Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine have uncovered a mechanism that helps explain how intracellular membranes fuse. They used purified yeast organelles to study the process and found that a tethering complex called HOPS plays a crucial role in activating SNARE proteins.
A new study suggests that the nature of prejudice and aggression is different for men and women. Men are more likely to start wars and defend their groups, while women live under the threat of sexual coercion and display a 'tend-and-befriend response' towards their own group members.
A new MSU project aims to collect local data on preventable bacterial infections and spurs vaccine use and development in Nigeria and neighboring countries. The research focuses on diseases like pneumonia, sepsis, and meningitis, with the goal of increasing vaccine uptake and monitoring their impact.
The climatic Solar Terms have advanced by 6-15 days and delayed by 5-6 days across China due to global warming. This shift affects agricultural planning, with earlier springs and later autumns impacting phenology-related terms.
A large-scale study found that lifestyle counseling significantly reduces time to reach treatment goals for people with diabetes, with those receiving regular counseling achieving lower blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels. The study suggests that incorporating counseling into routine care can be an effective strategy ...
Researchers at the University of Illinois College of Medicine have identified a molecule embedded in liver cells that enables hepatitis C virus entry. Ezetimibe, an FDA-approved cholesterol drug, has been shown to inhibit HCV infection and may provide a new treatment option for patients.
A new detection method for urinary tract infection (UTI) causing bacteria uses MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, reducing diagnostic time to under 30 minutes. This technique has the potential to improve treatment outcomes and reduce costs by accurately identifying bacteria and targeting specific antibiotics.
Physicists at Rice University mimic the orbit of Jupiter's Trojan asteroids within an atom, confirming Niels Bohr's 1920 prediction on quantum mechanics and Newtonian physics. The research demonstrates control over atomic behavior using radio frequency waves.
John Waterbury, a WHOI scientist emeritus, has been awarded the NAS Gilbert Morgan Smith Medal for his path-breaking discovery and characterization of ecologically important marine microorganisms. This achievement marked major advances in understanding marine food webs and nutrient cycling in ocean ecosystems.
A new study found that lansoprazole, an acid reflux drug, does not improve asthma symptoms or lung function in children. The medication may actually increase the risk of upper respiratory infections and other adverse events in young patients.
Researchers at NC State University have developed a new technique to create elastic conductors from carbon nanotubes, enabling the production of stretchable electronic devices with improved resilience and conformability. The new method buckles carbon nanotubes on an elastic substrate, creating conductors that can transmit electric sign...
A new global study found that humans have consumed at least 87 different marine mammal species since 1990, with many being caught accidentally as bycatch in fishing nets. The study highlights the urgent need for better monitoring and conservation efforts to protect these iconic species.
The NRL SoloHI instrument will study coronal mass ejections and their effects on the solar wind, impacting power lines, satellite communications, and cell phone service. The Solar Orbiter mission will provide scientists with increased understanding of the Sun's influence on its environment and the solar dynamo.
A study by MIT researchers Emile Bruneau and Rebecca Saxe found that brain regions responding to emotional suffering overlap with areas involved in perceiving another person's thoughts or feelings. However, empathy levels did not correlate with brain activity, suggesting more research is needed.
A study of 3,796 students found that off-campus party hosts consume an average of almost nine drinks, compared to 7.5 drinks consumed by guests. In contrast, on-campus party hosts drink less than their attendees. The findings could guide efforts to curb excessive drinking at college parties.
Researchers found that acting out metaphors about creative thinking improved performance on tests of creativity and originality. This suggests that physical representations of thought can enhance creative thinking by breaking down mental barriers.
Researchers found that smokers with elevated blood lead levels are at a higher risk of developing renal cell carcinoma. The study analyzed data from the Alpha-Tocopherol, Beta-Carotene Cancer Prevention Study and found an association between blood lead levels and kidney cancer risk.
Researchers used human embryonic stem cells to treat macular degeneration in two patients, with some improvement in vision observed. The study showed that the transplants were safe and led to successful engraftment of cells into the retina.
A UCSF team has developed methods to reveal a molecular marker in tissue samples from brain tumors that has been linked to better survival odds. Monitoring this marker could provide doctors with a better way to follow their patients after surgery and assess how they respond to recommended treatments.
A Kansas State University researcher is studying foods and dietary supplements that may reduce the risk of prostate cancer. Finasteride and dutasteride drugs, which lower testosterone levels, have shown promise in reducing prostate cancer incidence but may lead to worse outcomes for those who develop the disease.
