Researchers at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center have gained a better understanding of how to increase the window of opportunity to detect potentially dangerous cancers before they're hard to treat. By studying genetic changes in Barrett's esophagus, scientists found that cancer arises suddenly after cells undergo large, drastic mutations.
Researchers at UCSB have identified a way to change one cell type into another using transcription factor ELT-7, which was previously thought to be exclusive to early embryonic cells. The discovery opens up new possibilities for regenerative medicine and could potentially allow for the creation of entire organs from scratch.
A study by Johns Hopkins researchers found that patients with traumatic eye socket injuries fared equally well at half the cost when treated at a busy teaching hospital compared to other Maryland hospitals. The study's findings suggest that high-volume care and standardized protocols can lead to significant cost savings.
Researchers have discovered a potent natural antibiotic, pyridomycin, that targets two key enzymes in tuberculosis bacteria. The molecule's unique three-dimensional structure allows it to simultaneously inhibit the production of the bacterium's lipid membrane, drastically reducing the risk of resistance.
Chris Martine's discovery of a new wild eggplant species in Australia has shed light on the plant's unique reproductive strategy. The female plant produces male pollen, tricking bees into visiting its flowers, and Martine hopes to study this phenomenon further.
Researchers at Western University found that neurofeedback training can alter key brain networks linked to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), leading to improved subjective well-being. The study used a combination of EEG and fMRI techniques to measure changes in brain activity and connectivity after a 30-minute neurofeedback session.
A University of Toronto study reveals that fear of being single is a predictor of settling for less in relationships among both men and women. People with stronger fears about being single are more likely to stay in unhappy relationships or date individuals who aren't good for them.
A University of Alberta study links rainfall to survival of wild birds in Canada, citing a long-term decline in reproduction for Arctic peregrines. The study found that over one-third of chick deaths were caused by rain, leading to hypothermia and drowning.
Researchers have developed a highly efficient thermoelectronic generator that can convert heat and solar energy into electricity without mechanical parts. The new design solves the space-charge problem, achieving efficiencies of up to 40%, paving the way for potential commercial applications in the renewable energy sector.
Researchers found that HIV-1-specific antibodies and low pH enhance transcytosis of the virus across epithelial cells. This process was enhanced by the FcRn receptor and is influenced by whether or not the antibody neutralizes the virus.
The American Mathematical Society has announced its prize winners, recognizing outstanding contributions to mathematics in various fields. The recipients include notable mathematicians and researchers who have made significant impacts on the field.
A recent study found that wolves and dogs can learn where to find food by observing a human or dog demonstrator. This suggests that the ability to learn from others was already present in wolf ancestors, which prehistoric humans could then build on. The researchers' findings provide new insights into the domestication of dogs.
Researchers have found that prostate cancer stem cells change from basal to luminal cells as the disease progresses, rendering existing treatments less effective. This discovery could lead to more targeted therapies by targeting the evolving cancer stem cells.
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital scientists have identified an enzyme that can halt or reverse the build-up of toxic protein fragments in mice with Alzheimer's disease. Gene therapy increased activity of the enzyme neuraminidase 1, reducing plaques in the brain involved in learning and memory.
A team at Gladstone Institutes has developed a molecular sensor that can detect the earliest signs of multiple sclerosis, including heightened thrombin activity in the brain. This breakthrough could lead to early diagnosis and treatment options, shedding light on the underlying molecular processes that drive the disease.
A team of scientists at Berkeley Lab has developed a new material that exhibits the highest shape-memory effect ever recorded in an oxide material. This breakthrough discovery opens up exciting possibilities for future nanoelectromechanical devices and other state-of-the-art nanosystems.
Researchers from LSTM and international biologists sequenced the king cobra genome, showing dynamic evolution and adaptation in its venom system. The study reveals rapid expansion of gene families that produce venom toxins, providing snakes with a highly toxic protein mixture.
Researchers found that anxiety, depressed mood, and physical disability among RA patients decreased by half over the past two decades. Improved treatment options, including early therapy intervention and biologics, have led to reduced disease activity and better daily living for these patients.
Research suggests that automated breast density measurement can predict breast cancer risk in younger women, with changes in breast density over time playing a significant role. Women under 50 are at high risk for density-associated breast cancer, and earlier mammogram screenings may be beneficial for those with denser breasts.
A KAIST research team has developed a flexible piezoelectric energy harvesting device called nanogenerator using biotemplated design. The device converts mechanical energy into electrical energy and can be driven by simple finger movements.
This special issue of Science China-Physics, Mechanics & Astronomy features a wide range of research articles covering surface symmetry, qubits, graphene, and more. The articles highlight the Institute of Physics CAS's achievements over the past five years.
