The ADH1B*47His allele, causing an unpleasant response to alcohol, emerged around 10,000-7,000 years ago with rice domestication in southern China. This genetic adaptation may help protect against alcoholism and organ damage.
A team of researchers has identified a potential mechanism by which the tobacco-specific carcinogen NNK promotes lung tumor formation. They also found that statins may protect against invasive pneumococcal infections in children with sickle cell disease. Additionally, a new oncogenic protein called Nlp was discovered to be expressed at...
Researchers found a link between the MET proto-oncogene and reduced cancer risk in people with schizophrenia, suggesting an intriguing relationship between cancer-related genes and schizophrenia susceptibility. The study suggests that the gene's activation mechanism may be similar to its role in autism.
Researchers identified a molecule, MMP2, that controls fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling in fruit flies, allowing them to study the process of tissue invasion. This finding may provide new insights into how cancer cells spread and could lead to the development of new treatments.
Researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory have developed a copper-free version of click chemistry to label glycans in live mice, providing new insights into glycobiology and molecular imaging. The technique overcomes the toxicity issue of conventional copper-catalyzed reactions.
Women with severe obesity may receive assisted reproduction treatment if they can achieve significant weight loss. Smoking is also a concern, as it reduces fertility and increases the risk of miscarriage. The ESHRE Task Force on Ethics and Law suggests balancing patient autonomy with societal responsibilities and future child safety.
Scientists have documented unprecedented biodiversity in Yasuní National Park, including 596 bird species, 150 amphibian species, and over 1,100 tree species. The park's extraordinary diversity is threatened by proposed oil development projects.
A study of 129 patients found high rates of infection and mechanical failure with inflatable prostheses; however, hydraulic devices remain the best option for achieving voiding while standing and sexual intercourse. The choice of device may favor two-piece over three-piece designs.
Research published in BMC Microbiology found that eating apples regularly can increase beneficial bacteria in the gut, producing short-chain fatty acids and butyrate. These findings suggest a link between apple consumption and improved digestive health.
Chronic illness patients supported by nurse-physician teams rate primary care as significantly higher than usual care recipients. Guided Care improves coordination with specialists, self-management support, and goal-setting assistance.
A new Rwandan study finds that circumcising newborn males is more cost-effective than adult male circumcision for HIV prevention. The operation costs just $15 per child, compared to $59 for adults, and can save millions in treatment costs.
A new study extends gravitational lensing to smaller, older structures, improving understanding of dark matter distribution. Researchers use x-ray emissions to pinpoint galaxy cluster centers and measure total masses.
A new Cochrane Systematic Review suggests that Doppler ultrasound can reduce infant deaths and caesarean sections in high-risk pregnancies by monitoring fetal health. However, the quality of the included studies is questionable, and more research is needed to confirm these findings.
A consortium of scientists, including top researchers from academic institutions and pharmaceutical companies, is developing new methods for drug discovery in depression and schizophrenia. The project aims to overcome bottlenecks such as lack of accurate animal models and symptom-based diagnostic categories.
Researchers found patients with significant coronary artery disease had a significantly lower cardiac respiratory stress response compared to those without the condition. The test uses a Pulse Oximeter to measure blood flow in response to paced breathing, with high accuracy and sensitivity.
Researchers detect Plasmodium falciparum and two new species of malaria parasites in gorillas, complicating efforts to eradicate the disease. The findings could aid vaccine development and further understanding of infectious disease transmission from animals to humans.
Researchers at University of Leicester are developing innovative method to map and target abnormal electrical signals in the heart, benefiting millions with atrial fibrillation. This approach enables cardiologists to treat AF more accurately, potentially reducing need for second procedures.
The Cancer Genome Atlas reveals four molecular subtypes of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), the most common form of malignant brain cancer in adults. Researchers found that response to chemotherapy and radiation differed by subtype, with some subtypes experiencing a 50% slower disease progression.
Two studies published in 2009 found that half of survivors wait up to five years before disclosing abuse, with 25% never revealing the secret. The research also showed a sharp contrast between genders, with women more likely to suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder and male victims more likely to become adult victims of physical o...
A recent study shows that supervised exercise combined with nicotine replacement therapy can help women quit smoking and reduce weight gain. However, long-term relapse rates remain a challenge, highlighting the need for cost-effective maintenance programs to prevent smoking relapse.
