Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed spiral-shaped proteins that can efficiently deliver DNA segments to cells. The polypeptides outperform commercial agents in terms of efficiency and control toxicity, offering a promising new approach for clinical gene therapy.
North American cuisine tends to share more flavor compounds than expected, with ingredients like milk and butter contributing positively to food pairing. In contrast, East Asian cuisine often avoids mixing ingredients with shared flavor compounds, such as beef and ginger, which may negatively impact food pairing.
Researchers analyzed data from a large study to find that certain protein markers in the blood, such as cystatin C and beta trace protein, are better predictors of an individual's prognosis than creatinine. These markers may indicate not only kidney health but also other aspects of well-being.
A Phase 2 trial found that combining bevacizumab with chemoradiation therapy can reduce the spread of nasopharyngeal carcinoma and improve survival rates. The study showed over 90% of patients survived two years without distant metastases.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center discovered naturally occurring variations of the TRPA1 gene that allows fruit flies to sense potentially dangerous discomforts, including heat and pain. The findings may have implications for understanding temperature sensitivity in humans and developing new treatments for conditions such a...
A new study found a strong relationship between adolescent drinking and criminal activity, including property crime, predatory crime, and victimization. Frequent alcohol consumption was associated with a greater probability of committing crimes and being victims, regardless of gender.
A recent study found that fetal exposure to carcinogens can lead to different types of cancer later in life, with the type of cancer depending on the stage of pregnancy when the fetus is exposed. The research also showed that mice who received multiple doses of a carcinogen had a higher rate of ovarian and lung cancer.
Researchers have identified an enteric virus-binding protein (EVBP) found in activated sludge, capable of capturing norovirus, rotavirus, and poliovirus. This breakthrough could enable the detection of low concentrations of viruses in water supplies.
Scientists have identified a gene mutation in the EZH2 gene that causes Weaver syndrome, a rare genetic disorder characterized by large size at birth and intellectual disability. This breakthrough discovery enables DNA-based diagnostic testing for the disease, providing definitive answers for families seeking a diagnosis.
The study of the closest supernova in 25 years has shed new light on its formation. The team found that the exploding star was a white dwarf, and while they couldn't rule out a white dwarf merger, their results suggest a medium-sized star supplied the white dwarf with extra material to trigger the explosion.
A new UNH study reveals declines in unwanted online sexual solicitations and pornography exposure among youth. The researchers attribute these decreases to increased public awareness and the implementation of safety features on websites and networks.
Researchers plotted evolutionary relationships of 150 plant species based on advanced genome-wide analysis, providing insights into genetic basis of diversity. The study resolves the long-standing problem of producing an unequivocal evolutionary tree of seed plants.
A new study identified a gene mutation that dates back to 11,600 B.C. and causes a rare vitamin B12 deficiency called Imerslund-Gräsbeck Syndrome. The mutation was found in people of Arabic, Turkish, and Jewish ancestry and is believed to have originated in a single prehistoric individual.
The Wistar Institute is developing a new drug to treat Epstein-Barr virus-related cancers by targeting the dormant EBV virus in patient cells. The project aims to create a viable drug candidate with potential to save countless lives globally.
A new study found that providing clear caloric information about sugar-sweetened beverages may reduce their consumption among adolescents. Researchers discovered that physically presenting calories as physical activity equivalents was most effective in decreasing sugar-sweetened beverage purchases among black adolescents.
Researchers developed a tool called MINE that can detect multiple patterns in large data sets, including health information, baseball statistics, and bacterial landscapes. The tool identifies relationships in a way that no other software program can, offering tremendous exploratory potential.
Researchers found changes in motor cortex of the brain in patients with spinal cord compression, which may impact surgical procedures and patient outcomes. The study also identified a 15% decrease in N-acetylaspartate levels, suggesting potential implications for reversibility and treatment.
A 'fantastic voyage' through the body is now possible with precision control thanks to a new capsule endoscope developed by Tel Aviv University researcher Dr. Gabor Kosa. The device uses MRI technology to navigate the digestive tract, enabling doctors to detect problems and perform biopsies or local drug delivery in a non-invasive manner.
A new study published in American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that diets including lean beef every day are as effective in lowering total and LDL 'bad' cholesterol as the 'gold standard' of heart-healthy diets. Participants experienced a 10% decrease in LDL cholesterol from consuming 4.0 oz/day of lean beef daily.
Astronomers detect first low-mass star in globular cluster M22 using gravitational microlensing, suggesting alternative explanation for cluster mass. The star has less than a fifth of the sun's mass and is 3.2 kiloparsecs from it.
