Researchers have identified a potential new target for treating obesity by studying the molecular control of appetite in mice. Nutrient intake triggers the secretion of uroguanylin, which is then converted to uroguanylin and binds to GUCY2C receptors, leading to decreased food intake.
A study analyzing medication trials published in high-impact general medicine journals found that surrogate outcomes, composite outcomes, and disease-specific mortality are used, which can be misleading. These outcome measures may not accurately reflect a medication's impact on important clinical outcomes like heart attacks or strokes.
A recent study by LSUHSC research team identified significant differences in metabolic markers between healthy and obese 7-to-9-year-old children. The findings suggest that obesity in this age group may disrupt normal metabolism, impairing glucose tolerance and increasing the risk for Type 2 diabetes later in life.
A multicenter study of over 3,000 preterm infants found that those monitored with the Heart Rate Observation System experienced a greater than 20 percent reduced mortality rate. The HeRO monitor detects early signs of distress and provides a new tool for clinical assessment.
Researchers at SUNY Downstate have developed a diagnostic test to measure the risk of folate receptor autoantibodies, associated with neural tube defects, autism spectrum disorders, and other neurodevelopmental diseases. The test aims to identify women and children at risk for these conditions, potentially preventing neural tube defect...
The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) will present awards recognizing key achievements in space science and technology, program management, and sustained service. The AIAA Sustained Service Awards will be presented to Guy Jette and Peter Kurzhals for their contributions.
Researchers at Yale University have developed a practical method to synthesize huperzine A, a natural enzyme inhibitor that has been used to treat Alzheimer's disease in China. The compound shows promise in combating the effects of chemical warfare agents and may offer improved therapeutic benefits compared to existing treatments.
Researchers discovered that measles virus can target tumors through the PVRL4 receptor, a marker found on lung, breast, colon, and ovarian cancer cells. This approach could be used to fight various types of cancer, with ongoing experiments testing its effectiveness in mouse tumor models.
During the 2007-2009 financial crisis, hedge funds sold their stocks rapidly in response to falling values, withdrawing nearly three times more money than mutual fund investors. This led to lower returns for mutual funds and exacerbated the losses suffered by ordinary investors.
Astronomers have discovered a unique spiral galaxy with massive jets, providing insights into the formation of galaxies and clusters in the early universe. The galaxy, dubbed Speca, has been found to exhibit three distinct episodes of jet activity, shedding new light on the processes that shaped these ancient structures.
A new study finds that irrigation increases global agricultural productivity by an amount equivalent to the entire US agriculture sector, leading to significant carbon uptake. Adding even small amounts of water can have a bigger impact than larger amounts in wetter regions.
A new paper calls for coordinated global effort to monitor and prevent childhood obesity, citing taxes on sugary drinks and marketing restrictions as effective cost-saving strategies. International organizations must work with governments and private sector to promote healthy eating habits and physical activity among children.
Research reveals that E. coli O157 can persist in the environment for over 15 weeks, making it essential for everyone to take precautions when visiting rural areas or consuming contaminated food and water. Farmers, visitors, and governments must adopt strategies to reduce risks and promote awareness about the dangers of this bacteria.
Scientists identify uroguanylin as a potential target for controlling appetite and obesity. They also found a link between Parkinson disease and fat levels in the blood, with implications for treating this neurodegenerative disorder.
A new gene, MCF2L, associated with osteoarthritis has been identified through a genome-wide association scan using the 1000 Genomes Project data. The variant is found on chromosome 13 and regulates nerve growth factor (NGF), suggesting that MCF2L plays a role in the development of osteoarthritis.
New HIV cases linked to infected, medicated partners in gay community, suggesting a need for revised public health approach towards HIV counselling and education. The study reveals that existing HIV drug therapies can't prevent transmission from aware, medicated individuals.
Hurricane Irene's diameter is nearly one-third the length of the U.S. Atlantic coastline, with winds extending 255 miles from its center.
The study reveals a spectacular degree of evolutionary divergence in the satyrine butterfly genus Calisto, with 34 species and 17 subspecies identified. This radiation is believed to have occurred over a period of 4-8 million years, driven by ancient dispersal events rather than plate tectonics.
A Danish research group has discovered a significant decline in malaria mosquito populations in certain Tanzanian villages without organized mosquito control. The researchers attribute the decrease to changes in precipitation patterns, which may be linked to global climate change.
