Rice University biochemist James McNew is probing the key protein atlastin in the genetic disorder HSP. The study aims to build up a better understanding of how atlastin works and why its defects cause HSP.
McGill researchers identified a small region in the genome linked to psychiatric disease and obesity, specifically through BDNF deletion. The study found that individuals with BDNF deletions exhibited major depression, anxiety, and obesity, with weight gain associated with age.
Researchers at IMUT have developed a method to analyze nanoscale deformation fields of a crack-tip, mapping pure shear strain at the atomic scale. The study provides new insights into fracture mechanics, paving the way for further research on dynamic crack-tips and various materials.
Researchers create precision blood test that uses gene patterns in blood cells to identify advanced-stage prostate cancer patients with worst prognosis. The test can be used to select those in need of immediate treatment.
Eberli's research on carbonate sediments and rocks has led to a revolutionary new model of platform development, revealing the internal architecture of Great Bahama Bank. The CSL Center for Carbonate Research he directs has made significant breakthroughs in understanding sedimentologic processes, aiding the petroleum industry.
Researchers will develop computer code to model the complex conditions at the edge of fusion plasmas, which could help design and operate facilities for generating electricity from fusion. The validated model could guide developers of next-generation fusion facilities, including ITER.
Researchers identified genetic signatures that can predict the progression of castration-resistant prostate cancer, with patients having the signature living an average of 9.2 months compared to 21.6 months without the signature. These findings hold promise for improving patient outcomes and enabling better clinical trials.
A new over-the-counter HIV test, OraQuick, is unlikely to significantly impact the fight against HIV due to its high cost and limited accessibility. Physicians recommend counseling patients about the use and limitations of home testing to make informed decisions.
Researchers have discovered that the critical temperature for catalytic ignition depends on the material used and crystallographic orientation of metal granules. The findings suggest that a more efficient catalytic converter can be built by optimizing these factors, potentially reducing emissions and costs.
Researchers at the University of Warwick have created a model to predict the impact of future pandemics in real-time. By analyzing statistical data, they found that infection rates were higher than previously thought and transmission probabilities decreased with increasing household size.
A team of academics will compare screening programmes in some areas to establish the most effective way of spotting hearing loss in children aged four to six years old. The research aims to determine whether a nationwide approach would be successful and cost-effective.
A University of Illinois study found that caffeine reduces brain-based inflammation associated with neurodegenerative diseases. Caffeine-treated mice recovered their ability to form new memories faster than non-caffeine-treated mice, suggesting a possible therapeutic target for mild cognitive impairment.
Researchers have designed a blood test that can detect aggressive prostate cancers by analyzing the pattern of gene activity in blood cells. The test, which reads genetic changes like a barcode, can accurately identify patients with advanced prostate cancers and predict their survival time.
A team of scientists will enroll 250 people living with HIV/AIDS in a clinical study to compare an intervention with a Holistic Health Recovery Program adapted for Alcohol Use Disorders, aiming to enhance patients' awareness and modify behaviors that promote HIV disease progression.
The Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) has successfully engineered microbes to produce biodegradable materials like polylactic acid, which can be used in various applications. Metabolic engineering enhances microbial performance to improve the production of desired chemicals and materials.
Research reveals that Col6 protein's endotrophin alter tumor environment promoting growth and metastasis in mice. Reduced endotrophin expression linked to lower tumor burden and fewer metastases.
A team of scientists at Scripps Research Institute has been awarded $2.1 million to study compounds that may improve the quality of life for ALS patients by inhibiting the JNK enzyme. The study aims to develop a neuroprotective drug to prevent motor neuron death and lengthen patients' lifespan.
Teachers can utilize specific behaviors to increase students' emotional and cognitive interest, leading to greater engagement. Research found that immediacy behaviors stimulate emotional arousal, while clarity behaviors enhance structural understanding of course content.
Researchers at Gladstone Institutes discover how a protein deficiency contributes to neurodegenerative disease frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Progranulin prevents microglia from becoming hyperactive, leading to inflammation that destroys neurons and causes debilitating symptoms.
A new class of treatment has been identified against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), a 'superbug' responsible for difficult-to-treat illnesses. The compound, developed from an anti-cancer agent, shows promise in treating MRSA-infected mice and has the potential to combat drug-resistant tuberculosis.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University have developed a new technology that aims to make terabyte storage cheaper and easier. They use similar optical data storage technology as commercially available Blu-ray discs but write data in dozens of layers instead of two or four, resulting in lower manufacturing costs.
