New research suggests the Andes rose gradually, not abruptly, due to changes in oxygen isotopes and rainfall patterns. Climate modeling experiments supported this conclusion, indicating that increased precipitation rates caused the ratio of oxygen-18 to oxygen-16 to decrease.
Using optical-coherence tomography (OCT), researchers are documenting the formation of the mammalian heart in real-time, allowing for the first time to observe the heart beat and chamber contractions. This breakthrough technology aims to shed light on developmental processes and gene mutations that cause cardiovascular abnormalities.
A physiotherapist-led exercise and education program improved wellbeing and reduced depressive symptoms in postnatal women. The study found a 50% reduction in
Researchers find NINJA protein connects JAZ proteins with TPL, blocking MYC2 activation and triggering defense mechanism. The discovery sheds light on the link between growth and stress in plants, revealing a complex molecular mechanism for regulating gene expression.
Scientific research in the Islamic world faces challenges from political fragmentation and colonialism, but institutions like KAUST aim to revive basic scientific research. New projects also focus on promoting curiosity-driven research and tackling corruption.
The NIST team has built an ultra-stable instrument for tugging on chains of atoms, achieving results that require heroic efforts at vibration isolation. The new instrument enables the direct measurement of force between two gold atoms, giving researchers a direct method to calibrate their equipment.
A study published in Value in Health suggests that extending breast cancer screening to younger women could lead to better health programs and a more balanced approach to fighting the disease. The research found that screening only older women increases unfair disparities in life expectancy, quality of life, and disease incidence.
Researchers have created the first class of reagents to potently and selectively inhibit miRNAs in C. elegans, a widely used model organism. The new reagents efficiently and specifically inhibited targeted miRNA in different tissues, including the hypodermis, vulva, and nervous system.
Researchers use tissue engineering to create healthy organs and neuronal circuits, enabling live imaging of transplanted tissues and neural activity. The protocols provide methods for monitoring tissue perfusion, cell survival, and interaction/integration, allowing for improved culturing and implantation techniques.
A new study by researchers at Uppsala University and Stockholm University found that Stone Age Scandinavians were lactose intolerant. This discovery challenges earlier conclusions about the ancestry of modern Swedes.
A study published by researchers at the University of Leeds found that successful leaders exhibit decisive behavior and remain on the group's periphery, leading others quickly. The findings have implications for managing large groups in urban environments, such as crowd evacuation scenarios.
Researchers found truncated peptides form active ion channels causing cell death and memory loss, contradicting previous effective treatments. A new approach aims to control these ion channels for an effective treatment.
Researchers developed a realistic computer model of spiny stellate cells, finding that only 30 synapses out of 6,000 firing simultaneously create reliable signaling. This contradicts the widely accepted view that neurons communicate through volleys of electrical spikes.
Researchers found that people with floppy eyelid syndrome (FES) are at a higher risk of having obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which can lead to oxygen deprivation and other health complications. The study also highlights the importance of recognizing FES as a potential indicator for OSA and treating patients accordingly.
A new study finds that denying or ignoring racism leads to greater psychological distress among Filipino-American adults, while active coping methods can decrease distress and increase self-esteem. The study suggests that therapists should consider individual factors when helping clients develop effective coping strategies.
A 12-week self-guided program helps binge eaters stop binging for up to a year, saving an average of $447 per person per year. The program reduces costs on weight loss programs, over-the-counter medications, and supplements.
Two transplant centers report successful paired donor exchanges for living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) in ABO-incompatible cases. The program allows for compatible but unrelated donors to donate, enabling recipients to undergo LDLT with high success rates.
A recent study identifies the GLRX5 gene as essential for generating iron-sulfur clusters and maintaining normal iron levels in human cells. The protein deficiency leads to sideroblastic anemia by impairing heme biosynthesis and depleting cytosolic iron in red blood cells.
A new study found that a patient's pre-surgical health classification, as determined by the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA), is a leading indicator of how well they will fare after hip fracture surgery. Medical complications were more common in patients with ASA class 3 and 4, highlighting the need for close medical managem...
Researchers developed a combinatorial approach using viruses to destroy tumors, which was shown to provide substantial regression and cure of tumors in mice. By targeting tumor blood vessels, this approach could potentially treat a wide range of cancers, offering new hope for cancer treatment.
