Researchers have developed a minimally invasive brain implant that wirelessly transmits brain signals to control computers and reactivate paralyzed limbs. The BioBolt implant uses the skin as a conductor to reduce power consumption and enable potential applications in controlling epilepsy and diagnosing diseases like Parkinson's.
Scientists at Carnegie's Geophysical Laboratory have discovered a metallic glass that demonstrates long-range order among its atoms, a key characteristic of the elusive 'perfect glass' state. By applying high pressure, they were able to create a single crystal and preserve its structural order.
A study of over 200 pregnant women found that nearly half used alternative methods such as walking, sex, or spicy food to try to bring on labor. These techniques were often tried despite the lack of scientific evidence supporting their effectiveness, and some may pose risks to mother and baby.
Researchers found that resistant horseweed has a pump in the tonoplast membrane that actively moves glyphosate into the vacuole, making it unavailable for translocation. Sensitive plants can't keep up with this rapid shuttle of glyphosate, allowing them to be killed by the herbicide.
A recent Penn study discovered that microbes open and pass through the initial cellular barrier in a programmed and efficient way, suggesting a normal physiological event. This finding supports a general mechanism for epithelial opening exploited by invasive pathogens.
New guidelines for social media use in healthcare emphasize education over prescriptive advice. Researchers explore the potential benefits of social networking in breaking down barriers to reform, as seen in a Taiwan case study where the Minister of Health engaged with stakeholders through Facebook.
Research finds one-third of pregnant women with depression have a history of eating disorders, while many others have experienced physical or sexual abuse. Mental health screenings are crucial to identify at-risk patients and provide early treatment.
Researchers at USC have found that the energy difference between two alpha-synuclein structures is less than previously thought, offering new insights into the protein's role in Parkinson's disease. This discovery could help explain why the protein misfolds and becomes toxic to surrounding nerve cells.
A University of Michigan study found that a heightened immune response to colds can exacerbate asthma symptoms. By tempering the immune response, asthma patients may experience reduced inflammation and bronchoconstriction following a cold infection.
Researchers will use a quantitative proteomics approach to identify biomarkers for bile duct cancer in patients infected with Opisthorchis viverrini. The study aims to develop early diagnostic tools for this deadly disease, which affects over 40 million people in Southeast Asia.
Simon Chan and Jorge Dubcovsky, two UC Davis plant biologists, have been selected as HHMI-GBMF Investigators, funded by $75 million over five years to support their research on plant breeding and wheat improvement. Their work has the potential to help avert a looming global food crisis.
A genetic and biochemical test has been developed to diagnose Idiopathic Infantile Hypercalcemia (IIH), a rare inherited disease affecting 600 Canadians. The test detects the defect behind vitamin D breakdown, resulting in excess calcium in the blood and calcification of organs.
A UBC study found that over 75% of tree holes used by birds and mammals worldwide are created by damage and decay, emphasizing the importance of preserving older, larger trees. This contrasts with North American forests where woodpeckers dominate hole creation.
A new study reveals that ocean low-oxygen zones are expanding and contracting in response to climate changes, posing a significant threat to marine ecosystems. The research, led by UCLA scientists, found that these oxygen-depleted regions can have devastating effects on marine populations.
Scientists have discovered a protein marker on the surface of adipose stromal cells (ASCs), which drive fat expansion in the body. The finding may lead to developing a method to inactivate these cells, potentially treating obesity and improving regenerative therapies.
A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that African Americans with dental insurance still experience barriers to quality care, including limited coverage and inadequate provider availability. This leads to postponed treatment, worsening symptoms, and increased public health expenses.
A team of Canadian scientists discovered that specific mixtures of antimicrobial agents presented in lipid (fatty) mixtures can significantly boost the effectiveness of those agents to kill multidrug-resistant bacteria. This new therapy has the potential to combat bacterial multidrug resistance, a growing clinical problem.
The University of Colorado Boulder has been awarded a six-year, $5.9 million grant to continue its long-term ecological studies in Colorado's high mountains, focusing on climate change and human-caused changes. The research at the Niwot Ridge Long-Term Ecological Research site will investigate the effects of warming temperatures, nitro...
Researchers at Oregon State University have confirmed that ultrawideband technology could enable the development of body-area networks for continuous health monitoring. The technology has the potential to reduce healthcare costs and improve medical care by providing non-invasive, low-cost solutions for real-time health diagnosis.
Sheng Yang He, a plant biologist at Michigan State University, has been recognized as one of the nation's most-innovative plant scientists. He will receive funding for his research on the Type III secretion system, a bacterial weapon that affects plant cells.
Elliot Meyerowitz, a plant genetics expert at Caltech, has received a $5 million grant from the HHMI and GBMF to study computational morphodynamics in plants. This funding represents an unprecedented influx of cash for basic plant research, which is critical for food production, human health, and environmental protection.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center discovered that larger fungal spores are more virulent and can cause worse infections. The study suggests a new way to categorize fungi based on spore size, which could lead to developing new treatments for mucor infections.
Scientists have found a mid-season decline in wildflowers at high-altitude meadows, affecting pollinator populations. This shift is attributed to climate change, which alters moisture availability and flowering timing, leading to ecosystem-wide impacts on animals that feed on pollen and nectar.
