New tools and methods enable targeted gene delivery to cells in the central nervous system, offering hope for new treatments. Novel strategies include using stem cells and siRNAs to silence genes involved in neurological diseases.
Researchers found that a brief conversation with an adult led to significant reductions in marijuana use among teenagers who frequently used the drug. The program, called Teen Marijuana Check-Up, was shown to decrease usage by up to 20% over a year, setting a promising model for schools and counselors.
A tiny ring laser can detect and count individual nanoparticles with high accuracy, offering a breakthrough in sensing technology. The sensor's effective resolution limit is about one nanometer, making it orders of magnitude more sensitive than earlier passive resonators.
The University of Maryland and Maryland Municipal League team up to help communities plan and implement green practices, earning a 'certificate of sustainability' and potential state grants. Communities can navigate the process at their own pace, with no upfront costs.
A study by Cedars-Sinai surgeon Shirin Towfigh found that daily probing of wounds with a dry cotton swab after surgery dramatically reduced infections in post-operative incision sites. The technique resulted in significantly shorter hospital stays and better cosmetic healing.
Ladybird beetles' ability to produce anti-ant defences has led to their high diversity, with most species having one or both of these defences. This evolutionary shift allowed ladybirds to successfully poach soft-bodied scale insects from under the noses of aggressive ants.
Marine biologists have identified a 500-million-year-old symbiotic relationship between catenulid flatworms, like Paracatenula, and Alpha-Proteobacteria. The unique Riegeria symbionts have been found to account for up to 50% of the worm's tissue and are believed to be responsible for its nutrition.
Researchers found that a strawberry a day may keep doctors away, including neurologists, endocrinologists, and oncologists. Fisetin, a flavonoid compound, reduced complications of diabetes, anxiety-related behaviors, and high blood sugar levels in mice.
Researchers at Aalto University found that carbon emissions are linked to income and consumption habits, with rich individuals producing more CO2. The study used a hybrid life cycle analysis approach to quantify carbon emissions by looking at production, monetary transactions, and consumption statistics.
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute engineer Cynthia Collins will study the effects of microgravity on Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria aboard the Space Shuttle Atlantis. The research aims to understand how biofilms form in space, which could help protect astronauts from infections.
A Washington State University student's research has challenged a widely held assumption on the best way to analyze ancient DNA in anthropological and forensic investigations. Direct sequencing was found to be as effective as cloning in analyzing degraded DNA, with potential cost savings and time efficiency benefits.
A clinical study found that a gabapentin trial was likely a 'seeding trial' to promote the drug, raising concerns about pharmaceutical industry sponsorship of clinical trials. The study's authors argue that this practice is unethical and highlights the need for reform in clinical trial practice.
A study led by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital found that about 10% of adult childhood cancer survivors develop new tumors unrelated to their original cancers. Regular cancer screenings are crucial for this growing population.
A new study shows that southern right whales from remote sub-Antarctic islands have found their way back to New Zealand's mainland, indicating a potential return of this endangered species. The whales' strong 'maternal fidelity' helped them remember ancestral calving grounds, enabling them to migrate and breed in their former habitat.
A new study published in Archives of Internal Medicine found that patients treated for a heart attack in US territories have a significantly higher risk of dying within 30 days. The researchers used Medicare data to compare outcomes in hospitals across the US territories and mainland, revealing substantial differences in mortality rates.
A new study by University of Notre Dame researchers reveals that the malaria mosquito Anopheles gambiae exhibits daily rhythms in gene expression, with nearly 16% of its genome showing time-of-day specific changes. This discovery highlights potential targets for novel malarial control strategies and optimization of existing approaches.
Researchers at Columbia University developed a new technique to evaluate human stem cells using cell micropatterning, enabling the study of developmental processes and disease diagnosis. The technique reveals directional motion patterns in cells, which can distinguish between normal and pathological behaviors.
Guangwen Zhou, a Binghamton University mechanical engineer, has received the National Science Foundation's Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) Award for his work on oxidation and reduction reactions. His research could lead to more durable gadgets and 'greener' electronics-manufacturing processes.
Researchers analyzed data from BC MS Clinics' database and BC Perinatal Database Registry to compare pregnancy outcomes in women with MS to those without the disease. Babies born to mothers with MS did not have significantly different gestational age or birth weight, but mothers with greater disability had slightly elevated risk of adv...
