Researchers at Penn State College of Medicine have identified a potential new treatment approach targeting the protein c-Met in patients with metastatic liver cancer. By analyzing data from 1,051 patients and six published manuscripts, they found that c-Met activation is strongly associated with poor prognosis and aggressive features. ...
The researchers aim to understand how animals, including humans, quickly adjust to unexpected events. By studying the sea slug's ability to adjust its eating behavior, they hope to develop mathematical models that can predict how patterns of activity in the nervous system change over time.
Physicists and engineers have installed a radar system on the Falkland Islands to monitor upper atmosphere activity that creates the Southern Lights. The radar station, part of the international Super Dual Auroral Radar Network, will help climatologists understand the link between the upper and lower atmospheres.
A UT professor's study found that economic inequality increases both the rich and poor becoming more conservative, reducing support for government programs. The study analyzed hundreds of thousands of survey responses from 1952 to 2006, revealing a self-perpetuating phenomenon.
Parents of children with cancer reported feeling hurried and less well-informed about clinical trial protocols compared to adult patients. The study found that parents felt they had insufficient time to learn about the trials and asked fewer questions.
A recent study found that total health care expenditures for children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) per 10,000 covered lives grew by 32.8% from $1,270,435 in 2000 to $1,686,938 in 2003. The treated prevalence of autism increased by 32.2% during the same period.
Typhoon Megi is forecast to make landfall in southeastern China late at night on October 22 as a Category One typhoon. NASA satellites have been monitoring the storm's rainfall, changing cloud cover, and weakening eye, which weakened due to wind shear.
A new meta-analysis study by Syracuse University Professor Stephanie Ortigue found that falling in love affects intellectual areas of the brain and releases euphoria-inducing chemicals. The study revealed that love can be sparked by different parts of the brain, including those involved in mental representation, metaphors, and body image.
Tropical Storm Richard is expected to intensify in the western Caribbean before making landfall, bringing maximum storm totals of 5-7 inches of rain and potentially flash flooding and mudslides. Residents in eastern Honduras, Guatemala, Belize and Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula are bracing for its impacts as it approaches
Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital have developed new stem-cell and gene-therapy techniques to treat Fanconi anemia, a fatal genetic blood disease. The three-year grant aims to create induced pluripotent stem cells from patient skin or tissue and transform them into genetically repaired hematopoietic stem cells.
Researchers have identified key genes controlling reproductive lifespan in roundworms, which may lead to the development of fertility-preserving treatments for women. The study's findings suggest that quality over quantity is a limiting factor in human reproduction, and that similar genes are shared between humans and worms.
Researchers have discovered a potent toxin in scorpion venom that can prevent neointimal hyperplasia, a leading cause of heart bypass graft failure. The compound, margatoxin, is up to 100 times more effective than other known inhibitors, offering new hope for patients undergoing bypass surgery.
Researchers at UCSF are advancing human embryonic stem cell-based strategies to treat neurological diseases and liver failure. They will investigate novel strategies using embryonic neurons to inhibit hyperactivity in the nervous system and develop therapeutically effective liver cells from human embryonic stem cells.
Research from the University of Washington finds that two elite blogs trigger viral video distribution, with top general interest outlets taking cues from them. Four groups were identified: elite blogs, top general blogs, top political blogs, and tail blogs.
Researchers found that BAFF interacts with c-MYC gene, promoting aggressive leukemias and lymphomas. High levels of BAFF in CLL microenvironment may lead to improved treatment options by blocking its effects or inhibiting signaling pathways.
A new study reveals that 70-year-olds born in 1930 performed better in cognitive tests than their predecessors born in 1901-02. The study attributed the improvement to better pre- and neonatal care, nutrition, education, and access to advanced technology. Despite this, memory problems remained a predictor of dementia risk.
Researchers at UMass Medical School have developed FlexBone, a synthetic bone material with bone-like properties, to replace traditional bone transplants. The material facilitates tissue repair by absorbing proteins from the surrounding tissue, accelerating healing, and delivering growth factors.
Researchers found that male rats raised with lots of sisters spent less time mounting female rats, but still ejaculated equally. The males may be compensating for reduced attractiveness, suggesting families play a role in shaping personality and behavior.
The European Union has recognized the importance of addressing rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases, which affect over 100 million Europeans. The conference called for an EU Musculoskeletal Disease Strategy and national action plans to improve healthcare and treatment.
