The ENCODE project has published a series of articles annotating the functional elements in the human genome, revealing new information on pseudogenes and regulatory elements. The study's findings are now freely available online as part of BioMed Central's open access policy.
Researchers discovered that tumor suppressor genes TSC and PTEN regulate stem cell-like blood precursor cells in fruit flies. The TOR pathway uses these genes to gauge nutrition levels and stress, expanding or increasing the number of blood progenitor cells. High levels of ROS were found to be valuable in this context.
A new report from DOE's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and N14 Energy Limited reveals LEDs are more environmentally friendly than CFLs and incandescent lights. The study found that as technology improves, LEDs will continue to gain an edge, with potential for a 50% reduction in environmental impacts within five years.
Researchers tracked albatross movements using GPS to discover the 'dynamic soaring' technique, which allows birds to fly with minimal mechanical cost. This method may lead to advancements in robotic aircraft design, enabling them to harness wind energy without engines.
The famous Galilean thermometer was actually invented by an early scientific society founded by Galileo
Researchers discovered that green tea's EGCG chemical property increases neural progenitor cells, enhancing learning and memory. The study found that EGCG-treated mice required less time to find hidden platforms in mazes.
A study published in Science reveals that genetic changes associated with diseases impact the genome's regulatory circuitry, affecting gene expression rather than genes themselves. The research exposed previously hidden connections between different diseases and offers a new approach for pinpointing specific cell types involved in dise...
Stephen Byers, a Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center professor, has been awarded a $2.5 million NCI grant to investigate how certain drugs may prevent cancer. The research aims to understand the mechanism of action of anti-inflammatory drugs that have shown promise in preventing cancer and rheumatoid arthritis.
A study by University of Zurich botanists and ecologists found that higher biodiversity aids stress resistance in ecosystems. Systems with more species can maintain biomass production longer under moderate stress, while those with few species are more negatively impacted as stress increases.
The ENCODE project reveals a massive control panel in the human genome, with 4 million gene switches, to regulate gene expression and prevent disease. The comprehensive data will help researchers pinpoint specific areas for human disease research.
The ENCODE project has assigned biochemical functions to 80% of the human genome using data from 1,649 experiments. The team identified over 4 million sites that affect biological function through binding specific proteins. These findings provide a critical map of tens of thousands of genes and regulatory switches.
Tropical Storm Leslie is experiencing slow strengthening due to cooler ocean waters kicked up by its slow movement, sapping its strength. The storm is also battling weaker wind shear, which has been gradually decreasing, allowing it to potentially reach hurricane status later in the day.
A study by Concordia researcher Holly Recchia found that children's experiences of exclusion are more diverse than previously thought, with some trying to numb negative feelings and others searching for alternatives. The study suggests age-specific interventions to help kids take responsibility for their actions and weigh different goals.
Researchers identified a specific HIF2α mutation in tumor cells of patients with rare cancers, offering clues about cancer cell metabolism. The finding may lead to new targets for cancer treatment development and improve understanding of the mechanisms behind the Warburg effect.
The Center for Autism Research at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia has received a $2.2 million NIH grant to study brain development in infants as early as three months old. Researchers aim to identify biomarkers for autism and develop more effective treatments.
Research reveals that females tend to tell longer, more coherent stories with greater self-reflection, while males' stories are more matter-of-fact. These differences may indicate females have a stronger inclination to reflect on past experiences and give personal meaning to events.
The European Commission's FET program has granted €4 million to create a functional 3D neuronal structure similar to the human brain. Researchers will develop a controlled environment to study and analyze the network.
Researchers analyze the effectiveness of Medicare's bundled payment program, finding that it faces challenges in rewarding providers for efficient care delivery. Experts discuss lessons learned from previous payment reforms, emphasizing the need for comprehensive reforms that address multiple aspects of the health system.
Tropical Storm Michael showcased strong thunderstorms in its northeastern 'arm' with cloud top temperatures reaching -63 Fahrenheit (-52 Celsius), indicating heavy rainfall. The storm is expected to continue moving northeast and may strengthen into a hurricane by Friday due to relaxing wind shear.
The new center will use over 30 mass spectrometers to analyze thousands of molecules in cells, identifying environmental triggers for diseases like childhood diabetes. Metabolomics research also aims to develop personalized treatments by understanding how patients respond to different doses of medication.
Most English football teams don't comply with international concussion guidelines, which standardize the definition of concussion and require cognitive assessment before returning players to play. As a result, many clubs don't take concussion seriously enough, relying on subjective assessments that could be unsafe.
