A Planet of Viruses delves into the world of viruses, revealing how they've shaped the evolution of life and continue to pose a threat to human health. The book also discusses innovative ways to harness viruses for medical breakthroughs.
BC scientists are part of an international team creating a vast resource bank for gene function research. The project aims to build tools to discover mutant genes' roles in human diseases, potentially leading to medical therapy advances.
University of Houston students Nicholas Eastham and Thomas Markovich have been named Barry M. Goldwater Scholars, while Mason Biamonte and Abdulrahman Ibrahim received honorable mentions for their outstanding research work. The scholarships recognize academic merit and provide funding for further research and education.
Researchers have discovered that a specific type of T-cell can kill neurons, raising concerns about the potential effectiveness of an MS therapy. The study found that these protective T-cells, which are meant to regulate the immune system, can instead cause autoimmune diseases like MS.
A new 'Swiss cheese' design for thin film silicon solar cells offers improved stability and efficiency, potentially boosting industrial production. The nanostructured substrate enables strong absorption and tight spacing between electrodes.
The new guidelines emphasize the importance of genetic counseling and comprehensive clinical evaluation in treatment decisions. The guidelines also recommend specialized centers for genetic testing and interpretation, covering 13 inherited cardiac conditions.
The May issue of JAMIA features research on protecting provider identities during disease surveillance, rapid outbreak detection, and disparities in internet patient portal use in diabetes. The study highlights the importance of understanding people's information needs and social networks in improving healthcare services.
The IU-Regenstrief programs have expanded enrollment by 50% with the addition of distance learning options, providing a solution to the growing shortage of health information technology specialists in Indiana and nationwide.
Tobin Marks has developed major new industrial catalysts and a deeper understanding of their chemical structures and mechanisms. His research has led to multi-billion dollar industrial processes and enormous savings in energy and resources.
A study by researchers at UC San Diego finds that Filipino children are more likely to develop aneurysms and inflammation of the blood vessels of the heart compared to other Asian and non-Asian backgrounds. The research highlights the need for medical providers to be aware of Kawasaki disease in high-risk populations.
Scientists at University of Cambridge and Rutgers University develop new class of organic thin films on surfaces, exhibiting unique properties ideal for high-density stable thin films. The findings pave the way for creating smaller electronic devices, replacing conventional fabrication techniques.
A Rice University study found that daily deal promotions can be effective for retail startup businesses in local markets, increasing profits by up to 30% when unredeemed Groupons are accounted for. The promotion also brought greater exposure, earning revenues almost 140% higher than expected.
A new study from the University of Cambridge shows that simple chemical reactions can delay or prevent CO2 from spreading in deep saline rock formations. The findings have implications for carbon sequestration methods and may enable engineers to manipulate reaction strength to enhance storage.
A study published in Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior found that factors influencing children's use of and time spent in fast-food and full-service restaurants include parental work schedules and parenting styles. Fathers who frequently dine out with their kids tend to have a greater impact on their eating habits.
Researchers have discovered a new way to understand the interactions between cells and their environment using single-cell marine organisms. By sequencing the genomes of these tiny microbes, scientists can gain insights into diverse questions such as cancer cell growth rates and the impact of climate change on ecosystems.
The National Academies Keck Futures Initiative has awarded $1 million for 13 interdisciplinary research projects in imaging science, aiming to improve detection and treatment of diseases. The selected projects focus on developing new biomedical imaging methods, including adaptive optics, statistical analysis, and multiscale modeling.
Researchers have discovered a gene regulatory network structure, 'medusa,' that governs gene expression profiles in cancer cells. Transcription factors play a central role, controlling the collective activity of thousands of genes.
Researchers at Columbia University have established a new method to repair damaged hearts using a tissue-engineering platform. This breakthrough enables heart tissue to repair itself and has the potential to combat cardiovascular disease, one of the most serious health problems today.
A team of scientists has discovered a new mineral, krotite, which is believed to be one of the earliest minerals formed in our solar system. The mineral was found in an unusual inclusion embedded in a meteorite and is composed of calcium-aluminum-rich refractory material.
Researchers found that HIV evolves to evade ADCC antibodies, but these antibodies can force the virus to become weaker. This study suggests that inducing ADCC responses through a vaccine could help prevent HIV infection.
Researchers have developed a novel algorithm that uses evolutionary computation to optimize frequency curves for realistic synthetic vocals. The system compares human performances and home in on the most nuanced curve, making it possible to create high-quality, natural-sounding vocal renditions.
