Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have successfully transformed normal human tissue into three-dimensional cancers for the first time. The new technique allows for quick and cheap testing of anti-cancer drugs without laboratory animals, providing insights into how human cancers act in the body.
The Innovative Vector Control Consortium (IVCC) has received a $50 million grant to develop new insecticides for malaria and other neglected tropical diseases. The new funding will support the development of three new Active Ingredients for public health insecticides by 2020.
Scientists urge increased focus and better management for reefs south of the Great Barrier Reef and WA tropical coral zone, critical refuges for northern tropical marine life. The Coffs Harbour Declaration highlights seven priorities to improve subtropical marine environment management.
Researchers have identified 30 new genes controlling the age of sexual maturation in women, which also affect body weight regulation. The study highlights specific genetic links between early puberty and body fat, shedding light on how biological processes control puberty timing.
Researchers build robotic jump rope device to control rope parameters, capturing motion with high-speed cameras. They find that air-induced drag affects the shape of the rope, reducing total drag. Insights from the study may inform other situations involving flexible filaments in engineered and natural systems.
Researchers in California and South Africa re-designed an aircraft with a bird-inspired shape to improve aerodynamics and reduce fuel consumption. The study showed that a flying wing configuration can generate nearly wing-only levels of lift and drag, potentially making planes more energy efficient.
Scientists have discovered 30 new genes that control the age of sexual maturation in women, which also affect body weight regulation and fat metabolism. The study found associations between these genes and early menarche, as well as increased risk of health problems like obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
Despite the financial crisis, global CO2 emissions from fossil fuels are expected to rise by over 3% in 2010, reversing previous declines. Meanwhile, deforestation-related emissions have decreased by over 25% since 2000.
Children with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) are more likely to have mothers who were obese or had diabetes during pregnancy. Strict control of diabetes and weight loss may lower kids' risk of CKD.
A diet high in fruits and vegetables can help maintain kidney function in patients with reduced kidney function due to high blood pressure. Conversely, melatonin has been shown to improve short-term sleep quality in dialysis patients but does not provide long-term benefits.
A study found that individuals with a common gene variant are 1.5 times more likely to have progressive kidney disease than those with other genotypes. The MYH9 variant was present in 55% of African American patients and associated with a 50% higher risk of death, ESRD, or significant drop in kidney function.
A new study found that low amounts of albumin in the urine, even at clinically insignificant levels, strongly predict faster cognitive decline in older women. This association was strongest for verbal fluency scores, suggesting albuminuria may be an early marker of diffuse vascular disease.
Research highlights disparities in kidney donation, particularly among low-income individuals and black patients. Efforts are needed to minimize barriers and increase access to transplant care for underrepresented groups.
A new study aims to discover the genetic and molecular underpinnings of small cell carcinoma of the ovary (SCCO), a rare and aggressive cancer affecting young women. Researchers will collect tumor and blood samples using advanced genomic approaches to understand the disease's origins and develop effective treatments.
A study by Elizabeth Hedgeman and colleagues found that earlier nephrologist care is associated with lower ESRD incidence and improved patient outcomes. Patients who received recommended care were in better health, more prepared for dialysis, and had a 40% lower risk of death during the first year after developing ESRD.
The I2R team achieved high performance in both automatic and interactive search categories, showcasing the effectiveness of their Known-item-Search technology. With a mean inverted rank of 0.454 in automatic search and 0.727 in interactive search, they outperformed other teams and demonstrated the potential of their innovation.
Researchers found a wide range of biological activity, including microbes degrading hydrocarbons and fixing carbon, in the deepest layer of ocean crust. The discovery has significant implications for carbon storage and fixation, and may provide a new concept for reducing carbon emissions.
Research suggests moderate to severe COPD may involve an auto-immune component, with 34% of patients having abnormal ANA and AT levels in their blood. The study found a significant association between these auto-antibodies and impairment of lung function.
Researchers have discovered that plants and animals share remarkably similar mechanisms to detect molecular signatures of infectious organisms, which could lead to new treatments for human diseases. The study's findings highlight the potential for inter-specific transfer of engineered receptors to confer resistance to various pathogens.
A study of over 5,200 adults found that those with mildly decreased sodium levels had a higher rate of fractures, despite no difference in bone mineral density. Screening for low sodium concentration may be an important new strategy to prevent fractures.
