Dana-Farber Cancer Institute researchers have identified a mechanism that triggers inflammation in the liver and transforms normal cells into cancerous ones. They demonstrated that a particular micro-RNA, miR-124, can be harnessed to treat or prevent liver cancer.
Researchers have identified the subcellular processing location and target signal of cyclotide kalata B1, a protein found in Congolese child birthing tea. The study reveals that the precursor protein Oak1 is directed to the vacuole through propeptides from the N-terminal region.
NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter recorded the total lunar eclipse on Dec. 10, 2011, providing insights into the moon's surface cooling during the event. The West Coast saw totality, while East Coasts experienced a slight dimming of the moon.
Threats to biodiversity and endangered species exist due to planned solar power installations in the desert Southwest of the United States. The region's unique ecosystem and habitat fragmentation caused by roads and power lines may impact wildlife biologists, including Agassiz's desert tortoise.
Studying tiny particles at oil-water interfaces, Harvard researchers found that stabilized emulsions can take months to years to reach physical equilibrium, rather than the assumed instantaneity. This discovery has important implications for pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and food manufacturing processes.
Researchers from Concordia University discovered that oxytocin increases a person's perception of themselves as more extroverted and open to new experiences. The study involved administering nasal sprays containing oxytocin to 100 young adults, who reported higher ratings of extraversion and openness.
A new study by University of Miami researchers provides insights into the physical conditions and biological factors underlying white shark attacks on Cape fur seals. The study found that sharks use stealth and ambush tactics to stalk their prey, while seals employ unique techniques to detect and evade predators.
Experts emphasize the need to treat multiple diseases simultaneously, as common in sub-Saharan Africa, for better outcomes and cost-effectiveness. Studies show that addressing co-infections can significantly reduce HIV transmission risk and viral load.
Researchers found that people with DFNA2 hearing loss are more sensitive to low-frequency vibrations, suggesting a link between the potassium channel and touch sensation. This discovery reveals new insights into the relationships between hearing loss and touch sensitivity.
A new study found that women with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations inherited from their fathers tend to be diagnosed with breast cancer a decade earlier than those who inherit the genes from their mothers. The research analyzed 130 patients and discovered significant differences in age of diagnosis based on parent-of-origin effects.
A recent study by NYU found that over half of newly licensed RNs work within 40 miles of their high school location, exacerbating rural healthcare shortages. The authors recommend policy changes to expand the supply of nurses in underserved areas.
A new study demonstrates that words which sound better to speakers of a language have a higher chance of being created, influencing language evolution over time. The research reveals the interconnectedness of linguistic rules and suggests that humans do not learn language in a simple, context-independent manner.
A new disinfection system that kills bacteria, viruses, and mold may change the way hospitals are cleaned, saving an estimated $30 billion annually in North America. The technology involves pumping ozone and hydrogen peroxide vapour gas mixture into a room to sterilize surfaces.
Scientists at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have designed a new method to create antibodies that neutralize the harmful protein particles leading to Alzheimer's disease. The process targets specific portions of the toxic protein, allowing for better understanding and potential treatment of similar diseases like Parkinson's.
A 2010 temperature spike accelerated ice loss in southern Greenland, lifting bedrock an additional quarter of an inch. GPS measurements indicate that the amount of uplift differed by station location, with closer stations rising more.
A new study by Northwestern University finds that joint pain is the most common reason for women to stop taking aromatase inhibitors, a common breast cancer medication. The research also highlights a gap between clinicians' reported side effects and women's actual experiences.
A new model combining biological data and fisheries catch records indicates that fishing in one side of the Atlantic Ocean affects the other. The study shows that eastern bluefin populations are declining due to high levels of fishing in the Mediterranean Sea, while western populations are also depleted. The model suggests that recover...
Researchers found that loss of the retinoblastoma tumor suppressor gene (RB) in triple negative breast cancer patients is linked to improved survival rates. This discovery could lead to personalized treatment approaches for these patients.
A study on butterfly dispersal reveals its complex relationships with life history traits, leading to important insights for evolutionary dynamics under global environmental changes. The findings highlight the importance of considering species-specific abilities and ecological specialization in conservation efforts.
A study found that commercially-available tests for latent TB infection have high false-positive rates in low-prevalence populations, with 77% of subjects having positive results with only one test. The findings suggest that risk stratification may increase the predictive value and reduce false positives.
A UK-wide cohort study found a significant increase in tuberculosis (TB) diagnoses among postpartum women, with a higher risk of TB in the six months following pregnancy. The study suggests that targeted screening of pregnant and post-partum women in high-risk groups may be necessary to prevent poorer outcomes.
