Scientists have discovered rules that relate genes to a neuron's electrical properties and shape, increasing the likelihood of predicting brain structure and function without measuring every aspect. This breakthrough increases the feasibility of modeling the brain in silico and ushering in a new era of predictive biology.
Researchers at Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research used powerful sequencing technology to investigate the three-dimensional structure of DNA folds in the nucleus. They found that DNA folds into local domains called topological domains, which are essential for gene regulation.
The University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) chancellor is urging patient advocates to work with policymakers to develop regulations for a data network that integrates research and clinical care. The goal is to accelerate medical advances through 'precision medicine,' which tailors treatment to individual patients.
The Mediterranean Sea, rich in biodiversity, is under threat from human pressures such as overfishing, tourism, and shipping traffic. Despite progress made in addressing environmental issues, concerted action remains a challenge due to regional differences.
Astronomers have identified two 11- to 12-billion-year-old white dwarf stars, the oldest and closest known to Earth. Located 100 light years away, these stars are believed to be among the first formed in the Universe soon after the Big Bang.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital found that prolonged sleep restriction with simultaneous circadian disruption increases the risk of developing diabetes and obesity. This is because disrupted internal clocks can lead to poor insulin secretion and increased glucose concentrations in the blood.
A team of researchers has identified a novel transcripitonal cascade that controls gliogenesis, the process by which glial cells are generated from neural stem cells. This discovery provides new insights into how glial cells support neuronal function and are implicated in neurological disorders such as Retts Syndrome, ALS, and Multiple...
Researchers found that Cantonese speakers demonstrated enhanced musical pitch perception compared to Canadian French and English speakers. Notably, individuals with congenital amusia who also spoke Cantonese still showed improved pitch perception.
A two-year study found that omnivore dung, including chimpanzee and human dung, is the most attractive to dung beetles. Native Nebraskan dung beetles showed little attraction to bison dung compared to exotic animal dungs.
A 'brain-only' mutation has been discovered that causes hemimegalencephaly (HMG), a condition characterized by an enlarged and dysfunctional half of the brain. This mutation is limited to brain tissue and contributes to overgrowth, intellectual disability, and severe epilepsy.
Research on Dunlins reveals that female birds divorce to upgrade their mate or territory, while males tend to stay with the same partner. Divorced females experience increased nest success when paired with new partners compared to those who remain single.
A study led by University of Michigan physicians shows a single dose of indomethacin can prevent post-ERCP pancreatitis, reducing hospitalizations and costs. The medication is part of a category of non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs that inhibits an inflammatory response in the pancreas.
A high level of skill and knowledge is necessary to optimize patient outcomes in bariatric surgical patients. The journal Bariatric Nursing and Surgical Patient Care emphasizes the need for consistent care with current evidence and best practices.
Economists Santanu Roy and Kamal Saggi found that trade restrictions on parallel imports can actually promote trade. When a market is smaller than the firm's own, imposing trade restrictions motivates the firm to export. The study suggests that policy diversity is working well, but countries with major asymmetries may need intervention.
The American Federation for Aging Research (AFAR) has awarded nearly $2.5 million in career development grants to 83 advanced fellows and junior faculty members at 28 Hartford Centers of Excellence in Geriatric Medicine and Training. The awards aim to support research, teaching, and leadership in geriatric medicine.
The prestigious Barry M. Goldwater Foundation has selected four University of Miami students as 2012 Goldwater Scholars: Christopher Sanchez, Ian Ergui, Juan Pablo Ruiz, and Christine Chesley. Sanchez is majoring in Environmental Science and Policy with a focus on Anthropology.
A large international study found that chemotherapy is an effective alternative to bone marrow transplants for young leukemia patients who fail induction therapy. The study identified a subset of patients with high cure rates after additional chemotherapy, improving overall survival rates.
A study by Penn State economists found a significant correlation between the number of Wal-Mart stores and hate groups in an area. The researchers suggest that the large-scale retail chains may contribute to the fraying of social bonds and promote intolerant attitudes, particularly through their promotion of typical Protestant values.
A study published in PLoS ONE found that people's fear levels toward threats are associated with the typical size of their social circles. The researchers determined that this effect was not due to a lack of differentiation between small and large groups, suggesting that social circle size plays a significant role in shaping our percep...
