A small genetic change in the IL28B gene can predict how well individuals with hepatitis C will respond to treatment. Those carrying this protective allele are more likely to clear the virus and respond to therapy.
A new high-temperature heat pump technology has been developed to tap into geothermal energy sources, providing a renewable and inexhaustible energy supply. The system uses waste water from geothermal wells, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and CO2 emissions in European towns.
Dr. George Stark receives prestigious lectureship for outstanding lifetime scientific contributions, spanning basic biochemistry and specialized fields like gene regulation and cell signaling.
Researchers at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center have found a way to use gene therapy to treat retinitis pigmentosa, an eye disease that causes blindness. The treatment involves delivering genetic therapies directly to light-sensitive cells in the retina using nanoparticle technology.
A University of Pennsylvania psychologist reanalyzes data suggesting that the brain does not consume extra glucose when exerting self-control, contradicting a popular model. The analysis also suggests that any potential decrease in glucose levels may be due to other factors, such as increased heart rate.
A new microbial genetic system has been developed to dissect biomass to biofuel conversion, allowing for the efficient extraction of sugar molecules from biomass polymers. This breakthrough enables researchers to study the functional significance of specific enzymes and understand how microorganisms carry out the complex process of pla...
Researchers found that mortality rates were significantly lower among patients who received DOT from a nominated treatment supporter compared to self-monitored ART. The study suggests that social capital and emotional support provided by these supporters contributed to improved survival outcomes.
UAB researchers are investigating the role of inactivated DNA left behind after breast-cancer treatment. They aim to understand how this altered DNA activates cancer's deadly spread, a process called metastasis. The study could lead to improved prevention and treatment for millions of cancer patients.
Movshon and Stanford's William T. Newsome receive award for their decades-long research on how the brain reconstructs images to support perception, linking perception to specific neural activity
A new test of sense of smell may help diagnose and treat early-stage Parkinson's disease. The research used transgenic mice with high levels of human alpha-synuclein, a protein linked to PD, to develop a model for studying the disease's effects on dopamine regulation.
The article explores issues related to cosmetic surgery, body image, and sexuality, highlighting the lack of proper information on risks and complications. It also examines the controversy surrounding the use of resources for these procedures, particularly in developing countries.
A University of Houston sociologist chronicles the Gülen Movement, an Islamic civic movement that promotes peace, education, and interfaith dialogue. The book presents stories from participants who benefited from Gülen-inspired schools, highlighting its positive impact on communities.
A Mayo Clinic study found that interrupting blood flow for more than 20 minutes during kidney cancer surgery increases the risk of chronic kidney disease. Limiting ischemia time can help avoid this complication.
The NASA Aqua satellite captured an image of the thickest part of the oil slick in the Gulf of Mexico on June 10, 2010. The MODIS instrument revealed a sun-glint effect where the oil slick appeared nearly white due to smooth water surfaces.
A study of 193,804 trauma patients found that uninsured individuals were more likely to die from injuries than those with private insurance. Patients covered by Medicaid or other insurance plans had better mortality rates for all injuries compared to those without insurance.
A high-resolution Asian monsoon record was established covering the time range from 16.2 to 7.3 ka BP, revealing key information on past climatic changes and their mechanisms. The study confirms earlier work suggesting that solar insolation and North Atlantic climate affect the Asian Monsoon.
A breakthrough discovery has explained why some fluids containing polymers form beads when stretched, providing a key for improving diverse industries such as ink-jet printing and drug dispensing. The study's findings highlight the importance of fluid inertia and relaxation time in bead formation.
A new gene has been discovered that explains variability in symptoms of Usher syndrome, a condition affecting hearing and vision. The discovery could lead to more precise genetic diagnosis and improved treatment options for patients.
A Seattle study finds that children living in disadvantaged neighborhoods are more likely to be obese. The research reveals that socioeconomic factors such as low education levels, single-parent households, and high household income disparities contribute to childhood obesity rates.
A new strain of bacteria has been discovered that can produce non-toxic rhamnolipids to help degrade polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), a major environmental pollutant in oil spills. The strain, NY3 of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, shows an 'extraordinary capacity' to break down PAHs and decontaminate the environment.
