A Purdue University study discovered a combination of enzymes in termite guts and symbionts that can efficiently break down woody biomass for biofuel production. The researchers found that the enzymes work together synergistically to release sugars from plant material, which is essential for creating biofuels like ethanol.
A recent genomics study has received a $10,000 prize for its work on addressing racial and ethnic stereotypes in genetic research. The study examined the 2005 Admixture Mapping project, which looked for risk factors for Multiple Sclerosis in African Americans and European Americans.
A new algorithm using GPS data from a tracking system can predict and prevent collisions between small aircraft. Researchers at MIT have developed the algorithm to address the challenge of false alarms while allowing for some error margin.
A USC team identified a genetic marker that predicts patient response to cetuximab-based therapy for locally advanced rectal cancer. The study found that 45% of patients with a specific EGF61 variant emerged disease-free after treatment.
Researchers on the final space shuttle mission are conducting an experiment to prevent bone loss in astronauts. The study uses mice as a model, exposing them to microgravity and testing a novel agent that blocks sclerostin, a protein involved in bone formation.
The ClearBlue Digital Ovulation test accurately predicts ovulation in 99% of women, surpassing the calendar method's accuracy rate of one in four.
Researchers at Ohio State University found that infants develop the ability to transfer knowledge between 8-16 months. At 8 months, they struggle with new information, but by 16 months, they can apply learned knowledge to new situations.
Researchers have developed a new semiconductor nanowire laser technology that can potentially kill viruses, increase storage capacity of DVDs, and provide superfast data processing. The discovery uses p-type zinc oxide nanowires, which can offer smaller sizes, lower costs, and higher powers.
A systematic review found that moderate salt reductions don't lower the likelihood of dying from cardiovascular disease. While reducing salt intake does lower blood pressure, it didn't significantly reduce the risk of heart disease or mortality. Experts call for more research to find effective ways to reduce salt intake.
A study found that premature infants treated with lopinavir-ritonavir were more likely to experience life-threatening adrenal insufficiency compared to standard zidovudine treatment. Asymptomatic cases were reported, but long-term effects are unclear.
Researchers used a self-paced walking test to evaluate physical function progress in middle-aged women, finding faster walk times related to weight loss and improved body composition. The 400-meter walk test is a simple and cost-efficient measure of physical function that can be used in medically underserved settings.
Researchers from the University of Manchester and consortium partners are working on harnessing solar energy to produce hydrogen fuel. The technology has potential to revolutionize energy usage in the coming decades by creating clean, green fuels.
The kinetochore complex assembles preferentially at the ends of chromosomes, particularly in the telomeres, due to low chromatin turnover and absence of typical heterochromatin and euchromatin proteins. This suggests that epigenetic histone marks play a crucial role in determining kinetochore formation.
A new study found that high folate intake is associated with lower risk of colorectal cancer. The strongest association was with total folate intake, which includes naturally occurring food folate and folic acid from fortified foods and dietary supplements.
Researchers have successfully reprogrammed adult body cells into iPS cells, which can be taken directly from each patient and genetically redirected to replace ailing cells. While iPS technology holds promise, it still faces challenges and is not yet ready for widespread use.
A team of researchers at the Berlin Institute for Medical Systems Biology has identified thousands of gene products expressed in planarian flatworms, revealing new insights into the molecular mechanisms of regeneration. This study, which combined two existing sequencing methods, expands and refines planarian research.
A systematic review found that vitamin D3 supplementation increased survival in elderly women, particularly those at risk of falls and fractures. The study analyzed 50 randomized trials involving over 94,000 participants and suggested a reduced risk of mortality by approximately 6% with long-term treatment.
A study of over 1,000 couples from the US, Brazil, Germany, Japan, and Spain found that men reported higher relationship happiness and women reported higher sexual satisfaction with age. Frequent kissing and cuddling predicted happiness in men, while higher sexual functioning and more frequent sex were linked to sexual satisfaction for...
A large cohort study found that high folate intake was associated with a reduced risk of colorectal cancer. The study also distinguished between natural and synthetic forms of folate and found no increased risk among participants consuming high levels of folate through supplements or fortification.
A study found that children who remain in the home after a report of abuse are at increased risk of further abuse if they have certain characteristics, such as behavior problems and developmental disabilities. The study identified groupings of characteristics that increase or decrease the likelihood of reabuse.