A study published in Frontiers in Zoology has found a hybrid system in pearl-perch that utilizes characteristics of both slow and fast systems for sound production. This discovery takes researchers closer to understanding the evolution of superfast sonic muscles that drive swimbladder vibration.
Physicists at Aalto University have developed a method to amplify feeble radio waves or microwaves with minimal disturbance, reaching the fundamental limit set by quantum physics. The discovery uses a nanomechanical oscillator and superconducting cavity resonator to detect and amplify electromagnetic signals.
The study highlights the significant role of public sector funding in the development of new pharmaceutical drugs. Most basic biomedical research is supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and government funding has a direct impact on priority-review drugs.
A community-based diabetes prevention project in Lawrence, MA, taught healthy food choices and reduced pre-diabetes indicators in a Latino population. Participants who received lifestyle intervention had significant weight loss and clinically meaningful reductions in insulin resistance.
A walking skills training program improved physical performance and self-reported physical functioning in patients with total hip arthroplasty. Patients who received the program showed significant improvement in walking distance and stair climbing abilities compared to those in the control group.
A new study found fetal alcohol exposure is underestimated or misreported in Italy, with a prevalence of 7.9% among newborns. Meconium biomarkers FAEEs and EtG were used to establish prenatal ethanol exposure.
A recent study found that humans have doubled the rate of nitrogen inputs into global ecosystems since the industrial era, with significant effects on water quality and coastal marine fisheries. The increased nitrogen levels can lead to reduced water quality, economic costs and even impact human sustainability.
A new study found that applying vaginal progesterone to women at risk of preterm birth significantly decreased the odds of premature delivery. The treatment was effective in reducing both early and late preterm births, as well as hospitalizations and complications.
A new UBC study found that 63.5% of pregnant women in B.C. took at least one prescription medication, including those with known risks. The study highlights the need for more research on safe and effective treatment options during pregnancy.
A team of researchers has pinpointed an amino acid variation in the immune response gene DRB1 as a key factor in ulcerative colitis. This association was confirmed using sophisticated association techniques and suggests that the gene plays a significant role in determining the human immune response to extracellular antigens.
A team of scientists led by Donald Bryant has corrected a decades-old assumption about how cyanobacteria make energy and synthesize cell materials. They discovered that these bacteria can complete the TCA cycle in a slightly different way, allowing them to produce energy.
Phthalates, including dibutyl phthalate (DBP) and diethyl phthalate (DEP), are used in FDA-approved medications to target delivery of active ingredients. The study found over 100 products containing phthalates, with potential health effects of human exposure unknown.
Researchers have identified a critical genetic mutation in patients with myelodysplastic syndromes, which can progress to leukemia. The mutation is found in nearly 9% of patients, increasing the risk of developing acute leukemia by almost three times. The study raises hopes for improved diagnosis and treatment of this blood cancer.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University discovered that Fusobacterium nucleatum breaks the junctures in blood vessel cells, allowing bacteria like E. coli to invade the body. The oral bacterium triggers a cascade of signals that creates space for harmful invaders to enter the bloodstream.
Researchers at the University of Alberta have discovered a new way to track the progression of multiple sclerosis by using powerful MRI to measure iron levels in brain tissue. The study found that high iron levels are associated with physical disabilities and may be an early marker of MS.
The IASLC has set up a Strategic CT Screening Advisory Committee to define optimal approaches to lung cancer screening. The committee will focus on six key components, including identifying high-risk individuals and developing radiological guidelines for national screening programs.
Researchers at Penn Medicine discovered that B cells can produce unequal daughter cells through a process involving helper T cells and specific proteins. This finding may explain how lifelong antibodies are generated after vaccination, and could also shed light on the development of cancerous blood cells like leukemia.
A professor of physics, internationally renowned composer, and award-winning violinist create a series of classical compositions inspired by particle physics. The 'Particle Partitas' showcase the connection between subatomic particles and music, with a debut set to take place in the UK.
Engineers are using COCOA to verify the correct shape of the mirrors on NASA's James Webb Space Telescope, which will be tested at operating temperatures. The results will ensure the telescope works correctly as a whole, providing images of the first galaxies and exploring planets around distant stars.
A new study reveals that acid rain's impact on Great Lakes sugar maples goes beyond soil acidification. Excess nitrogen from acid rain slows microbial decay of dead leaves, creating a physical barrier for seedlings. This mechanism is expected to worsen as nitrogen deposition increases by the end of the century.
