A new approach to preventing 'high spinal block' may be provided by a simple technique using local anesthetic mixed with magnetized ferrofluids, which can control the spread of spinal anesthesia. Researchers believe this technique could offer a second means of controlling block spread and provide a safeguard against serious complications.
A Caltech study finds the CMS auction system falls short of expectations, leading to low-ball bids and few companies able to afford the items. The experimentally tested auction structure shows that eliminating two unorthodox rules can improve efficiency, but it may still face challenges.
Research confirms long-lasting severe droughts in western US throughout history, including 200-year megadroughts in the Sierra Nevada. Scientists used advanced sonar tools and tree-ring analysis to determine precipitation levels over the past 12,000 years.
Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories have developed a new approach to creating multilayered, ceramic-based microelectronics circuits that can maintain stability in resonant frequency despite temperature fluctuations. This technology has the potential to improve the performance of cell phones and reduce costs by eliminating unnec...
A recent study by Norwich BioScience Institutes reveals that the complex worldwide food-transport network generates 'hotspots' vulnerable to making outbreak tracing difficult. Countries with high import and export volumes are identified as key nodes in the network.
Researchers release first installment of 500 terabytes of data on whole-brain circuit mapping project. The data provide a detailed picture of individual neurons and their processes, enabling users to explore three-dimensional brain space.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is issuing recommendations for breast cancer trials that would substantially accelerate patient access to new medications. The new regulatory guidelines are based in part on groundbreaking, national breast cancer research led by UCSF.
A new compound has been discovered that can significantly reduce heat absorption on building roofs and walls, making it a promising candidate for 'cool roofing' applications. The material has an infrared heat reflectivity of around 40%, outperforming most blue pigments currently used.
Researchers studied butterfly life cycles in central Spain's mountain range to understand climate change impacts. Some species that emerge later or fly higher may struggle, while others with longer reproductive windows are more resilient.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh and LTER Network sites reveal that historic human activity has a profound impact on today's ecosystem. The study highlights how legacy effects from human actions continue to reverberate throughout present-day ecosystems, influencing environmental policies and land management.
Researchers discovered that GPR21 inhibition improves insulin sensitivity and energy expenditure in mice with obesity. The absence of GPR21 also reduces inflammation and decreases body weight under normal diet conditions. Additionally, another study found that FOXO1 plays a critical role in regulating energy balance and glucose metabol...
Researchers at the University of Alberta have discovered a genetic mutation that can predict heart failure in certain individuals. The team, led by Howard Young, will screen blood samples from 750 patients to identify mutations in phospholamban, a protein linked to heart disease.
A team of researchers has discovered a novel combination of two previously approved FDA drugs that can be used to treat advanced/late stage lung cancer by activating key genes involved in the disease. The treatment targets a pathway to accelerate cancer diagnosis and treatment.
New UCSF research establishes a stronger causal link between alcohol consumption and serious palpitations in patients with atrial fibrillation. Patients with atrial fibrillation had almost a four and a half times greater chance of having an episode if they were consuming alcohol than if they were not.
A multi-institutional survey study found that 74% of radiology residents own smartphones and 37% own tablet devices, with 81% believing they would spend more time learning if provided with a tablet device. Tablet technology has the potential to enhance radiology education by providing more study time.
Complex networks from different disciplines exhibit similar core structures, known as skeletons, which are shaped by basic growth mechanisms. This discovery could help predict how diseases or information spread across networks.
LDK378 shows encouraging activity in patients with ALK+ non-small cell lung cancer, including those who no longer respond to crizotinib. The compound is well-tolerated and its optimal dose is being further tested.
A study by University of Copenhagen researchers found that only 5.7% of Danish children with anxiety disorders were diagnosed between 2004 and 2007, compared to 27-45% in Western countries. The low diagnosis rate indicates a lack of reporting and inadequate treatment options for children suffering from the most common anxiety disorders.
Researchers have identified a new method for picking the 'right' egg in IVF by analyzing genes expressed in cumulus cells surrounding the eggs. This non-invasive approach may help avoid abnormal eggs with incorrect chromosomal make-up, increasing the chances of successful IVF cycles.
A study found that combining lapatinib and pazopanib did not improve outcomes for patients with inflammatory breast cancer, despite increased side effects. Lapatinib was shown to be an effective treatment option for women with this disease.
