A new computational tool in Molecular Biology and Evolution helps public health officials investigate disease outbreaks by analyzing genomic data, correctly inferring source cases and transmission clusters. The tool complements traditional epidemiology methods, providing valuable insights into outbreak dynamics.
A study of active US military personnel found higher rates of Graves disease among blacks and Asian/Pacific Islanders compared to whites. Hashimoto thyroiditis incidence was highest in whites, lowest in blacks and Asians.
A new study found that teenagers who have suffered a traumatic brain injury such as a concussion are at significantly greater odds of attempting suicide, being bullied and engaging in high-risk behaviors. They also have a higher likelihood of becoming bullies themselves and experiencing anxiety or depression.
Hepatitis C virus infects liver cells' energy centers, damaging mitochondria and recruiting proteins to eliminate damaged area. This process helps the virus persist in the body, making mitochondrial operations a potential therapeutic target.
Researchers identify E. coli O157:H7's mechanism of binding to plant cells using flagella structures, allowing it to anchor and multiply on vegetable surfaces. This understanding aims to reduce the risk of food contamination by targeting bacterial attachment.
A team of researchers led by Jane Wang from Cornell University has discovered a proportional control law in the tiger beetle's chasing behavior. The study reveals that the beetle uses a sideways force proportional to its prey's angular position to turn towards it.
A new nanoparticle called Cu-Cy has been discovered to slow tumor growth in lab studies when combined with X-ray exposure. The treatment shows promise as a more efficient and cost-effective alternative to existing photodynamic therapy methods.
Trade formalization in urban areas is expected to increase medicinal tree species cultivation, benefiting poor smallholder farmers. The study found that most traders prefer wild-sourced materials due to perceived higher potency, but farm-grown options are gaining acceptance.
New York University researchers found that computerized intervention may aid antiretroviral therapy, improving ART adherence and reducing sexual transmission risk behaviors. The study, published in the Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes, showed a promising intervention for increased ART adherence and safer sex.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University have developed a new method to isolate single immune cells from the mouth, allowing them to study how these cells fight diseases. The method successfully isolated over 94% of the cells, enabling researchers to gain insights into treating oral cancers and other health issues.
Engineers at UC San Diego have created new ceramic materials that can store hydrogen safely and efficiently. The compounds are manufactured using a simple, low-cost combustion synthesis method, reducing production time and cost compared to traditional methods.
Research suggests that people living in societies promoting equality are more likely to donate money than those expecting inequality. When the need is uncontrollable, power distance does not deter charitable behavior, whereas communal relationships lead to a greater sense of responsibility to help others.
A team of University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers has developed a faster, cheaper and more accurate tool for diagnosing even mild cases of asthma. The handheld technology uses neutrophil cell function in a single drop of blood to diagnose asthma.
A new study using real-time audio recordings of parents practicing corporal punishment found that children were hit for minor infractions and then misbehaved within 10 minutes. The study revealed parents often responded impulsively or emotionally, violating best practices recommended by spanking advocates.
A new study has identified several risk factors for Ménière's Disease, including female sex, white background, age, poverty, and overweight status. The research also found links to immune system disorders and diseases related to the autonomic nervous system.
A new study reveals that eating rice is associated with better diet quality and lower body weight. Rice eaters show higher amounts of key nutrients like potassium, magnesium, iron, folate, and fiber, while consuming less saturated fat and added sugars.
The American Association of Anatomists announced its 2014 award winners, including Jeffrey Laitman for his work in human anatomy education and Drew Noden for his scientific achievements. The winners will receive medals, plaques, and honorariums, as well as opportunities to present lectures at the 2014 Annual Meeting at Experimental Bio...
A recent study published in the Journal of Consumer Research found that restaurants providing 'low-calorie' labels on their menus may inadvertently cause people to eliminate healthy foods. The researchers suggested that by grouping low-calorie options together, restaurants can encourage healthier dining decisions.
Researchers used MRI to identify regional white matter damage in brain regions associated with chronic dizziness and vestibulopathy after concussion. The study suggests that MRI can speed the onset of effective treatments for concussion patients.
A study of nearly 1,000 mother-child pairs found prenatal SSRI exposure was nearly 3 times as likely in boys with ASD relative to typical development. Exposure during the first trimester increased risk for autism spectrum disorder (ASD), while third trimester exposure elevated risk for developmental delays (DD) in boys.
