Two new studies by UC Davis researchers found a direct link between lead ammunition and lead poisoning in scavenger birds like eagles and turkey vultures. The studies suggest that hunting with lead ammunition can have devastating effects on these bird species, causing inability to fly, starvation, anemia, blindness, seizures and death.
A newly discovered hybrid gene is found to play a role in some stomach cancers, potentially fueling tumor growth and survival. The CD44-SLC1A2 fusion gene may be at work in up to 2 percent of stomach cancers and could lead to improved therapies.
Johns Hopkins scientists have identified a gene, GRIP1, associated with autism that affects social interaction deficits. The study found that variants of the gene contribute to the severity of social behavior in individuals with autism.
A large cohort study found that normal-range body mass index in adolescence significantly increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and coronary heart disease in young adulthood. Elevated BMI was associated with a 10% to 12% increased risk for these diseases.
Researchers at Lund University have discovered a causal relationship between mutated Huntington's protein and weight gain in mice. The study shows significant changes in the brain's hormone control centre, leading to insulin resistance and metabolic dysfunction.
A new international study suggests that consuming strawberries may help protect against esophageal cancer by slowing precancerous growth. Six months of daily strawberry consumption decreased histological grade and reduced cancer-related molecular events in patients with esophageal precancerous lesions.
Researchers at MIT have identified a genetic change that helps lung tumors metastasize, with reduced NKX2-1 activity associated with higher death rates for lung-cancer patients. Understanding this gene's role may help scientists develop drugs to counteract its loss.
Researchers found a significant association between Parkinson's disease and an increased risk of prostate cancer and melanoma. The study, using the Utah Population Database, also identified a reciprocal risk for PD among individuals with these two cancers and their relatives.
A team of researchers from Washington University used electrocortiography (ECoG) to control a computer cursor using words spoken out loud and in their head. The study showed up to 90% accuracy, even without prior training, and has huge potential for patients with speech disorders or limited movement. Future operations may use small, mi...
A recent study found that female fallow deer tend to mate with younger, lower-ranking males rather than the dominant ones. This 'indirect mate choice' may be due to factors such as inexperience or difficulty carrying larger offspring. The research has important implications for understanding sexual selection and evolution.
A study published in Radiology used MRI to analyze brain atrophy and identify individuals with mild cognitive impairment at risk of progressing to Alzheimer's disease. The researchers found that patients with MCI had a one-year risk of conversion to AD ranging from three to 40 percent.
Researchers have developed a low-cost, soft generator that can convert movement into battery power using dielectric elastomer technology. This innovation has the potential to create light, flexible, and silent energy harvesters with excellent mechanical properties.
Researchers at Queen's University discovered that silver nanoparticles can be highly toxic to microbial communities in Arctic soil, compromising the ecosystem's ability to fix nitrogen. The study's findings highlight the need for further consideration of innovation's impact on the environment.
Researchers found that eating six months of freeze-dried strawberries decreased histological grade of precancerous lesions and reduced cancer-related molecular events. The study suggests that strawberries may be a safe and effective chemopreventive agent for esophageal cancer prevention.
Assistant Professor Tom Vandervelde of Tufts University has been awarded a $400,000 NSF Career Award to continue his research on thermophotovoltaics. His goal is to make these cells more efficient at lower temperatures, enabling applications in medical devices and sustainable energy solutions such as cooling data server farms.
Researchers have developed a new drug delivery device that uses optical fibers to target specific areas of the body, reducing toxicity and side effects. The device is designed to deliver high-powered photosensitive chemicals directly to tumors or infected areas, potentially killing cancer cells and bacteria.
The University of Warwick team has created a rapid method for preparing robust, ultra-thin gold films on glass, offering a viable alternative to ITO-coated glass. The resulting electrodes are chemically well-defined and can be scaled up for large area applications.
Scientists at the University of Hull have identified a cellular mechanism controlling tissue factor inclusion in endothelial microparticles, which may help treat cardiovascular disease and cancer. The on-off switch, involving tandem amino acids, regulates phosphate molecule addition to control tissue factor release.
Researchers at KIT have successfully cultivated cells on three-dimensional structures with precise control over adhesion and cell shape. The team developed a special polymer scaffold using the Direct Laser Writing Method, which allows for the growth of individual cells in specific locations.
A 17-year study of 37,000 Israeli teenagers found that normal-range adolescent BMI can predict type 2 diabetes and heart disease risk in young adults. Elevated BMI at any age was associated with increased disease risk, especially at ages 17 and 30.