NASA's Hurricane and Severe Storm Sentinel (HS3) mission will deploy two Global Hawk aircraft to study hurricane formation and intensity changes. The aircraft will sample the environment of storms and measure winds, precipitation, and other factors to improve hurricane prediction.
The NASA Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) will observe the June 2012 Venus transit to calibrate its instruments and learn more about Venus' atmosphere. The transit provides a unique opportunity to test the SDO's orientation accuracy and understand the point spread function of the telescope.
Exercise significantly reduces neuropathic pain severity and inflammation-promoting cytokine expression in rats with sciatic nerve injury. This study provides evidence that exercise can be a helpful, non-pharmacological therapy for managing neuropathic pain.
Scientists at EMBL have created a first complete atlas of RNA-binding proteins, revealing over 300 previously unknown proteins. This discovery opens new avenues for studying diseases such as diabetes and glaucoma, suggesting that gene mutations may affect RNA control rather than protein function.
University of Iowa professor Jack Scudder and colleagues have observed a milestone discovery in astrophysics: the first experimentally resolved site of collision in magnetic reconnection. This process links magnetic field lines from the sun to the Earth's core, allowing charged particles to cross previously forbidden boundaries.
Scientists at University College London have discovered a potential new method to regenerate damaged skeletal muscle tissue using stem cells derived from amniotic fluid. The treatment resulted in improved survival rates and muscle activity in mice with spinal muscular atrophy, a genetic disease affecting one in six thousand births.
Researchers explore new applications for textiles, including medical implants and wearable technology, with potential for high added value. Empa and the Fiber Society conference showcased latest developments in conductive fibers and electrospinning.
AIBS awarded Dr. Barbara Schaal for pioneering plant molecular systematics and conservation biology research. Dr. Thomas Lovejoy received the Outstanding Service Award for his biodiversity conservation work. Dr. Diane Ebert-May was honored for her innovative teaching approaches and science education research.
A study of 1216 babies found that those born to mothers who smoked during pregnancy weighed and measured less, with lower body mass index. The results highlight a significant difference in body composition between babies born to smoking and non-smoking mothers.
MoLab measures biological, physical, chemical, or geological parameters over several months and square kilometers. The system investigates the impact of climate change on corals and their ecosystems.
A study of 559 adolescents found that those with low-fiber diets had bigger bellies, higher levels of inflammatory factors, and more visceral fat. Increasing fiber intake is crucial for reducing these risks, particularly in a time when one-third of children are overweight or obese.
Researchers found that deleting GPR21 improves insulin sensitivity in diet-induced obese mice by reducing inflammation. The study suggests that GPR21 inhibitors could be promising treatments for type 2 diabetes.
The new web-based smoking cessation program, StopAdvisor, offers expert advice to help smokers prepare for and overcome the challenges of quitting. The platform uses a combination of interactive menus and personalized sessions to support users in their journey to quit smoking.
A Brigham and Women's Hospital study finds that US consumers lack access to comprehensive information about the nutritional value, toxicity rates, environmental impact, and economic aspects of various fish species. This limits their ability to make informed decisions.
A study found that ED patients undergoing CT of the abdomen and pelvis are clinically complex, with 93.8% classified as higher complexity. The study suggests that advanced imaging services in the ED setting serve valuable roles, such as facilitating patient triage and reducing hospital lengths of stay.
Researchers developed a more effective way to treat gynecologic cancers using stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT), which targets well-defined tumors and limits the effect of radiation on healthy tissues. The new method significantly reduces treatment time, from five weeks to three days.
A global research team led by Canadian scientists presents findings that natural ruminant trans fats have no negative impact on cardiovascular risk factors. These 'good fats,' produced by dairy and beef cattle, may even enhance health when consumed as part of a balanced diet.
Engineers at Case Western Reserve University have developed integrated amplifier circuits that can operate under extreme temperatures, revolutionizing data collection in nuclear reactors and rocket engines. The silicon carbide amplifiers can improve signal strength and produce more reliable information.
A new study from the University of Exeter has identified a genetic predisposition to Type 2 diabetes in lean patients, contradicting the long-held assumption that obesity is the primary cause. The study found that genetic variants near the LAMA1 gene are linked to type 2 diabetes risk only in lean patients.
Researchers at UW-Madison develop combination therapy that knocks out signaling of multiple EGFR family members in brain-cancer cells, inhibiting growth and evasion of current therapies. The study's lead author reports success with lapatinib treatment, a novel drug approved by the FDA.
