A new study from researchers at Rice University found that a school outreach program reduced the mobility of African-American students by 29 percent. The program enhanced relationships between families and school personnel, improving trust and reducing negative outcomes such as lower test scores and substance abuse.
The NIH has awarded nine new contracts to strengthen the scope of its Vaccine and Treatment Evaluation Units, increasing funding from eight to nine institutions. The VTEUs will expand their ability to conduct research in domestic and international locations, including resource-poor settings.
A new study from the University of Exeter and international collaborators finds that smaller reefs with nearly full lagoons have potential for new island development. This could provide alternative land options in the region as sea levels rise.
A new study led by Oxford University researchers explains the dual natures of the 'Jekyll-and-Hyde' protein E2F, which can boost tumour cell growth and suppress it. The discovery provides a potent target for developing new cancer drugs, with compounds blocking E2F's change into 'Mr Hyde' resulting in cancer cell death
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute have developed a new method, called Extensive Combinatorial Refinement (ExCoR), that combines existing formulas to create more accurate computer models of molecules. This process can help identify the best algorithms for refining structural details and improve the development of drug candidates.
A study published in Global Heart finds that echocardiography is increasing detection rates of definite and borderline rheumatic heart disease globally. Using echocardiography increases detection rates by many-fold, revealing a higher true global prevalence than current estimates.
A study by the University of Cambridge reveals that folic acid deficiency not only affects immediate offspring but also has detrimental health effects on subsequent generations. Researchers found that epigenetic changes caused by a specific gene mutation led to developmental abnormalities in great, great grandchildren.
A lack of awareness about rheumatic heart disease (RHD) in low-income countries is a major concern. Raising awareness that untreated sore throat caused by group A streptococcal infection can lead to acute rheumatic fever (ARF)/RHD is crucial for prevention and control.
Researchers isolated and identified a naturally occurring analgesic compound from the root bark of Nauclea latifolia, identical to commercially available Tramadol. The discovery confirms high concentrations of Tramadol in the plant, providing new prospects for local populations and validating traditional medicine.
Current estimates of rheumatic heart disease deaths globally are likely underestimates, with new studies underway to address data gaps and inform control strategies. The authors propose re-evaluating the burden of disease in two categories: symptomatic and asymptomatic disease.
Duke Medicine has been named a Vaccine and Treatment Evaluation Unit (VTEU) to evaluate vaccines, treatments, and diagnostics. The VTEU will focus on vaccine development for diseases other than HIV, with potential annual funding of up to $135 million.
Researchers at Syracuse University's College of Arts and Sciences have confirmed that diversifying sperm competition is a critical step in the formation of new species. The study, published in Current Biology, reveals how postcopulatory sexual selection drives rapid evolutionary changes in ejaculate and female reproductive tract traits.
A landmark report identifies critical knowledge gaps in nutrition science, calling for research on environmental trends, lifecycle issues, and intervention gaps. The report aims to accelerate global commitment to solving malnutrition through evidence-based solutions.
A new tool called the HARM score reliably measures quality and clinical outcomes for colon and rectal surgery patients. The score is calculated from routinely captured data elements and has a strong correlation with the quality of clinical outcomes.
Researchers report two cases of early intraprosthetic dislocation with dual-mobility hip implants, suggesting a potential link to mixed-component designs. The study highlights the need for clinicians to carefully evaluate and monitor patients receiving these implants.
The Albert Einstein Cancer Center has received a $17 million NIH grant to continue its research into cancer's underlying causes and new approaches to prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. With the renewal of this grant, AECC will investigate five interdisciplinary research programs supported by 14 specialized shared resource facilities.
A team of researchers led by LA BioMed's Patricia Dickson will use state-of-the-art brain imaging to study the brains of disease models with mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS), a genetic disease causing cognitive deterioration, memory loss and dementia. The goal is to gain greater understanding of MPS brain disease and develop new treatments.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center discovered that brown fat cells are generated through new cell formation rather than converting white fat cells. This finding could lead to therapeutic strategies to activate precursor cells to produce more brown fat cells for weight management and related diseases.
A study led by the University of Bristol found mortality rates in the first 90 days following hip replacement surgery have dramatically decreased from 0.6% to 0.3%, with four treatment options associated with lower death rates: spinal anaesthetic, posterior approach, heparin and mechanical thromboprophylaxis.
