Researchers have identified a genetic trigger that promotes the differentiation of olfactory stem cells into sensory neurons in the nose epithelia. This discovery provides potential therapeutic strategies for treating anosmia and other age-related declines in sense of smell.
A new study published in Current Directions in Psychological Science warns that evolutionary tradeoffs limit human cognitive abilities. Research suggests that increasing intelligence comes with problems, such as increased disease risk, and there may be an upper limit to how smart humans can get.
Cornell University researchers found that altering endothelial cell behavior in hardened vessels can reduce the effects of aging on vessel health. By tricking cells into thinking vessels are not stiff, inflammation is reduced, potentially preventing atherosclerosis.
Researchers found highly acute vision in Anomalocaris, rivalling that of modern insects and crustaceans. The giant marine predator's compound eyes were exceptionally preserved, with each eye containing over 16,000 lenses.
Physicians at Barrow Neurological Institute have written a biography of Ukrainian anatomist Vladimir Betz, who discovered giant pyramidal neurons known as Betz cells. These cells' function with cortical organization was a turning point in neuroscience, revolutionizing cell fixation and staining methods.
New research suggests that virtual worlds can help young people learn and negotiate new situations, developing skills like organisational and cognitive abilities. The Inter-Life project created private islands where participants interacted using avatars, leading to improved engagement and learning outcomes.
Scientists at Vienna University of Technology have developed a new method to detect single atoms using ultra-thin glass fibers, allowing for precise measurement of tiny amounts of substances. The technique enables the control of quantum states without destroying them.
Material chemists and engineers at Brown University developed algorithms to identify optimal 2-D planar nets for self-folding polyhedra. Experiments confirmed the design principles, allowing for the creation of complex 3-D structures with high yields.
Androgen suppression therapy used to treat advanced prostate cancer may significantly increase the risk of heart disease and stroke, say specialists. This risk is often overlooked in standard management of the disease.
A recent study from UNC at Chapel Hill may help explain the failure of some HIV prevention clinical trials and suggests ways to improve their success. The study found that drug concentrations in tissue can make a difference in effectiveness, and adherence to taking the drug as prescribed is crucial.
Tropical Storm Alenga is strengthening due to warm sea surface temperatures and low wind shear, with maximum sustained winds reaching up to 63 mph. The storm is forecast to continue intensifying before encountering strong westerly wind shear and weakening.
A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons found that African-Americans, Hispanics, and uninsured patients use fewer post-hospitalization services after traumatic injury. Notably, Hispanic patients were far less likely to utilize post-hospitalization facilities and services regardless of insurance status.
A 15-minute walk can cut snacking on chocolate at work in half, regardless of task difficulty or stress levels. Researchers found that employees who took a short break consumed an average of 15g, equivalent to a small 'treat size', compared to 28g for those who didn't exercise.
Researchers at the Max Planck Florida Institute created the first realistic 3D reconstruction of a thalamocortical column in the rodent brain. This achievement marks a significant milestone toward developing a complete computer model of the brain, which may lead to a deeper understanding of neurological and psychiatric disorders.
A new study found that taking two breast cancer medications together, anastrozole and fulvestrant, significantly extended the lives of women with metastatic breast cancer. Women who received the combination treatment lived over six months longer than those who took the drugs in sequence.
Researchers found that combining everolimus and exemestane significantly improved progression-free survival by 4.2 months, with a clinical benefit rate of 50.5% in the combination arm. The study suggests a new approach for treating hormone-resistant breast cancer, which may change treatment practices.
Researchers analyzed long-term imaging data to uncover coordinated anatomical changes in brain development across the cortex. They found that functionally connected regions mature together and exhibit tightly coupled patterns of growth, with notable differences between males and females.
Researchers at Loyola University Medical Center report positive results from a clinical trial of an experimental drug targeting tumor stem cells. The study found that the drug turned off key genes responsible for making cancer stem cells resistant to conventional drugs.
Researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine have developed a novel antimalarial agent, BCX4945, which kills the deadliest malaria parasite by starving it of vital building blocks. The study shows promising results in non-human primates, paving the way for more potent therapies against this deadly disease.
A study of 107 pregnant women found that the H1N1 flu vaccine boosted their immune system and protected their newborns via transplacental transfer of antibodies. The results show that the influenza vaccine is safe during pregnancy and recommended for pregnant women to protect themselves and their babies.
