The Biophysical Society has announced the winners of its second annual CPOW travel awards, which provide travel grants to postdoctoral fellows presenting posters or oral presentations at the 55th Annual Meeting. The recipients include 10 women biophysicists from various institutions.
Researchers identified a genetic alteration that predisposes individuals to Cowden syndrome, a rare disorder with high risks of breast, thyroid, and other cancers. The study found KILLIN as a predisposition gene, associated with increased risk of breast and kidney cancer.
Researchers found that face recognition ability peaks at 30-34 years old, contrary to prior evidence suggesting it matures earlier. This late-blooming nature may be due to practice making perfect and extended brain tuning in early adulthood.
African savanna and forest elephants are two separate species, differing in size and genetic diversity. The study used DNA analysis to prove their separation over millions of years, with implications for conservation efforts.
Researchers found that stress activates memory recall of unrelated experiences in laboratory rats, which may offer insights into post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and related conditions. The study's results suggest that traumatic stress can reactivate non-traumatic memories, linking them to the traumatic experience.
A systematic review found that prison TB spread significantly increases the incidence of TB in the general population. The average incidence of TB in prisons was 23 times higher than in the general population.
Astronomers used Hubble Space Telescope to observe eight massive stars in Small Magellanic Cloud, finding five without large neighbors and three in tiny clusters. The study suggests that giant stars can form randomly across the universe, including in isolation.
Researchers at University of South Florida found that spirulina supplementation delayed motor symptoms and disease progression in a mouse model of ALS. The study suggests a dual antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect on motor neurons, offering potential clinical benefits for ALS patients.
The Biophysical Society has announced the winners of its 2011 International Travel Awards, recognizing researchers from around the world for their outstanding scientific contributions. The award aims to promote interaction between American biophysicists and scientists in countries experiencing financial difficulties.
A mathematical model predicts a decline in workplace accidents in Spain from 2011 to 2012, with significant reductions in commute-related accidents. The model forecasts a decrease in fatal and serious accidents, while slight accidents also show a small decline.
A new UCSF study reveals that older men with high-risk prostate cancer are frequently under-treated, leading to higher mortality rates. The researchers argue that age should not be a barrier to more aggressive treatments that could lead to potential cures.
Researchers from BUSM have identified a key role for monocytes in maintaining pro-inflammatory T cells, promoting chronic inflammation associated with Type 2 diabetes. The study suggests that restoring balance among immune system cells could be a novel treatment approach.
A University of British Columbia study reveals that physically attractive people are perceived as having more distinct personality traits, with accuracy improving for those considered beautiful.
Researchers found that higher activity of certain LSC genes was associated with worse overall, event-free and relapse-free survival in acute myeloid leukemia patients. The study defined a signature of enriched AML-initiating cells linked to clinical outcomes.
The Biophysical Society honored 11 minority students with the Minority Travel Award for attending its 55th Annual Meeting. The award aims to encourage participation in biophysics research among underrepresented groups.
A new study reveals that moderately and morbidly obese drivers face significantly higher risks of death and non-survival in severe auto accidents. The research found that underweight and normal-weight drivers also had a higher risk of dying from severe crashes compared to slightly overweight drivers.
A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that prenatal iron-folic acid supplementation boosted children's cognition in Nepal. The research showed a positive association between maternal supplementation and improved general intellectual ability, executive function, and fine motor control.
A new study will examine the impacts of climate change on biodiversity in the tropical Andes, focusing on four countries: Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. The research aims to provide a standard methodology for estimating local climate change risks and inform decision-making, adaptation measures, and conservation planning.
Woolly mammoths living north of the Arctic Circle began weaning infants up to three years later than modern African elephants, potentially contributing to their eventual extinction. This adaptation to harsher environment and prolonged nursing may have made them more vulnerable to climate change and human hunting.
Scientists identify Fates-shifted protein as key player in Bicoid's degradation, leading to improper embryo formation and misshapen offspring. The study highlights the importance of understanding embryonic development in fruit flies for medical research into human disease and birth defects.
Researchers found that 34% of Galician secondary schools have radon levels exceeding the EU's maximum recommended limit of 400 Bequerels/m3. The study emphasizes the need for corrective measures to reduce high radon levels, which can be effectively implemented during building construction.