A clinical trial of Ekso-assisted walking in 13 patients with a range of spinal cord injuries found positive results, including improved gait and balance, increased oxygen consumption, and reduced cardiovascular responses. Long-term studies are needed to fully evaluate the effects.
A UCLA study challenges the World Health Organization's approach to HIV prevention in South Africa, suggesting it could lead to millions developing drug-resistant strains and costing billions more than estimated. The researchers argue that providing treatment to those in need would be more effective and cost-efficient.
A new study by CU-Boulder researchers finds mid-elevation mountain ecosystems sensitive to rising temperatures and changes in precipitation and snowmelt. The 'tipping point' where these forests switch from moisture-dependent to sunlight-temperature dependent is crucial for understanding climate change's impact.
A new article provides simple guidelines for establishing basic authenticity and reliability of fungal ITS sequences, targeting traditional DNA sequencing. The guidelines aim to assist researchers in sharpening their datasets and reducing noise in public sequence databases.
The Danish Digital Humanities Laboratory (DIGHUMLAB) aims to push humanities research in new directions through the integration of digital technologies, promoting international collaboration and public awareness.
Researchers discovered that injecting heat-generating cells into mice reduced visceral fat by 20% and converted existing belly fat cells into thermogenic cells. The study suggests a potential new therapy for obesity, targeting patients with aging-related visceral fat accumulation and those who cannot exercise or reduce calorie intake.
Insignia Technologies, formed by the merger of Insigniapack and Novas Technologies, will exploit design expertise to create smart packaging labels initially in the food sector, expanding into other areas. The company's patented smart pigment technology aims to reduce waste and environmental impact.
Researchers Marcel Zentner and Klaudia Mitura found that nations with higher gender parity have fewer differences between men and women's preferences when choosing mates. The study, published in Psychological Science, suggests that evolution is only part of the answer to understanding mate choice.
A new study finds that the rate of glacier thinning has increased by about half over the last decade in the Southern Patagonian Icefield, contributing to rising sea levels. The icefields have lost enough water to cover the entire US with 2.7 cm of water, with glaciers thinning at an average rate of 1.8 meters per year.
Researchers found that diethyl phthalate and butylbenzyl phthalate exposure is associated with higher levels of nitric oxide in exhaled breath, a marker of airway inflammation. Higher levels of BBzP were especially linked to asthma symptoms.
A study found that people under time pressure are more likely to lie, while those with time constraints are less likely. With more time, individuals can justify their behavior and refrain from dishonesty.
Researchers found that fusion-negative prostate cancers have different DNA methylation patterns than healthy cells, with increased EZH2 enzyme activity. This discovery may lead to more specific treatments and improved diagnosis for prostate cancer patients.
Researchers found a specific enzyme triggers chemical reactions in female mice, leading to increased visceral fat accumulation. Estrogen suppression of the enzyme's activity may explain why postmenopausal women tend to gain belly fat.
Researchers found that eliminating an enzyme called jnk3 leads to a 90% reduction in amyloid beta peptides, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. This finding suggests jk3 could be a new target for Alzheimer's intervention.
The study suggests that three-quarters of the human genome can be transcribed into RNA, leading to a redefinition of what defines a gene. This implies that many regions previously thought to be non-functional may have functional roles.
Scientists discovered two closely timed extinctions, one triggered by massive volcanic eruptions and another by an asteroid impact. The eruptions, which occurred 300,000 to 200,000 years before the asteroid hit, warmed the planet and killed marine life.
Adolescents in foster care are at risk of cyber-bullying, privacy loss and personal harm due to lack of guidelines on social media use. Child welfare agencies should develop policies to guide their online activities, says MU expert.
Scientists at Virginia Tech and the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center found that two mini-molecules called microRNAs can help stem the nation's obesity epidemic. The discovery suggests that treatments targeting these two specific microRNAs may help regulate cellular metabolism and increase energy expenditure, leading to r...
Researchers create a new explosive with a blast wave traveling 225 miles per hour faster than the current standard, HMX. The new explosive combines CL-20 and HMX, producing a more powerful but stable material with potential to replace HMX as military-grade explosives
The Wildlife Conservation Society has released a list of Asian species at the conservation crossroads, calling for governments to take immediate action. These species face daunting challenges from habitat loss, hunting, and trade, but WCS believes they can be saved using the 'three R's approach: recognition, responsibility, and recovery.
A comprehensive transcriptome analysis of human ENCODE cells reveals widespread RNA transcripts and epigenetic links, assigning biochemical functions to 80% of the human genome. The study provides powerful data sets for delineating functional elements across the human genome.
