Researchers have uncovered the key to spider silk's incredible strength and toughness, revealing a serial arrangement of crystalline and amorphous subunits that outperforms random structures. This breakthrough may lead to the design of artificial silk fibers with similar properties.
A recent study found that hospital use of computed tomographic colonography (CTC), also known as virtual colonoscopy, is increasing. In 2008, 17% of hospitals offered CTC, up from 13% in 2005, with many citing a desire to provide alternative screening options for frail patients and those with failed optical colonoscopy.
A team of researchers has discovered a new enzyme, squalene mono-oxygenase (SM), that plays a key role in cholesterol production. Inhibiting SM may lead to more effective treatments with fewer side effects than current medications.
Research reveals that specific gene variants, particularly IVS5-13insC, are linked to an increased risk of type 2 diabetes in individuals of white European ancestry. The study's findings suggest that these genetic variations could serve as early predictive markers for insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center discovered a brain signaling pathway that induces leptin resistance, leading to decreased satiety and increased visceral fat. Activating this pathway, known as cAMP-EPAC, can induce leptin resistance in hypothalamic neurons, a critical site of leptin action.
Researchers found a thin layer of epithelial cells on healthy tendons that prevent adhesion formation. Mice with defective cells developed tendon adhesions, highlighting the importance of tissue surface integrity.
A study by Indiana University School of Medicine found that tanning bed radiation can cause severe skin reactions, including toxic epidermal necrolysis, a life-threatening condition. The researchers advise caution when using tanning beds to treat undiagnosed skin conditions.
The £46 million study will track the lives of over 90,000 UK babies and their families, examining factors such as social disadvantage, environmental pollutants, and parenting style. The research aims to understand how biological and environmental influences shape children's health, development, and future life chances.
The 2011 conference attracted over 100 presentations, showcasing proposals to exploit next-gen suborbital spaceflight capabilities. The event demonstrated growing interest in commercial suborbital spacecraft among researchers and educators.
Tropical Cyclone Atu formed over New Caledonia on February 21, intensifying into a powerful storm with maximum sustained winds of 95 knots before weakening. The cyclone dissipated north of New Zealand by February 25, its life spanning just four days.
The University of Illinois Chicago has received a $950,000 USDA grant to integrate obesity-prevention strategies into programs for low-income families. The program, Hip-Hop to Health, was previously found effective in reducing body mass index in minority children and will now be tested with an additional population.
A new study published in Psychological Science finds that a short-term regime called cognitive-bias modification can help heavy drinkers change their impulsive responses to temptation, leading to improved treatment outcomes. The technique involves video-game-like tasks and was found to reduce relapse rates among alcoholics.
A study published in Circulation found that patients with mild heart failure and left bundle branch block significantly benefit from CRT-D therapy, experiencing a 53% reduced risk of heart failure events. The therapy also effectively prevents cardiac remodeling and ventricular tachyarrhythmias.
Researchers deciphered the molecular structure behind spider silk's remarkable mechanical properties, discovering that soft amorphous subunits contribute to its elasticity and crystalline subunits determine its maximal toughness. The study's findings may aid in designing artificial silk fibers with improved performance.
UCSF researchers have discovered a crucial hormone pathway that contributes to the development of fatty liver disease. By disrupting this pathway, they found that fat accumulation in the liver can occur even without alcohol consumption. The study's findings may lead to the development of new therapeutic drugs targeting this pathway.
A new study found that uterine fibroid treatment significantly improved quality of life for women, with non-minimally invasive options such as MRgFUS showing better outcomes. The study surveyed over 197 women who underwent different treatments, including hysterectomy and UAE.
Robotic surgery shows comparable or superior results to traditional laparoscopic procedures for treating kidney disease, benefiting more patients due to reduced learning curve. More surgeons may master the technique, expanding access to minimally invasive treatment.
The 'Teaching the Middle East' online resource provides comprehensive and objective teaching materials on topics ranging from prehistory to modern states. It features articles written by University of Chicago faculty, lesson plans, and links to additional resources, aiming to dispel stereotypes and promote understanding.
For patients with confirmed high-grade dysplasia, endoscopic eradication therapy is recommended. Surveillance may be considered in some cases, but it is not a substitute for treatment. The American Gastroenterological Association recommends regular screening for cardiovascular risk factors and interventions.
The American Sociological Association has launched a new journal dedicated to researching the sociology of mental health and illness. The journal features original studies applying sociological concepts to understand the social origins of mental health and illness.
Research shows that building rapport before interviewing cooperative adult witnesses decreases the percentage of inaccurate information reported, especially when using open-ended questions.
