A international consortium has developed a novel method to target specific genes in mouse embryonic stem cells, allowing for the disruption of almost 9,000 genes. This resource will enable researchers to study gene activity in models of human disease, advancing our understanding of gene function and its role in mammalian biology.
A study examined the reliability of DSM-IV diagnosis of alcohol dependence, finding that certain variables predict a reliable diagnosis. The heritability of LTH-AD was estimated to be 71 percent, confirming the importance of genetic influences.
Researchers detected 13 billion light-year-old galaxies with hidden central black holes using the Chandra X-Ray Observatory. The findings suggest a symbiotic relationship between black holes and galaxies dating back to the Big Bang.
Researchers found that treatments tailored to subgroups with increased motivation, reduced temptation, and confidence can lead to reductions in drinking behavior. Early-onset drinkers showed greater responsiveness to anti-craving medication.
A study by Penn State researchers found that young adults who are web savvy but lack knowledge about federal government may struggle to participate online. The experiment revealed that participants often failed to find correct government websites, citing obstacles such as general lack of knowledge and limited search engine results.
A new study reveals a powerful vaccination approach that targets the liver stage of malaria parasites, providing long-lasting and diverse immune cell responses. This strategy offers a promising model for developing effective next-generation vaccines.
A new report reveals that osteoporotic fractures have a significant impact on European society, resulting in an estimated 2.5 million new fractures annually and €30.7 billion in health costs. The report estimates that the economic burden of fractures will increase to €38.5 billion by 2025.
Nano-sized particles of titanium dioxide create self-cleaning surfaces on buildings, while carbon nanotubes boost reinforced concrete strength. Nanotechnology also helps make concrete more sustainable by recycling fly ash, reducing environmental impact.
Astronomers used Chandra X-ray Observatory to discover massive black holes growing more aggressively than thought, in tandem with host galaxies. The study suggests that these young black holes are related to quasars and could have played a role in clearing cosmic fog.
A new species of mushroom, Spongiforma squarepantsii, has been discovered in the forests of Borneo. The fungus has a bright orange color and can turn purple when exposed to certain chemicals, and it has unique gelatinous properties that allow it to revive quickly if it dries out.
Researchers successfully modified messenger RNA to override a 'red light' signal, producing a full-length protein instead. This breakthrough may aid treatment strategies for genetic disorders caused by premature stop codons.
The i5k Initiative aims to sequence the genomes of 5,000 insects and other arthropods over five years. This will provide valuable information for developing new pesticides, understanding disease transmission, and controlling agricultural pests. The project's leaders invite entomologists worldwide to contribute to the effort.
Geisinger Health System achieved a high flu vaccination rate of over 92% among employees through a modified mandatory program. The system required staff to wear masks for non-vaccinated employees, resulting in improved team building and full vaccination rates.
Researchers have identified a list of plant proteins essential for photosynthesis, known as the GreenCut, which is unique to plants and green algae but not found in non-photosynthetic organisms. The study suggests that these proteins play critical roles in regulating metabolism, DNA transcription, and other cellular processes.
A new study by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation finds that most US counties are falling behind the world's healthiest nations in terms of life expectancy. The study found significant disparities in life expectancy across the US, with women living longer than men in some areas but facing worse outcomes in others.
Researchers found that female zebra finches inherit the disposition for infidelity from their fathers, who had also engaged in promiscuity. This genetic predisposition increases the likelihood of extra-pair matings, despite costs for females.
The T2K experiment has detected six muon neutrinos transforming into electron neutrinos during their journey from a Japanese accelerator to a detector. This finding is significant as it may help explain why the universe has more matter than anti-matter.
A global review of research on stature and health during the agriculture transition found consistent trends of declining height and health globally. The study, published by Emory Health Sciences, analyzed data from various world regions and cultures, revealing a link between early agricultural practices and reduced adaptability to stress.
A new study suggests that magical thinking can help consumers cope with the stress of trying to lose weight by invoking mystical forces. Consumers often describe weight loss as being influenced by mysterious forces, such as a body that 'conspires' against them or food that 'seduces' them.
A new study found that anxious searchers are more likely to miss multiple objects, particularly the second target, due to anticipatory anxiety. The research, led by Duke University psychologist Stephen Mitroff, has important implications for training and testing searchers in homeland security and healthcare.
