Highly fit multiple sclerosis patients perform significantly better on tests of cognitive function than similar less-fit patients. Aerobic fitness has a protective effect on parts of the brain most affected by MS, leading to better performance on tasks that measure processing speed.
A University of Missouri researcher introduces a strengths-based approach to therapy for family violence survivors, focusing on their resilience, perseverance, and coping skills. This approach helps identify survivors' abilities and promotes a collaborative process between the survivor and professional.
Researchers used population genetics approaches to identify gene variants that increase or decrease susceptibility to viral infections, finding 139 human genes with this effect. The study suggests these variants could be targeted for novel therapeutic approaches and vaccines.
Researchers developed a standard checklist to facilitate safe administration of sedation at home, finding that PS does not hasten death and is used more frequently in hospitals. The study's findings aim to ease concerns about using palliative sedation in home care settings.
A patented formulation of Sericea lespedeza has been developed to control gastrointestinal nematodes in goats and sheep, a major economic burden for farmers. The plant's addition to animal feed thwarts the reproductive cycles of nematodes like Haemonchus contortus, reducing the risk of anemia and death.
Carnivorous plants have been found to produce compounds that are effective against human fungal infections. The plant's pitchers contain enzymes and secondary metabolites that can dissolve fungi, providing a potential solution for treating infections like athlete's foot and skin fungal infections in hospitals.
Van Andel Research Institute researchers found a way to reverse resistance to sunitinib, a treatment for clear cell renal cell carcinoma, by administering sunitinib and IL-8 neutralizing antibodies. This discovery may help predict patients' response to the treatment.
Scientists created oil droplets that can solve complex mazes using pH gradients, potentially helping cancer drugs reach tumors and nano-machines move accurately. This technology could be used to design new anti-cancer drugs and improve the navigation of futuristic nano-machines.
The University of Missouri is launching a health literacy study emphasis program offering the first US health literacy certificate, focusing on non-physician professionals. The program aims to address low health literacy's $106 billion annual cost by providing thorough training on issues like culture and health compliance.
Researchers found that forgetting is an active process to remove memory, involving a molecular pathway including small protein Rac. Forgetting helps new information come in by removing old memories.
A UCR researcher has identified a mechanism by which the malaria parasite replicates in human red blood cells, intensifying its infectious cycle. The 'histone crash' process involves the massive breakdown of histones, allowing for rapid gene transcription and multiplication.
Most household dust originates from outdoors, comprising dead skin, carpet fibers, and tracked-in soil, with potential contaminants like lead and arsenic.
Researchers have identified a distinct type of mutation in acute myeloid leukemia patients that could account for half of the remaining cases. The mutations lead to increased production of a molecule called 2HG, which may block the ability of leukemic cells to differentiate into normal blood cells.
Mayo Clinic's first lung transplant from a donor after cardiac death (DCD) was successful in a 59-year-old man with alpha-1antitrypsin deficiency. The recipient, who had limited lung function before the transplant, is now able to walk and breathe normally.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins have developed a new approach to detect cancer using whole genome sequencing, identifying rearrangements of DNA that can be found in tumor cells. This approach, called Personalized Analysis of Rearranged Ends (PARE), may help clinicians tailor treatments and monitor tumor levels after therapy.
A recent study reveals a significant increase in childhood leukemia cases in Basrah, southern Iraq, with rates doubling over 15 years compared to neighboring countries like Kuwait and the European Union. The authors hope their findings will pave the way for an investigation into potential causes of this alarming trend.
Morgan McGuire and Dr. David Luebke developed a new method for computerized lighting and light sources that can improve video game graphics to film-like quality in faster time. The algorithm reverses the process of producing light effects, pulling it onto the world and pushing it into the image, resulting in a faster processing speed.
Scientists have confirmed that green tea catechins penetrate into tissues of the eye, raising the possibility of protection against glaucoma. Analysis of eye tissues showed significant absorption of individual catechins, with effects lasting up to 20 hours.
Researchers at the University of Missouri are studying how increasing carbon dioxide levels and global temperatures may impact atmospheric blocking, a rare but significant weather event. They aim to improve forecasting accuracy by identifying cues that can warn people of long-lasting, severe weather.
