Researchers have determined the three-dimensional atomic structure of Argonaute2, a key 'gene silencer' protein involved in regulating cell activities. This discovery paves the way for understanding RNA-silencing and harnessing it to treat diseases by designing better therapeutic guide RNAs.
A study analyzing over 600,000 tweets found that opinion leaders and celebrities fueled the spread of news about Osama bin Laden's death on Twitter. Nearly 80% of tweets were certain that bin Laden was dead within 21 minutes of TV confirmation.
Quantitative research reveals that microtubules form and transport throughout the spindle, contradicting the pole-to-pole theory, shedding new light on cell division mechanics.
A new study published in PLOS ONE found that addressing subsistence needs is crucial for improving the health of HIV-infected individuals living in poverty. The research, conducted by UCSF scientists, revealed that unmet basic needs like housing and food significantly undermine the benefits of HIV medication delivery.
Girls who start puberty prematurely are at risk of psychological problems, including adolescent behavior issues, and may face increased risks of sexual abuse and early pregnancy. Treatment options, such as hormone therapy, can help manage symptoms and improve outcomes.
Researchers found that Listeria uses nitric oxide to evade the immune system and facilitate cell-to-cell spread, allowing it to multiply in its host. This strategy allows pathogens like Rickettsia and HIV to spread throughout the host in a similar manner.
Scientists at DanStem and Hagedorn Research Institute map new knowledge about insulin production, including the Notch signaling mechanism's role in controlling stem cell development. This breakthrough enables researchers to design new experimental methods for cultivating stem cells into insulin-producing beta cells.
A new Duke University-led study suggests that increasing dietary calcium intake may be necessary to address widespread dental health problems caused by fluorosis in rural Ethiopia. The research found that even with fluoride-reducing treatments, high levels of naturally occurring fluoride in drinking water can still cause significant to...
A National Academy of Sciences study found that oil palm expansion will lead to a surge in greenhouse gas emissions, with peatlands being a critical contributor. The researchers suggest protecting forests, peatlands, and implementing sustainable practices to reduce emissions and maintain forest cover.
New research from USC reveals a 100-fold decrease in lead and 400-fold decrease in copper and cadmium in Southern California's coastal waters over the past four decades. The cleaner water is attributed to improvements in sewage treatment regulations and phasing out of leaded gasoline.
A study found that high-fat diets cause differences in gut flora between thin and diabetic mice, with certain bacteria linked to diabetes development. The research suggests that modifying the gut microbiota through dietary fibers may prevent metabolic diseases like diabetes.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have made a significant breakthrough in understanding the stratum corneum, the outermost layer of human skin. By determining its molecular structure and function at a detailed level, they aim to develop new methods for drug delivery via the skin.
Researchers at Zoological Society of London developed a method to assess disease risks associated with translocations, guiding successful reintroduction programs. The approach is now used on all reintroduction programs in Natural England's Species Recovery Programme.
A new study finds that liver transplants performed at night or on weekends have similar survival rates as daytime operations. Patient and graft survival rates were unaffected by the timing of the transplant, with slight increases in graft failure rate noted only at 365 days.
A MU researcher is working on a project to protect soybeans from nematode parasites, which cause significant crop losses in the US. The goal is to develop genetically modified soybean plants with enhanced resistance to these pests.
Researchers have successfully converted scar tissue into heart muscle cells using microRNA, a breakthrough that could lead to new treatments for heart attacks and heart failure. The study uses microRNAs as master switches to regulate gene expression, converting fibroblasts into functional heart muscle cells.
Smalleye pigmy sharks use light-emitting photophores on their undersides for camouflage, unlike lantern sharks that use bursts of glowing light for communication. The discovery suggests the smalleye pigmy shark is more closely related to an ancient predecessor with similar bioluminescence mechanisms.
A study by San Francisco State University researcher Ryan Howell suggests that having a balanced time perspective can make people feel more vital, grateful, and satisfied. This balance between enjoying the present, focusing on future goals, and not overindulging in nostalgia or hedonism is key to happiness.
Luis von Ahn is being recognized for his pioneering work on crowdsourcing and human computation. His research has enabled humans and computers to solve complex problems together, with applications in image recognition and computer security.
