Researchers discovered that slime mold cells organize into an epithelial layer with a structure and function similar to those in some animals. The layer secretes proteins, coating the fruiting body stalk with rigidity.
A retrospective cohort study found that patients with retinal vein occlusion (RVO) had an almost two-fold higher incidence of stroke compared to age- and sex-matched controls. The study suggests that RVO may be associated with an increased risk of cerebrovascular accidents but not myocardial infarctions.
Researchers found that hospitals with low AMI mortality rates shared an overall vision of excellence and had more senior management involvement, broad staff presence, and better communication among physicians. A new low-radiation alternative to CT angiography also shows promise in diagnosing coronary artery disease, with good specifici...
Astronomers using NASA's Hubble Space Telescope have recalculated the universe's expansion rate with unprecedented accuracy, ruling out an alternate theory on dark energy. The new measurement reduces uncertainty by 30% and solidifies understanding of cosmic ingredients.
The article discusses the need for targeted care in adolescents and young adults with cancer, who require collaboration between pediatric and medical oncologists. Research has shown that AYA cancer patients often deal with ongoing developmental and psychosocial issues, making it essential to address these challenges.
Researchers have discovered that polymers of amino acid lysine can block the propagation of prions, halting their spread in test tubes and cultured cells. In animal models, mice treated with polylysines showed improved symptoms, longer survival, and lower prion levels
Researchers found that seedlings grow best with distant relatives in field soils but struggle with close relatives. This contradicts Darwin's idea that competition will be strongest between close relatives.
Researchers discovered that lower SMAD3 levels result in faster maturation, while absent levels lead to abnormal responses to testosterone. This finding has implications for altered pubertal timing, affecting adult height and bone density.
San Diego Zoo Global takes management responsibility for Cocha Cashu Biological Station in Peru's Manu Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The station is home to over 1,000 bird species, rare mammals, and indigenous communities.
Peter Mumby is recognized for his work on coral reef conservation strategies, influencing conservation policy and contributing to the implementation of marine park protections. His research has provided insight into the consequences of conserving herbivorous fishes, reducing nutrient runoff, and restoring urchin populations.
A new curriculum aims to develop argumentative reasoning skills in students through discussion and debate. Students who participated in the program made more of the higher forms of arguments and listed more questions of substance than those taught in a conventional way.
Research published in The Journal of Physiology found a link between maternal and offspring obesity in lambs, shedding light on the mechanisms of human obesity. Hormonal changes, including leptin and cortisol, were observed in lambs born to obese mothers, suggesting a predisposition to increased appetite and obesity.
Research from Brigham and Women's Hospital shows rapid adoption of newer, more expensive prostate cancer treatments between 2002-2005 without proof of cost-effectiveness. This trend is reflected in increased Medicare spending on these treatment options, which rose nearly $350 million in 2005.
A new Johns Hopkins study shows that each strain of the cat-borne parasite Toxoplasma gondii triggers a unique reaction in human nerve cells, varying the severity of infection. The research found alterations triggered by the most virulent strain to be linked to brain development and central nervous system function.
Research found that used woodwind and brass instruments are heavily contaminated with bacteria and fungi, including species of Staphylococcus and molds. Proper sanitation and regular cleaning are crucial to prevent the spread of illness and infection in children who play these instruments.
Patient-centered medical homes in Ontario's Family Health Team Model show high patient satisfaction and improved income for primary care physicians. Additionally, a novel approach to detecting white-coat hypertension using automated serial blood pressure measurements is found to be valid and useful.
Alum, a common vaccine adjuvant, interacts with dendritic cells to activate T cells that control antibody production. The breakthrough study uses single cell force spectroscopy to understand alum's properties, potentially leading to new vaccines for major diseases.
A new study reveals that Neanderthals consistently used fire for approximately 400,000 years in Europe, contrary to previous assumptions about their abilities. The findings, based on scores of ancient archaeological sites, show evidence of sustained fire control through the presence of charcoal, heated stone artifacts, and burned bones.
A new study uses statistical methods to assess the authenticity of items sold on internet auction sites, revealing over 80% of artwork claimed to be by Henry Moore was actually fake. The results suggest strengthening laws on misrepresentation is necessary for public protection.
The University of Michigan has received a $4.9 million grant from the USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture to develop an obesity intervention program for Head Start preschoolers. The program aims to enhance children's ability to control emotions and behaviors, leading to healthier eating habits and reduced obesity rates.
