Researchers using DNA microarrays to diagnose developmental disabilities may unexpectedly identify cases of incest. Children conceived through incest exhibit a lack of heterozygosity, resulting from the sharing of genetic material between family members.
A new perspective paper challenges long-held beliefs about saturated fatty acids and cardiovascular disease, highlighting the complexity of diet's effects on CVD risk. Experts conclude that blood lipid ratios and food matrices, including nutrients like protein and calcium, play a more significant role than just fatty acid content.
A new gene-spreading system has been proposed to control mosquito populations without pesticides. The system involves spreading disease-resisting genes in mosquito populations, rendering them infertile or killing females that mate with transgenic males.
Research validates Pentraxin-2/SAP as a novel therapeutic approach for treating lung fibrosis, including IPF. PTX-2/SAP potently inhibits TGF-beta1 driven pathologies without affecting growth factor levels.
Researchers have discovered a new way to combat methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) by targeting the bacteria's RNA degradation process. The approach, which uses an inhibitor called RNPA1000, shows promise against MRSA biofilms and other antibiotic-resistant strains.
A study using MRI techniques found that over 80 patients with unclear-onset strokes could safely receive clot-busting therapy, resulting in 45% having a good clinical outcome and 29% an excellent one. However, female patients and those with severe initial assessments fared poorly with treatment.
NASA has selected seven contractors to receive Aircraft Catalog Blanket Purchase Agreements, allowing access to various airborne platforms for science research and range support. The BPAs offer a range of instrumentation payloads and access to both manned and unmanned aerial platforms.
The study, led by Martin Hilbert, found that humankind is able to store at least 295 exabytes of information, equivalent to a galaxy of data for every person in the world. This represents just one percent of the information stored in all human DNA molecules.
Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed roses that incorporate a gene from celery to fight botrytis, a major post-harvest disease. The genetically modified roses aim to extend vase life and reduce shipping times, making them more viable for the cut flower industry.
Two neural pathways have been identified in the brain that play a role in developing phobias and anxiety disorders. The study found that individuals with overactive amygdalas and those who fail to activate their ventral prefrontal cortex are more prone to fear responses.
A comprehensive review of fructose consumption found no association between fructose and increased food intake or body weight. The study concluded that normal amounts of fructose do not contribute to hyperlipidemia or obesity in either healthy or overweight individuals.
Researchers developed a new mode of dementia care that significantly reduces emergency department visits and hospitalizations, while encouraging the use of non-harmful medications. The model results in improved health outcomes, reduced healthcare costs, and less emotional burden on family caregivers.
Researchers found excessive calcification of fetal membranes may lead to preterm premature rupture of the membranes (PPROM) and preterm birth. Lower fetuin levels in amniotic fluid were linked to women at risk of PPROM.
NASA's Terra satellite captured an image of Tropical Storm Bingiza showing strong thunderstorms and a well-defined low-level circulation center. The storm is intensifying slowly and expected to meander over the next couple of days before strengthening towards central Madagascar.
Researchers found that vaccinating through salivary glands can provide protection against various diseases, including influenza and cholera. The technique involves administering vaccines directly into the salivary glands, which then trigger an immune response both locally and systemically.
A recent study led by Dr. Errol R. Norwitz found that three proteins XIAP, BID, and Bcl-2 play a crucial role in preventing preterm labor by hindering apoptosis in the fetal membranes. This breakthrough research sheds light on the mechanism behind progesterone's success in preventing preterm birth.
NASA has extended Phase E of the LROC contract with Arizona State University for approximately two years and $11,368,735. ASU will continue to operate and analyze LROC's science instruments.
Researchers found that two genetic mutations can trigger hypertension in severe cases, affecting up to one-third of patients with a common cause. The mutations affect potassium channels and aldosterone release, leading to adrenal tumor formation and severe high blood pressure.
Researchers at UTHealth and Athersys found that MultiStem therapy reduced inflammatory damage in the brain and improved motor skills in rats with ischemic stroke. The study suggests potential benefits of stem cell therapy for treating stroke, with implications for improving recovery outcomes.
A team of researchers led by Dr. Hervé Philippe found that Xenoturbellida and Acoelomorpha marine worms evolved from more sophisticated ancestors through major simplifications, contradicting the idea of a linear hierarchy of evolution. The study demonstrates the importance of secondary simplification in evolution.
Researchers found that people consistently overestimated the slant of stairs and escalators by 18-19 degrees, regardless of viewing position. This challenges common ideas about how we perceive inclines in general.