A new study found that nearly half of all retail firewood sold in the US West is infested with live insects. The research highlights the risks of untreated firewood transporting pests and pathogens to uninfested areas. Heat-treating firewood before sale could help mitigate these risks.
A recent study from York University found that drugs approved through Health Canada's accelerated review process are more likely to be withdrawn or earn serious safety warnings than those undergoing standard reviews. This is due to the faster review process potentially missing serious safety issues.
Researchers found that common polymorphisms in the T2R38 gene were correlated with the incidence of bacterial sinus infections, demonstrating a genetic link to individual differences in respiratory infection susceptibility. In companion pieces, studies on PSD-95 expression and progranulin deficiency shed light on potential therapeutic ...
The River Thames has been invaded with over 96 non-native freshwater species, according to a recent study published in Biological Invasions. The research suggests that globalisation and shipping activity have facilitated these invasions, resulting in significant biodiversity loss and ecosystem service degradation.
A new study published in Neurology suggests that a diet rich in tomatoes and lycopene may lower the risk of stroke. The research involved 1,031 Finnish men aged 46-65, who were followed for an average of 12 years, with those having higher levels of lycopene showing a 55% reduced risk of stroke.
A new study by seismologists at Columbia University's Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory suggests that North Korea's alleged 2010 nuclear tests were probably false alarms. The researchers found no evidence of seismic waves consistent with the detonations, citing the region's dense network of seismic stations.
A $20 million gift from Andrew and Barbara Taylor has established the Taylor Family Institute for Innovative Psychiatric Research at Washington University. The institute aims to develop new therapies for psychiatric disorders, which currently have major limitations in effectiveness and potential side effects.
A study of children in Massachusetts found that low-level prenatal mercury exposure is associated with a higher risk of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)-related behaviors. Conversely, fish consumption during pregnancy appears to be protective, particularly for impulsive/hyperactive behaviors.
Researchers have discovered that genes 'burst' on and off at precise frequencies, regulating protein synthesis. This finding has implications for understanding cancer, drug resistance, and other diseases.
Researchers aim to develop an intervention to reduce alcohol-related violence in intimate relationships. The five-year study will examine the underlying factors behind alcohol intoxication and violence, a risk factor for intimate partner violence affecting nearly 40% of US adults.
A randomized clinical trial of 377 premature babies found that receiving fresher blood did not improve clinical outcomes, including major organ injury, mortality, and infection. The study, led by Dr. Dean Fergusson, used the gold standard of medical science and challenged existing beliefs about fresh blood being better.
Young people in foster care face significant financial challenges as they age out of the system. Financial education and matched-savings programs can help them build assets and become financially independent adults. Experts recommend allowing young people to make mistakes and learn from their decisions to ensure financial stability.
A study found that computerized surveillance in the home causes significant changes in behavior to control privacy intrusion. Participants adjusted their daily practices to maintain a tolerable level of surveillance, but unexpected events could disrupt these adaptations.
A study found that girls without health vulnerabilities in low-poverty neighborhoods experienced improved mental health outcomes. In contrast, boys from families with preexisting health-related vulnerabilities did not show significant benefits. The experiment benefited approximately 60% of the girls involved.
Dysynergic defecation is a condition where the brain and gut communicate improperly, leading to constipation and abdominal pain. Researchers have developed a biofeedback system that helps patients relearn normal behavior and restore communication between the brain and gut, showing an 85% success rate.
A new technique has been developed by North Carolina State University researchers to improve the accuracy of determining a battery's remaining charge in real-time. This will enable electric vehicle drivers to better estimate when their car may run out of juice.
A study found that low-level prenatal mercury exposure increases the risk of ADHD-related behaviors in children, while moderate fish consumption during pregnancy reduces this risk. Researchers recommend pregnant women consider both benefits and risks of eating fish while pregnant.
Children spend an average of five screens at home by age 10 and six hours a day watching screens by adolescence. Prolonged screen time is linked to increased risks of heart disease, diabetes, obesity, attention span reduction, and psychosocial problems like Facebook depression and impaired empathy.
The University of Colorado Boulder has developed graphene membranes with tiny pores that can efficiently separate gas molecules based on size. This technology holds promise for enhancing natural gas production while reducing carbon dioxide emissions from power plant exhaust pipes.