Scientists discovered a surprising collaboration between p53 and NF-kappaB proteins in immune cells, which can lead to increased inflammation. This finding may help develop new strategies to prevent inflammatory side effects of chemotherapy.
The TRMM satellite provided near-real time precipitation data for Tropical Cyclone Ita, estimating rainfall totals of up to 400 mm in northeastern Australia. The satellite also captured a 3-D image of the storm's structure, showing that some clouds were reaching heights of over 13 km.
Researchers have created nanoparticles that can deliver three or more different chemotherapy drugs to cancer cells, offering new hope for more effective treatments. The particles are designed to release the drugs in response to specific triggering mechanisms, reducing side effects and increasing efficacy.
A study using infant hair from rhesus monkeys found higher levels of cortisone and estrone in babies born to young mothers, suggesting a link between prenatal hormones and development. The findings raise questions about the impact on gender differences and chronic disease risk.
A new circadian gene named Chrono has been discovered to function as a transcriptional repressor of the negative feedback loop in the mammalian clock. Mice lacking this gene exhibit longer circadian cycles, highlighting its importance in regulating daily rhythms.
Researchers predict that Miami sea levels will rise by .3 meters to 1 meter by 2100, with areas experiencing constant flooding and mangrove loss. Long-term predictions could be available as early as 2020, providing 70 years of planning for coastal regions.
Severely obese individuals with low vitamin D levels exhibited reduced physical functioning and lower activity levels compared to those with healthy vitamin D levels. The study suggests that improving vitamin D status could enhance quality of life and potentially decrease mortality risk in this population.
A new study published in LGBT Health found that transgender individuals face significant healthcare disparities, including higher rates of substance abuse and HIV infection. The study highlights the need for improved data collection and analysis to address these issues and provide better care for this underserved population.
A team developed a sophisticated tool to characterize the functions of genes in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, a key subject for photosynthesis research. This breakthrough enables large-scale genetic analysis of the organism's mutants, leading to better understanding of cellular processes and potential applications in biofuel development.
Researchers at the Beckman Institute developed a vascular network system that heals fiber-reinforced composites autonomously through polymerization of healing chemistries. This technology overcomes long-standing challenges in composite materials, enabling repeated self-healing and increasing structural reliability.
A new study published in Journal of the American Geriatrics Society examines the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and cognitive impairment in older adults. The research found a strong association between low vitamin D levels and worse cognitive performance over time.
Researchers have identified two biomarkers, head circumference and head tilting reflex, to screen for autism spectrum disorders (ASD) at 9 months old. The study found that these infants were at risk for ASD or developmental language delay if they had a head circumference above the 75th percentile or failed the head tilting reflex test.
A groundbreaking nationwide study found that people of color are exposed to 38% higher levels of nitrogen dioxide outdoor air pollution compared to white people. The health impacts are substantial, with an estimated 7,000 deaths from heart disease among nonwhites each year if they breathed the lower NO2 levels experienced by whites.
A new study by LA BioMed Research found that a calcium score can predict heart disease risk among adults with minimal or no known risk factors. Adults with low to moderate calcium scores were more likely to die from heart disease than those with no calcified plaque buildup.
A new study using video surveillance found that caregivers wash their hands only 17% of the time after using the toilet, but rates increase to 71% when another person is present. Video surveillance can provide reliable information on hand hygiene behavior, even in resource-constrained settings.
A UNSW-led study found that 80% of 2012 Australian whooping cough cases were caused by pertactin-free strains, which may evade vaccine antibodies. The shift could reduce the vaccine's effectiveness in Australia.
International research group recognizes UTMB professors Frederick A. Murphy and Thomas G. Ksiazek for their groundbreaking work on filoviruses, including Ebola and Marburg viruses. The award acknowledges their decades-long efforts to develop vaccines and treatments for these deadly diseases.
Ring-tailed lemurs can match scents with sounds from the same female, indicating a stronger response when both cues are present. This ability may aid lemurs in detecting nearby individuals, as scents can linger after the animal has left the area.
A new study reveals a sensitive detection method that can identify small quantities of plutonium or highly enriched uranium in luggage, posing a significant threat to nuclear security. The approach combines commercially available spectral X-ray detectors with a specialized algorithm, enhancing the detection powers of X-ray imaging.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that antibiotics improve growth in pre-pubertal children living in low and middle income countries, particularly in terms of weight. The study analyzed data from 10 trials involving over 4,300 children and showed a positive effect on both height and weight.
