A blood test developed by Kansas State University researchers can accurately detect the beginning stages of breast and non-small cell lung cancer. The test works by detecting increased enzyme activity in the body, with a 95% success rate in detecting cancer in participants.
Researchers at George Mason University have made a significant breakthrough in understanding how the HIV virus targets 'veteran' memory T-cells. By exploiting the cell's treadmilling process, the virus can infect and kill these cells, leaving the body vulnerable to disease.
Scientists have discovered a complex positive feedback loop in penile nerves that triggers waves of nitric oxide to keep the penis erect. This process, which involves phosphorylation, enables the sustained release of nitric oxide and maintains erection.
Researchers describe experiments exploring multi-drug tolerance, a phenomenon that allows bacteria to outwit antibiotics. By analyzing HipA protein's structure and biochemical components, they gained insight into how this mechanism enables bacterial dormancy.
A study analyzing DNA from museum koala skins found that a retrovirus has infected koalas for at least 120 years, primarily in northern Australia. The virus, known as KoRV, is linked to increased susceptibility to diseases such as Chlamydia and leukemia.
A recent study by Henry Ford Health found that women are more than twice as likely to suffer infections related to kidney stones and other urinary blockages. The study also showed significantly higher rates of complications following urgent treatments for the condition.
A new $13 million project at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center aims to identify genetic links to colorectal cancer using next-generation sequencing. The study will reveal entire genome sequences of a subset of samples and capture rare variants that could lead to improved drug development and disease prevention.
Researchers at Simon Fraser University and Purdue University have discovered a way to 'toggling' intestinal enzymes that process starchy foods, helping to better control blood glucose levels in people with Type 2 diabetes. The process involves using inhibitors to regulate the enzymes, which could lead to new solutions for diabetics and...
Researchers discovered that vampire squids use thread-like filaments to capture marine snow, a mixture of dead bodies and debris from the ocean surface. The study found that vampire squids do not hunt live prey but instead consume detrital matter, which is low in nutrients.
Researchers at UCSB's Center for Evolutionary Psychology report new findings on human behaviors, supporting the individual cooperation account over group cooperation theory. The studies involved structured social interactions with over 200 participants, who showed a preference for trusting individuals likely to cooperate, not those who...
A new Caltech study found that facial photos taken at close range influence perception, making subjects appear less trustworthy, competent, and attractive. Researchers used digital warping to manipulate images, confirming the effect. The findings may have implications for computer vision and social judgments.
Researchers at RIKEN Nishina Center for Accelerator-based Science conclusively identify element 113 through six consecutive alpha decays. The discovery sets the stage for Japan to claim naming rights for the element, following a long-standing competition with the US and Russia.
Researchers at Barrow Neurological Institute and Arizona State University have made a breakthrough in understanding why brain tumors are difficult to treat. The study reveals that the immune system behaves differently in different regions of the brain, including tumors, leading to potential limitations in effective treatment.
Researchers at Penn State developed a method to create a rough surface on bone grafts similar to untreated bone, promoting healing and increasing the likelihood of successful implantation. The new technique uses physical vapor deposition to coat the graft with hydroxyapatite, optimizing its osteogenic properties.
A recent study by Ohio State University found that urban coyotes living in Chicago never stray from their mates, with a remarkable 100% success rate of monogamy. This loyalty may be key to their thriving in cities, allowing them to raise large litters together with dedicated partners.
A new study from IFT found that partially replacing canola oil with fish oil in nutrition bars preserves its healthy profile while eliminating the fishy taste. Omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil lower triglyceride levels and may help with rheumatoid arthritis.
Two new studies found that chronic kidney disease is a strong indicator of death and end-stage renal disease in patients without hypertension or diabetes. Chronic kidney disease affects 10-16% of adults globally and is associated with increased mortality risk regardless of the presence of diabetes.
A Baylor University researcher has developed a model likening grief stages to a pinball machine, explaining why grieving is never complete and can be triggered by various events. The study uses the pinball analogy to help individuals in mourning understand their chaotic experience and prepare for future triggers.
The Hurricane and Severe Storm Sentinel (HS3) mission uses Global Hawks to gather critical measurements of wind, temperature, humidity, and aerosol patterns in tropical storms. The mission aims to improve storm predictions and prevent costly coastal evacuations by analyzing previously difficult-to-get data.
Researchers have discovered that farnesyl transferase inhibitors significantly slow the progress of progeria, a rare and lethal genetic disorder. The use of these inhibitors has been shown to slow bone loss and blood vessel blockage in children with progeria.
