Recent research suggests that irisin, believed to travel from muscle to fat tissue after exercise, may not exist in humans. New tests used in previous studies found antibodies were poorly vetted and nonspecific, leading to false positive results.
Researchers have identified a naturally occurring protein in the brain that can act to suppress binge alcohol drinking. The study found that Neuropeptide Y (NPY) increases inhibition on cells producing corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), leading to reduced binge drinking.
Researchers have determined the basic structural organization of the dynein-dynactin complex, a molecular motor responsible for cellular activities such as cell division and intracellular transport. The findings shed light on diseases like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and ALS, and could lead to new treatments.
The study recommends seeding mixtures with a higher proportion of perennial ryegrass (PRG) to speed initial establishment, while maintaining a balance between PRG and Kentucky bluegrass (KBG). The recommended ratios vary depending on the region's climate and weed pressure, suggesting a more tailored approach for Midwest lawns.
Researchers at UC Riverside found that perceptual learning training improved contrast sensitivity and visual acuity for both younger and older adults. The study also produced an unexpected improvement in visual acuity for older adults after just five days of training.
A study published in Pediatrics found that the rate of inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) utilization in American NICUs increased by 23% between 2009 and 2013, with nearly half of all iNO users being preterm neonates. This trend has significant economic implications, estimated to be $153 million in 2013.
Researchers in Georgia have discovered a new tick species, Dermacentor limbooliati, found in Malaysia and Vietnam. The species can be distinguished from similar ones by several characteristics.
A new study found that only 57% of Washington parents knew the legal age for recreational marijuana use, while 49% knew how much marijuana can be legally possessed. The study also revealed that parents' conversations about marijuana laws with their children were infrequent.
A study by Henrik Hagtvedt found that marketing statements are more effective when consumers are in a state of high arousal, while questions receive better reception when consumers are calm. This suggests that marketers should tailor their promotional phrases to the level of arousal they encourage.
DeuteRx has discovered a method for in vivo stabilization and differentiation of thalidomide analogs, improving anti-inflammatory and antitumorigenic properties. The company's 'deuterium-enabled chiral switching' platform enables the testing and development of single enantiomers with improved therapeutic properties.
A family history of prostate cancer in first-degree relatives increases breast cancer risk by 14%, according to a study of 78,171 women. Women with both breast and prostate cancer histories face an almost 2-fold increase in breast cancer risk
Scientists at Imperial College London developed a test using human stem cells to predict severe immune reactions to new drugs. The test recreates the unique conditions found in blood vessels, making it a more reliable method than current tests.
A new survey of Carina Nebula helps astronomers understand the processes that may have contributed to the formation of our sun. The region contains dozens of examples of forming stars at various stages of development, providing insights into how solar-type stars evolve.
High-density planting in sweet cherry orchards can produce significant yields by the second and third year after planting. The study found that specific cultivars combined with ultra-high-density planting systems result in high production and better fruit quality.
Researchers surveyed parents and children to identify factors leading to inflated views of self. Overvaluing parents were associated with higher levels of child narcissism, while parental warmth predicted children's self-esteem. Parental overvaluation was linked to narcissism even after accounting for the children's narcissism levels.
Researchers discovered a type of neuron in the olfactory cortex that serves as a tuner and volume control for various neuronal inputs, increasing signal-to-noise ratio and improving odor discrimination. This discovery has implications for understanding epilepsy, which often affects the olfactory cortex.
A recent study has explored the effect of mutations in PKC on tumour growth, revealing that most 'loss of function' mutations stop PKC from working. The study found that correcting these mutations in bowel cancer cells resulted in a reduction in tumour growth.
Tropical Cyclone Pam formed over the Solomon Islands, with GPM satellite detecting heavy rainfall exceeding 1.4 inches per hour. The storm is forecast to intensify and move southeast towards Fiji and New Caledonia.
Researchers developed a non-invasive method to image SIV replication in real-time, allowing capture of viral dynamics and identification of novel sites of replication. The approach has broad application to studying immunodeficiency virus pathogenesis and potential use in human patients to identify viral reservoirs.
A study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that rural youth suicide rates are significantly higher than urban rates, with firearm deaths being the leading cause of death in both sexes. The study analyzed national mortality data from 1996 to 2010 and found that rural areas had nearly twice the number of suicides as urban areas.
