Scientists at the University of California, Davis have made a significant discovery on how DNA repairs itself. They found that the protein Rad51 searches for the correct region to use for repair by forming an extensive filament and guiding it to the right place in the chromosome.
A study published in the journal Neuron reveals that individuals with strategic decision-making skills, known as 'explorers,' use a specific region of the prefrontal cortex to calculate relative uncertainty. This brain area is not active in non-explorers, suggesting a specialized cognitive process for making uncertain decisions.
A new study led by CU-Boulder shows that global glaciers and ice caps are shedding roughly 150 billion tons of ice annually, contributing to sea level rise. This is equivalent to losing about 39 cubic miles of ice from 2003 to 2010.
A new study by the University of Leicester found that combining anti-obesity drugs with a modified lifestyle is effective in reducing weight and body mass index. Lifestyle advice alone was also shown to lead to weight loss at 6 and 12 months, highlighting the importance of balanced diet and exercise for weight management.
Researchers found that people who are more physically active report greater levels of excitement and enthusiasm compared to those who are less active. Daily physical activity, even if short in duration, can provide a feel-good effect, motivating individuals to stay active and continue their exercise program.
A study found that champagne gas levels are higher above a flute than a coupe glass, contributing to the distinct experiences. Temperature had no effect on CO2 levels above the flute, with surprising results visualized via infrared thermography.
The European Commission is increasing research funding for computing to address growing application requirements. The HiPEAC network, representing over 1000 researchers, aims to develop energy-efficient and low-cost computing technologies for various devices and systems.
Researchers from York and Brighton are developing new tools to explore European medieval charters, providing a rich source of information on people's lives in the past. The project aims to enable users to dig into these records, recovering descriptions of places and people, and going beyond current digital catalogues.
The new journal will publish original research articles, review articles, and other content on a range of scientific topics. All articles will be fully open access and published online within 4 weeks.
A study by Concordia University and McGill University Health Centre found a strong link between muscle mass and strength in cancer patients with severe fatigue. The researchers suggest that specialized strength training programs could improve muscle mass and reduce fatigue, enhancing the quality of life for these patients.
Researchers used Google Earth satellite images to identify and count over 21,000 fish cages off the Mediterranean coast, primarily in Greece and Turkey. The study estimates total ocean fish farmed annually, with results aligning with UN reports, highlighting Google Earth's monitoring potential.
Researchers have identified a specific cell-stress signaling pathway that links optic nerve injury to irreversible vision loss. The unfolded protein response (UPR) pathway was found to be activated in response to axonal damage, leading to pro-cell-death effects.
A new study of middle schoolers found that teammates' smoking affects youths' decisions about smoking, with adolescents in more sports smoking less. Peer-led interactive programs can now be expanded to include sports teams to prevent teens from smoking.
A new study by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute found that most terminally ill cancer patients discuss end-of-life care with their physicians, but often too late. The conversations tend to occur under stressful hospital conditions and are typically led by non-oncologists.
Researchers at University of Leicester found a significant link between the Y chromosome and an increased risk of coronary artery disease in men. The study analyzed DNA from over 3,000 men and found that 90% of British Y chromosomes belong to two major groups that increase the risk by 50%.
A new study of middle childhood children found that depression forecasts difficulties with peers, including being victimized and having trouble being accepted. The research suggests that depression can leave a lasting impact on developmental milestones, such as forming healthy relationships with peers.
Researchers at Hospital for Special Surgery found that the OATS procedure provides a higher return to sport and longer lasting results compared to microfracture. The study showed that patients who underwent OATS had improved Marx activity levels, indicating they could perform more sports and athletic activities.
The study found that 10% of TB patients received less than the recommended four drugs, while almost 34% of HIV-positive patients were not satisfactorily managed. The research highlights the need to increase awareness, training, and resource allocation to prevent drug-resistant TB cases.
Tropical Cyclone Jasmine has a 20nautical mile-wide eye visible in NASA imagery passing between Vanuatu and New Caledonia. Forecasters predict peak wind speed reached and weakening over the week.
Dr. Zhijian Chen has been recognized for his contributions to understanding cancer and immunity through the discovery of a central signaling pathway component and an unprecedented role for mitochondria in fighting viral infections.
A study of 46 retrieved metal-on-metal total hip replacements found common damage patterns, including scratches and wear patches. The researchers aim to understand the mechanisms behind these failures and develop new implant designs to reduce wear and corrosion.