Research reveals human brains develop myelin insulation at a slower rate than chimpanzees, leading to delayed cognitive maturity and increased vulnerability to psychiatric disorders. This difference may play a key role in human-specific cognitive abilities.
A new program aims to improve the quality of breast cancer treatment decisions by studying how patients and doctors make choices. The researchers will develop an online decision tool to help patients weigh options and risks, with the goal of reducing unnecessary side effects and improving patient outcomes.
A retrospective study found that regular mammography screening can help eliminate the disparity in breast cancer mortality between black and white women. Women screened regularly were more likely to have hormone receptor-positive breast cancers, suggesting early detection can blunt negative prognostic biological characteristics.
Researchers found that the northern map turtle population in Missouri has not recovered from a 50% decline caused by harvesting in the 1970s. The study highlights the importance of monitoring river turtles as indicators of water quality, which affects both humans and the environment.
University of Cincinnati doctoral student Dippy Aggarwal presents early results on leveraging power analytics and linked data for enterprise computing at the Grace Hopper Celebration of Women in Computing Conference. Her project aims to capture an organization's ecological footprint through real-time power consumption tracking.
A new study by Virginia Commonwealth University found that people who smoke both cigarettes and waterpipes have inadequate understanding of the dangers of tobacco smoking, putting them at higher risk of addiction and disease. The study also revealed a common misconception that waterpipe smoking is less harmful than cigarette smoking.
A new method uses fusion of photographs taken from different angles to create reliable reproductions of paintings, eliminating the need for sophisticated illumination and acquisition requirements. The postproduction process is fully automated and can be done with a commercial hand-held camera.
A 15-year study found that brain parts can respond to evolutionary stimuli independently, contradicting previous concerted evolution theories. The research identified specific gene sets controlling the size of different brain parts, with little correlation between overall brain and body sizes.
The PLOS Medicine Editors report on the delays and changes in scope of the World Health Organization's (WHO) World Health Report 2012. The original report was planned for publication in 2012, but it has been delayed until 2013. The focus of the new report will be on universal health coverage, but its scope is still unclear.
Researchers developed a new method to identify proteins secreted by cells, eliminating drawbacks of traditional approaches. This technique isolates the 'secretory pathway' organelles and analyzes their contents using mass spectrometry, providing precise data on cell biology.
Researchers at Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics have identified two novel enzymes, Prdm3 and Prdm16, that attach methyl groups to packaging proteins, maintaining heterochromatin structure. Additionally, transcription factors Pax3 and Pax9 are essential for intact heterochromatin, with random binding sites in contra...
A new study explores the ties between childhood weight problems, socioeconomic status, and nationality in the US and England. The research finds that race, ethnicity, and immigrant status are significant risk factors for weight problems among children.
Researchers mapped the wildly divergent migration routes of two British Columbia subspecies of Swainson's thrushes using geolocators. The study reveals key feeding and rest habitats relied on by birds during their long journey, potentially informing conservation efforts.
Researchers from Ruhr-University Bochum report that impaired protein degradation causes muscle diseases, including filaminopathies. The study found that protection mechanisms against abnormal protein deposits do not work properly in patients, opening up new avenues for therapies.
Researchers found that DNp63a employs epigenetics to silence anti-proliferative genes, keeping cancer cells alive independently of p53. This discovery opens up new possibilities for targeting the protein's partner enzymes to break its cancer-causing mechanism.
Researchers at Harvard University are developing new tools and policies to protect personal data used in research studies, enabled by a four-year $5 million NSF grant. The project aims to make sharing research data safer in cyberspace while preserving individual privacy.
Researchers have created 3D digital reconstructions of two 305-million-year-old juvenile insects using high-resolution CT scanning. The fossils provide valuable information about the biology and diet of these ancient insects, including one with sharp spines that may not exist today.
Researchers have found coral 'hotspots' in deepwater canyons off the northeastern US coast, with a new model helping predict their locations. The discovery is expected to aid fishery management and increase knowledge about deep-sea life in the region.
A new study found no significant association between corticosteroid use and increased bleeding events after tonsillectomy. The research suggests that the commonly used corticosteroid dexamethasone does not significantly increase the risk of serious bleeding in children undergoing the procedure.
A new study finds that only 42% of patients with advanced non-malignant conditions prefer to die at home, while living alone reduces the chance of home death. Providing professional home care support can increase the chances of dying at home, according to researchers.
