A team of researchers has discovered a way to target and block the enzyme beta glucuronidase, which causes severe diarrhea in patients taking CPT-11, a widely used colon cancer treatment. The breakthrough approach could improve anticancer drug efficacy and tolerance without harming beneficial gut bacteria.
Christopher Gregg's groundbreaking research reveals how parental genetic cues influence brain development and disease, providing a roadmap for future research. His findings have major relevance for understanding brain evolution, function, and disease.
A new registry based on electronic health records could help physicians improve care for patients with mild to moderate chronic kidney disease. The registry, developed at the Cleveland Clinic, houses information on 57,276 CKD patients and has been validated as reliable for tracking disease progression.
Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine identified a gene linked to eye melanoma metastasis. BAP1 mutations were found in 84% of metastatic tumors but rare in non-metastatic ones. The discovery may lead to more effective treatments and insights into cancer cell evolution.
Scientists discovered CRISPR/Cas, a bacterial immune system that protects against foreign DNA invasions. The system may help prevent antibiotic resistance in certain bacteria, benefiting industries like yogurt and probiotics.
A study found that testosterone treatment improved muscle mass, strength, and quality of life in frail elderly men, but these effects were not maintained six months after treatment. Researchers suggest a multi-disciplinary approach, including resistance exercise and lifestyle options, to interrupt the downward spiral into frailty.
A study analyzing genomic DNA from over 23,000 patients with ASD, developmental delay, or schizophrenia found a common deletion on chromosome 17 that increases the risk of developing either condition by at least 13.58 times.
Clement Loo, a University of Cincinnati doctoral student, presented his research on invasive species and the Shifting Balance Theory at an international conference. His paper argues that this theory is more nuanced than traditional Fisherian gradual mass selection in understanding the evolution of invasiveness.
Researchers found that polar bears can thrive even if they raid geese nests, thanks to a mismatch in timing that allows geese to lay eggs earlier than bears arrive on shore. This means the geese population is unlikely to go extinct despite bear predation.
A national study conducted by the National Cancer Institute found that CT scanning can reduce lung cancer deaths by 20% in former and current heavy smokers. The study, which involved over 53,000 participants, compared low-dose helical CT with standard chest X-ray screening.
Researchers used X-rays to pinpoint locations of more than 50 mutations in the ryanodine receptor, a protein associated with calcium-related diseases. The study provides insights into how these mutations contribute to disease and could lead to new therapeutic targets for heart disease.
Tropical Storm Tomas is intensifying due to strengthening convection and colder cloud tops detected by NASA's infrared satellite imagery. The storm is expected to bring heavy rainfall and life-threatening flashfloods to several Caribbean islands.
Scientists have discovered a way to eliminate debilitating diarrhea caused by CPT-11, a chemotherapy drug used for treating colon cancer. By inhibiting an enzyme in bacteria of the digestive tract, patients may be able to receive higher doses of the drug without severe side effects.
A new study led by researchers from UCLA and USC found that pregnant women whose sisters had hyperemesis gravidarum are 17 times more likely to experience the condition. Women with a family history of extreme morning sickness may be aware they may also have it, highlighting the importance of taking a family history into account.
Scientists at the Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics identified a genetic variant influencing left-right hand preference in individuals with dyslexia. The study found a strong link between PCSK6 gene variants and relative hand skill, suggesting a novel genetic basis for handedness.
Astronomers at UCI use the Herschel telescope to detect hundreds of new galaxies through cosmic alignment, revealing a whole new class of galaxies from the universe's early days. The discovery provides insights into star formation and galaxy size when the universe was young.
A large population-based study revealed that exposure to multiple antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) used by pregnant women to control seizures may cause poor school performance in their teenagers. The study found children exposed to two or more AEDs had an increased risk of not receiving a final grade upon completion of schooling.
A large-scale international project is analyzing the genomes of 2,500 people to understand human genetic variability and its impact on disease susceptibility. The pilot study has already revealed significant findings on human genome sequence variation.
Stem cells can sense a decrease in available nutrients and respond by retaining only a small pool of active stem cells for tissue maintenance. Upon re-feeding, insulin-like peptide expression and stem cell numbers recover quickly.
