Researchers at the University of Cincinnati have identified a genetic mutation responsible for deafness and hearing loss associated with Usher syndrome type 1. The discovery of the CIB2 protein provides new insights into the mechanism of mechano-electrical transduction, which converts mechanical energy into sound.
The study reveals that southwestern forests face significant challenges due to climate change, including increased drought stress and mortality. The researchers developed a Forest Drought-Stress Index that shows a strong correlation with tree growth, death from drought, and area burned by forest fires.
Researchers from the University of North Carolina School have established a connection between histone H3 lysine 9 methylation and DNA methylation, implicating protein UHRF1 in their maintenance. This finding may provide clues to the underlying causes of disease and cancer.
Scientists discovered Lepidopteris baodensis, a 251-million-year-old seed fern with subepidermal swellings that may have allowed it to survive in hot, arid environments. The finding expands knowledge of the genus' biology and taxonomy, as well as its relationship to other plant species.
Phase I and II trials of combining drugs to treat melanoma, including dabrafenib and trametinib, demonstrate a clinically meaningful improvement in progression-free survival, response rate, and duration of response. These studies suggest the potential for new drug combinations to delay resistance to BRAF inhibitors.
A phase I/II study found that combining dabrafenib and trametinib delayed the development of treatment resistance in melanoma patients. The combination was at least twice as effective as BRAF inhibition alone, with significant delays in resistance emergence.
Phase III data show gefitinib improves quality-of-life measures and extends progression-free survival in esophageal cancer. The COG study included 450 patients who had progressed after first line chemotherapy and received either placebo or the EGFR-inhibitor gefitinib.
A new study suggests that teenagers who get extra sleep can improve their insulin resistance and prevent the future onset of diabetes. The research found a significant association between shorter sleep duration and higher insulin resistance levels in healthy adolescents.
Prostate cancer cases expected to reach nearly 242,000 diagnoses in 2012. New guidelines introduce active surveillance as a viable alternative to immediate treatment for low-risk tumors.
A landmark survey reveals that many countries fail to provide essential opioid medications for cancer pain relief, leaving hundreds of millions of patients suffering. The study's findings highlight the need to reformulate national plans and repeal excessive restrictions on cancer care.
A post-hoc analysis of the phase III MISSION trial suggests that patients with EGFR-mutant tumors may benefit from sorafenib, which showed improved progression-free survival and disease control rates. In contrast, median overall survival was similar between treatment groups.
The newly approved guidelines educate patients on effective methods to prevent gout attacks, including dietary recommendations and lifestyle choices. The guidelines also provide recommended therapies for long-term management of gout, such as xanthine oxidase inhibitors and non-drug treatments.
A new study reveals that younger and healthier patients undergoing bilateral total knee replacements are actually becoming sicker, with rising complication rates attributed to obesity. The study found a 3% increase in pneumonia, pulmonary embolism, and nonmyocardial infarction cardiac complications over time.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital found that melatonin significantly improved sleep in hypertensive patients taking beta-blockers. The study showed a 37-minute increase in sleep time, an eight percent improvement in sleep efficiency, and no adverse effects.
NASA's Aqua satellite revealed strong convection and thunderstorms in Tropical Storm Nadine, strengthening it back into a hurricane. The storm has lingered for over two weeks, but is still far from breaking the record for longest-lived tropical cyclone.
A study by researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital successfully controls space-age jetlag on Mars using a fatigue management program. The program, which educated participants on resetting their body clocks, improved sleep, alertness, and performance.
The study found significant variation in adoption of screening and infection control interventions aimed at MDROs and C. difficile, with some hospitals screening for all admissions and others infrequently.
A genomic sequencing project funded by community donations has published the first sequence of the critically endangered Puerto Rican Parrot. The project, led by Dr. Taras Oleksyk, covers nearly 76% of the parrot's genome and has found similarities to zebra finches and chickens.
A new study finds that women experiencing early menopause are more likely to have a heart attack or stroke due to cardiovascular disease. Women with early menopause were found to be at higher risk for cardiovascular disease, including smoking, diabetes, and excess weight.
A wide coronal mass ejection (CME) is traveling at approximately 700 miles per second and expected to reach Earth on September 29. The CME is associated with a small solar flare, classified as C-class, which is not expected to cause significant disruptions to electronic systems.
