Jay Shendure received the 2014 HudsonAlpha Life Sciences Prize for his pioneering work on next-generation sequencing technologies. He completed a detailed DNA sequence of HeLa cells, the first immortal human cell line grown in a lab.
The Indus river dolphin's historical range has been fragmented into 17 river sections due to diversion dams, with dolphins disappearing from ten sections. Low dry-season river discharge caused by irrigation is the primary factor contributing to the decline.
Researchers extracted chemical compounds and microfossils from ancient teeth to study prehistoric diets. The analysis suggests that purple nut sedge was a staple food source with medicinal and aromatic qualities.
A new study published in the Journal of Gerontology found that the Mediterranean diet has a significant correlation with slower cognitive decline among African American older adults, but not white older adults. The study suggests that further research is needed to confirm this association and understand the underlying factors.
Scientists discovered a new pathway the dengue virus takes to suppress the human immune system, deepening understanding of the virus and its potential for more effective treatments. The study reveals how sfRNA interacts with proteins in the cell to evade antiviral defenses.
A single injection of FGF1 protein restores blood sugar levels to a healthy range for over two days, reversing insulin insensitivity and the underlying cause of diabetes. This breakthrough discovery offers a new method to control glucose with a safer and more effective treatment.
Researchers found that bexarotene reduces levels of neurotoxic protein amyloid-beta in mice with late-stage Alzheimer's, but increases it during early stages. This suggests that treatment timing and duration may be crucial for effectiveness.
Researchers have developed a minimally invasive gene therapy procedure that transforms ordinary heart muscle cells into specialized 'biological pacemaker' cells. This breakthrough could lead to a long-lasting treatment for patients with heart rhythm disorders, potentially eliminating the need for electronic pacemakers.
Researchers have found the fossilized remains of the brain of the world's earliest known predators, which lived in the oceans 520 million years ago. The discovery reveals a surprisingly simple brain compared to its prey, and similarities with modern-day velvet worms.
Researchers have developed a method to predict membrane protein folding using energy landscape theory, increasing the technique's value to disease and drug research. The study successfully determined that thermodynamic funnels hold the upper hand in folding proteins inside a membrane, similar to globular proteins.
A 70-foot-long, 52-ton concrete bridge survived multiple simulated earthquakes in the University of Nevada, Reno's lab, exceeding design standards. The experiment showcased the new rocking bridge-bent accelerated bridge construction system, developed to reduce earthquake damage and speed up construction.
Researchers have redefined the asteroid Vesta's internal structure based on Dawn data and simulations, questioning previous models of rocky planet formation. The study found that Vesta's crust is 3 times thicker than expected and lacks olivine, a mineral common in planetary mantles.
Researchers found that arctic thermokarst lakes switch from a net radiative warming to a net cooling climate effect about 5000 years ago. The lakes' carbon uptake rates are among the highest in the world due to the fertilization of mosses and other plants by thawing permafrost.
A new drug, naloxegol, has shown promising results in relieving constipation caused by opioid painkillers. The once-a-day pill maintains opioids' pain-killing effect and blocks their effects in the bowels without diminishing pain relief, offering relief to millions of patients experiencing chronic severe pain.
Researchers create textured glass surface that scatters light, repels water, and improves display visibility in bright light conditions. The method is inexpensive and can be scaled up for industry use.
A study published in Neural Regeneration Research found that fructose-1,6-diphosphate reduces mitochondrial swelling and increases synaptic active zone length in hippocampal CA1 area. The compound has neuroprotective effects against repeated febrile convulsions-induced hippocampal neuron and synapse damage.
Researchers are monitoring the physics of the ice edge in the Beaufort Sea to better understand and predict open water in Arctic seas. The international effort aims to study how processes drive sea ice melt will change with increasing open water.
A study found that people search for climate information during extreme weather events, with Republicans seeking info during hot spells and Democrats during temperature changes. This suggests a connection between individual experiences of weather and their perceived threat of climate change.
State Senator Darrell Steinberg will receive the ESA Regional Policy Award for his efforts in fostering renewable energy, clean water, and parks. The award recognizes Steinberg's championing of bills to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainable communities.
A new study reveals that individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) who experience poor sleep quality are more likely to exhibit lower physical activity. The research, published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, suggests a potential behavioral pathway from disturbed sleep to negative health outcomes such as obesity.
A new study by Rice University researchers suggests that being part of a business group and participating in the Indian capital market can have a positive impact on an Indian company's stock market performance. The study found support for this notion using a longitudinal data set of over 10,000 companies.
A recent study analyzing data from 77,701 women found that those who experienced a history of miscarriage or stillbirth had a higher risk of coronary heart disease later in adulthood. Women with two or more miscarriages were found to have an odds ratio of 1.18 for coronary heart disease compared to those with no miscarriages.
