A joint research project is investigating why some C. difficile cases are more difficult to treat, and how genetic factors contribute to relapses. The study aims to identify key factors that indicate a higher risk of relapse and develop new treatment strategies.
Researchers at UCSD School of Medicine created functional neurons from patients with Rett syndrome, providing a new human cellular model for studying autism spectrum disorder. The neurons featured fewer synapses, reduced spine density, and altered calcium signaling, suggesting that synaptic deficiencies may not be permanent.
A study found that women offered a female endoscopist were no more likely to undergo a screening colonoscopy than those without this option. Despite survey results suggesting high preference for female endoscopists, the study did not show an increase in screening rates.
Eight outstanding students have been awarded prestigious Hartford Doctoral Fellowships in geriatric social work to focus on their dissertation research projects. The fellowships provide $50,000 grants and matching support to cultivate the next generation of geriatric social work faculty.
Scientists have discovered that pneumolysin triggers an immune response by activating the NLRP3 inflammasome, which provides protection against infection caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae. This breakthrough could lead to more effective vaccines for pneumococcal diseases.
A study by UT professors found that firms engaging in corporate political activities enjoy a 20% higher performance. However, the researchers express concern that this increased activity constrains natural market forces and is undesirable.
Researchers found that adult cells from patients with Rett Syndrome could be transformed into induced pluripotent stem cells, which formed functional neurons in cell culture. However, these cells exhibited abnormalities that could be reversed by treating them with drugs, suggesting a potential therapeutic window before disease onset.
The Hastings Center Report has published four essays on the next generation of bioethics, exploring new areas such as pharmaceutical industry ethics, public health, and regenerative medicine. These essays propose broadening the approach to dying and creating a framework for teaching an aging population to prepare for death.
Researchers at Children's Hospital Boston identified a novel human pain gene, α2δ3, associated with different sensitivity to acute and chronic pain. Minor variations in this gene were found to be linked to reduced pain sensitivity, while certain polymorphisms were also associated with increased risk of chronic pain.
Researchers found that administering arsenic trioxide after initial standard treatment improved survival rates for patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). The study, which involved 481 patients, showed significant benefits in event-free survival and overall survival.
A study by Duke University scientists has identified potential sites where CO2 leaks from underground storage could contaminate freshwater aquifers, posing a risk to drinking water quality. The research found that certain geochemical markers can be used to detect early warnings of potential carbon dioxide leaks.
Empa researchers have successfully fabricated small fragments of graphene, known as nanographenes, using a surface chemical route. The reaction pathway consists of six steps with five intermediate products, which can be stabilized on semiconductor surfaces, enabling the fabrication of tailored nanographenes.
Researchers found that cats, regardless of size, use a delicate balance between gravity and inertia to lap milk efficiently. The cat's tongue moves in a subtle motion, creating a column of liquid that is then pinched off by the cat's chin.
Researchers identified a common pain gene across species, including humans, which is linked to synesthesia and acts primarily in the brain, not peripheral nerves. The discovery opens up new avenues for understanding pain and developing more effective treatments.
Researchers discovered that GPR124 controls the growth of blood vessels into the developing brains of mice embryos. The protein is essential for normal blood vessel development in the nervous system but can lead to abnormal hypervasculature when overexpressed.
Scientists successfully replicated autism in the lab using human induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells derived from patients with Rett syndrome. The study revealed disease-specific cellular defects, such as reduced functional connections between neurons, which are reversible through insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) treatment.
Researchers at Brown University discovered that grain boundaries in graphene do not compromise the material's strength. The critical bonds along these boundaries can be as strong as those found in pure graphene when tilted at specific angles, enabling the creation of larger sheets with improved properties.
Researchers discovered toxic Pseudo-nitzschia algae producing domoic acid in vast Pacific regions, contrary to the proposed approach of adding iron to reduce global warming. This finding highlights the concern that iron enrichment can promote toxic blooms in open sea environments.
A study published in Science reveals that Amazonian biodiversity is linked to the geological history of the Andes, dating back to the past 20 million years. The researchers argue that studies aiming to understand Amazonian forests' evolution need to look further back in time.
A new study published in the Journal of Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation and Prevention found that patients with anxiety disorders are more likely to have undetected heart problems during electrocardiogram tests. The study suggests that administering a brief questionnaire before conducting ECGs can help identify patients at risk.
