Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have created human lung surface tissue in a dish, containing the delta-508 and G551D mutations responsible for most CF cases. This breakthrough enables drug screening on genuine human cells, paving the way for a potential therapy to control cystic fibrosis.
This special issue examines social media's impact on democracy, with studies revealing both its potential to empower citizens and its capacity for social control. Research highlights the complex relationship between digital media, political change, and authoritarian regimes.
A recent study by Yale University researchers highlights the misconception that women can easily have a child at an advanced age using assisted reproductive technologies. While ART is available for women over 40, pregnancy success rates are limited and complications increase with age.
A recent study found that over 30% of college applicants couldn't report their weight accurately, with men being more likely to underestimate their weight than women. Identifying weight problems early on is crucial for preventing health issues like heart disease and diabetes.
A University of Rhode Island oceanographer is leading an effort to partner with the global shipping industry to collect detailed ocean data on commercial vessels. The proposed OceanScope initiative aims to fill observational deficiencies in the ocean, particularly below the surface, where satellites cannot measure properties.
A US study has found that physicians are less likely to prescribe antidepressants to African-American and Hispanic patients with major depressive disorder. The study also reveals significant variations in prescription patterns based on patient age, payment source, and physician ownership status.
The FASEB MARC Program has announced the travel award recipients for IMMUNOLOGY 2012, supporting underrepresented minority students and postdoctorates in biomedical research. This year's 25 awards total $41,250, aiming to increase diversity in the field.
Researchers have identified a protein on the surface of dendritic cells that recognizes damaged cells, enabling the development of more specific and effective vaccines. This discovery could lead to vaccines that are 100-1000 times less in amount and have fewer side effects.
Researchers at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute discovered the protein cochlin plays a crucial role in regulating intraocular pressure through mechanosensing and mechanotransduction. Elevated IOP is a primary risk factor for glaucoma, and this breakthrough offers potential avenues for innovative manipulation of aqueous outflow.
Researchers have developed a unique suspension technique for growing stem cells, eliminating the need for surface growth and increasing efficiency. This breakthrough has the potential to make cost-effective large-scale stem cell manufacturing possible, which could lead to new treatments for heart disease.
The TRMM satellite observed powerful thunderstorms in northeastern Texas, reaching heights of over 8 miles. The storms dropped softball-sized hail and triggered 18 reported tornadoes on April 3.
University of British Columbia researchers identified a gene in balsam fir trees that can facilitate the production of plant-based fixatives and scents, potentially replacing whale barf-derived ambergris. This discovery could lead to more sustainable and cost-effective production methods for high-end perfumes.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital found that methylphenidate can reverse general anesthesia with propofol, showing its potential to wake patients up faster. This breakthrough could make general anesthesia safer and more efficient, especially in operating rooms where propofol is commonly used.
Researchers found that customers' perceptions of call center performance are not influenced by location or accent, but rather by the agent's customer orientation. The study recommends companies prioritize this aspect when recruiting staff, regardless of location.
Researchers developed a 'fragility index' to measure likelihood of global stock market losses by identifying periods with high risk exposures across multiple countries. The index shows an increasing probability of a global draw-down when systemic risk is high, resulting in more extreme stock movements.
A new study from Karolinska Institutet in Sweden found that cancer patients are at a significantly increased risk of suicide and cardiovascular death during the first week following a diagnosis. The risk decreases rapidly over time but is most pronounced for those with poor-prognosis cancers.
The Whale Alert app provides real-time information on right whale sightings, allowing mariners to navigate around areas of high risk. The app is developed by a collaboration of government agencies, academic institutions, and conservation groups to protect critically endangered North Atlantic right whales.
A combination approach therapy targeting β-catenin pathway may stamp out CML for good. Leukemia stem cells are vulnerable to treatments aiming at this pathway, unlike normal blood stem cells.
A UCLA study resolves decades-old debates on plant drought tolerance, finding that saltier cell sap is key to survival. The team's discovery allows for predictions of which species can thrive in dry environments.
A new study suggests that income inequality and distrust foster academic dishonesty. The research, published in Psychological Science, found that states with higher income inequality had lower levels of trust and more evidence of cheating among students.
The NRC report highlights accelerated global warming in the Arctic and Antarctica, with serious retreat of ice sheets and rising sea levels. Researchers emphasize the urgent need for balancing energy needs with addressing climate change.