Research finds brain differences in young adults who smoke marijuana at least once a week, including altered reward processing regions and shape/density changes. Casual marijuana use may lead to previously unidentified brain changes, highlighting the importance of studying long-term effects.
A new review from Drexel University finds that court decisions favoring heterosexual parents over gay or lesbian parents often ignore important social science research on parenting by gay and lesbian individuals. The researchers recommend considering this research to guide policy and inform judges' decisions in complex custody cases.
A meta-analysis of 14 randomized controlled trials found that whey protein can lead to a decrease in body weight by 4.2 kg and body fat by 3.74 kg, while increasing lean body mass by 2.24 kg. Whey protein's unique combination of branched-chain amino acids may be responsible for these benefits.
A study found that active rats showed higher levels of brain development than lazy rats, suggesting a link between genetic predisposition for exercise motivation and mental maturation. The research suggests that exercising at a young age could help develop neural pathways for motivation.
Researchers analyzed performance records of 3,305 StarCraft 2 players to find that cognitive motor skills decline after 24 years of age. However, older players compensate by using simpler strategies and more efficient game interfaces.
Researchers discovered that microRNA-135b (miR-135b) is overexpressed in both mouse and human colorectal tumors, associated with poor clinical outcomes. The study suggests that miR-135b could be a valuable target for colorectal cancer treatment and a biomarker of tumor progression.
A study by Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology reveals that beewolves control transmission of their bacterial symbionts to mother-to-offspring, stabilizing the alliance over millions of years. The symbiosis originated in the late Cretaceous and has persisted through 170 species of wasps.
A community-based HIV prevention effort boosted testing rates by 45% and reduced new infections by 14% in Africa and Thailand. The intervention also led to increased social acceptance of testing and lower rates of sexual partners among infected individuals.
Tropical Cyclone Ita weakened to a tropical storm after making landfall in northeastern Queensland, Australia. NASA's TRMM and Suomi NPP satellites captured imagery of the storm's elongating structure and heavy rainfall rates.
Four new species of carnivorous sponges have been discovered in the deep sea, using intricate microscopic hooks to trap crustaceans and other small organisms. These 'killer sponges' thrive in the dark depths of the ocean, where energy is scarce, and rely on clever trapping mechanisms to survive.
A submarine canyon offshore from the strait that separates the U.S. and Canada supplies most of the water coming into Puget Sound, the Strait of Juan de Fuca and Canada's Georgia Strait. This intense flow and mixing contribute to the region's high productivity and mysterious ocean conditions.
A new study found that prolonged droughts cause more intense and widespread wildfires, consuming more forests than previously understood. Climate change is expected to lead to shorter rainy seasons and longer dry seasons, increasing the risk of forest fires.
A study by UT Southwestern Medical Center found that popular web information on colorectal cancer screening materials are written beyond the recommended sixth-grade reading level and fail to address key risks and barriers. Only half of the sites discussed colorectal cancer risk in the general population, while only a quarter specifical...
Scientists reconstructed the phylogeny and biological history of Yellow-shouldered bats in the New World tropics, revealing three new species. The study highlights the importance of museum collections in uncovering new knowledge and demonstrates the need for ongoing revision of the Earth's biological history.
Children and young adults with epilepsy are more likely to suffer broken bones, burns, and poisonings compared to those without the condition. Young people with epilepsy are at significantly greater risk of being poisoned by medication, especially in the age group of 19-24 years old.
Scientists have discovered how Yersinia pestis alters cell death pathways to kill host cells and cause pneumonic plague. The study reveals that the bacterium destroys Fas ligand, a molecule that stimulates apoptosis, allowing it to overwhelm the lungs and kill its host.
A study published in Blood demonstrated that the C1s antibody prevents the destruction of human red blood cells exposed to patient autoantibodies in cold agglutinin disease. The antibody inhibits Complement deposition on the red blood cell membrane, preventing macrophage engagement and lysis.
Researchers will assess daily tasks like buying tickets and making food using the internet's Actual Reality platform. The goal is to broaden assessment scope for people with MS, making it more accessible and relevant.
Researchers have discovered 10 new parasite species in Australian cuttlefish, revealing complex life cycles and infection patterns. The parasites' ability to reinfect hosts independently suggests a high degree of specificity, making them potential biological tags for assessing population structures.
University of Delaware researchers show that routine procedures in handling and processing nanocarrier solutions can alter their size and shape, affecting targeted drug delivery to cancer cells. The study's findings have significant implications for the production, storage, and use of nano-based drug delivery systems.