Researchers at University of California - Berkeley have identified four distinct species of the secretive Hemidactylus fasciatus gecko in West African rain forests. The discovery was made using new DNA analysis techniques that distinguish different species even when they appear similar.
A new assay using gelatin zymography reliably detects mature cathepsin K, a key enzyme in osteoporosis, arthritis, and cancer metastasis. The technique outperforms existing methods, allowing for sensitive detection of small amounts of the enzyme.
Scientists have developed flies with genetic changes similar to those found in patients with galactosemia, allowing researchers to study the disease and develop potential treatments. These models can help understand how sugar metabolism leads to disease and open the door to novel drug discovery.
A new study is exploring the effects of the Gulf oil spill on oyster reefs along the US East Coast, with a focus on guiding future restoration efforts. The research aims to understand how predators and climate influence estuarine health in natural oyster reefs.
A new study by UBC researchers has definitively linked the evolutionary histories of malaria and dinoflagellate algae through the genome of Chromera, a symbiotic coral organism. The discovery resolves a long-standing scientific debate and could provide crucial information for tackling diseases.
University of Montreal researchers have won major prizes at the 2010 Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada Awards. Professor Gilles Brassard received the Gerhard Herzberg Gold Medal for his work on quantum cryptography, while a team led by René Doyon captured the first-ever image of an exoplanet system.
A study published in World Journal of Gastroenterology found a significant link between gallstone formation after radical gastrectomy and the X+ allele of the APOB gene. Patients with this allele had higher levels of TC and LDL, leading to increased saturation of bile cholesterol and gallstone formation.
A systematic review of C-reactive protein studies found publication bias and low study quality, casting doubt on the marker's reliability. The authors propose improved research protocols to address these issues.
Researchers design a new technique called PRIME, which tags proteins with smaller probes allowing them to carry out normal functions. This breakthrough sheds light on previously unseen protein activities, offering new insights into cell biology.
A recent study found that patient treatment preferences play a significant role in racial disparities in total joint replacement utilization. African-American patients were less likely to receive a recommendation for the procedure and undergo surgery compared to white patients, despite similar disease severity.
According to a new report, only about one in three young women has received the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine to help prevent cervical cancer. The vaccination rate is increasing, but there is still a significant disparity in HPV vaccination rates among different racial and ethnic groups.
A recent clinical trial has found that azithromycin pills are as effective as penicillin injections in curing early-stage syphilis. The study, led by Edward W. Hook III, involved 517 HIV-negative volunteers and showed a cure rate of 77.6% for azithromycin recipients.
A study published in Cancer journal found that cofilin (CFL1) levels can predict patient prognosis and identify potential non-responders to treatment. High levels of CFL1 correlate with aggressive tumor behavior and resistance to certain anticancer drugs.
Red squirrels have been found to adopt orphaned pups from related individuals, challenging the assumption that such behavior is common only among extended family groups. Over two decades of study, researchers observed only five cases of adoption out of thousands of litters born, highlighting the rarity of this altruistic behavior.
Researchers have found that marine fossils in Florida's sandy ridges are tied to the land's uplift, rather than rising sea levels. The process is driven by a combination of weather patterns and geology, including karstification and isostatic rebound. As a result, some ridges have been preserved with their ancient marine fossils intact.
Research reveals genetic variations that affect estrogen levels and inflammation, leading to joint pain in breast cancer survivors on aromatase inhibitors. The study identifies personalized strategies to boost compliance and offers new treatment options for this debilitating side effect.
Men who choose radiotherapy over surgery for prostate cancer have a 17% improvement in overall survival rate, with patients refusing treatment having a 51% 10-year survival rate. This study highlights the importance of considering treatment options when diagnosed with prostate cancer.
Over 100 million people in rural southern Asia are exposed to unsafe levels of arsenic from their well-water, increasing cancer risks and causing cardiovascular disease. Researchers propose using deeper wells only for individual households and implementing measures to preserve deep wells specifically for drinking water.
A new study finds that TV food advertisements promote imbalanced diets, with excessive sugars and fat, but inadequate nutrients like fruits and vegetables. The researchers analyzed 96 hours of TV programming and found that the advertised foods fail to meet nutritional guidelines in every food group except grains.
Researchers at Walter and Eliza Hall Institute identify heparin-like carbohydrates that block malaria parasite's attachment to red blood cells, offering new potential for anti-malarial drugs. The study provides hope for developing effective treatments against the disease, which affects millions worldwide.
Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a method for enhancing the efficiency of microbial electrochemical cells (MXCs) using specialized bacteria. By creating a mutual relationship between homo-acetogens and anode bacteria, they can improve electron flow and increase hydrogen production, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
A team of researchers combined satellite data and lidar technology to accurately predict bird habitats. They ranked forest habitats as good, fair, or poor based on canopy structure, matching actual ground data 90% of the time.
A Penn study found significant variation in jumping gene locations among individuals, underscoring their impact on genetic diversity. The researchers also discovered that these genes contribute to the raw material of evolution by providing new genetic material through insertions.
A UCLA team of scientists discovered a relationship between DNA methylation and nucleosome positioning, which compact and regulate access to DNA. This finding could lead to techniques to control DNA methylation patterns and prevent cancer.
PSD502 demonstrates significant time to ejaculation and ejaculatory control improvements, with a 5.5-fold increase in IELT, compared to placebo. Men treated with PSD502 experience reduced premature ejaculation symptoms and increased satisfaction.
Researchers from the University of Navarra have identified a link between specific gene mutations and more severe forms of leukemia. The study analyzed patients from 19 hospitals across Europe, confirming that these genetic alterations can be used to monitor disease progression and identify potential therapeutic targets.
Scientists have discovered that CCL5 plays a protective role in warding off tuberculosis by attracting immune cells to infection sites. The protein may lead to new therapies that help the immune system resist TB, providing hope for treating this global disease.
The article identifies six key public health challenges and data needs to prepare for future pandemics, including measuring age-specific immunity and accurately quantifying severity. Serological surveys and monitoring time-sources are crucial for gathering valuable pandemic data.
A study of biodiversity changes over space and time reveals unexpected trends, contradicting previous assumptions that species mix turns over more in the tropics than closer to the poles. The data suggest that changes in climate over large distances and multi-year periods explain these paradoxical trends.
Researchers present studies demonstrating progress in using the R.E.N.A.L. Nephrometry Scoring system to standardize surgical decision-making and improve patient outcomes for patients with kidney cancers. The system captures anatomical features of renal masses, allowing for more accurate evaluation of treatment strategies.
Cancer cells form clusters of centrosomes to distribute chromosomes correctly, a trick that can be targeted for destroying them. Researchers identified 82 genes responsible for this survival strategy and found that silencing specific proteins disrupts tension in spindle fibers, leading to cancer cell death.
Nepenthes attenboroughii, a rare carnivorous pitcher plant from the Philippines, is ranked #1 on the list of newly discovered species in 2009. The plant was named after Sir David Attenborough and features pitchers up to 30 cm high.
Researchers found that teenagers are adept at using technology to connect with each other socially and creatively, often in innovative ways such as watching video diaries on YouTube or assessing platform features. Teens also demonstrate digital literacy by evaluating online platforms and selecting appropriate privacy settings.
The University of Miami has been selected by NOAA to lead the Cooperative Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Studies (CIMAS) in the southeastern US. The five-year partnership will focus on improving climate change research, hurricane modeling, and sustainable coastal development.
Scientists have found that plants deploy defensin proteins to facilitate the fertilization process, releasing male sperm cells through an explosive mechanism. This groundbreaking discovery provides new insights into the evolution of flowering plants and may lead to breakthroughs in breeding crops with improved fertility.
Scientists have discovered that platelets play a crucial role in cerebral malaria, a fatal form of the disease that ravages the brain. By targeting platelets, researchers hope to develop new treatment options for this devastating condition.
A large UK study found that genetic variations associated with an increased risk of breast cancer do not interact with environmental factors such as hormone replacement therapy, age at first birth, or obesity. The study's authors conclude that genetic and environmental risks for breast cancer are independent.
Researchers found that smoke triggers rapid changes in gene expression in the lungs of female mice, increasing expression of genes involved in estrogen metabolism. These findings suggest that estrogen metabolism may contribute to lung cancer in non-smoking women.
Researchers at Duke University found that cognitive ability, not age, is the key factor in predicting risky decisions. The study showed that older adults who scored higher on cognitive tests made similar economic decisions as younger adults.
Researchers found that Wikipedia's cancer information is accurate but poorly readable compared to peer-reviewed sites like the National Cancer Institute's PDQ. Readability was highly statistically significant, with Wikipedia written at a college level while PDQ was suitable for a 9th grader.
