A new channel-forming protein, Panx1, has been identified as a potential target for the treatment of melanoma skin cancer. Over-expression of Panx1 in melanoma cells enables aggressive tumor behavior and metastasis. Researchers suggest targeting this protein with a topical medication to treat melanoma lesions.
A new video article in JoVE presents a novel technique to study interactions between HIV-1 and Plasmodium falciparum in cultured human cells. This method allows scientists to explore different parameters of co-infection, enabling better understanding of the cellular level interactions between these two deadly diseases.
Scientists have detected helium in the tenuous atmosphere surrounding the Moon using NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter spectrometer. The discovery complements earlier measurements and raises questions about the helium's origin, with possibilities including radioactive decay or an exterior source like the solar wind.
Genomic deletions in cancer cells eliminate tumor-suppressor genes, but also expose vulnerabilities to other essential genes. Researchers found that targeting the redundant function of these genes can kill malignant cells. The study identified ENO1 and ENO2 as key targets for therapy.
A new study found that people with high levels of inflammation-linked protein are less likely to develop dementia and have relatives who avoid the disease. Higher protein levels were associated with a lower risk for dementia in parents and siblings, suggesting a possible genetic link.
University of Maryland researchers have identified 26 species of gut bacteria that appear to be linked to obesity and related metabolic complications, including insulin resistance, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. The study found that these bacteria are present in all individuals, regardless of BMI or metabolic syndrome traits.
Researchers found that genes are only moderately sensitive for cadmium and zinc, but can be a more sensitive indicator for copper. The study suggests that genes may not be the best early warning indicator of ecological risks, contrary to previous assumptions. Further investigation is needed with more data.
A team of researchers, including UBC scientists, assessed global ocean health and created the Ocean Health Index, scoring countries from 36 to 86. Canada and the US performed well with scores of 70 and 63 respectively.
Researchers unexpectedly found that inhibiting protein breakdown delays neurodegeneration and increases longevity in mice. Blocking proteasome activity restored key biochemical characteristics necessary for nerve cell function. The findings pose a challenge to current beliefs about neurodegenerative disorders.
The Greenland ice sheet has broken the seasonal record for melting, with cumulative melting exceeding the 2010 record four weeks before the close of the melting season. The extreme melting detected in mid-July did not contribute to sea-level rise, but rather lubricated the base of the ice sheet and sped its slide toward the sea.
Researchers found that some divorced couples can improve their relationships and parent effectively when they prioritize their children's needs. The study suggests that hostile relationships can become more cordial as parents mature and focus on what is best for their kids., Most people assume that divorce leads to ongoing conflict, bu...
Recent studies from New Zealand's University of Otago challenge the idea that infants as young as six months possess an innate moral compass, instead suggesting their preferences may be driven by interesting events. Researchers found that infants' choices could be explained by simple associations with specific visual stimuli.
A team led by an MSU professor has created a cost-effective way to remove phosphorous from wastewater, reducing eutrophication and toxic algae growth. The new method uses nanoparticles composed of iron to efficiently absorb phosphorous, which can be recovered for fertilizer products.
A new study finds that enzalutamide significantly extends life and improves quality of life in men with advanced prostate cancer. The fourth drug in two years to demonstrate this effect, it offers improved treatment options for men with the disease.
A new biologically accurate model of background noise in the nervous system has been developed to explain how noise induces delays in neuron responses. The researchers found that modulating two factors can help neurons encode information more accurately.
A two-year study found that consuming a Mediterranean diet with olive oil increased serum osteocalcin concentrations, suggesting a protective effect on bone. The study also showed no significant changes in serum calcium levels among participants taking olive oil.
A team of researchers has shown a link between low levels of adropin, a hormone that regulates glucose and fatty acid metabolism, and increased risk of metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes. The study found that low adropin levels were associated with obesity, insulin resistance, and other metabolic syndrome risk factors.
The PLoS ONE Synthetic Biology Collection assembles articles on various facets of synthetic biology, a dynamically evolving research area that interconnects multiple disciplines. The collection aims to inspire further progress in the field by providing a dedicated repository for researchers.
A new study has found that heavy prenatal alcohol exposure leads to growth restrictions that persist through to nine years of age, as well as a delay in weight gain during infancy. The effects were exacerbated by iron deficiency, and children with fetal alcohol syndrome had leaner body composition.
