A new screening approach identified potential anticancer drug combinations that target RAS and BRAF mutations in melanoma. The study found that pairing cholesterol-reducing drugs with cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors showed efficacy against RAS-driven melanomas.
The new feature uses DNA inherited from all ancestors on both sides of the family to indicate an individual's ancestral origins. Ancestry Composition offers state-of-the-art detail for people with European ancestry and accurate breakdowns for individuals of mixed ancestry.
A speed limit on container ships near ports and coastlines could reduce emissions of carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and soot by up to 60-70% compared to traditional cruising speeds. This measure could significantly protect the health of people living in coastal areas.
The study reveals that high blood pressure, tobacco smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption are the leading causes of death globally, with significant regional variations. Dietary factors and physical inactivity also contribute substantially to disease burden.
Tel Aviv University scientists discovered that lab mice do not actually experience chronic anxiety, but instead exhibit temporary responses to new environments. This finding could explain why most candidate drugs have poor therapeutic value in treating human brain disorders.
A study published in PLOS Pathogens found that immune cells from older adults can respond to virus infections similarly to those from younger individuals. This discovery has important implications for vaccination strategies targeting the elderly.
A recent study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that proton radiotherapy provides minimal relief from side effects such as incontinence and erectile dysfunction compared to standard radiation treatment IMRT. The study revealed no long-term benefits for proton therapy, despite high costs.
A lack of accurate data on financial crime hampers efforts to tackle business fraud and tax evasion. Professor Michael Levi's research highlights the need for a more evidence-based approach to policing and addressing financial crimes.
Scientists have made significant breakthroughs in DNA nanotechnology by removing obstacles to design processes. They demonstrated the first validation of subnanometer-scale positional control and discovered a method for rapid folding and high-yield production of complex DNA-based objects, similar to protein folding.
Scientists at Northwestern University have identified a subset of immune cells called T-regulatory (Treg) cells in human colon cancer that can either protect against or promote tumor growth. The presence of the protein RORγt is key to this differentiation.
A new Australian study finds that large regions of the genome are epigenetically activated in prostate cancer, including genes like PSA and PCA3. The study also identifies 'epigenetic master controllers' that can switch on or off large regions of DNA, with significant implications for cancer diagnosis and treatment.
A study has identified two enzymes elevated in prediabetes that could lead to new therapies for vascular complications and help predict who is at risk of developing diabetes. Elevated arginase and indoleamine 2,3 dioxygenase trigger a stress response that damages blood vessels and immune cells.
Researchers found that consensus and cooperation are the norm within Congress, with most major programs renewed every 4-6 years. Manufactured crises like the 'fiscal cliff' often serve as catalysts for significant policy changes.
An international team of scientists has discovered a new species of slow loris in Borneo, recognizing four existing species as distinct from previously considered subspecies. The discovery highlights the need for urgent conservation efforts due to human activity threats and the pet trade.
Scientists at the University of Exeter discovered a new way viruses evolve to switch their behavior in response to other viruses infecting a host. This means that even with manipulation, viruses will always adapt to serve their own purposes and cause maximum destruction.
Researchers at Henry Ford Hospital have developed a new technique for minimally invasive robotic partial nephrectomy procedures, sparing the kidney and eliminating long hospital stays. The technique, called ICE, provides better outcomes by giving surgeons more time to perform the procedure and allows for better tumor removal and analysis.
Scientists have developed a new method for studying parasite numbers in individual seabirds in the wild, using endoscopy. The technique found that all birds had parasites ranging from low burdens of several worms to high burdens of over 40 worms, with higher burdens in males and late breeders.
A large European study found that multiple myeloma is related to farm work, printing and cleaning. The EPILYMPH study, which included 277 cases and matched controls by age and gender, found an increased risk for farmers, cleaning workers, telephone and radio operators.
A new study on mice suggests that common anesthetic agents like Nitrous Oxide and isoflurane can cause neuronal cell death and changes in gene expression in developing brains. The findings have implications for the use of anesthesia during pregnancy and childbirth.
A study published in Neuropsychopharmacology found a correlation between increased glutamate activity and suicidal behavior. Anti-glutamate drugs are being developed as a potential tool to prevent suicide.
Global life expectancy has increased by 11.1 years for men and 12.1 years for women since 1970. Notable gains in life expectancy have been observed in the Maldives, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Iran, and Peru. However, some countries, such as Haiti, Lesotho, Belarus, and Ukraine, have experienced significant declines due to various factors like...
