Scientists have developed a fast and easy method to detect and identify single spores of seven common types of mold using Raman microspectroscopy. The new technique involves collecting air samples on aluminum foil and analyzing the spores for potential contamination in homes and buildings.
Joanna B. Goldberg, Professor at University of Virginia, receives the 2012 ASM Graduate Microbiology Teaching Award for distinguished teaching and mentoring of students. She has mentored over 75 students and directs the Microbial Pathogenesis course.
Lilliam Casillas-Martinez, a Professor at the University of Puerto Rico-Humacao, has been recognized for her exceptional teaching and mentorship of women from low-income backgrounds. Her research focuses on geomicrobiology and metagenomics, with an emphasis on undergraduate education and community outreach.
Dr. Patrice Courvalin has made significant contributions to understanding antibiotic resistance, including the discovery of vancomycin resistance in Enterococcus and the elucidation of transposition mechanisms. His work has led to a revision of the dogma describing natural dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes.
Researchers will create an open, dynamic evolutionary framework to continuously update the tree of life, incorporating new biodiversity data. Computational tools will enable scientists to visualize and analyze the entire tree, facilitating comparative biology research and discovery of new medicines.
Dr. Micah I. Krichevsky has been recognized for his commitment to advancing women in microbiology through the American Society for Microbiology's Alice C. Evans Award. He established Bionomics International and developed a standardized method for computer coding of microbiological data, impacting research globally.
A new study suggests that the toxic effects of the huntingtin protein on cells may not be driven exclusively by its length, but also by which other proteins are present in the cell. The researchers found that yeast cells containing human huntingtin protein with an expanded region exhibited toxicity differences based on the presence of ...
Geoffrey L. Smith, a renowned virologist and leader in the field of microbiology, has been awarded the GlaxoSmithKline International Member of the Year Award. He is recognized for his numerous original contributions to virology and his role as a leader in various scientific institutions.
Researchers found that about 12-5 million years ago climate was decoupled from atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations. The climate of modern times more readily responds to changing carbon dioxide levels.
A research team at Case Western Reserve University discovered that gold catalysts in the form of a triangle or higher order structures can produce longer, faster-growing nanowires. These wires could be used to build next-generation invisible computer chips and highly-sensitive sensors.
New nanomedicine cancer treatments aim to focus on tumor cells while sparing healthy tissue, potentially reducing severe side effects. These nanoparticle-based medications can deliver anti-cancer drugs directly to tumors through tiny blood vessel passages.
A phase II clinical study shows that vismodegib can dramatically shrink basal cell skin cancers and prevent new ones in patients with basal cell nevus syndrome, a rare genetic condition. The treatment offers an alternative to surgical removal, but side effects remain a consideration.
A study found that 22% of European countries have no biologics reimbursed for rheumatoid arthritis treatment, with inconsistent criteria across the continent. This leads to unequal access to essential medications, affecting patients' health status and socio-economic welfare.
A study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine found that hot, humid air triggers an increase in airway resistance in patients with mild asthma, leading to coughing and airway constriction. Inhaling an asthma drug before exposure to hot, humid air prevented this reaction.
The study analyzed Massachusetts General Hospital records to examine the value of healthcare over time. The analysis revealed four distinct eras: low costs and high mortality from 1821 to 1910, rising costs with declining mortality during the mid-20th century, and increasing costs with minimal changes in mortality since 2001.
Melting Arctic sea ice can trigger domino effects leading to severe winter weather outbreaks in the Northern Hemisphere. This phenomenon is associated with a weakening of the polar vortex and jet stream, allowing cold Arctic air masses to invade lower latitudes.
Scientists recommend halting biodiversity losses to prevent ecosystem collapse and reduce essential goods and services like food and water. The research, a scientific consensus statement, summarizes evidence from over 1,000 ecological studies and highlights the urgent need for international action.
Boston College is expanding access to its proprietary MediaKron digital instruction platform to faculty at six other colleges and universities. The initiative allows for the creation of dynamic multi-media course content, providing a unique community of scholars in a digital space.
Radiation exposure from CT scans in childhood may increase the risk of developing leukemia and brain cancer. A study published in The Lancet found that cumulative doses of around 50-60 mGy from 5-10 scans tripled the risk of these cancers.
Bruce S. Rabin has made significant contributions to the understanding of the immune system's interaction with the nervous system, endocrine organs, and mental health. He has elucidated many dark corners of immunology and brought sound immunologic principles to the study of mental health and disease in humans.
