Researchers have discovered three new genetic regions linked to primary biliary cirrhosis, bringing the total number of known regions to 25. The study used Immunochip technology to survey the genome for signs of autoimmune disease susceptibility.
Researchers have identified several potential therapeutic targets for squamous cell lung cancer, including alterations in the TP53 and CDKN2A genes. These genetic changes may be susceptible to drug inhibition, providing new opportunities for clinical trials and potentially transforming treatment outcomes.
A new study shows that integrating on-site rapid HIV testing into drug treatment programs is cost-effective, with a beneficial cost-effectiveness ratio of $60,300 per QALY. This approach provides better value than off-site referral and can help identify more people infected with HIV.
The 2012 AAO-HNSF Annual Meeting featured cutting-edge research on aging, sleep apnea, chronic rhinosinusitis, and hearing loss. Attendees could access approximately 100 miniseminars, 250 scientific sessions, and 445 posters.
New research suggests that more than 400 terrawatts of power can be extracted from surface winds and over 1,800 terrawatts from high-altitude winds, meeting or exceeding global energy demand.
An international team of scientists has shown at an unprecedented level of detail how cells prioritize the repair of genes containing potentially dangerous damage. Cells use proteins to detect and replace damaged DNA, with critical steps at individual protein reads likely critical for successful repair.
Researchers at OHSU's Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute studied the mechanism behind protection offered by slightly weakened monkey AIDS virus versions that were too risky for human use. The study reveals that anti-viral T cells in lymphoid tissue are responsible for this protection, which is lost when the virus is further weakened.
A new analysis examines the effects of widespread forest die-offs on ecosystem processes, species diversity, and human services such as water purification and real-estate property values. The study highlights the need for a multidisciplinary approach to understand the complex consequences of climate-driven forest mortality.
Researchers tracked parasite-induced disease and death in reintroduced wolf packs in Yellowstone National Park, finding that mange did not infect wolves until 2007. The diseases that infected the wolves quickly were all viral, including canine distemper and parvovirus, while mange is a skin infection caused by scabies mites.
Researchers have developed a novel oral antiseptic spray, Halo, effective in killing 99.9% of infectious airborne germs, including influenza and rhinovirus. The spray prevents germs from entering the system and kills them, providing sustained protection for up to six hours.
A multi-national team of researchers has identified genetic variations on chromosomes 6p21 and 16q24 associated with Barrett's oesophagus. The discovery provides a basis for genetically screening individuals at high risk, as well as developing new therapy targets.
A Swiss-American team has developed a simple, inexpensive system to detect heavy metal pollutants like mercury in water and fish. The new method uses nanoparticles with tiny hairs that can trap toxic substances, enabling accurate measurements at unprecedentedly small concentrations.
Researchers identified 33 genes associated with GAA/TTC repeat instability and expansions in yeast. These findings may have implications for human disease due to the conservation of genetic machinery across species.
The fungi treatment process modifies the acoustic properties of the instrument, making it sound indistinguishably similar to a Stradivarius. The research could soon make high-quality wood available for violin making.
A study found that 25% of Medicare recipients spent more on out-of-pocket healthcare expenses than their total assets during the last five years of life. The average spending was $38,688, with the top quarter of participants spending $101,791.
Researchers have identified a new molecular pathway leading to preeclampsia in humans, characterized by elevated blood pressure and protein in the urine. The imbalance of PlGF and sFlt-1 proteins disrupts placental blood supply, affecting the mother and unborn baby.
Research reveals that the skin and immune system play a crucial role in regulating sodium balance and hypertension. The immune system's macrophages activate genes that control the growth of lymphatic vessels, allowing for the transport of stored sodium away from the body.
New research reveals that tick-borne diseases extend 'beyond Lyme' in the Southeastern United States, where lone star ticks spread ehrlichiosis and spotted fever rickettsiosis. Experts advise saving the tick that bites you to identify potential diseases.
A new concept for computing uses water droplets as digital information bits, demonstrating rebounding collisions on superhydrophobic surfaces. This enables the development of memory devices and elementary Boolean logic operations.
Researchers have discovered paving stones in the 'lost garden' of Robert Herrick, believed to be from Richard III's time. The discovery is a significant find, bringing them closer to locating the king's grave. Further investigation has also revealed fragments of window tracery and medieval silver pennies at the site.
