A research team at Oregon Health & Science University has discovered that nitric oxide is a powerful regulator of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a molecule involved in the development and function of the nervous system. This finding could play a significant role in preventing and treating high blood pressure.
Researchers have discovered that the brain's hippocampus replay process is a complex cognitive function that helps animals learn and maintain their internal representation of the world. This process involves replaying experiences, even those previously unencountered, to create connections within the cognitive map.
NASA's Aqua satellite revealed strong thunderstorms in Hubert's remnants, which continue to bring heavy rainfall and gusty winds to southeast and south-central Madagascar. Residents can expect moderate to heavy rainfall over the next couple of days.
The Fiji Meteorological Service has issued a tropical cyclone alert for the South Pacific islands of Wallis and Futuna, citing Tropical Storm Tomas. The storm is expected to strengthen further and become a cyclone in the next day or two.
Professor Terry August, a Rady School of Management faculty member, has received a prestigious CAREER award from the National Science Foundation for his research on software security. The $530,000 award will support his project to analyze the relationship between government policy, economic incentives and software security.
Scientists at the Phyletic Museum of Jena University are using MicroCT imaging to analyze insect genital morphology. The research aims to shed light on the key-lock principle, which explains how male and female reproductive organs fit together, and instead reveals that it's a result of sexual selection.
The new center, ORBIT, focuses on reducing obesity and its related risks through behavioral changes and mindful eating strategies. The team will develop personalized programs for community members in Harlem and the South Bronx.
A team of researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder has discovered a previously unknown cellular switch that can be used to trigger programmed cell death. This process, known as apoptosis, is essential for preventing human diseases like cancer and autoimmune disorders. The study found that caspase, a well-known enzyme involved ...
Researchers at the University of Leicester have made a new discovery about how the body fights certain types of cancer and autoimmune diseases. A newly discovered protein, HVCN1, regulates antibody production and can be targeted for therapies to treat conditions like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota have created a molecular image of a system that moves electrons between proteins in cells, offering insights into minimizing energy loss. This breakthrough has implications for improving energy efficiency in nanoscale devices and grid systems.
Researchers identified YfiBNR signaling system in P. aeruginosa responsible for SCV formation and persistence in CF patients. c-di-GMP triggers massive exopolysaccharide production and reduced growth rates, conferring resistance to macrophage phagocytosis.
Researchers at Penn identified a previously unidentified cell population, termed multipotent progenitor cells, which may be the body's double-edged sword, fighting off parasitic infections but also causing harmful immune responses. This discovery may lead to new targets for treatment of infection and allergic inflammation.
A study by Norwegian researchers found that blood gene expression is influenced by physical conditions, lifestyle factors, and exposure variables. The study provides insights into the feasibility of using blood-based studies to detect exposure-specific differences in the general population.
Researchers found that birds leave messages in the egg that influence the development of their chicks' begging behavior. The messages can affect the chick's weight gain and survival after hatching.
International conservationists warn that allowing Tanzania and Zambia to sell their stockpiled ivory could lead to increased slaughter of elephants throughout Africa. The team argues that the two countries have not met the necessary criteria to demonstrate their elephant populations are secure and law enforcement is effective in combat...
Three NASA scientific instruments, MINI-ME, PISA, and TTI, have completed environmental testing and passed critical tests, paving the way for their launch on the FASTSAT-HSV01 satellite. The instruments will study Earth's atmosphere and space weather, improving global predictions.
A study found that knee replacement surgery significantly improves dynamic balance and quality of life in elderly patients with severe osteoarthritis. The results reinforced the importance of balance in maintaining function and independence, especially for those with knee problems.
Scientists found that a protein barrier in mosquito midgut prevents disease-causing agents like the Plasmodium malaria parasite from infecting mosquitoes. Disrupting this barrier could trigger immune defenses to protect insects from infection, potentially informing new strategies for blocking malaria transmission.
Researchers at the University of Tennessee have developed a new Alzheimer's test called CST, which is more than 95 percent effective in detecting cognitive abnormalities. The test is designed to be simple and accessible for medical professionals and patients, providing an objective way to determine the presence of Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers found that female moths outgrow their male counterparts by initiating a developmental change later in life, resulting in larger adult moths. This study provides insight into the evolution of sexual size dimorphism in moths, highlighting the importance of early developmental stages in determining adult body size.
