Researchers have discovered two new compounds that target neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subtype α3β4* to treat both alcohol and nicotine dependence. The compounds significantly decreased alcohol consumption in rodents without affecting their sucrose intake.
Researchers used Canada's national centre for synchrotron research to build a high-resolution model of the ryanodine receptor. This sheds new light on life-threatening congenital heart conditions and could lead to developing new treatments to prevent calcium leakage.
Researchers at UCLA used brain imaging and genetic detective work to illustrate how genetic variants alter the brain, behavior, and learning. The discovery could lead to earlier detection of autism and targeted therapies to rebalance brain function.
The Central Appalachians Stable Isotope Facility (CASIF) was established to study environmental changes using stable isotopes. Researchers now have access to a state-of-the-art instrument for analyzing materials such as water, pollen, and soils.
Researchers at MIT have genetically engineered periwinkle plants to produce unnatural variants of their usual alkaloid products, which could lead to more effective cancer treatments. The team successfully attached halogens to vinblastine precursors using bacterial genes, expanding the plant's pharmaceutical repertoire.
A new study finds that older adults wearing multifocal contact lenses may have slower driving speeds at night and reduced ability to recognize road hazards compared to those using progressive addition glasses. However, they can still see road signs at a shorter distance.
A phase I clinical trial at University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center found an antibody loaded with an anti-cancer agent produced complete or partial remissions in 38 percent of patients with relapsed or therapy-resistant Hodgkin lymphoma.
Toronto-area high schools will receive training on a quick and inexpensive CPR method, which can quadruple survival rates from out-of-hospital cardiac arrests. The innovative program aims to raise bystander CPR rates and expand its use among friends and relatives.
Stevens Institute of Technology has received an NSF grant to acquire a Nanoimprint Lithography System, enhancing its research and educational capabilities in nanotechnology. The new equipment will support high-throughput nanoscale patterning and hands-on experience for students in the Nanotechnology Graduate Program.
Researchers found that nerve cell activity regulates balance between stem cells and mature nerve cells in the developing brain. The study suggests that abnormal brain activity may have long-lasting effects on brain development and could lead to new therapies for neurodegenerative diseases.
A recent study reveals significant variation in coumarin levels among Cassia cinnamon samples, with powder containing up to 63 times more coumarin than Ceylon cinnamon. Researchers highlight the need for further research to identify factors influencing coumarin levels and potentially allow for lower-coumarin harvesting.
University of Missouri researchers are developing a virtual database to store, search, and review information on lymphedema treatment. The system aims to improve patient health by providing timely access to evidence-based research. Lymphedema is a chronic condition affecting physical, mental, and social health in breast cancer survivors.
Weill Cornell Medical College researchers discovered secondary mutations in prostate cancer cells that make them lethal. This finding could lead to better tests and individualized therapy for deadly prostate cancers.
Researchers discover that meltwater flowing through ice sheet interiors can warm the ice rapidly, accelerating its response to climate change. This faster-than-expected process could increase ice flows on ice sheets much faster than previously thought.
The MiniBooNE experiment has confirmed the existence of a fourth flavor of neutrino, violating the fundamental symmetry of matter and antimatter. The discovery could explain the composition of the universe and potentially help resolve dark matter.
Researchers found a Japanese asthma drug can stop the spread of breast cancer cells and reduce tumour growth by 50%. Tranilast targets a molecule in cancer cells that binds to the aryl hydrocarbon receptor, making it beneficial for treating allergies, inflammatory diseases, and cancer.
Researchers at UCLA have created a three-dimensional structural model of the RNA core domain of the telomerase enzyme, which plays a critical role in cancer cell immortality. The new model provides insights into how telomerase functions and could lead to new approaches for treating diseases associated with telomerase activity.
A study by Harvard University psychologists found that bilingual individuals' opinions of ethnic groups were affected by the language they spoke. The researchers used the Implicit Association Test to show that language can create and shape implicit attitudes, challenging the view that attitudes are stable.
Researchers at HZB observed exotic behavior in beryllium oxide when bombarded with high-speed heavy ions, causing electrons to forget material properties. The results show changes in electronic structure and ultra-fast melting processes around the firing line of the heavy ions.
