A Melbourne-based research team has discovered a genetic defect that can halt cell growth and force cells into a death-evading survival state. The finding reveals an important mechanism controlling rapidly-dividing cells, which may lead to the development of new treatments for diseases including cancer.
The Institute for Genomic Biology has received a highly parallel shared memory supercomputer named Ember, bolstering its computing services. The system will enable larger projects in genomics and transcriptomics research, improving genome and transcriptome assemblies.
A new gene, SMARCE1, has been identified as responsible for causing spinal meningioma, an inherited form of tumor. The discovery was made using next-generation sequencing technology and could lead to better testing, treatment, and care for patients.
Polymer implants coated with a bioactive film can bond better with surrounding bone and tissues, reducing complications. The new technique uses microwaves to apply a hydroxyapatite layer that dissolves slowly, promoting stable bonding.
A new study shows that weight-loss surgery can significantly reduce the risk of developing diabetes and cardiovascular disease in patients with a body mass index (BMI) below 40. Researchers at the Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, monitored 104 patients who underwent surgery despite their BMI being considered
A new study by Columbia University researchers found that the infant brain does not control its blood flow in the same way as the adult brain. With increasing age, the immature brain gradually developed its ability to increase local blood flow and generate a large blood-flow response.
Researchers have discovered that antifreeze proteins in plants and animals prevent frost damage by coating and protecting ice crystals. The study, published in PNAS, used microfluidic devices to observe the binding of AFPs to ice, revealing a strong and irreversible interaction that prevents ice growth even without protein presence.
Researchers at the University of Kentucky found that p38beta MAPK has no effect on brain-cell cultures or mouse brains in terms of inflammation and neurotoxicity. This suggests that development of p38-inhibitor drugs may focus on targeting p38alpha instead of retaining p38beta inhibitory activity.
Researchers at Saarland University and the University of Pennsylvania have discovered that blood plasma is a non-Newtonian fluid that forms threads and exhibits viscoelastic properties, influencing blood flow into narrow capillaries. This study may improve computer simulations of vascular pathological processes.
Researchers isolated an enzyme called NucB from the marine bacterium Bacillus licheniformis, which can break down biofilms in sinusitis. The enzyme cleared over half of biofilm organisms tested, offering a potential solution to chronic sinusitis.
A new study reveals that mountains can play a crucial role in triggering lake-effect snowstorms over large bodies of water. The research found that three key mountain-related factors were necessary to produce the October 2010 storm that hit metropolitan Salt Lake City and the Wasatch Range.
New research shows cushion plants in harsh alpine environments support biodiversity by providing a protective habitat for less stress-tolerant species. These plant communities are crucial in extreme conditions, as they counteract the reduction in phylogenetic diversity.
Researchers at Northwestern University developed a mathematical model that sheds light on the mechanisms causing bulges in cells' nuclear membranes. This study may provide potential therapies for related diseases by preventing bleb formation.
A six-session program addressing cognitive, physical, emotional, social and spiritual well-being significantly improved patients' quality-of-life measures. Despite the benefits for cancer patients, caregivers showed no improvement in quality-of-life measures during treatment.
A study published in the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity found that sitting time was significantly associated with an increased risk of chronic diseases. The study, which included 63,048 middle-aged Australian males, showed a steady increase in risk as sitting time increased.
Researchers observed wild meerkat groups in the Kalahari Desert, where dominant females yield to lower-ranked individuals to cross roads, revealing a complex adaptation mechanism. This phenomenon may be an innate response, allowing animals to cope with novel threats and minimizing group risk.
A recent Mayo Clinic study found that using high-definition imaging tools during screening colonoscopies can increase adenoma detection rates by up to 25% in women and 41% in men. The study suggests that national benchmarks for detecting polyps may be too low, especially when using advanced technology.
A new study reveals that some turtle populations are among the least likely to recover from climate change impacts. Protecting key regional nesting beaches and areas suitable for future nesting is crucial to enhance marine turtles' resilience.
Researchers at Arizona State University are using sociometric sensors to analyze social interactions among scientists and policymakers. They aim to identify patterns that facilitate successful collaborations, which can inform the creation of new research centers.
Researchers at McGill University found that people with schizophrenia exhibit impaired reading fluency due to context-dependent eye movements and processing of words. The study provides new insights into the impact of schizophrenia on cognitive functions and could lead to earlier interventions.
Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum found that loyal customers play out their loyalty in price negotiations, gaining an extra 5% discount without issue. This study turned the perception of customer loyalty on its head, highlighting its negotiating power in stores across various sectors.
A team of UChicago astronomers, led by Jacob Bean, is utilizing new methods to analyze the atmospheres of exoplanets, with a focus on distinguishing between gas giants and water worlds. The search for exoplanets has revealed an estimated 17 billion Earth-sized planets in the Milky Way galaxy, potentially harboring life-sustaining worlds.
Daugulis develops new reaction methodology to transform C-H bonds into new compounds with higher yields and fewer steps. His work has advanced synthetic organic methodology and may lead to applications in drug preparation and polymer industry.
Microbiologist Cheryl Nickerson is using the ISS platform to study the effects of microgravity on disease-causing organisms, aiming to unveil novel cellular and molecular mechanisms related to infectious disease progression.
A new University of Otago study followed over 1000 children and found that excessive TV viewing in childhood is associated with increased risks of antisocial behavior, including criminal conviction and aggressive personality traits, in adulthood. The study suggests reducing TV viewing could help reduce rates of antisocial behavior.
A study of 26,389 coronary patients found that 17% had a history of stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA), associated with increased risk of heart attack and hemorrhagic stroke. Higher doses of anti-platelet or anti-coagulant therapy were linked to a high risk of bleeding complications.
A new poll from the University of Michigan found that only 25% of parents consider doctor rating websites very important in their search for a pediatrician. However, younger parents (under 30) are more likely to say online ratings are very important, with mothers being more likely than fathers. Despite this, nearly one-third of parents...
Researchers identify critical role of CCR1 and CCR5 receptors in monocyte recruitment to atherosclerotic lesions. The findings suggest that inhibiting these receptors may provide novel therapeutic strategies for treating atherosclerosis.
Researchers have discovered that daclatasvir, a direct acting antiviral agent, targets the HCV protein NS5A and also blocks viral secretion from infected cells. The study provides insight into the drug's modes of action and suggests a more accurate estimate of the HCV half-life.
Scientists have generated molecules that inhibit tumour cell adhesion to other cells, halting both tumour growth and liver metastasis. The breakthrough could lead to new treatments for colon cancer and its related death toll.
A team of researchers found that non-optimal codon usage slows translation of the genetic code into protein, allowing it to achieve its optimal structure. This discovery provides new insights into controlling the rates at which critically important proteins are synthesized and could lead to better understanding of cancers and diseases.
A study by Case Western Reserve University researchers explores how family members cope with anger toward God during a loved one's death. The findings show that lower levels of religiosity and spiritual connection are associated with increased anger, while prayer and seeking forgiveness can be effective coping strategies.
Scientists at Queen Mary University of London identified a gene linked to resistance in melanoma tumour cells. The gene TP63 was found to correlate significantly with a worse prognosis in melanoma patients.
Researchers detected water in lunar anorthosites, contradicting the popular moon-formation model that suggests the moon was formed from debris generated by a giant impact. The discovery indicates that the early moon was wet and that water may have played a key role in its development.
Researchers at Northwestern University are using bone marrow cells to recreate bladder muscle, vasculature, and nerve tissue, potentially replacing traditional surgery. This approach aims to address complications associated with bowel-based augmentation cystoplasty, a common surgical option for bladder dysfunction.
A study published in JAMA Network found that women are at a higher risk of hip implant failure compared to men, with a hazard ratio of 1.29 for all-cause revision and 1.32 for aseptic revision.
Researchers at the University of Gothenburg have made significant findings on the link between gut bacteria and cholesterol metabolism. The study reveals that gut bacteria can reduce bile acid synthesis in the liver by signaling through a specific protein, which could lead to new treatments for cardiovascular disease.
Scientists have isolated oldest biomolecules directly from 350-million-year-old crinoid fossils in Ohio and surrounding areas. The findings suggest that complex organic molecules can survive fossilization, providing new insights into ancient life.
Miniature, ultra-flexible electrodes developed in Switzerland may improve Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) treatment for Parkinson's disease and other conditions. These new electrodes allow for more precise directional stimulation, reducing side effects and enhancing therapeutic effectiveness.
Researchers Heather Leslie and Leila Sievanen explore human-environment interactions in coastal regions, identifying linkages between people and the environment. They find that local and national fisheries institutions may create barriers to adaptation strategies, with urban fishermen better equipped to cope with climate variability.
