Researchers developed a breath test to measure immune response to H1N1 flu virus. The test detected increased levels of nitric oxide and isoprene in exhaled breath, indicating an immune response triggered on day three after vaccination. This could help prioritize vaccinations for those who need them most.
A new study published in Addiction found that women in drug court with current major depression were more likely to use crack cocaine within four months. The study suggests that addressing depression could reduce the number of women who fail to beat crack addiction in drug court.
Philip W. Robinson, a Rensselaer Ph.D. student, has been awarded a Fulbright grant to conduct research in architectural acoustics at Aalto University of Science and Technology in Helsinki, Finland. His research aims to understand how architectural enclosures transform sound to produce specific perceptual effects.
Researchers at Stowers Institute for Medical Research discovered the role of Super Elongation Complex (SEC) in controlling gene expression during early development. They found that SEC facilitates coordinated and rapid induction of genes, including Hox genes, which are essential for embryonic development.
Research found that premature infants with abnormal brain ultrasounds are at increased risk for specific psychiatric disorders. The study followed a group of premature infants until age 16 and found a relation between perinatal brain injuries and certain psychiatric disorders.
Scientists at the Salk Institute developed a new technique to generate large numbers of blood cells from patient cells, improving efficiency by 84% compared to previous methods. However, further refinements are needed to produce transplantable HSCs.
A recent study found that women with generalized tonic-clonic seizures had a greater number of seizures during anovulatory cycles than in ovulatory cycles. This suggests that reproductive steroids, such as estradiol and progesterone, may contribute to the occurrence of tonic-clonic seizures.
Researchers have identified a promising conservation tillage technique called undercutting, which can reduce PM10 emissions by 30-70% compared to conventional tillage. This method creates an aerodynamically rougher soil surface, promoting retention of crop residue and reducing wind erosion.
The International AIDS Society advocates for an expanded global HIV strategy that incorporates 'Treatment as Prevention' to reduce transmission and prevent the onset of AIDS. This approach promotes widespread HIV testing and facilitated access to free treatment for all medically eligible individuals.
Physicist Dr. Mark Hadley proposes a galaxy-scale explanation for Charge Parity violation, suggesting galactic rotation's effect on space-time causes differences in particle decay rates. This theory preserves parity while offering a new explanation for the matter-antimatter imbalance.
The study of brown rot fungus Serpula lacrymans' genome reveals new insights into cellulose breakdown and its role in the global carbon cycle. The findings have significant implications for biofuel production and could lead to more efficient processes.
The study found that ocean acidification has a strong impact on shell strength and size in mussel larvae, leading to reduced survival rates and ecosystem balance disruption. The findings suggest that increased CO2 levels could affect the delicate balance of coastal ecosystems.
The Collaborative Cross mouse strains have been used to map causative loci for complex traits like body weight and white head-spotting, showcasing the power of ancestry-based approaches. The studies also revealed the scope of phenotypic variation present in the CC lines, providing insights into breeding effects on genetic structure.
The decline of apex consumers has triggered trophic cascades, leading to changes in vegetation, wildfire frequency, infectious diseases, invasive species, water quality, and nutrient cycles. This review highlights the widespread impact of large predator loss on ecosystems and conservation efforts.
Typhoon Ma-on has brought heavy rainfall to Guam, with NASA satellite data detecting powerful thunderstorms containing rainfall rates of 2 inches/50 mm per hour. The National Weather Service has issued urban and small stream flood advisories until 2 a.m. CHST.
Researchers have successfully manipulated targeted genes in human embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells using zinc finger nucleases and transcription activator like effector nucleases. This precision enables the study of genetic diseases and the development of disease-modifying drugs.
A study published in Cortex demonstrates that the unconscious brain continues to process information even when the conscious brain is incapacitated. The researchers found that a patient with prosopagnosia, or face blindness, showed brain activity responding to familiar faces despite not being able to recognize them.
A recent study published by the American Psychological Association found no significant difference between men's and women's self-esteem during adolescence and young adulthood. Masterly control over life was a strong predictor of self-esteem in both sexes.
A new study identifies a key residue M314 involved in BK channel opening, suggesting a different structural model for the channel. The findings provide important insights into the molecular mechanisms of BK channel activation and open up new avenues for research.
