A new study published in PLOS ONE reveals that human stem cells are resistant to human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), a leading cause of congenital intellectual disability and deafness. The research findings suggest that HCMV infection distorts cell differentiation, leading to impaired brain maturation and intellectual ability.
Researchers found that men with higher visceral and total abdominal fat had lower failure load and stiffness, two measures of bone strength. Muscle mass was also positively associated with bone strength. The study suggests that excess belly fat is a risk factor for bone loss in obese men.
A panel of experts recommends more research on the health effects of medical imaging and ways to reduce unnecessary CT tests, as well as industry standardization of CT machines. The experts stress that despite widespread public concern about radiation risks, the biologic effects from medical imaging tests are not entirely understood.
Researchers found that high levels of COUP-TFII can overcome a natural barrier to prostate cancer progression, allowing tumor cells to grow and spread throughout the body. The study suggests that COUP-TFII is an important 'second hit' for the progression of prostate cancer and metastasis.
A study at Cedars-Sinai found that the common drug tadalafil reversed the effects of a biochemical chain in patients with Becker muscular dystrophy, improving blood flow and oxygenation. The researchers plan longer-term studies to determine if this strategy can slow the course of the disease.
A record-setting X-ray jet has been detected 12.4 billion light years from Earth, providing a glimpse into the explosive activity associated with supermassive black holes in the early universe. The jet is thought to be boosted by cosmic background radiation and points almost directly toward us.
Researchers discovered that microRNA-223 regulates the brain's response to oxygen deprivation and glutamate signals, offering a potential protective mechanism against stroke-induced brain damage. The molecule's broad regulatory effects raise questions about its therapeutic application.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center have created a test that combines blood DNA analysis with genome sequencing to detect cancers. The new approach was successful in identifying cancer-specific chromosome changes in the blood of patients, but may require larger clinical trials to determine its effectiveness.
The Geosphere journal has published 17 new studies on various topics including the Hosgri strike-slip fault zone, Mount Katmai's eruptive history, and the Barreirinhas Basin in Brazil. These studies provide insights into shallow structure, geomorphology, volcanic eruptions, and climate-tectonic interactions.
Researchers found a significant association between NSAID use and reduced risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and death from chronic liver disease. Aspirin use was found to have the strongest protective effect, with participants experiencing a 41% reduced risk of HCC and 45% reduced risk of CLD mortality.
Researchers successfully produce intricate pieces using 3-D printing, which offers benefits over traditional manufacturing methods. The technology also enables easy sharing of designs, allowing for better replication of experiments and collaboration among soil scientists.
A study published in Nature Neuroscience reveals that social isolation can reduce myelin production in mice, affecting the formation of new oligodendrocytes and leading to behavioral changes. Reintroduction into a social group reverses these effects, suggesting environmental factors play a crucial role in maintaining healthy nerve cells.
Researchers develop principles to generate ideal protein structures by consistently favoring specific folding patterns. This allows for the creation of robust and stable building blocks for engineered functional proteins, which could be useful in drug development, vaccine creation, and industrial applications.
A study found that 93% of new couches purchased in the last seven years contained flame retardants. The most concerning were 'Tris' chemicals, which are considered probable human carcinogens and have raised health concerns. Researchers detected untested or high-risk flame retardants in over half of the analyzed foam samples.
A new study demonstrates that a targeted therapy, selumetinib, and chemotherapy work better together than chemotherapy alone in treating patients with KRAS-mutant non-small cell lung cancer. The combination improved patient survival by 3.2 months and showed significant tumor shrinkage, offering hope for a potential new treatment strategy.
Researchers from North Carolina State University and the University of Oregon have found a way to use cloud-based Web browsers for large-scale computing tasks anonymously. This exploitation has potential ramifications for the security of cloud browser services.
A set of chemical tools simplifies the creation of potential new drug compounds, enabling previously time- and cost-prohibitive chemical modifications. The toolkit works in a variety of conditions, including water and biological media.
A new study published in Frontiers in Human Neuroscience found that children from low socioeconomic status work harder to filter out irrelevant environmental information than those from a high-income background. This is due to learned differences in what they pay attention to, which requires more mental effort.
