Researchers from Duke University found that exclusive patents in gene testing slow promising new technologies and business models. The studies examined genetic risk testing for 10 clinical conditions, including breast and colon cancer.
The University of Illinois team developed a novel method for creating complex three-dimensional structures using printed origami techniques. The technique allows for the rapid assembly of biocompatible devices, microscaffolding, and other microsystems, with potential applications in biomedical devices, electronics, and more.
New research identifies a brain circuit that enables humans to make choices with high long-term benefits by delaying reward. The study found that vividly imagining the future reduces impulsive choice behavior, suggesting the anterior cingulate cortex plays a key role in dynamic adjustment of preference functions.
Researchers have developed a new method for describing proton and neutron binding in nuclei, enabling more accurate predictions of astrophysical reactions. This breakthrough may improve our understanding of star life cycles.
A new study suggests that just four days of mindfulness meditation can significantly improve cognitive skills, including critical thinking and sustained attention. Participants who received the meditation training performed up to ten times better on a computer adaptive n-back task than those who listened to a book.
Researchers expanded a method to move proteins inside cells to specific organelles, enabling rapid manipulation of protein activities. By studying the signaling protein Ras, they gained insights into how proteins contribute to cellular responses and signal division and growth.
Researchers are developing a computer inspired by the feline brain's ability to recognize faces and learn from experience. The project aims to create a machine that can perform tasks simultaneously, like recognizing faces, while conventional computers rely on sequential processing.
RAM founder Stan Brock will be recognized for his 25-year commitment to delivering free healthcare worldwide. The Inamori Ethics Prize honors exemplary ethical leadership, and Brock joins Dr. Francis S. Collins and Mary Robinson as winners.
Researchers developed software that uses mathematical models to predict how individuals will react to specific conditions. The Circadian Performance Simulation Software (CPSS) allows users to design a schedule and predicts optimal times for light to shift circadian rhythms, enhancing performance.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have identified a new genetic marker, called HOTAIR, that is significantly more prevalent in aggressive breast cancer cases. High levels of HOTAIR expression are associated with increased risk of metastasis and poorer survival rates for women with breast cancer.
The study presents BioTorrents, a website that allows open access sharing of scientific data via BitTorrent. It features keyword searching, category browsing, and error checking for reliable transfers. The article discusses the implications of BioTorrents on file transfer challenges.
A new artificial pancreas system has been developed to mimic the body's natural glucose control mechanism, using insulin and glucagon hormones. The system was tested in a clinical trial with 11 adults with type 1 diabetes, showing that it can maintain near-normal glucose levels without causing hypoglycemia.
Researchers have identified a gene, MTHFD1L, that increases the risk of developing late-onset Alzheimer's disease. The study found individuals with a specific variation in this gene are nearly twice as likely to develop Alzheimer's as those without it.
A three-year study involving 3,500 children found that frequent communication between fathers and their teenagers reduced the risk of smoking experimentation. Fathers play a crucial role in shaping their children's choices, highlighting the need for improved parenting guidance.
Scientists have discovered that residual glioblastoma cells have different properties than those found in the tumor mass, making them more mobile and resistant to treatment. This breakthrough could lead to new therapeutic approaches against this aggressive brain cancer.
Researchers at Stanford University have successfully harnessed a tiny electric current from algae cells using a unique nanoelectrode. This discovery could lead to the development of high-efficiency bioelectricity with zero carbon emissions. However, further improvements are needed to scale up the process and make it economically feasible.
Researchers have generated a high-quality draft genome sequence for the strain of T. brucei responsible for human African trypanomiasis, a chronic disease affecting the central nervous system. The study found that the parasite's ability to infect humans is linked to subtle genetic differences, including changes in VSG genes.
The university will provide administration and management support to contractors, helping primary care providers select products and use technology to improve patient care. The funding builds on a recent Center of Excellence designation for translating technology and research into better health.
Astronomers discover six exoplanets orbiting their stars in the opposite direction to the star's rotation, contradicting conventional wisdom. This finding sparks alternative migration theories, suggesting that hot Jupiters may form far from their stars and migrate inward due to gravitational interactions with distant companions.
Researchers at Ohio State University have discovered a new molecular network that contributes to abnormal KIT protein abundance in acute leukemia cells. Targeting this network with therapeutic drugs may prove more effective than current standard of care.
