Research by Eric Kandel's lab shows prion-like proteins, like those causing mad cow disease, are critical for maintaining long-term memories in mice. These proteins work by creating aggregated structures that turn on protein synthesis necessary to maintain the memory.
An international consortium is developing a comprehensive understanding of fertilization in flowering plants using comparative genomics and molecular biology techniques. The research aims to provide insights into the origins of fertilization and its role in improving crop productivity.
Researchers discovered that a melanoma mutation activates ketogenesis enzyme HMG-CoA lyase, turning on fat breakdown in cancer cells. This rewiring of metabolism may explain why V600E mutation is common in melanomas and provide alternative strategies to existing drugs targeting the mutation.
A team of researchers led by UO doctoral student Kristin E. Sweeney conducted a series of experiments in small sandboxes to witness the formation of ridges and valleys in real-time. The study provides new insights into the competition between erosion driven by runoff and soil movement on hillsides, revealing how climate change may impa...
Researchers at Tata Institute of Fundamental Research created bacteria to emit intense hard x-ray radiation. By using nanostructured bacterial cells and silver nanoparticles, they achieved a 10,000-fold increase in x-ray emission compared to plain glass slides.
Rising sea temperatures and decreased salt concentration are predicted to significantly impact mussel health, favoring disease-causing bacteria that produce toxins. This could threaten the rapidly-growing tropical shellfish industry in South-West India, which is already under pressure from urbanization.
A new study reveals that biologically active molecules, including exorphins, are released during digestion of real bread and pasta. These molecules can pass through the gut lining and potentially have a biological effect on the body.
A nationwide survey of 502 women found that adventurous eaters rated themselves as healthier eaters and were more physically active. They also reported being more likely to have friends over for dinner and were less concerned with the healthfulness of their food.
Researchers found that readers value different journalistic traits and hold expectations for journalists beyond traditional values. Readers often criticize news outlets using human adjectives like 'sanctimonious' and 'lazy'. News leaders should understand how readers anthropomorphize their organizations to better present their brands.
A study suggests that cortisol and testosterone levels in traders can lead to increased risk-taking behavior, potentially destabilizing financial markets. Researchers found that artificially increasing hormone levels shifted investment towards riskier assets.
The American Heart Association/American Stroke Association recommends the use of brain stent retrievers in certain patients undergoing acute ischemic strokes. The devices can restore blood flow and reduce stroke damage when treated promptly, making them a valuable option for carefully selected patients.
Research reveals higher mortality rates associated with poverty levels, with significant variation among urban areas. The study analyzed nine causes of death and a socioeconomic deprivation index in 15 European cities.
The European Nanomedicine Characterization Laboratory (EU-NCL) aims to bring safe and efficient nanotherapeutics faster to patients. EU-NCL partners with international reference facilities to harmonize analytical protocols, providing a trans-disciplinary testing infrastructure for preclinical characterization.
Researchers use electron cryo-microscopy to visualize proteasome complex in unprecedented detail, revealing target sites for potential cancer drugs. The study paves the way for more precise and effective treatments.
A European-US consortium led by Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciencia aims to understand the evolution of plant reproduction, including ancient mechanisms of gamete development and fertilization. The project will identify genes useful to agriculture, increasing crop yield and food security.
A team of researchers found that a seahorse's square, overlapping tail segments provide better armor and gripping abilities compared to traditional cylindrical tails. The squared shape absorbs more energy before permanent failure begins and creates more contact points with surfaces.
Researchers discovered that children with autism spectrum disorder exhibit a unique sniffing pattern when exposed to pleasant or unpleasant odors, allowing for accurate classification with high accuracy. The study suggests that olfactory tests could be used as an early indicator of ASD, potentially leading to more effective intervention.
Researchers discover fungi-specific signalling molecule controlling Candida's growth, offering hope for clinical treatments
Researchers have determined the structure of a human monoclonal antibody that strongly neutralizes a type of the potentially lethal dengue virus in an animal model. This finding could lead to effective therapies and vaccines against dengue, a complex of four distinct mosquito-borne viruses causing illness and death in the tropics.
The American Society of Human Genetics has issued a position statement on the ethical, legal, and psychosocial implications of genetic testing in children and adolescents. The statement addresses various issues related to genetic testing, including predictive testing, whole-genome sequencing, and implementation challenges.
