Researchers have identified diverse strains of Wolbachia bacteria that offer strong antiviral protection against diseases like dengue, but may come with a cost to the host's lifespan. The study found that certain strains replicate more quickly and reach higher concentrations in flies, potentially reducing their lifespan.
Less than 15% of internal medicine residency programs have a formal curriculum addressing cost-conscious care, despite a national consensus on the issue. The study found that western US programs and university-based programs were more likely to adopt such curricula.
Artificial cells manufactured via microprinting can mimic natural cell membranes, allowing researchers to study cellular processes. The creation of uniform-sized artificial cells with proteins and lipids enables high-throughput screenings for drug delivery and disease prevention.
Researchers have discovered that blue light phototherapy is effective in killing antibiotic-resistant bacteria, including MRSA. The treatment uses a specific wavelength of blue light to target and destroy the bacteria.
A new RNA extraction protocol for land plants has been developed, allowing for the extraction of high-quality RNA from a wide variety of plant species and tissue types. This protocol will greatly facilitate RNA-based studies of non-model plant species and enable comparative analyses of transcriptomes across diverse lineages.
Researchers found that pecan shell extracts significantly inhibited bacterial growth of Listeria, reducing levels by 100 times and spoilage organisms by over 1,000 times. This natural alternative may provide an effective solution for preventing listeria in organic meats.
Researchers have developed a highly sensitive system to detect individual molecules using a 'golden trap' technique. By creating a customized environment with gold nanoparticles and DNA, they can capture and identify single molecules, opening up possibilities for early disease detection in medical diagnostics.
Researchers observed 'dissipation' peaks in NbSe2 due to frictional force, related to charge density waves. Their theoretical model reproduces experimental data, shedding light on nanofriction mechanisms underlying energy losses.
A new commentary highlights the devastating impact of sequestration on the Indian Health Service, perpetuating longstanding health care disparities. Funding cuts lead to rationing of services, contributing to a 4.1-year gap in life expectancy compared to mainstream Americans, with alarming rates of alcoholism, diabetes, and mortality.
Researchers found that mothers underestimate their youngest child's height by 7.5 cm on average, while overestimating their eldest child's height is almost accurate.
Researchers at Emory Vaccine Center compared the molecular signatures induced by five different vaccines to predict vaccine effectiveness and stimulate immune responses. The study suggests that gene expression predictors are dependent on vaccine type, rather than universal.
Research reveals widespread ignorance among cat owners about their pets' reproductive cycles, leading to millions of unplanned litters and health problems for mother cats and kittens. Improving owner knowledge could significantly reduce the numbers of accidental litters.
Researchers have developed a novel way to boil water in under a trillionth of a second, opening new paths for experiments with heated samples of biological relevance. The technique uses terahertz radiation to heat up small amounts of water by as much as 600 degrees Celsius.
A study by University of California, Santa Cruz researchers found a significant shift in the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre's food web since 1850, driven by changes in nitrogen sources. The shift may be related to the expansion and warming of open ocean gyres, which limits nutrient delivery to surface waters.
A new animal study led by researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine found that TB lung lesions are surprisingly variable and independent of each other, regardless of whether the patient has clinically active or latent disease. The findings could point the way to new vaccines to prevent the hard-to-treat infection.
Researchers used high-resolution 3D imaging to study the disassembly process of the Golgi apparatus during cell division. The results show that the Golgi apparatus is tightly linked to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and redistributes into the ER during mitosis, resolving a basic cellular question.
Research found that reducing glucose metabolism weakens the ability of influenza viruses to infect mammalian cells in lab cultures. The study suggests that altering glucose metabolism may be a potential new approach to inhibit influenza viral infection.
A team of researchers has identified a critical balance point between tau and a master cellular regulator disrupted by amyloid-beta oligomers, driving adult neurons into cell cycle re-entry and eventual death. The study suggests that the protein complexes mTORC1 and mTORC2 play a key role in regulating this process.
The American Society for Cell Biology's Celldance 2013 video contest recognized top videos showcasing cellular processes. The first-place winner received a $500 cash prize for his time-lapse video of muscle cell differentiation, while two second-place winners shared a $250 cash prize each.
Researchers observed strong energy loss due to frictional effects near charge density waves. The study has significant implications for controlling nanoscale friction.
