Scientists have discovered a novel cellulose structure that can be broken down with fewer enzymes, increasing sugar yields by as much as five times. This breakthrough could lead to an order of magnitude reduction in enzyme usage and more cost-effective biofuel production.
Researchers have developed HIV-derived antibacterial compounds that target and disrupt bacterial membranes, showing powerful activity against clinically resistant bacteria. These engineered cationic antimicrobial peptides (eCAPs) may also be applicable to treatment of other respiratory infections and biodefense applications.
A study led by Michigan State University found that unattractive workers are more likely to be belittled and bullied in the workplace. The researchers surveyed 114 workers at a healthcare facility and found that unattractive employees were treated harsher, even when controlling for other factors.
Researchers have achieved entanglement between light and an optical atomic coherence composed of interacting atoms in two different states, paving the way for functional multi-node quantum networks. The state-insensitive trap allowed the researchers to generate photons at a rate of 5,000 per second, enabling deterministic entanglement.
Patrick Rynne's student-run project Waterlust brings together marine science, art, and sport through online film and photography. The project aims to inspire public interest in water-related topics, empowering scientists to communicate their work creatively.
New research from Ohio State University predicts that the growing human population will lead to an increase of 10.8% more threatened species by 2050. The study suggests that meaningful biodiversity conservation efforts must take into account the expanding human population footprint, which can exacerbate extinction threats.
Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine found no link between nitrous oxide anesthesia and increased risk of heart attack. Despite concerns about the impact on homocysteine levels, the study showed that B vitamins did not influence heart attack risk in surgery patients.
A long-term study of patients with hereditary dystonia found symptom severity dropped to less than 20% within two years after device implantation. Sixty-one percent were able to discontinue all medications and 91% could discontinue at least one class of drugs.
Anand Srinivasan receives fellowship support from the American Heart Association to create a new chip-based platform for testing antibacterial and antifungal treatments for infective endocarditis. The technology can quickly test thousands of microbial biofilm samples, potentially saving lives.
Neuroscientists have developed a carbon nanotube probe that captures individual brain-cell signals, improving upon metal and glass electrodes. The new probe allows for more precise recordings of electrical signals from single neurons, enabling better understanding of the computational complexity of the brain.
GeoResJ aims to publish top research in the entire earth science field with rapid publication and open access. Elsevier's new journal joins its existing earth and planetary science journals offering authors more choice for scope and access.
Researchers suggest that the unique texture of developing pearls creates a ratchet-like effect, causing them to turn and accumulate nacre in a spherical build-up. This process results in the formation of perfectly spherical, highly prized pearls.
Recent research has made significant progress in developing gene-sensing techniques for rapid detection of foodborne pathogens, such as Listeria monocytogenes. These methods, like the novel in situ ECL detection system, utilize electrochemiluminescence and microfluidics to achieve high sensitivity and specificity.
A University of Iowa study reveals significant disparities between minority and white clients in completing substance abuse treatment programs. Successful completion predicts greater likelihood of getting off drugs, abstinence from alcohol, and employment six and 12 months after treatment completion.
A new method for designing quantum memory has been developed, enabling long-term storage of quantum states with low error rates. This breakthrough could revolutionize information processing and solve complex problems in fields like materials science and physics.
Margaret Cheney, a leading researcher in inverse problems and radar imaging, will deliver the AWM-SIAM Sonia Kovalevsky Lecture. Her work has developed solutions to longstanding problems in radar imaging using Microlocal Analysis, a method largely unknown to the radar community.
Dr. Steve Holbrook receives Walter Munk Award for his pioneering work in Seismic Oceanography, providing novel insights into internal waves and ocean dynamics. He is honored for his research and service to foster interdisciplinary collaboration in the field.
Researchers identify specific genes linked to cervical cancer's development and warn against using antiviral therapies in some cases. The findings may improve diagnosis of potentially dangerous lesions, but highlight the need for caution when using these treatments.
A new technology has reduced overall radiation exposure from CT scans in children by 37 percent, according to a recent study. The software uses mathematical calculations to determine the lowest possible radiation dose for each patient, allowing radiologists to precisely control the amount of radiation based on patient size.
A mindfulness-based approach has been shown to reduce symptoms of stress and depression, and promote wellbeing among school children. The study found that 80% of young people continued using the practices after completing the nine-week program.
