A recent study published in Applied and Environmental Microbiology reveals that transpacific dust plumes carry thousands of unique microbial species to North America. The researchers detected archaea at high altitudes, which has potential applications in biotechnology and medicine.
A Cornell University computer model predicts chikungunya outbreaks in NYC during August-September 2013, Atlanta from June-September, and year-round in Miami. The virus is transmitted by Asian tiger mosquitoes, which are rising in numbers due to climate change.
Compression reverses abnormal growth in breast cancer cells, restoring normal development. The study's findings suggest that mechanical forces play a crucial role in determining a cell's fate.
Researchers discover that cells under oxidative stress deposit oxidized glutathione in a cellular waste repository called the vacuole, protecting themselves from damage. This finding challenges previous assumptions about oxidative stress and its link to various diseases.
Changes in progenitor cell populations in breast tissue may contribute to breast cancer development, according to new research. The study found that aging leads to a decrease in myoepithelial cells and an increase in multipotent progenitors, which can fuel malignant growth.
Researchers discovered that neutrophil membrane tethers act like slings to anchor the cell and maintain control during high-speed blood flow. This unique structure enables neutrophils to navigate through narrow venules without being swept away, allowing them to effectively present their antigen-sensing ligands at the infection site.
Researchers have developed a new method to measure electrical activity in neural networks, cardiac cells, and developing embryos using re-engineered optogenetic switches. This breakthrough allows for faster and more efficient screening of potential drugs for various cardiac diseases.
Research found that injured coral colonies in The Bahamas still produced low numbers of eggs four years after damage, and sperm-producing factories were also scarce. This suggests that damaged corals may divert resources away from reproduction towards growth and injury repair.
A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found no significant difference in toxicity between proton radiotherapy (PRT) and intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) among Medicare beneficiaries with prostate cancer at 12 months post-treatment. Despite its widespread use, PRT's benefits and harms remain unknown.
A new study by Tony Antoniou found that HIV hospitalizations in Ontario declined significantly since the introduction of combination antiretroviral drug therapy in 1996-97. However, women with HIV and low-income individuals continue to face higher rates of hospitalization compared to men and high-income patients.
A study estimates the prevalence of pediatric caustic ingestion injuries to be around 807 children per year, resulting in a significant economic burden of nearly $23 million. Legislative measures such as labeling requirements for caustic substances have contributed to a decline in injury rates over the years.
Scientists at Max Planck Institute discover that EF-P plays a crucial role in protein production of pathogenic bacteria, leading to the development of new specific antibiotics. Intestinal bacteria lacking EF-P are less fit and not as virulent.
The study reveals that removing the worm's germ cells triggers production of dafachronic acid, activating microRNAs that promote longevity. This discovery adds to our understanding of how longevity is regulated.
A new analysis suggests that individuals with Lynch syndrome, who have a high risk of developing colorectal and other cancers, may lower their risk by adopting an eating pattern low in snack foods. The study found that those with higher intakes of snack foods were twice as likely to develop precancerous lesions.
A new study found that directing short bursts of radio waves at nerves surrounding the kidneys lowered blood pressure for at least six months and up to one year. The procedure, called renal denervation, has significant public health implications in treating resistant hypertension.
A mathematician has proven that a formula for mock modular forms, developed by Indian mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan, can be computed just as he predicted. The discovery may unlock secrets about black holes and has implications for number theory.
A new stem cell-derived system can identify cardiotoxic effects in experimental drugs early, potentially saving time and lives. The assay uses fluorescent imaging to monitor calcium ion levels during contractions, revealing beat rate and pattern irregularities.
The study found that inpatient bariatric procedures among adolescents plateaued at around 1,000 procedures annually from 2003 onwards. The preferred type of operation changed to minimally invasive laparoscopic procedures, replacing open procedures.
A recent study published in The Lancet found that intensive therapy is no more effective than traditional care in speeding up recovery from whiplash. While physiotherapy interventions showed modest benefits, they were not cost-effective from a UK NHS perspective.
Among eligible women, 19.1% underwent risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy (RRSO) and 39.6% used screening procedures, with women receiving a positive BRCA test result having increased odds of these interventions, while true-negative results were associated with reduced odds.
Researchers at Penn State discovered that plants can detect and respond to insect odors, leading to improved defenses. The tall goldenrod plant's ability to sense the sex attractant emitted by male flies makes it less appealing to female flies, reducing damage and increasing seed quality.
