Scientists have identified a mutant gene in fruit flies that disrupts their ability to sleep, leading them to discover a protein that regulates sleep patterns and cycles. The discovery could lead to new treatments for insomnia and sleep disorders in humans.
Researchers at Harvard's Wyss Institute created the largest standalone 3-D DNA structures using self-assembling DNA cages. The cages can be modified with chemical hooks to enclose contents, such as drugs or proteins, for potential medical applications.
A new national analysis of trends and outcomes reveals that pancreatic cancer surgery remains under-utilized for patients with the deadly disease. Researchers identified factors associated with not receiving surgery in patients with localized pancreatic cancer, including age, race, and location.
A recent study by NOAA scientists reveals that the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands' deep coral reefs contain nearly 50% of fish species unique to Hawaii, surpassing any other marine ecosystem. The discovery highlights the need for further conservation efforts and exploration of these largely unexplored ecosystems.
A study by University of Houston researchers found that Google Flu Trend overestimated flu cases in the US by up to 50% and failed to accurately predict levels in previous seasons. The researchers suggest combining big data with traditional methodologies for a more accurate understanding of human behavior.
A team of researchers found that differences in response kinetics dictate differential sensitivity to different features of pulsatile hormone inputs. The study explored the mechanism underlying dynamic gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) signalling using live cell imaging and mathematical modelling.
Tropical Cyclone Gillian weakened to a remnant low pressure area after landfall in Queensland, but satellite data indicates it may be intensifying. A compact storm system is forming, with thunderstorms developing along the southern quadrant, and the Joint Typhoon Warning Center has upgraded its chances of re-forming.
Researchers found that MicroRNA-34 can suppress prostate cancer when paired with p53, but not individually. The study used mice models and found that combined silencing of miR-34 and p53 led to uncontrolled stem cell growth and high levels of cancer.
A study found that outpatient and inpatient orthopaedic surgeries have comparable outcomes, with patients receiving outpatient care having slightly higher readmission rates. The researchers emphasized the importance of appropriate patient selection for outpatient surgery to minimize complications.
A new study published in The Lancet found that US patients with ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms have higher survival rates compared to English NHS patients. The research reveals that American hospitals offer more surgical treatments, resulting in 13% fewer deaths, whereas English hospitals were less likely to perform such procedures.
A study on wild green anole lizards reveals that the link between muscle function and movement is more complicated than previously thought. The researchers found that changes in motion do not always correspond to changes in muscle activity, leading to new questions about animal ecology, evolution, and adaptation.
A study found that 22.6% of older Americans take medications that worsen coexisting conditions, such as hypertension and osteoarthritis. Experts call for more research and awareness to address this issue, which can lead to increased healthcare waste and harm to patients.
Researchers at Mount Sinai Hospital have discovered how the Marburg virus interacts with host protein Keap1, allowing it to live longer and replicate better. This knowledge may lead to the development of targeted therapies to arrest the lethal virus.
Researchers from Hospital for Special Surgery found that same-day bilateral knee replacement surgery is safe for select patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The study analyzed hospital data from 240 RA patients and 3,680 OA patients and found no higher complication rate in the RA group.
Injured patients who live near closed trauma centers are at a higher risk of dying due to increased travel time to other hospitals. A study analyzing over 270,000 patients found that those with decreased access to trauma care had 21% higher odds of in-hospital death.
A Finnish study found that brown trout exhibit predictable individual differences in behavioral traits such as activity levels and stress tolerance. The research, published in press, reveals that certain behaviors are heritable at a level of 14%, indicating a potential impact on fish populations and fisheries catches.
A new study investigating racial disparities in birth outcomes reveals that environmental factors are more likely to contribute to differences in preterm birth and low birth weight between African-Americans and whites. The findings suggest that addressing socioeconomic inequality and discrimination may be key to reducing these disparit...
Researchers found that patients with specific gene variants exhibited a significantly lower risk of experiencing relapse after treatment for chronic hepatitis C. The study, which involved over 300 patients, suggests that these variants may play a role in preventing the virus from becoming unstable and causing recurrence.
Research suggests that people exposed to more takeaway food outlets are more likely to consume these foods and be obese. The study found a significant dose-response relationship between takeaway outlet exposure and both diet and body mass index.
Scientists from Scripps Research Institute have devised a new method to convert major components of natural gas into useable fuels and chemicals at lower temperatures. This could lead to cheaper energy and materials with lower emissions.
