A comprehensive transcriptome analysis of human ENCODE cells reveals widespread RNA transcripts and epigenetic links, assigning biochemical functions to 80% of the human genome. The study provides powerful data sets for delineating functional elements across the human genome.
A study of 362 fathers in the Philippines found that close sleeping proximity was associated with greater decreases in testosterone levels as men transitioned to fatherhood. This is linked to lower overall testosterone levels compared to fathers who slept apart from their children, suggesting a potential impact on parenting behavior.
The London 2012 Olympics anti-doping center will be converted into a national phenome center, measuring the chemistry of individuals to better understand disease causes and develop new treatment methods. This project aims to create publicly and privately funded labs combining analytical science, epidemiology, and clinical expertise.
Alan Tennant, physicist at Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin, has been awarded the Europhysics Prize 2012 for his groundbreaking work on magnetic monopoles. Using neutron scattering at the Berlin research reactor BER II, he observed the first time magnetic monopoles in spin ice.
Children exposed to piperonyl butoxide (PBO) in the womb have a heightened risk of noninfectious cough at ages 5 and 6. The study suggests that toxic exposures during pregnancy can damage the respiratory system, leading to symptoms like childhood cough.
The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute research team will investigate new drugs that directly engage the apoptotic machinery to flip the cell death switch. They aim to improve cancer therapies by targeting the Bcl-2 protein family, which promotes blood cell cancers.
The ENCODE project has unveiled that over 80% of the human genome is associated with biological function, while proteins switch genes on and off regularly. The study provides insights into genetic information control and expression in specific cell types, shedding light on disease susceptibility.
A Clemson University researcher is working on a project to develop a model that can predict the risk of downy mildew infection in cucurbit crops. This model aims to help reduce the need for fungicides, lower production costs, and increase crop yields.
A new study examines the impact of natural gradients in food and temperature on deep-sea species across the globe. The results suggest that temperature has a bigger impact on individual-level parameters like metabolism and growth rate, while food is more important for higher-level parameters like abundance and species diversity.
A UCLA study challenges the World Health Organization's approach to HIV prevention in South Africa, suggesting a 'test and treat' strategy could be more effective but costly. The researchers predict that treating the 1.6 million people who need treatment would be very effective as a form of 'treatment as prevention,' bringing the epide...
The ENCODE Project presents new genomic insights on gene regulation, including detailed annotations of the genome and analysis of long non-coding RNAs. The project sheds light on co-transcriptional splicing and the evolution of microRNAs, offering a comprehensive understanding of human gene function.
A new cell screening method has identified two novel compounds with anti-influenza activity, obatoclax and gemcitabine. These compounds show promise as next-generation antiviral drugs that can target host functions rather than viral proteins. Further research is needed to confirm their efficacy in treating influenza infections.
Researchers at the University of Hawaii Cancer Center have identified a germline BAP1 mutation as the cause of a novel cancer syndrome characterized by malignant mesothelioma and various types of melanomas. This discovery provides a visual marker for identifying individuals at high risk, enabling early detection and treatment.
A vaginal ring releasing an anti-HIV drug has been shown to prevent the transmission of SHIV in macaques, providing strong potential for its success in women. The study found that the rings provided highly significant protection when inserted 2 weeks or 24 hours before virus exposure.
New research reveals professional football players are three times more likely to die from brain-damaging diseases compared to the general population. The study found a significant increase in deaths from Alzheimer's disease and ALS among speed position players, highlighting potential risks of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).
A cluster of five incidents involving toddlers swallowing liquid detergent capsules has prompted a call to action for improved safety warnings and childproof packaging. The incidents resulted in airway blockage, swelling, and ulceration, highlighting the need for urgent action to prevent potential life-threatening injuries.
A five-year randomized controlled trial of 2854 elderly patients found no significant difference between ginkgo biloba extract and placebo in preventing Alzheimer's disease diagnosis. No significant difference was also observed in mortality or stroke rates between the groups. The results confirm previous findings from a US-based study.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University develop method to observe stars that formed when the universe was 180 million years old. By detecting radio waves from hydrogen atoms, they reveal patterns in the sky indicating early galaxies, providing insight into the universe's origins.
A collaborative five-year project involving over 440 researchers worldwide has published a comprehensive understanding of the human genome's functions. The ENCODE study found that over 80% of the human genome sequence is linked to biological function, and mapped over 4 million regulatory regions where proteins interact with DNA.
