Researchers created a computational model that describes how intestinal cells in mice respond to TNF, revealing the importance of location and protein interactions in cell fate. The study demonstrates the power of systems biology in modeling complex biological systems and predicting disease outcomes.
A new study has provided insight into the evolutionary scenario guiding sensory information projections in different species. Researchers discovered that subtle changes in the migration of 'guidepost' neurons underlie major differences in brain connectivity between mammals and nonmammalian vertebrates.
A study of nearly 40 tumor genomes has yielded new and unexpected insights into the events that lead to multiple myeloma, a form of blood cancer. The researchers discovered genes never before associated with cancer, as well as genetic mutations disrupting common pathways that trigger cell change.
Researchers have identified leflunomide as a potential treatment for melanoma, a form of skin cancer with high mortality rates. The study found that the drug restricts tumour growth in mouse models, and when combined with another therapy, it achieves almost complete blockage of tumour growth.
Virginia Tech forest researcher Jason Holliday has received a $1.5 million NSF grant to investigate how tree populations adapt at the genomic scale in response to climate change. The study aims to improve breeding applications for poplar planting stock in a changing climate.
A study found that obese mothers and their pre-adolescent children significantly underestimated their actual body weights. This underestimation poses a significant risk for the development of heart disease and diabetes.
A team at the Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology found that tiny pieces of a protein called tenascin-C can bind to specific sites on another protein, helping to construct tissue. These small domains may help stop uncontrolled matrix deposition in conditions like fibrosis, making them potential tools for controlling diseases.
New research explores the role of microRNAs in understanding immunoregulation, inflammation, and autoimmune diseases. MicroRNAs are also being investigated as therapeutic targets in cancer and potential biomarkers for various diseases.
A Syracuse University chemist has developed a way to use THz light waves to study weak forces between molecules in crystals, which could help predict crystal structures of pharmaceuticals. The technique combines THz experiments with computational models to refine theoretical predictions.
Research tracking lung transplant patients living near roads found they had double the risk of bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome and mortality. The study suggests traffic air pollution is a significant risk factor for lung transplant recipients, with proximity to main roads impacting health outcomes.
Researchers will investigate how transposable elements in rice plants adapt to environmental changes, with implications for understanding TE impact on gene expression and organismal responses. The team aims to document the global impact of a TE burst in any organism and develop resources for tracking TE movement.
A new study published in Pain journal finds that acupuncture has little convincing evidence of effectiveness in reducing pain, while causing serious adverse effects. The authors call for better training of acupuncturists to minimize avoidable harm.
Researchers at University of Minnesota develop technology to convert CO2 into hydrocarbon fuels using bacteria and sunlight, a potential solution to fossil fuel depletion and climate change. The process uses ketones produced by bacteria as feedstock for diesel fuel production.
Researchers sequenced the genome of multiple myeloma in a landmark study, identifying mutations in genes involved in protein translation, blood coagulation, and histone methylation. The findings provide new insights into the disease's development and offer potential directions for targeted therapies.
The UCSF team identified a few dozen chemical compounds that alter fat storage in worms, which may be useful for understanding metabolism in other organisms. The discovery demonstrates the value of worm screening as a way to find new targets for human diseases.
Researchers found that brain plasticity, the brain's ability to change and reorganize itself, can be improved in elderly subjects with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) through a simple memory training program. This increases correct answers by 33% and opens new avenues for research into slowing Alzheimer's disease progression.
Research from North Carolina State University reveals that international laws can create uncertainty and confusion in addressing piracy, leading to inconsistent responses from countries. The existing framework of international laws leaves room for pirates to exploit loopholes and escape justice.
College-age males experience improved self-image after first intercourse, while females become less satisfied. In contrast, women's satisfaction with their appearance increases over the first four years of college, while men's satisfaction decreases.
Researchers found that supplementing rats with nitrate before vessel injury limited damage, while a diet low in nitrate exacerbated it. The study suggests that leafy green diets may benefit vascular health through nitric oxide production.
A gene variation passed on by mothers to their sons makes them vulnerable to fetal alcohol exposure, disrupting thyroid hormone balance and causing behavioral deficits. Researchers propose dietary supplements to reverse or fix enzyme dosage in the brain, potentially treating FASD.
