Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have discovered a new approach to treat inflammatory auto-immune disorders like lupus and multiple sclerosis. The anti-inflammatory agents use polymers to neutralize external nucleic acids that trigger an overactive immune response.
Researchers discovered striking similarities in gene expression patterns between healthy aging and neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's. Aging-related changes were found in individuals as young as 50, contradicting previous expectations.
A new computer model, EvoArch, suggests the Internet's architecture will remain an hourglass shape unless new protocols are added to the middle layers. The model predicts that existing protocols in these layers will compete and replace each other.
A new study suggests that conflict levels in marriage don't change much over the course of a relationship. Low-conflict couples tend to be those where both spouses share decision-making and believe in traditional, life-long marriage, leading to higher marital happiness and lower divorce rates.
A study in mice found that a genetic variation in the CDKAL1 gene leads to misreading of insulin-producing genes, causing decreased insulin production and impaired cell function. Meanwhile, researchers discovered that breast cancer cells evade the antitumor activity of NK cells by modifying their environment.
A new assessment tool, SNOT-16, has been found to effectively evaluate the quality of life in adult patients with acute rhinosinusitis. The modified questionnaire assesses symptom severity and frequency, demonstrating validity and responsiveness.
A study by Purdue University researchers found that E. coli and Salmonella can survive inside plant tissues, rendering exterior sanitization ineffective. The pathogens were detected in every major tissue of the plants, including those transporting nutrients. Cooking foods to known temperatures eliminates these bacteria from inner tissues.
Research published in Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health found a significant association between pre-pregnancy obesity and asthma-like respiratory symptoms in adolescents. Teenagers whose mothers were severely overweight before pregnancy were 20-30% more likely to wheeze or have asthma.
A study evaluating a command-directed casualty response system found improved survival rates among U.S. Army Rangers, with 92% of casualties surviving despite severe injuries from explosions and gunfire. The system's success is attributed to its integration of Tactical Combat Casualty Care guidelines and prehospital trauma registry.
Men who live in states with a strong culture of honor are more likely to take risks and engage in aggressive behavior, leading to higher rates of accidental death. In rural areas, this culture can be even more deadly, with a 19% higher rate of accidental deaths compared to non-honor states.
Researchers found that limiting drug-eluting stent use to high-risk patients preserves clinical benefits while reducing costs by an average of $401 per patient. The selective use of these stents has saved the US healthcare system around $400 million annually.
Researchers measured a spike in radioactive sulfur in the air, revealing that 400 billion neutrons were released per square meter surface of cooling pools between March 13 and March 20, 2011. The levels reached California coast, but posed no threat to human health.
A study published in The Lancet found that just 15 minutes of daily physical activity can reduce the risk of death by 14% and increase life expectancy by 3 years. This benefit applies to all age groups and both sexes, with a significant reduction in mortality rates from cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer.
A new study found that combination immunotherapy nearly doubles five-year survival among patients with advanced Sezary Syndrome, a rare leukemic form of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. The therapy approach comprised extracorporeal photopheresis and systemic immunostimulatory agents.
A new study has recovered and analyzed the oldest fossil evidence of fingernails in modern primates, confirming that small body size led to nail development. The discovery provides direct evidence for the evolution of nails in primates and sheds light on the origins of human-like characteristics.
NeoBiota, a new open-access journal, addresses the challenges of biological invasions through rapid online publishing. The journal incorporates automated cross-linking with major biodiversity platforms to provide barrier-free access to information and data, supporting the study and management of invasive species.
A Taiwanese study found that exercising for 15 minutes a day can reduce mortality risk and extend life expectancy. The study involved over 416,000 participants and showed a significant benefit of moderate exercise even at low volumes.
A new Rutgers study found that applying caffeine directly to the skin may help prevent damaging UV light from causing skin cancer. The study, which involved genetically modifying mice with diminished ATR enzyme, showed that the modified mice developed fewer tumors and had reduced risk of invasive tumors compared to unmodified mice.
Researchers from Texas A&M Institute of Renewable Natural Resources discovered a freshwater mussel species, Quadrula mitchelli, thought to be extinct in the San Saba River. The find indicates that small populations may exist and is a significant discovery for conservation efforts.
By combining spintronics and straintronics, researchers created an ultra-low-power integrated circuit that harnesses ambient energy for computation. The proposed design uses multiferroic composite structures to achieve significant energy savings, potentially powering implantable medical devices and buoy-mounted computers.
