New Rutgers research suggests that an overabundance of the NOS1AP protein in developing brains can lead to abnormalities and faulty connections, potentially triggering schizophrenia. The study's findings offer a potential explanation for the biological process of the disease and may pave the way for targeted treatment therapies.
Researchers found that excessive contact between cellular organelles disrupts metabolism in obesity, leading to insulin resistance and diabetes. Disrupting these connections improved metabolic health in obese diabetic mice, pointing to a potential treatment target.
CPRIT awards UTSW faculty $22.5 million for groundbreaking research into leukemia, liver cancer, and anti-cancer immunotherapy, aiming to drive innovative therapies and better care for cancer patients. The grants will support investigations targeting promising new discoveries in cancer and commercial development.
Researchers use genetically engineered pig models to study human diseases and identify new drug targets for cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, neurodegenerative diseases, ophthalmology, and xenotransplantation. These models enable the development of novel cell therapies to restore diseased tissues and organs.
The NSF is investing $16M to build two new supercomputing systems, Bridges and Jetstream, which will expand computational capacity and capability for researchers nationwide. The systems will provide cloud-based and data-intensive advanced computing resources, enabling a broader swath of researchers to use advancing computing.
Kansas State University professors C. Michael Smith and Christopher Sorensen were selected as AAAS fellows for their pioneering contributions to entomology and soft matter physics, respectively. Their research has been recognized for advancing science, education, and outreach.
Research from NYU's Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development suggests that people interpret terrorist threats in varying ways. Study author Rezarta Bilali found that individuals with homogeneous group identities are less likely to perceive heightened threat when exposed to external terrorist threats.
Babies as young as five months old can recall positive emotional interactions with caregivers, but struggle to remember negative ones. Researchers used eye-tracking tests to measure infant memory, finding that happy voices and emotions significantly improved shape recognition and recall.
A new study suggests that starting HIV treatment within a year of seroconversion can improve immune health by increasing CD4+ T-cell count. Researchers found that an HIV-infected person's CD4+ T-cell count is more likely to return to normal if treatment starts within a year and at a CD4+ T-cell count of 500 or more.
Researchers at University of Nebraska-Lincoln enhance ferroelectric tunnel junction performance, increasing disparity between 'on' and 'off' conditions to improve RAM reliability. The team's graphene-ammonia combination also addresses the challenge of maintaining polarization in thin ferroelectric layers.
A rare connexin mutation has been linked to a baby's disordered breathing, with researchers discovering that astrocytes with the mutation cannot bind to carbon dioxide. This breakthrough could lead to the development of an algorithm to pinpoint when a premature infant's breathing pattern goes south.
Researchers have identified a gene, MACROD2, whose presence may explain why some breast cancers are resistant to tamoxifen. The study found that MACROD2 overexpression was present in the majority of metastases in patients with tamoxifen-resistant tumors.
Researchers propose a new theoretical framework to explain the transition of colloidal glasses from liquids to solids, highlighting the role of crowding effects and weak spots in the material. This work has significant implications for our understanding of glass behavior and its applications in consumer products and medical research.
A new underwater robot has enabled scientists to create detailed, high-resolution 3D maps of Antarctic sea ice, providing accurate measurements of ice thickness and volume. The technology, known as SeaBED, fills a gap in data collection by allowing researchers to measure thicker areas of sea ice.
Honeybee populations are under stress due to various factors, leading to susceptibility to diseases. Researchers suggest that managing stress and improving nutrition could help improve bee immunity and health. They call for more basic science to understand the underlying immune responses and molecular mechanisms involved.
Researchers have created a new method to quickly identify bacteria causing infections and determine antibiotic resistance, which could lead to timely treatment and reduced antibiotic use. The innovative approach enables rapid identification of bacterial species and resistance patterns in under four hours.
Researchers are exploring software-defined cellular networking to provide next-generation mobile broadband with speeds of up to 10 Gbits/s. The proposed end-to-end architecture offers flexibility, scalability, agility, and efficiency, while overcoming bandwidth shortages and improving quality of service.
