Teresa Woodruff, a Northwestern University professor, received the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring at the White House. The award honors her Women's Health Science Program for High School Girls and Beyond, which mentors urban minority high-school girls in science and health.
The Notre Dame research team has demonstrated a novel DNA detection method called laser transmission spectroscopy (LTS) that can rapidly determine the size, shape, and number of nanoparticles in suspension. The technique is highly sensitive and takes only a few seconds to score a sample for species presence or absence, making it a prom...
Researchers found that caterpillars in Neotropical regions mimic the warning coloration of toxic species for protection. The study reveals that mimicry is a common survival tactic among caterpillars, with some species forming Müllerian mimicry rings to avoid predators.
Wyss Institute founding director Donald Ingber received the 2011 Holst Medal for pioneering work on cellular mechanisms that control tissue and organ development. He also presented a lecture on his recent innovations, including bioinspired materials and Organ-on-Chip microsystems technologies.
Researchers develop affordable, easy-to-use devices for rapid disease diagnosis in rural communities. Innovative projects include a handheld analyser capable of identifying malaria from DNA fingerprint and a piece of woven fabric that tests blood or urine for disease.
Research suggests that small amounts of trauma can help individuals develop resilience, contrary to the common notion that traumatic experiences are always detrimental. People who have experienced some negative life events tend to have better outcomes than those with no adverse experiences or those with excessive adversity.
Supernovas release enormous amounts of energy, but are too far away to harm Earth's ozone layer. Gamma-ray bursts could pose a threat if directed towards our planet, but estimates suggest it's unlikely to occur in the near future.
Researchers demonstrate why quantum mechanics' physical effects are rarely seen in daily life. They found that precisely counting photons becomes increasingly difficult as the number of photons increases.
Researchers have developed a tool called Maximal Information Coefficient (MIC) that can uncover patterns in large data sets. MIC can tease out recurring events or sets of data hidden in health information, the changing bacterial landscape of the gut, and statistics from competitive sports.
A study found APBIb use increased from 0.4% to 6.6% between 2000 and 2007, with wide regional disparities and racial/ethnic differences in utilization. The authors suggest unwarranted variation in practice may be present, highlighting the need for further research on APBI effectiveness.
Researchers Rudolf Ahlswede and Harout Aydinian analyze a security-control model for statistical databases, proposing an optimal collection of SUM queries to prevent compromise of confidential information. Query restriction is one approach used to limit the amount of data that can be retrieved by users.
A team of scientists from the University of Vermont measured global happiness using Twitter data over three years. The trend shows a gradual downward trend, with drops in happiness following major events and weekly patterns. The researchers propose a tool for real-time monitoring of collective emotions.
Researchers have discovered a microRNA, miR-520, that suppresses NFkappaB and TGF-b signaling pathways in breast cancer cells. This finding suggests that miR-520 may act as a tumor suppressor and could lead to new treatment options for ER-negative breast cancer.
A recent study published in the Journal of Urban Health found that one in 13 teenage girls reported having group-sex experience, which was often pressured or coerced. The study highlights the need for additional research on this topic and provides insights into the potential risks to sexual and reproductive health.
Researchers found a method to damage adenoviruses using plasma in the lab environment, reducing viral activity by up to 99%. The technique could lead to safer stem-cell therapies for patients at risk of life-threatening infections.
A new study suggests that immediate antiretroviral therapy (ART) is more beneficial for recently infected HIV patients than deferred treatment. The study found that participants who received ART immediately had better outcomes and were protected from disease progression not only during treatment but also after treatment was stopped.
A new study found that adding inhaled dry powder mannitol to standard therapy for cystic fibrosis improved lung function over 52 weeks. The treatment showed a significant improvement in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and fewer pulmonary exacerbations compared to the control group.
Researchers at the University of Bristol used musical features and machine learning algorithms to predict song hits in the UK singles chart. They found that danceability increased in popularity from the late 1970s and that slower styles, such as ballads, were more likely to become hits in the 1980s.
A comprehensive study found that maternal use of inhaled glucocorticoids for asthma during pregnancy is not associated with most diseases in childhood, but may increase the risk of endocrine and metabolic disorders. The study followed 65,085 mother-child pairs from early pregnancy to childhood.
