Researchers find that mammals with relatively large brains tend to have a somewhat bigger digestive tract. The storage of fat plays a key role in brain size evolution, with more fat an animal species can store leading to a smaller brain.
Pediatric oncologists and biochemists advance treatment options for neuroblastoma by studying tumor biology at the molecular level. The study found that certain ALK mutations make cancer cells more resistant to crizotinib, but increasing dosage may overcome this resistance.
A team of researchers, led by Tufts University scientists, discovered a new species of fungus in an invasive paper wasp nest. The fungus, named Mucor nidicola, is fluffy and fast-growing, resembling bunny fur.
A pilot study of 31 obese people with gum disease found that those who underwent gastric bypass surgery had better periodontal outcomes than those who did not. The researchers believe that removing excess fat cells may help reduce inflammation and improve the body's response to treatment.
A $1.4 million NIH grant will investigate a method to heal peripheral nerve damage by stimulating the growth of Schwann cells and axons, potentially restoring function in patients with severe injuries. Researchers aim to develop effective tools for nerve repair using electrical stimulation technologies.
The AGGI measures the direct climate influence of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane, showing a 29% increase since 1990. Climate warming has significant potential impacts on society, including water supplies, agriculture, ecosystems, and economies.
Scientists have developed an electrochemical sensor device that measures blood sugar levels from tears, potentially saving 350 million diabetes patients from finger-prick blood tests. The device tracks tear glucose levels, which correlate with blood glucose levels, allowing for multiple daily measurements without pain.
Scientists discover water's conductivity increases at extremely low temperatures, contradicting expectations for an ordinary liquid. This phenomenon supports the idea of a 'liquid-liquid' phase transition in water.
Researchers found a significant increase in median survival time for patients with recurrent metastatic non-small cell lung cancer treated with a combination epigenetic therapy. The study, funded by SU2C and the National Cancer Institute, showed four patients achieving major objective responses to subsequent treatments.
The BRIDGE trial results demonstrate that cangrelor maintains target levels of platelet inhibition, supporting its use as a management strategy for patients requiring prolonged platelet P2Y12 inhibition after thienopyridine discontinuation. The study showed 99% of cangrelor-treated patients maintained target levels, compared to 19% of ...
Preschool children who hear their parents describe objects and use those words perform better on spatial tests. The study found that learning to use a wide range of spatial words predicts later spatial thinking, which is important in mathematics, science, and technology.
Pitt mathematicians collaborate with neurobiology researchers to study the transfer of signals between brain regions and develop less invasive treatments. Their study may guide the creation of more effective deep brain stimulation procedures.
A combination epigenetic therapy has shown positive effects in a small clinical trial of late-stage lung cancer patients. The treatment increased median survival by two months and showed complete or near-complete responses in some patients. Researchers believe the therapy may reprogram gene expression to prevent cancer growth.
A study found that consuming dairy foods and higher protein resulted in improved markers of bone formation and reduced markers of bone degradation in overweight premenopausal women. The study showed that a diet with a high proportion of dairy foods and higher than recommended protein intake was associated with improved bone health.
The study found that open peer review fosters cooperation between reviewers and authors, leading to higher accuracy. Non-anonymous open review systems reward good reviewers, whereas traditional closed reviews do not.
A new report highlights the difficulties faced by prospective adoptive parents in Victoria, with many describing lengthy application processes and a perceived anti-adoption culture. The study recommends reviewing current processes and providing additional training and support for all parties involved.
A 22-year-old woman with amnesia demonstrated that her short-term memory is impaired when trying to recall new information. However, she showed no difficulty recalling familiar faces or words.
A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that fecal immunochemical testing (FIT) is more effective than guaiac fecal occult blood testing (gFOBT) in colonoscopy screenings, increasing attendance and diagnostic yield while reducing false positives. FIT is also cost-effective and clinically beneficial for d...
A Stanford team developed a machine-learning-based method called Computational Pathologist (C-Path) to analyze breast cancer microscopic images, outperforming human evaluations. The model assesses 6,642 cellular factors and identifies structural features that matter in predicting patient survival.
Researchers from Rice University and two other universities are developing a new generation of design software to accurately predict robot physical behavior. This tool will enable designers to find key flaws on a computer before building a prototype, reducing expenses and increasing innovation.
