A new study reveals that local-scale factors, such as terrain and temperature, explain most of the variation in wood decomposition, while climate plays a smaller role. The research suggests that termites and fungi have a more significant impact on decomposition than previously thought, which can improve climate change projections.
Despite progress in treating head and neck cancer, MU researchers found that prognosis for African-Americans has not improved over the last 40 years. The study analyzed data from 1973 to 2010, showing a significantly decreased five-year overall survival rate of 41.8 percent for African-Americans compared to 60.8 percent for Caucasians.
A new study reveals that exposure to air pollution early in life can produce harmful changes in the brains of mice, including enlargement of the lateral ventricles seen in humans with autism and schizophrenia. The findings are consistent with recent studies showing a link between air pollution and autism in children.
A study reveals how Brazil reduced deforestation while increasing agriculture production, with a combination of public policies and market incentives driving change. The country's success could be replicated globally, but fragile results may be short-lived without positive incentives for farmers.
A new drug called MM-398 has shown a significant overall survival rate in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer when given in combination with 5-flourouracil and leucovorin. The study achieved an overall survival of 6.1 months, a 1.9 month improvement over the control arm.
A study published in Cell Stem Cell shows that prolonged fasting cycles can induce immune system regeneration by shifting stem cells into a state of self-renewal. This process involves the depletion of white blood cells, which are then replaced by new ones, leading to improved immune function.
Parliamentary means dissensus explores the confrontational nature of parliamentary politics, where opponents' views are thoroughly examined. The book offers new approaches to democratic theory by highlighting the singular political significance of parliaments.
The completed sheep genome sequencing has led to an advanced understanding of genes involved in making sheep unique. The study identified a new pathway for lipid metabolism in sheep skin, which may play a role in wool development and efficient grease production.
A University of Houston chemist has received a $600,000 NSF CAREER Award to develop synthetic strategies for increasing the efficiency and yields of chemical reactions. The goal is to improve the treatment of diseases such as cancer and malaria by better understanding molecular reactivity.
A nationwide study, led by the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, has solved 146 rare disorders and identified 67 novel genes associated with rare diseases. The research team used exome sequencing to identify common biological pathways across multiple rare disorders.
Researchers have found elevated levels of oxygen-17 in lunar samples compared to Earth, providing evidence for a giant impact hypothesis. The findings suggest that the Moon formed from debris left over after a massive collision between two proto-planets.
Research reveals a key role for HIF-1 alpha in insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and obesity-related inflammation. The protein's inhibition shows promise as a potential treatment for these conditions, including its application to cancer.
The Structural Genomics Consortium and CHDI Foundation have entered into an open-access research collaboration to discover new drug targets for Huntington's disease. The partnership, which will make research tools freely available without restriction, aims to accelerate discovery of new medicines for the neurodegenerative disorder.
Researchers have identified a new mechanism for controlling genetic material altered in cancer, involving ultra-conserved RNA molecules that regulate microRNA activity. This discovery could lead to a better understanding of cancer development and potentially inform new treatments.
Researchers found that fasting can replenish stem cells in the blood, combating chemotherapy-induced and aging-related changes in immune cell function. Fasting has also been shown to rejuvenate the immune system of old mice and protect against white blood cell loss in human patients.
As women age, their breast cells lose responsiveness to their surroundings, leading to increased tumor growth and higher risk of breast cancer. Researchers at Berkeley Lab discovered that multipotent progenitor cells, responsible for maintaining healthy tissue, fail to perceive differentiation cues as they age.
Steinberg's book examines the massive changes to land and water that began with Henry Hudson's 1609 adventure, transforming wetlands and water quality. The city's dense, urban development has engulfed areas once home to 55 distinct ecological communities.
The current state of knowledge on wildland fire emissions highlights critical gaps in understanding their impact on climate and terrestrial carbon cycling. Scientists emphasize the importance of continued research to address these knowledge gaps.
Iowa State researchers discovered long-lived, force-induced hydrogen bonds are the key to forming catch bonds between cadherin proteins. This discovery is essential for maintaining tissue integrity and may help prevent cancer cells from breaking away and spreading.
The remnants of Tropical Storm Boris are merging with a low-pressure area in the southwestern Gulf of Mexico, according to NASA and NOAA satellite data. The system, now known as System 90L, has a medium chance of developing into a tropical depression, threatening heavy rainfall and flash flooding in southeastern Mexico.