A team of scientists from Vanderbilt University has invented an ultra-fast and ultra-small optical switch that can turn on and off trillions of times per second. The device is made of artificial material engineered to have properties not found in nature, breaking the miniaturization barrier for photon-based devices.
The study found that despite equal prevalence of hypertension among Hispanics and non-Hispanic whites, diagnosis rates are significantly lower, particularly among uninsured individuals. The research emphasizes the need for improved access to diagnostic and treatment services to address this disparity.
The University of Plymouth is developing a new technique using 'virtual fish' cells to study the toxicity and concentration of man-made chemicals. This method has the potential to significantly reduce the number of live animals required for scientific research, with promising results already shown in previous studies.
A UCLA study reconstructs the temperature history of a region that influences global climate, revealing significant temperature changes over 20,000 years. The findings also shed light on the mystery of retreating glaciers in the Pacific Ocean's western tropics, with implications for future climate models.
The Hastings Center President Emeritus Thomas H. Murray calls for a national conversation about the discretion parents should have in choosing their child's traits. The FDA is considering human testing of mitochondrial manipulation, which could prevent rare diseases and address female infertility, raising concerns about safety and ethics.
Researchers investigated whether the order of cardio- and resistance training affects biological adaptations. Despite differences in recovery time, long-term adaptations were similar between groups. The amount and frequency of training may play a key role in fitness outcomes.
Researchers at MIT create a self-contained autonomous soft robot capable of rapid body motion, mimicking the escape maneuver of real fish. The robotic fish uses fluid flow through flexible channels to change direction quickly and explore new advantages in soft robotics.
A team of physicists reveals how oxygen-16's nuclear shape differs between its ground and first excited states, shedding light on the element's production. The findings may improve our understanding of helium-burning reactions in red giant stars.
Researchers at UT Arlington College of Nursing, Baylor Scott & White Health, and UT Dallas developed a video-game simulation to teach doctors and nurses effective communication strategies. The project aims to enhance patient safety and improve patient outcomes by playing out tense situations in a virtual world.
A new study aims to improve patients' ability to walk after a stroke by combining brain stimulation with gait training. The treatment group will receive transcranial direct current stimulation before gait training to help restore balance in cortical excitability.
A study found that American Muslims' negative religious outlooks hinder their willingness to donate organs, while Arab Americans showed a greater acceptance. The research highlights the need for open discussion within the Muslim community and with medical authorities to address complex issues around religion and organ donation.
Researchers at UCSF found a specialized brain circuit that fires more strongly in response to movement, allowing the visual system to work better while walking or running. This discovery could have implications for human vision and navigation.
Traffic engineers at Wayne State University suggest metered roundabouts, or 'super circles,' as a solution to alleviate rush-hour congestion and enhance safety in the US. The proposed system utilizes stop lights to control peak hour traffic flow, reducing capacity issues and promoting safer intersections.
Scientists discover fossilized eggs and embryos of tiny marine crustaceans, revealing a 450-million-year-old species that took care of its young in the same way as modern relatives. The finding provides conclusive evidence of reproductive strategy conservation across millennia.
A study of 28 shoulder replacement patients found that their driving skills improved significantly at 12 weeks post-surgery, with a decrease in simulator collisions. Patients who drove less than 1,800 miles per year incurred more collisions, suggesting that long-distance driving may be safe earlier
Researchers found strong evidence of recent positive selection for lactase persistence in African populations, likely due to pastoralism. Three new genetic variants associated with the trait were identified, as well as two previously known SNPs, suggesting a link between cattle domestication and milk consumption.
UC Riverside and University of Manchester researchers discover that adding a layer of graphene to each side of a copper film increases heat conducting properties by up to 24 percent. This enhancement could further help in the downscaling of electronics.
An interdisciplinary team of researchers at KIT developed a technique to record 3D X-ray films showing internal movement dynamics in spatially precise and temporal manners. The scientists applied this method to a living weevil, generating complete 3D film sequences in real-time or slow motion.
Researchers found a strong correlation between genital malformations in newborn males and increased rates of autism and intellectual disability. County-level analysis revealed that every one percent increase in malformations was associated with a 283% increase in autism rates.
