A UCSF team found that the human fetal immune system arises from a different source than the adult immune system and is more tolerant of foreign substances. This discovery may help explain why many infants born to HIV-positive mothers are not infected with the disease.
A study published in Current Biology pinpointed the amygdala as the brain region causing fear. The researchers observed a patient without an amygdala, who failed to experience fear despite encountering traumatic events. This discovery may lead to new interventions for PTSD and anxiety disorders.
A recent study, led by Hélène Morlon, has found that evolutionary diversity is more sensitive to extinctions or habitat loss than previously thought. The researchers built an evolutionary tree tracing plant species back to their common ancestor and applied mathematical approaches to consider the impact of geographic separation on phylo...
A new study reveals that the UK's richest and poorest continue to experience significant health disparities, with lower-income groups facing higher rates of kidney disease, diabetes, obesity, and smoking. The study highlights the need for continued efforts to address these inequalities and improve public health outcomes.
Martina Navratilova, a former tennis champion, was hospitalized with pulmonary edema after climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. The study highlights the risks of acute mountain sickness and high-altitude pulmonary edema among climbers of high peaks.
The study found that children with medulloblastoma have fewer genetic alterations than adult counterparts, which may lead to easier therapy development. Genetic changes in pediatric cancers are distinct from adult tumors, and understanding these differences is crucial for improving treatment outcomes.
A new study suggests that consuming an almond-enriched diet can improve insulin sensitivity and decrease LDL-cholesterol levels in individuals with prediabetes. The study found significant improvements in insulin levels, homeostasis model analysis for insulin resistance, and clinically significant reductions in LDL-cholesterol.
The E! 4160 VICATS project has developed an innovative surveillance system that uses computer algorithms to assess real-time traffic conditions. The system can operate autonomously, gathering information 24/7 without human intervention, and has shown promising results in various scenarios, including tunnels, bridges, and crossroads.
A study using functional MRI scans found that individuals with the APOE4 gene variant exhibit abnormal brain function before forming senile plaques characteristic of Alzheimer's. Researchers aim to identify high-risk patients and develop treatments to slow disease progression.
A study published in Neuron found that the perirhinal cortex plays a crucial role in forming unconscious conceptual memories. Researchers used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scans to map brain activity while participants performed memory tests, revealing that damage to this area impairs memory formation.
The study aims to fill knowledge gaps in cold-formed steel's performance during earthquakes, providing structural engineers with better tools to predict and mitigate damage. The researchers will test two-story buildings and develop computer models to analyze how various building components respond to seismic forces.
Researchers developed a nanotechnology-based platform to diagnose atypical pneumonia with over 97% accuracy using a 10-minute test. The device has the potential to limit complications and transmission of the infection.
A study published in PLoS ONE found that iota-carrageenan directly binds to influenza viruses, blocking attachment and spread. In animal experiments, it demonstrated equivalent efficacy to Tamiflu, offering a potential alternative for treating H1N1 influenza.
Researchers used near-infrared spectroscopy to investigate 7-8 month old infants' brain activity while perceiving their mother's face and female strangers. The study found increased hemodynamic responses in the bilateral temporal cortex for mothers, but only in the left temporaI cortex for maternal recognition.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons found that delaying elective surgical procedures after hospital admission significantly increases the risk of infectious complications. The study analyzed data from over 163,000 patients and found that infection rates increased with delays in procedures such as...
A new study published in the Journal of Lipid Research found that oxysterols, previously thought to be associated with multiple sclerosis, are not present in significant amounts in MS patients. The research contradicts a previous study and suggests the potential role of oxysterols in MS needs reconsideration.
A new study published in ACS' Journal of Proteome Research found that people with symptoms of potential celiac disease may not be 'potential' patients at all. The study suggests that these individuals have the same distinctive metabolic fingerprint as those with full-blown disease who benefit from gluten-free diets.
A new USGS study models the impact of reduced greenhouse gas emissions on Arctic sea-ice loss and polar bear habitats. The research indicates that lowered emissions could help preserve polar bears in all four ecoregions where they exist, reversing projected declines in population size.
Researchers found that a mother's voice preferentially activates the brain's language learning centers in newborns. The study used electrical recordings on infants within 24 hours of birth and revealed that other women's voices only activate the voice recognition parts of the brains.
A new study by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons found that patients wearing immobilization devices, such as splints or braces, take longer to brake than those wearing normal footwear. The results showed a significant impairment in braking response time for drivers using various types of devices.