Jonathan Brody has received a 2010 Pancreatic Cancer Action Network-AACR Career Development Award to support his innovative research on pancreatic cancer. He aims to extend funding and translate his findings into clinical settings.
Scientists at Imperial College London have created a comprehensive 3D model of a fossilized cockroach ancestor, Archimylacris eggintoni, which lived around 300 million years ago. The study reveals the physical traits that helped it thrive on the forest floor, including sticky structures on its legs and claws for climbing.
A study by the Academy of General Dentistry found that triclosan/copolymer toothpaste is more effective at killing harmful germs in the mouth than regular fluoride toothpastes. This can help minimize cavities, gum disease, and bad breath.
Ferrets, introduced for rabbit hunting, are spreading across La Palma, with a growing population affecting the island's native fauna. The researchers found that the ferret population is directly related to prey availability and shelter in rural areas, highlighting concerns over their impact on bird species and endemic lizards.
A study published in The Lancet Oncology found that men with prostate cancer are at increased risk of potentially life-threatening blood clots. Patients receiving endocrine therapy had the highest risk, especially younger men and those with advanced disease.
A new technique using tissue from below-the-waist 'love handles' improves cosmetic breast reconstruction in slim, athletic cancer patients. The method is less complicated than other options for surgeons and turns out to be effective in all 12 patients who underwent the procedure.
A Princeton University-led team tracked fever and sickness behaviors in song sparrows using radio transmitters, discovering that different populations respond differently to infection. The study's findings may aid in forecasting where diseases will take hold, including West Nile virus.
Researchers analyzed vaccination data and found only 35 reports of GBS following 2009 H1N1 vaccination, a rate of 3.5 per 10 million people vaccinated. In contrast, the seasonal flu vaccination in 2009 reported 57 cases, an estimated rate of 7.3 per 10 million vaccinations.
A leading medical authority criticizes the use of anti-aging hormones, citing little to no benefit and high risks. Dr. Thomas T. Perls advocates for caution and proper guidance for patients seeking healthy aging solutions.
The University of Houston welcomes the NSF-supported National Center for Airborne Laser Mapping, bringing cutting-edge laser mapping technology to its campus. The center aims to advance research in geosensing systems engineering, improving disaster recovery, oil and gas exploration, and environmental studies.
A study found that DNA analysis of dried blood samples from newborns did not effectively identify an infection causing congenital CMV, leading to sensorineural hearing loss. Current methods for screening newborns for this infection have low sensitivity and specificity.
The article highlights that even grand achievements like suspension bridges and Olympic high jumping originated through trial-and-error learning. By shifting focus from perceived foresight to actual origins of behavior, researchers can better understand the forces uniting evolutionary and developmental processes.
An analysis suggests that the use of gabapentin, lamotrigine, oxcarbazepine, tiagabine, and valproate may be associated with an increased risk of suicidal acts. The study found a higher risk of suicide attempts or violent deaths in patients taking these medications compared to topiramate.
A new approach to diagnosing adult malnutrition, proposed by an international committee of nutrition researchers, could lead to improved diagnosis and treatment. The strategy classifies patients into three categories: starvation related, chronic disease related, or acute disease/injury related.
The American Society for Nutrition will present a symposium on responsive feeding and how to promote healthy growth and development for infants and toddlers. Meanwhile, the American Physiological Society will discuss personalized, 'systems' medicine, integrating biologic and informational sciences to address complex biomedical problems.
Researchers from Virginia Tech and GE Global Research Center are developing novel cardiac computed tomography (CT) architectures and methods to improve image quality with low radiation. Their patented approach, interior tomography, can produce accurate images of a region of interest, reducing radiation exposure and accommodating larger...
Researchers used high-performance computing to locate small genes missed by scientists, uncovering 380 families of undetected gene families. The study used an ephemeral supercomputer to perform an all-to-all sequence search, reducing the search time from nearly 90 years to just 12 hours.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute synthesized a new molecular switch that can turn itself on and off in response to metallic ions. The 'Ouroborand' molecule, named after the mythical lizard, has potential applications in detecting metals, toxins, and pollutants.
According to a new national survey by Indiana University's Center for Health Policy and Professionalism Research, 58% of Americans support health care reform, despite some wanting the law repealed. Younger individuals were most supportive of repeal, but many also want Congress to continue working on health care system reforms.
A new investigational treatment, DMQ, has been shown to effectively control pseudobulbar affect (PBA) in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The study found a significant improvement in test scores after 12 weeks of treatment.
