A nationwide study found that middle school students experienced similar reductions in BMI regardless of whether they received a public health intervention or not. The results suggest that increased awareness and policy changes may be starting to change the trend of rising childhood obesity.
Scientists have identified a mutation in the SIGMAR1 gene associated with juvenile amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), affecting Sigma-1 receptors involved in motor neuron function and disease development. The study suggests that further exploration of this receptor may uncover potential therapeutic targets for ALS.
Patients with previously diagnosed obstructive sleep apnea who stop using CPAP machines experience a significant increase in symptoms within days, including higher heart rates and blood pressure. The researchers suggest that this finding could improve the efficiency of clinical trials on OSA.
Deborah Anderson is leading a research study on plant-based antibodies to prevent HSV and HIV infections in women. The project aims to create affordable and large-capacity manufacturing systems for biopharmaceuticals, ensuring access to treatments for at-risk populations worldwide.
Research highlights acceptance's importance to humans, while rejection leads to poor physical and mental health. DeWall recommends seeking support after rejection to cope with its negative effects.
Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center found that overproduction of aromatase in breast tissue is more dangerous than excess estrogen receptors. Aromatase inhibitors may prove to be a more potent choice for cancer prevention in postmenopausal women.
Researchers at Caltech used a novel method to calculate the dynamics of water molecules and found that entropy plays a crucial role in explaining why water spontaneously flows into carbon nanotubes. The team discovered three different reasons why water would flow freely into tubes, depending on diameter.
Researchers at Lund University have developed a new treatment option for advanced prostate cancer by targeting cancer stem cells with a STAT3-inhibitor. The study found that galiellalactone, a natural compound, has inhibitory effects on the growth of prostate cancer cells and prevents tumour growth and spreading.
Researchers at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute have discovered that older females are rarely able to reproduce due to abnormal cell growth, infections, and cysts in their uterine tracks. The study's findings offer hope for introducing new genes into the cheetah population through embryo transfer.
Sam Guyer, a Tufts University assistant professor of computer science, has won a $443,000 grant to develop a new approach to improving virtual machines. His research aims to create more efficient software that can balance security and resource usage without sacrificing performance.
Scientists present research on healthy microbes, mosquito-borne diseases prevention and E. coli food contamination. Researchers shed light on standing water mosquito breeding in cities and its impact on controlling larval mosquitoes. They also examine the complex relationships between humans and microbes in food production systems.
A study of 586 children with mildly to moderately impaired kidneys found that they often experienced poor growth, delayed puberty, metabolic problems, and high blood pressure. These conditions can be slowed by more aggressive interventions to improve blood pressure and metabolic abnormalities.
Researchers found that environmental factors, such as warming waters, are shifting the distribution of Atlantic mackerel northeastward and into shallower waters. This could impact U.S. commercial and recreational mackerel fisheries, which may face more variable resource conditions in the future.
A study published in Thorax journal found that sensory nerves detect allergens and trigger a 'late asthmatic response' several hours after exposure. Researchers discovered that anticholinergic drugs like tiotropium could alleviate symptoms, offering new potential treatments for asthma patients.
Cabo Pulmo National Park has proven to be the world's most robust marine reserve, with a 463% increase in fish biomass from 1999 to 2009. The park's 'no take' restrictions and local enforcement have been key factors in its success.
Researchers discovered that stress induces a re-wiring in the brain, impairing endocannabinoids' ability to regulate food intake and contributing to enhanced food drive. Blocking stress hormones prevented this effect, suggesting a potential therapeutic target for manipulating food intake.
A comprehensive survey of American Muslims found that religious beliefs significantly influence their health care attitudes and behaviors. The study highlights the importance of assigning responsibility to God for health and disease, as well as a holistic view of healing involving spiritual and medical agents.
A new study by the FDNY reveals that WTC attacks led to more post-9/11 retirements due to respiratory-related illnesses. The increased disability retirements have placed a significant financial burden on the pension system, affecting approximately 10% of the workforce.
Researchers from Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft develop innovative production methods using lasers to increase efficiency and reduce costs of solar cells. Thin-film solar cells with improved quality and reduced material usage are also being produced.
Two studies found that three protein measurements can identify high-risk patients for kidney injury after heart surgery. These biomarkers may transform the diagnosis of kidney disease, enabling early interventions and improving patient outcomes.
