Despite medical predictions of a gloomy prognosis, parents of children with trisomy 13 and 18 report a high quality of life. In fact, over 97% of parents considered their child happy and present in their family's life, regardless of longevity.
Researchers will study Axial Seamount to understand subseafloor microbial processes, carbon cycle, and virus-microbe interactions. They aim to 'break open the black box' of deep-sea microbiology.
Two new species of ancient South American rodents have been discovered in the Chilean Andes, providing evidence for the earliest known grasslands. The fossils, dated to around 32.5 million years ago, show high-crowned teeth that indicate an open and dry environment.
Researchers found that taking a brief wakeful rest after learning new information boosts memory retention. Participants who rested after learning a story remembered more details than those who played a game or were distracted, even a week later.
Researchers create three-dimensional 'maps' of children's hearts to identify abnormal electrical pathways, allowing for more precise ablation procedures to correct rapid heart rhythms.
A new DNA study provides clues about the species' evolution, suggesting that climate change and genetic exchange with brown bears helped create the polar bear as we know it today. The research found evidence of fluctuating population sizes over the past million years, growing during cooling periods and shrinking in warmer times.
A team led by USC scientists has identified long-hypothesized vitamin B deficient zones in the ocean using a new analytical technique. These 'vitamin deserts' may inhibit phytoplankton growth and affect the ocean's food chain. The discovery could lead to complex interactions among microbial populations.
Scientists at Joslin Diabetes Center have identified the biological mechanisms by which glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) protects against kidney disease, including its ability to inhibit the signaling pathway of angiotensin II. The study suggests that effective therapeutic agents could be developed to enhance GLP-1R on the endothelium, ...
A new model ranks US airports in terms of their spreading influence, with Honolulu surprisingly ranking third due to its location and connections. The study could inform vaccine allocation strategies and national security agencies.
Peter J. Stang, a renowned University of Utah organic chemist, has been awarded the 2013 Priestley Medal from the American Chemical Society for his pioneering work in supramolecular chemistry. The gold medal recognizes his research on complex molecules with potential applications in drug delivery and oil refining.
This study found that chronic alcoholism and HIV infection distinctively impact the brain systems involved in procedural learning and visual information processing. Individuals with HIV require repeated practice to achieve maximum benefit, while those with alcoholism demonstrate a consolidation effect that enhances learning over time.
A new study finds that combining community-level and campus-level approaches can decrease severe and interpersonal consequences of drinking among US college students. The approach involves partnering with local residents, city leaders, and colleges to implement environmental strategies and reduce high-risk drinking.
Researchers found that bats are more likely to attack fly pairs during mating due to the noisy wing movements, which can be detected by echolocation. This study provides experimental evidence that the sound of copulating flies can make them detectable for bats.
Researchers found that people perform worse when trying to do two visual tasks at once, yet rate their performance higher. Eye-tracking technology showed that people's gaze moved around more and spent less time fixated on any one task. The study suggests teaching media literacy to young people before they start driving.
DataONE enables researchers worldwide to discover, integrate, and analyze massive amounts of diverse environmental and Earth science data. The platform facilitates universal access to data, addressing critical questions about the environment and human role within it.
A study found that bats eavesdrop on fly sex sounds to earn two flies for one, increasing the risk of being attacked and eaten. This demonstrates that increased conspicuousness during mating is a significant cost.
Modified human stem cells helped enhance the activity of an enzyme called telomerase, which elongates telomere length. This technique increased telomere length and activity, as well as increasing cardiac stem cell proliferation, vital steps in combating heart failure.
New study reveals that mephedrone activates brain's reward circuits similarly to cocaine, increasing addictive potential and compulsive drug taking. The findings justify maximum restriction of bath salts access by the FDA.
A new Weizmann Institute-led study identifies a potential molecular mechanism behind the link between cancer and faulty stem cell differentiation. The researchers discovered that the tagging of DNA pieces with ubiquitin is crucial for proper stem cell differentiation, and disruptions in this process can lead to cancer.
Dr. Warner C. Greene and global AIDS experts release a locally affordable version of the world's leading AIDS medical textbook, designed specifically for resource-poor regions. The textbook features up-to-date clinical information on HIV/AIDS, including managing and treating the disease in resource-poor settings.
A recent study found that miR-122 is involved in modulating fat and cholesterol metabolism in the liver. Additionally, it may have a tumor suppressive function in hepatocytes, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic target for hepatocellular carcinoma. The molecule's role in liver homeostasis has also been highlighted.
