The largest study of its kind has released its first results, providing a wealth of information on how genetic mutations affect cancer responses to treatments. The research aims to improve patient care by tailoring treatment to individual tumour characteristics.
A study by Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center investigators identified the APOL-1 gene as a key factor in kidney disease among African Americans. The researchers found that variants in this gene are more common in individuals of recent African ancestry and may have evolved as a survival mechanism against parasitic disease in Africa.
Researchers at University of Maryland provide new insight into the initiation phase of bacterial gene transcription, showing a three-step process involving RNA polymerase and DNA bending. The study confirms experimental observations and establishes an active role for RNA polymerase in the process.
Researchers studying the Gulf oil spill's impact on coastal communities aim to understand how social context shapes individual responses to disaster. The study will investigate negative and positive emotions, as well as social and political trust, in individuals coping with the disaster.
Smokers exposed to wood smoke face a higher risk of COPD due to increased lung function reduction and epigenetic changes. Wood smoke exposure synergistically increases the risk when combined with cigarette smoking.
A new report from the American Cancer Society and other health groups identifies gaps in research for 20 suspected carcinogens, including lead, diesel exhaust, and styrene. The report aims to prioritize agents for further study and funding to address existing knowledge gaps.
Researchers have analyzed seven paintings by Leonardo Da Vinci without extracting samples, revealing the composition and thickness of each layer. The study confirms the use of thin glaze layers to achieve soft transitions and blend shadows like smoke.
A new study found that HIV may increase the risk of death in people with high CD4 counts, but only moderately. The risk was highest among injecting drug users and heterosexual individuals, likely due to socioeconomic factors rather than HIV itself.
A new method of tissue banking enables researchers to obtain high-quality RNA samples from lung tumor biopsies, increasing the number and type of tumors available for gene expression studies. This improves personalized medicine prospects for lung cancer patients.
Experiments at CERN and Karlsruhe have clarified the processes affecting osmium-187 abundance, reducing uncertainties in the rhenium-osmium cosmic clock. This allows for a more accurate estimate of our galaxy's age.
A new study finds that many US states are cutting mental health funding due to budget crises, while others have reduced Medicaid payments. However, a few countries are investing in stimulus-funded services to address recession-related mental health disorders, such as the UK's training of psychotherapists and nurses.
Researchers have discovered an active strike-slip fault on the island of Trinidad, highlighting a major seismic hazard. The study also found that the lower crust is significantly weaker than the mantle at the Moho, and K/U ratio in the mantle records a snapshot of early Earth weathering.
NASA's infrared satellite image shows strong thunderstorms in Tropical Storm Conson. The storm is being pushed southwest due to a subtropical ridge over China, forcing it to take a more southern route and eventually make landfall in northern Vietnam.
Researchers found that former child soldiers who returned to communities with low violence levels had better mental health outcomes. The studies suggest that children who experienced trauma such as rape or killing others showed higher levels of hostility over time, highlighting the need for targeted social and mental health services.
A morning urine test is superior for detecting declining kidney performance in patients with diabetic kidney disease. The albumin:creatinine ratio from a first morning urine sample predicts worsening kidney problems more accurately than other methods.
Researchers discovered that cancer drugs can inhibit Leishmania's survival and infection ability by targeting its TOR kinase proteins. The study highlights the potential of repurposing existing cancer treatments to combat this debilitating parasite.
Researchers have developed a functional implantable artificial salivary gland to treat xerostomia in cancer patients. The new treatment uses modified hydrogels to regenerate functional salivary acinar cells, restoring saliva production and improving oral health.
In a high-profile debate, Merrill critiques Smith and Cuesters' realist approach to ontology engineering. The exchange raises fundamental questions about the nature of ontology for e-science.
A new initiative aims to improve children's understanding of nutrition and help them make smarter food choices. Researchers will develop innovative menu labeling systems and test their effectiveness with school districts and foodservice providers.
A new species of small fish, the bearded goby, has been found to eat jellyfish and thrive in an oxygen-depleted zone off the coast of southwest Africa. This unexpected predator-prey relationship puts jellyfish back into the food cycle.
Researchers at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev have been awarded a US-Israel Energy Independence Partnership Grant to develop self-sustainable fuel cycles for light water reactors. The project aims to improve nuclear energy efficiency, reduce uranium enrichment needs, and extend available energy resources.
