Scientists at Scripps Research Institute have found a way to apply powerful new DNA-editing technology more broadly than ever before. They report their breakthrough in using designer TALE proteins that can target any DNA sequence, enabling precise gene manipulation for biotech and medical applications.
Researchers found a 59% reduced risk of prostate cancer recurrence and/or progression in men who consumed four or more cups of coffee per day. The study suggests that bioactive compounds in coffee may have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, but further research is needed to understand the mechanisms underlying the results.
Researchers found that tactile and motor neurons respond to visual cues, allowing for dynamic processing of the brain's internal spatial image. This discovery has implications for paralyzed individuals using neuroprosthetic limbs, suggesting a more integrated brain-body experience.
The study found a significant increase in women's risk of developing kidney stones, with more cases being seen in emergency departments over a four-year period. The rate of hospitalization remained stable, but the use of CT scans to diagnose kidney stones may contribute to the rise in emergency department charges.
A paper by MIT economist Alp Simsek suggests that financial innovation does not reduce portfolio risk, but instead raises it by spreading risk through new financial instruments and creating situations where parties hold opposing views. This can lead to increased average portfolio risks as speculative variance becomes dominant.
The University of Missouri will conduct a four-year study on the innovative QuEST program, which includes controlled teaching experiences for teachers. The program aims to improve science education and could be replicated elsewhere to benefit more teachers and students.
A study published in Restorative Neurology and Neuroscience demonstrates that intracerebral injection of bone-marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells reduces cognitive deficits produced by temporary occlusion of cerebral blood vessels in a rat model of stroke.
Researchers have discovered a new dimension of personality known as dispositional attitude, which affects how individuals view and interact with the world. People with positive dispositional attitudes tend to be more open and like things, whereas those with negative attitudes are more likely to dislike things.
Researchers used continuous flash suppression to render objects invisible and found that hearing the correct word boosted object visibility. Hearing an unmatched word suppressed it. The study suggests a deep connection between language and sensory perception.
Researchers have developed a novel treatment for stroke using exosomes containing genetic material from bone marrow stem cells, which significantly improved neurological function in lab rats. The treatment, tested on lab rats with induced stroke, showed gradual and eventually significant improvement over four weeks.
A study found that sea otter recolonization led to an increase in grazing invertebrates, which kept algae growth under control and allowed seagrasses to recover. The findings suggest that restoration of entire food webs may be necessary for coastal habitat recovery.
Researchers at Columbia University have developed a new technique to visualize protein synthesis in live cells, enabling the study of complex biological processes such as long-term memory and disease mechanisms. The method harnesses deuterium-labeled amino acids to track newly synthesized proteins, providing unprecedented insights into...
Researchers identified critical inhibitory neurons responsible for vision development in children. A new treatment approach uses an experimental drug compound to reopen the critical-period window and correct central vision disorders.
A new method of measuring tree growth has been developed, reducing research time by up to 20 minutes per tree. The innovative technique uses prefabricated cable-tie heads as collars on dendrometer bands, making it easier and safer to install than traditional methods.
A behavioral weight gain prevention intervention was effective in preventing weight gain among socioeconomically disadvantaged black women. The Shape Program, which included weekly self-monitoring and monthly counseling calls, resulted in a significant reduction in weight at 12 months compared to usual care.
Tropical Depression Pewa dissipated over the Pacific Ocean on August 26, 2013. NASA satellite data revealed a significant decrease in rainfall by August 25, indicating the storm's weakening. The Joint Typhoon Warning Center forecasted this outcome, and further observations confirmed the depression's waning life.
Researchers have demonstrated a method to create polarization order from random fluctuations, enabling enhanced sensitivity in nanometer-scale magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and potentially solid-state quantum computers. This achievement has the potential to revolutionize nano- and atomic-scale imaging techniques.
Researchers found three ultrasound nodule characteristics associated with thyroid cancer risk: microcalcifications, size >2cm, and solid composition. Adopting a stringent approach requiring two abnormal nodule characteristics could reduce unnecessary biopsies while maintaining low cancer risk.
African-American children and teens who adapt to mainstream culture while maintaining their own identity can reduce stress and stress eating, lowering type 2 diabetes risk. Higher socioeconomic status does not necessarily protect against diabetes risk for Latino adolescents.
Researchers from Penn Medicine discovered that the immune system governs the skin microbiome, which is crucial for maintaining diverse microbes and healthy skin. The complement system, an ancient branch of the immune response, influences the skin microbiome.
