A new study of shark teeth from a coastal Arctic Ocean site provides insight into Eocene marine life and suggests that sharks may be able to cope with decreasing salinity. The findings also shed light on the potential impacts of Arctic warming on shark populations.
Researchers found that microRNA miR-21 regulates the differentiation of neural crest stem cells (NCSCs) from human hair follicles into Schwann cells. By binding to the 3'-UTR of SOX2 mRNA, miR-21 down-regulates SOX protein expression, increasing SC differentiation capacity.
Researchers present integrated approach incorporating pest identification, tracking, and management to mitigate contamination in open pond algae systems suitable for producing biofuel. The solution illustrates its use in cultivating a strain of algae with potential for biofuel production.
Researchers predict ranavirus as a potential new culprit in amphibian extinctions, especially in isolated wood frog populations. The study suggests that frequent exposure to the virus can lead to extinction within five years.
A novel AD vaccine, Plp-Adeno-X-CMV-(Aβ3-10)10-CpG, was administered via nasal mucosal inhalation to AD transgenic mouse models, producing strong T helper 2 humoral immune responses and reducing Aβ1-42-induced cytotoxicity. This approach offers a promising therapeutic strategy for Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus found that YouTube is a promising platform for disseminating research in dermatology. The study analyzed 100 videos with over 47 million views, driving 6,325 subscriptions to distinct user pages.
Researchers found that species with placentas tend to have smaller males with reduced bright colors and courtship displays. This discovery links sexual selection and placenta formation, suggesting that the evolution of complex organs like placentas is influenced by mating strategies.
A study found that women who experienced a third or fourth degree perineal tear in a previous delivery have a five-fold increased risk of severe tearing in subsequent births. The study analyzed data from over 639,000 first-time mothers and revealed that elective caesarean sections were more common among those with a previous tear.
A new Penn Medicine study shows that older adults (55+ years) who donate their kidneys have similar life expectancy and cardiovascular health as healthy, non-donating peers. The research provides reassurance to older individuals considering kidney donation.
Montefiore and Einstein researchers present data at the 2014 Alzheimer's Association International Conference, focusing on triggers for mild cognitive impairment and dementia. The research aims to identify potential strategies to preserve cognitive function and delay or prevent Alzheimer's disease onset.
A study by UT Southwestern found a five-fold increase in cancer patients using MyChart from 2009 to 2015, with those over 60 making up the majority of frequent users. The technology's convenience and ease of use contribute to its widespread adoption among this demographic.
Researchers at Oxford University have developed a new discovery of nano-pixels that can be electrically switched on and off to create high-resolution images. The tiny 'nano-pixels' are just 300 nanometres in size and can be used for applications such as smart glasses, synthetic retinas, and foldable screens.
A team of researchers from the Niels Bohr Institute and Aarhus University discovered that cosmic dust grains can form through shock interaction during a supernova explosion. The grains can grow to sizes large enough to survive the violent shockwaves, providing insight into their origin.
A clinical trial shows that integrated low vision and mental health treatment can reduce depression in AMD patients by half. The approach combines behavior activation therapy with low vision occupational therapy, leading to improved functional vision and mood.
Researchers at Université Laval developed a new method to alleviate chronic pain by rekindling pain and then erasing it. By injecting capsaicin and administering a protein synthesis inhibitor, they induced temporary pain hypersensitivity, which was subsequently reversed.
Scientists at Berkeley Lab and SLAC have taken detailed snapshots of the four photon-step cycle of photosynthetic water oxidation in photosystem II. The study provides information that should be useful for designing artificial solar-energy based devices to split water, a crucial step towards clean energy.
A team of experts at UCLA will collaborate to create, implant, and test a memory prosthesis to help restore lost memory functions in brain-injured individuals. The project aims to stimulate the entorhinal area, a key region involved in learning, memory, and Alzheimer's disease.
The American Academy of Neurology has released a new position paper emphasizing the importance of educating and protecting athletes from concussion. The statement calls for doctors to safeguard athletes' mental and physical health and recommends wider use of baseline cognitive testing and mandatory concussion reporting.
Charcoal rot, caused by fungi like Macrophomina phaseolina, thrives in hot and dry conditions, exacerbating crop yields. Researchers are now focusing on breeding drought-resistant soybean lines that can combat the disease.
