A new study found lower glutamate levels in the hippocampus associated with increased dopamine activity, suggesting a risk marker for later psychotic disorders. The abnormal relationship between glutamatergic and dopaminergic systems may support early treatment of psychosis.
Researchers discovered that lipopolysaccharide and polyI:C stimulate factor B production in macrophages through distinct but overlapping mechanisms. This finding highlights the complexity of the immune system and its redundancy, enabling it to counter bacterial and viral strategies.
Researchers at UC Riverside have sequenced the genome of Culex quinquefasciatus, a mosquito that spreads West Nile virus and other diseases. The study provides insights into the genetic makeup of the mosquito and could lead to novel strategies for preventing disease transmission.
The University of Louisville School of Nursing has received a $792,000 grant to create a comprehensive nursing informatics education program. The program will prepare students for the increasing use of technology in healthcare and provide continuing education for practicing nurses.
Researchers discovered a genetic alteration in the NR5A1 gene that disrupts sperm production, accounting for approximately 4% of cases of unexplained male infertility. The study suggests that these mutations may indicate mild abnormalities in testicular development, highlighting the need for further clinical investigation.
The National Science Foundation (NSF) has awarded $10 million to build and operate PRObE, a one-of-a-kind computer systems research center in Los Alamos. The center will provide large-scale systems research capabilities, targeting high-performance and data-intensive computing.
The NIH has awarded a $7.7 million grant to Arizona State University to unravel the structures of membrane proteins that play a key role in protecting against infectious diseases. The ASU center will target membrane proteins of key viral and bacterial pathogens, their infectious pathways and molecules involved in host defense.
USDA scientists have identified several black aspergilli species capable of infecting corn and peanuts, producing mycotoxins like ochratoxin. The research supports food safety, highlighting the need to monitor for potential pathogens in crops.
A team of scientists, led by URI oceanography professor Steven D'Hondt, will embark on a nine-week expedition to the South Pacific Gyre to drill into the basaltic basement and search for evidence of life. The team aims to test whether microbial communities can be sustained by hydrogen released from radioactive water decay.
The NIH Director's Transformative Research Projects (T-R01) award program provides funding for exceptionally innovative research ideas that have the potential for extraordinary impact. The program allows investigators to sidestep conventional stumbling blocks and propose daring ideas.
Researchers have developed a new way to peer into the inner workings of proteins and detect specific atoms at work. By analyzing myoglobin's structure and motion, they identified the critical amino acid controlling oxygen binding, with implications for custom-crafted proteins and biotechnologies.
A team of researchers has discovered genetic changes in glioblastoma, a common type of primary brain cancer, that contribute to its aggressiveness. The study found that tumors with rearrangements in receptor genes are more common than previously thought, suggesting new targets for therapies.
A team of chemists used artificial neural networks to analyze tea leaves' mineral content and identify the type of tea. The technique achieved a high accuracy rate, allowing for clear differentiation between white, green, black, Oolong, and red tea varieties.
CWRU researcher Erin Lavik is developing synthetic platelets using nanotechnology to treat traumatic injuries. Her lab aims to fine-tune the artificial platelets and integrate them with drug delivery systems.
A recent study published in Mass Communication & Society found that TV viewing can lead to increased concern about personal health and reduce satisfaction with life. People who watch more TV are more likely to believe they are at risk for health problems, even if the shows are fictional, and may become disillusioned with life as a result.
Researchers aim to create more effective aerial vehicles by studying how animals sense their surroundings, enabling them to navigate in low-light conditions and around moving objects. The project seeks to balance short-term navigation with long-term goals, such as reaching a final destination.
Researchers discovered a reservoir of rapidly replicating Salmonella inside epithelial cells, which are then pushed out into the gut cavity, triggering an inflammatory response. This understanding may lead to a treatment that prevents the spread of infection and sheds light on the mechanisms behind acute intestinal inflammation.
Researchers from McGill University have discovered that mutations in the SCARF2 gene are responsible for Van Den Ende-Gupta syndrome, an extremely rare genetic disorder characterized by unique head and facial features. The study utilized a high-tech genome analyzing machine to quickly sequence coding portions of the human genome and id...
A recent study found that South Asian kidney transplant recipients experience a significantly higher risk of heart problems post-transplant. The research identified ethnicity as a key risk factor for cardiovascular events in this population, highlighting the need for tailored care and registry categories.
Researchers have discovered that RD114 envelope proteins can effectively pseudotype lentiviral vectors, offering an attractive alternative to VSV-G. This technology has the potential to enhance gene therapy approaches by increasing transduction efficiency and stability.
