Scientists at Berkeley Lab have discovered a rotational motion called CAMo that plays a critical role in the formation of spherical acini structures in breast cells. Without CAMo, cells lose their structure and become randomly motile, leading to malignancy.
Researchers from Rice University and UCSD decipher part of mitoNEET's movements using laboratory experiments and computer modeling. They found that the protein can switch between conformations without unfolding, altering the shape of its critical pocket.
A new lung cancer assay measures gene activity in tumor tissue and provides a risk score to predict patient survival after surgery. The assay has been validated in two independent trials and shows promise in identifying patients at highest risk of mortality.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have developed a new imaging technique to diagnose brain tumors, providing a definitive diagnosis based on protein levels associated with a genetic mutation. The test shows promise for precluding the need for surgery in patients whose tumors are too dangerous to biopsy.
A new study maps ecosystems in Bolivia and Peru, revealing a concentration of endemic species along the Andes mountains. The research highlights areas with high levels of 'irreplaceability' and finds that many unique species lack national-level protection.
Researchers identify 'gatekeeper' ADAM17 involved in regulating immune response and preventing inflammatory skin disease. Reactivation of Notch signaling rescues local skin inflammation and abnormal immune cell proliferation.
Locusts prefer low-nitrogen, high-carbohydrate diets, which are more likely on overgrazed plots. Nitrogen fertilizer may be an eco-friendly alternative pest control solution.
A new study from Henry Ford Hospital found that diabetes affects hearing loss in women, with poorly controlled diabetes leading to significantly worse hearing. The study also showed that men have worse hearing loss across the board, regardless of age or diabetes control.
A study found that conspiracy theorists endorse contradictory beliefs, such as believing Princess Diana faked her own death and also thought she was assassinated. People who distrust authorities are more likely to hold these inconsistent views due to their perception of deception.
A new study from Henry Ford Hospital found that less than 1% of CT scans performed in emergency departments revealed a serious underlying cause for dizziness. The study suggests that stricter guidelines could be implemented to reduce unnecessary CT scans and save costs.
Researchers found a genetic connection between Native Americans and southern Altaians, suggesting the Altai region as the potential source of the earliest Native Americans. The study analyzed mitochondrial DNA and Y chromosome DNA markers to define the founding lineages of Native American populations.
Researchers found that slight oral temperature increases can predict severe mucositis, a common side effect of chemoradiotherapy. Early intervention using thermal imaging technology may help prevent or alleviate severe complications from treatment.
Researchers found that birds prioritize specific tree species over others when searching for caterpillars, with the healthiest trees harboring the most caterpillars. This preference puts caterpillars at a higher risk of predation.
A study by San Francisco State University found that people who prefer experiences over possessions tend to be extraverted and open to new experiences. These 'experiential shoppers' reported greater life satisfaction due to their spending habits.
Researchers explore scaling relationships of slow slip events and compare them to similar laws for earthquakes, highlighting the need for further study to understand fault mechanics. A newly defined propeller-like geometry of southern San Andreas Fault may require re-thinking ground motion assessments.
Researchers found that male house mice produce distinct song patterns, allowing females to distinguish between unrelated males. The complexity of their songs may play a role in attracting females.
A Danish health care fast track program has reduced the waiting time between a patient's initial meeting with a healthcare provider and their first treatment for head and neck cancer from 69 days in 2002 to 41 days in 2010. The program, implemented in 2008, prioritized cancer patients and implemented various reforms to curb wait times.
A new NIH study found that moderate caffeine intake is associated with higher estrogen levels in Asian women and lower estrogen levels in white women. Caffeine consumption from caffeinated soda or green tea also linked to elevated estrogen levels in all ethnic groups, but without affecting ovulation.
Researchers used hydrophones to record 24-hour sounds from the sea floor and found a wealth of biological sounds, including whale and dolphin calls. The study suggests that man-made noise could be a problem for some species, highlighting the importance of passive acoustic monitoring.
A team of IRCM researchers confirmed the universality of essential cellular process phosphorylation of RNA polymerase II, contradicting recent genome-wide analyses. The study provides critical insights into genetic regulation and may lead to new treatments for genetic diseases and cancer.
PET/CT scans have been shown to detect local head and neck cancer recurrences before they become clinically apparent, leading to improved treatment outcomes. The study found that 53% of abnormal scans identified malignancies, while false positives accounted for 46% of cases.
