Researchers have discovered a potential new therapy for Alzheimer's disease, with the cysteine protease inhibitor E64d improving memory deficits and reducing β-amyloid build-up. The study suggests that increasing Cathepsin B activity is not detrimental to memory function, contrary to previous assumptions.
Scientists have described a chemical interaction vital to blood clotting in atomic detail, resolving a decades-long mystery. The interaction between a clotting factor and cell membrane was first observed using nanodiscs and advanced modeling techniques.
A study found that a specific gene change can predict which brain cancer patients respond well to treatment, allowing for personalized therapy. The gene MGMT methylation status was associated with improved overall and progression-free survival in patients treated with radiation and chemotherapy.
A study by Marlene Behrmann and colleagues identifies a network of cortical areas working together to identify faces, changing the future of neural visual perception research. The discovery allows scientists to develop targeted remedies for disorders such as face blindness.
Researchers discovered that natural killer cells contribute to dry eye disease development by inducing inflammatory responses in ocular surface and lymph nodes. This breakthrough offers hope for new treatments targeting the cellular cause of the disease, improving quality of life for millions affected.
Three Virginia Tech researchers, T.M. Murali, Padma Rajagopalan, and Rich Helm, are developing innovative solutions to study inter-cellular signaling in complex environments. They aim to provide a comprehensive picture of how cells communicate to maintain their phenotypes and optimize functions.
A team of Scripps Research scientists found a key biological mechanism underpinning the transition to alcohol dependence. They discovered that neuropeptide Y, a naturally occurring anti-stress agent, plays a crucial role in mediating the transition to alcohol dependence by modulating GABA release in the amygdala.
Georgia Health Sciences University surgeons developed a robotic facelift incision technique for removing diseased thyroid tissue, reducing the risk of neck scars and other complications. The procedure is considered safe for some patients, particularly those with larger thyroids or known cancers.
A new IOF position paper advocates for coordinator-based systems to optimize outcome in fragility fracture patients, improving diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis. This approach has been shown to reduce the risk of fractures and save money in healthcare systems.
Researchers discovered that seeds from cones on the forest floor of lodgepole pines can provide a viable seed bank after mountain pine beetle outbreaks, with high germination capacity. However, germination capacity decreases over time, highlighting the need for fire to trigger regeneration.
A new study by St. Michael's Hospital reveals that female prisoners who did not participate in a drug treatment program after their release were 10 times more likely to return to prison within one year. The study highlights the importance of post-release treatment programs for prisoners with substance abuse problems.
A study of heart and lung transplant recipients found that nighttime organ transplant surgery was not significantly linked to poorer survival rates up to one year after transplantation. The researchers also noted a higher rate of airway dehiscence associated with nighttime transplants, but similar hospital length of stay.
A new study published in the FASEB Journal reveals how moderate selenium and vitamin K deficiency can lead to age-related diseases. Researchers found that damaging effects accumulate over time due to vitamin and mineral loss, highlighting the need for public health initiatives to address modest deficiencies.
A research group has discovered a genetic mechanism that controls the development of wood cells in plant roots, allowing for potential engineering of more wood-producing plants. The study, published in Current Biology, sheds light on the formation of water-transporting tissues and their role in plant colonization of land.
Researchers found nearly indistinguishable mitochondrial genomes between two species, suggesting possible interbreeding. The study's lead author believes the individual could be a hybrid of both species, challenging traditional views on North American mammoth evolution.
Researchers have expanded on existing knowledge of Alzheimer's disease by identifying a novel location within the MS4A gene cluster associated with the condition. The study suggests that the immune system plays a key role in its progression, with several genes implicated in allergies and autoimmune diseases.
A new study shows that when students write for Wikipedia, they become more diligent in their research and fact-checking. The study found that this is due to the perceived transferability of these skills to other areas of life.
A recent study published in Neurology found that stress does not increase the risk of developing multiple sclerosis. Researchers studied two groups of nurses and found no significant link between severe stress at home or during childhood and adolescence and the development of MS.
Researchers found a 95% chance of an unaffected child when mutant mtDNA levels are below 18%, enabling PGD as a viable option. This discovery gives genetic counselling and the chance to have a healthy baby to women at risk, affecting 146,000 European families.
Scientists have launched a major push against Striga, a parasitic weed causing up to $1.2 billion in damage to maize and cowpea crops in sub-Saharan Africa. The project aims to introduce proven technologies for fighting the weed, resulting in 50% higher yields for farmers.