A study by Purdue University found that health-literate patients with advanced degrees did not manage their heart failure symptoms better than those with lower literacy levels. Health literacy, a patient's ability to read and understand health information, was associated with proper daily care but not self-care management. The research...
A new study discovered that texting can effectively assess drinking problems and provide brief interventions in young adults, reducing the number of heavy drinking days. The intervention reduced binge episodes and drinks per drinking day compared to baseline.
Researchers discovered that mosquitoes can control their body temperature by releasing cooling fluid during feeding, a strategy that protects them from heat stress and potential hosts' defenses. This finding has implications for controlling mosquito populations and diseases they spread.
Concordia University has launched the world's first Solar Simulator-Environmental Chamber, a unique laboratory that will revolutionize solar energy applications and building standards. The chamber is part of the NSERC Smart Net-Zero Energy Buildings Strategic Network, which aims to increase the use of net-zero energy buildings in Canada.
New research at the Weizmann Institute shows how blood vessel cells 'hide' signals from immune cells, only allowing those with special training to cross. This selective barrier prevents certain immune cells from reaching tumors near blood vessels.
Researchers at IRB Barcelona have discovered a new genetic program that converts epithelial cells into mobile invasive cells, which is common in embryonic development and tumour progression. The GATA6 gene plays a key role in this process, triggering survival factors and degrading the cellular matrix to facilitate cell migration.
The RTOG 0925 study aims to identify early clinical and neurocognitive changes that could precede tumor progression in low-risk glioma patients. The study will compare treatment effects on cognitive function, quality of life, and seizure control in patients with evidence versus no evidence of progression.
Historical analysis of lake sediments reveals nitrogen pollution from human activities has polluted remote lakes worldwide for over a century. The findings suggest that excess nitrogen contributes to smog, acid rain, and water pollution in these ecosystems.
A Florida State University study reveals that maximizing, or second-guessing, decision-making leads to reduced satisfaction with choices. Maximizers tend to obsess over decisions and then fret about their choices later, resulting in less commitment and happiness.
A recent meta-analysis found that behavioral interventions can effectively promote condom use and reduce the incidence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV, for up to four years. The studies included in the analysis assessed behavior changes and biological outcomes worldwide, with a focus on at-risk populations.
Researchers at Ohio State University have discovered a hereditary cancer syndrome that increases risk for uveal melanoma, lung cancer, brain cancer, and possibly other types of cancer due to mutations in the BAP1 gene. The study identifies six families with this syndrome, which can be screened for using a clinical test.
Researchers studied Onthophagus beetles, finding that male and female genitalia evolve rapidly in concert, often before size changes. This codivergence occurs more quickly for shape than size, suggesting that reproductive isolation can be established faster than previously assumed.
A team of researchers led by an undergraduate student at the University of Arizona has discovered that meteorite shockwaves trigger massive dust avalanches on Mars. The study found that shockwaves preceding the actual impact cause dust avalanches, revealing a new way impacts shape the planet's surface.
Six patients with traumatic spinal cord injuries tested Ekso exoskeletal device, showing promising results that will guide protocol development for a planned clinical study. The research aims to measure gains in overall health among users of individuals using Ekso in rehabilitation settings.
A new study found that same-sex marriage laws in Massachusetts led to significant reductions in medical care visits and mental health care costs among gay and bisexual men. The study, which analyzed data from a large community-based health clinic, suggests that marriage equality may produce broad public health benefits by reducing stre...
A study by McMaster researchers found that young adults' physical activity declines sharply after transitioning to university or college, with men experiencing the largest decrease. This decline can be attributed to a combination of factors, including changes in lifestyle and reduced engagement in leisure activities.
A new study finds that nearly all individuals with paroxysmal kinesigenic dyskinesia (PKD) carry mutations in the PRRT2 gene, leading to abnormal neural communication and hyperexcitability. The condition can be well-controlled with existing drugs and often resolves with age.
Tropical Storm Washi is expected to make landfall in Surigao del Sur early tomorrow afternoon and will bring heavy rainfall and gusty winds to the region. Residents are advised to prepare for the storm's arrival, as it has been classified as a Category 1 tropical cyclone with maximum sustained winds near 35 knots.
A team of scientists from Oregon State University has discovered microbes that can thrive in cold, low-oxygen conditions similar to those on Mars. These microbes use the oxidation of iron from olivine as their energy source, a process previously undocumented.
The Office of Naval Research has selected 12 winners from over 125 entries in its Sponsoring Scholars in Science challenge, with grants worth up to $100,000. The finalists will implement hands-on STEM projects, such as renewable energy systems and underwater energy harvesting technologies.
