Researchers discovered that early mammals developed larger-than-expected brains to enhance their sense of smell. The study used CT technology to reconstruct the brains of two ancient species and found that they had more developed olfactory centers than expected.
A study published in Science Express reveals that RNA sequences in human cells diverge from DNA sequences, generating proteins with different sequences. The findings suggest unknown cellular processes are acting on RNA to create genetic diversity, which may contribute to differences in disease susceptibility.
New research in the FASEB Journal suggests that flawed antibody production could compromise resistance to infections during long-term missions. Scientists found that antibodies produced in space are less effective than those produced on Earth, posing a serious risk for astronauts.
A U-M study found that a curcumin-based compound, FLLL32, can improve the effectiveness of head and neck cancer treatment by sensitizing resistant cells to chemotherapy. The compound decreases activation levels of STAT3, making tumor cells more susceptible to cisplatin.
Researchers at Duke University found that strobe-like eyewear can improve visual abilities, particularly in detecting brief stimuli and small changes in motion. The study involved nearly 500 participants who trained with either strobe or control eyewear, showing some improvements in noticing brief stimuli after training.
Researchers at the Salk Institute will investigate the connection between genetics and social behavior using Williams syndrome as a model. They hope to gain insight into other neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism.
A study published in Social Psychological and Personality Science found that people who break social rules are perceived as having more power and being more in control. The researchers suggest that this is because breaking rules makes others think you're powerful, rather than corrupting behavior itself.
A team of paleontologists discovered that early mammals, including Morganucodon and Hadrocodium, had larger brains than expected for their time. The researchers found that the olfactory part of the brain and the area linked to tactile sensation through fur were enlarged in these early mammals.
Research suggests that cell phone use can lead to increased testosterone levels but decreased fertility due to altered hormone balances.
A $2-million grant brings together health researchers from across Canada to investigate patient safety in spinal-manipulative therapy. The team aims to develop instruments for practitioners and patients to record and report adverse events, as well as explore the legal obligations of healthcare providers.
Researchers discovered that Viagra reduces multiple sclerosis symptoms by reducing inflammation and facilitating myelin repair. A daily treatment resulted in a 50% practically complete recovery rate in animal models with the disease.
Researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University have found that dietary inorganic nitrate can stabilize mitochondria and protect against free-radical damage in the heart. The study suggests that nitrate supplementation may reduce the risk of heart damage in patients undergoing chemotherapy with doxorubicin.
The Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act (CHIPRA) has identified a core set of recommended healthcare quality measures for children, with the goal of improving the nation's child health care system. The measures focus on key areas such as duration of coverage, availability of services, and patient experiences.
Researchers found that cattle fed with wet distiller's grains (WDGS) had higher levels of E. coli O157:H7 in manure and on their hides compared to those without WDGS. The study aims to determine the causes of this difference and find ways to reduce E. coli levels.
Researchers found that extracts from six Indian wild plants effectively killed bacteria and fungi, including E. coli, S. aureus, and Candida. These natural remedies offer hope against resistant species, particularly Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
A study found that thinking about one's own death increases concern for society, motivating people to donate blood. Participants who thought about their mortality were more likely to take a pamphlet, regardless of the article they read, suggesting a personal connection with death can enhance altruistic behavior.
Scientists uncover a highly conserved dual mechanism that regulates both brain development and function across diverse species. The discovery could lead to biomarkers for neurological diseases and potentially cure them with microRNA therapeutics.
A new report by the Commonwealth Fund recommends modifications to current policies to minimize gaps in health insurance coverage and administrative burdens when people's lives change, particularly during job transitions or income fluctuations. The report aims to ensure that individuals can easily sign up for and keep their coverage, re...
Researchers at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center have discovered a new drug target for squamous cell carcinoma, the second most common form of skin cancer. The protein alpha-catenin acts as a tumor suppressor and regulates cell proliferation by controlling Yap1 activity in cancer cells.
Patients with mismatch repair defects have lower tumor recurrence rates, longer remissions, and improved overall and disease-free survival compared to those without the defects. The study suggests that these defects are associated with a reduced response to 5-FU therapy, particularly in patients with inherited defects.
Ray Johnston, a former NBA player, has survived acute promyelocytic leukemia thanks to experimental drug tamibarotene, which induced cancer cells to differentiate into mature cells. The rare form of leukemia is typically curable with current therapies but becomes more resistant and harder to treat upon relapse.
Researchers at UW-Madison discovered that liquid crystal droplets change ordering in response to low concentrations of endotoxin, a bacterial lipid. This defect-driven phenomenon offers a highly sensitive detection method for bacterial contamination.