Research suggests shame is a destructive emotion that hinders social connections. Professor Thomas Scheff argues that shame can manifest in larger conflicts like wars due to the reaction to it being hidden behind rationality. A good laugh is suggested as a way to resolve hidden shame, according to Scheff.
A controlled clinical trial intervention found that mindfulness-based meditation sessions improved mood and sleep in teenagers with cancer. The study revealed significant benefits in depression scores and better sleeping patterns among girls in the mindfulness group.
Research published in Diabetologia found that cancer patients with diabetes have a higher risk of early death due to the combination of diabetes and cancer. Patients treated with insulin had the highest mortality rate, while those with oral hypoglycaemic agents or no treatment showed lower risks
Scientists have devised a pair of math equations that better describe how topography, rock compositions, and water movement affect the geologic carbon cycle. The research, supported by the National Research Foundation, aims to improve understanding of the recycling process between carbon dioxide and rocky interior.
Researchers identified key mutations and genetic disturbances that arise at certain stages of lung cancer development, including a gene called Mycl1 that is found in nearly all tumor cells. They also discovered that loss of the Pten gene leads to overactive cell growth and rapid tumor progression.
A new study by American Sociological Association found that social ties play a significant role in determining who wins certain Hollywood movie awards. The research suggests that peers tend to favor award candidates who are heavily embedded in the film industry, while critics show no such favoritism.
Columbia researchers uncover a chemical reaction that increases muscle protein elasticity in response to stretching forces. This finding could lead to new treatments for muscle disorders like dilated cardiomyopathy.
A recent study found that Mexican-Americans experience moderate functional disability and nearly one-third develop post-stroke dementia. They also score worse on measures of daily living activities and cognition. The study highlights the need for intervention strategies to improve recovery among this population.
The extinct California porpoise, Semirostrum ceruttii, had a distinctive underbite with an extended lower jaw and innervated jaws, likely used for probing prey. The species' anatomy suggests adaptations to its environment, including poor eyesight and sensitive lower jaw used for echolocation and feeding.
The 'tactile internet' aims to drive innovation in areas like medicine, transportation, and energy efficiency through the development of 5G networks. The initiative seeks to improve safety and security in public spaces and enhance mobility for people with disabilities.
A new study from the University of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences found that older Americans with more muscle mass are less likely to die prematurely. The research suggests that clinicians should focus on improving body composition rather than relying solely on body mass index (BMI) when counseling older adults.
Researchers argue that life history strategy and social behavior should guide management approaches, as 73% of carnivore species are declining. Highly cohesive social species require strict participation from all group members to ensure population persistence.
Researchers found that blocking a specific immune cell mediator can greatly reduce brain damage after a stroke. The study showed that treating mice with a compound that blocks IL-21 significantly reduced stroke damage and improved outcomes.
A team of Caltech researchers has developed a mathematical model to describe the competition between genes for regulatory proteins. The model accounts for the limited availability of transcription factors, leading to correlations between gene copies and a regime where some portion glows green all the time.
A study found that children between four and seven develop a biological understanding of the human body, shaped by education and cultural experiences. Pakistani children had accelerated understanding due to exposure to animal slaughter, while British children's knowledge improved with age through formal education.
A new species of ancient porpoise has been identified with an unprecedentedly long symphysis, a structure analogous to the human chin, measuring 85 cm. This unique feature suggests that the animal used its chin to probe the seabed for food, contradicting modern porpoises' feeding habits.
Scientists have found a novel way in which plants perceive pathogens to activate immunity, opening the door to improving crop disease resistance. The discovery reveals that phosphorylation of an amino acid called tyrosine is key for activating plant immune receptors.
A team of scientists has found a molecule that actively regulates memory loss, revealing the process of forgetting is not passive but rather an active process. The discovery could lead to new treatments for mental disorders such as Alzheimer's.
A husband's agreeable personality and good health appear crucial to preventing conflict among older couples who have been together a long time. Wives report more conflict if their husband is in poor health, but not vice versa.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have discovered a new pathway linking two major biological processes that occur after a heart attack, leading to potential cardioprotection. The study identifies the activation of the unfolded protein response (UPR) and the hexosamine biosynthetic pathway as key events in this process.
Scientists at the University of Washington have successfully created a line of human embryonic stem cells that can develop into various tissues. The new 'naive' cells retain their natural ability to differentiate into all types of human cells without artificial genes, opening up possibilities for regenerative medicine and transplantation.