Researchers at Purdue University and Macquarie University have developed a way to control the length of time light from luminescent nanocrystals lingers, exponentially boosting detection capabilities. This technology can identify thousands of different target molecules simultaneously, far surpassing current limits.
Research reveals that fusion between cancer cells and macrophages empowers cancer cells to spread, forming tumors more rapidly. The study's findings suggest a new mechanism by which cancer progression is driven.
A study found that female prisoners in England and Wales self-harmed at an alarming rate, with women accounting for roughly half of all incidents. Self-harm was associated with a higher risk of suicide, particularly among male inmates.
Researchers from the University of Houston have discovered a catalyst that can quickly generate hydrogen from water using sunlight, producing twice as much hydrogen as oxygen. The technology has potential as a clean and renewable source of energy, but its efficiency rate is still too low to be commercially viable at present.
Researchers discovered a temporary tube-shaped structure in the phiX174 virus to deliver its DNA during infection. The tube attaches to host cell membranes and contains amino acids ideal for DNA transfer. This finding may be crucial for efficient genome translocation.
Research suggests nicotine drives cell invasion contributing to atherosclerosis and plaque formation in coronary arteries. E-cigarettes may not significantly reduce smokers' risk for heart disease, according to Brown University study findings.
Researchers have found that an experimental drug targeting tumor-associated macrophages decreases glioblastoma growth and extends the survival of laboratory mice with the cancer. The treatment increases rates of programmed cell death in both the macrophages and tumor cells, leading to reduced tumor proliferation and increased survival.
Scientists at the University of Edinburgh made a groundbreaking discovery that could help combat the spread of sleeping sickness. By understanding how parasites communicate with each other, researchers may be able to develop new drugs to disrupt these messages and limit the disease's transmission.
A study published in Nature Climate Change suggests that climate change will endanger the habitat of caribou, a species already threatened by the loss of critical lichen-rich environments. The research, led by University of Calgary professor Marco Musiani, analyzed DNA from reindeer and caribou populations across North America and Europe.
Caribou populations in climatically stable areas have the greatest genetic diversity, but climate change is expected to reduce viable habitat and lead to population isolation and fragmentation. As a result, caribou will lose the ability to adapt to change and become more vulnerable to extinction.
A cross-sectional study by Tokyo University found exercising in middle age is a protective factor against sarcopenia and effective in maintaining muscle strength and physical performance. The prevalence of sarcopenia was higher with increasing age, but exercise habits in middle age were significantly associated with lower risk.
A daily bout of exercise significantly reduces detrimental health impacts from short-term overeating and inactivity. Exercise prevents unhealthy metabolic changes and disrupted nutritional balance, even when consuming thousands of calories more than burned.
A Hong Kong-based study found that 75% of second hip fractures occurred within 4 years of the initial fracture, with female patients experiencing a higher incidence. The study also revealed lower survival rates after a second hip fracture, with median survival times of 3 years and 8 months compared to 4 years and 10 months after the fi...
Five young investigators from China, Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong, Malaysia, and Pakistan received the IOF Young Investigator Awards for outstanding bone health research. The awards recognize the top-scoring abstracts presented at the 4th Asia-Pacific Osteoporosis Meeting.
A large study found that patients receiving etomidate for anesthesia may be at increased risk of mortality and cardiovascular events, with a 250% increase in death risk compared to those receiving propofol. The results have sparked concerns over the safety of etomidate use.
A study found that educating the public about medical information access and bio tissue research improves attitudes, with participants supporting safeguards and anonymity. The study's results suggest that once the general public understands the risks and options, they are more willing to contribute to research.
The DTB suggests that England should reject new drugs if pharmaceutical companies fail to provide supporting evidence, reducing duplication of effort and postcode availability. This follows the example of Scotland and Wales, where such decisions are made by a single UK appraisal service.
The European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) releases a position paper on the role of medical oncologists in cancer care, emphasizing the importance of their specialist training. The paper aims to guarantee access to optimal treatment for Europe's growing number of cancer patients.
Researchers found a significant reduction in Medicare spending of $721 annually per patient, with no adverse consequences for survival, through the use of accountable care organizations (ACOs). ACOs led to better management of acute care, resulting in fewer hospital admissions among beneficiaries with prevalent cancer.
A new smartphone device employing advanced camera technology can now accurately read a user's cholesterol level in under a minute. The Smartphone Cholesterol Application for Rapid Diagnostics, or smartCARD, uses color analysis to discern results from a drop of blood, sweat or saliva.
