Researchers have identified Foxp2 as a gene that helps regulate the wiring of neurons in the brain, leading to insights into speech and language disorders. The study found that altering Foxp2 levels impacts the length and branching of neuronal projections, which modulates brain connectivity.
Researchers at TGen present two key studies on the role of genes and proteins in therapeutic treatments for lung cancer. The studies suggest that combination drug therapy may be necessary to combat non-small cell lung cancer, particularly when patients have elevated levels of a protein called JAK2.
A recent study found a possible gender link in knee injuries, with females showing a higher rate of full-thickness articular cartilage lesions after ACL injuries. The research suggests that gender may be a significant risk factor for these types of injuries, along with age and time between injury and surgery.
A new human syndrome has been identified with craniosynostosis, maxillary hyperplasia, delayed tooth eruption, and supernumerary teeth due to a recessively inherited IL11RA gene mutation. The disorder affects the normal development of craniofacial bones and teeth.
The SKA radio telescope has successfully linked its antennas over long distances using an optical fibre network, a key step towards observing distant galaxies in greater detail. The experiment saw six telescopes working together to observe a quasar 7.5 billion light-years away, revealing new insights into the universe.
The NIH-funded research network will evaluate potential harmful contaminants and assess their relationship to health outcomes, focusing on community health and resiliency. The four-year program will support population-based and laboratory research at four institutions and partner with over a dozen community organizations.
Researchers at NIST and UMD demonstrate that well-dispersed clay nanofillers in polymers significantly improve fire resistance. The study reveals that dispersed clay plates form a network structure, slowing degradation and reducing flammability.
A recent study shows that generic medications can reduce the cost of treating chronic diseases by up to 80%, making preventive care a more affordable option. The research team recommends policy makers promote the use of generics in treatment standards and educate physicians and patients about their effectiveness.
Researchers have discovered that MED26 acts as a go-between linking transcriptional complexes, recruiting elongation factors to DNA to jump-start stalled polymerase. This discovery sheds light on the regulation of gene expression and suggests new strategies for regulating gene expression in healthy and diseased cells.
A favorable organizational climate has a direct impact on new inventions and patents, with management playing a key role. Effective technology transfer offices (TTOs) also facilitate commercialization.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital found that caloric restriction prevented age-related abnormalities in egg cells of female mice. The study suggests that dietary restrictions may improve egg quality and prevent fertility issues. Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms behind this effect.
Despite a decentralized system, some California water agencies are taking on groundwater protection without state leadership. Innovations include conservation strategies and increased transparency through partnerships with environmental organizations. However, critical overdraft issues remain due to over-pumping and subsidence concerns.
A phase II clinical trial found that injections of adult patients' own CD34+ stem cells reduced angina episodes and improved exercise tolerance time. The treatment showed significant improvements in chest pain and exercise duration at six months after treatment.
Researchers at NIST have created a chip-scale, microwave version of an optics experiment that places a single microwave photon in two frequencies, or colors, at the same time. This experiment demonstrates quantum superposition and has potential applications for linear optical quantum computing.
Karen Hixon, a Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission member, will receive the ESA's 2011 Regional Policy Award for her dedication to informing policy decisions with ecological science. The award recognizes her outstanding record of promoting environmental stewardship in local communities.
Research team discovers how simple processing errors can degrade graphene's electrical properties, causing bottlenecks in electron flow. Heating the graphene may be a solution to remove contaminant molecules, ensuring its unique properties are maintained for commercial applications.
Researchers found that sexual reproduction via cross-fertilization keeps host populations one evolutionary step ahead of coevolving parasites. This allows parents to produce offspring resistant to the parasites, while self-fertilization leads to extinction.
Researchers found that controlling motivational interventions can actually increase prejudice, while autonomy-based approaches lead to less prejudice. The study suggests a focus shift from requirement to emphasis on the benefits of diversity and equality for both groups.
Research found that cortisol controls the recycling of bile acids, which are crucial for fat digestion. Without cortisol, mice lose weight and develop gallstones due to reduced bile acid levels. In humans with Addison's disease, cortisol deficiency also disrupts bile acid recycling.
Ben-Gurion University of the Negev is part of a new consortium creating the Israeli Center for Research Excellence in renewable energies. The team will focus on developing energy-rich biomass as a biofuel feedstock and exploring innovative solutions for sustainable energy production.