Statins may protect individuals from serious illness following bacterial infection, including pneumococcal infections that threaten those with sickle cell disease. The cholesterol-lowering drugs employ methods to dampen inflammation and block bacterial toxins, prolonging the lives of mice with sickle cell disease.
Scientists at Duke University Medical Center have identified compounds that activate a master regulator to increase the supply of protein chaperone molecules, which help fold proteins properly. This discovery provides a new approach to address protein misfolding, a common factor in degenerative nerve diseases.
Researchers discovered that the Ebola virus uses a protein called VP35 to mask its RNA, evading the host cell's immune response. This unique mechanism makes Ebola highly deadly and difficult to treat.
Researchers developed a novel method to correct data for humidity's cross-sensitivity in open-path sensors, aligning with previous studies' results. This robust method enables widespread use of open-path sensors for air-sea carbon dioxide flux estimation.
A recent study found that teenage minority boys who experience discrimination are more likely to smoke, while their female counterparts show no such association. Researchers investigated 2,561 adolescents and discovered that perceived discrimination had a positive impact on smoking rates among boys, but not girls.
A Cochrane Systematic Review found that home-based nursing in HIV/AIDS patients significantly improves self-reported knowledge of HIV, awareness of medications, and self-reported adherence to medication programmes. Home-based care also had a positive impact on HIV stigma, worry, and physical functioning.
A Johns Hopkins neurologist argues that futile and expensive end-of-life care can be a major contributor to the unaffordable cost of healthcare. He suggests weighing patient autonomy against societal costs and suggests 'nudging' families towards comfort care, particularly in cases of premature births.
A study published in Developmental Cell has identified protease-activated receptors as crucial for neural tube closure, a process disrupted in congenital birth defects such as anencephaly and spina bifida. The research suggests that this PAR signaling system may regulate the integrity of tissue to prevent neural tube defects.
Researchers found that number-sound effects on price magnitude perceptions occur when consumers mentally rehearse sale prices, and can be influenced by phonemes in different languages. Additionally, participants perceived smaller discounts as larger when prices were marked down to specific numbers with distinct sounds.
Treadmill training can improve walking movements and reduce gait hypokinesia in Parkinson's patients. The systematic review found positive effects on walking speed, stride length, and walking distance but no improvement in cadence.
A new study found that low socioeconomic status affects cortisol levels in children over time, with nearly doubling the cortisol levels of high-SES children. The research suggests a biological explanation for why low-SES children may be more vulnerable to developing psychiatric and physical illnesses later in life.
A new model for primate origins suggests that major groups are correlated with Mesozoic tectonic features and evolved from a widespread ancestor in Pangea. The theory incorporates spatial patterns of primate diversity and distribution as historical evidence, avoiding previous limitations to fossil record and molecular clocks.
The study analyzed data from 15 trials involving 3,452 women, finding that chemoradiotherapy improved survival rates compared to radiotherapy alone. This treatment also reduced the chance of cancer recurrence and spread.
Researchers discovered that gliomas can evade EGFR inhibitors by expressing alternative genes like KLHDC8, which halts tumor growth. This finding provides potential new targets and treatment strategies for brain tumors.
A new study from North Carolina State University finds that a 360-degree review system can effectively evaluate judges while maintaining their independence. The system, used in six model states, provides both subjective feedback and objective data to identify inefficiencies and questionable legal reasoning.
Research synthesizes data from various studies on anti-merozoite antibody responses and their link to protection against clinical malaria. Merozoite antigens are key targets of protective immunity, with antibodies to MSP-3, MSP-119, and AMA1 offering substantial protection.
Researchers at UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center identified four distinct molecular subtypes of GBM, each associated with a specific disease process. The study provides a solid framework for investigation of future targeted therapies that may improve the prognosis of this devastating cancer.
Recent studies have found a crucial role for calpain in the processes of learning and memory. Calpain is believed to mediate the effects of BDNF, a molecule considered a potential
A systematic review found no evidence of risks or benefits associated with eating and drinking during low-risk labor. Researchers conclude that women should be able to make their own decisions about food and fluids during labor.
The Genetics Society of America has announced the recipients of the 2010 DeLill Nasser Travel Awards, which support young geneticists attending national and international meetings or laboratory courses. The six winners will use their awards to attend various conferences and workshops in the US and internationally.