Researchers from Princeton University presented various topics at the 2013 AAAS annual meeting, including virtual water trade to cope with climate change, biodiversity indicators, and the physics of cancer. They also explored the evolutionary significance of third molar impaction in human populations.
The Global Institute for Water Security at the University of Saskatchewan is generating science to address water security challenges in North America. Howard Wheater's research focuses on large-scale water monitoring and modelling to support better forecasting and prediction models for land and water systems.
The symposium aims to find solutions to the increasing gap between food production and water availability. Experts will discuss ways to optimize water use in crop production, protect freshwater resources, and reuse gray water to ensure both adequate food and abundant water supplies for future generations.
Using ocean WiFi hotspots, Stanford professor Barbara Block is tracking animal movements in real-time, enabling new insights into marine ecosystems and fisheries management. Her 'Wired Ocean' project aims to establish a global network of instruments to study the biosphere under unprecedented human impact.
Researchers are exploring X-ray imaging on the attosecond timescale to better understand chemical reactions and interactions. Key findings include the importance of multidimensional nonlinear x-ray spectroscopy and the need for precise beam characteristics.
Researchers identify common characteristics of molecules that form good contacts with metals, enabling improvements to organic electronic devices. They found that oxygen atoms on the molecule's backbone play a crucial role in forming soft metallic contacts.
A leading Canadian researcher found that brain damage from concussions can persist for decades in athletes, causing attention and memory problems. Dr. Maryse Lassonde's study shows that brain waves remain abnormal for two years after a concussion and atrophy occurs in the motor pathways of the brain.
Researchers used X-rays to recreate a microscopic crime scene and caught the arrhythmia culprit in action. Gene mutations destabilize the calcium pathway, causing premature release and potentially deadly conditions.
A new report from ArcticNet proposes practical solutions to enhance the well-being of Northern communities, including improved management of caribou herds, monitoring of water quality, and protection of traditional resources such as berry production areas. The recommendations aim to address the effects of climate change on these regions.
Researchers used spectroscopic imaging scanning tunneling microscopy to visualize the electronic properties around individual dopant atoms in an iron-based superconductor. The study found that dopants introduce elongated impurity states that scatter electrons in an asymmetric way, explaining most of the material's unusual properties.
A study by Vanderbilt University researchers found that cells can alter their biological clocks by using different synonymous codons in the genetic code. This adaptation allows cells to survive in changing environments, such as varying temperatures, and potentially has applications in biotechnology like biofuel production.
Researchers found that certain viruses and fungi work together with plants to improve drought and temperature tolerance. This collaboration is a key to sustainable agriculture and may lead to more natural methods of creating crops that are more heat, drought, and stress tolerant.
A new paradigm for therapeutics discovery is proposed by Garret FitzGerald, MD, FRS, to address the unsustainable model of current drug development in the US. The approach aims to integrate knowledge of preclinical science with an understanding of drug action in humans, leading to improved prediction of efficacy and safety.
Experts emphasize the need for climate-resilient infrastructure due to rising sea levels and more frequent extreme weather events. University of New Hampshire professor Paul Kirshen will discuss water infrastructure management under a changing climate at the AAAS Annual Meeting.
Research on ancient human skeletons reveals negative changes in oral bacteria due to dietary shifts, including the introduction of farming and processed sugar. The study provides a new record of dietary impacts and health changes over time.
Professor Barbara Sahakian emphasizes the importance of prioritizing mental health, citing one in four adults suffering from a mental disorder. She advocates for regular monitoring and early detection through innovation and technology to promote prevention and effective treatment.
Researchers develop fast and efficient iron-based molecule that splits hydrogen gas into electricity, rivaling commercial catalysts. The breakthrough could make fuel cells more economical, addressing the high cost of platinum used in current systems.
A 50-year legacy of environmental science and its impact on journalism is being reevaluated. Professor G. Pascal Zachary believes that Rachel Carson's experience as a government employee could be the model for reforming science journalism today.
ASU professor Daniel Sarewitz argues that US science policy should prioritize outcomes over efficiencies to better address societal needs. He believes this shift in approach can lead to more effective decision-making and improved scientific research.
Researchers at The Wistar Institute discovered a mechanism by which long non-coding RNA-activators promote gene expression in early embryonic development. These RNA molecules help create a loop of DNA, opening up genes for transcription.