Spartan Innovations, a new initiative by Michigan State University, aims to turn research innovations into successful businesses. The program provides resources such as entrepreneurship education, stipends, CEO mentors-in-residence, and gap funding to support MSU startups.
Scientists have pinpointed the region on dengue virus that humans target with their immune system, challenging current vaccine research. The discovery reveals human antibodies bind to a complex structure on assembled dengue viruses, not small fragments as previously thought.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin found that maternally inherited small interfering RNAs control seed development, leading to smaller seeds. This discovery has significant implications for agriculture and understanding plant evolution.
Scientists investigate constant lower crustal temperatures and variable water contents in mafic melts from the SW Japan arc, linking magmatic water to differentiation of arc magmas. High-resolution carbon-14 dating reveals lamination rates influenced by climate and lake geochemistry in ancient stromatolites. Methane seeps are found as ...
The EPSRC grant will attract top researchers to the UK, introduce young scientists to senior figures, and promote cross-disciplinary collaboration. ICMS events aim to foster innovation and address the gender gap in mathematics.
Researchers from SomaLogic and the University of Washington identified 36 proteins with significant expression changes in lung cancer tissue samples, including 13 new biomarkers. This study provides new insights into NSCLC biology and suggests potential therapeutic targets.
For the first time, researchers have mapped the exact migration route of Golden-crowned Sparrows from California to their breeding grounds in coastal Alaska. The study, published in PLoS ONE, reveals that these small songbirds travel up to 2400 miles one-way and spend only 29 days on their northbound migration.
Research suggests stress can cause cognitive decline in women with breast cancer, regardless of treatment status. Women with passive coping strategies and high stress levels experience impaired memory and attention. Effective coping strategies are essential to maintaining cognitive function.
A new study links the end-Ordovician mass extinction to nutrient-driven anoxia in the global ocean. The research overthrows century-old knowledge on why marine animals faced their first major challenges, highlighting the tight coupling between life evolution and oxygen dynamics.
Scientists have discovered that chromosomes fold into a series of contiguous 'yarns,' grouping genes and regulatory elements together to facilitate coordinated development. This domainal organization allows for the precise orchestration of gene activity, but also creates a challenge when mutations disrupt this structure.
Geologists uncover distinct mantle sources for Sierra Nevada volcanism, shedding light on the region's youth and seismic activity. A warmer, wetter climate characterized large mammals in Western Nevada, contrary to today's Sierran orographic rain shadow.
Researchers at the University of Bonn have developed a method to convert skin and umbilical cord cells directly into nerve cells with high efficiency. The scientists achieved this by using small molecules to optimize signaling pathways and simplify the process, resulting in up to 80% human neurons being produced.
Researchers found that ant queens from species Cardiocondyla obscurior laid more eggs as they aged, unlike humans and other organisms. This high reproductive rate did not shorten the queens' life spans, a surprising finding.
A UNC-led team reveals that gene switches don't simply flip on or off, but instead exhibit dynamic binding behavior involving stable and transient states. This discovery offers new insights into gene regulation and potential applications in genetic medicine.
Researchers found that people with strong social connections tend to eat more fruit and vegetables, but also consume sugary drinks and fast food. Social responsibilities may limit time and energy for healthy behaviors in low-income individuals.
Purdue University professor Eric Calais recognized for his exceptional leadership in Haiti's earthquake reconstruction, providing critical information for seismic hazard assessment. He also raised awareness among the public and national authorities, building scientific capacity within Haiti.
Researchers uncover two distinct cell types in the inferior temporal cortex that respond differently to familiar and novel objects. Excitatory neurons fire rapidly at initial encounters, while inhibitory neurons maintain activity over a wider timeframe, driving learning and reorganization.
A review article highlights the need for more comprehensive health assessments in young adult cancer survivors, who are living longer and experiencing late effects from treatment. The study concludes that traditional tools created for adult-onset cancer are insufficient for this population, requiring a broader range of measurement.
Researchers used advanced technology to observe dying stars, revealing winds of gas and dust. The discovery solves the long-standing puzzle of stellar superwinds.
Fungal infections destroy over 125 million tonnes of crops annually, equivalent to $60 billion in damages. New fungal diseases also threaten the extinction of over 500 species of amphibian and endangered animals, posing a significant threat to global food security and biodiversity.
Three noteworthy studies were presented, including a study on KRAS in non-small cell lung cancer patients and another on dacomitinib's favorable clinical benefits. Additionally, researchers validated the role of tumor lymphocytic infiltration as a favorable prognostic factor for resectable non-small cell lung cancer.
