The DOE JGI's new QC tool, GenePRIMP, helps check the quality of microbial genomic DNA sequences, reducing errors in gene annotations. With its ability to identify and correct anomalies, GenePRIMP facilitates comparative analysis and improves the overall accuracy of structural annotations.
A recent study by the Cleveland Clinic reveals that patients with NASH-induced cirrhosis are at an equal risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma as those with HCV-cirrhosis. Researchers found three key factors associated with HCC development in the NASH population: older age, higher BMI, and lifetime alcohol consumption.
The American Sociological Association (ASA) has launched the Teaching Resources and Innovations Library for Sociology (TRAILS), an online platform offering peer-reviewed teaching resources, syllabi, and class activities. The tool aims to improve the way professors are evaluated and valued for their teaching skills.
A Spanish study finds that teenage mothers tend to emancipate earlier, enter romantic relationships, and experience career disruptions. The study also reveals a decline in age of onset for sexual activity and contraceptive use, leading to a significant increase in teen pregnancy.
Researchers at Rice University have discovered thin films of nanotubes created with ink-jet printers can be used to make field-effect transistors. The technique allows for the creation of digital electronics on flexible substrates, with potential applications in raincoats and other devices.
Physician-scientists from NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center present research findings on suicide prevention, with funding prioritized for post-hospital discharge care. They also explore the relationship between music and creativity through the analysis of composer Frederic Chopin's life.
A new encryption scheme developed by Professor Nigel Smart allows for computations to be performed on encrypted data, enabling secure storage and access of sensitive information. This technology has the potential to revolutionize fields such as medical care research and electronic voting, while maintaining patient privacy.
Parasites in invasive species can cause significant harm to local invertebrates, fish stocks, and ecosystem services. The discovery challenges previous thinking that parasites-free invaders do well in new locations.
Researchers used MRI to identify high-risk atherosclerotic plaques in an animal model, which could lead to non-invasive diagnosis and treatment of patients. The study found that MRI can accurately detect stable and unstable plaques, including those with enhanced gadolinium uptake associated with inflammation.
The REDUCE trial found dutasteride to be effective in reducing the chance of a positive biopsy by 23% and preventing disease progression. However, more detailed analyses are needed to monitor long-term effects on cardiovascular health and selectively identify aggressive disease.
Researchers found that the supermassive black hole at the center of M87 is displaced from its expected position, likely due to a previous merger or the iconic jet's push. This discovery could have significant implications for understanding galaxy formation and evolution.
Researchers found pyrophosphite, a molecule similar to ATP, could transfer energy without enzymes. This discovery suggests that pyrophosphite played a role in the emergence of complex biology and potentially provided power for early lifeforms.
A Tufts University study sheds light on how marine animals like Galapagos iguanas survive stress, revealing the crucial role of negative feedback in coping with 'fight or flight' responses. The research also has implications for understanding wildlife responses to environmental disasters and oil spills.
The Andromeda Galaxy's supermassive black hole, M31*, is surprisingly quiet and faint in X-ray light, deviating from expectations. A decade-long study by Chandra reveals that the black hole underwent a significant outburst of X-rays in 2006.
Researchers found RSV was the predominant virus detected among infants and children hospitalized with severe pneumonia in Kenya. The study suggests that RSV vaccination may offer considerable public health benefit, potentially reducing all-cause clinically severe or very severe pneumonia admissions by one-third.
A study published in JAMA found that patients hospitalized for acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who received antibiotics within the first 2 hospital days had improved outcomes, including lower likelihood of mechanical ventilation and fewer readmissions. Antibiotics also reduced hospital costs.
A study found that nearly one-third of RA patients and their physicians disagreed on assessing the disease severity. The disagreement was most prevalent in patients with depressive symptoms or poor overall function.
Researchers at UMass Medical School have identified a crucial pathway in malignant glioma cells that can be targeted with existing cancer drugs, offering new possibilities for therapy. The discovery was made using genome-wide RNA interference screening and has implications for the treatment of this deadly brain cancer.
Researchers at Tufts University School of Medicine identified a protein that regulates the accumulation of an enzyme linked to Alzheimer's disease. Increasing levels of this protein may prevent the progression of the neurodegenerative disorder.
Research published in PLOS Medicine found an association between greater early-infancy gains in weight and length and genetic markers for adult obesity risk. Early infancy weight gain is also linked to increased risk of overweight and obesity in children globally.