A recent economic recession has created a shortage of credit for small businesses, forcing many to rely on personal savings and household assets to stay afloat. This can put their personal assets at risk, warns MU researcher Tansel Yilmazer.
Scientists have discovered a new way to generate human motor nerve cells, helping research into motor neurone disease. This breakthrough enables the creation of different types of motor neurons, allowing researchers to study their vulnerability to disease.
EUREKA's High Level Group Representatives approved 25 viable technologies and products, totaling €33 million investment. Israel is a key player, with six Israeli partners representing nearly 25% of the total.
A recreation program that allowed autistic adults to choose their own leisure activities improved their communication and social skills, according to Penn State researchers. Participants scored higher on personality tests than a control group, showing significant improvement in recognizing and labeling emotions.
Guojun Liu's nanotechnology discovery reduces friction in automobile engines by up to 55%, increasing energy efficiency. The innovation has the potential to improve machine life across various industries beyond automotive.
A Baylor study found that employees with high levels of honesty and humility tend to perform better in their jobs, according to supervisor ratings. The researchers also discovered that these traits predict job performance above other personality variables.
Researchers identified a small subset of NKT cells in normal white blood cells that give rise to rare large granular lymphocyte leukemia. Targeting interleukin-15 signaling and NKp46 may offer a new way to prevent this leukemia.
Researchers at TE SubCom have demonstrated a way to boost undersea cable capacity without increasing optical bandwidth. The breakthrough allows for high spectral efficiency channels to be transmitted over longer distances, up to 18,000 kilometers, surpassing previous records.
Researchers found that chronic stimulation of AgRP neurons induces weight gain by increasing food intake, while inhibition inhibits food intake. Stimulating AgRP neurons also triggers intense food seeking behavior.
The 2011 Harold M. Weintraub Graduate Student Award has been awarded to 12 graduate students from institutes across North America who have made significant contributions to the field of biological sciences. The award recognizes the quality, originality and significance of their research.
Researchers identified a genetic switch, estrogen-related receptor gamma (ERR gamma), that converts fast twitch fibers into slow twitch fibers with increased blood supply. This discovery offers potential therapeutic avenues for treating critical limb ischemia and other cardiovascular diseases.
A multinational study found that a single gene mutation in the HMGA1 gene is responsible for type 2 diabetes in nearly 10 percent of patients of white European ancestry. This defect leads to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes, providing a potential test to predict disease risk and identify effective treatment options.
Researchers investigated the risks of starting antiretroviral therapy in HIV-infected patients with TB, finding that early ART may not reduce AIDS risk for those with fewer than 250 CD4+ T cells. Microbicide studies showed promise with rectally applied tenofovir gel reducing HIV infection risk in men and women.
A unique 89-million-year-old pterosaur fossil found in Texas may be the earliest known Pteranodon. The specimen, discovered by an amateur fossil hunter north of Dallas, has a wing span between 12 and 13 feet and belongs to the toothless variety of pterosaurs.
Scientists at Indiana University School of Medicine have identified the source of excessive phosphate buildup in glycogen, a chain-like molecule used to store energy. This finding sheds light on a possible route to treatment for Lafora disease, a rare and deadly condition caused by genetic mutation.
Studies using DREADD technology found that stimulating AgRP neurons induced weight gain and intense food seeking behavior, while inhibiting these neurons inhibited food intake. In another study, researchers discovered a new mechanism explaining growth hormone's role in fatty liver disease, which may lead to the development of novel tre...
Experts warn that doubling energy demand by 2050 poses significant challenges to reducing greenhouse gas emissions in California. Berkeley scientists stress the need for efficient energy use, low-carbon electricity options, and strategic behavioral changes to meet state's ambitious goal.
Researchers tracked corneal transplant success in young patients and found substantial improvement in vision for most children with keratoconus. The study revealed that infants had lower success rates due to related illnesses, while older children fared better.
UK child psychiatrist Sir Michael Rutter reviews the latest scientific developments in autism research, covering clinical features, genetics, environmental factors, and psychological treatments. Despite substantial gains in knowledge, prevention and cure remain major puzzles in autism research.
Researchers have discovered the structure of tropoelastin, a key component of elastin that provides elasticity to human tissues. The molecule has near-perfect elasticity, allowing it to stretch up to eight times its original length and return to its shape with no loss of energy.
A new study published in the Proceedings of the Royal Society B explores how climate change affects ecosystems through ecological adaptation. The research reveals that species' ability to adapt locally can mitigate some impacts of warming temperatures.