Researchers used dynamic mapping to analyze hospitalization records for adults over 65 across the US during individual flu seasons. The analysis revealed variations in disease patterns, including shifts in geographic spread and timing of peaks.
A new study finds that prenatal diagnosis of congenital heart disease (CHD) is associated with increased maternal stress, depression, and anxiety. Healthy coping mechanisms and partner support are crucial for pregnant women to deal with the emotional impact.
A study found that Somalis living in London experience more major depression and psychological disorders than those in Minneapolis. Practical support during integration is key to better mental health outcomes.
A multicenter trial found that antibiotic treatment with amoxicillin/clavulanate significantly improved clinical cure rates and prolonged the median time to next exacerbation in patients with mild-to-moderate COPD. Patients with elevated capillary C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were more likely to be cured without antibiotics.
The Endocrine Society recommends screening adults for hypertriglyceridemia every five years to identify individuals at risk of cardiovascular disease. Treatment focuses on lifestyle changes and addressing secondary causes, such as obesity and endocrine conditions.
A recent study led by the Institute for Ocean Conservation Science provides a first-time analysis of the value of forage fish to both commercial fisheries and marine ecosystems. The research found that forage fish contribute significantly to global fisheries, with a total estimated value of $16.9 billion annually, representing 20% of g...
Nautricity, a Glasgow-based university spin-out, has been awarded £1.4 million to test its innovative CoRMaT tidal current turbine in the Scottish sea. The award is part of a £7.9 million funding package aimed at stimulating innovation and investment in Scotland's marine energy market.
NASA's Global Hawk aircraft has begun flying over Hurricane Leslie in the Atlantic Ocean, collecting data on hurricane formation and intensification. The mission will help researchers understand the relative roles of large-scale environment and internal storm processes in shaping hurricanes.
Researchers at North Carolina State University found that BPA exposure early in life causes significant gene expression changes associated with anxiety. A soy-rich diet was shown to mitigate these effects in rats, suggesting a potential protective role for soy in reducing the impact of BPA on mental health.
A Review published in The Lancet warns that health inequalities in Europe are worsening and calls for urgent action to reduce disparities. The review provides policy recommendations to improve health equality across European countries, regardless of their current status or income.
Scientists successfully applied gene therapy to restore a lost sense of smell in mice by repairing defective olfactory cells. The treatment increased appetite and body weight, highlighting the potential for this approach to treat cilia disorders elsewhere in the body.
NASA satellites captured stunning visible and infrared images of Hurricane Michael's eye, revealing clear views of the Atlantic Ocean. The storm's cloud top temperatures cooled around its center on September 7.
A new algorithm developed by Georgia Tech can identify influencers as information changes within a network, making it more efficient than existing algorithms. The software can process streaming graphs up to 100 times faster and has wide-ranging applications in advertising, transportation, and other fields.
The public favors treating patients with serious conditions, including cancer, if it reduces burden on carers or offers substantial health benefits. However, the majority oppose a ring-fenced budget for cancer drugs, which would prioritize cancer treatments over other equally serious conditions.
A team of scientists from Texas A&M AgriLife Research is conducting a study to monitor fertilizer runoff and establish management practices for new turf in Central Texas. The study, sponsored by The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company, aims to understand how different fertilization and irrigation methods affect runoff volume and nutrient load.
A new type of light beam, called a needle beam, has been created by Harvard researchers. This non-diffracting beam can travel long distances without spreading outwards, which could greatly reduce signal loss in on-chip optical systems.
A new study found that untreated severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) increases cardiovascular mortality in the elderly. However, adequate continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment significantly reduces this risk, especially from stroke and heart failure.
Rhabdopleurids, tiny bottom-dwelling critters, have survived for over 500 million years by staying relatively unchanged. They predate ancient pelagic graptolites that went extinct 350 million years ago, highlighting the value of conservative evolution.
A novel surgical approach has successfully removed a rare facial tumor and rebuilt a patient's lower jaw and mouth. The procedure involved removing the tumor and oral tongue while creating a fully functional lower jaw using dual microvascular free flaps.
Researchers found evidence that melanoma manifests differently in children than in adults, particularly with regard to the likelihood and significance of lymph node metastases. Despite higher rates of metastases to sentinel nodes, survival rates for children are comparable or better than those for adults.
Researchers measured lithium in Small Magellanic Cloud gas, finding more than predicted by Big Bang models. The discrepancy could indicate novel physics or dark matter particles.