A study found that an annual conventional Pap smear is a cost-effective strategy for follow-up after cervical lesion treatment. This approach reduced expected cervical cancer deaths by 73-77% compared to more frequent testing.
Scientists from Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena developed a new process to grow carbon nanotubes on scanning probe tips, utilizing microwave radiation for rapid growth. The method improves the fabrication of sharp atomic force microscopy tips, reducing costs and enabling routine measurements.
Two strains of the Anopheles gambiae mosquito are becoming genetically distinct, potentially rendering current control methods ineffective against one strain. The research highlights the need for targeted strategies to monitor and adapt to these genetic changes.
Scientists discovered a crater formed by a NASA-engineered collision that showed the Moon's soil contains more complex compounds than previously believed. The study found water, hydroxyl, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, ammonia, free sodium, and silver in the lunar regolith.
Biopolymers are considered more eco-friendly due to biodegradability and low toxicity, but farming and energy-intensive chemical processing make them less environmentally friendly to produce. Traditional plastics can be cleaner to produce, according to a study in Environmental Science & Technology.
The grants will advance research on retinitis pigmentosa, Huntington's disease and traumatic brain injury. The selected projects are expected to result in candidate drugs or cell therapies, which can be developed for clinical trials.
A study by Kerri N. Boutelle found that parent-only groups are a viable method for childhood obesity treatment, achieving similar results in child weight loss and other outcomes. The approach is more cost-effective and potentially easier for families, with further research planned.
Scientists from Brigham Young University and Florida State University have made a breakthrough in understanding the flu virus's structure, identifying a potential drug target. By mapping the M2 channel's atomic level details, researchers can now develop new treatments that can defeat the virus regardless of its mutations.
A study led by Allison Webel aims to promote lifestyle changes among women with HIV, testing the effectiveness of a self-management intervention. The research targets sleep, exercise, personal time, and spirituality habits, aiming to empower individuals to take an active role in their treatment.
Scientists at The University of Nottingham have pinpointed 72 molecular switches controlling the malaria parasite's three key stages. Their research, funded by Wellcome Trust and MRC, is a significant breakthrough in finding cheap and effective solutions to stop malaria transmission.
A team of researchers aims to develop a biological treatment for compression fractures, the most common type of bone fracture in osteoporosis patients. The goal is to promote healing and stimulate normal bone production.
The UK's NIHR Biomedical Research Centres have established a cutting-edge translational research infrastructure, driving progress in disease research and treatment. With strong focus on interdisciplinary working, public engagement, and industry partnerships, the centres aim to deliver rapid benefits for patients.
A recent study published in Infancia y Aprendizaje found that authoritarian parenting is associated with lower psychosocial adjustment in Spanish children. The researchers identified the indulgent parental socialization style as the most ideal, which emphasizes clear rules and affectionate relationships.
Providing computed tomography colonography as an alternative to conventional colonoscopy could improve colorectal cancer screening rates. The study found that patients preferred virtual colonoscopy due to its convenience and perceived safety.
A Stanford study finds that depletion of protein Perp, which hooks skin cells together, may be an early indicator of skin cancer development. The loss of Perp also promotes cancer by increasing inflammatory molecules and disrupting cell-cell adhesion.
A new model, described in PLoS Computational Biology, allows runners to calculate personalized targets using their aerobic capacity to avoid hitting the wall. The model takes into account a runner's aerobic capacity and leg muscle mass to determine a safe pace for the race.
Researchers found that brains of congenitally blind individuals showed greater reorganization of the visual cortex, which processes motion, compared to sighted individuals who became blind at a later age. This suggests that early life plays a crucial role in shaping brain function and that retraining may be possible.
The Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter's LAMP instrument has detected hydrogen, carbon monoxide, atomic mercury, calcium, and magnesium in the LCROSS impact plume, revealing volatile substances trapped near the Moon's poles. This finding is crucial for planning robotic and manned Moon bases.
A new study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine found that patient navigation services significantly improved biennial mammography screening rates among inner city women. The study showed a significant increase in adherence rates to 87% in those who received patient navigation, compared to 76% in the non-navigated group.
A new study by NCAR scientists finds that deciduous plants absorb about a third more oVOCs than previously thought, taking in 36% more compounds globally. This process cleanses the atmosphere, with plants adapting their metabolism to absorb chemicals as a response to stress.
