Researchers found that O-glycosylation is essential for root hair growth in Arabidopsis thaliana, increasing growth by 200 times. Blocking this reaction inhibits growth, while over-expressing enzymes involved doubles length and density.
Researchers from Uppsala University have developed a wireless sensor that can stretch to measure intensive body movements, paving the way for new applications in health monitoring and remote control. The sensor's design enables wireless measurement of repeated bending across large areas or moveable parts.
The EPOXI mission confirms carbon dioxide as the volatile fuel for Comet Hartley 2's spectacular ice-spewing jets. The comet's unique rotation and surface features were also revealed, with blocky objects reaching 165 feet high and a 'snowstorm' created by water ice particles.
A study of nearly 16,000 schoolchildren found that 13% of girls and 16% of boys admitted making themselves sick to lose weight. The study also identified factors associated with self-induced vomiting, such as sedentary lifestyle, lack of sleep and unhealthy eating habits.
Scientists at the University of Texas Health Science Center have identified a marker on the surface of adipose stem cells that produce white adipose tissue, a key contributor to obesity. The researchers developed a peptide probe targeting this marker, which may help deliver drugs to slow fat expansion and aid in weight loss efforts.
The EPOXI mission discovered that Hartley 2's strong activity in water release and carbon dioxide-powered jets occurred mainly at the ends of the comet, with most occurring at the small end. The study suggests that material in the waist region is likely redeposited material from the ends.
A study from Australia found a significant decrease in high-grade cervical abnormalities in girls aged 17 and younger following the introduction of an HPV vaccination programme. The incidence of high-grade abnormalities fell by 0.38% as compared to before the programme, with no decline seen for low-grade abnormalities or older age groups.
A peer-reviewed study involving over 3 million pharmacy patients found that Shellpak calendar blister packaging significantly improved prescription adherence behavior. The study showed a substantial cumulative public health benefit when broadly implemented, with improvements in refill persistence and full refill adherence.
Xuemei Chen, a leading plant scientist at UC Riverside, has been awarded an HHMI-GBMF Investigator grant for her groundbreaking research on small RNA and microRNA. The grant will support high-risk projects aimed at uncovering fundamental mechanisms in biology with potential applications to agriculture and medicine.
In June 2011, the Mississippi River reached historic levels, causing widespread flooding, with water remaining high in the floodplain. By early June, flooding had receded around Vicksburg, but the river's level was forecast to continue falling.
A gamma-ray flash was detected coming from a distant galaxy, suggesting a massive black hole is consuming a star. The long-duration event produced an enormous amount of energy and appears to be emanating from the center of the galaxy.
A team of students has developed a system that harnesses heat from the sun and attic to operate a clothes dryer, reducing electricity bills by up to 16 percent. The system is expected to save homeowners nearly $6,500 in 20 years, with additional energy savings through space heating applications.
Researchers have discovered a protein called SIRT6 that improves DNA repair efficiency under oxidative stress, potentially leading to treatments for premature aging and cancer. The study found that increasing SIRT6 levels primed the cells to respond to DNA damage, allowing for faster repair of double strand breaks.
A large treatment gap in Europe has been identified, leaving millions of older adults at unnecessary risk of fragility fractures. The report found that only a minority of high-risk patients are receiving treatment, despite advances in risk assessment and effective medication being widely available.
Research by Rice University and colleagues found that men who flaunt expensive items like Porsches are perceived as more desirable for short-term flings, but not for marriage. In contrast, owning a non-luxury item had no significant advantage in the eyes of potential partners.
A patient who was blind in his right eye for 55 years had functional vision restored after surgery at The New York Eye and Ear Infirmary. The treatment involved monoclonal antibody therapy and retinal reattachment surgery, successfully improving the patient's vision to a distance of five meters.
The March of Dimes suggests fortifying corn masa flour with folic acid to lower the rate of neural tube defects among Hispanics. Studies show that folic acid supplements before conception and early pregnancy can prevent these birth defects.
Rob Martienssen, CSHL professor, joins prestigious HHMI-GBMF initiative to accelerate basic research in fundamental plant sciences. He will receive flexible support to move his research efforts in creative new directions.
A study found an inverse relationship between temperature and falls on snow and ice leading to emergency admission, with older men most vulnerable. The cost of these falls was estimated at 42 million GBP in the UK during winter 2009-2010.