Research by Oregon State University scientists has found a definitive link between ocean acidification and oyster larval failure, with elevated CO2 levels inhibiting shell development and growth. The study's findings have significant implications for the $100 million annual commercial oyster production industry on the West Coast.
Simple insect bites often resolve on their own without treatment, but over-the-counter remedies have limited efficacy. Antihistamines and steroids are not backed by strong evidence for treating itching and inflammation.
Researchers found that people consistently judge pistol-packers to be taller and stronger than men holding other objects, even when hand size and appearance are similar. The study suggests an unconscious mental mechanism that gauges threat and translates it into size and strength dimensions.
A new study from Lawson Health Research Institute shows that 75% of mental illnesses emerge by age 25. The First Episode Mood and Anxiety Program (FEMAP) provides direct access to specialized services for youth ages 16-26, leading to improved outcomes.
Researchers identified a possible new feline disease in Scotland, characterized by robotic-like movements in cats. Meanwhile, an X-ray investigation of an over 2000-year-old Egyptian mummy revealed insights into cat burial practices, including treatment with natron and intricate wrapping techniques.
A new 12-month project will examine the effects of sight loss on physical activity in older adults. The study, funded by the Thomas Pocklington Trust, aims to improve understanding and develop policies promoting health and wellbeing in those affected by sight loss.
A new study finds that many species of reef-building corals can adapt to warming waters by relying on multiple algal symbionts. This ability may help corals survive future losses due to ocean temperatures increases.
A decade-long study found that plants may thrive in the early stages of global warming but then deteriorate quickly as ecosystems adjust. The research showed that long-term warming leads to loss of native species and increased cycling of nitrogen, ultimately reducing plant productivity.
A new MRI technique uses computer modeling to predict the rate and physical path of degenerative brain diseases like Alzheimer's and frontotemporal dementia. The study supports the idea that these diseases spread through the brain along specific neuronal pathways, similar to prion diseases.
A mobile stroke unit (MSU) strategy roughly halves the time from initial call to treatment decision and can increase the number of eligible patients receiving life-saving treatment. The MSU approach breaks reported times for stroke management and substantially reduces delays in diagnosis and therapy.
Researchers found that having a sibling with a stroke increases the risk of ischemic strokes by 64%, particularly in full siblings and half-siblings. The study suggests that lifestyle habits such as diet, exercise, and blood pressure control can be modified to reduce this risk.
A study by Michigan Oncology Quality Consortium found that most practices followed guidelines for breast, colorectal, and lung cancers, but had gaps in managing symptoms and end-of-life care. To improve quality, the consortium initiated a project to provide palliative care delivery.
A recent study by Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center found that exercising more and eating less fat were significantly associated with successful weight loss among obese individuals. Meanwhile, the use of popular diets was not linked to weight loss success.
A formerly obese physician shares his experience with weight loss and finds that traditional calorie reduction and exercise methods may not be effective. Bariatric surgery played a crucial role in his success, helping him shed 110 pounds from an original weight of 320.
A team of scientists has developed porous carbon nanoparticles that utilize sulfur molecules to achieve high efficiency in lithium-sulfur batteries. The sulfur can absorb two lithium ions per sulfur atom, making it an excellent energy storage material.
Researchers at Concordia University have developed a novel approach to treating compulsive checking in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) sufferers. By targeting individuals' faulty beliefs about responsibility, memory, and danger, the treatment aims to reduce anxiety and improve quality of life.
A new coupled normal mode method is presented to solve range-dependent propagation problems in underwater acoustics. The proposed method is accurately validated through comparison with analytical solutions and demonstrates high computational efficiency.
Increasing escapement can improve the natural environment by benefiting grizzly bears, who will consume more salmon and occur at higher densities. This leads to a better environment for salmon, with more discarded salmon entering downstream life and enriching the ecosystem.
A recent study found that moderate visual impairments significantly degrade drivers' ability to recognize pedestrians at night. Drivers with blurred vision recognized pedestrians 52.1% of the time, while those with cataracts only recognized them 29.9% of the time.
To meet childhood obesity prevention goals by 2020, US youth must eliminate an average of 64 excess calories per day through decreasing calorie intake or increasing physical activity. This reduction is crucial to prevent more than 20% of young people from becoming obese, up from 16.9% today.