Three papers were selected for the inaugural Contraception Article Award for their exceptional quality and impact on the field of family planning. The awarded articles cover topics such as bone mineral density recovery after contraceptive use, medical abortion follow-up, and postpartum intrauterine contraception cost-effectiveness.
Researchers found that gopher tortoises released earlier were three times more likely to produce offspring, suggesting a social hierarchy's impact on breeding patterns. Introducing females instead of males or increasing female numbers could lead to successful population augmentation.
Scientists have developed transparent thin films capable of absorbing light and generating electric charge over large areas. The material combines elements for light harvesting and electric charge transport, enabling potential applications in energy-generating solar windows and transparent solar panels.
A study of Amish individuals found a rare mitochondrial haplogroup X associated with successful aging, while another haplogroup J had a negative association. The research suggests that genetic variants may play a role in maintaining physical and cognitive function in older age.
Researchers at North Carolina State University have discovered that female boa constrictors can reproduce asexually, producing all-female babies with rare genetic traits. The study found that these WW-chromosome females retained their mother's color mutation and lacked any male influence.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have developed a technique to culture normal and cancerous prostate tissue for up to a week, enabling accurate predictions of how living tissues respond to therapy. This breakthrough could lead to the creation of individualized medicines for prostate cancer patients.
Thay Q. Lee will receive $1.4 million to support his research on the biomechanics of flexing and kneeling in veterans with total knee arthroplasty. His work aims to improve quality of life for injured veterans and others.
Researchers discovered that cell membranes behave as viscoelastic materials, bouncing back like rubber when quickly perturbed. This finding challenges the long-held notion of biological membranes being simple Newtonian fluids.
Researchers at the Allen Institute have published a comprehensive study on the effects of sleep deprivation on gene expression in the mouse brain. The findings reveal novel genes and brain areas affected by sleep deprivation, providing potential targets for therapeutic intervention.
The NSF grant will enhance existing cybersecurity curricula and expand the laboratory for hands-on instruction. The initiative aims to address a growing need for 10,000-30,000 cybersecurity professionals in the US.
A new gamma-ray detector, Polaris, can pinpoint and show the exact location of radiation sources, unlike conventional detectors. It provides a real-time image of the radiation source, allowing inspectors to navigate towards it with precision.
Tropical Storm Tomas has weakened into a tropical depression due to decreased convection and increased wind shear. Forecasters predict a re-intensification of the storm into a hurricane before it reaches Haiti late Friday.
Scientists and engineers are using supercomputer models to simulate the universe's first stars, galaxies, and planets. Custom tools transform vast data into cinematic experiences, revealing insights into cosmic evolution and star formation.
Researchers at Weill Cornell Medical College have found a combination therapy that is more effective than traditional treatments and can kill cancer cells without harming surrounding tissues. By targeting BCL6 and EP300, they were able to suppress and eradicate human DLBCL in mice.
Chronic kidney disease patients who don't adhere to high blood pressure medications are more likely to have sub-optimal blood pressure control. Improving medication adherence can greatly improve outcomes for these patients.
Researchers have developed a simple blood test to diagnose Niemann-Pick type C disease, which can help patients begin treatment earlier. The test targets oxidized forms of cholesterol that are present in higher levels in NPC patients, distinguishing them from other conditions.
Researchers at Los Alamos National Laboratory have fabricated transparent thin films capable of absorbing light and generating electric charge. The semiconducting polymer-fullerene material, which forms a honeycomb pattern, has potential for large-scale energy-generating solar windows or optical displays.
A University of Minnesota researcher found that public support for the HPV vaccine decreases when linked to controversy in the media. In contrast, support for other vaccines remains stable, suggesting a need for responsible reporting on health policies.
The VITAL study found that paricalcitol reduced residual albuminuria in patients with type 2 diabetic nephropathy, particularly those with high dietary sodium intake. The study suggests that paricalcitol could be an important adjunctive treatment for kidney protection in resistant diabetes patients.
NASA's Aqua satellite captured an infrared image of Tropical Storm Anggrek's cold thunderstorms tightly circling its center. The storm is expected to steadily weaken and dissipate as it encounters cooler waters and stronger wind shear.
The Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB) has awarded 7 MARC travel grants totaling $12,950 to support underrepresented minority students and postdoctorates at the 2010 ASHG Annual Meeting. The awards promote diversity in biomedical research and encourage young scientists' participation.
