Researchers at UMass Medical School have identified a new genetic mutation that causes familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a fatal neurological disorder. The discovery points to defects in a neuron's cytoskeleton structure as a potential common feature among diverse ALS genes.
A study published in Nature reveals that the HVEM molecule plays a critical role in protecting against bacterial infections, including E. coli and pneumococcus, by acting as a border guard to signal the immune system to respond. The discovery provides a potential new therapeutic target for preventing and treating bacterial infections.
Researchers at Columbia Engineering demonstrate graphene's remarkable optical nonlinear behavior, enabling broad applications in optical interconnects and low-power photonic integrated circuits. The graphene-silicon hybrid device achieves radio frequency generation with a resonant quality factor more than 50 times lower than what other...
Researchers found that 81% of elite athletes returned to play at a similar level after undergoing an arthroscopic reconstruction technique using an autograft, with improved clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction reported. The technique was effective in treating labral tears and associated hip instability issues.
Researchers mapped brain activity in 892 cognitively normal individuals and found that Alzheimer's patients spend more time using certain roads and less time with others. This suggests that varying brain activity may reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease, potentially through activities like exercise, education, and social connections.
A new study confirms platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy as a safe option for treating cartilage tears in athletes, with patients experiencing significant improvement in pain and basic function. The research involved 180 patients who received either PRP or viscosupplementation treatment, with all patients showing no complications.
A new study finds that immobilizing patients for longer periods after rotator cuff surgery may improve healing rates. The research used a rat model and found that immobilization improved tendon healing, reducing scar tissue and inflammation.
A recent study by the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine found that Femoral Acetabular Impingement (FAI) increases stress across the groin in athletes. This increased stress leads to a higher risk of sports hernia, a common cause of groin pain in athletes.
A new UBC study suggests that reducing the global fishing fleet, eliminating harmful subsidies, and implementing effective management systems could make global fisheries worth $54 billion annually. The study's authors estimate a potential return on investment of three- to seven-fold over 50 years.
According to the Commonwealth Fund report, 20% of US women were uninsured in 2010, up from 15% in 2000. The Affordable Care Act has helped reduce the uninsured rate among women, with an estimated drop below 14% in states where more than one quarter of women lacked coverage in 2009/10.
Researchers developed a new model to analyze 'well-to-wheel' greenhouse gas emissions from oil sands and conventional crude oils. They found that lifecycle emissions vary widely depending on project conditions and technology used.
Researchers found that 31% of children identified as at-risk for autism by 12 months received a diagnosis by age 3. The First Year Inventory questionnaire completed by parents shows promise in identifying early developmental delays, warranting early intervention.
Researchers discovered commercial rodenticide in dead fishers in Humboldt County and Yosemite National Park, linked to illegal marijuana farms. The poison, anticoagulant rodenticides, can cause uncontrollable bleeding and is toxic even after a single ingestion.
Dominik Schillinger's novel simulation concept enables direct integration of CAD geometry into finite element analysis, eliminating mesh generation. This technology is expected to significantly influence design processes in mechanical, automotive, aerospace, and civil engineering.
The device can be used to study stars, galaxies, and black holes, as well as explore the quantum world. It combines features of other amplifiers, operating over a wide frequency range with minimal noise.
A new study by Cassie Mogilner and co-authors found that spending time on others increases participants' feelings of 'time affluence.' This is because giving away time boosts one's sense of personal competence and efficiency, ultimately making people more willing to commit to future engagements despite their busy schedules.
Two projects investigating the use of robot submarines to map and monitor the UK seas have received £720,000 in funding. The projects aim to inform future government policy on protecting the marine environment by generating data that will guide the use of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) and sea gliders.
A study published in Leukemia & Lymphoma reveals that IDH mutations drive the production of 2-hydroxyglutarate, leading to abnormal gene regulation and increased risk of relapse. Researchers believe targeting IDH mutations may hold promise for treating AML.
A study led by the Brigham and Woman's Hospital found an association between phthalate exposure and an increased risk of diabetes in American women. High levels of phthalates were linked to a higher likelihood of developing diabetes, with possible explanations including medical devices and medication used to treat diabetes.
The university has upgraded its research facilities with a $2.7 million NMR spectrometer, allowing for faster and more detailed molecular imaging. This will enable researchers to study macromolecules at the molecular level, benefiting disease research and biological problem-solving.