Researchers at the Monell Chemical Senses Center have successfully maintained human taste cells in culture for seven months, providing a valuable tool for understanding the sense of taste. The breakthrough enables scientists to test drugs to promote recovery from taste loss due to infection, radiation, or chemotherapy.
A study published in Psychological Science found that individuals' happiness is influenced by the relative value of their experiences, rather than their absolute value. Those who received a 'better' outcome reported equal levels of happiness, while those who received a less desirable outcome still experienced increased happiness as the...
The FASEB MARC Program has conferred 28 awards totaling $46,200 to underrepresented minority students and postdoctorates at the 2011 ACSM Annual Meeting. The program aims to increase diversity in biomedical and behavioral research.
Highly diverse reef fish systems are the most vulnerable to human threats, yet they produce a greater range of goods and services. The study found that these ecosystems do not saturate with additional species, and their biomass production is negatively impacted by increasing human density.
Concordia University's Calvin Kalman found that incorporating reflective writing into introductory science courses enhances students' conceptual understanding. Students who practiced reflective writing reported better grasp of key concepts and improved retention rates in the field.
Scientists at the University of Southampton have developed three new technologies to aid in stroke rehabilitation. The 'tactile' devices mimic everyday sensations, such as holding a hot cup of tea, to help patients regain movement in their arms and hands.
Researchers successfully demonstrated quantum behavior in molecules with over 400 atoms, resolving a key aspect of 'Schroedinger's cat.' The experiment used tailor-made organic molecules that can exist in a superposition of clearly distinguishable positions.
The Lancet NCD Action Group and the NCD Alliance recommend five priority interventions: reducing tobacco use, lowering salt intake, improving diets, reducing hazardous alcohol intake, and increasing access to essential drugs. These actions aim to reduce NCD death rates by 2% per year, avoiding an estimated 36 million deaths over 10 years.
The FASEB MARC Program has announced 37 travel award recipients for the 98th Annual Meeting of The American Association of Immunologists. These awards aim to promote diversity in biomedical research by supporting junior faculty and students from underrepresented minority groups.
Scientists and volunteers are working together to track the spread of a deadly amphibian fungus across the UK. The survey aims to identify the most at-risk species and develop strategies for conservation.
A Tel Aviv University study found that EKG screenings for young athletes do not prevent sudden death syndrome, contradicting mandatory screening laws. The study suggests that the screenings are costly and have limited effectiveness, with over 30,000 athletes needing to be screened to save one life.
A new study has identified a molecular switch, TBL1, that appears to be a common feature in the development of fatty liver disease. The discovery is consistent with data from human patients and suggests an underlying explanation for the condition.
New research from the University of Cincinnati shows that elevated levels of sodium can suppress social anxiety by inhibiting stress hormones in the body. The study found that rats exposed to high sodium levels responded less to stress and displayed reduced cardiovascular responses.
A new study suggests that males can learn to recognize subtle fertility signals in female rhesus macaques by spending more time with them. The research found that over 80% of males could distinguish between pictures of the same female's face during ovulation and before, indicating a possible key role for experience in reading others' m...
The research shows that bonobos have more developed circuitry for key nodes within the limbic system, which may be responsible for their social tolerance. In contrast, chimpanzees have better-developed visual system pathways, possibly linked to their tool-use skills.
Researchers have created a simple bench-top technique to harness the force of acoustical waves, enabling the creation of various 3D structures. This technology has the potential to become a platform technology for the creation of new materials with extensive flexibility in terms of periodicity and material variety.
A new study finds that shallow disk injection of manure is an effective way to reduce nutrient losses to the environment. This technique, which increases the incorporation of manure, reduces ammonia emissions and phosphorus runoff, making it a more environmentally friendly option.
Researchers are developing a new antidote to regenerate an enzyme that ages after exposure to deadly chemical warfare agents. Dr. Christopher Hadad is using supercomputers to test reagents for this treatment, which could provide complete recovery from severe muscle spasms and death.
A Purdue University study suggests that drought-exposed leaves may negatively impact soil nutrients by accumulating high levels of tannins. These tannins can interfere with critical enzymes in soil, potentially slowing down decomposition and nutrient cycling.
A recent NIH analysis found that over half of patients receiving opioid prescriptions in 2009 had filled another opioid prescription within the previous 30 days. The study also identified potential opportunities for intervention to reduce prescription opioid abuse, particularly among younger patients.