A new analysis by UCSF/SFGH researchers suggests the recommended dose adjustment of efavirenz may not be necessary, especially in non-Caucasian populations. The study found no significant difference in efavirenz levels between patients weighing more than 50 kg and those weighing less than 50 kg.
Researchers found measurable changes in children's brains due to institutional care, including decreased gray and white matter. However, positive interventions like foster care can partially reverse these changes, especially for white matter volume.
A study by the University of Exeter found that brain activity in response to food images predicted snack consumption, with greater effects on eating than conscious feelings of hunger or desire. Individuals with low self-control were more likely to overeat and gain weight due to a stronger brain response to food cues.
A clinical trial at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center seeks to cure treatment-resistant Crohn's disease by transplanting matched bone marrow cells from a sibling or unrelated donor. This new approach replaces an abnormal immune response to intestinal bacteria and loss of immune tolerance with a healthy one.
Lola Fatoyinbo-Agueh, an environmental scientist at NASA Goddard, has been recognized for her exceptional achievement in merging scientific priorities with advanced technology to develop innovative remote-sensing instrumentation. Her research focused on mangrove forests, using data from multiple satellites and a remote sensing software...
A NIH study found that fetal alcohol exposure is associated with abnormal intellectual and behavioral development in children, rather than distinct facial features. The researchers documented cognitive delays, language delays, hyperactivity, attention deficits, and intellectual delays in about 44% of exposed children.
Agnieszka Gembarska and Chris Marine discovered a new way to combat melanoma by inhibiting the interaction between MDM4 and p53, restoring tumor suppressive effect in melanoma cells. This approach shows promise for improving clinical response to treatment, particularly when combined with BRAF inhibitors.
Research published in Archives of Disease in Childhood found that two out of three severely obese children under the age of 12 have at least one cardiovascular risk factor. High blood pressure, high levels of low-density 'bad' cholesterol, and impaired fasting glucose were prevalent among this group.
A study conducted in India found that non-disclosure of HIV serostatus to sex partners is a significant issue among female sex workers and their clients, with rates ranging from 17-86%. The study suggests that improving basic HIV knowledge, reducing alcohol consumption, and increasing awareness about partner status can help increase di...
A GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences study published in Nature Communications reveals that traditional sun protection may not be effective against skin cancer. The research found that UVA radiation induces melanin formation, which is directly involved in melanoma formation, contradicting the notion of a 'safe tan'.
A recent study published in JAMA found that HIV patients taking antiretroviral drugs experienced improved viral suppression rates, with a 60% increase over the past decade. However, the percentage of patients in tightly controlled HIV infection remains lower than previously estimated.
A clinical study in rural Uganda found that nearly all patients with high CD4+ T cell counts were eager to take antiretroviral drugs, citing health, work, and family reasons. The results suggest a significant demand for early HIV treatment among African patients.
A new study assessing HIV drug resistance shows rising rates in some areas of Africa since antiretroviral therapy roll-out. The prevalence of drug resistance has increased significantly, mainly driven by non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTI) resistance in East and Southern Africa.
Researchers have linked specific gene mutations to four subtypes of medulloblastoma, a malignant brain tumor in children. The discovery could enable personalized treatment and improve patient outcomes.
A new technique links agronomic traits in crops with active genomic regions, identifying expressed genes. This allows plant breeders to develop markers based on these genes, accelerating breeding through marker-assisted selection.
A recent study published in JAMA found that HIV-infected women with normal cervical cytology and negative oncogenic HPV DNA had a similar risk of cervical precancer and cancer to uninfected women over a 5-year period. The study's findings suggest that current screening guidelines may need to be revised for HIV-infected women.
Black gay couples tend to practice safe sex and discuss their safety habits, while white gay couples are more likely to discuss risks but less likely to use condoms. The study suggests that being in a relationship isn't a risk factor for black men, but rather other factors need to be explored.
A study by Johns Hopkins and University of Pennsylvania found that HIV suppression rates are lower than previously thought, with younger adults, blacks, injection drug users, and uninsured individuals more likely to have uncontrolled disease. The study reviewed over 100,000 individual blood test results from 32,483 infected adults.
The FDA Antiviral Advisory Committee discusses the pros and cons of Truvada approval for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Dr. Judith Feinberg votes in favor of approval, citing good outcomes and tolerability, while Dr. Lauren V. Wood expresses concerns about inconsistent evidence, adherence issues, and safety concerns. Primary care phy...