Researchers find that climate change may affect the ratio of oxygen consumed to phosphorus released during organic matter respiration in the subsurface ocean. This shift could lead to more carbon being stored in the ocean, potentially offsetting the slowdown of the ocean's uptake of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
Researchers found a new type of immune T helper cells called TH-GM cells play a crucial role in the immune system and pathogenesis of neuronal inflammation. Blocking IL-7 or STAT5 could provide significant therapeutic benefits for MS.
Research shows that patients receiving basic life support (BLS) have greater survival to hospital discharge and 90-day post-discharge compared to those receiving advanced life support (ALS). BLS providers tend to spend less time at the scene, leading to higher mortality rates in ALS patients.
Researchers inhibit autotaxin, an enzyme that promotes cancer cell survival and metastasis, decreasing tumor growth by up to 70% and improving chemotherapy effectiveness. The discovery offers a new therapy potential for breast and thyroid cancer patients.
A study by Oregon State University and Simon Fraser University found that small fish with long bodies are most likely to be attacked by lionfish, which can increase their chances of being eaten by up to 200 times. The research also identified common traits among prey species that make them vulnerable to predation.
Researchers found a commonly prescribed muscle relaxant may be an effective treatment for Wolfram syndrome, a devastating form of type 1 diabetes. Dantrolene blocks the enzyme calpain 2, which causes cell death in insulin-producing cells.
A St. Jude Children's Research Hospital study found that adult survivors of retinoblastoma, particularly those diagnosed in infancy, have normal cognitive function and fulfill milestones of adult life. The brain may compensate for early visual loss by reorganizing areas responsible for processing verbal and auditory information.
Researchers found cooperative strategies were initially successful but ultimately collapsed as players adjusted payoffs to maximize rewards, leading to a rise in selfish strategies.
Researchers have confirmed the discovery of a new bird species, the Sulawesi streaked flycatcher, after 15 years. The bird has distinct plumage, body structure, song and genetics compared to other flycatchers, confirming its classification as a new species.
Researchers found differences in grasshopper types and numbers between undisturbed and post-agricultural woodlands, challenging conventional ecological wisdom. The study suggests new strategies are needed to promote ecological recovery in disturbed environments.
Researchers found that blocking angiogenesis can reduce bacterial numbers, limit their spread and increase survival rates in infected lab animals. The study suggests a potential new therapeutic approach targeting the body's response to tuberculosis rather than directly attacking the bacteria.
A new study reveals that targeting specific immune cells in the gut can reduce the risk of HIV transmission by 2.7 times. The findings suggest that existing drugs for inflammatory bowel diseases could be effective in treating or preventing HIV infection.
Researchers have found that selenium compounds can effectively block immunostimulatory molecules in cancer cells, which overactivate the immune system. This breakthrough could lead to better cancer drugs with fewer adverse effects, slowing down cancer development.
A JAX research team discovered a link between mistranslation during protein synthesis and misfolded proteins in the heart, contributing to cardiac diseases like desmin-related cardiomyopathy and systemic amyloidosis. Mistranslation can lead to cell death and impaired heart function.
A new MRI diagnostic approach has identified significant damage to the blood-brain barrier of professional football players following unreported trauma or mild concussions. The study showed that 40% of examined football players with unreported concussions had evidence of 'leaky BBB' compared to 8.3% of control athletes.
Researchers have developed novel nanoparticle designs that detect and destroy cancer cells using photo-thermal therapy, detecting tumors early and killing them simultaneously. The nanoparticles target specific proteins on cancer cells, releasing heat that burns the abnormal cells without harming normal ones.
A team of scientists from Arizona State University and IBM have developed a prototype DNA reader that can distinguish individual chemical bases of DNA. The device is thousands of times smaller than the width of a human hair and could make whole genome profiling an everyday practice in medicine.
A new study by Harvard researchers found that advanced life support ambulances, which use sophisticated gear and staffed with highly trained paramedics, do not save lives but rather increase the risk of death compared to basic life support ambulances. BLS patients were nearly 50% more likely to survive than ALS patients at 90 days.
