Scientific studies show mercury concentrations in inland lakes and rivers exceed EPA health criterion, affecting fish and wildlife populations. Research indicates improvements in air emission controls have slowed mercury contamination, but some areas still pose serious risks to human health.
Researchers from the University of Alberta and Cambridge have discovered a fifth adaptin protein complex involved in membrane trafficking, which has been present for billions of years. This finding opens up new avenues for understanding neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, Huntington's disease, and ALS.
A new study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine finds that men with disabilities are at a heightened risk for lifetime and current sexual violence victimization. The study reveals that men with disabilities are more than four times more likely to be victimized by sexual assaults compared to men without disabilities.
A Queen's University study reveals that high street connectivity and dense intersections in towns and cities reduce children's physical activity levels. The research found youth living in well-connected neighborhoods have lower activity levels compared to those in less connected areas.
A new study published in Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that key phytochemicals in broccoli are poorly absorbed if taken as a supplement. Cooking broccoli can also reduce its health value. The study suggests that eating whole foods, especially lightly cooked, is necessary to retain adequate levels of essential compounds.
Women with high-grade ovarian cancer who have BRCA2 genetic mutations live longer and respond better to platinum-based chemotherapy. The tumors are more vulnerable to DNA-damaging agents, which could lead to effective treatment combinations.
Researchers used computer simulations to show the effectiveness of an alternative method for molecular depth profiling. The study found that combining buckyball bombardment with low-energy argon creates a smoother surface, allowing for clearer analysis of molecular arrangement. This technique has potential applications in studying huma...
Researchers at the Geological Society of America meeting connect extreme weather events over the past decade to climate change. Warmer oceans, fueled by increased carbon dioxide and greenhouse gas releases, contribute to more frequent and intense storms, droughts, and wildfires.
Researchers found that altering a specific site on the NMDA receptor subunits reduced activity and calcium overload in neurons, potentially leading to new therapies for Alzheimer's and stroke. The discovery offers a promising opportunity for rationally designing drugs with more precise effects.
The University of Notre Dame has received $1.8 million and $1.75 million to develop two novel computing approaches: wave-based computational thinking and Quantum-dot Cellular Automata (QCA). These projects aim to create ultra-small devices with low power consumption, potentially revolutionizing information processing systems.
A young scientist has won a $10,000 award for her research on regenerating eyes using stem cells from hair follicles. Her study showed an 80% rate of differentiation in mouse eyes following a cell transplant, highlighting the promising therapeutic potential of these cells.
Hurricane Jova's eye appears as 'winking' to NASA satellites due to varying cloud cover. Infrared data reveals frigid cloud top temperatures of -80C (-112F), indicating tremendous storm power. The hurricane is expected to make landfall in Mexico tonight, bringing significant flooding and rough seas.
Scientists at Delft University of Technology have developed a new method using luminescence dating to determine the year of historic storm floods. By analyzing layers of sediment in the dunes near Heemskerk, they were able to establish that the flood occurred in either 1775 or 1776.
Researchers are struggling to help Michaux's sumac germinate due to its extremely hard and thick-seeded shell. Despite attempts using heat, flames, and boiling water, seeds remain dormant. Only acid treatment breaks seed coat dormancy.
A new testing program coupled with a year-long clinical experience improved internal medicine resident scores on the Internal Medicine In-Training Exam. The study found that residents who participated in the program showed a significant increase in median individual percentile rank, outperforming control groups by 8.5 percentile points.
A new drug combination of fludarabine and alemtuzumab significantly increases progression-free survival and prolongs the lives of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). The treatment spares patients from toxicities and offers a more convenient dosing schedule.
A new study predicts that smoking could cause 18 million more cases of tuberculosis worldwide and 40 million additional deaths over the next 40 years. The research, led by UCSF, found that smoking raises the risk of contracting TB and death, making it a critical factor in population-wide TB rates.
Researchers at Medical College of Wisconsin show that CXCL12 protein inhibits metastasis in colon and melanoma cancers. The protein, naturally expressed in bone marrow and other organs prone to cancer metastasis, effectively blocks tumor growth and improves survival time.
Researchers led by Robert Linhardt of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have sequenced the first complex carbohydrate biopolymer, bikunin. The discovery provides a fundamental new view of these vital biomolecules, which play roles in cell structure and development, disease pathology, and blood clotting.