A Johns Hopkins emergency physician describes the daily struggle of making emotionally difficult ethical decisions amidst a massive influx of patients and limited medical resources. The essay outlines how standards of care were adjusted to prioritize those most likely to benefit from treatment, raising concerns about inhumane medicine.
Researchers explore the link between diabetes treatment and eating disorders, finding that insulin therapy can cause weight gain, increase hunger, and dysregulate appetite hormones. This can lead to unhealthy behaviors such as skipping or reducing insulin doses, which can exacerbate diabetes complications.
bbi-biotech offers a novel sampling system that extracts sterile samples from bioreactors without dead volume, ensuring representative and contamination-free samples. The bioPROBE MK1 system facilitates at-line analysis and real-time monitoring of process status, enabling immediate regulation and optimization.
Tropical Storm 90Q forms in the South Atlantic Ocean, with NASA tracking its movement. The storm is moving away from Brazil's coast and is expected to weaken before being absorbed by a mid-latitude cold front.
A computer algorithm was able to predict which film a volunteer was recalling based on their brain activity, suggesting that memories are recorded in regular patterns. The key areas involved in recording episodic memories were the hippocampus and its immediate neighbors.
A study by NC State researchers found that programs promoting physical activity at national parks increase awareness and participation among youth. The program, Get Up, Get Out and Go!, showed a significant increase in awareness and intention to visit a national park after implementation.
Researchers found that increased production of maize-derived ethanol in the US could lead to significant land-use changes, resulting in higher carbon dioxide emissions. The study suggests that these indirect effects may cancel out any benefits from reducing global warming.
A new clinical trial at the Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center uses molecular profiling to identify specific treatments for refractory breast cancer. The trial aims to keep cancer under control for longer periods and potentially shrink tumors.
A study by Argentine scientists reveals that yellow fever outbreaks in howler monkey populations in northeastern Argentina have tragic conservation implications for the endangered brown howler monkey. The research emphasizes the importance of wildlife monitoring as an early detection method for pathogens affecting both animals and humans.
DNA-repair proteins efficiently scan the genome for errors by jumping and sliding between DNA molecules, with paused motion representing complexes checking for structural abnormalities. The study reveals an important mechanism for maintaining genomic integrity.
A study found that important information is not fully conveyed during hospital hand-offs, even when physicians rate their communication as successful. Researchers emphasize the importance of educating doctors about effective communication skills and highlight the risks of increased hand-offs due to restricted work hours.
Emory chemists develop most potent homogeneous catalyst for water oxidation, a crucial component for clean hydrogen fuel. The cobalt-based catalyst surpasses previous WOCs in selectivity, stability, and speed.
A German-Spanish research group has developed an experiment to test for quantum properties in objects composed of one billion atoms, including the flu virus. This technique could potentially allow researchers to study life and consciousness in the context of quantum mechanics.
Researchers at Van Andel Institute developed a new model to study prostate cancer, finding that normal secretory cells depend on E-cadherin binding for survival, unlike cancer cells which rely on androgen. This discovery could lead to therapies targeting tumor cells without harming normal cells.
A new oral treatment has been shown to be effective in 95% of cases against head lice, providing a real therapeutic alternative to conventional anti-lice lotions. The study used oral Ivermectin administered at 400 μg per kilogram and found significant improvements compared to traditional malathion lotion treatments.
A new study found that watching R-rated movies increases the probability of adolescents trying alcohol, with high sensation seekers already at risk. Parents are advised to take movie ratings seriously and restrict access to R-rated films for children under 17.
A recent study highlights the disproportionate burden of chronic kidney disease (CKD) on younger minority adults receiving medical care in healthcare safety net settings. The study found that poor, minority adults with moderate to severe CKD are two to four times more likely to progress to kidney failure than non-Hispanic whites.
Glioblastoma cells use miR-451 to sense glucose availability, slowing cell proliferation and increasing migration. High miR-451 levels correlate with shorter survival, suggesting the molecule as a biomarker for predicting patient prognosis.
Researchers used 2-photon microscopy to study granulomas formed in mice infected with Leishmania donovani, identifying how killer T lymphocytes interact with infected cells. The findings provide insights into the biology of granulomas and may help improve vaccines and treatments for this neglected disease.
The US Department of Agriculture's ARS has sent its third seed shipment to the Svalbard Global Seed Vault in Norway, including a wild Russian strawberry collected from bear territory. The vault aims to store over 500,000 plant accessions for long-term preservation.