A new analysis of 69 studies involving 143,000 healthy children has identified new reference ranges for heart rate and respiratory rate that differ significantly from existing guidelines. The study found a decline in respiratory rate from birth to early adolescence, with infants under 2 years showing the steepest fall.
Researchers at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia found that feeding rats antioxidants during pregnancy prevented obesity and glucose intolerance in their offspring. The study suggests that preventing oxidative stress during pregnancy may lower the risk of childhood obesity.
A large randomized control trial found no evidence that osteopathic therapy improves movement, quality of life, or pain in children with cerebral palsy. However, parents whose children received osteopathy reported a slightly better overall wellbeing for their child compared to those who did not receive treatment.
Researchers at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center have identified a new mechanism driving lung cancer metastasis, involving the suppression of microRNA miR-200 by Jagged2. The study found that low levels of miR-200 may indicate susceptibility to Notch inhibitors currently in clinical trial.
Researchers are exploring traditional medicine as a starting point for developing new antimalarial treatments. Plant extracts and natural compounds have shown anti-malarial properties and potential synergies.
A new study in Honduras found that climate-related weather disasters can lead to increased land wealth and earnings for the rural poor. The poorest residents of a small village were able to recoup their losses and even triple their average holdings after Hurricane Mitch devastated their village in 1998.
New research from St. Jude Children's Research Hospital scientists shows that mutations in three pathways cooperate to launch glioblastoma, an aggressive brain tumor. Tumors develop in multiple regions of the brain, highlighting the complexity and cooperation of genetic changes driving cancer.
A team of scientists has developed new methods for mapping carbon in Hawaii's forests, resulting in more accurate estimates and a lower cost. The approach reveals fundamental ecological controls over carbon storage and provides valuable insights into the state and dynamics of the world's forests.
A study found that people who are dissatisfied with their appearance spend more time looking at ideal body images when the editorial content is about body improvement, compared to general interest articles. People satisfied with their bodies don't feel the need to avoid or seek inspiration from these images.
A collaborative care approach with nurse care managers significantly improves treatment outcomes for patients with opioid addiction. The study found that 51% of patients achieved successful treatment at 12 months and 93% were no longer using illicit opioids after three months.
Researchers at UC Riverside have created nanoscale iron oxide particles that form rods and display colors when exposed to a magnetic field. The technology has potential applications in color displays, bio-sensing, and biomedical labeling.
Researchers developed a mathematical model that proposes unlimited biodiversity in ecosystems with multiple competing species. The rock-paper-scissors tournament concept shows how species can co-exist without extinction, depending on the rarity of key species.
Elevated p21 protein levels in natural HIV controllers effectively suppress key viral life cycle steps. This ability is associated with increased p21 expression and may be linked to shared mechanisms of immune defense against cancer and HIV.
A University of Missouri researcher is leading a $6.6 million study to understand the genes that regulate carbohydrate transport in corn plants, aiming to improve yield, drought resistance and biofuel production.
A new study shows that a surgical technique called microdissection testicular sperm extraction (TESE) can effectively locate and extract viable sperm in over one-third of adult male childhood cancer survivors who were previously considered sterile. This technique enabled many men to father children with the help of in vitro fertilization.
Researchers have identified a gene responsible for seedlessness in the sugar apple and its close relation, the cherimoya. This discovery could pave the way for producing seedless varieties of these fruits and potentially other fruit crops.
A long-term study found that consuming three or more drinks a day is associated with an increased risk of pancreatic cancer death in both men and women. Heavy drinking, specifically liquor consumption, also shows a significant association with pancreatic cancer mortality, particularly among never smokers.
The TRMM satellite measured record rainfall totals of over 300 mm (~11 inches) in Alabama and Mississippi, with eastern US experiencing 50 mm (~2 inches) or more. Flooding was reported from Louisiana to northern New York, with some areas receiving daily records
The CDC has partnered with IHME to make its reproductive health survey data available worldwide, covering topics such as pregnancies, births, and contraceptive use in over 30 countries. This move aims to improve population health by providing high-quality evidence for health policy decisions.
The US Play Coalition has awarded grants to three researchers to study the value of play for children's health and well-being. The projects will explore topics such as recess, unstructured play, and playground design to understand their impact on children's physical activity and cognitive development.
A study at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory has identified a therapeutic target for liver cancer using a monoclonal antibody that blocks the activity of the FGF19 gene. This approach shows promise in treating patients with FGF19 amplification, which can be used as a biomarker to predict treatment effectiveness.