The American Cancer Society's new report highlights successes and gaps in cancer prevention efforts, including stalled declines in smoking rates and underutilized cancer screening tests. Improving these numbers will require coordinated efforts to address social, economic, and legislative factors influencing individual health behaviors.
Pitt researchers created a mouse model of major depressive disorder (MDD) using a rare genetic mutation. The model exhibits alterations in brain anatomy, gene expression, behavior, and increased infant mortality, supporting the role of the genetic variant in MDD development.
A human genetic variant associated with a 30% reduced risk of developing severe malaria has been identified. The FAS locus variant can prevent excessive immune responses in infected children, reducing the severity of the disease.
Kakani Katija, a postdoctoral scholar at WHOI, has been recognized as one of National Geographic's Emerging Explorers for her innovative research on biogenic ocean mixing. Her work focuses on the power sources that propel ocean currents, suggesting that swimming animals could play a significant role in shaping global climate.
A study published in the journal Brain found that electrical disturbances in the brain, known as cortical spreading depolarizations, are associated with poor recovery and long-lasting outcomes after neurotrauma. These disturbances can be invisible on routine EEG exams but represent extreme changes in voltage.
The study suggests that an enhanced sense of smell was a key driver of brain evolution in mammals. Early Jurassic Period fossils reveal three stages of brain development, from improved olfaction to increased tactile sensitivity and neuromuscular coordination. These findings provide new insights into the evolution of mammalian brains.
Scientists at Berkeley Lab derived atomic-scale resolution structures of the ribosome, a protein-making machine. The high-resolution structures reveal molecular-scale compression springs and torsion springs made of RNA, keeping the subunits tethered together during large-scale motions.
Researchers from the University of Miami developed assessment measures to evaluate the fidelity of teaching models for autistic preschool children. The findings suggest that these tools can accurately discriminate between diverse teaching approaches and provide an evaluation method for intervention programs.
Patrick Hesp will conduct a detailed drilling and dating program on two coastal barriers in southern Brazil for three months. This research aims to provide a record of climate and coastal change over the past 7,000 years.
The study reveals the spatial compactness of the event, with a 250-kilometer-long fault experiencing significant slip, and high- and low-frequency seismic waves coming from different areas of the fault. This information will help scientists improve infrastructure and prevent loss of life through better application of seismological data.
Researchers tracked a massive storm in Saturn's northern hemisphere, which rapidly expanded into a giant thunderstorm. The storm produced dark vortices and disrupted the atmosphere, transporting energy and material over great distances.
The destruction of live smallpox samples is crucial for further research, as the last naturally occurring case occurred in 1977. New vaccines have been developed, but full development is essential for global security and public health.
Researchers identified a unique protein modification induced by fumarate hydratase deficiency in a rare type of cancer. This 'biological fingerprint' can be used as a biomarker to identify tumors caused by this mechanism, leading to early diagnosis and potential targeted treatments.
A team of scientists has achieved a significant breakthrough in treating paralysis, allowing a paralyzed man to stand and take steps with assistance. The study uses epidural electrical stimulation to mimic brain signals, enabling the spinal cord's neural network to initiate movement.
A study by UCSB researchers found that over 99% of produce grown in Santa Barbara County is exported, while 95% of consumed produce is imported from abroad. Localization of the food system may not lead to better nutrition or decreased environmental impact as expected.
Monitoring healthcare worker adherence to mandatory hand-washing protocols is crucial in preventing outbreaks of the opportunistic C. diff bacteria. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend vigorous washing with soap for 15 seconds before leaving a patient's room.
Children with psychopathic tendencies don't respond quickly to fearful faces, suggesting a deeper issue with processing threats. This suggests that addressing callous unemotionality may be more effective than teaching attention to fearful faces.
The University of Colorado has received a $1.88 million grant to establish an 8-year curriculum track for primary care physicians, aiming to address healthcare gaps in rural and under-resourced communities. The program will recruit 10 high school students annually from diverse Colorado communities to pursue the BA/BS-MD program.
A volunteer-based survey of diamondback terrapins is being conducted in Virginia to monitor their population and habitat. The study aims to improve conservation efforts for the species, which faces threats from habitat loss, nest predation, and drowning in crab pots.
Researchers found that naltrexone significantly reduced inflammation in Crohn's disease patients, with 88% experiencing at least a 70-point decline in symptoms after 12 weeks of treatment. The study suggests that interfering with the opioid system may lead to the reversal of inflammation.
