Researchers led by Virginia Tech biochemist Bob White are studying Methanocaldococcus jannaschii to understand the origin of life. They have found that this ancient organism uses a primitive metabolic process, which could help unravel the mystery of how life first emerged on Earth.
A study of 256 patients found that younger patients with grafts less than 8mm were more likely to require future revision surgery. The researchers hope to improve ACL reconstruction outcomes for young athletes, particularly those who engage in high-activity sports.
Human stem cells can be directed to specific cell types through molecular cues, enabling more efficient tissue regeneration. Researchers found that pluripotent stem cells have unique 'suitcases' for different destinations, increasing specialized cell production.
Researchers found that establishing a baseline for each youth athlete is critical for accurate concussion assessment. A study of 1,134 adolescent athletes showed variability in results and significant differences between males and females.
The Parkinson's Disease Foundation has awarded over $1 million to 11 innovative researcher-initiated projects focused on understanding the cause and finding a cure for Parkinson's. These projects range from basic science investigations to potential new therapies, including studies of norepinephrine's role in the disease.
A team of researchers led by Professor Karl-Peter Hopfner has clarified the structure and function of Mot1, a Swi2/Snf2 remodeler that regulates gene expression by removing TBP from DNA. This process enables genes to be transcribed into messenger RNA.
A new study from Queen Mary University of London found that genetic traits contribute to female sexual orientation and gender nonconformity, with 25% influence on sexual orientation and 31% on childhood gender nonconformity.
A study by researchers at the University of California, San Francisco found that developing countries suffer more deaths and disability from stroke than heart disease. The analysis linked the two diseases to national income, with higher mortality rates for stroke in poorer nations.
Astronomers detect cosmic dust from a supernovae using Herschel Space Observatory, confirming the theory that these explosions create dust. The study reveals a large amount of cold dust formed during the explosion, which could explain the origin of dust in galaxies.
Researchers at Scripps Research and Crucell have discovered an antibody that can neutralize a range of human-affecting flu viruses in lab-dish tests and in mice, including H3 and H7 subtypes. The new antibody has the potential to protect people against most influenza viruses, and could lead to a universal flu vaccine.
A Czech University of Life Sciences team identified four new species of jewel beetles from local people in Southeast Asia. The discovery expands the genus Philanthaxia to 65 known species, emphasizing the need for biodiversity inventory and conservation efforts.
Researchers have discovered an enzyme in glioblastoma stem cells that allows them to grow and seed tumors. Unlike normal stem cells, these enzymes are not shared, making them a potential target for therapy. The study found that inhibiting this pathway slows the growth of brain tumors in mice, offering hope for improved treatment options.
Researchers investigated biological motion perception in a new study, finding that local motion cues are essential for direction discrimination. The visual system uses these cues to infer global structure and detect living beings, independent of shape or size.
A University of Missouri researcher found that certain protective factors foster resilience in women who witnessed domestic violence as children. Mothers who work full-time model a strong work ethic, independence, and competence, increasing their daughters' recovery from abuse. The study also identified risk factors for PTSD, including...
The LSUHSC is conducting a five-year study on the health consequences of oil exposure in women and their families. The study aims to monitor physical, behavioral, social, and mental health effects over time.
A recent study published in Science has discovered that the majority of scar cells in spinal cord injuries are derived from pericytes, not glial cells. This finding suggests that modulating pericyte activity could potentially stimulate functional recovery after CNS damage.
A new study found large state disparities in progress against colorectal cancer, with the Northeast making significant gains while Southern states lagged behind. The study suggests that improving screening rates through targeted initiatives could help reduce the burden of CRC in these states.
A new study by Brown University finds that minorities are gaining access to nursing home care, but often due to lack of alternative options. The research suggests a racial disparity in elder care, with whites more likely to use desirable alternatives.
A new study published in the Journal of Thoracic Oncology found that endosonography followed by surgical staging significantly improved the quality of life for lung cancer patients. The study, which compared two strategies for mediastinal staging, showed no significant difference in costs between the two approaches.
The TEMLA procedure demonstrated a higher diagnostic yield than EBUS and EUS in detecting cancer in primary staging, with a sensitivity of 98.6% compared to 88.9% for EBUS/EUS. Additionally, TEMLA showed superior performance in restaging procedures, with a sensitivity of 95.5% and specificity of 100%.
Scientists with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) are identifying factors that influence pesticide levels in the Chesapeake Bay airshed. The study found that nearly all air samples contained lindane and chlordane products, with highest concentrations at dieldrin and DDE.
Researchers found that one-to-one therapy sessions to teach pelvic floor exercises were no more effective in managing urinary incontinence after prostate surgery than standard care. In fact, the intervention resulted in higher costs per patient without a significant impact on quality of life.