A national online study found that 45% of teens consider their parents as their primary sexuality role model, while only 32% look to friends and 15% to celebrities. The survey also revealed that teenagers from families with open discussions about sex have a greater awareness of the risks of STIs.
Researchers from NC State University have designed a sensor that can measure strain in structural materials and heal itself when broken. The sensor, which uses infrared light to detect changes in length, contains a UV-curable resin that hardens upon damage, allowing it to repair automatically.
Robert Blelloch's groundbreaking research on microRNAs in embryonic stem cells and cancer has shed light on the molecular mechanisms regulating cell fate transitions. His work holds promise for developing new therapeutic strategies, including inducing adult cells to de-differentiate into pluripotent stem cells.
A Phase I clinical trial found that the experimental vaccine ICT-107 targets six antigens found on glioblastoma cells and three on cancer stem cells, improving immune responses and progression-free survival rates in patients. The study also showed that targeting these antigens may be a viable strategy for treating glioblastoma.
A new study from Rhode Island Hospital found that MR enterography without anti-peristaltic agents is reliable for determining the presence of Crohn's disease and reduces patient exposure to ionizing radiation. MRE may be considered a first-line study for evaluating known or suspected Crohn's disease in young patients.
Researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center are developing gene therapy in corneal stem cells to alleviate damage to corneas caused by diabetes. The therapy aims to correct abnormal protein production and restore normal corneal cell turnover, preventing vision loss.
Researchers evaluated Public Health Grid technology during the 2009 H1N1 pandemic to enhance epidemiologists' and disease-control agencies' abilities. The grid approach allowed for quick data acquisition, secure modeling of disease spread, and effective intervention deployment.
A new study suggests that unhappy consumers are more likely to crave tactile experiences, such as hugging a teddy bear, to alleviate negative emotions. This is because their brain systems mimic those of mammals, which prioritize comfort and security in times of stress.
Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh and UW-Madison traced how a specific gene became activated in optical neurons of a fruit fly species over four mutations. They found that small alterations in transcriptional enhancers caused 'leaky' gene activity, leading to the development of a new trait.
A Canadian study suggests doctors may be overprescribing antibiotics for home-care patients, with younger and sicker individuals being at a higher risk of misuse. The most common class of antibiotics prescribed was fluoroquinolones, which could weaken their efficacy against emerging infections.
23andMe has built one of the world's largest databases with over 100,000 individuals' genetic data, facilitating rapid recruitment for genome-wide association studies. The company's novel research approach has led to new genetic associations for common traits and rare diseases.
Researchers found that consumers strongly react against mimicry by similar others, leading to avoidance behaviors such as re-customizing or exchanging products. This effect is driven by consumer desire for distinctiveness and uniqueness.
Rigoberto Advincula has developed two materials effective against E. coli: a graphene material with antimicrobial properties and a conducting polymer that can repel bacteria. His work, published in high-impact journals, is part of his prolific record as a leading polymer researcher.
Researchers discovered ancient fossils of amoeba-like organisms that built shells to survive a frozen climate. The findings suggest life recovered relatively quickly after the first major Snowball Earth event, and provide insights into the evolution of shell-building mechanisms in single-celled microbes.
Researchers found that successful testing improves memory performance in all three types of memory: cue, target, and associative. The study suggests that repeated retrieval practice boosts memory, regardless of the type of memory being tested.
University of Illinois researchers have confirmed that amorphous silicon has two-state dynamics, a characteristic of glass. However, adding hydrogen robs the material of this property and introduces micro-crystalline structure, which significantly affects its behavior.
A new study from Harvard School of Public Health found that watching more than two hours of TV per day increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The researchers also found that prolonged TV viewing is associated with an increased risk of premature death.
The 100GET project successfully increased internet bandwidth capacity from 40GbE to 100GbE, demonstrating the importance of efficient data transfer in meeting growing demand. By leveraging partnerships and innovative technologies, companies involved in the project have created new products, jobs, and patent applications.
A study published in JAMA Network found that the number of paid malpractice claims for events resulting in paid malpractice claims in outpatient and inpatient settings were similar in 2009. The study also found that the rate of decline in malpractice claims was greater for inpatient settings compared to outpatient settings.
A new method developed by North Carolina State University researchers can accurately predict player behavior in online role-playing games, including World of Warcraft. The tool uses data-driven predictive modeling to identify groups of achievements that are closely related and can predict future behavior with up to 80% accuracy.