A U-M analysis shows that removing payment for hospital-acquired catheter-associated urinary tract infections had negligible financial impact on hospitals. The study highlights the inaccuracies of billing data used to implement the policy, leading to unfair penalties for some hospitals.
North Carolina State University leads a $18.5 million NSF grant to develop self-powered health monitoring sensors and devices. These devices could transform healthcare by providing uninterrupted streams of vital signs data, improving disease management and environmental policy.
Researchers at University of New Hampshire and Conductive Compounds Inc. are developing nanoparticles of silver suitable for screen-printing onto photovoltaic solar panels. The project aims to create more conductive and cost-effective solar panels, with potential applications in the increasing global energy market.
The University of Leicester archaeological team has found the church of the Franciscan Friary, where King Richard III was buried. The location confirmed by a three-trench excavation reveals medieval architectural fragments and floor tiles.
Researchers catalogued thousands of non-coding genome switches that subtly turn up or down gene activity and influence cell-type specific utilization. These maps revealed regions active in immune cells for autoimmune diseases and liver cells for metabolic disorders.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet in Sweden have discovered that sorafenib can effectively treat multiple myeloma by inducing cell death in human myeloma cell lines. The study found that the drug also prevented or delayed disease progression in live mice, supporting its use as a treatment for this blood cancer.
The Yale team's study reveals a hierarchical structure in the human genome, with regulatory networks that work together to regulate target genes. They also found that sex plays a role in genetic activity, allowing researchers to track the relative contributions of mom and dad.
A study by the University of Leeds finds that tropical forests produce significantly more rain than vegetation, with the Amazon and Congo forests maintaining rainfall over surrounding areas. This could have catastrophic consequences for people living thousands of kilometres away if these forests are destroyed.
A team of experts at Harvard created a hydrogel that can stretch to 21 times its original length, is self-healing, and exceptionally tough. The gel combines two weak polymers in an 8:1 ratio, forming a complex network that reinforces each other.
Researchers found that sleep disturbances occur when Alzheimer's plaques appear in the brain, disrupting the normal sleep-wake cycle. The study suggests that sleep problems could be an easily detectable sign of pathology, potentially indicating whether new treatments are succeeding.
A study found that women with breast cancer are at risk of severe pain after surgery, especially those with chronic pain or low psychological state. The research suggests using factors like pre-operative pain and psychology as indicators for extra pain relief support.
Tests for silent neck artery narrowing result in many unnecessary and costly surgical procedures, ultimately saving very few lives. In a high-risk group of 60+ European men, screening may prevent only one stroke at a significant cost.
A Mayo Clinic study developed an infection risk score for rheumatoid arthritis patients, using factors like age, corticosteroid use and inflammation levels. The score helps physicians identify high-risk patients and take measures to prevent infections.
About 80 percent of the human genome is found to be biochemically active, regulating nearby genes and influencing expression in different cells. The discovery helps understand how mutations in regulatory elements lead to diseases like lupus and diabetes.
Scientists have assigned functions to 80% of human genome, providing insights into gene regulation and solid genetic foundation for understanding health and disease. The UCSC Genome Browser offers a gateway for worldwide researchers to explore this new encyclopedia.
Physicists at the University of Vienna successfully transmitted quantum states between two islands in the Canary Islands, overcoming previous distances of just 97 km. The experiment uses active feed-forward protocol to enable reliable quantum teleportation over long distances.
The Canadian government's plan to discontinue the Experimental Lakes Area (ELA) has sparked widespread concern among scientists. The ELA, comprising 58 freshwater lakes in Ontario, Canada, has yielded significant insights into water pollution and climate change over nearly 40 years.
Researchers at Texas A&M University have discovered a compound called JQ1 that inhibits sperm production and mobility without any side effects. The finding is promising for the development of a male birth control pill, with potential human trials on the horizon.
A provocative essay in NEJM calls for redoubling efforts to combat TB, highlighting global health inequity and inadequate treatment. The authors advocate for adopting a zero-TB death goal, rapid diagnosis, and infection control measures to stem the pandemic.
Post-tropical cyclone John's cloud top temperatures warmed by 24 hours, with one tiny area of convection remaining. The remnants of the storm are moving northwest and expected to dissipate later today.
Researchers created detailed maps of regulatory DNA switches that dictate gene expression and developed a dictionary of the genome's programming language. The findings greatly expand our understanding of how genes are controlled and how this control may differ between normal and diseased cells.