Researchers found ID proteins essential for retaining glioma-initiating cells in a specific extracellular niche, maintaining their cancer-promoting properties. The study's results suggest ID proteins as potential therapeutic targets for glioma treatment.
Researchers have created two new databases, APPRIS and ChiTaRS, to study the human genome and its variants. The databases contain thousands of genomic variants associated with specific diseases, providing a powerful tool for analyzing mutations in protein variants related to illness.
Scientists have developed a new magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) method to evaluate the cellular proliferation of breast cancer tumor models. This non-invasive technique assesses water diffusion in tumor tissue, correlating it with growth rates.
Scientists have created effective barriers and gear to shield deployed soldiers from disease-causing insects. Insecticides and pesticide application equipment are being tested and evaluated for long-lasting residual protection against mosquitoes, sand flies, and other arthropods.
A University of Tennessee study predicts extreme climate changes in the Eastern US, with heat waves becoming more severe in most regions. The Northeast and Southeast will experience significant increases in precipitation, leading to a greater risk of flooding.
Researchers identified miR-181a as a molecule linked to aggressive breast cancer forms. Elevated levels of miR-181a prevented metastasis and extended mouse lifespans in test models.
The Life Sciences Discovery Fund has awarded over $1 million to support the development of new health and healthcare products. Two awards focus on diagnostic technologies, including a rapid test for hospital-acquired infections and a device to assess trauma patient risk.
Research suggests that speaking skills play a vital role in closing the gap between hearing-impaired and normal-hearing children in the classroom. Children with better speech intelligibility exhibit higher social competence and reduced feelings of loneliness, according to Tel Aviv University researcher Prof. Tova Most.
Bioengineers at UC Berkeley developed CellScope, a mobile phone-microscope that can be used in developing countries and classrooms. The device is being tested for educational outreach, allowing students to take macroscopic and microscopic pictures of objects in their homes and environments.
A father's death can have long-term effects on a child's later success in life, particularly for late childhood and early adolescence. Research suggests that bereaved children may experience lower adult living standards, earlier marriage, and smaller incomes due to the loss of a father's earning power.
Researchers identified ID proteins as regulators of glioma progression and potential therapeutic targets. In contrast, the loss of TREM-1 increased inflammation and worsened lung infection outcomes in mice. Additionally, breast cancer cells interact with stroma to drive metastasis through HIF-dependent signaling pathways.
A new five-year grant will support research on the benefits of pre-pregnancy maternal nutrition for baby health. The project aims to compare daily supplements given at three months or 12 weeks gestation, as well as a control group with home visits and education.
Researchers identified a possible hereditary mechanism for childhood leukemia, linking a genetic defect in sex cells to the disease. The study found that atypical forms of the PRDM9 gene variant increase children's risk of developing acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
A Mayo Clinic study found that high levels of BubR1 preserve genomic integrity and reduce age-related disease in mice. The research suggests controlling levels of this regulator could extend healthy life span.
A Mayo Clinic study found that long working hours in residency can lead to driver distraction, fatigue, and emotional distress. Nearly half of the surveyed residents reported incidents, with 11% being involved in actual traffic accidents.
A recent study found that nearly 40% of African-American women avoid exercise due to their hair. Hair care and hairstyle maintenance can be costly and lead to sweating, which may deter women from engaging in physical activity. Women with normal scalps were more likely to participate in aerobic exercises.
A study by Baylor University and Clemson University researchers found that student-athletes often use Twitter during games to receive real-time commentary. The study highlights the risks of critical tweets and the importance of social media training for student-athletes.
Elsevier has launched a new open-access journal, Journal of Pediatric Surgery Case Reports, which will publish original, peer-reviewed case reports on unusual presentations and novel diagnostic and therapeutic techniques in pediatric surgery. The journal aims to provide high clinical interest and educational value.
Researchers developed nanofiber mats of metal oxide that scrub sulfur from fuels, improving performance for catalysis, energy applications, and toxic gas removal. The material stays stable and active after several cycles, with a fibrous structure granting immunity to sintering.
Researchers at University of Wisconsin-Madison discovered a new form of cell division called klerokinesis, which helps prevent faulty cell division leading to cancer. In experiments with human cells, they observed that cells with extra chromosomes could recover normal sets through klerokinesis, potentially lowering cancer incidence.