A study of contaminated steroid injections found that even asymptomatic patients can have fungal infections. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can detect infection, especially in those who received highly contaminated injections.
Researchers have found that diapocynin, a synthetic antioxidant molecule, protects neurobehavioral function in mice with Parkinson's Disease symptoms. The treatment prevented expected deficits in motor coordination, suggesting potential therapeutic benefits.
The Hartford Consensus aims to establish a shared, common terminology for first responders to improve victim care. The plan emphasizes bleeding control, law enforcement training, and local coordination of resources.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute receive $1.4 million from the National Cancer Institute to create a potential new drug targeting malignant cells in CLL, while sparing normal tissues. The study aims to deliver cytotoxic drugs with specific targeting using cell surface receptor TOSO and receptor tyrosine kinase ROR1.
Researchers track cellular events leading to cardiac regeneration in zebrafish, revealing a novel potential source of cells for repairing damaged heart muscle. The study's findings provide evidence that various cell lines in the heart are more plastic than previously thought, offering new hope for treating heart failure.
A study published in Neurology found that people who experience stroke-like symptoms are at increased risk of developing memory and thinking problems. The research used a quick seven-question test to identify individuals at risk of dementia.
Scientists from the University of New Hampshire and NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center explain how energetic particles create molecular hydrogen from water ice on the moon. They used data gathered by the Cosmic Ray Telescope for the Effects of Radiation to show that up to 100% of the H2 can be formed via charged particles.
Researchers have identified genetic variants that can predict aggressive prostate cancers, enabling better treatment options for patients. The study's findings suggest a novel relationship between angiogenesis genes and prostate cancer aggressiveness.
A recent study found that nearly 70 percent of Americans are on at least one prescription drug, with 20 percent taking five or more medications. The study highlights the prevalence of antidepressants and painkilling opioids in prescriptions, which may raise concerns about their addictive nature.
Researchers identified clear risk factors for suicidal behavior among youth being bullied, including self-injury, emotional distress, and previous trauma. However, strong parental connections, positive school experiences, and perceived caring from adults were found to be significant protective factors.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have identified which emotion a person is experiencing based on brain activity using machine learning techniques. The study, led by Karim Kassam, achieved high accuracy levels in identifying emotions from fMRI data and has potential applications in assessing emotional responses to various stimuli.
Researchers have released a unique dataset based on 32 nights of repeated observations of SN 2011fe, providing unprecedented detail and a solid point of reference for Type Ia physics. The data reveals that the supernova is remarkably normal, passing important tests but not matching leading computational models.
A new phase 2 trial is underway to evaluate the efficacy of HER-2 targeted regimens in elderly patients with HER-2 positive metastatic breast cancer. The study aims to delay or avoid conventional chemotherapy while maintaining tumor control.
A novel treatment using resolvins has restored appropriate neutrophil motion in burn-injured rats, significantly improving survival rates. The treatment may help determine risk of septic complications in patients and prevent associated deaths.
Researchers have developed a way to see where and how memories are stored in the brain by attaching fluorescent markers to synaptic proteins. The microprobes allow scientists to observe live excitatory and inhibitory synapses for the first time, showing how they change as new memories are formed.
In a Phase 2 study, ibrutinib demonstrated an overall response rate of 68% and complete response rate of 21% in patients with relapsed or refractory mantle cell lymphoma. The treatment showed promise with fewer side effects than traditional chemotherapy approaches.
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri NCIMB 30242 increased circulating vitamin D levels by 25.5 percent in hypercholesterolemic adults over a nine-week intervention.
Researchers developed a staging system to track ALS disease progression, mapping out four distinct stages and identifying transmission patterns. The study's findings suggest a similar transmission process in other neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, and may lead to new treatments like immunotherapies.
Researchers have rediscovered PARP inhibitors as potential treatments for BRCA-driven cancers, including ovarian and breast cancers. Four drug candidates are now set to enter Phase III clinical studies.
Artificial neural networks (ANNs) improve patient survival prediction in advanced brain cancers, with a pooled voting method correctly predicting risk of death within one year in 84% of patients. A new proposal calls for medical professionals and specialty societies to play an increased role in evaluating 'off-label' uses of medications.