Climate change is causing glacier lilies to bloom earlier than expected, disrupting the timing of broad-tailed hummingbirds' arrival, which depends on the flowers for nectar. The biologists predict that if current trends continue, hummingbirds will miss the first blooms entirely in two decades.
A new analysis from Fox Chase Cancer Center suggests that high costs can limit access to potentially life-saving genetic testing for cancer-causing genes. Patients who are more at risk of certain cancers may be willing to pay higher costs, but others may avoid testing due to cost concerns.
The study found that two tumor suppressor genes, KLF6 and FOXO1, can disrupt overactive EGFR signaling. By targeting the FOXO1/KLF6 axis, researchers were able to restore effectiveness of anti-EGFR drugs like erlotinib and reduce tumor growth.
A new web-based resource, Taxonomic Name Resolution Service (TNRS), resolves up to 30% of incorrect plant names in major databases. The service uses exact matching, parsing, and fuzzy matching to resolve taxonomic names, providing a critical tool for plant scientists.
Research indicates that algal DHA supplementation during pregnancy increases DHA blood levels in both mother and newborn, as well as infant birth weight, length, and head circumference. Additionally, studies suggest that DHA deficiency during pregnancy may limit infants' development potential.
Scientists from Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research (LICR) present promising research findings at ASCO. The studies aim to advance the scientific dialogue and potentially lead to new cancer treatments.
Optical tweezers help researchers uncover key mechanics in cellular communication by detecting and measuring mechanical forces produced by cells bound to Notch. The findings provide compelling evidence that pulling on Notch opens a network to deliver instructions for specific cellular responses.
Researchers have developed a detailed genetic sequence and map of foxtail millet, a close relative of switchgrass and an important food crop in Asia. The study provides a powerful tool for scientists working to increase biofuel and crop yields by systematically searching for genes that influence desirable traits.
Researchers at Arizona State University have discovered a faint infant galaxy 13 billion light-years away, revealing insights into the early universe's formation. The team, led by Sangeeta Malhotra and James Rhoads, identified the galaxy using a unique technique that allows for sensitive searches in infrared wavelengths.
Tropical Storm Mawar is strengthening due to growing cloud top temperatures and higher thunderstorms. Forecasters expect it to reach typhoon strength before weakening, potentially affecting the Philippines and southern Japan with rainfall and rough surf.
A phase III clinical trial demonstrated sunitinib's effectiveness in treating resistant GIST tumors. The crossover design allowed patients to receive sunitinib after initial placebo treatment, protecting patient interests while maintaining rigorous proof of the drug's safety and efficacy.
Researchers have developed an algorithm that can simulate particle collisions on a quantum computer, a feat currently beyond conventional supercomputers. This breakthrough could enable quantum computers to tackle challenging problems like breaking complex codes and studying the early universe.
Researchers created broad-spectrum antiviral agents against various flu virus strains by engineering proteins found in nature, binding to specific nano-sized targets. This method has the potential to develop comprehensive therapy for influenza, targeting hemagglutinin molecules and preventing viral infection.
A new doctoral dissertation published in Nature sheds light on the dynamics of the earth and crust formation before 3 billion years ago, revealing a significant shift in the Earth's dynamics. This new understanding has significant implications for future climate change.
Dr. Terry Orr-Weaver is the recipient of the FASEB 2013 Excellence in Science Award, honoring her contributions to DNA replication and cell cycle research. She has made significant insights into the control of cell division, particularly in Drosophila.
Fox Chase researchers found that patients' socioeconomic status influences their treatment choices, with those having higher incomes opting for more effective but expensive treatments. This study highlights the need for policymakers to consider cost sensitivity in cancer care.
A team of researchers is studying the effects of ocean acidification on Arctic seas, including its impact on marine plankton and other organisms. The expedition aims to improve understanding of future climate change consequences by examining real-world seawater samples in both ice-covered and ice-free waters.
Researchers found that non-invasive cerebellar transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) increases the rate of walking adaptation and decreases it with cathode stimulation. The study suggests that tDCS can selectively be used to aid people relearning how to walk following a stroke or brain injury.
A new study suggests that elite runners may perform best at 18-22 days after altitude training due to ventilatory acclimatization. The research aims to help athletes plan for major competitions by providing a more accurate estimate of the optimal return timing.