The study highlights plants' ability to adapt to changing environments without requiring evolutionary changes, enabling them to survive in diverse ecosystems. The researchers suggest that species from more heterogeneous environments exhibit greater plasticity, which can aid in projecting plant ranges under climate change scenarios.
A clinical trial is underway to evaluate the effectiveness of an all-natural lozenge containing green tea polyphenols and xylitol in treating dry mouth. The study aims to improve salivary gland function, reduce inflammation, and promote saliva production in patients with this condition.
A gene therapy called NLX-P101 significantly reduces movement impairment in Parkinson's patients, with half achieving dramatic symptom improvements. The treatment introduces a gene to normalize chemical signaling, correcting dysfunction in brain circuitry responsible for coordinating movement.
A new Penn study reveals that nearly 80% of women who report domestic assaults to the police seek medical care in emergency rooms, but only 28% are ever identified as victims of abuse. The study highlights the need for routine screening and referrals to social services to help protect these women.
Dr. Stephen T. Warren, a world-renowned fragile X syndrome researcher, received the 2011 Lifetime Achievement Award in Genetics from the March of Dimes. His groundbreaking work identified the genetic abnormality responsible for this disorder and led to significant contributions to clinical settings.
Researchers have made significant progress in creating efficient single-photon sources using fluorescent 'defect centers' in diamond. These structures can be used to implement provably secure quantum cryptography schemes and potentially build solid-state quantum computers. The team's innovations include the development of nanofabricati...
Researchers at UCLA's Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science have developed a way to produce normal butanol — often proposed as a
Measuring mechanical strength of cancer cell mucus layers provides clues about treating cancer. Cancer cells produce excessive mucus, forming a barrier that prevents drugs from reaching them.
The authors refine the original six hallmarks using information from transgenic animals and biochemical assays, adding two new categories: enabling characteristics and emerging hallmarks. This updated review provides a solid basis for cancer research and identifies therapeutic targets.
A recent publication in the American Journal of Reproductive Immunology highlights the need to establish guidelines for studying HIV's entry point: the female genital tract. Research attention has shifted from blood to this area, but proper sampling methods and assays are crucial for accurate results.
A new study published in the Journal of Vision uses a unique method to evaluate brain activity when recognizing faces. The technique, called steady-state visual evoked potential (SSVEP), found that the brain signal is larger when presenting different faces than when repeating the same face.
Physicists at the University of Miami developed a mathematical model to describe the timing of price changes in the Foreign Exchange market. The study reveals patterns of synchronicity among currency pairs, which increases with increased activity.
The new Space Weather App allows users to access real-time images and data on solar events, including coronal mass ejections and X-ray outbursts. Users can customize the app to display information of interest, increasing public awareness of space weather.
Researchers at Rice University have developed a new pruning technique to trim away unnecessary circuits in computer chips, resulting in faster and more energy-efficient devices. The method uses probabilistic computing to boost performance while reducing power demands.
A new outdoor testing system tracks real weather conditions and measures the impact of temperature changes on building joint sealants. This technology may help manufacturers improve the protective performance of their products, leading to reduced moisture damage and associated repairs.
A study analyzed records of political donations to find that workers are more likely to choose a workplace with a matching first three letters, not just the first letter. This suggests that implicit egotism may play a smaller role in life choices than previously thought.
A new study found that naltrexone, a medication for alcohol dependence, is more effective in women and those with a specific genetic variation. This discovery could lead to personalized medicine and improved treatment outcomes for patients.
The Aqua satellite provided near-infrared/visible, infrared, and microwave light views of Ireland on March 3, 2011, capturing mostly clear skies with temperatures near normal for the time of year. The images revealed a cold front approaching from the west and showed navigable rivers extending inland.
Scientists and regulators are working together to approve new biosensors that monitor disease markers and alert patients to potential health problems. The development of these biosensors has the potential to revolutionize healthcare by detecting diseases at an early stage.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have developed a tool that uses light to move and interact with individual molecules in living cells. This allows for greater control over cellular processes, enabling scientists to study the role of specific proteins and their interactions in cell behavior.
Scientists have found that quartz plays a crucial role in initiating the viscous cycle of plate tectonics, which drives the formation of mountains and earthquakes. The research uses seismic data to measure the effects of temperature, water, and quartz on rock flow properties.