Researchers have found that double bundle ACL reconstruction does not significantly reduce the risk of osteoarthritis progression in patients. Despite this, patients over 40 at the time of surgery are more likely to experience OA change over time.
A new semiautonomous safety system, developed by MIT engineers, uses onboard cameras and laser rangefinders to identify hazards and detect safe zones. The system allows drivers to control the vehicle while avoiding obstacles, with few collisions reported in over 1,200 trials.
A new study found that asthma treatment with inhaled corticosteroids is less effective in children with vitamin D deficiency, leading to poorer lung function. Vitamin D supplementation may enhance the anti-inflammatory properties of corticosteroids, improving outcomes for asthmatic children.
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have received $2 million to develop artificial tissue models for testing new drugs that target myofibroblasts, which contribute to heart disease. The study aims to understand how these cells alter the electrical and mechanical properties of heart tissue.
Researchers have identified a new strategy to thin thick mucus in cystic fibrosis and COPD using the SPLUNC1 protein and its synthetic derivatives. This may lead to improved mucus clearance and better lung function for those affected.
A new study found that keeping a food journal consistently leads to greater weight loss, with women who skipped meals losing less weight than those who didn't. Eating out frequently is also associated with reduced weight loss, likely due to lack of control over ingredients and portion sizes.
Researchers at Hospital for Special Surgery demonstrate the superiority of the All-Inside, All-Epiphyseal ACL Reconstruction (AE) technique in children. The AE procedure provides great knee stability and effectively controls joint stress without risking injury to growing bones.
Climate scientists repurpose Cold War research laboratories to track radioactivity and model nuclear bomb blasts, with applications in anthropogenic climate change. Nuclear science roots have also found a place in environmental scientists' toolboxes.
Researchers discovered a crucial switch controlling cardiac stem cell activity, enabling the growth of healthy hearts and potentially treating congenital defects. By silencing this switch, scientists hope to regenerate damaged adult hearts using lab-cultured replacement cells.
The remnants of Tropical Storm Daniel are visible on satellite imagery as a ghost-like swirl of clouds, heading towards Hawaii. The system is forecast to pass south of the state without affecting it.
A new study from University of Notre Dame researchers found that iris biometric enrollment degrades slowly over time, increasing false non-match errors. The study challenges the long-held assumption of 'one enrollment for life,' highlighting the need for reenrollment intervals or aging-resistant approaches.
Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have identified a new type of energy-burning fat cell, called 'beige fat,' which may have therapeutic potential for treating obesity and diabetes. Beige fat cells can burn off calories rather than store them, unlike 'white fat' cells.
A team of scientists has cloned the tannin gene in sorghum, revealing its role in promoting human health through antioxidant properties. The study also explores ways to alter tannins to improve sorghum's use as food and feed.
Cardiologists at WashU Medicine have developed a noninvasive imaging technique to detect coronary artery disease in pediatric heart transplant patients, reducing the need for invasive tests. The technique uses contrast-enhanced cardiac MRI to assess coronary arteries and has shown promising results, although further study is needed.
The SpinDx platform can determine a patient's white blood cell count, analyze protein markers, and process up to 64 assays from a single sample in minutes. It has profound implications for patient care, potentially detecting afflictions days or weeks sooner than today.
Scientists Scott Waitukaitis and Heinrich Jaeger report a groundbreaking study on non-Newtonian liquids, revealing the 'impact-activated solidification' process that transforms suspensions into solids under sudden impact. The experiment uses a combination of high-tech instruments to observe the phenomenon in unprecedented detail.
IRCMM researchers defined the genome-wide interaction between Stat3 and glucocorticoid receptor GR to control inflammation. This breakthrough sheds light on how these proteins regulate genes involved in development, metabolism, and immune response.
Researchers study natural gas impacts on drinking water, finding high methane concentrations near fracking sites. Gas leaks also cause soil changes, affecting urban ecosystems. The session discusses policy strategies to encourage cleaner natural gas distribution and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Researchers developed a new spin-polarized organic LED (spin OLED) that can be brighter than regular organic LEDs, producing an orange color. The device uses a unique property called spin to transmit information, enabling the creation of 'spintronic' technology.
Scientists at NC State University have developed elastic conductors made from silver nanoscale wires, enabling the creation of stretchable electronic devices. These conductors can withstand significant stretching without compromising conductivity.
