Researchers at the University of Cincinnati have discovered a biomarker, phosphatidylserine, that can be effectively targeted to kill pancreatic cancer cells. The use of a biotherapy consisting of saposin C and dioleoylphosphatidylserine combined in nanovesicles shows promising results in animal models.
A study published at IDWeek 2013 found that low-income girls from Spanish-speaking families were less likely to receive the HPV vaccine due to a lack of encouragement from healthcare providers, while English-speaking parents cited concerns over vaccine safety and perceived risk. The findings highlight the importance of culturally sensi...
Notre Dame researchers discovered how MRSA regulates its cell wall in response to beta-lactam antibiotics, enabling drug resistance. They also found a way for a new antibiotic, ceftaroline, to target and inhibit the enzyme responsible for resistance.
A study in the Journal of Addiction Medicine finds that doctors abuse prescription drugs primarily for 'self-medication' to manage physical or emotional pain, stress, and psychiatric symptoms. The study highlights the importance of addressing self-medication as a key reason for prescription drug abuse among physicians.
Researchers at Huntsman Cancer Institute are testing a novel targeted treatment for Ewing sarcoma, which has spread by the time it's diagnosed. The goal is to disrupt cancer growth and spread using LSD1 inhibitors, with preclinical trials underway.
Researchers at the University of Hawaii and the University of Rhode Island found that extrusive volcanism, not internal emplacement of magma, grew Hawaiian volcanoes. The study suggests a new density model can be used for further crustal studies in the Hawaiian Islands.
Researchers developed an in silico nano-dissection method to isolate and identify genes from specific cell types in human tissues. The technique successfully identified genes expressed in podocytes, which malfunction in kidney disease, correlating with the severity of impairment.
The University of Illinois has released a new brochure providing detailed nutritional information on eight different soy products, including full-fat soybeans and conventional dehulled soybean meal. The data reveals that soy protein has a balance of essential amino acids closely fulfilling the needs of pigs.
Researchers have found that metabolic enzymes in the opium poppy play a key role in producing morphine and codeine, leading to potential breakthroughs in pharmaceutical production. The discovery may also enable the production of these compounds in other plants or microorganisms.
A multidisciplinary team is developing a framework to explain and predict plant and animal species distribution in the endangered Atlantic Forest. The researchers will use climate and landscape data to understand how forest species have responded to past environmental shifts, enabling them to predict responses to future changes.
A recent study published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention found that rural cancer survivors are 66% more likely to forgo medical care and 54% more likely to forgo dental care because of financial concerns. This disparity suggests that health insurance coverage alone may not ensure equal access to healthcare.
Researchers at MIT have developed a new concept for a microscope that uses neutrons to create high-resolution images, enabling the probing of internal structures in metal objects and biological materials. The device could improve existing neutron imaging systems by a factor of 50, allowing for sharper images and smaller instruments.
Early research shows that an investigational norovirus vaccine can reduce the main symptoms of gastrointestinal infection, such as vomiting and diarrhea, by 52 percent. The vaccine targets two common genotypes of norovirus and appears to be well-tolerated.
Research reveals Einstein's corpus callosum had more extensive connections compared to younger and older control groups, indicating potential contributions to his intelligence.
A study published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention found that walking for at least seven hours a week reduced breast cancer risk by 14% in postmenopausal women. Women who engaged in vigorous physical activity daily had a 25% lower risk of breast cancer.
The study suggests that tree-like structures in lungs minimize energy losses and optimize proximity to alveoli, allowing efficient oxygen delivery. This evolutionary process led to the development of mammalian respiration, distinct from fish-style breathing.
Stem cells can be engineered as targeted drug factories to deliver anti-inflammatory molecules to sites of inflammation, reducing swelling. The approach uses modified messenger RNA to stimulate cell production and secretion, overcoming previous limitations such as rapid clearance.
The San Diego Supercomputer Center has been awarded a $12-million grant to deploy the 'Comet' petascale supercomputer, designed to expand access and capacity among traditional and non-traditional research domains. The system will provide nearly two petaflops of peak performance, supporting a broader range of researchers.
The program aims to inform the public about aging concerns such as palliative care, healthcare abuses, and retirement challenges. The selected fellows will develop a major aging-focused story or series during GSA's annual scientific meeting in New Orleans.
Researchers at Rutgers University have identified chemical agents that block the ability of flu viruses to replicate in cells. The compounds show promise for a new class of antiviral medicines to fight pandemic influenza outbreaks, such as H5N1 and H7N9.