Researchers found a short (7-day) course of amphotericin along with high-dose fluconazole for at least 2 weeks is the most cost-effective and least toxic treatment for cryptococcal meningitis. This regimen is significantly cheaper and less toxic than the current WHO-recommended treatment, which results in more deaths.
Researchers have created two innovative technologies to detect behavioral markers in children with autism. An eye-tracking system using gaze-tracking glasses and facial-analysis software can automatically measure eye contact, while a wearable system using accelerometers monitors problem behaviors. These tools aim to improve understandi...
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is deeply influenced by Chinese philosophy and religion, emphasizing the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit. The study explores TCM's underlying premise that good health requires cultivating a positive spirit and achieving harmony between the individual and nature.
Researchers used ArcGIS to analyze a human foot bone, revealing patterns of tension and compression that reveal how the bones were used during life. The study provides a proof of concept for using geographic software to study internal bone structure.
Researchers developed a cost-efficient method to convert grape pomace into antioxidants and dietary fiber, enhancing nutritional value in yogurts and salad dressings. The methods involve drying at low temperatures, offering an economically feasible solution for large-scale industrial applications.
Researchers will investigate how cybercriminals make money, interact with victims and defenders, and establish relationships among thieves. The project aims to identify opportunities for interventions and defenses against cybercrime by understanding the human factor in security.
A new study from the University of Michigan found that women who start snoring during pregnancy are at increased risk for developing high blood pressure and preeclampsia. The research suggests that treating underlying sleep-disordered breathing may help mitigate up to 19% of hypertensive disorders during pregnancy.
Scientists have isolated and studied 11 viruses that can infect and kill the acne-causing bacterium P. acnes, potentially paving the way for topical therapies. The study found that these phages share a high degree of similarity in their DNA, making it less likely to develop resistance to phage-based antimicrobial therapy.
A Cornell University study challenges the long-held hierarchical structure of sentence construction, proposing instead that language uses simpler sequential structures. This concept has implications for understanding human communication abilities and their relationship to other species.
Researchers found that Cell Banker 3 outperformed other cryopreservation solutions in preserving induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cell viability and proliferation. The solution allows iPS cells to be preserved for up to a year without significant loss of function.
The Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Camera Narrow Angle Camera is acquiring high-resolution stereo images of the Moon to create 3D topographic maps. These anaglyphs reveal lunar features like craters and volcanic flows in 3D, making detailed surface information accessible to the public.
The study used NASA's Aqua satellite to compare the two storms, showing Jelawat's strong circulation and cold cloud top temperatures, while Ewiniar appears asymmetrical with a long 'tail' of thunderstorms.
Near-infrared (NIR) spectral imaging has been shown to be highly predictive of flap outcome in breast reconstruction, detecting circulatory complications early on. This non-invasive method can provide real-time feedback to surgeons during surgery and post-operative period, improving patient outcomes.
Researchers at Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute have developed a new method to generate induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) by adding kinase inhibitors, which significantly increase cellular reprogramming efficiency. This breakthrough has the potential to accelerate disease research and drug development.
A team of Japanese researchers found that using specific transcription factors and Sendai virus vectors can facilitate the differentiation of mouse pancreatic stem cells (mPSCs) into insulin-producing cells. The combination of Pdx-1, NeuroD, and MafA transcription factors showed the greatest impact on this process.
Researchers at UCI found compounds that inhibit enzymes blocking endocannabinoid transmitters, which can help correct behavioral issues related to fragile X syndrome. The study suggests a new approach for treating anxiety and cognitive defects in people with the condition.
Kansas State University assistant professor Carlos Trallero has received two prestigious national awards for his research on quantum laws. He will use nearly $1 million from the National Science Foundation to buy a world-class femtosecond laser.
Nadine, a minimal tropical storm, has been spinning south of the Azores for nearly two weeks due to unfavorable conditions. Despite its long life, Nadine still lacks the characteristics necessary to break the record for longest-living tropical cyclone.
Common sporadic Parkinson's disease arises from excess alpha-synuclein protein in dopamine neurons, which can be treated with drugs targeting elongated transcript forms. A blood test for alpha-synuclein may serve as a biomarker for the disease.
A new study published in the journal Head & Neck has demonstrated the safety and efficacy of robotic surgery through the mouth for removing tumors from the throat and voice box. The procedure resulted in minimal blood loss, no surgical complications, and short hospital stays.