Primitive lampreys have structures within their gills that play a role similar to the thymus, where T cells develop in mammals and birds. The finding suggests two separate organs for immune cell development preceded the appearance of key features like antibodies and T cell receptors.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University have discovered a new way to melt glass by cooling it to near Absolute Zero, using quantum mechanics to defy classical physics. This breakthrough could pave the way for future materials science discoveries.
A giant-scale ecological study, SAFE Project, aims to understand how deforestation and forest fragmentation impact biodiversity and carbon cycling in tropical Asia. Scientists will investigate the impact of agricultural development on the ecosystem's ability to absorb carbon dioxide.
Researchers found that high levels of a particular protein in cancer cells can predict cancer spread with high accuracy. The protein, CPE-delta N, was measured in tumors and surrounding tissues from patients with liver and rare tumors, with results showing that it can accurately predict metastasis or recurrence.
A new therapeutic vaccine has shown a significant response in the majority of AIDS patients, with a decrease in viral load. The vaccine, developed by the Hospital Clinic of Barcelona-IDIBAPS, uses patient's own dendritic cells and has achieved an improvement over previous initiatives.
Two trials found that intermittent preventive treatment provided substantial additional protection against clinical malaria, severe malaria, and hospital admissions. A third trial demonstrated the effectiveness of community-based delivery by volunteer village health workers in rural areas.
A study by Virginia Tech researchers found that airborne influenza A viruses can remain suspended in the air for hours and are associated with fine particles less than 2.5 micrometers. The average concentration of viruses was 16,000 per cubic meter of air, which is sufficient to induce infection.
Research suggests that high levels of circulating DNA, specifically human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT), can indicate a faster progression of lung cancer and lower overall survival. Patients with lower hTERT levels had improved time to progression and higher overall survival rates compared to those with higher levels.
The report finds progress in reducing cancer death rates for lung and prostate cancers among African American men. However, disparities remain, with higher mortality rates from breast, colorectal, and lung cancers in women. The study highlights the critical role of socioeconomic status in cancer disparities.
The genome sequences of four ants - red harvester ant, Argentine ant, fire ant, and leaf-cutter ant - have been published in coordinated releases. The international collaborative effort sped up the advancement of these genome projects, providing insights into social behavior and pest management.
A computer model predicts the environmental fate and impact of oil and chemical dispersant in deepwater spills like the Gulf of Mexico incident. The tool will aid risk assessment and decision-making for scientists managing such disasters.
A global collaboration found that invasive plant species often have similar or lower abundance at introduced and native sites, challenging a common assumption. This suggests that biosecurity screening procedures need to be revised to address how species behave in non-native communities.
Researchers at the University of Southampton successfully crystallized a key norovirus enzyme, paving the way for the development of an antiviral treatment. The breakthrough could help alleviate the significant public health burden caused by noroviruses, which are responsible for one million cases in the UK each year.
Researchers discovered that breast cancer cells release heat shock protein 27 (Hsp27), which renders immune cells unresponsive and fuels tumor growth. This finding provides a new treatment target in the fight against breast cancer.
In a study published in Cell Metabolism, researchers discovered a genetic switch called dERR that supports cell division and proliferation in growing fruit flies. This switch is controlled by a nuclear receptor and transcription factor similar to human ERRs, which are associated with breast cancer.
A new study published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings found that shingles recurrences are more common than previously thought, occurring in over 5% of patients within eight years. Patients experiencing prolonged pain after the initial episode were more likely to face a recurrence.
Research from Brigham Young University found that girls who played video games with a parent exhibited better behavior, stronger family connections, and improved mental health. The study suggests that co-playing can account for up to 20% of these outcomes.
A new international multidisciplinary classification of lung adenocarcinoma has been published by three top lung associations. The classification takes a comprehensive approach, incorporating advances in genetics, clinical information, and molecular studies to improve diagnosis and treatment.
A study found that for-profit hospices tend to have more patients with dementia and other diagnoses requiring less intense care, as well as longer hospital stays. This may be due to financial incentives tied to Medicare reimbursement rates.
NASA satellites reveal Cyclone Yasi's heaviest rainfall falling at a rate of about 2 inches per hour on the south and eastern sides, with frigid temperatures in its thunderstorms. The storm is expected to make landfall near Cairns in Queensland by Wednesday at a projected strength of 130 knots.
A new study published in Personal Relationships finds that mate guarding is more common in societies with arranged marriages and high parental influence on mate choice, regardless of gender. In these cultures, men and women both engage in protective behavior to defend their relationships.
