Scientists discovered an epigenetic marker system to predict the fate of progenitor cells, which can be used to guide stem-cell differentiation. This finding may lead to new approaches in regenerative medicine therapies, such as generating liver and pancreas cells for transplantation.
A study from Concordia University, AMI-Québec and the University of British Columbia found that family caregivers can experience high levels of stress and self-blame unless they refocus their priorities and lighten their load. Caregivers who adjust their goals and use effective coping strategies tend to fare better.
Researchers discovered a 40-meter trench containing iron oxide extracted by the Huentelauquen people 12,000 years ago. The site indicates complex cultural practices and transmission of knowledge through generations.
The NTU School of Art, Design & Media building has received the Green Mark Platinum Award for its significant energy and water savings. The building features various eco-friendly features such as high-efficient lights, retrofitted air-conditioning systems, and rainwater collection with sensors.
A 440-year-old document reveals that the Andean population in Peru bounced back briefly after initial Spanish invasion but declined due to repeated disasters, rigid administration and epidemic disease. The census data challenges long-held assumptions about indigenous population decline in the Americas.
Researchers at the University of Louisville have achieved significant breakthroughs in treating paraplegia through epidural spinal cord stimulation and extensive locomotor training. The study's results, published in The Lancet, show that a paralyzed man can stand, step, and move his legs voluntarily with assistance.
A team of researchers at Brown University and India Institute of Technology Kanpur created a scaffold-looking structure consisting of carbon nanofibers that regenerated natural heart tissue cells and neurons. The approach, if successful, would help millions of people suffering from heart attacks.
Researchers found Wolbachia bacteria can significantly reduce Plasmodium falciparum levels in Anopheles gambiae mosquitoes. The bacteria also killed mosquitoes after feeding on blood, potentially providing a strategy to control malaria.
Researchers at Penn State University have developed a laboratory procedure that allows scientists to assemble and study the structure of entire chromosomes. The process reveals the construction of chromatin, a super-compressed marvel of molecular packaging that contains all an organism's DNA and associated proteins.
Research shows that African Americans with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have a higher antibody response to the influenza vaccine compared to European American patients. Treatment with prednisone and history of hemolytic anemia are linked to low antibody responses in SLE patients.
A clinical trial found that Metagenics' UltraMeal PLUS 360° is effective in lowering cardiovascular risk factors and resolving metabolic syndrome. The study showed a 40% increase in resolving metabolic syndrome compared to a Mediterranean-style diet alone.
Research shows that eating triggers anxiety in individuals with anorexia nervosa, rather than the expected feeling of pleasure. The study uses brain imaging technology to demonstrate a paradoxical response to food in people with the disorder, highlighting the need for effective treatment strategies.
A team of researchers from the University of Manchester has made a breakthrough in developing an injectable gel to permanently replace the workings of the intervertebral disc, which is estimated to affect 80% of people at some point in their lives.
Researchers at Salk Institute successfully edit a diseased gene in patient-specific induced pluripotent stem cells and adult stem cells using a virus-based approach. The method provides an efficient and safe tool for cell engineering, opening the way for gene editing-based stem cell therapies suitable for clinical applications.
Research suggests that eating a protein-rich breakfast increases satiety and reduces hunger throughout the day. The study found that higher protein meals led to greater changes in appetite and satiety compared to normal protein meals.
A new study found that exercise improves mood and reduces cigarette cravings in women smokers, but the effects are short-lived lasting several hours to days. Researchers plan to conduct larger trials to determine how frequently exercise must be done to sustain its anti-craving benefits.
A study published in EMBO Molecular Medicine suggests a novel therapy for mitochondrial diseases in children, using the oral drug probucol. The research reveals that probucol prevents and reverses kidney disease in mice with a genetic deficiency, raising levels of coenzyme Q10 and correcting signaling abnormalities.
Researchers found that bitter cumin seeds are a rich source of phenolic antioxidants, which can mop up free radicals and reduce oxidative stress. This antioxidant activity is correlated with the total phenol content of the seeds, suggesting that multiple phenolic compounds may be responsible for its effects.
A team of researchers analyzed new conodont fossils and developed a 3D model of their feeding mechanism, revealing that these ancient vertebrates used teeth on upper lips and tongue to grasp food. The findings confirm the primitive nature of conodonts and suggest a common ancestor with lampreys.
