A new study published in PNAS reveals that forests in the Eastern United States are growing at an accelerated rate of 2 tons per acre annually. This growth is attributed to rising CO2 levels, increased temperatures, and longer growing seasons. The findings suggest a significant response of ecosystems to climate change.
Researchers demonstrate that transplanted stem cells can rescue diseased neurons from death by sending signals through gap junctions, a newly recognized way of cell communication. This mechanism may play a role in both normal development and many diseases, including Huntington's disease and spinal cord injuries.
A UC Riverside study reveals that ecology and evolution are reciprocally interacting processes, with evolutionary processes influencing ecology in turn. The research found that guppies adapted to different stream communities exhibited distinct impacts on their ecosystems, including differences in diet and nutrient cycling.
A team of researchers has identified 1.1 million base pairs of DNA in the soybean genome, including traits that affect plant development, disease resistance, and nutrition. This knowledge will enable scientists to create more resilient crops, reducing hunger and improving food security worldwide.
A new study by the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that extended use of a nicotine patch improves abstinence from cigarettes and helps smokers quit again after relapse. The extended therapy regimen was more effective in boosting abstinence rates than standard therapy.
The pandemic H1N1 influenza virus replicates efficiently in lung cells and infects conjunctiva, suggesting a potential route of transmission; however, it does not induce cytokine dysregulation like highly pathogenic avian flu viruses.
A review article highlights the risks of herbal supplements interacting with heart medications, posing a significant threat to elderly patients. The authors emphasize the need for greater awareness and scientific scrutiny to ensure safe use and reduce harm among patients with heart disease.
A recent study found that teenagers and young adults are consuming significantly fewer whole grains than recommended, with an average intake of less than one serving per day. Factors influencing whole grain consumption include socio-environmental, personal, and behavioral factors such as home availability, taste preferences, and fast-f...
A recent study published in the journal SLEEP found that healthy older adults can expect to have a reduced 'sleep need' and be less sleepy during the day compared to younger adults. Despite decreased total sleep time with age, older adults displayed less subjective and objective daytime sleep propensity.
Researchers at National Jewish Health have discovered how Listeria monocytogenes triggers an endogenous pathway that dampens the host's own immune response. The bacteria makes infected immune cells release interferon-αβ, which reduces immune resistance to infection and causes food poisoning. This finding highlights the crosstalk betwee...
Scientists have developed a rapid, non-invasive method to diagnose seed quality in real time using infrared temperature measurement. This breakthrough method can distinguish between viable and dead seeds in under two hours, reducing the need for destructive germination tests.
Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome produce less adiponectin than healthy women, leading to increased insulin resistance and inflammation. This hormone helps regulate fat metabolism, glucose utilization, and reduces inflammation.
Patients with severe OSA show decreased gray matter concentration in multiple brain areas, including limbic structures and prefrontal cortices. The study suggests that OSA may lead to memory impairment, cardiovascular disturbances, and executive dysfunctions.
A new study provides clear pediatric PET dose guidelines, allowing clinicians to calculate the optimal radiotracer dose based on a child's weight. The findings suggest that patients can receive high-quality images with reduced scan time or lower doses, minimizing radiation exposure for young children.
The study found that videoconferencing enabled successful completion of education programs for radiology trainees in remote locations, removing the need for travel and increasing participation rates. Satisfaction with course content and delivery was high among participants.
Researchers have identified a potential new set of targets to improve the efficiency of pancreatic islet transplantation. The study found that treatment with an antibody targeting HMGB1 prevented early pancreatic islet loss and inhibited IFN-gamma production by NKT cells and Gr-1+CD11b+ cells.
Regular exercise has been shown to increase hippocampal volume in both healthy individuals and those with schizophrenia, suggesting the brain retains some plasticity despite the disorder. This finding offers hope for potential benefits of incorporating physical activity into treatment plans for patients with schizophrenia.
A targeted antiviral medication program, combined with aggressive hand sanitization and surface decontamination, was associated with containing the spread of H1N1 in a summer camp setting. The study found that the program reduced the attack rate of the virus from 1.8% to zero among campers.
Researchers have identified an enzyme that can remove the oncogene WT1 from cancer cells, leading to promising targets for treatments. The discovery of protease HtrA2 has shed new light on how levels of WT1 are controlled in cancer.
A new study published in Neurology suggests that cognitive decline, regardless of dementia diagnosis, may increase the risk of stroke. The researchers found that men who scored lower on a mental test measuring planning and executive function were three times more likely to experience a stroke or brain infarction.