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) has launched a Phase I clinical trial of CRS3123, an investigational oral antibiotic aimed at treating Clostridium difficile infection. The study aims to evaluate the safety and tolerability of the medication in healthy adults.
Researchers have completed a comprehensive study on the role of protein phosphatases in malaria parasite development and differentiation. The study, published in Cell Host and Microbe, identifies 16 genes that are crucial for parasite growth and could be future drug targets.
Researchers discovered how viruses affect phytoplankton, like Emiliania huxleyi, altering global carbon cycle and marine food chain. Viruses rewire host lipid metabolism, diverting fixed carbon from traditional food web, with implications for ocean ecosystems.
Researchers have found that using gene-editing techniques on stem cells does not increase the overall occurrence of mutations, easing previous safety concerns. The study's results were published in the journal Cell Stem Cell and provide new hope for the development of therapies for genetic diseases.
A nationwide study found that letrozole increased live births by 27.5% compared to clomiphene, and improved ovulation rates and reduced twin pregnancies. Fewer side effects were reported with letrozole, but further research is needed for safety clarification.
Regulated hunting has spurred regrowth of native tree seedlings and wildflowers, improving forest health. Plant cover increased by 100% and native species recovered, while invasive species declined.
A new study led by Dr. Barry Rovner shows that a type of rehabilitation therapy can cut the risk of depression from age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in half. The therapy, called behavior activation, helps people focus on activities they enjoy and maintain an active social life to reduce disability and prevent clinical depression.
Tropical Storm Fausto has degenerated into a remnant area of low pressure, with forecasters attributing its weakening to vertical wind shear and mid-level dry air. The remnants are expected to dissipate as they move through an area of increasing wind shear.
Researchers at Rockefeller University have identified a protein called TARBP2 that triggers breast cancer's spread by blocking other proteins linked to neurodegeneration. This finding suggests new cancer therapies targeting this 'master regulator' could be effective.
Astronomers used the VLT to observe SN2010jl nine times soon after its explosion and found that dust grains form rapidly in the dense material surrounding the star. The observations revealed surprisingly large grain sizes that are resistant to destruction, answering a long-standing question about cosmic dust formation.
Researchers at the University of South Florida found that frogs can develop immunity against a deadly chytrid fungus by learning to avoid it after just one exposure. This acquired resistance could aid in conservation efforts and even offer protection for other animals threatened by fungal pathogens.
A recent study reclassifies Scansoriopteryx as a non-dinosaurian bird, with characteristics like elongated forelimbs and wing feathers. The findings validate predictions from the early 1900s that small, tree-dwelling archosaurs are the ancestors of birds.
Researchers found that low-dose antibiotics can strengthen bacterial biofilms, leading to chronic lung, sinus, and ear infections in children. The study suggests developing routine screening methods to test the effects of antibiotics on biofilms.
Researchers found that women with breast cancers involving the skin have widely varied survival rates, differing by tumor size and nodal involvement. They recommend adding a new staging category for tumors with skin involvement to accurately reflect a woman's chances of surviving her cancer.
A study by the University of Granada found that teenagers in Spain, Italy, and Greece have lower cardiorespiratory capacity, strength, and speed-agility than their northern European peers. The researchers also discovered higher levels of total and abdominal fat among southern adolescents, which may be linked to reduced physical activity.
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory will develop a state-of-the-art implantable neural device to record and stimulate neurons, helping to restore memory in individuals with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and other conditions. The device aims to bridge gaps in the injured brain and enable individuals to form new memories.
Researchers at Linköping University have demonstrated that geckos and spiders lose grip due to the effect of heat on van der Waals forces. This phenomenon has significant industrial benefits, particularly in the production of graphene, where detachment from the substrate is crucial.
Researchers at Cornell Food & Brand Lab found that adults who viewed their exercise as fun ate less chocolate pudding and M&Ms afterwards. Viewing exercise as a chore led to overeating as a reward.
Researchers at USC's Keck School of Medicine have identified a key component of the immune system that is essential for preventing deadly inflammation. Mice lacking this component are completely resistant to sepsis, a potentially fatal complication of infection.
Researchers at Penn Medicine will conduct a clinical trial on patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma to test the efficacy of photodynamic light therapy (PDT). The study aims to understand how PDT works in the body and what can be done to improve its response.
Research found that frog larvae coexisting with the invasive species for 30 years have deeper tails and larger bodies to evade predators. This rapid evolutionary change helps increase their survival chances.