Researchers identify SMER28 molecule that increases autophagy to clear amyloid-beta protein aggregates. Increasing autophagy may improve treatment outcomes for neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
Researchers at NIST and Virginia Tech developed a new reference material for volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which showed more accurate measurement results than previous methods. The tool aims to reduce inter-laboratory variability in VOC emissions testing, leading to improved indoor air quality and occupant health.
Researchers at University of Cincinnati have found that sirolimus stabilizes lung function in women with lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM), a progressive and cystic lung disease. The Multicenter International LAM Efficacy of Sirolimus trial showed improved measures of functional performance, quality of life, and reduced VEGF-D levels.
The study found that dissolvable tobacco products contain mainly nicotine, which is linked to oral cancers and gum disease. The products also include flavoring ingredients, sweeteners, and binders that can increase the risk of tooth decay and liver damage.
Researchers tested first-generation x-ray equipment from 1896 and found significantly higher radiation doses and longer exposure times compared to modern systems. The setup produced surprisingly good images despite image blurring, highlighting the significant health risks faced by early x-ray pioneers.
A randomized trial of 208 Group Health patients found that online care management significantly reduced symptoms of depression and improved medication adherence. The study suggests that online messaging can be a convenient and affordable alternative to traditional phone calls for follow-up care.
Recent studies examine the safety of airport security scanners, with experts weighing in on the risks and benefits of using backscatter X-rays. Dr. David Brenner and Dr. David Schauer argue that while individual risks are low, a large number of people being exposed could lead to increased cancer risk over time.
Researchers at Scripps Institution of Oceanography found evidence of ancient 'hyperthermals' - sudden global warming events that occurred tens of thousands of years ago, with impacts on marine life and ocean circulation.
Researchers found that MeSeCys killed more lung cancer cells than SeMet, which may explain conflicting results on selenium's health benefits. The study could provide insight into the chemopreventive properties of different selenium forms.
A team of paleontologists used a living brachiopod species to understand how ancient brachiopods fed. They found that the modern animals generated relatively weak and strong feeding currents when opening and closing their shells.
A new study has identified the reason behind the variability in gene transfer among bacteria, revealing that genes involved in core cellular functions are less likely to be acquired. The study found that well-connected genes, which interact with many partners, are less likely to be transferred into a new host.
Researchers found that natural variations in several genes affect how quickly worms leave a lawn of bacteria. The tyra-3 gene is involved, producing a receptor activated by adrenaline-like hormones derived from the amino acid tyrosine.
A double-blind trial demonstrated a 23% improvement in motor symptoms among patients receiving gene therapy for advanced Parkinson's disease, compared to a 12% improvement in those receiving sham surgery. The study suggests a potential breakthrough in treating this progressive movement disorder.
Children and adolescents with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are less fit than their peers, with aerobic fitness levels 25% lower and muscle function 10% lower. The study suggests that active living can help reduce the risk of future health problems in IBD patients.
Professor Sylvain Martel's team at Polytechnique Montréal successfully guided microcarriers loaded with an anti-cancer drug to a targeted area in the liver, where it was administered. This breakthrough improves chemoembolization treatment for liver cancer by precisely targeting cancerous cells without harming surrounding tissue.
A Purdue University scientist has developed a nanopolymer that can detect the effectiveness of cancer drugs against biochemical processes leading to cancer cell formation. This innovation could replace radioisotopes and antibodies in screening kinase inhibitors, making it a universal method for pharmaceuticals.
A double-blind gene therapy trial has demonstrated safety and significant improvement in motor function for patients with Parkinson's disease. The study found that injecting the glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) gene directly into the brain improved motor scores by 23.1% compared to a placebo group.
Researchers developed a new 3D printing method that enables the creation of electrically small antennas with improved performance metrics. The technique uses metallic nanoparticle inks and can be applied to various surfaces, including hemispherical substrates.
Researchers used laser light to force cancer cells to take in chemotherapy drugs and fluorescent dyes, creating a potential delivery system. The technique also allowed them to target anti-Alzheimer's medicines to the brain non-invasively.
