Stuart Dryer, a University of Houston biology professor, has been awarded the prestigious AAAS Fellowship for his work in molecular physiology and ion channel regulation. His research on ion channels could lead to new treatments for cancer, asthma, and kidney diseases.
Researchers have successfully developed a new stem cell treatment that can arrest acute lung injury in mice, paving the way for potential treatments of respiratory diseases. The experimental treatment uses transplantable lung cells derived from human embryonic stem cells and has shown promising results in tests on mice with damaged lungs.
A study found that intensive health behavior counseling is effective, but cost can be a significant barrier. When free services were offered, more patients participated, while charges led to a decrease in referrals. Policymakers are advised to eliminate cost as a barrier to support clinical-community partnerships.
The EUREKA project's breakthroughs led to cheaper, faster, and better digital effects, making it possible for feature films to be cost-effective. The technology has had a lasting impact on global filmmaking, with companies like Framestore and FilmLight continuing to develop and sell software products.
Patients with reduced kidney function and high proteinuria at increased risk of death, heart attacks, or progression to kidney failure. The study suggests that future guidelines for chronic kidney disease classification should incorporate information on proteinuria levels.
Tropical Storm Oli is a large storm with high thunderstorm cloud tops and strong winds near 52 mph, affecting the islands of Bora Bora and Raratonga. The storm is expected to move southeast and pass between the islands in the next couple of days.
New neutron studies provide strong evidence that magnetic properties are behind high-temperature superconductivity in both copper-based and iron-based materials. The research suggests that spin excitations play a key role in the formation of macroscopic quantum states giving rise to superconductivity.
Researchers found that advertising can strongly influence consumers' desires, shifting their mindset from 'being' (current state) to 'becoming' (future goals). This study suggests advertisers should position products to fit the mindset of immediate gratification or long-term benefits.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have shown that small mechanical forces can control gene expression by reducing DNA looping, a common mechanism for gene regulation. The study provides new insights into how cells regulate themselves and could lead to new understandings of diseases such as cancer and cardiac disease.
Researchers found serotonin levels were 26% lower in SIDS infants' brain tissue, suggesting reduced capacity to respond to breathing challenges. The findings provide important clues to the biological basis of SIDS and may lead to ways to identify high-risk infants.
A new $1.3 million study aims to understand and simulate 'cold-air pools' that trap pollutants in the Salt Lake Valley, causing poor air quality. The research will utilize models and instruments to analyze temperature and wind patterns, shedding light on the challenges of simulating these events.
The groundbreaking Videourology journal offers fully peer-reviewed video demonstrations of the latest urologic surgical techniques and technologies. The journal provides comprehensive search options, including videos organized by medical condition, anatomy, and surgical procedure.
Researchers found that a specific gene variant, H2 haplotype, protects individuals with a history of child sexual abuse from heavy drinking and alcohol dependence. In contrast, those with the alternate H1 haplotype had three times the risk of heavy drinking and problems. The study suggests a potential target for therapy development.
Marc Fischer and Sönke Albers received the MSI Practice Prize for their innovative solution to dynamic marketing allocation budget problem for multi-product, multi-country firms. Their winning presentation was presented at the January 2010 Marketing Science Conference.
Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine found that a growth factor gene plays a critical role in palate development, suggesting a new target for preventing and treating cleft palate. The study's findings could lead to the development of drugs that activate or inhibit the gene to ensure normal palate growth.
A team of Marshall University researchers has successfully developed bionanomotors that can efficiently transport and manipulate single molecules at the nanoscale. Using myosin and actin proteins, they created a system that can move cargo with controlled movement and stop it at designated points.
Research reveals that people with Parkinson's disease are often isolated and stigmatized based on their communication style. The study shows that negative perceptions of speech patterns can limit opportunities for social interaction and reduce full participation in society.
A new research network, backed by $5 million in funding from NSERC, aims to accelerate solar cell research and development to make large-scale PV deployment more competitive. The network will train 88 researchers over five years and focus on increasing device conversion efficiency and reducing costs.
A study found that psychiatric patients who absconded from wards were more likely to be young, unemployed, and homeless with high rates of schizophrenia and substance misuse. Improving ward environments and implementing tighter controls on exits may help prevent these cases.
A new study found that many non-psychiatrist physicians and a substantial minority of psychiatrists reported infrequently using the DSM-IV criteria to diagnose major depressive disorder. This could lead to unnecessary medication prescriptions for patients who do not have major depression.
