A team of scientists from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine and Temple University discovered an essential mechanism that regulates calcium uptake into mitochondria, crucial for ATP synthesis. The newly described protein MCUR1 interacts with MCU to establish proper calcium levels under normal conditions.
A new study published in The American Journal of Pathology found that topical application of simvastatin significantly accelerates wound healing in diabetic mice by increasing angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis. This is attributed to the increased number of infiltrating macrophages producing VEGF-C, suggesting a simple strategy with po...
Researchers successfully grew forests of carbon nanotubes on a sheet of graphene, creating a seamless three-dimensional structure with a massive surface area. This hybrid material offers great potential for electronic components like fast supercapacitors.
A Norwegian study of 963 children aged 14 and 15 found that post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms were seen in roughly 33% of respondents who said they had been victims of bullying. The research also showed that girls are more likely to display PTSD symptoms than boys.
Researchers at UNC and Harvard have discovered a new alternative mechanism for activating the Ras protein, which plays a crucial role in cellular growth control. The discovery, published in Nature Structural and Molecular Biology, shows that modification of Ras with ubiquitin can activate it, leading to cancer formation.
A new study finds that evangelicals have become more devout since the early 1990s, while Catholics report the lowest proportion of strongly affiliated followers among major American religious traditions. This shift could present challenges for the Roman Catholic Church, particularly in terms of church participation and social support.
A study of four commonly prescribed antipsychotics in older adults with psychosis or dementia found that these medications lack safety and effectiveness. The study suggests that off-label use should be short-term and undertaken with caution, emphasizing the need for alternative treatments.
A new study by USC and University of Oxford researchers indicates that large amounts of high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) in food supplies worldwide may contribute to the rising global epidemic of type 2 diabetes. Countries using HFCS had a 20% higher prevalence of diabetes than those not using it.
A Swedish study found commonly used heart failure and high blood pressure medications can benefit patients with a rare type of heart failure. The use of ACE-inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers lowered mortality rates by 10% in HFPEF patients.
Resolving conflicts over end-of-life care is crucial for patients and their loved ones. Mayo Clinic experts recommend choosing objective surrogates to represent patients and involving third parties when necessary.
Researchers developed a microneedle technique to dry and stabilize the measles vaccine, showing it remained effective for at least 30 days. The method could provide a new tool for international immunization programs against measles, which killed nearly 140,000 children in 2010.
A new prevention program helps elementary-school aged siblings learn to get along, leading to improved future health and well-being. The SIBlings Are Special (SIBS) program teaches positive communication, problem-solving, and teamwork skills, resulting in reduced aggressive behaviors and increased self-control.
Harry W. Green II, a distinguished professor at UC Riverside, has been awarded the 2012 Roebling Medal by the Mineralogical Society of America. He is recognized for his novel approach to geophysics using transmission electron microscopy, which has borne significant fruit in understanding natural deformations and mineral reactions.
Researchers developed a new thermoelectric material using common materials found in dirt, improving efficiency and reducing production costs. The material has potential applications in waste heat recovery from industrial power plants and conversion of vehicle exhaust gas heat into electricity.
The Nautilus supercomputer at the University of Tennessee's RDAV Center has been upgraded with four new SGI UV 10 units, adding 128 cores and 512 GB of memory. This upgrade will enable more researchers to use high-performance computing (HPC) for data analysis.
A new computerized approach called model-based design and verification has the potential to radically change how complex machines are built. This technology translates mechanical systems into data that can be mixed and matched in sophisticated computer systems.
A Kansas State University-led research team is studying the potential of social media to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. By analyzing human behavior and identifying key groups to reach with health information, researchers hope to develop a more robust preventative society against infectious diseases.
A University of Kentucky study found that digoxin, a widely used heart medication, increases the possibility of death in patients with atrial fibrillation. The research, published in the European Heart Journal, analyzed data from 4,060 AF patients and found a 41% increase in deaths from any cause.
NASA's Aqua satellite captures infrared image of Tropical Storm Bopha on Nov. 27, indicating a lot of power and cold cloud tops with temperatures below -63F. The National Weather Service issues warnings and watches for affected islands, as the storm is expected to continue intensifying.
Two studies investigate heart failure therapies, finding varying outcomes regarding mortality rates among older patients. RAS antagonists are associated with improved survival in patients with preserved ejection fraction, while aldosterone antagonist therapy shows limited effectiveness.
