Researchers have developed a new measure to prevent iatrogenic spinal cord injury during surgery. Changes in somatosensory evoked potential (SSEP) latency reflect the degree of spinal cord ischemic injury, while amplitude variations indicate late spinal cord reperfusion injury.
A genetic mutation affecting fertility and milk yield in dairy cattle has been discovered by scientists. The deletion has a positive effect on milk production but causes embryo mortality, explaining the negative correlation between fertility and milk yield.
Professor Paul Scott has been awarded an EPSRC Fellowship in Manufacturing with a £900,000 funding award. He will investigate ways of ensuring greater geometrical accuracy during manufacturing using computational geometry and develop new algorithms.
Researchers found that a single gene defect in MADD leads to fasting hyperglycemia and insufficient insulin secretion in mice. The study suggests that type 2 diabetes can be directly caused by the loss of a properly functioning MADD gene, highlighting potential therapeutic targets for treating people with this mutation.
A study by Dr. Jun Pu and colleagues found similar characteristics of brain diffusion-tensor imaging (DTI) in healthy adult rhesus monkeys and young people. Fractional anisotropy values were comparable, with low values in the caudate nucleus and thalamus, and high values in the splenium of the corpus callosum.
A team of researchers from North Carolina State University and the Chinese Academy of Sciences has found an easy way to modify a commonly used polymer in solar cells to increase efficiency. The modification resulted in a significant boost in energy harvesting, with some solar cells showing a 36% improvement over similar polymers.
Scientists at the University of Liverpool have developed a cheaper and more reliable alternative to animal testing, involving miniscule protozoa. The test showed significant variations in population growth according to mascara brand, with some killing the protozoa and others not harming them at all.
A study published in Neurology found disparities in the utilization of deep brain stimulation (DBS) treatment among Parkinson's patients, with those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds and minority-serving physicians facing significant barriers. DBS out-of-pocket costs are a contributing factor to these disparities.
After landing in South America, monkeys forged their own niches, evolved new forms, and spread to Caribbean and Patagonia. The study reveals how primate migration and evolution in the Americas were influenced by ancient climates, geology, and geography.
Research found that mothers with higher vitamin D levels during pregnancy had children with stronger muscles, which could lead to better health outcomes in adulthood. The study measured grip strength and muscle mass in children born to these mothers at age four.
Women with prenatally diagnosed fear of childbirth are at a higher risk of postpartum depression, even those without a history of depression. The study analyzed data from over 500,000 mothers in Finland and found that nearly one-third of women experiencing postpartum depression had no previous history of depression.
The study reveals a decrease in global energy inequality, with the distribution of per-capita energy consumption approaching an exponential law. As nations like China move up the curve, energy consumption becomes increasingly concentrated among high-consuming nations.
Researchers have identified a way to effectively target the beta3-integrin protein, which has been at the center of cancer drug design for 20 years. The new approach shows promise in inhibiting tumor growth and angiogenesis in mice.
Researchers have successfully constructed a human Fab library and identified a single-domain antibody that specifically targets amyloid-beta 42 oligomers. This breakthrough discovery offers new hope for treating Alzheimer's disease by reducing amyloid-beta burden and improving memory performance.
A new NIH study reveals that individuals with severe mental illnesses like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder are more likely to engage in substance use, especially cigarette smoking. Protective factors typically associated with lower substance use rates do not exist in those with severe mental illness.
African sleeping sickness is caused by single-celled parasites that mate and swap genes through a process known as sexual reproduction. This study reveals sex to be a regular part of the trypanosome life cycle, enabling new combinations of genes that could lead to disease-causing strains.
Researchers have found that gabapentin can decrease neuronal excitability in spinal trigeminal nuclei and inhibit the formation of central sensitization during migraine. The study published in Neural Regeneration Research suggests a potential therapeutic role for gabapentin in treating migraine-related central sensitization.
A new tool called CRC-PRO predicts an individual's risk of colorectal cancer, providing a more accurate estimate than current guidelines. The calculator includes gender, race, and family history as calculable risk factors, enabling physicians to identify high-risk patients for earlier screenings.
Duke University researchers used computational methods to identify dozens of new platinum-group alloys that could prove beneficial in applications such as catalytic conversion, corrosion-resistance, and fuel cells. The study provides detailed structural data on known materials and identifies potential targets for further research.
Researchers have discovered conditions for mixing boson-type atoms with fermion-type ones, allowing experimental physicists to design new experiments. They also found that fermions increase the superfluid state in a system with three dimensions of bosons.
