A Stanford University geophysicist warns that injecting massive amounts of carbon dioxide underground could trigger small- to moderate-sized earthquakes, posing a threat to the reservoirs containing the gas. The issue is particularly concerning for saline aquifers with dense, well-cemented sedimentary rock.
A study of 41 randomized controlled trials found disease-management programs reduce glycated hemoglobin levels in diabetic patients. Frequent doctor visits are associated with greater effectiveness.
A study of 1,130 older adults found that high levels of 'good' cholesterol (HDL) were associated with a decreased risk of both probable and possible Alzheimer's disease. Higher plasma HDL cholesterol was also linked to lower risks despite other factors.
Research reveals distinct exocytosis regulation mechanisms between living organisms and laboratory tissue cultures. The study used intravital microscopy to examine exocytosis in live mice, finding that secretory vesicles fuse with the plasma membrane one by one under beta-adrenergic receptor stimulation.
Researchers are using an array of seismic sensors to study unfelt seismic tremor events, revealing a more complex relationship with potentially devastating earthquakes. By analyzing the movement of these tremors, scientists are gaining insights into the Cascadia subduction zone and its potential for massive quakes.
A 50-year study confirms an increase in jellyfish <i>Pelagia noctiluca</i> size and intensity due to warming winters and over-fishing. This proliferation affects fisheries, fish farming, and tourism with toxic effects from their tentacles.
Researchers at Georgetown University successfully generated human-derived islet cells from spermatogonial stem cells, demonstrating their potential to counter diabetic hyperglycemia. The bioengineered cells secreted insulin and exhibited markers characteristic of normal islet cells.
Researchers at the University of Toronto have identified a spontaneously chain-reacting molecule that can grow durable 'molecular-chains' on surfaces. This discovery could enable faster and more efficient creation of nano-wires for circuitry applications.
A study found that transvaginal ultrasound screening can detect endometrial cancer in asymptomatic postmenopausal women with good sensitivity and specificity. The optimal cutoff for endometrial thickness was 5.15mm, detecting 80.5% of cancer cases
Researchers have identified a protein that compromises kidney function and cause nephrotic syndrome. A naturally occurring precursor to an acid in the body may offer a new potential treatment for some forms of the condition.
A new approach called context-dependent assembly enables the rapid generation of powerful zinc-finger nucleases, which can efficiently correct gene mutations in humans. This innovation allows researchers to design ZFNs for specific genes with ease, overcoming limitations of previous methods.
Convergent evolution is observed in Toxoplasma gondii and Chlamydia trachomatis, both hijacking the host cell's Golgi apparatus to secure a nutrient supply. This shared strategy may provide insights into improving therapies for these two common infections.
Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center have successfully turned human testes cells into insulin-producing islet cells, offering a potential new treatment for type 1 diabetes. The study used spermatogonial stem cells extracted from testicular tissue to produce insulin-secreting beta islet cells without the use of extra genes.
Research identifies two genetic variants associated with an increased risk of developing endometriosis, a condition characterized by pelvic pain and infertility. The variants were found on chromosomes 7 and 1, respectively, and are linked to hormone metabolism and the development of the female reproductive tract.
Researchers identified pomegranate juice components that inhibit the movement of cancer cells and weaken their attraction to a chemical signal. The effects of these components on prostate cancer progression are still controversial and require further testing.
Studies detail the successes of African entrepreneurs creating affordable technologies to address local diseases. Despite challenges, some organizations have cleared major hurdles to finance and commercialize their products, offering hope for improved health in sub-Saharan Africa.
Scientists have analyzed the evolution of CRISPR bacterial immune systems in human saliva over time, revealing unique and traceable defenses against viruses. The study's findings suggest that the development of resistance to viruses occurs frequently, even daily, and could lead to more personalized oral health care.
Simulations suggest Saturn's rings and inner moons formed after a massive satellite collided with the planet. The resulting debris formed the icy rings and ice-rich inner moons.
Researchers successfully created complex, functioning intestinal tissue in a lab using pluripotent stem cells, opening doors to unprecedented studies of human intestinal development and disease. The breakthrough also paves the way for therapeutic applications, including transplantation and drug absorption.
A Canadian researcher has identified a small peptide, 15-1, which blocks fragments of the ubiquitous sugar molecule hyaluronan and promotes robust healing and less scarring in deep wounds. The study found that this peptide effectively reduced wound contraction, collagen deposits, inflammation, and growth of unwanted new blood vessels.