A new hormone therapy combining conventional estrogen with a bone-protective SERM-like drug has shown promise in reducing menopausal symptoms and osteoporosis risk without increasing breast cancer risk. The treatment approach, termed TSEC, was tested in postmenopausal nonhuman primates over a 20-month period.
Scientists at the University of Liverpool found that male mice produce pheromone darcin, which provokes females and competitor males to remember a preference for its location. This allows them to recall sites with high concentrations of the scent, even after multiple encounters.
A new study suggests that human papillomavirus (HPV) infections in older women may represent reactivation of the virus, rather than a new infection. Nearly 90% of HPV infections were detected in women with multiple lifetime sexual partners, highlighting the need for further research on HPV persistence and reactivation.
Researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute and UMass Amherst studied the transport of bio-molecular complexes along microtubules. They found that motor proteins cooperate to minimize traffic jams, allowing cargos to travel farther before becoming detached.
A new computer model of the heart wall predicted risk of irregular heart rhythms and sudden cardiac death in patients with Long QT syndrome type 1. The model used 34 different mutations to calculate the consequences of genetic changes on the heart, revealing that delayed repolarization increases the risk of life-threatening events.
A University of Alberta researcher's findings may rewrite the history of humanity's migration out of Africa. The study uncovered fossils, artifacts, and evidence of continuous human occupation in the region dating back at least 200,000 years.
A new study using data from NASA's Swift satellite and Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope shows that high-speed jets launched from active black holes possess fundamental similarities regardless of mass, age or environment. The result provides a tantalizing hint that common physical processes are at work.
Researchers developed a method for Curiosity to use solar eclipses to determine its precise location on Mars, reducing positional error from kilometers to meters. The technique utilizes data from the rover's antennas and space probes, offering an independent alternative when direct communication with Earth is unavailable.
Sebastian Valanko's PhD thesis investigates dispersal strategies and mechanisms of benthic invertebrates, shedding light on their importance for recovery after disturbance. Understanding dispersal patterns is key to interpreting changes in diversity across different spatial scales, enabling better conservation and management decisions.
Researchers used infrared sensors and thermal technology to evaluate irrigation strategies in peach orchards. They found that midday canopy-to-air temperature differences were significantly higher in water-stressed trees, indicating the potential for effective management of water use.
The study reveals that musculoskeletal and mental behavioral disorders are the leading causes of disability worldwide. Lower back pain, depression, iron-deficiency anaemia, and neck pain were found to be among the top sequelae responsible for the greatest overall health loss in both 1990 and 2010.
A study published in Medical Care finds that negative news coverage of nursing homes outweighs positive stories by five to one. Negative articles often focus on negligence, fraud, or industry issues, while positive stories discuss quality of care and community impact.
NIST scientists discovered a simple and fast process to deposit uniform, ultrathin layers of platinum atoms on a surface. By increasing the voltage beyond normal levels, they created a hydrogen layer that quenches further metal deposition, allowing for precise control over film thickness.
A survey of 1,293 neurologists found that nearly 29% have experienced burnout, while 45.8% are concerned about it. The neurohospitalist model offers advantages like high-quality care and improved continuity, but also challenges such as long work hours and poor reimbursement.
Tropical Cyclone Evan's eye-like structure was observed on Dec. 11 by TRMM's Precipitation Radar, indicating powerful storms and heavy rainmakers. By Dec. 13, Evan had intensified, with maximum sustained winds reaching 90 knots, and its eye being approximately 6 nautical miles wide.
The insurance industry is taking a proactive role in addressing climate change by managing risks and investing in emission-reduction technologies. The sector has developed new products and services to encourage sustainable practices, such as energy-efficient homes and renewable energy investments.
A study co-authored by University of Kentucky sociologists examines the relationship between racial and gender discrimination and suicidal ideation among low socioeconomic status African American women. The research found that moderate levels of eudemonic well-being, self-esteem, and active coping are protective against suicidal ideation.
New research from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and the Dutch Institute for Alcohol Policy confirms that time restrictions on alcohol advertising actually increase teen exposure. Alcohol companies move their ads to late-night programming when most teens are watching, increasing ad exposure for high-risk youth.
