A new method of prenatal testing using microarray technology is providing physicians with more comprehensive results than conventional karyotyping, according to George Washington University researchers. The study found that microarray analysis can identify additional abnormalities not detectable by karyotyping, allowing for earlier int...
Researchers at LSU Health Sciences Center have discovered early predictors of metabolic syndrome in healthy children aged 7-9 years. The study found that fat in the liver, abdominal fat, and fat oxidation predicted insulin resistance and appear to be early markers for the metabolic syndrome via impaired lipid metabolism and fat oxidation.
A new study has identified the mechanism by which Toxoplasma gondii infects the brain, leading to increased risk-taking and higher incidence of schizophrenia, anxiety, and depression. The parasite manipulates the GABA system, inhibiting fear and anxiety responses.
Researchers discovered that moths use two distinct olfactory channels to navigate their food sources. The first channel governs their innate preferences for certain flowers, while the second allows them to learn about alternate sources of nectar. This study provides insights into how moths survive in changing floral environments.
A study by Oregon Health & Science University found significant health care shortcomings among autistic adults, including lower rates of preventive services and higher emergency department use. The research highlighted the need for better primary care services for this population.
Researchers at Duke University have developed a new method to create large-area absorbers using silver nanocubes, which can control the absorption of electromagnetic waves. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient and cost-effective devices for applications such as sensors and solar cells.
Scientists identify novel disorder SPARCA1 associated with severe childhood ataxia and cognitive impairment due to altered beta-III spectrin gene. The study highlights the crucial role of spectrin in brain function beyond the cerebellum.
Researchers have developed a tiny spray of liquid that forms a merged, femtolitre-size Taylor cone, allowing them to study fast biochemical reactions. The device, called dual nano-electrospray, enables scientists to probe solution interactions and complex biomolecules with unprecedented precision.
Scientists have created a network map of genes involved in pain perception, showing remarkable similarity between humans and fruit flies. The map includes hundreds of known genes and dozens of new ones, highlighting the importance of phospholipid signaling in pain processing.
Scientists with NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center have restored the fully calibrated digital dust data from the Apollo 14 and 15 missions, allowing for long-term analysis of the lunar dust readings. This achievement is part of the Lunar Data Project, which aims to make scientific data from Apollo available in modern formats.
A team of researchers has discovered that the cellular reprogramming gene SOX2 is directly regulated by the tumor suppressor CDKN1B(p27) gene, which is also associated with cancers such as lung and pituitary cancer. The study also highlights the potential role of adult stem cells in cancer.
Researchers at Hebrew University of Jerusalem have identified two inclusion bodies, JUNQ and IPOD, with opposing effects on protein aggregation. Aggregation in JUNQ can lead to toxicity, while aggregation in IPOD is protective, suggesting a new potential strategy for designing therapeutics for neurodegenerative diseases.
A study by Concordia University researchers found that consumers' gazes naturally draw towards centrally placed products. This subconscious visual focus influences purchasing decisions. By understanding these unconscious habits, shoppers can make more informed choices and train themselves to thoroughly scan product displays.
Researchers at Princeton University have developed a simple and economic way to nearly triple the efficiency of organic solar cells using a nanostructured metal film called PlaCSH. The new technology also shows promise for increasing the efficiency of conventional inorganic solar collectors like silicon panels.
A recent study from Baylor College of Medicine describes an elaborate gene network that functions in causing mutations during DNA repair in stressed cells. The network, composed of 93 genes, regulates the production of mutations in response to environmental challenges such as starvation or antibiotics.
A study published in Current Biology found that the European Romani population has its roots in northwestern India, dating back around 1,500 years. The research used genome-wide data to confirm this origin and shed light on the history of the Romani people.
Michigan State University's Foundations of Science course aims to improve critical thinking skills and empower students to make informed decisions. The course, funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, offers a unique blend of media and exercises to help students decode scientific concepts and analyze pseudoscience.
The NSF Graduate Research Opportunities Worldwide (GROW) program aims to prepare graduate students for global research collaboration. The program connects NSF Graduate Research Fellows with leading scientists and research infrastructure worldwide, promoting international cooperation and intellectual growth.
The most severe form of acute kidney injury has seen a significant increase in incidence rates, with deaths associated with the condition also rising. The study highlights the need for further research into the causes behind this trend and potential interventions to reduce its impact.
Research reveals that Great Lakes salmon carry industrial pollutants into streams and tributaries as they migrate upstream to spawn. This can lead to the bioconcentration of pollutants in stream fish, posing a risk to human health, particularly for pregnant women and children.
