Brown and Goldstein will present their award lecture on the SREBP pathway and its application to cholesterol regulation at Experimental Biology 2011. The pair's joint discoveries have placed them at the forefront of regulatory biochemistry, a field pioneered by Earl Stadtman.
A recent study by Ohio State University researchers has identified a gene mutation that causes microcephalic osteodysplastic primoridal dwarfism type 1 (MOPD1), a rare developmental disorder. The defect, triggered by a tiny gene mutation, greatly slows growth in the uterus and causes severe brain and organ abnormalities.
Researchers confirm it is possible to make complex bamboo tools with simple stone tools, but find that prehistoric people preferred crudely made stone flakes instead. Bamboo knives were efficient for cutting meat but not hides, suggesting a preference for simpler tools.
Physicists at UC Berkeley used sensitive magnetometers to search for biomagnetism in the world's largest flower, but found no evidence of a strong magnetic field. Despite being unable to detect a significant magnetic signal, researchers believe studying biomagnetism in plants could lead to new discoveries.
Researchers found that cave fish sleep significantly less than surface fish, with an average of 110-250 minutes per day. Genetic studies revealed a dominant gene responsible for reduced sleep in cave fish, which may be linked to human insomnia and other sleep disorders.
Scientists have discovered ancient mollusk fossils that may indicate how warm the planet will become if carbon dioxide levels are stabilized at current values. The findings suggest summertime Arctic temperatures could increase by 2-5 degrees Fahrenheit, leading to a permanent ice cap melting and further heating the planet.
A new report links differences in brain structure to political orientation, finding that liberals have larger anterior cingulate cortexes and are better at coping with conflicting information, while conservatives have larger amygdalas and are more sensitive to threats.
Researchers discuss recent developments in DNA replication, recombination, and repair, highlighting their importance in cancer development and gene therapy. The thematic program brings together experts to present discoveries on aberrant DNA repair, site-specific recombination, and genomic instability.
The AAAS website provides detailed insights into US students' science knowledge, including incorrect ideas they hold. The site features test questions and analysis of correct and incorrect responses, helping educators identify gaps in understanding and improve instruction.
A recent study published in Ethology found that people with bloodshot eyes are perceived as sadder, unhealthier, and less attractive than those with untinted eye whites. The research tested 208 volunteers and showed that red eyes trigger perceptions of discomfort and affect how we perceive someone's emotional and biological state.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that video game treatment can significantly improve upper-arm motor function in stroke survivors. Virtual reality games showed promise as a promising and potentially useful alternative to traditional physiotherapy.
Scientists will present their work on reversing the obesity epidemic by understanding its molecular underpinnings. The conference will feature talks on emerging research, treatment options, and the impact of obesity on various bodily systems.
A new study reveals that exposure to vehicle pollution can cause significant brain damage in mice, including signs of memory loss and Alzheimer's disease. The tiny particles from burning fossil fuels and weathered car parts are too small for filters to trap, raising concerns about human health.
A video-based decision aid helped patients weigh the pros and cons of bariatric surgery, leading to greater certainty and less conflict. The trial found that patients who watched the video felt more informed and confident in their decisions.
Researchers at TUM have developed a geo-sensor system that can monitor unstable mountain slopes and detect movements. The system uses a combination of sensors, including coaxial cables and GPS, to track changes in the slope's structure.
A new study reveals that concentrated fish farm waste plumes do not consistently dilute immediately in open water. The research found that tides, currents, and the earth's rotation can dramatically affect how far waste plumes travel from their source.
Johnson was chosen for pioneering site-specific incorporation of non-natural amino acids and biophysical fluorescence approaches to study complex molecular machines. His work remains the most powerful tools to study biochemical systems, emphasizing mentorship over enterprise.
Researchers have discovered a new way to reprogram adult cells into an embryonic stem cell-like state using specific microRNAs and Hdac2 suppression, offering a more efficient alternative to traditional methods. This breakthrough could lead to improved strategies for developing stem cells for therapeutic use.
Astronomers have never seen a gamma-ray burst as bright and long-lasting as GRB 110328A, which is believed to be associated with a massive black hole. The unusual blast likely arose when a star wandered too close to the central black hole of its galaxy.
Experts at EB2011 discuss the links between metabolic function and disease onset, highlighting recent findings on mitochondrial dysfunction and metabolic signal transduction. The meeting focuses on the biochemical reactions that sustain life and their impact on serious diseases.
