A genetic pathway previously known for its role in embryonic development and cancer has been identified as a target for systemic sclerosis, or scleroderma, therapy. The finding reveals that the Wnt signaling pathway is abnormally activated in scleroderma patients, leading to fibrosis and tissue damage.
The FASEB MARC Program has announced the travel award recipients for the Experimental Biology 2012 meeting, aiming to promote entry of underrepresented minority students and postdoctorates into the mainstream of basic science. A total of 122 awards worth $201,300 were conferred this year.
A new MIT analysis reveals there is sufficient room in deep saline aquifers to safely store CO2, addressing a major issue in capturing and storing greenhouse gases. The study models how carbon dioxide would percolate through rock formations, accounting for capacity and injection rates.
A study published in Clinical Nutrition found that patients with mild to moderate Crohn's disease showed significant improvement when taking supplementary CLA. The natural fatty acid has anti-inflammatory properties and may offer a safer alternative to synthetic drugs.
A new approach to newborn screening for DMD uses a two-tier system with CK testing on dried blood spots and DNA testing, allowing for efficient and cost-effective diagnosis. This method has been validated in a pilot study of 37,749 newborn boys, detecting six cases of DMD gene mutations.
Researchers at Imperial College London have developed a way to 're-wire' DNA in yeast, creating a new type of biological wire that can be easily re-engineered. This breakthrough enables the creation of potentially complex biological machines with applications in pollution monitoring and cleaner fuels.
The RESTORE-2 trial found high rates of investigator and patient satisfaction with autologous adipose-derived regenerative cell (ADRC)-enriched fat grafting for breast reconstruction after cancer surgery. The procedure also showed improved breast contour and no local cancer recurrences or serious adverse events.
Infection prevention groups outline steps needed to preserve antibiotics by identifying and addressing resistance issues. The role of infection preventionists and healthcare epidemiologists is crucial in preventing the emergence of multidrug-resistant organisms, a major threat to human health.
The number of ADHD diagnoses among American children has increased by 66% over the past decade, according to a new study published in Academic Pediatrics. Specialists are now treating an increasing proportion of these young patients, shifting away from primary care physicians.
A new method detects cancer-causing chromosomal translocations quickly and accurately, allowing for potential single-array testing for every known cancer-causing translocation simultaneously. The technique combines microarray technology with a novel antibody to detect the presence of the translocation.
Research from UCSF and Harvard Medical School finds that trauma significantly contributes to the HIV epidemic among women. Women with HIV are exposed to trauma at higher rates than the general population, leading to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and poor treatment outcomes.
Researchers found that targeted x-ray treatment can prevent glaucoma in mice by inhibiting the entry of damaging cells into the optic nerve and retina. This discovery raises hope for a new treatment approach for humans, where lower doses of radiation could be used to block cell entry and prevent blindness.
A randomized trial found that rosuvastatin reduced the incidence of pneumonia by 17.8% compared to placebo. The absolute risk reduction was small, and the effects on infection may be greater in other settings.
Scientists at the University of Alberta investigated the molecular mechanism of memory encoding in neurons. They found components that fit together, enabling information processing and storage capacity necessary for forming and retaining memories.
Researchers found that future generations will have to deal with sea levels 12-22 meters (40-70 feet) higher than at present, even if global warming is limited to 2 degrees C. The study suggests that the Earth's great ice sheets are highly sensitive to temperature change and could lead to a large sea-level rise.
Researchers found that snakes from different parts of the world have evolved a limited set of genetic mutations to resist deadly neurotoxin TTX, which immobilizes nervous and muscle tissue. This study increases understanding of the genetic basis of adaptation and its limits.
Researchers at Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute found that MLN4924-resistant cancer cells escape death due to a simple mutation in the NEDD8-activating enzyme. The team developed a method to predict how cancer patients will respond to this drug, providing a new path toward personalized medicine.
Researchers sequenced DNA from viruses present in healthy individuals' gut bacteria, revealing 51 hypervariable regions associated with reverse transcriptase genes. These findings suggest that viral variation could drive the evolution of the gut microbiome.
The ASU-led geologic map of Io reveals a highly detailed, colorful image of the moon's surface features, including volcanic domes, lava flow fields, and sulfur-rich plains. The map provides valuable insights into Io's interior processes and geological evolution.
Researchers at Brookhaven Lab have found a safe and reversible way to store hydrogen fuel by connecting it to carbon dioxide in a mildly basic solution. The reaction can be reversed by adding acid, making it suitable for use in hydrogen fuel vehicles and other high-powered systems.
