Researchers used a transgenic mouse model to visualize the most active neurons in the neocortex, finding that they act like a small population of highly connected individuals on Facebook. This discovery could lead to a better understanding of the brain's center of higher learning and its role in learning.
A computer decision model suggests that statin therapy may increase the risk of recurrent intracerebral hemorrhage in patients with a history of brain hemorrhage. Statins may not provide sufficient benefits to outweigh these risks for this patient group, particularly those with lobar intracerebral hemorrhage.
A new study finds that outsourcing can lead to softened competition among firms, resulting in higher prices for consumers. The practice also leads to lost jobs for workers. Businesses may outsource to reduce costs, but the savings are often not passed on to consumers, instead being used to maintain profit margins.
A recent study by Leif Ellisen and colleagues found that inhibiting certain microRNAs decreased tumor growth and made cells more sensitive to chemotherapy in a model of squamous cell carcinoma. The researchers identified a feedback loop between p63, microRNAs, and p73 that promotes cancer cell survival and chemoresistance.
Researchers at UCLA found that the Nrf2 protein, thought to protect against oxidative stress, actually promotes atherosclerosis by raising plasma cholesterol levels and increasing plaque formation in arteries. The study suggests that antioxidant therapies targeting this protein may not be as effective due to these additional mechanisms.
Researchers at the University of Kentucky have discovered that plasminogen accelerates prion disease progression. The study identifies plasminogen as a potential therapeutic target for prion diseases, which could improve treatment options for patients.
A study found that deaths from cirrhosis shifted from higher to lower social classes between the early and late 20th centuries. The authors suggest lifestyle changes, including dietary habits and drinking patterns, may have played a role in this shift.
A large proportion of Medicare expenditures for nursing home residents with advanced dementia is spent on aggressive treatments that may be avoidable and of limited clinical benefit. Strategies that promote palliative care may reduce costs at the end of life by shifting from aggressive to comfort care approaches.
Depression screening in university health centers is often overlooked, but it can save lives. Studies show that nearly twice as many students visiting campus health clinics exhibit depression and suicidal thoughts compared to general college samples.
Researchers discovered a continuum of cells with varying levels of PPAR gamma and lipids, contradicting the long-held theory that PPAR gamma equals fat. This finding has implications for type 2 diabetes treatment and may lead to the development of new drugs targeting coactivators.
Researchers are collecting zooplankton in Antarctic waters to understand how climate change affects the food web and potentially helps move carbon dioxide into the deep sea. The team is also monitoring changes in Adélie penguin populations, which have declined by over 80% in 36 years.
Researchers at Berkeley Lab and Cal Tech have developed a new type of damage-tolerant metallic glass that outperforms any known material. The glass's unique composition promotes extensive plasticity, allowing it to bend rather than crack under stress.
JBEI has been named the 2010 Government Institutional Research Facility of the Year by Biofuels Digest. The institute's success is attributed to its co-location of researchers from various institutions and academic disciplines, resulting in significant scientific advancements.
Researchers found NGC 1266, an early-type galaxy, expelling molecular gas at high speeds, potentially leading to its transformation into a 'red and dead' state. The galaxy's gas loss could be a key mechanism in the evolution of galaxies from star-forming spirals to gas-poor red and dead galaxies.
A new study has identified over 30 breast cancer gene targets involved in drug resistance to chemotherapy, including several novel genes. The findings may aid in the development of a more personalized approach to therapy and early screening for those who may become resistant to treatment.
The top biotech acquisitions in 2010 that exceeded $1 billion included a $41 billion purchase of Alcon by Novartis, followed by a $18.5 billion bid for Genzyme from sanofi-aventis. Merck's $5.2 billion acquisition of Millipore and Teva's €3.625 billion purchase of ratiopharm also made the list.
Researchers identified broadly protective antibodies against a variety of flu strains in patients infected with the 2009 H1N1 pandemic strain, suggesting a pan-influenza vaccine may be feasible. The antibodies could guide efforts to design a vaccine providing long-lasting protection against a wide spectrum of flu viruses.
Researchers at Virginia Tech have developed a new method to detect the ability of breast cancer cells to metastasize, using specific silicon microdevices. The technology has the potential to provide important diagnostic and prognostic markers unique to the tumor.
Research suggests that breathing tobacco smoke can raise the blood pressure of children as young as 4 or 5 years old. Parents who smoke are more likely to have children with high blood pressure, even after adjusting for other risk factors.
