Researchers have discovered a hormone that can be produced by fat stem cells to lower blood sugar levels and improve metabolism. The hormone appears to bypass the need for insulin, sending glucose out of the bloodstream and into muscle cells.
Researchers at VIB have made a breakthrough in understanding how plant hormones influence stomata formation. The study reveals that brassinosteroids directly interact with the transcription factor speechless to initiate new stomata development.
Researchers have successfully manufactured a full-size ship hull section made entirely from marine-grade titanium using friction stir welding. The development aims to bring titanium into future Navy ship construction, offering high strength, light weight, and corrosion-resistance.
R. Rodney Howell, a prominent pediatrician and geneticist, has been honored with the 2012 American College of Medical Genetics Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award for his work in newborn screening and genetic research. He is recognized for his leadership role in developing and advancing the program.
Researchers validated two new staging classification systems for neuroendocrine pancreatic tumors, finding that advancing stage correlates with increasing risk of metastatic relapse after surgery. The study also showed that small, low-grade tumors have exceptionally low metastatic potential.
Researchers developed a multimarker molecular stool test that is highly sensitive to early-stage cancers and precancerous adenomas. The test was unaffected by variables such as age, sex, race, alcohol consumption, tobacco use, body mass, and medication use.
A study analyzing data from 47 studies found that increasing height increases the risk of ovarian cancer by 3% per decade. For body mass index, risks vary depending on whether women have taken menopausal hormone therapy, with an attenuated relationship in never-users.
Researchers have identified a key gene, TAK1, in KRAS mutant colon cancers that promotes disease progression. Pharmacological inhibition of TAK1 shows strong killing of tumor cells with minimal effects on normal cells.
Researchers found that activating a cholesterol pathway may enhance chemotherapy's effectiveness against pancreatic cancer. The study used a cholesterol derivative to block the Hedgehog pathway, which is linked to both cancer and heart disease.
Researchers discovered that arum family plants evolved their scent along pre-existing communication of scarab beetles, not through mutual adaptation. This finding suggests coevolution between plants and pollinators might be less common than thought.
Researchers found that small arteries showed signs of artery damage and reduced compliance after just six weeks on a high-fat diet, while large arteries remained unaffected. This early stage of damage may be the first step in developing high blood pressure.
The new IT application BootstRatio, developed by IDIBELL researchers, allows online statistical analysis of gene-expression data. It uses resampling techniques to generate a hypothetical distribution and provides comprehensible results for scientists.
Researchers found antibodies that can prevent infection from widely differing strains of HCV in cell culture and animal models. The newly discovered antibodies attach to sites on the viral envelope that seldom mutate, making them promising targets for an HCV vaccine.
University of Oregon scientists create a new gene tool that allows researchers to control protein synthesis with a pinpoint UV laser beam. The tool enables the study of gene function at precise times and regions in embryonic development, revealing new insights into developmental biology and brain research.
Researchers found that ants' social contact with sick ants promotes disease protection in their group members through low-level micro-infections. This social mechanism enables colonies to recover more rapidly from infections.
A new study from Karolinska Institutet found that patients who suffered serious post-operative complications after esophageal cancer surgery had more symptoms of breathlessness, fatigue and eating problems, with impairments lasting for five years. Patients require long-term monitoring to identify and target any problems quickly.
A Kaiser Permanente study found that younger girls are more likely to report side effects after receiving the HPV vaccine, but these side effects are generally non-serious. The study suggests that educating young girls and their parents about what to expect from the vaccine can help alleviate fears and improve vaccination rates.
The National Collegiate Athletic Association is funding a study to examine the effects of sports-related concussions on student-athletes over their college careers and beyond. The study aims to identify factors that contribute to later problems, such as chronic traumatic encephalopathy, in order to minimize risks.
Researchers aim to extract glycosaminoglycans from egg shells for biomedical applications, while also using egg shells as fillers in plastics. The project has the potential to reduce waste and costs for food manufacturers, creating new income streams.
