Scientists discovered that epigenetic modifications in plants, such as DNA methylation, are unstable and often disappear after a few generations. These changes can occur frequently but usually do not contribute significantly to long-term evolution.
Researchers have identified a critical link between p63 and Satb1 genes in regulating skin development. The study found that Satb1 plays an essential role in chromatin remodeling, which is necessary for gene expression and cell differentiation.
A new study found that rain-index insurance can have ecological consequences if farmers adopt unsustainable grazing practices. The study suggests that insurance payouts in periods of moderate drought may incentivize farmers to abandon sustainable management strategies, leading to overgrazing and increased soil erosion. To mitigate thes...
A Finnish study published in PLoS Medicine found that people living alone are more vulnerable to the adverse effects of increased alcohol availability, leading to a substantially increased risk of alcohol-related mortality. The study analyzed data from over 80% of Finland's population between 2000 and 2007 and discovered a greater incr...
A large international study confirms that 11 genetic regions contribute to both schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, with many variations affecting both conditions. The research found strong associations between specific genes and the development of these severe brain disorders.
Typhoon Roke is bringing intense rainfall to Japan, with areas seeing rain fall at 2 inches/50 mm per hour. Heavy rains are already causing rivers to overflow and prompting evacuations for over 1.1 million people in central Japan's Aichi prefecture.
Radionuclide therapy (PRRT) with [177Lu-DOTA0,Tyr3]Octreotate has been shown to improve quality of life and reduce tumor size in patients with gastroenteropancreatic or bronchial neuroendocrine tumors. The treatment has been found to have fewer severe side effects compared to other cancer therapies.
The Society of Interventional Radiology Foundation has accepted a major corporate pledge of $100,000 from the St. Jude Medical Foundation to expand minimally invasive medicine into new areas of discovery. This support strengthens the Discovery Campaign and enables innovative therapies that lead to improved patient care.
Researchers at NOAA and CIRES found that controlled burns during the Deepwater Horizon oil spill released massive amounts of black carbon into the atmosphere, with estimates suggesting 1.4-4.6 million pounds of pollution sent into the Gulf's atmosphere over a 9-week period.
A study by researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine found that close supervision by rheumatologists and the use of immunosuppressant drugs can improve the survival of lupus patients with end-stage kidney disease. Patients who visited their rheumatologist regularly had significantly higher four-year survival rates compared to ...
A study found that African-American men living in low-sunlight areas are more likely to have vitamin D deficiency. Researchers recommend stratified recommendations to consider group differences, as skin composition affects vitamin D production.
A new electron microscopy method resolves the structure of tiny crystals, opening up a door to nanostructures. The method is faster and more accurate than conventional methods, allowing for detailed analysis of materials like zeolites and minerals.
More than half of countries are lowering maternal and child mortality rates faster than the global average, with progress particularly strong in sub-Saharan Africa. However, few countries are on track to meet international targets for reducing these deaths, highlighting the need for immediate action.
Research reveals 11 genomic regions associated with mental illness, including six previously unknown areas. The findings provide fresh insight into the causes of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, potentially leading to new treatment options.
Paul Kenis and James Slauch have been recognized as University Scholars for their exceptional contributions to the field of chemical engineering and microbiology. Their research focuses on developing novel microfluidic tools and studying Salmonella bacteria to understand its virulence and develop new treatments.
The John Theurer Cancer Center is participating in a landmark clinical trial to develop personalized treatments for patients with multiple myeloma. The study aims to accelerate translational research into therapeutic breakthroughs, leveraging genomic portraits and tissue sampling.
A study of over 600,000 Swedish individuals born between 1973-1979 found that preterm birth was associated with increased mortality in early childhood and young adulthood. The strongest inverse association was observed in young adults, particularly for congenital anomalies and respiratory disorders.
Researchers developed prediction models that accurately predict erectile function after prostate cancer treatment based on pretreatment sexual function and patient characteristics. The models found that men who underwent certain treatments had a higher chance of regaining functional erections suitable for intercourse.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University have developed a patented technology that uses bone marrow stem cells to produce neuroprotectors, proteins that shield the brain from neurodegenerative disorders. The treatment has shown efficacy in animal models and is now being tested in human clinical trials.
The University of Alberta's Virtual Reflected-Light Microscopy (VRLM) technology enables geoscientists to analyze ancient sea creatures and date rocks with unprecedented detail. This innovation accelerates species identification of microfossils, used to determine rock age and explore energy resources.