Researchers found that BPA-exposed male deer mice are less desirable to females, perform poorly on spatial navigation tasks, and exhibit random trial-and-error strategies. The study suggests that exposure to BPA during human development could be damaging to behavioral and cognitive traits unique to each sex.
Researchers discovered a key difference in how fish and mammals chew their food. Fish primarily use their tongue muscles to transport food into the mouth, whereas mammals use them to position food for optimal chewing by teeth.
Researchers validate concerns about internet addiction among college students, finding 4% scored in the addicted range. Media use also linked to increased sleep problems in preschool-aged children, with violent content causing significant disruptions.
Researchers at University of Michigan developed a new way to search for drugs that target RNA, a molecule essential to retroviruses like HIV. They successfully predicted the binding of six new small molecules to HIV's genetic material and demonstrated their efficacy in inhibiting viral replication.
Research findings suggest that appealing programming benefits and financial support are key factors in attracting arboreta members. The study recommends providing discounts on educational programs and hands-on workshops to appeal to members, particularly women with higher education levels.
Researchers at the University of Toronto have created a tandem solar cell based on colloidal quantum dots, which can convert a broader range of sunlight into electricity. This breakthrough aims to increase efficiency and reduce costs for solar cells.
A study found that certain white blood cells, called neutrophils, can re-enter the bloodstream and cause damage to unconnected organs after trauma or major surgery. Researchers believe this process is controlled by a protein on the surface of blood vessels called JAM-C.
Researchers discovered that Barrett's esophagus arises from embryonic cells present in all adults, which can rapidly grow and form unusual tissue when the esophagus is damaged by acid reflux. This finding provides a potential target for preventing esophageal cancers.
A new software program allows neuroscientists to produce single brain images from hundreds of individual studies, reducing the time-consuming process. The tool uses meta-analysis to extract brain scan images and analyze them rapidly.
A Johns Hopkins team discovered that cancer cells exhibit a universal 'chaotic' pattern of methylation, leading to unpredictable gene function and increased randomness. This finding may require a new approach to cancer therapy, focusing on helping cancer cells return to normal instead of just killing them.
The European Society of Cardiology recommends redefining cardiac hypertrophy as myocardial remodelling to account for changes in non-myocyte cells and cell division. This change aims to improve communication among researchers and clinicians, leading to better risk stratification and treatment.
Researchers have found that low doses of BCG can temporarily reverse type 1 diabetes in human patients by eliminating autoreactive T cells. A Phase II trial is now underway to test the effectiveness of this approach.
A recent genetic study found a link between a specific gene variant and lower body fat percentage, yet an increased risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease. The researchers discovered that this gene only affects the subcutaneous fat under the skin, which may store fat elsewhere in the body, increasing organ function interference.
Researchers used genome editing to treat hemophilia in mice by precisely targeting and repairing mutated DNA. The treatment, which uses zinc finger nucleases, showed clinically meaningful results with no toxic effects or complications.
Researchers at the University of East Anglia argue that greater focus on the energy requirements of the water sector is crucial for meeting sustainability goals. The study highlights the need to integrate energy use into water resource management and understand its role in greenhouse gas emissions.
Researchers developed a new twin-head 'V' high-wire cucumber system to improve productivity in greenhouses without increasing crop start-up costs. The study showed that the twin-head system achieved similar plant growth and fruit yield as the conventional single-head system, but with lower production expenses.
Researchers found evidence of coincident timing between ancient Salton Sea flooding and fault rupture, potentially triggering large earthquakes on the southern San Andreas Fault. The study suggests heightened preparedness for a major quake immediately following smaller quakes in the stepover zone is warranted.
A new guide recommends when and how genetic testing is useful for inherited cardiac conditions, aiming to lower the risk of sudden cardiac death. The guidance focuses on 13 inherited conditions, including cardiomyopathy and long QT syndrome, and provides recommendations for their diagnosis and treatment.
A new, non-destructive method for estimating leaf area index (LAI) in vegetables has been developed using a commercial camera and free software. The study produced accurate and inexpensive results comparable to more expensive indirect methods.
Researchers found that patients treated with antiretroviral drugs, particularly NRTIs, develop damaged mitochondria similar to those of aged individuals. This damage accelerates the accumulation of errors in mitochondrial DNA, leading to premature aging. The study highlights the need to repair or stall this damage and explores the pote...
The study investigated the relationship between epidermal vacuolar pH and factors affecting color, finding that corals have the highest pH suitable for producing blue hues. This data suggests targeting corals for transformation to create new blue flowers.