Researchers at the University of Michigan are exploring plug-in hybrid electric vehicles that can store electricity from the grid or generate it, making them a potential solution for storing excess energy. The team aims to understand how these vehicles can influence the reliability and stability of the electrical grid.
The TRMM satellite has observed a significant decrease in the diameter of Tropical Cyclone Gelane's eye, now measuring approximately 10 nautical miles. Heaviest rainfall is located in the southwest quadrant of the eye, with rain rates reaching up to 2 inches per hour.
Maternal mortality in sub-Saharan Africa is largely preventable due to a lack of basic healthcare measures. The main causes of death are haemorrhaging, infection, pre-eclampsia, and obstruction during birth. An effective health system and access to clean drinking water are crucial for reducing maternal deaths.
The NHLBI and CDC are launching a four-year pilot project to study sickle cell disease and thalassemias in six US states. The Registry and Surveillance System in Hemoglobinopathies (RuSH) project aims to gather comprehensive demographic data on people with these life-threatening diseases.
TGen Drug Development and Rondaxe Enterprises announce a strategic alliance to help emerging companies bring high-quality treatments to market. The partnership focuses on maximizing value proposition through drug development and manufacturing strategies, bridging the gap between chemistry and translational medicine.
A UCI study found that urban 'green' spaces, including lawns, can emit more greenhouse gases than they absorb through photosynthesis and soil storage. Turfgrass management practices like fertilizer use, mowing, and leaf blowing contribute to significant emissions.
A UCLA study sheds light on why gene variants can only partly explain common disorders, and how environmental factors contribute to disease risk. The research highlights the importance of considering interactions between genes and their environment in genetic research.
Dolphins' health is shedding light on human and ocean health. Researchers have discovered that diseases found in dolphins are similar to human diseases, providing clues into how human health might be affected by contaminated coastal water or seafood. High levels of PCBs in dolphins may be suppressing their immune function.
The giant panda genome study has identified genetic traits that may aid in understanding the animal's unique bamboo diet and inform conservation efforts. The research found that pandas lack genes necessary for competing digestion of bamboo, suggesting a reliance on microbes to digest this staple food source.
Emory neuroscientist Lori Marino raises concerns about dolphin captivity citing complex brain structures and self-awareness. She advocates for reevaluation of industry practices due to potential psychological harm to dolphins.
An international group of experts has developed a uniform classification system for diabetic nephropathy, categorizing the condition into four progressive classes to guide clinicians and researchers. The new system aims to standardize definitions of different classes and improve reporting of cases among medical centers.
A recent study found a connection between genetic variations of the NRF2 gene and endurance performance. Elite endurance athletes had higher frequencies of specific genetic variants compared to elite sprinters, suggesting that these variations might contribute to their endurance abilities.
Researchers identified a key protein that controls bacterial cell division and found the biological clock's role in regulating this process. The study's findings provide insights into the evolution of circadian clocks between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
Recent research highlights the existence of multiple placebo effects, influenced by psychological and neurobiological factors. Placebo effects can be robust in both laboratory and clinical settings, and can even enhance the efficacy of treatments.
A magnetic study of the Colima volcanic complex in Mexico reveals that faults exhibit distinct magnetic anomalies, which can be used to improve geological interpretations. The findings have significant implications for hazard assessments in densely populated areas around active volcanoes.
A new study suggests that combining endoscopic removal of visible lesions with radiofrequency ablation can effectively treat early tumor formation in Barrett's esophagus, potentially sparing patients from surgery. The treatment was found to be safe and effective in eradicating tumors and abnormal intestinal cells, with no recurrence of...
Arnim Wiek, an assistant professor at Arizona State University, is working to develop solutions for the sustainability challenges facing society. His research focuses on scenario building and visualizations of future pathways, with a goal of empowering decision-makers to think in alternatives.
A new theory explains why some plants produce large seeds, while others produce small seeds in abundance. Helene Muller-Landau's tolerance-fecundity model reveals that plant species can coexist under different environmental stresses.
Scientists have created a simple model that can predict the patterns observed in molecular self-organization on surfaces. By combining statistical physics and detailed simulations with images obtained by scanning tunnelling microscopy (STM), researchers were able to formulate a model that can generate a wide variety of patterns, reprod...