Researchers used MESSENGER data to detect solar neutrons created in solar flares, providing a direct link to the flare process. The combined use of NASA mission data from MESSENGER and STEREO spacecraft offers new information about particle acceleration in solar flares.
Scientists found that corals with large energy reserves and flexibility in their algae partnerships can recover from yearly bleaching events. These adaptable species will be key targets for conservation efforts to preserve coral reefs worldwide.
Researchers identified 17 auditory tasks, such as grid references and enemy movement detection, to assess hearing fitness. The study aims to develop a new auditory fitness test and provide insights into the challenges faced by frontline soldiers.
Researchers found that local application of mitomycin C at low concentrations is safe to prevent scar adhesion following laminectomy without damaging peripheral nerve structures. However, high concentrations (> 0.7 mg/mL) may pose potential safety risks to peripheral nerves.
A recent study by the University of Waterloo found that most prescription labels in Canada do not follow recommended guidelines for legibility. The researchers suggest that improving label appearance can be achieved without new technologies or larger labels, and recommends a patient-centered approach to labelling standards.
Research casts doubt on methane's climate-friendliness, despite its potential for burning cleaner than coal. Methane emissions from oil and gas operations are estimated to be significant, with varying levels of release into the atmosphere.
Researchers have identified novel mutations in a well-known cancer-causing pathway in lung adenocarcinoma, expanding therapeutic targets and potentially identifying treatable mutations. The study found that 75% of patients with lung adenocarcinoma have actionable mutations that can be treated with existing or under-development drugs.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that silverback gorillas use odor to communicate socially, with extreme levels of emission linked to interactions between groups. This suggests that chemo-communication may play a crucial role in the social behaviors of non-human great apes.
A study published in PLOS ONE uses satellite images to estimate polar bear population sizes, finding similar results to aerial and ground surveys. The technology holds promise for tracking Arctic wildlife, despite logistical challenges.
A study by University of Gothenburg researchers found that children raised on dairy farms have a lower risk of developing allergies. The study suggests that delayed maturation of the immune system may be a risk factor for allergic disease. Researchers plan to examine specific factors on dairy farms that promote immune system maturity.
A Northwestern University team has developed a new technology using indium arsenide/indium arsenide antimonide (InAs/InAsSb) for stable infrared detection, enabling the observation of cooler objects in deep space. This advancement paves the way for enhanced exploration and unlocking the mysteries of these cooler objects.
Using high-brilliance X-rays, researchers have gained a better understanding of the chemical reactions in fuel cells, leading to the development of more efficient systems. This knowledge will help make large-scale alternative energy power systems more practical and reliable.
Jason Stajich, a UC Riverside microbiologist, has been awarded the 2014 Alexopoulos Prize for his groundbreaking research on fungal biology and evolution. His work focuses on building new methods for comparative and evolutionary genomics.
A retrospective study found that adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities experienced a significant decrease in cavity rates as they received regular dental care. However, gum disease rates increased over time, highlighting the need for effective solutions to address these challenges.
A study by The Miriam Hospital found that women with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) who are also depressed have difficulty sticking to a pulmonary rehabilitation program. Lower depressed mood independently predicted finishing PR for women, but not men.
The Ontario Student Drug Use and Health Survey found that over one-third of licensed drivers in grades 10 to 12 reported texting while driving, with 46% of grade 12 students admitting to this behavior. The survey also revealed alarming trends in risk behaviors, physical health, mental health, and home life among Ontario students.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University identified a promising new pathway to disabling bacterial infection: blocking bacteria's access to iron in the body. They found that bacteria can feed on iron supplied by both bacterial and mammalian siderophore, allowing them to proliferate and make the host ill.
Researchers successfully silenced the Nogo-66 receptor gene in BMSCs, blocking its inhibitory effect and promoting neuronal growth. This breakthrough enhances the therapeutic effects of BMSC transplantation for spinal cord injury repair, offering new hope for patients.
Researchers created nanopyramids made of DNA that can flag and kill bacteria, with a success rate of 65% for Staphylococcus aureus and 48% for Escherichia coli compared to traditional medicine. The innovation offers a new approach to delivering drugs directly into bacterial cells.
Researchers found that only five trials were focused specifically on drug safety, and 14 drugs were approved without condition-specific trials or trials in children. The study calls for increased regulatory emphasis on long-term safety and efficacy, particularly for chronic use medications.