A new study reveals that white shark diets change with age, but individual sharks show surprising variability in dietary preferences. The researchers analyzed growth bands in shark vertebrae to trace variations in diet over a shark's lifetime.
The University of Notre Dame has received a five-year, $6.1 million NSF grant to support the QuarkNet program, which provides research experiences for high school teachers and inspires STEM education. The program aims to develop scientific literacy in students and attract young students to careers in science and technology.
Super Typhoon Jelawat brought extremely rough seas to areas in the western North Pacific, with waves reaching 40 feet. The storm was approaching Okinawa, Japan, where a warning level TCCOR-1 was issued due to destructive sustained winds of 50 knots or greater.
Tropical Storm Ewiniar's clouds revealed a partially exposed low-level circulation center, open to outside winds that can affect its trajectory. Heavy rainfall and thunderstorms, with the strongest on the eastern quadrant, were observed around the storm.
A new study by UC Davis researchers found that induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) share significant similarities with malignant cancer cells, highlighting the need for caution in clinical use. The findings suggest that iPSCs could cause cancer and may require additional safety measures before they can be used to treat diseases.
Researchers at EMBL and Oxford University found that gene loops can turn bi-directional promoters into one-way systems, controlling transcription direction. This discovery enables bidirectional regulation of genes, allowing cells to adjust the spread of regulation throughout the genome.
The incidence of invasive cervical cancer has declined dramatically over the past several decades, thanks to increased use of Pap smears and prevention programs. However, disparities persist, particularly among underserved racial and ethnic minorities, rural areas, and low-income women.
Researchers tracked tumor evolution in a patient with maxillary sinus carcinoma, identifying genetic changes that contribute to drug resistance. The study provides a roadmap for treating this rare and aggressive cancer.
A piece of nettle cloth from Denmark's richest Bronze Age burial mound Lusehøj suggests long-distance trade connections with Austria around 800 BC. The cloth, not made in Denmark, indicates that Bronze Age Danes imported textiles from Central Europe.
Bilingual infants demonstrated an ability to discriminate between two unfamiliar languages using visual cues, suggesting that early exposure to multiple languages improves perceptual sensitivity. Skilled deaf readers showed enhanced perceptual span in reading, contrary to previous hypotheses that suggested this might hinder reading abi...
The apple flea weevil has reemerged as a significant pest in organic apple orchards, causing up to 90% damage. The authors discuss management options and highlight the need for proven methods in organic production.
Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory have created a musical representation of microbial data, revealing intriguing patterns and relationships. The 'sonified' data showcases the natural structures in oceanic environments, offering a new way to visualize biological phenomena.
Researchers are developing molten-salt-based CSP heat transfer fluids with low melting points and low corrosivity to generate steam and electrical power efficiently and cost-effectively. The goal is to reach temperatures of up to 2,400 degrees Fahrenheit to overcome nocturnal drop in power generation capability.
A new study found that phone therapy is just as effective as in-person therapy for people with mild to moderate depression and anxiety. The research from the University of Cambridge also showed that providing talking therapies over the phone can save the NHS money, with a cost per session 36.2% lower.
Researchers created photoluminescent nanoparticles that shine clearly through over 3 centimeters of biological tissue. The particles, made with calcium-fluoride shells and thulium core, provide high-contrast imaging without adverse effects.
Researchers developed a new optical technique to monitor and control nanoscale topography during semiconductor etching. This allows for precise control over the dimensions of devices, improving performance, speed, error rate, and time to failure.
The genome sequence of the critically endangered Puerto Rican Parrot was successfully assembled using locally funded community efforts. The project showcases how accessible genomic technology has become, with a small institution in Puerto Rico achieving this feat without relying on large international genome centers.
The first-ever estimate of cancer's economic burden in Europe reveals that cancers cost the European Union €124 billion each year, with lung cancer responsible for the highest overall burden. Caring for cancer patients also takes a toll on caregivers, who experience impairments in physical and mental health.
A team of researchers at MIT has discovered a set of general principles that explain the sudden increase in material strength as strain rate increases. This phenomenon, known as flow-stress upturn, has broad implications for understanding materials' behavior under various types of stresses.