A commonly used medication for enlarged prostates may also slow the progression of early-stage prostate cancer, according to a new study. The treatment, dutasteride, was found to delay disease progression and reduce anxiety related to the disease in patients undergoing active surveillance.
Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and Rice University discovered that a single layer of graphene enables near-perfect wetting transparency. The extreme thinness of graphene allows it to be transparent to water, with contact angles varying from 77 to 86 degrees on different surfaces.
Researchers gathered at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science to integrate and refine field measurements and computer models of carbon cycling in US East Coast waters. The goal is to create a single integrated carbon budget that represents the flow of carbon within and between coastal components.
Scientists found that caffeoylquinic acid derivatives from mate tea induce apoptosis in human colon cancer cells, reducing markers of inflammation. The study suggests mate tea has potential as an anti-cancer agent and may be beneficial for other diseases associated with inflammation.
A Brigham and Women's Hospital report suggests exposure to iodinated contrast media may cause hyperthyroidism and overt hypothyroidism. The study found significant associations between contrast media exposure and the development of thyroid dysfunction in patients without preexisting conditions.
A Stanford University School of Medicine study analyzing electronic medical records found that women report more intense pain than men across virtually every disease category. The researchers identified significant differences in pain intensity for conditions such as fibromyalgia, migraine, acute sinusitis, and cervical spine disorders.
A new study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that family companions who regularly attend physician office visits with older adults can significantly impact health care quality. The study discovered that three-quarters of consistently accompanied older adults were accompanied by the same companion over time, sugg...
A new study reveals graphene's ability to enhance conductivity while retaining wetting characteristics, making it a promising coating for various applications. The research found that gold, copper, and silicon get just as wet when clad by a single layer of graphene as they would without.
A visit to the emergency department during nonsummer months was associated with a three-fold risk of acute respiratory or gastrointestinal infection in elderly residents of long-term care facilities. The study found that these residents had a higher rate of chronic illnesses and were more likely to be less independent.
Five scientists have been awarded $2.25 million to develop innovative approaches to fighting cancer, including targeting macrophages and biomarkers. The grants aim to improve the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer.
A randomized controlled trial found that patient education plus positive-affirmation induction and self-affirmation improved medication adherence in hypertensive African-Americans compared to patient education alone. The PA group had a 42% medication adherence rate at 12 months, whereas the PE group had a 36% rate.
A new study by NYU School of Medicine reveals that positive affirmation, combined with patient education, improves medication adherence rates among hypertensive African-Americans. The study found a 22% increase in adherence rates among participants who received the intervention.
Researchers found that a daily dose of skimmed milk enriched with glycomacropeptide and G600 milk fat extract can significantly reduce gout flare-ups. This is matched by improved pain levels, reduced uric acid in urine, and fewer tender joints.
A study found that HPV DNA testing of self-collected Pap specimens was more sensitive than visual inspection with acetic acid and liquid-based cytology, but less specific. This method could expand China's cervical cancer screening outreach without requiring medical professionals or facilities.
Research suggests that exposure to iodinated contrast media during imaging procedures may lead to changes in thyroid function, including an increased risk of developing hyperthyroidism. A study found associations between contrast media exposure and both overt hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, highlighting the need for further investi...
Researchers at the University of Bristol developed a magnetic soap composed of iron-rich salts, which levitates through an organic solvent when exposed to a magnetic field. The soap's properties were confirmed using neutron scattering, and its potential applications include environmental clean-ups and industrial cleaning products.
Researchers found that unhealthy narcissism is more than twice as large a predictor of cortisol in males as in females, indicating chronic HPA axis activation. The study suggests that societal definitions of masculinity may contribute to the physiological effects of narcissism on men.
Research by Michael Goldberg and Phillip Sharp found that selectively inhibiting PKM2 can kill cancer cells by depleting energy sources. This approach has shown promise in regressing established tumors in mice, suggesting a potential strategy against various cancers.
Research on US healthcare overuse is understudied, but a new study identifies contributing factors and suggests strategies for improvement. The study found that rates of overuse vary widely across services and interventions.
Research published in the Archives of Disease in Childhood found that vaccination-induced anaphylactic shock is extremely rare. In a study of children under 16 in the UK and Ireland who were suspected of experiencing anaphylaxis after vaccination between 2008 and 2009, only seven cases were confirmed, resulting in no fatalities.
