 18 distinct groups of genes linked together on the same strand of DNA.
A new theoretical model accurately predicts the hydration free energy of a wide variety of organic compounds, enabling accurate prediction of compound movement in complex environments. The model has been developed using computational hydration thermodynamics and chemo-informatic techniques, requiring only 10-20 seconds on a PC.
Scientists have developed a novel method to deliver therapeutic molecules, proteins, and DNA directly into living cells using laser-activated nanoparticles. The technique, which uses bursts of near-infrared light to create tiny holes in cell membranes, shows promise for gene-based therapies.
Scientists at the University of Reading in the UK have created a kite-based system to measure wind speed with high accuracy. By attaching a strain gauge to a kite's tether line, researchers found that the tension in the line is linearly related to wind speed, making it a potential tool for atmospheric research.
Researchers from LMU and ETH Zurich have shown that position and momentum can be predicted more precisely than Heisenberg's Uncertainty Principle allows, using a quantum memory. This breakthrough enhances our understanding of quantum memories and provides a method for determining entanglement.
A meta-analysis of social relationships and mortality risk found that individuals with adequate social connections have a 50% greater likelihood of survival. The study's results suggest that reducing mortality through enhancing social relationship factors may be a major opportunity to improve both survival and quality of life.
A study has identified the BRF2 oncogene as specifically associated with lung squamous cell carcinoma, potentially serving as an identification marker and novel therapeutic target. Genetic analysis found frequent activation of BRF2 in pre-invasive stages of the disease, suggesting its role in tumorigenesis.
A study of 1,945 middle-aged participants found that early repolarization patterns were associated with a nearly doubled risk of cardiac death among men and women aged 35-54. The pattern was also linked to an increased risk of all-cause mortality, particularly in men.
A Brigham Young University study reveals that social connections, such as friends and family, significantly increase the odds of survival by 50 percent. The research analyzed data from 148 studies, showing that low social interaction is comparable to smoking or being an alcoholic in terms of risk.
A new study published in Psychological Science found that men are less likely to seek cancer screening when presented with misleading information about the prevalence of screening among other men. The researchers suggest that framing health messages to emphasize the benefits of screening rather than relying on relative numbers can be a...
A University of East Anglia study found that female birds in the Seychelles warbler species prefer extra-pair fertilizations, which increase genetic diversity and disease resistance in offspring. This results in longer lifespan for those individuals.
A new study found that intensive home visits from therapists teaching parenting skills and emotional support significantly improved mothers' behavior and reduced child maltreatment. The intervention was more effective than conventional services, resulting in fewer recurrences of abuse.
Researchers at Purdue University have discovered critical mechanisms for the plasma-material interface in nuclear fusion test reactors. The findings show promise for developing new coatings capable of withstanding extreme conditions inside the reactors.
A study of over 15,000 patients in Michigan found that serious complications from bariatric surgery are rare, with rates inversely associated with hospital and surgeon procedural volume. The most common complications were wound problems and minor issues.
Researchers identify neogenin as a crucial protein in skeletal development, which can disrupt cartilage and bone formation if mutated. This finding offers new insight into treating osteoarthritis and provides potential therapeutic targets.
Researchers will deploy NSF/NCAR Gulfstream V research aircraft to gather data on tropical storms that may become hurricanes. By understanding these storms' formation, scientists can help the National Hurricane Center attain five- or seven-day hurricane forecasts.
Asteroid '(101955) 1999 RQ36' has a 0.00054 chance of colliding with Earth in 2182, according to researchers who used the Monte Carlo Method and line of variations sampling models. The asteroid's orbit is influenced by the Yarkovsky effect, which slightly modifies its path.
The study found that smaller hospitals in Kentucky and Indiana adopted quality improvement measures quickly and implemented the expanded surgical time-out checklist with high rates of adherence. Surgical specialists committed to accepting safety parameters, and clinicians provided an extremely high standard of care to patients.
A Duke University study found that hormonal contraceptives alter the chemical cues used by ring-tailed lemurs to determine genetic fitness and relatedness. The study also showed that males are less interested in females treated with contraceptives, suggesting potential effects on human mate choice.
The University of Houston received a $2.4 million grant to fund postdoctoral scientists researching cancer biology and computational disciplines. This multidisciplinary approach aims to tackle the most pressing problems in cancer research.
Researchers found that the human neck played a crucial role in the evolution of the human brain by enabling improved movement and dexterity in terrestrial and aerial environments. This innovation allowed for a wide range of forelimb abilities, from flying to swimming and playing piano.