A new study published in the Journal of Thoracic Oncology found that sleeve lobectomy offers superior survival and better postoperative pulmonary function compared to pneumonectomy in selected patients. The study analyzed 210 lung cancer patients and reported lower mortality rates for those who underwent a sleeve lobectomy.
A new UCLA-led study finds that high school seniors from disadvantaged backgrounds who don't apply to college are missing out on significant financial returns. The study reveals that those with lower college probabilities score better financially, with male graduates ranked
A multidisciplinary research team at NIST has found a viable candidate for creating large-area electronics by spraying organic semiconductor material onto a surface. The material overcomes a major cost hurdle in the manufacture of organic thin-film transistors, which could lead to disposable devices.
Michigan State University environmental scientist Jianguo Liu argues that China needs strong leadership and institutional innovations to achieve sustainability. He highlights the importance of integrating natural and social science research to understand complex interactions between humans and the environment.
Researchers have created a way to implant an inorganic device into a cell wall without damaging it, allowing for up to a week of observation. The 'stealth' probe mimics natural gateways in the cell membrane and integrates smoothly into membranes, enabling electrical access to the inside of cells.
Researchers found that behavioral incentives improved attention and reduced impulsivity in children with ADHD, normalizing brain activity similar to that of control groups. Medication had the most significant effect, but combining it with rewards and incentives boosted its benefits.
NASA's Aqua satellite detected a weakened Cyclone Paul over the Gulf of Carpentaria, Australia, leading to the cancellation of all mainland weather warnings. The storm's remnants are expected to track inland and weaken further, with only coastal waters warning in effect.
A Johns Hopkins study found that more than half of donor kidneys infected with hepatitis C are discarded, despite the need among hepatitis C patients who may die waiting for an infection-free organ. The study suggests that using hepatitis C-positive kidneys could help those with hepatitis C and expand the organ supply.
Astronomers used the Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope to map gamma rays emitted by Centaurus A, a galaxy with a supersized black hole. The discovery confirms that microwave photons can be accelerated to gamma-ray energies through inverse Compton scattering.
A study by Cornell University found that having a husband who works 50+ hours per week can hurt women's careers and increase the likelihood of quitting. Women in dual-income households are disproportionately affected, with odds of quitting increasing by 42% for those whose husbands work 60+ hours per week.
Spinal cord injuries affect approximately 12,000 people annually and 259,000 Americans currently live with long-lasting SCI. A new study suggests that a multidisciplinary approach is most likely to achieve results in treating spinal cord injuries, leveraging expertise from several fields.
Researchers have developed a new approach to treating cancer using viruses to infect and kill cancer cells. In mice, combining this with standard therapy led to substantial tumor regression and cure. Additionally, modulating VEGF signaling allowed the cells lining tumor blood vessels to be targeted by viruses, suggesting a potential wi...
A study by Annette J. Johnson, MD, MS, found that direct patient access to imaging test results could increase anxiety and workload for physicians. Radiologists and referring physicians agreed on potential benefits, but also raised concerns about patients' ability to understand written reports and the impact on physician time.
Advanced imaging techniques like CT scans and MRI can shorten hospital stays and decrease costs. Studies found that early imaging on the day before or day of admission resulted in a one-day shorter length of stay for certain patients.
A recent study by OHSU researchers explains how cytomegalovirus (CMV) can overcome the immune system's defenses to re-infect individuals. The virus is able to evade a key portion of the immune system called CD8+ T cells, allowing it to re-infect despite a strong and long-lasting immune response.
A new imaging technique using FDG PET can help doctors plan cardiac procedures, reducing cost and improving patient outcomes. The study found a trend toward better patient outcomes when FDG PET is used in diagnostic work-up.
Researchers have discovered a type of soy protein that inhibits fat accumulation and reduces inflammation. Soybeans with high levels of beta-conglycinins are found to limit lipid accumulation in fat cells by suppressing an enzyme called fatty acid synthase.
A new study found that certain HIV drugs can inhibit a retrovirus linked to prostate cancer and chronic fatigue syndrome. Raltegravir and other antiviral medications showed effective virus replication inhibition, suggesting possible treatments for these devastating illnesses.
Researchers at Van Andel Research Institute have identified key proteins involved in the development of prostate cancer. Understanding their interaction could lead to more effective treatments by targeting this molecular link.
