Researchers have created a new cancer treatment that uses conditional small RNA molecules to selectively kill cancer cells. The approach exploits characteristics of DNA and RNA to separate diagnosis and treatment steps, potentially eliminating unwanted side effects.
A study of 203,829 individuals in Sweden found that urban living is associated with a higher incidence of schizophrenia and other nonaffective psychoses. Social fragmentation and deprivation were key factors explaining the association.
Researchers at the University of Nottingham have found that bacteria that do not cooperate with their infection-causing colleagues can reduce infection severity. By exploiting this selfish behavior, QS-deficient bacteria can outnumber and outcompete other bacteria, leading to reduced toxin production and milder infections.
The study found that 82 doctors treated 2567 athletes, reporting 287 injuries and 185 illnesses. The highest risk sports were bobsleigh and short track, with injury rates of 15% and 35%, respectively.
A new study published in Neurology shows that mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is 1.5 times higher in men compared to women. MCI often leads to Alzheimer's disease and the study found nearly 14% of participants had MCI, with men being more likely to experience it.
A University of Calgary scientist proposes two novel geoengineering approaches to mitigate global warming: releasing engineered nano-particles and sulphuric acid. These methods aim to reduce the negative effects of sulphates, which are blunt instruments for climate engineering.
Researchers from the University of Edinburgh are studying proteins to understand how they clump together with age, a process linked to several conditions. The goal is to design drugs to prevent this aggregation, which causes brain plaques in Alzheimer's and cloudy vision in cataracts.
A study of over 86,000 families in the UK found that parents are at high risk for depression in the first year after a child's birth, with mothers experiencing significantly higher rates than fathers. The findings highlight the need for better detection and support for parental depression to improve children's outcomes.
A new Australian study found that almost one in four mothers introduced fruit juice, biscuits, and cakes to their infants by six months of age. This early introduction to unhealthy foods is a concern as it can lead to lifelong eating habits and an increased risk of obesity.
Scientists have identified powerful antibiotic properties in cockroach and locust brains, effective against MRSA and E. coli without harming human cells. These novel molecules could lead to new treatments for multi-drug resistant bacterial infections.
New research reveals that employees with control over their workspace are happier, healthier and more productive. Studies showed that personalized offices lead to improved attitudes towards jobs, reduced physical discomfort, and increased efficiency.
Scientists discovered antibiotic properties in cockroach and locust brains, killing over 90% of MRSA and E. coli bacteria without harming human cells.
A study of over 1,900 children found that short nighttime sleep duration was associated with an increased risk of overweight or obesity. The authors suggest that there is a critical window prior to age 5 when nighttime sleep may be important for subsequent obesity status.
A team of researchers discovered HMGB1 as a critical pro-autophagic protein that enhances cell survival and limits programmed cell death. This finding suggests blocking HMGB1 could benefit cancer patients by preventing tumor cells from revving up autophagy to withstand chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiation treatment
Researchers have found a new potential treatment target for bone disease osteomyelitis by interrupting the bacterial death signal that instructs bone cells to die. Blocking this signal could prevent or treat painful bone infections resistant to antibiotics.
A blood test analyzing individual immune responses to infection shows promise for quickly diagnosing respiratory viral illnesses, including flu. The test boasts over 95% accuracy in pinpointing the cause of disease.
Researchers found that a low-carb diet based on animal protein may increase death risk compared to a vegetable-based diet. Additionally, patients often overestimate the benefits of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and radiation-free magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) offers an accurate diagnosis for peripheral arterial disease.
Research found that young white homosexual men contribute significantly to local HIV spread, highlighting high-risk behavior as a major factor. The study's findings suggest targeted prevention programs focused on this group are needed to combat rising infections.
A study found that organic farms have more butterflies than conventional farms, but a combination of conventional farming and nature reserves could support even more butterflies. The research suggests that the trade-off between food production and wildlife conservation depends on the quality of the spare land.
Researchers have revised estimates of Greenland and West Antarctica ice cap melting rates using GRACE satellites, GPS measurements, and glacial isostatic adjustment data. The corrected estimate shows the ice caps are melting at approximately half the predicted speed, resulting in a lower average sea level rise.
A study found that children and teens exposed to nonstick cookware compounds PFOA and PFOS have higher total and LDL cholesterol levels. The compounds were associated with increased total, LDL, and HDL cholesterol, but not triglycerides.
