Researchers at the University of Cambridge have discovered that genetic mutations in the KSR2 gene can lead to severe obesity and reduced basal metabolic rate. This finding provides evidence for the role of genes in regulating energy use in the body, adding complexity to the body's mechanisms for regulating weight.
MIT researchers have achieved a significant breakthrough by coupling photons and electrons in a topological insulator material for the first time. This novel approach enables the creation of materials whose electronic properties can be 'tuned' in real-time using precise laser beams.
A Cornell professor outlines a path to achieving a European standard of living for the world's population, driven by growth in renewable energy sources. The proposed solution requires significant energy production, with a focus on nuclear power, to meet the 'Grand Challenge' of global prosperity.
NASA's TRMM satellite tracked Tropical Storm Francisco and found a large rain-free area at its center. Rainfall rates exceeded 130mm per hour in Super-typhoon Lekima's outer eye wall, contrasting with the weakened Francisco.
A multi-disciplinary research team at OU is developing a novel biomass conversion process to obtain a bio-oil compatible with refinery operations. The approach proposes significant improvement over existing commercial and previously proposed technologies.
A recent survey by MTV and the AP-NORC Center found that online bullying has declined across 26 of 27 forms of digital abuse, with a significant drop in sexting incidents. While progress is seen in responses to digital abuse, such as seeking help from parents or family, less progress is observed in digital dating abuse.
A recent study published in PLOS Genetics has shed new light on the genetic causes of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and Tourette syndrome (TS). The research team found that OCD heritability is concentrated in chromosome 15, while TS heritability is spread across multiple chromosomes. The study's findings have significant implicat...
Researchers at UTHealth successfully tested a hands-free ultrasound device combined with clot-busting drug tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) in ischemic stroke patients, showing promising results. The device improved outcomes by 65% and enabled some patients to recover without significant disability.
Researchers used a genomic sequencing approach to evaluate all 24 genes implicated in breast cancer in women with normal BRCA genes. The study found that over 25% of these patients carried cancer-predisposing mutations in genes other than BRCA1 or BRCA2.
Researchers at Berkeley Lab identified thousands of enhancer sequences involved in craniofacial development, which regulate genes to fine-tune facial morphology. The study provides insights into the genetic drivers of normal craniofacial variation and may lead to better diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for birth defects.
A new study found that only 4% of new drugs and vaccines approved between 2000-2011 were for neglected diseases, highlighting a 'fatal imbalance' in R&D efforts. Researchers highlight the need to develop and deliver groundbreaking treatments for poor patients.
A common genetic variant affecting 1 in 3 people increases colorectal cancer risk from red and processed meat consumption. Eating more fruits and veggies may lower risk for some individuals with a specific genetic variation.
Researchers pinpointed the DCHS1 gene as responsible for the most common form of mitral valve prolapse, a condition that leads to heart failure. The gene disrupts heart valve development and growth, causing structural integrity issues in the mitral valve.
Researchers at UCI found that cells from a transplanted limb acquire the molecular 'fingerprint' of their new location, allowing them to transform into cells with the signature of the region they're grafted onto. This ability, called positional plasticity, has implications for regenerative therapies and cancer biology.
New studies suggest that immune response to bee venom and other allergens evolved as a defense mechanism, triggering reactions like sneezing and itching. Researchers found that mice developed resistance to deadly doses of venom after exposure to PLA2, an enzyme in bee venom.
A growing concern is rising algal bloom toxicity due to eutrophication and climate change, impacting aquatic organisms and ecosystem health. Toxic cyanobacteria like Microcystis sp. are becoming more prevalent in nutrient-rich waters, posing a risk to human drinking water safety.
McGill University has made its online game Phylo available globally to connect thousands of scientists with hundreds of thousands of gamer-citizens scientists. Players have already contributed over 4,000 puzzle solutions based on genomic data.
SMEK1 promotes neural stem cell differentiation and suppresses uncontrolled proliferation, while collaborating with Protein Phosphatase 4 to regulate PAR3 activity. This discovery offers new hope for patients with Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and other neurodegenerative diseases.
A preclinical study by Albert Einstein College of Medicine found that the investigational drug Zybrestat significantly reduces tumor size and circulating insulin levels in mice with endocrine pancreatic tumors. The study presents promising results for treating this less common form of pancreatic cancer.
Researchers have identified a novel Parkinson's disease drug target and a compound capable of repairing neurons derived from human stem cells. Using a discovery platform combining yeast cells with human stem cells, scientists found that the compound reversed alpha-synuclein toxicity in yeast cells and partially rescued neurons in anima...