A new genus and species of octocoral with an aragonite calcium-carbonate skeleton has been discovered in Okinawa, Japan, closely related to the 'living fossil' blue coral. The species, named Nanipora kamurai, was found in a shallow coral reef at a depth of less than 1m.
New studies reveal that hypertensive individuals experience higher rates of cognitive decline compared to non-hypertensive populations. Additionally, African Americans with hypertension bear a disproportionate burden of disability and mortality associated with the condition. These findings underscore the importance of effective managem...
Researchers at University College London have discovered that when we try to remember a single aspect of an event, our brain reconstructs the entire episode, including details we weren't consciously aware of. This process is made possible by the hippocampus, which associates different aspects of the event and enables pattern completion.
Healthy people given citalopram were willing to pay more to prevent harm to themselves or others than those on placebo drugs, highlighting the serotonin-enhancing antidepressant's effect on moral decision-making. In contrast, levodopa made healthy people more selfish and less altruistic.
The introduction of innovative techniques and devices has led to declining death rates from cardiovascular disease, but reimbursement systems are hindering their adoption. Delays in allocating reimbursement codes are limiting investment in future device therapies.
A recent NIH-funded study found that approximately 1.5% of boys aged 10-18 received an antipsychotic prescription in 2010, with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) being the most common diagnosis among youth ages 1-18. The study also highlighted a significant increase in antipsychotic use with age, beginning at 0.11% for ch...
Patients with a low to healthy body weight had an average survival time of two-and-a-half months less than overweight and obese patients. The study suggests that there may be a relationship between having a lower BMI and poor treatment tolerance, putting thinner patients at risk for poor outcomes.
A recent study found that statins can decrease aggression in men, while increasing it in postmenopausal women. The effects on testosterone and sleep levels also played a role in the observed changes.
Researchers developed a smartphone sensor using surface plasmon resonance to detect biomolecules, including those for pregnancy testing and diabetes monitoring. The sensor is tiny, affordable, and comparable in sensitivity to current equipment.
Earl L. Smith III, OD, was inducted into the National Optometry Hall of Fame for his long-lasting impact on the optometric profession through his academic and administrative work at UH College of Optometry. He has made significant contributions to vision science research and education.
Indoor tanning rates declined significantly among US adults from 2010 to 2013, with notable decreases in younger age groups and certain health conditions. The decrease is attributed to increased awareness of indoor tanning's harms, including its link to cancer risk.
Researchers at Concert Pharmaceuticals demonstrated selective deuterium substitution to improve safety, efficacy, tolerability and convenience of paroxetine-based medicines. Deuterated compounds retain potency but exhibit altered metabolic profiles, reducing drug-drug interactions.
A single-celled marine plankton has evolved a tiny eye-like structure that resembles the complex eyes of humans and other animals. The ocellloid contains sub-cellular organelles similar to those found in multicellular eyes, potentially aiding prey detection through light shift detection.
A new study using Social Security Administration's personal income tax data confirms the value of college education by measuring individual lifetime earnings over 20 years. The study estimates significant long-term economic benefits of college education, with men earning an average of $840,000 more over 50 years than high school gradua...
Researchers study the behavior of liquids trapped between two parallel fibers, discovering that spreading is controlled by three key parameters: liquid amount, fiber orientation, and distance between them. This insight could lead to cheaper materials with better insulation properties.
A new study aims to understand MS pathology by activating metabolic stress in oligodendrocytes, a type of cell that produces myelin. The research seeks to determine if this nonimmune-mediated animal model can recapitulate MS pathology and find evidence for behavioral changes and cognitive decline.
Researchers found interesting morphological distinctions in the mouthparts of larvae and new chromosome rearrangements in the second chromosome of <i> Ch. bernensis</i>. The study suggests a possible adaptive explanation for the geographical distribution of the species, with different genotypic combinations dominating at various sites.
The UT Arlington team has developed an all-vanadium photo-electrochemical flow cell that enables large-scale solar energy storage even at night. This innovation overcomes a major limitation of current solar technology, allowing for uninterrupted energy storage around the clock.
Researchers at RIKEN Center for Developmental Biology found that as egg cells mature in older women, paired chromosomes separate prematurely, leading to early division and incorrect segregation. This results in age-related chromosomal errors, such as Down syndrome and miscarriages.
A pharmacy professor argues that a two-tier system of prescription or non-prescription drugs would be simpler and less confusing for consumers. The current pharmacy medicine category has limited benefits and lacks evidence to support its value.