Researchers found that psilocybin improved mood and reduced anxiety in advanced-stage cancer patients, with benefits lasting up to six months. The study provides new hope for alleviating psychiatric symptoms in patients who often do not respond well to conventional treatments.
Researchers created high-resolution maps of carbon storage and emissions in the Peruvian Amazon, revealing patterns that differ among forest types and geology. The study's findings could inform the United Nations' REDD initiative and provide financial incentives to reduce deforestation and degradation.
A Mayo Clinic study found that mild cognitive impairment was 1.5 times higher in men than women, affecting 16% of individuals aged 70-89 without dementia. The study highlights the need for early diagnosis and therapeutic intervention to address the growing prevalence of dementia.
Research finds that linking financial incentives to quality improvement has improved primary care in the UK, leading to reduced heart disease deaths and hospital admissions. Practices with higher quality scores had lower death rates and fewer hospital admissions, especially in deprived areas.
A new study reveals that CEP290 is crucial for maintaining the structural integrity of the ciliary gate, a key component of cilia. This discovery could lead to targeted gene therapy for cilia-related disorders, including Meckel syndrome and Joubert syndrome.
Kaj Blennow receives the 2010 ECNP Neuropsychopharmacology Award for his influential contributions to Alzheimer's disease research. His work focuses on developing laboratory measures for clinical diagnosis and therapy monitoring, holding significant implications for drug development and patient care.
A new study published in Palliative Medicine reveals that German physicians do hasten death in some cases, against current ethical guidelines, and often without sufficient patient involvement. Physicians with extra qualifications in palliative care were less likely to report deliberate actions to hasten death.
A study published in Archives of General Psychiatry found that toddlers with autism spend more time examining dynamic geometric patterns than social images. This preference was observed as early as 14 months in infants at-risk for autism, and was associated with a higher risk of developing an autism spectrum disorder.
Researchers developed a Monte Carlo analysis tool to optimize X-ray mammography, improving image quality and reducing radiation dose. The algorithm may also detect cancerous tissue in breasts automatically.
Researchers at Hebrew University develop theoretical model and conduct experiments to understand how stem cells differentiate based on their surroundings' rigidity. The study reveals elongated, muscle-like fibers in cells on rigid supports, differing from brain and bone cell structures on softer or harder substrates.
The Epitwin project will analyze methylation patterns of 20 million sites in DNA from 5,000 twins to identify differences that explain why identical twins don't develop the same diseases. This study has the potential to uncover key genes responsible for disease and accelerate research into human healthcare.
Researchers translated brain signals into words using two grids of 16 microelectrodes implanted beneath the skull but atop the brain. The study showed that the method can distinguish between brain signals for each word, with an accuracy rate of 76-90%, demonstrating proof of concept.
A pilot study suggests psilocybin, a hallucinogen, is safe and effective in improving mood and reducing anxiety in patients with advanced-stage cancer. The treatment resulted in improved anxiety scores and a depression inventory revealed an improvement of mood that began two weeks after treatment.
A new report highlights the need for increased investment in diverse water storage options to reduce uncertainty and improve production of rainfed farming. The study argues against overreliance on single solutions like big dams, proposing an integrated approach that combines large- and small-scale storage options.
Researchers at MIT have created a novel set of self-assembling molecules that can turn sunlight into electricity and spontaneously reassemble after degradation. The system, which includes carbon nanotubes and phospholipids, has an efficiency of around 40%, nearly double that of current commercial solar cells.
Lestria bacteria can overcome harsh acidic conditions by exploiting key food ingredients like glutamate, neutralising acid and passing through the stomach unscathed. Consuming Lestria in one food may be safe, but eating it in another could be lethal due to varying food matrix properties.
Scientists at UC Santa Cruz and Brigham Young University have created an optical device that slows down light by a factor of 1,200, enabling potential vast improvements in ultra-low-power performance. The breakthrough holds promise for all-optical quantum communication networks.
A prospective cohort study in northeastern Brazil found that pregnant women who experienced psychological violence were more than twice as likely to develop postnatal depression. The study suggests that prenatal care could play a crucial role in detecting partner violence and improving mental health outcomes for mothers.
Research reveals that oral bacteria can jailbreak from the mouth into the bloodstream and increase risk of heart disease. Poor dental hygiene allows bacteria like Streptococcus to cause tooth plaque and gum disease, leading to blood clots and cardiovascular problems.