Researchers found that over 40% of high-risk individuals have detectable pancreatic lesions, which increase with age. Endoscopic ultrasound is more effective than MRI and CT scans in detecting these lesions. Early detection can help prevent the disease by removing precancerous lesions.
The US CDC proposes to focus investments on six public health functions: strategic epidemiologic information, and strengthening key institutions and infrastructure. The agency aims to engage public health institutions domestically and abroad in health systems strengthening efforts.
A study found that adding cetuximab to a regimen of drugs after stage III colon cancer surgery did not improve disease-free survival. The trial tested the combination in patients with resected stage III wild-type KRAS colon cancer and showed no benefit.
A cholesterol drug commonly prescribed to reduce cardiovascular disease risk restores blood vessel function in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. The drug also improves learning and memory in adult mice, but not aged mice.
A study by researchers at the University of Montreal identified cellular and molecular mechanisms that enable opioid pain drug tolerance. They found that receptor recycling plays a key role in tolerance development, suggesting potential strategies for designing longer-acting analgesics.
Jie Lian, a nuclear engineering expert at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, has won a prestigious Faculty Early Career Development Award (CAREER) from the National Science Foundation. He will use the award to develop new advanced materials for use in nuclear power production.
Scientists at Gladstone Institutes discover apoE protein plays distinct roles in young and aging brains, suggesting new research avenues for treating Alzheimer's. Increased ApoE levels can damage brains later in life, challenging current thinking.
This new research presents a well-documented ancient sedimentary record of subduction initiation in California, shedding light on the beginning of this process. The study also provides insights into the Karakoram Fault Zone in Tibet and updates the understanding of the Walker Lane belt in Nevada.
A harmless human virus, RT3D, has shown promise in boosting the effects of chemotherapy drugs in advanced head and neck cancer patients. In a Phase I/II trial, approximately one-third of patients experienced tumor shrinkage and disease stabilization.
The MIT CSAIL project aims to develop a desktop technology that enables personalized robot design, customization, and printing within hours. Researchers hope to create an end-to-end process for building physical machines using simple printing processes.
Researchers at Simon Fraser University have received a $2.7 million funding boost to enhance the effectiveness of their DNA-based HIV/AIDS vaccine. The team aims to strengthen a vaccine targeting the MPER region, a highly prized site for antibody production.
Researchers at Fox Chase Cancer Center have identified a new compound that targets a key pathway in lymphoma, suggesting it could be the first to hit this critical mechanism. The study found that certain types of lymphoma cells are more vulnerable to the effects of the compound, making them potential candidates for early clinical trials.
A Mayo Clinic study identified two genes that are optimal targets for a new noninvasive colon cancer test, developed by Mayo Clinic and Exact Sciences Corporation. The test uses stool sample analysis to detect specific DNA changes associated with cancer development.
The research team aims to create automated program-synthesis tools for various applications, including robotic tasks. The goal is to help human programmers write code faster and with fewer errors by leveraging intelligent software agents.
Traumatic brain injury is rising among the elderly, particularly those over 70, due to an increase in falls. Older adults are more susceptible to worse outcomes, including bleeding in the brain, chronic diseases, medication use, and reduced brain repair capabilities with age. Early interventions can still yield positive results.
Researchers used robot squirrels to mimic tail flagging and heating behaviors, showing snakes respond to infrared signals. The findings help biologists better understand rattlesnake behavior and interactions with California ground squirrels.
Researchers from the University of Adelaide have discovered that pollen diversity is limited in mahogany forests due to extensive exploitation, affecting seedling growth and forest re-growth rates. The study suggests that collecting high-quality seeds from healthy trees could improve restoration efforts.
Researchers developed a new method to create 3D pancreatic beta-cell clusters that live longer and secrete more insulin than single cells. This breakthrough advances the study of pancreatic diseases like diabetes and enables testing of novel therapies.