A new species of blunt-headed vine snake has been discovered in Ecuador's Chocó region, characterized by its thin body and unique features. The discovery expands the number of species in this group to seven and highlights the importance of preserving biodiversity hotspots.
The University of Tennessee's Beacon supercomputer, powered by Intel Xeon and Xeon Phi processors, achieved a world-record efficiency of 2.499 billion floating point operations per second per watt. The system used only 44.89 kW of power to produce 112.2 trillion calculations per second.
A new study published in Circulation reveals that the arginase enzyme may play a key role in the development of cardiovascular disease in patients with type II diabetes. Inhibiting this enzyme improves blood vessel function in diabetics with angina, but has no effect on healthy individuals or those without angina.
A recent study found that 70% of women with breast cancer have both breasts removed despite a very low risk of recurrence in the healthy breast. The study suggests that concern about recurrence drives the decision, but this procedure is often associated with higher morbidity and unnecessary complications.
Researchers at Aarhus University have developed a new, simple and sensitive method to diagnose malaria infections using an enzyme-based technology called REEAD. This method can detect relatively low infection counts and also identifies resistant Plasmodium parasites, making it suitable for large-scale screening projects.
A University of Utah study supports the theory that men help their sisters' children because they are more likely to carry genes from their mother. The new mathematical model relaxes assumptions previously made, showing that men are more likely to share genes with their sister's kids than under the old theory.
A study of 250,000 women found that repeated CT and nuclear imaging increased breast cancer risk, especially in younger patients. The risk was highest among young women who received multiple scans, with estimates suggesting a 20% increase in 10-year breast cancer risk.
A new study suggests that the human mind can cope with a maximum of four chunks of information before confusion sets in. Professor Gordon Parker from the University of New South Wales re-analyzed experiments and found that this number is more accurate than previously thought.
Researchers found that doses from mammography scatter radiation are negligible and do not increase cancer risk. The use of thyroid shields is unnecessary due to the extremely low dose received by the gland.
Researchers found that Galapagos giant tortoises have a partial migration system, where only adult animals wander and move up to 10 kilometers into the highlands during the dry season. The younger tortoises remain in the lower-elevated areas all year round.
Researchers propose a continuum-based model that illustrates contact line pinning at phase interfaces between materials, differing from traditional Wenzel and Cassie models. The study shows the macroscopic contact angle depends solely on the triple contact line's properties.
Researchers have adapted weather forecasting techniques to predict local flu outbreaks, providing weeks of warning before the peak. The system uses data assimilation and Google Flu Trends to estimate flu-related sickness in regions, allowing health officials to better prepare and make informed decisions.
The American Society of Clinical Oncology's Quality Care Symposium reveals important advances in cancer care quality measurement, physician adherence to quality standards, and end-of-life care. The studies also highlight the overuse of contralateral prophylactic mastectomy.
Researchers develop a sediment budget for an alpine cirque in British Columbia, Canada, revealing glacial retreat rates of 0.5-0.9 mm per year. In Tibet, new data supports a model of rift evolution involving upper crustal thinning and isostatic rebound.
Researchers at the University of Liverpool developed a computer-based test to help heavy drinkers reduce their alcohol consumption by practicing restraint in response to images of alcoholic drinks. The study found that participants who learned to exercise self-control subsequently drank less beer than control groups.
The NSF is highlighting the importance of incorporating human factors into geophysical research to address environmental issues. By combining natural and social sciences, researchers can gain a more comprehensive understanding of sustainability challenges., Researchers supported by the CNH program are exploring ways to balance human ne...
Researchers have successfully increased graphene's conduction electrons' spin-orbit coupling by a factor of 10,000, enabling the construction of a switch that can be controlled via small electric fields. The discovery opens up new possibilities for building graphene-based components.
Researchers found fewer benefits associated with aldosterone antagonist drugs, including no difference in deaths or hospital readmissions for cardiovascular events. However, patients taking the drugs were at higher risk of hyperkalemia and less likely to be readmitted to the hospital for heart failure.
Researchers found that both skeletal muscle MSCs and adipose tissue MSCs improved left ventricle function and reduced infarct size after injection into the heart of laboratory rats. The study suggests that these cells may be a potential treatment modality for patients with acute myocardial infarction.
