The Society of Interventional Radiology Foundation named Dr. Jeanne M. LaBerge the 2011 Dotter Lecturer, honoring her extraordinary contributions to interventional radiology. She is also a leader in innovation, with awards recognizing her research and education efforts.
A study published in Nature Chemical Biology reveals that mutations in the p53 protein lead to protein aggregation, disrupting its protective function. This causes uncontrolled cell growth and tumor formation, highlighting a new mechanism for cancer development.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed a new drug called AT-406 that effectively targets proteins blocking normal cell death, leading to tumor cell death while sparing normal cells. The drug has shown promising results in animal models, shrinking tumors with minimal side effects.
Researchers at Berkeley Lab have fabricated a perovskite-based superlens that captures evanescent light waves in the mid-infrared range, enabling highly sensitive biomedical detection and imaging. The superlens achieves an imaging resolution of one micrometer, surpassing the diffraction limit of conventional lenses.
A new medical device developed using submarine technology detects, diagnoses, and monitors stroke with high accuracy. The device can differentiate between normal brain activity and life-threatening conditions, allowing immediate treatment to begin.
Stepchildren build positive or negative relationships with stepparents based on their evaluations of stepparents' behaviors and overall family situation. Researchers identified six patterns of step-relationship development from stepchildren's perspectives.
A new study proposes a communications strategy to improve layman understanding of climate science, focusing on strategic organization and strategic listening. The authors argue that scientists should work in cross-disciplinary teams and use systematic feedback to evaluate their communication skills.
Research suggests that most second cancers are due to lifestyle and genetics, not radiotherapy. The study found an estimated 8% proportion of second cancers related to radiotherapy, with higher risks for younger patients and organs exposed to higher radiation doses.
A new study found that the most toxic and brightly colored poison frog species are also physically fit, with higher aerobic capacity than their non-toxic cousins. This is due to their specialized diet of ants and mites, which requires them to forage further and exercise more.
Scientists demonstrate a novel mechanism for Chagas disease's devastating effects: a parasite-driven autoimmune response that alters host genome. This chicken model reveals the origin of Chagas-like heart disease in the absence of parasitism, shedding new light on this lethal endemic infectious disease.
Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have developed a targeted therapy strategy that slows the progression of NUT midline carcinoma in children. The approach uses an HDAC inhibitor to distract cancer proteins from their usual activity, causing cells to behave like normal cells.
Zewail's 'ultrafast-motion' imaging provides deep insights into materials behavior and biological functions. His work has yielded qualitatively new insights into atomic and molecular origins of complex chemical, physical, and biological behavior.
Spanish researchers found that liver transplant recipients who quit smoking have a lower incidence of smoking-related malignancies, while active smoking increases the risk. Smoking cessation after liver transplantation reduces the incidence of malignancy, suggesting it may be a protective factor.
Anna-Kaisa Niemi, a resident in Medical Genetics at Stanford University Medical Center, received the 2011-2012 Genzyme/ACMG Clinical Genetics Fellowship in Biochemical Genetics. The fellowship supports clinicians in metabolic diseases diagnosis and treatment.
Earlier deep brain therapy shows better, quicker results for patients with potentially crippling dystonia. A study found that those treated earlier have better general outcomes, while age at surgery influences the time necessary to achieve optimal benefit.
A minimally invasive procedure, pelvic arterial embolization is a safe and effective treatment for postpartum hemorrhage, preserving the uterus and allowing resumption of menstruation. The study showed an initial clinical success rate of 86 percent, with repeat procedures increasing the overall bleeding control to 97.8 percent.
A Queensland University of Technology study found that 32.9% of women reported experiencing symptoms of postcoital dysphoria, with limited correlation to sexual abuse and psychological distress
A study of Joslin Medalists reveals that some individuals with diabetes for decades exhibit remarkably few complications, pointing to the presence of protective molecular mechanisms. The researchers identified a link between advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and both disease progression and protection.
A collaborative €12 million project, AvecNet, aims to secure the effectiveness of existing malaria control methods by developing and evaluating new insecticides and techniques. The project seeks to overcome insecticide resistance and increase knowledge about mosquito biology and behavior.
Removing manure solids through a low-cost two-stage lagoon system increases nitrogen to phosphorus ratio, reducing environmental damage. This results in higher crop yields and greater nitrogen recovery compared to using whole manure.
