Researchers at the Salk Institute have discovered a new protein, Ssu72, that plays a critical role in HIV replication. The team found that Ssu72 binds to the Tat protein, revving up the engine of viral replication and potentially making it a target for drug therapy.
Researchers at UBC have developed a novel method to test for vitamin B12 deficiency, which can be done with just one drop of blood. The new method is sensitive enough to detect B12 levels in newborn babies and large populations, offering a convenient alternative to traditional blood tests.
Researchers found that shutting off blood supply to an arm or leg before cardiac surgery reduces heart muscle energy production and activates protective protein Akt. This technique, called RIPC, has the potential to protect the heart during future cardiac surgeries.
A survey of UK veterinary students found that over 50% lacked confidence in discussing oral health with clients. To address this, a two-part special issue of the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery is dedicated to feline dentistry, featuring expert articles on examination techniques, periodontal disease, and anaesthetic protocols.
Researchers at University of Gothenburg have successfully grown a functional blood vessel in just one week using autologous peripheral whole blood. The breakthrough procedure involves extracting stem cells from a patient's blood, which accelerates growth and enables the creation of a new vein. This technology has the potential to benef...
CheckCell, a new data-debugging tool, automatically finds errors in spreadsheets and flags high-impact data points for review. The plug-in uses statistical analysis and data flow analysis to identify unusual inputs that have a significant impact on program output.
Harvard Stem Cell Institute scientists have developed a way to use stem cells in the fight against brain cancer. They genetically engineered stem cells to produce and secrete tumor-killing toxins, which were shown to kill cancer cells in mouse brains. This method solves the delivery issue that led to previous clinical trial failures.
Low preoperative serum squamous cell carcinoma antigen levels and absence of tumor invasion into the pleura or blood vessels are independent prognostic factors for patients with peripheral squamous cell carcinomas of the lung. These factors are associated with longer overall survival and reduced disease recurrence.
Tiny bubbles can adapt to changing conditions by reorganizing their membranes, allowing them to sense and react to their environment. This emergent behavior could help design microbubbles for targeted drug delivery and offer new ways to tap chemical energy in biological systems.
A new Rutgers study published in Science found that ocean circulation plays a crucial role in regulating the Earth's climate. The researchers discovered that changes in the deep ocean conveyor system around 2.7 million years ago led to global climate change, including the expansion of ice sheets and a significant drop in sea levels.
Surveyman identifies problems in surveys from design stage onward, addressing bias in question order, wording, correlation, redundancy, and respondent honesty. The free, publicly available tool guides users through steps to create a survey spreadsheet, ensuring more accurate results.
The US Navy has awarded a contract to the University of Washington to develop marine renewable energy technologies, aiming to generate power from tides and waves. The four-year project will focus on developing tools for predicting and tapping energy at naval facilities worldwide.
Researchers at RIKEN have developed a method to manufacture highly symmetric, three-dimensional metamaterials with isotropic optical responses. The team created a large metamaterial, up to 4 mm x 4 mm2 in size, using a combination of top-down electron lithography and bottom-up self-folding mechanism.
Researchers at Northeastern University have identified nearly 800 chemical compounds that could lead to a cure for African sleeping sickness, a deadly disease claiming thousands of lives annually. The discovery was made through screening and testing over 42,000 chemicals against the parasites that cause the disease.
Researchers have developed a new method to create charged molecules using liquid helium, enabling the creation of stable fullerene dianions. This breakthrough opens up new avenues for chemical research and exploration.
A three-year project funded by the Leverhulme Trust will analyze the mental techniques used by dancers to push boundaries of contemporary dance and develop training programs for aspiring performers. The research aims to understand how dancers can become confident enough to let their emotions guide their movements.
Only 6% of US hospitals are well-prepared to receive a patient with the Ebola virus, highlighting inadequate personnel and resources. APIC urges facilities to assess their infection prevention programs to protect healthcare workers, patients, and the public.
Researchers have discovered two compounds, OD36 and OD38, that specifically target and block RIPK2, an enzyme that activates inflammation. These compounds show promise in decreasing inflammation and may pave the way for more effective drugs.
A new study by the American Meteorological Society identifies four categories of climate change risk management: mitigation, adaptation, geoengineering, and knowledge-base expansion. The research provides a comprehensive framework for policymakers to develop effective strategies for managing climate change risks.
Researchers found that receiving positive gossip increases self-improvement value, while negative gossip boosts self-promotion value and raises self-protection concerns. Gossip provides valuable indirect social comparison information, essential for self-evaluation.