Researchers successfully transformed adult mouse skin cells into cartilage-producing cells, paving the way for potential therapy to repair cartilage injuries. The innovative method involves expressing proteins that induce pluripotency and promoting chondrocyte fate in fibroblasts from human skin.
The Lancet Editorial backs the Academy of Medical Sciences' proposal for a single health research agency to streamline current arrangements and improve oversight. The new agency would house National Research Ethics Service and take responsibility for specialist research ethics approvals.
Researchers found that men with masculine facial features are more attractive to women during their fertile phase, but this doesn't necessarily translate to increased attraction as life partners. The study, published in Evolution and Human Behavior, suggests that a man's intelligence has no effect on the extent to which fertile female ...
The VIMS team is studying the Arctic coastal ecosystem, focusing on nutrient inputs and microbial community changes in response to climate change. Warmer temperatures, increased runoff, and larger ice-free areas may shift productivity from phytoplankton to bacteria, threatening native ecosystems.
A recent study published in PNAS has confirmed that elephant fish, a shark cousin, share a common genetic process with mammals to form skeletal gill covers. The precise timing of gene expression during embryonic development produces dramatic anatomical differences between the two species.
Research suggests that secondhand smoke in cars carrying children can cause significant health risks due to fine particulate concentrations. Legislation against smoking in cars with children may be warranted given the exposure to smoking and vulnerability of children.
A new study led by MSU researcher Claudia Holzman aims to understand why preterm births increase the risk of cardiovascular disease in mothers. By analyzing data from over 3,000 women who delivered babies early or full-term, researchers hope to identify factors that contribute to this link and potentially develop new treatment strategies.
The study found that nursing home closures were concentrated in minority and poor communities between 1999 and 2008, with a net loss of over 5% of beds. This clustering is particularly concerning given the lack of alternative long-term care services in these areas.
The world's oceans are under siege due to species loss, leading to ecosystem collapse. A new study finds that a loss of ecological redundancy, where multiple species occupy the same space, is directly blamed for marine ecosystem collapse in the fossil record.
A new study found that regional differences in colorectal cancer testing rates among non-white groups are a major contributor to racial and ethnic disparities in screening rates. The research suggests that targeting these regional variations is key to improving overall screening rates.
Dunwei Wang, Boston College Assistant Professor of Chemistry, has received a $550,000 National Science Foundation Career Award to refine his nanonets technology for clean energy applications. His research focuses on extracting hydrogen from water using sunlight and aims to improve the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of this process.
A new study by Erik Trinkaus suggests that early modern humans and Neanderthals had similar adult mortality patterns, with no evidence of a longevity advantage for modern humans. This challenges the theory that Neanderthal shorter life expectancy contributed to their demise.
Researchers developed an intravitreal, bioerodible implant that delivers dexamethasone to the back of the eye chamber. The study found significant improvements in intraocular inflammation and visual acuity with a single dose of the implant.
Researchers develop an online game, EteRNA, that uses crowdsourcing and game play to design and validate molecules of RNA. The game is integrated with Facebook and scores players based on how well their virtual designs can be rendered as physical molecules.
A team of researchers demonstrated that the brain predicts consequences of rapid eye movements, improving accuracy in identifying objects. This process, which precedes eye movements, speeds up subsequent actions towards targets.
Converting hospital ICUs to private rooms significantly reduces patient-acquired infections, including a 54% decrease in combined MRSA, VRE, and C difficile infections. The average ICU length of stay also decreases by an estimated 10% after transitioning to private rooms.
A new species of pterosaur, Gwawinapterus beardi, has been discovered on Hornby Island off Vancouver Island in British Columbia. The fossil, dated to 70 million years ago, features small teeth and a wing span of approximately 3 metres.
A Spanish study found alarmingly high cardiovascular risk factors in a random selection of 2,270 adults, with low education levels linked to increased risk. The researchers also discovered strong links between smoking, obesity, abdominal obesity, and high cholesterol levels.
Studies found that most anti-epileptic drugs increase the risk of non-traumatic fractures in individuals aged 50 and older. Anti-epileptic drugs are associated with greater bone density loss, particularly in post-menopausal women. The study identified phenytoin and carbamazepine as the most significant contributors to this increased risk.
Alzheimer's disease researchers found that deadly plaques interact with cellular proteins to reduce blood flow and signal molecules in the brain. The study suggests that blocking specific interactions could slow neuronal degeneration and protect nitric oxide production.
