Researchers from North Carolina State University have created a 3D model of an enzyme that links glucose to cellulose, a crucial component of plant cell walls. The breakthrough could enable genetic engineering of plants and trees for improved fibers or wood strength.
A team led by UNC Charlotte researcher Deborah Strumsky is forecasting optimal energy investments using novel methods from network theory, performance curve analysis, and ecological systems. The project aims to provide a detailed picture of the solar technology ecosystem, influencing technological progress and informing policy decisions.
A cup of beetroot juice a day reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure by about 10 mm Hg in participants. Increasing dietary nitrate intake through vegetables like beets may be an accessible way to manage blood pressure, researchers suggest.
A new study finds that using a non-focused standard trauma CT protocol can result in hundreds of unnecessary CT examinations. The study suggests that imaging should be dictated by patient history and physical examination findings to reduce CT utilization, imaging costs, and radiation dose by at least 50%
A type of marine algae, Emiliania huxleyi, has been found to be resilient to ocean acidification under high CO2 levels. Although cells grew more slowly under the high CO2 scenario, they did not dissolve away and possessed more calcite, suggesting some ability to tolerate future CO2 scenarios.
Researchers at the La Jolla Institute discovered that T cells contribute to host protection against dengue virus infection, contradicting current scientific understanding. This finding may lead to a new approach in dengue vaccine design, potentially improving its effectiveness against the deadly disease.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have successfully transformed skin cells directly into oligodendrocyte precursor cells, which can insulate neurons. This breakthrough could lead to cell therapies for diseases like multiple sclerosis and spinal cord injuries.
A new study found that training individuals on a working-memory task can improve their performance on various cognitive tasks, including problem-solving and attentional control. The training exercise increased connectivity between specific brain areas, particularly the parietal and frontal brain regions.
A study by University of Utah researchers found that cities with strong urban cores have the most positive effect on social interaction. Decentralization has a negative impact on socializing, 10 times more than fragmentation and 20 times longer commute times.
A review of 32 randomized controlled trials suggests that mental exercise, such as computerized training programs or intensive one-on-one personal cognitive training, may benefit older adults in preventing cognitive decline. The annual rate of dementia-related cognitive decline is estimated to double to over 1 million Canadians by 2047.
A new study warns that inadequate funding for disease resistance research could lead to the spread of deadly Ug99 stem rust, threatening millions with affordable access to food. The University of Minnesota estimates that $51 million a year is needed to combat the disease.
Researchers at UCSF discovered that long noncoding RNA molecules, once considered 'junk', are involved in brain development and may contribute to neurodegenerative diseases. The study identified 88 lncRNAs associated with Huntington's disease and found weaker associations with Alzheimer's and other conditions.
A University of Michigan study examines how community size affects interracial friendships and found that larger groups discourage such relationships. Researchers tested a theoretical model using data from 4,745 US high school students, revealing the impact of group size on friendship formation.
Pulmonary fibrosis is a condition where lung tissue becomes thickened and scarred, with no approved drugs for its most common form. A new study found that genetic variation accounts for approximately one-third of the risk, identifying seven novel genetic risk loci involved in host defense, cell-cell adhesion, and DNA repair.
A CU-Boulder study found that people reported higher levels of happiness as they reported higher sexual frequency, but also believed their peers were having less sex than them. This 'relative aspect' of sex frequency increases happiness, suggesting social comparisons play a role in the relationship between sex and happiness.
A study published in Microbiome identified two distinct microbial imbalances in the digestive tract that precede necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in preterm infants. The findings suggest a predictive value of over 80% for NEC using a simple urine analysis.
Researchers at UCLA have classified kidney cancer into several unique subtypes, which will aid in tailoring treatment to individual patients. The study, conducted over 10 years, identified deletions of chromosomes 3p and 14q in clear cell renal carcinoma tumors, associated with improved survival rates for some patients.
A new study has found that adding a photo of a patient's face to their x-ray images can significantly reduce wrong-patient errors. The study showed that radiologists correctly identified mismatched pairs with photographs, with an error detection rate of 64%, compared to 13% without photos.
Researchers have synthesized a material that shows high capability for storing energy, enabling rapid charging of devices. The new material could provide rapid power to small devices and large industrial equipment.
A new study by Ed O'Brien found that people tend to 'explain away' the presence of bad possibilities, thinking they won't occur, but struggle more with recalling positive experiences. This finding has implications for how we think about happiness and well-being.
