Researchers identified C5ORF42 as the gene causing Joubert Syndrome in French Canadian families in the Lower St. Lawrence region of Quebec. The study, published in The American Journal of Human Genetics, provides a genetic basis for the syndrome and allows family members to assess their children's genetic risks with a simple DNA test.
Researchers analyzed 100 intense North Atlantic storms, finding that around 30% had the potential to produce sting jets. These storms often originated from warmer latitudes, causing strong surface winds. The study highlights the need for improved forecasting and consideration of sting jet risks by insurance companies and policymakers.
The Map of Life project demonstrates a Web-based endeavor to show the distribution of all living plants and animals on the planet. The database contains hundreds of millions of records on species abundance and distribution, enhancing knowledge of biodiversity.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge have identified a protein called BMP8B that regulates brown fat activation in both brain and body tissues. Activating this protein may help support weight loss programs and prevent metabolic rate decrease.
A study of 163 patients with cervical cancer found that 3D image-guided adaptive brachytherapy (IGABT) achieved high rates of tumor control and low side effects, making hysterectomies unnecessary for most women. The technique was effective in controlling the return and spread of the disease, and overall survival was 84% after three years.
Direct-to-consumer genetic testing offers potential benefits but raises concerns about accuracy, interpretation, and sharing of results. Participants were willing to pay $10-$20 for the tests, but were hesitant due to costs ranging from $100 to $1,500.
Researchers at the University of Leicester have identified a cellular mechanism underlying tinnitus development after exposure to loud noises. The study suggests that specific potassium channels contribute to nerve cell over-activity, leading to constant noise sensation.
Scientists discover that the sun does not have a bow shock due to insufficient speed to create one in the tenuous region. The new data from IBEX and Voyager spacecraft indicates a strong external magnetic field influencing the heliosphere's structure, leading to a new paradigm.
Researchers discovered a causal link between chronic skin inflammation and cardiovascular disease, with aggressive reversal of psoriasis reducing the risk. A mouse model demonstrated that persistent inflammation leads to vessel wall inflammation and blood clot formation, which can increase stroke or heart attack risk.
Native gut bacteria help fend off invaders, suggesting ways to prevent or treat deadly forms of E. coli by selectively removing nutrients and boosting others. The study also identifies potential targets for prevention and treatment using antibiotics.
Scientists at Scripps Research Institute have discovered the first chemical compounds that inhibit PRMT1, an enzyme linked to asthma, arthritis, and certain cancers. The new inhibitors were identified using a selective screening technique that targets a specific amino acid found on PRMT1.
Scientists have identified the energy supplier ATP and its binding protein TssM, which drives the export of Hcp through two membranes into the environment. The discovery sheds light on the mechanism of the type VI secretion system, a previously unknown bacterial transport system.
A new study published in the Journal of Family Issues found that military marriages are not more vulnerable to divorce than civilian marriages. Despite frequent deployments and separations, the risk of divorce among military couples has remained constant since the conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq began.
A University of Tennessee professor found that celebrities' political activity can make a party more or less likable, depending on voter perceptions. Research suggests celebrity endorsements affect public opinion by influencing people's views of the parties as 'brands'.
Nanotechnology researchers at the University of Michigan and the University of Connecticut have found a solution to the 'filling problem,' which can optimize cancer treatment, wireless network design and microchip manufacturing. The new approach uses a shape's skeleton to fill objects with discs of varying sizes.
A recent study funded by ESRC mapped London state school pupils' languages, revealing 60% speak English as first language and nearly 40% a minority language. Language spoken at home provides valuable insights into socio-economic position and culture.
A team of researchers found that seaweeds employ two distinct strategies to reduce drag: 'shape changers' fold and collapse, while 'area reducers' compress their fronds through branch reorientation. This study sheds light on the complex relationship between flexibility, size, and shape changes in seaweeds.
Researchers found tPA is safe for warfarin-treated stroke patients, with similar bleeding risks regardless of medication use. The study suggests tPA should not be withheld from these patients, as it minimizes brain damage and disability.
A $1.5 million gift from Motorola Solutions will create the Gregory Q. Brown Endowed Chair at Rutgers University's Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience. The gift aims to find treatments for stroke, Alzheimer's disease, and dementia, as a tribute to Brown's mother, who suffers from dementia.
Research presented at the American Heart Association's Quality of Care and Outcomes Research Scientific Sessions 2012 found that home telemonitoring with pharmacist-led support improved blood pressure control in patients with uncontrolled high blood pressure. The study, which involved 450 patients, showed a significant reduction in blo...