A new approach, seasonal malaria chemoprevention (SMC), has been found to have significant public health benefits if implemented in high-risk areas. Researchers estimate that up to 11 million malaria cases and 50,000 deaths could be prevented annually with full implementation.
Researchers developed a web-based service that simulates pandemic flu spread, forecasts hospitalizations, and determines optimal ventilator placement. The Texas Pandemic Flu Toolkit uses data from the Outpatient Influenza-Like Illness Surveillance Network and factors like humidity predictions to inform public health interventions.
A nationwide survey in China reveals one in 10 newly diagnosed TB patients are infected with drug-resistant strains, with over 5,000 cases annually. Experts emphasize the need for rapid testing to determine drug resistance and developing new combination therapies to combat multidrug-resistant tuberculosis.
Researchers warn of an impending catastrophic event where the planet's ecosystems irreversibly collapse due to extreme fluctuations in climates and biodiversity loss. The study suggests that governments must take immediate action to reduce population growth, invest in sustainable technologies and adopt environmentally-friendly practices.
A team of European scientists found that geoengineering could lead to significant rainfall reduction in large areas, including a 15% decrease in North America and 20% in parts of South America. Climate engineering is unlikely to be a substitute for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Brent Barrett, a renowned clinical microbiologist, has been honored with the 2012 Scherago-Rubin Award for his exceptional work in diagnostics and continuing education. Barrett's dedication to bench-level clinical microbiology has gained national recognition, making him a leading expert in his field.
Bess B. Ward has received the 2012 Procter & Gamble Award in Applied and Environmental Microbiology for her sustained influence on marine microbiology and contributions to understanding nitrogen cycling processes in low-oxygen regions of the ocean.
Stephen J. Giovannoni receives the USFCC/J. Roger Porter Award for his contributions to microbial biodiversity and ecosystem research, particularly in the fields of marine microbiology and SAR11 clade discovery.
A study published in PLOS ONE reveals that exposure to psychoactive pharmaceuticals in water can induce autism-like gene expression in fathead minnows, specifically in those with genetic predisposition. The findings suggest a potential environmental trigger for autism spectrum disorder in vulnerable individuals.
Dr. Akiko Iwasaki is recognized for her groundbreaking work on tissue-specific properties of dendritic cells and the critical role of autophagy in innate immune recognition of viruses. Her research has a fundamental impact on the fields of autophagy and antiviral immunity.
A new study puts finishing touches on the history of the 'Bay of the Pirates' warship's beak-like weapon, identifying a major threat to preserving it. The analysis revealed that the ancient wooden marine treasure is made of pine with waterproofing agents and contains copious sulfur that can turn into corrosive acid.
The FASEB MARC Program has selected Dr. George Jules to receive a $2,000 travel award for his poster/platform presentation at the 2012 XXVII Congress of the International Society for Advancement of Cytometry. The program aims to increase diversity in biomedical research by promoting underrepresented minority students and scientists.
Researchers have shown that CCR5 antagonists can prevent the migration and spread of breast cancer cells. Blocking CCR5 also reduces the formation of pulmonary metastases in mice with basal breast cancer, suggesting a new treatment option.
Researchers found that children who experienced more intense stressful events had lower scores on tests of spatial working memory and short-term memory. Brain scans revealed smaller volumes of the anterior cingulate region, a key area for these cognitive processes. The study suggests stress may delay brain development, but further rese...
The FASEB MARC Program awarded two $1,650 travel grants to promote diversity in biomedical research. The recipients, Dr. Oni Mapp and Dr. Catherine McCollum, will present their work at the 2012 GSA Zebrafish Development and Genetics Meeting.
Scientists at Harvard University have created a comprehensive list of inputs that connect directly to dopamine neurons in the brain, revealing new connections and insights into Parkinson's disease and addiction. The study uses genetically-modified rabies virus to track neural pathways, providing quantitative data for future investigati...
A team of researchers from Berkeley Lab and SLAC used ultrafast X-rays to produce the first images of photosystem II microcrystals at room temperature. The study reveals new insights into the complex's composition and atomic structure, crucial for understanding its role in photosynthesis.
Anthony R. Richardson has been honored with the Merck Irving S. Sigal Memorial Award for his pioneering work on the metabolic adaptations of Staphylococcus aureus to host immunity. His research has profound implications for understanding the evolution and emergence of highly virulent pathogens.
A team of UC Davis investigators found that a p53 genetic mutation may initiate prostate cancer, differing from the current conventional wisdom. The study developed a mouse model with the mutation, which significantly increased the likelihood of developing prostate cancer.