The European Society of Cardiology emphasizes the importance of patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in cardiovascular clinical trials. PROs provide valuable information on aspects of life beyond survival, influencing health technology assessments and reimbursement decisions.
A Penn study found that people in online fitness programs ignore fitness aptitude when choosing partners and instead select contacts based on age, gender, and BMI. This self-selection may limit opportunities for discovering new health information.
Researchers discovered that mesenchymal stem cells can enhance hippocampal neurogenesis and neuronal differentiation by augmenting the Wnt signaling pathway, a key player in Alzheimer's disease. This finding could lead to improved treatment strategies for the disease.
A Wayne State University study reveals that children genetically at risk for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder experience communication breakdowns in brain networks supporting attention. This dysfunction may amplify risk for psychiatric illnesses, highlighting potential premeditative intervention strategies.
A new study challenges prevailing views of empathy's effects on moral judgment, finding that compassion can produce counterintuitive results. More compassionate people tend to oppose utilitarian choices like sacrificing one person to save many or euthanasia, suggesting a stronger sense of the sanctity of human life.
Scientists have found new targets for potential intervention in breast cancer, which could increase effectiveness and reduce undesirable side effects. The study used hydrogen-deuterium exchange mass spectrometry to map the intricate interactions between the progesterone receptor's AF1 and AF2 domains.
A new study by UC San Francisco researchers found that two signaling molecules secreted by immune cells trigger the conversion of white fat cells to beige fat cells, leading to weight loss. The discovery provides a potential new strategy for weight loss focused on the immune system rather than the brain.
A new study reveals that phytoplankton in the Sargasso Sea store more polyphosphate when phosphorus is scarce than expected. The researchers found that polyphosphate is recycled from sinking particles in low-phosphorus environments, making it available for phytoplankton use.
Researchers used mass spectrometry to study CMV's dynamics in infected cells, identifying ways the virus evades the immune system and targeting cell surface proteins. The discovery offers new therapeutic targets and potential treatments for CMV-related diseases.
A personality study found that entitlement is associated with sexist attitudes in both men and women. Entitled men are more likely to view women as manipulative and demanding, while entitled women see them as weak and in need of extra care. This study highlights the dangers of unchecked entitlement and its link to gender inequality.
A study by University of Illinois Chicago found that patients with alcohol in their blood had a reduced risk of developing cardiac and renal complications, resulting in lower mortality rates. The protective effect was observed even after the alcohol was metabolized.
Researchers found that intravenous injections of dental pulp stem cells have a protective effect against brain damage from heat stroke in mice. The treatment inhibited neurological deficits and reduced oxidative damage to the brain. However, further studies are needed to determine the precise mechanism of SHED-mediated growth factors.
Researchers have found that mature liver cells can dedifferentiate into functional progenitor cells, allowing them to regenerate a diseased liver. This discovery challenges long-held theories about the role of stem cells in liver regeneration.
A recent MSU study has discovered that many preclinical models of human breast cancer can replicate several key characteristics, particularly at the gene level. The researchers analyzed 1,172 mouse mammary tumor samples from 26 different models and found that most human breast cancers can be represented by one specific strain of mice.
The VA's decline in safe, effective patient-centered care can be fixed by refocusing on primary mission, ensuring quick screening of veterans on wait lists, and implementing a 'continuous healing relationship' strategy. Strong leadership and greater transparency are key to restoring trust in the system.
A gene study has identified the genetic differences that distinguish sheep from other animals, including humans, cattle, and pigs. The findings could aid in developing DNA testing to improve livestock breeding programs.
Researchers found that exposure to alcohol-related words increased aggressive behaviour following provocation when it was ambiguous or not clear-cut. The effects of alcohol priming are short-lived, diminishing after seven minutes and disappearing after 15 minutes.
A study published in PLOS ONE maps the transmission network of HIV in San Diego, predicting new transmissions and identifying high-risk individuals. Targeted treatment interventions based on this analysis can significantly reduce new infections.
Researchers at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio have identified a protein called Grb10 as the on-off switch for converting unhealthy white fat into beige fat, a process that increases energy expenditure and reduces obesity. The finding could lead to the development of novel diabetes and obesity drugs.
Researchers found that Japanese sea catfish use sensory nerve fibers to detect slight changes in water pH caused by respiration of small sea worms, allowing them to locate live prey. This discovery highlights the potential effects of ocean acidification on marine vertebrates.