Researchers detected twisting patterns in polarization of oldest light in the universe, hinting at complex processes and properties of the earliest moments in the universe's formation. The discovery could help physicists better understand the distribution of mass and define cosmologically important properties.
A new UCSF-led study reveals that body mass index significantly increases the risk of developing chronic kidney disease, even before other obesity-related diseases emerge. Healthy kidneys play a vital role in various bodily functions, and the research emphasizes the importance of intervening early in life with obese patients.
A new study published in Conservation Biology found that a deadly fungus is the primary cause of rapid frog population declines in the Andes mountains. The fungus, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, has led to the decline or extinction of 200 frog species worldwide.
A new Cornell University study found that nutrition report cards sent to parents can encourage healthy eating habits in their children. The pilot program showed that students selected fruits and vegetables more frequently, and flavored milk less often, after receiving the reports.
Palliative care is misunderstood as a synonym for end-of-life care, causing patients to miss out on symptom relief. Early palliative care can improve quality of life and outcomes for patients with serious illnesses.
A new cooperative consortium, Global Invertebrate Genomics Alliance (GIGA), was formed to explore the genomic basis of unique features in invertebrates. GIGA aims to promote comparative genomics and bioinformatics research on non-insect/non-nematode invertebrates.
A new study predicts that climate change will lead to a decline in the spread of snail fever in Africa, with up to 19% reduction in infectious areas. The parasite's host snails are expected to lose suitable habitats due to rising temperatures and changing precipitation patterns.
Researchers are developing a humanized monoclonal antibody that specifically targets and inhibits the functioning of ROR1 in cancer stem cells. The goal is to deliver toxins selectively to cancer stem cells without harming normal cells.
A recent study found that while mainstream psychotherapists and clinical psychologists are more skeptical about recovered memories than they were 20 years ago, there remains a significant gap between researchers and clinicians in their beliefs about memory. The divide has implications for clinical practice and the judicial system.
Arthur L. Day, M.D., professor of neurosurgery at UTHealth, received the Founders' Laurel Award for his exceptional service and meritorious accomplishments in medical education. He is recognized internationally for his expertise in cerebrovascular and skull base neurosurgery, particularly in treating pituitary tumors.
Dr. Katherine High's groundbreaking research in gene therapy has led to novel approaches to correcting hemophilia, with ongoing studies in a current NIH-funded clinical trial. The E. Donnall Thomas Prize recognizes her remarkable contributions to the field, transforming the notion of using genetically engineered mechanisms for treatment.
A phase III clinical trial found that switching to a different chemotherapy did not improve overall survival or time to progression for women with metastatic breast cancer and elevated circulating tumor cells. Patients with low CTCs before starting chemotherapy had a median overall survival of 35 months, while those with elevated CTCs ...
Researchers used high-speed photography to study how ultrasound-stimulated microbubbles dissolve killer blood clots. The team found that the bubbles deform the clots' boundaries before burrowing into them, creating fluid-filled tunnels that break up the clots from the inside out.
A Duke University study found that strobe glasses improved hockey players' performance by forcing their visual system to train in difficult conditions. The glasses produced stroboscopic visual conditions, resulting in an 18% improvement in on-ice skills and demonstrating potential benefits for sports performance.
Researchers identify two therapeutic targets to block cancer cell growth: PAK and STAT5. The shutdown of either target significantly delays leukemia progression in mice, offering new hope for cancer treatment.
The study found that practicing different types of math skills can lead to expertise in those areas. This approach helps students identify their strengths and weaknesses, allowing them to focus on areas where they need improvement.
The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston has been named a regional stroke center by the National Institutes of Health, with a focus on prevention, treatment, and recovery. Researchers are testing new treatments, including stem cell therapies, to improve stroke care.
Researchers at NUS have discovered that outer skin cells can form suspended bridges during wound healing, paving the way for better wound treatment and artificial skin design. The study sheds light on how skin cells migrate over regions devoid of support from the extracellular matrix.
A team of marine biologists has discovered that previously unrecognized species diversity was hiding some corals' ability to respond to climate change. The researchers found that two separate lineages of coral, which look deceivingly similar, have different genetic makeup and survival strategies.
Researchers at Kansas State University are exploring how E. coli proteins block the host's innate immune system, which is critical for infection prevention. Understanding this mechanism may lead to new therapeutics for autoimmune diseases and cancer.