The 'Branching Morphogenesis' installation, made from 75,000 cable zip-ties, simulates human lung cell interactions and challenges existing notions of complex biological information display. It has won the 2010 International Science & Engineering Visualization Challenge award.
Researchers from Queen's University are making progress in detecting dark matter using the Cryogenic Dark Matter Search experiment. The team, led by Professor Wolfgang Rau, has observed two events with characteristics of an interaction involving a dark matter particle, but further analysis is needed to confirm the results.
Researchers are developing non-controversial alternatives to human embryonic stem cells by transforming adult skin cells into stem cells using a molecular toolkit. Chemists aim to identify drug-like substances that can reprogram mature cells into stem cells, bypassing the need for gene therapies.
Scientists in Australia have developed a novel method to stitch together microfluidic analytical devices using ordinary cotton thread and sewing needles, promising revolutionary applications in medicine and environmental sensing. This simple and relatively low-cost approach uses the wicking properties of cotton thread to transport flui...
A new study suggests that pumping nutrient-rich water to boost algal growth and draw carbon dioxide from the atmosphere may not be an effective solution to combat global warming. The simulation results show modest climatic benefits, with potential risks of exacerbating global warming if the scheme fails.
A new study of nematode worms with identical genes and environments found that chance played a role in the development of their gut, defying traditional explanations. Researchers attribute variations among organisms to differences in genes or environment, but this study adds random variation to the mix.
A Michigan State University study found a significant association between frequent cow exposure and human Group B streptococcus infection. The research suggests that zoonotic transmission may be occurring, with increased frequency of cattle exposure linked to human colonization.
A Kansas State University study found that people favor mothers who stay at home full-time over those who work outside the home, even when the working mother's child is involved. The study also showed that participants devalue mothers employed full-time and perceive their children as troubled and their relationships as problematic.
A new study by Jeroen Nawijn found that vacationers are happier before and during their trip, but not after. The study of 1,530 Dutch adults suggests that the effect of a vacation on happiness is short-lived and can be negated by returning to daily routines.
A study published in Pediatrics found that over half of low-income urban mothers met the criteria for a diagnosis of depression after childbirth. Researchers identified three reliable screening tools to detect depression accurately among this population, highlighting the need to adjust cutoff scores for optimal identification.
Scientists have identified over 6,000 unique species on the sea-floor, with many adapting to changing environmental conditions. Krill populations are reducing due to decreasing sea-ice cover, shifting the food web balance and affecting penguins that breed on the ice.
A comprehensive population-based study by BC-CfE found that increased HAART coverage was associated with a significant decrease in new yearly HIV infections among injection drug users, resulting in improved health outcomes. The initiative aims to expand HIV treatment and care services for hard-to-reach populations.
A UCSF team recommends modifying NIH stem cell guidelines to protect the rights of individuals donating egg or sperm to patients undergoing in vitro fertilization. The guidelines currently give IVF patients unrestricted authority over embryos leftover after fertility treatments.
Researchers discovered that sceptrin reduces cancer cell motility and limits cell contractility, a critical function for cell movement. The naturally-derived compound and its synthetic version showed effectiveness in combating metastasis in various cancer types.
A new study has found that monkey populations in Tanzania's Udzungwa Mountains are more susceptible to decline than previously thought, highlighting the importance of protecting larger forest areas. The research suggests intervening earlier to preserve habitats and promote corridors between forest fragments.
The American Physical Society has released a report outlining concrete steps to help the US achieve its goals of downsize the nuclear arsenal, prevent the spread of atomic bombs, and keep the stockpile safe and secure. The report recommends technologies such as nuclear archaeology to validate nations' production of atomic material.
Researchers from Uppsala University have found that Moringa seed extracts can effectively remove particulate impurities from water through flocculation. The protein molecules in the seeds bind strongly to surfaces, causing contaminant particles to aggregate and be easily removed.
Researchers developed a new approach to track cancer by identifying personalized biomarkers from tumor DNA, using next-generation sequencing technology. The findings show that this method can provide accurate and specific monitoring of tumors, allowing for better assessment of treatment effectiveness.
Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine presented Phase II trial data on Lexgenleucel-T, a cell and gene therapy product for HIV treatment. The study showed 88% of evaluable subjects had a decrease in viral load set point, with one subject maintaining complete control of HIV viremia for over 14 weeks.