The TRMM satellite captured rainfall data on four areas in the Atlantic Ocean that have potential for developing into tropical cyclones. System 92L and 93L show improved organization, but no surface circulation has formed yet.
Researchers from Lehigh University have developed an imaging technique that allows them to directly observe light-emitting excitons as they diffuse in a new material called rubrene. This breakthrough is crucial for plastic solar cell technology, where exciton diffusion is a major challenge.
A study published in Journal of School Health found that a suicide prevention program significantly reduced teen suicidal behaviors, with significant decreases in considering, planning, and attempting suicide. The Surviving the Teens program taught self-confidence and positive behavior to help teens cope with stress and depression.
Researchers found that NSAIDs inhibit COX-2, reducing tumor growth and metastasis. However, the safety of these drugs during pregnancy remains uncertain due to the complex changes occurring in the body after childbirth.
A new treatment developed at Tel Aviv University uses laser-treated bone marrow stem cells to help restore heart function and health. The procedure significantly reduces heart scarring after an ischemic event by up to 80 percent, offering a safer and quicker alternative to existing options.
A recent study investigates corn silage hybrid responses to seeding rates, finding all hybrids require similar growth rates at four seeding rates. The study suggests that seeding rates should not be adjusted for different hybrid types.
Researchers studied electronic properties of bilayer graphene, revealing unique effects due to electron-electron interactions. The material's quasiparticles exhibit chiral symmetry, making it an exciting material for electronic applications.
Bumble bees, like honey bees, are important pollinators of native plants. Entomologist James Strange is studying a generalist named Bombus huntii that could be used in greenhouses in the western United States as a replacement for declining B. occidentalis populations.
A recent investigation found that a common strain of C. difficile, known as BI/NAP1, is endemic in Chicago-area acute care hospitals, putting patients at risk for severe disease. The outbreak strain was spread through patient transfers between healthcare facilities.
The study shows that the fault involved in the 2010 El Mayor-Cucapah earthquake was simple on the surface but complicated at depth. Researchers used a combination of GPS data, remote sensing techniques, and seismological data to produce an extremely well-resolved model of the earthquake.
A study by Washington State University-Vancouver and the University of California-Davis investigated the relationship between human phosphorus sources and aquatic nutrient levels. The research found that a small area contributed to most phosphorus input from human sources, with fertilizer and livestock manure being key drivers.
A Baylor University researcher explores the relationship between church members' educational backgrounds and their approach to reading the Bible. He found that those who attended college are less likely to interpret the Bible in a literal sense when surrounded by more educated congregants.
Researchers have discovered how TB drug pyrazinamide effectively shortens the required duration of TB therapy. The drug acts on latent TB bacteria that exist in an acidic environment, converting to its active form to bind and block vital protein RpsA, ultimately killing the bacteria.
The FASEB MARC Program has announced the winners of its 2011 Leadership Development and Grant Writing Seminar, with a total of $61,050 in awards to support underrepresented graduate students and postdoctoral fellows. The program aims to increase highly-trained underrepresented scientists in leadership positions.
TrES-2b's extremely dark surface is attributed to its high temperature and the presence of light-absorbing chemicals. The planet emits a faint red glow due to its heat, revealing it's not pitch black despite its low reflectivity.
The University of Colorado Cancer Center has successfully genetically sequenced the most prevalent type of bladder cancer, urothelial carcinoma. The team discovered mutations in genes responsible for chromatin remodeling, which are similar to those found in other cancers.
Researchers found that molecular motor proteins fold in on themselves to prevent unnecessary energy consumption, controlling cargo transport. This discovery may open new avenues for treating neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Huntington's.
Researchers have cultured and identified a new type of fungus, Archaeorhizomycetes finlayi, found in soil for millions of years. The fungus, which is slow-growing and produces spores only in soil, may play a role in breaking down dead plants.
A recent study tracking chimpanzee brain development found that both humans and chimps have immature forebrains at birth. The study's findings suggest that this developmental delay may provide an extended period of plasticity, enabling both species to develop complex social skills.
Researchers found that cocaine addicts prioritize immediate rewards over delayed ones, regardless of the commodity involved. This study has implications for developing drug treatment programs based on incentives for delaying drug use.
Researchers aim to develop new post-stroke therapy by repairing the blood-brain barrier, which prevents harmful substances from entering the brain. If successful, this could lead to positive therapeutic outcomes for ischemic stroke patients who may have missed the limited 3-hour tPA window.
