A Texas A&M University oceanographer is studying the impact of subsurface hydrocarbons near the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill. The research aims to understand the fate of the oil, its effects on marine life, and the role of methane in the global carbon cycle.
The Arizona State University Center for Photonics Innovation will focus on semiconductor photonic materials and devices, with applications in various fields. The center aims to engage researchers from diverse specialties, promote entrepreneurship development, and provide opportunities for graduate and undergraduate students.
The ALIAS project, a three-year, 3.87-million-euro initiative, seeks to develop adaptable robots capable of serving as safe assistants for elderly people. The robots will monitor home environments, provide cognitive assistance, and facilitate social contacts, aiming to improve quality of life.
The Society for Nutrition Education honored several members for their outstanding work in nutrition education, including Suzanne Pelican for her 'WIN the Rockies' program. Mary Murimi received the SNE Mid-Career Award for her contributions to nutrition education and her leadership roles within the organization.
Researchers identified a novel structure in cells that serves as a control switch in the body's system for eliminating damaged cells, offering new therapeutic potential. Small molecules can regulate p53 protein production and protect healthy tissue from damage caused by radiation, chemotherapy, or other factors.
Researchers found that brain stimulation therapy improved motor function in 95% of patients with mild to moderate muscle weakness after an ischemic stroke. The treatment, using repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), rebalances brain activity between the affected and unaffected hemispheres.
The Journal will provide a strong multidisciplinary forum to advance the understanding of therapeutic hypothermia. Novel findings from translational preclinical investigations as well as clinical studies and trials will be featured in original articles.
Researchers found hundreds of rhododendron species could be derived from hybrids, explaining rich biodiversity and ancient cross-breeding. Ancient pairings of wild plants led to development of new species over millions of years.
A University of Florida study found that only a third of respondents were upset by racial sentiments, while two-thirds took pride in a black candidate's ability to win the nomination and presidency. The study suggests that racism is still present but not as significant a factor in politics as it might be in other areas.
Researchers discovered an indirect approach to reducing JAK2 activity by targeting HSP90, which stabilized JAK2. This treatment normalized blood counts and improved survival in mouse models of myeloproliferative neoplasms. Inhibiting c-Met also decreased mTOR signaling and blocked cyst formation in a mouse model of autosomal dominant p...
Researchers found that video game players develop a heightened sensitivity to their surroundings, improving skills like multitasking and driving. They were up to 25% faster at making quick decisions than non-gamers.
A study published in CMAJ found that early surgery within 24-72 hours reduces the risk of death and postoperative complications. Hip fractures are associated with a mortality rate of 14 to 36%, but early surgery can decrease this risk.
Researchers have discovered two coordinated dance moves performed by skeletons inside neurons during long-term potentiation, a process linked to learning and memory. This finding provides insight into developmental disorders such as Williams syndrome, which affects cognitive strengths and weaknesses.
A team of UC Davis scientists discovered a novel mechanism behind Vioxx's link to heart attacks and strokes, finding that the drug increases a regulatory lipid that contributes to cardiovascular events. The research may pave the way for safer coxibs for millions of arthritis patients.
Researchers find a crucial protein involved in immune response also plays a role in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) progression. Suppressing the protein's activity eliminates leukemic cells, paving the way for potential new treatments.
Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center have identified a novel molecular pathway underlying Parkinson's disease, which involves polyamines and toxic proteins in neurons. The study suggests that polyamine-lowering drugs may be able to slow the disease's progression and potentially lead to early detection tests.
Scientists from Oxford University found that Alpine pennycress plants accumulate zinc, nickel, and cadmium to defend against bacterial infection. The study demonstrates a direct link between metal concentrations and resistance to disease.
The USGI medical tissue anchors have demonstrated long-term durability beyond 1 year in various incisionless gastrointestinal procedures. The anchors enable surgeons to perform scarless surgeries through the mouth, reducing pain and hospital stays. No serious adverse events were reported during the 24-month follow-up endoscopies.
