Researchers mapped the importance of enzyme shape and function in rhomboid proteases, finding four main regions important for maintaining shape and at least two regions crucial for function. The study's findings could lead to the development of drugs to treat malaria and other parasitic diseases.
A new study found that fruit flies on methamphetamine drastically reduce their food intake and increase physical activity. The flies' energy reserves and metabolism are severely impacted, leading to a primary driver of methamphetamine-related death in the insects. Adding glucose to the diet slows the damaging effects of meth exposure.
Scientists at Western University have identified Nodal as a promising new therapeutic target for advanced breast cancer. The protein promotes vascularization, providing nutrients and oxygen to tumors, and its expression is correlated with more blood vessels in the tumor.
Researchers at Kyoto University's Center for iPS Cell Research and Application have successfully recreated ALS-associated abnormalities in motor neurons derived from patients' induced pluripotent stem cells. Anacardic acid was found to rescue certain ALS phenotypes in vitro, offering a promising lead for developing new drug treatments.
African American couples affected by HIV will benefit from a new intervention program, Eban, which aims to reduce HIV transmission and promote healthier living. The program's effectiveness was previously tested in a four-city study with 535 serodiscordant couples.
A study found that caffeine supplements improved Parkinson's severity ratings and speed of movement by 3 points, but did not affect daytime sleepiness or quality of life. The results suggest that caffeine may be a useful treatment option for some patients with Parkinson's disease.
A recent study published in The Lancet found that black gay men are 15 times more likely to have HIV than their counterparts. Social inequalities play a major role, with stigma, poverty, and inadequate healthcare access contributing to the disparities.
Researchers at the Salk Institute found that a molecular link between circadian rhythm disturbances and an increased inflammatory response can lead to chronic diseases. The absence of cryptochrome leads to the activation of a signaling system that elevates levels of inflammatory molecules, causing low-grade, chronic inflammation.
A new study by MU researcher Gustavo Carlo found that empathetic adolescents are more likely to use problem-focused coping, which aims to reduce stress. They also tend to perform prosocial behaviors that benefit others, while emotionally unstable teens rely on emotion-focused coping tactics.
A recent study sheds light on the mechanisms driving the formation of the 'plant microbiome' and how plants influence microbial communities. Researchers identified key microbial players and their metabolic roles, revealing a complex interdependence between host plants and soil microbes.
A new study challenges the long-held view that conserving energy maximizes sprinter performance. Instead, researchers found that maximizing the force of each foot hit on the ground allows sprinters to achieve top speed.
A new study finds that diacetyl intensifies the damaging effects of abnormal brain protein linked to Alzheimer's disease. Chronic exposure to diacetyl has also been shown to enhance beta-amyloid toxicity on nerve cells, raising concerns over long-term neurological toxicity.
A pilot study found that an investigational drug called exendin-(9-39) controls blood sugar levels in people with congenital hyperinsulinism. The study showed promising results, suggesting the potential for a new medical treatment for children with this rare disease.
A NASA satellite has spotted a developing Atlantic tropical low with strong, high thunderstorms indicating organization and strength. The system, System 99L, is forecast to have a 70% chance of becoming a tropical depression in the next two days.
Researchers developed transgenic P. falciparum to study human antibody response to surface proteins. They found that antibodies targeting PfEMP1 mediate human immunity to malaria, with reduced risk of symptoms.
Researchers at Michigan State University have developed a computational technique that reduces memory requirements by 40-fold, allowing scientists to analyze large genomic sequence datasets without supercomputers. This breakthrough enables the efficient examination of complex microbial communities living in soil or the ocean.
A 15-year study found that oppositional behavior in childhood, particularly inattention, is strongly correlated with substance abuse in adulthood. Oppositional traits like irritability and disobedience increase the risk of tobacco, cannabis, and cocaine abuse by 1.4-2.9 times.
A recent study reveals a gap between Americans' opinions on obesity and the Institute of Medicine's report recommendations. While most believe personal decisions contribute to obesity, only 18% attribute environmental factors, highlighting the need for a research-driven communication strategy.
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that combining two drugs extended the lives of women with metastatic breast cancer by more than six months. The combination treatment produced even greater benefits among women who had not previously taken tamoxifen, significantly improving survival rates.
