A study found that deeply held religious beliefs are leading to futile care for sick children, causing needless suffering. Doctors argue that parental hopes of a 'miraculous intervention' should not override the child's best interests.
A new method allows for personalized clinical trial predictions by analyzing cell behavior, offering ways to improve cancer treatment outcomes and predict tumor response. The approach may enable oncologists to test combinations of targeted therapies in individual patient tumors.
A study found that triclosan impairs muscle contractions at a cellular level, slowing swimming in fish and reducing muscular strength in mice. The researchers also observed significant reductions in heart function measures and grip strength in mice exposed to the chemical.
A team of researchers from the University of Iowa has identified Gadd45a as a key culprit causing muscle atrophy, reprogramming hundreds of genes that ultimately lead to muscle deterioration. The protein affects muscles in two main ways: instructing cells to produce fewer proteins and causing existing proteins to break down.
A new study published in Cancer found that radiation after lumpectomy significantly reduced the risk of needing a mastectomy in older women with early-stage breast cancer. Radiation was shown to be beneficial for patients with high-grade tumors, while those with non-high grade tumors did not derive as much benefit.
UCI astrophysicists analyze NASA data suggesting gamma rays could be evidence of dark matter particles annihilating each other. The observation is consistent with leading theories for dark matter and its presumed presence at galactic centers.
Researchers have identified an experimental drug, GSIs, that blocks Notch and prevents lung cancer growth in mice without treatment-related side effects. This discovery brings new clues for the treatment of lung cancer and is being tested in co-clinical trials.
Scientists at Albert Einstein College of Medicine have discovered a gene called HLX that is over-expressed in leukemia stem cells, leading to the development of abnormal white blood cells. Targeting elevated HLX expression may be a promising novel strategy for treating acute myeloid leukemia.
Researchers uncover chromosomal translocations that cause cancer, potentially leading to targeted therapies and personalized treatment. The study's findings may enable doctors to offer more accurate prognoses and inform treatment decisions.
Researchers identified a key gene mutation causing Cornelia deLange syndrome, a childhood genetic disease. Mutations in the HDAC8 gene disrupt cellular recycling of cohesin, leading to impaired gene transcription and embryonic development.
Scientists at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory have improved the Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS) by using a diamond filter to create narrower X-ray wavelength bands, enabling sharper images of materials and molecules. This advancement promises to speed discoveries and add new scientific capabilities.
Researchers analyzed fungal genomes and transcriptomes to understand how lifestyle affects gene expression and host specificity. They discovered new functions for fungal infection organs, including sensing the presence of plants.
A Northwestern University study reveals that brain activity changes in olfactory regions after a week of blocked nostrils, compensating for the interruption of the sense of smell. The brain's response to odors returns to normal shortly after free breathing is restored.
Researchers discovered that cathepsins, involved in various diseases, may attack each other, reducing degradation of critical proteins like collagen. This phenomenon could explain the failure of current drugs to inhibit cathepsin activity.
Researchers have identified 10 new gene regions associated with type 2 diabetes, providing a fuller picture of the disease's genetic underpinnings. The study reveals patterns in genes involved in cell growth, insulin production, and fat cell communication.
Researchers from Columbia University successfully characterized van der Waals interactions in gold-molecule-gold junctions at the single-molecule level. This discovery opens up possibilities for designing and optimizing organic electronic devices with greater efficiency.
A study by Arizona State University reveals that megapolitan expansion could lead to local maximum summertime warming of nearly 4 degrees Celsius, surpassing the warming caused by increased greenhouse gases. The research found that incorporating 'cool roofs' into urban planning can alleviate summertime warming substantially.
Researchers have identified 38 new genetic regions linked to glucose and insulin levels, expanding the total number of associated genetic regions to 53. The study used a powerful technology to analyze DNA sequence variations for multiple traits at once.
A Yale research team has identified a single genetic switch that triggers loss of brain connections and contributes to depression. The study found that the transcription factor GATA1 represses genes necessary for synaptic connection formation, disrupting circuits involved in emotion and cognition.
Scientists have discovered how a defective gene causes brain changes leading to atypical social behavior characteristic of autism. The research found that abnormal action of the gene disrupted energy use in neurons, resulting in antisocial and repetitive behavior traits found in autism.
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have discovered a new mechanism for eliminating unneeded proteins in cells, which could lead to new treatments for rare blood vessel disorders. The study reveals how a protein called Glomulin disrupts the ubiquitin system, marking potentially thousands of proteins for destruction.
