Malaria-infected red blood cells stiffen up to 50 times more than healthy ones, blocking capillaries and impeding nutrient and oxygen delivery. This deformation changes blood viscosity and flow, potentially leading to severe organ damage.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University engineered a mouse that can run longer on a treadmill by increasing its acetylcholine supply, which could lead to new treatments for myasthenia gravis and other disorders. The study also found potential links between cholinergic signaling deficits and conditions like muscular dystrophy and ADHD.
The PRIMA study found that rituximab-maintenance therapy significantly improved progression-free survival and response rates compared to no treatment in patients with follicular lymphoma. After 2 years, 71.5% of patients in the rituximab group achieved complete or unconfirmed complete response compared to 52.2% in the observation group.
A survey of Johns Hopkins faculty found strong support for working with the local community to make research more relevant and improve its quality. Faculty who conducted community-based research were more likely to hire and collaborate with local residents, and involve them in study design and dissemination.
Scientists confirm environmental limits to species diversity, extending the concept over a million years through lizard study in the Caribbean. Larger islands tend to support more distinct species of lizards.
A new study reveals that historical socio-economic factors, not current ones, drive alien species richness in Europe. The researchers found that economic activities from 1900 were more influential on the establishment of invasive species than those from 2000.
A study by University of Sheffield found that food in early life influences fertility in both men and women. Men and women born into poor families with limited crop yields during critical periods had lower reproductive success.
Researchers at the University of Gothenburg have confirmed that ovarian cancer tissue and healthy tissue smell different, using an electronic nose. The discovery has major practical implications for early detection and treatment of ovarian cancer.
Researchers found that Echinacea has no significant effect on reducing the duration or severity of cold symptoms. In contrast, a diet rich in whole-fat dairy products may help lower the risk of developing diabetes due to increased levels of trans-palmitoleate. Exercise and Vitamin D supplements are also recommended as effective interve...
A study of US adults found that women are more likely to use indoor tanning facilities than men, while few tanners mention reducing skin cancer risk. The prevalence of indoor tanning among US adults is relatively low, with 18.1% of women and 6.3% of men reporting use in the past year.
A comprehensive analysis of Africa's fossil rodents provides valuable insights into the continent's paleoecology and sheds light on human evolution. The study documents over 130 genera, underscoring the diversity of habitats in ancient Africa.
A study published in The Lancet found that deworming treatment during pregnancy does not affect infant immune responses to vaccines or infectious disease incidence. The authors suggest that the value of this intervention should be re-examined, and policy recommendations be reviewed.
A new analysis by Field Museum scientists found that 44 theropod species distributed across six major lineages were eating plants, with the ancestor to modern birds likely losing its appetite for flesh alone. The study suggests that iconic predators like Velociraptor and T. rex should be viewed as exceptions rather than the rule.
New research reveals that children with autism are unable to search effectively for objects in real-life environments, contrary to previous findings. This skill is crucial for achieving independence in adulthood.
A study published in Cortex found that the first elements of semantic memory to deteriorate are distinguishing characteristics of a concept, such as a zebra's stripes. This blurs related concepts, leading to temporary improvements in recognizing related words in early Alzheimer's disease.
A Michigan State University study found that rivers and streams are a significant source of nitrous oxide, a potent greenhouse gas, contributing twice as much as previously estimated. The increased production can be linked to nitrogen fertilizers and crop cultivation, highlighting the need for reduced agricultural fertilizer use.
Researchers at Medical College of Wisconsin sequenced all genes in a boy's DNA to identify a previously-unknown mutation responsible for his rare bowel disease. A cord blood transplant successfully treated the disease, allowing the boy to eat healthily again.
Researchers found that global river networks are the source of at least 10% of human-caused nitrous oxide emissions to the atmosphere, three times the IPCC estimate. Nitrous oxide is a potent greenhouse gas contributing to climate change and stratospheric ozone destruction.
Researchers at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science found that absolute sea level in Chesapeake Bay is rising at a rate of about 1.8 millimeters per year, slower than the global average. However, local subsidence rates are significantly higher, adding up to a growing threat of coastal flooding and erosion.
A study published in Archives of Dermatology reveals that nearly 40% of individuals with psoriasis also have features of the metabolic syndrome. The most common feature among individuals with psoriasis is abdominal obesity, followed by high triglyceride levels and low levels of HDL cholesterol.