Scientists have identified a molecular sensor of temperature within immune cells, which primes the immune response to temperature shifts. This discovery could provide new insights into the mechanisms underlying fever and its effects on the immune system.
Researchers at the University of Southampton have developed an online auction protocol to optimize electric vehicle charging, increasing overnight capacity by up to 40%. The system ensures that drivers specify their requirements and pay accordingly, preventing 'gaming' the system.
A study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that obese male patients seeing male physicians had higher odds of receiving weight-related counseling. This suggests that societal norms linking physical fitness to masculinity may influence physicians' attitudes towards obesity care. The findings highlight the imp...
Researchers found that implementing a tobacco-free policy at an Ohio women's substance abuse treatment center led to a 28 percentage point decrease in program completion rates. The study suggests that smoking bans may pose challenges for treatment centers, but they are not a reason to abandon tobacco-free policies entirely.
Researchers at NRL demonstrate electrical injection, detection and precession of spin accumulation in silicon at temperatures up to 225°C, overcoming a major obstacle for spin-based devices. The findings provide key enabling steps for developing semiconductor spintronics that offer higher performance and lower power consumption.
Research published in BioMed Central's EvoDevo journal reveals that sloths and manatees have evolved unusual neck structures without apparent problems. The study suggests that slow lifestyles and low metabolic rates allowed these animals to alter their neck length without side effects, unlike other mammals.
Researchers analyzed 198 cases of differentiated thyroid cancer patients in Japan and found that delaying treatment beyond 180 days increased mortality risk. The Society of Nuclear Medicine supports maintaining current regulations, citing existing scientific evidence as safe for patients and the public.
Despite 89% saying they'd call 9-1-1 at the first sign of a stroke, only 12% actually did, highlighting a significant gap between intention and action. Prompt hospital arrival is critical for preventing permanent damage, with intravenous clot-busting drugs administered within three hours being the most effective treatment.
Scientists have identified a single amino acid change in the chikungunya virus' exterior protein that enables it to infect Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, allowing for rapid spread across India and Southeast Asia. The discovery sheds light on why outbreaks occurred despite previous strains being present in the region.
A recent study analyzing data from 6,400 low-income immigrant children in Montreal reveals that their BMI drops significantly as they grow up in Canada. The 'healthy immigrant effect' seen in adult immigrants is lost in successive generations of children.
Scientists deciphered a community of soil microbes that enables a patch of soil to suppress a plant-killing pathogen. The researchers found 17 unique types of bacteria working together to reduce the incidence of fungal infection.
The sequencing of the Selaginella genome provides a unique insight into plant evolution, revealing new genetic mechanisms and potential sources for pharmaceuticals. By comparing this genome with others, researchers have identified genes that played important roles in the early evolution of vascular and flowering plants.
A study found that sonography with power Doppler can identify subclinical disease and joint activity in children with JIA, which complements the physical exam. The study also showed that certain combinations of physical exam findings are highly sensitive and ultrasound does not add value to clinical management.
Jack Levis, INFORMS Vice President and Director of Process Management at UPS, led his team to win the 2011 Gartner Business Intelligence Excellence Award. The award recognizes UPS's successful implementation of business intelligence and advanced analytics to improve operational efficiency and customer service.
A new study found that cattle infected with foot-and-mouth disease are only contagious for 1.7 days, sparking hope for reduced culling and improved testing methods. Researchers recommend developing pre-clinical diagnostic tools to detect infected animals before symptoms appear, allowing for more targeted interventions.
Two widely used multi-gene tests produce broadly similar results for high- and low-risk breast cancer patients, but differ for those at intermediate risk. The study's findings suggest that these tests can provide additional independent prognostic information to help clinicians make informed treatment decisions.
Researchers have developed a mouse model that mimics the social deficits of autism and schizophrenia, showing improved social behavior with oxytocin treatment. The study provides insights into biological factors related to social deficits and may be useful in evaluating new treatments for these disorders.
A new study funded by the National Institute of Justice will investigate the issue of untested rape kits in Houston and develop strategies to solve the problem. The project includes collaboration between researchers from Sam Houston State University, the University of Texas at Austin, and law enforcement agencies.
Scientists have developed a new test that can diagnose Aspergillus infection and spot signs of antifungal resistance to azoles. Using this test, the team found 55% of aspergillosis patients had telltale signs of resistance to azoles.