Scientists have identified how the RecA protein guides a broken DNA strand to its matching sequence on double-stranded DNA, allowing for rapid repair. This discovery explains how DNA repair occurs quickly and highlights the importance of this process in maintaining genome stability.
A team of scientists has made a breakthrough in understanding how materials behave under stress, leading to the creation of stronger and longer-lasting materials. Nickel nanocrystals have been found to deform permanently under intense pressure, which could help physicists and engineers create more resilient materials.
A new, patented sensor-housing technology allows for long-term automated monitoring of greenhouse gases in cold environments, providing energy savings and stability. Developed by Professor David Risk, the technology can detect CO2 levels without halting injections or using secondary wells.
Blocking the endothelin receptor reduces cardiovascular risk factors in patients with chronic kidney disease independent of blood pressure. The findings suggest that blocking the receptor may provide heart-related benefits to these patients, who have a higher risk of developing heart problems due to their condition.
Researchers have identified a new mutation in the Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency gene that could lead to better diagnosis and treatment of the disease. The finding extends understanding of Alpha-1 at the molecular level, potentially leading to new drug development.
Researchers discovered that paroxetine protects endothelial cells from damage caused by high sugar levels in diabetes, preventing hyperglycemia-initiated reactive oxygen species damage. The drug also restores blood vessel function in animals with diabetes, suggesting potential as a new therapy for diabetic complications.
A new study reveals that many Amazon tree species are likely to survive human-caused climate warming in the coming century. However, researchers warn of the impact of extreme drought and forest fires as temperatures rise. Conservation efforts should focus on reducing greenhouse-gas emissions and preventing deforestation.
Researchers at the University of Alberta have identified a rare type of cancer suppressor that can trigger cell death when targeted. By inactivating this gene, cancer cells are destroyed while healthy cells remain intact.
New genetic analysis reveals that many Amazon tree species are likely to survive man-made climate warming in the coming century. The study finds that these trees have previously survived warmer climates and are expected to endure higher temperatures. However, droughts and forest fires remain major threats to the Amazon's future.
Researchers at the University of Sheffield recreated randomly distributed sticky spots in stem cells to maximize adhesion and act as internal scaffolding. The findings will help inform biomaterials development for optimal stem cell growth.
A new study estimates that a 6,000-hectare forest hosts around 25,000 arthropod species, with some species found in just one hectare. The research also found that the diversity of arthropods can be accurately predicted from plant diversity.
A recent study found that rural US residents are less likely to follow colorectal cancer screening guidelines due to the time required for travel and limited access to healthcare. The researchers also noted that lack of health insurance and primary care provider shortages contribute to this disparity.
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute scientists identify EZH2 as a key player in prostate cancers that no longer respond to hormone-blocking treatments. The researchers suggest that drugs targeting EZH2's unexpected function could be an effective new treatment strategy for these aggressive cancers.
Non-communicable diseases, such as cancer and heart disease, accounted for nearly two-thirds of all deaths globally in 2010. Ischaemic heart disease and stroke were responsible for one in four deaths, a significant increase from the previous decade.
The Global Burden of Disease Study 2010 reveals massive shifts in health trends worldwide, with people living longer but sicker. Chronic diseases and injuries are now the primary causes of death, driven by a growing global population.
A Cedars-Sinai physician-scientist is leading a research study on Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, the most common inherited neurological disorder, using induced pluripotent stem cells. The goal of the study is to determine if personalized stem cell lines can be generated for individual patients and potentially cure the disease.
Scientists found a unique lipid compound that amplifies sound and efficiently transmits it to the ear drums of insects, similar to toothed whales. The discovery opens up possibilities for new systems in ultrasound technologies.
Only a small fraction of new medicines developed between 2000 and 2011 were for the treatment of neglected diseases, highlighting significant gaps in innovation. Despite this, some progress has been made through drug reformulations and repurposing of existing drugs.
A new study published in BMJ Open found that high-dose vitamin D supplementation reduced symptoms of respiratory tract infection by almost a quarter and antibiotic use by nearly half in patients with frequent infections. However, the treatment had no significant impact on otherwise healthy individuals.
Researchers discovered a mechanism by which Ebola virus alters and evades the immune response of its infected host. The secreted protein can selectively drive induction of antibody responses to itself while competing for antibodies to the viral surface protein, enabling repeated or sustained infection.
A study found that disordered mineral metabolism worsens with progressive chronic kidney disease and is linked to a higher risk of kidney failure among African Americans. Measuring mineral metabolites may be a useful way to determine CKD patient prognosis, while targeting these metabolites could help slow disease progression.