Researchers at University College London have identified a new mechanism for how polycomb proteins repress the wrong genes in embryonic stem cells. The discovery has significant implications for tissue engineering and cell differentiation, as it reveals how polycomb proteins control gene activity through interaction with short RNAs.
Researchers analyze genomes of two individuals with mixed ancestry to study the genetic basis of complex diseases. The study provides a clearer picture of the ancestry of genome sequences for individuals studied, revealing the approximate number of generations at which genetic mixing occurred and estimating the rate of admixture.
The discovery of exoplanet Beta Pictoris b, located 60 light-years from Earth, confirms that giant planets can form in time-spans as short as a few million years. The planet has a massive nine-Jupiter-mass orbit, challenging previous theories on planetary formation.
Researchers identified Clock and cycle genes involved in the interaction between feeding and sleep behaviors. The study found that these genes aid in sleep under food deprivation conditions, highlighting the complex role of genetics in behavioral decision-making.
Scientists have outlined the molecular mechanism of membrane transport, revealing how proteins transform shape to transport substances across cell membranes. This new understanding may lead to better treatments for depression and substance abuse by targeting specific transporter proteins.
Fungal pathogens spread quickly through gypsy moth cadavers, while viruses disperse slower via parasitoid flies and predators.
A new study found a strong association between smoking and the presence of flat adenomas (precancerous polyps) in the colon. The study suggests that smoking may explain why smokers often present with colorectal cancer at a younger age and at a more advanced stage than nonsmokers.
A study found that bevacizumab increases the risk of severe urinary protein loss by more than four-fold in patients, highlighting the need for monitoring kidney health when prescribing this cancer drug. Patients with kidney cancer or receiving high doses of bevacizumab are at greatest risk.
A recent study found that lesions in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) result in compulsive sexual behavior in rats, highlighting a potential role for mPFC dysfunction in regulating behavioral inhibition. The research suggests that intact mPFC function is not required for normal expression of sexual behavior.
Researchers at Michigan Medicine warn that hospital cutbacks during the current recession may compromise quality and safety. Hospitals are reducing staff, scrapping renovation plans, and cutting back on technology to cope with declining profits and lost health insurance, threatening patient interactions and robust nurse-to-patient ratios.
Scientists uncover the flu's secret formula for evolving within host species: balance. The virus replicates with enough mutations to spread but not so many that it leads to its demise.
A study by Ohio State University found that youth club participation improves children's sense of self, reducing vulnerability to problem behaviors. Daily attendance is less important than feeling attached to the organization and having a good relationship with staff.
Researchers at the University of Granada have created a new system for early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease using processed images. The system achieved an impressive 90% success rate in identifying patients with Alzheimer's disease.
A team of astronomers suggests that many comets, including Halley and Hale-Bopp, could be from other star systems. The researchers propose that the Sun captured these icy bodies during its birth in a dense gas cloud.
Researchers used a technique called spectro-astrometry to observe protoplanetary disks in great detail, distinguishing between gas and dust distributions. They discovered that hydrogen gas is incorporated into the star through accretion, which can occur violently or smoothly, depending on the star's magnetic field.
A European survey found that up to 45% of cancer patients with breakthrough pain do not adhere to medication despite severe episodes. Patients want medications that relieve pain quickly and cause few side effects, yet current treatments often fail to meet these needs.
Scientists have identified two genes, Clock and cycle, that regulate the need to sleep and eat in fruit flies. The study found that these genes help flies regulate sleep when food is scarce, providing new insights into the neural mechanisms underlying this conflict.
A new Tel Aviv University study found that Type 2 diabetes doubles the risk of female genital and other cancers. The study recommends screening for colon cancer earlier and more often for diabetic women to save lives.
Research reveals a mechanism for autoimmune disease that depends on killer T cells expressing dual receptors for normal proteins and pathogens. The study found that viruses lacking the specific protein can still trigger the disease, suggesting a complex interplay between viral infections and genetic predisposition.
Researchers identified two distinct mechanisms for nuclear pore complex assembly during interphase and post-mitotic stages, shedding light on cell cycle-dependent differences in nuclear membrane topology. The findings have implications for conditions such as cancer, developmental defects, and sudden cardiac arrest.
A study analyzing 150,000 hospital discharges found significant insurance-related differences in mortality rates, length of stay, and costs for acute myocardial infarction, stroke, and pneumonia. Uninsured patients had higher mortality rates and longer hospital stays compared to privately insured patients.