Researchers have discovered seven new species of nearctic wasps from the Charipinae subfamily, characterized by their small size and shiny bodies. The newly described species are detailed in a recent article published in Annals of the Entomological Society of America.
Researchers will investigate global practices and principles of life imprisonment, aiming to make recommendations on its application. The study will focus on human rights, conditions of service, and the controversial question of irreducible life sentences.
A voxel-based morphometry study reveals regional gray matter volume abnormalities in chronic back pain patients compared to upper back pain patients. Gray matter atrophy affects perception and modulation of chronic pain, with subcortical increases found only in low back pain patients.
Researchers found that the southern segment of the Longmenshan fault zone is complex and still only moderately understood. The study suggests a possible link between the 2013 Lushan earthquake and the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake, with a 62% probability that Lushan is a strong aftershock of Wenchuan.
Researchers developed a scoring system to assess nerve root morphology and functional alteration. Diffusion tensor magnetic resonance imaging-based tractography can quantify nerve root function according to fiber bundle area and morphology.
Researchers at UC Davis have developed a new MRI technique called Active-MRI that captures the movement of the wrist in real-time. This allows for more accurate diagnosis of conditions such as wrist instability, which can be misaligned and cause chronic pain and osteoarthritis.
A computer algorithm developed by Tel Aviv University identifies genes that could be transformed to stop the aging process. The algorithm predicts which genes can be turned off to create the same anti-aging effect as calorie restriction, potentially leading to new treatments for aging and other metabolic disorders.
A comparative study by Elhuyar Fundazioa found significant differences between the physical performance of men and women soccer players, with women displaying fatigue during high-intensity periods. The study also discovered no differences in technical and tactical aspects, suggesting that women play soccer 'in their own way'.
A UT Arlington chemist has discovered that mutations outside the CDO enzyme's outer coordination sphere can lead to high levels of ROS, increasing the likelihood of age-onset diseases. The findings could be applied to other oxygen-dependent enzymes, potentially screening for genetic dispositions for ROS-related diseases.
A unique study on Oregon's citizens found that adults covered by Medicaid use emergency rooms 40% more than those without health insurance. The research sheds light on the inner workings of healthcare in the US, challenging traditional economics frameworks suggesting that insurance would decrease medical care usage.
A new iPad application has been developed to collect and analyze trauma patient data at a South African hospital, improving injury surveillance and patient outcomes. The eTHR system has been successfully implemented at Groote Schuur Hospital, capturing key information on past medical history, demographics, and injury severity scores.
Researchers aim to improve social science research by adopting stringent transparency standards, including data documentation, pre-analysis plans, and open archiving. This shift aims to reduce errors, increase credibility, and promote evidence-based policy making.
Studies in animal models reveal that mTOR activation contributes to morphine tolerance and hyperalgesia, while mitochondrial iron accumulation promotes doxorubicin-associated cardiotoxicity. These findings suggest potential therapeutic targets for improving pain management and limiting cardiotoxicity.
A doctoral candidate used historical proxies, including coins, to create an interactive map of ancient Antioch's boundaries. She found the city's influence extended farther than previously theorized and was particularly abundant along a known trade route.
A new study reveals that Pine Island Glacier is highly sensitive to climatic and oceanic changes, with fluctuations in ocean heat causing significant melting. The glacier's response to climate variability has been underestimated, suggesting a more complex interplay between geological, oceanographic, and climatic processes.
Researchers discovered that invariant natural killer T cells produce and release GM-CSF to control Mycobacterium tuberculosis growth. This finding provides insight into the immune system's ability to combat TB.
A new study reveals that the Atlas Mountains are floating on a layer of superhot rock, challenging the traditional model of mountain structure. The researchers used seismometers to measure the thickness of the lithosphere beneath the mountains and found it to be only about 35 km deep.
The Kessler Foundation is conducting a 3-year research study to improve the health and quality of life of military personnel and civilians with spinal cord injury. The study aims to develop an assessment tool that evaluates individuals' ability to direct their care and their caregivers' skills in performing care tasks.
Research published in Neurology suggests that having shingles may increase the risk of having a stroke years later, especially in young adults. People aged 18-40 who had shingles were found to be at a higher risk of stroke, heart attack, or transient ischemic attack compared to those who did not have shingles.
A new study from the University of Pennsylvania found no significant difference in survival rates between gunshot and stabbing victims transported by police or EMS. The study examined over 4,100 patients and found that those transported by police were more likely to die due to their initial severity of injury.