The National Institutes of Health is implementing a system to track radiation dose exposure from medical imaging tests, aiming to determine potential cancer risks. The electronic medical record will store and retrieve reports on radiation doses, allowing for the collection of data necessary to assess cancer risk.
Researchers design a bioactive nanomaterial that activates bone marrow stem cells to produce natural cartilage. The treatment shows promise in repairing damaged joints with better results than conventional microfracture procedures.
A study by University of Cincinnati researchers found that proapoptotic peptide treatment reduced food intake and fat loss in obese mice and rats, without affecting energy expenditure. The findings suggest a novel system informing brain activity about fat tissue size, influencing appetite and weight regulation.
A UK-based randomized controlled trial evaluates the MEND Program's effectiveness in preventing and treating pediatric obesity. The study demonstrates improvements in weight loss, BMI, waist circumference, self-esteem, physical activity levels, and general health among participants.
A new study finds that children are more likely to visit the dentist if their parents do too. The research, published in Pediatrics, analyzed data from a nationally representative sample of over 6,100 households and found that 86% of children whose parents visited the dentist had also done so.
A study published in Chest found that caregivers of ICU patients experience profound emotional and economic burdens, with predictors including male patient gender and tracheostomy. The research highlights the need for interventions to support families coping with critical illness beyond hospitalization.
Australians in New South Wales Territory face heavy rainfall and potential flooding due to Tropical Cyclone Olga's remnants. The region is expected to experience widespread moderate to heavy rainfall over the next couple of days.
A CU-Boulder expert emphasizes that disasters are preventable and that societies can take proactive measures to minimize devastation. The expert argues that the international community should prioritize preventive measures in disaster assistance, such as rebuilding infrastructure to withstand future disasters.
Researchers may use epigenetics to assess potential harm from CT scans and other low-dose radiation. The study's author argues that future trends in diseases could be linked to current CT usage.
Researchers at Trinity College Dublin have made significant discoveries about Type 2 diabetes in young adults, shedding light on muscle cell mechanisms that contribute to severe insulin resistance. The study's findings may lead to the development of more targeted treatments for young people with Type 2 diabetes.
Researchers identify potential new targets for preventing early loss of transplanted pancreatic islets, which could improve the efficiency of pancreatic islet transplantation. Meanwhile, studies show that engineering macrophages to store triacylglycerol protects mice from diet-induced insulin resistance and inflammation.
Scientists found conserved microRNAs in animals as diverse as sea anemones, worms, and humans, suggesting an early origin of these tissues in animal evolution. The discovery opens new avenues for studying the current functions of specific microRNAs.
Researchers found that the benefits of diagnosing MCAD-related disorders early outweigh the costs of false positives, including stress and dietary restrictions. The study concluded that newborn screening remains cost-effective even after accounting for quality-of-life losses associated with false positives.
A Special Issue of Agricultural Water Management highlights the need for investments in agriculture to improve food security and address global hunger. Investments in irrigation and rainfed agriculture are crucial to increase food production and household incomes in developing countries.
Researchers found a maternal East Asian ancestry in ancient mitochondrial DNA from 2,000-year-old bones in Italy. The findings indicate that at least one individual was of non-Italian descent, possibly a slave or worker from the Roman Empire.
Researchers at the University of California, Santa Barbara found that providing training to parents through DVDs improved their skills and led to positive changes in child behavior. The flexible program allowed parents to learn at their own pace and provided valuable video examples to support instruction.
The American Dietetic Association emphasizes prevention, coordination of care, and technology in providing nutrition services for individuals with developmental disabilities. Registered dietitians and dietetic technicians play a vital role in comprehensive care.
Research suggests that novelty can compete with drug-linked cues in recovering addicts, potentially helping prevent relapse. The study found that rats were more likely to visit the side where they experienced rewarding effects of cocaine when given a choice.
Johns Hopkins researchers have discovered how Argonaute protein binds to microRNAs, shutting down protein production. This finding sheds light on the regulation of genes and has implications for treating diseases linked to genetic regulation, such as cancer.
Climate change projections indicate major reductions in wetland volume, shortening of water retention time, and changes in vegetation dynamics in the prairie pothole region. This will negatively impact millions of waterfowl depending on the region for their life cycles.
