A team of researchers at Indiana University has successfully detected peptidoglycan in the bacterial cell wall of Chlamydiae, a common target for antibiotics. The discovery could lead to new strategies for developing drugs against this leading cause of STD and other diseases.
A study suggests that trained airport checkpoint screeners are less effective at detecting rare targets, a phenomenon known as the prevalence effect. The researchers found that screeners performed better when searching for frequent targets or with feedback on correct answers.
Professor Len Harrison has been awarded the JDRF Australia Lifetime Research Achievement Award for his groundbreaking work on improving treatments for people with type 1 diabetes. His research aims to prevent or delay the onset of the disease, bringing hope for better therapies and treatments.
A team of University of Pennsylvania scientists has discovered a new mechanism of cancer spread by identifying the split personalities of a protein called Exo70. The research found that one form of Exo70 promotes cell movement and invasion, while the other helps maintain cellular structure and organization.
Researchers create algorithm using group pictures to determine urban tribes, achieving 48% accuracy rate. The algorithm analyzes images as the sum of their parts and attributes to pick up social cues.
Two studies examine the effects of spaceflight on mouse eyes, revealing oxidative stress as a key mechanism behind eye damage. Researchers found genes involved in response to oxidative stress and potential indicators of optic nerve damage, highlighting the need for countermeasures to protect astronauts' vision.
Researchers found that children from low-income families have less gray matter in the parietal and frontal regions of the brain by age 4. This can lead to behavioral, learning, and attention problems. Providing an enriched environment with normal interactions may help alleviate this issue.
A UK Biobank study has found a strong link between fathers' diabetes and their child's low birth weight, with genetic variations potentially explaining this effect. The research used data from 250,000 adults and suggests that treatments aimed at increasing birth weight may not be effective in preventing type 2 diabetes.
A study by Ohio State University researchers found that there were approximately 1,900 cyclones per year in the Arctic region from 2000 to 2010, 40% more than initially estimated. This increased detection rate has significant implications for understanding regional weather patterns and potential climate change.
Researchers discovered that Salmonella Typhimurium obtains energy for its attack by stealing hydrogen from the microbiota. This 'theft-based hydrogen economy' allows the pathogen to find an energy source in any new animal host.
A study by Dr James Stratford and Dr Simon Park found that Bacillus mycoides responds to subtle changes in its environment, producing whirlpool-shaped structures in response to curved surfaces. The microbe's ability to respond to force could signal potential useful scientific applications.
A long-running study of nearly 1300 rural children found that parenting deteriorates when families face multiple risk factors, leading to poor intellectual, emotional, and social development. The study's findings highlight the importance of supporting parenting and social context in bolstering child development.
Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute found a combination chemotherapy and targeted therapy reduced cancer recurrence in women with small, HER2-positive tumors. After 3.6 years, only 0.5% of patients experienced cancer recurrence.
Researchers found that feeding mice with branched chain amino acids improved sleep disturbances and restored orexin neurons to normal activity levels, suggesting a dietary treatment for TBI patients. The study provides a proof-of-principle for investigating this intervention as a potential public health benefit.
A study by University of Utah researchers found that monitor lizards have a mostly one-way, looping air flow in their lungs, challenging previous notions about the function of this breathing pattern. The discovery raises questions about the evolutionary origins of this unique pattern, which may be as old as 270 million years.
A recent study by Theodore Sasson suggests that Israel's influence on US policy is diminishing due to the fragmentation of the Jewish community. The once-unified voice among American Jews is now fractured, with individual preferences driving political advocacy and philanthropic support.
A study by Columbia Business School found that office holiday parties often highlight racial differences, leading to discomfort and disconnection among employees. Racially dissimilar colleagues may feel obligated to attend despite feeling uncomfortable, but this does not improve workplace relationships.
A new report by the International Osteoporosis Foundation warns that Hong Kong's rapidly ageing population will lead to a significant increase in hip fractures, resulting in severe disability and early deaths. The report recommends prioritizing osteoporosis treatment and prevention to mitigate this growing health problem.
Research by Manuel Soler and team found that magpie foster parents are more likely to feed cuckoo fledglings in nests with only cuckoos, compared to those with magpie nestlings. This ability allows magpies to discriminate between host and parasite chicks.
A new study from King's College London found that genetic differences between students explain on average 58% of the differences in GCSE scores, while environmental factors account for 29%. The research used identical and non-identical twins to compare the impact of genetics versus environment on educational achievement.