A phase 3 trial of a novel gene therapy failed to reduce amputations or deaths in patients with critical limb ischemia. The study highlights the need for effective treatments for this condition, which affects millions worldwide and results in significant healthcare costs.
Researchers mapped hereditary factors for venous thromboembolism in the Swedish population, finding higher risks in children of parents with VTE. Hereditary factors are significant at younger ages and occur equally in men and women, making a parental history an important risk factor to include in medical histories.
In flowering plants, maternal gene activity dominates early embryogenesis, silencing paternal genes. This finding may be crucial for maintaining species boundaries and could aid in developing novel crop varieties.
Scientists have solved the structure of a key malaria parasite protein that controls cell movement, overturning decades-long understanding. The discovery could lead to novel anti-malarial treatments and cancer therapies targeting actin proteins.
Researchers at Brown University found a significant link between climate change and the Norse settlements' disappearance in Greenland. The Little Ice Age, which began in the 1400s, is believed to have played a major role in their demise.
New research suggests that same-sex classrooms can have a positive impact on girls' academic performance. However, the study also highlights the challenges and limitations of such arrangements. The study's findings challenge traditional views on single-sex education and provide new insights into its effectiveness.
Researchers found that woolly mammoths interbred with the Columbian mammoth, a species 25% larger, due to climate change and geographic overlap. The study provides new insights into the evolutionary history of these ancient creatures.
A new study led by St. Michael's Hospital found that private weight-loss surgery clinics in Canada offer significantly shorter wait times than the public system, with median wait times of only one month compared to 21 months in the public health-care system. However, the quality of patient care may be suffering due to a lack of critica...
Researchers developed a new test that identifies specific tumour types in ovarian cancer patients, enabling doctors to personalize treatment programmes. The test may improve survival rates by identifying aggressive forms of cancer that respond well to targeted drug treatments.
A recent study by Rachel Kalf found that DTC genetic tests have moderate predictive ability but often assign increased risk to individuals without substantially higher disease rates. The researchers concluded that these tests are inaccurate and do not provide significant benefits to individuals.
Researchers at Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics discovered a genetic cause of progressive hearing impairment: mutations in the SMPX gene. The disease affects both males and females, although women are usually less severely affected.
A case report reveals NDM-1 enzyme was acquired by a Canadian resident without travel history, highlighting local transmission risk. Enhanced precautions, including isolation and screening procedures, are necessary to contain the outbreak.
Researchers have identified a small noncoding RNA that promotes the production of an alternative splice variant of KCNIP4, leading to neurodegeneration and potential disruption in beta-amyloid processing. Elevated levels of this RNA were found in brain cells from Alzheimer's disease patients.
E-waste has been linked to adverse effects on human health, including inflammation and oxidative stress, which can lead to cardiovascular disease and cancer. Researchers found significant increases in inflammatory response and oxidative stress markers in lung epithelial cells exposed to e-waste air samples.
A recent Korean survey found that most cancer patients, family members, oncologists, and the general public are receptive to ending futile life-sustaining treatments for terminally ill patients. This positive attitude towards withdrawing such treatments is attributed to patient autonomy and hastening the dying process.
A study by Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry found that acupuncture significantly improved the overall health status of patients with unexplained symptoms. The treatment also led to reduced medication use and improved wellbeing, without affecting GP visits or clinical outcomes. Patients reported positive experiences with the ...
Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital discovered a previously unknown biological pathway explaining why influenza induces asthma attacks. Activation of natural helper cells presents a new set of drug targets for asthma.
Researchers discovered a novel molecular pathway used by myeloid cells to regulate blood vessel patterning in the developing retina. The pathway, involving the Wnt protein signaling network, has potential as a therapeutic option for fighting retinal diseases and cancers.
A new online tool, Mouse Phylogeny Viewer, allows researchers to select from 162 strains of laboratory mice for which the entire genome has been characterized. This tool enables scientists to design better experiments by selecting strains with greater genetic diversity, ultimately improving the translation of results to humans.
Researchers at McMaster University have discovered a new drug target that may prevent the onset of Huntington's disease by restoring a critical chemical change in the huntingtin protein. The kinase inhibitor drugs work similarly to those used for heart diseases, and could potentially delay symptom onset.
Scientists have developed a novel technique to image the distribution of carbon and oxygen in samples with complex chemistry. The new method allows for the detection of tiny inclusions of water or diamond inside martian rock samples, providing insights into the molecular level structure of various materials.
