Researchers have identified a molecule called regenerating islet-derived protein 3-alpha (REG3A) that is highly expressed in skin cells during psoriasis and wound-healing, but not under normal skin conditions. Inhibiting REG3A may clear up psoriasis and slow down wound-healing.
A research team has discovered two planets, Kepler-36b and Kepler-36c, in an orbital tug-of-war as they orbit the same star about 1,200 light years from Earth. The planets occupy nearly the same orbital plane and come within 1.2 million miles of each other at their closest approach.
Researchers at Nationwide Children's Hospital have created a new drug to target osteosarcoma, the most common bone tumor in children, using a modified version of Celebrex. The drug, 8A, selectively inhibits the STAT3 pathway, which is crucial for tumor formation and cancer progression.
A medium-chance tropical depression is possible in the south-central Gulf of Mexico, with NASA satellites providing key data on the area's low pressure. The system is expected to bring heavy rainfall and flooding to parts of Cuba, western Cuba, and southern Florida over the next couple of days.
A new type of paint made with carbon nanotubes can help detect strain in buildings, bridges, and airplanes. This method provides a big advantage over conventional strain gauges, which must be physically connected to their read-out devices.
Researchers found that cancers with disorganized traffic systems result in lower survival rates and are more difficult to treat. A mathematical equation could help doctors determine the best course of treatment by identifying the complexity of each cancer type.
Researchers at Winrock International developed a more accurate estimate of gross carbon emissions from tropical deforestation for the early 2000s. The study found that global emissions from deforestation were approximately one-third lower than previously published estimates, with Brazil and Indonesia accounting for 55% of total emissions.
Researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center say cancer's evolutionary principles hold the key to thwarting emergence of drug resistance. By anticipating and adapting to environmental forces, they propose developing 'adaptive therapies' to improve outcomes.
Researchers showcased the breadth of zebrafish research at an international conference, focusing on cancer and nicotine dependence. A study found that mid-differentiated cells play a key role in tumor growth, challenging traditional views on cancer stem cells. Another study used zebrafish to identify novel candidate genes involved in n...
Researchers at Brown University found that selenium nanoparticles can reduce Staphylococcus aureus bacteria on implant materials by up to 90%. The coating is more effective than current silver-based alternatives, which are less biocompatible and expensive.
A new study demonstrates the potential of natural language processing (NLP) to measure performance on colonoscopy quality measures. The NLP-based computer software application efficiently analyzed a large sample of colonoscopy reports, revealing clear variation in performance even within a highly regarded academic health care system.
Researchers deployed omics to track microbial responses to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, finding a succession of microbes degrading different fractions of oil. The study revealed an abundance of genes involved in hydrocarbon degradation and identified the first deep-sea oil-eating bacterium.
Researchers at McGill University have discovered the genetic cause of double-cortex syndrome, a form of epilepsy that affects primarily females. The study found that disease-causing mutations disrupt teamwork between proteins necessary for brain cell skeleton construction, leading to malformation and seizures.
Researchers have extracted a sediment core from Lake El'gygytgyn in Siberia, revealing temperatures previously thought impossible for the Arctic Circle. The findings suggest a correlation between warm periods in the Arctic and large melting events in Antarctica, indicating previously unknown interactions between the Polar Regions.
A device used to prevent incontinence in women after pelvic-floor surgery shows promise, reducing symptoms but increasing side effects. Researchers suggest counseling women on risks and benefits prior to the procedure.
A three-month exercise program significantly improved lung transplant patients' health-related quality of life and reduced their risk of cardiovascular problems. The study found that patients who exercised had higher quadriceps muscle force, longer walking distances, and better physical functioning compared to those in the control group.
Scientists successfully created 'scaffolds' from pig kidneys to potentially build replacement kidneys for humans. The structure of the nephron was maintained, and blood vessels were able to maintain normal pressure when re-filled with blood in animal models.
Research in southeastern Mongolia reveals evidence of ocean basin collapse, while placer mining in British Columbia affects river geometry. New fossil discoveries in Algeria shed light on early mammal evolution.
Researchers from the University of Cambridge found that avian H5N1 influenza viruses could potentially acquire mutations necessary for airborne transmission in nature. The study suggests that with as few as five mutations, or four mutations plus reassortment, these viruses can become airborne transmissible between mammals and humans.
Autism Speaks has awarded nearly $2.9 million in funding to support autism research projects addressing various high-priority areas. These include investigating the impact of DSM-5 on autism diagnosis, developing new medications and behavioral treatments, and improving access to early intervention in minority communities.