A pilot program using telehealth technology found that pediatric patients were satisfied with their virtual appointments, considering them just as good as in-person visits. The program also showed positive outcomes in BMI scores and blood pressure normalization, making it a promising tool for overcoming barriers to care.
A new study highlights the importance of carbon capture and storage (CCS) and bioenergy in reaching ambitious climate targets. Without policies to cut greenhouse gas emissions, fossil fuels will remain the major energy source by 2100, with resulting increases in emissions.
Researchers have created a new ceramic material that can harness energy from visible and infrared light, not just ultraviolet light. The material has shown significant improvement over today's classic ferroelectric material, absorbing six times more energy and transferring a photocurrent 50 times denser.
A study comparing human aging to that of 45 other species found that mortality rates increase with age for some species like humans and birds, while others decline. This challenges the traditional view of aging based on life span alone.
Zhifeng Ren, a University of Houston physicist, has been honored with the Edith and Peter O'Donnell Award in Science from The Academy of Medicine, Engineering & Science of Texas. He is recognized for his seminal contributions to carbon nanotubes, thermoelectrics, hierarchical zinc oxide nanowires, high temperature superconductivity, an...
A study of U.S. Marines found that traumatic brain injury (TBI) during deployment was a significant predictor of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) over time. Pre-deployment PTSD symptoms and combat intensity also played a role in the development of PTSD.
Scientists have resolved the 'chlamydial anomaly' by detecting peptidoglycan in Chlamydia trachomatis. The novel method used reveals regions where the molecule is produced, confirming its presence.
Researchers found that women with HER2-positive breast cancer who had high levels of immune cells in their tumors gained the most benefit from presurgery treatment with chemotherapy and trastuzumab. This biomarker can help identify patients most likely to benefit from this therapy.
Researchers found that HCV antiviral therapy reduces risks of kidney disease, stroke, and cardiovascular diseases in diabetic patients. The study also linked diabetes with chronic HCV infection, suggesting a potential association between the two conditions.
A re-examination of large breast cancer screening studies reveals a substantial reduction in mortality rates for women undergoing screening. The results suggest that the estimates of women needed to be screened to prevent one death vary significantly, but can be standardized to a similar scenario.
A study by Harvard researchers found no effect of music training on the cognitive abilities of young children. Despite popular belief, studying music does not enhance intelligence or improve academic performance. However, the study did find some small differences in spatial task performance between music and visual arts groups.
Researchers at CNIO demonstrate that cells from various tissues can be converted into embryonic stem cells using Shinya Yamanaka's technique, exhibiting higher plasticity than existing iPSCs.
The TRMM satellite spotted powerful storms in Tropical Cyclone Madi, with rain falling at a rate of over 81 mm/hour. The storm's maximum sustained winds dropped to 40 knots after the observation, and it is expected to weaken further as it approaches landfall in southeastern India.
Researchers at McGill University Health Centre propose a new model for the development of ETMR/ETANTR, a deadly type of brain tumour found only in children under four. They identify DNMT3B as a potential target for therapies to combat the disease.
Researchers have discovered that naturally occurring gatekeeper sequences on either side of a key protein mutation in Huntington's disease can prevent the formation of toxic structures. This breakthrough offers new hope for understanding and treating the devastating neurodegenerative disorder.
Scientists have discovered new evidence that the Italian Alps are warming at an unprecedented rate. A team of glaciologists drilling ice cores found a 2,600-year-old larch tree leaf that suggests the glacier was once below-freezing but now has layers at the melting point throughout the year.
UC Riverside researchers have discovered low levels of DNA methylation in Plasmodium's genome, which may be critical to the survival of the parasite. This finding could lead to the development of a new drug to kill the deadly malaria parasite.
MIT researchers have developed an algorithm that can perform Fourier transforms using close to the theoretical minimum number of samples. This could significantly reduce the time it takes for medical devices like MRI machines to scan patients, or allow astronomers to take more detailed images of the universe.
Researchers have mapped every salmonella gene's response to human body environments, providing a detailed picture of the bacterium's choreographed infection process. This knowledge could lead to targeted therapies and vaccines specifically designed to combat salmonella's strategies for survival within the human body.
A randomized controlled trial found that surgical removal of the primary tumor and axillary lymph nodes did not improve overall survival in women with metastatic breast cancer. The study suggests that conventional wisdom may need to be revised for patients who have metastatic breast cancer.
