A naturally occurring micro-organism has been found to directly target the bacteria that causes a sometimes deadly intestinal disease. Thuricin CD, produced by Bacillus thuringiensis, is a promising specific antibiotic treatment for Clostridium difficile in both in vitro and animal studies.
A study of British 12-year-olds found nearly 6 percent exhibiting at least one symptom of psychosis, including hallucinations and delusions. The children shared similar risk factors with adult schizophrenia, such as genetic and social risks.
The National Science Foundation has awarded Michigan State University a $282,606 grant to fund a 10-week summer research program in plant genomics. Undergraduate students will participate in research projects alongside internationally respected scientists, gaining hands-on experience and developing research skills.
A new study examines the safety and tolerance of SE5-OH containing Natural S-equol in healthy adult Japanese men, with results showing normal hormone levels and PSA levels. The supplement appears to be well-tolerated, but further studies are needed to confirm its effects on prostate health.
A new blood test has been found to identify patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer who are more likely to respond to erlotinib treatment. The test, which analyzes specific 'fingerprints' of a protein called EGFR, showed a significant response rate in patients with good proteomic profiles compared to those with poor profiles.
Researchers found a large shift in the carbon cycle during the Cryogenian period, which may have been triggered by the Sturtian glaciation. The disturbance could have led to the accumulation of organic carbon in the ocean and had far-reaching effects on Earth's climate.
Dr. William Muller's research reveals how a particular gene regulates epithelial cells, leading to the loss of polarity and contributing to breast tumor formation. Reintroducing the gene into tumors shows promise in restoring polarity, suggesting new avenues for cancer treatment.
Researchers found that tumor-secreted exosomes increase myeloid-derived suppressor cells, inhibiting immune activation and accelerating tumor metastasis. The study identified the role of MyD88 in this process, suggesting potential strategies to develop immune-stimulating tumor vaccines.
The study reveals a significant increase in inequality in adult mortality, with men in Swaziland facing a nine-fold higher probability of premature death than Cyprus. The United States has fallen behind other countries in reducing deaths, ranking 49th for women and 45th for men by 2010.
SE5-OH containing natural S-equol significantly reduced frequency of hot flushes in postmenopausal women. The compound had no effect on reproductive hormones E2 and FSH, suggesting its potential as a critical component in reducing menopausal symptoms.
Research presented at Experimental Biology 2010 highlights the importance of high-quality protein foods for promoting health throughout life. Experts recommend consuming 25-30 grams of protein per meal to maintain muscle function and prevent diseases such as obesity, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes.
A multidisciplinary team at LSU has developed maps showing demographics affected by the Gulf of Mexico oil spill. The maps highlight impoverished areas, minority populations and workers in the oil industry, helping to pinpoint areas where support infrastructure is needed.
Agricultural Research Service scientists studied cattle grazing patterns to understand its effect on sagebrush communities and grouse habitats. They found that monitoring the rate of interspace tussock consumption can help preserve grouse habitat by allowing ranchers to move their grazing lands when 40% of these tussocks are consumed.
Researchers at UCR have isolated a collection of pure positronium atoms, a crucial step in creating a Bose-Einstein condensate (BEC) that could enable the production of fusion power. This achievement also brings scientists closer to developing gamma ray lasers with potential military and scientific applications.
Researchers propose a new theory on the cause of autoimmunity in diabetes, suggesting that unusual protein fragments can trigger an immune response. This discovery could lead to a new strategy for preventing type 1 diabetes.
A study by Cornell University researchers found that dieters who focus on changing their surroundings report losing the most weight and adhering to diet tips. Changing environmental cues such as using smaller plates or rearranging cupboards can lead to significant weight loss.
Researchers have developed a system that uses real-time X-ray images to visualize tumors and minimize radiation damage to surrounding tissues. The tool allows for precise targeting of radiotherapy, increasing the dose of radiation administered to lung and liver cancers.
Research published in The Journal of Nuclear Medicine suggests that molecular imaging using 18F-FDG PET/CT can help diagnose acute and chronic aortic dissection. This non-invasive technique can provide images to determine the difference between acute and chronic dissections, helping doctors decide the best course of treatment.
The world's waters are facing increasing pressure due to population growth, urbanization, and pollution, threatening food production and water resources. The Mekong River Basin is a prime example of water-related conflicts escalating over access to hydropower production and its impact on local livelihoods.
