Researchers at MIT have created an analogy between the physical structure of spider silk and the sonic structure of a melody, showing that the structure of each relates to its function in an equivalent way. The study reveals that structural patterns are directly related to functional properties such as lightweight strength and sonic te...
Researchers have discovered a new target for treating aggressive cancers driven by the Myc oncogene, which can be targeted by inhibiting enzymes that are unique to cancer cells. The study identified SAE2 as a potential candidate gene that slows growth rates of human breast cancer cells when depleted.
A study found that supplemental reading programs work best when they mirror core curricula in scope and sequence, improving students' reading skills in comprehension, fluency, and word decoding. The aligned group showed greater progress, with 60% scoring above the 40th percentile.
Researchers at the Joint Quantum Institute create more complicated collisions between atoms using laser light, enabling the observation of high-angular-momentum scattering in long-lived atomic Bose-Einstein condensates. This innovation may facilitate the creation of exotic quantum states for practical applications like quantum computing.
A team of archaeologists has discovered 77,000-year-old evidence of preserved plant bedding and the use of insect-repelling plants at Sibudu rock shelter in South Africa. The oldest plant remains date back to 77,000 years ago and include species with medicinal properties.
Whole-genome sequencing reveals activation of targets for new treatment strategies, including MEK/AKT inhibitors for metastatic triple negative breast cancers. The study's results indicate potential for improved treatment options for nearly 20% of breast cancers that do not respond to targeted therapies.
A systematic review of chronic pain in children and adolescents found that most types of pain are more prevalent in girls than in boys, with headache being the most common studied pain type. The prevalence rates of childhood pain have increased over the last several decades, highlighting the need for early interventions.
A phase II multi-institutional study of women at increased risk for breast cancer evaluated the safety and efficacy of exemestane over two years, showing steady decreases in 'good' cholesterol levels. While this effect may prove significant for women at high risk for heart disease, its clinical significance remains unknown.
Cyclone Alenga's maximum sustained winds reached 90 knots on Dec. 8, making it a more powerful storm. The storm is expected to weaken due to wind shear, dry air, and cooler sea surface temperatures.
Scientists at ICN successfully refined methods to produce exotic materials by controlling reaction and diffusion processes at room temperatures. The new method enables high yields and consistency in form and structure, making it attractive for commercial applications.
Women with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations are at high risk for developing contralateral breast cancer, and certain subgroups are more susceptible based on age and first tumor status. The study found that carriers have a 17.9% 10-year risk, while non-carriers have a 6.0% risk.
Researchers found correlations between MRI measures and histopathological markers of breast cancer, suggesting the potential for MRI in predicting disease prognosis and guiding targeted therapies. The study's findings could lead to improved understanding of breast cancer biology and more accurate treatment planning.
Scientists at UCL have discovered three new gene regions on chromosome 16 associated with Crohn's Disease, which could lead to personalized treatment and improved understanding of its inheritance. The study used a novel gene mapping approach to analyze genetic information from 1698 patients, replicating results using independent US data.
Physicists at NIST have developed a method to manipulate atoms' internal states using lasers, revealing new interactions that could aid in designing materials for quantum computing. This technique allows researchers to simulate complicated systems and observe their behavior in slow motion.
A study published in European Journal of Nutrition found that drinking two glasses of tart cherry juice per day significantly improved sleep behaviors in healthy adults. The researchers attribute the benefits to the melatonin content of tart cherries, a powerful antioxidant critical for regulating the sleep-wake cycle.
A new study found that interactive branded mobile applications increase general interest in product categories and improve attitudes toward sponsoring brands. The research also showed that informational mobile apps are more effective at shifting purchase intention than experiential ones.
A large study showed that obese patients have poorer long-term outcomes than normal-weight patients when not treated with trastuzumab. Adding trastuzumab to treatment may potentially equalize disease-free survival rates among all patient groups.
A Virginia Tech-led study found that family perspectives are crucial in evacuation planning, with immigrant mothers being particularly vulnerable. The research integrated social science and transportation engineering approaches to model household decision-making and interactions during evacuations.
Researchers have identified a connection between the enzyme Tankyrase and the rare disease cherubism, which is linked to two common types of blood cancer. This discovery opens up new therapeutic approaches using existing inhibitors.
Researchers will scan 25 children using a four-time stronger MRI machine to validate initial evidence about brain damage and disease progression. The findings could lead to significant new approaches to prevent or minimize cerebral malaria's destructive effects.