Only 5% of cancer research funds are spent on investigating metastases, yet it kills 90% of all cancer patients. The European CanCer Organisation highlights this discrepancy in funding and calls for increased emphasis on tackling metastases.
Clemson University has received a three-year, $400,000 faculty-development grant from the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission to recruit and retain younger faculty in nuclear science. The grant will support Dr. Brian Powell and help establish an excellent base for his academic career.
Researchers found men with ED had a 54% greater likelihood of high-risk CACS compared to those without ED. The study suggests ED is an independent risk factor for future cardiovascular disease.
A new voting system, standardized bidding, is designed to provide efficiency in common decisions without the presence of money or monetary transfer. The system protects minorities and maximizes social well-being by allowing voters to order alternatives according to their preferences on a numeric scale.
A new study by Ohio State University researchers found that many Latino immigrants in the US face discrimination based on skin color, despite efforts to be accepted as 'white'. Darker-skinned Latinos earn significantly less than their lighter-skinned counterparts, with a difference of $2,500 per year.
A small electric field accelerates ceramic product formation at lower temperatures and strengthens the material. The researchers achieved a 63% reduction in grain size, resulting in a stronger ceramic product.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University discovered NFI-A's role in protecting nerve cells from death due to neurologic disorders and stroke. Knocking down NFI-A reduced the neuroprotective effects of sublethal doses of NMDA, supporting its central role in nerve cell survival.
Patients who received treatment beyond recommended times for heart attacks had a significantly increased risk of death within 30 days. Treatment within recommended delays was associated with lower mortality rates, with each 10% increase in timely treatment linked to a decrease in 30-day mortality.
Florida State University scientists forecast an unusually active 2010 hurricane season with a predicted average of 17 named storms, including 10 that develop into hurricanes. Their unique computer model has already outperformed other models and demonstrated precision in previous forecasts.
Experts now advise against low-dose aspirin therapy for men under 50 and women under 60 with diabetes, citing risks of stomach bleeding and other side effects. Generic medications for high blood pressure and cholesterol control may be more effective in preventing heart attacks.
A Swedish study found strong links between ADHD medication and limited maternal education, single parent families, and welfare benefits among 1.16 million school children. The study showed that socioeconomic factors accounted for almost half of the cases, highlighting their potent predictive power.
The Office of Naval Research has successfully completed multiphase testing of the Large Vessel Interface Lift On/Lift Off Crane technology demonstrator. The demonstration successfully transferred 128 containers in waves of up to 1 meter in height, with only three crew members required for operation.
Purdue University researchers created an automated program to debug complex nuclear weapon simulations, reducing the time and difficulty of manual debugging. The tool, AutomaDeD, was 90% accurate in identifying errors and has potential applications in other parallel applications like climate modeling and high-energy particle physics.
New studies link SSRI antidepressants to increased cataract risk, with a 15% higher risk for seniors taking the medication. Amantadine, a Parkinson's treatment, also causes corneal damage, particularly after long-term use, potentially leading to vision impairment.
A study published in The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery found that patients who quit smoking six weeks after acute fracture surgery have fewer postoperative complications. Smoking cessation reduces risk of wound site infections and promotes faster healing.
The Reaxys PhD Prize awarded Thomas Maimone, Hiroyuki Miyamura, and Robert Phipps for their groundbreaking research. The winners were selected from over 300 submissions based on originality, innovation, and publication quality.
Researchers found that GSK-3 inhibitors may cause enlarged heart muscle cells and inability to contract optimally in mice. The study suggests that therapeutic GSK-3 inhibitors might have serious adverse effects on the heart.
A RAND Corporation study finds that faith-based organizations in Central America can play a crucial role in the HIV response by raising awareness and providing access to healthcare. Researchers recommend building on these groups' existing reach and influence to improve services and support for those affected by the disease.
A UCI study identifies the body's immune system as a key player in navigating transplanted stem cells to injured areas in the central nervous system. Adult neural stem cells were shown to be guided by CXCR-4 receptors and chemokine proteins to specific sites, where they differentiated into oligodendrocytes to repair damaged tissue.
The New York City Panel on Climate Change (NPCC) reveals the city's comprehensive plan to adapt to climate change, focusing on energy, transportation, water, and communication systems. The report proposes flexible Adaptation Pathways to mitigate risks and provide win-win opportunities for city managers.