A study by UCLA researchers found that NF1 genetic mutations disrupt working memory in the brain's prefrontal cortex, hindering communication between brain cells. The excess GABA release hampers neural activity, leading to reduced success rates in memory tasks.
A study by William Kerr and William Lincoln found that highly skilled temporary immigrants increase U.S. patent applications without displacing native workers. The research used data from 1995 to 2008 and analyzed the impact of H-1B visa reforms on innovation.
Penn State researchers discovered that retroviruses like HIV take a detour through the cell nucleus before assembling new virus particles. Understanding this process could enable the development of drugs to stop the spread of infection.
Researchers from Northwestern University discovered a common human sperm gene called Boule, which is 600 million years old and shared among animals such as trout, sea anemone and flies. The gene plays a vital role in sperm production and has the potential to be targeted for male contraception and controlling diseases caused by parasites.
The University of Southern California has received a $56.8 million Clinical and Translational Science Award from the NIH to support real-life applications of scientific discoveries in healthcare. The Los Angeles Basin CTSI will partner with community organizations and providers to address health issues in urban environments.
Researchers found a 'broken symmetry' where electrons arrange differently in high-temperature cuprate superconductors, enabling new research on overcoming the pseudogap phase. This discovery could lead to room-temperature superconductors by understanding how materials work and identifying key symmetries.
Researchers identify parietal cortex as key brain region combining touch and limb position to create 'body map' of space. The discovery has implications for understanding developmental coordination disorders and improving motor skills.
MESSENGER's third flyby of Mercury reveals evidence of younger volcanism, with the youngest basins yet seen, and new information about magnetic substorms. The spacecraft also observed emission from an ionized species in Mercury's thin atmosphere for the first time.
Two studies on Sri Lankan youths who survived the 2004 tsunami and civil war found that traumatic events and daily stressors like domestic violence have a significant impact on their psychological health. Researchers highlight the need for holistic policies and programs to reduce ongoing stressors.
Healthcare providers must develop understanding of lesbian-specific needs, addressing stigma and promoting culturally-sensitive programs. Lesbians face double disadvantage due to homophobia and being overweight, with depression and stress-related behaviors common outcomes.
Scientists are using a vaccine to vaccinate bison against brucellosis in Yellowstone National Park to prevent the disease from spreading to nearby livestock. Researchers found that bison infected with Brucella abortus exhibit similar symptoms to cattle, highlighting the need for targeted eradication programs.
The FOREMOST project developed advanced process modules and chip architectures for 45nm node CMOS logic, enabling key European players to mass produce semiconductors worldwide. The project also paved the way for future 32/28nm nodes and facilitated rapid transfer to industrial production.
A team of biochemists has identified the molecular mechanism by which an immune response is triggered by invading viruses, according to recent research. The results could lead to new therapies for viral infections, including the common cold and hepatitis. By understanding how the immune system recognizes viral RNA at the atomic level, ...
Researchers have discovered changes in lake levels on Titan, with the southern hemisphere experiencing a 1-meter-per-year drop in lake depth. The decrease is attributed to seasonal evaporation of liquid methane from lakes, which are composed mainly of this substance.
Tropical Depression 6-E has formed in the Eastern Pacific Ocean and is struggling to organize due to moderate to strong wind shear. The storm's maximum sustained winds are near 35 knots (38 mph), and it is expected to continue moving west-northwestward over the weekend.
Dr. Hawarden's pioneering work on passive cooling techniques led to the design of larger, more efficient infrared space telescopes like the James Webb Space Telescope. His approach has significantly improved the lifetime and performance of these instruments.
Longitudinal studies found higher rates of behavior problems among preschool children exposed to 9/11, particularly if their mothers suffered from PTSD and depression. Direct exposure played a small but significant role in explaining the severity of mental health symptoms.
A new molecular technique can detect Anisakis larvae in all types of fish, including processed products, using high specificity and sensitivity. This method offers a quick and effective solution for seafood inspection, replacing traditional visual examination and digestion methods.
Researchers found that marine microorganisms are attracted to dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP), a chemical involved in ocean sulphur and carbon cycles. The team's study visualized microbial behavior for the first time using microfluidic technology, shedding light on the importance of these tiny organisms in climate regulation.
A recent study found that combining radiation and chemotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma increases treatment-related toxicities and non-cancer deaths. Patients treated with combined therapies experienced a higher acute toxicity rate compared to those treated with radiation alone.