Researchers at University of Illinois found that soft gel substrates promote homogeneous pluripotent stem cell cultures without expensive growth chemicals. This discovery has huge applications in regenerative medicine, offering a step toward understanding the basic biology of stem cells.
The University of Houston will receive a $5 million grant from the Houston Endowment to strengthen its doctoral programs in key fields. The funding will support increased recruitment, retention, and graduation rates for highly qualified doctoral students.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a simpler method to add iron to tiny carbon spheres, creating catalytic materials that can remove pollutants. The new technique uses ultrasonic spray pyrolysis and produces ash-free, inexpensive materials with potential applications for fuel cells and environmental remediation.
A study published in Journal of Medical Microbiology found that low-temperature plasma was effective in killing drug-resistant bacteria causing wound infections, and increased the rate of wound healing. Plasma therapy may offer a promising method to treat chronic wound infections where other approaches fail.
A UK doctor shares a poignant story of an elderly patient struggling with loneliness, highlighting the need for companionship and support. The Lancet argues that tackling loneliness requires a multi-faceted approach, including social clubs, workshops, and simply spending time with neighbors.
A consortium of scientists has been awarded $7.5 million to develop novel compounds that could become treatments for nicotine addiction and possibly other drug addictions.
A team of researchers has discovered a mummified forest in the Arctic that provides valuable insights into how plants adapted to a long-ago global cooling event. The trees, which are estimated to be 2-8 million years old, show signs of stress and suffered from extreme conditions, including half a year of darkness and cooling climate.
A study led by the University of Colorado at Boulder found a four-fold increase in dissolved zinc over 30 years in the Snake River watershed, affecting stream ecology and fish populations. Climate change is believed to be the cause, linked to changes in groundwater conditions and snowmelt patterns.
Researchers have identified new yeast genes that improve ethanol tolerance, allowing for higher ethanol concentrations in biofuel production. This breakthrough could make cellulosic ethanol economically competitive with fossil fuels.
A study by the University of California, San Francisco found that increased BPA exposure in women can lead to a 50% decline in fertilized eggs during IVF treatment. The researchers recommend reducing BPA levels through lifestyle and dietary modifications to minimize reproductive health risks.
The article highlights the significant impact of human microbiome on overall health, with microbes contributing to protection from disease and production of essential vitamins. Researchers are also exploring how the gut microbiome affects body weight and odor.
Michigan State University veterinarians are providing expertise to Iraqi farmers and veterinarians through bi-weekly videoconferencing sessions, focusing on farm management, animal nutrition, and diseases. The project aims to revitalize Iraq's livestock industry and improve productivity.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine discovered a potential therapy strategy by restoring lost microRNAs in human pancreatic tumor cells. The study found that these microRNAs put brakes on tumors when the KRAS gene is mutated, a common event in pancreatic cancer.
A new Harvard Medical School study found that physical proximity of researchers strongly correlates with the impact of their work. The closer the first and last author are located, the more impactful a paper is as measured by citations.
High expression of TRIM24 in breast cancer correlates with poor survival, as it disables tumor suppressor p53 and stimulates estrogen receptor activity. The study suggests that TRIM24 could be a therapeutic target to prevent breast tumorigenesis.
Research suggests that MDMA produces empathogenic effects, increasing feelings of friendliness, playfulness, and loving feelings in individuals. However, it also reduces the ability to recognize facial expressions of fear, potentially leading to increased social risk-taking.
A new study finds that the proportion of nursing home residents with dementia benefiting from Medicare hospice care nearly tripled between 1999 and 2006, with duration of care more than doubling. This trend has implications for policymakers seeking to control Medicare costs while preserving access to essential end-of-life care.
A recent study published in Psychological Science found that a positive mood enhances creative problem solving and flexible yet careful thinking. Volunteers who listened to happy music and watched funny videos performed better on a category learning task than those in negative moods.
Researchers have compiled more reliable data, which will help science and industry. The changes include expressing atomic weights as intervals with upper and lower bounds for accuracy.
A new study suggests that requiring a second brain death exam may be unnecessary and can lead to prolonged family suffering while waiting for the exam. The study found that no one declared brain dead in the first exam was found to have restored brain stem function in the second exam.
Researchers have developed a novel virus-based gene therapy for renal cell carcinoma, killing cancer cells both locally and distantly. The therapy combines Sorafenib with Ad.5/3-mda-7 adenovirus, which activates the MDA-7/IL-24 protein to stop tumor growth.