Researchers have discovered a mechanism in green algae that allows its internal clock to synchronize with the day/night cycle despite large fluctuations in light intensity. The study found that the algae's clock is reset when it becomes out of phase, making it immune to strong daylight fluctuations.
A recent study published in Stem Cells journal has awarded human cord-blood research with a $10,000 prize for its potential to cure acute kidney injury. The research revealed the regenerative potentials of human cord-blood stem cells as a future cell therapy.
Research reveals alcohol's far-reaching consequences, including weakened immune systems, impaired bone growth, and increased risks of HIV transmission and poor surgical outcomes.
A University of Michigan study found that contact patterns among different age groups can explain the observed shifts in whooping cough prevalence and incidence. The research suggests that blanket booster-vaccination programs for adults may not be an efficient strategy for controlling the disease.
Researchers will discuss guidelines for food allergy diagnosis and management, as well as primary immunodeficiency diseases such as Job's syndrome and DOCK8 deficiency. The meeting also addresses atopic dermatitis, a chronic skin disorder associated with dry, itchy skin.
Researchers found African mineral dust from the Sahara and Sahel regions was the main contributor to forming reddish soils in Mediterranean regions such as Mallorca and Sardinia. The study also revealed that underlying rock contributed to soil formation.
Researchers have successfully recreated the metabolic process of a critical enzyme responsible for breaking down drugs and nutrients. By trapping the enzyme at a specific stage, they gained insight into how people respond differently to certain chemicals, which could aid in developing more efficient drugs and household products.
A three-year study analyzing primary care data aims to establish clearer guidelines for doctors on preventing venous thromboembolism (VTE) in cancer patients. Researchers believe that targeted preventative treatments could prevent up to 3,000 deaths annually.
Scientists at Sandia have successfully imaged the Rayleigh-Taylor instability in fast Z-pinches, a major obstacle to harnessing nuclear fusion. The accurate simulations will enable researchers to better tweak conditions and combat the effect of the instability, potentially achieving scientific breakeven in two to three years.
The University of Warwick's research uses mathematical models, benchmarking, and simulation to determine the likely performance of future computing designs. The study highlights challenges such as a massive programming/engineering gap and the need for better modeling techniques to discern good design from bad.
Researchers found that tropical rainforest diversity increased rapidly during a 56.3 million year-old global warming event, with new plant species emerging at an accelerated rate. Despite expected devastation, forest ecosystems fared surprisingly well under the warmer conditions.
MoDEL, a new database of protein motions, was published by IRB Barcelona scientists. The database holds over 1,700 proteins and allows for more accurate drug design.
Researchers at the Max Planck Institute of Neurobiology found that fruit flies process optical information in a similar way to vertebrates, separating channels and transmitting parallel image sequences. This efficient system allows the brain to save energy, a theory supported by the consistent wiring across various animal species.
A new study found that romiplostim, a drug mimicking the effects of thrombopoietin, is more effective than standard care in treating immune thrombocytopenia. The treatment significantly improved platelet levels and reduced the need for splenectomy in patients, enhancing their quality of life.
A large cohort study found that consuming fructose-rich beverages like sugar-sweetened soda and orange juice increases the risk of gout among women. The study, which analyzed data from over 78,000 women, also found a significant association between increasing orange juice intake and gout risk.
Researchers found a common genetic alteration in AML patients who died quickly from the disease. DNMT3A mutations were associated with poor survival rates, and patients with these mutations may benefit from aggressive treatment such as bone marrow transplantation.
The GRiSP initiative is expected to lift 150 million people out of poverty by 2035 and prevent greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to 1 billion tons of carbon dioxide. The partnership will deploy rice's genetic diversity, break the yield barrier in rice production, and breed climate-ready rice.
The American Society of Nephrology (ASN) is convening a Summit on the Nephrology Workforce to address the growing crisis in kidney care. The summit aims to increase interest in nephrology careers, particularly among underrepresented minorities and women.
Researchers have discovered distinct neuronal circuits within the central nucleus of the amygdala involved in acquisition and control of behavioral fear responses. The study found that specific inhibition cells play a key role in regulating fear behaviors.
Researchers at Ohio State University found that an individual's normal genetic constitution plays a key role in driving changes in tumors during cancer development. The study compared genetic profiles of tumors from the same individual with those from other individuals, revealing similar yet distinct patterns of DNA changes.