Eleven Pan African Sanctuary Alliance (PASA) member facilities are facing increased demand for chimpanzee care, with a projected 56 new arrivals annually. The study provides a roadmap for resource, infrastructure, and financial planning to support their growth and ensure long-term sustainability.
A recent study published in Archives of Neurology reveals a high prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency among patients with early Parkinson's disease. Contrary to expectations, the researchers found that vitamin D concentrations remained stable over time, suggesting a potential role for long-term insufficiency in the pathogenesis of PD.
Researchers have discovered that T cells from elite HIV controllers upregulate a protein called p21, which inhibits viral replication. This finding may inform the development of new treatments for patients susceptible to HIV's devastating effects. Meanwhile, two new studies shed light on pediatric brain tumors and lung cancer metastasis.
Researchers have discovered that the orchid Satyrium pumilum uses carrion mimicry to attract specific species of flies for pollination. The study found that only female flesh-flies were attracted to the orchids, and that scent plays a crucial role in guiding them into the right position to pick up pollen.
The sex ratio at birth is skewed due to son preference and easy access to sex-selective abortions, leading to a significant imbalance between males and females in China, India, and South Korea. The number of males under 20 exceeds the number of females by around 32 million in China.
A meta-analysis of nine previous studies found that quitting smoking shortly before surgery was not associated with an increased risk of postoperative complications. Stopping smoking up to eight weeks before surgery did not show a beneficial or detrimental effect on outcomes compared to continued smoking.
The Lancet is publishing online abstracts from a global health conference that explores various topics, including non-communicable diseases, malaria, and health inequalities. The conference aims to advance the field of health metrics and evaluation by sharing knowledge and expertise among professionals.
A Norwegian study found that women unhappy with their relationships were more likely to experience depression during pregnancy. A good relationship, on the other hand, served as a buffer against everyday stresses, helping women cope better with work-related issues, financial problems, or moving house.
A new analysis method by CSHL team suggests tumors grow through 'punctuated, clonal expansions,' providing insights into tumor growth and metastasis. By analyzing single cells from breast cancer samples, the researchers inferred three distinct subpopulations of tumor cells, each with highly similar genomic profiles.
Researchers have identified 15 new genetic regions associated with an increased risk of developing primary biliary cirrhosis. The study used genome data from 2,500 patients and 7,500 healthy individuals, tripling the number of known genetic regions to 22.
A new study using Africa's historical crop yield data reveals that corn production will decline by at least 20% for 1 degree Celsius of warming under drought conditions. The research also highlights the importance of combining existing knowledge and data from climate and agriculture communities to improve crop forecasting.
UC researchers determined the structure of human HDL cholesterol, revealing a cage-like protein structure that encapsulates its fatty cargo. The study suggests that proteins like apolipoprotein A-I play a dominant role in HDL's protective effects against cardiovascular disease.
A miniature, portable PET scanner has been developed to study brain function and behavior in rats while they are awake and moving freely. This breakthrough technology, dubbed RatCAP, uses a wearable design that counterbalances with springs and motion stabilizers, allowing animals significant freedom of movement.
Researchers design nanocomposite material with magnesium nanoparticles and polymethyl methacrylate matrix, rapidly absorbing and releasing hydrogen at modest temperatures. This breakthrough material may have broad applicability to other areas of energy research.
Women with DCIS who develop invasive breast cancer in the same breast have higher mortality rates, study finds. Radiation treatment after lumpectomy reduces risk of ipsilateral invasive breast cancer, while treatment with tamoxifen also offers protection.
A fundamental change in the genome of leaf beetles has emerged, resulting in the loss of salicylaldehyde-producing enzyme salicyl alcohol oxidase in birch feeders. This adaptation allows birch beetles to save resources by not producing the enzyme, which is only needed for willow feeders.
A recent study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases found that HIV-infected patients have a higher risk of bone fractures compared to the general US population. The study analyzed data from over 5,800 HIV-infected patients and observed annual fracture rates 1.98-3.69 times greater than the general population.
A new study published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology found that chronic pancreatitis cases are not exclusively caused by alcohol consumption, with over 50% of patients having no identifiable cause. Genetic factors and environmental interactions may play a role in disease development.
Dr. Hoang's research aims to understand and explain the underlying mechanisms of tumor progression in osteosarcoma, a type of aggressive bone cancer that often relapses with low survival rates. The award recognizes his work advancing knowledge on how to develop therapies for patients with untreatable sarcomas.