A new study finds that high carbon dioxide levels in the ancient atmosphere may have counteracted the effects of a weak young Sun, allowing life to thrive on Earth. The researchers used tiny air samples trapped in quartz rocks to reconstruct the atmosphere's composition, finding higher-than-expected CO2 levels.
Researchers have mapped and modeled EUV emission from a droplet-based plasma, uncovering a previously untapped source of extreme ultraviolet light. This discovery could improve the efficiency of semiconductor lithography, enabling the creation of smaller and more complex integrated circuits.
A new study links moderate physical activity to lower breast cancer risk in postmenopausal women. Women who engaged in regular activities such as walking had a 14% lower risk and those with higher activity levels had a 25% lower risk compared to inactive women.
Researchers have developed a technique for injecting therapeutics into the nipple to target breast cancer in its most common origin. This method could reduce side effects and enhance effective drug levels, making it a promising treatment option.
Researchers at the University of South Carolina have developed a graphene oxide membrane less than 2 nanometers thick with high permeation selectivity between hydrogen and carbon dioxide gas molecules. The team's method allows for uniform coverage without inter-flake leaks, enabling thinner membranes that can efficiently separate gases.
Researchers at the WALTHAM Centre for Pet Nutrition found that overweight dogs in middle age have a shorter life expectancy, with some breeds facing significant reductions. The study examined data from over 5,000 dogs and found that being overweight can have long-term consequences for a dog's lifespan.
A recent study has re-evaluated the effect of nitric oxide on lateral root formation, finding that this molecule can both promote and inhibit root branching. The study utilizes a new parameter for measuring lateral root density and demonstrates the importance of considering the timing of root initiation.
The MIT researchers' new system of self-assembling robots uses a surprisingly simple scheme to overcome the complexity of traditional modular robot designs. By giving up on static stability and leveraging clever engineering, they create cubes that can climb, roll, and even move while suspended upside down.
Researchers developed a new photodiode that can detect the entire range of UVC light while remaining insensitive to visible light from the sun. This device is solar blind and has minimal dark current, making it useful for tracking ozone depletion and communication in space.
A study by Yale researchers found that Medicare spent $447 million annually on PSA-based screenings for prostate cancer, with most of it going to men over 75. The cost variation was mainly due to follow-up tests, not the use of the PSA itself.
Experts recommend approaches to standardize quality control, develop cost-effective sharing models, and create large-scale libraries of iPSC lines. These efforts aim to tap into the potential of iPSCs for drug screening, disease modeling, and medical treatments.
Hospitalized HIV patients are more likely to experience medication errors when cared for by hospital providers unfamiliar with HIV therapy complexities. Involing an infectious diseases specialist can significantly reduce these errors, correcting them in 68% of cases versus 32% without
Research shows lactating cats increase total calorie consumption and alter diet composition to meet physiological requirements. Cats with large litters select foods to reduce protein and carbohydrate intake, increasing fat consumption.
A study by the University of Manchester team has identified a new pathway regulating immune responses in the gut that can protect against infection. This finding holds promise for developing a protective immune response during parasite infestations, potentially addressing a major public health issue.
The 2013 classification criteria for systemic sclerosis are more sensitive than the 1980 measures, enabling earlier identification and treatment of this autoimmune disease. The new criteria improve the classification of systemic sclerosis by clustering items and simplifying the weighting of different criteria.
Researchers found a rare RNA 'edit' in Trypanosoma brucei that changes genetic information necessary for protein production, and splicing is required for functionality. The discovery has significant implications for understanding coding sequences and potential drug targets.
Researchers conclude that indigenous peoples' ecological knowledge is crucial for developing scientific solutions to climate change. By rethinking colonialism and embracing tribal expertise, the US can harness effective adaptation strategies.
Researchers at CU-Boulder created a global electric circuit model using a climate model, revealing that the atmosphere is generally less conductive over the equator and above Southeast Asia. The model shows seasonal changes in conductivity and its impact on lightning currents.
A study by Wildlife Conservation Society and others confirms the existence of two subspecies of Bryde's whales, one coastal and one offshore, with distinct genetic characteristics. The research informs the need to designate both subspecies as separate conservation units with specific management needs.
Researchers identify markers that can predict rupture in abdominal aortic aneurysms, including dense white blood cells and C-reactive protein levels. The study suggests that PET/CT scans with positive uptake could provide diagnostic support for surgery, while negative uptake may indicate safe avoidance of unnecessary procedures.