Researchers found that elevated TGF beta levels lead to fascin overexpression, promoting tumor metastasis. High fascin expression is associated with poor prognosis.
Researchers analyzed neutron decay patterns, placing constraints on theories explaining the universe's matter-antimatter imbalance. While no clear answer emerged, improved detector sensitivity limited possible explanations, offering a fresh perspective for future investigations.
A new method visualizes mechanical forces on cell surfaces in real-time, providing detailed view of forces as they occur. The technique has potential to diagnose and treat diseases related to cellular mechanics.
Researchers found a small group of people with high cognitive control can behave rationally in the Ultimatum Game, making more money. Most people offer uneven splits and reject offers, driven by strong emotional motives.
Scientists discover that genetic dysfunction in multiple cell types contributes to SCA7, a devastating neurological disorder. Targeting specific cell types may improve treatment and slow disease progression.
Researchers found that installing nest boxes in California vineyards increased avian species richness by over 50% and nearly quadrupled insectivorous bird density. The results suggest an effective method for vineyards to protect their crop while promoting avian conservation.
Researchers at Institut de recherches cliniques de Montreal (IRCM) have discovered therapeutic peptides affecting mitochondria. These compounds target cell mitochondria to treat various acute and chronic diseases, including ischemia reperfusion injury and neurodegenerative conditions.
Dr. Eric J. Topol was awarded the 2011 TCT Career Achievement Award for his groundbreaking research on acute myocardial infarction and interventional pharmacology, which has benefited millions of patients with cardiovascular disease. He is also a leader in personalized medicine and digital technology.
Researchers at Penn's Perelman School of Medicine have made a breakthrough in treating the rare genetic disorder FOP, also known as fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva. By using RNA interference to silence the damaged gene copy and leave the normal copy untouched, they restored cellular function caused by the FOP mutation.
A recent study published in Neurology found that people with Parkinson's disease are nearly three times more likely to experience leg motor restlessness than those without the disease. However, restless legs syndrome was not significantly more common among patients with early-stage Parkinson's disease.
New calculations by Rice University researchers suggest that the ocean may have stored as much methane hydrate 56 million years ago as it does today. This could have released massive amounts of carbon, causing drastic climate change. The discovery challenges previous assumptions about the impact of methane hydrates on global climate.
Astronomers found two distinct populations of neutron stars, suggesting different supernova channels. The findings shed light on stellar evolution and open new research areas.
A new study suggests that Chinook salmon populations must increase significantly to sustain the growth of Southern Resident killer whales, currently facing decline. The research, published in PLOS ONE, provides a detailed model for managing both species' conservation.
Recent UC research examines the use of Depo-Provera as a eugenic tool, revealing that coercive reproductive practices persist in contemporary times. The study highlights how historical debates surrounding Depo-Provera mirror broader issues of eugenics, including racial and socioeconomic disparities.
The U.S. Department of Energy will fund two cutting-edge projects to replace rare-earth materials in magnets for wind turbines and electric vehicles. Researchers aim to develop new high-strength permanent magnets using cerium and manganese, reducing dependence on critical materials like rare earths.
Preschoolers who hear and use spatial language do better on tests of spatial skills, which are important in mathematics, science, and technology. The study found a 23% increase in spatial scores for children who produced 45 additional spatial words.
Dr. Richard A. McIndoe is leading a $7.5 million National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases grant to support studies on diabetes affecting 8.3% of Americans. The Diabetic Complications Consortium shares data on complications like heart attack, stroke, vision loss, and kidney damage.
A novel point-of-care genetic test has been shown to be clinically feasible and accurate, enabling rapid personalization of anti-platelet therapy for patients at risk. The study demonstrates that tailored treatment successfully protected all patients with the at-risk genetic variant from adverse events.
The American Chemical Society's Employment Outlook feature package explores the jobs situation for chemists, with a focus on the impact of economic weakness on hiring plans. The article also provides guidance for current and future job seekers to fully benefit from recruiters' services.
NICER will measure X-rays from hotspots on a neutron star's surface and its magnetic field, revealing the star's size and helping researchers determine an Equation Of State. This will unlock the secret of matter under extreme gravity in these incredibly dense objects.
Researchers at National Jewish Health have discovered a natural lipid, POPG, that inhibits influenza infections in cell cultures and mouse models. The molecule suppresses inflammatory responses, viral propagation, and cell death associated with influenza infection.