Scientists discovered that the body's adaptation mechanism allows the cochlea to perform normally when exposed to noise stress. Constant exposure to loud noise can cause irreversible damage to high frequency hearing.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital identified a genetic signature associated with the risk of tumor recurrence or spread in men surgically treated for prostate cancer. The 32-gene index proved to be the most accurate method, predicting actual incidence of tumor recurrence (47%) and metastasis (14%) among high-risk patients.
Cyclone Imelda's eye appeared clearly on visible imagery from NASA's Aqua satellite on April 14, but closed by April 15 due to cloud coverage. The storm was also elongated from west to east, with weakening convection around its low-level center.
Research suggests that fainting, also known as vasovagal syncope, may have a genetic component, with some families affected by multiple genes. Triggers such as emotional distress, pain, and frightening thoughts vary greatly within families, but the study found no link between triggers and genetic inheritance.
Researchers have developed a new solid form of bioactive plasma-based biomaterials that can promote healing at sites of tissue injury. These materials, known as PBMs, are easier to work with, inexpensive to produce, and safe to use.
A high resting heart rate is associated with a higher risk of death, regardless of physical fitness level. Men with heart rates between 51-80 beats per minute had a 40-50% increased risk of death compared to those with lower rates.
Researchers have linked autism in a mouse model to abnormalities in specific chromosomal regions and associated genes. The study provides new insights into the disease's causes and may lead to the development of new treatments.
The study suggests 12 principles for effective contraceptive counseling, including establishing expertise and trustworthiness with adolescents and using active learning strategies to engage patients. These principles aim to address the unique developmental needs of adolescents in healthcare settings.
A study found that ATP11B expression is correlated with higher tumor grade and cisplatin-resistance in human ovarian cancer samples. Loss of ATP11B restored sensitivity to cisplatin and reduced ovarian tumor growth in mice.
A new smartphone app, My Meal Mate, has been shown to be effective in helping users track their food intake and exercise for weight loss. The app resulted in an average weight loss of 4.6kg (10lbs) over six months, compared to 2.9kg (6.5lbs) and 1.3kg (3lbs) with a paper-based diary and online diary, respectively.
A study by Indiana University researchers found that tasting beer without alcohol stimulates dopamine release in the brain, associated with drinking and other drug abuse. Participants with a family history of alcoholism showed increased responses, suggesting an inherited risk factor for alcoholism.
FitzGerald shared the prize with Carlo Patrono for developing low-dose aspirin to prevent cardiovascular disease. The breakthrough work assessed prostaglandins' role in blood clotting and saved millions of lives worldwide.
The American College of Physicians recommends high-risk women receive preventive drug therapy to reduce risk of primary breast cancer. CT scans can also be used to screen for osteoporosis at lower costs without additional radiation exposure. However, using computer-aided detection in mammography increases diagnosis of early stage cance...
A study found that electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) can improve the quality of life for severely depressed patients who go into remission. However, patients may experience challenges with social function and emotional role after treatment.
Researchers at UCLA have developed a potentially more effective treatment for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) using nanoscale, diamond-like particles called nanodiamonds. The new compound has been shown to decrease tumor growth and eliminate side effects of cancer treatment in mice.
Peihua Jiang, a molecular neurobiologist at Monell Chemical Senses Center, has been awarded the Ajinomoto Award for his groundbreaking work on taste stem cells. His research has identified previously elusive adult taste stem cells and implications for patients with loss of taste function.
Researchers have decoded the platyfish genome, revealing insights into cancer development and complex behaviors. The study found altered genes involved in live-bearing birth and unique molecular changes, shedding light on the evolution of these traits.
Researchers found that at least three fungi cause horseradish disease: Verticillium dahlia, V. longisporum, and Fusarium solani. However, new species F. commune has been linked to the condition, with 83% of infected roots developing root rot. Growers can use IPM techniques to manage the disease.
A study at Johns Hopkins Hospital found that providing physicians with upfront price transparency for laboratory tests resulted in a 9% decrease in test orders and significant cost savings. The practice decreased overall use of tests, saving hundreds of thousands of dollars over six months.
Research from North Carolina State University suggests that invasive kudzu bugs can spread beyond the southern United States to other parts of the country where soybeans are grown. This could lead to significant crop damage, doubling the impact on farmers as both generations of the bug attack soybean crops.