A new study by Washington University in St. Louis found that joining old lead pipes with new copper lines using brass fittings increases the amount of lead released into drinking water supplies due to galvanic corrosion. This can make the problem worse for safety-minded, lead-pipe-removal programs at water utilities across the country.
Researchers have found that elasmobranchs, including skates and sharks, lack a cluster of genes, HoxC, previously thought to be essential for proper development. This discovery challenges the assumption that all jawed vertebrates possess a full complement of nearly identical genes for critical aspects of development.
New research reveals a surprising connection between autoimmune diseases and wounds that don't heal, with patients experiencing protracted recovery times. The study found that 23% of patients with open wounds had underlying autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.
Researchers discovered that mycobacterial cell growth patterns determine their susceptibility to antibiotics, providing new avenues for targeted treatment. The findings could lead to more effective treatments for the deadly disease, which kills over 1.5 million people annually.
Astronomers identify smallest-known black hole using data from NASA's Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer (RXTE). The 'heartbeat' pattern, similar to an electrocardiogram, suggests a minuscule black hole weighing less than three times the sun's mass.
Five NASA Goddard scientists have been selected to participate in the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) and Cassini missions. Dr. Jennifer Eigenbrode will study high-energy ionizing radiation on Mars' sediments, while Dr. Daniel Glavin will investigate amines of biological origin using new Sample Analysis at Mars protocols. Dr. Michael Smi...
Researchers have found a blood test that can predict how well a depressed patient responds to antidepressants, such as escitalopram. The test measures vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels, with higher VEGF levels associated with greater relief from depression.
A new study found that robotic therapy can improve walking ability in severely impaired stroke survivors, with five times more patients able to walk without assistance. However, the benefits were only seen in the most severely impaired patients, highlighting the importance of patient selection for this type of treatment.
A team of researchers has designed a microvascular stamp that uses living cells to deliver growth factors to damaged tissues in a defined pattern. After a week, the resulting network of new blood vessels mirrors the pattern of the stamp's channels, demonstrating controlled growth and spacing.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have discovered a way to capture hot electrons, increasing the efficiency of solar cells to 44 percent. By exploiting a 'dark state' in organic plastic semiconductor materials, they found that two electrons can be generated from one photon of sunlight.
A Princeton University research team found that uninformed individuals can act as a counterbalance to minority groups, restoring majority rule. The study challenges the common notion that an outspoken minority can manipulate uncommitted voters.
UIC researchers found a molecular mechanism that allows immune cells to reduce tissue damage from inflammation in lung injury. TRPM2 channel modulates the production of reactive oxygen species, helping to protect against inflammation and tissue injury.
Humans exploit correlation between signal temporal structures to decide which signals to combine. Multisensory integration occurs when auditory and visual streams have similar temporal patterns, resulting in improved precision and accuracy. This research highlights a key organizational principle for multisensory perceptual grouping.
A study found that middle-aged adults with low education levels are twice as likely to die as those with higher education, despite progress in reducing health disparities. New causes of death are fueled by high rates of mortality among people with lower education.
The release of genetic data on medicinal plants could lead to discovering new drug candidates and increasing the efficacy of existing ones. Researchers have developed a collection of data that will aid in understanding how plants produce medicinally useful compounds.
Researchers found that cooperation among amoebae depends on their genetic relatedness, with low-relatedness populations exhibiting high cheating rates. The study suggests that population bottlenecks can stabilize cellular cooperation by eliminating diversity and restarting the population from a single cell.
A new NYU study reveals that nearly 20 million Americans visit dentists annually but not general healthcare providers. Dentists can assess oral signs of systemic health disorders and refer patients for follow-up care.
A new biodiversity data publishing framework has been proposed by the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) to encourage and facilitate the sharing of biodiversity data. The framework aims to overcome barriers to access and publishing of data, making it the expected norm for biodiversity research.
Researchers studied Campbell's monkeys and found that females pick up habits from each other through grooming and contact calls. The study suggests that human speech evolved gradually from ancestral primate vocalisations and social patterns, influenced by environmental factors rather than genetic predisposition alone.
Researchers at the University of Southampton are working on enhanced MRI scans that can detect cancerous cells before they cause health problems. The new technology uses hyperpolarization to create incredibly strong NMR signals that last long enough for scans, allowing for earlier detection of abnormalities.
A study published in the Journal of Thoracic Oncology found that a breath test using Metabolomx's colorimetric sensor array can detect lung cancer and differentiate between its types with high accuracy. The test shows promise as a non-invasive, rapid, and inexpensive companion diagnostic for early lung cancer detection.