A new study suggests that cholesterol-lowering statins may help people with Type 2 diabetes live longer, with a 50% increase in survival rate among those taking statins. The use of statins was the only modifiable risk factor identified to be protective against mortality.
A new study by Johns Hopkins researchers found that healthy living kidney donors often face pointless insurance hurdles after donation. Despite being heavily screened before approval, these donors are frequently denied or charged higher premiums for life insurance, highlighting the need for better support systems.
Researchers monitored mallards' migration patterns using satellite tracking technology, revealing the crucial role of public and private wetland areas. The study underscores the need for protected wetlands to maintain healthy migratory bird populations.
Several companies are racing to develop new battery technologies for electric vehicles, including sodium-ion and lithium-metal options. These alternatives could potentially improve range and reduce costs, making them more viable for mass production.
Researchers propose reusing bubble wrap as a sheet of small, test tube-like containers for storing biological samples or chemicals. This could provide numerous benefits in resource-limited regions due to its availability, flexibility, and ease of disposal.
A survey of 142 men and 516 women in scientific disciplines reveals that many experienced sexual harassment or assault while conducting field research. The majority of respondents reported experiencing inappropriate remarks or comments about physical beauty, with over 20% reporting unwanted physical contact.
Researchers found more than twice as much coral disease at dredging sites compared to control sites, highlighting a direct link between dredging and coral disease. Dredging impacts corals by reducing light for photosynthesis and interfering with feeding, leading to chronic stress and increased disease prevalence.
A study published in Drug and Alcohol Dependence found that marijuana-dependent individuals' brains respond differently to drug-related cues compared to non-dependent users. The research used fMRI scans to reveal altered brain activity patterns, which may inform tailored addiction treatment strategies.
A new study reports a significant increase in carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) cases in community hospitals across the Southeastern US. The rise is attributed to factors such as increased antibiotic use, transmission between facilities, and inadequate laboratory detection protocols.
Rapidly accumulating molecular sequence data is changing our understanding of major animal groups' evolution. Organismal biologists are needed to ensure their scenarios remain consistent with new information and evaluate alternative perspectives.
A new network-management system, Fastpass, can reduce average queue length of routers in a Facebook data center by 99.6 percent and shrink latency nearly as much. By using a central server called an arbiter, the system efficiently assigns transmission times to nodes in the network.
Scientists have discovered new fragmentation pathways that occur universally when DNA strands are exposed to metal ions, leading to the creation of charged intermediates. This finding could contribute to optimizing cancerous tumour therapy by improving understanding of how radiation interacts with complex DNA structures.
Researchers have successfully treated a neurodegenerative disease in worms using resveratrol, which could lead to new treatments for humans. The disease, adult onset neuronal lipofuscinosis, affects only 1 in 100,000 people and has no known cure.
Researchers developed a new protein biomarker test platform that can accurately measure multiple proteins indicative of diseases like graft-versus-host disease. The test uses aqueous two-phase systems and no washing steps, enabling simultaneous measurement of multiple diagnostic proteins.
New findings suggest that a lack of properdin can have major benefits in some situations, while others can be detrimental. The study shows that properdin controls the strength of the immune response by affecting macrophages during infection and inflammation.
A study published in Nicotine & Tobacco Research found that cigarette smokers are more likely to commit suicide than non-smokers. Implementing higher taxes on cigarettes and stricter smoking policies led to a 15% decline in suicide rates relative to the national average.
Elsevier has launched Bone Reports, an open access journal publishing research articles and case reports on basic, translational, and clinical aspects of bone and mineral metabolism. The journal aims to publish reproducibility studies and null findings, complementing its sister journal Bone.
Forest cover in Borneo declined by up to 30% between 1973 and 2010, with logging and fire contributing to the loss. The study analyzed LANDSAT satellite images to understand long-term forest change patterns, aiming to aid conservation planning.
Researchers successfully silenced chemokine receptor 4 in SH-SY5Y cells, inhibiting neuroblastoma cell invasion. This approach may provide a new therapeutic strategy for blocking neuroblastoma metastasis.
A new study by Henry Ford Health found that robot-assisted surgery can control prostate cancer for up to 10 years. The research followed 483 men who had not spread cancer beyond the prostate and received robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) as their first treatment, with 98.8% surviving the disease for 10 years.
Scientists have created a detailed picture of Mount Rainier's deep volcanic plumbing, revealing a partly molten rock reservoir approximately 30 percent molten. The study used both seismic imaging and magnetotelluric measurements to capture the melting process that feeds magma into the crustal reservoir.
Researchers have recreated the complex blood-brain barrier in a laboratory model to study the obstreperous bouncer proteins that protect the brain. The model can be used to test drive difficult ways into the brain and investigate complex phenomena in simple experiments.