A new study shows that even when a trait becomes sex-specific, knock-on effects can still disadvantage the other sex. Researchers found that in broad-horned flour beetles, larger mandibles in males were linked to increased mating success but also reduced female reproductive ability.
Researchers discovered that reef fish punish blennies for stealing food without punishment, resulting in reduced future attacks on punishers. This behavior creates a public good, as all members of the species benefit from the punishment.
Researchers at New York University developed a method to shape solid materials, such as glass, metal, or stone, using a corn starch solution. By applying pressure from a motor-powered sphere through the solution, they can create precise indentations and depressions in the material.
Researchers at Harvard University project an estimated 42% of American adults will be obese by 2050, driven by the accelerating spread of obesity via social networks. The study found that non-obese individuals have a 2% chance of becoming obese annually, which increases with each obese social contact.
McGill researchers develop method to evaluate pork quality using light waves, enabling more accurate sorting of meat according to export markets. The technique has potential to improve industry workers' jobs and production quality.
Researchers found that Americans aged 55 to 64 have higher rates of chronic diseases than their peers in England, but died at the same rate. In contrast, Americans age 65 and older had a lower death rate than similar people in England due to better medical care.
Researchers at the Missouri Botanical Garden have identified eight new plant species in the Madidi National Park and surrounding areas in northern Bolivia. The new species, including Prestonia leco and Passiflora madidiana, are from diverse genera and families and have been assigned a provisional conservation status of Vulnerable.
Dr. Edith P. Mitchell, a clinical professor at Thomas Jefferson University, has been named Physician of the Year by CancerCare for her expertise in treating gastrointestinal cancers. She is being recognized for her innovative research and teaching on new drug evaluations and chemotherapy strategies.
New study confirms laparoscopic surgery is as safe and effective as traditional open surgery for removing bowel tumors. Long-term follow-up data shows no increase in recurrence risk or compromised outcomes.
Researchers create a nanobioconjugate drug that specifically targets glioblastoma multiforme by blocking the production of laminin-411, promoting tumor cell death. Human clinical trials are anticipated to begin soon, offering new hope for brain cancer treatment.
Researchers applied transcranial direct current stimulation to the parietal lobe, improving participants' ability to learn artificial numbers and processing relationships between them. The treatment had a lasting impact of up to 6 months, with potential implications for individuals with moderate to severe numerical disabilities.
A special issue of Yale's Journal of Industrial Ecology examines innovative ICT applications for energy efficiency, smart irrigation, and carbon reduction. The research assesses the environmental impacts of ICT and entertainment sectors, estimating their net environmental impact and potential for reducing carbon emissions.
The University of Miami College of Engineering is developing a self-sustaining water system for 20 students using new technologies to reduce energy and water demands. The project aims to promote sustainable development by treating wastewater as a resource, reducing the need for centralized treatment plants.
A recent study by Pia Knuthsen and colleagues found no significant differences in polyphenol content between organically and conventionally grown onions, carrots, and potatoes. The researchers analyzed antioxidants from the three vegetables using conventional and organic methods.
Researchers find that methyl labels determine a bee's fate from food intake, influencing gene expression and potentially linked to human cancer. They identified 550 genes with differences between queens and workers, offering insights into epigenetic regulation.
Scientists have found that large volcanic eruptions tend to dry up central Asia but bring more rain to southeast Asian countries. This contradicts climate models' predictions and highlights the complex interactions between natural and manmade forces.
Researchers have identified a promising medical therapy to help overcome the brain's limited capacity for recovery after a stroke. By studying tonic inhibition in mice, they found that blocking this inhibitory brain chemical can improve behavioral recovery after stroke.
Gladstone scientists discovered a process by which Alzheimer's disease spreads through the brain, starting in vulnerable regions like the entorhinal cortex. The study suggests targeting this region could be an effective therapeutic approach.
A new report highlights the potential benefits of nanomaterials in construction, including improved strength, durability, and energy efficiency. However, concerns about adverse health and environmental effects also exist, emphasizing the need for guidelines to regulate their use.
Researchers used selective breeding of mice to identify a novel gene, AK005651, associated with type 1 diabetes susceptibility. A recombination hotspot helped stack the DNA deck in favor of finding this gene, revealing new clues about genomic mechanisms underlying T1D.