Researchers will examine the safety of Gulf seafood and the long-term health effects on those who consume it, working closely with community groups. The study aims to measure petrogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in fish and seafood.
Research suggests that adding an inferior vena cava filter (IVCF) to the anticoagulant medication fondaparinux does not improve treatment outcomes for cancer patients with blood clots. In fact, median survival was shorter and VTE resolution rates were lower in patients who received both treatments.
The article reports that suicide rates in most European countries increased between 2007 and 2009, while road traffic fatalities decreased due to lower car use. Only Austria showed a decline in suicides, while Finland experienced an unexpected increase despite having strong social protection systems.
The study highlights the urgent need for effective management of tuna and billfish populations. Five species of tuna are in the threatened or Near Threatened categories, while three billfish species are also at risk.
A University of Oregon-led team has identified oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) as the cellular origin of malignant glioma, a deadly human brain cancer. The discovery was made possible by a genetic mosaic technique that allowed researchers to pinpoint the point of origin for tumor development.
Scientists have developed a technique to capture and convert ambient electromagnetic energy into usable power, which can be used to operate wireless sensors and microprocessors. The technology has the potential to provide a new source of energy for various applications, including airport security and industrial monitoring.
Researchers at Salk Institute use genetically embedded tools to study neural stem cell differentiation and protein activity in brain cells. The technique, described in a recent study, may aid in the development of regenerative medicine and help scientists understand the mysteries of stem cells.
Researchers analyzed U-Pb-Hf characterization of the central Coast Mountains batholith, finding spatial and temporal trends in petrogenesis. They also discovered no correlation between Anderson Reservoir stage level and underlying Calaveras fault seismicity, despite calculated differential stress increases.
Clinical trials show half-matched bone marrow or cord blood transplants have comparable survival rates and lower relapse rates compared to fully matched donors. This advancement in transplant technology may increase access to life-saving treatments for leukemia and lymphoma patients worldwide.
A team of scientists has discovered that the female ancestor of all living polar bears was a brown bear that lived in Britain and Ireland during the last ice age. This hybridization event likely occurred due to climate changes affecting the North Atlantic ice sheet, leading to periods of overlap in bear habitats.
The NIH has awarded $17 million to the lab of Dr. Robert Sackstein at Brigham and Women's Hospital to investigate glycobiology, a discipline studying sugar modifications in biologic processes. The award aims to advance understanding of how sugars direct cell interactions, movement, and growth.
Companies that use pink ribbons and support breast cancer research but permit the use of carcinogenic chemicals are committing a form of social injustice, argue authors. The practice of pinkwashing increases profits while potentially contributing to higher cancer rates.
A Phase III trial found that amrubicin significantly improved tumor shrinkage, symptom control, and progression-free survival compared to topotecan in lung cancer patients. Patients treated with amrubicin also reported better quality of life and fewer adverse events.
A study found that meditation training can lead to changes in brain activity even with short practice time, suggesting its potential benefits. After five weeks of meditation, participants showed greater activity in the left frontal region of the brain in response to subsequent meditation attempts.
Researchers analyzed dust samples from 173 homes with a dog to evaluate hypoallergenic breeds. They found no significant differences in allergen levels between hypoallergenic and non-hypoallergenic dogs.
A recent study analyzing over 12,000 knee arthroscopy patients found that a history of cancer significantly increases the risk of developing blood clotting issues after surgery. Researchers identified several risk factors associated with VTEs (venous thromboembolic events), including cancer and prior VTE history.
A study in Current Biology found that polar bears and brown bears have mated successfully for 100,000 years, resulting in unexpected genetic connections between the two species. The research suggests that climate change may be responsible for these hybridizations, which could impact conservation strategies.
A recent study published in the journal Evolution proposes that sex may not promote genetic diversity as previously thought. Instead, its primary function is to maintain a species' genome context and prevent macroevolution, allowing for microevolution to occur.
Researchers have identified a single nucleotide change that underlies variation in fruit morphology across different plant species, including Brassica and rice. This discovery suggests that evolutionary development may offer insights into plant breeding.
Researchers have identified Foxp2 as a gene that helps regulate the wiring of neurons in the brain, leading to insights into speech and language disorders. The study found that altering Foxp2 levels impacts the length and branching of neuronal projections, which modulates brain connectivity.
Researchers at TGen present two key studies on the role of genes and proteins in therapeutic treatments for lung cancer. The studies suggest that combination drug therapy may be necessary to combat non-small cell lung cancer, particularly when patients have elevated levels of a protein called JAK2.
A recent study found a possible gender link in knee injuries, with females showing a higher rate of full-thickness articular cartilage lesions after ACL injuries. The research suggests that gender may be a significant risk factor for these types of injuries, along with age and time between injury and surgery.
A new human syndrome has been identified with craniosynostosis, maxillary hyperplasia, delayed tooth eruption, and supernumerary teeth due to a recessively inherited IL11RA gene mutation. The disorder affects the normal development of craniofacial bones and teeth.