Dr. Nicole McLaughlin is conducting a first-of-its-kind study on patients with OCD undergoing gamma knife radiosurgery to measure brain connectivity before and after the procedure. The goal is to understand the neural mechanisms of therapeutic change and develop novel therapies for OCD and related anxiety disorders.
Researchers at Children's Hospital Los Angeles will recruit 120 children with autism who also have chronic constipation for a year-long study. The goal is to determine if successful GI treatment improves behavioral symptoms in children with ASD.
A study of individuals with Down syndrome has identified large rare deletions involving cilia genes as common causes of congenital heart defects. The research also suggests that these genetic alterations may impact other organs beyond the heart, leading to personalized healthcare approaches for affected individuals.
The article provides guidelines for humanitarian volunteers during the Ebola outbreak, emphasizing the importance of thorough training and preparation. It highlights the need for experienced physicians and organizations to prioritize volunteer well-being and safety.
Researchers favor binding national renewables targets for EU and individual member states. Studies show additional renewables targets could provide economic benefits by reducing nuclear and fossil fuel use, while minimizing added costs.
Swimming-induced pulmonary edema is a potentially life-threatening condition affecting highly fit individuals who engage in strenuous or competitive swims, particularly in cold water. The unique combination of factors can lead to an accumulation of fluid in the lungs, resulting in fatal consequences if not addressed.
A study by Jennifer Schon found that adult children's relationship satisfaction with their parents is modestly influenced by the number of communication tools used, such as cell phones, email, and social networking sites. Adding another channel can lead to a modest increase in relationship quality and satisfaction, especially for paren...
Researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University have discovered that most Li-ion battery electrolytes are superhalogens containing toxic halogens. They propose using halogen-free electrolytes as a safer alternative.
Tropical Storm Ana was still generating moderate rainfall when NASA's TRMM satellite observed it on October 22. The storm moved northward with a gradual increase in speed, and is expected to be absorbed by an extra-tropical low pressure area near British Columbia, Canada.
A new study has found that filoviruses, the family housing Ebola and Marburg, are at least 16-23 million years old. This pushes back their evolutionary roots and provides insight into the historical relationship between these two lethal viruses.
A new study has documented how the spine moves during sex and recommends different positions for women with low-back pain. The atlas suggests that women who are extension-intolerant replace spooning with the missionary position to reduce nerve tension and load on tissues.
A new database has been developed to support sustainable modes of electricity production as hydropower dams are expected to double global electricity capacity by 2030. This boom may reduce the number of free-flowing rivers by 20% and threaten freshwater biodiversity, highlighting the need for a systematic management approach.
A study by the University at Buffalo School of Management found that startups reap the most benefits from partnering with a small number of established companies, gaining access to resources and markets. However, as more partners are added, internal capability weakens and costs exceed benefits, ultimately turning negative.
The Law of the Sea Convention permits researchers to track migratory marine animals using bio-logging techniques without advance permission from coastal nations. This allows for essential conservation data to be collected remotely, but can take too long to obtain consent for some nations' waters.
The remnants of Tropical Depression 9 are lingering in the southeastern Yucatan Peninsula and northwestern Caribbean Sea, according to NOAA's GOES-East satellite. The National Hurricane Center predicts a low chance of re-development, with only a 10% probability over the next couple of days.
Research from UC Davis and Aarhus University reveals high mantle temperatures are essential for producing large amounts of magma at Bárðarbunga volcano in Iceland. This finding supports the critical role of mantle plumes in forming large igneous provinces.
Researchers created novel, self-assembling nanoscale proteins capable of binding small molecules, resulting in fibers that crossed the diameter barrier to the microscale. This breakthrough advances tissue engineering and drug delivery, enabling potential applications for dual-purpose scaffolds and efficient drug delivery.
Cancer exosomes, tiny particles released by cells, contain proteins that promote tumor growth and metastasis. Researchers have identified Dicer as a key player in this process, suggesting new avenues for diagnosis and treatment.
Clinical trials conducted in East Germany between 1983 and 1990 involved over 14,000 patients and 68 Western companies. Despite some strict regulations, the country's desperation for hard currency led to trials with potentially ethically uncertain processes, but no evidence suggests systematic harm to patients.
Researchers at Arizona State University are developing a cost-effective carbon capture technology using an electrochemical technique. The goal is to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from power plants by more than half, with the potential to spur economic development in renewable energy and energy security.