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) successfully eradicates precancerous cells and intestinal metaplasia in patients with dysplastic Barrett's esophagus, with over 90% of patients showing complete clearance after three years. The procedure offers a minimally invasive alternative to surgery, reducing complication rates and mortality.
Researchers have developed a new technique to manipulate surface plasmons in real time, enabling the creation of ultra-small-scale optoelectronic devices and systems. This innovation allows for on-the-fly control and flexibility in nano-system design and manufacture.
The study creates a worldwide map of coral reefs, highlighting areas with high biodiversity and low stress, to inform conservation efforts. The researchers used fuzzy logic and publicly available data to group reef systems into clusters based on their stress exposure grades.
A history of depression is linked to a 29% increased risk of total stroke in women, according to new research. Women who used anti-depressant medication also had a higher risk of stroke, likely due to underlying vascular disease or inflammation.
An international team led by a visiting researcher at IU has formally named a new class of fungi, Archaeorhizomyces, previously only known through DNA sequencing. The discovery estimates up to 250 species within the class and sheds light on their ecological roles in terrestrial ecosystems.
Researchers investigated potential effects of G-CSF on chromosomes in healthy PBSC donors and found no replication asynchrony or atypical abnormalities. The study concludes that G-CSF mobilization process is safe for healthy stem cell donors, supporting its use in transplants.
Researchers discussed using Doppler weather radar to track bat behavior and effectiveness of acoustic deterrents in reducing bat fatalities at wind farms. Aeroecology also explored the role of atmospheric conditions in flight behavior, with studies on golf courses as potential habitats for roosting bats and the importance of insectivor...
A NIH-led team has discovered a method to guide the evolution of powerful HIV-neutralizing antibodies, which could lead to the development of an effective vaccine. The researchers used deep sequencing and bioinformatics techniques to decipher the genetic data of immune cells that produce these antibodies.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Engineering used new measurement technologies and analytical mathematics to study the neurological explanations for movement planning. They found that neural activity varies depending on direction, distance, and speed of a pending movement, departing from previous theories.
Researchers at National Physical Laboratory develop a model peptide sequence dubbed GeT that transports genetic material into human cells, overcoming poor cell membrane permeability. This approach holds promise for gene therapy in treating defective genes such as cancer.
A study at Joslin Diabetes Center and Children's Hospital Boston found that 'good' brown fat is prevalent in leaner children, increasing until puberty and then declining. Boosting brown fat activity may be an effective approach to combating childhood obesity.
Researchers aim to create a 'virtual rat' model to predict and understand physiological function and disease, filling a gap in understanding complex diseases. The Virtual Physiological Rat (VPR) project will use computer simulations to translate findings from animals to humans, targeting diseases like hypertension and heart failure.
Researchers sequenced the genomes of mealybug-dwelling bacteria, revealing a level of molecular integration between species that has never been seen. The study found that the bacteria have evolved to trade metabolites and enzymes to produce essential amino acids, with one genome shrinking to its smallest ever described size.
A new computational model developed by researchers at Ohio State University can forecast where cholera outbreaks are likely to occur in Haiti. The model takes into account various factors, including environmental conditions and human contact, to identify typical patterns of cholera outbreaks and hotspots where control efforts are needed.
Researchers at Berkeley Lab have demonstrated a technique to control the curved trajectories of Airy beams in real-time, enabling fast-as-light communication systems and optoelectronic devices. This breakthrough uses plasmonic Airy beams to manipulate surface plasmon polaritons, opening doors to new technologies in nano-photonics, biol...
Researchers have created a new model of ALS using human cells from autopsied tissue, finding that astrocytes secrete toxic factors that cause nerve cell degeneration. The study suggests that inflammatory responses and SOD1 function contribute to both sporadic and familial ALS.
Researchers develop method to extract ammonium from liquid animal manure using gas-permeable membrane technology, removing 50% of dissolved ammonium in 20 days. The captured ammonia can be converted into ammonium sulfate fertilizer, potentially offsetting the cost of removal and mitigating environmental pollution.
Researchers designed a material that can make energy-storing hydrogen gas 10 times faster than natural enzyme, using inexpensive metals. The synthetic material works at 100,000 molecules of hydrogen gas every second and has potential applications in fuel cells.
A new study from Loma Linda University found that excess body fat in elderly individuals decreases life expectancy. Maintaining a normal weight between 18.5 and 24.9 is considered ideal, while overweight and obesity are associated with increased risk of mortality.