Researchers at IDIBELL have identified a key component of the complement system that plays a major role in rejecting xenotransplanted porcine chondrocytes. Inhibiting this component, C5, protects cartilage tissue from rejection and inflammation.
The FASEB MARC Program has awarded four travel grants totaling $7,400 to promote entry of students and scientists from underrepresented groups into the basic science community. The awards support participation at the 2013 ASCB annual meeting in New Orleans.
US researchers found that graphic warning labels similar to those in Canada would reduce smoking rates by 2.9-4.7 percentage points, resulting in 5.3-8.6 million fewer smokers in the US. The study challenges the FDA's regulatory impact analysis and calls for a revised proposal to require graphic warnings.
The John S. Dunn Foundation awards seed grants to researchers at Rice University's BioScience Research Collaborative to support new collaborations in cancer diagnosis and treatment, vascular health, and plant-inspired energy conversion. The grants aim to foster interdisciplinary and multi-institutional research.
University of Illinois researchers have developed a way to heal gaps in wires using carbon nanotubes, which are heated to trigger a local chemical reaction depositing metal to 'solder' the junctions. This process improves device performance by an order of magnitude.
A study found that increasing insured patients in Massachusetts did not lead to higher ICU utilization. The research suggests that better, earlier care may reduce ICU admissions and mortality rates. Policymakers should focus on improving resource efficiency rather than exacerbating critical care costs.
A University of Guelph study reveals that male minks raised in enriched environments have better love lives, with nearly twice as many matings. The research found that relaxed males are more successful due to their calmer behavior and physical improvements.
A new analysis of Hadean mineralogy suggests that no more than 420 different minerals were present at or near Earth's surface during the first 550 million years after life emerged. These minerals formed from magma and alteration, excluding rare elements such as borate and molybdate minerals.
The FASEB MARC Program has announced travel award recipients for the 2013 International Society of Computational Biology (ISCB) Rocky annual meeting. The awards promote underrepresented groups in basic science and encourage young scientists to participate.
Researchers investigate plate tephra formation, deep-seated slope failures, and wax lake delta geology. Volcanic processes are linked to magma composition and eruption styles.
Researchers have created a quicker and more accurate method for assembling genome sequences by measuring DNA segment interactions and using their three-dimensional shape as a guide. This technique has been used to place previously unaccounted for DNA fragments in the human genome, improving genome assembly accuracy.
A study published in PNAS found that US methane emissions are nearly five times higher than previously estimated, with fossil fuel extraction and refining activities accounting for a major contributor. Livestock operations may also be twice as high as previously thought.
Cyber resilience requires metrics reflecting relationships among system components in physical, information, cognitive and social domains. A new framework proposes combining network-centric operations and resilience response stages to quantify and manage cyber system resilience.
Researchers have developed nanoscale patches that can be used to sensitize targeted cell receptors, making them more responsive to signals. This technology holds promise for promoting healing and facilitating tissue engineering research.
Researchers from the University of Cincinnati found that people with migraines who also have allergies or hay fever experience more severe headaches than those without these conditions. Those with mixed rhinitis, experiencing both allergic and non-allergic triggers, were 45% more likely to endure disabling headaches.
Researchers at UNC School of Medicine have identified Engrailed 1 as a protein overexpressed in basal-like carcinomas, which can lead to chemotherapy resistance. A synthetic peptide designed by Adriana Beltran and colleagues can disrupt Engrailed 1's function, causing rapid cell death.
Researchers at the Weizmann Institute of Science have developed a system to investigate microglia functions, revealing their role in shaping neuronal networks and contributing to neurodegenerative diseases. The study uses a genetic switch to target microglia cells, shedding new light on their mechanisms of action.
A new study suggests that graphic warning labels on cigarette packs could lead to a significant decrease in smoking rates in the US, with potential reductions of up to 8.6 million smokers. The study found that the FDA's model under-estimated the actual impact of graphic warnings, leading to a sharper decrease in smoking rates in Canada.
Researchers found that co-transplanting Schwann cells and olfactory ensheathing cells, combined with daily treadmill training, promotes functional recovery in rats with spinal cord injuries. The study reveals a synergistic benefit of the combined therapy on axonal regeneration and motor function improvement.
Studies conducted by Berkeley Lab researchers suggest that methane emissions from oil and gas production may account for a significant portion of underestimated emissions in California and nationwide. The research found that methane emissions are 1.3 to 1.8 times higher than current official inventory estimates in California.