A new study published in Annals of Neurology suggests that increased consumption of flavonoid-rich blueberries and strawberries may slow cognitive decline in older adults, delaying aging by up to 2.5 years.
Scientists have found that kinesins, molecular motors responsible for transporting proteins and chromosomes, exhibit spiral motion during transport. This finding challenges the long-held assumption of straight-line movement, suggesting a new perspective on their role in cell function.
A US policy instituted in 2005 has reduced racial disparities in kidney transplantation among children, allowing more kids from diverse backgrounds to receive deceased donor kidneys. The study found that Share 35 has attenuated racial disparities in terms of how likely and how soon children will receive a deceased-donor kidney transplant.
Researchers discovered that adult brains can form new synapses and prune existing ones in response to learning. This process may hold hope for treating neurodevelopmental disorders such as epilepsy, autism, and schizophrenia.
UC Riverside scholars use cutting-edge technology to solve art historical problems, exploring the use of facial recognition in identifying centuries-old portraits. They aim to restore identities of subjects with sold portraits, shedding light on European political and religious history.
A groundbreaking study found that effective HIV treatment and transmission reduction are thwarted by patients' unmet basic living needs such as housing, food, and hygiene. The research suggests that addressing these subsistence needs is crucial to improving public health outcomes.
A new treatment for argininosuccinic aciduria (ASA) has been discovered through nitric oxide supplementation. The study found long-term heart and neuropsychological improvements in mice and humans afflicted with ASA, a genetic metabolic disorder that causes ammonia accumulation and liver and nervous system damage.
Researchers have identified two novel genetic loci, Hfhl1 and Hfhl3, that affect high-frequency hearing in ageing-related hearing loss. These loci are limited to specific portions of the hearing frequency map and may explain only a portion of the variation in high-frequency hearing loss observed in mice.
Dr. Scott Waldman has received a CURE grant to develop a molecular diagnostic test that identifies patients who will benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy, reducing racial disparities in colon cancer mortality. The test uses guanylyl cyclase C as a biomarker and could help stratify patients into more targeted treatment groups.
A Baylor University study found that mice lacking a potassium channel in their brains showed impaired navigation and learning abilities, which may offer clues to reversing cognitive deficits in humans with epilepsy and other neurological disorders. The research, led by Dr. Joaquin Lugo, aims to target chemical pathways that alter the p...
Particulate pollution in the late 20th century created a 'warming hole' over the eastern United States, delaying the warming expected from increasing greenhouse gases. The effects of this pollution were amplified by interactions between clouds and particles, leading to greater cooling at the surface.
A recent study published in the Journal of Internal Medicine found that city center residents are almost twice as likely to develop coronary artery calcification as those living in less polluted urban and rural areas. The study also discovered that males, older participants, diabetics, and smokers face higher risks.
A recent study published in Sports Medicine found that skin problems are a common complaint among Summer Games athletes. Early correct diagnosis is crucial for athletes to participate and compete at their full potential.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University have discovered a parallel between bacterial and human cell behavior, shedding light on potential treatments for diseases. The study found that nitric oxide plays a fundamental regulatory role in controlling bacterial function via S-nitrosylation.
A Duke University Medical Center team has developed a method to convert scar tissue in the heart into functioning heart muscle cells using microRNAs. This approach eliminates the need for stem cell transplantation, potentially treating millions of people with heart failure caused by scar tissue after a heart attack.
The review explores the adverse effects of anti-epileptic drugs and antidepressants on fetal development, finding an estimated 1% of congenital malformations attributable to prescription drug use. Pregnant women are excluded from clinical trials, leaving a knowledge gap in drug safety and efficacy during pregnancy.
Researchers at the University of Washington have found that cells in blood vessel walls pull more tightly together when flowing past rapidly, reducing vascular leakage and potentially leading to new drug designs and improved surgical procedures. This discovery highlights the role of cellular forces in the progression of cardiovascular ...
A new report from the University of Michigan reveals that GenX adults prepare an average of 10 meals a week and eat out or buy fast food three times a week. Men are surprisingly involved in cooking and grocery shopping, with men cooking an average of 8 meals per week. The study also highlights the importance of families gathering toget...