A simple screening test of musculo-skeletal fitness has proved remarkably predictive of all-cause mortality in a study of over 2000 middle-aged and older men and women. High scores indicate lower risk of death, with those requiring more hand or knee support showing a 2-fold higher death rate.
Researchers at Rice University have created a method to trigger biochemical reactions remotely on demand by exposing plasmonic gold nanoparticles to near-infrared light, enabling chemical processes to occur at lower temperatures. This technology has great potential for industrial applications, including energy savings and more sustaina...
Three new species of slow loris were identified, revealing distinct differences in body size, fur thickness, habitats, and facial markings. This reclassification may increase legal protections for the endangered or threatened animals, as well as highlight the cruelty of keeping them as pets.
The Association of Environmental Engineering and Science Professors (AEESP) has selected Environmental Engineering Science as its official journal, promoting innovative solutions to environmental problems. The journal will publish state-of-the-art studies on air, water, and land contamination and waste disposal.
A new policy brief reveals that workplace injuries and illnesses among low-wage workers result in significant economic losses and severe personal consequences. The study estimates that such injuries and illnesses cost the nation over $39 billion annually, with workers often facing reduced paychecks and struggling to make ends meet.
A team of researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital has discovered that intestinal immune cells collect and process antigens from both the bloodstream and the intestine, inducing the production of T cells that suppress inflammation. This regulatory system is crucial for preventing autoimmune disorders and inflammatory bowel disease.
A new study found married women experience less intimate-partner violence, substance abuse and post-partum depression compared to cohabitating women. Married couples tend to have fewer psychosocial problems regardless of their relationship duration.
The Global Burden of Disease Study 2010 found that people worldwide view different health conditions similarly, regardless of culture or individual circumstances. The study used surveys to calculate disability weights and healthy life expectancy, revealing that global population is living longer but spending more years in poor health.
Researchers investigate four hydrothermal vent sites off Antarctica's coast to understand animal communities and their unique ecosystems. The team uses a deep-diving ROV to study the interactions between animals and the vents, which are super-heated to around 300 degrees Centigrade.
A new study published in the American Heart Association journal Stroke found that people over 65 with high psychosocial distress are at increased risk of stroke. The study followed 4,120 participants for 10 years and found that those with the most distress had three times the risk of death from stroke.
Researchers discovered that genetic mutations are only one piece of the puzzle, and biological factors and cell behavior contribute to tumour growth and therapy failure. The team found that some cancer cells were responsible for keeping cancer growing, while others were transient and stopped within days.
A Regenstrief Institute study found that over two-thirds of generic drugs have differing safety-warning labels from brand-name equivalents. The majority of discrepancies were small, but nine percent showed significant differences in side effects.
Boston College researchers create a yolk-shell nanocrystal structure with a porous 'skin' that can filter molecules based on size or chemical makeup, allowing greater selectivity in chemical reactions. The new catalyst exhibits unprecedented control and precision, paving the way for expanded applications of heterogeneous catalysis.
The sixth SystemsX.ch tender approved 15 projects with CHF 60 million available, focusing on biological processes and medical applications. Switzerland reiterates its pioneering role in systems biology through collaborations between researchers from various institutions and companies.
Researchers from Italy have developed a wearable system that uses strain sensors to monitor human trunk movements and estimate flexibility. The device will enable remote monitoring of physiotherapy exercises at home or during everyday tasks, providing an advancement in portable rehabilitation tracking.
The University of Illinois is developing ozone-resistant corn strains with the potential to increase yields and reduce costs, as estimated losses due to ozone damage in US corn production could be around $700 million. The research aims to improve crop resilience to environmental stressors.
A new study has identified toll-like receptor 12 (TLR12) as crucial for combating the deadly parasite Toxoplasma gondii. The findings suggest that TLR12 promotes survival in infected animals and could lead to the development of a vaccine against this parasite.
Researchers at UCL have identified over 200 gene locations linked to Crohn's Disease, a complex condition with a significant genetic component. The study uses a new method to analyze the human genome and provides evidence that specific clinical sub-groups may carry different risk genes.
University of Illinois researchers have developed a new design for three-dimensional rolled-up inductors, reducing their footprint to 45 microns by 16 microns while maintaining performance. This breakthrough could lead to smaller, high-performance electronics and enable the development of new integrated circuit elements.
