Researchers at UMass Amherst discover a key interaction for treating Fabry disease using small molecule chaperones like galactose and DGJ. These molecules help stabilize the faulty alpha-galactosidase enzyme, reducing symptoms and toxicity.
Researchers identified a family of molecules that can stimulate stem cells to develop into beating heart muscle cells, paving the way for new therapies for cardiac regeneration and repair. The discoveries were made using a zebrafish model system and showed promise in enhancing the inherent regenerative capacities of the heart.
A longitudinal study found that young children whose mothers frequently discuss people's thoughts and feelings tend to have better perspective-taking skills. This suggests that mothers' language use can influence their children's cognitive flexibility and theory of mind development.
A groundbreaking clinical trial has demonstrated that antiretroviral drugs can provide both treatment and prevention for HIV, reducing transmission rates by up to 96%. The study found that treated individuals are significantly less likely to infect their partners.
A new backboard cover, Board Armor, has been developed to reduce infection rates in patients and save valuable emergency response time. The synthetic material disposable cover prevents bodily fluids from contaminating the backboard and eliminates the need for cleaning between uses.
The HPTN 052 clinical trial found that HIV-infected individuals who start antiretroviral therapy when their immune systems are healthy have a 96% reduced risk of transmitting the virus to their uninfected partners. This groundbreaking study demonstrates the effectiveness of treatment as prevention in reducing HIV transmission.
A novel mouse model shows that peripheral viral infections can cause CNS disease through inflammation-induced neuropathology. Co-infection with two viruses led to symptoms and death in mice, shedding light on the phenomenon of 'mis-recruitment' of immune cells.
The Earth's rotational axis fluctuates due to gravitational forces and atmospheric pressure. By building a ring laser at the Wettzell observatory, scientists have successfully captured these movements, corroborating Chandler and annual wobble measurements.
Researchers have realized a new way to cool synthetic materials using a quantum algorithm, removing excess energy from ultra-cold atomic gases. This breakthrough enables the manipulation of individual particles at unprecedented temperatures, revealing a mysterious world that has never been seen before.
A complex genomic rearrangement causes a massive expansion of pigment cells in chickens, resulting in black skin and organs. Genetic studies in domestic animals have shed light on the process of evolution, with genomic rearrangements playing a significant role.
A study found that extending nevirapine prophylaxis from 6 weeks to 6 months reduces mother-to-child HIV transmission by 54% and is safe for infants. The treatment also resulted in fewer serious adverse events compared to the placebo group.
A team of scientists has imaged and explained the formation of string structures in microscopic spheres suspended in a viscous fluid under shear forces. The study revealed that these strings were perpendicular to the shear force, contrary to expectations, and were influenced by lubrication forces.
A Penn State research team has discovered a compound produced from fish oil that targets and kills leukemia stem cells, potentially leading to a cure for the disease. The compound, D12-PGJ3, selectively activates a gene in leukemia stem cells that programs their own death.
Researchers analyzed recorded ozone data to assess changes in ozone loss rates over the past 15 years. They predict that ozone loss rates will begin to decline noticeably between 2017 and 2021. Meanwhile, a study found that tropical cyclones can temporarily alleviate escalating sea surface temperatures, staving off coral bleaching. Fur...
Researchers have solved part of the mystery of DNA mismatch repair (MMR) in eukaryotes, revealing a brief window of opportunity for MMR proteins to identify new DNA strands. This discovery sheds light on how eukaryotes eliminate genetic errors and develop cancer resistance.
Researchers from the University of Granada found that oleic acid and hydroxytyrosol in virgin olive oil, and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in fish, can prevent or mitigate acute pancreatitis. The Mediterranean diet has been recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Researchers at Purdue University have developed nanoantennas that precisely manipulate light, allowing for the alteration of its phase and propagation direction. This enables potential applications in steering and shaping laser beams, nanocircuits for computers, and powerful lenses for microscopes.
Multiple sclerosis may not be an autoimmune disease, but rather a metabolic disorder. This new framework could help guide researchers toward new treatments and ultimately a cure for the disease. The lipid hypothesis proposes that MS is caused by disruption of lipid homeostasis in the central nervous system.
Researchers discovered that when a new transposon is introduced, it triggers a response that disrupts the piRNA machinery, leading to a massive destabilization of the genome. However, as the hybrids aged, they learned to shut down the new transposon and restore fertility.
Researchers found that about half of parents and a small percentage of children recalled events at age 2, while talking about the event soon after helped preserve memories. The study suggests that basic capacity for remembering own experiences may be in place by 2 years of age.