Agricultural diversification techniques can help farmers mitigate the effects of climate change by making it harder for pathogens and pests to spread. By growing a broader range of species or varieties, farmers can modulate climate extremes and reduce economic losses.
Scientists estimate that one gallon of wastewater contains enough energy to power a 100-watt light bulb for five minutes. This discovery could spur efforts to extract methane, hydrogen, and other fuels from sewage treatment plants in the US.
Small-screen detected lung cancers with maxSUV of 2.0 or smaller nodules than 10mm have low risk of nodal metastases, suggesting some patients can avoid invasive procedures. This reduces operating time and morbidity associated with lymph node dissection.
A new study involving 150 patients with sickle cell disease found that inhaling nitric oxide gas did not improve outcomes, including reducing pain crisis duration or shortening hospital stays. The study's results contradict previous trials suggesting administration of nitric oxide might shorten sickle cell pain crises.
Researchers from the US Department of Agriculture have found moderate antimicrobial activity and significant antiplatelet-clumping activity in chamomile tea. Peppermint tea has been shown to have strong antioxidant and antiviral actions, while hibiscus tea has lowered blood pressure in pre-hypertensive adults.
Researchers found that high levels of CYP24A1 enzyme can predict lung cancer survival, with patients having higher levels experiencing nearly half the survival rate as those with low levels. The study suggests using vitamin D to prevent or delay cancer recurrence after surgery.
NASA's Glory satellite is scheduled to launch on March 4 from Vandenberg Air Force Base, California. The mission will study the effects of sun particles and aerosols on Earth's climate. The launch also carries three CubeSats, designed and built by university students.
A study published in JAMA found that inhaling nitric oxide gas for up to 3 days did not shorten the time to resolution of painful crises in patients with sickle cell disease. The treatment, which had shown promise in small trials, failed to demonstrate significant benefits in reducing pain duration or hospitalization length.
Millions of people worldwide may be at risk of early death from diabetes due to poor diagnosis and ineffective treatment. In the US, nearly 90% of adult diabetics have blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels not treated effectively.
Researchers have developed a new class of optical fibers using zinc selenide, enabling more efficient light manipulation and transmission in the infrared spectrum. This breakthrough has potential applications in medical lasers, countermeasure lasers, and environmental monitoring.
Researchers from the University of Bristol demonstrated the quantum operation of new components that will enable compact circuits for future photonic quantum computers. These integrated photonic circuits are compact, stable, and low-noise, paving the way for mass production of chips for quantum computers.
Researchers have discovered that the coating of nanoparticle surfaces significantly influences immune activation, allowing for more targeted treatment of diseases. The study shows that designing polymers in various ways can drastically change the body's immune response.
A new carbon material, engineered to be the lightest solid, shows promise in detecting pollutants, improving robotic surgery techniques, and storing energy more efficiently. The material's large surface area allows for great amounts of energy storage, increasing the capacity of lithium batteries.
Research reveals invasive plant species do not become more abundant in new habitats than their native ranges, challenging long-held assumptions. Only a small percentage of introduced plants cause problems and spread widely.
A study found that even moderate reductions in sleep duration can affect neurobehavioral functioning in children with ADHD, leading to clinical-level impairment. The study suggests that investments in programs to decrease sleep deprivation may lead to improvements in neurobehavioral functioning and academic performance.
Mental health responders to the Continental Flight 3407 disaster share key successes and areas for improvement in disaster response planning. Clear relationships among responders, long-lasting mental health referrals, and efficient communication are highlighted as critical components of effective emergency preparedness.
A new study from Concordia University found that people who focus on others who are worse off with similar regrets tend to experience fewer physical symptoms and improved emotional well-being. The study, published in Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, suggests that downplaying others' regrets can be a protective coping mechanism.
Researchers at Yale University have successfully created complex shapes using newly developed bulk metallic glasses (BMGs) that can be blown molded with unprecedented ease and precision. The BMGs are twice as strong as typical steel, making them a promising material for various applications.
Researchers developed a new CPR method that increases long-term survival rates with good brain function by 50 percent. The technique uses two devices to increase blood flow, nearly tripling the amount compared to standard CPR.
Researchers have engineered E. coli bacteria to produce n-butanol, a chemical that could be used as a substitute for diesel oil and gasoline. The new genetically altered E. coli produced nearly five grams of n-butanol per liter, about 10 times better than current industrial microbe systems.
Researchers developed a non-invasive method to measure methane release from cattle, accounting for up to 77% of emissions at a single point in a paddock. The technique uses open-path lasers and global positioning devices to track animal movements and wind speed.
Researchers suggest that quitting smoking suddenly may be an early symptom of lung cancer. A study found that 48% of patients with lung cancer had quit before diagnosis, most without noticing any symptoms.