Researchers at TUM developed a computer model of acoustic coding in the inner ear and neuronal information processing by the brain stem, allowing for improved coding strategies and faster testing of new devices. This advancement has the potential to significantly reduce development cycles and provide better hearing outcomes for patients.
Researchers at the Salk Institute created a new approach to determine the structure of key cellular receptors using artificial amino acids, revealing crucial details about their binding pockets. This breakthrough could aid in designing drugs that target diseases such as diabetes and osteoporosis.
A study published in The FASEB Journal reveals that obesity is associated with an abnormal amount of the inflammatory protein PAR2 on abdominal fat tissues, which can be blocked by a new oral drug. This finding suggests that obesity may be an inflammatory disease and that controlling inflammation could lead to weight loss.
A study found that 52.9% of older adults in the US have experienced bothersome pain, with multiple sites common among those with pain. Pain is strongly associated with decreased physical capacity, including weaker muscle strength and slower walking speed.
A new study published in Biological Psychiatry found that patients with PTSD are at higher risk of cardiac ischemia, with no correlation to other cardiovascular risk factors. Researchers detected elevated rates of myocardial ischemia in 17% of participants with PTSD, highlighting the need for tailored treatments.
Researchers found that potassium current density increased sharply after 2 weeks of neural stem cell differentiation, indicating functional neurons. Neural stem cells from newborn rat hippocampus can be cultured and induced to differentiate into mature neurons in vitro.
A new study found that men with a specific genetic mutation are more than 50% likely to die from prostate cancer if they're overweight or obese. The researchers analyzed data on 1,243 participants and discovered that obesity was linked to higher levels of insulin and growth factor receptors in tumors containing the mutation.
Researchers identified a distinct Treg cell population expressing ICOS that predicts better clinical outcomes in melanoma patients treated with high-dose IL-2 therapy. A SOD1 pharmacological inhibitor reduced tumor growth in mice, suggesting inhibition of antioxidants as a viable chemotherapeutic option.
Researchers analyzed minute movements to diagnose autism and determine its severity in children and young adults. The study found that fluctuations in hand movements can indicate the degree of autism spectrum disorder, allowing for subtyping and improved diagnosis. This breakthrough may lead to more tailored treatments.
A recent study published in PLOS ONE found that HIV-positive men who have sex with men are at a higher risk of developing anal cancer due to Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection. The researchers discovered that taking antiretroviral therapies as prescribed can lower the risk of HPV infections among HIV-infected men.
Researchers at Rice University have discovered aluminum's valuable plasmonic properties, which make it suitable for harvesting solar energy and creating large-area optical devices. The study also found that aluminum exhibits quantum mechanical effects stronger than gold in certain nanomatryushka structures.
A recent Arctic study reveals that tiny crustaceans, known as copepods, may not survive if ocean acidity rises due to increased CO2. Copepods with a wide natural habitat range are likely to be better equipped to handle the changes.
A new study reveals that a high-protein diet can help preserve muscle mass during weight loss by slowing the ubiquitin proteasome system, which is primarily responsible for degrading skeletal muscle. Researchers found that adequate protein intake can minimize muscle loss during weight loss efforts.
Tel Aviv University researchers have discovered a protein that kills bacteria, potentially offering a new antibiotic substitute. The protein, produced by a virus that attacks bacteria, impedes cell division in E. coli and causes cells to elongate and die.
Researchers found that toddlers who interacted with food in a high chair learned words for nonsolid objects more effectively due to familiarity with the setting. The study showed that changes in environment and exploration help children acquire early vocabulary, linked to better later cognitive development.
A new algorithm, relational social image search, can find individuals in untagged photos by quantifying relationships between people based on tag locations. The algorithm achieves high reliability without using computationally intensive software and is more efficient than standard approaches.
Researchers found that transplantation of olfactory ensheathing cells improved autonomic nerve function in patients with spinal cord injury. The study used a simple electrophysiological detection method to assess sympathetic skin response, which showed significant recovery after treatment.
The Burmese python genome study found large numbers of rapidly evolved genes linked to extreme characteristics such as rapid increases in metabolism and organ growth after feeding. The researchers discovered that snakes have undergone incredible changes at all levels of their biology, including physiological and molecular changes.
The NASA airborne mission is using a low-frequency radar instrument to map the sub-glacial bedrock hidden beneath thick ice sheets. The Multichannel Coherent Radar Depth Sounder (MCoRDS) measures ice thickness and maps sub-ice rock by sending radar waves down through polar ice.