A study by Behnam Taebi explores the moral desirability of nuclear power production methods, considering technological realities and ethical issues. The author argues that distinguishing between different nuclear energy production methods is crucial before making informed choices.
A broad shift in federal policies is needed to develop farm practices that are economically, socially, and environmentally sustainable. Current policies focus on a few crops and farmers, while neglecting issues like global warming, biodiversity loss, and public health problems.
A team of researchers studied the evolution of parareptiles, finding that they were not hit as hard by the end-Permian extinction as previously thought. The study used evolutionary relationships to infer missing diversity and revealed new patterns in the fossil record.
Researchers at North Carolina State University have found a specific gene in corn associated with resistance to three important plant leaf diseases. The glutathione S-transferase gene is linked to modest levels of resistance to Southern leaf blight, gray leaf spot, and Northern leaf blight.
A study from Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory suggests that adult stem cells in the brain are 'disposable' and lose their ability to produce neurons with age, leading to a decline in new neuron production. This decline may contribute to age-related cognitive decline.
A study by Dr. Alexey Terskikh and colleagues found that the SOX2 gene maintains the potential for neural crest stem cells to become neurons in the peripheral nervous system. This discovery could help inform therapies for neurocristopathies, diseases caused by defects in the neural crest or neurons.
A new biosensor uses antibody-based technology to detect marine pollutants like oil cheaper and faster than current methods. It has the potential to track and guide the clean-up of oil spills in real-time, providing valuable information for engineers monitoring dredging operations.
Researchers found that celecoxib induced an anti-tumor response at the molecular level, affecting genes involved in cell proliferation, apoptosis, and extracellular matrix biology. The study suggests that celecoxib may be efficient as a cancer treatment for people with primary invasive breast cancer.
A group of 31 Singapore entrepreneurs, members of the Entrepreneurs' Organisation (EO), have donated $100,000 to create a bursary fund for needy students at Nanyang Business School (NBS) at Nanyang Technological University (NTU). The endowment will provide up to two $5,000 bursaries per year, starting from the next Academic Year.
Researchers at the University of Vienna and Austrian Academy of Sciences have successfully simulated a frustrated quantum system using entangled photons. The experiment offers enormous potential for future quantum simulators to study complex quantum phenomena.
A recent study published in The Lancet found that treating acute appendicitis with antibiotics is not as effective as surgically removing the appendix. In the study, patients who received antibiotics were more likely to develop post-intervention peritonitis, a serious inflammation of the abdominal cavity.
Researchers warn that seed mixtures could increase the risk of pest resistance and reduce choices for growers, highlighting concerns over integrated pest management. The use of biotechnology in seed mixtures may lead to increased pressure on the soil insecticide market as resistance develops.
The spikemoss genome reveals that the transition from mosses to plants with vascular systems didn't involve as many genes as going from a vascular plant without flowers to one with them. The genome also sheds light on lignin, a polymer challenging biofuels researchers, and offers strategic research opportunities.
A study published in Reproductive Toxicology found that maternal exposure to bisphenol A (BPA) during pregnancy is associated with decreased birth weight of offspring. Researchers also discovered that the magnitude of decrease in birth weight was greater in children whose mothers were directly exposed to high BPA levels in the workplace.
A new study introduces an improved algorithm to detect and remove motion artifacts from full-body MRIs. The Motion Artifact Removal by Retrospective Resolution Reduction (MARs) algorithm enables better retrospective reviews of images and reduces the need for additional imaging, leading to improved overall image quality.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have developed a new technology called mass cytometry, which allows for simultaneous measurement of dozens of features on and in cells. This enables scientists to categorize more immune cell types than ever before and gain insights into cellular processes.
Researchers found that arsenic exposure elevates cardiovascular disease mortality in individuals who smoke. Arsenic levels above the safe limit significantly increase risk of death from cardiovascular disease, even at lower doses than previously reported.
A new University of Florida study reveals that cats are the dominant predators to urban mockingbird eggs and nestlings, challenging assumptions about urban areas as nesting sites. The study urges pet owners to keep felines indoors at night to reduce nest predation.
A new study led by Stanford University researchers found that US farmers have largely avoided the impacts of global warming on wheat and corn production. However, with projected temperature increases, it is likely that North American crop yields will eventually be affected.
Researchers have sequenced the genomes of two fungal pathogens that threaten global food supplies, including wheat stem rust and poplar leaf rust. The study provides insights into the molecular underpinnings of these pathogens' pathogenicity and survival, shedding light on their complex relationships with host plants.