A new study by NYU Langone Medical Center researchers identified netrin-1 as a molecule that blocks the normal migration of macrophages out of arteries, causing them to accumulate and promote atherosclerosis. Genetically deleting netrin-1 can minimize atherosclerosis, reduce macrophage levels in plaque, and promote macrophage migration.
A new test can identify biomarkers for mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS), a group of inherited metabolic disorders, allowing for earlier diagnosis and potentially more effective treatment. The test detects specific carbohydrate structures in cells, blood, and urine samples, enabling differentiation between forms of the disease.
A compound called AICAR has been found to prevent heat-induced deaths in mice with a gene mutation that makes them sensitive to heat. The study's findings suggest that AICAR could protect young athletes and soldiers from heat-related illnesses, potentially saving lives during exercise.
A new study suggests that Colorado's Rocky Mountains will experience a near elimination of surface hail by 2070. The warmer climate could lead to more runoff and an increased risk of flash floods. Meanwhile, intense storms may produce more hail inside clouds, but it will melt quickly and fall as rain.
Researchers investigated alternative nucleic acids that differ slightly from DNA and RNA, aiming to uncover a simpler genetic molecule. TNA, with its threose sugar backbone, showed promise as an early genetic carrier, folding into complex shapes that bind to targets with high affinity and specificity.
Researchers at the University of Texas created a new graphene form that is 60% more effective at managing and transferring heat than normal graphene. This breakthrough could lead to smaller, faster, and more powerful electronic devices with improved performance.
Current high levels of carbon dioxide are disrupting normal patterns of glaciation, delaying the next ice age by tens of thousands of years. This could lead to a significant increase in sea levels due to melting ice sheets.
A European study found that alpine meadows could disappear within decades due to climate change, with cold-loving species running out of mountains and being replaced by warm-loving ones.
Researchers at the University of Manchester have successfully made graphene magnetic by introducing vacancies and nonmagnetic atoms. The study's findings hold promise for future applications in spintronics and electronics, despite the tiny magnetism observed.
Researchers found that Crh and Oprm1 genes are implicated in anxiety and social behavior problems caused by excess MeCP2 protein in mice. Reducing levels of these genes alleviated symptoms, suggesting a potential treatment approach for patients with MeCP2 duplication syndrome.
A new study in Nature Climate Change presents a more complete picture of the climate costs of land use changes by incorporating biophysical effects beyond greenhouse gases. The researchers found that tropical rainforests are highly valuable for protecting against climate warming, while boreal forests have lower climate regulation values.
Researchers found that AICAR, an experimental therapy, protected animals from heat-induced sudden death and may hold promise for treating people with enhanced susceptibility to heat stroke. The drug works by reducing calcium leakage from RYR1, thus diminishing heat-induced contractions and muscle damage.
Nadkarni has made a significant impact through her public engagement activities, raising awareness of environmental and conservation issues among diverse audiences. Her initiatives include the Sustainable Prisons Project, Tree-Top Barbie, and the Research Ambassadors Program, promoting science education and outreach.
Astronomers will use a new telescope called X-Calibur to study the polarization of X-rays, providing information about cosmic sources that is not available elsewhere. The instrument will be sensitive to hard X-rays and will be flown at an altitude of 40 kilometers, allowing it to focus on celestial objects with high accuracy.
A new review of imaging studies confirms that positron emission tomography (PET) safely and accurately detects dementia, including the most common form among the elderly, Alzheimer's disease. The study found that combining PET with a biomarker called 18F-FDG can pinpoint key areas of metabolic decline in the brain indicating dementia.
A study found that uninsured patients receiving imaging services in a hospital setting received the same quantity and value as insured patients. Despite this, uninsured individuals were less likely to undergo interventional procedures but more likely to receive computed tomography studies.
Researchers have found that newly formed plant species exhibit highly unstable genomes, which may lead to improved fertility and yields in crops such as wheat, corn, and broccoli. The study's findings could inform the development of polyploid crops with higher fertility and performance.
The article highlights the importance of justification and optimization of pediatric CT protocols to reduce radiation dose. Experts recommend using lower tube current, restricting scan length, and employing image post-processing techniques to minimize radiation exposure while maintaining diagnostic quality.
Researchers at Northwestern University identified nine core genes that protect cells from protein misfolding, a common cause of over 300 diseases. They also discovered seven classes of small molecules that restore proper protein folding and reduce disease progression.
A new UCSF analysis of tobacco industry documents reveals that Philip Morris USA manipulated data on the effects of additives in cigarettes, including menthol. The researchers found that hundreds of additives should be eliminated from cigarettes due to their potential to increase health risks for smokers.