Researchers have identified a genetic variant associated with an increased risk of autoimmune diseases like type 1 diabetes. In a mouse model study, turning off the PTPN22 gene reduced the risk of autoimmune diabetes and increased regulatory T cells.
Research suggests that times of economic hardship can limit the inclusiveness of people's racial in-groups, making them more likely to categorize biracial faces as Black. The study found that participants exposed to scarce resources were more likely to do so compared to those exposed to abundant resources.
Two tiny algae, Bigelowellia natans and Guillardia theta, have complex genomes with unique genes and alternative splicing, challenging the paradigm that complex splicing is limited to multicellular organisms. The study sheds light on photosynthesis as a dynamic property and provides insights into eukaryotic evolution.
Researchers uncovered 41 highly odor-active compounds in durian, including previously unknown substances associated with fruity and oniony smells. The study identified four new chemical compounds that had never been found before in food, contributing to the fruit's distinctive smell.
Researchers at NIST have developed a new method to visualize the molecular structure of blended polymers, resolving details at sub-micrometer levels. This technique has important implications for designing industrially important polymers like polyethylene blends used in water pipes.
The USDA has completed a shotgun sequencing of the wheat genome, a major step towards increasing yields and developing drought-tolerant varieties. The achievement is expected to help feed growing populations worldwide and address climate change-related threats to agriculture.
An international team discovered that the interaction between hot electrons and cool ions in graphite is significantly slower than previously thought, leading to a deeper understanding of planetary evolution and laser-driven fusion. The findings have wide implications for material processing, inertial confinement fusion, and astrophysi...
Recent analysis by Oregon State University scientists suggests that both fish consumption and omega-3 supplements can prevent heart disease. The review highlights the importance of DHA and EPA in human health, and notes that plant-derived sources have less benefit than cold-water fish.
The NREL team developed a breakthrough method using microscopic imaging to study the relationships between biomass cell wall structure and enzyme digestibility. They found that understanding the localization of enzymes and their effects on the cell wall is crucial for optimizing sugar yields and reducing costs in biofuel production.
In a phase I trial, ponatinib showed promising results in treating chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), particularly for patients with the T315I mutation. The drug achieved complete hematologic responses in all 12 patients and major cytogenetic responses in 67% of those with other mutations.
Researchers have created synthetic fibers from protein-based raw materials, including those found in hagfish slime, to replace petroleum-based synthetics. The new fibers offer a sustainable alternative for the textile industry.
A new study published in Global Change Biology explores the impact of climate change on entire forest ecosystems through changes in cloud cover. The research found that altered cloud cover can lead to increased carbon cycling and tree growth due to fog drip, which provides essential water input to the soil.
A study finds that most patients who have undergone imaging exams know little about radiologists, with only 53.5% aware they are physicians. Radiologists now see an opportunity to educate the public about their role in healthcare.
Researchers discovered a cognitive biomarker in young adolescents at high risk of developing depression and anxiety. The test can help initiate early intervention, which has proven to be an effective way to combat mental illness.
Data from NASA's Cassini spacecraft show a shift in seasonal sunlight causing a sudden change in atmospheric circulation on Saturn's moon Titan. This unexpected turn reveals the key factor in Titan's atmosphere circulation is the slant of light, which led to sinking air at altitudes previously thought to be upwelling.
San Diego State University has received a nearly $500,000 NSF grant to create a Science demilitarized zone (DMZ) for high-speed data exchange between the campus and national labs. The DMZ will enable researchers to generate and rapidly exchange large datasets, promoting new partnerships and mentorship opportunities.
A new brain study suggests that recognizing intentionality is the first step in moral computations, linking emotion to morality. The study found that adults can detect intentional harm within 60 milliseconds, triggering an emotional response.
Loyola University Chicago has received more than $10 million in funding from the American Heart Association for cardiac research. The latest award of $60,666 will support vital research studies to build lives free of cardiovascular disease and stroke.
Poverty in older age poses significant risks to the UK's health system. The authors highlight poor performing pensions, taxation changes, and social care funding as key factors contributing to this issue. They also express concerns about the potential for private for-profit providers to impact vulnerable individuals' care.