A three-month intensive language study led to significant brain structure changes in language learners compared to non-language students. The hippocampus and cerebral cortex areas expanded in size, correlating with improved language skills, highlighting the cognitive benefits of language learning.
A new study found that bitter taste receptors play a crucial role in fighting off chronic sinus infections by detecting specific bacterial molecules. The research suggests that individuals with strong bitter taste sensitivities have better defenses against these infections.
Some desert plant species adapt well to climate change, benefiting from fluctuating weather conditions. This is contrary to predictions by climate models, which forecast unfavorable effects on ecosystems. Researchers found that these plants have a unique physiology allowing them to thrive in arid regions.
A new study found that nearly half of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) attempt to elope at least once after age 4, with 53% going missing long enough to cause concern. The study also reveals that elopement behavior is often goal-oriented and intent-driven, with children seeking to go somewhere or do something.
The Digits sensor allows users to control devices remotely using hand gestures, eliminating the need for external hardware. Researchers have made significant breakthroughs in understanding human hand movements and developing a system that can accurately track and interpret finger joints, wrist orientation, and other key points.
Scientists have assembled a large collection of research to examine how experiences interact with biology from before birth, affecting life course trajectories. The study provides new insights into the interaction between experience and biology in the early years, setting a direction for future research.
Researchers have developed an adaptor that makes genetic engineering of microbial components more predictable, converting regulators of translation into regulators of transcription in Escherichia coli. This allows for the construction of increasingly complex functions in microorganisms, enabling safer and more efficient production of e...
Researchers have deciphered how a stress-inducible gene regulator, AP-1, controls the survival of liver tumor-initiating cells. Altering these proteins in mice impaired liver cancer development, providing new insights into liver cancer initiation.
Researchers have identified 8 new genetic regions associated with atopic dermatitis, a chronic skin condition affecting millions worldwide. The findings suggest overlapping susceptibility regions between atopic dermatitis and asthma, pointing to common genetic factors for allergic diseases.
Swedish researchers at Uppsala University have discovered a new group of nerve cells called OLM-alpha2 cells that act as gatekeepers in the hippocampus. These cells prioritize local circuit signals, altering memory formation when activated by nicotine or light stimulation.
Researchers measured brain activity during sleep and found the entorhinal cortex shows persistent activity, behaving as if it's remembering something. This challenges conventional theories about memory consolidation during sleep.
A new approach to lung scanning, called parametric response mapping, allows for better distinction between early-stage small airway disease and emphysema in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The technique enables precise diagnosis and treatment planning, as well as tracking COPD progression over time.
New research reveals bariatric surgery does not significantly improve obstructive sleep apnoea in severely obese individuals. Weight loss through surgical or medically-supervised means results in comparable improvements in OSA severity.
A new study suggests that NA-1, a neuroprotective agent, may reduce brain lesions and damage after stroke surgery. The research found significantly fewer lesions in patients who received the drug compared to those who received a saline control, although there was no difference in volume of lesions recorded.
Researchers have discovered smallest and fastest-known RNA switches, which could provide new targets for drug development. The newly found excited states of RNA molecules offer potential for disrupting HIV replication and interfering with protein assembly in bacterial ribosomes.
Researchers at Stanford and Yale universities found that oil palm plantation expansion in Indonesian Borneo is a significant source of carbon dioxide emissions, projected to contribute over 558 million metric tons in 2020. The study highlights the urgent need for sustainable production methods to mitigate deforestation.
A Canadian research team led by Dr. Michael Hill has successfully conducted the world's first clinical trial to protect the brain from stroke damage using a neuroprotectant drug, NA-1. The trial showed promising results, reducing brain damage and improving neurological outcomes in patients who underwent endovascular aneurysm repair.
Palestinian refugees face chronic illnesses, water leakage issues, and poverty-related health problems. A significant correlation was found between chronic illness and water leakage, as well as between poverty and ill health.
Researchers have discovered a key protein, RABL2, that affects sperm tail length and motility, potentially leading to new avenues for male infertility treatment. A mutation in this protein can result in significantly shorter sperm tails and decreased production.
William Foege, a renowned epidemiologist and physician, received the Dean's Medal from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health for his pioneering work in eradicating smallpox and controlling river blindness. The award recognizes Foege's tireless efforts to save millions of lives worldwide.