Researchers used genetic data and oceanographic information from satellites to find two distinct populations of franciscanas in Argentina's coastal waters. The findings suggest that environmental factors, such as water temperature and turbidity, play a significant role in shaping population structure in marine animals.
A new 4-dimensional software program helps doctors adjust for breathing movements when treating lung cancer with radiotherapy. This allows for more accurate targeting of tumors while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues.
Researchers used FDG PET scans to identify 'cold spots' in tumors, finding that most were composed of dead cells. By reducing radiation doses to these areas, patients may experience less damage while achieving the same therapeutic effect.
This study examines the correlation between end-Triassic mass extinction and flood basalt volcanism, as well as the effects of water depth on pumice formation in submarine domes. It also investigates the relationship between climatic conditions and soil erosion during the last glacial cycle.
A new study links roller coaster-induced acceleration to a common ear injury called barotrauma. The researchers recommend passengers remain facing forward during the ride to minimize exposure to pressure changes. Ear barotrauma can cause temporary hearing loss, dizziness, and discomfort.
A new Power Distribution Network Automation System (DINAS) has been developed to automatically locate and diagnose faults in distribution networks, restoring power supply instantly. The system uses advanced technology and algorithms to detect and isolate faults, reducing costs and response times for power companies.
A recent study has linked leptin action in the brain to sepsis survival. Researchers found that leptin mediates actions in the central nervous system, improving the host response to a standard model of sepsis.
Researchers at Berkeley Lab have discovered an inexpensive metal catalyst that can effectively generate hydrogen gas from water, offering a promising solution for renewable energy technologies. The catalyst, based on molybdenum-oxo metal complex, has high catalytic activity and stability in aqueous media.
Luis Saldanha, an ASU mathematics educator, has been awarded a $638,805 NSF Career Award to investigate the role of variability in teaching statistical thinking among middle school students. The research aims to improve instruction and make students more aware of statistics' importance in daily life.
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that vitamin E improved features of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), an obesity-related chronic liver disease. After 96 weeks of treatment, 43% of those treated with vitamin E met the primary endpoint compared to 19% of those who received a placebo.
Scientists have engineered Bacillus anthracis to produce higher-than-normal amounts of capsule depolymerase, releasing the protective capsule and leaving the bacterium vulnerable to detection and destruction by the immune system.
The European Society for Medical Oncology has approved a personalized treatment for lung cancer, based on tumor characteristics. This approach promises to improve patient outcomes and reduce toxicity compared to traditional treatments.
NASA's Terra and Aqua satellites provide critical satellite images of the Gulf oil spill to NOAA, helping track its extent. The MODIS instrument on these satellites captured the spill's dimensions on April 26, showing a 600-square-mile area affected.
Anna Whitfield, a Kansas State University plant pathologist, will receive a $1 million CAREER Award to study how viruses affect insect vectors. Her research may shed light on viruses that infect vertebrate animals as well as plants.
A study by UC Davis researchers found that endovascular stent implantation outperforms traditional open-chest surgery in treating thoracic aortic tears. Patients who received stents experienced less kidney failure, lower death rates, and shorter recovery times.
A Phase I trial combining pemetrexed with radiation and chemotherapy for stage III non-small-cell lung cancer demonstrates tolerability and efficacy. The regimen allows high cytotoxic doses during radiotherapy, increasing the chance of killing cancerous cells.
Researchers at NC State will use microbes that thrive in high-temperature environments to produce biofuels directly from carbon dioxide and hydrogen. The project aims to create a more efficient and flexible process for producing biofuels, which could be used in various applications.
A new meta-analysis reports that hyperfractionated and accelerated radiotherapy regimens improve overall survival in non-small-cell lung cancer patients by 3% after 5 years. Modified fractionation of radiotherapy also shows benefits for small-cell lung cancer patients, although the difference is not statistically significant.
A new study found that cochlear implants improve hearing for older adults with age-related hearing loss. However, the effectiveness of implants decreases with increasing age, highlighting the need to reassess implant criteria for elderly patients.
Researchers at Arizona State University and Indiana University found that communication improves joint outcomes when managing common-pool resources. In experiments with costly fines, participants improved their harvest output greatly when given a chance to communicate.
Researchers found that migratory birds have smaller brains than resident birds, contrary to the protective brain theory. The study suggests that migrating reduces energetic and cognitive costs, making brain size an adaptation for survival.