A University of Illinois study found that cleanliness of seeds is crucial in preventing foodborne pathogens in radish, broccoli, and alfalfa sprouts. The study suggests that industry attention to seed cleanliness can help eliminate E. coli and other microorganisms during germination and sprouting.
Studies reveal the role of Sirt1 in improving insulin sensitivity through caloric restriction. Researchers also identify a potential treatment approach for KRAS mutant colorectal cancers by combining receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors with MEK inhibitors. Additionally, new insights into the cellular defects of Huntington disease are p...
Researchers found that terrestrial biodiversity recovered in about 5 million years, compared to the 15- to 30-million year recovery period estimated earlier. This suggests a more rapid recovery than initially thought and rules out theories stating a severe spill-over effect into the terrestrial realm.
Researchers developed a new method for reprogramming human cells into stem cells, increasing efficiency by 100-fold and producing high-quality cells faster. This breakthrough has potential applications in medicine, such as organ replacement, bone replacement, and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
A new study found that middle-aged women with Restless Legs Syndrome are at a higher risk of developing high blood pressure. The study, published in the American Heart Association journal Hypertension, found that women who experienced more frequent symptoms of RLS were more likely to have high blood pressure.
Researchers at Duke University have developed a technology that uses angle-resolved low coherence interferometry to detect pre-cancerous cells in the colon. The device shines short bursts of light into tissue samples and analyzes scattered light for signs of dysplasia, with an accuracy rate of 85%.
A recent study published in Archives of Internal Medicine found that consuming dietary supplements, including multivitamins and iron, is associated with an increased risk of death in older women. The study analyzed data from over 38,000 women and found that calcium supplements may actually reduce mortality risk.
Researchers have discovered that normal Htt protein regulates the formation of cilia, which are longer and disorganized in patients with Huntington disease. This finding suggests that abnormal cilia may contribute to some symptoms of the disorder.
A randomized controlled study of 91 migraine patients found that exercise was as effective as topiramate in preventing migraines. The study revealed no difference in prevention effectiveness between the three treatments: exercise, relaxation exercises, and topiramate.
A new technique measures myocardial perfusion reserve and volume reserve to predict severe stenosis in coronary arteries. This method detects 50% or greater narrowing with excellent sensitivity, enabling timely intervention for high-risk patients.
Researchers found that a one-second delay in video calls can actually help participants communicate better when discussing emotionally charged topics. The delay forces people to make more effort to follow each other, reducing frustration and improving accuracy in reading emotions.
Researchers found that a gene called CCR2 and an immune system cell called Th17 cell play key roles in rheumatoid arthritis. A missing type of monocyte may also contribute to the disease's progression.
The university will support the development of an understanding of Barrett's esophagus and its conversion to esophageal carcinoma through genetic and environmental research. Researchers aim to reduce mortality associated with this deadly cancer, which has seen a six-fold increase in recent years.
The UT Southwestern-Parkland PROSPR Center aims to optimize colon cancer screening among Dallas residents, particularly those lacking insurance or underinsured. The partnership seeks to develop a model for screening that can be used by public hospitals nationwide.
Scientists found that bubble-rafting snails, such as the common purple snail (Janthina janthina), evolved from sea-floor snails by modifying their egg masses to create buoyant rafts. This discovery suggests a new evolutionary pathway for these unique snails.
Researchers at University of Chicago and Tel Aviv University found a connection between coupled pendulums and compressed elastic films, which concentrate energy into discrete packets called solitons. Solitons are also found in other realms, such as telecommunications, where they travel through optical fibers.
Researchers identified cells and signaling molecules that trigger lung repair in mice. Fibroblast growth factor 10 (FGF10) induces epithelial cells to revert to a stem-cell state, proliferate, and repopulate the lung lining.
A CU-led study reveals worm burrows less than three inches above the K-T boundary layer, indicating they likely emerged shortly after the asteroid impact. The findings provide direct evidence of animal activity in a peat-producing environment that was buried by sediment.
Researchers identified 694 compounds that showed some activity against brain cancer stem cells, including four lead compounds that most successfully inhibited the cells. The study aims to reveal the biology of these stem cells and potentially result in a new therapy for deadly brain cancers.
The number of LGB teens who come out to family and friends has grown dramatically in the past two decades, shifting from an average age of 25 to 16 years old. Family support and acceptance are crucial for LGB youth mental health, with a lack of support heightening distress and depression.
A new method for quickly identifying individual viruses can help control winter vomiting disease and other virus-based illnesses. The method could save lives in developing countries and reduce stress on healthcare systems in the west.
