Researchers identified a process by which Legionella bacteria trick host cells into generating amino acids, necessary for growth and infection. The study's findings could lead to the development of new antibiotics and vaccines.
Biologists discovered genes in roundworms that signal wound presence and trigger chemical reactions to close cuts. The study also identified a protein that inhibits wound closure, raising hopes for developing treatments.
A team of scientists from Scripps Research Institute has identified a family of chemical compounds that could lead to the development of novel drugs capable of not only alleviating symptoms but also preventing the deadly disease. The new class of compounds is highly effective against malaria parasites in both the blood and liver stages.
Researchers at Novartis have discovered a new class of dual-acting antimalarial compounds, the imidazolopiperazines (IZPs), which target both liver and blood infections. These compounds attack the Plasmodium parasite at both stages in its reproduction cycle, showing promise as a next-generation treatment for malaria.
A study found that children with sickle cell anemia are at risk for silent cerebral infarcts due to low hemoglobin levels, high systolic blood pressure, and male gender. The risk of silent strokes increases by age six, with over 25% of children suffering a stroke by then.
A recent study found that women taking combination estrogen and progestin menopausal hormone therapy are at a greater risk of developing breast cancer if they experience new onset breast tenderness. In contrast, women on estrogen alone without breast tenderness did not have an increased risk of breast cancer.
A new national plan aims to improve care for patients with delirium, a poorly understood condition that affects millions of Americans. The plan outlines four goals: improving clinical care, educating healthcare providers, investing in research, and developing a network of delirium professionals.
The installation of a giant structural steel optical assembly stand marks the transition to the integration and testing phase for NASA's James Webb Space Telescope. The telescope will observe the most distant objects in the universe, provide images of the first galaxies ever formed, and study planets around distant stars.
A new study by University of Iowa researchers pinpoints CaM kinase as the key player in cardiac rupture. Blocking this protein may help prevent cardiac rupture and reduce death risk. The study also found that activated CaM kinase prompts heart muscle cells to produce an enzyme called MMP9, implicated in heart rupture.
A new stent design has been linked to shortening and deformity in some patients, leading to serious complications. Researchers and clinicians are investigating the issue and working on new recommendations for its use.
A team of researchers determined the mass extinction event that wiped out 95% of marine life and 70% of terrestrial life occurred approximately 252.28 million years ago, lasting less than 200,000 years.
The international community's pledge to provide $100 billion annually in climate change aid is unprecedented and requires careful stewardship. UBC researchers recommend instituting an adaptive regulatory system, employing decentralized third-party auditors, and adopting scientific approaches to evaluate program effectiveness.
Researchers discovered a transporter system in bacteria that protects itself from immune attack by transporting molecules meant to destroy it away from its inner membrane target. This mechanism helps bacteria survive in the host, but also presents an opportunity for developing novel antibiotics.
Bacteria become resistant to antibiotics when starved due to the ability of outer layer cells to sense nutrients, producing a protective mechanism against toxic oxygen radicals. Disrupting this function could improve treatment for infections.
For the first time, astronomers have produced a complete description of a black hole using precise measurements. The new information reveals that the black hole is nearly 15 times more massive than our Sun and spinning over 800 times per second.
Researchers used satellite imagery to assess the conservation status of endangered species in the Comoro archipelago, finding that only 9% of the island area is still covered by natural forest. This approach allows for precise estimation of remaining habitat extent and prioritization of future protected areas.
Researchers discovered a key mechanism in the brain that controls spatial resolution, allowing for precise navigation and memory. By disabling ion channels in grid cells, they found that the brain's maps become coarser, affecting spatial memory and navigation.
A new study from Rice University and Pennsylvania State University reveals that transsexual employees who are open about their gender identity in the workplace experience greater job satisfaction and organizational commitment. The research also highlights the importance of a strong support system in fostering a positive work environment.
A recent study by University of Pittsburgh researchers found that fatigue and poor sleep quality among emergency medical services (EMS) workers are associated with higher rates of injuries, medical errors, and safety-compromising behaviors. The study suggests that improving sleep quality and reducing fatigue may be key targets for inte...
Researchers Hu et al. developed a new detonation model named the least-action detonation model (LADM) that takes into account complex movement and transport effects, differing from the classical ZND model. The LADM model predicts detonation product particles to be in a stationary state, which has been observed in experiments.