The Structure-guided Drug Discovery Coalition receives a $2 million grant to develop new medicines for tuberculosis, malaria, and other neglected diseases. Researchers aim to fast-track the discovery of new treatments for these conditions, which affect over a billion people worldwide.
A mouse study identified a malfunctioning neural circuit as the root of motor impairments seen in autism, where abnormal synaptic pruning and Purkinje cell function contribute to motor learning deficits. The findings may shed light on the intense world syndrome phenomenon in autism.
SMU seismologist Brian Stump has been recognized as an AAAS Fellow for his groundbreaking work on seismic monitoring and its significance in enforcing the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty. His research has significantly improved scientists' ability to distinguish between earthquakes, conventional explosions, and nuclear tests.
Researchers have discovered a gene variant, PHACTR1, that reduces the risk of cervical artery dissection and other related conditions. This finding could lead to new treatment strategies for stroke prevention in young adults.
Researchers at MIT have developed a load driver device that can reduce unpredictability in biological circuits, allowing for robust and predictable behavior. This breakthrough could lead to applications such as biosensing and glucose monitoring for diabetic patients.
Scientists at 10 US observatories are improving understanding of Earth's critical zone with a $1.35 million grant from the National Science Foundation. The CZO Science Across Virtual Institutes (SAVI) will develop networked sites to address pressing scientific questions on regional and global scales.
A UCL-led team of scientists has uncovered the structure of pores found in cell nuclei, revealing how they selectively block certain molecules from entering to protect genetic material and normal cell functions. The discovery could lead to the development of new antiviral drugs and better delivery mechanisms for gene therapy.
Researchers developed a methodology to directly measure the duration and temporal intensity distribution of ultra-short X-ray flashes. They characterized these pulses using streaking spectroscopy, revealing pulse durations of up to four and a half femtoseconds.
A Tel Aviv University study reveals that idiosyncratic acts are key to the survival of traditional rituals and practices. By adding a personal touch to culture, individuals can ensure simplicity, flexibility, and creative license in these long-practiced customs.
The American Association for the Advancement of Science has selected five University of Tennessee faculty members for their distinguished contributions to science. The new fellows were recognized for their outstanding achievements in fields such as archaeology, biochemistry, and materials science.
Research shows that starting HIV therapy soon after infection significantly reduces the risk of developing AIDS and improves immune function, particularly when treatment is initiated within 12 months of seroconversion. A normal CD4+ T-cell count above 800 cells per cubic millimeter is crucial for reconstituting immune-fighting cells.
A recent study found that individuals who experienced intense verbal aggression as children are more resilient to conflict as adults. The researchers measured cortisol levels in saliva samples from 50 romantically involved couples and found a weakened physiological stress response for those with higher childhood exposure.
A study published in Nature Neuroscience found that the hippocampus, a region involved in spatial learning and memory, reacts differently to virtual reality than it does to real-world environments. In the virtual world, hippocampal neurons fire randomly, whereas in the real world, they process activity with precision.
Scientists at HZDR have discovered a seemingly paradoxical phenomenon in graphene when exposed to a magnetic field and laser light pulses. The electrons' energy levels behave unexpectedly due to collisions, causing an unusual rearrangement of the material's state.
Scientists develop model to predict which populations will go extinct due to climate change by analyzing how different species adapt. The study finds that small changes in climate can lead to sudden extinction, even for species with strong adaptation strategies.
The American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association guidelines now recommend statin therapy for individuals with an elevated estimated risk of a heart attack or stroke in the next 10 years. A study found that 97% of adults aged 66-75 qualify for statin therapy, with 100% of men in this age group being eligible.
Research identifies specific glycans on cell surfaces as key targets for bacterial toxins, offering new avenues for blocking toxin action and developing novel treatments. The discovery has major implications for the treatment of diseases caused by bacterial pathogens such as Streptococcus pneumoniae and group A streptococci.