Researchers found that life expectancy in deprived areas of Brazil increased at three times the rate of more affluent areas, narrowing the gap to 4.2 years by 2005. This decline in social inequalities in life expectancy corresponds to a significant increase in life expectancy between deprived and affluent areas.
Researchers identified parkin as a regulator of fat uptake by liver cells, impacting blood fat levels and potentially linking to Parkinson's disease. The study found that increased parkin protein levels are associated with high-fat diets and mutant human cells.
Patients with rheumatoid arthritis who have higher self-efficacy for physical activity are more likely to achieve their goals. Achieving these goals is associated with reduced arthritis pain and increased health-related quality of life.
A new study by Niels van de Ven and colleagues found that people tend to overestimate the length of their outward journey, making the return journey feel shorter. The researchers believe this is due to prior expectations rather than familiarity with the route.
Researchers found that smokers who light up within 30 minutes of waking have a higher risk of developing lung and head and neck cancers. This increased risk is independent of smoking frequency and duration, suggesting that nicotine dependence may play a role in cancer development.
Researchers used text mining to analyze electronic health records and identified co-occurrence of diseases and clustered patients into groups with similar clinical features. The study also mapped disease correlations to the genetic level, potentially revealing a genetic cause behind some diseases.
The MINOS experiment's new result brings neutrino and antineutrino masses more closely in sync, lessening the potential ramifications of previous differences. This development is promising for future neutrino experiments like NOvA and MINOS+, which will further investigate and potentially close the mass difference.
A Louisiana State University researcher is leading a multi-university team to investigate how disaster-impacted communities cope with disruptions and recover from past calamities. The study aims to identify traditional elements of resilience that enable coastal societies to bounce back after traumatic events.
Scientists have successfully tested a bivalent vaccine that protects against both rabies and Ebola in mice, offering a promising solution for Africa's healthcare challenges. The vaccine is built on the same platform as the approved rabies vaccine and has several advantages over existing Ebola candidates.
A new study found that school-based mental health screening for teens can effectively identify adolescents at risk and connect them with follow-up care. The screening, provided by TeenScreen, identified nearly three-quarters of high school students at risk who weren't receiving treatment.
Researchers at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center found that fludrocortisone, a drug commonly used to treat orthostatic intolerance, reduced debilitating chronic nausea in patients. The study involved 17 children who experienced significant improvements in nausea after treatment.
A recent study used genomics to unravel the immune response to the flu virus, finding significant and complex differences between those who got sick and those who remained asymptomatic. The research may lead to new therapies to prevent illness by detecting early warning signs of infection.
A study of women who experienced undernutrition during the Dutch famine found that it was associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease later in life. The research suggests that childhood and adolescent undernutrition can have a lasting impact on future health.
Researchers have created a method for silencing non-protein-coding genes using zinc finger nucleases. This allows for the study of these genes' molecular and cellular functions, which are thought to play a role in cancer development.
Researchers discovered the expression of cancer-killer SAC-GFP activity in bone marrow cells after transplantation, suggesting successful transfer and colonization of anti-cancer tissue. The study shows promise for treating primary and metastatic tumors with genetically modified stem cells that secrete potent Par-4/SAC killer proteins.
The MacArthur Foundation Research Network on Law and Neuroscience, led by Vanderbilt professor Owen Jones, aims to make neuroscience accessible in America's courtrooms. The network explores effects of modern neuroscience on criminal law, including assessing mental states, capacity, and evidence.
A recent study has traced the source of the current cholera pandemic to an ancestor that first appeared in the Bay of Bengal 40 years ago. The analysis reveals that the bacterium's genetic region SXT acquired around 1982, triggering global transmission from this original source.
A new study by Ben-Gurion University researchers found no statistical difference between CSR and non-CSR companies in terms of stock performance. Investors may be more likely to choose CSR-compliant companies despite similar financial returns.
Two studies reveal that the star was torn apart by intense tides as it approached the black hole, creating an unprecedented outburst of energy. The outburst produced X-rays and radio emissions that pointed straight at Earth, offering insights into relativistic beaming.
A researcher has found that individuals with Down syndrome have substantially altered key eye reflexes, leading to poor balance and motor coordination. The study's findings could lead to new tools for assessing the effectiveness of treatments aimed at improving quality of life.
Studies show that ankle brachial index can help identify individuals at high risk of cardiovascular events, while bifurcated prostheses on aorto-iliac lesions may improve PAD treatment outcomes. Early detection and intervention are crucial to managing PAD and preventing serious consequences.