Researchers developed a computer model to simulate the biological processes of neural network development in the visual cortex. The results show that newborns possess specialized nerve cells but lack systematic connections, which are refined through experience, leading to improved perception.
Researchers have produced pairs of spin-entangled electrons, demonstrating their ability to remain entangled even when separated on a chip. This achievement could contribute to the development of futuristic quantum networks operating using quantum teleportation.
Researchers have created an implantable device that continuously measures blood sugar levels and automatically releases insulin as needed, eliminating the need for constant monitoring and daily injections. The artificial pancreas maintained blood glucose within target range nearly 80% of the time in computer simulations.
A new study suggests that brain activity can predict how likely young adults are to develop problem drinking or engage in risky sexual behavior. The research found that imbalance in the function of typically complementary brain areas, such as the ventral striatum and amygdala, is associated with increased risk.
The BMJ has introduced a new policy requiring data sharing for all clinical trials, building on initial policies for drug and device trials. This move aims to promote transparency and reproducibility in research, as encouraged by initiatives from the US Institute of Medicine and World Health Organization.
Dr. Jian-Dong Li is developing novel anti-inflammatory therapeutics against middle-ear infections, a major childhood bacterial infection causing conductive hearing loss. The goal is to suppress overactive inflammation and improve middle-ear hearing function.
Researchers have developed a microscope instrument that can accurately measure the 3D movement of individual molecules over many hours, far beyond current limits. This technology has potential applications in biology, biochemistry, and biophysics, including tracking protein motions and characterizing nanoscale objects.
Grey seal pups who practice in pools have improved breathing patterns and longer breath-holding periods during their transition to sea life. Researchers believe this may be due to stimulation of facial nerves causing a drop in heart rate, helping them conserve oxygen.
A study suggests that sleep deprivation can prevent the consolidation of traumatic memories, reducing flashbacks. Participants who slept normally experienced more intrusive memories than those who were sleep-deprived.
A new national study will develop guidelines for patients released from the emergency room after treatment for suspected acute heart failure symptoms. The Wayne State University School of Medicine and Detroit Receiving Hospital will serve as a site for the three-year project, funded by the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute.
Researchers found a correlation between hippocampal activity and movement through abstract social space, suggesting a common mechanism for coding physical space, time, and social relationships. The study's findings may yield new insights into psychiatric disorders like schizophrenia and depression.
Researchers measured variations in energy transition within cadmium atom isotopes, identifying physical cause of shift within nucleus. Two main factors influence hyperfine structure: magnetic field from electrons and nuclear electric quadrupole moment.
Researcher Richard Born's team at Harvard Medical School has discovered key principles about how the brain makes sense of visual information. They found that individual neurons are tuned to detect specific motions and relative depth, with a direct bottom-up contribution to these signals.
Researchers found improved median survival of patients with low-grade gliomas increasing from 44 months to 57 months between 1999 and 2010. The study suggests more effective chemotherapies contribute to the increased survival, despite a decrease in radiation therapy use.
A Stanford study found that narcolepsy may be triggered by a combination of genetic predisposition and infection, particularly with the H1N1 virus. Researchers discovered elevated antibodies in patients who received the Pandemrix flu vaccine, which was associated with an increased risk of narcolepsy.
Scientists at the University of Leeds discovered a new protein, DOCK4, that triggers blood vessel growth in breast cancer tumors. Withholding this protein slows tumor growth by impeding blood vessel formation.
A new study found that Beijing's physical area quadrupled between 2000 and 2009, highlighting the rapid growth of urban infrastructure. Meanwhile, earthquake experts have made progress in resolving scientific debates through collaborative research.
A Purdue University study reveals that targeting plants with red and blue LEDs offers an energy-efficient solution for growing crops in space. The research found that leaf lettuce thrived under a 95-to-5 ratio of red and blue light-emitting diodes, using about 90% less electrical power per growing area than traditional lighting.
Researchers found that cooler temperatures increase milk output in lactating females, while also slowing the growth of their young due to increased energy expenditure. In contrast, warmer temperatures limit milk production in mothers while benefiting the growth of their pups.
A new study led by Michigan State University suggests there may be fewer galaxies further out in the universe than previously expected. The research used simulations to examine galaxy formation in the early universe and found that the number of faint galaxies could be as low as ten times larger than initially thought.