Researchers discovered that activated T cells play a key role in IRIS, producing excessive interferon gamma and triggering an exaggerated immune response. A new animal model also confirmed the involvement of macrophages in sparking IRIS. These findings may lead to targeted prevention or therapy for HIV patients developing IRIS.
A University of Colorado at Boulder-led study found that specific stem cells can prevent the loss of muscle function and mass with aging. The transplanted stem cells doubled in mass and sustained themselves for two years, suggesting a potential treatment for humans with chronic degenerative muscle diseases.
A study found that playing Tetris after viewing traumatic images reduced memory flashbacks in healthy volunteers. However, playing a word-based quiz game increased flashbacks. The researchers suggest that Tetris competes with the brain's perceptual information channel, reducing traumatic memories.
Researchers at NIST have developed a suite of standard reference materials for measuring organic acids in dietary supplements formulated with Vaccinium berries. These materials can help prevent economic adulteration by identifying the type and amount of berry used in products.
A new analysis by ACS Environmental Science & Technology warns of a toxic toys crisis due to hazardous substances in children's products, including lead and cadmium. The report recommends banning or restricting the use of toxic substances and industry-wide measures to ensure product safety.
Researchers have successfully delivered a protective protein called erythropoietin into the brain using a Trojan Horse approach, overcoming the blood-brain barrier's ability to block it. This breakthrough has potential for treating stroke patients, traumatic head injuries, Parkinson's disease, and other chronic brain disorders.
A boom in developing chemical coatings is protecting seeds from destructive insects and diseases, with the worldwide market growing at 10-12 percent annually. These new seed treatments, also known as biologic seed defenders, use microorganisms to promote earlier and more vigorous growth.
A new study shows that bihemispheric transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) coupled with physical and occupational therapy significantly improves motor function in stroke patients. The therapy rebalances brain activity on both sides of the brain, enhancing recovery.
US science educator Piyush Swami shares his expertise on US preparation of science teachers and the emphasis on inquiry skills, critical thinking, and problem-solving. He also looks forward to learning from Chinese colleagues about their approaches to science education and teacher preparation.
Scientists at Caltech have identified a delicate balance in the brain that controls fear output from the amygdala. Two neural subtypes act like a seesaw to regulate fear levels, with PKCδ+ neurons forming one end and inhibiting outflow from the region.
Researchers at the University of Alberta have developed a new method to analyze biopsies from heart transplant patients by examining their genes, allowing for early prediction of treatment success. This approach uses software algorithms to reduce data to key numbers necessary for diagnosis and prognosis.
Research strengthens evidence of link between paracetamol use in pregnancy and childhood asthma. The study found that prenatal paracetamol exposure may depend on antioxidant genes in the mother, increasing the risk of childhood asthma.
Researchers identify skills, attitudes, and behaviors associated with successful households, including high education levels, younger household heads, and a preference for formal financial markets. Successful households also exhibit persistence in their financial management, leading to significant net worth growth over time.
A Northwestern Medicine study found that stressed dopamine-releasing neurons in the brain die prematurely, triggering Parkinson's disease symptoms. The research suggests that controlling this stress with a drug already approved for high blood pressure may delay disease progression.
Research on self-fertilization reveals that it may not always be an evolutionary advantage but can evolve as a side-effect of drought-avoiding life cycles. Flower shape evolution is also influenced by pollinator preferences, with different shapes preferred by different types of insects.
A survey of 11,888 Quebec adults found that nearly 70% have gambled in the past year and spend an average of $483. Researchers also identified higher risks among video lottery terminal users and online gamblers.
The Global Rice Science Partnership (GRiSP) launches a research initiative to improve rice yields and reduce environmental impact. The project aims to lift 150 million people out of poverty by 2035 and prevent greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to 1 billion tons of carbon dioxide.
A new camera technology uses multimode imaging in thermal infrared to visualize bloodstains and other substances, overcoming limitations of existing luminol tests. The camera can detect even diluted blood and distinguish between various chemicals, making it a potential game-changer for crime scene investigations.
Researchers have developed ultra-clean nanowires with a perfect cubic crystal structure, allowing for higher efficiency in nano-electronic devices. The breakthrough is achieved by growing wires on a silicon substrate without metal catalysis.
University of Cincinnati researchers found that pleasurable activities like tasty foods and sex can reduce stress by weakening anxiety responses in the brain. The findings suggest a long-term benefit and could potentially provide strategies for intervening in metabolic disorders.