A team at the University of Arizona has developed a new type of holographic telepresence that can project three-dimensional, moving images in real-time. This breakthrough technology enables applications such as telemedicine, advertising, and entertainment to take on new levels.
Scientists developed a built-in timer to improve the accuracy of paper-based diagnostic tests for diseases. The device uses a dye and wax mixture with a color change signal, achieving 97% accuracy in a glucose test, compared to 90% with a stopwatch.
Researchers found that meditation training is associated with greater telomerase activity, a key indicator of cellular health. Participants showed improvements in stress coping, mindfulness, and purpose, which were linked to higher telomerase levels.
A recent study reveals that LGBTQ youth in secondary schools are at a high risk of bullying and harassment, compromising their emotional and behavioral health. The authors recommend policy changes and strategies to foster safer school environments for all students.
Researchers found that early humans developed relatively advanced tools only after their brains evolved a greater capacity for complex thought, according to a new study. The team used computer modeling and sensors embedded in gloves to assess the complex hand skills required for tool-making during the Lower Palaeolithic period.
A 20,000-year-old reversal of the Atlantic Ocean's circulation occurred during an ice age, influenced by changes in salt balance and deep convection. The new study's findings offer valuable insights for calibrating ocean and climate models to predict future changes.
Researchers found that 98% of the US population lives within 60 minutes of a hospice provider, suggesting access is not a barrier to enrollment. However, more research is needed to determine why many patients and families avoid hospice care at end-of-life.
The TRMM satellite tracked Tomas' center of circulation reforming on Nov. 3 after being downgraded to a tropical depression the previous day. Maximum sustained winds remain at 35 mph as Tomas is expected to strengthen into a tropical storm, producing heavy rain accumulation in Haiti.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have discovered a new virus in switchgrass that can cause mosaic and yellow streak symptoms, reducing photosynthesis and biomass yield. The virus, Marafivirus, is related to Maize rayado fino virus and has the potential to affect other crops.
A new study by Rice University researchers found that customers who participate in firm-sponsored surveys after a service experience may delay their next purchase. However, the study also found that these surveys can have net positive effects on customer behavior over time.
Researchers have developed Meta-flex, a flexible smart material that can cloak objects from visible light. The breakthrough resolves two major challenges in creating such materials.
Researchers found that etanercept treatment significantly increased mean height, weight, and body mass index (BMI) percentiles in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). Growth improvements were observed in both etanercept alone and combined with methotrexate treatments.
Research suggests that IVF/ICSI treatment may increase cerebral palsy risk, but a waiting time of over a year reduces this risk. Children born after IVF/ICSI have double the risk of cerebral palsy compared to those conceived spontaneously within two months.
Cattle fever ticks are transmitted by bovine babesiosis, a deadly disease that affects US cattle. USDA scientists have developed two strategies to control the spread of infestation: a 4-Poster Deer Treatment Bait Station and an injectable time-release treatment containing doramectin.
Researchers studied the mechanical properties of explosive seed dispersal in Cardamine parviflora, finding that the catapulting mechanism can transfer up to 20% of stored energy to kinetic energy. However, the process is unreliable, with most seeds falling to the ground.
A recent study in fruit flies discovered a molecular connection between obesity and heart disease, with the protein TOR playing a key role. Researchers found that manipulating TOR protected the hearts of obese flies from damage caused by high-fat diets.
Scientists at IRB Barcelona have identified a new protein crucial for mitochondrial function in the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster. The removal of this protein leads to aberrant mitochondria and metabolic capacity loss, causing death.
Microglia, immune cells long thought to be dormant, are found to constantly interact with synapses, creating and eliminating them. This discovery challenges current views of the brain and its functions.
A study of 503 breast cancer survivors who underwent lumpectomy and radiation found that 30% rated their post-treatment breast appearance as 'fair' or 'poor'. The study highlights the need for additional patient education about potential cosmetic complications and encourages patients to take an active role in managing their health afte...
Researchers found that khat chewing increases the risk of stroke and death in patients with acute coronary syndrome, while excess energy beverage consumption may lead to adverse effects. Withdrawing pacemakers and ICDs at end-of-life raises complex questions about patient autonomy and medical professional perspectives.