Researchers found that sustained virologic response (SVR) prevents esophageal varices in patients with compensated hepatitis C (HCV)-induced cirrhosis. This study suggests that endoscopic surveillance can be safely delayed or avoided in these patients, reducing unnecessary invasive procedures.
Researchers at URMC discovered a defect in cellular pathways regulating bone formation at the stem cell level, leading to premature closure of skull sutures and craniosynostosis. This finding sheds light on the complex system controlling stem cell fate and has implications for understanding skeletal disorders and cancer.
A new rule at Massachusetts General Hospital has led to a significant decrease in unnecessary imaging exams for patients. The change encourages physicians to directly log into the system, reducing low-yield exams from 5.4% to 1.9%.
Einstein College of Medicine receives significant NIH funding to continue its Diabetes Research and Training Center, supporting research into central nervous system role in diabetes, epigenetics, and diabetic complications. The grant enables the development of new therapies for prevention or treatment of diabetes.
Agricultural Research Service scientists have developed a new model to manipulate vitamin D levels in young calves, which could help establish the optimal amount needed for growth and health. The model uses vitamin D injections to control levels in the bloodstream of neonatal dairy calves.
MSU environmental scholar Bob Walker leads research expedition along western Transamazon Highway to study the impact of tree loss on the Amazon. The team will document logging activity and interview workers in the logging industry and longtime residents about the effects of development.
Hypertension control increased from 27.3% in 1988-1994 to 50.1% in 2007-2008, with blood pressure decreases among patients with hypertension. However, hypertension prevalence has not decreased in recent years and remains high at approximately 65 million individuals in the US.
Researchers have developed a new technique to study the structural properties of tissues by sucking cells into a pipette, providing information on adhesion and elasticity. This approach complements existing methods and allows for measurements on living tissue in its natural environment.
A recent survey found that only 6% of Toronto high schools train students to use an AED and perform CPR. Despite the benefits of increased survival rates, many students lack this essential skill.
A new assessment tool, the Malawi Developmental Assessment Tool (MDAT), has been developed and evaluated for use in rural African settings. The tool accurately identified children with neurodisability and demonstrates high reliability and accuracy, making it a valuable resource for researchers and healthcare providers.
A NIRCam engineering test unit has arrived at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center to undergo a year-long testing process. The unit, built by Lockheed Martin, will simulate the flight unit's functions before the actual instrument is integrated into the James Webb Space Telescope.
Researchers discovered that shoaling fish coordinate their movements more frequently when under threat to reduce the risk of being targeted. This 'oddity effect' drives better synchronization in group movement, making it harder for predators to single out individual targets.
A new study reveals that drains are a significant vector for the development of lymphatic filariasis and malaria in Dar es Salaam. The researchers found that simple environmental management interventions can help reduce mosquito-borne disease transmission and promote a healthier environment.
Non-Suicidal Self-Injury (NSSI) is a common practice amongst adolescents, with medical providers uniquely positioned to detect its presence. Janis Whitlock's article discusses the epidemiology and care of adolescents undertaking NSSI, highlighting the need for standard assessment practices and effective treatment regimes.
Researchers found that specific bacterial signatures were associated with polyps, early lesions that can develop into colon cancer. The study suggests the development of non-invasive screening tests and diet-based prevention regimens to reduce CRC risk.
Researchers at Rice University have discovered a way to extract hydrogen atoms from graphane, creating spaces that resemble quantum dots. This breakthrough enables precise control over the semiconducting properties of quantum dots, with potential applications in advanced optics, single-molecule sensing, and nanoscale circuitry.
Research suggests that using lubricants during receptive anal intercourse can increase the risk of rectal sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV. A study involving nearly 900 men and women found that those who used lubricants were three times more likely to have a rectal STI.
Researchers in Spain have developed a method to create highly accurate three-dimensional models of historical buildings using laser scanners and software. This technology reduces the time spent on field work by up to 75% while capturing thousands of times more information than conventional methods.
The University of Pittsburgh will conduct human trials for three innovative regenerative medicine programs aiming to replace scars and defects with healthy tissues. The projects, if successful, could lead to interventions benefiting civilians as well.
A new study by Georgia State University professor Paul J. Ferraro found that saving rainforests and protecting national parks reduced poverty in Costa Rica and Thailand in the long term. The research suggests conservation efforts may provide economic opportunities through tourism and infrastructure development.
Research published in PLOS Medicine found that the Mediterranean G6PD variant protects against Plasmodium vivax infection in Afghan refugees. The study suggests that G6PD deficiency may be retained in human populations due to its protective effects against Plasmodium vivax malaria.