The SKA radio telescope has successfully linked its antennas over long distances using an optical fibre network, a key step towards observing distant galaxies in greater detail. The experiment saw six telescopes working together to observe a quasar 7.5 billion light-years away, revealing new insights into the universe.
The NIH-funded research network will evaluate potential harmful contaminants and assess their relationship to health outcomes, focusing on community health and resiliency. The four-year program will support population-based and laboratory research at four institutions and partner with over a dozen community organizations.
Researchers at NIST and UMD demonstrate that well-dispersed clay nanofillers in polymers significantly improve fire resistance. The study reveals that dispersed clay plates form a network structure, slowing degradation and reducing flammability.
A recent study shows that generic medications can reduce the cost of treating chronic diseases by up to 80%, making preventive care a more affordable option. The research team recommends policy makers promote the use of generics in treatment standards and educate physicians and patients about their effectiveness.
Researchers have discovered that MED26 acts as a go-between linking transcriptional complexes, recruiting elongation factors to DNA to jump-start stalled polymerase. This discovery sheds light on the regulation of gene expression and suggests new strategies for regulating gene expression in healthy and diseased cells.
A favorable organizational climate has a direct impact on new inventions and patents, with management playing a key role. Effective technology transfer offices (TTOs) also facilitate commercialization.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital found that caloric restriction prevented age-related abnormalities in egg cells of female mice. The study suggests that dietary restrictions may improve egg quality and prevent fertility issues. Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms behind this effect.
Despite a decentralized system, some California water agencies are taking on groundwater protection without state leadership. Innovations include conservation strategies and increased transparency through partnerships with environmental organizations. However, critical overdraft issues remain due to over-pumping and subsidence concerns.
A phase II clinical trial found that injections of adult patients' own CD34+ stem cells reduced angina episodes and improved exercise tolerance time. The treatment showed significant improvements in chest pain and exercise duration at six months after treatment.
Researchers at NIST have created a chip-scale, microwave version of an optics experiment that places a single microwave photon in two frequencies, or colors, at the same time. This experiment demonstrates quantum superposition and has potential applications for linear optical quantum computing.
Karen Hixon, a Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission member, will receive the ESA's 2011 Regional Policy Award for her dedication to informing policy decisions with ecological science. The award recognizes her outstanding record of promoting environmental stewardship in local communities.
Research team discovers how simple processing errors can degrade graphene's electrical properties, causing bottlenecks in electron flow. Heating the graphene may be a solution to remove contaminant molecules, ensuring its unique properties are maintained for commercial applications.
Researchers found that sexual reproduction via cross-fertilization keeps host populations one evolutionary step ahead of coevolving parasites. This allows parents to produce offspring resistant to the parasites, while self-fertilization leads to extinction.
Researchers found that controlling motivational interventions can actually increase prejudice, while autonomy-based approaches lead to less prejudice. The study suggests a focus shift from requirement to emphasis on the benefits of diversity and equality for both groups.
Research found that cortisol controls the recycling of bile acids, which are crucial for fat digestion. Without cortisol, mice lose weight and develop gallstones due to reduced bile acid levels. In humans with Addison's disease, cortisol deficiency also disrupts bile acid recycling.
Ben-Gurion University of the Negev is part of a new consortium creating the Israeli Center for Research Excellence in renewable energies. The team will focus on developing energy-rich biomass as a biofuel feedstock and exploring innovative solutions for sustainable energy production.
A study found that expanding Medicaid coverage to low-income adults increases healthcare use and improves self-reported health and well-being. The study used a randomized controlled trial and compared outcomes between those randomly selected into the program and those not selected, avoiding common limitations of previous studies.
A UK study examining ethnicity and health found that men from most minority groups and women from Pakistani and Bangladeshi groups are more likely to eat the recommended five portions of fruit or vegetables daily. However, these groups also tend to be less physically active. The research suggests that policies targeting physical activi...
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University found that mesenchymal stem cells can inhibit an overactive immune system and promote tissue repair. These cells have shown potential in treating conditions such as acute heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, and juvenile diabetes.
Researchers isolate a single human blood stem cell capable of regenerating the entire blood system, offering a breakthrough for treating cancer and other diseases. The discovery enables the harnessing of these life-producing cells to treat patients more effectively.
Two PhD students, Dr. Sally Shen and Dr. Mano Kalaiarasan, won cash awards for groundbreaking research on treating antibiotics in wastewater and fine particles' impact on environment and health. The prizes recognize excellence in environmental sustainability research, fostering innovation and inspiring young scholars.
Researchers found WWII bombing raids in Europe impacted the English climate by suppressing morning temperature increases in heavily flown areas. The study provides a unique opportunity to assess the effect of modern aviation on climate.