Two studies presented at RSNA 2012 found that revised guidelines for screening mammography may lead to a decline in screening, potentially resulting in missed cancers. The new recommendations, issued by the USPSTF, recommend routine screening every two years for women 50-74 years old.
Researchers at the Institute of Molecular Biology found that deletion of just one gene, Gadd45g, results in complete sex reversal of male mice. The study uncovers a novel signaling cascade essential for initiating male sex organ development.
A study identified a pattern of frequent injuries, including facial trauma, dental trauma, and brain hemorrhages, among abused elderly patients. Radiologists can use these findings to aid in identifying potential cases of elder abuse, which is often neglected compared to child abuse.
Scientists discovered injecting Wnt7a into muscle affected by Duchenne muscular dystrophy significantly increases its size and strength. The treatment shows promise as a therapy akin to insulin use for diabetics.
Scientists at the University of Toronto have discovered a method to transform aged stem cells into functioning-like younger ones, paving the way for growing cardiac patches from patient's own cells. This breakthrough could potentially avoid rejection and treat damaged or diseased hearts.
A NIH study found that changes in immune gene function may cause age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Decreased DNA methylation led to increased IL17RC protein, promoting inflammation and immune cell recruitment that damages the retina.
A new process of creating islet cell clusters has been successfully developed to improve pancreatic transplantation. The clusters were engineered to overcome challenges such as hypoxic conditions and immune reactions, resulting in higher viability rates and potential cure for type I diabetes.
Scientists are studying fish ear bones to understand the impacts of climate change on fish growth and distribution. The otoliths, which record annual growth rings, can provide insights into environmental conditions and help guide conservation efforts.
Researchers examine the effects of human activity on land modification, finding over 50% of Earth's surface has been transformed. This transformation influences local and global food production, leading to concerns about planetary resources and population overshoot.
A review of existing studies found vitamin D associated with a significant reduction in tooth decay incidence in children. The findings support the importance of vitamin D for dental health and suggest a potential preventive role.
A study published in Alzheimer Disease & Associated Disorders found that a florbetapir PET scan can alter physicians' diagnostic thinking, guiding treatment and further testing for patients with cognitive impairment. The test showed amyloid deposits in 113 out of 229 patients, leading to changes in diagnosis and treatment plans.
Experts argue that uncertainty about climate change impacts should not delay decision-making on adaptation measures. The costs of adapting to climate change include infrastructure upgrades and risk reduction strategies.
A study comparing plant chromosome numbers among Italian, Slovak, and Polish floras found significant differences, confirming that mean chromosome number increases with increasing latitude. The findings suggest a relationship between polyploidy and latitude, but more research is needed for the Austral hemisphere.
A new study found a four-fold increase in breast cancer incidence among women with neurofibromatosis-1, prompting recommendations for earlier screening. The researchers suggest annual manual breast exams and mammograms beginning at age 40 for this high-risk population.
A survey of women with dense breasts found that many would pursue additional screening if notified of their breast density. The study highlights the need for patient education regarding breast density and available alternative technologies to aid in screening.
A study found that heavily indebted medical students choosing primary care face significant financial challenges. To mitigate these issues, they must consider alternative repayment strategies or lifestyle adjustments, such as living in a more affordable area or opting for an extended repayment plan.
A UN report warns that thawing permafrost could significantly amplify global warming due to the release of potent greenhouse gases like methane and carbon dioxide. The report notes that permafrost covers nearly a quarter of the northern hemisphere, holding 1,700 gigatonnes of carbon.
Researchers at the University of Montreal have identified a chemical chain that causes neurodegenerative diseases such as Huntington's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and dementia. Increasing another cell chemical called progranulin has been shown to reduce neuron death by combating mutant huntingtin protein accumulation.
Researchers are exploring an emerging processing technology developed by Analog Devices Lyric Labs that could revolutionize onboard data processing in space. The technology, which represents probabilities rather than binary ones and zeros, enables parallel calculations, reducing power consumption and increasing efficiency.
A Cornell University study found that serving vegetables with dinner increases the positive response of the meal and its preparer. Parents surveyed by researchers rated vegetable-prepared meals as more complete, loving, and tasty, and perceived the cook as more thoughtful and attentive.
A study published in the European Heart Journal found that digoxin is associated with a significant increase in deaths in patients with atrial fibrillation. High levels of digoxin in the blood have been correlated with an increased death rate in these patients.