A recent study found that mice with low ghrelin levels in their mothers experienced impaired uterine development, leading to reduced fertility. Female children of obese women may be more likely to struggle with reproductive issues as adults.
A new study reveals that environmental enrichment enhances memory by forming new synapses and breaking down old ones, with the β-Adducin protein playing a critical role in this process.
A study of over 3,000 patients found robot-assisted prostate surgery to be safe, with a low major complication rate and no disease recurrence after five years for nearly 87 percent of patients. The study analyzed surgical outcomes from 2005 to 2009 and addressed the lack of standardized reporting in previous literature.
Researchers found that physically active participants experienced less increase in systolic blood pressure on high-salt diets compared to sedentary individuals. The study's findings suggest that increasing physical activity and reducing sodium intake can help lower blood pressure, particularly among those who are more sedentary.
Researchers found two new proteins that accelerate melanoma in zebrafish models, SETDB1 and DHODH, which could lead to new treatments. Leflunomide, an arthritis drug, also showed promise by blocking the production of RNA nucleic bases, a key step in cancer cell growth.
Researchers mapped chromatin marks in nine cell types and linked non-coding SNPs to regulatory networks. This study provides insights into the functions of non-coding regions associated with human disease.
Researchers have identified a gene, HLA-A*3101, that increases the risk of developing a severe skin reaction to carbamazepine in Caucasian patients. This discovery complements previous findings in Asian patients and may lead to more effective treatment strategies for patients with epilepsy.
Researchers argue that current rules requiring written consent in emergency situations are causing unnecessary delays, resulting in patients missing out on life-saving treatments. The study found that up to one sixth of patients in a major clinical trial were denied treatment due to these regulations.
A recent study by Tufts researchers found that episodic physical and sexual activity are associated with a short-term increase in the risk of heart attacks. Regular physical activity, however, was not shown to have this effect.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh discovered a new nitric oxide pathway that protects against intimal hyperplasia in rats. The study found that supplementing rats with nitrate before vessel injury markedly limited damage, while a diet low in nitrate exacerbated it.
Researchers found that suppressing emotions while watching disturbing movie scenes led to aggressive behavior in later computerized competitions, contradicting previous studies on fatigue and aggression. The study suggests that controlling oneself can increase aggression.
Research reveals that physician-based pre-hospital critical care support is scarce, particularly evenings and weekends. Critical care doctors are needed to improve survival rates for severely injured patients before hospital admission.
Prof. Chaim Cedar and Prof Aharon Razin were awarded the Canada Gairdner International Awards for their significant contributions to improving human life through genetic research. Their work deciphered the human genome project, revealing a new form of biological information through DNA methylation.
A study published in Psychological Science found that disbelief in free will impairs brain activity before conscious intention, while belief in self-mastery enhances readiness to act. This suggests that believing in one's ability to control their actions may lead to better performance and motivation.
Higher levels of perfluorocarbons associated with increased odds of experiencing menopause in women between 42 and 64 years old. Women with high PFCs also had lower estradiol concentrations.
Scientists at Joslin Diabetes Center have found that a protein called alpha-myosin heavy chain triggers inflammatory heart disease in people with type 1 diabetes. The discovery could lead to diagnostic and therapeutic tools for this condition, which is often fatal.
Researchers identified two previously unreported resistance mechanisms and found that resistance-conferring mutations can disappear after treatment is discontinued. Repeat biopsies provide critical information for guiding treatment decisions.
A €3 million research project aims to deliver better ways to ensure the quality and safety of animal feeds in Europe. The QSAFFE project, led by Queen's Centre for Assured, Safe and Traceable Food (ASSET), involves 11 partners from six countries and will work on developing new technology to detect contamination quickly and at low cost.
A large prospective study of black and white smokers found that mentholated cigarettes are associated with a lower lung cancer incidence and fewer lung cancer deaths than regular cigarettes. The researchers also found that menthol smokers reported smoking fewer cigarettes per day, but had similar quit rates as non-menthol smokers.
A large population-based study found that even mild stress can lead to long-term disability and an inability to work. Higher levels of stress at the start of the study were associated with a significantly greater likelihood of receiving disability benefits, with up to 70% more likely for those with mild stress.