A study at Oak Ridge National Laboratory reveals structural differences between normal and diseased forms of the huntingtin protein, which is involved in Huntington's disease. The researchers used neutron scattering to compare the structures over time, finding key discrepancies that support a growing focus on amyloid disorders.
Research suggests that impaired inhibition of medium spiny neurons in the nucleus accumbens contributes to childhood depression. The study found that nomifensine can alleviate depressive behaviors by reducing neuron membrane excitability.
Multiple wildfires are burning in Oregon, threatening private property, livestock, and agriculture lands. The fires, fueled by lightning strikes and hot, windy conditions, have burned over 90,000 acres in the state's forest areas.
Researchers found that people in high-status leadership positions tend to prioritize security over privacy. However, the study suggests that good practices and sensible rules on security can enhance security without negatively impacting privacy.
A study published in Neurology found that even mild traumatic brain injury can cause brain damage and disrupt nerve axons in white matter. Cognitive tests showed a 25% decline in verbal letter fluency task scores for patients with injuries, strongly related to imaging measures of white matter damage.
Researchers have created synthetic versions of stink bug pheromones to track and control invasive brown marmorated stink bug populations. The substances were effective in attracting adult and juvenile bugs, enabling easier population monitoring.
A recent study suggests that persistent symptoms following concussion may be posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), rather than postconcussion syndrome (PCS). The study found that 8.8% of patients with head injuries met the criteria for PTSD, compared to 2.2% of those without head injuries.
Chinese researchers discovered that people with major depressive disorder have impaired self-face recognition, including increased self-focus and sensitivity to the self-face. This impairment cannot be attributed to medication status and suggests that depression is associated with abnormal self-bias.
A new study by Liza Shapiro at the University of Texas at Austin contradicts earlier claims that quadrupedal humans are a product of backward evolution. The research, published in PLOS One, shows that people with Uner Tan Syndrome (UTS) walk on all fours but use lateral sequences, not diagonal patterns characteristic of nonhuman primates.
Emerging data suggests that being overweight may actually protect patients from cardiovascular mortality, with the risk of total and cardiovascular mortality highest among underweight individuals. Higher body mass index (BMI) has been associated with more favorable outcomes in many acute and chronic disease states.
The study analyzed data from combat hospitals and found that damage control resuscitation policies led to a decrease in average crystalloid infusion volume and increased use of fresh frozen plasma. This shift resulted in better survival outcomes for severely injured patients, particularly those with severe head trauma.
A study published in Neural Regeneration Research found that intrathecal bumetanide increases NKCC1 expression and decreases KCC2 expression in spinal cord neurons of rats with incisional pain. This suggests that intrathecal bumetanide may have analgesic effects through inhibition of NKCC1.
Researchers at UC Irvine have discovered a protein in squid skin that can conduct positive electrical charges, paving the way for biologically inspired devices and improved medical technologies. The discovery could lead to better implants and disease treatments.
A study published in Neural Regeneration Research found that acupuncture and moxibustion can reduce neuronal edema in Alzheimer's disease rats. The treatment modality targets axin and β-catenin protein expression, a key pathway involved in Wnt signaling.
Researchers have identified a gene linked to STING-associated vasculopathy with onset in infancy (SAVI), a devastating autoinflammatory condition. Repurposed drugs, such as tofacitinib and ruxolitinib, show therapeutic potential in laboratory studies and are currently being studied in children with the disease.
A new study found that 27% of kidney donors experienced difficulty changing or initiating health insurance, with 7% being denied altogether. The study suggests that the nation's fragmented health insurance system is to blame for these problems, despite protections in place under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.
The study reveals that steel cable structures have a significantly lower environmental impact, with 29% less mass and 65.1% less embodied energy than traditional truss systems. This finding highlights the importance of material selection in reducing construction's environmental damage.
The National Psoriasis Foundation has awarded $1.05 million in research grants to 13 scientists studying new treatments and a cure for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. The grants will support projects focused on translating laboratory findings into improved treatments and methods for managing the diseases.
A 25-year-long study reveals that ants can accelerate mineral decay, which may help geoengineer accelerated CO2 consumption. The researchers suggest that understanding ant-mineral interactions could offer a solution to sequestering CO2 from the atmosphere.
The new document highlights basic prevention strategies for adult patients, including avoiding intubation and minimizing sedation. For pediatric and neonatal patients, the guidance emphasizes regular oral care and elevating the head of the bed to reduce the risk of ventilator-associated pneumonia.
A new study estimates the potential cancer risk by age group for non-dietary ingestion and dermal exposure to third hand tobacco smoke. The results indicate potentially severe long-term consequences, particularly to children, with cancer risks exceeding EPA recommendations in three-quarters of smokers' homes.
A new study reveals that prehistoric humans consumed purple nut sedge for at least 7,000 years, demonstrating their understanding of nutritional and medicinal properties. The analysis of dental calculus from ancient human teeth found evidence of cooking, plant processing, and the use of this plant as a food source.