A Wayne State University physician is working to develop an outcome measurement that accurately reflects Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease progression in children. She aims to identify quality-of-life measures that can track changes in scores over time, enabling the evaluation of treatment effectiveness.
Researchers at the Salk Institute have developed a new gene editing technique that uses patients' own cells to correct genetic mutations in the HBB gene, which causes sickle cell disease. The method repairs the beta-globin gene without introducing harmful genes into cells and appears to be more efficient than traditional techniques.
A nationwide research collaborative found that serious traumatic injuries, including major burns, elicit a highly reproducible genomic response in human immune cells, altering around 80 percent of normal gene expression patterns. The study contradicts the widely accepted theory of an initial pro-inflammatory response followed by an ant...
The Focus Issue on Digital Holography and 3-D Imaging presents recent breakthroughs in digital holography, enabling non-invasive biomedical imaging and applications in structural analysis. Novel techniques such as compressive holography and lens-free tomographic microscopy are showcased, advancing 3-D display technologies.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that yawn contagion is linked to social empathy, with family members and close friends triggering the most responses. The researchers identified a pattern of empathy similar to other measures, suggesting that yawn contagion occurs due to our natural inclination to connect with others
The addition of bevacizumab to trastuzumab and docetaxel improved progression-free survival in patients with HER2-positive, locally recurrent/metastatic breast cancer. Median progression-free survival increased by 2.8-2.9 months with bevacizumab.
The US Tox21 program begins testing 10,000 compounds for potential toxicity using a high-speed robotic screening system. The testing will provide results useful for evaluating the potential health effects of these chemicals and revolutionize the assessment of new environmental chemicals and drug development.
Scientists isolated a protein called periostin that plays a major role in metastasis development. Blocking this protein can prevent the formation of secondary cancers, offering a promising therapeutic option for late-stage cancers.
Researchers confirm zoledronic acid's continued effectiveness in reducing breast cancer recurrences and improving survivorship rates among premenopausal women with estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer. The study found a 28% reduced risk for recurrence and a 36% reduction in mortality risk, with no toxic side effects.
Researchers identified a DNA methylation site that can detect ovarian cancer recurrence in blood samples, offering potential enhancement to existing biomarkers. This epigenetic marker may help monitor disease status after surgery and improve detection of the disease.
Researchers identified that sausages made with olive oil-in-water emulsion stabilized with casein are slightly tougher due to weak lipid-protein interactions. Adding microbial transglutaminase to the emulsion system can lead to physical entrapment of the oil within the meat matrix, making the sausage even tougher.
A new study provides clear procedures for collecting and analyzing microRNAs, significantly improving diagnostic accuracy. Researchers developed measures to overcome interfering activities and improved the sensitivity of miRNA detection by up to 30-fold, enabling faithful quantitation of miRNA abundance in body fluids.
Aaron Ciechanover, a Nobel laureate in Chemistry, has been awarded the Humboldt Research Award for his pioneering work on the ubiquitin-proteasome system. This discovery has significant implications for understanding cellular waste disposal and its role in various diseases.
A research group at Brown University has sequenced the entire transcriptome of the mouse neural retina, finding that disease genes are disproportionately highly expressed and have unique sequences. This study provides new insights into the genetic nature of neural diseases.
UCLA researchers propose an unconventional approach to controlling HIV epidemics by implementing PrEP programs in areas with low treatment success and high drug resistance rates. This strategy aims to decrease the number of infections, resulting in a greater decrease in drug resistance.
Women who practiced stress reduction and mindful eating had greater reductions in deep belly fat, associated with an elevated risk for heart disease or diabetes. Mindfulness techniques helped prevent weight gain even without dieting.
A study published in PLOS ONE introduces a lighter-weight GPS tag model that enables tracking of animals weighing at least 5.5 pounds, previously inaccessible due to equipment limitations. The team identified optimal deployment strategies for the smaller devices, resulting in successful tracking across a broader range of sizes.
Experts Roger Short and Kara Britt argue that nuns should be given the contraceptive pill due to its link to reduced ovarian and uterine cancer risk. The pill's overall mortality benefits, particularly in nulliparous women, make it a viable health option for nuns.
A University of Manchester research consortium found that UK carbon emissions targets could be met with significant expansion of both renewables and nuclear electricity by 2035. However, this would require a huge increase in nuclear power to make up for the loss of current nuclear stations.