Researchers mapped infection-response genes in Culex quinquefasciatus to better understand its role in transmitting diseases such as West Nile virus and lymphatic filariasis. The study aims to broaden the understanding of immunity genes beyond those expected, potentially providing a new approach to controlling mosquito-borne diseases.
Children with dog allergies who own a dog before age 1 are less likely to develop eczema by age 4, while cat ownership increases the risk among those allergic to cats. The study suggests parents consider pet choice when caring for at-risk children.
Researchers found that 10 out of 17 Veronica species in New Zealand's alpine environment exhibit hygrochasy, a type of seed dispersal mechanism that combines plant movement with moisture response. The study challenges the traditional view of plant movement and highlights the diversity of plant adaptations to environmental conditions.
A study published in Experimental Brain Research reveals that chronic impingement syndrome, a common cause of shoulder pain, is triggered by excessive activation of specific neck and shoulder muscles during daily life or sports. The research opens the door to future tests of physiotherapy as a non-invasive treatment for shoulder injury.
Transorbital neuroendoscopic surgery (TONES) is a safe and effective treatment for advanced brain diseases and traumatic injuries. By performing surgery through the eye socket, surgeons can gain equivalent access to the front of the brain while eliminating large ear-to-ear scars associated with major brain surgery.
A randomized trial found that HPV DNA-based screening and cryotherapy significantly reduced high-grade cervical cancer precursors in unscreened South African women. The study suggests that a 'screen-and-treat' approach can be an effective cervical cancer prevention strategy, especially in low-resource settings.
Researchers have sequenced the genome of Culex quinquefasciatus, a mosquito species that transmits West Nile virus. The study provides insights into disease transmission and offers a platform for comparative studies to investigate interactions between viruses and mosquitoes.
Researchers have uncovered a key mechanism in which leukemia cells trigger a protective response when exposed to histone deacetylase inhibitors. By disrupting this pathway, the cancer-killing capacity of HDACIs can be increased dramatically.
Menstrual blood-derived stem cells may aid in brain repair following stroke, with no risk of creating tumors. The study aims to advance the clinical application of self-donor cell therapy for stroke patients.
An Australian study discovered a rare genetic form of epilepsy can originate from an embryonic genetic mutation, challenging previous assumptions about its inheritance. Researchers believe this finding may have implications for siblings of individuals with other genetic diseases that could be caused by an embryo mutation.
Rutgers University has received a $47.5 million grant from the NIH to study protein structures and their impact on diseases. The grant supports two major programs: NESG, which develops new methods for determining protein structures, and SBKB, which collects and disseminates protein structure information worldwide.
The NIH has awarded $290 million in grants for structural biology research, focusing on determining protein shapes and functions. Four large-scale centers will operate pipelines for protein structure determination, including centers for mitochondria and membrane proteins.
Scientists sequenced the Culex quinquefasciatus genome to analyze its immune response to pathogens. The study found that Culex has an expanded immune gene repertoire, enhancing its ability to adapt to diverse habitats and evade infections.
Researchers will study proteins that trigger cell activity and functions, aiming to understand how they malfunction and cause heart disease. The project, led by UCLA, involves seven institutions worldwide and focuses on mitochondria and proteasomes, which may contribute to heart disease when defective.
The Commonwealth Fund's new report provides recommendations for state and federal policymakers to design effective health insurance exchanges under the Affordable Care Act. The report suggests that exchanges should be independent, governed by boards with representatives from various agencies, to avoid adverse selection and reduce admin...
A UNC study found that radio frequency tags on surgical sponges can aid in preventing sponges from being left behind in patients following surgery. The researchers used a radio-frequency detection device in 1,600 operations and detected one sponge in an operation where manual counting was correct.
A Phase 3 clinical trial conducted by GlaxoSmithKline and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases found that a genital herpes vaccine was ineffective in preventing the disease in women. The study, which involved 8,323 women aged 18-30 years, showed that the vaccine had an estimated 20% effectiveness rate.
Researchers at OU aim to create more efficient solar 'photovoltaic' cells that can convert heat to electricity with conversion efficiencies of 30% or higher. The project involves collaboration between OU and Sandia National Laboratories to push photovoltaic technology to longer wavelengths.
Researchers identified the WRD11 gene as a key player in normal puberty development and its connection to the sense of smell. Chromosomal break helped clear up why some patients with delayed puberty have no sense of smell.