Researchers developed an algorithm to target local scanning worms, which can evade worm defenses. The algorithm estimates susceptible host population size and quarantines the worm if scans exceed a threshold value.
A 12-week fish oil capsule course reduced psychotic disorder progression by 22.6% in high-risk individuals, with improved symptoms and functioning compared to placebo. Omega-3 fatty acids may offer a safe prevention strategy for young people at risk of psychosis.
Researchers found that tumor suppressor p53 limits the growth of cells with incorrect numbers of chromosomes and prevents their progression toward cancer. Cells lacking p53 become aneuploid after induced missegregation, indicating that the p53 pathway normally serves to limit the propagation of cells with odd numbers of chromosomes.
Research finds that dopamine in the brain stimulates a craving for new experiences, contributing to addictive behaviors like drug abuse and gambling. The study used PET scans to map brain activity, revealing stronger urges among those with more dopamine, suggesting a link between stimulation-seeking behavior and hormonal activity.
Research reveals that individuals with body dysmorphic disorder exhibit abnormal brain activity when viewing images of themselves, suggesting difficulties in perceiving general facial information. This impairment contributes to distorted perceptions of one's appearance, supporting the need for further studies on the condition.
Case Western Reserve University has received a $250,000 challenge grant from Johnson & Johnson Services Inc. to support science and medicine projects aimed at improving human health. The university will match or exceed the commitment, with grants ranging from $50,000 to $100,000.
Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital have discovered a novel anesthetic approach that selectively blocks pain sensation in nerve cells while preserving motor function. This breakthrough could lead to the development of longer-lasting local anesthetics for childbirth and musculoskeletal disorders, with minimal impact on mobility.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have discovered that stem cells can connect with and rescue threatened neurons through direct contact via gap junctions. The findings suggest a new possible treatment approach for brain damage and neurodegenerative diseases.
Researchers at Scripps Institute create a novel screening technique for large compound libraries, enabling efficient identification of high-affinity protein ligands. The innovative approach combines bead display and microarray analysis, allowing for rapid comparison of binding affinity without tedious re-synthesis.
Researchers found that CT scans are more accurate than MRI in ruling out coronary artery disease. Extended-duration transdermal nicotine therapy was also shown to increase smokers' chances of quitting successfully.
A new study found that glial cells can switch from protecting neurons to killing them when triggered by proNGF. The process can lead to vision loss and blindness. Researchers hope to find ways to block proNGF's effects to prevent this damage.
A new Tel Aviv University study reveals that quitting smoking can lower mortality rates by up to 37% compared to continued smoking. The research found that cutting back on smoking also has positive effects on cardiac health, with a 18% decrease in risk of dying within the next 13 years.
James A. Hamilton, PhD, received the 2010 Avanti Award in Lipids for his work on NMR methods to detect vulnerable atherosclerotic plaque and specific components in plaques. The award recognizes his contributions to biomedical engineering and medicine.
Research by Johns Hopkins Medicine found that children of Hispanic mothers who speak Spanish spend nearly two-and-a-half hours watching TV, compared to about 90 minutes for children with English-speaking mothers. The study suggests cultural perceptions and lack of programming in Spanish may contribute to the difference.
A new study suggests that painting building roofs white could reduce urban heat island effects by 33%, cooling cities by an average of 0.7 degrees F. However, the authors caution that actual use of white roofs would depend on various factors and may not be feasible due to wear and tear.
Researchers have identified a broad-spectrum antiviral compound effective against HIV-1, influenza A, filoviruses, poxviruses, and other deadly diseases. The compound, LJ001, targets enveloped viruses by exploiting their biogenic reparative ability, resulting in permanent and irreversible damage.
The Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging's Clinical Trials Network Workshop explored the integration of imaging biomarkers into clinical trials, emphasizing quality and standardization. Experts shared insights on overcoming challenges and harmonizing data across multiple sites.
Tropical Storm Oli formed on February 1, 2010, near Fiji, with maximum sustained winds of 57 mph. The storm is expected to strengthen temporarily due to low wind shear, but will face increased wind shear in cooler waters after day four.
A Michigan State University scientist has discovered the process that causes retinal cells to die, leading to diabetic retinopathy. The siah-1 protein serves as a type of chauffeur for another protein, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), shuttling it into the nucleus of Müller cells, causing vascular damage.
Researchers at the University of Liverpool have discovered a single low dose infusion of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) significantly reduces pain in patients with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), improving quality of life. The treatment has few adverse effects and can be repeated every four weeks.