Scientists have identified two plant enzymes that make it easier to extract sugars from wood, straw, and other non-edible parts of plants. This breakthrough can lead to more efficient and sustainable production of biofuels with lower impact on the food chain.
Researchers identify hyperactive c-Met protein as key player in ADPKD cyst growth, leading to potential therapeutic target. Pharmacological inhibition of c-Met decreases mTOR activity and blocks cyst formation in mouse model.
CD82 and CD9 proteins are found to suppress tumor metastasis by releasing beta-catenin in exosomes, thereby inhibiting Wnt signaling. This mechanism may be compromised in certain cancers, where Wnt signaling is hyperactive.
Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital discovered a new approach to treating polycystic kidney disease by inhibiting c-Met receptor activity, reducing cyst size and number. The compound showed promise in animal models, potentially leading to clinical trials in humans.
Research reveals that farm management choices significantly influence arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi distribution, with organic farming showing higher AMF richness. This understanding can improve crop production and promote sustainable agricultural practices to address food security and climate change challenges.
Dr. Bogdan Strimbu, a Louisiana Tech University professor, organized a technical session at the IUFRO's XXIII World Congress in Seoul, South Korea. The session focused on the significance of mixed species forest ecosystems in social, economic and environmental areas.
Healthcare professionals need specialized training to deliver end-of-life discussions, while a network of colleagues provides ongoing support for communication and decision-making. This approach helps sustain terminally ill patients and their loved ones, rather than leaving them feeling abandoned or overwhelmed.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have found that overexpressing microRNA-21 promotes the formation, growth and survival of new tumors in mice with non-small-cell lung cancer. The study suggests that inhibiting miR-21 could be a therapeutic approach to treating the disease.
Research shows that action video game players outperform non-gamers in making quick and accurate decisions based on evidence. The transfer of learning from action games to other tasks is notable for its broad improvements.
Research on LGBTQ families reveals that their children are not only psychologically healthy but often excel in social and academic areas. However, Family Therapist Arlene Istar Lev suggests that this success might be masking a bias against LGBTQ individuals, who face societal pressure to produce heterosexual offspring.
Researchers at Cardiff University cloned a human virus, Human Cytomegalovirus (HCMV), which is a major cause of congenital malformations and life-threatening disease in transplant patients. The cloning of HCMV has enabled the development of new treatments and vaccines against this virus.
A three-year lifestyle intervention program with exercise training and diet counseling improved quality-of-life measurements in adults at moderate to high risk for heart disease. The intervention also showed a net savings of $47 per participant due to reduced healthcare use.
Researchers at Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center have identified a targeted agent that promotes cell death and disrupts survival pathways in CLL cells. The agent blocks PI3K-delta, an isomer of the PI3K pathway required for hematopoietic cell functions.
A CU-Boulder study found that neural inhibition plays a crucial role in decision-making, particularly for people with anxiety disorders. The research suggests that increasing neural inhibition could help improve treatment options for individuals struggling with decision paralysis.
SPADnet aims to create a new generation of smart image sensors for photon-starved biomedical applications, enabling scalable and efficient imaging. The project will develop ring-assembly modules for Positron Emission Tomography (PET) imaging and carry out performance tests in a PET evaluation system.
A new Northwestern University study found that rapid weight gain in the first six months of life predicts earlier puberty for boys and has long-term effects on their physical characteristics and reproductive strategy. The researchers suggest that testosterone plays a key role in shaping these differences.
A Stanford study found that repeated use of a benign antibiotic can alter the composition of beneficial microbes in the human gut. The research involved three healthy adult females who received two courses of ciprofloxacin, revealing persistent changes in their gut microbiomes.
Researchers describe an indirect approach to reducing JAK2 activity by pharmacologically targeting HSP90. Inhibiting HSP90 normalized blood counts and improved survival in two mouse models of MPN, promoting JAK2 degradation in samples from patients with the disease.