Researchers at Ohio State University successfully treated two patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis, a parasitic skin infection common in tropical regions, using heat therapy. The long-term effectiveness of this treatment, especially in people with compromised immune systems, makes it an appealing alternative to traditional drug therapy.
A new study reveals that standardized medication dosages for children with tuberculosis are too low and may not be effective due to individual variations in response. The researchers used computer simulations to determine how a child's body handles the medication, highlighting the need for personalized treatment plans.
A 10-year study found that restricting fishing gear, including small-mesh seine nets, promotes predatory fish species and increases body length. Even unregulated areas saw improvements to the fish community. Strong management can also benefit adjacent weakly managed areas.
Patients with strokes and spinal cord injuries are prone to life-threatening blood clots. Despite the high risk, many do not receive preventive therapy. Studies show that starting heparin medication within 24-48 hours can be both safe and effective in preventing recurrent VTE.
Preladenant significantly reduces off time and increases on time without worsening dyskinesia in Parkinson's disease patients. The study found that preladenant may offer a new supplemental treatment option for patients experiencing 'wearing off' symptoms from levodopa therapy.
A randomized clinical trial found that early amniotomy in labor induction can shorten delivery time by over 10 percent and increase the likelihood of delivery within 24 hours without adverse effects. This method also greatly increases the comfort of the mother.
Scientists have identified a protein pheromone produced by female squid that triggers aggression in male squid, with similarities to beta-microseminoproteins found in humans. The discovery sheds light on complex mating and egg-laying processes in squid.
SLU researchers found that DOPAL kills healthy dopamine cells, leading to Parkinson's disease. The study provides a promising new avenue for preventing dopamine neuron loss and progression of the disease.
Research shows that robotic therapy combined with standard rehabilitation can significantly improve upper extremity function in patients after stroke. The study involved 60 stroke survivors who received either robotic therapy or a standard self-training program for six weeks, resulting in improved scores on measures of voluntary arm mo...
Researchers found that implementing policies a few weeks into an outbreak is as effective as starting at the beginning in reducing flu impact. This approach can reduce societal costs and resurgence after intervention lifting.
Scientists at VCU Massey Cancer Center have developed a novel treatment strategy for multiple myeloma that pairs two targeted agents to kill cancer cells. The combination regimen of Src inhibitors and Chk1 inhibitors induces cell death in multiple myeloma cells while sparing healthy cells.
Despite government prescription coverage, many young, uninsured, and Medicare Part D beneficiaries struggle to afford medications due to rising costs. Researchers found that nearly half of those enrolled in Medicare Part D reported difficulty affording their medications, with significantly higher rates among younger survivors.
A new study in Current Biology found that male squid become aggressively after contacting a chemical on female eggs, revealing the first detailed evidence of an aggression-inducing pheromone in any aquatic animal. This discovery challenges previous theories on aggression and highlights the complex communication system of squid.
Researchers detected a sequence of small earthquakes in Dallas-Fort Worth triggered by brine disposal, highlighting induced seismicity concerns. Seismologists also identified large hurricanes using microseisms recorded at distant seismic stations.
Attendees of ASU Sustainable Phosphorus Summit emphasize economic opportunities and new industry solutions to 'wicked' problem. Key findings include education, efficient use of P on farms, protection of water quality, and developing affordable fertilizers for farmers.
A new anti-microbial collar is being designed to prevent bacterial infections associated with broken bones, reducing infection rates by up to 85%. The device aims to kill bacteria before they can spread, and could reduce NHS costs by avoiding complications.
A new nickel alloy consumable has been developed to lessen the risk of breathing toxic fumes on the job. The alloy is compatible with stainless steel and produces no fumes of hexavalent chromium, a toxic form of chromium linked to cancer.
The Dengue Vaccine Initiative aims to accelerate the development and utilization of safe, affordable, and broadly protective vaccines to combat dengue fever. The initiative will generate data on the burden of disease, potential private demand, cost of illness, and seroprevalence in several countries.
A new noninvasive test for trisomy 21 has been developed using DNA sequencing of maternal blood plasma, accurately detecting the extra chromosome in 100% sensitivity and 99.7% specificity. The test shows promise as a potential alternative to invasive prenatal testing.
A new foot bone from Hadar, Ethiopia, reveals Australopithecus afarensis had stiff, arched feet similar to modern humans. This finding supports the hypothesis that A. afarensis was primarily an upright walker, with its well-formed arch allowing for efficient walking and running on two feet.