The European Commission has approved YERVOY (ipilimumab) for treating adult patients with previously-treated advanced melanoma. The treatment showed long-term survival rates of 46% and 24% at 1 and 2 years, respectively. YERVOY works by stimulating the immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells.
Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute found six abnormal genes that are both cancer-causing and metastasis-promoting in melanoma skin cancer. These genes can be used to predict whether human melanoma tumors are likely to spread, enabling doctors to cure the disease by intervening early.
Researchers at Stowers Institute for Medical Research discovered SAGA's importance in fruit fly development, targeting different genes by interactions with transcription factors. SAGA regulates transcription elongation and is associated with paused polymerase II on developmentally regulated genes.
The American Society for Radiation Oncology has published a white paper to improve the safe use of IMRT, which requires more time and resources from cancer clinics. The report provides practical guidance to strengthen IMRT programs, reducing errors and improving treatment outcomes.
Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center developed an identification protocol for high blood sugar levels in dental patients. They found a simple algorithm using two dental parameters was effective in identifying pre-diabetes or diabetes.
A recent stem cell study has found that the protein molecule E-cadherin, which plays a key role in cancer, also regulates up to 25% of genes within cells. This unexpected discovery could lead to new cancer treatments by understanding why some cancer cells are difficult to eradicate.
California mussels are vulnerable to acidification due to climate change, which can weaken their shells and reduce body mass. This decline could have significant impacts on other organisms that rely on them for food and habitat.
A study found that consumers prefer Chinese chocolate over Swiss when informed about its origin after tasting, contrary to expectations. The preference reversed when participants were told the country of origin before consuming the chocolate, suggesting a strong association between Switzerland and high-quality chocolate.
A study by Jeffrey Martin found that social and environmental factors like classmate support and confidence play a crucial role in determining physical activity levels among underserved children. The study also revealed that girls are less likely to engage in physical activity than boys, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.
Researchers have discovered that two species of wild neotropical blueberries contain twice the amount of antioxidants as US-sold blueberries. The findings suggest these extreme superfruits could benefit human health and underscore the importance of preserving Earth's biodiversity.
A recent study published in the journal Carbon Management suggests that using wood products can reduce carbon emissions by up to 10 tons per ton, making them a viable alternative to fossil fuels. Sustainably managed forests are found to be essentially carbon neutral, but older forests have limited capacity to absorb carbon dioxide.
Researchers have identified genetic similarities between Streptococcus pyogenes and Streptococcus equi, two bacteria that cause potentially fatal infections in humans and horses. The study suggests a shared strategy for causing disease and offers hope for developing novel vaccines for both species.
Kristopher Nazor, a Scripps Research Institute scientist, has been awarded a pre-doctoral fellowship from Autism Speaks Foundation to investigate the genetic form of autism known as Fragile X Syndrome. He will use pluripotent stem cell technology to understand how neural development is affected in this disorder.
The THRIVE and ECHO phase 3 trials showed that rilpivirine is non-inferior to efavirenz with a better side-effect profile, but had a higher incidence of virological failures. Rilpivirine was found to be effective in suppressing HIV virus levels in patients starting treatment for the first time.
Researchers identified a pathogenic mutation in the VPS35 gene associated with late-onset Parkinson's disease, implicating a novel protein-recycling pathway in neurodegeneration. The study provides new insights into the disease's pathogenesis and highlights the potential for therapeutic intervention.
The decline of large predators and herbivores worldwide is causing substantial changes to ecosystems, leading to increased disease transmission and invasive species. This 'trophic downgrading' also affects soil, water, vegetation, and the atmosphere.
A study published in Fish and Fisheries reveals that 28% of cod products sold in Ireland are mislabeled, compared to 7% in the UK. The research found that most mislabeled products were less expensive fish species substituted for cod.
A new study reveals that pediatric cardiologists have a lower accuracy rate when interpreting ECGs for young athletes, highlighting the need for better training and guidelines. This can lead to unnecessary exclusion of healthy young people from sport participation and potential false reassurances to families.
The Gladstone Institutes have announced a Center for Comprehensive Alzheimer's Disease Research, which aims to develop therapies for Alzheimer's. The center will focus on identifying drug targets and candidates, leveraging collaborations with other institutions and companies.
The brown skin and external layers of onions are rich in fibre and flavonoids, while the discarded bulbs contain sulphurous compounds and fructans, which have beneficial health effects.