A study found that expanding Medicaid coverage to low-income adults increases healthcare use and improves self-reported health and well-being. The study used a randomized controlled trial and compared outcomes between those randomly selected into the program and those not selected, avoiding common limitations of previous studies.
A UK study examining ethnicity and health found that men from most minority groups and women from Pakistani and Bangladeshi groups are more likely to eat the recommended five portions of fruit or vegetables daily. However, these groups also tend to be less physically active. The research suggests that policies targeting physical activi...
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University found that mesenchymal stem cells can inhibit an overactive immune system and promote tissue repair. These cells have shown potential in treating conditions such as acute heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, and juvenile diabetes.
Researchers isolate a single human blood stem cell capable of regenerating the entire blood system, offering a breakthrough for treating cancer and other diseases. The discovery enables the harnessing of these life-producing cells to treat patients more effectively.
Two PhD students, Dr. Sally Shen and Dr. Mano Kalaiarasan, won cash awards for groundbreaking research on treating antibiotics in wastewater and fine particles' impact on environment and health. The prizes recognize excellence in environmental sustainability research, fostering innovation and inspiring young scholars.
Researchers found WWII bombing raids in Europe impacted the English climate by suppressing morning temperature increases in heavily flown areas. The study provides a unique opportunity to assess the effect of modern aviation on climate.
A new study published in Research in Sports Medicine found that women are less likely than men to fake soccer injuries. The study analyzed video recordings of 47 televised games from two international women's tournaments and found a rate of 5.74 apparent injuries per match, compared to 11.26 for men
A lack of understanding about HPV vaccination and its link to future cervical screening has been found among parents and girls in the UK. Despite being effective against two high-risk HPV types, vaccinated individuals still require regular cervical screenings to protect against other strains that can cause cancer.
Researchers developed a portable nano detector that can identify anthrax in 15 minutes, detecting as few as 40 microscopic cells. The device uses PCR to amplify target DNA and integrates sample preparation, making it more convenient than existing systems.
The European IVF Monitoring Group reported on frozen oocyte retrieval (FOR) cycles for the first time. Italy led the way with 3,284 cycles, while Spain accounted for 30% of all egg donations. The report also highlighted the importance of restrictive laws on egg donation in many countries.
Despite participants' reports of adopting learner-centered teaching methods after professional development workshops, objective assessments revealed that most faculty continued using traditional teaching styles. The study suggests that self-assessment methods may be unreliable and recommends independent validated assessments instead.
This article covers various geological topics from August 2011, including microbial activity in banded-iron formations, the San Andreas fault system's deformation patterns, and earthquake hazards. Researchers also investigated porosity redistribution in crystal-rich magmas and boundaries conditions on laboratory models of simple shear.
A study found that cutting IVF funding in Denmark leads to significant short-term cost savings, but long-term losses. By 2059, the government would have lost €74-123 million due to fewer tax contributions from children born through IVF.
Research off the Crozet Islands found that natural iron fertilisation boosts organic matter supply to the seafloor, supporting a larger abundance of deep-sea animals. This contrasts with areas limited by iron availability, resulting in distinct differences in species composition and community structure.
Researchers sequenced a patient's entire DNA and RNA to identify the origins of their metastatic adenocarcinoma of the lung, a mutation in the TP53 gene being found to halt tumor suppressor gene creation and result in tumor generation
A large cohort study found that socioeconomic class and smoking are strongly associated with premature menopause, affecting quality of life. Women with premature menopause were more than twice as likely to report poor quality of life, with impacts lasting up to 10 years after diagnosis.
New treatment options, including stereotactic ablative radiotherapy, have led to significant improvements in the survival of elderly Dutch lung cancer patients. Median survival for NSCLC patients increased by nearly 8 months between 2003 and 2009.
Inhibiting heat shock transcription factor 1 (HSF1) prevents liver cancer in mice by reducing access to glucose and lipids, which are critical for tumor growth. This finding supports the idea that altering metabolism can be an effective cancer treatment.
A study found that broken compact fluorescent light bulbs continuously release mercury vapor for weeks to months, posing a risk of exceeding safe human exposure levels. The authors recommend rapid removal and suitable packaging to minimize the risk of breakage and retain Hg vapor.
Researchers at University of Florida have developed a technique to separate neural wheat from chaff in brain cell generation, enabling precise doses of therapeutic neurons. This technology holds promise for treating disorders like Huntington's disease, spinal cord injuries, and Parkinson's disease.