A cost-effectiveness study found that early antiretroviral treatment (ART) is cost-effective in resource-poor settings like Haiti. The study supports the implementation of the new WHO guidelines for early ART initiation, which recommend treatment for all HIV-infected patients with CD4 cell counts below 350 cells/mm3.
Researchers have discovered how living organisms, including humans, protect themselves from carbon monoxide poisoning by altering the structure of haemproteins. This mechanism allows for safe levels of internal carbon monoxide production without impairing cellular functions.
Researchers discovered that precancerous cells in high-risk African-American women consume high amounts of glucose and have activated insulin signaling pathways. Conditions like obesity and gestational diabetes can stimulate these cells, but exercise, weight loss, and metformin may help prevent aggressive breast cancer.
Researchers excavate Channel Islands, Isles of Scilly, and Outer Hebrides to understand the transition from hunting to farming in Britain. The study aims to answer questions about the processes and timing of this significant lifestyle change.
Two Scripps Research scientists, Michael Petrascheck and Brian Paegel, have won the NIH Director's New Innovator Award. Petrascheck will conduct research on aging in C. elegans using $1.5 million in funding, while Paegel will evolve new molecular tools for protein sequencing.
A study by Boston College researchers found that one-third of consumers experience rude treatment from employees once a month. This behavior leads to negative reactions, decreased customer loyalty, and lost profits. Training programs promoting employee civility can help prevent such incidents.
Researchers at Penn State College of Medicine found a way to generate antigen-specific T cells using induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells, which could lead to a simpler and more efficient method for using the body's immune system to fight cancer. The study, published in Cancer Research, used iPS cells from mice converted into immune ce...
Research from Ohio State University finds that those living in poorer neighborhoods have a higher risk for out-of-hospital deaths caused by coronary heart disease. The study analyzed data from four U.S. communities between 1992 and 2002, finding that lower socioeconomic status was associated with greater mortality rates outside hospitals.
MDC researchers have determined the molecular structure of dynamin, a key player in cellular nutrient uptake. The study provides fundamental insights into the 'wire-puller' mechanism of dynamin during endocytosis, which is essential for signal transmission and immune system function.
A study found that vaccinating children aged two to four years against seasonal influenza resulted in a 34% decline in flu-like illnesses. Vaccination of this age group also led to a 11% decline in other nontarget age groups, suggesting reduced transmission at home and in the community.
Geophysicists at UC Riverside are developing large-scale computer simulations to investigate earthquake fault systems. The simulations aim to provide abundant data for analyzing plate motion and earthquake events over 10,000 years.
A team of researchers has found that common genetic variants contribute to the risk of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, with many variations found in both diseases. The study identifies six new molecular evidence links with these diseases and suggests disruption of development processes as a factor in mental disorders.
Researchers have identified 16 new genetic variations that affect blood pressure, providing a significant step towards better diagnostics and treatment. The discovery was made using genetic data from over 200,000 Europeans and reveals new genetic risk groups to help predict the risk of strokes and heart attacks.
Researchers solved the 40-year mystery of how desaturase enzymes insert double bonds in plant fatty acids. They discovered that a single amino acid, far from the enzyme's active site, can exert 'remote control' over double bond placement by binding to a carrier protein.
The UC3M team created an intelligent T-shirt that monitors vital signs and location in real-time using e-textile technology. The system is designed to be used in hospitals and can be integrated into existing infrastructure, providing valuable insights for patient care.
SuviCa Inc. has partnered with the University of Colorado at Boulder to develop and commercialize a drug screening technology that identifies novel therapies for cancer treatments. The patented tool uses genetically modified Drosophila fruit flies to screen compounds effective against various types of cancer.
The University of Pittsburgh has received a $1.8 million grant to create a new kind of computer using a tiny 'toy' with big potential. The project aims to develop a scalable sensing, storage, and computation platform, enabling the creation of high-tech industries and jobs in the United States.
A recent study published in Epilepsia found a strong bidirectional relationship between schizophrenia and epilepsy. Patients with epilepsy were significantly more likely to develop schizophrenia, while those with schizophrenia had a higher incidence of epilepsy. The research suggests shared genetic and environmental factors contributin...
A Princeton University study found that people are more likely to yawn in winter than summer due to ambient temperatures. The researchers believe that yawning could serve as a method for regulating brain temperature.
Patients with acute low back pain who were advised to stay active despite the pain fared better in recovery and mental health compared to those told to adjust their activity in line with their pain. This study found that staying active can help patients recover more quickly and manage depression.
