Researchers found Ashkenazi Jews have higher genetic diversity than previously thought, with evidence of interbreeding with European and Middle Eastern populations. Only a minority of disease-related genes show signs of positive selection, suggesting most traits arose through random genetic drift.
An antibacterial enzyme found in human tears and body fluids, lysozyme has the potential to eliminate anthrax-producing bacteria from processed foods. The study shows that lysozyme application can kill Bacillus anthracis spores, including avirulent forms.
The Lancet Editorial highlights the poor record of Alzheimer's drug trials, citing issues with inaccurate animal models and poor methodology. The best time to treat Alzheimer's may be before memory loss occurs, but this is challenging to model in animals.
Scientists have discovered a magnetic cycle in a distant star using stellar seismology, finding a pattern similar to the Sun's solar cycle. The study aims to better understand how magnetic activity cycles differ from star to star and its impact on potential planets.
Scientists discovered that plants release (E)-2-hexenal, a compound produced after oral secretions of Manduca sexta larvae are applied to wounded leaves. This attracts carnivores like Geocoris, which feed on the caterpillars and their own natural enemies.
A new study found that adherence to practice guidelines reduces bleeding in cirrhosis patients, with 82% of those without bleeding receiving their screening EGD within six months. Patients who did not bleed were more likely to have received their screening EGD within the six-month window compared to those who bled.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse is awarding over $4 million in grant funding to examine substance abuse related to deployment and combat-related trauma. Researchers will explore treatment strategies, including cognitive behavioral therapy and Web-based approaches, to help veterans who have co-occurring disorders.
A team of researchers has isolated a molecule that can shut down a dysfunctional immune response, causing deadly conditions like hemorrhagic shock, delayed heart attack deaths, and rheumatoid arthritis joint destruction. The discovery marks a significant step toward clinical application, with the potential to save lives.
Scientists at the University of Liverpool have sequenced the entire wheat genome, providing key genetic tools for breeding. The data will help select traits for a healthy yield, addressing global food shortages driven by climate change and population growth.
Researchers at U-M will explore how genetic variations of C. difficile, gut microbiota, and immune response influence the disease. The project aims to develop better prevention measures, treatments, and ways to prevent recurrence.
A 10-year study of an organic coffee farm in Mexico uncovered intricate interactions between ants, beetles, and other species that buffer the farm against extreme outbreaks of pests and diseases. The complex web buffers the farm against magic bullets necessary for modern agriculture.
A recent study published in Geophysical Research Letters found a link between the sun's ultraviolet radiation levels and a temporary shrinking of Earth's outer atmosphere. The research suggests that the sun's magnetic cycle may vary more than previously thought, leading to dramatic fluctuations in atmospheric density.
Black rice bran contains more health-promoting anthocyanin antioxidants than blueberries but with less sugar and more fiber and vitamin E antioxidants
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute have determined the atomic structure of a human adenovirus, leading to insights into its assembly and potential applications in gene therapy. The largest complex ever solved at atomic resolution, this discovery may lead to more effective treatments for diseases such as cystic fibrosis and cancer.
Researchers found a genetic rarity where disease-causing genes can self-repair, resulting in spots of normal skin amidst diseased skin. The recombination of chromosomes prior to cell division leads to cells with either two mutant copies or no mutant copies, forming normal skin patches.
A new study reveals that post-Katrina mold in New Orleans has made hundreds of children with asthma sick. The Merck Childhood Asthma Network's HEAL program found that nearly 80% of children were sensitive to mold, a figure nearly 30% higher than for children in other US cities.
Researchers have made progress on a vaccine for Ich, a parasitic disease that causes significant losses in commercial fish farms and home aquarium hobbyists. The study found that vaccination with live Ich theronts and trophonts stimulated production of protective antibodies in channel catfish.
The EUREKA E! 3931 ASARP project developed a small and cheap-to-build unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that can fly in severe weather conditions. The UAV uses shape-changing technology to improve flight stability, enabling it to carry up to 40 kg of equipment.
The discovery of two planets, Kepler 9b and 9c, confirms the first planetary system with more than one planet transiting the same star. The planets, both Saturn-sized gas giants, exhibit orbital resonance and gravitational interaction.
A new study by University of Nebraska-Lincoln sociologist Philip Schwadel found that Gen Xers are surprisingly loyal to their faith, in contrast to Baby Boomers who are 40-50% more likely to disaffiliate. The research suggests that this loyalty may translate into a more stable nation in terms of religiosity.