Researchers have developed a holographic system that can transmit near-real-time 3D images using a novel photorefractive polymer. The system can refresh images every two seconds, making it faster than previous versions by over 100 times.
A purified form of a modified sugar chain called COAM is shown to enhance early-stage immune defenses in mice against deadly virus infections. The compound speeds the response of white blood cells at the early stage of infection, almost completely blocking the killer virus.
A new study reveals that volunteering helps adults with functional limitations live longer by alleviating a sense of diminished usefulness. Older adults who volunteered were found to have lower mortality rates compared to those without such limitations.
Lyme disease expert Dr. Richard Ostfeld assesses the ecological factors contributing to its expanding range, shifting focus from deer to white-footed mice as critical hosts for black-legged ticks. He recommends steps to prevent Lyme disease expansion and highlights links between land-use planning and biodiversity loss.
The use of graphics processing units (GPUs) is accelerating the simulation of molecule movement, reducing processing times from years to months for the development of new drugs. Chemists are embracing this technology to streamline computations and accelerate discovery.
Astronomers have confirmed that Hanny's Voorwerp is a large cloud of glowing gas illuminated by the light from a quasar, which has since burned out. The team found that the quasar lighting up the gas took up to 70,000 years to travel through space.
Researchers found that when damage occurs in the prefrontal cortex, intact areas of the brain can take over lost functions, such as memory, and only activate when needed. This suggests that memory is not stored in one specific region but rather distributed throughout the brain's neural network.
A recent study by Dr. Michael Cusimano found that existing headgear and mouth guards are ineffective in preventing concussions in rugby players, but educational injury prevention programs and rule changes can significantly reduce injuries.
Scientists at Boyce Thompson Institute have used RNAseq to track gene expression in maize leaves, revealing that entire suites of genes are turned on and off as the leaf develops. The study provides an unprecedented view of the genetic circuitry of the leaf and has significant implications for agriculture and bioenergy.
A US Department of Agriculture scientist has identified at least six psyllid species in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas, which are suspected to spread citrus greening disease. The psyllids were found on various trees, including torchwood and persimmon, which surround citrus groves.
A new study suggests that bortezomib, a proteasome inhibitor, reduces disease severity and inflammation in an animal model of inflammatory arthritis. The drug promotes bone healing and displays favorable effects in targeting critical cell populations involved in the development of RA.
A new study analyzing four extremely bright gamma-ray bursts observed by NASA's Fermi satellite suggests that these events are likely powered by black holes rather than neutron stars. The analysis found that the remnant of a long-duration burst is most likely a black hole, as it cannot produce enough energy to power a magnetar.
Research from Concordia University suggests a link between adolescent stress and the development of mood disorders such as depression or bipolar disorder in adulthood. High cortisol levels in adolescence have been found to persist into young adulthood, doubling the risk for developing a serious mood disorder.
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that there is significant variation in prescription spending across hospital-referral regions in the US. Despite high spending, some areas still prescribe unnecessary medications to seniors, leading to complications and increased healthcare costs.
Researchers found that CLL patients with insufficient vitamin D levels progressed faster, were twice as likely to die, and had shorter survival times. Vitamin D supplements may offer a way to slow leukemia progression.
Researchers used PET scans to image aromatase, an enzyme responsible for estrogen production, in the human brain. The study found that aromatase is concentrated in unique regions, differing from animal studies.
A recent study found a decline in unnecessary care for prostate cancer patients not likely to benefit from treatment after Medicare policy changes reduced reimbursement. In contrast, patients with clear benefits from the therapy continued to receive it at the same rate.
Researchers found E. coli can survive and contaminate lettuce and radish plants grown in manure-treated fields. Harvesting produce at least 40 days after planting can minimize the risk of contamination.
A study by Purdue University researchers found that specific chromosome imbalances in plants can lead to predictable physical defects. The team used polyploid and aneuploid plants to identify easily measured characteristics associated with imbalanced chromosomes, offering insights into correcting genetic defects.
A new study combining stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) with chemotherapy Cetuximab effectively controls and treats recurrent head and neck cancers. The regimen reduces treatment time while minimizing debilitating side effects.
A recent study found that 46% of US travelers to resource-limited countries did not seek health advice or vaccinations before departure. This highlights the need for better education and resources on public health risks associated with global travel.