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University have identified potential new targets for PARP-1 inhibitors, which could lead to more effective cancer treatments. The study revealed specialized 'zinc finger' domains on the protein that can be inhibited without affecting other cellular functions.
A team of scientists has discovered an unseen planet orbiting a Sun-like star,KOI-872, by analyzing transit variations caused by the hidden object's gravity. The planet is estimated to be about the mass of Saturn and orbits its host star every 57 days.
Researchers at Yale University found that short- and long-term mortality decreased in all subgroups of age, sex, and race after mitral valve surgery. Despite this improvement, female and non-white patients still experienced higher mortality rates compared to male and white patients.
New evidence published in Cell reveals a novel budding mechanism capable of exporting large ribonucleoprotein particles from the nucleus to the cytoplasm, fundamentally changing our understanding of mRNA export from the nucleus. This study has implications for diseases such as muscular dystrophies and herpes-type infections.
Researchers found that long-lived species maintain higher levels of NRG-1 in their brains, with the naked mole rat having the highest levels. This discovery highlights the importance of protective mechanisms in determining species life span and has implications for aging research.
A study published in Neuron suggests that reducing excess brain activity may improve memory and interrupt disease progression in patients with cognitive impairment, a potential new therapeutic approach for Alzheimer's disease. The findings are consistent with research in animal models and suggest that elevated hippocampal activation co...
African-Americans with systemic scleroderma have more antibodies that link to severe complications and increased mortality compared to Caucasians. The study suggests using disease markers to screen and treat patients proactively.
A study by OU researcher Paul Branscum found that high-calorie snacks are the most accessible choice for kids, with females consuming more than males. The study also revealed that African-American children consumed fewer high-calorie snacks compared to Hispanic, Caucasian, and Asian children.
The study found that preventable infectious diseases were responsible for nearly two-thirds of global child under-5 deaths in 2010. Despite progress in reducing certain causes of death, such as pneumonia and measles, significant work remains to be done to meet international targets for improving child survival by 2015.
A new study reveals that obesity is associated with disrupted biological rhythms and social jetlag. The research found that individuals who are overweight or obese are at increased risk for serious metabolic diseases, such as diabetes, due to a lack of sleep and an irregular body-mass index (BMI). The study suggests that lifestyle fact...
A recent study published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology suggests that GERD-related inflammation may contribute to the development of esophageal cancer. Researchers analyzed data from over 33,000 patients with GERD and found a significant increase in esophageal cancer incidence among those with erosive reflux disease.
Researchers at Kansas State University are developing a self-adapting computer network that can detect and defend itself against cyber attacks. The 'moving-target defense' system randomly changes its configuration to make it difficult for hackers to identify vulnerabilities.
Researchers at University of Edinburgh discovered an enzyme that corrects the most common mistake in mammalian DNA replication, including accidental incorporation of RNA. This discovery could have broad implications for autoimmunity and cancer research.
A new University of Florida study suggests that selective logging of tropical forests can be a viable conservation option, as long as the forest is given adequate time to recover. The research found that biodiversity and carbon retention take a hit from logging but can be reversed over time.
Vesta's surface boasts a diverse array of terrain, including large impact craters and steep slopes. The planet's composition suggests it once had a molten interior, with an iron core at its center.
Researchers found unsedated transnasal endoscopy to be a safe and well-tolerated method for screening esophageal disease in a primary care population. The study showed high diagnostic yields, low procedure times, and minimal anxiety, making it an attractive alternative to standard upper endoscopy.
A study of nearly 11,000 total knee replacements across five top health systems revealed significant variations in length of stay, operating room time, and in-hospital complications. The data showed that surgeons with higher volumes tend to have shorter procedures, while older and sicker patients had longer hospital stays.
Researchers have identified a new way to predict the risk of sudden cardiac arrest by imaging nerve function in the heart. A study involving 204 patients with advanced heart disease found that those with at least 38% denervated myocardium were at highest risk of sudden cardiac arrest.
Chimpanzees exhibit fine-scale cultural differentiation, with neighboring groups preferring different tools for cracking nuts and varying in hammer size. These differences are maintained even among individuals moving between communities.
Research suggests hundreds of billions of free-floating, Earth-sized life-bearing planets exist between stars in the Milky Way. These 'missing mass' planets could mix cosmic primordial life on a galaxy-wide scale.