A 17-year study in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado confirms widespread fears of a decline in bee pollination, with a progressive decrease in fruiting rates observed over the years. The research suggests that climate change may be a contributing factor, particularly during early seasons when bees emerge from hibernation.
A recent study by Professor Sir Alec Jeffreys and his team at the University of Leicester has identified a key gene, PRDM9, that plays a significant role in shaping human diversity. The research reveals that people with different versions of PRDM9 exhibit distinct recombination behaviors, contributing to genetic disorders.
The Hebrew University of Jerusalem has received three prestigious awards from the American Political Science Association in a single year. Faculty members Prof. Orit Kedar and Dr. Moshe Shayo, as well as graduate student Amnon Cavari, have been recognized for their outstanding contributions to the field.
Research discovers that uncooperative bacteria can benefit from 'opting out' of toxin production, reducing infection severity and outnumbering other bacteria. This new treatment approach could complement current therapies for antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections.
The study aims to determine the best balance between effective treatment and side effects for children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The researchers will assess the breathing capacity, satisfaction levels, and muscle function of patients, using three steroid treatments: prednisone, deflazacort, and a combination of both.
Researchers have discovered unique metabolic properties of bone-marrow stem cells that allow them to survive and replicate in low-oxygen environments. This finding may lead to new strategies for enriching stem cells by selecting those with specific metabolic characteristics.
Researchers found that environmental factors like temperature and light are equally important to the Azara's owl monkeys' natural rhythms as their internal biological clock. The study suggests that moonlight is a key adaptation for primates to exploit the nocturnal niche, with activity patterns changing in response to lunar cycles.
The Biophysical Society has recognized eight individuals with its 2011 awards for their significant contributions to the field of biophysics. The awardees include researchers who have made pioneering discoveries using NMR methods, membrane protein biochemistry, and single molecule fluorescence microscopy.
Hurricane Earl has weakened to a Category 2 storm with powerful winds of 104 mph due to increasing wind shear and cooler waters. NASA satellites captured rainfall data, showing moderate rainfall mostly north of the storm's center.
Research at Collier Glacier has found a significant decline of over 20% in size since the late 1980s, consistent with global glacial retreat. The glacier's mass has shrunk to about half its peak size in the 1850s, and studies suggest it will continue to lose mass, particularly during El Nino events.
Researchers at the University of Western Ontario have discovered a link between chronic stress and heart attacks using hair cortisol levels as a biological marker. The study found that heart attack patients had higher cortisol levels in their hair samples compared to control group, suggesting chronic stress as a contributing factor.
The US Neurology guidelines provide a framework for diagnosing and treating infantile spasms, with a focus on early intervention and personalized treatment strategies. The consensus among experts is that broad clinical evaluation, vigabatrin or adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) as first-line treatment, and timely assessment of treatme...
The Biophysical Society has selected 2011 Fellows for their outstanding achievements in the field of biophysics, including advancements in molecular dynamics simulation and superresolution microscopy. The newly appointed Fellows will be honored at the Awards Ceremony during the annual meeting.
Ayusman Sen, a renowned Penn State chemist, has been awarded the prestigious Chemical Research Society of India (CRSI) Medal. His research focuses on developing novel catalysts and antimicrobial polymers with diverse applications.
Researchers at UT Health Science Center San Antonio will study protein fragments released into the bloodstream following heart attacks to identify those who need more intensive treatment. The goal is to develop a blood test to diagnose which heart attack survivors are at risk of heart failure.
Research using satellite telemetry found that migrating birds have a short 'window' of 5-15 days when they can disperse the H5N1 virus over 500km. Asymptomatic infection is crucial, and individual birds must fly quickly and take shortest routes to spread the disease.
The GOES-13 satellite captured an image of Hurricane Earl northeast of North Carolina, showing a huge storm with cloud cover stretching over the northeastern U.S. The category 2 hurricane is expected to turn towards the northeast and approach southeastern New England.
Parkinson's disease affects brain circuitry that impacts cognitive functions like planning and decision-making. Researchers discovered patients can perform automated tasks better than non-patients, yet struggle to adapt to changing behaviors.
Researchers at MIT have developed a new method for attaching phosphorus to organic compounds using ultraviolet light, eliminating the need for hazardous chlorine. The breakthrough could lead to more sustainable production of industrial chemicals and materials.
Afla-Guard, a biological control developed for peanut cultivation, has shown promise in reducing aflatoxin levels on corn crops. In a two-year study, the product demonstrated an overall reduction of 85% in aflatoxin levels compared to control fields.