A study of 362 fathers in the Philippines found that close sleeping proximity was associated with greater decreases in testosterone levels as men transitioned to fatherhood. This is linked to lower overall testosterone levels compared to fathers who slept apart from their children, suggesting a potential impact on parenting behavior.
The London 2012 Olympics anti-doping center will be converted into a national phenome center, measuring the chemistry of individuals to better understand disease causes and develop new treatment methods. This project aims to create publicly and privately funded labs combining analytical science, epidemiology, and clinical expertise.
Alan Tennant, physicist at Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin, has been awarded the Europhysics Prize 2012 for his groundbreaking work on magnetic monopoles. Using neutron scattering at the Berlin research reactor BER II, he observed the first time magnetic monopoles in spin ice.
Children exposed to piperonyl butoxide (PBO) in the womb have a heightened risk of noninfectious cough at ages 5 and 6. The study suggests that toxic exposures during pregnancy can damage the respiratory system, leading to symptoms like childhood cough.
The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute research team will investigate new drugs that directly engage the apoptotic machinery to flip the cell death switch. They aim to improve cancer therapies by targeting the Bcl-2 protein family, which promotes blood cell cancers.
The ENCODE project has unveiled that over 80% of the human genome is associated with biological function, while proteins switch genes on and off regularly. The study provides insights into genetic information control and expression in specific cell types, shedding light on disease susceptibility.
A Clemson University researcher is working on a project to develop a model that can predict the risk of downy mildew infection in cucurbit crops. This model aims to help reduce the need for fungicides, lower production costs, and increase crop yields.
A new study examines the impact of natural gradients in food and temperature on deep-sea species across the globe. The results suggest that temperature has a bigger impact on individual-level parameters like metabolism and growth rate, while food is more important for higher-level parameters like abundance and species diversity.
A UCLA study challenges the World Health Organization's approach to HIV prevention in South Africa, suggesting a 'test and treat' strategy could be more effective but costly. The researchers predict that treating the 1.6 million people who need treatment would be very effective as a form of 'treatment as prevention,' bringing the epide...
The ENCODE Project presents new genomic insights on gene regulation, including detailed annotations of the genome and analysis of long non-coding RNAs. The project sheds light on co-transcriptional splicing and the evolution of microRNAs, offering a comprehensive understanding of human gene function.
A new cell screening method has identified two novel compounds with anti-influenza activity, obatoclax and gemcitabine. These compounds show promise as next-generation antiviral drugs that can target host functions rather than viral proteins. Further research is needed to confirm their efficacy in treating influenza infections.
Researchers at the University of Hawaii Cancer Center have identified a germline BAP1 mutation as the cause of a novel cancer syndrome characterized by malignant mesothelioma and various types of melanomas. This discovery provides a visual marker for identifying individuals at high risk, enabling early detection and treatment.
A vaginal ring releasing an anti-HIV drug has been shown to prevent the transmission of SHIV in macaques, providing strong potential for its success in women. The study found that the rings provided highly significant protection when inserted 2 weeks or 24 hours before virus exposure.
New research reveals professional football players are three times more likely to die from brain-damaging diseases compared to the general population. The study found a significant increase in deaths from Alzheimer's disease and ALS among speed position players, highlighting potential risks of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).
A cluster of five incidents involving toddlers swallowing liquid detergent capsules has prompted a call to action for improved safety warnings and childproof packaging. The incidents resulted in airway blockage, swelling, and ulceration, highlighting the need for urgent action to prevent potential life-threatening injuries.
A five-year randomized controlled trial of 2854 elderly patients found no significant difference between ginkgo biloba extract and placebo in preventing Alzheimer's disease diagnosis. No significant difference was also observed in mortality or stroke rates between the groups. The results confirm previous findings from a US-based study.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University develop method to observe stars that formed when the universe was 180 million years old. By detecting radio waves from hydrogen atoms, they reveal patterns in the sky indicating early galaxies, providing insight into the universe's origins.
A collaborative five-year project involving over 440 researchers worldwide has published a comprehensive understanding of the human genome's functions. The ENCODE study found that over 80% of the human genome sequence is linked to biological function, and mapped over 4 million regulatory regions where proteins interact with DNA.
A U-M analysis shows that removing payment for hospital-acquired catheter-associated urinary tract infections had negligible financial impact on hospitals. The study highlights the inaccuracies of billing data used to implement the policy, leading to unfair penalties for some hospitals.
North Carolina State University leads a $18.5 million NSF grant to develop self-powered health monitoring sensors and devices. These devices could transform healthcare by providing uninterrupted streams of vital signs data, improving disease management and environmental policy.