Researchers found that co-transplanted endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) improved the engraftment of pancreatic islet cells in mouse models, leading to a significantly improved cure rate and glycemic control. This study suggests that EPCs modulate the expression of connexin 36 and affect glucose-stimulated insulin release.
Research from North Carolina State University shows that screening social media accounts can lead to a negative perception of the company among job candidates. In two studies, participants reported feeling their privacy was invaded and becoming less attracted to the employer as a result.
Researchers found that disabling a circadian clock gene blocks the brain's antioxidant surge, allowing free radicals to cause more damage. This can lead to neurodegeneration and age-related brain cell injury, similar to Alzheimer's disease.
A recent study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases suggests that even those with low viral loads are at risk of treatment failure. Patients with persistent viral loads between 50-999 copies/mL have a significantly higher risk of virologic failure, which can lead to disease progression.
The Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) Core Observatory will track global precipitation by combining measurements from multiple satellites. The satellite has undergone rigorous environmental tests and integration to ensure its survival in space.
Scientists at Rochester Institute of Technology will simulate extreme black holes with support from a $525,000 grant. Their contributions will help advance the international effort to confirm the existence of gravitational waves and black holes, anticipating new field discoveries.
UC Irvine and Northwestern researchers develop inhibitor compounds that inhibit neuronal nitric oxide synthase, enhancing the ability of antibiotics to treat bacterial diseases. The compounds demonstrate potential in combating diseases such as MRSA and anthrax by suppressing pathogenic bacteria's resistance to antibiotics.
Researchers found that sulfur emissions from massive volcanic eruptions could have created widespread acid rain in the Northern Hemisphere, contributing to plant and organism extinctions. The acidity levels reached as low as pH 2 — comparable to undiluted lemon juice — potentially disfiguring plants and stunting their growth.
The grant will support a Center for Excellence headed by Prof. Tal Svoray to study the erosion of fertile lands and develop decision-making mechanisms. The center aims to reduce land loss through physically based models and geographical information systems.
Higher body mass index (BMI) and larger waist circumference are associated with higher risk of hearing loss in women. Maintaining a healthy weight and engaging in regular physical activity can potentially delay or prevent hearing loss.
An international team of researchers at Karolinska Institutet in Sweden have discovered a new mechanism that regulates the way blood vessels grow and connect to each other. The discovery provides essential insights into vascular development and could lead to new opportunities for cancer therapy.
A recent UEF study established reference values for heart rate variability in children, based on a sample of 465 kids aged 6-8. The findings indicate that short ECG recordings can be sufficient for reliable data collection, and show no significant differences between boys and girls.
Two new beautiful wasp species, A. prima and A. capixaba, are discovered in Brazil as part of the rare genus Abernessia. The study reveals a positive correlation between the size of spider prey and the size of wasp offspring, suggesting an adaptation strategy.
A review of medical literature reveals financial concerns, parental attitudes, and social influences as key barriers to HPV vaccination among adolescents. The study emphasizes the importance of targeted guidance for healthcare professionals to improve vaccine uptake.
Researchers used genotype data from 13,835 individuals to perform the first large-scale phenome-wide association study (PheWAS), discovering 63 previously unknown SNP-disease associations. The study validated known associations across hundreds of previous studies and found genes associated with multiple diseases or traits.
The US Preventive Services Task Force found no evidence that screening for oral cancer by primary care physicians reduces morbidity or mortality. Oral cancer is often diagnosed at advanced stages, highlighting the importance of earlier diagnosis.
Tropical Cyclone Lehar formed off the Malay Peninsula on November 23, strengthening into a tropical cyclone as it moved towards the Andaman Islands. NASA's Terra satellite captured an image of the storm on November 25, showing maximum sustained winds near 65 knots/74.8 mph.
A new study by UC San Francisco researchers found that e-cigarette use is associated with heavier cigarette smoking and lower quit rates among Korean youth. The study suggests that e-cigarettes may be creating a new route to nicotine addiction for kids.
Two Cleveland Clinic researchers, Dr. Richard A. Padgett and Dr. Edward F. Plow, have been named AAAS Fellows for their distinguished contributions to the field of RNA processing and vascular biology. Their research aims to understand how errors in RNA splicing lead to disease, such as cancer, and develop new treatments.
Researchers analyzed 2,475 patients and found that sex-specific chest pain characteristics were not useful for differentiating between women with heart attacks and those with other causes of chest pain. The study concluded that chest pain characteristics should be used in conjunction with ECG and cardiac markers to diagnose heart attacks.