Sparse microwave imaging combines sparse signal processing theory with microwave imaging to improve resolution and reduce system complexity. The new concept enables faster calculation of large-scale scenes, making it suitable for wide mapping swath applications.
Researchers measured spin properties of electrons in graphene using a new technique, enabling the detection of spin resonance electrically. This breakthrough propels research forward into optimizing graphene for spintronic applications.
A new study in Nature confirms an improved method for measuring nitrogen fixation in the ocean, revealing rates that are between 62 and 600 percent higher than previously measured. The findings leave a gap in the nitrogen budget due to incomplete knowledge of microorganisms responsible for these processes.
Researchers have developed an algorithm that can identify the source of information spreading on social media platforms like Facebook. By analyzing a limited number of connections, the method can trace the path of information back to its origin.
A large observational study found daily aspirin use associated with modestly lower cancer mortality, with significant reductions in gastrointestinal tract and certain other cancers. However, the study's findings are smaller than previous analyses, highlighting the need for further research to determine potential benefits.
Researchers studied fruit fly chromosomes to understand the evolution of sex and gamete function. The study suggests that Meiotic Sex Chromosome Inactivation (MSCI) occurs in Drosophila, which has implications for human fertility and disease genetics.
According to a study by Noel M. Burkhead, North American freshwater fish extinctions have increased noticeably after 1950, with at least 57 species and subspecies going extinct since 1898. The rate of extinction is estimated to be at least 877 times the background extinction rate over geological time.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University have created a new 3D view of the body's response to infection, enabling the identification of proteins involved in the inflammatory response. The technology combines magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and imaging mass spectrometry to visualize the immune system's response to bacterial infections.
A study found that powerful new partnerships can be forged to achieve environmentally and economically sustainable futures. The project aimed to design a strategy for community groups and local authorities to work together more effectively.
Researchers at Duke University Health System have found that mesenchymal stem cells can prevent post-traumatic arthritis in mice with fractures. The study suggests that these stem cells alter the balance of inflammation and regeneration in knee joints, thereby preventing the development of osteoarthritis.
Scientists are investigating the genetic components of song expression in singing mice, a species known for its melodic trills. By analyzing the FOXP2 gene, researchers aim to gain insights into the neural mechanisms underlying vocalization and potentially shed light on human language disorders.
Resistant tuberculosis is a serious threat to world health, with 'multiresistant' cases now making up 1 in 3 new TB cases. A new approach using vital staining with fluorescein diacetate detects resistant bacilli early, allowing for timely treatment and preventing further spread.
Organisms build unnecessary structures during development to avoid disrupting later stages of growth. This approach allows newly evolved traits to emerge at the end of development with less risk of disruption.
Papers selected for SIAM's Outstanding Paper Prize are recognized for originality and innovation in applied mathematics. The prize has been awarded since 1999, with recent recipients including Nir Ailon, Bernard Chazelle, Matthew D. Finn, Jean-Luc Thiffeault, Bart Vandereycken, and Stefan Vandewalle.
Researchers found that despite similar survival rates, trauma patients in the western United States face higher treatment costs than those in the northeastern region. Analysis of national patient records revealed significant regional differences in care costs, with the west spending up to 35% more on liver injury treatments.
Scientists have created a new, harmonized earthquake catalogue for Europe and the Mediterranean that spans over 1,000 years. The catalogue, known as the European-Mediterranean Earthquake Catalogue (EMEC), covers earthquakes with magnitudes of Mw 3.5 and larger in the northern part of the region, and Mw 4.0 in the southern part.
The widespread adoption of prenatal whole genome sequencing could lead to increased anxiety in parents, altering societal views on normalcy and potentially influencing reproductive decisions. Additionally, the technology may impact child-rearing practices and the interests of children themselves.
Researchers found that a slow response to reduced fitness accelerates Muller's ratchet, increasing the frequency of clicks. Even in unfavorable conditions, a small proportion of positive mutations can sustain populations, explaining the long-term maintenance of mitochondria.
A University of Missouri researcher emphasizes the importance of individualized care for lymphedema patients, who often experience chronic discomfort despite swelling levels not necessarily correlating with pain. Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT) and Intermittent Pneumatic Compression therapy are found to be effective adjunct therapies.
A new computational design process allows researchers to automatically design synthetic skin for animatronic characters, resulting in highly realistic facial expressions. The method uses optimization schemes and 3D scanning to create custom-designed skin that matches real individuals.