Researchers at LLNL and Loyola University have received a $3.5 million NIH grant to develop a new anthrax vaccine using nanolipoprotein technology. The NLP-based vaccine has shown potential in preventing disease and protecting people, with flexible formulation and robustness.
A live-attenuated Chlamydia bacteria-based vaccine has been shown to protect monkeys from developing severe eye disease and blinding trachoma. The vaccine demonstrated robust immune responses and prevented infection in up to 50% of vaccinated monkeys.
The increasing demand for rare earth elements and critical minerals poses significant geopolitical challenges, threatening the global clean energy economy. The US, China, and other countries are exploring strategies to secure domestic supplies and mitigate supply risks.
A team of researchers led by Gloria Petersen, Ph.D., will examine family preferences and produce a detailed analysis of legal and ethical issues surrounding the sharing of genetic research results with relatives. The five-year study aims to establish best practices for navigating this complex issue as bio banks archive genetic data.
Researchers have discovered a strategy to accelerate arteriogenesis, allowing blood vessels to bypass occlusions and improve blood perfusion. This approach has therapeutic potential for treating ischemic diseases such as heart attacks and strokes.
A small study found that gantenerumab, a medication for Alzheimer's disease, reduced brain amyloid levels. The treatment led to dose-dependent amyloid reduction in patients with mild-to-moderate AD.
New research suggests that simple life, such as photosynthetic algae, could have survived the extreme conditions of a 'snowball Earth' event. A long, narrow body of water like the Red Sea would create enough resistance to glacial ice, allowing open water and light to coexist.
A five-year HIV prevention initiative in India, Avahan, has successfully averted an estimated 100,000 infections. The program's effectiveness varied across states, with southern regions showing more significant reductions in HIV prevalence.
A new study published in Neurology found that people who can cross their legs soon after a severe stroke are more likely to have a good recovery. The study involved 68 patients and found that leg-crossers had lower death rates, fewer neurologic problems, and better independence in daily life compared to non-leg-crossers.
A newly developed method allows scientists to match compounds produced in the wild back to their genomic origins, revealing core structural details and biosynthetic pathways. This approach has the capability of changing the way natural products are discovered in nature, offering a paradigm shift in the field.
A Scripps Florida scientist has been awarded a $2.2 million grant to explore the role of host cell signaling pathways in HCV-induced liver cancer. The research aims to identify new therapeutic targets for treating chronic HCV infections.
This study examines how immigrant domestic workers are transforming childcare methods, moving away from intense motherhood towards shared motherhood. The research highlights the need for policymakers to adapt family and gender equality policies to accommodate diverse forms of motherhood.
The Baltic Sea is a significant source of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, according to a recent study by the University of Gothenburg. The sea's ability to absorb carbon dioxide without increasing acidity has decreased in some regions, while increased in others due to local variations.
Two UIC studies will investigate how mass media and tax/price affect tobacco use. One study measures exposure, search, and sharing of pro-anti-tobacco info to understand smoking behaviors. The other assesses policies impacting retail tobacco prices over a decade.
Researchers have identified a four-gene signature that accurately predicts which patients are at higher risk of oral cancer recurrence. The signature contains genes related to cell invasion and is indicative of an increased risk of recurrence even in patients with no visible signs of cancer.
David A. Estell, a Genencor researcher, received the Enzyme Engineering Award for his work on protein engineering and developing efficient proprietary technology for producing advanced biofuels. He has also initiated new technology development and holds over 70 issued U.S. patents.
A University of Cincinnati study found that shoppers base quality inferences on signs, ranking signage as the most useful source for new product information. Signs tie with magazine ads as the second most useful, while outdoor and radio ads rank lower.
A study by UCLA researchers found that primary care physicians who treat Latino patients are less likely to believe they can provide high-quality care. The challenges include inadequate time with patients, lack of affordability, non-adherence to treatments, and difficulties in communication. Implementing the Affordable Care Act may add...
Three randomized trials found that structured behavioral programs were more effective than control interventions in improving glycemic control among adults with long-duration poorly controlled diabetes. Individual education also showed better glucose control results compared to group education.
A British engineering team is embarking on a scientific mission to collect water and sediment samples from a subglacial lake in Antarctica. The 'deep-field' research mission aims to find new forms of microbial life and provide clues about the Earth's past climate, with potential implications for understanding the evolution of life on o...