James M. Crowley, SIAM's Executive Director, has been named a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) for his outstanding record as a scientific administrator in the US Air Force and his two decades of leadership at SIAM. Crowley holds a PhD in Applied Mathematics from Brown University.
A study published in BMC found that children born during and after the 1997-98 El Niño event had lower height-for-age and lean mass, indicating chronic malnutrition. The researchers warn that climate change may increase the frequency of El Niño episodes, posing a significant risk to future generations.
A new study using CT scans reveals that ocean acidification enhances reef breakdown, putting coral reefs at risk. The research found that pH levels were the strongest predictor of accretion-erosion balance, with reefs shifting towards higher erosion rates in more acidic water.
A study of over 2,700 teens found that those prescribed anti-anxiety or sleep medications were 10-12 times more likely to abuse them than those who never received a prescription. The risk was higher for white, female, and long-term prescribers.
The US Preventive Services Task Force concludes that current evidence is insufficient to assess the benefits and harms of routine screening for vitamin D deficiency. Researchers found no direct evidence on the effects of screening versus no screening, but treating patients with low serum levels may help prevent adverse outcomes.
Researchers at Tufts University have developed a resorbable electronic implant that eliminates bacterial infection by delivering heat to infected tissue via wireless signals. The devices were found to be safe and effective in mice, dissolving completely after 15 days without causing harm.
Two studies published in JAMA Pediatrics examine the impact of school breakfast programs on children's eating habits and academic performance. One study found that schools offering Breakfast in the Classroom (BIC) had higher participation in the national school breakfast program and attendance, but no differences in math or reading ach...
The President awarded the nation's highest science and technology honors to 10 individuals who received NSF funding at some point in their careers. Many recipients have made lasting impacts on US competitiveness and quality of life.
A UT professor and her team will investigate the long-term consequences of the oil spill on coastal ecosystems in the Gulf. Their research aims to understand how oil impacts marsh erosion and microbial cycling, guiding cleanup efforts.
A recent study found that obese children with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are at a substantial risk for high blood pressure, which can lead to premature cardiovascular disease. The study recommends that blood pressure evaluation and control should be included in the clinical management of children with NAFLD.
A new study published in Psychological Science found that the sound of a person's voice can convey their level of power, with speakers assigned to high-power roles having higher-pitched, more monotone voices. Listeners were able to accurately categorize these vocal cues and associate them with high-power behaviors.
Researchers discovered a subset of cartilage-making cells that replicate themselves and drive bone growth, offering new hope for children with facial deformities. The findings could lead to the development of new treatments for corrective facial surgery in children.
UC San Diego professors Steven Cande, Trey Ideker, and Mark D. Ohman have been recognized as AAAS Fellows for their outstanding work in marine geology, bioinformatics, and marine plankton research. Their contributions have improved our understanding of plate tectonic processes, cancer genetics, and climate variability in ocean ecosystems.
Phytoplankton in the open ocean are responsible for half of global oxygen production, but how they assimilate limited nutrients was unclear. A new framework describes how microbial biodiversity affects phytoplankton's ability to take up phosphorus, a key nutrient.
A new study found that a provider-focused intervention improved Human Papilloma virus (HPV) vaccination rates by 10 times for boys and nearly twice as much for girls. The multi-component Performance Improvement Continuing Medical Education (PI CME) intervention was linked to sustained improvements in HPV vaccination rates.
A team of scientists has reconstructed a detailed 'tree of life' for turtles, revealing their closest relatives across the animal kingdom. The study uses next-generation sequencing technologies to refute long-held debates about turtle evolution and places turtles in a new group called 'Archelosauria'.
A recent study by an international team of researchers highlights the need for stricter regulations on invasive weed species in pastures. The findings suggest that these species can cause significant environmental harm and economic losses, with the US spending over $34 billion annually on management.
Researchers at Washington State University identified summer fallow management practices that can help farmers conserve soil, prevent sky-darkening dust storms, and improve air quality. Undercutter-tillage or no-till fallow systems were found to be the most effective options for reducing wind erosion in the Horse Heaven Hills region.