A new screening strategy for ovarian cancer has shown high specificity in detecting the disease before it becomes lethal. The two-stage approach incorporates changes in a blood protein called CA125 and has been found to have a positive predictive value of 40% for invasive ovarian cancer.
A study by University of Cincinnati researcher Ivan Dinev found that nations with closer ties to NATO are more likely to adopt smart defense strategies, including reducing military personnel and equipment. This approach is economically rational, especially for countries with limited budgets.
A multidisciplinary team led by Irina Buhimschi at Nationwide Children's Hospital has been awarded a Grand Challenge grant for their low-cost, paper-based urine test to diagnose preeclampsia. The test enables early diagnosis of the condition in resource-limited areas, reducing morbidity and mortality related to preeclampsia.
A genome-wide survey has identified a significant association between regions of homozygosity (ROHs) and the etiology of Alzheimer disease in Caribbean Hispanics. The study found that ROHs could significantly contribute to AD in this population, with notable associations observed at specific genetic loci.
Raimon Tolosana-Delgado's mathematical models help understand rock formation and sediment development, crucial for predicting raw material locations. The prize recognizes his work on developing general models applicable to various raw materials, which could improve exploration and extraction efficiency.
A new paper aims to educate pediatricians on recognizing and responding to caregiver-fabricated illness in children, which can include physical and psychiatric symptoms, and carries significant mortality rates.
A new bioinformatics software tool, DrGaP, has been developed to identify genetic mutations responsible for cancers. The tool combines statistical methods and bioinformatics tools to distinguish between driver mutations and passenger mutations, leading to a more complete identification of altered genes and signaling pathways in cancer.
A study by University of Pennsylvania geologist Jane Willenbring and colleagues found that the local glacial maximum in southern Europe occurred earlier than expected, around 26,000 years ago. This discovery provides new insights into how regional climates have varied over time and could lead to more accurate global climate models.
A team of researchers from UCSF analyzed medical records and found that most thyroid nodules are benign, not malignant cancers. They suggest biopsying only patients with microcalcifications or large solid nodules over two centimeters in diameter to reduce unnecessary procedures.
A new study by UC researcher Andrew Lewis explores the connection between the Southern Baptist Convention's stance on abortion and its advocacy for free speech rights. The research reveals how the SBC's approach to cultural battles has significant consequences, particularly when it comes to shaping the legal landscape.
Tropical Storm Kong-Rey has formed in the northwestern Pacific, with NASA's Aqua satellite capturing its strengthening circulation. The storm is expected to bring scattered to widespread rain showers and thunderstorms to eastern Luzon, with sustained winds of 32-39 mph/52-63 kph.
A recent study by Kansas State University predicts that the High Plains Aquifer will deplete to 69% by 50 years if current irrigation trends continue. Reducing water use could extend the aquifer's lifetime and increase net agricultural production until 2110.
A new study published in Psychological Science found that physiological arousal can be beneficial for individuals who enjoy negotiation, but detrimental for those who dread it. The researchers suggest that the key is interpreting arousal as excitement rather than nervousness.
A new molecule selectively blocks specialized light-sensitive receptors in the eyes, which could help treat migraines and potentially other disorders of the central nervous system. The drug also showed no interaction with rhodopsin or other opsins, making it a promising lead for research and potential clinical applications.
Berkeley Lab researchers observed direct size-dependence in metal nanocrystal phase transformations during reactions with hydrogen gas. This discovery holds key findings for optimizing commercial applications, including hydrogen storage systems, catalysts, fuel cells, and batteries.
A University of Washington team has developed a microneedle patch that can precisely deliver a tuberculosis test without user error. The patch uses biodegradable needles and has been shown to be as effective as the traditional skin test in detecting the infection.
Dartmouth researchers have developed a pH-activated molecular switch that controls the assembly of a commercially available liquid crystal, changing its readout color from purple to green. This technology may help detect harmful gases, pathogens, and explosives.
A 12-year study found CA-125 to have a 99.9% specificity in detecting high-grade invasive ovarian cancers at curable stages, while the test failed to detect two borderline cases. The study's results suggest CA-125 as a promising first step in early disease detection.
Researchers found that injecting sodium percarbonate into oxygen-deprived muscles can produce enough oxygen to preserve function and homeostasis. The treatment has the potential to extend the 'golden hour' when treatment has the highest chance of preventing death after traumatic injury.
A recent study of over 1600 children found that cumulative incidence of stuttering by four years old was 11% higher than previous reports. Stuttering was associated with better language development and non-verbal skills, but no impact on mental health or temperament.