Researchers sequenced the whole genome of desert poplar, revealing genetic mechanisms underlying its salt stress tolerance. The study provides new insights for breeding salt-tolerant cultivated poplars.
Researchers found that site quality affects the relationship between density and mortality in ponderosa pine stands. Thinning forest stands can reduce fuel buildup and enhance growth of residual trees, while early shrub removal and tree density control are most effective ways to reduce fuel buildup.
Researchers found that messenger RNA can take a two-way journey down the cell's cytoskeleton, delivering proteins to specific locations and avoiding diseases such as Alzheimer's, cancer, and Fragile X syndrome. This flexible navigation allows mRNA to bypass obstacles and reach its intended destination.
A new study found that esophageal cancer patients who experience certain symptom clusters after surgery have a higher risk of dying from their disease. The research identified three distinct symptom clusters, including fatigue and pain, reflux and cough, and eating difficulties, which are associated with increased mortality risk.
A new study published in the Journal of Corporate Finance reveals that female board members significantly impact merger and acquisition transactions, reducing company costs and increasing shareholder value. With each additional female director, companies pay less for acquisitions and attempt fewer takeover bids.
Researchers found brain growth differences in infants carrying APOE-E4 gene, which increases risk for late-onset Alzheimer's. The study suggests early changes may provide a 'foothold' for disease pathologies.
A new study by UCSB's Jamey Marth reveals a protective mechanism against lethal blood coagulation and thrombosis in sepsis. By pre-activating the Ashwell-Morell receptor, survival rates can be increased twofold.
A multi-university project aims to create inclusive user experiences on the internet, developing methods for software modification, authentication schemes, and crowdsourcing to increase accessibility for all. Researchers will explore ways to make web pages more accessible for people with disabilities.
A new study published in the Journal of School Violence reveals that nearly 10% of US high school students have been physically hurt by their romantic partners in the past year. The prevalence rate has remained stable over the past 12 years, with black and multiracial youth being disproportionately affected.
Researchers found that LIF levels were predictive of NPC patient response to radiation therapy, with patients having higher serum levels of LIF being resistant to treatment. LIF itself promotes NPC progression and radioresistance. Circadian clock proteins BMAL1 also regulate redox proteins preventing oxidative stress damage in neurons.
A study found that people taking statin drugs often take an average of three other medications that can cause muscle pain and lead to discontinued use, a major contributor to the side effect. Researchers recommend adjusting dosages or choosing alternative medications to minimize interactions.
Rice University researchers used computer models to study the behavior of misfolded proteins, finding that they can form branching structures similar to those found in spider silk. These structures may be an early stage in the formation of amyloid plaques associated with Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers found that giving an iodine capsule to breastfeeding mothers is more effective in providing their babies with the essential trace element than administering it directly to the infant. However, both methods have limitations and do not guarantee sufficient iodine intake for both mother and child.
A novel approach to treating autism spectrum disorder teaches affected children to control their autonomic nervous system using computerized biofeedback and clinical hypnosis. The method recognizes symptoms as an effort to self-regulate inner turmoil, allowing children to feel better and be more socially engaging.
Researchers observed cyanobacteria assembling carboxysomes, vital cellular machinery for photosynthesis and carbon fixation, from the inside out. The findings illuminate bacterial physiology and may influence nanotechnology development.
A team of researchers discovered that abnormal mitochondria may be responsible for cancer cells' resistance to radiation therapy. The study found that a mutation in the E2F gene led to dysfunctional mitochondria that produced less energy, making cancer cells more resistant to radiation-induced cell death.
A third of older adults admitted to the ICU were classified as frail, increasing their risk of death, illness, and adverse events. Frailty is characterized by a loss of physical and mental strength, making patients more vulnerable to complications.
A new study demonstrates that electrical resistivity in composite materials follows a staircase-like pattern with increasing conducting particle concentration. The findings, published in European Physical Journal B, use percolation theory to explain the discrete series of resistances observed.
A study published in JCI Journals found that circadian clock proteins regulate neuronal redox homeostasis and prevent neurodegeneration. BMAL1-deficient mice showed accumulated astrocytes, neuronal degeneration, and reduced blood flow, highlighting the importance of core clock proteins in maintaining healthy neurons.
Researchers found that LIF levels are predictive of NPC patient response to radiation therapy, with patients resistant to treatment having higher serum levels of the cytokine. LIF promotes NPC progression and radioresistance.