A study by Imperial College London found that white matter structure in karate experts' brains correlates with their punching ability. The research suggests fine-tuning of neural connections in the cerebellum enables black belts to coordinate movements accurately.
A new study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism found that even minor physical activity can benefit bone health in premenopausal women by reducing sclerostin and enhancing IGF-1 levels. The study involved 1,235 premenopausal women who were followed for eight weeks, with those engaging in more than two hour...
Researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center have discovered a new brain cleaning system called the glymphatic system, which acts like a shadow plumbing system to drain away waste products from the brain. The system is highly organized and operates on a much larger scale than previously thought.
The Phoenix cluster holds the record for the fastest star formation rate in a galaxy cluster's center, breaking previous assumptions about cosmic evolution. The cluster's high star birth rate and rapid cooling of hot gas are expected to be short-lived due to unsustainable growth.
The JYFL-ACCLAB Centre of Excellence has made significant advancements in studying the nucleus 256Rf, providing insights into the stability of superheavy elements. This breakthrough is crucial for understanding the 'island of stability' and its implications for nuclear physics.
College students who started drinking early or became intoxicated quickly faced increased risks of heavy drinking and negative consequences. The study found that both early age at first drink and progression from first use to intoxication predicted later problems.
Tropical Storm Kai-tak continues to drop heavy rainfall and move toward a landfall in China, with NASA tracking its progress using infrared data from the Aqua satellite. Forecasters warn of potential intensification to typhoon strength before landfall near Hong Kong.
Chiriboga, a professor at the University of South Florida, has exemplified dedication to mentoring minority researchers in aging. He is recognized for his work fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and promoting diversity in the field.
Researchers have identified CD4 T cells as the key players in an autoimmune response that fuels inflammation in the artery wall, leading to plaque buildup. A potential vaccine could target this response, offering a new approach to preventing heart disease.
A CSHL-led team has developed a new method to model human genetic diseases caused by errors in RNA splicing. The approach, called TSUNAMI, uses targeted 'negative ASOs' to cause missplicing and pathogenesis, offering a unique window into disease progression.
A study found that a computer-based screening program and resource list for partner violence did not significantly improve quality of life, general health, or reduce recurrence of partner violence among women. The results suggest that routine screening may not be beneficial in primary care settings.
University of Cincinnati researchers have created an adaptive, active algorithm to counter sudden road noises, such as those from potholes or bumps. The algorithm aims to reduce road-impact noise perceived by drivers by three to five decibels, significantly minimizing the resulting sound.
A team at the University of Vermont discovered that crowdsourcing can effectively predict user behavior, such as body weight and electricity use. The experiment showed that self-directed questions and answers by visitors to websites led to computer models that accurately predicted these outcomes.
Research from UC Berkeley reveals that girls with ADHD are more likely to struggle with internalized issues, such as low self-esteem and difficulty with relationships, as they mature. Longitudinal study finds high rates of self-injury and suicide attempts in young adulthood, highlighting the need for long-term monitoring and treatment.
Two GWAS studies have identified possible associations with genes related to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and Tourette syndrome. The studies found potential links to BTBD3, DLGAP1, COL27A1, and other SNPs, but further research is needed to confirm these findings.
Researchers found that cells grown on different types of scaffolds vary in their ability to repair damaged blood vessels and suppress inflammation. Cells grown on porous surfaces tend to be more effective at repairing damage.
A new technology is being used to diagnose illnesses in hard-to-reach areas of the body, but specialists need standardized guidelines to improve accuracy. The study found poor agreement among doctors on the clinical significance of images from the tiny microscope, highlighting the need for improved training and standardization.
Researchers have confirmed that normalizing blood vessels by blocking oxygen sensor PHD2 can make chemotherapy more effective. This strategy also reduces the harmful side effects of chemotherapy on healthy organs.
Design blogs like Apartment Therapy help consumers exercise taste by creating routines that maintain physical order and associated meanings. Consumers learn what constitutes 'good taste' through engagement with brands and media, transforming their consciousness and guiding effortless action.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati are working to reduce noise in sophisticated military aircraft and quieter car rides. They have developed mathematical models for quick-response noise cancellation and clusters of harmonic responses to minimize sudden road noises.
New data from the Hinode mission reveals insights into the Sun's coronal magnetic field structure and an unusual asymmetry in its magnetic field. This finding could impact the behavior and prediction of the next solar cycle, which is critical for understanding our nearest star.