Scientists discovered an epigenetic marker system to predict the fate of progenitor cells, which can be used to guide stem-cell differentiation. This finding may lead to new approaches in regenerative medicine therapies, such as generating liver and pancreas cells for transplantation.
A study from Concordia University, AMI-Québec and the University of British Columbia found that family caregivers can experience high levels of stress and self-blame unless they refocus their priorities and lighten their load. Caregivers who adjust their goals and use effective coping strategies tend to fare better.
Researchers discovered a 40-meter trench containing iron oxide extracted by the Huentelauquen people 12,000 years ago. The site indicates complex cultural practices and transmission of knowledge through generations.
The NTU School of Art, Design & Media building has received the Green Mark Platinum Award for its significant energy and water savings. The building features various eco-friendly features such as high-efficient lights, retrofitted air-conditioning systems, and rainwater collection with sensors.
A 440-year-old document reveals that the Andean population in Peru bounced back briefly after initial Spanish invasion but declined due to repeated disasters, rigid administration and epidemic disease. The census data challenges long-held assumptions about indigenous population decline in the Americas.
Researchers at the University of Louisville have achieved significant breakthroughs in treating paraplegia through epidural spinal cord stimulation and extensive locomotor training. The study's results, published in The Lancet, show that a paralyzed man can stand, step, and move his legs voluntarily with assistance.
A team of researchers at Brown University and India Institute of Technology Kanpur created a scaffold-looking structure consisting of carbon nanofibers that regenerated natural heart tissue cells and neurons. The approach, if successful, would help millions of people suffering from heart attacks.
Researchers found Wolbachia bacteria can significantly reduce Plasmodium falciparum levels in Anopheles gambiae mosquitoes. The bacteria also killed mosquitoes after feeding on blood, potentially providing a strategy to control malaria.
Researchers at Penn State University have developed a laboratory procedure that allows scientists to assemble and study the structure of entire chromosomes. The process reveals the construction of chromatin, a super-compressed marvel of molecular packaging that contains all an organism's DNA and associated proteins.
Research shows that African Americans with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have a higher antibody response to the influenza vaccine compared to European American patients. Treatment with prednisone and history of hemolytic anemia are linked to low antibody responses in SLE patients.
A clinical trial found that Metagenics' UltraMeal PLUS 360° is effective in lowering cardiovascular risk factors and resolving metabolic syndrome. The study showed a 40% increase in resolving metabolic syndrome compared to a Mediterranean-style diet alone.
Research shows that eating triggers anxiety in individuals with anorexia nervosa, rather than the expected feeling of pleasure. The study uses brain imaging technology to demonstrate a paradoxical response to food in people with the disorder, highlighting the need for effective treatment strategies.
A team of researchers from the University of Manchester has made a breakthrough in developing an injectable gel to permanently replace the workings of the intervertebral disc, which is estimated to affect 80% of people at some point in their lives.
Researchers at Salk Institute successfully edit a diseased gene in patient-specific induced pluripotent stem cells and adult stem cells using a virus-based approach. The method provides an efficient and safe tool for cell engineering, opening the way for gene editing-based stem cell therapies suitable for clinical applications.
Research suggests that eating a protein-rich breakfast increases satiety and reduces hunger throughout the day. The study found that higher protein meals led to greater changes in appetite and satiety compared to normal protein meals.
A new study found that exercise improves mood and reduces cigarette cravings in women smokers, but the effects are short-lived lasting several hours to days. Researchers plan to conduct larger trials to determine how frequently exercise must be done to sustain its anti-craving benefits.
A study published in EMBO Molecular Medicine suggests a novel therapy for mitochondrial diseases in children, using the oral drug probucol. The research reveals that probucol prevents and reverses kidney disease in mice with a genetic deficiency, raising levels of coenzyme Q10 and correcting signaling abnormalities.
Researchers found that bitter cumin seeds are a rich source of phenolic antioxidants, which can mop up free radicals and reduce oxidative stress. This antioxidant activity is correlated with the total phenol content of the seeds, suggesting that multiple phenolic compounds may be responsible for its effects.
A team of researchers analyzed new conodont fossils and developed a 3D model of their feeding mechanism, revealing that these ancient vertebrates used teeth on upper lips and tongue to grasp food. The findings confirm the primitive nature of conodonts and suggest a common ancestor with lampreys.
A team of researchers from Caltech and UCLA used an electrode array to stimulate a paralyzed man's spinal cord, allowing him to stand, step, and regain voluntary leg movements. The treatment improved autonomic functions such as bladder control, temperature regulation, and muscle tone over time.