A study analyzing results from multiple international clinical trials of beta-blocker drugs found significant differences in survival rates among patients treated in different regions. US patients showed a lower survival rate compared to patients outside the US, while other countries demonstrated more substantial reductions in mortality.
Research in Greenland and Antarctica shows that fossil-fuel related emissions of methane and ethane declined at the end of the twentieth century. The study, led by Murat Aydin, found a common cause for the decline in both gases, linked to changes in energy use.
A new study from Northwestern University finds that Chicago's south and southwest sides suffer the most in terms of residents' health and access to basic health resources. The study highlights significant disparities in healthcare access, including limited mammogram screening and HIV testing sites.
At least 351 species thought to have disappeared over the past 122 years have been rediscovered, but most remain highly threatened and on the brink of extinction due to habitat loss. Researchers stress the need for rapid conservation efforts to prevent further decline.
A modified form of the enzyme Cdk5 is elevated in Alzheimer's disease patients, triggering damage to nerve cell connections. This discovery suggests that SNO-Cdk5 could be targeted for the development of new Alzheimer's disease therapies.
Researchers found diverse bacterial communities in infant saliva associated with early childhood caries, supporting the need for proper oral hygiene practices and dietary habits from birth. The study identifies minimizing fermentable sugars and wiping gums without teeth as crucial preventive measures.
Researchers at the University of Adelaide have found a direct link between obesity and electrical abnormalities in the heart muscle, leading to atrial fibrillation. Obesity can increase blood pressure and put strain on the heart, increasing the risk of developing this common heart rhythm disorder.
The USDA and DOE have awarded grants to spur research into improving the efficiency of growing biofuel crops, including switchgrass, poplar, and Miscanthus. The goal is to develop more resilient crops that can thrive in challenging environments, reducing competition with food production.
Researchers at Fox Chase Cancer Center found that IMRT improved treatment outcomes for patients with extranodal lymphoma of the head and neck, with minimal side effects. The study showed high response rates and no severe dry mouth, relapses, or tissue abnormalities.
A recent Oregon State University study suggests that parasites in fish can have profound impacts on fish health and contribute to salmon mortality. The research found that heavy parasite loads can affect salmon growth, immune function, and other issues, and are linked to land use changes such as logging and agriculture.
A new study reveals that adults who stutter have a brain reorganization that shifts the processing of hearing and motor functions to the right hemisphere. This finding sheds light on the mechanisms underlying persistent developmental stuttering.
Researchers at MIT's Impact and Crashworthiness Laboratory developed a computer model that accurately predicted the location and propagation of cracks in the Deepwater Horizon's drill riser. The model could help oil and gas companies identify stronger or more flexible pipe materials to minimize future accidents.
Researchers at NYU Langone Medical Center have developed advanced MRI techniques that can detect subtle changes in joint cartilage microstructure, allowing for early diagnosis of osteoarthritis. These techniques enable physicians to shift the management of the disease from eventual joint reconstruction to long-term preservation.
Researchers found that breast tumor cells can evade NK cell antitumor activity by promoting self-tolerance. The study suggests that restoring NK cell function could benefit individuals with breast cancer.
Researchers have created a technique to control the speed and direction of light using memory metamaterials, which can repeatedly change their properties. This innovation enables the manufacture of Gradient Index of Refraction (GRIN) devices for imaging and communication technologies with unprecedented precision.
A Spanish study of adults found that heavy drinking and binge drinking were associated with a poor adherence to major food consumption guidelines. The researchers suggest that drinking at mealtimes may contribute to adverse metabolic effects and an increased risk of chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
Researchers at Penn State College of Medicine have discovered a potential new cancer therapy that inhibits two key enzymes in mouse tumor cells, making them more sensitive to chemotherapy. The drug SLM3, which targets GSK-3ß and CDK1, has shown promising results in lab mice.
Researchers found that evolutionary changes in aphid populations led to rapid increases in population numbers, up to 42% faster than non-evolving populations. This rapid evolution has important implications for predicting pest densities and outbreaks in various applied areas.
Researchers analyzed jailhouse phone conversations between accused male abusers and their female victims to understand why some victims recant charges. The analysis revealed a five-step process where perpetrators use emotional appeals to minimize actions and gain sympathy, ultimately leading to the victim's decision to recant.
A new tool, the Edmonton Obesity Staging System (EOSS), predicts mortality risk in overweight and obese individuals with greater accuracy than current methods. The study found that higher EOSS scores were associated with increased mortality risk, even after adjusting for BMI and metabolic syndrome.
