Research suggests earlier male circumcision can reduce HIV and HPV transmission rates in South Africa. The study found that high prevalence of HPV among HIV-infected men and their female partners limits the effectiveness of male circumcision as a prevention method.
A US Department of Agriculture scientist has developed a partnership with South African colleagues to improve cattle breeding, benefiting breeders worldwide. The research focuses on the Nguni breed, which is popular among poor farmers due to its fertility and tolerance to harsh conditions.
The Biophysical Society recognizes Edward Egelman for his leadership in Biophysical Journal and service to the Society, while Kenneth Dill and Sarina Bromberg receive the Emily M. Gray Award for their landmark textbook on molecular biophysics.
A study has identified a gene, Tomosyn-2, that confers diabetes susceptibility in obese mice by regulating insulin secretion. The protein acts as a brake on insulin release from the pancreas, and its destabilization allows for sufficient insulin production to prevent diabetes.
A $5 million grant will support the development of high-energy density lithium-sulfur batteries that can provide 600 watt-hours per liter. The goal is to create safe, reliable, and economical long-lasting advanced cells with nonflammable electrolytes for improved cell cycling life.
A 22-year retrospective analysis of brain dead organ donors in the Netherlands found that discussing donation with relatives earlier may negatively impact consent rates. The introduction of the Donor Register in 1998 increased patient-consent rates seven-fold, from 5.7% to 41%.
Researchers at Brown University created the highest-resolution picture of the bottom of the lithosphere in southern California, measuring the boundary between the lithosphere and asthenosphere. The study found dramatic changes in lithosphere thickness, revealing new insights into how rifting shaped the region.
A Rutgers-affiliated company has received a $207,000 grant from the National Institutes of Health to develop a technology that analyzes tissue from breast cancer biopsies to predict how aggressive the disease is likely to be. This technology could help physicians and patients plan effective therapies with minimal side effects.
A recent study found that drugs promoting nitric oxide production may improve recovery in critically ill patients with low oxygen levels. NO is produced by virtually every cell and serves important functions including blood pressure regulation, learning, and memory formation.
University of North Carolina cardiologist Cam Patterson received the 2012 Judah Folkman Award in Vascular Biology. His groundbreaking work on angiogenesis and VEGF cell receptor signaling has led to basic research findings being translated into clinical trials for new cardiovascular therapies.
Foals weaned in the presence of other mares show reduced stress levels and adapt faster to life without their mothers. Weaning methods can significantly impact stress hormone levels in foals, with gradual separation showing less stress than abrupt removal.
Researchers found Sox2 expression in various adult tissues, including stomach, testes, and cervix, confirming its status as a widespread marker of adult stem cells. These cells can give rise to all mature cell types in their respective tissues.
Researchers used the $20 million VERITAS telescope to discover pulsed gamma rays exceeding energies of 100 billion electron volts, a surprise given previous detection limits were at 25 billion eV. The findings indicate a need for new ideas about pulsars and their gamma-ray production.
Epidemiological maps suggest South Texas is an area of high risk for Chagas infection, with potentially hundreds of undiagnosed cases. The disease can be hard to detect and may be misinterpreted as a flu-like illness, leading to delayed diagnosis.
A UBC study reveals that envious employees are more likely to undermine peers if they feel disconnected from others. The researchers found that moral disengagement is a key factor in sabotaging behavior, occurring when employees experience weak relationships with colleagues.
A recent study published in the Journal of Trauma and Injury found that even after adjusting for injury severity and other factors, African-American patients have a significantly higher overall post-scene mortality rate than white patients. The study analyzed data from over 137,000 assault cases and found that black patients faced high...
Researchers at the University of Cambridge have identified a rare genetic alteration responsible for a severe form of hypoglycemia. This discovery offers an explanation for the condition and suggests a potential target for new drugs.
Researchers developed a mouse model to track bone marrow cell migration to tumors and found that these cells can slow tumor growth. The study suggests that targeting bone marrow cells may lead to more effective cancer treatments.
Tropical Depression 10 and Tropical Storm Irwin formed in the eastern Pacific after Hurricane Hilary dissipated. The storms were detected by NASA's Aqua satellite, which captured strong convection around their centers of circulation.
Researchers found that additional matching for HLA-C significantly lowered transplant-related deaths after umbilical cord blood transplants. The study suggests that altering present selection strategies for cord-blood units might ameliorate excess transplant-related mortality.