The US Food and Drug Administration has introduced a new Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) to manage the risks of misuse and addiction associated with long-acting and extended-release opioids. The plan includes requirements for prescriber continuing education and patient counseling, aiming to reduce opioid abuse in the US.
Research reveals widespread skin cancer in wild coral trout populations, caused by UV radiation, affecting three species on the Great Barrier Reef. The study's findings highlight the urgent need for continued conservation and management of reefs and their inhabitants.
A CU-Boulder-led study reveals that Earth's vegetation and oceans have doubled their uptake of carbon dioxide in the past 50 years, despite sharp increases in human CO2 emissions. The trend may not be sustainable, as natural carbon sinks are expected to saturate, leading to increased warming impacts.
A global analysis of sleep problems found that 16.6% of adults in developing countries experience insomnia and other severe sleep disturbances, close to rates seen in developed nations. The study highlights a growing public health issue in low-income settings, particularly among older women.
A new study published in Liver Transplantation found that pediatric liver transplant recipients are at increased risk of graft loss and death from adult organ donors who are severely obese. However, the study also suggests that a BMI of 25-35 kg/m2 is not associated with an increased risk of mortality in this population.
The new process creates wrinkled surfaces with precise sizes and patterns, useful for microfluidic systems, sensing and diagnostics, photonic devices, and more. The system produces deterministic two-dimensional patterns of wrinkles without masks or complex printing processes.
Researchers used 99mTc-HMPAO-WBC SPECT/CT to diagnose infectious endocarditis in hard-to-diagnose cases, achieving high sensitivity and specificity. The test detected septic embolism in 41% of patients, aiding physicians in diagnosis and treatment.
Recent studies from Northwestern University's Physical Sciences-Oncology Center report significant methodological advances in gene expression regulation. The breakthroughs enable better comprehension of gene transcription in both normal cells and cancer cells.
Research in rural British Columbia found that nearly two percent of teens have traded sex for substances like marijuana or other drugs. The study also discovered that trading sex was associated with higher rates of binge drinking among students.
A diet high in choline during pregnancy may lower the risk of high blood pressure and diabetes in offspring. Choline, found in eggs, helps protect against prenatal stress effects on fetal development.
Researchers have identified a new direction for cancer therapy by discovering a mutant form of the Chk1 gene that permanently stops cancer cell proliferation and causes cell death. This finding has the potential to reduce toxicity in cancer treatment, allowing physicians time to fix genetic errors.
Mani Golparvar-Fard's D4AR system analyzes physical progress on large-scale construction projects, providing cost savings and reduced delivery time. The system uses digital photos and Building Information Models (BIM) to automate project monitoring and evaluation.
Researchers have identified a core group of bacterial types consistently found inside Arabidopsis roots, while others depend on soil type. The study establishes a framework for examining how plants interact with microbial communities influencing growth and development.
The combination of anastrozole and fulvestrant improved overall survival and progression-free survival in postmenopausal women with hormone receptor-positive metastatic breast cancer. The study showed a six-month extended median survival time compared to anastrozole alone, and improved median time to disease progression.
A recent study by the American Academy of Ophthalmology shows that cataract surgery significantly reduces the risk of hip fractures in older patients with vision loss. The study found a 16% decrease in hip fracture incidence among patients who underwent cataract surgery, particularly those aged 80-84 and those with severe cataracts.
Scientists have discovered a tropical climate in Antarctica 52 million years ago, where palms and relatives of today's Baobab trees thrived on the coast. This finding highlights the extreme contrast between modern and past climatic conditions on Antarctica and provides valuable insights into global warming.
A recent JAAOS study highlights the success of nerve transfer surgery, particularly when patients are referred early. Nerve transfer surgeries can restore function to severely damaged nerves, and the study aims to raise awareness among healthcare providers about this treatment option.
A combination of anastrozole and fulvestrant extended the median survival time of women with Stage 4 hormone receptor-positive metastatic breast cancer. The treatment option showed a significant overall survival benefit, particularly exciting for patients who have not had a new treatment in over a decade.
Research published in PLOS ONE found that autistic children who received a pet scored higher in 'offering to share' and 'offering comfort' categories after the pet arrived compared to before. Participants who had lived with pets since birth showed weaker relationships with their pets.