A University of Alberta study found that warning labels on junk food are more effective in deterring overweight consumers from making unhealthy purchases. The study showed that shoppers with high body mass index were deterred only by the warning label, indicating that price alone is not enough to change behavior.
John McDowell, a Pitt philosophy professor, received a prestigious award for his work on combining philosophical thought with the natural sciences to understand human experience. He plans to use the grant to focus on graduate teaching, publishing research, and presenting at conferences.
Researchers have found that monkeys infected with an emerging malaria strain are providing a reservoir for human disease in Southeast Asia. The study confirms that the species has not yet adapted to humans and that monkeys are the main source of infection.
Researchers at UMMS have developed a novel technique called EMPIRIC to produce all possible individual mutations and analyze their impact on cells. This approach enables the systematic screening of viral genomes for likelihood to develop drug resistance.
Charles E. Chalfant, a researcher at Virginia Commonwealth University, has won the Avanti Young Investigator Award in Lipid Research for his groundbreaking studies on ceramide and ceramide-1-phosphate. He is recognized for his research productivity and emerging leadership in lipid research.
The Experimental Biology 2011 conference showcased cutting-edge research in biochemical battle of the bulge, DNA replication, and bone health. Researchers presented findings on obesity, cancer, and gene therapy, highlighting the importance of understanding cellular processes in disease prevention.
Cities globally are failing to prepare for climate change impacts, despite billions of urban dwellers being vulnerable to heat waves, sea level rise, and other changes. Many cities lack effective strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect residents.
A Wayne State University study found that soy isoflavones can sensitize cancer cells to radiation while protecting normal tissue. The study demonstrated that soy isoflavones can block DNA repair mechanisms in cancer cells, leading to increased killing of lung cancer cells by radiation
Scientists at Iowa State University have introduced a starch-controlling gene into soybean plants, increasing protein content by 30-60%. This discovery holds promise for improving nutrition in areas with protein-deficient diets. The research also sheds light on genes with obscure functionalities and their potential applications.
Researchers at IITA and CIFOR found that widespread deforestation in West Africa's tropical forest region is driven by low-input farming practices. Increasing fertilizer use could have spared 2 million hectares of forest from being cleared, instead promoting sustainable agriculture and higher yields.
A new study published in American Journal of Transplantation found that progressive damage to kidney transplants is less common and less severe than previously reported. The study, involving 797 patients, showed that 87% of patients had mild or no signs of progressive scar damage at one year after transplant.
Researchers studying Mexican Blind Cave Fish found that cave-adapted fish sleep less and are more active than their surface-dwelling relatives. The discovery suggests that the transition to a dark environment may be associated with changes in sleep behavior, potentially due to the need for continuous vigilance to find food.
Yusuf Hannun has pioneered the understanding of bioactive sphingolipids, a class of lipids regulating multiple cell functions. His research group is one of the best-funded lipid research groups in the US.
The American College of Physicians urges a national policy to ensure better access to healthcare for immigrants, who face numerous barriers, including lack of insurance and fear of deportation. The organization emphasizes the importance of addressing these concerns to prevent public health issues and promote equitable care.
Loyola University Health System's Heart Attack Rapid Response Team has dramatically improved care for heart attack patients by reducing door-to-balloon times to just 47 minutes.
The Infectious Diseases Society of America warns that antibiotic-resistant super bugs threaten public health, citing a need for urgent action. The organization recommends initiatives to combat resistance, including incentivizing R&D, recalibrating FDA requirements, and promoting judicious use of antibiotics.
A new index called SAFE (Species Ability to Forestall Extinction) measures how close a species is to extinction. The index provides a formula for calculating the minimum viable population size, allowing conservationists to prioritize resources on species most likely to be brought back from the brink of extinction.
A collaborative quality improvement program between Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and the University of Michigan Health System has improved safety and quality in several clinical areas, resulting in significant cost savings. The program achieved measurable drops in surgical complications, with a reduction of $20 million annually.
Scientists have successfully developed a technique to decode brain signals associated with speech and movement. By analyzing frequency of brain wave activity, patients can learn to control a computer cursor by thinking or saying specific sounds, marking the beginning of 'reading minds' technology.
The study found that TRPV3 channels in western clawed frogs have opposite temperature sensitivities compared to mammals, indicating dynamic adaptation to thermal environments. The researchers identified a gene and examined its function, revealing structural differences between frog and mammal channels.
