A team of paleontologists used a living brachiopod species to understand how ancient brachiopods fed. They found that the modern animals generated relatively weak and strong feeding currents when opening and closing their shells.
A new study has identified the reason behind the variability in gene transfer among bacteria, revealing that genes involved in core cellular functions are less likely to be acquired. The study found that well-connected genes, which interact with many partners, are less likely to be transferred into a new host.
Researchers found that natural variations in several genes affect how quickly worms leave a lawn of bacteria. The tyra-3 gene is involved, producing a receptor activated by adrenaline-like hormones derived from the amino acid tyrosine.
A double-blind trial demonstrated a 23% improvement in motor symptoms among patients receiving gene therapy for advanced Parkinson's disease, compared to a 12% improvement in those receiving sham surgery. The study suggests a potential breakthrough in treating this progressive movement disorder.
Children and adolescents with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are less fit than their peers, with aerobic fitness levels 25% lower and muscle function 10% lower. The study suggests that active living can help reduce the risk of future health problems in IBD patients.
Professor Sylvain Martel's team at Polytechnique Montréal successfully guided microcarriers loaded with an anti-cancer drug to a targeted area in the liver, where it was administered. This breakthrough improves chemoembolization treatment for liver cancer by precisely targeting cancerous cells without harming surrounding tissue.
A Purdue University scientist has developed a nanopolymer that can detect the effectiveness of cancer drugs against biochemical processes leading to cancer cell formation. This innovation could replace radioisotopes and antibodies in screening kinase inhibitors, making it a universal method for pharmaceuticals.
A double-blind gene therapy trial has demonstrated safety and significant improvement in motor function for patients with Parkinson's disease. The study found that injecting the glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) gene directly into the brain improved motor scores by 23.1% compared to a placebo group.
Researchers developed a new 3D printing method that enables the creation of electrically small antennas with improved performance metrics. The technique uses metallic nanoparticle inks and can be applied to various surfaces, including hemispherical substrates.
Researchers used laser light to force cancer cells to take in chemotherapy drugs and fluorescent dyes, creating a potential delivery system. The technique also allowed them to target anti-Alzheimer's medicines to the brain non-invasively.
A new study found that gene therapy NLX-P101 improved motor performance and control of Parkinsonism symptoms in half of patients, offering hope for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders. The therapy has been safe and well-tolerated over a six-month period.
Researchers are examining a cropping system using molasses to stimulate microbial activity, which could replace the fumigant methyl bromide. The study also explores recently developed fumigants dimethyl disulfide and methyl iodide.
A single gene defect in the BRAF gene has been linked to pilocytic astrocytoma, a common brain tumor in children. Treatment with kinase inhibitors has shown promise in slowing down growth, paving the way for further research into targeted therapies.
An updated systematic review finds that artesunate is more effective at preventing death from severe malaria compared to quinine. The new evidence shows a significant reduction in mortality rates among both adults and children treated with artesunate.
A study of over 5 million Medicare beneficiaries found that hospital regions with a higher frequency of diagnoses have a lower case-fatality rate for chronic conditions. The analysis suggested that increased diagnosis frequency leads to better patient outcomes.
Researchers at NYU have created a new method for generating extended and knotted optical traps in three dimensions using computer-generated holograms. This breakthrough could lead to advancements in fusion energy and medical diagnostics, enabling the manipulation of small objects in complex 3D environments.
A new study suggests that parental monitoring of an opposite-gender child may decrease problem drinking in young adults. The level of monitoring is linked to parenting style, with authoritative parents doing a better job of monitoring their children. This indirect buffering effect can reduce impulsiveness and alcohol-related problems.
New research reveals no link between economic growth and child undernutrition rates in India, highlighting the need for targeted health interventions. Experts emphasize that poor health is linked to inequality, requiring inclusive growth strategies to address social determinants of health.
Research finds that immigrant children are more likely to live in households headed by two married parents, receiving economic and social benefits. This intact family structure helps them adapt to their new country, improving their chances of success.
A study on nonsurgical hepatic decompression in Budd-Chiari syndrome shows satisfactory outcomes with low morbidity and mortality rates. The research suggests strict adherence to anticoagulation and early management of shunt dysfunction are crucial for clinical, laboratory, and radiological improvement.
A research team led by Professor Kam-bo Wong engineered thermophilic enzymes to increase their activity at high temperatures without compromising stability. The findings provide insights into the design of biotechnologically important enzymes.
