RG3039 demonstrates benefits in two SMA mouse models, extending survival and improving motor unit function. The drug also positively modifies motor unit pathologies and dysfunction, suggesting potential therapeutic benefit for SMA patients.
Researchers found that nearly three-quarters of high-grade bladder cancer patients experience disease return within 10 years. Intensive surveillance and treatment can reduce recurrence rates, with a single instillation of chemotherapy showing promise in minimizing recurrences.
Conscious Clothing's wearable breathing analysis tool calculates inhaled particulate matter and transmits data to Bluetooth-capable devices. Researchers can now monitor relationships between air pollutants and individual health responses in real-time.
Researchers developed a quantum Drude oscillator (QDO) that mimics the behavior of real water molecules, producing a realistic liquid with well-developed hydrogen bonds and other properties. The 'bottom up' approach has clear biological applications and potential for simulating other substances.
A team of researchers led by UC Riverside's Maxim Bazhenov is investigating the role of sleep in memory and learning with a $7.5 million grant from the Department of Defense. The study aims to explore the neural substrate for memory consolidation during sleep, which may improve human memory performance.
Researchers at University of Michigan discover that a single gene, DLK, regulates both axon and dendrite growth in neurons. The finding highlights the importance of considering the bimodal nature of neurons when developing new treatments for regeneration of nerve cells.
A team of researchers has identified an enzyme called cGAS that detects cytosolic DNA, triggering the innate immune response. This discovery has significant clinical implications for understanding autoimmune diseases and developing new therapies.
Researchers from the University of California, Berkeley, have found inspiration in ancient Roman concrete to create more durable and sustainable modern concrete. The discovery could help reduce carbon emissions from cement production and improve the lifespan of structures in ocean environments.
A new study found that 9% of pediatric and adolescent heart transplant recipients experience non-adherence within two years of receiving their transplant. The risk of mortality among non-adhering patients is significantly higher, with a 26% chance of death within one year and 33% within two years.
Scientists discovered that a subset of normal breast precursor cells have dangerously short telomeres and display high DNA damage response localized at their chromosome ends. This suggests new indicators for identifying women at higher risk for breast cancer.
Female southern bottletail squid consume male ejaculates, using nutrients for egg growth, and target larger females to minimize consumption. This strategic behavior affects males' chances of fertilizing eggs.
Astronomers used Hubble to observe light from the close double-star system T Pyxidis during its latest outburst in April 2011. The team assembled a 3-D map of the structure around the nova, revealing a disk-shaped debris disk populated with fast-moving ejecta.
Researchers at McMaster University found that women's ability to recall faces is superior to men's, likely due to their subconscious focus on facial features. By changing their eye movement patterns, individuals can potentially improve their own face memory and recognition skills.
The collaboration aims to develop capabilities for integrated cyber and physical security systems to protect critical infrastructure in the oil and gas industry. The program will focus on complex system integration, convergence of cyber and physical security technologies, and field demonstrations with key partners.
Researchers found that the percentage of emergency bowel surgeries varies wildly from state to state, with some states having 7% mortality rates compared to less than 1% in others. The study suggests that analyzing potential contributing factors may help decrease these rates and improve outcomes.
A study of 333 female patients with fibromyalgia found that weather conditions had no significant impact on their pain and fatigue symptoms. Individual patients may still experience some sensitivity to certain weather conditions, but this is not associated with demographic or mental health status.
A new study by Ben-Gurion University of the Negev found that chronic exposure to rocket attacks from Gaza into Israel is associated with an increase in severe adolescent violence. The study followed 362 Israeli adolescents and found that prolonged exposure predicted a steep increase in violent incidents.
A novel graduate medical education initiative at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine enhances surgical residents' skills in quality improvement. The program, which began in 2008, teaches residents the fundamentals of QI theory and pairs them with process improvement mentors for hands-on projects.
Researchers at Duke University have developed a novel genetic editing technique that repairs faulty genes responsible for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The approach, which uses artificial enzymes to modify gene sequences, has shown promise in treating the disease, with over 60% of patients potentially benefiting from this new method.
A 8% reduction in BMI improves insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance in obese teenagers, a threshold found consistent with adult results. The study suggests that modest weight loss can lead to significant improvements in metabolic health.
Researchers have identified a genetic marker that can improve the predictability of warfarin dosing in African Americans, with potential benefits for patient safety. The study found that individuals carrying a specific polymorphism may require lower doses of the blood-thinning medication.