A modeling analysis suggests that a combination of methadone substitution therapy and anti-retroviral treatment would have the greatest effect on reducing new infections and improving quality of life. Providing drug-substitution to just 25% of intravenous drug users today could lower HIV prevalence considerably.
A new study reveals that glycogen synthase mistakenly incorporates phosphate molecules into glycogen, leading to the accumulation of 'wrecked' glucose in neurons and the formation of deposits called Lafora bodies. This discovery may lead to a viable therapeutic intervention for Lafora disease, which has no current effective treatment.
Scientists have developed a microscope that can see objects as small as 50 nanometres, beyond the theoretical limit of optical microscopy. This breakthrough enables potential examination of human cells and live viruses for the first time, revolutionizing cell study and biomedicine.
A Duke University engineer's theory predicts that dominant teams in March Madness and top-ranked universities share similar hierarchies. The constructal law explains how these systems evolve to minimize imperfections and optimize performance.
A study by Mayo Clinic researchers suggests that new duty-hour limitations for medical residents may not address the issue of physician fatigue, but rather compromise the quality of their training. The survey found that many residency program directors are concerned that shortened shifts will disrupt patient care and education.
Researchers at Purdue University are developing a new scientific field that uses soundscapes to understand ecological characteristics and reconnect people with natural sounds. By analyzing the rhythms of natural sounds, scientists can detect early changes in climate, weather patterns, and pollution.
Researchers found that tiger sharks can navigate long distances using directed walks, while thresher sharks also exhibit this behavior. Blacktip reef sharks, on the other hand, swim randomly within their small home ranges.
Researchers found large amounts of ammonia in an asteroid, which could have provided a sustained source of reduced nitrogen essential for life. This discovery has significant implications for the origins-of-life theory and the potential for extraterrestrial life.
A longitudinal study identifies six different pathways to adulthood among Finnish university students, shaped by career, partnership, and parenthood transitions. The study reveals that young adults with fast or on-time achievement of age-graded developmental tasks experience higher life satisfaction.
Researchers found that the vaccine-induced cellular immune response exerted selective pressure on the virus, leading to changes in its genetic makeup. The study identified potential T-cell targets and proposed a new design for vaccines aimed at debilitating viruses.
A new non-surgical post-mortem technique uses minimally invasive targeted coronary angiography to determine the cause of death in up to 80% of cases. The technique is inexpensive, easy to use, and applicable to natural and unnatural deaths, offering a potential permanent change in autopsy practice.
Research identifies four major PTSD symptoms with varying effects on quality of life, challenging common assumptions about the disorder's impact. Symptoms tied to heightened arousal, such as trouble sleeping and irritability, were found to have a significant association with lower quality of life among PTSD patients.
Researchers at Arizona State University have received a $1 million grant to develop a next-generation 3D imaging microscope called Cell-CT. This technology enables scientists to observe and assess the functional pathways of disease, such as cancer, by performing CT imaging on individual living cells.
A randomized controlled trial found that intensive adherence counseling reduces poor adherence and virologic treatment failure by up to 59%. Counseling also had no significant effect on mortality or CD4 counts. The study suggests that adherence counseling should be implemented in HIV clinics caring for large numbers of patients.
As men lose their primary breadwinner roles, depression and marital conflict are likely to increase. Biological and sociological differences may also make it harder for men to care for young children.
Researchers created a computer program that predicts the lifespan of hematopoietic stem cells, finding that each cell has a set amount of time for self-renewal. This understanding can improve the safety and efficacy of bone marrow transplants and potentially lead to breakthroughs in regenerative medicine.
Researchers have developed a cell therapy that selectively dampens vascular inflammation induced by LDL, showing substantial protective effects against atherosclerosis. The treatment has been shown to reduce the disease process by up to 70 percent in mouse studies.
Microscopic relaxation processes contribute to macroscopic changes in polymer network properties. Over ten hours, elasticity decreases by about a fifth and remains stable, shedding light on the aging process of elastic polymers.
Researchers identified new gene variants contributing to autism, disrupting brain development and nerve signaling. The study suggests multiple genetic paths to autism, with similar functional roles in the nervous system.
Breast cancer is a significant global health issue, with most deaths occurring in low- and middle-income countries. A Personal View published in The Lancet Oncology suggests that population-based mammography screening is not practical or cost-effective in these countries.
Researchers at the National Institute for Nanotechnology have created the world's sharpest man-made object, a tungsten microscope tip with a diameter of just one atom. The breakthrough was achieved using a patented controlled etching method and has potential commercial applications.