Researchers estimate that universal preconception care for pregnant women with diabetes can avert an estimated $5.5 billion in health expenditures and lost employment productivity over their children's lifetimes. Effective care could also help mitigate significant complications such as preterm deliveries, birth defects, and perinatal d...
The Snowmastodon Project Science Volume provides a new benchmark for understanding climate change in the American West, revealing dramatic ecosystems changes in response to climate shifts. The nearly continuous 85,000-year time span of the site offers the best-known record of life and climate at high elevation anywhere in North America.
Biologists believe the increased return rate of naturally spawned sockeye is high enough for the species to eventually sustain itself in the wild. Naturally spawned fish are returning at rates up to three times higher than those released from hatcheries.
Researchers from Aarhus University have discovered how a parasite in sleeping sickness disease recognizes human haemoglobin, a crucial step towards developing targeted treatments. This knowledge can lead to the development of new medicines that effectively combat the disease.
A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that starting antiretroviral therapy (ART) within 12 months of estimated dates of seroconversion (EDS) improves the likelihood of restoring CD4+ T-cell counts. Patients who initiated ART after 12 months had lower CD4 normalization rates and increased risk of AIDS.
A study published in Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin found that loneliness has declined among high school and college students in the US. High school students reported a decline in subjective isolation, but an increase in social network isolation, suggesting they perceive less loneliness but poorer social networks.
Scientists have discovered that animals, including ticks and mites, have stolen bacterial toxin genes to defend against microbial infections. The transfer of these genes has been found in various animal species, including the deer tick, which can transmit Lyme disease.
The iPlant Collaborative will manage Jetstream, a new all-science cyber-computing platform, providing a scalable and flexible interface for researchers in various disciplines. The platform enables easy use of cloud resources for large-scale and integrated data processing in science and engineering research.
Kelvin Droegemeier, OU VP for Research, named 2014 AAAS Fellow for his contributions to developing partnerships in atmospheric sciences. He serves on several national and international boards, including the National Science Board.
A Phase 2 clinical trial demonstrates that AF-219, a selective and non-narcotic agent, significantly reduces daytime cough frequency by 75% compared to placebo. The study also shows improvements in secondary endpoints such as severity and urge to cough.
Two University of Houston scientists, Dan Graur and Mary Ann Ottinger, were elected as AAAS Fellows for their distinguished contributions to the fields of biology and biochemistry. They join a select group of researchers recognized by their peers as among the best in their fields.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute have developed a method to convert human skin cells into sensory neurons, allowing for the study of pain and itch in a laboratory setting. This breakthrough enables the examination of neurodegenerative diseases such as Friedreich's ataxia and the testing of potential therapies.
Italian natural history museums are facing a critical situation due to progressive loss of scientific relevance and decreasing economic investments. The proposed solution is for institutions to join forces and form a 'meta-museum', sharing resources and personnel.
Australian average incomes have been declining over the past decade, with a recent study revealing a per capita drop of $250 over ten quarters. The economy's growth is largely driven by population expansion, but investment earnings are flowing out to overseas investors, exacerbating the issue.
Researchers found eliminating orexin slowed brain plaque growth and increased sleep time in mice, indicating its potential as an Alzheimer's prevention target. The study also highlights the importance of addressing sleep abnormalities to reduce Alzheimer's risk.
Sickle cell disease carriers in sub-Saharan Africa require aggressive public health education to raise awareness of the risks of having children with the disease. The disorder causes significant physical and emotional challenges, as well as potential life-threatening complications.
The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) is developing online cybersecurity training for communities, addressing the lack of strategies to respond to cyber attacks. The training will include case studies, best practices, and templates to help municipal officials develop a cybersecurity strategy.
Researchers at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis found that bomb-sniffing dogs trained on pseudo-explosives could not reliably detect real explosives and vice versa. The study suggests that the exceptional sensitivity of a dog's nose and its temperament cannot be replicated with pseudo-explosive training.