The International Light-Cone Advisory Committee (ILCAC) has awarded two Gary McCartor Travel Awards to PhD students Lekha Adhikari and Christian A. Cruz-Santiago. The fellowships enable them to attend leading conferences in Cracow, Poland, and Delhi, India, and support young physicists in memory of physicist Gary McCartor.
A recent study funded by the NIH found that tight glycemic control in pediatric cardiac surgery patients did not reduce healthcare-related infections, organ failure, or death. The study's findings diverge from previous studies on adult intensive care unit (ICU) patients who showed benefits from blood sugar control.
Bacteria exhibit social behaviors similar to plants and animals, including cooperation and competition. The study found that certain individuals produce antibiotics to defend against competitors, while others benefit from association with these producers.
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign has been awarded a $8 million 5-year grant from NASA to study the origin and evolution of life on Earth. The research team will use genomics to explore deep evolutionary time, searching for signatures of early collective states of life.
A recent study published in the Journal of Human Resources found that Brazil's racial quota system raised the proportion of black students from low-income families without decreasing their academic efforts. The research analyzed data from over 2,000 students and found no evidence that students reduced their efforts due to racial quotas.
Hurricane Leslie appears to be 'closing its eye' on NASA satellite imagery, a sign of weakening, and dropped from hurricane to tropical storm on Sept. 7. The storm is expected to move northward, potentially regaining hurricane status over the weekend.
A study found that prenatal diagnosis of congenital heart defect can cause significant stress, but healthy relationships and positive coping mechanisms can reduce this stress. Lower partner satisfaction and income were associated with higher levels of depression and anxiety.
The Lancet's new series on universal health coverage (UHC) examines its effects on population health, government involvement, and progress in low-income countries. UHC is recognized as a key concept for improving health and increasing societal resilience.
A new UCLA-led study found that employees in green companies, which adopt international environmental standards, are 16 percent more productive than the average. The researchers discovered a positive correlation between the adoption of these practices and increased employee motivation, training, and interpersonal relationships.
Scientists at NIEHS discover a way to turn off P-glycoprotein, a major gatekeeper preventing medicinal drugs from reaching the brain, allowing small therapeutic agents to cross the blood-brain barrier. This breakthrough could lead to new treatments for central nervous system diseases such as brain and spinal cord injury, brain cancer, ...
Researchers discovered that tension on gut muscles induces cell invasion in zebrafish intestine, a process similar to cancer metastasis. The study identified invadopodia formation as the key driver of this process, which is triggered by oxidative stress.
Researchers at the University of Toronto have demonstrated the ability to directly measure disturbance and confirm that Heisenberg was too pessimistic about the uncertainty principle. By employing weak measurement techniques, they found that the disturbance induced by measurement is less than previously thought.
A UC Santa Cruz study finds that a thriving sea otter population can lead to the growth of kelp forests, which absorb 12 times more CO2 from the atmosphere than without sea urchin grazing. This phenomenon has significant implications for global carbon sequestration.
Researchers at Northwestern University have created two new synthetic materials with the greatest amount of surface areas reported to date. The materials, NU-109 and NU-110, belong to a class of crystalline nanostructures known as metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) that are promising vessels for natural gas storage.
A British team will penetrate and sample an ancient buried lake beneath three kilometers of ice in Antarctica. The team aims to reveal secrets about the Earth's past climate and discover life forms that may exist in subglacial Lake Ellsworth.
Researchers used ultrafast X-rays to observe electron transfer in iron oxide nanoparticles, shedding light on the environmental impact of rust. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient solar cells and a better understanding of contaminant remediation efforts.
A new study conducted at Boston Children's Hospital found that tight blood sugar control does not benefit pediatric patients undergoing heart surgery. The Safe Pediatric Euglycemia in Cardiac Surgery (SPECS) trial examined the effects of insulin on glucose management and showed no impact on infection rates, length of stay, or mortality.
Researchers found that ACE plays a crucial role in the development of red blood cells and the kidneys. Mice lacking ACE had impaired kidney function and reduced fertility. The study suggests new potential therapeutic targets for blood pressure regulation and fertility issues.
The US Department of Homeland Security has created a surrogate semi-submersible called PLUTO to test detection systems for maritime security. The vessel is designed to mimic the features of illegal narco subs used by South American drug cartels, allowing operators to test and improve their sensors in real-world conditions.