Researchers use powerful computers to identify molecular structures that have high potential as new medications by simultaneously targeting multiple hot spots on protein surfaces. This method has the potential to complement and increase efficiency of existing time-consuming methods.
A new study by University of Delaware psychologists found that jealousy impairs a woman's ability to detect targets among distracting images. The researchers suggest social emotions can affect perception, revealing a profound impact on mental and physical health.
A single dose of aspirin (900-1000mg) significantly reduces migraine headache pain in over half of people, with added metoclopramide improving nausea and vomiting symptoms. Aspirin plus metoclopramide is a reasonable option for acute migraine attacks, but may not be effective enough for some.
Policies restricting smoking in public have been shown to decrease the number of people who experience heart attacks and improve overall health indicators. The findings are based on a comprehensive review of 50 studies that monitored the impact of legislative bans on secondhand smoke exposure.
Neurocysticercosis, a tapeworm brain infection, is increasing in Mexico and bordering southwestern US states, affecting up to 10% of the population. The infection can cause severe symptoms like seizures, headaches, and encephalitis, highlighting the need for proper evaluation and management.
Researchers found genes in yeast that help form veins and arteries in humans, while also fixing cell walls in response to stress. They identified eight genes that contribute to blood vessel formation in animals and several of these genes are also linked to human breast cancer.
A study found that the traditional 'heel stick' test is not an effective screening tool for cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in newborns. The test, which involves pricking a baby's heel and analyzing dried blood samples, was unable to detect CMV DNA in up to 40% of infected babies.
Researchers discover mechanism underlying female sexual arousal, finding that stimulating pelvic nerve increases blood flow and enhances effects of prototype drug UK-414,495. This breakthrough could lead to development of treatments for female sexual arousal disorder (FSAD), a condition affecting up to 40% of women.
Chagas disease is a neglected cause of stroke, with nearly a third of patients developing severe heart problems. Screening for Trypanosoma cruzi infection and long-term oral anticoagulants may help prevent stroke recurrence.
Researchers propose new methods to accurately estimate child and adult mortality rates, improving data collection and analysis. These methods, such as using summary birth history and sibling survival data, aim to address limitations of traditional demographic methods and provide a more reliable understanding of population health trends.
Researchers mapped over 4 billion neuronal interactions to reveal synchronized brain areas during working memory tasks. The study shows that rhythmic activity between brain regions is linked to both memory maintenance and content.
Researchers successfully trained northern quolls to associate the taste of toxic cane toads with nausea, allowing them to survive up to five times longer in areas infested with these invasives. This approach could provide a vital new weapon in the fight against invasive species.
A study by Oregon State University scientists has confirmed that whale meat sold at a Los Angeles sushi restaurant came from a sei whale killed in Japan's scientific whaling program. Genetic testing also revealed similar products were sold in Seoul, South Korea, underscoring the ongoing illegal trade of whalemeat products.
Researchers from Mount Sinai School of Medicine present studies on a potential new drug for multiple sclerosis and surprising trends showing reduced disease severity. The studies found that teriflunomide was safe and effective as part of combination therapy, reducing lesion size and volume in the brain.
Researchers found that the Retinoblastoma protein targets DNA replication genes during cellular senescence, preventing cancer cells from replicating. This mechanism is crucial for tumor suppression, and its disruption can lead to genomic instability and malignant tumors.
A study reveals that early activation of astroglia in focal epilepsy drives neurons to generate epileptic discharges. This neuron-astrocyte interaction may represent a novel target for controlling epilepsy.
New research found that smoking can negate the protective effect of moderate drinking on stroke risk in a UK study of 22,524 people. Moderate drinking was defined as up to 21 units of alcohol per week.
Jessica Zhang, an assistant professor at Carnegie Mellon University, has received a Young Investigator Award for her research on developing novel algorithms to improve ship design and analysis. The award provides $510,000 in funding over three years to support her research goals.
IGIV has preserved thinking abilities and significantly reduced brain atrophy and ventricular enlargement in mild- to moderate-stage Alzheimer's patients. The study also found a dose-related effect on brain ventricular enlargement, suggesting IGIV may spare brain tissue.
A new Cochrane Systematic Review reveals a shortage of quantitative evidence on the effectiveness of Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS) against malaria. The method has been widely used since the 1950s, but its protective effect cannot be quantified due to limited studies.