Researchers argue that young people from disadvantaged communities in Northern Ireland need safe spaces to express their views, aiming to prevent exploitation by extremist forces. The symposium's report recommends devising a strategy for deprived communities, ensuring equality of citizenship and legal protections.
Researchers found that high-intensity exercise activates a single protein called CRTC2, which integrates signals from two pathways to direct muscle adaptation and growth. This results in increased muscle size and improved metabolic parameters.
A new screening process for tuberculosis uses interferon-gamma release assays (IGRA) to detect pre-existing TB infections, potentially saving thousands from unnecessary treatment. The test can identify latent TB cases that may not reactivate within years, reducing the risk of mass exposure in crowded prison facilities.
A new study from University College London reveals that certain human immune genes, known as APOBEC, can mutate DNA in response to HPV infection, leading to cancer. The research identified specific mutations in the PIK3CA gene, which is a common target for new cancer drugs.
Researchers have made significant progress in creating artificial vision that mimics the retina's natural response to movement. By targeting specific cells, they were able to reproduce natural patterns of activity, bringing closer the goal of restoring high-fidelity vision to blind individuals.
A new study suggests that relationship satisfaction can influence how couples sleep together. When the wife reports higher marital satisfaction, the percent of time the couple is awake or asleep at the same time increases significantly.
Young children's gestures segment information into simpler units and express them one by one, similar to language processing. This study provides insight into the universal properties of languages, suggesting that young children's preference for communication has shaped their structure.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute generate accurate structural map of Mediator, a critical genetic machinery. The mapping reveals the precise locations of protein subunits and their interactions with RNA polymerase II.
Researchers discovered that stimulating AhR in skin cells reduces inflammation in psoriasis patients, a potential new treatment approach for chronic inflammatory skin disorders. The findings suggest a novel strategy for treating psoriasis, combining immune system modulation with AhR stimulation.
The study's findings highlight the importance of API hydration in determining physical properties, such as stability and solubility. The research provides valuable insights into the mechanistic relationships between dehydration stages and lattice structure changes.
A new study suggests that Hurricane Sandy's influence on the 2012 presidential election was minimal, with voters' attitudes towards Obama shifting from positive to negative after Election Day. The study found no significant impact of Sandy on Obama's vote share, contradicting pundit claims that the storm cost him the election.
A recent study published in Science has sequenced the sheep genome, providing new insights into ruminant evolution and lipid metabolism. The researchers found a previously unrecognized gene LCE7A associated with wool formation and identified key genes involved in keratinized epidermal structure development.
A study by researchers at Caltech found that chimpanzees consistently outperformed humans in the Inspection Game, a simple contest drawn from game theory. The chimps' rapid learning and near-optimal play suggest excellent short-term memory as a key factor in their success.
Researchers discovered a comprehensive catalogue of proteins manufactured in specific parts of Purkinje neurons using cutting-edge methods TRAP and CAGEscan. This finding holds key to understanding molecular events and potential insights into diseases associated with Purkinje cells.
A new study published in TVST found that glaucoma is controlled by the brain, not the eye. The research shows that as previously disabled optic nerve axons recover, the remaining areas of permanent visual loss coincide with the areas that can still see in the other eye, forming a jigsaw puzzle-like pattern.
Researchers at the University of Utah found that multiple silent mutations greatly impact protein translation, with some causing a five-fold decrease in speed. The study also reveals that codon context matters, altering translation efficiency by up to 30-fold.
Northwestern University scientists have developed a compact, room-temperature terahertz radiation source, six times more efficient than previous systems. This breakthrough enables easier harnessing of terahertz waves, potentially leading to advances in biosensing, homeland security, and space research.
A new sand-dwelling plant species of the genus Cissampelos has been discovered in Bolivia and Paraguay. The species exhibits unique morphological features, including small leaves and a large endocarp, and is superficially similar to a southern African taxon found in dry habitats.
A new study reveals that the brain uses two distinct regions to navigate: one calculates the straight-line distance and another tracks the path along the way. The findings have significant implications for our understanding of brain function and navigation.
A recent study published in Annals of Neurology reports that healthy human tissue grafted to the brains of patients with Huntington's disease developed signs of the illness, several years after grafting. The study has profound implications on the understanding of the disease and how to treat it.