A study from Columbia University Medical Center found that an excess of one type of serotonin receptor in the brain's center may cause antidepressants to fail for half of patients. Researchers created a mouse model with high and low receptor levels, showing that reducing receptors can transform non-responders into responders.
The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution will receive a $8.1 million grant to construct the Laboratory for Ocean Sensors and Observing Systems, enabling fabrication and maintenance of new ocean observing systems. The facility will support various ongoing projects, including the Ocean Observatories Initiative.
The soybean genome sequence provides a parts list of what it takes to make a soybean plant, identifying genes essential for agronomic traits like protein and oil content. The analysis also revealed targets for modifying output to bolster biodiesel production.
Research from North Carolina State University identifies trends among states with the biggest funding problems, offering insights into addressing unfunded liabilities. States with larger workforces per capita tend to have higher unfunded liabilities, while poor pension management also contributes to the issue.
The prevalence of high body mass index (BMI) among US children and teens has remained stable over the past decade, with no significant decline in obesity rates since 1999. High BMI is a public health concern, increasing the risk of chronic conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Researchers at TGen Clinical Research Services have discovered three microRNAs that can predict patients with small-cell lung cancer who will be resistant to first-line chemotherapy. These biomarkers, miR-92a-2*, miR-147, and miR-574-5p, were identified through a study of 34 patients with varying stages of SCLC.
Scientists sequenced the soybean genome to understand its genes and improve characteristics. However, duplicated genes present a challenge, with many copies shuffled, making prediction difficult. Genome sequencing eliminates this issue, enabling faster research advancements.
The PLATO trial shows that ticagrelor, a stronger anticlotting medication, reduces the risk of cardiovascular death and heart attacks without increasing bleeding in heart attack patients. This new analysis finds significant and clinically relevant reductions in cardiovascular and total deaths, myocardial infarction, and stent thrombosis.
Researchers found scant evidence of antibiotic resistance genes in isolated polar bears, contradicting previous findings in other animals. The study suggests that the spread of antibiotic resistance may be caused by human contact, rather than natural occurrence.
A team of researchers has resolved a long-standing conflict in the theory of galaxy formation, using millions of hours of supercomputer simulations. The study reveals that cosmic explosions, such as supernovas, play a key role in preventing the formation of stars and dark matter at the centers of dwarf galaxies.
A new analysis by UCSF researchers found that African Americans account for over 8% of smoking-attributable healthcare expenditures and 13% of smoking-attributable mortality costs in California. The study aimed to provide an objective picture of the economic burden of tobacco use on African American Californians.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have identified neurons in the songbird brain that convey auditory feedback needed to learn a song. The study lays the groundwork for improving human speech in individuals with damaged auditory nerves, and explores how the brain compares performance-related feedback to a sensory model.
Scientists have found that biochar production could be a viable way to sequester carbon and produce renewable energy. The study's life-cycle analysis suggests several biochar systems have the potential for economic viability.
A new study indicates a decline in biomedical research funding, sparking concerns about the growing national autism public health crisis. Autism Speaks calls for increased funding to explore factors contributing to the increase in autism prevalence and to develop more effective treatments.
A recent study by Cornell University scientists reveals that trees have evolved to maximize photosynthetic capacity through a decrease in specific leaf area as they increase in size. This change is attributed to a developmental shift towards short-shoots, which produce leaves with smaller specific leaf areas than long-shoots.
A study by Massachusetts General Hospital researchers found that using words like 'abuser' to describe substance-use patients can lead to punitive attitudes and decreased likelihood of treatment. Changing the terminology may help reduce shame and guilt, making it easier for individuals to seek help.
Greenroads aims to recognize companies using sustainable methods, provide ideas for greener practices, and offer incentives for environmentally friendly roads. The system allows up to 118 points for voluntary actions, including noise mitigation, storm-water management, and waste reduction.
The Surviving Sepsis Campaign has been shown to improve sepsis treatment, with a significant increase in compliance with performance measures and a decline in hospital mortality rates from 37% to 30.8%. The campaign's updated guidelines are endorsed by 18 professional societies and hospital networks globally.
Researchers found dopamine agonists trigger increased learning from beneficial outcomes and greater prediction error in susceptible individuals, leading to choice bias towards gains. The study provides insight into the brain mechanisms underlying behavioral addictions in Parkinson's disease patients.
LeanGreenFood, an EU-funded network, educates 17 scientists from six countries on sustainable food production. The focus is on improving yields, reducing water and energy consumption, and lowering chemical use through the development of enzyme-based technology.