Patients who engage in high-impact sports like football and skiing experience better function and quality-of-life scores than those with lower activity levels. However, this comes at the cost of reduced durability of hip implants, with a 15-year follow-up showing an 80% implant survivorship rate compared to 94% for low-activity patients.
Researchers are developing new cell-interactive resilin-like materials with mechanical properties similar to the natural protein to treat vocal fold disorders. The materials have been engineered to support the growth of multiple types of cells and exhibit biochemical and mechanical properties like those of healthy vocal fold tissue.
Researchers shed light on how physical traits are arranged in body plans by studying fruit fly Drosophila. They found that a single gradient of proteins is not sufficient to form the same body plan in each member of a species, but multiple gradients working against each other create a robust system for normal development.
A major breakthrough in treating geographic atrophy, a form of age-related macular degeneration, has been made by University of Kentucky researchers. The discovery highlights the role of the NLRP3 inflammasome and MyD88 in triggering vision loss due to retinal pigmented epithelial cell death.
A newly launched clinical trial at URMC is testing whether lower doses of an established blood pressure medication can provide the same benefits as a standard dose, potentially reducing side effects and costs. The study aims to learn how varying amounts of the medication affect patients with mild hypertension.
Researchers have found that adding boron-nitride nanotubes to cancer cells can increase the effectiveness of a minimally invasive treatment for soft tissue tumors. The treatment, known as Irreversible Electroporation, has been shown to kill twice as many cancer cells when BNNTs are present on the cell surface.
Beyond Traditional Borders (BTB) has produced 58 low-cost health technologies, including LED-based phototherapy lights and a portable fluorescence microscope. The program challenges students to develop practical solutions to real-world health care problems in the developing world.
A recent study by Loyola Medicine found that even relatively minor burns can lead to serious complications and prolonged hospital stays for binge drinkers. The study compared burn patients who were intoxicated above the legal limit with those who had no alcohol in their blood, finding similar rates of sepsis and pneumonia.
A new study found that increased consumption of blueberries and strawberries is associated with slower rates of memory decline in older women. The study, published in Annals of Neurology, suggests that berries may be a simple dietary modification to reduce memory decline in older adults.
Research reveals histamine plays a central role in controlling purple sea urchin metamorphosis, regulating cell death and settlement. Histamine's presence inhibits programmed cell death, allowing larvae to mature into adult forms.
A team of researchers led by Dr. Brendan Lee discovered a treatment that bypasses the enzyme deficiency causing argininosuccinic aciduria, allowing patients to receive nitric oxide through medication. This breakthrough has shown promise for treating similar conditions in hypertensive teens and individuals with organ damage.
Scientists found that manipulating a genetic pathway in the heart prevents obesity and protects against type 2 diabetes in mice on high-fat diets. The study suggests that MED13, a crucial regulatory molecule, controls whole-body metabolism.
A new guide addresses the challenges of researching multiblock polymers, which can result in a wide range of materials customizable to various specifications. The approach combines predictive computer simulation methods with advanced synthetic and structural characterization tools to address the vast number of possible combinations.
Researchers have created a method to sequence epigenetic marks 5hmC and 5mC in DNA at single base resolution, improving our understanding of gene regulation and cell development. This breakthrough has major implications for regenerative medicine and stem cell research.
Lactocepin, an enzyme produced by Lactobacillus paracasei, selectively interrupts inflammatory processes in diseased tissue by degrading chemokines. This mechanism shows promise for developing new approaches to prevent and treat chronic bowel diseases.
A recent study found that breastfeeding for six months or longer comes with a hidden cost: significant income loss for mothers. Long-duration breastfeeders experienced more pronounced and prolonged earnings drops compared to short-duration breastfeeders and formula-feeders.
A study by Dr. Arsh Jain found that developing countries are using peritoneal dialysis at a faster rate than developed countries, despite its lower costs and better outcomes. The research highlights the need for increased adoption of this therapy in developed nations.
Researchers argue that focusing on short-lived climate pollutants, such as soot and ozone, could deliver tangible local benefits and generate swift global benefits. The authors believe a combination of top-down and bottom-up approaches can implement this new strategy.