The US health care reform bill aims to extend access to healthcare and narrow the gap between expenditure and health outcomes. The bill will provide coverage to 32 million uninsured Americans by 2014 and 95% of the population by 2019, while also promoting preventive care through measures such as calorie labelling.
A study has identified genes that contribute to heart function and disease, shedding light on the genetic underpinnings of heart disease. The researchers found nearly 500 genes associated with heart problems in flies, including a protein complex called CCR4-Not.
Researchers found that four HIV anti-drugs inhibit XMRV replication, potentially offering a new treatment for prostate cancer and chronic fatigue syndrome. Combination therapies may also delay or prevent the virus from mutating into drug-resistant forms.
According to a study by Ulrich Orth and colleagues, self-esteem rises steadily as people age until retirement, then declines. Higher income, better health, and satisfying relationships contribute to maintaining self-esteem throughout life.
Researchers found that single-walled carbon nanotube coatings can develop irreversible changes when bent, reducing conductivity. They suggest ways to engineer the films to minimize these effects and achieve deformability.
Two clinical trials found SE5-OH with Natural S-equol to be safe and well-tolerated in both pre- and post-menopausal women, with no significant impact on reproductive hormones or menstrual cycle length. The supplement showed promise in reducing hot flashes in post-menopausal women.
The American College of Medical Genetics Foundation has recognized Dr. Marilyn M. Li's efforts in advancing the field of medical genetics. She is being supported by a $100,000 grant to promote safe and effective genetic testing services.
A team of nanotechnologists used friction force microscopy to study the nanoscale frictional characteristics of four atomically-thin materials. They found that friction increases as the number of atomic layers decreases, regardless of material differences.
Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) affects one ear, often associated with tinnitus and vertigo. Short-course corticosteroids are recommended for patients with suspected SSNHL after ruling out life-threatening causes.
Professor Citrome's new theory of evidence-based flying aims to apply medical decision-making principles to frequent flying, analyzing flight delays and upgrade rates. By incorporating factors like airline competition, food service, and passenger loyalty, he hopes to develop a more precise predictive model for optimal flying decisions.
Researchers used EMR systems to extract phenotypes from DNA samples, replicating previously reported genetic associations for diseases such as atrial fibrillation and type 2 diabetes. The study supports the use of DNA resources coupled to EMR systems for rapid generation of large datasets.
Vitamin D deficiency is linked to obesity, heart disease, depression, diabetes, and fibromyalgia. Dr. Michael F. Holick's book outlines a 3-step strategy to attain optimal Vitamin D levels.
Researchers have identified Asian landrace accessions with high levels of Fusarium head blight resistance and low mycotoxin production. These findings could help avoid future FHB disasters and improve U.S. wheat varieties' defenses against the disease.
The Lancet Editorial highlights improved NHS trust standards in England, with registration and inspections required. Continuous monitoring and enforceable penalties ensure trusts meet benchmarks.
Researchers found that rapamycin improved learning and memory in Alzheimer's-susceptible mice, correlating with lower brain damage. The study used two different mouse models of early Alzheimer's, both showing similar results.
A new study reveals that the utilization of minimally invasive aneurysm repair varies by region due to patient risk factors and physician experience. The study found a strong correlation between higher-risk patient populations and physicians more experienced in treating aneurysms.
A University of Iowa study found that one-third of sexual relationships in the Chicago area lack exclusivity, with 17% of men and 5% of women admitting to being with someone else. The research also shows that individuals involved in friendships or acquaintances are more likely to have multiple sex partners.
The Hastings Center Report examines the ethics of sports enhancement, including gene doping, sex typing, and biological passports. Athletes, ethicists, and former athletes share their perspectives on the pressures to cheat in elite sports.
A fast and efficient detection method for melamine in dairy products has been developed by the University of Miami researchers using gold nanoparticles. The new method can detect melamine within seconds and is completed in under 15 minutes.
Researchers at Michigan State University found a bacterium, Wolbachia, that can stop the dengue virus from replicating in mosquitoes, blocking disease transmission. The study provides new hope for controlling dengue fever, which affects 2.5 billion people worldwide.
Researchers found that bees with artificially reduced insulin receptor substrate (IRS) in abdominal fat cells preferred pollen over nectar. This suggests an alternative mechanism for insulin's impact on eating behavior beyond the brain.