Researchers found that consuming low-glycemic index foods at breakfast can lead to lower blood glucose concentrations and increased feelings of fullness, making it easier to manage weight and prevent diabetes. Almonds are a particularly beneficial food choice due to their high content of healthy fats and protein.
Researchers identified 147 genetic regions in sticklebacks that enable adaptation to marine and freshwater environments. Regulatory changes predominate, with most differences occurring in non-coding regions of the genome.
BIND-014, a novel Accurin nanoparticle, demonstrates high drug concentration in tumors and promising clinical effects in advanced or metastatic cancers. Preclinical data show up to ten-fold increase in intratumoral drug concentrations with prolonged tumor growth suppression.
A study published in Neuropsychopharmacology found that low doses of olanzapine improved survival in mice with exercise-based anorexia, a common condition in people with the eating disorder. The antidepressant fluoxetine was ineffective in improving survival rates.
Researchers identified specific genomic changes that enable fish populations to adapt to new environments, revealing the importance of regulatory changes. The study also found that large DNA inversions can lead to the formation of separate species.
A large multicenter study found that patients with community-onset Clostridium difficile infection have a four times higher risk of colectomy compared to those who developed symptoms in the hospital. Older adults and individuals with severe cases are also at higher risk for CDI-related colectomies.
A compound found in red wine and fruits can block the development of immature fat cells, according to a Purdue University study. The compound, piceatannol, alters gene expressions and insulin action during adipogenesis, delaying or inhibiting the formation of mature fat cells.
A study analyzing blood samples from RV144 trial participants found that those with high levels of a certain antibody were less likely to get infected. Researchers believe this may indicate the need for a different type of immune response in an HIV vaccine, but further testing is needed.
A preclinical study found that patients with KRAS gene mutations have a worse prognosis and do not respond well to targeted therapies. However, patients with KRAS-mutant tumors may respond well to treatment with antifolates, especially if the mutation is not amplified.
The University of Pennsylvania is leading a $10 million National Science Foundation project to develop computer-assisted programming tools that can make coding faster, easier and more intuitive. The ExCAPE team aims to leverage advances in verification technology to help programmers avoid mistakes in the first place.
Fathers are four times more likely than mothers to transmit spontaneous mutations to their children with autism, increasing the child's risk five to 20 fold. Researchers found that these tiny genetic glitches play a significant role in ASDs and may provide clues to new treatments.
African American women are more likely to have estrogen receptor (ER) negative breast cancer due to genetic variations in the vitamin D receptor. Vitamin D deficiency is also common among these women, but those with specific genetic variations may have reduced risk.
The study reveals that changes to both genes and DNA stretches controlling gene activity have driven sticklebacks' adaptation to fresh water. Reused genetic regions, including armor genes and those involved in metabolism and developmental signaling, helped remodel fish into forms better suited to freshwater environments.
A University of Tennessee professor proposes a game-changing hypothesis that some species evolve by discarding genes rather than adding them. This idea counters the popular assumption that evolution increases complexity and highlights the importance of biological diversity in microorganisms.
A recent study published in Nature sequenced exomes of 175 trios with autism spectrum disorder and found many new gene mutations, but few definitive causes. The researchers observed an increased protein-protein connectivity among affected genes and implicated two genes, KATNAL2 and CHD8, as potential risk factor genes.
The new laser design relies on a million rubidium atoms doing synchronized line dances to produce dim but brighter laser light. The superradiant laser's stability is less sensitive to mirror motion, making it potentially 1,000-fold more stable than conventional lasers.
The NIH Fogarty Global Health Program for Fellows and Scholars will provide 400 early-career health scientists with mentored research experiences in developing countries. The program aims to train a new generation of global health researchers capable of tackling pressing health problems.
A new vaccine developed by Inserm researchers reduces both hypersensitivity to allergens and inflammatory response in asthmatic mice. The vaccine is based on DNA sequences of the allergenic substance Derf1 and has shown promising results in animal studies.
Researchers at NIH have discovered how arsenic exposure can turn normal stem cells into cancer stem cells, spur tumor growth. This finding suggests that cancer may be a stem-cell-based disease and has implications for understanding carcinogenesis.
A study published in Significance magazine reveals three key factors that contribute to Usain Bolt's improved performance: optimizing reaction time, benefiting from favorable wind conditions, and running at altitude. By shaving off 0.13s from his world record, Bolt can achieve a faster time of 9.45s.