A new study published in Psychological Science found that men's testosterone levels increase when exposed to scents from women who are ovulating. The research suggests that this response may promote mating-related behavior in males. This study provides direct evidence of the influence of olfactory cues on male biological responses.
Researchers have made the first direct radio image of a stellar coronal loop at star Algol, which may aid in understanding how space weather affects Earth. The coronal loop is roughly similar to those at the sun but with a more powerful magnetic field and larger size due to tidal effects.
A study by the University of Gothenburg found that young Swedish men are consuming at least double the recommended daily amount of salt. The high salt intake may lead to high blood pressure, a major risk factor for heart problems and stroke, although no direct connection was detected in the study.
Recent US data suggest a slowdown in the rate of increase for obesity in recent decades, with prevalence stabilization among women and potential slowing for men. The study found that 68% of US adults are overweight or obese.
Researchers at ACS' Organic Letters journal have created a more affordable version of the anti-flu drug Tamiflu by leveraging D-ribose, a naturally occurring sugar. The new process could significantly reduce production costs, making it easier to distribute the medication globally.
Astronomers have found a giant magnetic loop stretching from one star to the other in the Algol binary system. The discovery was made using an international collection of radio telescopes and helps explain previous observations at X-ray and radio wavelengths.
A new international study has found that ustekinumab is more effective than etanercept in treating moderate to severe psoriasis. Ustekinumab showed a 75% improvement in symptoms in 67.5% and 73.8% of patients, compared to 56.8% for etanercept.
A study by Georgia State University researchers found that young offenders' perception of an early death fuels their engagement in crime and violence. The study suggests that the prospect of a shortened life expectancy encourages young people to focus on immediate rewards, including crime.
Researchers at Purdue University emphasize the importance of understanding local human cultures in conserving African wildlife. Their study highlights how selective logging can help sustain local antelope populations, reducing hunting pressure on protected species.
Researchers discovered that distinct cancer-causing mutations in neighboring cells can cooperate to promote tumorigenesis. The study found that the genetic cooperation occurs through a signaling pathway that activates cellular proliferation and stress response pathways.
A new national survey of children's health reveals significant gaps in insurance coverage, with over 6.7 million uninsured kids and nearly 1/4 insured kids lacking adequate care. Obesity rates have increased, affecting 10 million youths ages 10-17.
A review of DCIS research highlights the need for accurate identification of patient subsets and modification of treatment guidelines to focus on high-risk lesions. Researchers also emphasize the importance of biomarkers in determining risk status, allowing for targeted aggressive treatment.
The human and chimpanzee Y chromosomes differ significantly in structure and gene content, with the chimp Y having lost up to half of its human counterpart's genes. This rapid evolution is thought to be driven by intense sperm competition between males, leading to the favoring of advantageous sperm production genes over detrimental ones.
A Scripps/LLNL team has won a grant to improve greenhouse gas emissions verification using continuous atmospheric measurements. The method will focus on industrially produced gases with limited sources, aiming to create reliable computer representations of emissions activity.
A study published in Psychological Science found that labels can influence people's attitudes towards certain policies. In a study, participants were offered the choice between two identical items with different prices, one labeled as a carbon offset and the other as a carbon tax. The results showed that Democrats supported the offset ...
A new blood test has been developed to aid in lung cancer diagnosis and potentially reduce unnecessary invasive procedures. The test uses a 40-biomarker panel that correctly identified patients with lung cancer 88% of the time and those without it 79% of the time.
Researchers classified tumors into three growth patterns: destructive, alveolar, and papillary, which were independent predictors for overall survival, disease-specific survival, and disease-free survival. Patients with an alveolar growth pattern had a significantly higher risk of poor prognosis and reduced survival rates.
The discovery of Sox2, a protein that regulates stem cell formation, is crucial for spiral ganglion neuron development. The study's findings may lead to the regeneration of these nerve cells, potentially revolutionizing cochlear implant technology and biological treatments for hearing loss.
Researchers found a link between a specific gene variation and slower memory decline, as well as a lower risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer's disease. The study suggested that this protective association may be due to the gene's role in lipid metabolism.
Researchers at Emory University have developed the Prokopack mosquito aspirator, a low-cost, efficient tool for monitoring adult mosquitoes and the diseases they carry. The device outperforms current gold standards in field and lab tests, providing insights into mosquito ecology and behavior.