Scientists have identified a mutant gene responsible for Native American myopathy, a rare hereditary muscle disease. The discovery of the Stac3 gene may lead to the development of drugs to treat the condition and other related muscle diseases.
A new catalyst, based on carbon nanotubes, shows high oxygen reduction reaction activity in alkaline media, critical for efficient storage of electrical energy. This breakthrough could enable economical lithium-air batteries to power electric vehicles and provide reliable energy storage for intermittent green energy sources.
A study by St. Michael's Hospital found that patients taking probiotics with antibiotics experienced a significant reduction in antibiotic-associated diarrhea and C. difficle infection. This is likely due to the powerful effects of probiotics on population digestive tracts and immune systems.
A new study highlights the need for more evidence on the health effects of household air pollution, with researchers identifying gaps in research priorities. The authors call for collaboration between researchers and policymakers to evaluate the impacts of improved stove and fuel programs.
A University of Missouri researcher studied how stories influence patients' decision-making when behavior change is not the desired outcome. The study found that including patient stories in decision aids can make them more trustworthy and emotional, but may not affect treatment choice.
A five-year longitudinal study found that living in neighborhoods with healthier food environments significantly reduces the risk of obesity. The study, conducted across six US cities, analyzed data from over 4,000 adults and found that healthy food options and walkability are key predictors of lower obesity rates.
The NASA MASTER instrument captured a color composite image of the Powerhouse Fire in California, showing heat intensity in different colors. The pixel resolution is 50 meters, with bands used for red, green, and blue infrared light.
A systematic review explores the potential value of genetic information obtained from breast milk for optimizing neonatal diets. The study suggests that genetic analysis of breast milk could help tailor nutrition to individual infants' needs, improving their outcomes.
Researchers developed a new technique for producing low-cost, high-capacity lithium-ion batteries using silicon-based electrodes. The unique nanoscale architecture of the silicon-composite electrode creates an electronically conducting pathway, allowing for exceptional electrochemical stability.
Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital discovered a biomarker, WNT3, that helps pinpoint stem cell lines primed to develop into cells and tissues including pancreas, liver and bladder. This finding could simplify the process of selecting the right cell line for generating specific tissues for study.
A landmark study suggests that altered neural circuitry contributes to restricted eating in anorexia and overeating in bulimia. Functional MRI scans revealed diminished responses to sweet tastes in recovered individuals with anorexia, while elevated responses were seen in those with bulimia.
Scientists have created a model to study breast cancer biology, confirming that primary tissue from patients behaves similarly to those derived from long-term cultured cell lines. This breakthrough advances the development of targeted therapies for advanced cancer treatments.
Cornell University engineers have developed a new smartphone-based system for in-the-field detection of Kaposi's sarcoma and other conditions, utilizing a plug-in optical sensor and disposable microfluidic chips. This novel technique provides a quick method to quantify viral DNA levels, requiring minimal training and expertise.
Researchers have discovered a new approach to control parasitic nematodes by targeting key developmental processes. The study, published in PLOS ONE, identified 22 proteins involved in the transition from third-stage to fourth-stage larvae, offering potential targets for new treatments.
Researchers have discovered properties that made ancient Roman concrete sustainable and durable, with potential applications for environmentally friendly modern concretes. The Roman recipe needed less than 10% lime by weight, making it at two-thirds or less the temperature required by Portland cement.
A new approach using low irradiance ultra-violet (UV) light has been developed to slow down the rot of strawberries, doubling their shelf life from five to nine days. This technology uses a novel device incorporating light-emitting diodes (LEDs) that emit UV at wavelengths found in sunlight.
A new study published in Molecular Psychiatry found that childhood cognitive ability accounts for more than two-thirds of the association between cognitive ability and cortical thickness in old age. The research used standardized intelligence tests and MRI brain scans to compare the results of 588 people taken at different ages.
Johns Hopkins researchers found that our brains don't forget skills by passive decay but instead deliberately select what to retain. This new understanding contradicts previous assumptions about the formation and loss of motor memories.
A study by TUM found that cheerful women are perceived as less willing to lead, while pride is positively associated with leadership qualities. Researchers hope to develop training programs to challenge stereotypes and assess men and women beyond limitations.
A new study from Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center suggests that cardiovascular disease (CVD) plays a role in cognitive decline before it is clinically apparent in patients with type 2 diabetes. The research found that CVD risk factors, such as calcified plaque and vascular status, contribute to type 2 diabetes-related cognitive decline.