Sub-Tropical Storm Arani formed in the South Atlantic, strengthening from a low-pressure area with strong convection and thunderstorms. The storm was characterized by cold temperatures and heavy rainfall off-shore, moving away from Brazil's coast over the next couple of days.
The 20th anniversary of the first laparoscopic nephrectomy celebrates a groundbreaking achievement in surgical technique. Dr. Ralph Clayman's pioneering work paved the way for modern endourology and minimally invasive procedures, revolutionizing urologic surgery.
Researchers found that golf courses in the Canary Islands receive 83% more water than needed, reducing soil fertility and increasing risk of contaminating the aquifer. The study calls for adjusting watering amounts to plant needs and using internationally-accepted evapotranspiration equations.
Researchers have created a carbon cloak made of graphene that protects bacterial cells from shrinking under electron microscopes, allowing for high-resolution imaging. The graphene cloak uses the material's impermeability and strength to retain water in the cells, enabling scientists to observe them at their natural size.
Research on Prozac reveals it can reorganize brain plasticity by altering neuronal cell activity and connections in the hippocampus. This changes may contribute to anxiety symptoms experienced by some patients.
Research reveals northern peatlands do not fully account for the initial 10,000-year-old methane increase, with tropical wetlands instead being a likely driver. Northern peatlands still play a crucial carbon-capture role but also emit significant amounts of methane.
Researchers analyzed 47 studies involving over 327,000 patients with chronic kidney disease and found no significant association between serum phosphorus, parathyroid hormone, or calcium levels and the risk of death or cardiovascular events. The study suggests that current clinical guidelines for mineral metabolism in patients with kid...
The Behavior Breakthroughs app uses game-based technology to teach ABA skills and techniques for managing behavior. Developed by Southwest Research Institute, it provides a practical guide for parents and caregivers based on sound science and expert advice.
A recent study found that China's nursing home industry is experiencing rapid growth, driven by the country's aging population. However, the industry lacks adequate government oversight and regulation, leading to concerns about substandard care and poor staffing levels.
A new study from the Journal of Marriage and Family finds that parental assistance in early adulthood promotes progress toward autonomy and self-reliance. Young adults who receive financial or housing help are more likely to form intimate partnerships, indicating they have moved into adulthood.
A new study found that naltrexone is effective in reducing alcohol-induced euphoria in women and individuals with the A118G polymorphism of the mu opioid receptor gene. This suggests that personalized treatment options may be possible for those with specific genetic variations.
The Genetic RIsk Prediction Studies (GRIPS) Statement provides a checklist to enhance the transparency of study reporting in genetic risk prediction studies. This will improve the synthesis and application of information from multiple studies, increasing consistency and accuracy in clinical practice.
A research article reports a case of iatrogenic sigmoid perforation successfully repaired using a combination of three endoscopic techniques. The patient underwent laparoscopic surgery four days later due to another polyp, but the sigmoid repair was found to be complete.
Children with heavy prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) and ADHD exhibit different patterns of learning and memory impairments. PAE is associated with initial encoding problems, while ADHD affects retrieval mechanisms, suggesting distinct underlying deficits.
A study published in Open Medicine found that lowering the age of bodychecking significantly increases the risk of brain injuries among minor hockey players. The researchers analyzed records of 8,552 male youth and found that more than half of hockey-related injuries were caused by bodychecking.
The study found that Yi-Qi-Zeng-Min-Tang improves insulin sensitivity, glycaemic control, and dyslipidemia in high-fat diet and low-dose streptozotocin-induced Type 2 diabetic rats. The herbal decoction does not cause weight gain, making it a potential adjunct treatment for patients with insulin resistance.
Scientists have identified a protein called Snapin as the molecular switch that controls insulin secretion in pancreatic beta cells. This discovery provides an explanation for the failure of these cells in type 2 diabetes and may lead to new therapies.
Researchers discovered that individuals from higher socioeconomic backgrounds consumed more bottled water but were not less exposed to cancer-causing contaminants in public drinking supplies. High levels of trihalomethanes (THM) can be ingested through public water or absorbed through the skin in baths, showers, and swimming pools.
Meadow fescue has been rediscovered as a suitable forage grass for intensive rotational grazing, producing more milk when consumed by cows. Its non-toxic fungi, called endophytes, help it survive heat, drought, and pests, making it a valuable alternative to toxic varieties.