A Kaiser Permanente study found that people who slept 6-8 hours a night and reported lower stress levels lost more weight. The study involved nearly 500 participants who were trying to lose at least 10 pounds, and those with the lowest stress levels and adequate sleep were most likely to succeed.
The GPFARM-Range computer model allows ranchers to test various scenarios involving forage yields, weight gains, and stocking rates under different weather conditions. This research supports USDA's priority of promoting agricultural sustainability in the face of climate change.
A study by Mayo Clinic researchers found that the cost of heart medications is a significant deterrent for patients with heart failure. Younger patients and women were more likely to skip or not take their prescribed drugs due to financial concerns.
Karl Deisseroth, a Stanford University associate professor, is being recognized for his pioneering work in developing and using optogenetic approaches to study neuronal function. His technique has had far-reaching impact on ophthalmology and vision science.
New technology encasing antibiotics in nanofibers kills a variety of disease-causing bacteria and fungi, including Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The treatment boosts the power of antibiotics, making them effective for longer periods.
A study by UC Riverside's Charles Wyman and colleagues found a correlation between the S/G ratio and increased sugar yields in poplar tree candidates. The research could lead to less expensive production of biofuels with no pretreatment required, reducing the price of liquid transportation fuels.
A new interventional radiology treatment blocks blood supply to men's enlarged prostate glands, showing comparable clinical results to transurethral resection of the prostate. The minimally invasive treatment has none of the risks associated with TURP, such as sexual dysfunction and urinary incontinence.
A recent study from North Carolina State University emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in healthcare IT development. The authors highlight the need for experts from various fields, including doctors and nurses, to be involved in product design, implementation, and research.
Researchers at Children's Hospital Los Angeles have discovered Eya1 protein phosphatase as a crucial regulator of embryonic lung epithelial stem cells. The correct functioning of these stem cells is essential for healthy lung development, and dysregulation has been linked to developmental disorders and cancer.
Two articles in PLOS Medicine emphasize the importance of addressing issues that restrict open access to information in developing countries. Experts propose improvements to journal quality assessment standards and increased collaboration between publishers, authors, and readers from these regions.
Household bleach is an effective, low-cost, and widely available way to decontaminate food preparation surfaces tainted with ricin. Bleach significantly reduces ricin toxicity within five minutes, making it a practical solution for inactivating the toxin.
Researchers at Arizona State University and the UK have created a platform using biological nanowires to funnel excess energy from photosynthesis directly into fuel production. This innovation aims to increase the efficiency of photosynthesis, enabling the production of sustainable bioenergy.
Researchers at Queen's University Belfast warn that the Irish hare faces a serious threat from the invading European 'brown' hare. The study suggests that disease, parasite transmission, and climate change may give the invasive species an edge over native species.
A new study using satellite data shows that the 2010 drought caused a dramatic decline in Amazon forest health, with over 2.5 million square kilometers affected. The researchers used computer models and real-time processing of massive amounts of satellite data to analyze the impact of the drought.
The Gulf Coast states and Washington D.C. are vulnerable to neglected infections of poverty due to extreme poverty and poor living conditions. Trichomoniasis and other vector-borne diseases are on the rise, highlighting the need for active surveillance programs and treatment/vaccination efforts.
A study at Michigan State University reveals a potential new way for plants to fend off pests through starvation. The research focuses on the enzyme threonine deaminase (TD2), which breaks down a key nutrient in caterpillars' stomachs, starving them.
Rebekah Stackpole Zimmerman received the Richard King Trainee Award for her manuscript on a custom resequencing array for Dilated Cardiomyopathy, published in Genetics in Medicine. The study validated the use of this array to sequence 19 genes associated with DCM, improving test cost and turnaround time by approximately 50%.
A Phase II trial of Gleevec (imatinib) has shown acceptable safety and tolerability, with hints of efficacy in treating diffuse scleroderma. The drug improved skin scores by 22% and forced vital capacity scores by 6.4% after 12 months of therapy.
Researchers found that people who used marijuana performed significantly worse in attention, speed of thinking, executive function, and visual perception, with some scoring approximately one third lower than non-users. The study suggests that prolonged marijuana use may add to the cognitive burden already experienced by MS patients.
A recent study by UCSD researchers found a significant inverse association between surgeon availability and road traffic injury-related deaths. Regions with more surgeons showed lower mortality rates, suggesting timely surgical treatment can reduce death risk.