A new study by University of California, Berkeley researchers found that kerosene lamps produce 7-9% black carbon when burned, leading to a twentyfold increase in estimated black carbon emissions from lighting. Replacing kerosene lamps with cleaner alternatives could yield significant climate benefits and improve public health.
Research finds that seasonal dietary shifts in blue monkeys increase fecal glucocorticoids, a stress marker, particularly in lactating females and those in late pregnancy. This suggests potential effects on female reproduction and infant development.
Scientists have discovered that microscopic protozoa stole genes from algae to produce energy, leading to the evolution of a new species. This process, called endosymbiosis, reveals a key moment in the history of life on Earth and may have implications for algae biofuel production.
Researchers found four well-preserved ships and an ancient harbor structure from the Hellenistic period, shedding light on a lesser-known era of history. The discoveries suggest that additional remains may be found in the coastal sediment before storms destroy them.
A cost-effectiveness analysis found that KRAS testing is cost-saving, while BRAF testing offers additional savings. The study suggests that molecular testing primarily generates cost savings by identifying nonresponders, rather than improving survival.
Several studies presented at the 2012 Quality Care Symposium provide insight into improving quality of cancer care. Researchers found that increasing awareness among physicians and patients can reduce the overuse of diagnostic imaging in young adult cancer survivors, resulting in decreased anxiety and unnecessary radiation exposure.
A combination of anti-HIV drugs reduces malaria incidence among HIV-positive children by 40% compared to NNRTI treatment. High blood levels of anti-malarial drugs in children receiving protease inhibitors may explain their effectiveness.
A Baylor University study found that materialism and impulsiveness drive cell phone addiction. Cell phones are used as a status symbol and can erode personal relationships.
A new study published in Neurology suggests that the drug suvorexant may be an effective alternative strategy for treating insomnia. Participants who took suvorexant experienced improved sleep efficiency and reduced awakenings, with significant improvements compared to those taking a placebo.
Scientists have observed a significant increase in exotic trace gases over Titan's south pole during the autumnal season. This change is attributed to the reversal of the planet's atmospheric circulation cell direction, which extends to altitudes above 450 km.
A study by Duke University found that more than half of all US couches tested contained potentially toxic or untested chemical flame retardants. Tris, a known carcinogen, was detected in 41% of the foam samples, while pentaBDE was banned in 172 countries and 12 US states but still found in some couches.
A recent survey of female adult entertainment club workers in Rhode Island found that many have never been tested for HIV despite risky sexual behavior and substance abuse. The study highlights the need for proactive education and interventions to reduce health risks among this population.
Health-care providers can help reduce intimate partner violence (IPV) by screening and referring patients to resources. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that 35.6% of women are raped or stalked by intimate partners, with significant annual healthcare costs.
Researchers at Virginia Tech have discovered a quasar with the most energetic outflow ever recorded, exceeding the Milky Way galaxy's total power output by 100 times. The massive material ejected has a rate equivalent to two trillion times the sun's power output.
Researchers found that the order of symptoms matters more for clinicians' descriptions of disorders that are different than those that overlap. This contradicts the assumption that order doesn't matter in psychiatric diagnoses. The study's findings have implications for bringing classification and clinical practice closer together.
Nearly 23% of American women aged 16-49 have high levels of lead, mercury, and PCBs in their blood. Risk factors include age, fish consumption, heavy drinking, and breastfeeding. Women should learn about their risks before becoming pregnant.
Dr. John DeLuca, Vice President for Research and Training at Kessler Foundation, is recognized for his pioneering work in cognitive rehabilitation and MS research. He aims to restore and maintain cognitive function through innovative methods and collaborations with international partners.
A new University of Florida study shows that animal bones can provide valuable geographical data for conservation efforts. By analyzing bone accumulations on the landscape of Yellowstone National Park, researcher Joshua Miller identified critical areas for elk survival during spring and winter.
Researchers at UC Davis have teamed up with nine institutions to sequence the wheat genome, aiming to develop varieties with higher yields and enhanced nutritional content. The study provides valuable information on DNA sequences helping breeders create hardier varieties.
A nationwide survey found that terrorism is not perceived as a major threat to everyday life, despite government claims. The study also revealed a link between public perceptions of security threats and their tolerance towards minorities.