Researchers at University of New Hampshire and Conductive Compounds Inc. are developing nanoparticles of silver suitable for screen-printing onto photovoltaic solar panels. The project aims to create more conductive and cost-effective solar panels, with potential applications in the increasing global energy market.
The University of Leicester archaeological team has found the church of the Franciscan Friary, where King Richard III was buried. The location confirmed by a three-trench excavation reveals medieval architectural fragments and floor tiles.
Researchers catalogued thousands of non-coding genome switches that subtly turn up or down gene activity and influence cell-type specific utilization. These maps revealed regions active in immune cells for autoimmune diseases and liver cells for metabolic disorders.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet in Sweden have discovered that sorafenib can effectively treat multiple myeloma by inducing cell death in human myeloma cell lines. The study found that the drug also prevented or delayed disease progression in live mice, supporting its use as a treatment for this blood cancer.
The Yale team's study reveals a hierarchical structure in the human genome, with regulatory networks that work together to regulate target genes. They also found that sex plays a role in genetic activity, allowing researchers to track the relative contributions of mom and dad.
A study by the University of Leeds finds that tropical forests produce significantly more rain than vegetation, with the Amazon and Congo forests maintaining rainfall over surrounding areas. This could have catastrophic consequences for people living thousands of kilometres away if these forests are destroyed.
A team of experts at Harvard created a hydrogel that can stretch to 21 times its original length, is self-healing, and exceptionally tough. The gel combines two weak polymers in an 8:1 ratio, forming a complex network that reinforces each other.
Researchers found that sleep disturbances occur when Alzheimer's plaques appear in the brain, disrupting the normal sleep-wake cycle. The study suggests that sleep problems could be an easily detectable sign of pathology, potentially indicating whether new treatments are succeeding.
A study found that women with breast cancer are at risk of severe pain after surgery, especially those with chronic pain or low psychological state. The research suggests using factors like pre-operative pain and psychology as indicators for extra pain relief support.
Tests for silent neck artery narrowing result in many unnecessary and costly surgical procedures, ultimately saving very few lives. In a high-risk group of 60+ European men, screening may prevent only one stroke at a significant cost.
A Mayo Clinic study developed an infection risk score for rheumatoid arthritis patients, using factors like age, corticosteroid use and inflammation levels. The score helps physicians identify high-risk patients and take measures to prevent infections.
About 80 percent of the human genome is found to be biochemically active, regulating nearby genes and influencing expression in different cells. The discovery helps understand how mutations in regulatory elements lead to diseases like lupus and diabetes.
Scientists have assigned functions to 80% of human genome, providing insights into gene regulation and solid genetic foundation for understanding health and disease. The UCSC Genome Browser offers a gateway for worldwide researchers to explore this new encyclopedia.
Physicists at the University of Vienna successfully transmitted quantum states between two islands in the Canary Islands, overcoming previous distances of just 97 km. The experiment uses active feed-forward protocol to enable reliable quantum teleportation over long distances.
The Canadian government's plan to discontinue the Experimental Lakes Area (ELA) has sparked widespread concern among scientists. The ELA, comprising 58 freshwater lakes in Ontario, Canada, has yielded significant insights into water pollution and climate change over nearly 40 years.
Researchers at Texas A&M University have discovered a compound called JQ1 that inhibits sperm production and mobility without any side effects. The finding is promising for the development of a male birth control pill, with potential human trials on the horizon.
A provocative essay in NEJM calls for redoubling efforts to combat TB, highlighting global health inequity and inadequate treatment. The authors advocate for adopting a zero-TB death goal, rapid diagnosis, and infection control measures to stem the pandemic.
Post-tropical cyclone John's cloud top temperatures warmed by 24 hours, with one tiny area of convection remaining. The remnants of the storm are moving northwest and expected to dissipate later today.
Researchers created detailed maps of regulatory DNA switches that dictate gene expression and developed a dictionary of the genome's programming language. The findings greatly expand our understanding of how genes are controlled and how this control may differ between normal and diseased cells.
Researchers at Kansas State University are working on developing a flexible but standardized and secure communication network for medical devices. The team aims to enable devices to monitor and reason about patient health, reducing security problems as devices become more complex.
A genome-wide scan of small cell lung cancers reveals an association between SOX2 gene amplification and aggressive disease. Overproduction of SOX2 proteins may ignite or sustain abnormal cell growth in the lung.
Researchers developed a comprehensive model to describe molecular bonding, enabling predictions of binding free energy and resolving past inconsistencies. The new model provides a clear means for measuring this key parameter, critical for understanding material interactions.