A new study finds that sewage treatment plants can be a significant source of antibiotic-resistant genes in waterways. Researchers detected three genes that make bacteria resistant to tetracycline antibiotics at a facility on Lake Superior, highlighting the potential for even high-tech plants to contribute to the problem.
Cytosine plays a pivotal role in the human genome, acting as an on/off switch for genes and facilitating the recognition of foreign invaders by the immune system. Its diverse functions make it a crucial element of genetic diversity.
Scientists used Landsat satellite data to study Yellowstone's geothermal activity and identify changes in the park's unique landscape. The study found that satellite data can detect big changes in geothermal areas, but not necessarily what is happening or exactly where.
Researchers created visual illusions to stimulate nerve cells in the visual cortex, revealing their role in estimating 3D shape. The study found that the brain uses complex cells to measure local orientation of patterns in the retinal image.
A new clinical trial found that Pycnogenol, a natural antioxidant plant extract, significantly enhances mental performance in healthy college students. The study revealed improved sustained attention, memory, and mood, as well as higher test scores on university exams and reduced anxiety by 17 percent.
Rutgers researchers identified a Type III PI4-kinase as an excellent target for panviral therapeutics. Blocking the enzyme was effective in stopping virus replication and saving host cells. The study found that viruses hijack this enzyme to manufacture a lipid necessary for replication.
Research by Thomas Hills and Ralph Hertwig suggests that there is an upper limit to cognitive enhancements, leading to potential drawbacks such as autism, synaesthesia, or anxiety. The study found that 'supermind' traits come with trade-offs, making a highly-evolved brain unlikely.
A new study using Landsat satellite data shows that Kirtland's warblers prefer young forests and forests that have been on fire. The researchers found that the age of the forest correlates strongly with its height, and that old forests with grazed underbrush provide suitable habitat for the warblers.
Scientific research challenges common myths about psychopathy, revealing it's not just a matter of genes or inalterable. Studies show that psychopathic individuals can exhibit anxiety and dysphoria, and intensive treatment can reduce violent behavior.
Speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) enables accurate infarct size estimation in STEMI patients. A new study demonstrates the use of 3D speckle-tracking to estimate infarct size and necrosis transmurality, providing a more comprehensive assessment of cardiac damage.
A team of international researchers has developed an algorithm to infer the internal interactions of proteins and generate their atomic details from sequence information alone. This method could revolutionize the understanding of protein shapes and their functions, leading to breakthroughs in biology and medicine.
A recent study published in Lancet Neurology has found that brain tsunamis, or 'killer waves,' contribute to poor outcomes in patients with major head injuries. Researchers have identified a phenomenon called cortical spreading depolarizations, which can cause further damage to the brain.
Studies using echocardiography revealed early signs of myocardial damage and impaired ventricular relaxation in cancer patients treated with trastuzumab. ACE inhibitors and statins were found to deliver cardio protective effects, reducing oxidative stress and inflammation.
Two papers examine the history of Healthy People Objectives and the new integration of social determinants in Healthy People 2020. The authors conclude that addressing root causes requires collective effort and expanded partnerships to make true impacts on public health. Health experts call for systems thinking and a new metric of heal...
Researchers recommend 10 key areas for research, including large cohort studies, interdisciplinary approaches, and the development of new tools and models. Effective public-private partnerships are also essential for advancing understanding of chronic inflammatory diseases.
Researchers have discovered a blueprint for how Helicobacter pylori survives in the human gut by exploiting an enzyme called urease to neutralize gastric acid. Disrupting the formation of the molecular machine responsible for this process may lead to new drug targets to combat antibiotic-resistant ulcers and stomach cancer.
Researchers at Tufts University used genetic manipulation to induce eye formation in tadpoles' backs and tails, revealing a new control mechanism for organ development. This breakthrough enables potential applications in regenerative medicine, including eye transplantation and limb regeneration.
The University of Southampton's Optoelectronics Research Centre is developing laser technology to map chemical species and soot in jet engine exhausts, aiming to reduce emissions and optimize combustion processes. The FLITES project will establish a world-leading capability for tomographic imaging of exhaust plumes.
A study found that stress in the second and third months of pregnancy can shorten pregnancies, increase the risk of pre-term births, and affect the ratio of male to female births. Exposure to stress itself, rather than other factors accompanying it, appears to have this impact.
A recent study found that clodronate had a low incidence of adverse events and toxicity among patients with breast cancer. The treatment modestly reduced the incidence of distant metastases in postmenopausal women, with a relative reduction of 9% compared to placebo.