A team of scientists has developed bioinspired materials that mimic the cell membrane, offering a promising approach for drug delivery and other applications. The materials, called dendrimersomes, show potential for being more stable, targeted, and effective than existing nanomaterials.
Researchers have shown that angioplasty to widen internal jugular and azygos veins is safe for multiple sclerosis patients. The treatment improved blood flow and reduced symptoms in 97% of patients with no significant complications.
A new study published in Geology reveals that rock formations along the Canadian-US border date back to 120 million years ago. The research suggests that ancient rivers flowing through western North America were separated by the modern-day border.
A study by molecular geneticist Shiva Singh found that even identical twins have distinct DNA profiles due to random genetic variations. The research uses monozygotic twins with one having schizophrenia to investigate the genetic determinants of schizophrenia.
Researchers have gained insight into how 'tidying up' enzymes, like cytochromes P450, break down drug molecules. The study reveals that the oxygen transfer process can be influenced by three factors: molecular docking, oxygen-accepting ability, and enzyme pocket shape.
A University of Arizona-led research team found that wind can be up to 100 times more effective at eroding mountains than previously thought. The study suggests that wind played a key role in shaping the Loess Plateau, with over half of its dust coming from the Qaidam Basin.
Research by the University of California - San Diego team discovered that icebergs cool and dilute ocean water, affecting phytoplankton distribution and carbon dioxide absorption. The findings suggest enhanced phytoplankton growth would increase carbon dioxide removal from the ocean.
A £6 million research programme aims to create new generation of high performance fibre reinforced polymer composites, capable of sustaining large deformations without breaking. The materials will provide greater reliability, safety and design flexibility, with the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 15%.
A new study found that most US states lack clear policies on storing and using newborn blood samples, often leaving parents in the dark. The researchers emphasize the need for transparent approaches to ensure parents are informed about how their babies' leftover blood might be used.
Researchers estimate that airport backscatter scanners emit extremely low levels of radiation, comparable to natural exposure from the sun and earth. The analysis suggests that these devices do not significantly increase the lifetime risk of cancer for travelers, even frequent flyers.
The EURISGIC project aims to estimate geomagnetically induced current (GIC) risk using European archives and develop a prototype service for GIC forecasts. The project, involving 6 countries, will provide real-time solar wind measurements to improve power grid resilience.
Researchers used catheter-based renal denervation to treat resistant hypertension in 106 adult patients, achieving significant reductions in systolic and diastolic blood pressure after six months. The treatment has shown efficacy in lowering blood pressure and may have applicability in managing other diseases such as heart failure and ...
William Bertozzi, a renowned MIT professor, has been awarded the inaugural JSA Outstanding Nuclear Physicist Award for his pioneering work in experimental electromagnetic nuclear physics. The award acknowledges his leadership and innovative techniques that have advanced the field of nuclear physics.
Researchers explore why large, successful Maya communities were built near wetlands, finding that ancient environments and agricultural practices contributed to their success. The project sheds light on the Maya's 'edge farming' technique, which created fertile soils along the interface between uplands and swamps.
A new study found that nearly half of elderly men in their seventies underwent PSA screening, while those aged 85 and older screened just as often as those in their early fifties. The high rate of unnecessary screenings may lead to complications such as incontinence and impotence.
Researchers discovered that butterflies colonizing new habitats have distinct genetic traits, including faster egg maturation, higher energy metabolism, and superior flight ability. These traits provide an advantage for exploring new areas, potentially leading to the establishment of new populations.
A four-year study confirms that Y-90 radioembolization is a safe and effective treatment for patients with metastatic liver cancer, particularly those who have failed chemotherapy. The procedure preserves patient quality of life and extends life, while also demonstrating anti-tumoral effects.
Researchers have shown that an increase in the amount of donor DNA in recipient's blood is an early detectable sign of organ rejection. This finding may allow doctors to avoid high doses of medication required to combat more advanced cases of rejection.
Recent UC research on ancient Maya agroforestry and water-management systems at Tikal reveals that the forests were insufficient to meet the needs of Late Classic Maya populations, highlighting the importance of sustainable management techniques. The study also sheds light on how the ancient Maya built their water management systems, u...
A study by Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution scientists highlights the complex interaction between glacier ice, freshwater runoff, and warm ocean waters. The team found that warm waters at the base of Helheim Glacier influence glacier flow speed and melting rates.