A new study found that most Massachusetts physician groups are using patient feedback to improve patient experiences, with a focus on staff courteousness, scheduling practices, and electronic health records. However, only a small number of groups are prioritizing the role of physicians in improving patient care.
A study found that trauma patients in Illinois frequently exceed the mandated 2-hour transfer window, except for those with life-threatening injuries. Despite this, the most critically ill patients typically receive care within the time frame.
A study by UC Merced marine biologist Michael Beman reveals that rising greenhouse gases are making ocean water more acidic, fundamentally altering the way nitrogen cycles throughout the sea. This change could have significant impacts on all forms of marine life.
The Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation has awarded two researchers, Ken Cadwell and L. Stirling Churchman, with the Dale F. Frey Award for Breakthrough Scientists. They will use the $100,000 funding to pursue innovative research in cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
Researchers found that people distinguish between living and non-living faces, particularly around two-thirds of the way along a continuum from doll to human face. The study suggests that our brains scrutinize faces, especially the eyes, for signs of life.
A BYU research team found that eating an orange is better for you than its components when taken separately due to the specific mixture of antioxidants. The study identified several combinations, with hesperidin and naringenin appearing to contribute significantly.
A recent study from the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB Health) has found that women using injectable or oral contraception, including DMPA and desogestrel, do not experience adverse effects on glucose and insulin levels. The research, conducted over three years, provides reassuring news for non-diabetic women using hormonal c...
Patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma who experience early or lymph node recurrence after initial treatment tend to have poorer outcomes. The study suggests that local recurrences within six months are associated with worse survival rates, while regional recurrences at longer intervals also negatively impact survival.
A new study found that doctors' metaphors used to explain Phase III clinical trials played a significant role in whether patients agreed to participate. Most participants struggled to understand randomization, but those who paid close attention were unaffected by the metaphor used.
Researchers found that young female chimpanzees carry and play with sticks, suggesting a biological basis for sex-specific play in humans. This behavior is linked to adult behavior, as females carry infants more than males, indicating a possible influence of biology on toy selection.
Researchers at the University of Notre Dame discovered that streams and rivers are a significant source of nitrous oxide emission, a potent greenhouse gas. The study found that human activities such as fertilizer use and sewage discharges increase nitrogen levels in waterways, leading to higher nitrous oxide production rates.
A new study published in Retrovirology reveals that cell samples used in previous research were contaminated with XMRV, not the cause of chronic fatigue syndrome. The researchers developed improved methods to detect XMRV and rule out infection by this virus as a cause of the disease.
Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory discovered that two non-coding RNAs, MENε and MENβ, trigger the formation of nuclear subcompartments called paraspeckles. Paraspeckles are believed to serve as storage depots for pre-made protein-coding RNA, allowing cells to respond faster to stress.
Australian researchers have developed a method to analyze X-ray scattering data from XFELs, enabling the measurement of membrane protein structures even with significant electronic damage. This breakthrough will help fast-track the development of targeted drugs.
The innate immune system deploys two effective strategies to deal with invasive bacterial infections, including an emergency backup plan involving interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), which stimulates white blood cell production. However, this backup system can also lead to chronic inflammation and organ damage if not managed properly.
Patients who develop an acne-like skin rash after starting chemotherapy and cetuximab treatment have better overall survival, progression-free survival, and response rates compared to those without a rash. The study suggests that an early skin rash could be a predictor of treatment success in lung cancer patients.
Researchers at UC Berkeley have developed a new technique that allows plasmon lasers to operate at room temperature. This achievement is a major step towards applications for plasmon lasers in single-molecule biodetectors, photonic circuits, and high-speed optical communication systems. The scientists were able to enhance the emission ...
A team of scientists at MIT has deciphered 3 billion-year-old genomic fossils using modern-day genomes. The study reveals that the collective genome of all life underwent an expansion between 3.3 and 2.8 billion years ago, resulting in 27% new gene families.
A team of scientists identified a set of brain proteins that accounts for over 130 brain diseases, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. The study provides a new way to study the evolution of the brain and behavior, and opens paths toward tackling these diseases.
New research suggests beetroot juice can reduce the amount of oxygen needed to perform low-intensity exercise by up to 12%, enabling people to walk for longer periods. The study's findings have potential implications for older adults and individuals with heart or lung conditions.