The Tobacco Control Act National Longitudinal Study of Tobacco Users will follow over 40,000 users of tobacco products and those at risk for tobacco use. The study aims to evaluate the impact of regulatory changes on risk perceptions and other tobacco-related attitudes.
The Harrisburg Preschool Program has shown substantial long-term effects on reading and math achievement in children attending the program. In grades 1-5, HPP students outperformed peers who did not attend, with significant increases in advanced or proficient scores.
Researchers at Brown University have developed a genetic biopsy technique to analyze the genes expressed by human eggs without harming them. By comparing the gene expression sequences in polar bodies and their host eggs, they found that more than 90% of detected genes were also present in the eggs.
A new study found that children are heavily influenced by fast food advertisements and parental encouragement when making food choices. However, with consistent parental messages about healthy eating, the effects of advertising can be undone.
Researchers at Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute have identified a new component of the cellular machinery that senses dietary amino acids, which is essential for mTORC1 activation. This finding provides new information about mTORC1 and its role in cellular metabolism in both normal cells and cancer cells.
A genome-wide association study found genetic variants associated with increased risk of low testosterone concentrations in men. The study, which pooled data from 14,429 Caucasian men, identified specific genes, including SHBG and X chromosome variants, linked to lower testosterone levels.
Researchers have discovered how cells detect and respond to tissue damage, a process triggered by the molecule syndecan-4. This understanding could lead to improved tissue repair treatments for patients following illness or surgery.
In a study published by the American Psychological Association, children aged 3-6 demonstrated a preference for attributing ownership to human-made objects over natural ones. This distinction was consistent even when encountering unfamiliar objects not previously seen.
Researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute have developed an iPhone app that measures vital signs such as heart rate and blood oxygen saturation using a built-in video camera. The technology is comparable in accuracy to traditional medical monitoring devices, allowing patients to carry an accurate physiological monitor anywhere.
A meta-analysis of nine epidemiologic studies found that marijuana use by drivers significantly increases the risk of car accidents. Drivers who test positive for marijuana or report driving within three hours of use are more than twice as likely to be involved in crashes.
Researchers at the Institute of Tropical Medicine Antwerp have developed a molecular identification technology that accurately identifies biting midges responsible for spreading bluetongue disease. This breakthrough can help determine where the disease will spread and inform effective pest control strategies.
Researchers detected high-energy gamma rays from the Crab Pulsar system, which cannot be explained by current models. The observations exceed 100 billion electron volts, shedding new light on pulsars and their behavior.
Researchers from the University of Exeter found that male insects are not aggressive towards their mates but instead protective and willing to risk their lives to ensure female safety. This challenges previous assumptions about insect relationships, suggesting a more nuanced understanding of natural selection in the wild.
Professor Lynn Shay has been elected a Fellow of the American Meteorological Society (AMS) for his outstanding contributions to atmospheric and oceanic sciences. His research focuses on upper ocean impacts on hurricane intensity changes, and he has published over 85 papers in peer-reviewed journals.
A new study by Stanford researchers suggests that a novel mathematical formula can predict the success of certain cancer therapies by tracking the rate of tumor response during the first weeks of treatment. The formula, which uses advanced high-school-level math, identifies oncogene addiction in cancers, allowing for targeted therapies...
A MU study found that 5% of online housing ads are problematic or illegal, with 91% posted by private parties seeking roommates. The majority discriminate based on familial status, such as children, not race or ethnicity.
Neural signals related to reinforcement and punishment are widely distributed throughout the entire human brain, challenging previous notions of specialized brain structures. The study's findings suggest that both positive and negative outcomes directly influence neural processing, with adaptive value for optimizing cognitive processes.
Researchers developed a new approach to cloud security, 'Strongly Isolated Computing Environment' (SICE), to isolate sensitive information and workload from hypervisor functions. This reduces the attack surface and provides enhanced security.
Researchers at Stanford University have developed a novel protocol that allows kidney-transplant recipients to avoid immune-suppressing drugs without compromising the health of their new kidney. The treatment involves combining targeted radiation with stem cells from the donor's blood, resulting in a successful outcome for eight patien...
Researchers at Caltech have successfully cooled a miniature mechanical object to its lowest possible energy state using laser light, paving the way for the development of exquisitely sensitive detectors and quantum experiments. The achievement uses optical light to extract phonons from the system, creating an efficient optomechanical t...