Researchers at Purdue University have developed a new type of optical device that can process information in one direction, eliminating the need for translation and increasing bandwidth. This innovation has the potential to lead to faster and more powerful supercomputers by connecting multiple processors together.
Researchers at Northwestern University discovered that graphitic carbon is a key element in the lubricating layer of metal-on-metal hip implants, reducing friction and wear. This finding offers a target for designing new materials to improve implant performance.
A team of chemists at the University of Pennsylvania has developed a method to watch proteins fold in real-time, allowing for a better understanding of protein folding and misfolding. This technique uses infrared spectroscopy to analyze structural changes as a function of time, providing insights into protein folding mechanisms.
The HPTN 052 study found that early treatment with antiretroviral therapy can reduce HIV transmission in couples by at least 96%. The research has been recognized as a scientific breakthrough of the year, inspiring efforts to end the world's AIDS epidemic.
Researchers discover subtle electronic effect in magnetite that causes a dramatic change to its electrical conductivity at very low temperatures. This discovery gives new insight into the mineral's structure and behavior, potentially enabling the exploitation of magnetite and similar materials in new ways.
HokieSpeed boasts a single-precision peak of 455 teraflops and a double-precision peak of 240 teraflops, ranking it No. 96 on the Top500 List. The supercomputer's energy efficiency places it at No. 11 on the Green500 List, making it the highest-ranked commodity supercomputer in the US.
A study by the Broad Institute and University of California, Berkeley, has linked a person's immune status to the viral genetics of dengue, revealing how these two factors interact to cause severe disease. The research showed that immunity from previous infections and genetic variants of the virus combined to increase disease severity.
A new PET technique using FLT-PET has shown highly sensitive imaging for patients with mantle cell lymphoma, a relatively rare and devastating blood cancer. The study found that all cancerous lesions were very highly visible using FLT-PET, providing a powerful biomarker for MCL.
A comprehensive survey of HIV's interactions with human cells has identified hundreds of connections between viral and human proteins. This research may lead to the development of new drugs to treat HIV/AIDS by disrupting these connections.
Researchers found that prior immune response to one serotype can influence interaction with virus subtypes in a subsequent infection, increasing risk of severe disease. The study provides new insights into the complex interplay between viral genetics and immune system response.
Researchers at the University of Calgary have isolated biofilms that can detoxify tailings water by removing toxins and metals. These microorganisms are highly tolerant to stress associated with pollutants, making them a promising solution for cleaning oilsands-related water.
Researchers identified two distinct biomarker patterns that continue to improve with time, even after partial weight regain. These improvements suggest long-term effects of healthier dietary habits on cardiovascular health and organ function.
Women with obesity may face increased risks of preterm birth, respiratory complications, and poor breastfeeding rates. However, with proper education, motivation, and medical care, they can have healthy pregnancies and successful outcomes for both mother and baby.
A team led by University of Miami professor Akira Chiba has developed a novel methodology to examine protein-protein interactions in the fruit fly, allowing for the creation of a point-by-point map of these interactions. This breakthrough uses custom-built 3D FLIM imaging technology to visualize protein associations in live cells.
Scientists at Thomas Jefferson University's Center for Translational Medicine have found that reducing N-cadherin levels in pancreatic cancer cells can slow down their mobility and prolong survival in mice by 25 percent. This discovery could lead to new targeted therapies for pancreatic cancer.
Researchers at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston found that variations in health care spending by Medicare and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas are similar throughout the state. The study compared spending and inpatient admissions across 32 Texas regions, concluding no significant differences between the two.
A team of researchers at the University of Notre Dame has created a one-coat solar paint that can be applied to any conductive surface without special equipment. The paint uses semiconducting nanoparticles to produce electricity, offering a potential solution for inexpensive and efficient energy production.
A new allocation framework reserves individual emissions paths for developing countries until certain development standards are reached, then requires reductions. Fair allocation of CO2 emissions and carbon budgets considering development dynamics may improve acceptance in climate negotiations.
Researchers at Ohio State University found that normal cells in tumors can enhance cancer cell growth after losing a tumor suppressor gene called Pten. The study suggests interrupting signals between normal cells and cancer cells as a new approach to treating breast cancer.
Researchers have discovered two planets that survived being engulfed by their parent star, shedding new light on stellar and planetary systems. The discovery may also offer insights into the possible future of our own solar system.