A research team created a quadrupedal molecular machine with four 'hooves' to study how multiple parts move. The team found that the molecule uses a pacing gait, but cannot use tunneling to zip through the surface corrugation.
A recent study found that nearly half of surgeons who made over $1 million from orthopedic device companies did not have their relationship disclosed in their scientific articles. The study highlights the need for full disclosure in medical journal articles to avoid biased scientific conclusions.
A new study by Timothy Salthouse found that mental abilities decline with age, but not as steeply as previously thought. After adjusting for 'practice effects,' which inflate test scores due to repeated testing, the study revealed smaller declines in mental aging.
A study of 43,987 men aged 55-74 found that those with low PSA levels did not have a significant reduction in prostate cancer deaths. Men with high PSA levels benefited more from screening and treatment. The results suggest that aggressive follow-up testing and treatment may not be beneficial for men with low PSA values.
Research published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences suggests that children under 12 do not combine different sensory information like adults, and this ability develops around age 12. Adults can integrate multiple sources of visual information, such as perspective and binocular depth, to make a unified estimate.
The Standards Standard provides a centralized source of information on healthcare information, communications, and technology standards. It includes interactive components allowing readers to comment and discuss articles on electronic health systems implementation.
A pilot study suggests pioglitazone is well-tolerated and may be a promising treatment for Alzheimer's disease. Peripheral edema was the main adverse event, but no significant treatment effect on clinical efficacy was observed.
A new study reveals that African Americans with muscular dystrophy face a significant mortality gap compared to their white counterparts, largely due to unequal access to quality healthcare and insurance coverage. This widening disparity is attributed to systemic inequalities in the healthcare delivery system and the effects of inadequ...
NASA satellites detect intense rainfall rates of up to 2 inches per hour around Igor's circular eye, indicating powerful thunderstorms. The storm is expected to remain a Category 4 hurricane for the next couple of days, posing significant threats to affected areas.
A study by BC-CfE found that supervised injection facilities like Insite connect clients with addiction treatment, increasing the likelihood of stopping injection drug use for at least six months. The study also highlights the importance of engaging Aboriginal people who use drugs in addiction services.
Researchers at OHSU and Washington University use functional MRI to examine the brain at rest, revealing a 'maturation index' that can determine brain development. This technology has clinical applications for assessing childhood development, diagnosing ADHD and autism, and potentially improving treatment outcomes.
Dr. Verdin's research aims to develop a new single cell technology to examine HIV latency, with the goal of devising novel strategies to eliminate latent HIV infection or restrict its pool to a size that can be controlled by the immune system.
Research found that publicly available physician characteristics, such as board certification and sex, are poor proxies for clinical performance and do not consistently guarantee higher-quality care. The study analyzed data from 1.13 million adults in Massachusetts and found no significant association between malpractice claims and qua...
A new study published in Neurology shows that white men and boys are living longer with muscular dystrophy than their African-American counterparts. The research analyzed death records from 1986-2005 and found a significant racial disparity in life expectancy for those with the disease.
A study analyzing protein biomarkers in blood serum identified individuals with Alzheimer's disease with high accuracy. The findings suggest an inflammatory subtype of the disease and hold potential for targeted therapeutics.
Adolescents from Latin American and Asian backgrounds experience more discrimination than peers from European backgrounds. Discrimination impacts their grade-point averages, health, and self-esteem.
A safety study in 60 stroke patients found minocycline well-tolerated even at three-and-one-half times the dose currently used. The researchers aim to find a dose that can be given easily, regardless of weight, and reduce stroke damage in multiple ways.
A study from RAND Corporation and University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine found that three characteristics - being female, board certified, and graduating from a domestic medical school - had a small association with better quality medical care. However, these findings highlight the need for better physician performance data to hel...
Researchers at Tel Aviv University have verified a theory that asteroid pairs are formed when small gravel-sized rocks separate from a larger asteroid through centrifugal force. The study, published in Nature, reveals that these 'separated asteroids' share the same orbit and demonstrate the existence of paired asteroid relationships.