A massive pool of icy meltwater in the Arctic Ocean is growing, with potential to flood quickly into the Atlantic with unpredictable effects. The situation echoes concerns about future ocean circulation changes that could impact Europe's marine environment and climate.
Researchers have identified a new gene, SETDB1, that promotes the growth of melanoma and may play a role in up to 70 percent of malignant melanomas. The discovery was made using zebrafish and could lead to better therapeutic strategies for patients with melanoma.
The Rheos System, a device that regulates blood pressure like a pacemaker regulates heart rhythm, helped lower blood pressure by 33 points. This substantial drop could require up to five additional drugs to control difficult-to-treat hypertension in patients with resistant hypertension.
A study of beef 'trim' found US procedures for monitoring imported beef trim are adequate for detecting pathogens like E. coli. Researchers have since shared pathogen detection technologies with Uruguayan national laboratories.
Researchers at Rice University have developed a database of 2.6 million possible zeolite structures, which could improve catalytic applications and enable the discovery of new materials with unique properties. The database was created using computational methods and has been made publicly available.
The Amniochip technology uses microarray technology to detect genetic syndromes with a diagnostic resolution 100 times greater than conventional techniques. This reduces the waiting time for results to 48 hours, compared to three weeks with traditional methods.
A new joint research centre between Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Innovative Vector Control Consortium and Saudi Ministry of Health will focus on cutting-edge research for vector-borne disease control. The centre aims to develop innovative ways to monitor and evaluate insect-borne diseases.
The University of Oklahoma has acquired a new mobile radar to better understand tornadoes and their formation. The radar's dual-polarization capabilities will enable researchers to distinguish between raindrops and hail, and determine the size and shape of storm elements.
A longer-term follow-up of postmenopausal women who used estrogen therapy for 6 years found that the increased risk of stroke during treatment had dissipated, while the decreased risk of breast cancer persisted. The risk of hip fracture was not maintained during the postintervention phase.
Research shows that brief, high-intensity exercise is more beneficial than traditional endurance training for preventing cardiovascular disease (CVD) in young people. The study found significant improvements in CVD risk factors after only 15% of the total exercise time.
New research reveals mangroves play a crucial role in mitigating climate change by storing vast amounts of carbon. The study found that mangrove destruction contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, with potential impacts of up to 10% of global deforestation emissions.
A study found a five-fold increase in pediatric CT exams from 1995 to 2008, with abdominal pain being the leading complaint. The effective dose of radiation for abdominal CT is up to seven times that of head CT, highlighting concerns over cumulative lifetime exposure.
A study found that receiving higher prescribed doses of opioids is associated with an increased risk of opioid overdose death, but receiving both as-needed and regularly scheduled doses is not. The study included data on over 154,000 patients who received opioid therapy for pain.
Researchers found evidence that lice began to diversify before the mass extinction of dinosaurs, supporting the idea that major groups of birds and mammals were around before their extinction. The discovery opens up new possibilities for understanding the evolutionary history of these animals.
A cross-sectional study found that pneumococcal conjugate vaccination in the UK reduced invasive disease in vaccinated children, but increased carriage of non-vaccine serotypes. The replacement serotypes had lower invasiveness, resulting in a net reduction in IPD.
Researchers have developed inexpensive instruments to test building sealants in real-world conditions, simulating movement and environmental factors. This allows for more accurate prediction of sealant failure, addressing the challenge of fatigue caused by temperature-induced expansion and contraction.
Women who are obese during early pregnancy have a significantly increased risk of their baby dying before, during or up to one year after birth. Obesity also increases the risk of complications such as bleeding and infections during and after a hysterectomy operation.
Researchers at Fox Chase Cancer Center have discovered a gene expression pattern in breast tissue that differs between post-menopausal women who had children and those who did not. This genomic signature may help scientists understand why pregnancy reduces breast cancer risk and develop chemopreventive strategies.
A study found that higher levels of the protein clusterin in blood are associated with increased prevalence and severity of Alzheimer's disease. However, clusterin levels do not predict the development of new AD cases or all-cause dementia.
Researchers found that death rates within 30 days of initial hospitalization dropped by half, and one-year mortality fell by 20.6%, among U.S. veterans age 80 or older hospitalized for heart failure from 1999 to 2008. Improved outcomes were seen in the 90+ age group, where 30-day and one-year death rates decreased by 11% and 26%, respe...