Researchers developed a simple formula to predict a child's likelihood of becoming obese in childhood based on their birth weight, parents' body mass index, household size, mother's professional status, and smoking during pregnancy. The formula proved accurate in predicting obesity risk in infants born in Finland and other countries.
Researchers discovered that modern humans first settled in Sicily around the time of the last ice age, with a diet consisting mainly of terrestrial animals. Genetic analysis revealed the peopling of Sicily occurred at 19,000-26,500 years ago, when sea levels were low enough to expose a land bridge.
Researchers at Lund University have developed a new method for manufacturing semiconductors, which could make production thousands of times quicker and cheaper. The technology uses freely suspended nanoparticles of gold to grow structures, eliminating the need for expensive semiconductor wafers.
A study of over 1 million DNA variations reveals most harmful protein-coding mutations emerged during the past 5,000 to 10,000 years. This finding highlights the profound impact of recent human evolutionary history on contemporary genetic disorders.
Researchers found that African-American patients with coronary artery disease have significantly less fat around their hearts compared to Caucasian patients. The study suggests that epicardial adipose tissue may act as a protective buffer, contributing to lower risk of acute coronary events.
Researchers at Washington State University have successfully printed parts using materials from the moon, marking a significant breakthrough in additive manufacturing. The team used 3D printing technology to create simple shapes from lunar regolith simulant, which they plan to tailor for stronger building materials and remote repairs.
A study found that DCIS patients with combined RB and PTEN loss are at high risk of progressing to invasive breast cancer. Women lacking both genes are over 5 times more likely to develop invasive breast cancer.
Researchers have found that mountain climbers who develop a severe form of high-altitude cerebral edema (HACE) are at risk for microbleeds in the brain years after their initial incident. The condition can cause swelling of brain tissue due to fluid leakage from capillaries, leading to symptoms like headaches and loss of coordination.
Researchers at MIT have created new materials inspired by spider silk and music, offering a potential solution for designing new biosynthetic materials. By analyzing the structural elements of music, they were able to predict the properties of new protein-based fibers, leading to the creation of stronger and more flexible materials.
A team of international scientists has developed a more consistent definition of climate sensitivity in prehistoric times, which helps improve comparison with IPCC estimates. The study found that the likely range of climate sensitivity consistently has been of the order of 2.2 to 4.8 degrees C per doubling of CO2.
The devices offer significant improvement in tissue imaging while simultaneously enabling photo thermal therapy, administering drugs and monitoring drug delivery. The biodegradable and biocompatible micro-mirrors dissolve harmlessly at predetermined rates, requiring no surgery to remove them.
Research published in PLOS ONE found that moral evaluations are faster and more extreme than pragmatic ones, with greater flexibility in consideration. The study suggests people can evaluate choices using either moral or non-moral considerations, leading to different choices for the same actions.
A recent analysis of data published in Archives of Disease in Childhood found that boys whose testes fail to descend at birth are almost three times as likely to develop testicular cancer. The condition affects around 6% of male births and has been linked to a higher risk of developing the disease.
Researchers identified a group of microRNAs that work together to suppress the spread of cancer by repressing epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. This discovery offers potential therapeutic targets and diagnostic tools for predicting and inhibiting cancer metastasis.
A recent study found that nearly three-quarters of gene mutations occurred within the past 5,000 to 10,000 years, indicating a significant impact on human evolution.
The Energy Department's Advanced Research Projects Agency – Energy (ARPA-E) has selected 66 cutting-edge research projects to receive $130 million in funding. These projects focus on transformational, breakthrough technologies that can produce game-changing breakthroughs in energy technology and have large commercial impacts.
Researchers found elk become more vigilant and consume less food when humans approach, affecting health and calving success. Human activity type, not just numbers of people, influences elks' reactions.
The University of Toronto Engineering team has received a $2.2 million grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to develop a waterless, hygienic toilet for developing countries. The team will use a sand filter and UV disinfection to process liquid waste, while incinerating solid waste in a smolder chamber.
Agricultural research and development investments have seen a surge in private sector spending, driving innovations in crop seed, biotechnology, and farm machinery. The USDA study shows how public-private partnerships are crucial for advancing agricultural productivity.
The Belatacept Early Steroid withdrawal Trial (BEST) seeks to determine if a belatacept-based regimen can prevent organ rejection in post-transplant patients. Led by the University of Cincinnati, the trial will enroll 315 new kidney transplant patients and evaluate the safety and efficacy of steroid-free immunosuppression.
Researchers found that moral judgments are made faster and more extreme than practical ones, but also revealed flexibility in how we consider decisions as moral or non-moral. The study showed that judgments based on morality can be readily shifted to practical considerations and vice versa.
A systemic review of evidence found that rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients have a higher risk of hip dislocation and infection following total joint arthroplasty, particularly hip replacement surgery. This study suggests that RA patients face increased complications compared to osteoarthritis (OA) patients.
A new approach uses partial differential equations to model pollution spread and identify potential contamination sources. The method provides fast solutions, but more complex models are needed for realistic networks.
Global negotiators gather in Qatar to work on an amendment that would create a second round of emissions cuts for certain industrialized nations, starting in 2013. The effort aims to extend international momentum to act on climate change after the Kyoto agreement expires this year.
The Access to Medicine Index ranks pharmaceutical companies on their efforts to improve access to medicine in developing countries. This year's report finds that 17 out of 20 companies have improved their performance since 2010, with GlaxoSmithKline and Johnson & Johnson emerging as leaders. The industry is becoming more organized in i...
Researchers at the University of Liverpool have deciphered the genetic code of wheat, enabling breeders to produce varieties with disease resistance and drought tolerance. The team's breakthrough analysis of over 90,000 genes will help farmers adapt to changing environmental conditions.
A recent CAMH Monitor survey found that 9% of young adults in Ontario drive after using cannabis, compared to 6% who drive after drinking. The survey also revealed declining rates of non-medical opioid use and increasing concerns around mental health.
Scientists have unlocked key components of the genetic code of bread wheat, providing a strong foundation for accelerating wheat improvement through advanced molecular breeding and genetic engineering. The analysis enables breeders to select plants with desirable combinations of genes using genetic landmarks in the wheat genome.
A 12-year analysis of Mexican banking data shows that cities and villages with higher credit-to-savings ratios have better quality of life and more educated citizens. The data also reveal that non-banking institutions play a crucial role in rural areas, offering financial services to populations with lower education levels.
A national study found that college students think 25 years old is the ideal age to get married, differing from their parents' views. According to the research, parental generation is showing a 'slow down' mindset more than young adults.
A survey found that 80% of parents with a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) would pursue genetic testing to identify risk in younger siblings. The average lag from initial suspicion to diagnosis was almost three years, with many families experiencing anxiety due to the increased risk of recurrence.
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory has released a 20-year updated version of the US National Solar Radiation Database, providing critical information for solar system designers. The updated database features improved cloud algorithms and an enhanced State University of New York model for gridded data based on satellite observations.
Tropical Storm Bopha intensifies in western North Pacific, developing a distinct tail-like band of strong thunderstorms. The storm is expected to become a typhoon by Thursday afternoon, Nov. 29.
Recent NIST experiments suggest that QED may not accurately account for the behavior of atoms in exotic states. The research found that highly charged ions exhibit different photon emission colors than predicted by QED, sparking further investigation.
The study reveals 94,000 to 96,000 genes, an abundance of gene fragments, and 132,000 SNPs, providing insights into bread wheat's evolution and future breeding strategies. The hexaploid genome has undergone rapid changes, including loss of gene family members during domestication.
A recent analysis of voter polls indicates that most Obama supporters favor implementing the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and want to ensure continued federal efforts to provide health insurance coverage. However, this sentiment contrasts with views from Republican voters, who are more likely to oppose parts of the ACA's implementation.
A peer-reviewed study found that most houses have levels of at least one flame retardant exceeding federal health guidelines, with hormone disruptors, carcinogens, and chemicals of unknown safety profiles detected. The study highlights the need for safer alternatives to phase out hazardous chemicals.
Astronomers used the Hobby-Eberly Telescope to measure a massive black hole in galaxy NGC 1277 with a mass 17 billion Suns, rewriting theories on black hole formation. This unusual finding comes from a survey of the most massive galaxies in the universe.