Researchers found a strong correlation between high levels of gene expression associated with leukemia stem cells and poor outcomes in patients. The study suggests that targeting these self-renewing cells could lead to more effective treatments and improved patient survival.
Preethi Gunaratne's research aims to unleash the body's natural cancer-fighting agents using microRNAs, which have been shown to suppress the growth of cancer cells. Gold nanoparticles are being explored as a potential carrier for these molecules, offering a promising treatment for ovarian cancer with minimal side effects.
A study of 61 adults found that 86.9% of parents with a genetic mutation supporting melanoma testing in their children cited increased risk awareness as a reason. Participants believed genetic testing could lead to improved prevention and screening behavior, such as reduced sun exposure and protective clothing use.
University of Washington engineering students have developed a device that uses the sun's rays to detect bacterial and viral contaminants in drinking water. The device, called Solar Disinfection of Water (SODIS), was designed to monitor water disinfection using the sun's rays and has won $40,000 prize from Rockefeller Foundation.
Researchers have identified a novel type of papillomavirus, EcPV-2, linked to equine genital cancer. The virus is closely related to human genital cancers and its presence in affected horses suggests a potential cause and cure.
A study of 184 patients with advanced head and neck cancers found that 85% could speak normally and 63% could swallow normally after treatment. Factors such as age, smoking history, tumor location, and planned surgery were linked to poorer speech and swallowing outcomes.
Researchers at Syracuse University's L.C. Smith College of Engineering and Computer Science have developed a new air-flow technology to increase the efficiency of large wind turbines. The approach uses intelligent systems to control airflow and reduce noise and vibration. Initial results show that flow control can enlarge the operation...
Scientists at Joslin Diabetes Center have identified progenitor cells in mouse white fat tissue and skeletal muscle that can be transformed into brown fat cells. The study found that exposure to the protein BMP-7 and the diabetes drug rosiglitazone increased conversion rates, suggesting a potential for cell-based brown fat therapies.
Researchers have discovered Möbius symmetry in metamaterials, which are engineered materials with electromagnetic properties. This discovery opens the door to finding and exploiting novel phenomena in metamaterials, as the coupling constants between meta-atoms can be arbitrarily varied without constraints.
A study published in Applied Economics Letters found that subsidies have no effect on Spanish cinema productivity. In contrast, awards increase the number of films produced and improve productivity. The researchers also suggested that subsidies should be competitive like awards to create a yardstick for film industry workers.
A systematic review found that one in every 200 inpatients taking acid suppressive medications developed pneumonia. The study suggests that deaths from hospital-acquired pneumonia could be caused by these medications.
A natural substance in dairy fat, trans-palmitoleic acid, has been identified as a potential factor in reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes. The compound is found in milk, cheese, yogurt, and butter and may mimic the normal biologic role of its produced counterpart, cis-palmitoleic acid.
Researchers at UC San Diego School of Medicine present a new explanation for how fibrotic cells form in the human liver, upending long-held assumptions about EMT and FSP1. The study reveals endogenous stellate cells are the primary culprit in liver fibrosis, and FSP1 is an unreliable marker.
Researchers found a genetic variant associated with a threefold increase in susceptibility to severe cocaine abuse among white individuals. The variant affects dopamine modulation in the brain and sets up a vicious circle leading to craving and heavy abuse.
Marine scientists found that ocean acidification decreases nitrification rates globally, which could lead to reduced nitrous oxide emissions. This decrease may also shift the available form of dissolved nitrogen in surface oceans, favoring certain plant species.
A study of 14 years of observation of Kanyawara chimpanzees found that females tend to play with sticks more often than males and occasionally treat them like mother chimps caring for infants. This suggests a possible link between biological predilections and sex-stereotyped socialization in object play.
A new national study reveals that streams and rivers produce significantly higher greenhouse gas emissions than previously estimated, with nitrous oxide emissions from river networks making up at least 10 percent of human-caused emissions. This research highlights the importance of effective mitigation strategies to reduce nitrogen inp...
Researchers identified DNA sequence variations associated with abnormal heart rhythms in multiple regions of the human genome. The study found links between these variations and increased risk for sudden cardiac death and heart damage.
Researchers at UAB found that robotic surgery for upper airway and digestive track malignant tumors is as effective as standard minimally invasive techniques, with a two-year survival rate of 86.3%. The study also showed improved swallowing function in patients.
