A new horned dinosaur species, Nasutoceratops titusi, has been discovered in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument in Utah. The species features an unusually enlarged nose region and exceptionally long, curving horns, with possible functions including visual signals of dominance and mate attraction.
Scientists at Scripps Research Institute have determined the 3D structure of the human glucagon receptor, a key drug target for type 2 diabetes. The study's findings provide new information on how cells regulate glucose levels and may aid in the development of treatments for glucose-related disorders.
Autophagy, a process where cells consume parts of themselves to clean up damaged organelles and proteins, is controlled by a molecular switch in the cell nucleus. The study found that histone H4 acetylation regulates autophagy-related genes, offering new avenues for disease treatment.
Researchers at Columbia University Medical Center have identified a genetic mutation that causes congenital malformations of the kidney and urinary tract. The findings suggest that DSTYK mutations account for 2.2% of urinary tract defects in humans, providing a new diagnostic category for clinicians to make precise molecular diagnoses.
Combining certain foods like tomatoes, broccoli, and olive oil may enhance their antiangiogenesis abilities, research suggests. Developing these food products will require extensive tests in food safety and efficacy.
Monitoring nutrient intake is crucial for vegetarian athletes to stay competitive. They must find ways to reach the acceptable macronutrient distribution by consuming a variety of plant-based foods daily.
Scientists at Bonn University Hospital and MPI Cologne developed a method to predict temporal lobe epilepsy surgery success rates, achieving 96% accuracy for female patients and 94% for males. The algorithm assesses brain images to differentiate between seizure-free and non-seizure-free patients.
Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital found that split liver transplantation carries no increased risk of failure in recipients, allowing surgeons to save young patients and adults. By allocating infants and small children first and splitting available livers, doctors can virtually eliminate waitlist mortality for children.
The number of children dying every year has decreased by half since 1990, yet progress is under threat due to military and security funding. Countries marred by conflict have high rates of acute and chronic undernutrition, with Africa seeing a 50% increase compared to stable countries.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that more than 80% of tropical forests in Malaysian Borneo have been heavily impacted by logging. Satellite imaging revealed approximately 226,000 miles of roads constructed throughout the forests of this region.
Uppsala University researchers develop a novel magnesium carbonate material called Upsalite, exhibiting exceptional surface area and water absorption properties. This breakthrough enables more efficient control of environmental moisture in various industries, including electronics and drug formulation.
Researchers at MIT have identified a hidden reservoir of lead-laden rocks in the Earth's mantle, which would make the planet's composition more similar to meteorites. This discovery could help explain the Earth's origins and provide insights into its evolution through history.
Kansas State University researchers have discovered how Enterococcus faecalis, a bacterium causing hospital-associated infections, uses its regulatory system to resist the host's innate immune defense. The team has identified a protein called Eep as a key stress response that can be targeted with novel drug compounds.
Research published in PLOS ONE found that bodychecking rules didn't decrease concussions in elite hockey. Concussions were caused by body-checking 64% of the time, while illegal incidents accounted for only 28%. The authors suggest stricter enforcement or additional rule changes may be needed to reduce injury risk.
Scientists at MIT have developed a system to grow liver tissue that can support the liver stage of malaria parasites, allowing for testing of new drugs and vaccines. The system was used to study a vaccine for P. falciparum and showed promising results.
A study of 184 participants suggests that individuals with a higher level of sensation-seeking tend to prefer spicy foods. Those who score above the mean on the Arnett Inventory of Sensation Seeking liked spicy meals consistently as the burn increased, while those below the mean rapidly disliked them.
A new study reveals significant variability in patient death rates following emergency surgical admissions in England. Hospitals with better resources tend to have higher survival rates, suggesting that quality of care is a key factor in mortality rates.
A new study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that epoetin alfa can help alleviate anemia in high-risk breast cancer patients while maintaining overall and relapse-free survival rates. However, the treatment may increase the risk of thrombotic events.
Researchers have discovered novel compounds that fine-tune the activity of cells' protein-disposing machinery, which can help target solid tumors. These 'allosteric regulators' show promise as anti-cancer therapies without inducing drug resistance.
A new mechanism, critical for maintaining the balance between active and reserve hematopoietic stem cells, is identified through genomic imprinting. This process prevents premature activation of the reserve pool, ensuring its long-term maintenance.
Consumers can safely eat at least 12 ounces of cooked seafood per week if they pay attention to local seafood advisories and limit their intake of large, predatory fish like shark. Research is ongoing to improve food safety for these high-risk fish, with experts emphasizing the importance of handling practices, preparation, and storage.