Harvard University researchers have successfully created an artificial jellyfish using a silicone polymer and heart muscle cells. The Medusoid, as it's called, is capable of swimming and reproducing complex behaviors seen in biological jellyfish.
A team of scientists has made new discoveries about ancient meteorites, which provide clues to the early Solar System's formation. The research, published in Nature Geoscience, reveals that certain elements were present during the formation of these rocks, suggesting a late accretion process occurred earlier than previously thought.
Researchers explore dark energy's impact on the Universe's fate, citing a 'big rip' scenario as a possibility with predicted timelines for object destruction. The study uses the Ma-Zhang parameterization to forecast the evolution of the Universe.
A study by Massachusetts General Hospital found that HIV-infected individuals have comparable levels of arterial inflammation as those with established cardiovascular disease, despite being at lower risk. The researchers suggest that targeting monocyte activation may be a unique strategy to reduce arterial inflammation in these patients.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have identified several gene mutations responsible for the most common childhood brain tumor, medulloblastoma. The study suggests that these tumors can be categorized into genetically distinct groups with different prognoses and resistance to standard treatments.
Scientists have discovered an important clue on how the human brain filters out unimportant visual information and focuses on what's most useful. The study found that the prefrontal cortex is involved in both bottom-up and top-down attention, challenging traditional beliefs about separate areas of the brain controlling these processes.
Researchers have developed a new laser design that shrinks on-chip lasers to 2 micrometers in height, significantly reducing size and increasing performance. This breakthrough could enable faster data transfer rates and more efficient energy use in high-speed computers.
A Caltech-led team has successfully created a swimming 'jellyfish' using tissue-engineered silicone and muscle cells, which mimics the fluid dynamics of a real jellyfish. The breakthrough demonstrates that function-driven design can outperform natural evolution in engineering complex systems.
A new genomic sequencing method called Smart-Seq has enabled the in-depth analysis of clinically relevant single cells. This breakthrough has significant implications for cancer research, allowing scientists to better understand tumor development and identify potential diagnostic markers.
Peter J. Stang has been awarded the American Chemical Society's Priestley Medal for his pioneering work on supramolecular chemistry, a field that could lead to new drug delivery vehicles and more efficient oil refining. With over 450 papers authored, Stang is a prominent figure in the field of organic chemistry.
A multifaceted global effort could lead to an AIDS-free generation by expanding testing, treatment, and prevention programs. Combination antiretroviral therapy has significantly improved health and longevity for individuals infected with HIV, saving an estimated 700,000 lives globally in 2010.
The new guidelines recommend that all adults with HIV infection be treated, with no CD4 cell count threshold for initiating therapy. Initial regimens include a combination of nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors and nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors.
A new study suggests that HIV-positive women with normal Pap tests and negative HPV tests can safely reduce cervical cancer screening frequency. The study found similar rates of cervical precancer and cancer in HIV-positive and HIV-negative women, paving the way for co-testing to reduce unnecessary screenings.
A study of HIV-positive persons born outside the US finds they are more likely to be Hispanic or Asian and have higher rates of heterosexual contact. The researchers also found that these individuals face challenges accessing medical care due to language and cultural barriers.
New research from Carnegie's Zhiyong Wang laboratory identifies key aspects of the hormonal responses of plants to changes in light and heat. The study reveals a biochemical 'command system' that integrates multiple environmental and hormonal signals into growth regulation.
Researchers found high levels of exposure to three antiretroviral medications in the hair samples of HIV uninfected infants at twelve weeks of life. The findings indicate a moderate transfer of efavirenz both in the womb and during breastfeeding, while lopinavir and ritonavir were transferred exclusively in the womb.
A NASA satellite has been monitoring System 92W, a low-pressure system in the western North Pacific Ocean, indicating increased power and uplift as it strengthens. The storm is expected to move west-northwest past northern Luzon, bringing heavy rainfall and potentially localized flooding.
A Loyola study found caregivers of stroke survivors experience high levels of perceived stress, caregiver burden, and poor sleep quality. These women are also at increased risk for depressive symptoms due to the physical and emotional toll of caregiving.
RockSalt, a new tool developed by Harvard computer scientists, uses Coq to verify that native code complies with security policies. The tool has improved performance and security compared to previous solutions like Google Native Client (NaCl), with no reported vulnerabilities.
A new characterization method using lasers and acoustic waves has provided scientists with a capability to detect buried defects deep inside materials with unprecedented precision. This new technique reveals that the amount of damage caused by radiation in electronic materials may be at least ten times greater than previously thought.