New research predicts that UK winters will become colder due to low solar activity, with a 10% chance of returning to Maunder minimum conditions within 50 years. This could lead to an average winter temperature below 2.5°C, with implications for national infrastructure planning.
A new study published in Annals of Internal Medicine finds that massage therapy is more effective than usual medical interventions for improving pain and function in patients with chronic low back pain. The researchers also suggest that relaxation massage may have a slight advantage over structural massage due to its wider availability.
A new study found that varenicline, a commonly used smoking cessation drug, is associated with a 72% increased risk of serious adverse cardiovascular events. The research suggests that clinicians should carefully weigh the risks and benefits of using this medication for tobacco dependence treatment.
The campaign aims to raise awareness of fertility issues and provide a voice to those affected. Thousands of postcards with moving stories will be sent across Europe until October 2011, spreading hope for millions of others struggling with infertility.
Researchers found that maternal height over 1.74cm and multiple oocyte retrieval (11+) are associated with twin pregnancies in IVF treatment. The study may lead to personalized fertility treatment with predictive models for choosing single or double embryo transfers.
A meta-analysis of previous studies found that patients with eating disorders have an elevated rate of death, especially those with anorexia nervosa. The study also highlighted the seriousness of bulimia nervosa and disordered eating not otherwise specified, which are often overlooked due to limited published data.
Researchers found that women with recurrent miscarriage have a cumulative incidence of natural conception of 56% after six months, 74% after 12 months, and 86% after 24 months. The median time to a subsequent pregnancy was 21 weeks, regardless of outcome.
Researchers investigated predictors of adverse outcomes in IVF singletons, finding associations with preterm birth, small for gestational age, and placenta previa. Maternal smoking, BMI, and years of infertility were linked to increased risks of these conditions.
A Kaiser Permanente study found that exposure to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) in early pregnancy may modestly increase the risk of autism spectrum disorders. Researchers reported a two-fold increased risk of ASD associated with maternal treatment with SSRI anti-depressants during the year before delivery.
A study by Boston University School of Medicine shows that the quality of fat tissue, not just its quantity, contributes to inflammation and vascular disease in obese individuals. The research identified that 30% of obese subjects demonstrated reduced fat inflammation, less insulin resistance, and similar vascular function.
A team of researchers developed a novel technique to study how cells respond to changing concentrations of chemoattractants. The study reveals two ways cells can reorient in response to changes, and provides insights into the underlying signaling pathways that control chemotaxis. The research has clinical significance for embryonic dev...
The LuCED test uses 3D imaging to accurately detect cancer cells in sputum samples from high-risk individuals. This approach can significantly lower the number of false positive cases, making mass screening programs more feasible and cost-effective.
Researchers studying mutant fruit flies with dNab2 mutations have found a link to intellectual disability (ID) in humans, particularly those affected by ZC3H14 gene mutations. The study suggests that the protein's role in regulating RNA length may be critical for brain cell function and learning.
A new study reveals that Antarctic krill feed on iron-rich fragments from the sea floor, releasing it into the water and stimulating phytoplankton growth. This process enhances the ocean's natural storage of carbon dioxide, with implications for managing commercial krill fisheries.
A Johns Hopkins-led study suggests that healthy, middle-aged smokers taking varenicline have a 72% increased risk of being hospitalized with a heart attack or serious heart problems compared to those on a placebo. This risk applies even among smokers without pre-existing heart disease.
Researchers discovered that all GARS mutations causing CMT type 2D lead to a structural opening in the protein, creating space for other proteins to bind and cause havoc. This finding may lead to the development of drugs targeting this region, offering new therapeutic avenues for the disease.
A randomized controlled trial found that both structural and relaxation massage types helped alleviate chronic low back pain and improve function. Massage patients experienced significant reductions in pain, improved functioning, and increased activity compared to those with usual care.
A recent study by Joel E. Cohen and colleagues found that childbearing impeded education more than education reduced childbearing among Norwegian women. The researchers followed all women born in Norway in 1964 through the end of their childbearing, using year-by-year data on education, enrollment, and reproduction.
Research found that women over 35 have higher rates of first trimester pregnancy loss and preclinical abortion after ICSI treatment. Ovarian response significantly impacts live birth rates, with optimal outcomes seen in those with 11 or more eggs retrieved.