A Vanderbilt University Medical Center researcher has identified a new lead for compounds that block the Wnt signaling pathway, implicated in over 90% of sporadic colon cancers. The approved anti-parasite drug pyrvinium was found to inhibit Wnt signaling and cell proliferation in cultured colon cancer cells.
Scientists from Scripps Research Institute have identified a novel synthetic activator of RORα and RORγ nuclear receptors, which play key roles in human metabolism and immune function. This discovery could lead to new therapeutic approaches for diseases such as diabetes and osteoporosis.
Studies examine how people perceive gaze direction, detect kinship, and identify objects in space. Researchers find that subordinates' perceptions are generally more accurate than those of their bosses, while firstborns may struggle with detecting kinship among strangers.
Childhood obesity is associated with an increased risk of developing cardiovascular and metabolic disorders in adulthood, including hypertension, elevated cholesterol levels, and insulin resistance. Early intervention and prevention strategies are crucial to minimize this risk.
Researchers have trained bacteria to efficiently convert sugars in agricultural bio-wastes into valuable chemicals for bioplastics. The optimized process enables the production of high-quality bioplastics from waste materials, reducing costs and increasing efficiency.
Researchers found intriguing clues to genes associated with anorexia nervosa, including genes active in neuronal signaling and shaping interconnections among brain cells. The study also identified several rare CNVs that occurred only in AN cases, suggesting that both common SNPs and rare CNVs contribute to the disorder.
Research shows that moderate drinking can help prevent diabetes and premature death in kidney transplant recipients, but excessive weight may be detrimental. On the other hand, low dialysis calcium levels have been linked to an increased risk of sudden cardiac arrest among patients on dialysis.
Researchers used computer models to illuminate protein behavior in crowded cells, revealing enzyme activity was 15 times more active. This discovery can aid in designing efficient therapeutic means for diseases like Alzheimer's and cancer.
The Atlas of Birth project provides a comprehensive picture of maternal health globally, highlighting high rates of death in sub-Saharan Africa and India. The interactive online map aims to inform policymakers and advocates on ways to reduce preventable deaths of girls and women in childbirth.
Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital discovered that some HIV antibodies target the protein in its final form, making them ineffective. The team proposes designing immunogens to trap the protein in an intermediate state, preventing further structural rearrangements and blocking membrane fusion.
A team of Stanford researchers has successfully tested a device that may help protect satellites from tiny meteoroid collisions. The canopy, which was tested in zero gravity, could potentially be deployed to shield spacecraft from micrometeoroids and interference with electronic equipment.
Experts in motor neuron diseases challenge a recent study's claim that repetitive head trauma causes ALS, citing lack of clinical and pathological evidence. The editorial aims to dispel doubts on Lou Gehrig's ALS diagnosis.
Gökhan S. Hotamisligil, a Harvard expert on inflammation and obesity, received the 2010 Naomi Berrie Award from Columbia University Medical Center. His work focuses on the molecular basis of links between obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
Researchers have identified a potential solution for preventing osteoporosis using potassium citrate supplements. Additionally, waist circumference measurements in children may be a better predictor of heart disease risk than body mass index. Early urine tests can also predict pregnancy complications such as pre-eclampsia.
Researchers have developed a new X-ray microscope that delivers immediate 3D images of entire living cells, closing the gap between conventional microscopic techniques. The new method allows for high-resolution imaging without chemical fixation or labelling, enabling detailed study of cellular ultrastructure.
The 'M8' simulation, a magnitude 8.0 earthquake on the southern San Andreas Fault, shakes a larger area with greater detail than previously possible. The development of this simulation advances state-of-the-art in speed and efficiency for such calculations.
A special section in Ecological Economics analyzes ecological distribution conflicts, linking them to political ecology and social metabolism. The research explores the impacts of resource extraction and waste disposal on economic, environmental, cultural, and social conflicts.
Phase III trial data suggests Tumor Treating Fields (TTF) therapy increases median survival time and improves quality of life scores compared to standard chemotherapy. Younger patients and those with better functional status show an impressive survival advantage.
Researchers analyzed data from a nationwide study of over 5,200 adults and found that African Americans have faster rates of decline in kidney function compared to white Americans. Hispanic participants also showed faster declines, but with varying effects by country of origin.
Researchers have developed a medical model for regenerating bladders using stem cells, which could lead to new organ replacement therapies. The study used bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells, which have been shown to retain their ability to populate and function in a grafted area.
A recent study by LA BioMed researchers found that children with higher waist circumferences are more likely to have cardiac risk factors, including significantly higher pulse pressures. This suggests that pediatricians should add waist measurements to their routine screening of children to identify those at risk for heart disease.