A new study by the University of Bristol estimated that over 260,000 cats and dogs entered UK rescue organizations in 2009. The majority of these animals were not rehomed but instead cared for until space became available, revealing a significant need for animal adoption and welfare support.
Scientists at the University of Leicester discovered a correlation between tooth roughness and diet in animals. Tooth surfaces can reveal what an animal has been eating, providing a reliable method for studying wild diets.
A recent study found that only 7% of donated recycled glasses were usable, making them twice as expensive as providing ready-made glasses. Donating recycled glasses is not a cost-effective solution to address avoidable blindness in developing countries.
Scientists at Fox Chase Cancer Center discovered a link between estrogen and tobacco smoke, suggesting that new therapies targeting estrogen metabolism may help prevent or treat lung cancer. Estrogen metabolites increase in the lungs of mice exposed to tobacco smoke, promoting cell growth and damage.
The University of Miami will study typhoons, monsoons and internal waves using SAR imaging to improve tracking and predictability. The new grant will provide valuable data for governments and first-responders in preparedness for natural disasters.
The Lancet report emphasizes the importance of transforming old attitudes towards aging and addressing non-communicable diseases in older adults. Effective interventions like hypertension management and promoting healthy lifestyles can improve health status with relatively cheap treatments.
Researchers at Virginia Tech have assembled the draft genome of marine algae Nannochloropis gaditana to discover optimal species for producing biodiesel fuel. Genetic modification reveals the algae's potential for industrial-scale biofuel production, a game-changer in fuel research and production.
A recent study from Concordia University found that employees who feel obligated to stay with their employer are more likely to experience emotional exhaustion. This type of commitment can lead to feelings of indebtedness and loss of autonomy, ultimately contributing to turnover.
Scientists at Washington University School of Medicine have devised a treatment that prevents optic nerve injury in glaucoma by exposing mice to low levels of oxygen. The study found that preconditioning induced tolerance protects against neurodegenerative disease, with mice losing only 3% of retinal ganglion cell bodies after 10 weeks.
Patients taking oral fluoroquinolones had a higher risk of developing retinal detachment compared to non-users, with an average number of days from first prescription to event being 4.8 days. The absolute risk increase was small, with 2,500 patients needed to be harmed for every user
A study from Purdue University found that golfers who see the hole as bigger tend to putt more successfully. The researchers used an optical illusion to manipulate the size of the hole and correlated it with scores.
Researchers created a new game to teach epidemiology concepts and promote collaboration between scientists. The game simulates an epidemic, demonstrating the importance of data collection and collaboration in tracking diseases.
Recent studies suggest a decline in pneumonia hospitalizations and inpatient deaths in the US. However, analysis of data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample reveals that trends in diagnostic coding, such as increased use of sepsis and respiratory failure codes, may be driving these declines.
Scientists at Max Planck Institute of Neurobiology have discovered a new serine protease, neutrophil serine protease 4 (NSP4), which forms part of the antibacterial defense arsenal of neutrophil granulocytes. NSP4 could provide a new target for treating diseases involving an overactive immune system.
A study by Dr. Andreas Engert and colleagues found that six cycles of BEACOPPescalated chemotherapy followed by radiotherapy are more effective in treating advanced Hodgkin's lymphoma with fewer treatment-related events. This approach also reduces toxicity compared to the standard eight-cycle regimen.
Research found that zebrafish exposed to BPA as embryos had significant behavioral changes, including learning and memory problems. The study suggests that even low levels of BPA can have long-lasting effects on cognitive function.
Rapamycin, a widely used cancer and transplant drug, leads to diabetes in 15% of patients due to its effect on muscle cells' insulin signal. Researchers discovered that a single transcription factor, YY1, plays a key role in this process. Mice lacking YY1 are protected from diabetes when taking rapamycin.
A genetic marker in blood can determine if a patient with ovarian cancer will benefit from chemotherapy after surgery. This discovery offers hope to patients diagnosed at stage III of the disease, who have a poor prognosis without effective treatment.