A new implantable device aims to restore balance during Meniere's disease attacks while preserving natural hearing and residual balance function. The device, developed by University of Washington researchers, has shown promising results in a 10-person surgical trial.
A UCLA team is studying ways to get HIV-positive men released from LA jails into medical care and on sustained treatment. The randomized controlled trial will assess an innovative peer-navigation intervention to improve health outcomes and prevent transmission.
Dialysis patients with little social support are more likely to ignore doctors' orders, experience a poorer quality of life, and die prematurely. Strong social networks are important for maintaining dialysis patients' health.
Researchers have developed a new technique using Time-of-Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) to detect and differentiate explosives. This technology provides rapid identification of components in explosives like C4, including the explosive active components, additives, binders, and contaminants.
A study found that living in neighborhoods with poor air quality, traffic noise, and infrastructure issues significantly increases the risk of mobility problems among African Americans with diabetes. The researchers discovered that people with diabetes who live in adverse neighborhood conditions are up to 80 times more likely to develo...
The NIH Recovery Act has awarded $300 million in shared instrumentation grants to support biomedical research. The grants will enable researchers to access powerful devices such as high-powered electron microscopes and supercomputers to accelerate discoveries in disease prevention, treatment, and cure.
Researchers have found that a cholesterol-lowering drug can reduce enlarged prostates in hamsters to the same extent as a commonly used BPH treatment, working even better when combined. The study suggests lowering cholesterol may reduce BPH in men, potentially preventing its development through exercise and diet.
Researchers detected large areas of water ice in the lunar south pole using NASA's Diviner instrument. This discovery suggests that these regions are suitable for future human missions, as subsurface water ice is more stable and protected from radiation.
Research led by Dr. Fu-Dong Shi at Barrow Neurological Institute revealed that natural killer cells play a critical role in controlling CNS inflammation and immune response. Enriching affected areas with NK cells improved disease symptoms, while blocking them worsened outcomes.
Scientists created a 70-nanometer narrow channel to analyze photogenerated electrons with high precision. They demonstrated that photogenerated electrons can flow several micrometers before colliding with crystalline atoms, revealing the influence of circuit geometry on electron paths.
Duke University researchers discovered that smaller catalyst particle size is crucial for improving efficiency in chemical reactions. The team found that the surface-to-volume ratio of the catalyst particle is more important than previously thought, leading to faster reactions.
Researchers are pioneering the use of wireless sensors to study a little-known phenomenon that affects glacier movement. They aim to measure the 'stick' and 'slip' phases of stick-slip motion, which cause ice sheet movement in glaciers.
A new certified intervention, Problem-Solving Skills Training (PSST), has proven to be more effective in long-term stress reduction compared to other psychological methods. Mothers of newly diagnosed patients were able to decrease their stress levels sooner and sustain them longer with PSST.
The European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology has published new guidelines for Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD). The guidelines cover the organization of PGD centers, laboratory methods, clinical protocols, and follow-up recommendations. PGS is also included in the guidelines.
A new method involves microbial sulfate reduction using an anaerobic bioreactor, reducing over 90% of sulfates in scrubbing water. The treated waste can be converted into elemental sulfur or metal sulfide nanoparticles for industrial use.
Duke University engineers have designed and demonstrated microscopically small lasers integrated with thin film-light guides on silicon that could replace copper in a host of electronic products. The new approach solves some of the unanswered riddles facing scientists trying to create and control light at such a miniscule scale.
A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons found that airbags significantly reduce the risk of kidney injury in car crashes. The research analyzed over 2,800 records and found a 45-52% reduction in renal injuries with airbag deployment.
Researchers found declining levels of nitrogen and phosphorus since the 1970s, indicating improved water quality in Everglades National Park. The study's findings suggest that the park's restoration methods have effectively reduced waste and improved ecosystem health.
Researchers at Iowa State University and the Ames Laboratory discovered the flu virus uses a shuttle mechanism to relay protons through a channel, necessary for infection. This finding may lead to designing drugs that stop protons from moving through the channel.
A new study by Margie E. Lachman and Stefan Agrigoroaei found that specific psychological, social, and physical protective factors can delay declines in health by up to a decade. Positive traits such as control beliefs, social support, and physical exercise are associated with better health in later life.
A common variant of the HSPB7 gene is found to increase risk for dilated cardiomyopathy by nearly 50%. The study provides a first step towards supporting future preventive measures for this severe form of heart muscle disease.