A UK-wide partnership is launching a research priority setting project to identify the most pressing questions in childhood neurodisability treatment. The project aims to prioritize unanswered questions on the effectiveness of treatments, taking into account the views of young people, families, and healthcare professionals.
New research shows that elderly individuals mount normal immune responses to virus infections, retaining T cell functionality. This finding has important implications for vaccination strategies in the elderly.
Researchers use harmonic generation microscopy to create high-resolution maps of skin cells, revealing increased sizes of basal keratinocytes and nuclei with natural aging. The findings provide an index for scoring natural or intrinsic skin aging, which could help monitor skin health and test effectiveness of anti-aging treatments.
Researchers have discovered that congenital heart defects could be linked to the development of cells in the embryo as early as 12-14 hours after fertilization. The study's findings provide new insights into the causes of cardiac malformations and may lead to better treatments for affected families.
Researchers discovered how Yersinia pestis avoids triggering the immune system's early alarm, establishing a stronghold without self-destructing. This finding may lead to new vaccine development and treatments for inflammatory disorders, such as stroke, heart attack, lupus, and autoimmune diseases.
The US Navy is accelerating its research efforts in the Arctic due to rapid changes in sea ice coverage. The recent summit brought together top officials from various government agencies to share scientific ideas and form new partnerships. Experts warn that these changes could have global environmental and socio-economic consequences.
The University of Washington has been awarded a $4 million grant to develop bacteria that can turn methane in natural gas into diesel fuel. The team aims to capture wasted natural gas and use bacteria to convert it into energy-rich molecules, which will then be converted into diesel.
A University of Oklahoma study analyzed ancient DNA from human fecal samples to understand changes in the human gut microbiome. The results suggest that the last 100 years have seen a major shift in the human gut microbiome, with broader implications for modern health.
The study found that conifers' genomic structure has remained stable for at least 100 million years, leading to their resemblance with ancient fossils. This stability allows conifers to thrive in cold climates without undergoing significant evolutionary changes.
Swift Transportation has donated $15,262 to The Waylon Fund for Diabetes Research at TGen to advance biomedical research and predict patient risk factors. This donation aims to spur innovative treatments for Type 2 diabetes.
Aerobic exercise has been shown to improve cognitive function in older adults, including task switching, selective attention, and working memory. The evidence suggests that regular physical activity can attenuate age-related decline in these areas, providing a simple means for people to optimize their brain power.
The eLife journal has launched its new website, offering a fresh approach to presenting scientific content. The site features clean and distraction-free design, allowing authors to showcase their research in full and readers to delve deeply into the work.
Researchers found that even three-nanometer-sized nanocrystals can suffer from dislocation-mediated plastic deformation when subjected to stress. This challenges the long-held assumption that ultrafine nanocrystals are defect-free.
Researchers have isolated cancer stem cells from kidney tumors that lead to Wilms' tumours, a type of cancer typically found in the kidneys of young children. These cancer stem cells can be targeted with an antibody drug, providing a potential new approach for treating this disease.
Researchers discovered two new genes, PIK3CA and AKT1, linked to Cowden syndrome, a condition carrying high cancer risks. The findings promote diagnosis, clinical management, and genetic counseling, aiding predictive testing.
Researchers at DOE/Argonne National Laboratory studied ultrafast bubble formation, finding surface wetness affects the bubble's fate. The study could improve spray coating, metal casting, and ink-jet printing, as well as fuel efficiency and engine life.
The study reveals that high blood pressure is the leading cause of death globally, followed by smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. The analysis suggests that addressing these risk factors can help reduce disease burden and improve public health.
A method for detecting where people's gazes converge has been developed by Carnegie Mellon researchers, allowing robots to better understand social interactions. The system uses crowdsourcing to provide subjective information about social groups that would otherwise be difficult or impossible for a robot to ascertain.
A study published by the Zoological Society of London predicts that mammals will face a bleak future due to climate change, with 1/3 species at risk from cyclones and droughts. The research identifies primates as particularly vulnerable, highlighting the need for conservation efforts to mitigate the impacts of extreme weather events.
Scientific Animations Without Borders (SAWBO) delivers narrated, animated videos to a global audience, addressing pressing issues like food waste, insect damage, and infectious diseases. The initiative has received feedback from its audience, allowing it to improve its message and expand its content.