A Phase III clinical study published online in Epilepsia found that Vimpat (lacosamide) demonstrated significantly fewer partial-onset seizures versus placebo in adults living with epilepsy. The study showed that patients taking Vimpat had greater reductions in seizure frequency and a higher 50% responder rate compared to placebo.
A UBC researcher warns that allowing one-off sales of ivory could stimulate the illegal market, leading to increased poaching in Africa. The researcher emphasizes the need for robust monitoring and enforcement of the ivory trade before permitting such sales.
Researchers found that the primary visual cortex responds smaller when images are predictable, indicating an active prediction process. This challenges the classical view of passive cascades in visual perception.
Scientists at Arizona State University have developed a new imaging technology that can detect tiny particles of explosives, proteins, and heavy metals. This technique combines optical microscopy with electrochemical detection to provide a detailed map of the surface under study.
Rachel J. Dutton received the Raymond W. Sarber Award for her research on disulfide bond formation pathways across bacterial genomes. Her discovery of an alternative VKOR homologue in Mycobacterium tuberculosis has implications for understanding bacterial protein stability and anticoagulant resistance.
Researchers have observed dynamic behavior of allophycocyanin protein for over one second, a significant increase from previous methods, revealing new insights into its shape-changing dynamics.
Scientists at UW-Madison have designed a method to harness small amounts of wasted energy to produce usable hydrogen fuel. The process uses the piezoelectric effect to split water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen, achieving an impressive 18% efficiency.
The Journal of Family Business Strategy aims to contribute new knowledge and understanding to the field of family business. The journal publishes research that addresses how family influences business and vice versa.
This book brings together scholars to explore the intellectual and legal traditions of Shari'a, examining how it is expressed in a European context. Key findings include the intersection of Shari'a and secular laws, as well as the diverse interpretations of Islamic jurisprudence.
Researchers at Northwestern University characterized a special type of stem cell, endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), to see if they can behave as endothelial cells in the body when cultured on a bioengineered surface. The study shows promise for improving surgery success rates for peripheral arterial disease.
A University of Arizona professor and graduate student found that Wikipedia's quality relies heavily on collaboration between contributors. They identified seven roles that contribute to high-quality entries: all-round contributors, starters, content justifiers, and copy editors.
A new study reveals that Arctic reindeer have evolved to bypass their internal biological rhythms, relying instead on light and dark cycles to regulate hormone levels. This adaptation allows them to thrive in environments with no reliable light-dark cycle.
Researchers at Berkeley Lab have found a novel way to influence cancer cell behavior using physical forces, which may lead to new cancer treatments. The study reveals that the EphA2/ephrin-A1 receptor-ligand complex can sense mechanical properties of its environment.
A study found that rhesus monkey babies born to mothers with flu during pregnancy had smaller brains and brain changes similar to those in human patients with schizophrenia. This suggests a possible increased risk of schizophrenia in human babies whose mothers had the flu while pregnant.
Emerging optical technologies will enable warehouse-scale computing data centers, allowing users to access their data from anywhere and at any time. Google's Cedric Lam highlights the importance of low-cost, high-bandwidth, and high-density optical fiber interconnects in powering cloud computing.
Increased frequency and intensity of oxygen-deprived 'dead zones' along the world's coasts contribute to climate change by emitting nitrous oxide into the atmosphere, exacerbating global warming. The production of nitrous oxide in these waters can lead to ozone holes and increased UV radiation exposure.
Researchers discovered mitochondrial protein and gene anomalies in young obese subjects with type 2 diabetes, leading to insulin resistance and reduced physical exercise response. The study highlights the need for specific treatments for each patient subtype.
Researchers found that replaying recent events in the hippocampus is not just for memory, but also for creating cognitive maps and making better navigation decisions. The study suggests that the brain uses replays to build a complete representation of its environment, allowing animals to plan novel routes.
Researchers found that human cells follow a bimodal correlated random walk pattern when moving in search of nutrients and growth factors. This discovery provides a general framework for analyzing cell movement, with potential applications in predicting the effectiveness of untested therapies.
A study suggests that variability in blood pressure can be a strong predictor of stroke and other cardiovascular events, independent of mean blood pressure. The researchers found that patients with the most variation in systolic blood pressure were six times more likely to have a stroke.