A new study found that gene therapy NLX-P101 improved motor performance and control of Parkinsonism symptoms in half of patients, offering hope for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders. The therapy has been safe and well-tolerated over a six-month period.
Researchers are examining a cropping system using molasses to stimulate microbial activity, which could replace the fumigant methyl bromide. The study also explores recently developed fumigants dimethyl disulfide and methyl iodide.
A single gene defect in the BRAF gene has been linked to pilocytic astrocytoma, a common brain tumor in children. Treatment with kinase inhibitors has shown promise in slowing down growth, paving the way for further research into targeted therapies.
An updated systematic review finds that artesunate is more effective at preventing death from severe malaria compared to quinine. The new evidence shows a significant reduction in mortality rates among both adults and children treated with artesunate.
A study of over 5 million Medicare beneficiaries found that hospital regions with a higher frequency of diagnoses have a lower case-fatality rate for chronic conditions. The analysis suggested that increased diagnosis frequency leads to better patient outcomes.
Researchers at NYU have created a new method for generating extended and knotted optical traps in three dimensions using computer-generated holograms. This breakthrough could lead to advancements in fusion energy and medical diagnostics, enabling the manipulation of small objects in complex 3D environments.
A new study suggests that parental monitoring of an opposite-gender child may decrease problem drinking in young adults. The level of monitoring is linked to parenting style, with authoritative parents doing a better job of monitoring their children. This indirect buffering effect can reduce impulsiveness and alcohol-related problems.
New research reveals no link between economic growth and child undernutrition rates in India, highlighting the need for targeted health interventions. Experts emphasize that poor health is linked to inequality, requiring inclusive growth strategies to address social determinants of health.
Research finds that immigrant children are more likely to live in households headed by two married parents, receiving economic and social benefits. This intact family structure helps them adapt to their new country, improving their chances of success.
A study on nonsurgical hepatic decompression in Budd-Chiari syndrome shows satisfactory outcomes with low morbidity and mortality rates. The research suggests strict adherence to anticoagulation and early management of shunt dysfunction are crucial for clinical, laboratory, and radiological improvement.
A research team led by Professor Kam-bo Wong engineered thermophilic enzymes to increase their activity at high temperatures without compromising stability. The findings provide insights into the design of biotechnologically important enzymes.
Sub-Tropical Storm Arani formed in the South Atlantic, strengthening from a low-pressure area with strong convection and thunderstorms. The storm was characterized by cold temperatures and heavy rainfall off-shore, moving away from Brazil's coast over the next couple of days.
The 20th anniversary of the first laparoscopic nephrectomy celebrates a groundbreaking achievement in surgical technique. Dr. Ralph Clayman's pioneering work paved the way for modern endourology and minimally invasive procedures, revolutionizing urologic surgery.
Researchers found that golf courses in the Canary Islands receive 83% more water than needed, reducing soil fertility and increasing risk of contaminating the aquifer. The study calls for adjusting watering amounts to plant needs and using internationally-accepted evapotranspiration equations.
Researchers have created a carbon cloak made of graphene that protects bacterial cells from shrinking under electron microscopes, allowing for high-resolution imaging. The graphene cloak uses the material's impermeability and strength to retain water in the cells, enabling scientists to observe them at their natural size.
Research on Prozac reveals it can reorganize brain plasticity by altering neuronal cell activity and connections in the hippocampus. This changes may contribute to anxiety symptoms experienced by some patients.
Research reveals northern peatlands do not fully account for the initial 10,000-year-old methane increase, with tropical wetlands instead being a likely driver. Northern peatlands still play a crucial carbon-capture role but also emit significant amounts of methane.
Researchers analyzed 47 studies involving over 327,000 patients with chronic kidney disease and found no significant association between serum phosphorus, parathyroid hormone, or calcium levels and the risk of death or cardiovascular events. The study suggests that current clinical guidelines for mineral metabolism in patients with kid...
The Behavior Breakthroughs app uses game-based technology to teach ABA skills and techniques for managing behavior. Developed by Southwest Research Institute, it provides a practical guide for parents and caregivers based on sound science and expert advice.
A recent study found that China's nursing home industry is experiencing rapid growth, driven by the country's aging population. However, the industry lacks adequate government oversight and regulation, leading to concerns about substandard care and poor staffing levels.