Stronger ocean currents beneath West Antarctica's Pine Island Glacier Ice Shelf are eroding the ice from below, speeding its melting. The glacier is sliding into the sea at four kilometers a year, while its ice shelf is melting at 80 cubic kilometers a year.
Researchers have discovered a way sooty mangabeys' immune cells resist SIV infection: they close the gates that viruses use to enter cells. This finding may lead to better coping strategies for HIV-infected individuals.
Scientists at Berkeley Lab have devised a nanoscale testing technique for irradiated materials that provides macroscale materials-strength properties. This technique could help accelerate the development of new materials for nuclear applications, reduce material requirements, and extend the lifetime of nuclear reactors.
A UK study found that 6.5 hours of additional dietary advice sessions lead to improved blood sugar control in patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes. In contrast, exercise did not provide additional benefits when combined with diet intervention, except for those with high HbA1c levels.
A new study found that intensive multifactoral treatment for type 2 diabetes patients detected by screening leads to small improvements in risk factors, but no significant reductions in mortality and cardiovascular events. The study analyzed data from over 3,000 patients and suggested that earlier detection and treatment may be uncerta...
A new report identifies several synergistic steps to improve AF management, including detecting risk factors, using new antithrombotic therapies, early arrhythmia detection, and timely rhythm control treatment. The report highlights the need for more research into genetic biomarkers to assess AF risk.
A major international study reveals that the number of adults with diabetes has reached 347 million, more than double the number in 1980. The prevalence of diabetes has risen or remained unchanged in virtually every part of the world over the last three decades.
A post-hoc analysis shows that JANUMET (sitagliptin/metformin) achieved better A1C goal attainment compared to metformin alone, particularly in patients with baseline A1C between 7.5 and 9.0 percent. The study found that nearly half of these patients achieved the target A1C level after 18 weeks on JANUMET.
A new study found that diabetes prevalence has increased globally over the past three decades, with 350 million adults affected. The study also showed that high-income countries such as the USA and Western Europe have higher rates of diabetes than other regions.
The study reveals a complex cascade of enhancer binding proteins (EBPs) that initiates the formation of biofilms. Bacterial cells require cooperative behavior similar to higher organisms, and understanding this process is crucial for developing new ways to prevent and treat infected surfaces.
Researchers led by Anton Zeilinger found that quantum mechanical measurements cannot be interpreted classically even when no entanglement is involved. This challenges the idea of 'spooky action at a distance', sparking debate about the limits of classical physics.
New basal insulin analogs have improved diabetes management by reducing hypoglycemic episodes and improving blood glucose levels in type 2 diabetes patients. Modern physiological basal insulin replacement has made optimal blood sugar control a realistic target for diabetes management.
A University of Pennsylvania study reports that over 200,000 people are treated for cardiac arrest in US hospitals each year. The high rate underscores the need to identify preventable causes and implement effective resuscitation care strategies.
A team of McMaster researchers is using tiny worms and microtechnology to search for effective new drugs to treat Parkinson's disease. They hope to accelerate the process of drug discovery, which could have direct application to human health.
A new study found that people diagnosed with type 1 diabetes can expect to live up to 15 years longer than previously thought. The study, published in the American Diabetes Association's 71st Scientific Sessions, analyzed data from a 30-year prospective study and found a significant improvement in life expectancy among participants.
A new themed issue of Geosphere delves into the geology and tectonic history of northern San Francisco Bay region, featuring studies on sedimentary and volcanic deposits cut by active strike-slip faults. The papers provide insights into groundwater hydrology, seismic hazard, and plate margin evolution.
Research finds that growing up in a stressful household is associated with larger traffic pollution-induced lung deficits in healthy children. High levels of perceived stress among parents, particularly Hispanic and Asian families, led to decreased lung function in children exposed to traffic-related pollutants.
Humpback whales employ complex feeding maneuvers involving bubble nets to corral and contain planktonic prey. The study reveals novel behaviors such as 'double-loops' and team cooperation, showcasing advanced tool use similar to that of apes.
A 100-million-year-old mayfly fossil has provided valuable insights into the ecology of ancient ecosystems. The discovery of a rare ovipositor and long antennae sheds light on the life cycle and adaptations of this ancient species.
A group of medical experts recommends limiting resident work hours to 12-16 hours, with comprehensive fatigue management, and requiring attending physicians' supervision. The current system poses an 'abuse of patient trust,' and adopting best practices has been extremely poor.