Women with newly diagnosed inflammatory breast cancer who have stray tumor cells in their blood should receive aggressive treatment, regardless of imaging results. Researchers found no correlation between circulating tumor cells and survival rates in these patients.
A Scripps Research Institute study found that an anti-stress peptide can prevent and reverse some cellular effects of acute alcohol and alcohol dependence in animal models. The researchers suggest that drugs derived from this peptide could play a role in treating complex disease.
Expanding ocean dead zones driven by climate change reduce oxygen levels, forcing blue marlins and other billfish to surface waters where they are more vulnerable to fishing. This shift affects the long-term health of these species and their ecosystems.
Tel Aviv University engineers have developed an efficient liquid solution that can alter the genetic make-up of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, making them sensitive again. The solution is easy to prepare and apply, and non-toxic, with potential to be added to antibacterial cleansers.
Scientists have solved the structure of a key region in Ler, a protein linked to E.coli virulence. This breakthrough could lead to alternative treatments and minimize antibiotic resistance.
The article highlights the importance of pharmacists' knowledge of toxic agents and treatment methods in event of a chemical weapons attack. Pharmacists can provide valuable expertise to healthcare facilities and government agencies, and are also essential in managing biological, radiological, and nuclear threats.
A recent investigation into a 2009 multistate outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli identified commercial prepackaged cookie dough as the culprit. The study recommends that manufacturers reformulate their product to make it safer and provides guidance for consumers on how to prevent illness by baking the dough before consuming.
A new study published in Psychological Science suggests that national pride is linked to greater personal well-being, but only for those who prioritize civic nationalism over ethnic identity. The research found that civic nationalists were on average happier than both ethnic and low-civic nationalists, challenging popular theories abou...
The American Geophysical Union has created a new award to recognize cutting-edge work in space weather and nonlinear waves and processes. The $10,000 prize honors an AGU member-scientist's contributions to the fields.
New research published in The FASEB Journal found that EPO increases blood pressure by constricting arteries, reducing blood flow to the brain. This contradicts earlier evidence suggesting EPO may be a viable early treatment for stroke victims.
Yogi D. Goswami, Alan R. Hevner, Robert H. Tykot, and Michael J. Zaworotko were elected as AAAS Fellows for their groundbreaking work in renewable energies, computer sciences, archaeological materials science, and solid-state chemistry. They will be formally announced on December 23, 2011, at Science journal.
A recent study has visualized the path of a sensory stimulus in the brain during fear learning and identified the underlying neuronal circuits. The researchers found that the cortex is essential for processing fear and anxiety, and that disinhibition of the cortical microcircuit facilitates formation of memory.
Researchers found that swarms of bees can inhibit rival nest sites through a 'stop signal' behavior, preventing indecision and promoting efficient nesting choices. This behavior is similar to how humans make decisions, with individual bees targeting their stop signals only at rivals within the colony.
The study found an enzyme called 3D which forms fibrous structures during viral replication. A molecule to prevent this formation has been identified, providing a new avenue for exploration and potentially leading to a treatment for foot-and-mouth disease.
Researchers at Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA) have developed a method to treat wood with a white-rot fungus, resulting in instruments with tonal qualities comparable to Stradivarius. The goal is to standardize the process to mass-produce violins with guaranteed quality.
A recent USGS literature review emphasizes the importance of studying the impact of large-scale solar energy developments on wildlife, particularly in sensitive habitats like the desert Southwest. The study found that only one peer-reviewed study has addressed the direct impacts of solar energy development on any kind of wildlife.
A new study analyzes radioactivity from the Fukushima nuclear power plants, revealing high levels of cesium-137 and iodine-131. While the releases are not a direct threat to humans or marine life, they raise concerns about radiation accumulation in marine sediments.
Researchers at EPFL develop mathematical tool to model flow of biocides from building façades into river basins, revealing high concentrations of pollutants. The model accurately predicts peak levels of three common biocides, highlighting the need for stricter regulations and reducing dependency on expensive testing.
Researchers found that between 1992 and 2005, the percentage of patients who had multiple imaging visits nearly quadrupled, from 4.9% to 19.4%. A single imaging visit increasingly includes multiple types of imaging, with the rate rising from 4.3% to 27.1%.
Researchers at the University of Georgia have made a breakthrough in pig-induced pluripotent stem cells, showing they can safely incorporate into tissues without tumor formation. This finding has significant implications for stem cell therapies and potentially reduces the need for rodent-based models.
A new study found depressive symptoms were a frequent and persistent risk factor for impaired physical function in ALI survivors. The two-year incidence of depressive symptoms was 40%, while the cumulative incidence of impaired physical function was 66%.