A new study found that pneumonia and preterm birth complications are leading causes of childhood death, accounting for 64% of deaths globally. Despite a decline in total deaths between 2000 and 2010, the reduction is not sufficient to meet the Millennium Development Goal of reducing child mortality by two-thirds by 2015.
Scientists at UTHealth Medical School have made a key discovery in cell signaling relevant to the fight against melanoma skin cancer. They found that BRaf inhibitors, widely used to treat melanomas, can actually enhance abnormal signaling activity when applied to cells with Ras mutations.
Researchers identified rare mutations in MAGI1 and MAGI2 genes associated with psychiatric disorders. The study suggests that these genes may play a role in brain connections and synaptic development, providing new insights into the causes of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
A retrospective analysis of 104 potential living kidney donors found that morbid obesity impedes kidney donation, with only three out of 23 morbidly obese donors able to successfully lose weight and donate. The study highlights the need for larger studies to assess the impact of obesity on kidney donation and explores ways to increase ...
A study of 7,424 privately insured colon cancer patients found that managed care presence and hospital competition increased the likelihood of laparoscopic surgery, which lowered costs. The researchers also discovered a 10% increase in HMO penetration was associated with a 10.3% increase in laparoscopy utilization.
A new study found significant disparities in emergency department treatment based on children's insurance status. Children with private, public, and no insurance were less likely to undergo testing, receive medication, or undergo procedures, but more likely to be diagnosed with a significant illness.
Children with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (INS) who do not respond to standard treatments may not benefit from rituximab, according to a recent study. The drug, which targets the immune system, was found to be ineffective in reducing protein excretion in urine after three months of treatment.
The William E. Simon Foundation has gifted Boston College Law School with $1 million to boost its oral advocacy programs, providing students with invaluable hands-on experience in public speaking and argumentation. This gift will anchor the program for future generations of law students, building on decades of tradition and success.
Despite lacking a brain, brittle stars exhibit coordinated movement by designating a central arm and two rowing arms to propel it along. They can also change direction by choosing a new central arm and moving its accompanying limbs.
Research from the University of Edinburgh found that stillbirths and neonatal deaths were less likely to occur when labor was induced at 40 weeks compared to births where the pregnancy was allowed to continue. Women who underwent elective inductions also had lower rates of Caesarean sections.
A study by the American Heart Association found that STEMI patients who went directly to PCI-capable hospitals received faster treatment, with an average time of 93 minutes from first medical contact to artery-opening treatment. This can improve a patient's chances of survival.
A team of researchers discovered that a giant impact crater on Asteroid Vesta was formed in a recent collision. The analysis of high-resolution images from the Dawn spacecraft suggests that the impact occurred only about 1 billion years ago, which is unexpectedly young considering Vesta's formation age.
A worldwide survey found that all continents except Antarctica have regions where dam obstruction poses a significant threat to freshwater organisms. The study identified 18 ecoregions with notable numbers of fish species at risk, including the Murray-Darling Province in Australia and the South Atlantic coast of the United States.
Archaeologists have uncovered a unique structure with paintings and hundreds of scrawled numbers at the ancient Maya site of Xultún in Guatemala. The discovery includes calculations relating to the Maya calendar, stretching over 7,000 years into the future.
A study suggests that social media can revolutionize healthcare by improving patient-physician relationships, reducing inefficiencies, and providing new revenue streams. This could alleviate the projected shortage of physicians in the US by 2025.
Researchers at DOE's Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed a carbon nanotube sponge that can soak up oil in water with unprecedented efficiency. The material's unique structure and properties make it an attractive solution for oil spill cleanup, offering advantages over existing substances.
A new study shows that chimpanzee Santino's planning and deception abilities are greater than previously thought. He uses innovative strategies like hiding projectiles and inhibiting dominance displays to fool visitors, suggesting a flexible planning ability similar to humans.
Researchers discovered a large number of unique mRNAs in dendrites and axons, which may be involved in synaptic plasticity and memory formation. The findings suggest that local protein synthesis plays a crucial role in maintaining and modifying the synaptic protein population.
A team of researchers has identified a previously unknown non-coding RNA, called BANCR, that plays an important role in the biology of melanoma. By analyzing the RNA transcriptome of patient samples, they found that BANCR is required for full migratory capacity in melanoma and could be a potential target for therapy.
Researchers at Max Planck Institute of Experimental Medicine discovered that glial cells pass on metabolites to neurons, enabling them to generate energy. The study found that oligodendrocytes can replenish energy in nerve fibers through glycolysis, reducing oxidative stress and cell damage.