The NSF-funded Engineering Research Center for Sensorimotor Neural Engineering will develop new technologies for amputees, stroke patients, and those with cerebral palsy. Researchers aim to create implantable prosthetics controlled by brain signals, revolutionizing robotic systems integration with the body's nervous system.
Researchers found that transplanted stem cells restored learning and memory abilities in rats, with as few as 100,000 cells sufficient to improve cognition. The study provides hope for future stem cell therapies to alleviate side effects of radiotherapy for brain tumors.
The new field guide highlights 91 nonnative invasive plant species affecting forest lands in California, Oregon, and Washington. The guide provides detailed information for identification and has significant economic implications for landowners and local governments.
A new analysis confirms that localized reactive badger culling increases the risk of infection in nearby herds. The study found that the presence of any reactive culling activity within one kilometre of a herd more than doubled the risk of bovine TB, even after adjusting for the number of confirmed outbreaks nearby.
Fewer Mexican immigrants returned to Mexico from the US during the 2008 and 2009 recessions than in previous years. The study found declines in return migration among certain groups, such as labor migrants and those with less education, but no rush to return home.
Researchers found that sea urchins have limited effect on controlling invasive seaweeds like Caulerpa racemosa and Lophocladia lallemandii in the Mediterranean. High sea urchin densities can limit their establishment, but they exert no control in highly invaded areas.
Researchers identified patients at increased risk after bilateral knee replacement surgery due to congestive heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, age over 75, and male gender. The study suggests that these patients should not be considered high-risk candidates for this elective procedure.
A study found that long-term meditators have stronger connections between brain regions and show less age-related brain atrophy. The effects are evident throughout the entire brain, not just in specific areas.
Rice University researchers have created a metallic molecule that becomes strongly photoluminescent when it attaches to amyloid fibrils, which form plaques in the brains of Alzheimer's patients. This breakthrough technique has the potential to improve the design of medications to treat the devastating disease.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University have discovered that adult-derived stem cells can retain 'memories' of their pancreatic beta cell origins, making them more efficient at producing insulin. This breakthrough may pave the way for new treatment options for juvenile or type 1 diabetes.
Researchers have developed a computation to predict gene migration patterns and their impact on disease spread. The study applies mathematical tools to represent migration patterns, providing insights into the spread of beneficial genes through populations.
A recent study by Dr. Heather Piwowar found that cancer research is less likely to make its raw data available for reuse compared to other fields. Only 45% of gene expression studies were deposited in public databases, despite the importance of sharing these datasets for future research.
Vanessa Oliveira, Portuguese researcher, develops strategy to reprogramme immune system of hemophilia patients. Her project aims to improve treatment efficacy by inducing patient's immune tolerance towards therapeutic clotting factors.
Researchers examined the brain of a person with object agnosia, revealing that damage to a specific area can affect distant cortical regions. The study suggests that neural plasticity is possible even when the brain is damaged in adulthood.
Researchers discovered that damage to a small area of the right hemisphere can lead to widespread impact on remote parts of the cortex, challenging traditional assumptions about visual neuroscience. The study found that multiple areas of the brain underlie object recognition, and neural plasticity is possible even in adulthood.
A new review of scientific knowledge on kava reveals no consensus on its toxicity, with various theories including preparation methods and genetic differences. Pacific Island cultures have safely consumed kava for centuries, but Western countries have reported liver damage and banned or regulated kava products.
Researchers developed a new technique to analyze whole genomes from different populations, revealing continued genetic exchange between African and non-African populations after 60,000 years ago. The study provides fresh insights into human history from 10,000 to one million years ago.
The University of Warwick has been awarded a prestigious five-year, £1.7 million Platform Grant from the EPSRC to realise its exciting new developments in silicon-based technologies. This grant will enable researchers to further their work on 'cooltronics', zero-power electronics, and could be key to combating global climate change.
A new study suggests that changes in the labor market since the 1970s have led to more Republican and Democratic partisans, with fewer independents. The growth in partisanship is linked to people's current income and expectations of job security.
Two NASA probes, part of the THEMIS mission, will map the lunar surface and its magnetic field. The ARTEMIS mission aims to acquire a full 3D view of the moon's magnetic fields and surrounding environment.
Scientists at Emory University School of Medicine have discovered that high doses of progesterone can inhibit the growth of neuroblastoma cancer cells. In laboratory research, progesterone was found to cut tumor growth in half over eight days without causing harm to healthy neurons.