Pediatric hematologist Mitchell J. Weiss and colleagues identified a rare hemoglobin mutation, named after the patient's hometown of Toms River, N.J., that causes temporary blue coloration and anemia. The mutation has mild effects and disappears within months of birth.
Researchers create the world's first three-dimensional plasmon rulers, capable of measuring spatial changes in macrmolecular systems, providing a new tool for understanding critical biological events. The 3D plasmon rulers enable scientists to retrieve complete spatial configuration and track dynamic evolution of complex processes.
Researchers found that shorter, less strenuous warm-ups resulted in less muscle fatigue yet more peak power output compared to traditional warm-ups. This suggests that a better approach would be to aim for just enough activity to promote post-activation potentiation without creating fatigue.
Astronomers discovered a massive black hole in a distant galaxy that ripped apart a star, creating a powerful beam of energy that crossed 3.8 billion light years to Earth. The extreme brightness of this event was due to the small fraction of the sky illuminated by the jet of light towards the Milky Way.
A recent study has identified the brain regions responsible for our sense of body ownership, revealing a unified view of the body as a single entity. The findings suggest that multisensory neurons integrate visual, tactile, and proprioceptive information to facilitate full-body ownership.
The Wallow North and Horseshoe 2 fires in eastern Arizona have burned over 487,016 acres, with the Landsat 5 satellite capturing images of the blazes. The satellite's false-colored imagery helps emergency managers plan containment strategies.
Researchers propose reclassifying osteoarthritis into distinct divisions based on clinical and structural phenotypes. This could enable targeted treatments for specific patient groups, such as those affected by obesity or trauma. Improved imaging and biomarker technologies are needed to support this new classification system.
A new sealant gel has been found to be effective in closing spinal wounds following surgery, achieving a watertight seal 100% of the time. The polyethylene glycol (PEG) hydrogel sealant plugs miniscule leaks in the spinal column's sheath, reducing the risk of infection and meningitis.
Researchers at UTHealth are exploring the link between Adenovirus-36 and obesity, with a focus on firefighters who are more likely to be overweight or obese. The study aims to design health and wellness strategies for this high-risk population.
The Navy plans to double its investment in STEM education over the next five years, aiming to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers. The initiative will increase funding to more than $100 million by 2015, with a focus on under-represented communities.
The galaxy Centaurus A is home to a firestorm of new star formation triggered by shockwaves from a past collision and merger with another galaxy. Hubble's image reveals the birth of vibrant blue star clusters and compresses hydrogen gas clouds.
Physicians at Washington University used an artificial lung to treat a two-year-old boy with severe pulmonary hypertension, saving his life. The boy, Owen Stark, was initially treated with medication and a ventilator before being placed on the life-support machine called ECMO.
A University of Arizona study found that having health insurance does not protect Arizonans from accumulating medical debt, which can delay or forego necessary medical care. The research also highlights the importance of portable and universal healthcare to prevent coverage gaps and reduce medical debt.
A large study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that patients with Barrett's esophagus have a lower risk of esophageal cancer than previously thought. Men and individuals aged 60-69 were found to be at higher risk, highlighting the importance of personalized risk scores.
Researchers discovered a unique regulatory circuit in plants that controls their immune sensor, which could lead to new ways to understand and treat autoimmune diseases. By studying this mechanism, scientists hope to develop treatments for allergies and other ailments.
Researchers have discovered how ketamine produces a fast-acting antidepressant effect, shedding light on its potential as an emergency room treatment for high-risk patients. The study's findings could lead to the development of faster-acting and longer-lasting antidepressants.
Researchers at UC Davis discovered that Lyme disease bacteria accumulate in lymph nodes, triggering a strong immune response but one that is not effective against the infection. The study suggests that B. burgdorferi has developed a novel strategy to subvert the immune system, allowing it to both provoke and evade an effective response.
Researchers at UTHealth have discovered a link between chromosome region 16p13.1 and thoracic aortic disease, finding that patients with duplications are 12 times more likely to develop the condition. The study identified nine genes in this region, which may contribute to the development of aneurysms and dissections.
A recent study by the Medical College of Georgia found that depressed pregnant women often receive inconsistent treatment, leading to longer hospital stays. The lack of uniformity in addressing perinatal depression is attributed to providers feeling burdened and isolated in making decisions about complex issues.
The Wireless Intelligent Sensor Platform for Emergency Responders (WISPER) combines three technologies to create a life-saving solution for firefighters. It features a microwave radio, navigation devices, and physiological health assessment system to track firefighters' locations and vital signs.
A recent study by Lynne Murray and colleagues found that postnatal depression in mothers is associated with a substantially increased risk of depression in their children until age 16. The researchers also discovered that infant attachment issues and lower child ego resilience are linked to the development of depression.
A novel study capitalizes on binocular rivalry to test metacognition of visual imagery. Participants rated vividness and effort for imagined patterns, which emerged as dominant patterns during the display. This suggests that our evaluations of mental imagery are directly related to performance in perceptual tasks.
A study found that people with duplications in chromosome 16's 16p13.1 region are at 12-fold increased risk of thoracic aortic aneurysms and dissections. Researchers from UTHealth and Baylor College of Medicine discovered this association, which may lead to aggressive forms of the disease and require closer monitoring.
New research controls stem cell development to direct desired cell types, enabling efficient diagnostics and regenerative medicine therapies. The study's findings could be used to develop manufacturing procedures for producing large quantities of stem cells.
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.