Research at UC Davis Center for Neuroscience found that maternal viral infection alters brain cell communication and increases risk of autism spectrum disorder. The study discovered a novel biological signaling pathway linking maternal immune activation to disease-linked behaviors.
A recent study found that people who engage in health-specific social networking sites are more likely to quit smoking and maintain abstinence. The study suggests that increased social connectedness on these sites leads to a stronger sense of community, trust, and self-efficacy, ultimately aiding smokers in quitting
Researchers at the University of Nevada, Reno and the University of Iowa discovered that agricultural anabolic steroids can persist in aquatic environments through a reversion mechanism. The study found that these substances can regenerate themselves at night, up to 70% of their initial mass, after rapid breakdown in sunlight.
A new mutation in the ITGA10 gene has been identified as a cause of dwarfism in two dog breeds, Norwegian Elkhounds and Karelian Bear Dogs. The study reveals that the mutation affects bone growth and can lead to skeletal abnormalities.
A deep-sea core from Okinawa Trough has provided a 200,000-year record of Quaternary environmental changes, with high percentages of sedge and grass in glacial intervals indicating shortened offshore distance. The study highlights the impact of global ice volume, sea-level changes, and monsoon variability on sediment sources.
Researchers used cynomolgus monkeys to compare autologous and allogeneic transplantation of iPS cell-derived neural cells. Autologous transplantation produced almost no immune reaction, while allogeneic transplantation provoked an immune response.
The Pan-Cancer Initiative has identified common genetic patterns across various tumor types, enabling researchers to extend therapies effective in one cancer type to others with a similar genomic profile. This breakthrough has the potential to revolutionize cancer treatment by recognizing similarities between seemingly distinct tumors.
New research on tagged humpback whales reveals three distinct bottom feeding techniques: simple side-rolls, side-roll inversions, and repetitive scooping. These behaviors are common in Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary and can lead to vulnerability to entanglement in fishing gear.
A study by Imperial College London finds that EU law could reduce tolerance for brown bears in Croatia, leading to increased conflict between humans and bears. The current system involving hunting ensures local support for the animals' survival, but EU legislation may disrupt this.
Researchers found that coastal animals, like the speckled sea louse Eurydice pulchra, have a 12.4 hour swimming cycle matching incoming tides and a 24 hour circadian rhythm in pigmented cells. This independent tidal clock is separate from the 24-hour body clock.
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases has renewed a 10-year contract with the University of Maryland School of Medicine's Center for Vaccine Development, providing up to $135 million in annual funding. The center will conduct basic research, clinical studies, and vaccine development to combat existing and emerging i...
A recent review suggests that training the less proficient language before or after aphasia onset results in bigger transfer effects on the untreated language. Semantic therapy approaches, such as stimulating word meanings, also facilitate transfer of therapy effects from one language to another.
Invasive plant species alter soil chemistry and nutrient cycling, facilitating their establishment. Microbial agents associated with invasive plants change soil biogeochemistry and enable their continued growth.
Research shows that DNA methylation plays a key role in generating non-genetic differences between sister cells, which could lead to cancer treatment breakthroughs. The study highlights the importance of controlling DNA methylation to reduce variation in cancer cells and increase treatment efficacy.
The University of Texas at Arlington has received $270,000 in NSF grants to document and revitalize Native American languages through participatory models. The projects aim to preserve indigenous cultures and ensure the survival of endangered languages.
The Curiosity rover's Sample Analysis at Mars (SAM) instrument suite found 2% water in Martian surface soil, indicating a significant resource for the planet. The analysis also revealed perchlorate and chlorate compounds, suggesting they could be distributed globally.
Researchers have found new ways to store massive amounts of energy between layers of 2-D materials called MXenes. This enables the creation of smaller, more efficient batteries with higher energy storage capacities.
The NASA Mars rover Curiosity has found water in its first sample of Martian soil, with fine materials containing several percent water by weight. The discovery sheds light on the planet's surface composition and implications for future research.
Researchers from UCLA and international partners use a unique alignment of six spacecraft to measure the release of magnetic energy close to Earth. They discover that this energy is stored in Earth's magnetosphere and released through a process called magnetic reconnection, which powers Earth's auroras and radiation belts.
Benzathine penicillin G's supply is intermittent in many countries due to quality control issues and low administration rates. Novel delivery devices are proposed to improve accessibility to this life-changing intervention.