A pilot study by TGen and Scottsdale Healthcare shows that personalized cancer treatment based on molecular profiling improves clinical benefits, with 52% of advanced breast cancer patients experiencing disease control. The study demonstrates feasibility of personalized cancer treatment and sets the stage for a larger study.
A Johns Hopkins study found that healthy people carrying a genetic mutation for arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia/cardiomyopathy (ARVD/C) are at higher risk of developing symptoms if they participate in endurance sports and frequent exercise. Reducing exercise can lower this risk.
Tropical Storm Cimaron strengthened into a tropical storm on July 17, generating 14-foot-high waves in the South China Sea. The storm is forecast to make landfall in eastern China approximately 200 nautical miles northeast of Hong Kong.
Researchers at UCL Institute of Ophthalmology identify LRG1 as a protein responsible for abnormal blood vessel growth in diseases like cancer, macular degeneration, and rheumatoid arthritis. Inhibition of LRG1 may be a promising target for future therapy.
Scientists at Nanyang Technological University (NTU) have developed a new technique called Cellular Thermal Shift Assay (CETSA) that can accurately determine if a drug has reached its target protein in the human body. This breakthrough method will help reduce the costly and time-consuming trial-and-error process of drug development.
A recent study found that vitamin D-deficient older individuals are more likely to struggle with everyday tasks and experience physical decline. The researchers suggest that vitamin D supplementation could help prevent these issues, but further studies are needed to confirm the findings.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have discovered a new type of stretchable conductor made from spherical nanoparticles embedded in elastic materials. The material exhibits exceptional stretchability and electrical conductivity, making it suitable for various applications such as brain implants and flexible electronics.
A probiotic strain of E. coli reduces Salmonella colonization by competing for iron, leading to decreased Salmonella counts in the gut. The approach has potential for treating other gut bacterial pathogens that require iron to grow.
Researchers at VCU are studying the biology of allergic disease with a $1.8 million NIH grant. They aim to understand how mast cells respond to signals, potentially leading to new therapies for conditions like asthma and rheumatoid arthritis.
Women who survive cancer have more frequent, severe, and troubling hot flashes than other women with menopausal symptoms. However, the study also found that the cancer survivors reported better psychological and social well-being, similar levels of sexual activity and function compared to women without cancer.
A new study finds that half a billion dollars could be saved annually by using bedside physical exams to identify patients who truly need imaging tests instead of routine head CT scans. Emergency room physicians can confidently diagnose benign inner-ear disorders, freeing up resources for those who need stroke diagnosis.
A study found that brain cells' electrical activity combines stored memories, environmental circumstances, and current state of mind. The researchers used techniques to monitor the electrical activity of neurons in rats' hippocampus, which is used to encode new memories and retrieve old ones.
Evolutionary biologist Kenneth Olsen has examined the genetics of hull color in rice, finding that different mutations underlie the emergence of traits in both cultivated and weedy forms. The findings suggest that crops reverted to wild forms by reversing genetic changes, but with a more complex history than initially thought.
Researchers have developed a bioengineered decoy that fools the immune system and prevents it from neutralizing the benefits delivered by a corrective gene. The approach could potentially increase the number of patients who can be treated with gene therapy, offering new hope for genetic diseases like hemophilia.
A new study by Stanford researchers maps the entire US coastline, revealing where and how much protection communities get from natural habitats such as dunes, reefs, sea grasses, and mangroves. The study suggests that intact ecosystems near vulnerable coastal communities can reduce losses from sea level rise and storms.
Researchers developed an 'intelligent knife' that can identify cancerous tissues during surgery, providing instant results. The technology, called iKnife, was tested on 91 patients and showed 100% accurate diagnosis, potentially reducing tumour recurrence rates and improving patient outcomes.
Researchers have deciphered the color-creating mechanisms in butterfly wings, revealing subtle differences in crystal parameters that result in stunningly varied patterns of color. These findings could inspire new hue-changing materials with designer properties.
Theorists Volker Koch and Dirk Andrae have devised formulas to calculate the polarizability of atomic ions as a function of their total charge number. This breakthrough enables accurate calculations for series of multi-electron ions, with implications for applications such as semiconductor manufacturing and planetary atmosphere modeling.
A Duke University study found that a compound called neuroprotectin D1 can relieve neuropathic pain caused by nerve injuries. The derivative of DHA, a main ingredient of fish oil supplements, inhibits the production of cytokines and chemokines, protecting nerve cells from further damage.