A new molecular test can predict the likelihood of death from early-stage lung cancer with greater accuracy than traditional methods. The test, which measures gene activity in cancerous tissue, has been shown to improve prognosis and guide treatment decisions for patients with non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer.
Researchers at Caltech explored the brains of insects to understand how sensory connections form new and specific memories. They identified a mechanism involving transient synchronization between pairs of connected neurons, known as spike-timing dependent plasticity, which makes connections sensitive to internal rewards.
A study by UC Davis researchers found that newer radiation therapy technology, intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), improves patients' quality of life for those with advanced head and neck cancers. IMRT was associated with fewer long-term side effects, leading to better quality of life.
Scientists have engineered a highly transmissible H5N1 strain, sparking debate about its safety and appropriateness. Dr. Inglesby argues that the risks outweigh the benefits, while Dr. Pavia suggests that proper safeguards can mitigate concerns and promote critical scientific understanding.
Scientists studying micron-size particles trapped at fluid interfaces found a collective dynamic governed by seemingly unrelated laws. The study uses numerical simulations to model long-range gravitational attraction, which transitions to short-range attractive and repulsive forces at certain length scales.
Researchers have identified differences in brain function that may predict future autism symptoms in infants as young as six months old. The study found that these early brain responses associate with a later diagnosis of autism, suggesting direct measures of brain functioning could aid in predicting the development of autism symptoms.
Dionysios Aliprantis is working on a project to develop computer modeling technology that will show engineers how to design and shape electric motors to increase power generation. By optimizing performance in one direction of rotation, the goal is to get more power out of the same size motor or achieve the same power with a smaller motor.
Researchers identified a genetic variation in the RBMS3 gene that increases the risk of osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) in patients taking bisphosphonates. A genetic screening test could help determine safe treatment options, reducing the need for medication discontinuation or invasive dental procedures.
A new system for delivering cyclosporine has been developed by scientists at the University of Strathclyde, enabling safe and effective treatment with minimal harm to kidneys. The system uses nanoparticles to deliver the drug orally, maintaining a strong dose while sparing organs from damage.
A regional survey of 1500 NHS junior doctors found that they are willing and able to contribute to improving health services, but lack support and recognition. The survey results highlight the need for the government and NHS organisations to value and engage junior doctors to optimise organisational performance.
A Concordia University study found that friends can immediately reduce cortisol levels and improve feelings of self-worth in children undergoing negative experiences. The presence of a best friend has far-reaching implications, potentially impacting adult identity formation and overall development.
A new study presents evidence that erlotinib is an effective first-line treatment for head and neck cancer when the dose is adjusted according to a patient's smoking status. The research showed that both smokers and nonsmokers tolerated the drug well without serious adverse effects.
A new study suggests that temperate freshwater wetlands are more valuable as carbon sinks than currently thought, with an average carbon storage rate of almost twice that of flow-through wetlands. The stagnant wetland stored 317 grams of carbon per square meter per year, exceeding previous measurements in other types of wetlands.
A commentary in Nature suggests that the economic pain of a flattening oil supply will trump environmental concerns, with production hitting a wall around 2005. Stagnant oil supplies and volatile prices take a toll on the world economy, with oil production decline expected to continue.
Cell Press introduces Cell Reports, a new open-access journal publishing cutting-edge science on topics from evolutionary biology to immunology. The journal offers concise, provocative stories and rapid publication to facilitate access to research.
Researchers examine the link between climate warming and mass extinctions, revealing a direct consequence of Siberian trap volcanism. They also document land-based magnetic lineations similar to those found in sea-floor spreading centers and provide evidence for river drainage system rearrangement linked to ancient civilizations.
Researchers treated 17 patients with trigeminal neuralgia using Cyberknife radiosurgery, resulting in partial or complete relief from symptoms for 14 patients. The procedure offered a viable alternative to invasive approaches, with no major complications reported.
Researchers created an atomic X-ray laser by removing electrons from neon gas atoms, creating a 'domino effect' that amplified the laser light. The new technology fulfills a 45-year-old prediction and could lead to breakthroughs in medicine, devices, and materials.
The Center for Digital Antiquity expands its digital repository tDAR, making archaeological information accessible to researchers and the public. The grant enables the Center to enhance software and enlarge the community of users.
Scientists discovered a new link between mutations in an evolved gene module and syndromic autism, specifically Joubert syndrome. The study found that alterations in cellular primary cilia led to malformation or underdevelopment of the cerebellum and brainstem.