A new study published in Psychological Science found that individuals who feel powerful tend to overestimate their own height. This means that those with more power perceive themselves as taller than their actual physical stature. Conversely, people with less power may see others and objects as larger compared to them.
Researchers found that less expensive, high-yield glucose tolerance tests are rarely used for peripheral neuropathy diagnosis, despite being more cost-effective.
A team of researchers has discovered a 190-million-year-old dinosaur nesting site in South Africa, revealing the oldest evidence of complex reproductive behavior in early dinosaurs. The site yielded multiple nests with eggs and embryos, as well as tiny footprints, suggesting that hatchlings remained at the site to double in size.
Researchers have discovered patterns of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in Galapagos reptiles living close to human settlements. Feces collected from these sites harbored resistant Escherichia coli and Salmonella enterica bacteria, highlighting the potential exposure of vulnerable species to human pathogens.
Researchers found conservatives react more strongly to unpleasant images and focus on negative stimuli, while liberals respond more to positive stimuli. This study provides insights into the growing notion that political leanings are partially products of biology.
A study by Purdue University researchers found that greenhouse bedding plant growers can increase profits by providing cuttings with sufficient light. The study showed that plants rooted faster and were of higher quality when exposed to more light.
A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that younger breast cancer patients experience more severe mental health issues and physical impairments than older women. Researchers recommend educating these patients about potential post-treatment effects to reduce anxiety and improve quality of life.
A three-year clinical trial shows dutasteride delays prostate cancer disease progression by 38% compared to placebo, while also reducing anxiety. The study suggests a viable treatment option for men with low-risk disease, offering a safer alternative to aggressive local treatment.
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln will lead a $25 million project to study Shiga-toxin producing E. coli (STEC) strains that cause over 265,000 illnesses annually. The team will focus on the seven most dangerous STEC strains and develop diagnostic techniques to reduce STEC risks in cattle.
Researchers discovered a new commonality of chromosomal aberrations among embryonic cancers, including kidney, skeleton, and liver cancers. This finding could reveal the nature and progression of many different kinds of cancer by identifying patterns of mutation in the genome.
Two studies published in scientific journals provide the most detailed picture yet of how psilocybin affects brain activity. The research suggests that psilocybin suppresses activity in 'hub' regions of the brain, leading to a state of heightened perception and memory vividness.
Researchers at Penn Vet & Scheie Eye Inst. successfully treated dogs with X-linked Retinitis Pigmentosa using gene therapy, correcting defects in the RPGR gene and restoring vision. The treatment targets both rod and cone cells, showing promise for treating other photoreceptor degenerations.
Research challenges common assumption that direct employee involvement leads to high job satisfaction, which in turn boosts performance. Enriched job design approach offers employees discretion, variety, and responsibility, while high involvement management model encourages team working and idea-capturing schemes.
A recent study published in Psychological Science reveals that children raised in families with nurturing mothers are more likely to remain healthy across the life course, even those from low socioeconomic status backgrounds. The research found that parental nurturance can mitigate the negative effects of childhood disadvantage and is ...
A new study by the University of British Columbia finds that monogamous marriage has lower levels of crime, violence, poverty, and gender inequality compared to polygynous societies. The study suggests that institutionalized monogamy reduces male competition, leading to improved child welfare and increased gender equality.
The new malaria maps provide unprecedented detail on the current global pattern of the disease, allowing researchers to track changes over time. The maps reveal complex variations in malaria risk across the globe, highlighting the need for targeted resources and tailored approaches to controlling the disease.
Researchers found that blocking HSP90 activity renders protected proteins vulnerable to destruction, slowing the growth of MIF-expressing breast tumors. HSP90 inhibitors also showed promise in slowing leukemia cell growth driven by hyperactive JAK2 enzyme versions.
SUNY Downstate has been awarded a four-year challenge grant of $220,000 from Research to Prevent Blindness to develop advanced research into blinding diseases. The institution's ophthalmology team is now one of 52 institutions receiving recognition for its eye research.
Scientists have developed a reliable system to model and quantify protein aggregation's impact on cell viability, division, and aging. The study uses Escherichia coli bacteria and the AB42 peptide to predict protein aggregation's effects on cell aging, revealing potential natural chaperones that reduce this damage.
Researchers develop gene therapy to correct X-linked retinitis pigmentosa, a genetic defect causing peripheral and night vision loss. The technique replaces a malfunctioning gene with a normal one, supplying a protein for light-sensitive cells to function.