Researchers analyzed 147 patients with epistaxis and found that chemical cautery was significantly successful in achieving lasting hemostasis. Nondissolvable packing demonstrated the highest rate of failure or recurrence for initial bleed management, while more invasive procedures led to better outcomes and shorter hospital stays.
The American Gastroenterological Association has partnered with the Gastric Cancer Foundation to create a new grant supporting research in gastric and esophageal cancer. The AGA Institute will match the GCF's $1.125M commitment, resulting in a $2.25M endowment for young investigators.
Researchers found two-thirds of Eastern US rivers have become more alkaline over 25-60 year periods, complicating drinking water treatment and harming aquatic ecosystems. Increased alkalinity also threatens metal pipe infrastructure and affects irrigated crops and fish.
A new study published in Pediatrics found that pediatric readmission and revisit rates are limited in their usefulness as a quality indicator for pediatric hospital care. The study suggests that grouping patients with similar diagnoses could improve the accuracy of readmission rates as a quality measurement.
Researchers at UC Berkeley discovered that inhibiting an enzyme can dramatically reduce tumor growth and aggressiveness in cancer cells. The study sheds light on the importance of lipids in cancer development and suggests a promising new target for cancer therapy.
The Rim Fire continues to burn in northeastern California, affecting over 224 square miles of land. The fire's size and spread are hampered by inaccessible terrain and extreme weather conditions, making containment efforts challenging.
Researchers at USC have developed a breakthrough method to control the atomic structure of carbon nanotubes, enabling the growth of nanotubes with specific attributes. The study's findings have significant implications for the development of next-generation materials and computers.
Researchers identified a neuropeptide named natalisin that controls reproductive ability and interest in mating in insects. The study found that knocking out natalisin in fruit flies reduced their reproductive capacity and decreased their desire for mating.
Researchers analyzed aminoacyl tRNA synthetases and found ancient domains linked to dipeptide formation, indicating protein flexibility played a role in genetic code emergence
Researchers found a slight calming effect of violent video games on youths with attention deficit symptoms, reducing aggressive behavior. The study challenges the popular belief that violent video games increase aggression in vulnerable youth.
Researchers from McGill University have confirmed a 50-year-old hypothesis on the RNA double helix structure, revealing its potential applications in biological nanomaterials and supramolecular chemistry. The discovery may lead to new possibilities for genetic information storage and treatment of diseases like HIV and AIDS.
A new study from Duke University finds that a 'maintain, don't gain' approach can be effective in preventing obesity-related health issues among premenopausal black women. By focusing on maintaining current weight, these women can reduce their likelihood of experiencing chronic diseases later in life.
The USPSTF recommends that primary care clinicians provide education or brief counseling to prevent tobacco use in school-aged children and adolescents. A systematic evidence review found that such interventions can reduce the risk of smoking initiation by 19% compared to control participants.
A study of healthy women found that describing preinvasive breast cancer as a high-risk condition rather than cancer leads to more women opting for nonsurgical treatments. The study's results suggest that the terminology used to describe DCIS can significantly impact patients' perceptions of treatment alternatives.
A new study reveals that the Eastern US is experiencing a significant increase in river alkalinity, with two-thirds of streams and rivers becoming more alkaline over the past 25 to 60 years. This rise in alkalinity can lead to water quality issues, harm aquatic life, and exacerbate salinization of freshwater.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have developed a comprehensive test for protein biomarkers in spinal fluid that shows prognostic and diagnostic value in early stages of Parkinson's disease. The study found that patients with lower levels of tau and alpha synuclein had greater motor dysfunction, while th...
Researchers at the Seaver Autism Center will test Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1) in children with Phelan-McDermid Syndrome, a severe type of autism. IGF-1 has shown preclinical promise in reversing nerve cell communication deficits and restoring learning and memory abilities.
Researchers at ETH Zurich discovered that IL-7 enhances lymphatic vessel drainage, a crucial function that could improve lymphedema treatment outcomes. This finding may help prevent or alleviate fluid accumulation and tissue swelling in patients with compromised lymphatic systems.
A review of three recent concussion guidelines highlights areas of consensus, including a definition of concussion, diagnosis, and acute care recommendations. The guidelines emphasize the importance of proper diagnosis and treatment to prevent long-term neurological consequences.
Research on Chelyabinsk meteorite fragments reveals evidence of intensive melting process, likely caused by a collision or proximity to the Sun. The dark fragments contain spherical 'bubbles' and platinum group elements, which are unusual for their formation time period.