Elsevier has acquired the Journal of Choice Modelling, a leading publication in choice modelling, which covers topics such as transport and marketing. The journal will continue to publish four issues in 2013 and maintain access for a wide range of readers through ScienceDirect.
Researchers detect volcanic carbon monoxide emissions via satellite sensors, estimating a global emission of approximately 5.5 teragrams per year. Antarctic sea ice thickness affects algae populations, with varying seasonal patterns and relationships between surface, interior, and underside layers.
A recent study published in Psychological Medicine found that individuals with chronic anxiety are more vulnerable to developing PTSD. The research analyzed data from over 1,000 participants and found that those who scored higher on neuroticism as the study began were more likely to develop PTSD.
Asthmatic children in NYC asthma hotspots experience more frequent exercise-induced wheeze and ER visits than those in lower-asthma areas. Parents and physicians should be aware of the need for medication, such as bronchodilator inhalers, before exercise.
Researchers at Rice University have discovered a new way to monitor protein aggregation in living cells, which could lead to the development of drugs that break up fibrils. The metallic probe, made of ruthenium, binds with misfolded alpha-synuclein proteins and can be tracked using photoluminescence spectroscopy.
Berkeley Lab scientists develop a blood test that can detect radiation exposure, measure dose, and separate individuals with inflammation injuries in hours. The test uses biochemical markers from eight DNA-repair genes.
Researchers found that cats regulate their macronutrient intake by altering food selection despite differences in food content, moisture level, and texture. Cats achieve a consistent balance of protein, fat, and carbohydrate when provided with pairs of foods over 3-day cycles.
A recent study published in Nature Medicine identified a key protein called mitoNEET that plays a crucial role in fat cell metabolism. Elevated levels of this protein were found to expand fat tissue without leading to obesity-related health issues, such as type 2 diabetes.
Cognitive enhancement medications, used to treat attention deficit disorder (ADD), may not be suitable for healthy individuals due to limited evidence and potential risks. Physicians in Canada are advised to prioritize their professional integrity and limit healthcare resources by refusing prescription requests.
Elsevier will publish the International Review of Economics Education (IREE) journal starting in January 2013, with an increased frequency from two to three issues per calendar year. The journal aims to enhance learning and teaching in economics education, promoting critical dialogue on educational theory and practice.
Researchers found that combining insulin and an EGF inhibitor preserved vascular integrity in diabetic mice, limiting vision damage from diabetic macular edema. The study suggests a potential therapeutic combination to prevent DME in people with diabetes.
A whole-genome sequence of the fruit fly Drosophila mauritiana has been completed, revealing high genetic diversity across its chromosomes. The researchers identified two large regions with conserved sequences and propose that these may be the result of intragenomic conflict, potentially acting as 'speciation genes'.
The Canadian Medical Association Journal advocates for regulating sugary drinks to combat obesity. New York City's 16-ounce limit is seen as a successful model, and critics argue that similar measures can be taken without threatening personal choice.
TRMM satellite data shows a complete eyewall in Tropical Cyclone Evan, suggesting rare system strength. Radar reflectivity analysis indicates the storm did not intensify despite a strong radar signal.
Researchers discovered purines, specifically adenosine, can generate outside cells to protect organs from anesthesia-induced damage. Activating adenosine receptors in critical organs like lungs and heart also provides protection.
A comprehensive environmental threat map reveals high stress levels in some areas of the Great Lakes, with cumulative effects of multiple stressors impacting ecosystem health. The map provides a scientific foundation for sustainable management of the lakes, highlighting areas where human benefits and stress intersect.
Researchers found that breast cancer cells can reorganize into normal structures when exposed to compression force, suggesting a possible new approach to treating the disease. The study used 3D-matrix and elastic chamber to apply forces and observed significant changes in cell behavior.
The US healthcare system is a $2.5 trillion industry heavily reliant on the internet, making it a target for cyberterrorism. Experts predict a wave-like attack that could leave staff untrusting of electronic data and demoralize IT teams. To protect itself, the healthcare system must remain vigilant and implement better security measures.
A Canadian medical journal report argues that physicians should consider refusing to prescribe cognitive enhancers to healthy people. The authors suggest that the risks and regulations of prescription drugs outweigh the potential benefits of enhanced mental performance, which are uncertain and may not be achieved with these substances.