A team of researchers from Caltech and UCLA used an electrode array to stimulate a paralyzed man's spinal cord, allowing him to stand, step, and regain voluntary leg movements. The treatment improved autonomic functions such as bladder control, temperature regulation, and muscle tone over time.
University of Missouri researchers found that human voice on social media leads to increased trust, commitment, and satisfaction. Personal contact on social media is perceived more positively than organizational presence, particularly for for-profit organizations.
Researchers discovered that supportive mothering in toddlerhood and conflict resolution skills in adolescence predict becoming the stronger link in adult relationships. The study also showed that well-matching levels of commitment can lead to a more stable and benevolent partnership.
Humanized BLT mice, created with human bone marrow, liver, and thymus tissues, have been shown to reproduce the design of a recent clinical study on topical microbicide tenofovir. The results demonstrate 88% protection against vaginal HIV transmission, warranting consideration for future testing in people.
Carnegie Mellon University researchers used a video game to study adult language learning, discovering that listeners quickly recognize word-like units. With just two hours of play, participants could reliably extract sound categories and apply them to advance through the game.
Researchers at King's College London have developed a new approach using immune cells to prevent organ rejection. The 'specific' Tregs can regulate only the activity of effector cells that would target a transplanted organ, leaving the remaining effector cells to function normally.
Researchers found that carbon black nanoparticles activated a double source of inflammation in the lungs, causing immune cells to die and leading to a secondary inflammatory response. The study suggests environmental exposures to diesel exhaust or printer ink could contribute to lung inflammation.
Researchers found carbon-based minerals in ancient Canadian rocks to be millions of years younger than the rock itself, questioning earlier timelines for biological life's emergence. The discovery suggests that carbon may have been introduced into the rock at a later stage, potentially altering our understanding of the Earth's evolution.
The RTOG 0525 Phase III Trial Comparing Conventional Adjuvant Temozolomide with Dose-Intensive Temozolomide in Patients with Newly Diagnosed Glioblastoma found no significant improvement in overall patient survival or disease progression for patients who received dose-intensive temozolomide plus radiotherapy. However, the trial demonst...
A new study suggests that structural weaknesses in proteins, rather than natural selection, may have led to the evolution of biological complexity. Flaws in protein packing make them more unstable in water, promoting interactions and intracellular teamwork.
A new study shows that nearly 70% of men with rising PSA levels and subsequent normal biopsies were eventually diagnosed with prostate cancer. Rising PSA velocity over several years should prompt clinicians to follow patients more closely, even with negative biopsy results.
RIKEN researchers developed a new gene expression analysis technique called HeliScopeCAGE that can measure gene expression levels using only 100 nanograms of total RNA. This technique reduces biases and generates highly reproducible data, enabling high-precision gene expression analysis from tiny samples.
Studies by MDC researchers have comprehensively quantified gene expression for the first time, revealing that protein production is mainly controlled in the cytoplasm. This discovery highlights where gene expression can get out of control and may provide key insights into diseases such as cancer.
Researchers found that women who gained more than the recommended weight during pregnancy were three times as likely to be overweight or obese. Regular monitoring of weight in pregnancy may need to be reconsidered to prevent these health problems.
A new study published in Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases found that high levels of saturated fat in dairy products do not increase the risk of heart attack. Instead, other nutrients in dairy products, such as calcium and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), may have protective effects against heart disease.
Researchers at the University of Sheffield have developed pigment-free polymer materials that exhibit intense, colorful patterns. These materials are difficult to copy and could provide a new anti-counterfeit solution for passports and banknotes.
A study found that low lymphocyte counts before surgery are associated with poor prognosis, higher tumor grades, and lower overall survival rates. The researchers suggest that this test could help doctors individualize therapies and change clinical decisions.
Octopuses have been shown to make complex movements, such as navigating through mazes, using visual information. The study reveals that they can direct a single arm in a coordinated movement to retrieve food rewards.
Researchers developed a novel technique to image single biological molecules in living cells using diamond's nitrogen vacancy defect. This breakthrough could lead to new tools for diagnosing and treating diseases like cancer, with potential to reveal the inner workings of life on the molecular scale.
Researchers at University of Rochester Medical Center have identified two genes, CDK6 and CDK4, that are amplified in the worst cases of esophageal cancer, providing data to support a new investigational treatment. The study found that targeting these genes may halt the growth of cancer cells.