Researchers used near-infrared spectroscopy to detect lipid core plaque in narrowed arteries of 20 patients experiencing a STEMI. The study found that the characteristic makeup of arterial plaque blocking an artery and causing a heart attack can be identified in living patients.
Research by UCLA mathematician Marcus Roper reveals that fungus cells use a dynamic movement of nuclei to keep them well mixed, benefiting the organism's infectiousness. The flow is propelled by pressure gradients across the colony, optimizing nuclear mixing for maximum advantage.
A new study by University of British Columbia researchers found that East Asian adolescents in BC who are sexually active may engage in high-risk behaviors, including alcohol and drug use before sex. The top reasons for abstinence were not feeling ready and wanting to meet the right person.
Researchers have developed a promising new cancer treatment, PAC-1, which targets a cellular enzyme to spur cancer cells to self-destruct. The compound has shown safe and anti-cancer effects in cell culture, mouse models, and pet dogs with spontaneously occurring cancers.
Astronomers observe VLT's real-time data of a gas cloud accelerating towards the Milky Way's supermassive black hole. The cloud is being grossly stretched by the black hole's extreme gravitational field, with its light becoming harder to see.
Researchers found dogs can reproduce familiar and novel actions after different delays, even when distracted. The ability to imitate human actions suggests the presence of a specific type of long-term memory in dogs.
Research suggests that healthy snacks like peanuts, nuts, and high-fiber snacks can limit overall daily food consumption. Studies have shown that regular consumption of almonds or cereal as a mid-morning snack can lead to increased feelings of fullness and reduced energy intake at subsequent meals.
Researchers at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz have discovered a new form of communication between brain cell types, where oligodendrocytes release exosomes with protective proteins and genetic information to neurons, protecting them against stress. This bidirectional communication plays a significant role in preserving nerve fibers.
A study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that moderate-intensity exercise three times a week during pregnancy halves the risk of having a high birth weight newborn, and reduces the need for a caesarean delivery. The intervention group showed a 58% decrease in macrosomia and a 34% decrease in caesarean deliveries.
This study examines how Parkinson's disease affects the health-related quality of life in northeastern Sicily, Italy. The researchers applied the ecological model to investigate the individual and social environmental factors impacting patient outcomes, including depression, cognitive impairment, coping strategies, and family size.
Sickle cell anemia is projected to increase by 33% from 2010 to 2050, primarily affecting newborns in sub-Saharan Africa. Implementing basic health interventions could significantly reduce death rates among children under 5 with the condition.
Research suggests that people with impaired glucose tolerance experience cognitive impairment in various tests, including word recognition and visual verbal learning. A diet high in fiber and low glycemic impact may help improve cognitive function.
A study by Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine researcher Katherine Wasson and colleagues provides insight into how primary care patients experience genetic testing. Most participants found results easy to understand with the help of a genetic counselor, but few could interpret them on their own.
Supraglacial lakes' draining mechanisms, which affect ice velocity and extent, were studied in West Greenland. The findings show that rapid draining accelerates glacial movement, while slow draining increases its pace, with implications for sea-level rise.
Cardiovascular screening is crucial for cancer patients who received chest radiation, especially those at high risk of developing radiation-induced heart disease (RIHD). The European Society of Cardiology recommends regular screenings to detect cardiac abnormalities and reduce the risk of death from coronary artery disease.
Increased precipitation and changes in forest structure in Argentina's forests are leading to higher rates of parasitic fly infection in young birds. This study found that slight changes in precipitation and vegetation structure, coupled with crowding of nests, result in large increases in the number of parasites per chick.
The article reviews the epidemiology, characteristics, and prevention of West Nile virus, which has produced the largest arboviral neuroinvasive disease outbreaks in the US. The authors highlight the importance of sustainable community-based surveillance and vector management programs.
A diet low in fish and seafood leads to a nutrition gap of omega-3 fatty acids, particularly DHA and EPA. This can result in inflammatory disorders, cardiovascular issues, and cognitive problems in children.
Scientists at A*STAR's Singapore Immunology Network discovered a new class of white blood cells that play a critical role in the first line of defense against harmful fungal and bacterial infections. The findings have significant impact on vaccine design and targeted immunotherapies.
Researchers from University of California have found a way to improve cochlear implant functionality by inducing neurons to extend neurites towards the implant. This study published in Neural Regeneration Research, used soluble neurotrophins and collagen gels to grow cochlear neurites, increasing their numbers and length.