A study by UC Irvine neurologist Dr. Jack Lin suggests that screening for comorbidities can enhance the care and quality of life for children and adults with epilepsy. The study highlights the importance of early detection, treatment, and prevention of psychiatric, cognitive, and social issues in conjunction with epilepsy.
Researchers link common herbicide atrazine to increased risk of choanal atresia, a congenital abnormality affecting breathing. Mothers living in Texas counties with high atrazine application levels are 80% more likely to have children with the condition.
Researchers investigate whether maternal exercise during pregnancy can lead to a reduced risk of cancer in offspring. Previous studies show improved glucose regulation and enhanced stress protection in exercised mice offspring.
LMU researchers have developed a method called Single-Molecule Cut & Paste (SMC&P) to assemble individual protein molecules with nanometer precision. This technique allows for the controlled assembly of complex protein machines, enabling the testing of functional aspects such as enzyme interactions and coupled reactions.
Research in Venice Lagoon reveals rapid climate change with SST increasing ten times the global average, impacting local economy and marine life. The study highlights the urgent need to address urban heat island effects to secure coastal habitats.
NASA monitored Tropical Storm Miriam's decline and formation of new storm Norman in the Eastern Pacific. Miriam's maximum sustained winds reached 30 knots as it transitioned to a remnant low pressure area.
The IUCN World Conservation Congress has adopted a motion to create a Green List for Species, which will include species identified as 'fully conserved', thriving in ecologically significant numbers. The list aims to emphasize that conservation is about more than just preventing extinction and highlight successful species conservation.
Autism Speaks has awarded nearly $5 million in research grants to support various studies on autism, including the effects of pregnancy medications on future generations. These grants will fund projects that aim to identify biomarkers for response to autism medications, develop new interventions, and expand food choices for picky eater...
A new study led by University of Pennsylvania researchers has identified a crucial signaling molecule involved in counterbalancing the immune system attack. Regulatory T cells, or Tregs, play a key role in suppressing inflammatory responses and preventing autoimmune diseases.
A Northwestern University study reveals that our brains make complex decisions for us without our knowledge or consent. Researchers found that even when people are aware of the trick, their brains still rely on visual information to guide hand movements.
Tadpole shrimp have been identified as a new pest of rice production systems in the midsouthern United States. The shrimp feed on rice seedlings and uproot them during foraging, causing water to become muddy and reducing light penetration.
A new malaria-transmitting mosquito species has been discovered in western Kenya by Notre Dame researchers. The mosquito breeds outdoors and bites people earlier in the evening, threatening current malaria control techniques.
Researchers observed phytoplankton fleeing from zooplankton and even from chemical scents of predators. Fleeing helps the alga survive and makes a difference between life and death.
A new study defines boredom as a mental state fueled by attention failures, leading to frustration and potential dangers such as accidents, impulse control issues, and mortality. The researchers aim to stimulate further research to understand and address the issue.
Researchers in Dresden observed how electrons in individual quantum dots absorb energy and emit it as light. They used scanning near-field microscopy to excite electrons and measure their energy levels.
A new study found that cherry consumption lowered gout attack risk by 35% compared to non-consumers, while combined with allopurinol it decreased risk by 75%. The findings suggest cherries may be a preventive option for patients with gout.
Researchers estimate that maximizing observation unit potential can result in significant cost savings, with an average annual saving of $4.6 million per hospital and up to $3.1 billion nationwide. This could be achieved by avoiding 2.4 million unnecessary inpatient admissions.
A new study reveals that summers on the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard are warmer than any other time in the last 1,800 years, with temperatures exceeding even the warmest periods during the Medieval Warm Period. This finding casts doubt on skeptics who argue that current warming is also natural.
A 15-year analysis shows that state-of-the-art HIV care improves health outcomes across all patient groups, including those most affected by the disease. Comprehensive care models with multiple levels of support lead to better clinical outcomes.
A study led by Dr. Najma Ahmed found that lack of control over resources and work-life balance contribute to dissatisfaction among general surgeons. Surgeons cite enjoying patient interactions and resolving problems quickly as key sources of satisfaction.
Super Typhoon Jelawat's eye has grown to 36 nautical miles, with extreme rainmaking and symmetrical circulation. The storm is expected to make landfall near Kyoto, Japan on Sept. 30, maintaining strong winds.