Researchers isolated 63 unique dust particles from their laboratory using a new sensor technology. The study aims to aid in understanding respiratory diseases caused by airborne particles. The dust particles contained organic matter, quartz, and man-made chemicals.
A team of researchers from the University of Pittsburgh and international partners analyzed raw sewage for novel viruses using metagenomics, a new computational tool. They found 234 known viruses from 26 families, with most being previously undiscovered.
Researchers analyzed medical records of 717 children and 1,368 young adults diagnosed with melanoma. Children were found to have a higher risk of metastases in lymph nodes compared to adults. Survival rates did not differ significantly by age among those with metastatic melanoma.
A University of Colorado Boulder-led team excavated a Maya village in El Salvador and unexpectedly hit an ancient white road, known as a sacbe, that appears to lead to and from the town. The discovery provides valuable insights into the Maya's construction methods and daily life.
Scientists have found two ancient specimens of caddisfly in 100-million-year-old Burmese amber, providing the first record of the Psychomyiidae family in the fossil record. The discovery sheds light on the diversity of caddisflies during the Cretaceous Period.
Research suggests that illusory memories can enhance survival by providing extra protection against predators. Additionally, these false memories can also contribute to improved problem-solving skills and a more optimistic self-concept. Memory illusions are seen as an adaptive mechanism, essential for human psychological well-being.
Advanced PET scans can identify aggressive tumors and predict patient prognosis, potentially intensifying treatment for patients with locally advanced lung cancer. The study found a strong correlation between radiation dose intensity and local control of the cancer.
Researchers at University of California, San Diego, have made a groundbreaking discovery blocking the progression of lung fibrosis in mice. By targeting a specific phosphorylation pathway, they found that it may contribute to the development of lung injury and fibrosis.
The study will investigate the impact of risky family environments on asthma morbidity in children aged 10-15 using an innovative home-based naturalistic assessment tool. The research aims to determine if asthma morbidity increases due to avoidant coping behaviors and poor management of asthma treatment.
The Merck Childhood Asthma Network, Inc. has invested over $4 million in funding to implement the CHAMPS partnership in five non-profit health centers. The program aims to demonstrate effective asthma management tools in real-world settings where many children and families need care.
A study published in Childhood Obesity found that peer mentoring programs, such as HealthCorps, can significantly improve teen diet and physical activity. The program reduced soda consumption by 25.7% among girls and increased physical activity by 45% among participants.
A new study by Yale School of Medicine researchers found strong support for the 'hot hand' phenomenon in basketball data. The study analyzed five years of NBA free throws and showed that players' probabilities of hitting a shot increase following a hit than after a miss on the previous shot.
A Kansas State University research team is developing food allergy education materials for hospitality management and dietetics students. The goal is to improve customer awareness and reduce allergic reactions in restaurants.
A team of researchers from Tel Aviv University has uncovered a record-breaking number of ancient supernovas in the Subaru Deep Field. These explosions are believed to be a major source of iron in the universe, including the Earth's core and blood.
Researchers studying Lake Agassiz, a massive lake that once covered much of Canada and the US, have found evidence suggesting that increased evaporation, not outflow, caused a significant drop in water levels during the Younger Dryas cold interval. This finding provides insights into climate change and its effects on global systems.
Researchers used scanning tunneling microscopy to assemble 1-nanometer sized molecules into a 3x3 square array, showing varying conductance across the structure. The study demonstrates the beauty and intricacy of molecular electronics, with applications in miniaturized circuits and challenges to be addressed.
Scientists have confirmed the existence of triple rainbows using photographic evidence and a new meteorological model. The discovery was made possible by a professor's guidelines that showed how to find tertiary rainbows, which are rare because they require specific conditions to appear.
Tobin Marks received the Dreyfus Prize in Chemical Sciences for his work on catalysts enabling recyclable plastics and sustainably produced materials. His research has led to multi-billion dollar industrial processes and enormous energy savings.
A recent study published in Neurology found that people who rate their health as poor or fair have a 70% higher risk of developing dementia compared to those who rate their health as good. The association is particularly strong for those without cognitive problems, where the risk is nearly twice as high.
Patients with anaemia undergoing non-cardiac surgery face a 42% increased risk of death and 35% higher risk of serious comorbidities compared to those without anaemia. Mild to severe anaemia also increases postoperative morbidity risks. Preoperative treatment of anaemia is recommended.