A new study from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine found that anti-reflux surgery can preserve lung function in patients with end-stage pulmonary disease both before and after transplantation. The procedure was associated with improved lung function, reduced episodes of acute rejection and pneumonia, and may help extend t...
Researchers found that obese individuals' brains respond less to visual cues of high-calorie foods due to impaired glucose regulation. In contrast, non-obese individuals with normal glucose levels exhibit a stronger desire for these foods when triggered by food cues.
Researchers propose a data-driven approach to identify populations at risk of genocide by analyzing the health and prenatal care records of victims. The study found that malnutrition, poor health, and inadequate prenatal care were common among genocide victims in Bosnia and Rwanda.
Researchers at the University of Strathclyde have created the brightest gamma ray beam ever made, more than a thousand billion times brighter than the sun. This breakthrough could lead to new medical imaging and radiotherapy techniques, as well as improved monitoring of nuclear waste.
A new study reveals that plant miRNAs acquired through food intake can regulate human physiology by targeting specific genes. This discovery expands the functions of microRNAs and has significant implications for human health, metabolism, and disease treatment.
Researchers found over half of diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) tumors carried extra copies of specific cancer-linked genes, offering potential new treatments. The study, led by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital scientists, analyzed 43 DIPG samples and identified two key regulatory mechanisms disrupted in the tumor.
Black women are more likely to develop a second breast cancer, even if they were not previously diagnosed with the disease. The average age for this development is significantly lower in black women compared to white women.
A new study from the University of Michigan found that false-positive newborn screening results do not lead to increased healthcare use, but preemies with false positives did have more outpatient visits. The study suggests that parental anxiety about false positives may be specific to certain groups.
A survey of patients in a teaching hospital found that they prefer to be informed about trainee participation in their care and have varying levels of willingness to consent. Consent rates differ based on scenarios describing increased resident involvement, with higher rates for minor procedures and private facility preferences.
A study published by Yale University researchers found that when the brain's glucose levels drop, an area responsible for regulating emotions and impulses loses its ability to resist high-calorie food. This response is particularly pronounced in obese individuals, who exhibit a heightened desire for high-calorie foods.
A new compound has been developed to treat C diff infections, showing promise in killing and preventing the bacterium. The compound, MGB BP-3, is more effective than vancomycin in treating C diff and offers a potential solution for life-threatening infections.
Researchers at Penn State have developed a system that produces hydrogen from wastewater or organic byproducts using saltwater, eliminating the need for grid electricity. The technology, known as microbial electrolysis cells, uses reverse-electrodialysis and exoelectrogenic bacteria to generate energy.
Researchers recommend using plain language, presenting information in a logical order, and emphasizing the element of time to improve patients' understanding of complex medical information. By doing so, clinicians can empower patients to make informed decisions about screening, prevention, and treatment.
A University of Chicago Medical Center expert argues that taking oral anti-cancer medications with food could reduce overdose risks and save patients money. The medication ZYTIGA is a prime example, where taking it with food can increase its effectiveness by up to tenfold.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University identified the genetic defect responsible for adermatoglyphia, a rare condition where individuals lack fingerprints. The study found that a skin-specific gene mutation affects fingerprint development, leading to reduced sweat gland function and abnormal fingerprints.
Foreign-born US women showed higher mammography screening rates over time, increasing from 60.2% in 2000 to 65.5% in 2008, according to a study by Pennsylvania State University researchers. However, disparities persist between immigrant and native-born women, highlighting the need for improved access to healthcare and insurance coverage.
A large international study of over 50,000 adults has identified 11 common genetic variations associated with an increased risk of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. The study found that many of these variants contribute to both diseases, providing new molecular evidence for the causes of these chronic brain disorders.
A recent study found that vaccinating preschoolers against the flu led to a 34% decline in influenza cases among two- to four-year-olds. The study used real-time hospital data to evaluate the relationship between national flu vaccination policies and rates of flu-like illness.
A new study finds that children raised in poverty who have nurturing mothers are less likely to develop metabolic syndrome and experience health problems in adulthood. The study suggests that maternal nurturance plays a crucial role in reducing and managing childhood stress, ultimately promoting healthier outcomes for these children.
Researchers analyzed CT scans of fossil skull fragments from five Australopithecus species and found distinct internal structures in the anterior pillars. This suggests different evolutionary pathways for different species, contradicting previous theories on shared ancestry.