A computer algorithm predicts breast cancer type with 93% accuracy by identifying three genes involved in estrogen signaling. The technique has the potential to replace traditional lab tests, potentially becoming more affordable and accessible in the future.
A new technique uses whole genome sequencing to identify pathogens in patient samples in just 18 hours, allowing for rapid diagnosis and treatment of urinary tract infections. This approach also enables the detection of emerging infections and prevention of hospital-acquired diseases.
Researchers at the University of Arizona have discovered a surprisingly diverse ecosystem of microbes living in the perpetual darkness of Kartchner Caverns, a limestone cave system. The microbes thrive on limited nutrients, including nitrogen-containing compounds, and can even harness energy from minerals dissolved in rock fissures.
CONRAD and Eastern Virginia Medical School will receive $80 million in funding to develop new HIV prevention products, including microbicides and objective measures of adherence. The project aims to address the high risk of HIV infection among young women in South Africa.
Researchers found vitamin D supplementation significantly improved depression symptoms and reduced neuropathic and sensory pain in women with type 2 diabetes. The study also showed a notable decrease in pain at three and six months following supplementation.
A new study published in PNAS sheds light on the functional importance of dinosaur beaks, revealing they helped stabilize the skull structure during feeding. The research, led by Drs Stephan Lautenschlager and Emily Rayfield, used CT scanning and computer simulations to analyze a therizinosaur's beak.
A newly discovered human peptide called humanin may become a new treatment for diabetes by increasing insulin secretion and improving glucose metabolism in beta cells. Humanin levels naturally decline with age, suggesting potential benefits for patients with other conditions like stroke, heart disease, and Alzheimer's.
A study using MRI technology found that veterans with mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI) caused by blasts have long-term brain differences, including changes in white matter structure. This suggests a potential link between blast exposure and ongoing cognitive symptoms in veterans.
Computer scientists at Princeton University have developed a method that allows researchers to identify quickly the connections between seemingly disparate groups in large collections of information. By using a mathematical method to calculate the likelihood of a pattern repeating throughout a subset of data, the tool can cut dramatica...
Researchers have discovered a specialized sound-producing organ in koalas, located outside the voice box, which enables extremely low-pitched mating calls. The organ produces continuous sounds on inhalation and exhalation, similar to a donkey's braying.
A new study by University of Michigan researchers found that mixing energy drinks with alcohol leads to heavier drinking and more severe alcohol-related issues. The study, published in the Journal of Adolescent Health, analyzed data from over 650 college students and suggests that the combination may lead to 'wide awake drunk' situations.
A new UK study published in Free Radical Biology and Medicine found that a diet low in vitamin D causes free radical damage to the brain, leading to decreased cognitive performance. The researchers also discovered that vitamin D deficiency is linked to Alzheimer's disease, certain cancers, and heart disease.
A study presented at the Radiological Society of North America annual meeting found that ultrasound-guided PRP therapy improves functionality by 80% and pain by 75% in athletes with Achilles and patellar tendinosis. The therapy also normalizes MRI signal intensity in 90% of patients.
A study found that ICOS+ Treg populations expand after HD IL-2 treatment, predicting better clinical outcomes for patients. The distinct Treg population identified may help determine which patients benefit from high-dose IL-2 therapy.
Researchers found that oxygen levels alter the effectiveness of anti-inflammatory glucocorticoid drugs in neutrophil lifespans. This discovery may help tailor anti-inflammatory agents to specific diseases, improving treatment outcomes for patients with severe asthma, COPD, and other inflammatory conditions.
The American College of Physicians recommends that individuals with heart disease should only receive red blood cell transfusions if they have severe anemia. Additionally, researchers found that the concept of 'healthy and overweight' is a myth, as individuals in the same BMI category can have varied metabolic features. The study's fin...
Research by Plymouth University and the University of Exeter found that microplastic ingestion can decrease energy reserves in marine worms. The study also revealed that ingested plastic can deliver harmful chemicals to organisms, leading to reduced health. This has significant implications for the food chain and marine ecosystems.
A Penn Medicine brain imaging study found greater neural connectivity from front to back and within one hemisphere in males, while females displayed greater connectivity between the left and right hemispheres. This difference may explain why men excel at single-tasking and women are better at multitasking and social cognition.
Researchers discovered that bacteria that complement each other's nutritional needs grow faster and are more fit than solo individuals. This finding supports the widespread model of cooperation in nature.
A new Rice University study explores the complex relationship between self-evaluations and supportive behaviors towards environmental issues. Researchers found that individuals who experience mixed self-evaluations, including both positive self-assets and negative self-doubt, tend to exhibit less extensive issue-supportive behavior.