Recent advances in computing have improved fluid modeling for low Reynolds numbers, but significant challenges remain for high-Reynolds-number flows, crucial in aeronautics and climate modeling.
A study of 587 women aged 18-95 found that 63% experienced female sexual dysfunction (FSD), with orgasm issues affecting the most people. FSD increased with age, except for orgasm problems, which rose in older age groups.
A UNC physician authored an editorial on a cost-effectiveness study comparing colonoscopy and computed tomographic colonography (CTC) for colon cancer screening. The analysis concluded that CTC is not cost-effective compared to colonoscopy if reimbursed at the same rate.
A study found that mammographic tumor detectability decreases with age, primarily due to denser breast tissue masking tumors. The study suggests that lowered mammographic tumor detectability accounts for 79% of the poorer sensitivity in mammography screening among younger women.
Babies born between 34 and 37 weeks gestation are more likely to experience respiratory issues, with risks decreasing as gestational age approaches full term. Respiratory distress syndrome was found in 11% of 34-week deliveries and transient tachypnea in 6.4% of the same group.
Research reveals that Australian marsupials descended from a single ancestral South American species, suggesting a simplified migration scenario across Antarctica. The study used retroposon markers to reconstruct the marsupial family tree and confirm this finding.
The University of Hawaii's School of Ocean Earth Science and Technology completed a three-year study of Sea Disposal Site Hawaii Number 5, finding over 2,000 munitions on the seafloor with no detected chemical agents or explosives. The investigation also found that sediment and water samples showed little influence from human activities.
Patients with osteoarthritis who adhere to recommended exercises and physically active lifestyle experience improvements in pain, physical function, and self-perceived effect. Long-term exercise behavior and physical activity also improve the effectiveness of exercise therapy.
Researchers at Taiwan's National Chiao Tung University have made a discovery that opens the door to building electronic components like diodes on various substrates, including plastic, paper, and fabric. They developed a new method to improve the rectification efficiency of oxide diodes by forming nanoscale current paths in oxides.
A team of researchers led by Dr. Kerry Courneya will investigate the impact of physical activity on breast cancer outcomes in a five-year study. The study aims to explore how physical fitness levels affect disease recurrence, treatment completion, and quality of life in women with breast cancer.
A new study published in Rheumatology found that moderate alcohol consumption may reduce the severity of rheumatoid arthritis symptoms and risk. The study, which involved over 1,800 patients, showed a significant inverse association between frequency of alcohol consumption and RA severity.
A recent study by Brown-MBL researchers estimates that reducing deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon state could lead to significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. The study found that achieving a goal of 89% reduction in deforestation rates by 2020 would result in lower net emissions, with up to 6.3 billion metric tons of CO...
A new global atlas maps the distribution of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) to improve decision-making in control and elimination efforts. The atlas provides a reliable planning tool for national programs, increasing the impact of NTD control efforts.
A new web-based decision-aid program helps women experiencing abuse develop individualized safety plans and better assess their situations. The program provides personalized assessments of danger and creates tailored safety plans, including talking with children about what to do in case of violence.
Three unusual cases of patients with listerial meningitis were presented, highlighting that Listeriosis in developing countries does not follow the usual pattern. The cases did not match the typical profile of newborns or elderly individuals, suggesting a different risk factor profile in these regions.
A study of over 200,000 deliveries found that late preterm births (34-37 weeks) are associated with a higher risk of severe respiratory illness. The risk decreases with advancing gestational age, with the lowest risk at 38-40 weeks. Early ultrasound confirmation and mode of delivery may help prevent neonatal morbidity.
University of Pennsylvania researchers describe a novel mechanism involving calcium transfer between cell components to regulate cell energy. Without this transfer, cells undergo autophagy, or self-eating, as they struggle to produce enough ATP.
Researchers from <i>Applied Cognitive Psychology</i> found that listening to music can impair cognitive performance during tasks, even when participants enjoy the music. The study suggests that the acoustical variation in musical environments affects recall and mental arithmetic.
The PLOS Medicine editors argue for a more integrated approach to addressing HIV in maternal and child health. Concurrent crises of maternal and child health and HIV require cooperation to address effectively.
Researchers at the University of Leeds have found an innovative process to produce hydrogen from used cooking oil, generating some of the energy needed and producing a nearly carbon-neutral byproduct. This breakthrough technology has the potential to power cars, large-scale power plants, and even reduce energy loss during transmission.
Researchers from Newcastle University have found that pigs' moods reflect their level of contentment, influenced by their living environment. The study used a technique to 'ask' pigs about their optimism or pessimism, revealing a direct correlation between emotional state and physical space.