The Gulf of Mexico's dead zone is exacerbated by excessive nutrient runoff from US agricultural practices. Experts recommend adopting cover crops and subsurface drainage systems to reduce nitrogen and phosphorus export. Despite potential challenges, implementing these practices could mitigate the problem.
A recent study by Kaiser Permanente found that individuals with low recorded CD4 cell counts have a higher risk of heart attacks compared to HIV-negative subjects. However, those with high CD4 cell counts had the same risk as the general population.
A new study by London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine and University of York reveals that foreign private patients bring in nearly a quarter of total private income to NHS trusts. Meanwhile, UK residents travel abroad for treatment at an estimated 63,000 times per year.
Researchers found that the grasshopper mouse's sodium channel 1.8 has an amino acid substitution that blocks the activation of channel 1.8 and inhibits the pain response to scorpion venom, making them numb to its sting.
A new class of drug RPL554 has been developed to treat obstructive airway diseases like asthma and COPD. It works by both reversing the narrowing of the airways and reducing inflammation, producing a 17% increase in respiratory function.
Researchers used the Anklebot robot to characterize the normal mechanics of the joint in healthy volunteers, finding that the ankle is strongest when moving up and down and weakest when turning inward. The findings may help clinicians better understand physical limitations caused by strokes and other motor disorders.
Hurricane Raymond caused extreme rainfall amounts of over 560mm/~22 inches in open Pacific waters, with totals exceeding 125mm/~4.9 inches along Mexico's coast. The storm's copious rainfall also dropped abundant precipitation in areas already hit by deadly flooding and landslides.
Scientists identify correlation between genetic variation and microbiome composition, suggesting role of host immunity in bacteria levels across the body. The study highlights the complex interaction between human genetics and the microbiome, with potential implications for disease susceptibility.
A recent study published in Experimental Physiology has found that exercise during pregnancy significantly alters the vascular smooth muscle of offspring into adulthood. This research suggests that maternal exercise may have long-lasting implications for cardiovascular disease susceptibility in children born to exercise-trained mothers.
The Sudden Death in the Young Registry aims to collect comprehensive data on sudden unexpected death in youths up to age 24, with a focus on heart-related conditions and epilepsy. The registry will help researchers define the scope of the problem and set future research priorities.
Researchers have discovered a way to kinetically trap liquids within each other, creating stable systems that can be tailored to specific shapes and flow characteristics. This breakthrough holds promise for applications such as drug delivery, fluidics, and energy storage.
The National Institutes of Health has awarded funding for three projects developing innovative robots that enhance mobility for visually and physically impaired individuals. These co-robots aim to improve treatment for atrial fibrillation by adapting to changing environments and ensuring accurate contact with the heart during procedures.
Researchers have identified a key channel crucial for hearing, contradicting the long-held theory that TMC proteins are the transduction channel. The new findings suggest that the actual channel may be a distinct membrane protein expressed alongside other key molecules.
A study found profound changes in mouse eyes after a 13-day spaceflight, including oxidative stress, DNA damage repair genes, and apoptotic pathways. These changes were partially reversible upon return to Earth.
Researchers developed a simple rule to evaluate co-evolving relationships between species and their interactions with climate change. The study found that conflicting species interactions reduce climate change effects, while non-conflicting interactions amplify them.
A new study found significant differences in polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) concentrations among various smokeless tobacco products. Higher levels were detected in moist snuff and soft pellets, while lower levels were present in snus. The use of fire-cured tobaccos was identified as the primary source of PAHs in these products.
A study published in Journal of Clinical Microbiology found that over one quarter of residents in 26 nursing homes in Orange County, California carry community-associated MRSA. The strains are more easily transmitted and may cause more severe infections than traditional hospital-acquired MRSA.
Tropical Depression Lorenzo is experiencing weakening due to dry air and cooler sea surface temperatures. The system's lack of convection is preventing thunderstorm development, ultimately leading to its dissipation.
Researchers at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München have solved the structure of RNA polymerase I, a crucial enzyme in cell growth. The study reveals details on how the enzyme regulates protein synthesis and provides potential targets for cancer treatment.
Researchers have developed a computational method that analyzes mouse behavior to categorize psychiatric drugs more efficiently. The algorithm, called Pattern Array, identifies complex behaviors in mice on various drugs and classifies them into six classes, such as antidepressants or antipsychotics.