The German Federal Ministry of Education and Research has invested 198 million euros over ten years to support scientific use of the Heinz Maier-Leibnitz neutron source. This funding will enable researchers to build new instruments, upgrade existing ones, and hire additional staff.
A new study from Rice University's Jones Graduate School of Business found that customers participating in eBay's online communities became more educated on buying and selling processes. This increased education led to more conservative buying habits and more effective selling strategies, benefiting both buyers and sellers.
University at Buffalo researchers discover that removing a class of potassium channels from nociceptors during inflammation reduces hyperalgesia, providing a potential therapeutic target for pain relief. This breakthrough could lead to the development of non-addictive, less-toxic painkillers.
A phase 3 clinical trial found that denufosol can help delay the progression of lung disease in CF patients by preventing mucus formation. The study showed improved lung exhalation rates and reduced symptoms in patients receiving denufosol compared to those on placebo.
The USDA has awarded $5.5 million to a research program aimed at understanding the causes and consequences of childhood hunger in the United States. The program will explore policy solutions to alleviate food insecurity among low-income families.
Researchers discovered that humans share a method of sensing oxygen with the simplest known living animal, Trichoplax adhaerens. This finding suggests that the oxygen-sensing mechanism evolved around 550 million years ago, coinciding with the emergence of complex multicellular animal life.
System 91S made landfall in Western Australia on Dec 16 with a large area of strong thunderstorms and heavy rainfall. The remnants of the low continued to bring rain to inland areas until Sunday December 18, causing flash flooding and rising streams.
A new study by Dr Ole Peters from Imperial College London finds that the use of flawed risk assessment methods can lead to excessive leveraging and market volatility. Time averaging provides a more accurate prediction for real-world investment outcomes, highlighting the need for better risk management strategies.
The Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter is producing the most accurate and complete map of the moon's complex landscape, revealing contours and slopes with precision. The dataset is being used to study lunar processes, including crater density and resurfacing, as well as the formation of multi-ring basins.
Researchers at Brown University have developed a method to cut single-walled carbon nanotubes with precision, enabling the creation of higher-quality nanotubes for various applications. The technique involves sonicating the nanotubes in water, causing them to fracture due to compressive atom ejection.
A total lunar eclipse will be visible to sky watchers across North America on December 21, coinciding with the winter solstice. The eclipse will last approximately three hours and twenty-eight minutes, with totality lasting seventy-two minutes.
Researchers found that the wave of mountain building swept down western North America as far south as Mexico and as far east as Nebraska. The data, from ancient precipitation, suggests a slow-motion wave of mountain-building coursing southward, with elevations up to 14,000 feet.
The study found that individuals with untreated hypersomnia incur significant economic costs, including increased medication use, hospital admissions, and unemployment. The researchers estimate that each person with violent snoring or narcolepsy costs society approximately €10,223 per year.
Researchers found that accents were more important than physical appearance when categorizing people. The study showed that participants primarily relied on the spoken accent while assigning statements to depicted persons. This highlights the significance of language in social integration and ethnic categorization.
Researchers recommend selective use of antibiotics to treat Acute Otitis Media in children, while employing watchful waiting in non-critical cases to combat treatment-resistant bacterial strains. The study aims to reduce the emergence of new resistant bacterial strains.
The IceCube Neutrino Observatory has completed its deployment, enclosing a cubic kilometer of clear ice to detect rare neutrino collisions. The telescope will observe just a few hundred neutrinos per day, but with unprecedented energy and statistics.
A new study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found that both the stratum corneum and tight junctions play a crucial role in eczema development. Tightening both leaky barriers may be an effective treatment approach, targeting the faulty tight junction protein claudin-1.
Rapid turnover of lipid membranes enables phytoplankton to adapt to phosphorus scarcity, potentially supporting further growth when conditions improve. The process occurs within 24 hours and is a physiological response by individual cells.
Researchers at TUM used neutrons to observe the coupling between electric current and magnetic structure in a material. The discovery of magnetic vortices shows promise for developing new data storage systems that are stable and can be written to using weakly anchored electric currents.
Research scientists unravel a regulation pathway for shade avoidance syndrome, where auxin hormone accumulation enhances growth in shaded plants. The transport protein PIN3 enables auxin formation, promoting shoot elongation and upward movement of leaves.