Researchers developed a rapid-acting disinfectant that kills bacteria, viruses and fungi on surgical instruments, including those resistant to conventional disinfectants. The new formula is safer, cheaper and more effective than existing treatments against prions, which cause deadly illnesses.
Research shows that later birth years are associated with higher survival rates for children with congenital anomalies. Advances in treatments, surgical techniques, and prenatal diagnosis have contributed to this trend. The study analyzed data from the UK Northern Congenital Abnormality Survey and found varying survival rates for diffe...
Children with higher PBDE levels scored lower on mental and physical development tests, particularly at four years old. Prenatal exposure to flame retardants may have important public health implications if replicated in other North American populations.
A UCI study found that urban green spaces, particularly lawns, can actually contribute to global warming through greenhouse gas emissions from fertilizer production, mowing, and other maintenance practices. The study suggests that these emissions outweigh the carbon sequestration benefits of lawns.
Researchers found that firing low temperature plasma beams at dentin reduced the amount of dental bacteria by up to 10,000-fold. The technology could be used to remove infected tissue in tooth cavities, replacing conventional drilling methods.
Researchers found that identifying patients with a small number of tumor cells harboring an overabundance of MET even before treatment can produce longer remissions when treated with combination drugs. This suggests that targeting these cells with additional drugs may be beneficial in preventing resistance.
A study by researchers at Tufts University School of Medicine identifies two populations of progenitor cells that propose a new model for breast cell differentiation. One population appears to be the cell of origin for luminal-like breast cancer, which is sensitive to hormones and tends to grow more slowly.
Recent studies have identified probiotic microbes that produce anti-inflammatory compounds, such as butyric acid, which may treat inflammatory bowel disease. Strains like Faecalibacterium prausnitzii and Butyricicoccus pullicaecorum have shown promise in restoring normal gut bacteria levels and alleviating symptoms.
Researchers at University at Buffalo show that a controlled individualized exercise training program can relieve nearly all post-concussion syndrome (PCS) symptoms. The study found that participants who exercised regularly at levels below symptom onset experienced significant improvement, with athletes recovering faster than non-athletes.
A research team at Uppsala University discovered that point mutation can introduce new functions into an enzyme without major structural alterations. This finding may explain the emergence of resistance to toxins in various organisms, including insects, viruses, bacteria, and tumors.
A Cochrane Review found that vitamin D supplementation can reduce falls in nursing care facilities, particularly when combined with multifactorial interventions and supervised exercise programs. Multifactorial interventions also showed promise in hospitals, but not in nursing homes.
Researchers identified statins as a potential new use for treating sickle cell disease in children, finding they reduced bacterial invasion and prevented cell death. The study suggests that prophylactic treatment with statins may reduce the risk of invasive pneumococcal infections in these patients.
A recent study by the Academy of Finland has found a correlation between school burnout and parental work burnout. Children of parents experiencing burnout are more likely to experience school burnout, with shared experiences often occurring between adolescents and parents of the same gender.
A systematic review found that combining beta-blockers with certain anti-hypertensive drugs significantly lowers blood pressure in patients. The combination therapy resulted in a 30% greater reduction in blood pressure compared to single drug therapy.
Research suggests NSAIDs like ibuprofen may be more effective for relieving period pain compared to paracetamol. The updated review of 73 trials involving 5,156 women found that NSAIDs are very effective for treating period pain, with some evidence suggesting they work better than paracetamol.
The article examines the organizations, actors, and arrangements involved in malaria research and delivery, speculating about future directions. The authors analyze the institutional innovations and funding structures that shape the global health system, highlighting the need for effective knowledge-action linkages.
A twin study found that face recognition is heritable and influenced by separate genes than general intelligence or IQ. The study's findings support a modularity hypothesis, suggesting specialized brain regions for specific cognitive skills like face recognition.
The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network and AACR awarded Zeshaan Rasheed a $600,000 grant to study cancer stem cells in pancreatic adenocarcinoma. The grant aims to develop novel therapies targeting cancer stem cell growth and spread.
A Visual Voices arts-based program engaged children from low-income communities in Baltimore and Pittsburgh, identifying themes related to community safety and violence. The program's success lies in its use of art as a tool for data collection, encouraging self-efficacy and building trusting relationships between researchers and the c...
A study published in the Journal of Consumer Research found that consumers don't always react positively to persuasive tactics in ads. The authors discovered that when descriptions are ambiguous, consumers interpret them in one of two ways: either as technical details or puffery.