A recent Lancet comment proposes that Catholic nuns consider taking the contraceptive pill for health reasons, citing reduced mortality and cancer risks. Studies have shown a significant decrease in ovarian and endometrial cancer rates among pill users, with long-term benefits persisting for up to 20 years.
Whole-body cryotherapy outperforms far-infrared radiation and no treatment in enhancing post-exercise recovery for well-trained runners. Three cryotherapy sessions over 48 hours accelerated recovery more than other methods.
Research by University of Missouri researcher Gustavo Carlo finds that parents' financial problems and resulting mental distress impact their relationships with children. Children are less likely to engage in prosocial behaviors due to parental depression.
Breast cancer mortality is higher in Hispanic women compared to non-Hispanic white women, with a 20% increased risk of death. The ethnic disparity may be attributed to tumor phenotypes less responsive to chemotherapy, which affects long-term survival rates.
The International Severe Acute Respiratory Infection Consortium (ISARIC) aims to enhance the clinical research community's preparedness for emerging public health threats. By developing standardized protocols and promoting data-sharing, ISARIC hopes to improve response times and save lives.
Scientists at RIKEN Brain Science Institute discovered mechanisms that enable the brain to focus by efficiently routing relevant information. The study found that sensory signals with high contrast evoke large sensory responses, disrupting focus.
Recent solar panel cost reductions have led to a significant decrease in system costs, making solar energy comparable to traditional energy sources. The study estimates the true cost of solar panels at under $1 per watt, with system and installation costs varying widely.
A new cellular automaton model has successfully predicted how hair follicle stem cells regenerate, shedding light on the mechanisms behind alopecia. The study suggests that improving the environment around hair follicles may be a more effective approach to regrowing hair than implanting stem cells.
Scientists create one of the world's smallest electronic circuits, just 150 atoms away, revealing positive and negative interactions between wires. This discovery in quantum physics could revolutionize integrated circuit design and heat management.
Scientists at Sandia Labs discover unexpected voltage increases of up to 25% in closely packed nanowires, which may impact the development of next-generation handheld devices and solar arrays. The findings also shed light on the unique properties of one-dimensional conductors and their interactions with electrons.
A study by University of Pennsylvania researcher Jessica McCrory Calarco found that middle-class children are more proactive in seeking help from teachers, while working-class children tend to wait until the last resort. Middle-class parents coach their children on how to ask for help, leading to better academic outcomes.
The addition of zoledronic acid to adjuvant endocrine therapy increased bone mineral density and reduced disease recurrence among postmenopausal women with early hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. Immediate zoledronic acid use also improved survival outcomes, particularly in women who were truly menopausal at diagnosis.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that students' ability to estimate time is correlated with their math skills, suggesting a common reliance on spatial ability. The researchers suggest that developing this skill could improve mathematical intelligence.
Researchers developed a new fluorescent labeling technology to sort the human oral microbiome. The system revealed unexpected interactions between Prevotella and Actinomyces species, suggesting central roles in biofilm production.
A Phase I/II study demonstrated the experimental norovirus VLP vaccine significantly reduces the incidence of gastroenteritis due to norovirus, with a 47% reduction compared to placebo. The vaccine also increased antibody titers and functional responses in subjects, indicating increased protection against illness.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic have found a combination of drugs that destroys 70% of chemotherapy-resistant ovarian cancer cells. The discovery highlights the role of molecule RhoB in tumor response and may help identify patients who benefit from this therapy.
Black women exhibit a unique response to obesity, reporting higher quality of life despite similar weight gain compared to white women. Their self-esteem scores are particularly high, suggesting that body image and social norms may play a role in this phenomenon.
Researchers found a median progression-free interval of 7.4 months for patients treated with exemestane and everolimus, compared to 3.2 months for those receiving placebo. Clinical benefit rates were also higher in the combined treatment group, with 50.5% experiencing complete response or stable disease.
A pilot program in Wisconsin found that forgiveness of child support debt could lead to increased payments and reduced overall debt. Low-income noncustodial parents who participated in the program paid more than similar parents who did not participate, contributing an average of $100 more per month.
A study by University of Pennsylvania researcher Jessica McCrory Calarco found that middle-class children are more proactive in asking for help from teachers, while working-class children wait longer or ask in less obvious ways. This results in middle-class children receiving more support and assistance from teachers.