A new study by Syracuse University scientists found that slower and/or longer sperm outcompete their faster rivals in fruit fly reproduction. The research, published in Current Biology, used genetically altered fruit flies to observe sperm in real-time inside the female reproductive tract.
A team of researchers has developed a machine learning approach to analyze millions of tweets on Twitter for signs of bullying. The computer can identify bullies, victims, accusers, defenders, and reporters, and even analyze the emotions behind the messages. This new method could provide valuable insights into bullying issues and help ...
Dr. John DeLuca, VP of Research at Kessler Foundation, received the 2012 Roger G. Barker Distinguished Research Contribution Award from the American Psychological Association for his groundbreaking research on cognitive effects of brain injury and multiple sclerosis. The award recognizes his lifelong contributions to rehabilitation psy...
Young athletes playing contact sports are at high risk of recurring shoulder instability injuries, often caused by traumatic contact injuries such as force or falling on an outstretched arm. Symptoms include pain, instability, and weakness in the affected shoulder.
Millions of HIV-infected individuals in sub-Saharan Africa are also infested with parasitic worms, which can lead to anemia, malnutrition, and impaired cognitive development. Integrating deworming into HIV care could delay the progression of HIV, reduce other infections, and increase responsiveness to vaccines.
Scientists have discovered a method to harness hydrogen peroxide's oxidizing property to switch on gene expression in live mammalian cells. The researchers designed a molecule that reacts with hydrogen peroxide and expresses the firefly luciferase gene, causing cells to glow.
The state of Michigan has adopted a new plan to combat infant mortality, which includes the use of progesterone therapy to reduce preterm birth. This therapy has been shown to reduce the rate of preterm birth by up to 45% in women with a short cervix.
A recent study by the University of Leicester found that medical staff struggle to detect alcohol problems in non-intoxicated patients. General practitioners identified 40% of problem drinkers, while hospital doctors and mental health specialists detected 50% and 55%, respectively.
Researchers investigate debris flow impacts on alpine denudation rates and find that large events can significantly perturb cosmogenic denudation rates. Mid-Pacific microatolls provide a record of sea-level stability over the past 5000 years, indicating minimal oscillations in recent millennia.
Majorana particles may form the basis of quantum computers, while also being linked to dark matter. Theoretical physicists at Dartmouth College have proposed a model suggesting Majoranas could exist in topological superconductors.
A UT Southwestern Medical Center study reveals that glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) recurs due to slower-growing 'cancer stem-like' cells. Researchers identified these cells as a potential target for future therapies, offering new hope for treatment.
A new study finds that American teens' low expectations of longevity before age 35 predict increased risk behaviors, such as substance abuse and suicidal thoughts. The research, published in PLOS ONE, suggests that monitoring survival expectations may identify at-risk youth.
A study by Esther Kim found that commuters use various tactics to avoid sitting next to others, including pretending to be busy or checking phones. The primary concern is not the background characteristics of fellow passengers but rather personal comfort and safety.
Scientists analyzed 50 years of global carbon dioxide measurements and found that the planet's oceans and ecosystems are still absorbing about half of the emitted CO2. However, they expect this process to slow down gradually, and may eventually lose their capacity to absorb CO2.
Researchers found that peer group opinions carry weight when it comes to decisions about distant and abstract issues, but individual views become more influential as an election nears. The study suggests that people are always influenced by what others think, but the timing of these influences can vary greatly.
A new study has found that 11% of people in remote Amazonian communities regularly exposed to vampire bats have natural protection against rabies. Ten percent appear to have survived exposure to the virus without medical intervention, suggesting a potential route for developing effective treatments.
Researchers have reversed symptoms of myotonic muscular dystrophy in mice by targeting and eliminating toxic RNA in muscle cells. The treatment approach has shown significant promise, reducing symptoms by up to one year in a mouse model.
The Entomological Society of America has elected ten new Fellows for 2012, including Christian Borgemeister and Henry Hagedorn, recognized for their research on biological control and integrated pest management. The ESA International Branch also named Joseph Morse as a Fellow, honored for his work in entomology and systems science.
Researchers at Boston Medical Center are implementing a new model of care in primary care settings to decrease opioid misuse and addiction among patients with chronic pain. The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of standardized practice guidelines and tools to improve provider monitoring and patient care.