Advanced head and neck cancer patients treated with radiation plus chemotherapy showed improved local-regional control and disease-free survival rates compared to those treated with radiation alone. At 10 years post-treatment, the local-regional failure rates were lower for those who received both therapies.
New studies reveal mantle-driven uplift in the Rocky Mountains and Colorado Plateau, while also documenting extensional fault systems in the Aegean Sea. Additionally, researchers examine the impact of fault-enhanced irregularities on groundwater flow paths, with implications for nuclear waste repositories.
A NASA expert has developed a method to detect detrimental changes in coral reefs using Landsat data, allowing for targeted conservation efforts. The 'temporal texture' approach analyzes reflectance information over time to identify areas of significant change, enabling scientists to pinpoint 'hotspots' for intervention.
Physicists at the University of California, Riverside, have launched a lab experiment to determine if antimatter behaves differently in gravity than matter. The researchers created positronium, a bound state between a positron and an electron, and measured its deflection due to gravity.
Researchers at Michigan State University show that a virus called Lambda evolves complex and potentially deadly new traits through four mutations. The study suggests that natural selection played a key role in the virus' evolution, promoting adaptation by survival of the fittest.
Research from the University of New Hampshire found that employers in the US hospitality industry cite prejudice, stereotyping, and limited choices as barriers to hiring people with disabilities. They also highlight the chief concern being the bottom line and workplace accommodations.
Abnormal regulation of viral sensors can lead to autoimmune pathology, according to a new study using a mouse model of human autoimmune disease. The research identifies key pathways linking DNA detection with IFN production and drives different aspects of the immune response.
A recent study analyzed data from tree species censuses and fossil evidence to chart diversity in rainforests. The results show that variation in species richness among families is very similar across tropical forests, suggesting that community structure in rainforests cannot be attributed to stochastic factors.
A cross-sectional study of 1500 adults in Stockholm found that only 3% lodged official complaints, despite 18.5% feeling they had grounds for complaint. Poor experiences and lack of trust in healthcare were common deterrents.
A new study found that 2 in 5 adults with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) were inactive, with motivation and beliefs about exercise being key risk factors. Researchers suggest that promoting physical activity can improve RA management and overall public health.
Researchers have discovered layers of bacterial microbes in underwater caves, each with specialized forms of life adapted to different depths and conditions. The findings suggest that microbial life can thrive in extreme environments, potentially providing insights into the origins of life on Earth and its possibility elsewhere.
Corneal specialist Dr. James Chodosh has received a $150,000 grant from Research to Prevent Blindness to study viral infections of the eye and identify characteristics that cause inflammation in the cornea. The goal of his research is to develop predictive models for Adenovirus-infected corneas and improve treatment options.
Researchers at University of Bristol have successfully mapped the molecular gateway across cellular membranes, revealing the mechanism responsible for protein secretion. The study, published in Cell Reports, provides a major breakthrough in cell biology, shedding light on how proteins are transported across membranes.
Researchers identified a molecular loop between mutated Kras, NF-κB, and IL-1α, which perpetuates inflammation, tumor growth, and poor survival in pancreatic cancer. This discovery suggests targeting IL-1α as a potential treatment avenue to block the elusive target of mutated Kras.
A new technique using subtle gaze direction guides novice radiologists to follow expert scanpaths, improving accuracy in reading mammograms. This high-tech approach shows promise for training medical image interpretation and could be applied to various visual search tasks.
Researchers at UC San Diego School of Medicine have created new fast-acting fluorescent dyes that optically highlight electrical activity in neuronal membranes. This breakthrough addresses a long-standing challenge in neuroscientists' ability to accurately measure and visualize small voltage changes between neurons.
The European Menopause and Andropause Society publishes a position statement on the role of vitamin D in postmenopausal women, highlighting its implications for health. Regular sunlight exposure and supplements are recommended to maintain adequate levels.
A new study of hunter-gatherers, the Hadza people, suggests that social networks played a crucial role in the evolution of cooperation. The researchers found that individuals with similar characteristics, such as food preferences, formed distinct clusters within their social networks.
Researchers at the University of California, San Diego, have successfully created self-assembling cell membranes using a simple metal catalyst. This breakthrough could be a crucial step in making artificial life forms from scratch and understanding the origins of life on Earth.