Researchers have developed fluorescent compounds that can light up tumors as they begin to form, signaling their transition to aggressive cancers. These compounds, called fluorocoxibs, could be used for early tumor detection, monitoring cancer progression, and defining tumor margins during surgery.
Physicist Hans-Otto Meyer's experiment reveals unexpected behavior of cryogenic electron emission at extremely low temperatures. Electron emissions increase in bursts as the temperature decreases, challenging current understanding of physics.
A significant study found that no single immunosuppressive drug regimen increases the risk of cancer among kidney transplant patients. However, factors such as age and smoking history contribute to increased cancer risk.
A new study in embryonic stem cells uncovered a transcription control mechanism that regulates expression of 80% of mammalian genes. The cancer-causing gene c-Myc plays a significant role in releasing transcriptional pausing, leading to hyper-proliferation characteristic of cancer cells.
Seamounts, previously thought to be rare, are found to be the most common ocean habitats, hosting a vast array of marine biodiversity. Researchers estimated that over 45,000 seamounts exist worldwide, covering an area larger than South America.
A U-M study reveals that socio-economic factors, particularly race and age, significantly influence the use of alternative therapies like acupuncture and biofeedback in chronic pain patients. As people age, they are more likely to seek alternative therapies to manage chronic pain.
A study by researchers at the University at Buffalo confirms that China's cyberculture is not conducive to political freedom and open speech. The growth of the Chinese blogosphere has actually facilitated the government's surveillance of its citizens, as it provides a vast amount of information on human behavior and preferences.
Research suggests that low vitamin D levels are associated with increased disability, brain atrophy, and cognitive impairment in multiple sclerosis patients. Studies found that higher levels of vitamin D3 and its metabolism byproducts were linked to better scores on disability tests and fewer lesions on MRI scans.
A new guide from the USDA Forest Service provides a tool to calculate the benefits of urban trees in Northern California. The study found that large-stature trees produce the highest benefit-to-cost ratio and can provide $516,800 in benefits over 40 years.
Researchers have developed a novel microscopy method that allows for the observation of individual synapses and nerve contact sites in living mammalian brains. The study found that individual neurons integrate inputs from multiple synapses to produce a single output signal, making decisions by a single nerve cell.
A recent survey found that managed honey bee colonies nationwide experienced a 33.8% loss rate from October 2009 to April 2010, with starvation, poor weather, and weak colonies being the top reasons for mortality. The continued high losses pose an economic challenge for commercial beekeepers.
Dr Essi Viding, a UK-based developmental psychologist, has been named the winner of the 2010 British Academy Wiley Prize. She was recognized for her outstanding contributions to the field of psychology, specifically her research on the causes of violent antisocial behaviour in children and adolescents.
The ChemCollective website provides virtual lab and scenario-based learning activities to introduce students to chemistry, allowing them to engage with the subject like practicing chemists. The site makes chemistry resources available to students worldwide, particularly those in smaller or low-income schools.
A new HIV modeling system developed by Chinese researchers suggests that CD8+ T cells could be useful in developing an AIDS vaccine. The model incorporates random patterns in the virus' mutation and immune response, mirroring real-life clinical behavior.
Patients with hypertension who excrete slightly increased amounts of protein in the urine, known as microalbuminuria, have an elevated risk of developing heart and kidney problems. Microalbuminuria is associated with a higher risk of chronic kidney disease and cardiovascular complications in non-diabetic patients with hypertension.
The Scripps Research Institute has been awarded a $1.3 million grant to develop a series of tests at its Florida campus to explore the potential of GPR119, a protein that regulates glucose balance and weight gain. The goal is to identify small molecule compounds that can be used therapeutically.
A genetic study of island lizards reveals they freely exchange genes, contradicting the prediction that geographical isolation would lead to separate species. The findings suggest ecological speciation due to differences in environmental conditions may play a crucial role in speciation.
Thomas Miller, UCR entomologist, to advise State Department on biotechnology and pest management globally. He will also engage with non-specialists and travel to embassies to share expertise.
The Xenopus tropicalis genome has been nearly completely sequenced, providing a powerful model to study gene organization, regulation and function. The findings hold significant promise for improving human health by shedding light on the basic mechanisms of genetics.
A new approach detects rare but powerful causal gene variants, accounting for significant proportions of the 'missing heritability' problem in common diseases. The technique may identify individual patients with specific mutations, enabling more meaningful diagnostic results and potential treatments.