Researchers at INRS developed a new laser with unparalleled stability and precision, enabling new experiments and research opportunities. The laser's unique design allows for improved control of light sources, increasing stability and resistance to external disruptions.
Researchers at MIT and two Boston hospitals have developed a simple wrist sensor that can measure the severity of epileptic seizures with high accuracy, potentially allowing patients to monitor their condition at home. The device could also predict seizure onset, enabling early intervention.
Researchers at Columbia University Medical Center presented studies on the impact of large-vessel acute ischemic stroke on cerebral blood vessels and found that dynamic cerebral autoregulation is impaired after the event, but normalizes by week two. Additionally, they discovered increased regional expression of Lingo-1 in the essential...
A new UBC study reveals that engaging in analytical thinking can lead to decreased religious belief, even among devout individuals. The research, published in the journal Science, sheds light on the psychology of religious belief and suggests that cognitive systems play a crucial role in shaping spiritual convictions.
A plant disease normally found in subarctic climates has been identified for the first time in the UK in buttercups as far south as Herefordshire. The fungus, Sclerotinia subarctica, affects both crops and wild plants, with severe effects on carrots but minimal impact on meadow buttercups.
Jainendra K. Jain, James F. Kasting, and Bruce E. Logan recognized for their nationally renowned work in physics, geosciences, and environmental engineering, as well as exceptional teaching and leadership skills. The Evan Pugh Professorships are the highest honor Penn State bestows on its faculty.
Researchers discover small molecule inhibitors that protect a tumor-suppressing protein targeted by viral proteins, killing infected cells. The inhibitors work by binding to the protein itself, allowing it to trigger normal cell division without disrupting the effect of HPV.
A portable, miniature microscope has been developed to detect oral cancer in real-time, offering a significant improvement over traditional biopsy methods. The handheld probe uses a laser and micromirror technology to create full 3D images of tissue samples, providing high accuracy and potentially reducing treatment costs.
The Mainz University Medical Center has been awarded a highly endowed Alexander von Humboldt Professorship worth €5 million to appoint renowned blood coagulation researcher Professor Dr. Wolfram Ruf. His research will significantly enhance the Rhineland-Palatinate science environment and its international competitiveness.
A genetic study has identified genes that may be responsible for the Western African Pygmies' relatively small size. The researchers found that genetic mutations in certain pathways govern reproductive hormone activation and growth hormone regulation, which could be linked to early reproduction as an adaptation to their environment.
Patel's research uses novel computer modeling methods to study the biophysics of model cell membranes, revealing non-intuitive behavior of polar molecules. The NSF Career Award will also support a new computational-chemistry course for Newark High School students.
Researchers at the University of Nevada, Reno found that antibiotic tetracycline reduces sperm viability in male pseudoscorpions and passes this effect to their sons. The study suggests a similar impact on humans and other species may occur.
A new study found that only 6% of breast cancer survivors experience persistent and debilitating fatigue a year after treatment, contradicting previous reports. The researchers suggest that factors unrelated to the cancer or its treatment may have contributed to the high rates of reported fatigue.
Dr. Tom Curran, a leading expert in childhood brain cancer, has been elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. He joins an elite group of scholars and scientists who have made significant contributions to their fields.
Researchers have detailed the signaling pathway from nitric oxide to biofilm formation in bacteria, which may aid in developing new treatments targeting biofilms. The study reveals a complex system of response regulators controlling biofilm formation.
Researchers discovered that mutant Kras manipulates metabolic pathways to support tumor growth and progression in pancreatic cancer. The study found that turning off the oncogene caused tumors to regress and metabolic changes correlated with gene expression changes.
Researchers have devised a new method for producing genetically modified animals using haploid embryonic stem cells, which may enable genetic modification of animals that can't be modified by today's means. The technique could also potentially be used in assisted human reproduction for those affected by genetic disease.
A new study by Loyola University Medical Center found that fetal membrane transplantation significantly reduces the risk of blindness in patients with Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS)/toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN). The treatment, which involves placing amniotic membrane on the eye, can aid healing and minimize scarring.