Researchers have created a genome-wide map of most inbred mouse strains, finding that they represent only limited genetic diversity. The team hopes to expand this diversity by adding wild mouse populations, which could lead to more effective translation of experimental results to humans.
Researchers at the European Centre for the Environment and Human Health found that virtual environments can promote improved human health and wellbeing. The development of accurate simulations has been shown to be beneficial for individuals with infirmity or other limitations, but not a substitute for real-world nature interaction.
New research reveals ocean acidification will reduce coral reef ecosystem diversity, leading to severe impacts on coral reefs globally. The study shows reduced biodiversity, recruitment, and development of reef ecosystems under acidic conditions.
Researchers have made significant breakthroughs in detecting diabetes and cardiovascular disease through advanced lipid genetics. Dr. Joanne Curran discovered that dihydroceramide (dhCer) is a reliable early indicator of diabetes risk, while Dr. Sara Willems found a link between genetic variants and atherosclerosis.
A pan-Canadian clinical trial led by UBC researchers aims to revolutionize oral cancer surgery with a new fluorescence visualization technique, potentially reducing recurrence rates and improving patient outcomes.
The EUREKA project has developed a new worldwide used standard called CoaXPress, which enables faster data processing and improves the viewing experience for 3D TV broadcasting. The technology adds depth information to existing 2D HDTV images, reducing transmission bandwidth and providing more flexibility for image display.
A team of scientists has created a curved cross-section of the North American continent, extending from the Cascadia subduction zone to the Atlantic margin. The cross-section reveals scars of ancient continental collisions and eons of oceanic subduction, indicating processes that have shaped the continent for over three billion years.
A NASA infrared satellite captured a powerful storm system over northwestern Georgia, revealing very strong thunderstorms with icy cold cloud tops. The Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) instrument measured cloud top temperatures as cold as -63 Fahrenheit/-52 Celsius, indicating the potential for intense rainfall and damage.
A study by Columbia Business School found that people's beliefs on global warming are influenced by daily temperature, with warmer days leading to increased concern. The researchers surveyed over 1,200 people and found that perceptions of temperature correlated with reality three-quarters of the time.
A new intervention using cognitive activities is being tested to help patients with delirium superimposed on dementia. The study, funded by the National Institutes of Health, aims to improve physical function and resolution of delirium.
Researchers found that metyrapone, a stress hormone-reducing drug, impaired memory recall for negative events in men, but not neutral ones. The study offers hope for future clinical treatments of post-traumatic stress disorder by allowing people to 'write-over' traumatic memories during therapy.
Researchers discover a material that can transform from nonmagnetic to magnetic at room temperature, enabling the creation of chameleon magnets. These materials have the potential to revolutionize computing by providing tunable and reprogrammable transistors.
A study of 98,454 patients found that RA patients were approximately 20% less likely to receive standard MI treatments after a heart attack. This trend remained relatively unchanged over time, highlighting potential undertreatment of cardiovascular disease in these patients.
Scientists have found that 'ultrabad' LDL, a form of cholesterol found in people with type 2 diabetes and the elderly, is stickier than normal LDL, making it more likely to attach to artery walls and form dangerous fatty plaques. This discovery could lead to new treatments to prevent heart disease.
A recent study found that 91% of clinical trials with financial conflicts of interest reported positive outcomes, compared to 66.7% without FCOIs. Authors receiving consulting fees from industry had the strongest correlation with positive trial results.
A study found that older smokers and men are more likely to successfully quit than younger and female smokers, despite women attending more smoking cessation services. Pregnant women and disadvantaged groups face unique challenges in quitting, highlighting the need for tailored interventions.
A new study published in Psychological Science suggests that specific personality traits contribute to being a good judge of attractiveness. Men who are more promiscuous tend to accurately predict a woman's interest, while women who are agreeable make men feel comfortable and increase the likelihood of a repeat encounter.
The ASU research group is studying the FoF1 molecular motor using a gold nanorod attached to the c-ring, which allows them to measure the rotary motion of the c-ring. They have found that the rotation is periodically interrupted, similar to a ratchet mechanism, and are exploring its potential for use in synthetic molecular motors.
A $1.3 million grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation will support a project led by University of Maryland researcher Vivian Hoffmann to shed light on women's menstrual practices, needs, and product demands in developing countries.