Researchers from the University of Washington's Polar Science Center have made a prediction for Arctic sea ice, expecting 4.4 million square kilometers of remaining ice, barely more than the 2007 record low. They improved their ability to predict by including new NASA sea ice thickness data collected by airplane.
Dr. Bruce L. Miller will receive the 2012 Gene D. Cohen Research Award for his work on dementia diagnosis and treatment. The award recognizes his seminal contributions to understanding the relationship between brain function and behavior in older adults.
A novel arenavirus has been identified as the possible cause of inclusion body disease in snakes, a devastating illness that spreads easily among boas and pythons in captivity. The discovery may lead to the development of diagnostic tools and treatments to eradicate the disease from snake collections worldwide.
Research published by the American Psychological Association found that girls with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are significantly more likely to attempt suicide or injure themselves as young adults. The study also found that ADHD in girls can signal future psychological problems and have serious public health implica...
A Kaiser Permanente study found that overweight and obese pregnant women are 65% and 163% more likely, respectively, to have large babies compared to their healthy weight counterparts. Excess weight gain during pregnancy also contributes to having a large for gestational age baby.
Researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center discovered a mechanism by which cancer cells hijack histone regulation to promote growth and survival. Lower levels of histone protein H2B aid in suppressing core histone gene transcription, leading to unchecked cell growth.
A study published in AIDS Patient Care and STDs found that HIV-specialized community pharmacies can significantly improve treatment adherence among patients. Users of these pharmacies had greater persistence with their antiviral drug regimens compared to those using traditional pharmacies.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati's Gas Dynamics and Propulsion Laboratory have made progress in reducing supersonic jet noise using chevrons and fluidic injection. The goal is to reduce noise by up to 10 decibels while maintaining or improving engine performance.
Tropical storm Kai-tak is causing more rain in the Philippines as it passes over northern Luzon, with Public storm warning signals in effect for several provinces. The storm has dropped extreme amounts of rainfall, including intense precipitation of over 100mm/hr, affecting the island of Luzon and neighboring areas.
Researchers identified a whole new class of arenaviruses in snakes with Inclusion Body Disease (IBD), a deadly condition causing bizarre behavior and eventual death. The discovery could lead to development of treatments, vaccines, diagnostics, and prevention policies for IBD.
Researchers propose targeting cancer cell communication to inspire new therapeutic approaches and potentially reactivate dormant cells. Cancer cells exhibit social behaviors like bacteria, including cooperation, task distribution, and immune evasion.
A new study published by Arizona State University researchers has found nearly 1,000 small-magnitude earthquakes in Arizona over a three-year period. The improved seismic data from the EarthScope project enabled the detection of these events, which are often not felt by humans.
Vojtech Rödl and Mathias Schacht have been awarded the 2012 George Pólya Prize for their work on the regularity method for hypergraphs, producing key results such as the generalized hypergraph removal lemma. The prize recognizes their notable contributions to combinatorial theory.
A study published in Obesity found that German children experience a significant increase in weight prevalence between the ages of 5 and 7.2 years, with over 20% classified as overweight by age 8. This rise is attributed to factors in the home environment rather than school routine.
Researchers have found that plants exhibit a wide range of mechanical properties, from stiffness and strength. Fruits and vegetables are the least stiff, while densest palms can be 100,000 times stiffer. Plants' microstructures, such as cell wall composition and arrangement, contribute to this diversity.
A new sensor uses a phenomenon called photoacoustic effect to detect and identify chemicals, including nerve agents. The system can identify multiple agents simultaneously in real-time, with potential applications for detecting hazardous gases.
Karen A. Roberto, PhD, has been recognized by the Gerontological Society of America (GSA) with its 2012 Distinguished Mentorship in Gerontology Award. She is a renowned gerontologist who has made significant contributions to the field through her research on aging and her mentorship of students and colleagues.
Researchers at the University of Utah will investigate the molecular causes of blood clots, which threaten millions of people worldwide. The center aims to apply basic science to find new diagnostic and therapeutic measures for thrombosis, making them available to patients rapidly.
Recent advances in paleogenetics provide new insights into human evolution in Europe, showing that cultural and demographic events have shaped genetic variation among modern-day populations. The study reveals a more diverse range of mechanisms influencing genetic diversity than previously thought.
A new study found that donors show stronger judgments and increased concern for group members when they are part of a cohesive unit, leading to greater donations. In contrast, individuals from groups with negative traits receive less support.