In free-ranging Daubenton's bats, resting metabolic rate decreases during autumn to accommodate high energy demands of reproduction while minimizing food intake. During spring, the bats use daily torpor to balance energy budgets.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital successfully developed implantable, bioengineered rat kidneys that produced urine and functioned in living animals. The approach uses donor organs stripped of cells, repopulated with human or animal cells, and cultured to mimic native organ structure and function.
Researchers have successfully treated metastatic lung cancer using cryoablation, a minimally invasive procedure that uses frozen balls of ice to kill cancerous tumors. The treatment has shown promising results, with 100% effectiveness in killing tumors at three-month follow-up and prolonged survival for patients.
Researchers at CWRU School of Medicine discover a technique to directly convert skin cells into myelinating brain cells, potentially treating multiple sclerosis and cerebral palsy. The new method enables rapid production of functional oligodendrocytes, which provide insulation for neurons.
A new 1000-year Antarctic Peninsula climate reconstruction reveals a near-tenfold increase in summer ice melt since the mid-20th century. This intensification has important implications for ice instability and sea level rise in a warming climate.
A gene sequencing project has identified mutations responsible for more than half of a subtype of childhood brain tumor that takes a high toll on patients. The study found that the tumors are susceptible to drugs already in development, offering new hope for treatment.
In a study presented at the Society of Interventional Radiology's Annual Scientific Meeting, researchers found that drug-coated stents can effectively treat critical limb ischemia by keeping clogged leg arteries open. The treatment resulted in a significant reduction in amputations and improved quality of life for patients.
A new electrical pulse treatment called irreversible electroporation (IRE) has been shown to be safe and effective for treating complex cancers without harming healthy tissue. IRE precisely perforates cancer cells, posing fewer risks to vital structures.
Researchers at Mount Sinai identify 14 genetic targets associated with heart rate, which could lead to new drugs for treating cardiovascular disease. The study's findings also shed light on the genetic regulation of heartbeats and cardiac conduction disorders.
A large-scale genetic study has identified three new genetic variants linked to obesity in individuals of African descent, also influencing BMI in the US population with no known African ancestry. The study suggests that these variants are present in nearly all previously identified European-derived obesity genes.
Researchers at the University of Arizona have developed a new chemical process that transforms waste sulfur into a lightweight plastic, which may improve batteries for electric cars and other applications. The new plastic has great promise as something that can be produced easily and inexpensively on an industrial scale.
Scientists discovered that certain bacteria require parts of the CRISPR system to stay infectious, using it to shut off a gene that triggers detection by the immune system. This finding could accelerate vaccine development, but also highlights the dangers of defensive tools being co-opted for stealth.
A new study reveals that correcting PSA levels for genetic variants can significantly reduce unnecessary biopsies and false complacency. By tailoring screening levels to an individual's genetic makeup, the risk of prostate cancer can be more accurately assessed. This approach has the potential to prevent up to 15% to 20% of biopsies.
Engineers at UC San Diego have developed nanosponges that can neutralize a wide range of pore-forming toxins, including those produced by MRSA, E. coli, and poisonous snakes and bees. The nanosponges are designed to absorb toxins and divert them away from their cellular targets, with promising results in mouse studies.
Cryoneurolysis, a new interventional radiology treatment, safely short circuits chronic pain caused by nerve damage. After treatment, patients experienced significant lasting pain relief and were able to reduce or eliminate pain medication use.
Researchers analyzed a new ice core from Antarctica, finding that recent glacier changes are at the 'upper bound' of normal. The study suggests that rapid thinning and warming in the region cannot be confidently attributed to human-caused global warming.
The tulip tree's mitochondrial genome has remained largely unchanged since the dinosaurs, providing a 'molecular fossil' with preserved ancestral gene clusters. The slow mutation rate allows researchers to estimate the ancestral angiosperm mitochondrial genome contained 41 protein genes.
As malaria incidence declines, it becomes increasingly concentrated in specific locations and groups, making targeted approaches crucial. Effective identification and treatment of infected individuals, particularly migrant workers and mobile populations, are essential for successful malaria elimination.
New research shows that reducing emissions of short-lived pollutants like methane, tropospheric ozone, and hydrofluorocarbons can temporarily forestall the rate of sea level rise. This could lower the threat to coastal cities by stabilizing carbon dioxide concentrations in the atmosphere.
Stenting of completely blocked mesenteric arteries can safely restore blood flow to the bowel and resolve patients' symptoms with few complications. This minimally invasive treatment is a game-changer for elderly patients and those with peripheral arterial disease, offering less risk and faster recovery time.