Researchers have identified beta-arrestin, a protein that supports connections between neurons, as a crucial link to short-term memory. By regulating synaptic plasticity, beta-arrestin plays a key role in the formation and disassembly of neural connections, which can help prevent Alzheimer's disease.
A new study finds that fasting activates AgRP neurons, which promote feeding behaviors and weight gain, by increasing excitatory inputs and dendritic spines. The research reveals a neural pathway linking fasting to AgRP neuron activation, providing insight into the complex mechanisms controlling food seeking behavior.
Researchers discovered the Arapaima fish's unique scales provide 'bioinspiration' for engineers developing flexible ceramics. The combination of hard and soft materials allows the scales to repel piranha bites while maintaining strength, offering lessons for bio-inspired engineers.
Researchers have identified key factors that influence professionals' decisions to spot financial exploitation of elderly people, including the older person's mental capacity and nature of the financial problem. The study aims to improve recognition and prevention of financial abuse through better decision-making among professionals.
Researchers at Ohio State University have discovered a pattern of microRNAs that distinguishes early-stage breast tumors from deadly, invasive cancer. The findings suggest a potential biomarker for identifying high-risk DCIS tumors that may become invasive.
Researchers at the Rothman Institute found that epidural steroid injections do not improve outcomes for patients with lumbar stenosis and spondylolisthesis. Patients who received ESI had a higher rate of crossover to surgery, poorer physical function, and more bodily pain compared to those who did not receive ESI.
Researchers at SUNY Downstate Medical Center have identified the mechanism by which psychostimulant drugs reduce hyperactivity in ADHD patients. Stimulating dopamine D4 receptors in specific brain regions, such as the basal ganglia and thalamus, depresses motor activity.
Research by American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons reveals that elite girls' soccer athletes are at higher risk for delayed or irregular menstruation and stress fractures. A consistent warm-up exercise program can significantly decrease ACL injury risk.
The BWH Center for LAM Research and Clinical Care has been awarded a four-year grant to conduct a phase I clinical trial testing the safety and efficacy of a combination of hydroxychloroquine and sirolimus in treating LAM. This is the first time this drug combination has been tested in women with LAM.
The risk of pulmonary embolism following total joint replacement is highest in the first week, with most cases occurring between two to seven days post-surgery. Anticoagulation treatment beyond seven days may not be necessary, according to a recent study presented at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Annual Meeting.
A new study by University of Notre Dame Economist Kirk Doran examines the impact of Soviet mathematicians on US math. The research shows that Western and Eastern mathematicians developed different specializations due to Cold War institutions, affecting American math productivity.
A new study published in BMC Medicine found that zinc supplements drastically improved children's survival rates from pneumonia when used alongside standard antibiotic therapy. The treatment was especially effective for HIV-infected children, who saw a 26-fold increase in survival rate.
A new study found that modern low-energy handgun ammunition can inflict significant soft tissue damage, potentially causing infection and compartment syndrome. Orthopaedic surgeons should be aware of this powerful new ammunition to treat high-risk gunshot injuries properly.
Low pressure centers have drenched northeastern Australia, causing severe flooding and displacing thousands of people. The TRMM satellite measured extreme rainfall amounts, with totals over 520 mm (~20.5 inches) reported in the Gulf of Carpentaria region.
Researchers have created a biological computer that uses biomolecules to decipher images encrypted on DNA chips, showcasing the potential for a new type of computing system. The device, based on Alan Turing's design, can process vast amounts of information in parallel, making it faster than traditional electronic computers.
Researchers describe three quantitative MRI techniques to characterize white matter properties, shedding light on aging, disease, and gender differences in brain function. These methods show promise in multiple sclerosis, depression, and human development.
Researchers found that downregulation of CD97 gene expression by suppressing Wilms tumor 1 protein results in reduced cellular invasiveness exhibited by glial tumor cells, correlating with glioma cell invasiveness and proposed as a new target for anti-glioma therapies.
Research suggests that men in sub-Saharan Africa receive fewer HIV services, leading to worse health outcomes. Efforts to engage men in HIV prevention and care are crucial to addressing these disparities and ensuring a more balanced approach to gender in the fight against AIDS.