A Stanford-led study found that short-term stress stimulates immune activity, mobilizing key cells to fight infections and wounds. The research offers hope for developing new treatments to improve recovery from surgery or vaccines.
Researchers at NIST and University of Maryland successfully created graphene quantum dots by manipulating the strain in graphene drumheads. By controlling the tension on the drumhead, they mimicked magnetic fields and created semiconducting regions with a band gap, crucial for computing and other applications.
Astronomers have found two planets with diverse densities and compositions locked in close orbits, defying the planetary pattern of our solar system. The discovery, made possible by NASA's Kepler Mission, reveals a 'puzzling pair' that challenges theories on planet migration and orbital rearrangement.
Experts discuss the science underlying ecosystem services markets, weighing benefits against potential unintended consequences for non-target ecosystem attributes. The symposium aims to address tough questions about how to measure and value nature's services.
Scientists at the University of Exeter have identified a specialized group of proteins called septins in plant infection for the first time. The discovery sheds light on how the rice blast fungus channels its pressure to form an infection peg that breaches the rice leaf surface, enabling it to infect rice tissue.
A comprehensive study of 1,628 Danish children found no adverse effects of moderate alcohol consumption on their IQ, attention span, or executive functions. The research provides important new information for pregnant women and health professionals, suggesting that small amounts of alcohol are unlikely to harm the unborn child.
Researchers at The Ottawa Hospital have found a protein in the blood of pregnant women that can predict if they are likely to have a fetus with growth restrictions, leading to stillbirth and long-term health complications. A widely available blood test could help develop ways to improve outcomes for women and their children.
The study discusses the biology of tumor-derived microvesicles and their clinical application as circulating biomarkers. Microvesicles released by tumor cells may provide a unique biosignature for individual cancers, enabling early detection and targeted therapies.
Researchers developed a new swab technique that can spot tuberculosis in non-human primates with no outward signs of disease. The method has been successfully tested on Asian monkey populations, revealing a significant prevalence rate and potential for primate-to-primate transmission.
A University of Tennessee professor has received $300,000 in funding from the US Department of Energy to develop High-Entropy Alloys for improved structural materials. The goal is to enhance efficiency in coal-fired power plants, reducing carbon footprint and lowering fuel costs.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have gained insight into how phase change materials switch between states, a key step towards creating universal memory storage devices. By using nanowires, they were able to observe the phase change in real-time and discovered a new mechanism that could lead to more efficient memory devices.
NASA satellite data shows Tropical Depression Talim's thunderstorms becoming disorganized as it interacts with Taiwan and a nearby frontal system. The depression is expected to dissipate later today due to these factors.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic discovered an association between Olmesartan and severe gastrointestinal issues. Patients taking the medication exhibited symptoms similar to celiac disease, but without typical test results or response to gluten-free diets.
A new mouse model has been developed to study supertasting, a condition where people strongly detect food flavors like bitter and sweet. The model, which overexpresses brain-derived neurotrophic factor, may provide insights into the protective cardiovascular effects of avoiding sweet and fatty foods.
Researchers at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center have developed a new candidate drug, Rhosin, that inhibits breast cancer cell growth and promotes the growth of nerve cells. The drug targets RhoA, a key component of a cell signaling protein complex involved in various cancers and neurologic disorders.
Researchers in the Yangtze basin region have created a long-term record of ecosystem health, measuring past condition and predicting future trends. The study highlights the decline in ecosystem services due to intensive farming techniques, posing a threat to local livelihoods.
Engineers at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee have developed a catalyst that provides similar efficiency to platinum in microbial fuel cells but at 5% of the cost. The material, nitrogen-enriched iron-carbon nanorods, has potential for replacing platinum catalysts in hydrogen-producing microbial electrolysis cells.
The First Responder Support Tools (FiRST) application provides critical information to first responders in bomb threat scenarios, including safe distances, roadblock analysis and HAZMAT response guidance. The app is available for smartphones and laptops and can be used by anyone responding to a potential bomb or HAZMAT spill.
Research suggests that top predators play a crucial role in extinction risk, as they can amplify the effects of climate change on other species. Studying these biotic multipliers and their interactions with other species is essential to improve predictions of climate change impacts.
A team of scientists used elephant seal data to gather direct measurements on Fimbul Ice Shelf melting, revealing parts are melting at lower rates than predicted. The study confirms a 20-year-old theory about ice shelf melting and provides insights into water circulation and temperature changes in eastern Antarctica.