A simple fitness test can predict a person's risk of heart attack or stroke over the next decade or more. Middle-aged individuals who can run a mile quickly have a lower lifetime risk of cardiovascular disease.
The California Energy Commission is funding $1.4 million in renewable energy research at UC San Diego, including advanced solar forecasting and energy storage systems. The investment will help accelerate the development of clean energy technologies and achieve California's 33% Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard by 2020.
China's nationwide HIV treatment coverage has increased to 63.4%, while mortality among eligible patients has fallen by 60%. However, targeting injecting drug users, those infected sexually, and men remains crucial for further improvement.
Scientists use new technique to demonstrate that cell membrane and cytoplasm structure can guide asymmetric cell division. Model cells show that simple chemical interactions can result in complex behaviors like asymmetric division even without genetic signals.
A Johns Hopkins study found that hospitals in the US publicize robotic surgery's clinical superiority despite a lack of scientific evidence, and overstate its benefits, ignoring risks. The study highlights the need for hospitals to ensure accurate information on their websites.
A new gene-sequencing study identifies rare de novo mutations in four genes that likely play a causative role in autism. The study suggests that the 'multi-hit' theory of autism may be correct and provides evidence for exome-sequencing as an effective way to discover responsible genes.
The FIGO PALM-COEIN classification system provides a universally accepted method for classifying abnormal uterine bleeding, facilitating communication among clinicians and researchers. The system categorizes causes of AUB into nine categories, enabling consistent and practical application of medical and surgical therapy.
Researchers from Michigan State University analyzed the Kohler effect in health video games and found that working out with a virtual partner improves task persistence and reduces social anxiety. The study suggests that incorporating design features based on the Kohler effect could motivate vigorous exercise.
Researchers used X-ray computed tomography to create stunning three-dimensional images of the fossilized spider, revealing it as a member of the Huntsman spiders genus. The study demonstrates that historical pieces of darkened amber can yield vital data when studied by modern techniques.
A new NIH-funded randomized clinical trial has found that aspirin and simvastatin do not provide benefits to patients with pulmonary artery hypertension. The study, which was conducted at four U.S. medical centers, enrolled 65 patients and showed no significant difference in six-minute walk distance between the treatment groups.
A Purdue University study found that higher temperatures and humidity levels can degrade the catechins in green tea powders, reducing their antioxidant properties. The research provides guidelines for storing these powders to maintain their nutritional quality.
A 47 million-year-old lizard fossil has provided key findings on the evolutionary relationships between snakes and other reptiles. The study reveals that snakes evolved independently from limbless lizards, rather than sharing a common ancestry with burrowing reptiles.
A study found that expanded use of electronic medical records would substantially reduce infant mortality in the U.S., saving approximately 16 babies for every 100,000 live births. A complete national transition to electronic records would save an estimated 6,400 infants each year.
Researchers developed a 3D invisibility cloak that guides light waves around an object, making it invisible to the human eye. The cloaking material is structured in the nanometer range and has precisely defined thicknesses, enabling it to manipulate light waves with unprecedented precision.
Researchers developed a predictive model to identify areas at high risk of wetland habitat loss in the southern United States. The study highlights the importance of conservation efforts in these regions, where urbanization and development have led to significant wetland losses.
A study found that many GP prescriptions for paracetamol either under-dose older children or over-dose young children, highlighting the need for accurate dosing. The research suggests that health care workers must take care when calculating doses to avoid harm.
End-of-life care for cancer patients varies significantly between the US and Canada, with higher rates of hospital admissions and emergency room visits in Ontario compared to the US. In contrast, US patients receive more chemotherapy, particularly in the last month of life.
A new study claims that species extinction rates have been overreported by as much as 160%, using widely used methods. However, the global extinction crisis is still very real, according to researchers. The study's findings suggest that habitat loss is not as dire as previously thought, but conservation efforts are still necessary.
A blood test counting circulating tumor cells is a reliable indicator of disease progression in patients with metastatic breast cancer. The test's predictive value remains consistent regardless of treatment type or sites of disease involvement.
Researchers at the University of Nottingham have discovered a complex genetic mechanism controlling plant germination and flowering. The study reveals genes responsible for stress response are also involved in seed germination, offering insights into adapting crops to extreme environmental conditions.
Research suggests maternal smoking during pregnancy may alter DNA methylation levels in the AXL gene, associated with increased asthma risk in children. The study found a stronger association between maternal smoking and DNA methylation in girls than boys.