Researchers explore how wrinkles adapt to edges and quantify their formation, providing insights into biological tissue and material properties. They find that surface tension forces films to lie flat near the edge, while gravity prefers shallow ripples in the center.
Pillemer receives the prestigious award for his groundbreaking work on human development over the life course and prevention of elder abuse. His research has played a crucial role in contemporary legislative efforts, leading to practical applications that improve the lives of older adults.
Researchers developed two new risk models to predict the survival of HIV patients in sub-Saharan Africa. The models identified key factors such as CD4 cell count, clinical stage, and bodyweight that increase the risk of death. These predictions will aid in clinical decision making and improve treatment outcomes.
A new study confirms that unhappy families have specific difficulties for children during early school years. Disengaged families exhibit cold, controlling relationships leading to aggressive behavior and depression, while enmeshed families display high levels of conflict, anxiety, and social withdrawal as their child navigates school.
A study analyzing almost 500 mammal species found that larger brain sizes are linked to longer lifespans. This contradicts the assumption that only larger animals live longer, with even smaller hyenas exhibiting longer lifespans due to their brain size compared to body size.
Research supports the importance of choline in fetal development, with studies finding reduced risk of infant heart defects and improved attention function. Higher intakes of choline also lower blood homocysteine concentrations, associated with decreased risk of stroke and cognitive decline.
A new study reveals that astrocytes play a crucial role in regulating breathing by sensing changes in carbon dioxide levels in the blood. Activated astrocytes release ATP, which stimulates brain respiratory centers to adjust breathing rates accordingly.
A study presented at the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine meeting found that nearly 80% of patients who underwent arthroscopic surgery for femoro-acetabular impingement (FAI) were able to return to play at a high level of competition, with an average recovery time of 9.4 months. The study showed significant improvements...
A simple community program has been shown to be effective in preventing excess weight gain among young mothers. Women who attended the HeLP-her Community Lifestyle Program lost an average of 0.27kg over 12 months, while those in a control group gained 1.72kg.
A recent study found that walking flat-footed after wearing high heels causes discomfort due to shortened muscle fibers and stiffened tendons. High heel wearers' calf muscles remained the same size as those of flat shoe wearers, but their tendons became thicker and stiffer to compensate for the shortened fibers.
Researchers developed a definition for heat waves and found that long-duration heat waves have the greatest impact on mortality, with elderly women particularly vulnerable. The study highlights the need for tailored public health interventions to address heat-related mortality in different cities.
A study published by the American Society of Nephrology found that corticosteroid treatment can prevent or delay loss of kidney function in patients with IgA nephropathy. The addition of an immunosuppressant drug, such as azathioprine, did not provide additional benefits.
A new study aims to investigate whether delaying the clamping of a newborn's umbilical cord for two minutes after birth can improve their recovery from corrective heart surgery. The study hopes to determine if this practice can decrease the need for blood transfusions in critically ill babies.
Researchers successfully engineer mosquitoes immune to malaria parasite, rendering them ineffective vectors for human infection. The breakthrough has significant implications for global health, with an estimated 1 million fatalities annually due to the disease.
Researchers at Monash University and Scripps Institution of Oceanography developed a new mathematical scaling theory to explain the global motions of tectonic plates. The theory demonstrates that the velocities of plates and boundaries depend on subduction zone size and presence of subduction zone edges.
A small multi-center study found that stroke risk temporarily increases for an hour after consuming one drink of alcohol, doubling the risk. However, consistent use of small amounts of alcohol may reduce overall risk due to beneficial changes in blood lipids and flexible blood vessels.
Kapahi is recognized for his work on the role of target of rapamycin (TOR) in mediating lifespan extension by dietary restriction, a method with broad significance for age-related diseases. His laboratory employs an interdisciplinary approach to understand how dietary restriction affects lifespan and metabolism in diverse species.
Scientists at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution found that carbon dioxide-induced global warming is killing off a major coral species in the Red Sea. Coral growth has declined by 30% and may cease altogether by 2070 due to summer sea surface temperatures remaining 1.5 degrees Celsius above ambient.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine developed a technique to grow muscle stem cells on a synthetic matrix that mimics the elasticity of real muscle, allowing them to maintain their self-renewing properties. This breakthrough may revolutionize the production of adult stem cells for therapies.