Researchers investigated the role of mitochondria in adrenoleukodystrophy, a disease causing spinal cord degeneration. They found that a diabetes drug, pioglitazone, halted nerve fibre degeneration by preventing mitochondrial loss and oxidative stress.
McGill researchers used computational tools to examine the solutions immune systems may use to detect small concentrations of foreign antigens in a sea of self-antigens. The study found that almost all solutions shared a common core structure or motif, revealing a surprisingly simple solution related to biochemical adaptation.
A new approach using brain-training computer games is being explored to improve memory and thinking in forensic psychiatry patients, who are considered among the most severely mentally ill. The games may be used with psychotherapy, medication, and other approaches to help these patients restore their competency.
Researchers used optogenetics to re-establish normal behavior in mice with obsessive-compulsive disorder-like symptoms. Light stimulation attenuated compulsive behavior, and the approach may help identify dysfunctional neuron circuits contributing to the disorder.
Researchers predict a higher severity of Amazon fires in 2013, with increased fire activity in states such as Mato Grosso and Pará. The forecast is based on historical fire data from NASA's Terra satellite and sea surface temperature data from NOAA, indicating a risk of widespread fire activity.
A new model explains how pseudogap states form in high-temperature superconductors, featuring two competing electron orders: d-wave superconductivity and quadrupole density wave. This breakthrough sheds light on the high transition temperatures of ceramic copper oxide bonds.
Tropical Storm Andrea's extensive cloud cover blanketed half of the East Coast, with most rain occurring ahead of the storm's center. The storm is expected to produce total rain accumulations of 2-4 inches along the eastern seaboard into coastal Maine.
Researchers have identified a new biomarker for colorectal cancer detection using serum DNA analysis, detecting 87% of all stages of CRC cases. The SDC2 methylation test has high sensitivity and specificity, making it a promising non-invasive alternative to colonoscopy.
Researchers at UC Santa Barbara developed a new framework to understand the behavior of charged molecules in ionic liquids. The discovery could lead to more efficient and sustainable battery technologies, with potential applications in electric vehicles.
A new study from the University of Missouri contradicts claims that consuming vegetable oil promotes inflammation in humans. Researchers found no link between linoleic acid consumption and circulating indicators of inflammation.
A team of biomechanics experts at SMU are investigating the forces involved in typical basketball collisions and their relationship to balance and body control. The research aims to estimate 'flopping' forces from video data and potentially enhance video reviews of alleged flopping.
Researchers identified novel FGFR gene fusions across various cancer types, suggesting potential therapeutic targets for patients. The study's findings have the potential to identify actionable mutations that can be treated with precision therapies.
Understory fires in Amazon rainforest cause significant damage, with climate conditions playing a crucial role in determining fire risk. The study reveals that these hidden fires burn at a much slower rate and can destroy up to 50% of the affected area's trees.
University of Illinois researchers create the first bridge between optomechanics and microfluidics, enabling the study of mechanical vibrations in liquids. The technology has potential applications in biosensors, fluid analysis, and optical control of fluid flow.
A new study reveals low uptake of genetic testing for cancer-causing mutations in affected families in France. Despite steady increase in tests for BRCA1/2, MMR mutation testing remains under-used, putting whole families at risk.
A four-year analysis found that mandatory influenza vaccination in a university medical center led to a near-universal vaccination rate, with fewer than 15 employees out of 8,000 choosing termination over vaccination. The policy also enhanced patient and staff safety, resulting in improved outcomes.
A benign bone tumor has been discovered in a 120,000-year-old Neandertal rib fragment, providing a unique link to modern humans. The fibrous dysplasia tumor was identified through advanced imaging techniques and sheds light on the health of ancient human populations.
A diverse landscape of patches, including meadows, young and old forests, and shrub lands, can provide more benefits than a single high-biodiversity patch
Scientists have identified the molecular mechanisms underlying the onset of common leiomyomata, a type of benign tumour that affects millions of women. The study suggests that complex chromosomal rearrangements may underlie the development of these tumours, and highlights potential avenues for novel pharmacological treatments.
A study analyzed 275 endoscopes and found 30% to fail cleanliness ratings, with duodenoscopes failing at the highest rate. The study highlights the need for improved cleaning protocols and guidelines to prevent infections.
A study has shown how a relatively young gene can acquire an essential function and become crucial for an organism's survival. Researchers found that the novel essential gene in fruit flies, born via gene duplication, acquired its role through stepwise changes over 15 million years.
The three-spined stickleback exhibits preference for joining shoals of relatives over unfamiliar individuals. Despite exposure to familiar and unfamiliar kin, the fish showed no preference for selecting group members based on familiarity.
Seventy-seven wildfires have been reported in Saskatchewan, with the largest burning over 247 acres. The province's 'observation zone' policy allows fires to burn naturally, reducing suppression costs.
The John Templeton Foundation has awarded UC Riverside an additional $100,000 to support graduate students researching issues related to immortality. The funding will provide four graduate fellowships and a weeklong workshop for young scholars.
A study by UNC Charlotte researchers found that teacher collaboration and professional communities can significantly improve math performance among elementary school students. However, many schools fail to provide such environments, leading to persistent achievement gaps between racial and socioeconomic groups.
A new non-invasive prenatal test detecting fetal DNA in pregnant women's blood accurately identifies Down's syndrome and other genetic abnormalities. Routine screening using this test is superior to current methods, offering a reliable alternative for early detection.
The Brown University School of Public Health and Alpert Medical School will develop and deliver aging-related curricula for hundreds of doctors. The program aims to improve care for older patients by integrating healthy aging into medical specialties.
A new study reveals that medical devices contribute to complications in children with complex medical conditions. The research found that vascular access devices and nervous system devices were the most common types of devices associated with adverse events, which often affected young children under the age of 2.
Biologist Keith Gido is discovering dramatic changes in native fish communities due to the North American drought. River fragmentation and groundwater withdrawals are affecting aquatic systems and native fish species in the Great Plains.
Researchers found over 50% of commercial apple juice samples exceeding patulin limits, with one sample having 162.2 μg/kg. Mycotoxins were also detected in beers, cereals, and products like gofio flour, highlighting the need for better control measures.