A team of solar physicists has developed a revised model explaining the unexpected 'ribbon' of bright emission observed by NASA's IBEX mission. The new effect, known as the magnetic mirror effect, suggests that charged particles orbiting magnetic field lines can be recycled and detected by IBEX.
A recent study found that HIV patients who switch from lopinavir-ritonavir to raltegravir experience a reduction in blood fat levels, but the rate of viral suppression is lower in the raltegravir group. The results suggest that clinicians need to consider individual patient factors when making treatment decisions.
Researchers found that sleep consolidates learning in starlings, a bird known for its vocal production and listening skills, mirroring human findings. The study replicates the sleep-dependent enhancement pattern observed in human studies, while also exploring the role of interference on learning.
A study published in the Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology found that people experience better moods, greater vitality, and fewer aches and pains on Fridays to Sundays. The 'weekend effect' is largely associated with freedom to choose activities and time spent with loved ones.
A paracrine pathway involving glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) regulates the migration of pancreatic cancer cells along nerves. The pathway plays a crucial role in preventing nerve invasion and has potential as an adjuvant therapy for pancreatic cancer.
Researchers at Children's Hospital Boston discovered that melanoma stem cells produce molecules inhibiting the immune system, triggering regulatory T-cells to dampen anti-tumor responses. These cells also stimulate surrounding cells' production of IL-10, suppressing the immune system.
The rate of increase for biomedical research funding in the US has slowed since 2005, with a decrease in National Institutes of Health and industry funding. Industry remained the largest contributor to biomedical research, accounting for 58% of expenditures, while NIH contributions decreased by 8.6% from 2003 to 2007.
A study found that drinking green tea could reduce the risk of lung cancer in smokers, particularly those with specific genetic profiles. Among smokers, those who drank at least one cup of green tea per day had a significantly lower risk of lung cancer compared to non-green tea drinkers.
Research from the Women's Health Initiative Memory Study finds elevated blood pressure increases white matter lesions, a known risk factor for dementia. Maintaining normal blood pressure may help prevent brain damage and associated cognitive decline.
A study found that biomedical research funding in the US has decelerated and may have even fallen when adjusted for inflation. Funding growth was not accompanied by an increase in new drug and device approvals.
A Cornell study analyzing 27 million online poker hands found that novice players tend to lose money despite winning more hands, as they struggle with occasional large losses versus frequent small gains. Small pairs are more valuable for small-stakes players than medium pairs due to their less ambiguous value.
A study by the University of Helsinki found that northern forests are unable to adapt to changing environmental conditions, with established trees' mortality promoting evolutionary adaptation. This means older trees will survive in a warmer climate but prevent genetically better adapted individuals from thriving.
A pilot study using miniaturized air samplers found no strong evidence of health risks for subway workers exposed to steel dust, with levels below OSHA standards. The study also showed that airborne metal concentrations were much higher in stations and trains than above ground.
Researchers found that mislocation of TDP-43 from the nucleus to the cytoplasm causes neurodegeneration associated with ALS and frontotemporal lobar degeneration. The study used a model system to investigate the effects of mutant TDP-43 on neurons.
A retrospective evaluation led by researchers at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health recommends improvements for scaling up child survival programs. The study found that coverage for effective treatment interventions and addressing causes of neonatal deaths and undernutrition are crucial for accelerating child survival.
The TRMM satellite captured a clear picture of Tropical Storm Edzani's current state, revealing heavy rainfall on the eastern side and minimal convection on the western side. The storm is weakening and transitioning into an extra-tropical storm, but forecasters are monitoring its movement back over warmer waters for possible regeneration.
A study found that erlotinib dosing in lung cancer patients depends on their smoking status, with smokers requiring lower doses than non-smokers. Non-smokers were able to tolerate higher doses without developing grade 2 or 3 toxicity, while smokers reached a maximum tolerated dose of 300mg daily.
A new study analyzed 109,000 Medicaid patients taking second-generation antipsychotic drugs, which can raise the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Despite an FDA warning in 2003, most doctors did not change their baseline screening for blood sugar and cholesterol.
A nationwide ban on affirmative action in college admissions would cause a 10% drop in black and Hispanic enrollment at the nation's most selective colleges and universities. Overall black and Hispanic representation in four-year institutions would decline by two percent, according to the study.
After years of effort, a team from The Scripps Research Institute has finally achieved the synthesis of Palau'amine, a naturally occurring compound with pharmaceutical promise. The breakthrough involves 25 steps and utilizes an oxidation reaction that simplifies the process, paving the way for further research and potential commercial ...