Typhoon Rammasun passed through central Philippines, bringing soaking rains and powerful thunderstorms to the region. The storm made landfall near Legazpi City on July 15 with maximum sustained winds of 80 knots.
Researchers have identified a connection between misfolded proteins associated with Alzheimer's disease and preeclampsia, potentially leading to improved diagnostic methods. A new urine test using Congo Red dye has already shown promise in identifying the presence and severity of preeclampsia.
Scientists have designed a new self-assembling nanoparticle that targets tumours to improve MRI scanning's effectiveness and sensitivity. The particle increases the signal power and clarity of images, allowing doctors to detect cancerous cells earlier.
A recent study found that older registered nurses are working longer, accounting for a quarter of the surge in RNs in recent years. The trend extends nursing careers by 2.5 years after age 50, increasing the 2012 RN workforce by 136,000 people.
Researchers at Washington State University found that cinnamon oil is effective in killing several strains of E. coli, including non-O157 STEC, which causes approximately 110,000 cases of illness annually. The oil can be incorporated into films and coatings for packaging meat and produce to eliminate microorganisms.
Stroke patients use a new device that creates a neural signal matching their brain's movement signal, helping regain wrist movement. The device adapts to individual reflex levels and is MRI-compatible, allowing for future studies on brain activity during rehab.
A new study published in JNCI: Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that breast cancer screening costs increased substantially among older women between 2001 and 2009, despite unchanged detection rates of early-stage tumors. The study analyzed data from the SEER-Medicare linked database and found a significant increase in scr...
A 16-year study reveals that the Azore islands are becoming a crucial part of the Atlantic whale shark's habitat due to rising ocean temperatures. The researchers found that increased sightings were correlated with higher water temperatures and seafloor features, such as slopes and seamounts.
The guidance emphasizes best practices for implementing and optimizing hand hygiene programs, including using soap and alcohol-based hand rubs, stressin' hand hygiene at critical moments, and empowering healthcare personnel. The updated evidence-based recommendations aim to clarify the state of the science behind recommended hand hygie...
A new study has found that the dispersant compound DOSS, used in the Deepwater Horizon spill, persists in the environment for up to four years, remaining associated with oil and affecting marine ecosystems. The persistence of DOSS in deep-sea sediments, corals, and sand patties on Gulf beaches indicates a need for further research into...
Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine have discovered a potential target for malaria drug development by identifying a key protein involved in the parasite's protein secretion process. Disrupting this protein, heat shock protein 101 (HSP101), prevents the parasite from secreting its proteins into the red blood cell.
Researchers found that adding potassium supplementation to loop diuretics increases survival rates by 16 percent in patients receiving at least 40 mg/day of furosemide. The benefit is more pronounced with higher diuretic doses. While the study's findings are promising, further independent studies are needed to confirm these results.
Mathematician Julius Barbanel and political scientist Steven Brams developed an algorithm to divide goods like cake and land between two people, ensuring equal pieces and no envy. The cut-and-choose method uses probability density functions to determine portions, making it efficient, equitable, and jealousy-free.
Researchers found that motivation, crystallized knowledge, and compensatory mechanisms can help maintain cognitive function in older adults. Contrary to popular beliefs, older adults may not be more susceptible to consumer fraud.
Researchers at Monash University have developed a novel test using Fourier Transform Infrared (FITR) spectroscopy to detect malaria parasites in blood. The technique uses an anti-tank Javelin missile detector to identify infected red blood cells, providing highly detailed information on a sample area in minutes.
A recent study published in JNCI: Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (CPM) may confer only a marginal life expectancy benefit depending on the type and stage of cancer. The procedure was more beneficial for younger women and those with stage I and ER-negative breast cancer.
Researchers at the University of Oregon have identified a brainstem circuit in mice that links visual processing with physical movement. The discovery suggests that active movement can enhance sensory perception, potentially leading to new treatments for motor dysfunction and neuroplasticity enhancement.
A new study suggests that niacin should no longer be prescribed for most patients due to potential increased risk of death and dangerous side effects. The therapy was found to have no benefit in reducing heart attacks and strokes, despite raising HDL cholesterol levels.
A new study found that electronic health record algorithms can accurately identify patients with undiagnosed hypertension. The study used automated office blood pressure testing and notified healthcare staff when a patient was at risk, leading to formal diagnoses and related conditions in over 90% of cases.
A meta-analysis of 88 studies on deliberate practice found that it explains 26% of the variance in performance for games, 21% for music, and 18% for sports. While practice improves performance, other personal factors also play a role in predicting success.
A study by Yale University researchers found that obese women were impaired in learning associations between food cues and rewards, but normal-weight individuals and men did not show the same impairment. This suggests a specific behavioral intervention targeting food-specific learning impairments may be effective in treating obesity.