Scientists have identified heparan sulfate as a crucial molecule in the growth of lymphatic vessels that allow cancer cells to metastasize. By inhibiting heparan sulfate production, researchers may be able to develop new therapies to slow or stop cancer spread.
Stephen Maturo, MD, receives the Charles Ferguson Clinical Science Award for his research on intraoperative laryngeal electromyography (EMG) in children with vocal fold mobility. The study found that EMG can help predict vocal fold function return in certain scenarios.
Yuemeng Dai received the Bill Potsic Basic Science Award for his research on endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) in hemangiomas. High eNOS levels were found in growing hemangiomas, while reduced levels were observed in those treated with Propranolol.
Researchers discovered that domain walls in ferroelectric materials act as dynamic conductors, enabling tunable and metastable memory functionality. This discovery could lead to a new paradigm of electronic memory storage.
Research from Purdue University found that consuming red pepper can manage appetite and burn more calories after a meal, especially for individuals who do not consume the spice regularly. Red pepper consumption increased core body temperature and reduced hunger for fatty, salty, and sweet foods in non-regular consumers.
Researchers at U-M Comprehensive Cancer Center found that PARP inhibitors, currently used for breast and ovarian cancers, can also work against colorectal tumors with MRE11 gene mutations. The study suggests targeting these patients specifically could be a new therapeutic approach.
A recent surge in reports of air traffic controllers falling asleep on the job highlights the need for drastic change to improve safety. Researchers suggest that changes such as extended breaks between shifts and mandatory rest periods could mitigate the problem.
Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have developed a new method for manufacturing green-colored LEDs with significantly enhanced light extraction, internal efficiency, and light output. This breakthrough brings the team closer to their goal of developing high-performance, low-cost green LEDs.
In 2007, US unintentional drug poisoning deaths reached epidemic proportions, with prescription opioid overdoses driving the crisis. Opioid pain medications are involved in more overdose deaths than heroin and cocaine combined, according to a CDC report.
Researchers conclude that amphibian population declines are complex and multifaceted, driven by various natural forces and human activities such as habitat destruction, climate change, and disease. This understanding highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to address the crisis and avoid exacerbating the problem.
The new journal, Optical Materials Express, launched by OSA, explores the intersection of optics and materials science, offering rapid online publication and open-access features. The inaugural issue includes research on metamaterials, microlasers, and chiral optical materials.
A $4.8 million federal grant will help UC Davis discover ways to maintain healthy weights among Mexican-heritage children in California. The 'Ninos Sanos, Familia Sana' study aims to provide practical tools and education for families to adopt healthy eating habits.
A recent study by Max Planck Institute researchers discovered that ants can recognize the distinctive body odor of caterpillars after they consume sugary secretions from wild tobacco plant trichomes. The caterpillars develop a unique odor profile, which is then detected by predatory ants, making them easier to locate and feed on.
A new study from North Carolina State University identifies cultural factors that social-service providers and others need to understand to form effective partnerships with Latino church leaders in addressing domestic violence. These factors include the importance of acknowledging traditional male and female roles in Latino cultures, a...
OU School of Meteorology faculty are leading predictability research initiatives, exploring various weather phenomena and their impacts. The team aims to improve forecasting for severe weather events like landslides, tornadoes, and thunderstorms by advancing tools like the SEGMENT modeling system.
Beetle researchers have discovered that the unique structural arrangements of exo-skeletal chitin layers in their elytra create a metallic appearance by reflecting light through different refractive indices. This phenomenon enables the beetles to produce striking gold and silver colors, similar to those found in precious metals.
Contributors from different disciplines discuss ion selectivity using crystal structures, electrophysiology, and computational methods. The series provides an ongoing forum for experts to discuss scientific questions and controversies.
Researchers have identified a key role for fibulin-5 in preventing pelvic organ prolapse (POP) by facilitating elastic fiber assembly and inhibiting MMP9 activity. This discovery may lead to nonsurgical treatments targeting elastic fiber-degrading proteins.
Researchers developed econometric models to study relationship between R&D and patents, estimating significant nonlinear effects of unobservable innovations. The quality of patents affects the impact of R&D on future innovations, with high-cited patents showing stronger effects.
A team of researchers has identified a key role for the protein fibulin-5 in preventing pelvic organ prolapse (POP) in mice. Fibulin-5 prevents POP by facilitating the assembly of normal elastic fibers and inhibiting the activity of MMP9, a protein that degrades these fibers. Increased levels of MMP-9 were found in vaginal tissue sampl...