A recent study suggests that preschool-age children who get less sleep are more likely to exhibit hyperactive and inattentive behavior at kindergarten. The research, presented at SLEEP 2011, controlled for factors such as gender, ethnicity, and family income.
A new study by Taoli Zhang and colleagues found that Chinese people fluent in English quickly translate Chinese words into English without conscious thought. This suggests a strong connection between languages stored in the bilingual brain.
A University of Iowa study found that women who make their sexual debut as young teens are more likely to divorce, especially if the experience was unwanted or had mixed feelings. This link holds even for those who delay sex until adulthood.
A study of midshipman fish has identified two distinct groups of neurons controlling sound duration and frequency for social communication. The research provides a simplified wiring diagram for understanding how the brain allows vertebrates to produce sounds, revealing an ancestrally shared brain area that originated in fishes.
Researchers found that prostate cancer can adapt to hormone therapy by activating a survival cell signaling pathway, making it more effective. The study's findings suggest that targeting both the androgen receptor and PI3K pathways may be necessary to effectively treat these cancers.
A team of scientists found that solar minimums lead to geomagnetic effects on Earth due to the speed of the solar wind, interplanetary magnetic field strength, and coronal hole placement. Coronal holes caused a decrease in solar wind speed and southward magnetic components, resulting in lower geomagnetic effects.
Researchers found a nearly 20-year-old observation of the faint galaxy ESO 546-G34, which offers insights into the earliest galaxies in the universe. The discovery suggests that small low surface brightness galaxies may have more in common with the first galaxies formed after the Big Bang.
A Swedish study found that lifeguards can perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) effectively despite undergoing extreme exertion during a rescue. The study involved 40 surf lifeguards who carried out a simulated surf rescue and then performed CPR for 10 minutes on a manikin.
A recent study by the University of Edinburgh found that certain types of carbon nanotubes could cause cancer in the lining of the lung. Researchers discovered that longer nanotubes were more likely to get stuck in the lung cavity and ultimately cause mesothelioma.
African-Americans have a genetic predisposition to convert dietary PUFAs to inflammatory messengers, increasing risk for chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease and diabetes. The research highlights the importance of personalized nutrition, emphasizing that nutrients may be healthy or harmful depending on individual ancestry.
Researchers found that Hessian flies can trigger strong defenses in wheat plants, causing them to release essential nutrients to the insects. However, avirulent larvae can sometimes survive by reversing these defenses, potentially extending the durability of resistance.
Researchers found that European alpine soils generally retain similar amounts of phosphate, ranging from 9-145 mmol kg-1, with aluminum oxide concentration being the key factor. Acidified soils retain more phosphate than non-acidified ones.
A new study provides experimental evidence supporting Darwin's phylogenetic limiting similarity hypothesis, where closely related species are more prone to extinction. The research found that competitive exclusion occurred more frequently and rapidly between closely related microorganism species.
Scientists have identified how E. coli O157:H7 colonizes fresh-cut lettuce, providing new insights for food safety. The bacteria breaks down leaf cells, releasing carbohydrates and antimicrobial compounds that can be used as energy sources.
Researchers have developed a new method called ExpertLens to gather and analyze opinions from experts and laypeople, leveraging online and social media technologies. The system has performed well in early tests and could have wide application across various fields such as public policy, healthcare, finance, and marketing.
New research by UC Berkeley scientists reveals that fear and emotional experiences lead to stronger memories through the activation of newborn neurons in the hippocampus. The amygdala induces the generation of new neurons, which provide a 'blank slate' for imprinting fearful memories.
Researchers at UCLA have discovered a sugar-binding protein called galectin-9 that traps PDI on T-cells' surface, making them more susceptible to HIV infection. This finding may lead to the development of new anti-HIV therapeutics by inhibiting PDI or galectin-9.
Researchers analyzed data from over 30,000 individuals to identify four phases of blood pressure changes throughout life. The study found that midlife acceleration in blood pressure was more pronounced in men than women due to menopause-related effects, and body mass index had a strong link with blood pressure.
A study found that perceived racism is associated with an elevated risk of self-reported sleep disturbance, increased by 61% after adjusting for socioeconomic factors. This link may contribute to negative impacts on mental and physical health, highlighting the importance of addressing social environmental stressors.
Researchers used time-lapse video microscopic technology to observe early stages of ovarian cancer metastasis. The study identified the force-dependent processes necessary for tumor cells to attach to and proliferate on organs in the peritoneum.