A study by the University of Edinburgh found that Scots of Pakistani origin are 50% more likely to be admitted to hospital with chest pain and angina. Chinese people in Scotland have lower rates of hospital admissions for these conditions, suggesting lifestyle factors may play a role.
Researchers have discovered two planets of sizes comparable to Earth orbiting an old star that has just passed the red giant stage. The planets, named KOI 55.01 and KOI 55.02, are thought to be the dense cores of ancient giant planets whose gaseous envelopes were vaporized during the immersion phase.
Researchers from London-area hospitals and Oxford measure brain activity in infants to assess their pain response, providing a more reliable alternative to current methods.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that participants who listened to more hip-hop artists had better knowledge of non-mainstream words and phrases used in the genre. Additionally, knowing the artists used in songs enhanced vocabulary understanding. These findings suggest a novel aspect of language learning among adolescents.
Autism Speaks has awarded 47 new research grants, totaling $13.2 million, to advance understanding of epigenetic and gene-environment influences, neurobiology, and studies on adolescents and adults with autism. The grants will focus on increasing early diagnosis, improving treatment outcomes, and reducing the economic cost of autism.
A Case Report in The Lancet describes a woman's experience with late pulmonary complications after gastric banding, including recurrent aspiration and cavitation. The authors stress the importance of recognizing these rare but potentially misdiagnosed conditions, particularly among patients with respiratory symptoms.
Researchers release Tamarixia radiata, a parasitic wasp that kills Asian citrus psyllid nymphs, potentially reducing pest densities and protecting citrus trees in California. The natural enemy is part of a larger integrated management program for the invasive pest.
A research team led by Dr. David Huntsman and Dr. Gregg Morin found that mutations in the DICER gene were responsible for rare, unrelated cancers, revealing a fundamental process underlying these tumors. The discovery has the potential to lead to new approaches to treating both rare and common cancers.
A new study from Penn State suggests that lean beef can be part of a heart-healthy diet when saturated fat levels are controlled. The DASH diet, which emphasizes plant protein foods and fish, was compared to two other diets: Beef in an Optimal Lean Diet (BOLD) and BOLD plus additional protein.
A study by McMaster researchers found consistent evidence that hormone replacement therapy is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer globally. The research suggests that decreased HRT use after the WHI trial led to a decline in breast cancer incidence in many countries.
Research on Trichoderma highlights its use as biocontrol agents to reduce chemical pesticide use, improving food security. The fungus also forms symbiotic associations with plants, altering gene expression to increase plant growth and productivity.
A study found that individuals with smaller brain cortex regions are more likely to develop early symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. The research identified 21% of those at high risk for cognitive decline, compared to 7% of those at average risk.
A new study published in Neuron found that a larger posterior hippocampus and smaller anterior hippocampus are linked to better recollection ability in healthy adults. The researchers suggest that functional connections between the posterior hippocampus and other brain regions play a key role in enhanced memory consolidation.
A new UCSF study shows a popular antibiotic treatment for trachoma can be administered every six months, reducing treatment costs and potentially treating twice as many patients. Researchers found a significant decrease in trachoma prevalence, even elimination in some villages, regardless of treatment frequency.
A study of 205,000 patients found significant variation in pre-surgery exam rates among hospitals, suggesting a lack of standard guidelines. The findings highlight potential risks of over-testing and under-testing, which may increase healthcare costs and harm patients.
A new study by University of Florida psychologists Jennifer L. Howell and James A. Shepperd found that self-affirmation can break down resistance to medical screening by refocusing attention from a threat to overall wellbeing, resulting in increased willingness to undergo screenings and treatment.
The FDA approved the first handheld device to detect life-threatening brain bleeding, which could be a lifesaver for Sailors and Marines. The portable Infrascanner reveals intracranial hematomas after an injury, allowing for early diagnosis and treatment.
A recent JAMA commentary suggests vitamin B therapy can still lower stroke risk, particularly in patients with good renal function. However, the authors argue that clinical trials overlooked the role of vitamin B12 and renal failure, which can affect treatment efficacy.
Research reveals that cancer cells use a positive feedback loop involving c-MYC and SIRT1 to drive continuous cell division and tumor growth. This mechanism undermines normal cell regulation, leading to uncontrolled proliferation and treatment resistance in certain types of cancer.
Researchers have demonstrated a prototype device capable of absolute measurements of optical power delivered through an optical fiber, outperforming existing devices with improved temperature control and speed. The new radiometer can measure power levels as low as 10 nanowatts with high accuracy, paving the way for ultraprecise calibra...