The Joslin Diabetes Center will conduct a clinical trial to evaluate the benefits of allopurinol in reducing kidney function loss among people with type 1 diabetes. The five-year trial aims to determine if high serum uric acid levels are the cause of diabetic kidney disease.
A recent study examining the health of kidney donors has found that complications and hospital length-of-stay have declined since 1998. The researchers studied over 69,000 living kidney donors between 1998 and 2010, finding that rates of complications and length-of-stay for donors were comparable with other low-risk abdominal surgeries.
A team of astronomers reports key observations that confirm a theory describing how dust grains in interstellar space align themselves in the presence of magnetic fields. The findings have significant implications for understanding interstellar medium and novel observational tactics to probe magnetic fields.
A recent Rhode Island Hospital study found that improving law enforcement's role in responding to overdose emergencies could significantly impact the number of overdose deaths. The study revealed that officers are often frustrated by limitations to their medical role and lack clarity on what they can do at the scene.
Researchers have discovered that mucus in the large intestine has anti-inflammatory properties, helping to prevent bacterial-induced inflammation. The study proposes that mucus could be used to treat various diseases, including IBD and cancer, and may even be manufactured for oral administration.
A team of University of Pennsylvania researchers used Facebook data to develop computer models that accurately predicted users' age, gender, and personality traits. The study drew on a large dataset of Facebook status updates to identify linguistic patterns that correlated with specific characteristics.
Treating strep throat with penicillin can reduce ARF/RHD risk by 70-80%, and including primary prevention in overall strategy is crucial. Global efforts to combat RHD control have shown success through comprehensive strategies involving syndromic treatment, education, and awareness campaigns.
Claudine Giacchetti, UH professor of French, is being recognized for her efforts in promoting the French language and culture. She has expanded traditional programs to include francophone studies and business classes.
Tropical Storm Pabuk is transitioning from a warm core tropical system to a cold core low pressure system, as observed by NASA's Aqua satellite on Sept. 26, 2013.
Researchers used iPSCs from nonhuman primates to develop neural cells depleted by Parkinson's disease, eliciting only a minimal immune response. This breakthrough suggests autologous transplantation could be a viable option for humans, offering promise as a treatment for the disease.
The World Heart Federation is publishing a special issue to raise awareness about rheumatic heart disease (RHD), which is highly preventable but remains neglected globally. The special issue explores the burden of RHD, current challenges, and innovative solutions for prevention and treatment.
A new study highlights the essential role of cardiologists in addressing cerebrovascular disease, a leading cause of death in Rio de Janeiro. The research emphasizes the need for improved access to healthcare, patient education, and awareness about risk factors, such as hypertension.
Scientists from the University of Chicago have developed a unique genetic map that identifies associations between single-gene diseases and complex diseases. The study analyzed over 120 million patient records and found statistically significant correlations between 2,909 disease pairs, including previously unknown comorbidities such a...
Most Texas college campuses offer health services and safety infrastructure, but fall short on counseling services and victim advocacy.
Researchers analyzing Martian rocks using Curiosity rover's chemical instruments found a pyramid-shaped volcanic rock called a mugearite, similar to those on Earth. The discovery suggests the presence of water deep below Mars' surface, a crucial ingredient for life.
Researchers have discovered anti-tau antibodies that can prevent the accumulation of toxic tau proteins, improving cognitive function and reducing pathology in mouse models. The findings suggest a potential basis for treating Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders.
A team of researchers has developed a program called RealBrush that allows graphic artists to quickly produce realistic brushstrokes on their computers. The program uses machine-learning approaches and Big Data storage techniques to create, bend, and shape various types of brushstrokes.
A new study by Yale researchers found that the body's energy-producing mitochondria play a crucial role in regulating appetite and obesity risk. Dynamic changes in mitochondria can either spur or stop obesity, highlighting the importance of mitochondrial plasticity in maintaining healthy energy levels.
A clinical study found that stem-cell enriched fat grafts retained 80.9% of their initial volume, compared to 16.3% for non-enriched grafts, after 121 days. The treated grafts showed significantly higher amounts of adipose tissue and newly formed connective tissue.
Researchers pinpointed the precise cellular connections responsible for triggering overeating behavior in mice, suggesting a neurological basis for obesity and eating disorders. The study highlights a potential target for drug treatments to correct malfunctioning brain circuits.