Selected acoustic research papers are now available in lay language summaries. The collection explores various topics including microorganism trapping for water purification and the development of speech perception in monolingual and bilingual infants. Researchers also investigate ways to improve orchestra pit acoustics for musicians.
Patients with HPV-positive throat cancer have significantly better control of the tumour, disease-specific survival, and overall survival when treated with radiotherapy alone compared to HPV-negative patients. HPV-positive light or non-smokers have even more favourable outcomes.
New findings from NASA's Dawn spacecraft provide the first geological overview of asteroid (4)Vesta, confirming two giant impact basins in its southern hemisphere. The surface is complex and varied, with abundant impact craters and preserved ejecta blankets, but no evidence of volcanic features.
Researchers at Caltech have created a dynamic computer model that reproduces the physics of a fault segment, showing both seismic and aseismic behavior. The model predicts changes in earthquake frequency and location, shedding light on the seismic cycle and potential forecasting of earthquakes.
Concordia University has received $3.4 million in funding to advance composite materials manufacturing technique AFP, keeping Canada at the forefront of aerospace research and teaching.
Scientists at NC State University developed a method to turn gene expression on and off using light-activated molecules. This technique enables precise control over gene function, potentially leading to targeted therapies for diseases like cancer.
A recent study by Yale University researchers identified a pattern of gene activity in the human brain associated with autism and learning disabilities. The findings suggest that the same evolutionary mechanisms that enabled human cognitive abilities may also contribute to psychiatric disorders like autism.
Embryonic stem cells that lack DNA compaction are unable to fully differentiate into specific cell types. Chromatin compaction is required for proper embryonic stem cell differentiation to occur, and its absence impairs the suppression of pluripotency genes and leads to impaired differentiation.
The review article explores how extrafollicular environments regulate hair and feather stem cell activities, as well as the role of stem cells in shaping organ forms. Researchers hope to apply this knowledge to develop regenerative medicine techniques for repairing damaged tissues, including fingers and toes.
A new Yale study found that hospitals performing expensive cardiovascular procedures are more costly for all heart failure patients. The median cost per hospitalization was $5,259 at low-procedure hospitals and $6,965 at high-procedure hospitals, with similar length of stay.
Researchers investigate bacterial eating habits as part of a $1 million study on the environmental impact of insensitive munitions compounds. They aim to identify microorganisms that can break down these new explosives and predict their environmental fate.
A study aims to analyze sediment cores to identify the relative contributions of land, ocean, and buried sediments to phosphorus influx. The researchers hope to provide information useful to resource managers in controlling phosphorus overloads.
A large-scale study found social jetlag contributes to obesity by making people chronically sleep-deprived, increasing smoking and drinking, and living 'against the clock'. The syndrome, mismatching internal and daily schedules, affects modern society's health.
The study found that the heliosphere moves through the interstellar medium at about 52,000 miles per hour, slow enough to create a bow wave rather than a shock. This new data contradicts previous theories and has implications for how galactic cosmic rays propagate around the solar system.
A review of 30 years of life-threatening asthma cases found annual ICU admissions have dropped significantly. Education programs and adherence to controller medications, such as inhaled corticosteroids, are credited for the decline.
African Americans with systemic sclerosis have higher frequencies of certain autoantibodies, associated with increased frequency and severity of pulmonary fibrosis and decreased survival. The study highlights the need for more aggressive treatment for African-American patients with severe lung disease.
Researchers at CNIO have discovered a new target for developing anti-angiogenic and anti-tumoral therapies. The protein ephrinB2 was found to play a crucial role in angiogenesis and lymphoangiogenesis, processes that promote tumour growth and metastasis.
Researchers found that the force of the Mississippi River emptying into the Gulf created mounds of freshwater which pushed the oil slick away from the coast. This discovery could help improve predictions of where oil will make landfall in future spills, sparing fragile coastlines and wildlife.
Researchers found that attachment to mom predicts ability to cope with loss, while smaller family size is linked to higher intelligence. Additionally, tracking happiness daily has no impact on overall happiness levels, but increased symptoms of depression may lead to decreased happiness.
A randomized trial found that the ARCON regime improves control of cancer at its primary site, disease-free survival, and metastasis-free survival in patients with low Hb levels. However, overall survival remains compromised due to other health problems.
Researchers developed gene expression signatures to predict breast cancer patient responses to chemotherapy. The signatures, based on TOP2A and β-tubulin, accurately predicted complete response rates and combined indices improved accuracy.