A recent EORTC trial found that detecting ERG gene deletion at diagnosis of childhood B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is beneficial for risk stratification. Patients with the ERG gene deletion had an 8-year event-free survival rate of 86.4% and overall survival of 95.6%.
Researchers found that flooded Yolo Bypass rice fields create productive aquatic food webs for salmon, with high growth rates and minimal mortality. The findings suggest farm managers can use these agricultural fields to mimic natural processes, benefiting both fish and farmers.
Elsevier has added Annals of Medicine and Surgery to its portfolio, publishing original research articles and review pieces for medical trainees. The online-only, open-access journal aims to engage and develop talents of those in medical training.
A recent study identifies a genetic root to childhood obesity, revealing that patients with mutations in the KSR2 gene have an increased appetite and slower metabolism. The findings suggest that drugs like metformin could provide new treatment options for obesity and type-2 diabetes.
Researchers at Oregon State University discovered a genetic link to behavioral problems in children's preschool and child care settings. Children with parents exhibiting high negative emotion and low self-control are more likely to struggle with behavior issues like lack of self-control and anger.
A University of Cologne study found that washing hands after a task increases optimism after failure, but hampers future performance in the same task domain. The subjects who washed their hands were more optimistic initially, but performed similarly to those who didn't wash their hands when faced with the same challenge again.
Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a novel approach to study thermoelectric materials by simulating the behavior of complex systems using ultra-cold atoms. The 'thermoelectric material emulator' allows for precise comparison between theory and experiments, shedding light on fundamental processes underlying thermoelectricity.
A study suggests that paying living kidney donors $10,000 could increase the number of transplants by 5% or more, resulting in incremental cost savings and improved patient outcomes. This approach could also improve quality and quantity of life for patients with end-stage renal disease.
Researchers show that mice injected with small dose of bee venom developed immunity to lethal dose, surviving three times longer than control mice. Protection depends on IgE signaling and mast cell activation, suggesting a positive evolutionary pressure for this type of defense.
A study by Stanford Woods Institute researchers reveals that Aboriginal hunting practices, using fire to clear land, nearly doubles lizard populations and improves habitat. The approach combines practical knowledge with ecological co-evolution, challenging conservation policies.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University are developing robotic rotorcraft for inspecting bridges, tools for minimally invasive surgery, and assistive robots for blind travelers. The National Science Foundation has awarded $7 million to support these projects.
Researchers from Brown University have developed a catalyst using gold nanoparticles that selectively converts CO2 to carbon monoxide, an active molecule for making alternative fuels and commodity chemicals. The team found that particles with an exact size of eight nanometers achieved the best selectivity, converting 90% of CO2 to CO.
The Roundtable Discussion highlights the need for biomanufacturing degree programs combining classroom learning with hands-on research and scale-up experience. Partnerships between colleges and industry are essential to develop innovative educational and training programs, enabling young people to engage the bioeconomy.
A new study found that young black women in Southeastern Michigan have the highest rate of developing lupus and are more likely to experience serious health complications. Lupus prevalence was three times higher among black females compared to white women, with a higher risk of kidney and neurologic complications.
A hands-free ultrasound device combined with a clot-busting drug was safe and effective in treating ischemic stroke patients, with 65% returning home or to rehabilitation. The technology opens up more arteries in the brain, helping stroke patients recover, according to researchers.
Super-typhoon Lekima is shifting its trajectory from northwesterly to northeasterly due to mid-latitude westerly winds and a trough. The storm is expected to weaken as it becomes extra-tropical, with cooler sea surface temperatures and increasing wind shear.
Researchers have developed a new testing strategy that can estimate levels of essential vitamins and minerals without directly testing each nutritional factor. This approach uses protein levels in the bloodstream as proxies for nutrient levels, enabling rapid detection of population-wide deficiencies and potential remediation efforts.
The National Science Foundation has awarded a nearly $408,000 grant to three GW faculty members to develop technologies for tailored cloud computing services. The goal is to provide more choice for cloud consumers by offering flexible plans and optimized security.
A recent Mayo Clinic survey found that uterine fibroids significantly impact the quality of life and workplace performance of women, with African-American women experiencing more severe symptoms and delayed diagnosis. The study highlights the need for better treatment options and increased awareness about this common public health issue.
A new HIV vaccine has demonstrated partial protection against simian-human immunodeficiency virus in rhesus monkeys, with an 87-90% reduction in infection rate. The vaccine uses optimized antigens that mount antibody and cellular immune responses to diverse strains of the virus.