A new study by NC State University reveals that 'superstreet' traffic designs significantly reduce travel times and improve safety. The research found a 20% overall reduction in travel time and a 46% decrease in reported automobile collisions.
A long-term study of 15 body dysmorphic disorder sufferers found a high recovery rate of 76% and low recurrence rate of 14%, with some patients recovering within two years and others taking five years or more. The study suggests that BDD is not always debilitating, with a third of participants working full-time.
Researchers discovered nuclear receptors that may prevent cancer progression and regulate energy homeostasis. The findings suggest ERbeta has growth-suppressive effects in colon cancer cells and regulates Brown Adipose Tissue activity to control energy expenditure.
Nearly half of school social workers believe they lack skills to address cyberbullying, highlighting a need for training and policy development. Researchers call for tailored trainings based on school level and include social workers in policy-making.
Immune cells called macrophages infiltrate mouse retina after eye injury and dampen inflammation, protecting retinal ganglion cells from death. Macrophage arrival also awakens dormant neural progenitor cells.
A portable device provides results in under 30 minutes with a small blood sample, revolutionizing point-of-care diagnostics. The device can detect biomarkers of disease and is expected to reduce healthcare costs.
A new study finds that spending more than two hours a day on screen-based entertainment increases the risk of heart disease and premature death. Metabolic factors and inflammation may partly explain the link between prolonged sitting and cardiovascular events.
Research found that children from poorer families show almost no improvements in cognitive ability driven by their genes, while wealthier children have more opportunities to reach their potential. The study's findings suggest that environmental factors can help children begin to reach their genetic potentials at a younger age.
A Tel Aviv University researcher has challenged recent 'charge' measurements for increasing solar panel efficiency, suggesting that current predictions are unfounded. However, his research also identifies potential new strategies for improving solar energy technology and storing solar energy.
Researchers at Scripps Research and the University of Pennsylvania have received an $8.2 million grant to develop novel compounds that could become drug candidates for treating tobacco addiction. The project focuses on enhancing nicotinic receptors in the brain to reduce nicotine's positive impact on reward centers.
The first DNA sequence of a strawberry plant has been completed, giving breeders the ability to create tastier and healthier strawberries. The woodland strawberry genome will inform the breeding of other economically important fruits like apples, peaches, and raspberries.
Research team subject lithium to intense pressure and low temperatures, revealing its surprising properties. The element becomes a liquid at room temperature and refuses to freeze until a chilly -115o F, exhibiting complex crystalline states at high pressures.
A recent study by the National Physical Laboratory shows that light can control the electrical properties of graphene, enabling the development of new optoelectronic devices. The researchers successfully created a device that retains its modified properties until heated, opening up possibilities for highly sensitive sensors.
A marine bacterium uses a biochemical trick to recycle iron, conserving precious metal for photosynthesis and nitrogen production. This strategy, called 'hot bunking,' allows the organism to thrive in iron-poor waters, increasing ocean productivity.
Research found that several herbicides used on corn are safe for Miscanthus x giganteus, a potential bioenergy feedstock. This discovery offers growers hope in managing weeds without harming the crop's yield and growth.
A UC Riverside-led team discovered chemical evidence of oxygen-free ancient oceans containing abundant hydrogen sulfide. This finding suggests that ocean chemistry influenced the evolution of early life, potentially delaying its appearance and proliferation.
The REBUILD programme will focus on health financing, human resources, and their interaction to strengthen knowledge of rebuilt health systems. It will aim to build knowledge about alternative financial support methods for the public system, including new aid institutions and targeted funding.
The study found an estimated 6.5% of Americans aged 40 and older have age-related macular degeneration, a decline from the 1988-1994 survey's 9.4%. Non-Hispanic black individuals had lower AMD prevalence than non-Hispanic white individuals.
Researchers estimate that marginal land around the globe can produce grass crops for biofuels with minimal impact on agriculture or the environment. The study suggests that low-impact high-diversity perennial grasses could produce bioenergy while maintaining grassland's natural land cover.
A new diagnostic scoring system improves on established criteria for identifying individuals with genetic mutations of the tumor suppressor gene PTEN. The system offers more accurate diagnoses, guide to genetic testing, and personalized cancer screening.
Scientists discover a pro-survival mechanism in skin cancer cells, which may lead to new therapeutic targets. Researchers also develop a method to generate hyaline cartilage using adult skin cells.