The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists' special issue reviews 2011's top threats, including Iran's nuclear program, Fukushima's aftermath, and a growing partisan divide in US climate policy. The Doomsday Clock Symposium evaluates the world's progress on biological threats and nuclear disarmament.
Research reveals that a poor maternal diet can affect fat storage in later life, increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes and other age-related diseases. The team identified a molecule called miR-483-3p as the key player in this process, which suppresses a protein called GDF3.
Researchers at the Salk Institute have produced neuron-by-neuron maps of the mouse brain's visual processing system, laying the groundwork for decoding brain circuitry using genetic research techniques. The study revealed specialized roles for different areas in processing visual information, including direction and fine detail.
Christian Davis Furman, a leading geriatrician at UofL, has been chosen for the CMS Innovation Advisors Program to enhance healthcare delivery and reduce costs. She will receive a stipend of up to $20,000 to support her activities during the one-year program.
A prospective surveillance model for breast cancer treatment has been shown to significantly reduce costs and improve outcomes. The model, which involves early identification and intervention of lymphedema-related impairment, has been associated with direct treatment costs of $636.19 per year compared to traditional care at $3,124.92.
A new species of Amomum (Cardamom) has been discovered in the Western Ghats of Kerala, India. The plant is characterized by its distinctive ligules and small flowers, and is considered critically endangered due to conservation efforts.
Men in the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial had no evidence of a mortality benefit from annual PSA testing compared to usual care. The study found a higher percentage of deaths from other causes among prostate cancer patients diagnosed with PSA screening, indicating over-diagnosis.
A large cohort study found that statin use was associated with an increased risk of interstitial lung abnormalities (ILA) in smokers, with a 60% higher odds of ILA compared to non-statins users. Statins also exacerbated lung fibrosis in mice and enhanced Nlrp3-inflammasome activation.
A study published in Cell Stem Cell highlights the possibility of reversing ageing in the central nervous system for multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. The age-associated decline of remyelination, a regenerative process, can be reversed using inflammatory cells from young mice.
Researchers at Washington University have characterized a protein crucial to the life of the malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum. The enzyme, phosphoethanolamine methyltransferase (PMT), is an ideal target for new antimalarial drugs due to its unique characteristics and lack of homologues in humans.
A study published in Cell Stem Cell found that defects in myelin sheath regeneration surrounding nerves can be at least partially corrected following exposure to young immune cells. This suggests that regenerative therapies may work throughout the duration of MS, regardless of age. The findings provide new hope for treating this disease.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University developed an implantable biofuel cell that converts a cockroach's internal chemicals into electricity. The device can provide enough power to control the bug or transmit sensor data, and has shown promise for long-term use without harming the insect.
Older people tend to be happier due to focusing on positive events and emotions, but direct links between these strategies and mood changes are lacking. More research is needed to clarify the relationship between cognitive processes and happiness in older adults.
Robert Alfano, CUNY Distinguished Professor of Science and Engineering at CCNY, receives the Britton Chance Biomedical Optics Award for developing non-invasive optical biopsy methods that provide molecular information on cancer cells. His techniques can eliminate wait times and reduce physical trauma of surgery.
A large percentage of patients with mild-to-moderate asthma have persistently non-eosinophilic disease, which does not respond to current treatments. Repeated sputum analysis revealed that only 36% of asthmatics without inhaled corticosteroids and 17% using ICS had eosinophilia.
New research confirms that annual prostate cancer screening does not reduce deaths from the disease, even among men in their 50s and 60s with underlying health conditions. The study found that six years of aggressive screening led to more diagnoses of tumors but not fewer deaths.
A malignancy-risk gene signature developed for breast cancer has been found to have predictive and prognostic value for patients with early stage non-small cell lung cancer. The signature was able to distinguish between low and high malignancy risk groups, correlating with good or poor overall survival rates.
A study by Eric Hehman and colleagues found that group status influences integration preferences. When blacks were the dominant group, they preferred assimilation, while whites did not support pluralism as much. The researchers suggest understanding these feelings to coexist in diverse nations.
Scientists at the University of Notre Dame have successfully engineered silkworms to produce fibers with the strength and elasticity of spider silk. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new materials for sutures, wound dressings, artificial limbs, and other textiles. The researchers used a transgenic engineering approach ...
The JIPM authors refute Greenpeace's claim that genetically modified corn caused the western bean cutworm to spread. Instead, they cite various ecological and agronomic factors, such as conservation tillage, reduced insecticide use, and climate change, which may have contributed to the WBC's range expansion.