Researchers have found a promising combination of nab-paclitaxel and carboplatin to be effective in treating non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients who are ineligible for bevacizumab. The treatment resulted in an overall response rate of 41% and stable disease in 39% of patients.
Researchers found that viral lytic replication impairs the effectiveness of Nutlin-3, a targeted therapy for KSHV-induced lymphomas. The study suggests reactivating p53 as a selective treatment modality.
Research from Michigan State University found that autistic children born preterm or post-term have significantly higher screening scores for autism spectrum disorder than those born on time. The study also reveals a link between the length of pregnancy and the severity of autism symptoms.
Researchers found that replacing coal with renewable energy sources like nuclear power and wind/solar energy would be the least expensive way to meet greenhouse gas emissions goals. The study suggests a moderate increase in consumer cost of electric power, at most 20 percent.
Underage female drinkers face a growing risk of fatal car crashes, with risks now comparable to their male peers. The study found that young women are taking greater risks on the road, and that efforts to curb distracted driving may be necessary.
The Australian Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology has awarded five research scientists from the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute with prestigious accolades. The institute's director, Professor Doug Hilton, received the Lemberg Medal for his seminal contributions to blood cell production research.
Researchers from NIST, University of Maryland and Royal Institute of Technology create method to detect defects in magnetic structures as small as a tenth of a micrometer. The technique uses spin waves to nondestructively measure the properties of magnetic materials and search for nanoscale defects.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University found that eliminating the 'good cholesterol' receptor SR-BI can decrease breast cancer cell growth and tumor formation in mice. This study suggests a potential new approach to fighting breast cancer, with further research needed to fully characterize its role.
A new brain imaging study finds that people with anorexia and obesity have wired brains differently in response to food. The study shows consistent activations of reward areas associated with addiction, but how those areas respond varies between individuals depending on their eating behaviors.
Tropical Storm Daphne strengthened overnight, with NASA's Terra satellite capturing its cloud extent using infrared imagery. The MODIS image showed a more rounded cloud shape, indicating lessened wind shear. Maximum sustained winds near 50 knots were reported, with the storm speeding southeast at 25 knots.
A Mayo Clinic study reveals that people with rheumatoid arthritis are at a higher risk of developing lower gastrointestinal issues, which can be life-threatening. Smoking, steroid use, and prior abdominal surgery increase the risk, emphasizing the need for new prevention and treatment strategies.
Research suggests that bioenergy crop expansion can harm farmland bird populations like the Skylark. However, integrating small natural areas into landscapes with diverse crop types and maintaining low field sizes may help conserve these species.
Studies show people experience similar emotional reactions to online and face-to-face exclusion, with participants feeling numb and distancing after being ignored. The findings challenge the assumption that online interactions are less meaningful than in-person ones.
Scientists at the University of Southampton have identified a new process that controls artery constriction, which could lead to a better understanding of cardiovascular disease causes and the development of new treatments. By blocking specific enzymes, researchers were able to reduce artery constriction and lower blood pressure risk.
A new drug developed by Northwestern Medicine scientists has prevented human prostate cancer cells from spreading to other tissues. The drug inhibits movement of the cells and prevents metastasis without causing harm to normal cells or tissues.
Depressed individuals with rumination tendencies show altered brain network activation compared to healthy individuals. The study found a dissociation pattern between anterior and posterior medial cortex regions, positively associating rumination with increased connectivity.
A University of Michigan study found that older adults who get infections are at a higher risk of hospitalization for deep vein or lung blood clots. Infections were the most common predictor of hospitalization for venous thromboembolism, which can be life-threatening.
A study found that bilingual children are faster at switching between tasks than their monolingual counterparts, showcasing improved executive functioning skills. However, bilinguals lag behind monolinguals in acquiring vocabulary due to language division.