Two Ontario research facilities, The Centre for Applied Genomics and StemCore Laboratories, have been awarded $10,000 each to develop leading-edge technologies in Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) methods. Dr. Stephen Scherer will compare genome enrichment and exome capture kits, while Pearl Campbell will optimize ChIP-Seq methods.
A comprehensive study of 36 lakes in the USA, Canada, Greenland, and Svalbard reveals that biologically active nitrogen from human sources can be traced back to the end of the 19th century. The rate of change has accelerated over the past 60 years, coinciding with the commercialization of artificial fertilizer production.
Combining bevacizumab with standard chemoradiation therapy prolongs survival and delays disease progression in patients with advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma. The study results show over 90% of patients surviving 2 years without distant metastases.
Researchers developed a microfluidic device to produce stable, biocompatible lipid vesicles that mimic natural cell membranes. This breakthrough overcomes previous hurdles by generating precisely sized droplets in an oil environment, producing an oil-and-water membrane for lipid assembly.
A study by Oregon State University researcher Melissa Cheyney found that midwife-attended home births have better health outcomes, including lower cesarean section rates. Midwives construct woman-centered rituals around pregnancy and birth to put mothers in control, involving family members and downplaying technology.
A UCSF-led team has identified the gene PRRT2 as the cause of a rare childhood neurological disorder called PKD/IC. The study may improve diagnosis and shed light on other movement disorders like Parkinson's disease.
The partnership aims to strengthen national public health institutes globally, leveraging IANPHI's peer-assistance model and the CDC's expertise. The project will focus on four low-resource countries, with the goal of creating sustainable capacity building efforts.
Researchers found that uninformed individuals can bring about a majority decision, even if the minority is more determined than the majority. The number of undecided individuals must not be excessive, or decisions become unpredictable and follow a random pattern.
A new study found that statin use reduced mortality among hospitalized influenza patients by almost twice as much. Researchers are exploring combining statins with antiviral drugs for better treatment.
A comprehensive DNA study of mast cell leukemia identifies two previously unknown mutations that could improve diagnostic power and targeted therapy. The study's findings suggest a diagnostic improvement and an alternative treatment strategy for MCL, with potential implications for other cancers.
Large areas of Canada are approaching threshold values for wildfires, increasing the area burnt down annually and fire size. Climate change is expected to cause an abrupt increase in fires, making strategies for combating wildfires reconsidered.
A University of Miami research team studied the larval stage of great barracuda and sennets, finding they share a similar diet and live in upper 25m ocean layer. The study identifies a size advantage within the larval stage, where bigger larvae are more likely to survive.
A recent study by University at Buffalo researcher Javier G. Blanco found a genetic link between childhood cancer treatment and heart problems. The research identified a specific gene variant that increases the risk of cardiotoxicity in patients treated with anthracyclines.
Experiments with social amoebae reveal that cooperation depends on kinship, and population bottlenecks can stabilize cellular cooperation. The study found that nearly all multicellular organisms begin life as a single cell, and that cheater mutants are more likely to occur in groups where relatedness is low.
Researchers developed a new navigation system that can accurately steer microbots through complex blood vessels, enabling precise drug delivery or tumor destruction. The system uses an external magnetic field to generate two distinct types of microbot movements: helical and translational motions.
The cyclic electrowinning/precipitation (CEP) system removes heavy metals from water by increasing their concentration, making it possible for a proven metal-removal technique to take over. The automated CEP system can remove up to 99% of copper, cadmium, and nickel, returning the contaminated water to federally accepted standards.
Researchers identify neurobiological characteristics linked to complex neuropsychiatric disorders as potential biomarkers. Cognitive deficits are recognized as core features of schizophrenia, reflecting a broader, more multidimensional illness than traditional diagnosis.
Tropical Storm Washi's rainfall analysis revealed widespread heavy rain throughout the entire storm. The storm showed improved organization and thunderstorms spiraling into its center, with feeder bands converging near Mindanao.
Researchers found that red deer lower their heart rates in winter regardless of food intake, suggesting an internal programming mechanism. The deer's ability to regulate body temperature is crucial for conserving energy during the cold season.
Researchers developed a tool called MINE that can detect multiple patterns hidden in health information, baseball statistics, and more. It analyzes large data sets with great speed, identifying relationships and ranking them in an equitable way.
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.