A study found that exercising during pregnancy can help infants develop healthier hearts, with improved cardiovascular function maintained even after birth. The research suggests that interventions should focus on pregnant women to promote better health outcomes for children.
Researchers identify a refined mechanism in the pancreas that uses autophagy to selectively detect and degrade activated enzymes, potentially preventing pancreatitis. The discovery could lead to new therapeutic approaches for patients with acute or chronic pancreatic disease.
Cheryl A. Kerfeld, a structural biologist, has won the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology's Award for Exemplary Contributions to Education for her innovative approach to teaching genomics and bioinformatics. Her educational programs have been adopted by over 65 institutions, empowering undergraduate students to ann...
Research from the University of Arizona found that bacteria in the genus Rickettsia can rapidly evolve whiteflies, making them more likely to survive and reproduce. The bacteria manipulate sex ratios, causing more female offspring to be born, which is unusual for such a short period.
Infants exhibit stable patterns of attention during interaction, with gaze duration influenced by previous gazes. This finding suggests a building block of intentional action and may help understand human social interactions.
An observational study found that women with poor physical health scores had a 27% increased risk of cancer recurrence or new breast cancer. Physical health also impacted survival, with a 65% greater risk of death among those with poorer health scores.
Researchers from UPCI and Pitt will present over 80 posters, talks, and tutorials on various cancer studies, including the effects of immunomodulatory derivatives on blood cell production pathways and the role of inflammatory mediators in immune system dysfunction. Additionally, they will discuss the development of vaccines targeting p...
Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have developed a new method to boost enzymatic activity by confining enzymes in carefully engineered nanoscale holes. The study found that embedded enzymes exhibited significant increases in activity and retained their 3-D structure.
Researchers at Duke University and Johns Hopkins University have identified a key brain switch that regulates neuron migration, which may help in early detection of schizophrenia and other conditions. The study suggests that up to 10% of psychiatric illnesses are driven by defects in this switch system.
A recent study suggests that affectionate communication, such as hugging, can help individuals with high levels of alexithymia form more fulfilling relationships and reduce anxiety. Researchers surveyed 921 people and found that sharing affection reduces the negative impact of alexithymia on relationships.
Research at Yerkes National Primate Research Center finds chimpanzees yawn more after watching familiar chimps, suggesting underlying empathy. The study proposes that contagious yawning can be used as a measure of empathy in both humans and animals.
ES cells can differentiate into retinal precursors and form an optic cup-like structure in vitro without external signaling sources. The tissue undergoes a four-step morphological rearrangement to assume the optic cup shape, driven by cell division and epithelial expansion.
A new study from North Carolina State University has identified a specific microbe that is the key to methane production in landfills. This anaerobic bacterium, Methanosarcina barkeri, consumes acids and increases pH levels, making other areas habitable for more methanogens.
The S.L.E. Lupus Foundation has awarded grants to three New York City-based researchers to explore potential treatments and causes of lupus. The foundation's investment has surpassed $17 million, making it a leader in lupus research and care.
The phase I safety trial of Neuralstem's human spinal cord stem cells in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) will be presented at the American Academy of Neurology Annual Meeting, featuring interim safety data on nine patients. The trial is designed to evaluate the safety of the cells and surgery procedure for ALS treatment.
A review of vegetarianism's biochemistry suggests that vegans may be at higher risk for blood clots and atherosclerosis due to low levels of essential nutrients. Increasing dietary omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin B12 can help mitigate these risks, particularly through sources like salmon, walnuts, and fortified milk.
A survey by the Commonwealth Fund found that seven in ten adults think the US healthcare system needs to be fundamentally changed. The concerns include access barriers, poorly coordinated care, and growing costs. Strong support was also shown for patient-centered care systems and innovative use of teams and information systems.
A study published in Neurology found that welders exposed to welding fumes had an average 11.7% reduction in dopamine levels in the brain, indicating potential neurotoxic effects. The researchers also discovered brain changes consistent with manganese deposits in welders.
A phase 2 clinical trial demonstrates the benefit of a neurotrophic factor to treat geographic atrophy, a severe form of age-related macular degeneration. The therapy, which delivers ciliary neurotrophic factor using encapsulated cell therapy, slowed vision loss and stabilized vision in patients with high-dose treatment.
Scientists have found that tungsten accumulates in the spleen and bones of laboratory mice, raising concerns about its potential impact on the immune system. Further research is needed to determine the effects of tungsten on human health.