Engineers at North Carolina State University have developed a technique to boost processor performance by over 20 percent by allowing GPUs and CPUs on a single chip to collaborate. This approach enables more efficient data transfer and execution, making computers more energy-efficient.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine discover that ROCK1 protein activates mitochondrial fission, leading to diabetic kidney disease. The study reveals a key metabolic pathway involved in the progression of kidney disease in diabetes.
Researchers found striking similarities between genetic signatures of human breast cancer and those of stem cells in mouse embryos, revealing a new way to predict and personalize cancer therapies. The discovery could lead to the development of targeted treatments for aggressive forms of triple-negative breast cancer.
A prospective study found that leukocyte esterase reagent (LE) strips can rapidly diagnose PJI, showing high sensitivity and specificity. The test is a valuable addition to the diagnostic armamentarium for PJI, providing a quick and affordable method for detecting infection in synovial fluid.
A team of international scientists has developed a new way of magnetic recording that uses only heat to process information hundreds of times faster than current hard drive technology. This breakthrough could make future magnetic recording devices significantly faster and more energy-efficient.
A study of 1,500 patients found that aspirin reduced the incidence of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) by 19.2%, with no complications from aspirin use. Aspirin, combined with stockings and a foot pump, is a safe and effective therapy for preventing DVT and PE in most joint replacement patients.
A study found that young mice require a second round of heat-generating brown fat to survive after their mothers pass away. The findings also reveal that the babies are extremely sensitive to molecular-level effects that change gene dosage.
A new study found that post-surgical phone support significantly improved physical activity and function in high-risk knee replacement patients. Telephone emotional support was well-received by all patients, particularly those with poor emotional health or morbid obesity.
Researchers discovered that CTLP acts as a key pass granting Treponema access to oral bacteria communities. Inhibiting CTLP could reduce bleeding gums and slow down periodontal disease progression. Regular tooth brushing is crucial in keeping harmful mouth bacteria at bay.
Research suggests that GLBT smokers face unique challenges in quitting, with a quarter uncomfortable approaching doctors for help. More than 70% of surveyed GLBT smokers have no plans to quit smoking.
Tropical Storm Cyril has strengthened since February 6, maintaining a compact shape with maximum sustained winds near 45 knots. The storm is moving southeast at 28 knots, forecast to dissipate in two days due to cooler sea surface temperatures.
A new immunotherapy for companion dogs with advanced-stage non-Hodgkin lymphoma improves survival by nearly four-fold, increasing median tumor-free survival by nine months. The treatment combination prolongs survival while maintaining quality of life.
A new study finds that total knee replacement (TKR) in elderly osteoarthritis patients can reduce mortality rates by half and lower the risk of heart failure. Additionally, TKR may result in reduced healthcare costs due to lower Medicare payments over a seven-year period.
Researchers at City College of New York develop an eco-friendly filter to remove hydrogen sulfide gas from the air, using carbonized coffee grounds. The activated carbon boosts its smell-fighting power with nitrogen from caffeine, capturing pollutants like H2S and potentially separating other toxic substances.
Research reveals that cirrhosis patients losing muscle mass have a significantly shorter survival rate than those with normal muscle mass. The study's findings suggest that muscle mass should be considered alongside current scoring systems when assessing transplant list placement.
A study found no association between the rotavirus vaccine and an increased risk of intussusception in US infants. Researchers analyzed almost 800,000 doses administered from 2006-2010 and found no statistically significant increase in risk for all doses combined or dose-specific analyses.
Researchers found that older male white-crowned sparrows don't react strongly to young males singing in their territory, indicating they consider them less of a threat. In contrast, younger males within the same age group respond aggressively when hearing each other's songs.
A new study reveals that 77% of trauma patients have deficient or insufficient levels of vitamin D. Researchers found a strong link between vitamin D deficiency and increased risk of muscle weakness, bone fractures, and poor bone healing.
A recent study published in Current Anthropology reveals that women who did not plan their pregnancies are more likely to stop breastfeeding within three months. The research suggests that unplanned pregnancy leads to emotional and physical discomfort, causing women to resist the close physical connection required by breastfeeding.
Research from Cleveland Clinic found that padded headgear and gloves can reduce linear impact forces but not rotational forces. The study suggests that young fighters should wear protective headgear whenever possible to minimize head and neck injuries.
The article proposes an ethical framework to guide coverage decisions for expensive orphan drugs, considering the tension between saving lives and avoiding unfair advantages to identifiable patients. It suggests evaluating potential health gains in context and weighing opportunity costs to determine acceptable expenditure.