Researchers found that current estimates of ice-giant planetary interiors overstate water's compressibility by as much as 30 percent. Accurate estimates are essential to calculate the evolution of the universe and model the composition of planets like Neptune and Uranus.
A clinical trial examining the antioxidant effects of a vitamin E and C combination on Alzheimer's disease found no association with changes in cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers. However, the treatment was shown to reduce oxidative stress in the brain, but at the cost of faster cognitive decline.
The PATHS study aims to fill the gap in knowledge about heart failure patients' and caregivers' needs. The project will develop an algorithm to guide targeted palliative care interventions, improving outcomes for those with advanced heart failure.
Researchers at Kansas State University are developing genetic models to study diseases like Parkinson's and spinal cord injury. They aim to create cell lines that can help solve medical mysteries.
Researchers used NEWGARDEN software to determine optimal founder placement and dispersal for maximum population growth and genetic diversity. The study found that planting trees 1,500 meters into a preserve can result in up to 247% more trees in 101 years' time.
Researchers have developed a method to deliver nanoparticle radiation directly to brain tumors, reducing side effects by sparing surrounding healthy tissue. The treatment uses fat-enclosed nanoparticles to irradiate the tumor with up to 20 times the current dose of radiation therapy.
Researchers have completed the first high-resolution genetic map of miscanthus, a towering cane-like grass used as an energy crop. The mapping project has provided valuable markers to differentiate individual plants and improve breeding for faster and more efficient production.
Researchers at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center have discovered a way to break down the biological barrier surrounding pancreas cancer tumors, allowing chemotherapy to penetrate and increase survival rates. The new approach shows significant promise for treating this deadly disease.
A new molecule discovered at the University of Illinois has the potential to treat bovine mastitis and make food safer. Geobacillin, an analog of nisin, is more stable than its predecessor and shows promise as a treatment for both dairy industry and human disease.
A new study has shed light on glaucoma prevention by highlighting the impact of X-ray treatment on monocyte entry into the optic nerve. Researchers found that mice treated with a single X-ray treatment prior to glaucoma onset were protected from developing the disease, even with other risk factors.
Research from University of Guelph uncovers how monarch butterflies recolonize northern breeding grounds in spring, with 10% coming directly from Mexico and most born in central US. This knowledge aids conservation by identifying highly productive regions that fuel the migration further north.
Researchers tracked Lake Erie water snakes using Lotek Archival Tags (LATs) to study their habits and diet, finding that they spend more time foraging than previously estimated. The findings suggest that native snake species can help combat the invasive round goby fish population in Lake Erie.
A recent study estimates that up to two million lives could be saved globally with improvements in trauma care, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. The researchers suggest that reductions in fatality rates among seriously injured individuals could save nearly two million lives annually.
The Ohio Supercomputer Center's new Oakley Cluster supercomputer system offers nearly twice the memory per core and three times the number of GPUs as its predecessor, with peak performance reaching 154 teraflops. The system is also more energy-efficient, consuming only 60% of the power of its previous flagship system.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic have made significant breakthroughs in developing a new melanoma vaccine that uses a genetic combination of human DNA from melanoma cells and a cousin of the rabies virus. Early studies show a cure rate of 60% in mouse models with minimal side effects. The vaccine delivers a broad spectrum of genes derived fr...
Researchers at UCI Center for Epigenetics & Metabolism discovered that circadian rhythms significantly impact liver metabolite production, with approximately 60% dependent on the body clock. This finding has implications for understanding obesity, high cholesterol, and metabolic diseases.
Researchers discovered how bacteria modify an enzyme to recognize and disarm a potent antibiotic. The adaptation allows bacteria to protect themselves from toxins while still being susceptible to certain antibiotics, offering new insights into treatment strategies.
Researchers at Stowers Institute for Medical Research presented a new model of olfaction, suggesting that the brain maps odors in a tunotopic manner. This approach enables the system to recognize and encode any smell, regardless of its chemical structure.
Researchers identify non-canonical activation of Gli1 protein through the mTOR pathway, promoting esophageal cancer development. A combination of RAD-001 and GDC-0449 inhibits tumor growth by targeting both pathways.
Infrared NASA satellite data indicates a large upper-level storm system approaching the south central US, bringing a threat of heavy rain, gusty winds, and tornadoes to Oklahoma, Kansas, and Texas. Forecasters expect 4-8 inch rainfall totals through Wednesday, with possible moderate and major river flooding.