Researchers have identified a potential new therapy for eczema by blocking sensory nerves' itch receptors, which may prevent severe consequences like asthma and allergies. The treatment targets the immune system's role in reacting to chemicals that cause itching and inflammation.
A study analyzing two national surveys found that antibiotics are prescribed in 60% of sore throat visits and 73% of acute bronchitis visits, despite being ineffective for viral infections. The misuse of antibiotics contributes to the creation of antibiotic-resistant superbugs, posing a public health threat.
Scientists discovered a function of sNPF, a neuropeptide, in regulating both sleep and food intake in Drosophila. Activating sNPF led to rapid sleep induction, with flies sleeping on food sources for days. This study provides insight into the interaction between sleep and metabolism.
The new institute explores basic science of energy conversion on nanoscale, with potential to discover new ways of generating energy. Scientists will explore biological systems and build hybrid/artificial systems to revolutionize energy science.
Kessler Foundation collaborates with VA New Jersey Health Care System on a $761,222 grant to examine cognitive fatigue in Gulf War veterans using fMRI. The study aims to establish the set of brain regions critical to fatigue and develop treatments. Cognitive fatigue affects 25% of veterans, impacting daily life.
Researchers have created a man-made catalyst that can alter the chemical profiles of numerous types of small molecules, greatly speeding up the process of drug discovery. The catalyst, called iron CF3-PDP, can accomplish one of these alterations in about half an hour.
Researchers have identified potential genetic variants in non-coding DNA regions that drive the development of various cancers. The new approach prioritizes these variants based on their predicted impact on human disease, offering a promising tool for finding disease-causing genetic mutations.
A massive data analysis has implicated dozens of mutations in breast and prostate cancer development, focusing on non-coding DNA elements. The study provides new insights into the causes and treatment of cancer.
A low-cost, energy-efficient method to extract titanium from ore has been selected by ARPA-E, promising a 60% reduction in titanium costs. The CWRU team's direct electrolytic process eliminates the need for expensive reducing agents, simplifying production and boosting domestic titanium manufacturing.
A new study published in Menopause found that a specific bacterial mix may contribute to vaginal dryness and pain after menopause. The researchers suggest that personalized probiotics could prevent or treat vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA), a common cause of sexual pain, offering an alternative to traditional therapies.
Researchers have identified a link between mitochondrial development and the origins of some congenital heart defects. Mitochondria orchestrate events that determine a cell's future, including whether it becomes heart muscle cells.
A Finnish population-based study with over 4,000 participants found that eating five meals a day reduces the risk of obesity in adolescents. Skipping breakfast, on the other hand, is associated with greater BMI and waist circumference. Maternal weight gain during pregnancy also increases the risk of obesity in offspring.
Berkeley Lab researchers have developed a unique graphene liquid cell that enables the study of soft materials, including DNA and biological compounds. They have recorded the 3D motion of DNA connected to gold nanocrystals using transmission electron microscopy.
Researchers developed a pollutant detector using a narrow stream of unconfined water, which acts as a waveguide to channel fluorescent light signals. The device was highly sensitive, detecting pollutant levels even lower than EPA standards and distinguishing between harmless and hazardous bacteria.
Researchers found that warmer waters increase killifish's metabolic rate, leading to higher methylmercury levels in their tissues. This suggests a global warming impact on mercury bioaccumulation in marine life, posing health risks to people who eat seafood.
Scientists have redefined the MECP2 protein's role in Rett syndrome, discovering it acts as a global activator rather than repressor. This new understanding can lead to novel therapies for the disease, targeting the AKT/mTOR pathway to reverse symptoms.
Carl Nathan, MD, receives $20,000 prize for discoveries in immunology; monograph published in Molecular Medicine explores inspiration and purpose in scientific inquiry. The Anthony Cerami Award aims to document innovations and discoveries in medicine and healthcare.
A 17-year study off New Zealand's coast found all 61 false killer whales were linked in a single social network and associated with bottlenose dolphins for up to 5 years. These partnerships may provide mutual protection against predators through increased detection ability.
Researchers at RIKEN Brain Science Institute found that autophagy mediates the formation of amyloid beta plaques, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. The study suggests that autophagy might be a potential drug target for treating the disease.
A new study found that brain stimulation can directly influence compliance with social norms, particularly in the right lateral prefrontal cortex. Participants who received increased neural activity followed fairness norms more strongly under threat of sanctions, but showed decreased voluntary norm compliance without punishments.