A study found that authors receiving industry funding were more likely to publish articles promoting menopausal hormone therapy, which may encourage physicians to continue prescribing the therapies. The study's authors caution healthcare providers to exercise caution when reading such articles.
Jeannette Wing, a renowned computer scientist, will receive the 2011 Distinguished Service Award of the Computer Research Association. Her ideas have helped shape conceptions of what computer science is and can be, with a focus on computational thinking. The CRA cited her extraordinary performance in research, education, and service.
Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have found that a malaria drug, hydroxychloroquine, can slow the growth of pancreatic tumors in mice. The oral drug has been shown to decrease tumor growth by inhibiting autophagy, a survival strategy used by cancer cells.
Operation IceBridge studies changes in Arctic polar ice, glaciers, and sea ice to understand the effects of climate change. The mission aims to monitor ice sheet trends and track changes in glacier mass loss.
A study in Uganda found that the standard TB retreatment regimen has low treatment response rates, particularly among HIV-infected and multi-drug resistant TB patients. Poor adherence, HIV infection, age, and duration of symptoms were associated with unsuccessful outcomes.
A new self-monitoring blood glucose sensor developed by Arizona State University engineers and clinicians enables patients to draw tear fluid from their eyes to get a glucose-level test sample. The device aims to make blood glucose testing easier, more comfortable and potentially better control diabetes.
The US may adopt the FHT model to manage its growing healthcare system. Developed by Queen's University professor Walter Rosser, the model combines experts from various disciplines for more efficient care. Preliminary observations suggest improved patient and doctor happiness with FHTs.
Research findings challenge traditional views on cancer treatment, revealing Cop1's role in tumor suppression rather than promotion. The study suggests that inhibiting Cop1 could stimulate cell proliferation in cancer cells.
A study published in PLoS Medicine found that re-treatment TB regimens are failing in low- and middle-income settings, with up to one-fourth of patients experiencing relapse or death. Researchers emphasize the need for tailored treatments depending on HIV status and improved access to antiretroviral therapies.
Researchers found a genetic mutation caused by vitamin A that suppressed feather growth, leading to the distinctive naked neck appearance. This discovery has implications for understanding bird evolution and could improve poultry production in hot climates.
Protein folding is a crucial process in the body, but misfolding can lead to debilitating neurodegenerative diseases. Stanford researchers have discovered a new mechanism for protein folding that could aid in developing therapies for these conditions. By studying the chaperonin TRiC, they found that proteins are released from the foldi...
Language learners are creative and clever, generalizing grammatical restrictions to new words in categories, avoiding irrelevant factors. They don't learn purely by imitation but bring sophisticated resources to the process.
A study found that early initiation of alcohol use is associated with increased stress-induced drinking in young adulthood. The study revealed a strong link between an early age at first drink and later heavy drinking when confronted with high-stress life events.
WikiLeaks revelations highlight US government's failure to deliver on transparency laws. Leaks are one of the few means of holding gov't accountable due to overclassification and ineffective transparency laws.
A Cochrane Systematic Review found that health professionals and consumers misunderstand risk statistics when presented in different formats. Presenting absolute risks or Number Needed to Treat (NNT) is better understood than relative risk reductions.
CU-Boulder's Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics designed an $8.7 million instrument onboard MESSENGER, which will help solve mysteries about Mercury's hot surface and atmosphere. The mission aims to better understand planetary systems and formation, with dozens of students involved in analyzing data.
Researchers found that individuals who treated for alcohol use disorder and relapsed had thinner cortices in the brain's reward system compared to those who remained abstinent. The study suggests that neurobiological factors play a crucial role in relapse and may be associated with impaired problem-solving, mood, and impulse control.
Researchers at Wayne State University identified three potential subtypes of gamblers: emotionally vulnerable, behaviorally conditioned, and antisocial impulsive. However, their study found that subtyping did not predict treatment outcomes, with all groups showing similar recovery patterns despite varying levels of addiction severity.
A study found vitamin D deficiency is common in patients with alcoholic liver cirrhosis, with severity linked to liver dysfunction. The research highlights the importance of monitoring vitamin D levels in all cirrhosis patients, with further studies needed to determine optimal supplementation.
Two-year grants fund direct clinical services, technical assistance, medical evaluations, training, and public awareness campaigns to prevent elder abuse. The center aims to promote aging with dignity and make an impact on the local and national scale.