Researchers from UF and Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute found a 60-million-year-old fossil of Cerrejonisuchus improcerus, an ancient crocodile relative that was likely preyed upon by Titanoboa. The study provides new insights into the diversity of ancient South American rainforest ecosystems.
A team of scientists from the University of Granada compared the Aznalcóllar spillage to the Cretaceous mass extinction event, finding similarities in sudden impact and high levels of toxic compounds. The study suggests that ecosystems can recover rapidly following such disasters, with evidence of life re-emerging within years.
About 5 million women in the US suffer from polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a metabolic disorder causing infertility and obesity. Women are often told they are too fat, leading to delayed diagnoses, expert Andrea Dunaif advocates for increased awareness and treatment.
A systematic review highlights clinical features that confirm or exclude the possibility of serious infection in children presenting to general practice. Clinical features like cyanosis, poor peripheral perfusion, and petechial rash are deemed red flags, while parental concern and doctor's instinct are strong indicators.
Pyrethroids, widely used home pesticides, found in California rivers and sewage treatment outflow, posing threat to fish food supply and aquatic life. Researchers warn of potential toxicity to resident organisms in streams.
Materials scientists at the University of Washington have developed a three-dimensional scaffold made from natural materials that mimic the binding sites for stem cells. Human embryonic stem cells grow and multiply readily on this structure, offering a clean and biodegradable alternative to traditional feeder layers.
Scientists have identified a new mechanism that helps the body burn more energy, leading to increased fat burning and lean muscle mass. The study suggests that targeting the Fyn kinase enzyme may offer a promising approach for developing new weight loss treatments.
Tropical Storm Fami formed rapidly over the southern Indian Ocean, making landfall in Madagascar with sustained winds near 46 mph. The storm's eye feature suggests it is maintaining strength, fueled by tropical moisture from surrounding warm waters.
A large-scale research project at the University of Copenhagen found that soccer is an effective form of exercise for improving cardiovascular risk factors, including maximal oxygen uptake and blood pressure. Small-sided games also showed significant gains in terms of cardio and strength training.
Agricultural Research Service scientists developed a DNA marker-assisted breeding method to speed up the development of scab-resistant barley cultivars. This approach increases the efficiency of selection and reduces breeding time, benefiting small-grain breeders in the Northern Plains.
Researchers at UNC Chapel Hill created a first-of-its-kind map of the human genome's regulatory elements, revealing clusters specific to pancreatic islet cells. The study identified genetic variants associated with type II diabetes and found that certain genes are 'turned on' or 'off', opening new avenues for understanding the disease.
Researchers have made significant progress in understanding the relationship between cholesterol and heart disease, finding that it's not just one factor at play but rather a complex interplay of immune cells and proteins. The study highlights the importance of restoring the balance of this network to prevent vascular disease.
A new study finds that infants who die from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) have lower levels of serotonin in their brainstem compared to those who die from other causes. This deficiency may impair the function of brainstem circuits, putting babies at risk for sudden death during sleep.
A new report suggests that preventing patients from leaving psychiatric wards without staff agreement could avoid up to 50 suicide deaths every year. The study found that improving the ward environment and staff training may contribute to reduced risk of in-patient suicides, particularly among high-risk groups.
A toxic form of the neural protein Elk-1 is linked to three degenerative brain disorders: Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and Huntington's disease. The study found that this modified form of Elk-1 strongly associates with pathological markers present in diseased tissue from these diseases.
Researchers estimate forced marriages occur in many countries, including Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and Eastern Europe, where they are often used to obtain citizenship or settle debts. Despite limited data, a new study aims to shed light on this taboo issue, with plans for comparative research and interviews with victims.
A team of researchers from Virginia Commonwealth University has identified a new theoretical approach to simplify the synthesis of hydrogen fuel storage materials. An external electric field can significantly improve the thermodynamics and reversibility of the system, making it an ideal energy carrier.
A large-scale UK study found that people who spend too much time online are more likely to show depressive symptoms. Internet addiction was linked to higher incidence of moderate to severe depression in young people and adults.
Early life likely arose from gases and geochemical gradients at deep-sea hydrothermal vents, rather than a primordial soup, according to new research. This alternative theory proposes that the first cells harnessed these energy sources to generate ATP through chemiosmosis.
Researchers directly observe chemical exchange processes in an ultracold sample of cesium atoms and Feshbach molecules, allowing for controlled study of chemical reactions. This breakthrough opens a new avenue to study diverse chemical reactions using ultracold quantum gases.