Researchers found that global brain connectivity, specifically with the left lateral prefrontal cortex, explains 10% of individual differences in intelligence. The study suggests that this connection enables flexible hub-like function, monitoring and influencing other brain regions to accomplish tasks intelligently.
Researchers discovered HIV exploits immune system by using infected T cells to travel and infect other CD4 T cells. The study used a humanized mouse model and found that infected cells carry virus to remote locations, supporting the development of new treatment strategies.
A USC-led team has developed an air-breathing battery that uses iron plates and oxygen to store energy, reducing energy loss by 4% and making it 10 times more efficient than previous models. The battery's capacity can store between 8-24 hours' worth of energy, with the potential to help California transition to renewable energy sources.
Two tropical cyclones, Typhoon Saola and Typhoon Damrey, are forecast to make landfall in China. Saola is expected to strengthen before interacting with land, while Damrey will weaken due to cooler sea surface temperatures.
Scientists have developed a method to identify new uses for existing medicines, using 11 factors to pair likely drugs with diseases. The 'Train-Match-Fit-Streamline' approach could lead to repurposing of medicines like Celebrex and hookworm treatment for cancer.
Researchers at the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research have discovered a molecular switch, ASPP2, that regulates autophagy and senescence in cells. Reduced levels of ASPP2 can lead to unchecked cell proliferation, promoting tumor growth.
Researchers at Duke University created a system to study electron tunneling and unexpectedly found a quantum phase transition. The discovery could provide a simple model for testing environments where quantum phase transitions occur.
Scientists have developed a new transparent solar cell that produces energy by absorbing infrared light and is 66% transparent to the human eye. The device uses a photoactive plastic and a composite electrode made of silver nanowire and titanium dioxide nanoparticles.
Researchers at Université Laval have developed a blue light to help people working night shifts regulate their biological clocks and get quality sleep. Preliminary results show that exposure to the blue light can improve sleep duration and quality among shift workers.
Researchers at Stanford Medicine discovered that A-beta, a molecule linked to Alzheimer's disease, reverses paralysis and inflammation in mouse models of multiple sclerosis. The findings suggest potential new treatments for the autoimmune disease.
The air quality worldwide will be as bad as it already is nowadays in urban areas of Southeast Asia by 2050 if no action is taken. Eastern China and northern India are expected to experience drastic decreases in air quality, while the Arabian Gulf region and North America will see an increase in ozone levels.
Researchers at Michigan State University have identified a key protein called MLK3 that drives breast cancer cell migration and invasion. By targeting this protein, they hope to develop new therapies to prevent the spread of cancer.
A recent study published in the Canadian Journal of Surgery found that nearly half (43%) of patients participating in a publicly-funded adult weight management program dropped out before achieving sustainable weight loss. The drop-out rate was significantly lower for surgical patients, with only 12% exiting the program.
A comprehensive study of 4,732 adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities found a high burden of oral disease, including dental caries and periodontitis. The study highlights the need for greater awareness and preventive strategies to improve oral health in this vulnerable population.
A recent report by Queen Mary University of London reveals that congenital anomalies are underreported due to lack of national surveillance, with 2.2% of babies affected in England and Wales in 2010. The prevalence of anomalies was consistent with those in other European registers.
A new study by UCSB researchers found that adolescents with ASD can improve their social skills by playing to their strengths, such as high intelligence and specific interests. The research team created social clubs around these interests, where students with ASD could interact and make friends with peers.
A recent study by Prof. Gabriel Weimann reveals that lone wolf terrorists are not isolated individuals but part of virtual terrorist communities on the Internet. These online forums and platforms provide social environment, support, and moral encouragement to radicalize individuals and track their enlistment and training processes.
Scientists discovered virus-like genes in the DNA of a commonly studied fruit fly, which could enable research on whether animals hijack viral genes as an anti-viral defense. The study found that several types of fruit flies harbored genes similar to those that code for the sigma virus, a fly virus in the same family as rabies.
A Canadian study found that 11.2% of children in academic pediatric centers experienced adverse events, compared to 3.3% in community hospitals. Surgical patients were most likely to experience non-preventable complications.
Researchers discover antibodies to malaria surface protein PfEMP1 mediate human immunity; CCL25 pathway suppresses colon cancer metastasis; and a retargeted botulinum toxin inhibits hormone production in acromegaly.