Researchers have gained a better understanding of how tropical forests respond to seasonal climate variations. The new information helps predict future climate change impacts on the global tropics and informs global climate models.
Scientists at NIST have developed a new approach to measure X-ray angles with greater precision, reducing errors by three times. This improvement will enable better understanding of newly designed materials and their properties.
A new study found that more than half of parents are interested in whole genome sequencing technology to determine their risk of hereditary diseases. The technology allows for the examination of a person's DNA makeup to provide information about future disease risks.
The research provides a unified model that explains how layer properties and bonding determine surface textures, applicable to various biological processes and material applications. The findings could lead to the creation of materials with tailored surface properties for specific uses, such as disease treatment or water-shedding.
Researchers at Stowers Institute for Medical Research developed a new method to precisely map individual transcription factor binding sites in the genome. The technique, called ChIP-nexus, uses an enzyme to trim back DNA fragments to the spot where transcription factors bind, providing more accurate information than existing methods.
Researchers at Stanford University and the University of Copenhagen have used ancient DNA to identify the ethnic origins of three African-born slaves found in the Caribbean. The study, published in PNAS, marks a significant breakthrough in genealogical research and sheds light on the trans-Atlantic slave trade.
Research suggests that social networking is a market where senders compete for attention, leading to a scarcity of message creators and cluttered networks. As messaging becomes cheaper and easier, senders target more people, decreasing payoffs and increasing competition.
Transparency of network connections and reputation enhances cooperation, leading to a community of highly cooperative individuals. The study suggests that in a world with more accessible information, people may form insular communities, and belonging to such groups is beneficial.
A team of Brazilian scientists calls for urgent public and private collaboration on fisheries management to protect the nation's aquatic fauna. The scientists emphasize the importance of annual research-based updates to lists of threatened species and a permanent stock evaluation system to reduce extinction risk.
A mid-level solar flare occurred on March 7, 2015, peaking at 5:22 pm EST, as captured by NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory. The event was classified as an M9.2-class flare, which is twice as intense as the next largest category, M8.
Researchers at KAIST developed an ultrathin polymeric insulator using initiated chemical vapor deposition, overcoming limitations of traditional techniques. The resulting insulator enables the creation of low-power, high-performance field-effect transistors on flexible substrates.
Researchers analyzed DNA from three enslaved Africans with highly degraded skeletal remains to uncover their origins. The study's findings demonstrate the potential for genomic data to identify ancient individuals' genetic ancestry, especially in cases where historical records are limited.
A vegetarian diet was associated with a 22% lower risk of all colorectal cancers, and higher risks were found for non-vegetarians. Vegetarian diets similar to those studied may be important for primary prevention of colorectal cancers.
Childhood adrenocortical tumors have been analyzed on a genomic scale for the first time, revealing key molecular events in pediatric cancer. The study identified TP53 and IGF2 genetic mutations that trigger tumor development and poor prognosis.
Researchers at the University of Basel have made significant advancements in developing next-generation lighting technologies. The team has successfully created light-emitting electrochemical cells (LECs) with remarkable lifetimes exceeding 2500 hours, paving the way for a more efficient and cost-effective alternative to traditional LEDs.
A study published in Nature Medicine found that a novel drug candidate, harmine, can drive human insulin-producing beta cells to multiply and triple the number of beta cells in mice. This breakthrough could potentially lead to more effective treatment for diabetes.
Researchers have created a human heart-on-a-chip that models the structure and function of human heart tissue, enabling accurate testing of cardiovascular medications. The system successfully replicated the effects of four well-known drugs on heart cells.
Researchers found that early herders from northern Africa could travel past Lake Victoria on their way to southern Africa due to the area's grassy landscape, not a tsetse fly-infested environment. This new discovery sheds light on the migration route of early human populations.
Researchers have discovered a multifunctional protein called BAI1, which is involved in limiting the growth of brain tumors but also critical for spatial learning and memory. Mice lacking BAI1 exhibit changes in neural responses and structure, leading to impaired spatial memory acquisition.
Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have developed a method that reduces the noise in atomic clocks, enabling them to be even more precise. The new technique uses a quantum frequency filter to sort out unwanted wavelengths of light, resulting in a laser beam that is much more stable and precise.
A new survey found that nearly three-quarters of Chinese adults have poor cardiovascular health, with a tiny minority enjoying ideal heart health. The study emphasizes the need for effective interventions to combat the rising rates of heart disease in China.