Researchers at Kansas State University are working on developing a flexible but standardized and secure communication network for medical devices. The team aims to enable devices to monitor and reason about patient health, reducing security problems as devices become more complex.
A genome-wide scan of small cell lung cancers reveals an association between SOX2 gene amplification and aggressive disease. Overproduction of SOX2 proteins may ignite or sustain abnormal cell growth in the lung.
Researchers developed a comprehensive model to describe molecular bonding, enabling predictions of binding free energy and resolving past inconsistencies. The new model provides a clear means for measuring this key parameter, critical for understanding material interactions.
A new strategy for managing Medicare's costly dialysis program has been implemented, bundling total costs and discouraging lapses in quality. The changes aim to rein in health care costs, but concerns remain about the potential impact on patient treatment and overall healthcare expenditure.
A UC Irvine study found that watching extensive TV coverage of traumatic events led to increased physical and psychological ailments in US adults. Repeated exposure to graphic media images may have long-lasting mental and physical health consequences.
Researchers found that college students who played violent video games cooperatively showed more cooperative behavior and less signs of aggression than those who played competitively. The studies suggest that the social aspect of modern video games can change how people react to violence.
Researchers found that benign malaria parasite P. vivax drives genome evolution in humans, challenging the long-held assumption that P. falciparum is the only malaria species to do so.
Researchers have designed a compound that shows promise as a potential therapy for fragile X syndrome, a genetic condition causing mental retardation, infertility, and memory impairment. The molecule improves RNA splicing process and minimizes repeat-associated defects in cells.
Cardiac injury leads to rapid morphological changes, including enlargement and fibrous growth tissue formation. Advanced stages of remodeling have begun by day seven following injury. This research provides insights into the coordinated events of cardiac pathology and possible intervention targets.
Tropical Storm Michael formed on Sept 4 with winds of near 40 mph, struggling to intensify like sister storms Leslie and Isaac. Remnants of Isaac blanket the US east coast, while Leslie heads towards Bermuda, larger in size than Michael.
A multinational group of authors has found a strong association between Southeast Asian ovalocytosis and protection against malaria caused by Plasmodium vivax. The study suggests that P. vivax malaria may have contributed to shaping the unique host genetic adaptations in Asian and Oceanic populations.
A recent meta-analysis by researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center found that breast cancer patients who received chemotherapy had slight cognitive impairments in verbal and visuospatial abilities. The study suggests that these deficits can be managed through awareness and compensatory strategies, improving daily life for affected individu...
A new study finds that out-of-pocket spending on healthcare in the last five years of life can account for a significant proportion of an individual's household assets. More than three-quarters of households spent at least $10,000 on healthcare costs, with some individuals contributing as much as their total household assets.
The Wildlife Conservation Society and partners are calling on governments to take urgent action to save shark and ray species from over-fishing for international trade. Currently, only a handful of species are listed under CITES, but numerous others qualify for protection.
A study by UC San Diego researchers identified LIN28 protein binding sites in 25% of human transcripts, causing widespread alternative splicing changes that can result in cancer or other diseases. The discovery suggests that LIN28 itself should be a therapeutic target for diseases.
Researchers found that ovarian cancer cells hijack surrounding tissues by activating the HOXA9 gene, which induces TGF-β production and stimulates tumor growth. Blocking TGF-β expression reduced tumor growth, suggesting potential therapeutic targets for treating ovarian cancer.
Researchers will investigate how sulforaphane in broccoli affects prostate tissue gene expression and metabolism in men at risk of developing prostate cancer. The study aims to provide evidence that diets rich in cruciferous vegetables or sulforaphane can reduce the likelihood of metastatic cancer.
Rice University researchers have developed a nanoreactor theory to predict graphene formation, which can advance the material's quality and electronic properties. The team found that the shape of the graphene edge pattern is dictated by the most efficient use of energy, with skewed edges growing fastest.
A hybrid chicken known as the Kuroiler is being introduced in rural Uganda to improve productivity and provide economic benefits to local families. The project aims to increase returns from family flocks and reduce poverty among hundreds of thousands of households.
Researchers at Caltech have determined the dominant mechanism of cobalt catalysts, which involves a key reactive intermediate gaining an extra electron. This finding illuminates the road to developing better catalysts and suggests a route to creating extremely active iron catalysts.