A new molecular imaging probe using ghrelin exploits the hunger hormone's unique consumption pattern by malignant prostate cancer cells. The test showed the signal was almost 5 times stronger in malignant cancer cells than in normal or benign cells.
Researchers obtained full DNA profiles from eight backpacks containing pipe bombs and matched them with volunteers who handled the bags for a week. This method, called consensus profiling, can help rule out DNA traces from others.
Researchers at Rice University have developed functionalized graphene oxide to alleviate clogging issues in newly drilled wells. The material forms a thinner, lighter filter cake that allows for improved drilling efficiency and reduced environmental impact.
An independent panel recommends closely monitoring men with localized, low-risk prostate cancer to delay treatment until disease progression. However, standardizing definitions and conducting additional studies are needed to clarify management strategies and optimize patient outcomes.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine developed a memory-enhancing drug by inhibiting PKR activity, which boosts excitability and enhances learning and memory. In mice, PKR inhibition led to increased synaptic activity caused by gamma interferon, mimicking the effect of a 'memory pill'.
A new study found potential causes of strokes in young football athletes, including hyperventilation, obesity, and repeated neurological injury. The authors highlight the increased force of impacts among obese players, which also increases the likelihood for other stroke risk factors like hypertension.
A clinical trial will be conducted to test the use of whole genome sequencing in medicine, with patients receiving either standard care or no genomic sequencing. The goal is to accelerate personalized genetic medicine and improve patient outcomes.
A review of child maltreatment trends and policies across six countries found no clear evidence of a decrease in child maltreatment rates. Rates of violent deaths and injuries remained stable in most settings, but out-of-home placements increased, particularly in infants.
Researchers precisely measured protein levels in 1,400 tumor biopsies and found no correlation between HER3 protein levels and Herceptin treatment outcome. The study suggests that single biomarkers like HER3 are not predictive of benefit from Herceptin treatment.
Researchers propose sustainable hydrogen economy as a solution to climate change and dwindling oil reserves, leveraging renewable energy sources for production and conversion. Complementary deployment of hydrogen fuel cells and battery electric vehicles can offer a versatile transportation option.
Patients exposed to prescription drug spam are more likely to seek additional information online, potentially leading to unauthorized medication purchases. The study highlights the need for policymakers to address the impact of medical marketing on patients.
A new study reveals that bee swarms use inhibitory 'stop signals' to inhibit competing sites and choose the best option, similar to how neurons in human brains make decisions. This mechanism helps avoid costly dithering and ensures a single site is chosen.
Researchers have visualized telomerase molecules in living cells using advanced microscopy techniques, revealing that they cluster on specific telomeres and elongate them during cell division. This breakthrough provides new insights into the regulation of telomerase activity, a key factor in cancer development.
A researcher is conducting a study to determine if variations in genes that play a role in metabolizing opioids can help manage sickle cell pain. The goal is to identify patients who are most likely to experience severe pain and target them for aggressive personalized care.
A Princeton University study found that nighttime-lights imagery can pinpoint disease hotspots in urban areas with migratory populations. The technique accurately indicates fluctuations in population density, which is linked to the risk of epidemic.
A molecular phylogeny study reveals three Mediterranean species as a separate evolutionary line, sister group to all remaining Delphinieae. The genus Staphisagria has been resurrected for these species, which share traits not found in Delphinium or Aconitum.
Scientists have made a breakthrough in understanding how the EDS1 protein, a central component of plant defense, interacts with other proteins to activate an immune response. The study reveals that EDS1 is attacked by virulence proteins from pathogens and triggers the activation of distinct immune responses to isolate the infection.
Carnegie Mellon researchers successfully used NMR to determine the structure of infinitesimal gold nanoparticles, revealing their handedness. This approach offers a significant advantage over routine methods for analyzing gold nanoparticles and holds promise for developing safer, more effective drugs.
A team of scientists has identified the 'key' that HIV uses to enter cells' nuclei, allowing it to disable the immune system and cause AIDS. By targeting proteins in the host rather than the virus itself, researchers hope to develop more effective anti-AIDS drugs against drug-resistant strains.
A new study by Duke University researchers has found that tropical birds are moving to higher elevations in response to climate change, but at a slower rate than predicted. The animals appear to be tracking changes in vegetation rather than migrating rapidly, suggesting a delay in their response to warming temperatures.
Only about one-third of women undergo immediate reconstructive breast surgery after mastectomy, which improves psychological well-being and quality of life. Factors such as age, insurance status, and hospital location influence the likelihood of reconstruction, highlighting the need for increased access to this procedure.