Researchers developed a web-based tool using machine learning to analyze injury records from Alberta's workers' compensation database. The tool recommends an appropriate course of rehabilitation, outperforming clinicians in early testing.
Research presented at EuroEcho-Imaging 2013 found that HIV patients with a positive blood viral load have a significantly higher incidence of structural heart disease. The study suggests that HIV itself might be an independent causal agent, and having a detectable blood viral load nearly doubles the prevalence of heart disease.
A new gene therapy has led to a dramatic decline in bleeding events in dogs with naturally occurring hemophilia A. The treatment involves packaging specialized blood platelets with genes that express clotting factor, resulting in significantly fewer serious bleeding events over three years.
A new method allows researchers to design and create three-dimensional structures with precise cell docking sites, enabling the study of individual cells in a close-to-reality environment. The technique uses direct laser writing and photoactive molecules to control the adhesion points for cells.
Researchers have developed a hydrogel scaffold that solidifies into a gel at body temperature, providing a platform for functional and aesthetic tissue regeneration. The material is intended as an alternative to prefabricated implantable scaffolds and can be injected to the point of need.
A new study from Indiana University and Brazil's Oswaldo Cruz Foundation found that indigenous hunting with fire maintains ecological integrity and sustains vegetation recovery in areas previously deforested by agribusiness. This practice effectively manages carbon emissions over the long term.
Small labs are setting up to analyze medical marijuana products for potency, purity and safety. They also check for mold, mildew, microbial contamination, pesticides and solvents.
A nearly 20-year observational study found that regular vigorous exercise reduces the risk of developing estrogen receptor-negative (ER-) breast cancer in black women. The study, which involved over 44,700 black women nationwide, showed a significant protection against this aggressive subtype of breast cancer.
Researchers have identified two rare gene variants in the phospholipase-D 3 gene (PLD3) that double an individual's risk of developing late-onset Alzheimer's disease. The study found that these variants were present in affected family members but not in healthy elderly relatives, suggesting a significant role in disease development.
New research by NASA scientists shows that signs of ozone hole recovery are not yet present, and temperature and winds continue to drive annual changes. The decline in chlorine levels has not yet led to a reduction in the size of the ozone hole.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that erlotinib, a drug approved to treat lung cancer, substantially shrunk chordoma tumors in mice. The study offers new hope for chordoma patients who have exhausted traditional treatments and have limited financial incentives for pharmaceutical companies to develop new drugs.
A recent study found that eating burgers from restaurants at least twice a week was associated with a 26% increased risk of obesity in young African American women. Higher sugar-sweetened soft drink consumption also significantly contributed to obesity risk, with a 10% increase seen in those who drank two or more per day.
Researchers at the University of Southampton argue that empowering women with food choices is crucial for improving future generations' health. The study suggests that environmental changes, such as increased access to healthy foods and local media campaigns, can make a significant impact.
Researchers have identified phosphatases in human cells that are involved in bacterial survival and found small molecules that can stop them from working. This approach jams the host cell machinery rather than directly attacking the bacteria, potentially reducing the risk of resistance development.
Researchers found that kinship inflections evolved as a means to avoid restricted personal names, providing a practical solution for person recognition. The study provides insight into language evolution by examining the use of linguistic structures in social interaction.
Studies by Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research and University of Leipzig reveal species-specific allergens in Nile perch and shellfish, potentially allowing diagnosis and treatment tailored to individual allergies. Researchers identify parvalbumin as a common allergen, but also discover new proteins with low allergenic potential.
Researchers found significant differences in brain white matter between varsity football and hockey players and non-contact-sport athletes. The study suggests that repeated blows to the head without concussions may cause cognitive decline, warranting further investigation into identifying susceptible athletes.
Research reveals sleep deprivation's detrimental effects on pancreas function, glucose homeostasis, and insulin secretion, with age exacerbating these issues. Older mice were more susceptible to the negative impact of sleep deprivation on blood sugar control.
Scientists found that Hurricane Sandy did not significantly damage the offshore barrier system controlling erosion on Long Island. However, the storm churned up new pollutants in the waters off the island, which could exacerbate long-term problems if continued sea-level rise occurs.
Researchers found that blows to the head during a single season of football or ice hockey can affect brain white matter and cognitive abilities. A subgroup of athletes who performed poorly on memory tests showed more change in the corpus callosum region of the brain.