A national database called WATERiD will provide accurate predictions of when underground water and wastewater pipes might fail. The database, launched on Sept. 1, aims to create a single point for utilities to access relevant information and accelerate decision-making.
A four-year study found that exercise can be as effective as a second antidepressant medication for half of depressed patients, with moderate exercise more effective for women with a family history of mental illness. The type and intensity of exercise needed depend on patient characteristics, such as gender.
Repeated cocaine use increases depressive-like responses in a mouse model of depression, linking substance abuse with increased stress-related illnesses. Histone modifications play a key role in this process, suggesting potential therapeutic targets for mood disorders associated with substance abuse.
A statistical analysis by Curt Nichols predicts Obama will land at the 22nd spot on expert ranking lists if he serves only one term. He is likely to receive credits for his four years of service and wartime leadership, but may be penalized for failing to lift the nation out of crisis.
A new approach enables precise mass measurements of single molecules using molecular oscillators, overcoming limitations of conventional mass spectrometry. The technique allows for fast, miniaturized, and real-time analysis of molecular binding affinity, paving the way for versatile low-cost mass spectrometry measurements.
Hurricane Irene strengthened into a major hurricane on the GOES-13 satellite video, reaching Category 3 status with 115mph winds. The storm is expected to make landfall in eastern North Carolina as a major hurricane, bringing devastating damage and heavy rainfall.
Women's sexual satisfaction is linked to their overall quality of life and perception of successful aging, even as physical health declines with age. Approximately 67% of women reported being moderately to very satisfied with their sex lives across different age groups.
A new Commonwealth Fund report reveals that nearly three-quarters of people who lost their health insurance when they lost their jobs over the last two years skipped needed health care or struggled with medical bills. The Affordable Care Act will provide expanded health insurance options, including subsidies and Medicaid coverage, star...
A recent UCSF study analyzes the long-term effects of chemotherapy on women's reproductive health, finding that younger women are more likely to experience early menopause and infertility. The research provides new insights for patients and clinicians, enabling more strategic and personalized counseling about fertility preservation.
New research reveals that human beings can visually detect living presence through specific movement cues, including those close to the ground and mimicking real gravitational acceleration. The visual system is keyed into these cues to determine a moving object's life-detection.
Researchers found that a genetic switch in master neurons inhibits the proper functioning of protective cell stress responses, accumulating misfolded and damaged proteins. Restoring this natural ability could offer a new target for therapy, improving cellular health and quality of life.
Researchers have identified a protein used by Ebola virus to gain entry into cells and begin replicating, providing a new target for antiviral drugs. This discovery may lead to the development of more stable and effective treatments for Ebola hemorrhagic fever (EHF), currently caused by one of the deadliest known viruses affecting humans.
Researchers found that adventurous females prefer mates with similar outgoing personalities, regardless of physical attributes. This study provides evidence that compatible personalities play a crucial role in partner choice in non-human species.
Scientists at Albert Einstein College of Medicine have discovered a key cellular protein, Niemann-Pick C1, that is essential for the Ebola virus to infect cells. The finding suggests a possible strategy for blocking infection due to Ebola virus, which has killed up to 90% of those infected in some outbreaks.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital identified a novel small molecule that inhibits Ebola virus entry into cells by more than 99 percent. The target of the inhibitor is the cell protein Niemann-Pick C1, which is critical for EboV infection.
Researchers studying HIV in Pakistan's general population found the virus has spread beyond at-risk groups to women and children. Genetic analysis suggests the strongest factor of disease spread is through men who sleep with male intravenous drug users.
A study using advanced brain imaging techniques found that 33% of participants had high levels of amyloid-beta deposits, indicating an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease. The study also discovered a link between these deposits and changes in brain metabolites, which may help identify people at risk for the condition.
A George Mason University research team has uncovered a new factor, LIMK, that triggers cell movement essential for HIV infection. The discovery builds upon previous findings and provides a potential therapeutic target to limit or halt HIV infection.
Researcher Martin Blaser warns that widespread antibiotic use can cause permanent damage to the body's natural defense system. This can lead to increased susceptibility to infections and disease, as well as conditions like asthma, inflammatory bowel disease, and type 1 diabetes.
A study found that El Niño boosts temperatures and cuts rainfall, doubling the risk of civil wars in affected tropical countries. The research tracked ENSO from 1950 to 2004 and correlated it with onsets of conflicts, finding that El Niño may have played a role in 21% of civil wars worldwide.