A new study by Rice University and the University of Colorado at Boulder found that US life expectancy has stagnated over the past century, with the poorest citizens living approximately five years less than more affluent persons. The study also found that despite moderate gains in coming years, the US still trails its developed counte...
Researchers found cheetahs' longer strides and faster stride frequencies allow them to reach high speeds, while greyhounds maintain a constant stride rate. The study suggests wild cheetahs may be able to outstrip their captive cousins due to biomechanical differences.
A new study published in Brain found that multiple sclerosis patients have a lower overall cancer risk, with significant reductions in colorectal cancer risk. While brain and bladder cancer risks were slightly elevated, MS patients with relapsing-onset disease had higher non-melanoma skin cancer risk.
The overall winner of the Wellcome Image Awards is a visceral photograph of a living human brain, showcasing its beauty and fragility. The image, taken during a surgical procedure to treat epilepsy, highlights the importance of medical photography in helping doctors make diagnoses.
Three SFU scientists, engaged in collaborative research on conservation and ecology, critique the federal government's proposal to reduce fish habitat protection. They argue that current policies suffice for protecting fish habitat, contrary to assertions from the federal fisheries minister.
Researchers at University of North Carolina Health Care have discovered a new role for the SMN gene in spinal muscular atrophy, contradicting previous assumptions. The study suggests that faulty processing of genetic material is not the primary cause of the disease, but rather a separate function of the SMN gene.
CYGNSS will study tropical cyclones' formation and intensification by analyzing ocean surface properties, atmospheric thermodynamics, and radiation. The mission aims to advance hurricane forecasting and tracking methods.
A new study reveals intense warm intervals in the Arctic over the past 2.8 million years, corresponding closely with times when parts of Antarctica were ice-free and also warm. The findings suggest strong inter-hemispheric climate connectivity and imply that the polar regions are more vulnerable to change than previously thought.
The guidelines provide evidence-based information for diagnosing and managing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, which is rapidly becoming the most common cause of cirrhosis in the US. The condition can lead to liver cancer and failure, emphasizing the need for standardized medical care.
A new study reports that human microbes have coevolved with humans, forming unique partnerships essential for our immune system. The findings suggest that modern hygiene and antibiotics may be contributing to the rise of autoimmune disorders by erasing these beneficial bacteria.
A new study predicts that global warming will lead to a significant decline in Emperor penguin populations by 2040, with only 500-600 breeding pairs remaining by 2100. The melting of sea ice will disrupt the penguins' food source and breeding habits.
Researchers uncovered surprises in genes previously thought uninvolved in breast cancer, revealing the complex drivers of this leading cause of cancer death. The study found novel fusion gene MAGI1-AKT3, which acts as an oncogene and offers new therapy targets.
Researchers at Oregon State University have linked carcinogens to cancer stem cells and found that spinach can reduce the incidence of colon tumors by almost half.
Researchers have discovered a new method to sub-typing GBM tumor lines using proteins expressed, which could lead to targeted drug treatments and more accurate patient prognoses. The study found that patients with the CNP subtype may live up to 10 years after diagnosis.
A new study by Sidney D'Mello and Art Graesser found that strategically inducing confusion in learning sessions on difficult conceptual topics can lead to better retention and application of knowledge. Subjects who were confused scored higher on a difficult post-test and could identify flaws in new case studies.
A team of chemists at the University of Geneva has developed a rare halogen bond that can transport anions across phospholipid bilayer membranes, similar to cellular structures. This discovery has significant implications for medical applications, particularly in treating diseases linked to ion transport issues.
Dafna Lemish has partnered with UNICEF to develop a free resource package for creating quality media for children, based on her research on effective communication strategies. The initiative aims to improve children's lives by providing guidance on age-appropriate content and holistic approaches.
Researchers at Helmholtz Association confirm the existence of Tayler instability, a magnetic phenomenon that reduces rotation rates and creates powerful fluid flows. This discovery has significant implications for the development of liquid metal batteries and their potential use in renewable energy storage.
A mathematical model has been proposed to study malaria transmission, focusing on the reproduction number and its dependence on human travel rates. The research highlights the critical role of human movement in spreading the disease, suggesting that effective control measures may involve more rigorous border screening and regulation.
Researchers have developed a new class of antimicrobials that target bacteria virulence factors, reducing the risk of antibiotic resistance. The most potent substance prevented UTIs from developing in mice for over eight hours and reduced bacterial growth by nearly 10,000 times.