A recent study by NYU School of Medicine reveals that hydrogen sulfide (H2S) plays a crucial role in protecting bacteria from various antibiotics. By targeting bacterial gas defenses, researchers aim to develop new strategies for increasing antibiotic efficacy and combating antibiotic resistance.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University developed a computational model that explains how bacteria move in a swarm, enabling the design of intelligent robots. Bacteria's superior survival skills come from their ability to adjust interactions with peers and utilize short-term memory.
Researchers have identified a new class of compounds, known as the imidazolopiperazine (IP) cluster, that could target both liver and blood stages of malaria infection. The IP cluster, including compound GNF179, showed promise in treating malaria-infected mice, extending survival by an average of 19 days.
A recent study published in Critical Care Medicine found that patients with severe smoke inhalation injuries experienced increased inflammation and spent more time on ventilators and in intensive care. The study also found that the severity of smoke-inhalation injury may play a role in the overall pulmonary inflammatory response.
Researchers at Rice University have successfully loaded over 2 million gold nanorods into a single cancer cell, opening up new possibilities for targeted cancer treatments. The breakthrough involves using a new molecule to replace toxic CTAB with MTAB, allowing for the safe and efficient loading of nanoparticles into cells.
A European consortium, led by EUREKA, has developed global standards for 4G technology, which will enable new ecosystems for mobile systems and devices. The consortium brought together major telecommunications companies and research institutes to create faster and more reliable wireless internet connections on smartphones.
A study published in Nature found that forests are warmer than open areas north of 45 degrees latitude due to higher nighttime temperatures and sunlight absorption, but cooler south of 35 degrees latitude. Forests also have climatic benefits for maintaining or increasing forest cover in southern latitudes.
A national study found supervised exercise to be more effective than stenting or medication for improved walking ability in patients with peripheral artery disease. The CLEVER trial showed that supervised exercise improves treadmill walking performance and quality of life, while stents may have mixed benefits.
Researchers found that responders with high exposure to the dust cloud had high-risk features of atherosclerosis and impaired vascular reactivity. The study used MRI imaging to evaluate cardiovascular risk in WTC first responders.
Researchers have found a body of liquid water on Europa, similar to the North American Great Lakes, which could support life. The newly discovered lake is covered by floating ice shelves that facilitate nutrient and energy transfer between the surface and a vast ocean below.
A new study from the University of Cambridge found that amino acids, found in proteins like egg whites, stimulate orexin neurons more than other nutrients. This discovery has implications for understanding obesity and sleep disorders.
Blood disorders are a significant public health concern, affecting at least 1 million Americans, with limited understanding of their magnitude. A proposed public health framework aims to address the needs of people with rare blood disorders, including early screening, education, and access to care.
The new US Carbon Cycle Science Plan aims to expand research on the human impact of carbon cycling and climate change. It emphasizes communication and accessible research for policy makers and the public, with a focus on strengthening observation networks and developing numerical models.
Researchers at Brown University discovered that frogs' stretchy tendons are the key to their impressive jumping abilities. The study shows how the leg muscle shortens and loads energy into the tendon before releasing it to propel the frog forward, enabling them to jump much farther than expected.
A new model explains the emergence of complex insect societies by positing that workers' selfish interests drive colony formation. This hypothesis suggests that at the early stages of social evolution, workers and queens act primarily in their own self-interest, rather than altruistically helping relatives.
The Office of Naval Research (ONR) has released its latest science and technology strategic plan, emphasizing the importance of autonomous systems and speed-to-fleet in meeting future naval requirements. The plan also highlights initiatives to increase the talent pool of future naval scientists and engineers.
Researchers at University of Guelph discovered a peptide that regresses established late-stage tumours in mouse models of ovarian cancer, improving survival rates. The peptide enhances chemotherapy drug delivery, allowing for lower doses and reduced side effects.
Researchers discovered that targeting host enzymes with imatinib reduces M. tuberculosis load and enhances traditional antibiotics' effectiveness. This approach limits infection and may reduce antibiotic-resistant strains.
A newly discovered fossil of a mosasaur, with well-preserved soft tissue, is providing scientists with unique insights into the biology of an extinct marine lizard. The study found that the mosasaur was able to minimize its frictional drag in the water and relied on its tail for propulsion.
Researchers at Emory University School of Medicine have identified a garlic oil component that can deliver the benefits of hydrogen sulfide to the heart. At low concentrations, diallyl trisulfide has been shown to protect the heart from damage by reducing damaged tissue and lowering reactive oxygen species.