Six collaborative research projects aim to develop treatments, vaccines, or antimicrobial products for gastric flu, hepatitis B, dengue fever, and tuberculosis. Researchers will work together to shed light on bacterial signaling pathways and train immune cells to overcome viral infections.
Dr. Castellani's work challenged the traditional view of Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis and highlighted the beneficial effects of amyloid formation. He received the award for his outstanding contribution to understanding the neuroprotective role of amyloid-β protein precursor and amyloid-β.
Researchers at UT Southwestern identified 172 compounds with potential as new anti-malarial drugs, offering a promising tool in combating the disease. The compounds were discovered through high-throughput screening of a vast chemical compound library.
The National Oceanography Centre (NOC) has partnered with the Met Office to upgrade the Porcupine Abyssal Plain sustained observatory (PAP-SO), a key European ocean observatory. This collaboration aims to advance scientific knowledge of the ocean and improve climate prediction by integrating meteorological and ocean data.
A team of researchers discovered that a supermassive black hole at the center of the most massive local galaxy, M87, is displaced from its expected location. The finding suggests that supermassive black holes may be commonly offset from their host galaxy centers due to previous mergers or interactions with jets.
Researchers used tree-ring data to reconstruct northwest Africa's climate history, finding frequent and severe droughts during the 13th-16th centuries and late 20th century. The region's 20th-century drying trend matches climate models' predictions, while regional drought patterns differ across Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia.
Researchers at Heidelberg University Hospital have identified new mutations in the SHANK2 gene that contribute to autism and mental retardation. The study found that a correct inner structure of nerve cell synapses is necessary for normal language, social competence, and cognitive development.
A Montreal study reveals that more than 70 percent of bottled water samples contain heterotrophic bacteria counts above the recommended limits set by the United States Pharmacopeia. High microbial counts were found in several famous brands, with some exceeding 100 times the permitted limit.
Research reveals that termite mounds in the African savanna enhance plant and animal activity at a local level, while their even distribution maximizes ecosystem-wide productivity. The findings suggest that these humble creatures are having a massive impact on the system from below.
Pioneering AIDS researchers Dr. Mark Wainberg and Dr. Norbert Gilmore argue that the current ban on gay men donating blood is no longer justified. They suggest allowing only those in stable, long-term monogamous relationships to donate, while maintaining the ban on those with multiple partners.
Researchers at Tufts University School of Medicine highlight the carcinogenic effects of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), which can cause harm during organ formation. EDCs, such as bisphenol A, have been linked to increased cancer rates, obesity and infertility.
New research from the Microbicide Trials Network indicates that some lubricants have toxic effects on cells and rectal tissue. The study's findings support IRMA's calls for safer lubricant options, emphasizing the importance of condom use with compatible lubricants to prevent HIV transmission.
Researchers from UC Davis Health have found E. coli O157:H7 in fecal samples of wildlife species common to California's Central Coast region, including cowbirds, coyotes, crows, mice, and feral pigs. While the presence of the bacterium is rare, it suggests there are potential sources of pathogen movement that need to be assessed.
A new study from the University of Bristol reveals that parents' physical inactivity can influence their children's TV viewing habits. The research found that higher parental TV viewing was associated with an increased risk of high levels of TV viewing for boys and girls.
A new study reveals that high levels of 'good' HDL cholesterol may not be beneficial for all patients and can even increase the risk of recurrent coronary events. Researchers identified a subgroup of patients with elevated HDL cholesterol and CRP who are at high risk, suggesting that genetics and environmental factors influence the pro...
Scientists have identified a synergistic relationship between a fungal pathogen and RNA viruses from the family Dicistroviridae as contributing factors to Colony Collapse Disorder. The presence of these pathogens in sick colonies is a strong predictor of collapse, with higher levels of the fungus compromising gut wall integrity.
Holly Michael, assistant professor at the University of Delaware, has received the Ralph E. Powe Junior Faculty Enhancement Award to support her research on eutrophication and groundwater interactions. Her study aims to identify subsurface zones where nutrient transformations occur in Indian River Bay.
A new laser-balloon catheter successfully interrupted irregular electrical pulses in patients and pigs, offering a potential new treatment for abnormal heartbeats. The treatment achieved 100% accuracy in clinical trials and had long-lasting effects, making it a promising alternative to traditional ablation procedures.
Research by Robert M. Pringle and Todd M. Palmer reveals that termite mounds significantly enhance plant and animal productivity at local levels, while their even distribution maximizes ecosystem-wide biomass. The ordered distribution of these mounds creates an optimized network of plant and animal output.