Researchers challenge long-held 3/4-power law of metabolism with new paper, finding support for 2/3 exponent in geometry and network analysis. Empirical evidence from animal studies also aligns with 2/3 exponent, suggesting a potential universal scaling law for metabolism.
A survey by the University of Michigan Medical School found that 28% of doctors and their diabetic patients do not agree on the most important health conditions to manage. Diabetics were more likely to prioritize symptoms such as pain and depression, while doctors focused on diabetes and hypertension.
A new study found that men diagnosed with prostate cancer in the US face a higher risk of suicide and cardiovascular death, particularly during the first year after diagnosis. The study suggests that providing emotional counseling and support for patients newly diagnosed with cancer may be essential to mitigate this risk.
A review and meta-analysis of previous studies suggests that withholding anticoagulation therapy after a negative whole-leg compression ultrasound is associated with a low risk of developing a blood clot during the subsequent 3 months. This finding may lead to reconsidering multiple ultrasounds for low-risk patients.
A new weight-loss supplement, tri-pepper blend, has been shown to burn as many calories as a 20-minute walk. The University of Oklahoma study found statistically significant results, validating product weight-loss claims through measurements of oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production.
Researchers found participants who reacted to their opponent executed movements 21 milliseconds faster but with reduced accuracy. This quick-and-dirty system may provide a survival advantage in critical situations.
A study of cancer survivors found that they become advocates for others but not themselves, suggesting a transition from passive to active care. They advise peers with cancer to seek second opinions, check doctors' credentials, and stay positive.
The CYCORE project aims to aggregate data from clinical trials, patient records, and behavioral data to study cancer treatment effectiveness. By analyzing this data, researchers hope to better understand which treatments work best for specific patients and develop more effective prevention and recovery strategies.
The University of California, Riverside's new Stem Cell Core Facility will enable faster breakthroughs in stem cell research, targeting diseases such as osteoporosis and diabetes. The facility is equipped with the first-in-country Nikon BioStation CT technology, expected to provide valuable data for attacking degenerative diseases.
A new study by Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine and the American College of Surgeons found that community hospitals can offer safe surgical options for certain types of cancer surgeries. Younger patients with few pre-existing illnesses have similar survival rates at both community hospitals and specialized cancer c...
Researchers have developed a broad-spectrum antiviral compound that can stop a wide range of highly dangerous viruses, including those causing HIV, Ebola, and hepatitis C. The compound works by altering the lipid envelope of enveloped viruses, making them unable to fuse with host cells.
A study analyzing 12 studies found helmets significantly protect against head injuries, reducing the risk by 35%. The use of helmets also prevented between 2-5 head injuries among users.
A recent study published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine reveals that type I interferons are essential for combating Chikungunya virus infection. The unexpected finding is that fibroblasts, not immune cells, produce the virus-fighting proteins during infection.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center have discovered that acetaminophen can prevent oxidative damage and kidney failure after muscle injury in a rat model. The study's findings support further investigation into the drug's effects in patients with severe muscle injuries.
A recent study found that family influence remains key to one's ethnic identity after age 18, with families teaching cultural customs and traditions leading to a greater sense of attachment to their ethnic group. This study suggests that parents play an important role in shaping young adults' exploration of their ethnicity.
A study using genetically modified mice reveals a previously unidentified mechanism contributing to heart failure, specifically the decreased release of neurotransmitter acetylcholine. This finding opens up a new avenue for treating failing hearts and highlights the significance of acetylcholine regulation in cardiac function.
A randomized controlled trial found that an abstinence-only program targeting reduced sexual intercourse was associated with lower rates of sexual involvement among African American sixth- and seventh-graders. After 24 months, 33.5% of participants in the abstinence-only group had engaged in sex, compared to 48.5% in the control group.
A Cornell University team invented a palm-sized device that uses water surface tension as an adhesive bond, allowing it to stick and unstick to surfaces. The device has potential applications in shoes, gloves, and Post-it-like notes.
Two studies published in Journal of Experimental Medicine reveal that patients with a rare autoimmune disease produce antibodies that bind and disarm cytokines, which fight airborne pathogens. These findings may help explain the recurring nature of these patients' yeast infections.
Cold Spring Harbor Protocols presents high-throughput methods for mapping active gene regulatory elements using DNase-seq, and analyzing DNA synthesis with BrdU-IP-chip. These techniques enable genome-wide identification of genetic regulatory elements and analysis of DNA metabolism.