Researchers have developed new seizure detection software that significantly reduces false alarms, offering promise for improved epilepsy treatment. The system uses algorithms to detect imminent seizures and has been tested on real-time brain activity recordings from four patients with drug-resistant epilepsy.
A new biomarker has been identified to detect hepatitis B-infected patients at risk of developing liver cancer. Telomere length analysis revealed a significant association between longer telomeres and increased risk of liver cancer in patients with hepatitis B.
Researchers developed a brief survey to identify depressive thinking patterns that may lead to serious depression if not addressed early. A score of 7 on the Depression Cognition Scale (DCS) represents the point at which individuals should initiate strategies to change negative thoughts into positive ones.
A study by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute reveals that rapamycin triggers diabetic-like symptoms in some patients through activity of protein YY1. The researchers found that mice without the YY1 protein were protected against the effects, raising caution about the use of rapamycin.
The National Endowment for the Humanities has awarded $17 million in grants to two University of Houston professors, Natalie Houston and Casey Dué Hackney. The grants will support innovative digital humanities projects, including a book history project and an undergraduate course on the ownership of the past.
Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory have measured the half-life of samarium-146, revealing it decays in just 68 million years, significantly shorter than previously thought. This new value patches holes in current understanding and matches recent lunar rock dating, providing insight into solar system evolution.
A study found that experienced Tai Chi practitioners have better arterial compliance and knee muscle strength than their non-practitioner counterparts. This suggests that Tai Chi may be a suitable exercise for older people to improve both cardiovascular function and body strength, without compromising arterial health.
A first-of-its-kind clinical trial demonstrated the feasibility of selecting treatment based on individual molecular characteristics in advanced pancreatic cancer. The study found that biopsies could be safely conducted and multiple drug targets identified, suggesting potential benefits for some patients.
A study published in PLOS Medicine analyzed medical records of 325 patients attending a clinic in Darfur, finding consistent evidence of torture, including beatings, gunshot wounds, and sexual assault. The research enhances the credibility of patient claims, but lacks data to corroborate assailant identities or genocidal intent.
A team of researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center has discovered an agent that prevents the spread of osteosarcoma cancer to the lungs in mice with the disease. The agent, an ezrin inhibitor, targets a protein vital to the spread of osteosarcoma and may potentially treat adults and children with bone tumors.
A new intranasal flu vaccine with four weakened influenza strains shows promise in protecting children from the flu. The vaccine demonstrates a robust immune response and is well-tolerated, offering improved protection against the flu.
A systematic review of 17 studies found that low-energy-density diets improve weight loss and maintenance in adults. In children and adolescents, moderately strong evidence shows a relationship between higher energy density diets and increased weight. Lowering energy density is associated with enhanced satiety and reduced calorie intake.
A study found that combining annual mammography with screening ultrasound in women at high risk for breast cancer and dense breasts resulted in a higher detection rate of incident breast cancers. Supplemental MRI further increased cancer detection, adding 14.7 cases per 1,000 women.
Researchers propose that non-genetic resistance can occur before genetic mutations, changing the approach to designing combination therapies. This new perspective aims to improve outcomes by understanding how cancers evolve and adapt to extreme challenges.
A Mayo Clinic study found that the dietary supplement gamma-linoleic acid can inhibit the growth of a subset of pancreatic cancer cells and selectively promote cancer cell death in mice. Combining GLA with chemotherapy drug gemcitabine significantly inhibited tumor growth.
Elih Velázquez-Delgado uses X-ray crystallography to discover how nature inactivates caspase-6, a disease-related enzyme. He finds that deleting three specific amino acids reverses the effect and opens a door for developing a drug.
Changes in asthma treatment have reduced wait times and improved patient care at Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute. Oral steroid administration by nurses has dropped admission rates by one third and reduced hospital stay duration.
Physicists have devised a new method to handle vibrations' effect on electron transport, improving qubit information transfer. The model simulates closer control over phonons and electrons, enabling stronger coupling regimes.