Neuroscientists at Johns Hopkins University discovered that cells in area V4 of the primate brain select out only the most vital information for understanding the visual world. The brain compresses visual information by responding mostly to flat edges and shallow curvatures, rather than rare high-curvature regions.
Researchers have found that tumor microvesicles contain segments of tumor DNA, including retrotransposons, which can transfer between cells. This discovery may help understand tumor progression and monitor treatment response.
Researchers at UC Irvine found that low-intensity red LEDs contained up to eight times the allowed amount of lead, while high-intensity bulbs had more contaminants. White bulbs had the least lead but high amounts of nickel, highlighting the need for safer alternatives and stricter testing regulations.
A 3.2 million-year-old fossil foot bone found in Ethiopia shows that human ancestors walked bipedally with a modern human-like foot, resolving a long-standing debate among paleoanthropologists. The discovery provides strong evidence for the arches and supports a modern-human style of locomotion for Lucy's species.
Scientists at Queen's University Belfast have discovered the role of an enzyme that causes life-threatening damage to the heart when cancer patients receive chemotherapy, restricting treatment doses. New drugs targeting this enzyme could reduce heart damage and increase survival rates.
Researchers at the University of Chicago are developing new tools to mine research electronically, using metaknowledge and natural language processing to uncover hidden connections. This could shed light on biases in research findings, funding sources, and even 'ghost theories' underlying scientific conclusions.
Researchers found that women administering their own patient-controlled epidural analgesia (PCEA) used 30% less analgesia than those with continuous epidural infusion (CEI), while reporting similar levels of satisfaction. The study also showed a trend toward reduction in instrumented vaginal deliveries.
Tests on children with developmental difficulties have led to discovery of genetic disorders, also revealing parentage information. In cases where a quarter or more of the genome is the same, the likely cause is almost certainly an incestuous relationship.
Research led by Dr. Errol Norwitz found that progesterone prevents preterm labor by hindering apoptosis in fetal membranes, resulting in stronger and thicker fetal membranes. This study contributes to the understanding of what triggers labor and the role of progesterone in preventing premature birth.
A recent McMaster University-led study published in the New England Journal of Medicine has found that apixaban significantly reduces stroke or embolism risk in high-risk patients with atrial fibrillation, preventing one stroke for every 20 patients treated. The drug also reduces major bleeding risk compared to aspirin.
A study by Michigan State University found that students enrolling in fishery and wildlife programs are leaving after completing coursework due to limited hands-on experiences and challenging academic requirements. The researchers identified seven categories for student departure, including engagement, employment, and academic rigor.
A team of scientists found that invasive fruiting plants, such as honeysuckle, can form mutually beneficial relationships with native birds and other species. In the Happy Valley region of Pennsylvania, honeysuckle increased the abundance of fruit-eating birds and facilitated seed dispersal for nearby native plants.
Exercise has a positive impact on cognition and academic performance in overweight children. Intelligence scores increased by an average of 3.8 points in those exercising 40 minutes per day after school for three months. The study also found improved executive function and math skills, with no improvements in reading skills.
In a study published in Psychological Science, researchers found that three-year-old children shared equally when collaborating to earn a reward. The study suggests that young children's ability to cooperate and share is more developed than previously thought, and may be linked to the evolution of mutually beneficial arrangements.
A study published in the Journal of Youth and Adolescence found that students who have agreements with friends about using alcohol during Spring Break are less likely to binge drink. Women were more likely than men to report having understandings about safer behavior, such as agreeing not to get drunk.
The $22.5 million study found that prenatal surgery greatly reduced the need to divert fluid away from the brain, increasing chances of children walking without crutches. Infants and mothers who underwent the procedure had better outcomes than those with post-birth surgery.
Researchers have found a genetic cause for benign hormone-producing tumours in the adrenal gland that lead to high blood pressure. The mutation affects a potassium channel, resulting in excessive aldosterone production and elevated blood pressure.
Researchers at the University of Toronto found a strong association between childhood physical abuse and peptic ulcers in adulthood. The study, which analyzed data from over 13,000 Canadians, showed that victims of childhood abuse were 68% more likely to develop peptic ulcers.
A recent study found that magnesium sulfate significantly reduced neonatal brain injury associated with maternal inflammation or infection in rats. The findings suggest that magnesium therapy may be beneficial in human preterm deliveries linked to maternal/fetal inflammation.