A new study published in Drug Testing and Analysis found that DMAA, a stimulant in many pre-workout supplements, does not originate from natural substances but is comprised of synthetic compounds. The FDA should regulate and/or ban products with significant amounts of synthetic pharmacological compounds added.
A team of international researchers discovered evidence of pre-13,000-year-old non-Clovis cultures in North America, contradicting the long-held 'Clovis First' theory. The findings include Western Stemmed projectile points and DNA-profiling of human coprolites from the Paisley Caves.
Researchers at Caltech found a correlation between the neutrino signal and the gravitational-wave signal that occurs when the proto-neutron star reaches high rotational velocities. This discovery provides new insights into understanding the explosion process in massive stars.
Researchers sequenced the salt cress genome, identifying genes that contribute to its high salt tolerance. The study sheds light on the genetic characteristics underlying plant stress tolerance, with potential applications for agricultural crop improvement.
Researchers have developed materials and nanofabrication techniques to build miniaturized components for medical diagnostics, sensors, and other applications. These miniaturized components can perform rapid analysis with small sample volumes.
TGen researchers will identify genetic differences in glioblastoma patients using whole genome sequencing, with the goal of developing personalized clinical trials. The foundation's funding supports two five-year projects aimed at extending patient survival and improving treatment outcomes.
The continent of Antarctica is at risk from growing threats including global warming, loss of sea ice, increased tourism, over-fishing, pollution, and invasive species. The Antarctic Treaty System faces pressure due to climate changes and natural resource interests.
A $4.7 million study aims to investigate why people with diabetes suffer from unusually severe forms of heart disease. The researchers suspect that abnormal lipid metabolism is a key culprit, leading to inflammation and damage to heart cells.
Researchers have identified a new biomarker, KIR4.1 autoantibody, in nearly half of MS patients, indicating its potential as an autoimmune response target. The finding could improve diagnosis and differentiate MS from other neurological diseases.
A new study suggests that nonsurgical treatment for common shoulder injuries like SLAP tears may be more effective than surgery in increasing the chances of return-to-play in baseball players. The researchers found that position players were more likely to return to competition at a higher rate than pitchers, with 73% vs 40% respectively.
Researchers at Rice University have discovered that plasmonic chains exhibit properties similar to polymers, with the arrangement of nanoparticles influencing their optical behavior. The study found that the addition of nanoparticles along the chain can alter the energy of super-radiant modes and affect the interaction between particles.
UC Santa Barbara scientists have found that the tamarisk leaf beetle has evolved to delay its entry into hibernation, allowing it to survive and reproduce in the southern US. This adaptation enables the beetle to effectively control the invasive tamarisk plant, providing a cost-effective solution for containing the weed.
Research finds that while fathers may be more involved with their children through sports, they still tend to do the lion's share of household tasks and childcare responsibilities. The study, conducted by UCLA sociologists, suggests that traditional gender roles persist in middle-class families.
A recent study by the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine found that concussion rates among college football players have doubled in three programs over two years. The increase is attributed to improved reporting of concussions under new NCAA regulations.
Researchers have discovered evidence of catastrophic events causing rock pulverization near major faults in California and Japan, while coral reefs at high latitudes and turbid inner bays provide insights into environmental gradients. Continental collisions are also explored through the study of Taiwan's pre-collision zone.
Researchers have developed a new fluorescent labeling strategy that enables the examination of bacterial biofilm structure, leading to potential drug targets. The study has provided new insights into the development of complex structures and may pave the way for new approaches to fighting infectious disease.
Dr. Teresa Murray, a Louisiana Tech biomedical engineering professor, has received NIH funding for her research on glial cells and their role in aging and neurodegenerative diseases. Her innovative approach involves creating a tiny glass lens to study glial cell function and interactions with neurons.
The American Heart Association has released a scientific statement addressing varied cardiac evaluation policies in transplant patients. The guidelines aim to standardize cardiac evaluation practices before kidney and liver transplantation, reducing unnecessary testing and improving patient outcomes.
A comprehensive review of 24 studies found acetazolamide has limited effectiveness unless baseline AMS risk is high, and some side effects occur at low doses. The authors suggest tailoring treatment to individual risk and acceptability of common side effects.
Climate change threatens wolverine survival; researchers find refrigerated caches key to adaptation. Wolverines use snow and crevices to store food, protecting it from scavengers and bacteria.