A recent study found racial disparities in liver cancer survival rates, with black patients experiencing higher mortality rates compared to white and Hispanic patients. Despite receiving similar treatments, black patients had a 12% increased rate of death, indicating poor access to care and subpar treatment outcomes.
Research by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital found that intensive chemotherapy significantly increased the cure rate to nearly 88% for older adolescents with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, narrowing the survival gap between older and younger patients.
A new study finds that brain imaging can predict which children with dyslexia will improve their reading skills, with an accuracy rate of up to 90 percent. The research used advanced brain activity images and identified specific brain areas that indicate future progress.
The IceCube Neutrino Observatory is a cubic kilometer instrumented ice detector that records rare collisions of neutrinos with the atomic nuclei of water molecules in the Antarctic ice. The observatory provides an innovative means to investigate fundamental particles originating from cosmic phenomena.
Researchers at PNNL have developed a system to measure winds high up into the air, providing more accurate wind predictions and improving wind power forecasts. This study has the potential to improve how sites are chosen for wind farms and how those farms are operated.
Researchers found a genetic difference in TEP1 gene conferring resistance to human malaria parasites in one of two emerging Anopheles gambiae species, M and S. The study suggests that this resistance could impact malaria transmission efforts.
A new study by Stanford University School of Medicine researchers found that expanded HIV screening and treatment could prevent up to 212,000 new infections over the next 20 years. The strategy of one-time screening for low-risk individuals and annual screening for high-risk individuals is cost-effective.
Vanderbilt researchers found that pro-inflammatory cytokines can trigger despair-like behavior in mice, similar to human depression. They also discovered a mechanism by which inflammation enhances serotonin reuptake, potentially increasing the risk of mood and anxiety disorders.
A recent study found that most patients with advanced head and neck cancer experience minimal residual speech and swallowing deficits following combined chemotherapy and radiation treatment. Factors associated with worse outcomes included being female, having a history of smoking, or a tumor in the hypopharynx or larynx.
Researchers found that echinacea supplements reduced cold duration by an average of 7-10 hours and 10% in overall severity. The study involved over 700 participants and concluded that while the supplement showed minimal benefits, it was still considered safe for use.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine used neuroimaging to predict reading skills improvement in teenagers with dyslexia. They found that brain activation patterns and white matter organization were key predictors, suggesting a potential new intervention approach.
Researchers from Imperial College London have developed technology that could sequence a human genome in mere minutes, potentially unlocking personal susceptibility to diseases. The technology uses nanopores and could lead to fast, inexpensive genome sequencing with numerous benefits for medical tests and DNA profiles.
A new breathing therapy, CART, has been shown to be more effective than traditional cognitive therapy in reducing panic symptoms by reversing hyperventilation. The treatment program teaches patients to breathe normally, reducing chronic and acute hyperventilation and associated physical symptoms.
Researchers at Newcastle University found that honeybees can avoid toxic nectar through taste and learning, suggesting a potential factor in colony health under stress. The study highlights the importance of understanding how bees detect and avoid toxins to breed non-toxic plants.
Researchers developed a method to stabilize living lung tissue for imaging, allowing observation of live cell interactions and immune responses to lung injury. This breakthrough impacts disease research by enabling scientists to look deeper into physiological aspects of injury and diseases.
A new study found that black patients with early-stage liver cancer have a higher mortality rate than white patients, with median survival times ranging from 8-10 months. The disparity in treatment access also affects the survival rates of Hispanic and black patients compared to white patients.
A new study predicts that the Mariana crow will go extinct in 75 years due to a low first-year survival rate of 40%. The species is critically endangered and faces threats from invasive species like feral cats and brown tree snakes.
A new study from the University of Gothenburg estimates that approximately 2% of the population in West Sweden suffers from severe asthma, which is characterized by nasal congestion. The study suggests that patients with nasal complaints should be investigated for asthma, as more pronounced symptoms may be linked to severe asthma.
The American Society of Hematology awards $100,000 to fellows and $150,000 to junior faculty for a two- to three-year research period. The 2011 Scholar Award recipients include Basic Research Fellow Omar I. Abdel-Wahab, MD, and Clinical/Translational Research Fellow Samantha M. Jaglowski, MD.
Scientists create a new model system to study the effects of mechanical stress on plastics, allowing direct observation of polymer chain reorganization. This breakthrough could lead to improved understanding of material development and properties.