Designer stimulants, packaged as 'bath salts' or household products, have become a growing concern in the US, with reports of agitation, fast heart rates, and violent behavior. Research suggests that these substances can be deadly, with no formal guidelines for medical treatment of acute toxicity.
Researchers have identified a genetic mutation that allows fungi to continuously produce enzymes for breaking down cellulose and xylan into sugar molecules. This discovery enables the production of cheap biofuel from lignocellulose, reducing competition with food production and making it more economically viable.
Researchers discovered that female moths use changes in plant volatile compounds to guide ovipositing to unattacked plants, avoiding predators and competing caterpillars. This allows them to minimize the risk of newly laid eggs being eaten by predators.
A recent study published in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases found that mosquitoes reared in cooler temperatures have weakened immune systems, making them more vulnerable to viral diseases like West Nile fever and chikungunya fever. The research suggests that temperature may play a significant role in the transmission of these diseases.
Researchers at UCLA found abnormal brain networks in Fragile X syndrome, a common cause of inherited autism and intellectual disability. The study suggests that neuronal excitability may be the basis for symptoms in children with FXS, including disrupted sleep, seizures, and learning disabilities.
Malaysia's oil palm plantations are causing threatened forest frogs to disappear, paving the way for common species to move in. The study highlights the devastating impact of habitat loss on biodiversity, with amphibians being the most threatened vertebrates globally.
Researchers found that interacting with shelter dogs increased joviality, positive affect, attentiveness, and serenity among teenagers. The study suggests that dog-interaction activities could be a beneficial addition to traditional treatments for teenagers struggling with drug abuse and related issues.
Scientists discover new antibiotic molecule KKL-35 that targets trans-translation step in bacteria, rendering them incapable of replicating. The compound is 100-fold more effective against Mycobacterium tuberculosis than current therapies.
A study reveals why Puerto Rican lizards don't rapidly extend their dewlaps like Jamaican cousins, instead using alternative strategies to enhance detection of displays. The research shows the island's species lacks physiology for rapid movement, relying on tailoring speed and duration of displays to match forest conditions.
Researchers developed a new method to measure cerebral blood flow in children on ECMO, finding that those who experienced strokes or brain bleeds had significantly higher blood flow rates than normal, two to six days prior. This technique could help physicians predict and prevent complications, with potential lead time for intervention.
Astronomers have two opportunities to detect planets around Proxima Centauri using a rare stellar alignment. The closest encounters in October 2014 and February 2016 will allow scientists to measure the mass of the red dwarf, which could indicate the presence of smaller terrestrial planets.
Current MS treatments focus on dampening the immune system, but Dr. Peter K. Stys suggests an alternative: addressing nervous system degeneration as a primary cause of the disease. Recent studies indicate that neuronal structures are also damaged in MS.
A randomized clinical trial of flaxseed supplementation in children with hypercholesterolemia found no significant effects on total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. The study concluded that flaxseed remains an unverified strategy for managing cardiovascular risk factors in youth.
A new study found that wider retinal venules are associated with lower IQ scores and cognitive deficits in older adults, even after accounting for health and lifestyle factors. The findings suggest that the processes linking vascular health and cognitive functioning begin much earlier than previously assumed.
The Canadian government has launched a new program, Genomic Applications Partnership Program (GAPP), to move genomics-based solutions from laboratories to the marketplace. The program aims to stimulate investment in projects addressing real-world challenges and opportunities in genomics, with a total investment of $90 million.
The ProMPT project distributed over 12 million mosquito nets, improving malaria prevention and treatment in Ghana. The initiative also strengthened health facilities' capacity to manage malaria, particularly during pregnancy.
Dozens of agricultural fires in central Africa were detected using NASA's MODIS satellite, highlighting the widespread use of slash-and-burn agriculture methods. These practices threaten biodiversity and air quality, producing smoke that can lead to deforestation and erosion.
Research published in The Journal of Nuclear Medicine found that highly educated pre-Alzheimer's patients exhibit increased neural reserve and compensation, leading to better coping mechanisms. This suggests that education level plays a crucial role in determining cognitive reserve against the disease.
Researchers at Wayne State University are conducting a comprehensive study on the impacts of differential speed limits for cars and trucks on Michigan's state freeways. The study aims to determine whether raising truck speed limits would improve safety or have negative effects on air quality, pavement quality, and freight operations.