A new roadmap has been published to understand estrogen signaling in breast cancer cells, which could lead to better treatments and therapies. The model aims to capture the molecular events controlling cell growth, proliferation, damage responses, and programmed cell death in mathematical form.
An international research team, including CU-Boulder, has discovered that muon neutrinos can spontaneously change their flavor to electron neutrinos, a finding that may help explain why the universe is mostly made of matter rather than antimatter.
Joseph R. Ecker, a renowned plant biologist, has been selected as an HHMI-GBMF Investigator for his pioneering work on Arabidopsis thaliana genome sequencing and genomic methylation patterns. His research aims to explore epigenetic mechanisms in plants and their relevance to human health and disease.
Researchers estimate that poverty, low levels of education and social factors contribute to approximately 245,000 deaths in the US annually. These findings argue for a broader public health conceptualization of mortality causes and an expansive policy approach.
Structural biologists at CSHL have obtained a precise molecular map of an allosteric inhibitor's binding site in the GluN1/GluN2B NMDA receptor subtype. This discovery enables the design of highly specific compounds with minimal side effects for treating neurological diseases.
A multidisciplinary panel recommends careful, well-designed research on chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI) in multiple sclerosis patients. The goal is to evaluate the role of vein widening with angioplasty and potential stent placement in improving symptoms.
Research by NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center reveals varicoceles cause lower testosterone levels in men. Microsurgery significantly increases testosterone levels in patients with varicoceles.
Researchers have discovered that metallic glass can form a single crystal at its core, offering new insights into its atomic structure and behavior. This finding may help improve the performance of commercially important materials such as anti-theft tags and power transformers.
Paul Charles, a research chemist at NRL, was honored with the 2011 Vice Adm. Samuel L. Gravely Jr. Award for his efforts to promote science and technology to minority youth. He oversees the NRL summer internship program for under-represented communities, providing training opportunities and role models for over 200 students.
Research found that recyclable cardboard can transfer harmful mineral oils to food, even if the cardboard is used for corrugated boxes and not directly in contact with food. The study suggests that alternative solutions, such as using fresh fibre paperboard or introducing functional barriers, are needed to address this issue.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have successfully increased light-matter coupling strength in nanoscale semiconductors, paving the way for designing faster and more efficient photonic devices. By fabricating structures with surface passivation techniques, they were able to overcome the limitation of bulk materials.
The NASA Goddard FLICKR image gallery showcases a massive ash plume from the Puyehue-Cordón Caulle volcano in Chile, tracked by multiple satellites over six days. The plume was seen circling the southern hemisphere, affecting air travel and rainfall, with ash falling as far away as Australia.
A new study by the Commonwealth Fund reveals that Medicaid managed care plans owned by publicly traded for-profit companies spend an average of 14% on administrative costs, compared to 10% for non-publicly traded plans. The report highlights concerns about quality of care and efficiency in these plans.
Researchers at George Mason University have discovered a phenomenon called magnetic ropes, which are believed to trigger solar storms. These rope-like structures heat up to extreme temperatures and can produce a strong electric current that powers the eruption.
A study found that California adults' mean daily fruit and vegetable consumption rose from 3.8 servings to 5.2 servings over 10 years, with a significant increase in low- and high-income groups. The study suggests that social marketing programs have contributed to this trend.
A University of Florida study shows that singing mice choose mates based on their vocal prowess, which is reflected in the quality of their trills. The researchers found that faster singers are preferred by females, and even the sex hormones of males can affect their singing abilities.
Researchers have successfully used living human cells to produce natural capsules with channels for releasing drugs and diagnostic agents. This breakthrough enables longer retention of these substances in the body, overcoming previous artificial coating limitations.
A meta-analysis of 41,000 women found that interventions like decentralised testing and treatment can reduce perinatal deaths by 54% and stillbirths by 58%. Implementing universal screening for syphilis in all pregnant women could lead to significant reductions in adverse pregnancy outcomes.
A team of researchers at the T2K Experiment, led by Boston University Professor Edward Kearns, have observed an indication of a new type of neutrino transformation or oscillation from a muon neutrino to an electron neutrino. This discovery may lead to further studies on matter/anti-matter asymmetry and CP violation.
Researchers have pinned down the timing of the Paleocene-Eocene thermal maximum (PETM), an ancient global warming event that occurred around 56 million years ago. The study suggests that the event was triggered by a different mechanism, possibly related to volcanism, rather than cyclic variations in Earth's orbit.