A new study published in Springer's journal Sex Roles found that toddlers adopt different behaviors and cues from their mothers and fathers during play and caregiving situations. In play, children tend to be more involved in directing interactions, while in snack situations, they accept parental authority.
Researchers will monitor infectious disease threats from countries participating in the tournament and cities with high air travel to South Africa. They aim to predict potential outbreaks of diseases like mumps, Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease, Rift Valley Fever, and more.
A new study suggests that many well-known comets, including Halley and Hale-Bopp, may have formed in orbit around other stars. The Sun is believed to have captured small icy bodies from its sibling stars, creating a reservoir for observed comets.
Researchers at Jena University have identified oxylipins in moss that repel snails, a common garden enemy. The study's findings suggest a new organic repellent could be developed using these compounds, offering an eco-friendly alternative to existing pest control methods.
Researchers at Hebrew University successfully produced human type I pro-collagen in transgenic tobacco plants, solving a major issue with scarce and pathogen-ridden human cadaver sources. This breakthrough has significant commercial potential, valued at multi-million dollars.
Researchers are creating a Subsurface Thermal Energy Storage (STES) system to store waste energy underground, cutting heating and cooling costs and reducing carbon emissions. The system uses natural insulating properties of underground sediments and conventional heat pumps to achieve higher efficiency than traditional HVAC systems.
Researchers from the University of Adelaide discovered how insects judge speed and motion in a natural setting, revealing additional brain mechanisms. Insects use visual motion analysis and adapt to different light conditions, similar to humans.
A recent study by MSU psychiatrist Dale D'Mello found that nearly half of patients hospitalized with bipolar disorder also suffer from high blood pressure. The study discovered a link between the severity of bipolar disorders and the level of mania experienced by patients with hypertension.
A research team at McGill University Health Centre has developed a rapid genome sequencing process to identify genetic diseases, promising personalized treatments for patients. The new approach can isolate genes responsible for hereditary diseases within two weeks, revolutionizing the screening and treatment of genetic disorders.
Scientists have isolated a gene that allows Pteris vittata ferns to tolerate high levels of arsenic, a toxic metal. This gene enables the plant to accumulate and store arsenic in its fronds, effectively cleaning up contaminated soils and waters.
Researchers found harbor seals can track fish fins up to 35 seconds after passing, using the structure of vortices and jets in the wake. Guided by their whiskers, seals accurately detected fin direction with over 90% accuracy.
A NJIT engineer is developing innovative robotic and virtual reality-based video game therapies to aid stroke patients in regaining hand and arm function. Preliminary results show promising 20-28% positive changes in motor function following therapy.
Scientists have created a novel type of immune system cell called Induced T to Natural Killer Cells (ITNK cells) that can kill cancer cells in lab tests and mouse models. These reprogrammed killer cells are more efficient at targeting tumour cells than unmodified Natural Killer cells.
Researchers have found that anoxia-induced suspended animation can protect organisms from extreme cold, preserving cell-cycle control and preventing biological instability. This discovery may lead to improved techniques for extending the shelf life of human organs for transplantation.
Researchers found that p53 is activated during the formation of spermatozoa and ova, controlling the creation of gametes to prevent mutations. This discovery suggests a new role for the tumour suppressor gene in evolution, potentially leading to new approaches in cancer research.
A population-based study of 2,071 Hodgkin lymphoma survivors over 15 years found that many did not receive recommended cancer screening tests. Despite frequent contact with doctors and primary care providers, survivors often lacked screenings for other cancers, including colorectal, breast, and cervical cancer.
A radiographic examination of the Santa Rosa mummy's heart suggests a cardiac embolism may have caused her death. The study also confirms a ventricular diverticulum and thrombus, common in patients with Cantrell's syndrome.
Research reveals that increased acidity in Chesapeake Bay is reducing rates of juvenile oyster shell formation, highlighting the need for better monitoring and measurement protocols. Acidity levels vary across different regions of the Bay, with some areas becoming more acidic and others more alkaline.
A new study reveals that allopurinol treatment can slow the progression of kidney disease, decrease inflammation, and lower cardiovascular risk. The analysis suggests a potential benefit for chronic kidney disease patients, but further trials are needed to confirm these findings.