New research from IHME found that despite increasing obesity rates in the US between 2008 and 2009, most Americans reported losing weight. Women were more attuned to their weight changes than men, while older adults were less aware of their weight shifts.
Researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory have made the first direct observations of electron-electron interactions in graphene. The study reveals that these interactions are critical to graphene's extraordinary properties, including its superconductivity and high-speed conductivity.
A study published in Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics predicts that most of the world's population will face degraded air quality by 2050 if man-made emissions continue as usual. The average world citizen will experience similar air pollution to today's average East Asian citizen, resulting in severe health effects.
Researchers at the Smithsonian discovered that female giant wood spiders produce additional mating plugs, which harden to prevent excessive copulations. These plugs are a female adaptation to sexual conflict, preventing unwanted sex from multiple males.
A new study by University of Manchester researchers found that university maths students lack awareness of the importance of mathematical content and struggle to apply math in practice. Schools and colleges are not adequately preparing students for the transition to university learning practices.
Scientists at Harvard University have developed a new technique to achieve negative refraction in metamaterials, resulting in an 'extraordinarily strong' negative refractive index as large as -700. This breakthrough enables the localization of electromagnetic waves into ultra-subwavelength scales and dramatically reduces size.
A new system developed at Vanderbilt University aims to transform how archaeologists map large sites, providing higher resolution imagery and three-dimensional models. The SUAVe system, set to be tested in Peru, has the potential to catalog many archaeological sites quickly, addressing concerns about development and time.
A study at McGill University Health Centre found that caffeine improved motor symptoms in people with Parkinson's disease by increasing speed of movement and reducing stiffness. Larger-scale studies are needed to confirm these findings and explore caffeine as a treatment option.
A recent NIH study found that equatorial regions in Brazil experienced less severe and delayed influenza mortality during the 2009 pandemic. The study, published in PLOS ONE, suggests that climate played a key role in the dynamics of the outbreak.
Researchers analyzed jailhouse phone calls between men charged with felony domestic violence and their victims, revealing that violence often followed accusations of sexual infidelity. The study also found chronic stressors like unmet mental health needs and traditional gender roles contributed to abuse.
Researchers found that glass-former materials don't follow standard dynamics below a sub-melting point threshold, contrary to recent reports. The study highlights the need for precise viscosity data to accurately analyze their behavior.
Spouses of breast cancer patients struggle to find hope and balance in their lives, with many turning to exercise, music, and hobbies to cope. The study suggests that men need specific support and resources tailored to their needs, such as online guides and practical advice, to help manage stress and improve quality of life.
Researchers at Purdue University found that early weaning can help maintain gains and improve meat quality when fed distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS). Cattle fed DDGS diets showed a 2.5% decrease in carcass weight but maintained average daily gain and intake.
A new study led by a UCSF researcher shows that poor sleep can significantly reduce the effectiveness of vaccines. The study found that individuals who slept fewer than six hours per night were less likely to mount an antibody response to the vaccine and thus were more likely to be unprotected by the vaccine.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic have completed the world's first genome-wide sequencing analysis of peripheral T-cell lymphomas, unlocking genetic secrets of this poorly understood and highly aggressive cancer. The study identifies 13 genomic abnormalities, including five related to production and behavior of the p53 protein.
Research reveals high percentage of poor-quality antimalarials in Guyana/Suriname, including artesunate monotherapy failures. Basic quality control tests help reduce prevalence of substandard medicines in Amazon Basin Countries
A recent study in Pakistan found limited awareness of breast cancer among most women, with many unaware of self-breast exams and clinical breast exams. However, willingness to address health issues was high, and the majority of general practitioners understood major risk factors and importance of early detection.
Researchers at MIT's CSAIL have developed Halide, a new programming language that simplifies image-processing algorithms and improves performance. The language automates code-optimization procedures, reducing the need for manual tweaking and allowing for significant speedups.
A new study by NIH researchers reveals that lymphoid tissue inducer (LTi) cells contribute to multiple sclerosis, and daclizumab appears to reduce their numbers. The drug also activates natural killer cells, which counteract autoimmunity.
A study by Cele Otnes and Linda Tuncay Zayer found that six themes emerge from the analysis, with half being negative, including skepticism, avoidance, and indifference. Men tend to react negatively to hyper-masculine stereotypes in advertising, experiencing feelings of inadequacy and vulnerability.