A comprehensive study of premature infants found that they harbor fewer diverse microbes than full-term infants, with harder-to-treat Candida fungus and harmful bacteria prevalent. The research highlights the importance of balance in the infant's gut microbiome and suggests that probiotic substances may be beneficial.
A nationwide survey found that few hospitals are aggressively combating catheter-associated urinary tract infections, a common healthcare-associated infection. The study suggests that hospitals may not be using enough prevention practices for UTIs, despite increased use of methods to prevent other hospital-acquired infections.
A groundbreaking study by University of Miami researcher Shimon Wdowinski reveals a strong temporal relationship between tropical cyclones and large earthquakes. The study found that very wet tropical cyclone events can induce landslides and severe erosion, releasing stress loads and encouraging movement along faults.
A study published in the American Association for Cancer Research found that women who underwent bilateral oophorectomy before age 45 had lower bone mineral density and a higher prevalence of arthritis. The research suggests that clinicians should be aware of this association to provide early intervention if needed.
Researchers at the University of Missouri have discovered a protein called Enhanced Disease Susceptibility 1 (EDS1) that plays a crucial role in a plant's defense against bacterial pathogens. This finding could lead to improved disease resistance in food crops such as soybeans, ultimately enhancing global food security.
Scientists at the International Vaccine Institute have discovered a sublingual vaccine that protects mice against various flu viruses, including H5 and H1. The vaccine induces immunity in the lungs and offers an alternative strategy to prevent influenza infection.
A new study by University of Chicago neuroscientists finds that rats exhibit empathy-driven helping behavior in a laboratory setting. The rats free their cagemates from restraint, even when given the option to eat chocolate instead. This observation suggests that empathy is not unique to humans and may be an evolutionary adaptation.
Researchers at Boston College and Northwestern University found that the more cohesive a group appears, the less likely it is that individuals will be held responsible for their own actions. This 'trade-off' in perception leads to assigning moral rights and responsibilities to groups, rather than individual members.
Researchers at the Samuel Lunenfeld Research Institute have discovered a crucial component of Tankyrase, a protein linked to the bone development disorder cherubism. The study reveals how Tankyrase identifies its substrates, opening new avenues for inhibiting its function in cancer therapy.
A new UCLA psychology study finds that the senses of hearing and vision interact at a basic level before producing estimates, influencing the way we perceive the world. Even when sound is irrelevant to the task, it still affects our visual perception.
Patients with persistent kidney injuries often remain at increased risk of developing kidney disease in the future. Despite this, most patients do not receive specialized care from a kidney specialist within a year after their injury.
A team led by Nancy Speck at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine has discovered a molecular marker for hematopoietic stem cells, providing insights into their origin and development. This finding could help manipulate embryonic stem cells to generate new blood cells for therapy in leukemia patients
A study found that acute kidney injury (AKI) is common among military personnel with burns and wounds sustained during combat in Iraq and Afghanistan. The study also revealed a significant increase in mortality rates among patients with AKI, with death rates ranging from 0.2% to 65.1%. By preventing or modifying kidney injury, research...
Research finds that ACE inhibitors and ARBs have different effects on heart health in dialysis patients, with some benefiting from one over the other. The findings emphasize the need for tailored treatment approaches, highlighting the importance of long-term clinical trials.
A study by Eleanor Maguire found that taxi driver training increases gray matter in the hippocampus, a brain area responsible for memory and spatial navigation. The brain's plasticity allows it to adapt to new tasks, even in adulthood.
A NASA study using satellite data from Landsat missions has confirmed that warming temperatures in northern Quebec have resulted in an increase in shrubs and grasses over the past 20 years. The study provides a detailed view of how warmer temperatures are influencing plant distribution and density in northern areas of North America.
Researchers found decreased connectivity between emotional behavior regions and an increase in connection between the caudate and prefrontal cortex in depressed brains. This disruption may lead to sustained negative thoughts and difficulty updating working memory.
Researchers have identified a critical component of a molecular pump system that transports sugars throughout plants, which could lead to increased crop yields and improve food security. The discovery also provides new insights into plant pathology and offers potential solutions for protecting crops from pests.
Researchers identified STARD9, a kinesin-like protein involved in cell division, as a potential target for cancer therapy. Depleting STARD9 stops cancer cells from dividing and causes them to die quickly, showing promise in treating certain types of melanoma and non-small cell lung cancers.