Researchers have developed a new technique to visualize fat distribution in lab mice using X-ray computed tomography (CT), allowing for non-invasive and longitudinal studies. This method provides detailed images of fat volumes within the mouse, enabling researchers to study adipose content at high levels.
Laboratory studies of the RV144 vaccine have found that antibodies specific to a particular region of the HIV outer coat correlate with lower infection rates among vaccinated individuals. In contrast, high levels of a different type of envelope binding antibody appear to offer less protection against HIV.
The University of South Florida has launched its first CAMLS fellowship sponsored by Simbionix, a leading provider of medical simulation training. The fellowship will focus on leadership development in healthcare simulation education and training for students in medicine, nursing, pharmacy, and public health professions.
A recent study found that illicit drug use among 50- to 64-year-olds in England has significantly increased, with lifetime cannabis use rising from 1.0% in 1993 to 11.4% in 2007. Recent cannabis use also showed a substantial increase. Other illicit drugs used were less common.
Researchers found that memory decline speeds up in the last two-and-a-half years of life compared to previous stages, with mentally active individuals showing better cognitive health. Activities such as reading and playing board games were linked to preserved memory during late life.
Researchers found that carbon nanotubes significantly enhance plant cell division and growth by activating channels for water transport. The study demonstrates the potential to transform agricultural practices and improve industrial productivity.
A new study published in Annals of Emergency Medicine found that early administration of systemic corticosteroids can reduce hospital admissions for children with moderate or severe asthma attacks. By prioritizing treatment within 75 minutes of triage, patients are more likely to avoid admission and stay reduced by almost 45 minutes.
A large-scale genetic study reveals that triple negative breast cancer tumours exhibit a continuum of different types, making them difficult to treat. The discovery highlights the importance of tailoring cancer drug treatment to individual tumour profiles.
A University of Colorado Cancer Center study found that men taking crizotinib for lung cancer experience a significant drop in testosterone levels, which can lead to fatigue, low bone density, and decreased sex drive. Regular monitoring and treatment of testosterone deficiency can improve patients' overall quality of life.
A phase II clinical trial showed encouraging survival in patients with stage 3B/4 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treated with belagenpumatucel-L. The median survival rate was 14.5 months, and the five-year survival rate was 20%. Patients with stable disease had a longer median survival of 44 months.
A DNA sequencing consortium has identified patterns of mutations in autism, highlighting hundreds of genes and pinpointing two specific genes as strong risk factors. The study found that de novo point mutations play a role in the development of autism, with some genes more connected to each other than expected.
Elite soccer players exhibit superior executive functions compared to non-players, correlating with performance in goals and assists. Cognitive flexibility and creativity are also essential components of top-tier athleticism.
A Cornell University food science student team has developed a heart-healthy, nutritionally enhanced hummus product called Hummus+ made from chickpeas, sweet potato and butternut squash. The product boasts higher potassium, fiber, and vitamin A content, and lower sodium and saturated fat than current store offerings.
Scientists link ancient global warming events to thawing permafrost, revealing a significant source of carbon in Polar Regions. This discovery highlights the vulnerability of frozen soils to climate warming and the potential for a positive feedback loop amplifying future warming.
A study published in the Journal of Nutrition found that genetically-determined differences in salivary amylase activity influence blood glucose levels after starch consumption. Individuals with high salivary amylase activity tend to have lower blood glucose levels and may be better adapted to eat starch-rich foods.
Researchers aim to identify compounds disabling the NS2 protein, crucial for HCV replication, with a novel high-throughput screening test. The goal is to develop chemical tools to study NS2's role in HCV biology and potentially discover new treatments.
Tropical Storm Daphne brought heavy rainfall and flooding to the Fuji Islands in Fiji, causing at least three deaths and thousands of evacuations. The storm's rainfall totals reached over 600 millimeters, with some areas experiencing intense rain within a wide band of precipitation.
A powerful weather system moved through eastern Texas, dropping at least 15 tornadoes in the Dallas suburbs. The NOAA's GOES-13 satellite captured the movement of the storm system, showing the progression of the frontal system that generated the twisters.
A recent study found that some 'improved cookstoves' (ICs) may emit more black carbon particles than traditional mud stoves or open-cook fires. This raises concerns about the effectiveness of ICs as a clean cooking solution in developing countries.