The Wildlife Conservation Society won the grand prize with its solution, Bycatch Escape Gaps for Fish Traps in Curaçao and Kenya, receiving a $20,000 prize. The two runners-up received prizes of $5,000 each for their respective solutions. The winners will receive their awards at a ceremony in Washington, D.C., on February 8.
Researchers have successfully visualized relay reactions at the atomic scale using a scanning tunneling microscope. This breakthrough allows for controlled transfer of hydrogen atoms along molecular chains, potentially enabling new information exchange methods in future electronics.
A new study finds that solar-powered hemodialysis can reduce power costs by up to 76.5% and generate effectively free energy. The researchers advocate for implementing water conservation and waste management systems in dialysis programs to further reduce environmental impact.
Clearside Biomedical aims to treat age-related macular degeneration and glaucoma with a new microinjection technology that targets the back of the eye. The technology developed by Georgia Tech and Emory University uses hollow microneedles to deliver therapeutics precisely to specific locations in the eye.
A study published in the British Journal of Surgery found that trauma centers are increasingly using non-surgical options to treat abdominal gunshot wounds, with a success rate of up to 80% in select patients. This approach has been associated with shorter hospital stays, better outcomes, and reduced pressure on healthcare budgets.
The Endocrine Society releases a clinical practice guideline recommending that all hospitalized patients, regardless of diabetes status, have their blood glucose levels tested. This can help prevent complications and mortality associated with hyperglycemia in non-critically ill patients.
A phase II clinical trial demonstrated that rilonacept significantly reduced acute gout flares by 81% compared to a placebo. The treatment was found to be well-tolerated with no serious infections or adverse events reported.
Researchers used nanoCAGE technology to identify precise transcription start sites for over 900 olfactory receptor genes in the mouse main olfactory epithelium. The study found hundreds of non-coding RNAs associated with olfactory receptors, suggesting their potential role in regulation.
Regular moderate exercise reduces the risk of catching respiratory infections like colds by up to a third, thanks to long-term improvement in immunity. However, prolonged strenuous exercise increases the likelihood of illness, making athletes more susceptible to upper respiratory tract infections.
Researchers have developed a software package called PoPoolation2 to compare population data, facilitating the study of evolution and adaptation. The tool uses next-generation sequencing methods to determine allele frequencies between populations, providing insights into evolutionary processes.
A team of researchers has created a 'write-once-read-many-times' DNA-based memory device that can encode information using ultraviolet light. The device, made from salmon DNA and silver nanoparticles, retains information indefinitely.
Researchers found that oxytocin administration enhanced prosocial choices in rhesus macaques, making them pay attention to each other and choose to give juice to a neighbor. The hormone also increased gaze duration when choosing to reward another monkey, suggesting improved social skills.
Researchers used eye-tracking technology to find that dogs are receptive to human communication in a manner similar to young children, responding more to verbal cues and intentions than just words. Dogs' brains show sensitivity to communicative intent through verbal addressing and eye contact.
Researchers have discovered a new mouse model for Multiple Sclerosis, using diabetic mice to replicate the disease's relapsing and remitting symptoms. This breakthrough may lead to the development of more effective treatments that turn temporary recovery into permanent repair.
The American Mathematical Society has awarded several major prizes, including the AMS Steele Prize for Lifetime Achievement and the AMS-SIAM George David Birkhoff Prize in Applied Mathematics. The winners include IVO M. Babuska, Michael Aschbacher, William P. Thurston, and Dana McKenzie, among others.
The Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation and the Sohn Conference Foundation have partnered to support young scientists tackling childhood cancers, with a focus on preventing devastating illnesses in children and young adults. The partnership aims to recruit top young minds to research childhood cancers, leveraging the success of exi...
A recent study by researchers at Case Western Reserve University found that mothers who successfully integrate the care of their technology-dependent child into family life experience improved family functioning and normalcy. Mothers whose children no longer require technologies showed the greatest improvement.
A new study led by Patricia Coogan found that cumulative levels of nitrogen oxides increase the risks of type 2 diabetes and hypertension in African-American women. Exposure to particulate matter also showed a significant association with increased risk, but evidence was weaker.
Researchers have discovered that flatworms can regenerate without centrosomes, a cellular structure essential for cell division in all animals. This finding challenges the long-held assumption that centrosomes are crucial for cell division.
A recent health impact assessment (HIA) reveals the light rail line would bring increased access to transit, jobs, and affordable housing. However, it also identifies potential risks of displacing low-income residents and rising housing costs, which could lead to health problems.