Berkeley Lab researchers found that most bacterial genes are regulated by signals unrelated to their function, leading to maladaptive regulation in laboratory settings. Only a small percentage of genes showed adaptive regulation, suggesting that natural responses may not fit the classical all-benefit-and-no-cost model.
The new technique allows scientists to study protein function in individual cell types in a living organism, providing deeper insights into protein function. The approach uses nonsense-mediated decay (NMD) to restrict knockdown to a single cell type, giving complete control of gene expression.
According to a study published in PLOS ONE, the flu vaccine likely prevented approximately 13 million illnesses and over 110,000 hospitalizations in the US between 2006 and 2011. The researchers estimated this impact based on vaccination coverage and vaccine effectiveness.
A study published in PLOS ONE suggests that Mesolithic humans transported banded wood snails from southern France to Ireland, based on genetically identical snails found in both regions. The research provides insight into the ancient human migration patterns and their impact on the local ecosystem.
A Cornell University study provides evidence for the 40-year-old hypothesis that regulation of genes must play an important role in evolution. The researchers found that transcription factor binding sites show considerable amounts of positive selection, suggesting adaptation in these regulatory elements.
The National Osteoporosis Guideline Group (NOGG) Update 2013 provides updated guidance on the diagnosis and management of osteoporosis. The new recommendations cover glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis, calcium and vitamin D therapy, and long-term bisphosphonate therapy.
Researchers have created a battery made from wood coated with tin that shows promise for becoming a tiny, long-lasting and efficient energy source. The device performed successfully through 400 charge-discharge cycles, making it suitable for large-scale energy storage applications such as wind farms or solar energy installations.
A team of NYU biologists found that a series of genes expressed in brain stem cells control the generation of neural diversity in the visual system of fruit flies. This process, known as a temporal cascade, ensures the sequential generation of different neural types.
A phase Ib/II trial showed an overall response rate of 71% for CLL patients and a 68% response rate for MCL patients, with estimated progression-free survival rates of 75% and 58% respectively. Ibrutinib has been shown to target Bruton's tyrosine kinase, a protein critical in B-cell receptor pathway for tumor cell survival.
Naked mole rats have a unique protein richly present in their tissues that protects them from cancer, according to recent research. The researchers identified high molecular weight hyaluronan (HMW-HA) as the chemical responsible for this resistance.
Researchers date cyanobacterial invasion into one-celled plants to 900 million years ago, revealing new insights into the origins of photosynthesis. By analyzing fossil and genetic evidence, they estimated the age of this ancient event, providing a more precise timeline for the evolution of plant and animal cells.
Researchers found that despite the 'connectedness illusion' affecting perceived targets, participants could accurately plan movements towards actual targets. This indicates a semi-autonomous robot-like system in the brain that plans actions independently of visual perception.
A Forest Service study found that urban trees can remove fine particulate air pollution, saving lives. The study estimated the impact of urban forests on PM2.5 concentrations and associated health effects in 10 US cities.
Research by CDC panel reveals bullying among youth is linked to poor mental and physical health, long-lasting effects, and increased suicide risk. Public health strategies can prevent bullying and improve health outcomes for young people.
A new compound has been identified that can kill staph bacteria causing bone infections. A mouse model has also been developed to test the compound and generate additional therapeutic strategies.
A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that dietary fructose rapidly caused liver damage in an animal model, with damage more than doubling over six weeks. The researchers found that high-fructose diets led to increased intestinal bacteria migration and liver damage, even without weight gain.
A new study found that children with extended evening office hours had half as many emergency department visits, but only half of parents knew their child's office was open after 5 PM. Enhanced access services like same-day sick visits were not associated with reduced emergency department use.
Scientists at Harvard University's Wyss Institute have found that low doses of silver can boost the efficacy of widely used antibiotics and make previously lethal bacteria sensitive again. This discovery holds promise for treating stubborn infections and developing new therapies against antibiotic-resistant infections.
A new study found that patients with early arthritis consume significantly less alcohol than healthy controls, with an inverse association between drinking and the presence of all forms of arthritis. The study also suggests that men may be more susceptible to the influence of alcohol on RA pathophysiology.
A gene therapy virus has been approved for treating a rare inherited metabolic disease, and researchers found it rarely integrates into the genome, making it safe. The virus was analyzed in patients and mice, revealing its ability to target mitochondria and potentially correcting genetic defects in human mitochondrial DNA.