A study by the University of Kentucky found that earthworms can absorb copper nanoparticles present in soil, raising concerns about potential exposure to humans and animals. The research has significant implications for understanding the interactions of nanomaterials in the environment.
A new genetic analysis published in PLoS One found that Franciscana dolphins entangled in fishing nets are more likely to be mother-offspring pairs, leading to reduced genetic diversity and reproductive potential. The study's findings have significant implications for the conservation of small marine mammals.
A cyclone on Saturn has been detected to last more than 5 years, making it the longest-lasting cyclone recorded on a giant planet. The cyclone, similar in size to Europe, was tracked using images from the Cassini probe and found to have a weak circulation with properties similar to its surroundings.
Scientists at Johns Hopkins and VCU have developed a nanoparticle-based gene 'ignition switch' to detect and treat cancer. The promoter-based system activates specific genes only in cancer cells, showing a 30-fold difference in identification.
A new analysis by ACS suggests that banning toxic substances in toys and children's products is crucial. The authors recommend government action, including restrictions on well-documented toxins, and industry-wide efforts to establish safe production practices.
Researchers discovered a genetic link between the gene CRTC3 and obesity. Mice lacking the gene were protected from weight gain on high-fat diets, suggesting that increased brown fat cells may control obesity. Human studies also found a higher incidence of obesity in individuals with an active version of the gene.
Researchers found that approximately 90% of protein-protein interfaces have close structural neighbors, and most interfaces are roughly planar. The study suggests that the interfaces' structures depend on simple physics principles and are primed for promiscuity, which could help explain biological phenomena and inform drug discovery.
Researchers at Kimmel Cancer Center have found that breast inflammation promotes the development and progression of breast cancer. By selectively blocking inflammation in the breast, they were able to prevent tumor formation and reduce cancer stem cells.
Researchers have made significant breakthroughs in understanding how HIV mutates and evades treatment, providing new insights into developing better tests and treatments for patients. The study found that a specific mutation allows the virus to resist two main families of drugs, highlighting the need for tailored therapies.
Scientists from deCODE genetics and academic colleagues report discovering genetic markers that impact individual baseline levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA). Analyzing four SNPs in tandem with genetic risk factors detected by the deCODE ProstateCancer test yields substantial improvement in PSA screening efficacy.
A US study suggests a link between sudden infant death syndrome and alcohol consumption by caretakers, particularly on New Year's Day. The research found that SIDS deaths rose by 33% on this day, with no similar spike observed during other holidays or weekends.
A survey of 405 postgraduate trainee doctors found that nearly three-quarters had a Facebook profile, with many sharing personal information and photos. The authors warn that this could lead to an ethically problematic situation if patients access their profiles, as it may be misinterpreted outside its original context.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University have discovered that Staphylococcus aureus bacteria favor human hemoglobin over other animal hemoglobins, which may contribute to why some people are more susceptible to staph infections. Genetic variations in hemoglobin could be a key factor in individual susceptibility to these infections.
A new shellfish marker developed by University of California, San Diego researchers enables the detection of toxin-producing dinoflagellates in shellfish. The marker reveals fluorescent tags on dinoflagellates, indicating potential food poisoning risks, and can be used to develop early warning systems for aquaculturists.
A study found that body fat distribution is associated with an increased risk of ER-negative breast cancer. Abdominal adiposity was more strongly linked to ER-negative breast cancer than ER-positive breast cancer, suggesting sex hormone-independent pathways may be involved.
New research indicates that if greenhouse gas emissions are reduced substantially, enough Arctic ice may remain for polar bears to survive. The study found no 'tipping point' beyond which summer sea ice loss would be unstoppable, offering a hopeful message but also an incentive to mitigate emissions.
Researchers expand study of 2008 TC3 meteorite, finding diverse oxygen isotopes that suggest the asteroid's source had a complex formation history. The discovery has significant implications for our understanding of the meteorite's origin and potential connections to other celestial bodies.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have identified over 2,000 genetic regions, called enhancers, that trigger gene expression in human embryonic stem cells. These enhancers play a crucial role in regulating cell-type-specific gene expression during early development.
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison found that satellite data can significantly improve forecast accuracy for thunderstorms, which can bring intense rain, hail, lightning, and tornadoes. By incorporating upper atmosphere conditions into storm prediction models, scientists can better anticipate severe weather events.