Research found that climate change affects rare plants by moving upslope and downslope, driven by changes in seasonality and water availability. The study aims to shed light on historical processes behind biodiversity patterns in the region.
Researchers at King's College London identified the 'Hedgehog pathway' regulating stress hormones and brain cell development. The study revealed that inhibiting this pathway can reverse damaging effects of stress hormones on brain cells, offering new potential mechanisms to target depression.
A large-scale trial found that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) provided in addition to usual care reduced symptoms of depression and improved patients' quality of life. At six months, 46% of those who received CBT had improved, reporting at least a 50% reduction in symptoms.
Researchers identified evidence of immune system involvement in autism development through novel genome analysis approaches, supporting a common molecular physiology behind the condition. Viral infection pathways were found most important in this immune-related mechanism, potentially affecting brain development.
Researchers studied plant roots grown on the International Space Station and found that they retained complex patterns of 'waving' and 'skewing', characteristic of Earth-grown roots. However, the degree of waving was more subtle than expected, suggesting that gravity is not essential for this process.
The California Academy of Sciences has described 137 new species across four continents and two oceans, adding to the complex web of life on Earth. These discoveries strengthen conservation efforts by providing a deeper understanding of evolution and the persistence of life.
Researchers have developed a new approach to enhance NK cell activity against cancer, leading to significant slowing of tumor growth and improved survival rates. The study found that prior radiation treatment enhances the effectiveness of the therapy.
Researchers from the University of Gothenburg have made new observations that show ice sheet mass in West Antarctica is melting faster than expected. The study suggests a clear reduction in ice mass, particularly around glaciers in the Amundsen Sea, caused by warm sea water penetrating beneath the ice.
Researchers at Penn State University have developed a new type of optical fiber with integrated solar-cell capabilities that can be scaled to long lengths and woven into flexible fabrics. This technology has the potential to revolutionize portable electronics, offering lightweight, foldable, and wearable power sources.
Bisphenol A, a widely used industrial chemical, has been shown to block essential calcium channels in human and mouse cells. This can lead to adverse effects on heart muscle contraction, enzyme activity, and nerve cell communication. The study suggests that alternatives to BPA should be developed to replace it in various products.
Researchers at Max Planck Institute decoded the neural mechanisms underlying an escape reflex in fruit flies to avoid toxic microorganisms. A dedicated neural line is activated by geosmin, a substance released by bacteria and mold fungi, overriding all other food odor signals.
A small Johns Hopkins Children's Center study found that children on the ketogenic diet experienced reduced seizures after incorporating periodic fasting. The results suggest that fasting does not intensify but rather changes the metabolism of children with epilepsy.
Researchers have created a 'network map' of genes involved in pain perception, identifying hundreds of potential therapeutic targets. The study provides a valuable tool for predicting pain genes in people and has the potential to lead to the development of new analgesic drugs.
Scientists have identified an 'immune system kill switch' that triggers the destruction of blood stem cells in response to severe stress, such as chemotherapy or systemic infections. Blocking this internal signal could prevent death after chemotherapy and boost recovery from infection.
High-altitude mice utilize carbohydrates for energy due to low oxygen levels, a strategy that could be relevant to humans and other high-altitude mammals. This evolutionary adaptation allows them to efficiently use energy in oxygen-poor environments.
A groundbreaking clinical trial reveals that women with estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer who take tamoxifen for 10 years have a lower risk of recurrence and mortality rate compared to those taking the drug for 5 years. This new finding may prompt patients to reconsider their treatment options, particularly premenopausal women.
Research from Fox Chase Cancer Center finds that women are more likely to follow experts' advice on reducing risk of lymphedema after breast cancer surgery if they feel confident in their abilities and know how to manage stress. Women who feel empowered can modify their behavior to avoid the complication, whereas daily behavioral chang...
Researchers at UCSB's Four Eyes Lab have developed a new approach to augmented reality (AR) applications that uses real-time computer vision and crowdsourced user data to create more stable and realistic overlays. This technology, termed 'anywhere' AR, enables users to interact with virtual objects in their physical environment.
Research led by Dr. Karen Bonuck found that children with sleep-related breathing problems (like snoring or apnea) often have behavioral sleep problems too, like frequent waking. Children who suffer from one issue are not usually checked for the other, which can lead to poor development and academic performance.
Researchers at the Douglas Mental Health University Institute have identified a new genetic process that could lead to novel treatments for neurodevelopmental disorders. Genetic mutations affecting brain development can occur in genes of unknown function, suggesting a previously overlooked pathway in brain development.