Genetic comparison reveals Egyptian vulture population in Canary Islands was established around 2500 years ago, matching human colonization date. Human activity led to divergent evolution and demographic expansion of vultures, assisted in their adaptation to new environment.
Researchers developed a method to label and map the sixth nucleotide, 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5-hmC), which is enriched on active genes. The method reveals its genome-wide distribution and functional significance in gene regulation and neurodegeneration.
HER2 test results can vary in up to 10% of patients when multiple tumor blocks are analyzed, according to Mayo Clinic researchers. This variability has significant implications for patient treatment and highlights the need for additional testing.
The ASCB's annual film and image contest, Celldance, recognizes 10 members for their visually engaging and scientifically important videos and images. The winning videos and images will be shown on Saturday, Dec. 11, at the ASCB's 50th annual meeting in Philadelphia.
Researchers found that a depression drug, duloxetine, reduced joint and muscle pain in women taking aromatase inhibitors for breast cancer treatment by at least 30%. The study suggests that duloxetine may be an effective treatment option for this type of pain, with only mild additional side effects.
Researchers developed a new imaging technique that uses single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) with computerized tomography (CT) scans to pinpoint critical lymph nodes under the arm. This allows physicians to block these nodes from X-ray beams, reducing radiation and subsequent lymphedema in breast cancer patients.
A higher prescription co-payment is associated with early discontinuation and incomplete use of adjuvant aromatase inhibitor therapy in hormone-sensitive early stage breast cancer. Women over 50 years old are more likely to discontinue medication or not take it as prescribed if co-payments exceed $30.
Researchers identified significant effects of different treatment options on infant outcomes, including higher rates of congenital malformations in premature deliveries. The study suggests that pregnant women with breast cancer should continue their pregnancy and receive standard treatment recommendations.
A study found that higher co-payments increase the chance of early discontinuation and inadequate use of breast cancer therapy, particularly among older women. Co-payments above $90 were associated with a higher risk of discontinuation in both younger and older age groups.
Bees perceive the world differently than humans, with variations in hue that are invisible to us. The Floral Reflectance Database (FReD) provides data on flower colours as seen by bees, addressing existing gaps in records.
The Cystic Fibrosis Technology Initiative aims to create new medicines for cystic fibrosis, a genetic disorder affecting thousands of Canadians. The initiative will assess promising discoveries and develop them using CDRD's advanced drug development platform.
A combination of lapatinib, trastuzumab, and paclitaxel significantly improved tumor response rates compared to single-agent treatments in patients with HER2-positive breast cancers, according to early data from the NeoALTTO Trial. The study suggests that dual blockade against HER2 is an efficient way to target HER2-positive tumors.
Researchers investigating bevacizumab's efficacy in early breast cancer report promising results, with a higher pathological complete response rate compared to chemotherapy alone. The study, which included over 1,900 patients, will provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of bevacizumab as an adjuvant treatment.
A study found that high circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are an independent prognostic marker for poor overall survival in metastatic breast cancer patients undergoing first-line chemotherapy. Persistence of high CTC levels during therapy was also an early marker of poor outcome.
Researchers developed a simple fingertip test to evaluate the risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome in postmenopausal women taking aromatase inhibitor drugs. The two-point discrimination score worsened significantly among overweight women, indicating a potential way to measure risk for CTS.
Researchers, like Virginia Tech's Russell A. Green, focus on paleoseismology and soil liquefaction to calculate annual probability of specific losses due to seismic events. This work aims to implement performance-based earthquake engineering (PBEE) concepts to reduce seismic risk.
Researchers found elevated manganese levels in 20 of 21 soil samples from a ridge at Shale Hills Critical Zone Observatory, with 53% attributed to atmospheric deposition from industrial sources. The excess manganese can be toxic to trees and other vegetation, highlighting the legacy of past iron furnaces.
Stephanie Willerth's research on HIV has significantly advanced understanding of the virus and its resistance to medications. Her study of over 15,000 different versions of the virus has led to the identification of specific genes resistant to drugs, paving the way for more effective treatments.
A Phase III study compared the efficacy of neoadjuvant therapy with lapatinib or trastuzumab in combination with chemotherapy for patients with early breast cancer. The study, conducted at 85 centers in Germany, included 2,500 patients and found similar results between the two treatment groups.
Researchers from Michigan State University are investigating the relationship between cesarean-section deliveries and degenerative spondylolisthesis, a condition causing lower back pain and nerve damage in women. The study aims to quantify muscle function objectively and document variables in women with and without the disease.