Researchers at MIT have developed a novel method to enhance solar-cell efficiency by utilizing viruses to assemble carbon nanotubes on a surface. This technique has shown significant improvements in power-conversion efficiency, with enhancements up to 10.6 percent.
A new study in South Africa found that HIV-positive individuals take almost as much risk in their sexual behavior when they know their partner is HIV-negative or don't know their status, as when they know their partner is already infected. Couples-based HIV counseling is recommended to address this issue and reduce transmission.
A Gladstone scientist has made two significant stem-cell discoveries, creating powerful new approaches for using stem cells and stem-cell-like technology. Dr. Sheng Ding reveals novel and safer methods for transforming embryonic stem cells into large numbers of brain cells and adult skin cells into neural stem cells.
Faizan Naqvi, a junior at NJIT, wins Goldwater Scholarship for research in solar physics. He is the third Naqvi brother to receive the award, following brothers Mohammad and Salman who also won Goldwater Scholarships.
Researchers found that implicit racial biases predict disparities in perceived trustworthiness of Black and White faces, as well as differences in willingness to risk money with partners. These findings suggest that unconscious attitudes may drive rapid evaluations in the absence of additional information.
Scientists have identified MMP-1 as a key enzyme responsible for destroying lung tissue in tuberculosis, leading to the development of drugs that can prevent this damage. The findings suggest that existing MMP inhibitor drugs may be effective in reducing deaths from TB.
A study by University of Washington psychologists found no correlation between positive emotions and stress/depression in Asian college students, suggesting therapies focusing on positivity may not work. Instead, mindfulness approaches that acknowledge both good and bad emotions may be more effective.
Researchers at Rockefeller University found that anti-inflammatory drugs decrease the efficacy of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) in treating depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder. The study suggests that this may be due to the overlap between depression, inflammation, and Alzheimer's disease.
A study found that HIV infection is associated with an increased risk of heart failure, even after adjusting for traditional risk factors. Patients with high baseline HIV-1 RNA levels also showed a higher risk of heart failure.
A new American University study finds that environmentalists had the spending edge in the cap and trade debate, with $1.7 billion in revenue and $394 million spent on lobbying efforts. The report also shows that news coverage overwhelmingly reflected the consensus view among scientists on climate change.
A new low-cost test for acute pancreatitis has been developed by University of Texas at Austin scientists, offering faster results than existing tests. The sensor, built with simple materials like gelatin, milk protein, and aluminum foil, can diagnose the disease in under an hour.
The study reveals that human proteins with Dermatan Sulfate affinity can become autoantigens, driving autoreactive B-1a cell responses and autoantibody production. Researchers identified over 200 autoantigens, including novel ones, which could lead to better diagnostics and personalized treatment for autoimmune diseases.
Researchers at University of California - San Diego School of Medicine and colleagues report a game-changing advance in stem cell science: the creation of long-term, self-renewing neural precursor cells from human embryonic stem cells that can be directed to become many types of neuron. The new process promises to have broad applicatio...
A study by UC Riverside finds that managers' conceptions of employees can be self-fulfilling prophecies affecting job satisfaction, relationships, and trust. Leaders with positive conceptions tend to treat their employees positively, while those with negative conceptions have a negative impact on followers.
Researchers found a strong association between high computer use and engagement in illicit drug use, drunkenness, and unprotected sex among adolescents. High computer use was associated with a 50% increased risk of engaging in these behaviors.
The project, 'Texas Grow! Eat! Go!', aims to test the impact of several Extension programs on behaviors related to childhood obesity. AgriLife Extension's Junior Master Gardener program will be a key factor in engaging children and their families in healthy food choices.
Researchers tested an intervention targeting multiple health-related behaviors in African American couples where one partner is HIV-positive. The study found that the intervention led to increased fruit and vegetable consumption, physical activity, and cancer screenings among participants.
A study found that tai chi significantly improved mood and exercise self-efficacy in chronic heart failure patients without affecting physical differences. Researchers suggest tai chi as a safe alternative to conventional exercise training for improving daily life.
A recent study found that medication use among pregnant women is widespread and varies by socioeconomic status, maternal age, race/ethnicity, and state of residence. The study also revealed a significant increase in the use of prescription medications during the first trimester, with antidepressants showing dramatic increases.
A nationwide study found that men with high levels of omega-3 fatty acids in their blood have a two-and-a-half times higher risk of developing aggressive prostate cancer. In contrast, those with high levels of trans-fatty acids had a 50% lower risk of high-grade prostate cancer.