Researchers at York University have developed a waterproof controller that enables an underwater robot to communicate with divers wirelessly. The AQUA system uses a tablet built by York researchers, allowing divers to program the robot's actions and receive commands through a waterproof interface.
Scientists have mapped the unexplored offshore Northern San Andreas Fault, revealing deep rifts and high walls with areas supporting animal life. The study aims to understand past earthquakes and their impact on biological diversity.
A study by Mayo Clinic and TGen reveals that DNA methylation is altered with increasing severity in multiple myeloma, leading to the overexpression of oncogenes. The researchers found hypomethylation at specific points of DNA, associated with myeloma development, and suggest it may have prognostic value.
The summer of 2023 was the fourth-warmest on record, with June to August temperatures globally being warmer than previous years but not unprecedentedly so. Global warming has increased the frequency of extreme warm anomalies, making events like the Moscow heat wave more likely.
Researchers found that group collective intelligence accounts for 40% of performance variation across diverse tasks. Teams with more women demonstrated greater social sensitivity and collective intelligence compared to teams with fewer women.
Eight new researchers will receive funding for their studies on autism spectrum disorders, including genetics, neuroscience and clinical research. The fellowships aim to support the growth of a promising cadre of young autism scientists.
The study of fish teeth reveals ocean circulation patterns that differ from present day, shedding light on heat transfer and oxygenation. An iridium anomaly is linked to the Cretaceous-Paleogene extinction event, reaffirming the link between impact and mass extinction.
The Rochester Institute of Technology will construct a new green facility housing the Golisano Institute for Sustainability, utilizing the award to promote sustainable processes and serve as a model for other universities. The institute conducts cutting-edge research in nanotechnology, alternative energy development, and sustainable de...
A special issue of Neurologic Clinics details latest advances in treating neurologic disorders such as stroke, epilepsy, and sleep disorders. The issue includes treatments for Parkinson's disease and headaches, as well as new medications for epilepsy.
Researchers found a link between psychosis and an abnormal connection between dopamine and glutamate in the brain, suggesting new treatment approaches for schizophrenia. The study, funded by the MRC, may lead to better drugs for preventing psychotic symptoms.
Scientists create a synthetic structure that mimics the behavior of PCR enzymes, allowing for highly sensitive detection of small molecules. The new catalysts could lead to advancements in medical diagnostics, forensics, and environmental monitoring.
A research team led by Kang Zhang aims to use chemicals to reprogram Muller cells into photoreceptors in the eye, potentially leading to new cell-based therapy and small molecule drugs for regenerative medicine. The goal is to restore visual function lost due to diseases such as macular degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa.
A team of researchers discovered fossilized feathers from a giant penguin species that lived near the Equator over 36 million years ago. The feathers revealed softer gray or reddish-brown colors, unlike modern penguins' predominantly black and white feathers.
Researchers have discovered that dinosaurs had thick layers of cartilage in their joints, which may have made them considerably taller than originally estimated. This study has implications for understanding dinosaur posture and speed.
Researchers found that sleeping between 5-6.5 hours per night is associated with excellent survival among women, contradicting previous studies that suggested 6.5-7.5 hours. Obstructive sleep apnea did not predict increased mortality risk in older women.
Characteristics such as patient engagement, physician communication, and staff coordination contribute to higher dialysis center survival rates. Top-performing centers also report stronger interpersonal relationships and more resourceful dietitians.
The USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture has awarded nearly $3.8 million to develop healthier food products for humanitarian assistance programs. These projects aim to improve the nutritional delivery and functional form of food aid products, particularly for infants and young children at risk for malnutrition.
The National Institutes of Health has awarded $11.5 million to a consortium of research institutions led by the California Institute of Technology for a center focused on studying membrane-protein structures, aiming to shed new light on basic biology and potential treatments for disease.
A recent study led by St. Michael's nephrologist Dr. Ramesh Prasad has found that South Asian patients are more than twice as likely to suffer a heart attack after a kidney transplant compared to Caucasian, black and East Asian men and women.
The Interstellar Boundary Explorer (IBEX) spacecraft has made significant discoveries about the interaction between the solar wind and interstellar space. The spacecraft has found that the strength of the interaction varies dramatically across the sky, with a long 'ribbon' and an intense hotspot detected in the heliosheath. These findi...
USC professor Andrea Armani is developing a real-time nanolaser instrument to locate carcinogens and their induced changes in living cells. This technology aims to create personalized cancer drug delivery systems, potentially within 10-15 years.