Research reveals distinct genetic mechanisms behind similar adaptations to low oxygen levels in Tibetan and Ethiopian populations, shedding light on convergent evolution. The study finds no long-term adaptation among the Oromo group, highlighting variations in biological responses to high-altitude environments.
Johns Hopkins scientists discovered that male sex hormones like testosterone alter the availability of a nerve growth factor called BDNF, leading to the loss of nerves in mammary gland ducts of males. This mechanism may explain other sex-specific variations in nerve networks.
The Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope has improved its ability to detect terrestrial gamma-ray flashes, which are brief outbursts of high-energy light produced above thunderstorms. The enhanced detection rate revealed that TGFs also generate a strong burst of radio waves, changing how scientists study this phenomenon.
A new study by European Molecular Biology Laboratory researchers found that each person's gut metagenome is unique and remains stable over time. The analysis of 207 individuals revealed a high resolution of individual mutations in gut microbes, with potential applications for identifying gut diseases and developing personalized therapies.
Releasing people from Catholic guilt through absolution rituals increases generosity towards the church, according to new research. The study found that recalling or imagining forgiveness strengthens prosocial behavior, particularly among those who believe in divine judgment and engage in religious activities.
Researchers in Quebec develop a process to remove most of the carbon dioxide from emissions through chemical reactions with crushed rocks. The resulting carbonate byproducts can be sold for use as a refractory material or wastewater treatment agent.
Research suggests that feeling disgust motivates people to prioritize cleanliness and purity, leading them to better see subtle deviations from whiteness. Disgust sensitivity is linked to improved performance in detecting impurities on the light end of the visual spectrum.
Research found that people with glaucoma show delayed eye movement reaction times by about 15 per cent, even in early stages of the disease. This delay may affect daily activities such as reading, driving, or navigating, highlighting the need for new vision pathways and approaches to measuring vision loss.
A study by TGen and US Oncology Research identified genetic mutations in 14 metastatic TNBC patients, including TP53 and ERBB4 tumor suppressor genes. The research offers potential drug targets for this aggressive form of breast cancer.
Researchers discovered a dedicated olfactory circuit in flies that detects harmful microbes, enabling them to avoid feeding on toxic substances. The circuit is sensitive to low concentrations of geosmin, an earthy odor produced by harmful fungi and bacteria.
A new study reveals that the insect-eating pallid bat is a more effective pollinator of cardon cactus flowers than the nectar-feeding lesser long-nosed bat. The pallid bat delivers more pollen per visit, with some areas being frequent enough visitors to be more effective overall.
Lying can be trained to be more automatic, reducing task demands and making it harder to detect. Researchers found that instruction alone significantly reduced reaction times associated with deceptive responses.
Researchers have discovered a gene called BAF60c that plays a crucial role in converting dietary carbohydrates into fat. The study found that mice with the disabled gene did not produce excess fat despite eating a high-carb diet.
Researchers found that pulsed ultrasound can selectively activate functional subsets of nerve fibers, providing a new method for studying pain pathways. The discovery has implications for diagnosing and treating neuropathy, affecting millions worldwide.
A team of chemists at USC developed a method to convert fluoroform, an ozone-destroying chemical waste product, into useful reagents for producing pharmaceuticals. The discovery is based on the precise conditions needed to coax fluoroform into useful compounds, including trifluoromethanesulfonic acid.
Typhoon Bopha's heavy rains caused severe flooding and landslides in the southern Philippines, killing hundreds of people. The TRMM satellite's data showed the heaviest rain was located near eastern Mindanao, with rainfall totals over 100mm covering a large area.
A new study demonstrates that a vaginal microbicide gel is highly effective in blocking HIV infection in non-human primate models. The gel, containing engineered peptides, prevents the virus from entering and infecting cells, offering a promising strategy for prevention and protection against HIV transmission.
A new microarray analysis has proven 40% more effective in identifying genetic causes of stillbirth than traditional karyotyping testing. The study, conducted by researchers at the University of Texas Medical Branch, provides strikingly more information for families seeking closure.
Research identified genetic changes that enable Ethiopians to thrive in thin air, differing from those found in Tibetan populations. This discovery sheds light on how high-altitude populations worldwide have evolved differently from their low-altitude ancestors.
A study from the University of Copenhagen found that a drought in the Horn of Africa led to a delayed arrival of European songbirds in northern Europe, causing them to stay longer in Africa. This delay resulted in a late breeding year, but researchers believe it may not have affected population size.