A recent study by North Carolina State University researchers found that over half of mobile apps in the Google Play market contain ad libraries that track user location, access call logs, and phone numbers. These libraries pose security risks as they can bypass Android security efforts and potentially launch malware attacks.
A Harvard archaeologist developed a system to identify early human settlements based on satellite image analysis, uncovering approximately 9,000 possible sites in northeastern Syria. This technique simplifies the process of finding ancient settlements, allowing for more efficient and targeted surveys.
Space scientists have quantified galactic cosmic ray bombardment on the moon's surface, causing chemical changes in water ice and regolith. This radiation process creates complex organic molecules and darkens lunar soil, providing insight into the geologic history of the moon.
Researchers found dapagliflozin effective as an add-on for type 2 diabetes treatment, despite long-term safety data limitations and increased hypoglycemia risk. Peer mentoring improved glucose control among African American veterans through behavioral interventions. However, the use of antiplatelet therapy in patients with chronic kidn...
Researchers have discovered a new growth-driving protein, MYC, that drives the growth of aggressive triple-negative breast tumors. Blocking a cooperating protein, CDK, causes these tumors to regress in mice, offering a potential new target for treatment.
Patients with relapsing onset MS who consumed alcohol, wine, coffee and fish took four to seven years longer to reach a walking aid than those who did not consume these items. In contrast, patients with progressive onset MS showed no significant differences in disease progression rates based on lifestyle factors.
A study by Vanderbilt University Medical Center researchers has found that disruptions in the immune system's regulation may play a role in necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a deadly disease affecting premature infants. The findings suggest a new target for therapeutic interventions to prevent NEC.
The Indian Mahabubnagar District plans to supply 10% of its 500,000 students with the I-slate tablets over three years. The devices feature a new user interface designed to improve educational outcomes in rural India.
Dehumanization in medicine can lead to disastrous outcomes, including neglect of treatments and excessive procedures. Researchers recommend simple changes to make medical institutions more humane and effective, such as personalizing hospital rounds and increasing physician diversity.
Patients with obstructive sleep apnea who undergo multilevel surgery have a higher risk of airway compromise postoperatively. Closely monitoring these patients in the recovery or high-dependency area after surgery is recommended.
Blood testing for food sensitivity is increasingly common, but its limitations and potential misuse have been emphasized by European and American allergy and immunology societies. Physicians should caution patients about the controversy surrounding IgG4 testing and advise them on alternative diagnostic approaches.
Researchers at University of Granada developed a software tool estimating accurate heart disease risk for individuals and populations, reducing potential years of work and productivity loss. The tool employs various equations to understand the risk factors, contributing to heart disease prevention and long-term cost savings.
Cyclone Lua brought intense winds and heavy rainfall to northern Australia, with NASA satellites tracking rainfall totals. The storm generated up to 20 inches of rain just off the coast before making landfall, with amounts dropping drastically after the cyclone hit.
Scientists have determined the molecular 3D structure of a protein in blood platelets and a receptor that controls blood clot formation. This discovery helps understand the body's response to superbugs and potentially leads to new treatments.
A study by the Wildlife Conservation Society finds that co-management is a successful solution to global overfishing, with more than half of surveyed fishermen feeling it improved their livelihoods. The approach has also been shown to protect fish stocks and improve ecosystem health.
Two Cedar-Sinai Heart Institute physicians, Prediman K. Shah and C. Noel Bairey Merz, receive American College of Cardiology's highest honors for groundbreaking work in cardiovascular disease research and clinical care. The accolades recognize their pioneering efforts to develop innovative treatments and improve heart health outcomes.
Fox Chase Cancer Center is leading efforts to establish national standards for survivorship care, citing the need for comprehensive plans and guidelines. The Center's own survivorship care plan will be tailored to each patient, summarizing therapy and making recommendations based on their specific case.
A recent study published in Global Ecology and Biogeography reveals that 35% of the world's green turtles inhabit Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), significantly higher than expected. The research also shows that older MPAs are more likely to contain turtles, highlighting the importance of conservation efforts.
A multinational team of researchers found that house mice (M. m. domesticus) colonized Iceland and Greenland during the Viking age, mirroring human settlement patterns. The analysis of mouse mitochondrial DNA showed no evidence of mice in Newfoundland, suggesting a fleeting presence.
Researchers at Sanford-Burnham discovered a chemical compound that inhibits the mutant form of LYP, a protein implicated in multiple autoimmune diseases. The findings suggest a new potential therapy for autoimmune diseases, including Type I diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis.