Genomic medicine provides pharmacogenomic information to forecast therapy responses and genomic susceptibility testing to predict disease risks. However, this added knowledge may pressure patients to comply with doctors' recommendations and shift responsibility for health care decisions from doctor to patient.
Researchers have identified multiple genes that contribute to soybean resistance against the soybean cyst nematode, which causes hundreds of millions of dollars' worth of damage each year. By understanding how these genes interact and regulate expression, scientists may develop new methods for engineering artificial stronger resistance.
A Wake Forest Baptist researcher discovered that high levels of the MN1 gene accelerate Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) and reduce chemotherapy's effectiveness. The study found that the p53 protein is not functioning properly in cells expressing high levels of MN1, leading to a poorer prognosis.
A study by UC Riverside criminologist Robert Nash Parker found that California's three-strikes law has done nothing to reduce the crime rate. Instead, a decline in alcohol consumption is the primary driver of the decreasing crime rate over the past 20 years.
A team of researchers found that when learning a new language, humans automatically organize words into sentences that are both clearly understood and efficient to communicate. Participants in the study added case markings to nouns precisely when it made the sentence clearer, indicating a universal principle guiding language structure.
Scientists from NC State University have developed a method to align carbon nanotubes in composite materials, resulting in significantly improved tensile strength, stiffness, and thermal conductivity. The new technique enables the creation of ultrastrong and multifunctional composites suitable for aerospace and sports applications.
The NIH plans to support 26 awards to accelerate the development and application of single cell analysis, enabling researchers to identify rare cell types and alterations in specific cells. The program aims to personalize health by understanding the link between cell variation, tissue function, and disease emergence.
Researchers from the Indiana University Kelley School of Business found that companies should only separate CEO and chair roles when there is a performance problem. The 'demotion strategy', which keeps the CEO but brings in an independent chair, was found to be the most corrective approach, reversing prior year's performance by 150%.
Research by Centre INRS–Institut Armand-Frappier and Centre de recherche du Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal found a possible association between night work and increased risk of prostate, colon, lung, bladder, rectal, and pancreatic cancer. Exposure to light at night can disrupt the body's natural sleep-wake cycle.
Researchers discovered two compounds, IC87201 and ZL006, that disrupt nitrous oxide production in the brain, reducing fear responses in rats. The findings suggest that disrupting this process may offer a means of preventing long-term post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms.
Researchers discovered that interleukin-36 may be a useful therapeutic target in the treatment of psoriasis, finding that mice lacking this protein were protected from immune-mediated skin inflammation. Additionally, studies on hypertension revealed that endoplasmic reticulum stress in brain cells contributes to high blood pressure, an...
A randomized control trial found that School-Wide Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (SWPBIS) programs reduced children's aggressive behaviors, office discipline referrals, and improved emotional regulation. SWPBIS aimed to alter student behavior through universal expectations implemented across the school.
The NCAR-Wyoming Supercomputing Center has officially opened, launching a series of initial scientific projects on its flagship 1.5-petaflop supercomputer, Yellowstone. The center aims to improve predictions of natural hazards such as tornadoes and hurricanes through Earth science research.
A NIH study found a bacterial protein in common house dust may worsen allergic responses to indoor allergens, leading to asthma. Researchers discovered flagellin boosts allergic reactions in mice with asthma, suggesting cleaning could reduce symptoms by removing bacteria.
Compounded drugs lack FDA approval and may result in serious adverse events, highlighting the need for cautious prescribing decisions. Physicians should prioritize FDA-approved products over non-standard alternatives.
A new study reveals significant variation in the screening and surveillance of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) in intensive care units (ICUs), with some hospitals neglecting commonsense medical precautions. The researchers found that only a small percentage of hospitals routinely screen for certain deadly MDROs, such as MRSA and ...
A large genetic replication study found compelling evidence that the chromosome 3p21.1 locus contains a common genetic risk for bipolar disorder, specifically the PBRM1 gene. This replication distinguishes the heritable risk for bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, contrasting with previous studies.
A study found that holidays like Christmas and Thanksgiving may reduce suicide attempts by poisoning, while New Year's Day sees a spike. The researchers suggest increased family or social support structures around holidays may play a role in this phenomenon.
Scientists at the University of Maryland School of Medicine created a stem cell model for Gaucher disease, allowing them to test potential therapies in a dish. The study uses genetically similar stem cells that react to drugs like patient cells, accelerating drug discovery and bringing hope to patients.
Facial mimicry plays a crucial role in deciphering ambiguous smiles, establishing power dynamics, and evoking emotions. The study also highlights the neurological basis of early interactions between parents and infants with cleft lip.
The USDA has awarded $4.8 million to 23 community-based organizations across the US to establish sustainable local food projects and improve access to affordable, healthy food for low-income residents. These grants aim to promote comprehensive strategies addressing local food, farm, and nutrition issues.
Tropical Storm Maria has a large area of moderate to heavy rainfall, with most rain occurring northeast of the storm's center. The TRMM satellite measured rainfall rates between 0.78-1.57 inches/hour and 2 inches/hour in a small area.
Researchers found that small genetic variations can accumulate and contribute to the risk of autism spectrum disorders. In families where only one child has ASD, 40% of the risk is inherited, rising to 60% in families with multiple affected children. These findings provide new insights into the genetic factors underlying ASD.
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation found that mice lacking interleukin-36 (IL-36) were protected from psoriasis-like skin inflammation. This suggests that targeting IL-36 could be a promising approach for treating psoriasis.
A new housing program will provide stable housing, interdisciplinary support, and vocational services to at-risk families. The five-year program aims to keep families whole and intact, challenging traditional views of housing as a factor in family stability.
Typhoon Prapiroon exhibited strongest rainfall on its southeastern side, with a rate of 50 mm/2 inches per hour. The storm's vertical structure was revealed through data gathered from TRMM's Precipitation Radar.
Astrophysicists at the University of New Hampshire have created PREDICCS, a near-real-time tool predicting space radiation hazards. The system integrates numerical models, real-time measurements, and 'propagation codes' to provide accurate projections out to Mars.
A study found that rats who had intermittent access to alcohol exhibited cognitive impairment similar to established alcoholism after just a few months. The researchers linked this impairment to the activation of a small group of neurons that inhibit executive control functions in the prefrontal cortex.
AAPS honors top scientists in pharmaceutical sciences, recognizing their contributions to drug development, nanotechnology, and education. The awards celebrate innovative research on cell interactions with drugs and cancer treatment.
A study by Indiana University found that neuroimaging can predict the course of substance addiction treatment. Individuals with reduced self-regulatory control over behavior tend to have lower brain activity, which may indicate a higher risk of relapse.
Researchers found that rapamycin can extract a balance between UCHL1 and its mirror protein, holding them together in the cytoplasm to correct mistakes in Parkinson's disease. The drug may delay onset of diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's by correcting protein imbalance.
New studies using transgenic mice to detect landmines and test dietary supplements for brain injuries show promise in reducing trauma and suffering. Scientists are gaining better understanding of brain damage from injuries, potentially leading to effective early intervention and practical applications.
Pathological gamblers exhibit abnormally increased reward expectancy, leading to overoptimistic expectations of gambling outcomes. Brain activity studies reveal a higher activation in reward areas when expecting potential wins, contributing to the addictive mechanism.
A 12-year-long study by ICRAF reveals that combining legume trees with maize fields increases yield stability and reduces fertilizer use. This sustainable solution helps farmers cope with droughts and degraded soils, producing consistent and relatively high yields year after year.
The American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (AAPS) has announced its 2012 Fellows, recognizing individuals for their outstanding contributions to the field. Alekha K. Dash and Glen S. Kwon are among those recognized for their research in novel drug delivery systems and cancer treatment.
Researchers created a multilayer cake using graphene and boron nitride to form a nanoscale electric transformer. The breakthrough paves the way for complex electronic devices with novel architectures.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have discovered a rare type of B cell that regulates immune responses and limits autoimmunity. By infusing these cells into mice with autoimmune disease, symptoms were significantly reduced. Further research is needed to expand human B10 cells and determine their behavior in humans.
Peter Liddicoat, a research fellow at the University of Sydney, won the contest with his six-month preparation burlesque circus show on manipulating aluminum alloy crystal structures. His win marks the first time a Ph.D. dance based on pure mathematics has taken top prize.
Suicide rates among young people have risen globally, with males outnumbering females, and are linked to psychiatric disorders, genetic vulnerability, and social factors. The progression from suicidal ideation to self-harm and suicide is not absolute, and early intervention is crucial for prevention.
Researchers have discovered potential new targets for treating depression by modulating dopamine cells and the innate immune system in mice. Increasing activity of dopamine neurons produced depressed behavior, while inhibiting them eased symptoms.
A study combining 18 research studies found that sitting for extended periods doubles the risk of developing diabetes, heart disease and mortality. Even those meeting physical activity guidelines may still be compromised if they spend too much time sitting.
Scientists created primitive cell-like structures that infused with RNA, demonstrating how molecules react under conditions similar to early Earth. The model showed increased chemical reactions by up to 70-fold when RNA was densely packed, highlighting the importance of compartmentalization in early life forms.
Researchers at the University of Sheffield have found an antibody treatment that not only stops PAH from worsening but also reverses the condition in mice and rats. The discovery offers new hope for patients suffering from this devastating disease.
A new study published in Molecular Autism found that common genetic variations can add up to increase the risk of autism spectrum disorder. The research, which analyzed data from over one million participants, suggests that inherited risk is additive and can significantly impact an individual's likelihood of developing ASD.
A new study by University of Miami researchers found that too many algal symbionts can increase the severity of coral bleaching. Corals with higher ratios of algae to coral tissue bleach more severely, highlighting a real-world risk for reef ecosystems.
Harvard physicists have discovered that ultrathin, atomically thin films can be tailored to reflect specific colors using an overlooked optical phenomenon. The coatings, made of gold and germanium or other elements, change color with minimal thickness changes.
Researchers found that the left hemisphere specializes in rapidly changing sounds, while the right hemisphere prefers slowly changing sounds. This study may lead to new strategies for treating speech loss after a stroke and improving speech recognition in children with dyslexia.
Researchers find hydroxyl compounds in lunar regolith created by solar wind implantation, leading to widespread water presence in lunar materials. The discovery suggests ice in permanently shadowed polar craters could contain hydrogen atoms from solar wind.
A new study in rats shows that chronic stress during pregnancy prevents the formation of brain connections associated with learning, memory, and mood. The stressed rats' brains did not exhibit the same level of neural growth as unstressed mother rats, which had increased dendritic spines after giving birth.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins have identified a neuroprotective drug called ethoxyquin that effectively prevented nerve damage in mice treated with chemotherapy drugs, as well as protected nerves in diabetic rats and the mouse model of HIV. This finding has significant implications for developing new treatments for neuropathy.
MIT researchers develop a new approach to let particles hide from passing electrons, potentially leading to more efficient thermoelectric devices and new electronics. The concept harnesses cloaking mechanisms to control electron transport, offering a promising strategy for controlling electron flow.
Researchers at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center identify a unique rat model of bladder regeneration, which may help understand regenerative processes in mammals. The study found that cells in the bladder lining proliferate and transition into stem cells to repair damaged bladders.
Scientists discovered a diversion of the Gulf Stream's path south of New England in late 2011, resulting in unusually high surface water temperatures and strong currents. The researchers found that the warm waters were carried by the Gulf Stream itself, rather than just transient warm core rings.
The editorial discusses the evolution of doping scandals from ancient times to modern-day sports, highlighting the need for continuous innovation in detection methods. Bowers emphasizes the importance of analytical skills, pharmacokinetics, and human physiology in preventing abuse in sport.
Researchers at the University of Southampton will investigate manipulating natural killer cells to attack hepatocellular cancer (HCC) cells. The study aims to create a method for clinical trials using NK cells for immunotherapy, with potential for improving treatment outcomes for HCC patients.
Luke Remage-Healey, a UMass Amherst neuroscientist, has been awarded the 2012 Frank A. Beach Award for his significant contributions to the field of behavioral neuroendocrinology. His research on the regulation of brain function and behavior by steroid hormones in zebra finches is gaining mainstream momentum.
A study by McGill University researchers found that manuscripts rejected by one journal and published in another received significantly more citations. Resubmissions from other scientific journals led to higher citation impact, with some suggesting strategic publishing groups may benefit authors.
Two new tests, Corba NP test and ESBL NDP test, can rapidly detect resistant bacteria in under 2 hours, revolutionizing antibiotic treatment. These tests have excellent sensitivity and reliability, offering a simple and inexpensive solution to combat antibiotic resistance.
A recent study published in the Journal of Neuroscience found that the brain's amygdala and auditory cortex interact when processing negative emotions triggered by unpleasant sounds. The study used fMRI to examine how brains responded to a range of sounds, from knife-on-bottle to soothing water flowing.
Researchers have designed a complex logic circuit using bacterial genes, enabling synthetic bacteria to monitor and respond to their environments. The circuit consists of four sensors and three two-input AND gates, allowing the bacteria to perform tasks such as detecting cancer indicators and releasing tumor-killing factors.