A superior-inferior nerve identification technique during thyroid removal surgery significantly reduces complications, including paralysis of the recurrent laryngeal nerve and hypoparathyroidism. The study found fewer permanent cases of these conditions with this approach.
Researchers found that PHLPP1 and PTEN tumor suppressor genes work together to prevent lethal prostate cancer. The study suggests that monitoring gene transcription activity could predict patient outcomes and identify best candidates for clinical trials.
A new study found a positive association between maternal IV fluids and newborn weight loss, suggesting that some weight loss in the first 24 hours may be due to hydration regulation rather than breast milk deficiency. The researchers recommend using weight measured at 24 hours post-birth as a baseline for assessing newborn weight loss.
Scientists at Gladstone Institutes have gained new insight into the delicate relationship between two proteins that regulate stem cells in the heart and may contribute to certain types of cancer. The study reveals an unexpected cross-talk between Notch and Beta-Catenin, which together control cell growth and fetal development.
Researchers discover that alpha-synuclein, key to Parkinson's disease, forms complex folded tetramers in healthy cells rather than a single, randomly-coiled chain. This finding challenges existing disease paradigms and suggests a new therapeutic approach.
A new study reveals that enhanced tree growth in tropical forests can stimulate soil micro-organisms, leading to the release of stored soil carbon. Researchers found that extra litterfall triggers a process called priming, which stimulates the decomposition of carbon stored in the soil.
A team of international scientists identified the protein TSLP as a key regulator of multiple allergic diseases, including eczema, food allergies, and asthma. They found that TSLP elicits the maturation of distinct basophils that promote allergic inflammation.
A new study found that high levels of fat interfere with key transcription factors, leading to diminished glucose sensing in pancreatic beta cells. This pathway is activated in type 2 diabetes and contributes to metabolic defects, including insulin resistance.
Researchers have discovered how butterflies mimic neighboring species to avoid being eaten by birds, using a 'supergene' that controls distinct wing-pattern forms. This phenomenon has puzzled scientists for centuries and is now understood to be controlled by a single gene change.
Researchers at Mount Sinai Hospital and University of Toronto identified the PTPN22 gene mutation's impact on immune cells, leading to hyper-immune responses and autoimmune disorders. The study's findings will help develop new diagnostic tests and targeted therapies for rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune conditions.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have developed a way to remove pluripotent human embryonic stem cells from their progeny before transplanted into patients. The technique uses antibodies to recognize and bind to only pluripotent cells, eliminating the risk of teratomas.
A five-year study found that rheumatoid arthritis patients are at higher risk of cardiovascular disease due to inflammation. Treatment with disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) reduced the risk, while certain risk factors such as diabetes and high blood pressure predicted new events.
Researchers found that Salmonella cells use a beta form of amino acid lysine to cause illness, making it an attractive drug target. Deleting genes involved in this process or inserting alpha lysine instead renders the bacteria non-virulent and sensitive to antibiotics.
A new study led by King's College London found that childhood maltreatment increases the risk of developing both multiple and long-lasting depressive episodes. Maltreated individuals are also more likely to respond poorly to treatment for depression, with antidepressant medication and psychological treatment being less effective.
Researchers have created a new candidate vaccine to protect against chikungunya, a mosquito-borne disease that causes intense pain and chronic arthritis. The experimental vaccine, a recombinant live-attenuated vaccine, has shown promising results in lab mice, offering a potential solution to this debilitating infection.
A University of Oklahoma-led research team has received a $1.28 million grant to improve the efficiency of biofuel production from switchgrass plants. The project aims to identify genetic variations associated with superior conversion qualities and test their correlation in independent populations.
Researchers find that our brains process groups of similar characteristics in a sequential manner, with limitations on perceiving multiple groups at once. This illusion has implications for the design of complex graphic systems and our understanding of ordinary vision.
A nationwide study found that middle school students experienced similar reductions in BMI regardless of whether they received a public health intervention or not. The results suggest that increased awareness and policy changes may be starting to change the trend of rising childhood obesity.
Scientists have identified a mutation in the SIGMAR1 gene associated with juvenile amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), affecting Sigma-1 receptors involved in motor neuron function and disease development. The study suggests that further exploration of this receptor may uncover potential therapeutic targets for ALS.
Patients with previously diagnosed obstructive sleep apnea who stop using CPAP machines experience a significant increase in symptoms within days, including higher heart rates and blood pressure. The researchers suggest that this finding could improve the efficiency of clinical trials on OSA.