A new study found that varenicline, marketed as Chantix, significantly increases the risk of hospitalization due to serious cardiovascular problems, including heart attacks and arrhythmias. The study, published in CMAJ, suggests that clinicians should carefully weigh the benefits against the risks.
A study found a modest increase in autism spectrum disorders among children whose mothers took selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors during pregnancy. The risk was higher for those exposed to SSRIs during the first trimester.
A recent study published in PNAS reveals that a specific microRNA, miR-206, plays a pivotal role in normal muscle development during embryonic stages. This discovery has significant implications for understanding the maintenance and regeneration of healthy muscle tissue, particularly in diseases such as muscular dystrophy and cancer.
US and Swiss researchers created two high-carbon emission scenarios to test the boundaries of current computer simulation programs. The AllCoal scenario projected a complete loss of summer Arctic sea ice by 2070 and significant warming above the IPCC's entire range of scenarios.
Researchers have developed a novel method to embed microchips in ornamental shrubs, allowing for efficient tracking and monitoring. The new technique has been successfully tested on rose cultivars, demonstrating its potential for improving plant health and productivity.
Researchers analyzed records of 987 women with recurrent miscarriages to find long-term prognosis for live birth. The study found that 66.7% of women achieved a live birth within five years and 71.1% within 15 years after referral.
Researchers from the ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies and the Australian Genome Research Facility have sequenced the genome of the staghorn coral, a major threat to the Great Barrier Reef. The study provides insights into coral biology, including responses to climate change and ocean acidification.
A study published in Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine found that children whose parents were deployed for longer periods had a higher likelihood of receiving a mental health diagnosis. The researchers analyzed data from over 307,000 children and found that the length of parental deployment was significantly associated wit...
A large twin study found that shared environment influences autism susceptibility more than previously thought, accounting for 55% of strict autism cases. Genetic heritability accounted for 37%, with moderate genetic and environmental contributions observed in spectrum disorders.
Researchers discovered that when rats tasted fatty foods, cells in their upper gut produced endocannabinoids, triggering a surge in cell signaling that prompts overeating. The study suggests that obstructing endocannabinoid activity may curb this tendency, offering new potential treatments for obesity and related diseases.
A study found that voting in elections increases cortisol levels, a hormone released under pressure, and affects decision-making. Voting was also emotionally arousing, with both positive and negative effects.
A new study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences reveals that most of the world's undiscovered species reside in regions already identified as conservation priorities. This suggests recent conservation efforts have been effective and should reduce uncertainty over global conservation priorities.
A new study reveals that urban children are more likely to walk or cycle to school than their rural counterparts. The research, published in Pediatrics, found that factors such as parental influence and social connections play a significant role in shaping children's transportation choices.
Scientists from Queen Mary University of London and UCL are investigating whether robots can learn to recognize faces like humans do. This research aims to develop software that allows robots to interact with humans in a natural way, understanding facial expressions and emotions.
Researchers found that identical twins were more likely to both have autism than fraternal twins. The study suggests that shared environment accounts for about 55% of the risk, while genetic factors contribute less, around 40%. This finding may shift future research paradigms.
A study of over 8000 British civil servants found that higher levels of overall life satisfaction were linked to a reduced risk of total coronary heart disease. Satisfaction in specific domains, such as job and family, also showed protective effects against heart disease.
The California Autism Twins Study suggests that both genetic and shared environmental factors significantly increase the risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in twins. Environmental influences such as parental age, low birth weight, multiple births, and maternal infections during pregnancy may greatly increase the risk for ASD.
A study found that neonatal deaths in intensive care units increased when life-sustaining treatments were withheld, while CPR use decreased over time. The trend suggests improved recognition of medical futility and a desire for peaceful death among parents.
Researchers found that July is the best month for kelp harvesting due to its high carbohydrate levels and low metal content. The use of kelp as a biofuel source has potential to provide a storable energy source, mitigating the limitations of other renewables like wind power.
A previously understudied amyloid peptide, A-beta-43, is more abundant and neurotoxic than previously studied peptides in promoting Alzheimer's disease. The findings suggest a potential role for A-beta-43 as a biomarker for diagnosis and a new approach for preventing AD-causing amyloidosis.
Scientists have gained a deeper understanding of how cells translate genetic information into proteins and processes by deciphering the Mediator protein structure. The research provides an important link to discoveries in the field and has the potential to lead to new treatments for disease.