The European Commission Joint Research Centre is developing high-sensitivity particle analysis to detect nuclear materials in aerosol particles. The new laboratory will increase detection speed and sensitivity by a factor of ten, improving safeguards particle analysis.
A study by researchers from Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona and Save America's Forests found that the Peruvian Amazon is at risk of a second hydrocarbon boom, with over 70% of the region leased to oil and gas companies. The authors highlight the devastating environmental and social impacts of previous hydrocarbon booms in the area.
Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) has announced a groundbreaking initiative to fly next-generation suborbital experiments with crew on state-of-the-art vehicles. The program aims to advance space science and sensor technology, enabling researchers to conduct experiments in microgravity and space astronomy.
The Atlas of Coastal Ecosystems in the Western Gulf of California tracks limestone deposits and their impact on the carbon cycle. The book features high-quality satellite images and field photos, providing valuable insights for earth and marine scientists studying coastal areas.
Researchers at MDC Berlin-Buch discovered a protein filament that causes ion channels to open and shut in response to touch. The filament is 100nm long and links mechanosensitive ion channels to the extracellular matrix, rendering them highly sensitive to force.
Avosentan significantly reduces urinary protein loss in people with type 2 diabetes and kidney disease, but also causes serious side effects such as pulmonary edema and congestive heart failure. Lower doses of avosentan may have a more favorable risk/benefit ratio for patients.
A new study found that the disappearance of certain lizard morphs in some populations may lead to the emergence of new species. The researchers documented the loss of color morphs and observed rapid evolutionary change, including increased body size, which could eventually cause populations to diverge into distinct species.
Researchers at CSHL have identified a protein called Rac as the regulator of forgetting in short-term memories. Elevated Rac activity accelerates memory decay, while inhibition slows it down.
Maryland adopts Genuine Progress Indicator to accurately measure standard of living, finding the traditional Gross State Product was 50% inflated by costs counted as benefits. The new index accounts for environmental and social costs, providing a more meaningful guide to policy.
A UCLA study of U.S. Civil War veterans reveals that strong unit cohesion provides a protective effect against stress-related illnesses, with men from cohesive companies living up to six years longer than those from uncohesive ones.
A study by a VCU researcher found that areas with high household incomes have better schools and healthier community conditions, despite being more affluent. The analysis of Virginia data showed that nearly half of deaths in disadvantaged areas could be averted if mortality rates existed statewide.
The Planning and Noise Section of Denver International Airport has been honored with the Jay Hollingsworth Speas Airport Award for its exceptional efforts to mitigate noise around the airport. The section's director, Frederick R. Busch, will accept the award at an awards luncheon on February 25.
Researchers have created a method to convert non-food biomass into sugar, which is then fermented into ethanol. This approach produces significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions than traditional corn-based ethanol, offering a promising alternative for cleaner fuel production.
The 2009 International Science & Engineering Visualization Challenge honored artists who use visual media to promote scientific research, highlighting complex concepts like sustainability, branching morphogenesis, and human mobility. The challenge encouraged effective communication and creativity in presenting scientific findings.
The University of California, Berkeley team's paper published in Science won the 2009 Newcomb Cleveland Prize for outstanding contributions to the field. The award recognizes the first visible-light picture of an extrasolar planet and its potential to change our view of how planets originate.
New research from UNC suggests that acetylation of metabolic enzymes plays a key role in regulating cellular metabolism. The study identified approximately 1,000 new proteins with acetyl groups, expanding the previously recognized repertoire of 50, and found that altering metabolic fuels can alter acetylation levels.
A new study found that women with low sexual desire experience personal and emotional distress, including negative emotions like dissatisfaction and guilt. The study identified 5,098 women with low sexual desire, who reported significant correlations between their level of desire and associated distress.
Researchers at UF's College of Veterinary Medicine have discovered that dolphins can harbor multiple infections of apillomaviruses, which are linked to cervical cancer in humans. The study suggests that dolphins may be an ideal model for studying human cervical cancer due to their genetic similarity to humans.
A University of Michigan study found that untreated visual disorders in the elderly are significantly more likely to develop Alzheimer's disease. Early treatment of these problems may delay the onset of dementia, but many elderly individuals lack adequate vision coverage.