A new study found no correlation between medical marijuana dispensaries and higher crime rates in Sacramento neighborhoods, challenging growing concerns about the impact of dispensaries on crime. The study looked at violent and property crime rates in 95 areas with varying density of medical marijuana outlets.
The ADACTA trial showed that tocilizumab was more effective than adalimumab in reducing signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), with significant improvements in DAS28, low disease activity, and ACR20/50/70 responses. Safety results were similar between groups.
Researchers found that verbal and physical aggression between parents correlates with increased oral health problems in children. The team developed an intervention to help couples improve conflict resolution and parenting skills, aiming to reduce risk factors for poor oral health.
A team of scientists warns that human activities may be driving the planet toward an irreversible change in the biosphere, threatening biodiversity and global stability. Better predictive models are needed to mitigate or adapt to potential changes.
Researchers at UC Berkeley discovered cockroaches can fling themselves under a ledge to vanish from sight. By leveraging their grappling hook-like claws and swinging like a pendulum, they retain most of their running energy.
Aaron R. Jex has made significant contributions to the study of parasitic species, developing molecular-based tools for detection and identification. His research also focuses on exploring the genomics and transcriptomics of parasites of global socioeconomic importance.
Researchers found strong relationships between aggressive behavior and individual variation in genes related to testosterone processing in the brain. The study suggests that selection can shape aggression through changes in gene expression, independent of circulating testosterone levels.
Researchers identified five biomarkers that can predict the progression of structural damage in the spine of patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis, who are already at high risk of disease progression. These biomarkers include matrix metalloproteinase 3, bone-morphogenetic protein 2, and vascular endothelial growth factor.
A recent study has found that sea temperatures were warmer and less sensitive to CO2 levels 5-13 million years ago. The research team used an organic compound as a 'fossil thermometer' to analyze ocean temperatures alongside carbon dioxide reconstructions, providing evidence of a transition in the Earth's climate system.
Researchers at Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology have discovered a new enzyme in the coca plant that catalyzes a key step in cocaine biosynthesis. The discovery sheds new light on the evolution of tropane alkaloids and reveals that the pathways in coca and belladonna evolved independently.
The DSM-5 combines abuse and dependence diagnoses into a single disorder, requiring two or more symptoms. Critics argue that this change may lead to over-diagnosis and deviation from international diagnostic standards. Proponents claim it simplifies diagnosis for clinicians and laypeople alike.
Levine pioneered molecular approaches to develop live oral vaccines, including attenuated Salmonella Typhi and Shigella. He has made significant contributions to vaccine research, including epidemiologic field studies and large-scale controlled trials.
Researchers at Harvard University found that mice brains undergo an explosion of neuromuscular branching before birth, with some muscle fibers contacted by up to 10 nerve cells. However, within days, most connections are pruned away, suggesting experience selects which connections to keep.
The US Army has implemented a behavioral health screening program in primary care, resulting in improved PTSD outcomes. The program, RESPECT-Mil, has doubled the number of patients experiencing clinically significant reduction in PTSD symptom severity scores over eight weeks.
Researchers have identified three types of fetal cells in maternal organs: trophoblasts, mesenchymal stem cells, and immune system cells. These cells may help the mother's immune system tolerate the fetus and aid in organ repair.
The June issue of the Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons highlights the negative impact of smoking on bone and joint health. Smokers face increased risks of postoperative complications and bone density loss, but preoperative counseling programs can mitigate these effects. The journal also discusses treatment option...
Researchers at IRB Barcelona have identified specific combinations of errors in cell integrity processes as crucial to initiating tumors. The study reveals that genomic instability alone is not sufficient for tumor development and highlights the need for further investigation into cancer's complex origins.
Researchers found that fresh islet cells are superior to cultured islet cells in terms of success rate and blood glucose levels after transplantation. However, the results of islet isolation did not correlate with clinical outcomes for kidney transplantations from non-heart-beating donors.
A 25-year follow-up study found that 68% of juvenile myoclonic epilepsy patients became seizure-free, with nearly 30% no longer needing antiepileptic drug treatment. AED polytherapy and generalized tonic-clonic seizures preceding bilateral myoclonic seizures predicted poor long-term seizure outcomes.
A new study analyzing 27 complete human limb bones found in Atapuerca (Burgos, Spain) has estimated the height of various species of the Pleistocene era. The reconstruction suggests that Homo heidelbergensis, like Neanderthals, were similar in height to the current population of the Mediterranean.
The FASEB MARC Program has awarded a $1,650 travel grant to Shanelle Joseph from Southern University and A tM College for her poster/platform presentation at the 2012 meeting. The program aims to increase underrepresented minority engagement in biomedical research.