Michael Mann, renowned climatologist, will receive the Hans Oeschger Medal from the European Geosciences Union. The award recognizes his groundbreaking work on Earth's climate system, including the 'hockey stick' chart and advocacy for climate action.
Researchers surveyed over 5,000 people in the Fukushima region and found that almost all had safe contamination levels. The exposure gradually decreased over time, with indoor air having one-tenth the radiation dose of outdoor air.
A study found that women and young men make up a substantial portion of heart attack patients without known coronary disease. These groups are less likely to receive preventive medications, which could reduce their risk of heart attacks.
A new study finds mycophenolate mofetil superior to azathioprine as a maintenance therapy for lupus nephritis, with improved patient outcomes and reduced side effects. The study included 227 patients from 19 countries and showed that mycophenolate mofetil was more effective in treating the condition.
Researchers at Intermountain Medical Center found that patients with excess vitamin D levels had a two and a half times greater risk of developing atrial fibrillation. The study suggests that communication between patients and healthcare providers is critical to determine safe doses of vitamin supplements.
Researchers used magnetic resonance imaging data from 406 adult human twins to confirm the long-standing idea that human cortical regionalization is similar to and consistent with patterns found in other mammals. The study found genetic influences on brain development progress along an anterior-to-posterior scale, with differences base...
BGI unveils new global collaborative projects including the Million Genomes Project, Rice Genome Project, and 1% Danes' Genome Project. These initiatives will advance our understanding of species genome, agricultural productivity, and human disease. The projects aim to sequence millions of genomes to improve crop yields, develop person...
Professor Doug Hilton has received the 2011 Research Australia Leadership and Innovation Award for his pioneering work on blood formation and signalling. His efforts led to thousands of Australians attending 'Rallies for Research' in support of maintaining medical research funding, ultimately protecting public health care.
Invasive species like ship rats and non-native birds can become essential to ecosystems when native pollinators disappear. Researchers found that these 'alien' species perform similar functions as extinct native pollinators in New Zealand's North Island.
A recent study by Queen's University found that TV viewing, but not computer use, predicted higher cardio-metabolic risk in children. This suggests that limiting screen time, particularly TV viewing, may be an effective way to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in young people.
Higher quality livers come from ducks with active fat-storing cells, while lower quality livers have cells struggling with high fat levels. Analyzing liver proteins revealed a key factor in determining foie gras quality.
A study found that tripling the standard daily dosage of clopidogrel for patients with a genetic variation improving response to the medication significantly reduced platelet reactivity. Higher doses also improved platelet reactivity in those without the variant gene, guiding further clinical studies.
A new study found that false confessions are a common cause of errors in evidence, with 25% of exonerated individuals having made false confessions. The study suggests that juries and judges may be misled by false confessions, leading to miscarriages of justice.
Researchers have created a computer model that can study interactions between molecules, such as those between a drug and its target. The software, developed by Georgia Tech Professor David Sherrill's team, allows for faster analysis of larger molecules than any other program in existence.
Flu strains migrate globally, evolving along the way, contradicting the theory that they come from tropical areas. Influenza viruses in tropical regions show relatively low levels of genetic diversity and no seasonal fluctuations.
Scientists have developed new approaches to boost the effectiveness of enzymes involved in breaking down toxic pollutants such as PCBs. By modifying amino acids and updating mechanisms, researchers can create more flexible mutant enzymes that can metabolize a wider range of substrates.
According to Northwestern University researchers, over 83% of men and 72% of women will be overweight or obese in 2020. The implications of not improving cardiovascular health by 20% could lead to a reversal of declining rates of sickness and death from cardiovascular disease.
A study published in Annals of Oncology found that nearly half of male breast cancer patients on tamoxifen experience significant side effects, including weight gain and sexual dysfunction. The research highlights the need for better understanding and awareness of treatment risks and benefits.
New research reveals a significant pattern of antibiotic overuse in the southeastern United States, with higher rates than other regions. The study highlights increased use of fluoroquinolones and declining market share for penicillins, which could accelerate resistance to these powerful drugs.
A new mathematical model developed by Stanford University scientists can help guide attempts to improve blood-based tumor detection methods. The model predicts that tumors can grow for 10 years or longer before detection using current blood tests, but may allow early detection within a shorter timeframe with the right biomarker.