A growing body of evidence shows that man-made noise is bad for birds, particularly bigger birds with low-frequency songs. These species may be forced out of noisy sites because they can't hear each other over the din.
A recent study published in Health Affairs reveals that climate change-related events in the US resulted in $14 billion in health costs, 21,000 emergency room visits, and nearly 1,700 deaths. The analysis highlights the need for effective partnerships to mitigate public health damage and reduce health risks.
Researchers from NIST and UVA successfully demonstrated the use of electron tweezers to move, position and assemble tiny particles at the nanoscale. Electron tweezers have the potential to offer a thousand-fold improvement in sensitivity and resolution compared to traditional laser optical tweezers.
A new study funded by the Economic and Social Research Council found that Whitehall's deep-rooted culture of centralism is a major barrier to achieving localism in England. The research team conducted interviews with senior Whitehall officials and regional stakeholders, revealing a lack of flexibility and discretion in spending decisions.
Tufts University researcher Catherine Kuo is developing living tissue in the lab to study factors contributing to birth defects. She plans to engineer normal and abnormal tissues to investigate the impact of muscle movement on embryonic development.
A study found that subtly manipulating body posture influences people's estimates of quantities such as sizes, numbers, or percentages. Participants who leaned left estimated lower quantities, while those who stood upright gave more accurate estimates.
Physicists from the University of Constance used computer simulations to study shape memory materials down to the nanoscale. They found that the material's atomic-scale crystal structure shifted as the temperature increased, triggering a structural phase transition.
Two Penn physicians propose incorporating narrative into evidence-based medicine to translate medical science to the public, combating disproven theories and fear-based appeals. They suggest using counternarratives and personal stories to unmask hidden work of researchers and guidelines committees.
University of Saskatchewan and Royal Ontario Museum researchers tracked a half-billion year old predator, Tegopelte gigas, using fossilized footprints from the Burgess Shale. The ancient creature was a large and active top carnivore with 33 pairs of legs, capable of skimming rapidly across the seafloor.
Research found that inhaling low levels of CO reduces the impact of environmental stress, including noise pollution, in city living. The study suggests that CO can have a narcotic effect that counters stress caused by noise and crowd density.
Researchers are testing a new device that can measure contaminants with unprecedented precision, accuracy and sensitivity at Superfund sites. The device will evaluate the health effects of five specific compounds on two species of marine organisms.
Global health training programs should be evaluated by the quality of experience for trainees from all settings and by the incremental improvement in in-country care, infrastructure, and research. Investments in human resources are crucial to discovering and delivering innovations in prevention and treatment.
A Norwegian Institute of Public Health study investigates the impact of cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) pipes on drinking water quality. The research found that while there are no health risks associated with PEX pipes, certain types may cause prolonged undesirable taste and odor, especially when water remains in the pipes over time.
A surgical procedure aimed at bypassing a blocked brain artery did not lower the subsequent stroke rate after 2 years, compared to those who did not have the surgery. Patients who made it through the first month without a stroke had their risk of subsequent stroke almost cut by three-fourths.
A study published in JAMA found that a surgical procedure to improve blood flow in the blocked artery did not reduce the risk of subsequent stroke after two years. The trial, which included 195 patients, showed no significant difference in stroke rates between those who received surgery and those who received medical therapy alone.
Researchers investigate bighorn sheep's seasonal habitat selection behaviors to cope with migration loss due to human development. The study also explores ecosystem services in the American Southwest using biodiversity metrics, while developing an agent-based model to assess disease transmission in fragmented landscapes.
A bivalent HPV vaccine has been shown to offer excellent protection against the most serious immediate precursor to invasive cervical cancer. The vaccine also partially protects against four other cancer-causing HPV types, which together with HPV16/18 cause about 85% of cervical cancer worldwide.
A study by Professor Timothy Golden found that individuals who juggle conflicting demands between their work and home lives experience more work exhaustion. However, those with lower levels of conflict benefit from teleworking during traditional or non-traditional work hours, leading to reduced exhaustion.
The University of Houston will receive funding to purchase and install an advanced imaging system for in-depth monitoring of tumor growth and cancer progression. This will enable researchers to study the interactions of tumors in local tissue environments, leading to a better understanding of cancer cell progression.