A recent study by researchers at the University at Buffalo found that framing effects have a minimal influence on consumer behavior when making health decisions. This contradicts the widely held medical premise that framing affects health behaviors, suggesting language and other factors play a more significant role.
Researchers at Queen Mary University of London found that an optical illusion captures attention more strongly than other visual tests due to reflexive brain processing. The study suggests that the brain rapidly processes visual clues to guide where eyes look, influencing what we see.
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that multiple sclerosis begins in the cerebral cortex, contrary to previous theories. The research involved analyzing 563 brain biopsies and revealed distinct differences in lesions, providing clues for better disease management.
The ASME Petroleum Division has donated $1.25 million to the University of Houston to establish an endowed chair in subsea engineering and support a petroleum technology program. The endowment will help recruit world-class leaders, advance research, and increase community outreach efforts.
Researchers found that adding pertuzumab to trastuzumab and docetaxel chemotherapy extended progression-free survival by 6.1 months, with a 38% reduction in risk for progression. The three-drug combination was also remarkably safe and well-tolerated.
A new collaborative study from the Mayo Clinic and Cleveland Clinic suggests that multiple sclerosis may progress from the outermost layers of the brain to its deep parts. The researchers found that the cortex is involved early in MS and may even be the initial target of disease.
A new study from Montana State University has uncovered enormous bones of the sauropod dinosaur Alamosaurus sanjuanensis, which is now recognized as North America's biggest dinosaur. The giant vertebrae and femur measured up to 100ft long and weighed over 70 tons.
A German study found no improvement in disease-free survival among breast cancer patients treated with dose-dense chemotherapy and oral ibandronate. The results contradict previous studies, which showed benefits in postmenopausal patients receiving zoledronic acid or endocrine treatment.
New study reveals that learning from reinforcement can actually harm decision-making in complex environments like basketball. Despite past performance, players are more likely to miss the follow-up shot if they try again.
Research shows that intensive maternal care during infancy promotes the effect of neuropeptide Y in the brain, leading to reduced anxiety and increased body weight in adulthood. The study found that maternal care stimulated the persistent formation of certain NPY receptors in the forebrain.
A new study by researchers from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (CPM) provides only a modest increase in life expectancy among women with unilateral breast cancer. The surgery may actually reduce quality-adjusted life expectancy for patients without hereditary factors.
The average age at which Nobel laureates in chemistry do their prize-winning work is increasing since 1960, with most prizes awarded after the 40th birthday. The shift favors older scientists who can conduct extensive experiments.
A new method for measuring artery narrowing could eliminate the need for a drug in assessing patients for a coronary stent. The investigational technique, termed instant wave-Free Ratio (iFR), produced similar results to existing methods and is being developed by Imperial College London and Volcano Corporation.
A Harvard Medical School team developed an algorithm that infers essential information about microscopic interactions in proteins using evolution and high-throughput genetic sequencing. This approach solves the computational protein folding problem, predicting accurate shapes for diverse proteins.
Anomalocaris, a 515 million-year-old fossil, demonstrated highly acute vision to support its predatory lifestyle. Its compound eyes contained over 16,000 lenses, providing exceptional clarity while hunting in well-lit waters.
A new study finds that public health insurance is a better option for infants, providing more comprehensive benefits and improving their health despite being drawn from disadvantaged backgrounds. Private insurance, on the other hand, may be detrimental to child health due to negative selection.
Researchers found that a combination of anti-estrogen drugs anastrozole and fulvestrant can lengthen the lives of post-menopausal women with hormone receptor-positive metastatic breast cancer. The therapy also showed promise in patients who had not previously received tamoxifen therapy.
Research found obesity associated with shorter time to recurrence and disease-free survival in early-stage breast cancer. However, treatment with endocrine therapy showed a protective effect against obesity-related poor outcomes.
Researchers discovered a long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) that prevents programmed cell death in maturing red blood cells, a process linked to leukemias and cancers. This lncRNA may represent a new avenue of attack for therapeutics.
A new report by the University of Victoria finds that most eco-labels for farmed marine fish offer less than a 10% improvement in environmental performance compared to conventional practices. The study evaluates 20 eco-labels, ranking them based on numerical scores derived from a well-established quantitative methodology.
Researchers have created two new methods to treat overeating in children and adults, focusing on internal hunger and satiety cues. The 'appetite awareness' group trained participants to regulate eating by monitoring their hunger and satiety cues, while the 'cue exposure' group taught them to tolerate cravings to reduce overeating.