The study found that genetic variation of today's Europeans was strongly affected by immigrant Stone Age farmers, but hunter-gatherer genes still remain. The agricultural revolution is believed to have been driven by people migrating from Southern Europe, who lived alongside hunter-gatherers for thousands of years before interbreeding.
A study found a possible link between smoking during pregnancy and the development of high-functioning autism, including Asperger's Disorder. The research suggests that certain types of autism may be influenced by environmental factors like maternal smoking.
Researchers found that low Nav1.1 levels disrupt brain cell electrical activity, leading to memory problems and cognitive decline. Restoring Nav1.1 levels improves learning, memory functions, and lifespan in AD-mice.
UCLA researchers have developed a compact and cost-effective RDT-reading device that works in tandem with standard cell phones. The platform can read nearly every type of RDT, eliminating manual decision-making errors. It wirelessly transmits results to a global server, creating maps charting disease spread worldwide.
The inaugural issue of American Political Thought explores the concept of American exceptionalism, with scholars arguing over its origins, applications, and implications for U.S. foreign policy. The articles challenge common assumptions about the term's meaning and its role in shaping American identity.
A new study identifies genes responsible for the Pygmies' relatively small size, suggesting hormonal pathways and immune system regulation as possible drivers. The research provides evidence of natural selection's role in shaping human traits, highlighting the importance of studying global diversity and evolutionary contexts.
A recent study has found that healthy emmetropic women have wider pupil diameters than men. The research analyzed anatomical indexes in a large sample of 379 emmetropic subjects, revealing differences between gender.
A recent study analyzing 5,000-year-old DNA from Stone Age remains in Sweden found that farming moved north across the continent with migrating populations. The analysis suggests that European farmers mixed their genes with resident hunter-gatherers, shaping modern European genomes.
Training physicians in mindfulness meditation and communication skills improves primary care quality, reducing burnout and increasing self-awareness. Programs promoting mindful practice, community, and personal growth support clinicians' well-being.
Scientists at the University of Liverpool developed a new X-ray technique to identify tissue fibers in the heart that ensure regular heartbeat. The 3D images could help medics develop ways to reduce the risk of fibrillation, a condition where heart muscle contracts chaotically.
Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute discovered that advanced pancreatic cancers in mice cannot survive without the mutant Kras oncogene, which rewires key metabolic pathways. The study suggests that targeting these altered metabolic pathways might be a potential approach to treat the deadly cancer.
The US Commission on a High Performance Health System proposes a community-based initiative to enhance health and reduce spending, focusing on chronically ill patients and quality improvement efforts. The plan aims to save $184 billion in health spending over the next decade by improving care for patients with multiple chronic conditions.
The largest genetic study of glaucoma identified two genetic variations associated with primary open angle glaucoma (POAG), a leading cause of blindness. The findings may lead to more effective therapies for POAG, including normal pressure glaucoma (NPG), where no curative treatments exist.
Researchers at the University of Toronto found that playing action videogames for 10 hours improves visual attention and changes brain activity. The study used EEG recordings to detect differences in brain waves before and after gameplay.
High-resolution photos of Martian lava flows reveal coiling spiral patterns that resemble snail or nautilus shells, a new form of lava flow discovered by Arizona State University graduate student Andrew Ryan. The discovery suggests possible interactions between lava flows and water floods in the Elysium volcanic province.
A new scale measures homophobia beyond name-calling, finding male victims bullied by both males and females equally. Only 3.5% of high school students are victimized by homophobic aggressors weekly.
A study by the American Society of Nephrology found that hemodiafiltration, a technique to remove additional toxins during dialysis, does not improve patient survival or heart health. However, intense treatments may provide some benefits, particularly for patients who receive higher doses of treatment.
A $350,000 grant will enable UC Riverside researcher Tuppett Yates to analyze the impact of new services and communication styles on foster youth transitioning to adulthood. The research aims to identify factors associated with youths' decisions to opt in to extended foster care support.
A new study reveals that mesenchymal stem cell infusions can control autoimmune disorders by targeting and defeating overactive immune cells through the FAS/FAS-ligand pathway, showing promising results in both animal models and human patients.