A literature review published by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons found that many fall prevention initiatives used in healthcare facilities are ineffective in preventing hospital falls. The study suggests that hospitals may not be able to prevent most falls due to various risk factors beyond their control.
Four middle-school students developed an innovative device, the Posture Pad, that vibrates or emits a tone when used incorrectly, aiming to prevent musculoskeletal problems. The study found 75% of students and 80% of office workers sat with incorrect posture, highlighting the need for ergonomic solutions.
A £4.5m research project led by Queen Mary University of London aims to transform invisibility science into practical technology using spatial transformations. The project will focus on developing practical applications for communication, wireless energy transfer, sensors, and security.
A study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons predicts a shortfall in the combined workforce of physicians, advance practice nurses, and physician assistants over the next two decades. The US will face serious shortages if an adequate supply of advanced medical professionals is not met.
Scripps researchers identify a new force driving Earth's massive tectonic plates, finding that plumes of hot magma from the deep interior play a crucial role in shaping the planet. This 'plume-push' mechanism has been linked to significant geological events, including the formation of volcanoes and the movement of continents.
A Tel Aviv University researcher found that sports participation improves self-control, problem-solving skills, and delayed gratification in boys, leading to a decrease in aggression. Girls showed a weaker response to sports programming.
A new psychotherapy intervention, dignity therapy, significantly improves quality of life and enhances the dignity of patients at the end of life, while helping their families. The study found that dignity therapy reduces distress and enriches the end-of-life experience compared to standard palliative care and client-centred care.
A new study by Amanda H. Goodall shows that hospital quality scores are approximately 25% higher in physician-run hospitals compared to non-physician led institutions. Physician leadership may be a key factor in improving hospital performance, particularly in areas such as cancer treatment and digestive disorders.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute have discovered a mechanism enabling cancer cells to sustain abnormal growth by nullifying natural defense against uncontrolled division. Cks proteins overexpression causes incipient cancer cells to ignore braking signals, leading to unchecked cell division.
A new combination therapy of rifapentine and isoniazid, taken once weekly for three months, has been shown to be as effective as traditional daily treatment in preventing latent tuberculosis in people with and without HIV. The study found that 95% of participants completed the treatment, compared to 60% or less with traditional therapy.
The Grand Challenges in Global Mental Health Initiative identifies top 40 barriers to better mental health globally, focusing on increasing discoveries in research and improving access to evidence-based care. The initiative seeks to build a community of funders dedicated to supporting research that will significantly improve the lives ...
Researchers at John Theurer Cancer Center found that patients with more partner support experience less distress after stem cell transplants. The study suggests that social support plays a crucial role in improving patient outcomes and quality of life.
A research team from Kansas State University has found that the chromosome sizes within each eukaryotic species are similar rather than drastically different, and share a similar distribution pattern. This discovery will help scientists better predict evolutionary adaptations and understand core components of biological evolution.
Probiotic bacteria have limitations in conventional production processes. Researchers at TUM developed a gentle method using low-temperature vacuum drying, which is energy and cost-efficient. This process improves storage stability, allowing more active bacteria to remain in products until consumption.
Flood warnings remain in effect along the Iowa/Nebraska border as Missouri River waters continue to rise near Omaha. NASA's Landsat 5 satellite captured an image of the affected area, showing the Interstate cut off by floodwaters just south of Missouri Valley, Iowa.
A USC researcher found that the human brain can simulate physical sensations in response to emotional stories, leading to increased moral behavior and motivation to help others. This phenomenon is detected using brain scans and may be an evolutionary mechanism for promoting social behavior.
The Cancer Risk Management model uses dynamic simulations to project realistic Canadian populations, offering insights into screening, prevention, and treatment changes. By reducing smoking rates, the model predicts a decrease in lung cancer incidence and cumulative savings in direct treatment costs.
A study found that most US patients with celiac disease have insufficient small intestine biopsy samples, affecting diagnosis. The research suggests that taking more than two biopsy samples can increase the correct diagnosis rate sevenfold.
A recent study has found that quitting smoking during pregnancy can have a positive effect on birth outcomes. Women who gave up smoking in the periconceptional period had babies with significantly higher birthweight, similar to those born to non-smoking mothers. Stopping smoking before conception may also improve fertility outcomes.
A study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons found that cardiac valve procedure patients' outcomes are influenced by their primary insurance type. Uninsured and Medicaid patients experienced higher risks of mortality, longer hospital stays, and increased total costs compared to those with private insurance.