Scientists discover two types of bacteria that can convert hydrocarbons into fatty acids, which form along the cell membrane. Oleispira antarctica is well-suited for cold polar seas and deep sea environments, while Alcanivorax borkumensis excels in processing alkanes with specific carbon chain lengths.
A new study by the University of Iowa found that anabolic steroid trenbolone acetate and two other drugs can partially regenerate themselves in the environment, potentially prolonging their impact on aquatic life. The research suggests that these compounds may persist longer than expected, making it harder to assess environmental risks.
A study on effective leadership in Wikipedia found that shared leadership behaviors increase commenting and editing behaviors among users. The researchers analyzed over 4 million messages, using machine-learning coding to identify patterns.
Researchers found differences in brain structure between ballet dancers and rowers that enable dancers to suppress signals from the balance organs, allowing them to perform pirouettes without feeling dizzy. This adaptation may help improve treatment for patients with chronic dizziness.
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases has awarded contracts to nine institutions, including Group Health Research Institute, to expand vaccine and treatment evaluation units. These centers will conduct clinical trials for promising candidate vaccines and therapies, aiming to protect the public from infectious diseases.
Research reveals lithium's unique mode of action in treating depression and bipolar disorders. Lithium accumulation in white matter suggests a new target for psychotropic drugs.
Researchers have developed a new method to reconstruct past temperatures in the eastern Mediterranean using tree rings. The study, which covers over 900 years, reveals that the region experienced a medieval warm period and a little ice age, with modern warming trends not reflected in the data.
The HIRAD instrument aboard NASA Global Hawk 871 detected an area of heavy rains and likely strong winds in Hurricane Ingrid. The storm made landfall in northeastern Mexico on Monday, September 16, with maximum sustained winds near 75 mph.
Researchers at IMIM discovered that intestinal mucus prevents inflammatory reactions against commensal bacteria and dietary antigens, offering a promising complementary way to treat ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. The study also suggests potential applications in cancer therapy due to mucus' anti-inflammatory properties.
The NIH has launched the first phase of the Microbiome Cloud Project, a collaboration with Amazon Web Services that provides a free public dataset of genetic information on microbes. This initiative aims to facilitate analysis and discovery by reducing computing infrastructure and technical expertise requirements.
Researchers found evidence of maternal care in eight species of Chrysomelinae beetles, including defense mechanisms against predators and parasitoids. The study reveals complex subsocial behaviors and provides insight into the natural history of these insects.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have created a biological imaging system that can track blood flow in the lab and clinic using a webcam and laser pointer. The new system is significantly cheaper than existing equipment and has potential applications for imaging changes in tissues, including those outside the lab.
A new consortium led by the Sabin Vaccine Institute is conducting clinical trials of a human hookworm vaccine in Gabon. The vaccine has the potential to dramatically improve health, economic, and social landscapes in countries with high burdens of hookworm disease.
Scientists have discovered that protein translation in dendrites is complex and dictates by translational hotspots, not solely when RNA is present. This finding may inform neurological and psychiatric illness therapeutics.
A recent study found that using DVDs, booklets, and health coaches can help patients arrive at an informed treatment decision within their first visit with an orthopaedic surgeon. The study showed a significant increase in patient confidence in knowing what questions to ask their doctor, leading to better shared medical decision making.
The National Institutes of Health has awarded a nearly $1 billion contract to Saint Louis University's Center for Vaccine Development, recognizing the institution's leadership role in vaccine research. The seven-year contract will support clinical trials and lab studies for new vaccines, with a focus on emerging threats.
A study published in Clinical Psychology Review found that people in debt are three times more likely to experience mental health problems than those not in debt. The research, led by the University of Southampton, analyzed data from nearly 34,000 participants and showed a strong correlation between debt and poor mental health outcomes.
Scientists at EMBL found that cells in a zebrafish embryo determine their direction by erasing the path behind them and creating a self-generated chemokine gradient. This finding could have implications for development, cancer, and metastasis.
Researchers at Caltech have identified a previously unknown bacterium in the termite gut that may be responsible for most acetogenesis. The bacterium, part of the deltaproteobacteria group, attaches to the surface of a hydrogen-producing protozoan, providing a new understanding of the complex food web in the termite gut.