Consumers recall ads better when they think about the groups they belong to. The study found that thinking about group membership influences memory for advertising by unconsciously connecting new information to existing group associations.
A study published in Neuroimage suggests that non-invasive brain stimulation can improve patients' inhibitory control, a key aspect of self-regulation. The treatment has potential as a non-invasive treatment for conditions such as ADHD, Tourette's syndrome, and violent impulsivity.
A study found that applying glowing gel to children's hands in a waiting room improved their hand washing skills, even without additional education. The intervention resulted in significant improvements in cleanliness scores among all participants, regardless of whether they received verbal handwashing lessons.
Researchers discovered that plant cells use a distinct transmembrane signaling mechanism involving a small steroid molecule, unlike animal cells. This novel approach enables plants to grow and respond to external signals.
A study of 552 Maine high school students found no correlation between the presence of fast food stores near schools and their risk of being overweight. Despite high consumption of sweetened drinks and fast food among students, proximity to unhealthy food retailers had little impact on their weight status.
Researchers have identified why dopamine replacement therapy has a negative effect on cognition in Parkinson's disease patients. The study found that the treatment enhances functions of the dorsal striatum at the expense of the ventral striatum.
A new study found that strongly identifying with an organization enhances personal and economic lives. Consumers integrate organizational values into their behaviors, leading to life-changing experiences.
Researchers have successfully used induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells to correct a genetic defect in gyrate atrophy, a rare blinding disorder. The study demonstrates the potential for iPS cells to repair damaged retinal pigment epithelium cells and restore vision.
A symposium on tissue injury and pulp regeneration has published proceedings that highlight the potential of dental pulp engineering for regenerating functional dentin. Researchers present data on stem cells, scaffolds, and differentiation factors, demonstrating proof of principle for pulp/dentin regeneration.
A Penn study reveals that specialty physicians turn away two-thirds of children with public insurance, exacerbating existing healthcare disparities. Children with identical conditions and private insurance face significantly shorter wait times for appointments.
The study reveals that barrier islands cluster along tectonically calm coasts, with stable coasts producing wide, low relief areas conducive to island formation. The rate of sea level rise is critical in shaping island fate, with rapid rise leading to erosion and disappearance.
A Rutgers University astrophysicist's research team has discovered that supermassive black holes were surprisingly common in the early universe, growing at a rate similar to their host galaxies. The findings suggest there are at least 30 million black holes in the early universe, far exceeding previous estimates.
A study published in the Journal of Pediatric Urology found that a surgical technique for repairing hypospadias in boys results in a postoperative success rate better than 95%. The procedure, called tubularized incised plate (TIP) repair, is effective regardless of anatomy, and offers a more natural appearance after surgery.
Recent studies have identified specific protein targets in the brain that are affected by alcohol, with distinct binding sites that interact with amino acids to alter normal function. Understanding these molecular mechanisms is crucial for developing new medicines to address alcohol abuse.
Researchers analyzed data collection methods to examine pesticide use's environmental impact. They found that flow velocities of soil water and residence time of pesticides in the soil affect sorption parameters.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine use whole genome sequencing to identify the gene causing a rare genetic disorder, enabling fine-tuned treatment for the twins. The technique also improves diagnosis and care for patients with individualized therapies.
Researchers have uncovered a crucial survival response in the body's immune system to deadly anthrax infections. The study found that a key signaling molecule ATP is released from infected macrophages to alert other immune cells, triggering a complex pathway to combat the bacteria.
Scientists have discovered naturally occurring thiouracil in plant-based animal feed and food. The discovery challenges the assumption that the substance is solely of synthetic origin, sparking debate over its natural occurrence.
A Baylor University study found that sunlight reduces the toxicity of golden algae, which kills millions of fish every year. The research suggests that longer exposure to natural sunlight decreases the algal toxin's effect on fish and other aquatic organisms.
A new study suggests that regular use of olive oil for cooking and dressing may lower the risk of stroke by 41% compared to non-users. The research found that consuming olive oil was associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular factors such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity.
Researchers have created a self-powered nano-device that can transmit data wirelessly over long distances using energy harvested from the environment. The device operates battery-free and has potential applications in medical sensors, surveillance cameras, wearable electronics and more.