A University of Michigan professor uses Wikipedia revisions as a teaching tool to improve public understanding of science and promote teamwork among students. The approach has shown success in achieving course learning goals, including communicating complex concepts to a diverse audience.
Physicists at the Naval Research Laboratory and University of Wisconsin-Madison predict that certain silicon surfaces can exhibit intrinsic magnetism, thanks to self-assembly processes. This discovery has the potential to enable single-spin magnetoelectronics, which could revolutionize memory and logic devices.
A new national study confirms that children who have experienced both disaster exposure and victimization are at a higher risk of developing anxiety, depression, and aggression. The study highlights the need for community organizations and first-responders to provide support to children in need.
A team of researchers at Duke and Stanford have found a polymer molecule that can trigger a chemical reaction when stretched, enabling it to build its own repairs. The molecule, called a gem-difluorocyclopropane (gDFC), snaps back smaller than before after stretching, potentially leading to the development of self-healing materials.
A study by University of Montreal scientists found an increased frequency of severe de novo mutations in critical brain genes for both autism and schizophrenia. The research suggests that harmful de novo mutations may explain the high global incidences of these conditions.
The Low Energy Neutron Source at Indiana University Bloomington has received a $5 million grant from the National Institute for Standards and Technology to support collaborative neutron research. This funding will enable scientists to develop new techniques and applications in neutron-scattering research, furthering our understanding o...
Researchers at the University of Michigan found that bacteria spend more on internal proteins than external ones, conserving resources and improving their competitiveness. This thrifty behavior is linked to protein location and cost, with cheaper amino acids used in internal proteins.
A Stanford mechanical engineer created a robot that can climb smooth surfaces like glass using the sticky property of a gecko's foot. The robot uses a material with tiny hairs to create directional adhesion, allowing it to stick and unstick from surfaces easily.
Researchers developed new algorithms to simulate global mantle flow, plate tectonics, and individual fault zones, achieving a resolution of about one kilometer near the plate boundaries. The model accurately predicted plate movements, including anomalous rapid motion of microplates in the western Pacific.
Researchers have identified a mechanism by which disulfiram, a decades-old treatment for alcoholism, prevents cocaine relapse. A newer drug, nepicastat, works through the same mechanism and shows promise in treating cocaine addiction.
Researchers found that secondhand smoke triggers a complex inflammatory response in the lungs of rats, leading to increased white blood cells, damaged lung tissue, and impaired immune function. The study suggests potential implications for treating damage caused by secondhand smoke in humans.
Charcoal has a long history dating back 38,000 years and has been used in various ways beyond its use in grilling. It can be made from diverse materials like wood, corn cobs, and coconut shells. Moreover, charcoal is considered a renewable replacement for coal.
New studies suggest that vitamin A and beta-carotene supplements may increase the amount of HIV in breast milk, potentially leading to mother-to-child transmission. The research found that these nutrients can raise the risk of developing subclinical mastitis, an inflammatory condition that causes viral particles to leak into the milk.
Research finds that social events, such as connecting with others and experiencing emotions, are more impactful on our lives than independent events. The study, conducted at the University at Buffalo, suggests that social connections and relationships play a crucial role in shaping our emotional experiences.
The OU Biocorrosion Center aims to address the growing threat of biocorrosion in the oil and gas industry, which can lead to hazardous material discharges. Researchers will explore new technologies to mitigate biocorrosion problems, fuel biodeterioration, and anaerobic microorganisms.
Researchers from Texas A&M University have developed protocols to isolate RNA from stallion sperm and testis biopsies, enabling the identification of genetic factors associated with subfertility. This breakthrough could lead to improved breeding procedures and enhance the reproductive potential of thoroughbred racehorses.
A study found that moderate exercise, such as walking, enhances brain circuit connectivity, combating age-related declines in brain function. This improved connectivity is associated with better performance on cognitive tasks like planning, prioritizing, and multitasking.
Researchers measured tobacco smoke metabolites in meconium samples from 337 babies and found a strong correlation with reported smoke exposure. The study suggests that prenatal tobacco smoke exposure is linked to adverse infant health outcomes, highlighting the importance of tracking environmental exposures during pregnancy.
A recent study published in Science found that two heads can be better than one, but only if both partners are equally competent and can freely discuss their disagreements. The research showed that joint decisions were even better than the decision made by the better-performing individual.
The UK researchers have released the first sequence coverage of the wheat genome, comprising 95% of all wheat genes. This data will allow scientists and plant breeders to develop new varieties through accelerated conventional breeding or other technologies.