The European Network for Rare and Congenital Anaemia (ENERCA) aims to disseminate latest developments in rare anemias through a network of close contacts. The project has been funded with €1.2 million Euros by the European Commission, and Spain is working on developing a Strategic plan for rare diseases.
Astronomers have discovered a planet from another galaxy orbiting a star that has entered our Milky Way, providing the first confirmed detection of an extragalactic exoplanet. The planet, HIP 13044 b, was detected using high-resolution spectrograph FEROS attached to the MPG/ESO telescope at ESO's La Silla Observatory.
Researchers at Temple University found that 5-lipoxygenase plays a regulatory role in amyloid beta formation, a major component of Alzheimer's plaques. Asthma inhibitors may prevent or treat the disease by modulating this protein.
A Northwestern University team analyzed Wheres's George? data to identify areas of high connectivity, finding that some borders split states, while others align with cultural segmentation. The study reveals the strength of local travel over long-distance relationships.
Smith's breakthrough discovery involves new technologies to control myopia progression through peripheral optics manipulation, which can slow disease progression and mitigate vision loss. His work aims to provide practical implications for clinical management of myopia and offers a fundamental shift in optical interventions.
The Lancet Review highlights the need for targeted healthcare resources in prisons, where millions of marginalized individuals are often beyond community health services reach. Prisoners' health problems become public health concerns upon release, and reforming medical services could substantially improve public health.
Patients with end-stage renal disease admitted on weekends experience delays in dialysis treatment and have a significantly higher mortality rate compared to those admitted during the week. The study highlights the need to redesign hospital staffing models to improve staff and dialysis availability over weekends.
A recent study found that patients who started dialysis at higher levels of kidney function had an increased risk of premature death. In contrast, home-based hemodialysis was shown to be cost-effective and provide potential benefits for kidney disease patients.
Researchers have found that cough suppressant syrup can be used as a probe to predict how well individual breast cancer patients metabolize tamoxifen, leading to more effective and targeted treatment. The study's results suggest that this method could improve patient outcomes by identifying those with altered metabolism.
NTU has received a S$3 million gift from the Bakrie Center Foundation to establish an endowment for a new Professorship in Southeast Asia Policy at RSIS. The Bakrie Graduate Fellowship Scholarship Fund will provide four scholarships worth S$30,000 each year to deserving young scholars from the ASEAN region.
Researchers have identified a new target for stopping tumors from developing their own blood supply, with a newly developed drug called ACE-041 showing promising results in advanced cancer patients. The drug targets the ALK-1 receptor and has been shown to halt tumor progression and improve patient outcomes.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute have solved the structure of the dopamine D3 receptor, a crucial step in understanding brain disorders and developing new drugs. The breakthrough could lead to more effective treatments for conditions such as schizophrenia.
The Paul G. Allen Family Foundation has announced seven grants totaling $9.4 million for scientific research in neuroscience and cellular engineering. The grants will be awarded to researchers at universities and laboratories in Washington, California, Massachusetts, and New York, with a focus on advancing the study of aggression, neur...
A culturally sensitive treatment model significantly improves depression recognition among Chinese immigrants, nearly sevenfold. The model addresses misconceptions and stigma through a collaborative care approach.
Dr. Rohan Walvekar's team has successfully removed a 20mm salivary stone using a robotic system, preserving the salivary gland and reducing blood loss, scarring, and hospital stay. This innovative technique offers a minimally invasive solution for patients with large salivary stones.
Astronomers from Bonn and St. Andrews discover that the discrepancy between calculated and observed star numbers may be due to an overestimation of stellar crowding, a phenomenon where young stars are born in groups, leading to more massive stars being overlooked.
Months of volcanic restlessness preceded the 2010 eruptions of Icelandic volcano Eyjafjallajökull, suggesting magma movement may have triggered its reawakening. By monitoring volcanoes, scientists can understand processes that drive them to erupt.
A study by University of Wisconsin-Madison scientists identifies Sirt3 as a crucial enzyme in the aging process, which helps to slow down aging by reducing free radicals produced by mitochondria. The findings provide a rational basis for devising interventions to retard aging and improve health in old age.
Early and abundant HIV antibodies are ineffective in blocking infection due to their inability to recognize the virus until it has invaded a healthy cell. The study reveals that the virus creates two versions of the 'Achilles heel' that different types of antibodies need to target, making effective defense challenging.