Researchers discovered the critical role of retinoic acid signaling pathway in forming blood-forming stem cells. The study used mouse models to demonstrate that disrupting this pathway eliminates blood-forming stem cells, while activating it increases their numbers.
A new UCLA-led study examines the effects of childhood abuse and lack of parental affection across the body's entire regulatory system. The research finds a strong biological link between negative early life experiences and physical health, with parental warmth offering protection against these effects.
Scientists at MIT have created tiny ceramic objects that can bend up to 7% without cracking, overcoming the material's brittleness. The flexible ceramics have potential for biomedical applications, such as triggering actions in microdevices.
The Curiosity Rover discovered a diverse range of soils and sediments on Mars, revealing small amounts of water in the dust and fine soil. The findings suggest that water may be present in the Martian environment, potentially providing a source for future astronauts.
A study spanning two decades reveals that species in forest fragments are more likely to disappear than previously thought. Habitat fragmentation and invasive species like the Malayan field rat contribute to the rapid decline of native wildlife populations.
A study published in Journal of Neurotrauma found that traumatic brain injury during childhood can cause significant deficits in working memory. The authors propose identifying neuroanatomical biomarkers to detect early signs of impaired working memory.
Scientists discovered that rare codons near the start of a gene control protein production, allowing for more efficient bacterial reprogramming. This finding could lead to new methods for synthetic biologists to produce drugs and biological devices.
The WIFIRE project aims to create a scalable system for wildfire analysis, integrating networked observations and computational techniques. It will support situational awareness, responses, and decision-making at local, state, national, and international levels.
A Wayne State University researcher is studying the effects of exercise on a process that plays a critical role in insulin signaling within skeletal muscle. He aims to identify molecular mechanisms responsible for improved insulin action after exercise and provide novel targets for preventing and treating type 2 diabetes.
A month-long study by University of Houston aims to enhance air quality forecasting using satellite data and numerical models. The team collected extensive data from mobile labs, aircraft, and satellites to develop more accurate pollution sensors.
The University of South Florida has created a Veterans' Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing Program (V-CARE) to address the nation's nursing workforce shortage. The program builds on veterans' military healthcare training, offering credit for previous service and aiming to enroll 120 veterans over four years.
Research reveals that marine animals have multiple independent clocks, including a 24-hour circadian clock and a tidal clock that regulates daily cycles. The findings suggest that these clocks may be standard operating equipment in animals, with the tidal clock playing a crucial role in coastal organisms.
Researchers found that as European songbirds colonized islands, their songs became less structured. The study suggests a genetic component to the loss of syntax, and may be due to the effects of small population sizes on cultural transmission.
Researchers from Brandeis University and UMMS discovered that the spliceosome's major components can attach in any order, eliminating the need for precise communication. This breakthrough sheds light on the process of RNA splicing, a crucial step in protein synthesis, and holds promise for understanding diseases like cystic fibrosis.
Researchers at Caltech developed a miniature chip-based resonator that stabilizes electrical currents and optical signals, paving the way for improvements in communications, navigation, and remote sensing. The new technology uses an Archimedean spiral to minimize energy surges and improve frequency stability.
Researchers found that men with variable telomere length in cancer cells and shorter telomeres in stromal cells were more likely to develop metastatic disease and die sooner from their prostate cancer. This combination could be a marker for prostate cancer prognosis.
Scientists tracked energy from the sun to Earth's magnetosphere using eight NASA spacecraft, including ARTEMIS and THEMIS. The research provides insights into substorms and their impact on space weather, with energy flows lasting up to half an hour and covering areas 10 times larger than Earth.
Researchers found that osteocalcin, a bone-derived hormone, plays a powerful role in prenatal brain development and cognitive functions such as learning, memory, anxiety, and depression. Osteocalcin promotes the birth of neurons, increases neurotransmitter synthesis, and affects behavior in adult mice.
A team of MSL scientists analyzed a martian rock called Jake_M, which is highly enriched in sodium and potassium, making it chemically alkaline. The analysis suggests that parts of Mars may be more like Earth than previously thought, with the rock possibly forming from partial melting of rocks deep inside the planet.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute discovered a critical role of dendritic epidermal T cells in producing interleukin-17A to promote wound healing. The study found that these skin-resident immune cells function as 'first responders' to skin injuries by producing IL-17A, which wards off infection and promotes wound healing.