Researchers at Technical University of Munich discovered that Hsp12, a stress protein, folds into helical structures to stabilize cell membranes against leaks and ruptures under various types of stress including heat shock, oxidative stress, and osmotic stress
Researchers found that female sparrows of low quality are more likely to choose male sparrows with smaller or average-sized badges, rather than prioritizing size. These less attractive males tend to invest more time in parental care, providing a silver lining for unattractive females.
Researchers at the University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio have discovered that certain plant substances can suppress damage that can cause skin cancer. The substances were tested on mice and proved protective even at low doses, with synergistic effects seen when given in combination.
Ants have been found to be genetically identical but exhibit distinct behaviors due to epigenetic mechanisms. The study compares two ant species, Florida carpenter ant and Jerdon's jumping ant, and reveals differences in gene expression corresponding to different castes.
A team of University of Oregon scientists has found that when a sound is loud enough, auditory neurons simply accept it and ignore subsequent reverberations. This simplifies the filtering process, suggesting that a sophisticated system to suppress echoes may not be necessary.
Researchers at Michigan State University have discovered a novel mechanism that protects plants from freezing temperatures, which could also help understand drought tolerance. The discovery was made in Arabidopsis thaliana, a common mustard weed, and involves the formation of a lipid that retains membrane integrity.
The Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology's August supplement explores the development of thermal ablation techniques and devices for cancer tumor ablation. Key findings include advancements in liquid nitrogen-based cryotherapy, microwave devices, and magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound.
Scientists have observed a magnetic cycle in a distant star, HD49933, that is similar to the sun's solar cycle. The team used stellar seismology to detect acoustic fluctuations and found a signature of starspots, areas of intense magnetic activity on the surface.
Scientists have identified over 100 antibiotic substances in frog skin secretions, offering a potential solution to the growing problem of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The discovery could lead to the development of new antibiotics that are more powerful and less toxic than existing ones.
A University of Nevada professor has conducted a six-year study revealing short-range over-connectivity in the outer layer of the brain's cortex in individuals with autism disorders. This finding supports early intervention behavioral therapies and may aid in sculpting out abnormal connections.
Researchers found that spouses tend to pick each other based on shared personality traits rather than growing alike over time. Aggression is an exception to this pattern, where spouses may become more aggressive together due to their interactions.
Researchers at Georgetown University and the National Aquarium successfully extracted DNA from dolphin blow, providing an alternative to biopsies. The new method involves collecting exhalations from blowholes, eliminating harm to young animals and requiring less skill than traditional dart biopsying.
A study reveals that mutant SOD1 interacts with VDAC1, disrupting its function and leading to mitochondrial damage and motor neuron degeneration. Reduced VDAC1 activity accelerates the onset of fatal paralysis in ALS mice.
Preliminary research published in Gut suggests that plantain and broccoli fibers may prevent the translocation of E. coli across M-cells, a key stage in Crohn's disease development. The study found that plantain and broccoli fibers reduced E. coli translocation by 45-82%, while leek and apple fibers had no effect.
The study identified mutations in the ataxin 2 gene as a genetic contributor to ALS, with expansions of glutamine in ataxin 2 linked to an increased risk for the disease. The findings may aid in the development of biomarkers and new therapies for ALS.
Professor John A. Burns received the W. T. and Idalia Reid Prize for his work in computational methods for control, design, and optimization of infinite dimensional dynamical systems. The prize is funded by an endowment from the late Mrs. Idalia Reid.
Research from the University of East Anglia has shown that commercial farming of porcupines is driving hunting and contributing to a devastating decline of wild populations. The study found that half of farmers interviewed were unregistered, with many using wild animals as founder stock or capturing them for sale.
Researchers at Medical College of Wisconsin and University of California, Riverside create synthetic chemical mimicking abscisic acid to improve crop resistance to drought. The discovery paves the way for developing new molecules that activate or turn on receptors.
Researchers from Ruhr-University Bochum discovered a new mechanism of how Antarctic fish blood prevents freezing at temperatures as low as -1.8°C. The antifreeze glycoproteins work by perturbing the aqueous solvent over long distances, rather than forming a single molecular binding.
Researchers found that vitamin D can reduce the production of a protein driving an allergic response in cystic fibrosis patients and increase production of proteins promoting tolerance. The findings support a potential clinical trial to prevent or treat Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis (ABPA) in these patients.