Wind farms can worsen oscillations in power grids if sited incorrectly. Researchers developed algorithms that match control efforts between wind farms and energy storage facilities to mitigate these effects, restoring stable grid behavior. This approach is crucial for the increasing integration of wind energy into the US power grid.
Researchers at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine found that combining ROR1 and TCL1 oncogenes in mice accelerates and worsens blood cancer. The study suggests ROR1 could be an important therapeutic target for patients with CLL, a common form of blood cancer affecting over 15,000 new cases annually.
Researchers found that platelet-activating factor receptor (PAFR) deficiency leads to increased adiposity and weight gain in mice, causing brown fat dysfunction. This study suggests that regulating PAFR could lead to treatments for metabolic diseases.
A study by Matthew Browne found that to demonstrate skill at horserace handicapping, bettors would need to place over 10,000 bets with net returns exceeding nine percent. This high standard of proof highlights the challenge of objectively evaluating one's own performance in highly volatile games.
A study reveals that elevated LINE-1 retrotransposition in the brain may contribute to schizophrenia. Abnormal activity of these DNA sequences is thought to disrupt normal gene function, leading to the development of the disorder.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute have discovered the atomic-level structure of a genetic defect causing myotonic dystrophy type 2, allowing them to design compounds that improve disease-associated defects in treated cells. The study's findings hold promise for treating this rare form of muscular dystrophy.
Research finds mTOR activation in neurons of dorsal horn contributes to morphine tolerance and hyperalgesia; rapamycin treatment improves opioid tolerance and hyperalgesia in rats. Targeting the mTOR pathway may enhance pain management.
Researchers from the University of California, Irvine, have identified a new natural compound in a traditional Chinese medicine plant that relieves chronic pain. The compound, dehydrocorybulbine (DHCB), acts on dopamine receptors and shows promise for treating low-level chronic pain without losing effectiveness over time.
Researchers found that genetic identical bacteria can behave differently after cell division due to unequal distribution of cellular organelles. This diversity is crucial for bacterial survival, allowing populations to adapt to new opportunities and threats.
A recent study by Royal Holloway and the Natural History Museum revealed thousands of pieces of plastic submerged in the Thames Estuary, posing a significant threat to aquatic life. The discovery highlights the vast amount of hidden waste flowing through London, with potential impacts on wildlife in seas that rivers feed into.
Researchers at Duke University documented dramatic short-term increases in a North Carolina estuary's acidity, exceeding global predictions and potentially harming shelled organisms. The study highlights the need to consider multiple environmental variables to predict ocean acidification effects.
Researchers used mass spectrometry to identify 10 differentially expressed proteins in the brain after acute high-altitude hypoxia. These proteins are involved in the electron transport chain and ATP synthase function, providing potential targets for treating hypobaric hypoxia-related brain injury.
Researchers at UC San Diego have developed a humanized mouse model that can prevent the immune system from rejecting human embryonic stem cells. This breakthrough allows for potential use in developing stem cell therapies and understanding how tumors evade the immune system.
A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine found that patients overwhelmingly support stem cell research with induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), despite ethical concerns. Patients prioritize full disclosure of anticipated uses and informed consent to alleviate concerns about privacy and commercialization.
Researchers have identified a key protein, GCN5b, necessary for the Toxoplasma parasite to replicate, offering new targets for drug therapies. Disabling this complex halted parasite replication, suggesting its potential as a treatment for toxoplasmosis and malaria.
A new cell mechanism has been discovered that drives the spread of breast cancer to other parts of the body. Researchers found that a protein called RON kinase signals tumor cells to become active, reprogramming genes responsible for metastasis. Inhibiting RON turns off this entire program, making it a promising target for therapy.
A Scripps Health study suggests that a ZIO Patch, worn on the chest for up to two weeks, detects abnormal heart rhythms more effectively than a traditional Holter monitor. The patch's extended monitoring period led to significantly more arrhythmia events being detected.
Researchers found that vision restoration training can strengthen partially surviving neurons and promote visual recovery 'hot spots'. The study analyzed data from 32 stroke patients with hemianopia and found that average absolute improvement was 6%.
The ClC-3 chloride channel is involved in the regulation of neuronal survival and apoptosis. Nitric oxide overproduction induces ClC-3 expression, promoting apoptosis. DIDS reverses this effect, suggesting a correlation between ClC-3 activity and ischemia-sensitive apoptosis.
Researchers are investigating the production of oil-producing algae and the feasibility of commercial-scale biofuel production based on microbes discovered in Yellowstone National Park. The study aims to integrate MSU's groundbreaking work on algal biofuels with larger questions about its potential as a sustainable energy source.