John A. Kanis, a leading expert in bone and mineral diseases, has made significant scientific contributions to the study of osteoporosis. He is currently President of the International Osteoporosis Foundation and WHO Advisor on Osteoporosis.
Researchers studied avian embryos to understand mechanisms of epiboly, a developmental process linked to wound healing and cancer. They discovered new molecules and protein expression patterns that may be unique to the avian embryo.
A study by Michigan State University researchers found that larger female hyenas have more cubs over their lifetime than smaller females. The team developed a novel approach to measuring body size and identified key traits influencing reproductive success, including leg length, shoulder height, and body length.
A large-scale Harvard study of over 51,000 men and 121,700 women found no association between mercury exposure and increased risk of coronary heart disease or stroke. Higher levels of mercury exposure were actually linked to lower cardiovascular disease risk, likely due to beneficial effects of fish consumption.
A new study found that coronary artery calcium scanning helps patients make heart-healthy lifestyle changes and lower their heart disease risk factors. The scan also showed significant improvement in several risk factors, such as blood pressure and cholesterol levels, after four years.
A study on a cruise ship norovirus outbreak found that infected passengers were more likely to have an ill cabin mate and resided or dined on the deck level where a vomiting incident occurred. Quick reporting by sick passengers and crew is crucial in preventing the spread of illness.
The 2011 Arctic sea ice extent was the lowest maximum extent of 5,650,000 square miles since satellite record keeping began in 1979. Climate scientists believe shrinking sea ice is tied to warming temperatures and human-produced greenhouse gases.
A new gene called SETDB1 has been found to promote melanoma growth and invasion in a zebrafish model. The researchers also discovered that SETDB1 is present at high levels in 70% of human melanoma samples, suggesting its potential role in the formation of most cases.
Researchers found that 55 white-lipped peccaries tested positive for Leptospirosis, with older animals showing higher serovar diversity. The study highlights the need for further research on disease transmission between livestock and wildlife.
Researchers at Rice University have created a synthetic material that gets stronger from repeated stress much like the body strengthens bones and muscles after repeated workouts. The team found that dynamic stress is necessary to improve the stiffness of the composite, unlike static loads.
Researchers discovered that autoimmune disease myocarditis occurs when immune system targets heart muscle cells expressing alpha myosin, a protein required for contraction. Preventing the disease involves exposing T cells to alpha myosin in thymus, suggesting measurement of alpha-myosin as diagnostic tool and potential therapeutic target
A Europe-wide survey of over 9,000 people across seven countries found that 71% prioritize improving quality of life in their final time, while 4% aim to prolong life and 25% value both equally. The study calls for a shift towards prioritizing patients' needs alongside potentially life-prolonging treatments.
A three-month-old female French bulldog was found to have cryptorchid testicles and a large clitoris, revealing the first ever genetic alteration in this breed. The puppy underwent surgical sterilisation to prevent medical complications.
Researchers at Michigan State University have created innovative computer models that can accurately monitor changes in wildlife habitats over time. These models utilize remote sensing technology and can be used to track various changes, including the effects of human activities on habitat quality.
Research published in The FASEB Journal found that rats whose mothers ate high-fat, high-sugar diets had babies that preferred similar foods. This study suggests that exposure to junk food during pregnancy and breastfeeding may shape a child's eating habits.
A study by University of Bristol academics found that virtual MIMO technology can increase data capacity by up to 50% but also makes things worse for some users in certain scenarios. The researchers propose metrics to determine when to use this technology, highlighting the need for careful design and intelligence in the network.
Researchers sequenced a mouse cancer genome to find mutations driving human cancer. They identified genetic changes in three genes, including a mutation that also occurs in human patients with leukemia.
Cardiac pacing has been shown to reduce falls in epilepsy patients with ictal asystole, a condition where the heart stops beating during an epileptic seizure. The study found significant reductions in fall rates and seizures after implantation, suggesting potential anti-seizure properties of pacemaker implants.
Researchers from North America and Europe will present new osteoarthritis research at the Segal North American Osteoarthritis Workshop (SNOW) on March 25-27. The workshop aims to identify priority interventions that could improve treatment options for OA.
A daily pill of pioglitazone prevented type 2 diabetes in more than 70% of participants with obesity and other risk factors. The study also showed a 31% decrease in carotid artery thickening, indicating improved glucose control.