Denosumab was found to delay the time to first skeletal-related event by 18% and the time to first and subsequent event by 22%, while overall survival and disease progression were similar between groups. The treatment also showed a lower rate of jaw osteonecrosis compared to zoledronic acid.
Researchers developed a clinical risk prediction rule using factors such as sex, race, and health history to assess the danger of carotid surgery. The CEA-8 rule found that one-fourth of asymptomatic patients were at higher risk than recommended national guidelines, highlighting the importance of weighing individual benefits and risks.
A new study suggests that lowering the minimum legal drinking age may not effectively reduce college binge drinking, as it relies on poor enforcement and student misperceptions of normal drinking habits. The research found that campuses with lax underage drinking laws and high levels of misperception were more likely to see a decline i...
A study published by the American Association for Cancer Research found that circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in the blood of early-stage breast cancer patients are associated with an increased risk of relapse and death. The presence of CTCs is predicted to be a significant predictor for disease-free and overall survival.
The latest issue of Index on Censorship highlights the vital role writers can play in supporting their colleagues facing persecution. Contributors, including Margaret Atwood and Lydia Cacho, share their experiences and emphasize the importance of protecting free expression.
A new study by the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston found that hospitalized elderly patients who take even short walks around their unit tend to leave the hospital sooner than those who are less mobile. This correlation was observed after adjusting for varying severities of illness, suggesting a potential 'standard of ca...
A recent study by University of Pittsburgh researchers suggests that nonchemical treatment devices may not be effective in controlling bacterial growth in water-based cooling systems. The two-year study found that standard chlorine treatment controlled the organisms even after they had proliferated.
Researchers challenge traditional views of individuality, proposing an evolutionary perspective that considers the fitness interests of component parts. Meanwhile, a surge in play research reveals its diverse causal mechanisms and evolutionary histories across animal species.
Scientists have discovered a new method to estimate volcanic plume properties by detecting lightning in ash clouds. This approach allows for remote monitoring of plume height and is detectable over thousands of kilometers away.
Researchers found that overexpression of HOXB7 gene leads to tamoxifen resistance by interacting with estrogen-activated genes and proteins, including HER2. Knocking out HOXB7 gene increased responsiveness to tamoxifen in breast cancer cells.
A Phase II study found that the combination of pertuzumab and trastuzumab had superior antitumor activity, eradicating 46% of tumors in patients with early HER2-positive breast cancer. The treatment also showed promise in eliminating tumors without chemotherapy in 17% of cases.
Scientists developed an instrument that measures individual particle sizes and compositions, revealing a complex landscape of aerosol particles. The research improved computer models of the atmosphere by accounting for the varying effects of different chemistries on climate.
A new twin study links ADHD behaviors, reading achievement, and math skills in children, suggesting a common genetic and environmental influence. The researchers found that identical twins were more alike on these traits than fraternal twins, indicating a strong genetic component.
Researchers have found a two-drug combination to be safe and active in newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia and myelodysplastic syndrome patients with additional diseases or poor performance status. The combination of 5-azacitidine and vorinostat has shown promising results, with 83% survival rate after 60 days.
The WHO Fracture Risk Assessment Tool (FRAX) has been released for Singapore, enabling health professionals to accurately assess the absolute risk of osteoporotic fractures. The online calculator, available in 27 country models, provides a 10-year probability of hip fracture and major osteoporotic fractures based on clinical risk factors.
Researchers found that CTCs in blood before chemotherapy and after transplant are associated with reduced survival and faster recurrence. The study adds insights into how hematopoietic progenitor cells recruit CTCs from bone marrow, which may be responsible for cancer recurrence.
Researchers have tested a cocktail of three drugs that targets gene regulation and cancer cell growth in triple negative breast cancers. The combination therapy halted tumor growth in laboratory-cultured cells and rejuvenated RARbeta expression in mice engrafted with breast tumor cells.
A new study by researchers at MD Anderson Cancer Center found that metastatic breast cancer patients with circulating tumor cells (CTCs) before or after treatment have shorter survival periods. Patients with higher percentages of epithelial cells or specific cellular transitions had higher chances for relapse. The study suggests that u...
Scientists discovered a network of repair proteins in bacteria that enables prioritized repair of heavily used DNA regions. The study found similarities between bacterial and human DNA repair systems, shedding light on how cells maintain their genetic instructions.
Research shows that certain types of metaphors are difficult to convey in sign language due to the iconicity of a form constraining possible metaphorical extensions. Sign languages exhibit rich metaphorical use, but clashes between form and meaning components can render some metaphors impossible.