A recent study suggests that moderate amounts of sunshine may help prevent obesity and diabetes by reducing glucose levels and insulin resistance. The researchers found that a compound called nitric oxide released by the skin after exposure to sunlight had beneficial effects on weight gain.
Conflicts at home and school often occur together, with family problems increasing the likelihood of school issues, while school problems can also lead to conflicts at home. The study found that negative mood and psychological symptoms play a key role in this spillover process.
A consortium of Detroit colleges aims to increase diversity in biomedical research by recruiting and mentoring underrepresented students. The REBUILD Detroit project will provide research opportunities, mentorship, and pipeline programs to support the goal of producing more undergraduate students with biomedical degrees.
Researchers have developed a process that uses flash pyrolysis to produce fuels and raw materials from biomass and waste, including plastics and tires. The process produces bio-oil with a high energy density and can be used to replace petroleum-based products.
A group of ferns in the Andean páramo ecosystem evolved highly modified leaves to cope with extreme environmental fluctuations, retaining furled fronds and increasing leaflet pairs up to 300 per frond. The rate of biological species arising is significantly higher among these páramo ferns compared to non-páramo species.
Researchers have found that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) can stimulate soluble sFlt1 production in the placenta, contributing to the development of preeclampsia. Elevated VEGF levels during early pregnancy can cause severe placental damage and embryonic lethality.
The 'SWITCH' tool enables policymakers to assess the economic and environmental implications of different energy scenarios, revealing significant variations in air pollutant emissions and land use. Researchers call for a move beyond sole focus on carbon reduction targets to consider local energy and environmental contexts.
A family-focused intervention program for middle-school Mexican American children has been shown to reduce high school dropout rates and lower rates of alcohol and illegal drug use. The program, Bridges to High School, strengthens core competencies that allow youth to thrive, even when faced with adversity.
Researchers found that the FGF21-CRF pathway activates the sympathetic nervous system to signal to brown fat, which burns fat to generate heat. The study provides new insights into obesity and weight loss regulation, highlighting the importance of the central nervous system in weight management.
Research identifies DNA copy number variation (CNV) as the genetic cause behind two male pseudo-hermaphrodite horses' sex identity. The study provides the first hints about likely molecular causes and involvement of CNVs in equine disorders, with potential biomedical significance beyond horse racing.
A team from TSRI has established a new C-H activation technique that expands options for making pure batches of one-handed molecules, opening up a new avenue for creating chirally pure molecules for drug discovery. The method uses metal palladium and an amino acid catalyst to break C-H bonds at room temperature.
A comprehensive analysis of nearly 500 papillary thyroid carcinomas has provided new insights into the roles of frequently mutated cancer genes. The study identified molecular subtypes that can help clinicians determine tumor aggressiveness and potential responses to treatments.
ALS is now believed to be a protein aggregation disease, with copper-containing proteins playing a critical role in its development. The research found that SOD1 mutations cause the protein structure to destabilize, leading to increased motion and aggregation.
Two studies found that new soldiers are equally likely to have experienced major episodes of mental illness as civilians, but more likely to have a combination of disorders. Rates of pre-enlistment suicide thoughts and plans are similar to matched civilians, but higher rates later in the Army career suggest chronicity of suicidality
Researchers documented the rapid evolution of native Florida lizards, shifting their perching habits and adapting their feet to better grip thinner branches. Within 15 years and 20 generations, their toe pads became larger with more sticky scales, allowing them to outcompete the invasive species.
Bio-engineers at ETH Zurich have created a biological circuit that controls sensor components using internal timers, enabling precise signal transmission. This breakthrough could lead to reprogramming cancer cells and creating complex bio-computers to detect and kill cancer cells.
A research team led by the University of Liverpool is testing the safety and efficacy of using Ebola survivors' blood to treat patients in West Africa. The study aims to reduce deaths from the outbreak by finding a safe and effective therapy.
Researchers at Berkeley Lab have observed the molecular structure of liquid water at a gold surface under different charging conditions using XAS. The team developed a method to determine the arrangement changes of molecules depending on the voltage, shedding light on battery performance and materials science.
A new study by the University of Toronto found that countries with higher levels of compassion and openness score better in environmental sustainability. The research examines how population differences in personality characteristics predict a nation's environmental records.
A recent study published in Biological Psychiatry found that infants' preference for human faces over objects is associated with reduced callous and unemotional behaviors in toddlerhood. The research also showed that mother-child interactions during playtime can influence a child's emotional development.