Doctors argue that current hospital quality-improvement programs have little evidence to show improved patient outcomes, despite high administrator buy-in. A formalized 'physician management infrastructure' is proposed to encourage doctors to take leadership roles in quality improvement.
A massive winter storm is impacting 30 US states with severe weather conditions including heavy snowfall, freezing rain, and sleet. The storm system stretches from Texas to New England and has been described as one of the largest since the 1950s.
A team of researchers has identified a potential biomarker for predicting future metastasis in patients with the most common form of liver cancer. Quantification of the mRNA template for a truncated version of the protein carboxypeptidase E (CPE) was found to predict intrahepatic metastasis with high sensitivity and specificity.
Cell Alerts offers free, instant access to high-impact research articles from top journals like Cell, Neuron, and Current Biology. The app also features upcoming conference listings, enabling easy browsing on-the-go.
A report in the Journal of Service Research found that corporate social responsibility initiatives are ineffective against criticism and bad press, as consumers separate ethics from product quality issues. To combat negative information, firms must focus on service quality and prioritize customer outcomes.
A €12 billion annual economic impact of invasive species worldwide and a new $4 million project will control invasive plants like giant hogweed in Ireland and Scotland's river catchments. The CIRB project aims to restore biodiversity and prevent environmental damage.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins have found a way to reprogram adult cells with the properties of embryonic stem cells using a small blood sample. The new method avoids creating DNA changes that could lead to tumor formation, resulting in safer and more reliable iPS cells for research and potential clinical applications.
A study of over 90,000 Medicare managed care patients with rheumatoid arthritis found significant variations in the receipt of recommended medications. Demographic factors such as age, sex, race, socioeconomic status, and geographic location played a role in determining medication use.
The new center, OpSIS, will provide access to high-end semiconductor manufacturing for researchers worldwide. It aims to create a system that enables non-specialists to design and build functioning chips combining photonics and electronics.
A study published in Psychological Science found that states with higher physical activity rates tend to have higher voter turnout. Researchers created an 'action-tendency index' using data on exercise, diabetes rates, and other factors, which roughly matched voter turnout in the 2004 election.
A new study suggests that two years of pre-K is beneficial for children, improving literacy skills and setting them up for success in kindergarten. However, researchers recommend focusing on additional skills like vocabulary instruction and self-regulation to create a more comprehensive curriculum.
Researchers used fMRI scans to measure brain activity in response to pro-health messages, finding a positive correlation between neural reactions and successful quitting. The study suggests that brain activity can provide valuable information for behavior change, potentially leading to more effective interventions.
Researchers have created a method to detect protein oligomers, small toxic aggregations that can initiate amyloid fiber formation in neurodegenerative diseases. The test uses fluorescence techniques and genetically modified yeast to locate and monitor oligomer formations.
A new study by Cassandra Walsh and Adam Sulkowski found a significant positive relationship between employee satisfaction and level of perceived environmental performance. The research suggests that companies should engage in sustainability reporting to improve employee morale and recruitment.
Researchers Prof. Tamir Sheafer and Dr. Shaul Shenhav found a 'negative democratic gap' in states such as Egypt, Iran, and Morocco, where citizens' aspirations for democracy exceed the actual level of democracy granted. This gap increases the likelihood of instability. On the other hand, countries with a 'positive democratic gap', like...
Researchers Anatoly Kolomeisky and Alexey Akimov decoded the behavior of molecular whirligigs attached to a gold surface through simulations. Their findings could lead to new materials in nanoscale machines, including radio filters with finely tuned signals.
Researchers found that closely-related generalist bees differ in their ability to develop on the same pollen diet, suggesting physiological adaptations. The study suggests that pollen chemistry plays a crucial role in constraining pollen loss to bees, with some plants using chemical defenses to protect their pollen.
A recent study published in the Journal of Productivity Analysis found that high rates of temporary hiring among workers in technology and energy industries are hindering overall productivity growth. The research suggests that this type of contracting can lead to greater instability in employment and reduce investment in human capital.
Researchers have discovered a novel molecular mechanism that triggers plant infection by Pseudomonas syringae, a bacterium responsible for bacterial speck in tomatoes. The two-gene system is an evolutionary innovation that has provided the bacteria with a selective advantage, allowing them to infect a wide range of plants.