A nationwide survey of over 190,000 US adults found that lifetime use of nonaddictive psychedelic drugs was associated with a reduced likelihood of psychological distress and suicidal thoughts. The study suggests that these substances may hold promise for treating depression, warranting reconsideration of their restricted legal status.
Researchers at Helmholtz Center for Environmental Research have found that bioelectrochemical processes promise improved yields and can be economically competitive. The technology has the potential to save costs of up to 18% in EU and US markets, with estimated savings over a ten-year horizon reaching $50 million.
Scientists have identified 15 new genetic 'hot-spots' linked to an increased risk of breast cancer, with some women having multiple variations that double their risk and others being three times more likely to develop the disease. The discovery could help identify high-risk women and improve cancer screening and prevention.
A study by Deakin University found that many Australian online health information is too difficult to read, leading to potential misinterpretation and inappropriate healthcare decisions. The researchers suggest that websites need to be assessed for readability and changes made to improve accessibility.
Boston Medical Center researchers highlight the need for improved funding and support for social and public health programs to address healthcare disparities among young African-American men. Effective interventions beyond medical care are crucial to addressing social determinants of health.
Tropical Cyclone Haliba forms in Madagascar's Southern Indian Ocean, affecting La Reunion and Mauritius islands with heavy rain and gusty winds. The storm is expected to move southeast over the next several days, intensifying before dissipating due to adverse environmental conditions.
A study by Jin Goh and Judith Hall found that men who display benevolent sexism are perceived as more approachable, warmer, and friendlier, while those with hostile sexism are less friendly. The researchers also discovered that men with benevolent sexism use positive emotional words and are more patient, despite appearing harmless.
A new study by Intermountain Medical Center researchers found that using advanced clinical decision support tools reduces mortality for pneumonia patients. The tool, which analyzes 40 different factors to calculate a patient's risk of having pneumonia, saved up to 12 lives in hospitals where it was used.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine discovered a way to prevent rejection in corneal transplants using biodegradable nanoparticles that release medication into the eye after surgery. The treatment showed 100% efficacy in animal studies, offering hope for improving medicine compliance and patient outcomes.
A phase 2 clinical trial found that sunitinib significantly improved progression-free survival in patients with advanced differentiated thyroid cancer. The study showed that 83% of patients benefited from treatment, with either tumor shrinkage or slowed disease progression.
A recent study found that patients on liraglutide achieved at least 5% weight loss, showing improvements in health markers, blood sugar control, and blood pressure. The results suggest liraglutide as a treatment option for obesity with significant health benefits.
A new analysis of a large national database found that breast cancer survivors have an increased risk of developing thyroid cancer, especially within five years of their diagnosis. Women who received radiation therapy for breast cancer were more likely to develop aggressive thyroid cancer, but with smaller tumors and fewer treatments.
A new study of adult daughters found that women whose parents smoked during pregnancy had an increased risk of developing diabetes mellitus. Prenatal environmental tobacco smoke exposure appears to be a modifiable risk factor for diabetes in offspring.
A new study from Australia found that decreased sexual activity and desire in older men may be a cause, not an effect, of low circulating testosterone levels. Over two years, men with declining serum testosterone were more likely to experience a significant decrease in their sexual activity.
A new testosterone nasal gel has been shown to effectively raise men's low testosterone levels to normal, with minimal side effects. The medication was found to be most effective when administered three times a day, resulting in improved erectile function and mood.
A study by Harvard Medical School found that higher testosterone levels and lower estrogen levels in men worsen cardiovascular risk factors such as insulin resistance and muscle fat. This discovery may help explain why men have a higher risk of heart disease compared to premenopausal women.
A new experimental drug, GC-1, has been found to convert 'bad' white fat into 'good' brown-like fat, leading to weight loss and improved insulin sensitivity in mice. Researchers believe this conversion may help treat obesity and metabolic disease.
A study from Thailand finds that 56% of pregnant women with diet-controlled gestational diabetes have obstructive sleep apnea. The severity of sleep disordered breathing is associated with higher blood glucose levels and greater daytime sleepiness, highlighting the importance of OSA diagnosis in this population.
A new study by Rady Children's Hospital-San Diego confirms the high prevalence of mental health problems among transgender youth. Treatment with puberty blockers and cross-gender hormones improves depression, anxiety, and self-cutting behaviors in most patients.