Recent research on young songbirds found that elevated glucocorticoid hormones can improve movement, feeding, and anti-predator behaviors, leading to greater survival rates. The study, published in Functional Ecology, suggests that stress is more complex than previously thought and may be beneficial for vulnerable stages of development.
A team of researchers has directly measured shell effects in the heaviest elements, providing new insights into nuclear stability. By weighing the heaviest atomic nuclei with utmost precision, the scientists have benchmarked existing models and shed light on the 'Island of Stability', a region where superheavy elements are predicted to...
A new study published in Psychological Science found that reflecting on experiences of giving rather than receiving leads to increased prosocial behavior. Researchers Adam Grant and Jane Dutton observed a significant increase in calls made by fundraisers who wrote about giving, compared to those who wrote about receiving.
Tropical Storm Gilma has maximum sustained winds near 65 mph, expected to weaken due to vertical wind shear. A low pressure area formerly known as Tropical storm Ernesto has a 60% chance of developing into a tropical depression in the Eastern Pacific.
The Endocrine Society has revised its Clinical Practice Guideline for managing thyroid disease during pregnancy and postpartum. The guideline provides recommendations for diagnosis and treatment, highlighting the critical role of thyroid hormone in fetal brain development and maternal health.
MIT's Robust Robotics Group has developed an algorithm that enables autonomous-control algorithms for indoor flight of GPS-denied airplanes, allowing for obstacle dodging and cargo capacity. The plane uses a laser rangefinder and inertial sensors to determine its state in real-time, and combines two different types of state-estimation ...
A recent study found that 86% of non-smokers and 57% of smokers supported the ban, with many smokers expressing interest in quitting. Despite high demand for cessation services, only a few employees took advantage of them.
Researchers at Disney Research developed a system to digitize facial hair and skin, capturing individual strands of facial hair and storing them separately from the human face. The system employs multi-view stereo (MVS) reconstruction to create 3D models of faces with various hairstyles.
NASA is monitoring four tropical systems across the Atlantic, including Tropical Depression Ernesto, which is generating heavy rainfall over Mexico's mountains. Meanwhile, the remnants of Tropical Storm Florence are lingering near Puerto Rico, while Tropical Depression 7 and System 93L may develop into new cyclones in the coming days.
Ruth F. Curtain of the University of Groningen received the 2012 W. T. and Idalia Reid Prize for her fundamental contributions to infinite dimensional systems theory and control theory. The prize recognizes her outstanding work in these areas.
A recent pooled analysis of randomized trials found a significant decrease in overall cancer mortality associated with daily aspirin use. The study, which looked at data from over 100,000 participants, found a 37% reduction in overall cancer death risk during a five-year follow-up analysis.
Researchers discovered that geckos have trouble sticking to smooth, wet surfaces when their feet get wet. The animals' toes produce a water-repellent layer, which interferes with their adhesive mechanism. However, once the lizards' feet dry, they can regain their grip and walk on wet surfaces.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute describe three human antibodies protecting against a wide variety of flu viruses, including Influenza B strains. These broadly neutralizing antibodies may provide key clues to designing an active universal flu vaccine.
A UCI-led review reveals creative methods for capturing liquid sewage, highway runoff, and household water to supplement drinking water. The study concludes that transforming individual habits and adopting sustainable practices are crucial to breaking the cycle of waste and over-reliance on freshwater resources.
A study published in The Lancet found that statin therapy can reduce cardiovascular disease risk, even among patients at high risk of developing diabetes. Patients with diabetes risk factors were 28% more likely to develop diabetes, but still saw a 39% reduced risk of cardiovascular illness and 17% lower mortality.
The US Navy recently defended its use of renewable fuels, citing a 50% biofuels blend during the RIMPAC 2012 exercises. The Navy believes that these resources are crucial for enhancing national security and energy independence.
A study published in Genetics found that manipulating a hormone-producing cell group in the brain can control blood sugar levels. Fruit flies were used to test the effect of inhibiting AMP-activated kinase, resulting in reduced hyperactivity and lowered sugar release when starved.
Researchers at MIT and Harvard have developed a soft, peristalsis-driven robot that can inch along surfaces using segments of artificial muscle made from nickel-titanium alloy. The robot, named Meshworm, is remarkably resilient, surviving multiple blows with a hammer without sustaining damage.
A pediatric hospital implemented a prospective-audit-with-feedback antibiotic stewardship program, resulting in a significant decrease in antibiotic usage - up to 37% in early months and 13% at the end of the observation. The study showed a notable reduction in broad-spectrum antibiotics, aligning with CDC recommendations.