A study published in Alcohol and Alcoholism found that sportspeople receiving alcohol industry sponsorship had higher drinking levels compared to those with non-alcohol sponsorships. The research suggests a link between the financial resources provided by alcohol companies and increased drinking habits.
A University of Montreal study found that playing on a criminal's guilt can yield more effective confessions than coercive methods. The research analyzed the conditions under which prisoners confessed to their crimes, highlighting the importance of police evidence and the interrogator's attitude.
A new surgical strategy using a single donor cornea can successfully treat two patients with different corneal diseases, such as Fuchs' dystrophy and keratoconus. The approach may nearly double the available corneal tissue supply and make timely treatment available to many more patients.
A recent Internet census reveals that only 14% of allocated IPv4 addresses are visible on the public Internet, highlighting an uneven shortage. The IPv6 protocol offers more addresses, but its implementation may involve significant transition costs.
A targeted delivery combination has been developed to selectively cross the blood-brain barrier and bind to brain tumors, enabling imaging and treatment. The approach uses a peptide that mimics iron, binding agent glides through the blood-brain barrier to target glioblastoma tumors.
A recent study sequenced the genome of a red harvester ant and found significant differences in genes related to sense of smell, chemical signal detection, and immune system. These findings suggest that epigenetic modifications play a crucial role in regulating gene expression for division of labor and reproduction.
Using microbubbles and ultrasound can help determine treatment for early breast cancer patients, reducing the need for additional surgeries. The study found that microbubble contrast-enhanced ultrasound accurately identified sentinel lymph nodes in 89% of patients.
A study published in Biology Letters reveals a strong correlation between habitat change and significant adjustments in body size among turtles and tortoises. The research shows that chelonians living in marine or island habitats have an optimal body size several times larger than their cousins on the mainland.
A Tel Aviv University researcher has developed a 3D tool that generates anatomically accurate before-and-after images in cosmetic surgery, helping patients avoid unexpected results and surgeons achieve more favorable outcomes. The tool uses real clinical data and machine learning algorithms to predict deformations of non-rigid objects.
A study published in PLOS ONE reveals a common set of dysregulated miRNAs in murine lupus models, which may lead to the development of molecular markers for early diagnosis and therapeutic interventions. The findings could ultimately improve the treatment and management of autoimmune diseases like lupus.
MESSENGER's successful entry into Mercury's orbit marks a major milestone in understanding the planet's origin, composition, and geological history. The spacecraft has captured stunning images of Mercury's previously unexplored hemisphere, revealing its intricate details.
A team of researchers from Denmark and Japan have developed a new technology to convert waste heat into electricity using oxide materials. The project aims to integrate the technology into existing systems and reduce CO2 emissions, potentially enabling the use of thermoelectric material in various applications such as cars and stoves.
A recent study by Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center researchers found that nonprofit hospice agencies disproportionately care for patients with diagnoses associated with less skilled care and longer lengths of stay. This may lead to financial obstacles in providing appropriate care for the neediest patients.
Researchers have successfully destroyed tumors of human brain cancer cells in animal tests using light-activated nanoparticles. The treatment showed promising results, with over half of the treated animals remaining cancer-free after three months.
Rhode Island Hospital physician James A. Arrighi examines the challenges of implementing quality improvement efforts among physicians, highlighting the need for multifaceted and interactive approaches to educational initiatives. He recommends techniques such as personalized feedback and sequential longitudinal efforts to maximize their...
Researchers have developed an aptamer that blocks P-selectin receptors, reducing adhesion of sickle-shaped red blood cells and white blood cells. The compound may prevent debilitating pain crises and associated mortality in sickle cell disease, offering a potential new therapy for patients.
Hal Caswell has been awarded the 2010 Humboldt Research Award for his significant contributions to understanding population dynamics and demography. He will use this award to collaborate with researchers in Germany, focusing on evolutionary biology and human aging.
A new study suggests that consuming inorganic nitrate from spinach can improve mitochondrial efficiency, leading to reduced oxygen consumption while exercising. This increase in efficiency may contribute to the known health benefits of fruits and vegetables, particularly leafy greens like spinach.
African American women have lower incidence rates yet poorer survival rates for ovarian cancer compared to women of other races. The study aims to determine how risk factors differ between African American and white women, with the goal of preventing this deadly disease.
A combination of IPTc and insecticide-treated bednets can substantially reduce the incidence of severe malaria in children, with a protective efficacy of up to 70%. IPTc also reduced the prevalence of malaria infection at the end of the transmission season by 73%.