A new study analyzed mutations of the 2009 pandemic influenza A(H1N1) virus in Japan, identifying unique triple combination of bird, swine, and human flu viruses. The research revealed rapid mutation of virus strains with an extremely high evolutionary rate, paving the way for the development of new diagnostic kits.
The FDA approves Menactra vaccine for infants as young as 9 months of age, providing a new option to help protect against meningococcal disease. The vaccine has been shown to elicit a robust immune response and can be administered concurrently with other vaccines.
Research at Rush University Medical Center found that frequent social activity may help prevent or delay cognitive decline in old age. Socially active participants showed reduced rates of cognitive decline compared to less active individuals.
Multipolar electrocoagulation ablation therapy in combination with acid suppression is a safe and effective method to ablate nondysplastic Barrett's esophagus over the long term, according to a new study. No adenocarcinoma or high-grade dysplasia developed in any of the study patients.
A team of Rice University bioengineering students has developed a portable device that controls air around the eyes to help doctors diagnose dry eye. The ClimaTears device uses modified goggles with embedded data sensors to monitor temperature, humidity, and air flow, providing clues about treatment options.
The American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association released the first expert consensus document to help clinicians reduce hypertension risks in older adults. The guidelines recommend targeted blood pressure control measures, including medication selection, dose titration, and lifestyle changes.
Female mosquitoes produce heat shock proteins to protect themselves from stress caused by hot blood meals, helping them digest the meal and maintain egg production. Tests on other insects also showed a similar response.
New studies on Fukushima's aftermath might uncover more accurate estimates of health consequences of nuclear power plant accidents, including thyroid cancer risks for children and young adults. The authors also highlight the psychological burden of nuclear disasters on those affected.
Researchers at Texas A&M University discovered that certain bacteria can render themselves dormant in response to antibiotic stress, degrading internal antitoxins and damaging metabolic processes. This 'sleeping' mechanism allows the bacteria to avoid antibiotics, but could potentially be awakened by a complementary chemical.
Human impact on coastal dunes is a significant threat to their conservation in Spain, particularly due to poorly designed infrastructure such as car parks, boardwalks and inadequate access points. A study found that these factors contribute to the instability of the dune systems, even in protected areas.
The American Society of Pediatric Otolaryngology (ASPO) recognizes outstanding achievements in pediatric otolaryngology research through its annual awards. This year's winners include Yuemeng Dai for his work on involving hemangiomas and Stephanie Maturo for her research on intraoperative laryngeal electromyography in children with voc...
A phase II study of selumetinib has shown promising results in patients with advanced biliary cancer, with significant tumor shrinkage and weight gain observed. The drug blocked the MEK protein, which is often damaged in biliary cancer cells, suggesting a new standard of care may be established
Twelve Washington University students isolated and characterized 18 novel phages, including two from St. Louis, in a research project supported by the Science Education Alliance. The findings provide insights into genome architecture and evolution of mycobacteriophages.
Researchers have isolated a new species of ammonia oxidizing archaeon from soil, named Nitrososphaera viennensis. The discovery has significant implications for agriculture, as ammonia oxidation affects nitrogen availability for plants and groundwater nitrate levels.
The SSPEED Center will focus on four key areas: the Houston Ship Channel, Galveston Bay, Galveston city, and low-lying coastal lands. The goal is to develop and evaluate alternative concepts for protecting these areas in light of new regulations.
A recent study examines changes in medical students' views about internal medicine careers from 1990 to 2007. The proportion of students planning general internal medicine training declined, while those attracted by primary care physicians' appeal increased. Bolder reform is needed to improve the educational pipeline and practice of ge...
Georgia Health Sciences University researchers are exploring whether low levels of interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) can identify children at risk for developing type 1 diabetes. They also plan to investigate using IL-1 inhibitors to prevent the disease.
In a 26-year study, marine invertebrates in Port Valdez have stabilized to resemble an undisturbed glacial fjord. This recovery was facilitated by the dominant species Capitellidae, known for their opportunistic nature.
Bjorn R. Olsen, Richard Drake, and Gary C. Schoenwolf received the highest awards from the American Association of Anatomists for their outstanding contributions to anatomical sciences, with Olsen receiving the Scientific Achievement Award, Drake the Distinguished Educator Award, and Schoenwolf the Exemplary Service Award.
Feral pigs in eastern North Carolina have been found to host significant numbers of parasites that can be transmitted to humans, including Toxoplasma gondii and Trichinella. The study's findings highlight the potential health risk posed by feral pigs to both domestic swine and humans.