A study published in CANCER found that adult survivors of retinoblastoma have few cognitive or social problems decades after diagnosis and treatment. The research suggests the brain may adapt to early insults, with some survivors performing better on verbal memory tasks.
Six faculty members at Albert Einstein College of Medicine have been named 2014 AAAS Fellows, recognized for their contributions to various fields including virology, cell biology, and cancer research. The awardees include Aviv Bergman, Margaret Kielian, Richard Kitsis, U. Thomas Meier, Robert Singer, and Jan Vijg.
Researchers found that teens prescribed anxiety or sleep medications during their lifetime were 12 times more likely to misuse those drugs than those who had never been prescribed. The study also highlighted the risk of overdose when these medications are mixed with narcotics or alcohol.
The investigational drug AG-120 has demonstrated 'extremely promising' early phase 1 clinical trial results for patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) harboring IDH1 mutations. This finding builds on previous phase 1 results of a related drug, AG-221, and offers hope for the treatment of this high-risk population.
People with moderate to severe sleep apnea have a reduced aerobic fitness, even compared to those of similar body mass indices. The study found that sleep apnea patients had a lower peak oxygen uptake during aerobic activity than controls.
Researchers are developing a new type of cell therapy to treat liver cirrhosis, which claims 4000 lives in the UK each year. The therapy aims to reduce scarring and rebuild the damaged organ from within using macrophages.
A high intake of yogurt has been found to be associated with a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The researchers found that high consumption of yogurt was associated with a reduced risk, while other dairy foods did not show this association.
New research from Arizona State University reveals that lonsdaleite is not a separate type of diamond but rather a structurally disordered form of ordinary diamond. The study found defects in the crystal structure caused by shock metamorphism, plastic deformation, or unequilibrated crystal growth.
A new study by Michigan State University scholar Aaron M. McCright found that only 35% of US citizens attribute extreme winter temperatures to global warming, contrary to expectations that such events would change minds.
Researchers at Harvard University successfully converted mouse and human skin cells into pain sensing neurons that respond to various stimuli, including acute and inflammatory pain. The 'disease in a dish' model may lead to improved drug development for chronic pain treatment.
Researchers cool membrane vibrations to less than 1 degree above absolute zero, opening up possibilities for novel studies of quantum physics and precision measurement devices. The technique harnesses the unique features of ultracold atomic gases, enabling fundamental quantum physics experiments with macroscopic mechanical systems.
Researchers developed computer models that match experimental results, explaining the dynamic processes behind essential cell components. Microtubule stability is crucial for cell survival, and the study provides new insights into how cells maintain or dismantle these structures.
Researchers have made a breakthrough in understanding brain cell communication and developed a fruit fly model to study neurodegeneration. By partially inhibiting the breakdown of 'defective' proteins, they were able to completely suppress neurodegeneration in fruit flies.
A National Science Foundation-funded research team has successfully tested an autonomous underwater vehicle, AUV, that can produce high-resolution three-dimensional maps of Antarctic sea ice. The results provide a powerful tool to study changes in sea-ice extent.
Research on Tanzanian chimpanzees reveals that the mothers of sons are 25% more social than those of daughters. They spend more time with other adults and associate with more kin, which helps their young males develop social skills. This finding suggests a potential link between early social exposure and gender-typical behavior in humans.
Researchers found high-dose interleukin-2 to be effective in metastatic renal cell cancer patients pre-treated with VEGF-targeted agents, achieving durable complete responses in a selected population. The therapy's efficacy and safety were confirmed, offering an alternative treatment option for carefully selected patients.
Researchers at Georgia State University and Cornell University found that promoting healthy gut microbiota can treat or prevent metabolic syndrome. The study used an improved technical approach to show that altered bacterial populations promote low-grade inflammation and metabolic syndrome.
Three studies published in Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society Biological Science hold promise for resource managers to predict and avoid ecosystem collapse. Successful management depends on consistent monitoring, incorporation of tipping points data into actions, and local-scale management.