The European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology and the International Federation of Fertility Societies are concerned about the lack of uniform clinical standards between countries, putting patients' safety at risk. The societies are developing a 'Code of Practice on Cross Border Reproductive Care' to protect and reassure pat...
The genetic study confirms Antillean manatees in Belize as a separate subspecies from Florida manatees. However, the Belizean population has extremely low genetic diversity, posing a long-term viability threat.
Tropical Storm Julia was born on September 12 with strong convection and heavy rainfall, powered by a cold core that reached temperatures as low as -63°F. The storm is expected to strengthen over the next few days, potentially reaching hurricane status.
Adding albuterol to a treatment for multiple sclerosis improves functional status and reduces inflammation by decreasing interleukin-12 levels. The study suggests that combining glatiramer acetate with albuterol is well-tolerated and enhances clinical response in patients with relapsing-remitting MS.
A multicenter trial found that childhood cancer survivors who took methylphenidate showed improved sustained attention and social skills, with benefits lasting a year after treatment. The study offers hope and reassurance for survivors and their families.
A USGS study found that taste-and-odor compounds are commonly associated with cyanotoxin presence, highlighting the need for increased surveillance and public alert systems. Cyanotoxins can be poisonous to people, aquatic life, pets, and livestock, causing symptoms like skin rashes, stomach upset, seizures, or death.
Researchers found that patients taking oral antiviral medications had fewer recurrences of corneal disease and other eye-related manifestations. The study suggests that antiviral prophylaxis should be considered for patients with frequent recurrences, highlighting its potential to prevent vision loss.
Researchers at Washington State University have discovered a key mechanism behind sleep, which could lead to the development of new treatments for fatigue and sleep disorders. The finding reveals how brain activity is linked to sleep and provides potential targets for medications.
Stanford researchers developed an electronic sensor that can detect the slightest touch, mimicking human skin's sensitivity. The new artificial skin uses a thin film of rubber molded into tiny pyramids, allowing it to perceive pressures in a range of very gentle touches.
Research reveals nearly half of patients who initiated biennial fecal occult blood test screening did not adhere to subsequent colorectal screening. In contrast, depression management programs delivered promising long-term results for chronically depressed primary care patients. The study also found modest reductions in branded drug us...
A new study found a 70% increase in basketball-related traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) among children and adolescents between 1997 and 2007. The study, conducted by Nationwide Children's Hospital, also revealed that TBIs doubled for boys and tripled for girls during this time.
A randomized controlled trial found that cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen resulted in a 49% cure rate for common warts, compared to 15% for salicylic acid and 8% for the wait-and-see approach. Cryotherapy caused more side effects but patients were most satisfied with this treatment.
A study published in Developmental Cell sheds light on Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome, a rare genetic disease causing premature aging. Researchers discovered that defects in the extracellular matrix and Wnt signaling pathway contribute to progeria's characteristic symptoms.
Research suggests wives are more likely to enter labor force when husbands stop working during economic downturn, highlighting shifting gender roles in families. Jobs in health and education industries provide a reliable source of income for families during recession.
A University of Missouri research team created a soybean that produces oil rich in oleic acid, a stable component that reduces saturated and trans fats. The new soybean results in healthier oil with increased omega-3 fatty acids.
McGill researchers discovered how cells identify and recycle proteins by capturing an image of the UBR box component. This finding holds promise for understanding and treating Johanson-Blizzard syndrome, a rare disease causing deformations and mental retardation.
Alice Cepeda, a University of Houston sociologist, has received the National Award of Excellence in Research by a New Investigator for her groundbreaking research on Hispanic drug abuse. Her work has made significant contributions to understanding social context and high-risk behavior associated with drug use among Latinos.
New findings from a major drug trial have revealed that the platelet function in patients taking ticagrelor recovered much quicker after the drug is stopped, compared to clopidogrel. Additionally, ticagrelor has been shown to prevent 1 in 5 deaths after a heart attack, even in patients with adverse effects like breathlessness.