The Midwest Political Science Association (MPSA) will recognize and reward outstanding research projects presented at its annual conference. This year, fourteen papers have been selected for prestigious awards across various categories, including the AJPS Best Article Award and the Kellogg/Notre Dame Award.
Researchers have discovered a protein biomarker that may indicate the presence of more aggressive prostate cancer. The biomarker, Runx2 phosphorylation, is closely associated with aggressive disease and has the potential to be a new drug target.
Scientists have developed a new approach combining ptychographic X-ray imaging and fluorescence microscopy to study the role of trace elements in biological functions. This technique demonstrates unparalleled sensitivity for measuring trace element distribution in thicker specimens at cryogenic temperatures.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic have developed a profile to identify patients most at risk of developing pancreatic cancer. The study analyzed data from 1,126 patients and found that factors such as history of smoking, obesity, jaundice, and cyst size on imaging scans are associated with high risk.
Researchers discovered that deep-brain stimulation (DBS) reduces excessive synchronization of brain activity in the motor cortex, a region governing body movements. This reduction leads to improved symptoms and facilitated movement in patients with Parkinson's disease.
Family physicians play a crucial role in advising young women about egg freezing, providing accurate information on its benefits and risks. The procedure can help preserve fertility, but costs are high, and evidence on success rates is limited.
A new study suggests that vaccinating 12-year-old boys against HPV can save $8 million to $28 million over their lifetimes due to reduced incidence of HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer. The study's findings have significant implications for public health policy in countries where HPV vaccination is not currently funded.
VTT created a morphine test printed on paper using antibodies, which enables rapid analysis of morphine presence in samples. The technology has potential applications in workplaces and traffic control.
A new study from the University of Missouri found that personalized computer feedback can significantly mitigate problem gambling behaviors in college-aged adults. Participants who received individualized feedback from a computer showed a significant decline in problem gambling behavior compared to those who received standard informati...
Researchers at RIKEN Brain Science Institute identified IRBIT as a key player in regulating dopamine levels in the brain. The absence of IRBIT leads to hyperactivity and abnormal social behavior in mice, highlighting its role in maintaining balance.
University of Iowa researchers found that human chins are an evolutionary adaptation, emerging as faces became smaller. The study suggests that mechanical forces like chewing did not create the chin, but rather a geometric change in face shape led to its development.
A research team has identified a drug target for ATRA, a treatment for acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL), by targeting the Pin1 enzyme. The discovery offers a promising new way to fight aggressive or drug-resistant cancers by degrading cancer stem cells and blocking multiple cancer-driving pathways.
Research predicts that warming seas will constrain fish habitats, leading to reduced abundance of commercial species. The study used a model combining fisheries datasets and climate projections to predict future distributions of UK favourite fish.
A new analysis of meteorite composition helps scientists work out when the Earth formed its layers, confirming the first crust had formed around 4.5 billion years ago. The team measured hafnium and lutetium in zircon crystals from a rare meteorite, which originated early in the solar system.
The University of Illinois College of Medicine will create a Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics (CARE) to investigate the impact of long-term alcohol exposure on genes. Researchers will explore how epigenetic changes influence gene expression and behavior, aiming to develop new pharmacotherapies for alcoholism.
A clinical trial found that zoledronic acid improved bone mineral density and reduced bone turnover in frail elderly women with osteoporosis. The treatment group showed significant increases in hip and spine bone mineral density at 12 and 24 months, while the placebo group showed decreases.
Researchers have discovered two protein 'architects', MOZ and BMI1, which play opposing roles in guiding embryonic development. These proteins regulate Hox gene expression, ensuring the correct formation of body segments and tissues. The study sheds new light on how environmental factors can impact early embryo development.
A team of researchers identified four mechanisms in collagen that work together to reduce stress concentrations at the tip of a tear. These mechanisms - rotation, straightening, stretching, and sliding - can be replicated in synthetic materials to improve strength and resistance to tearing.
Tropical Cyclone Solo weakened under strong vertical wind shear, passing by New Caledonia on April 11 before being downgraded to a remnant low-pressure area. NASA's Aqua satellite captured an image of the remnants on April 13, revealing an elongated system with dissipated clouds.
Researchers discovered that a protein called Tmem231 plays a crucial role in regulating ciliary membrane composition and function. This study sheds light on the mechanisms underlying Meckel syndrome and other human diseases characterized by defects in cilia.
Researchers found chimpanzees could plan route in computer mazes, while monkey species struggled with harder mazes requiring inhibition and anticipation. Human children also performed well, but showed variability in abilities across ages.
Scientists at the Weizmann Institute of Science have successfully regenerated heart cells in adult mice using a previously unknown signaling pathway. By activating ERBB2, a protein that plays a role in heart development, researchers were able to induce cardiac cell renewal and regeneration without excessive growth or scarring.
Moffitt scientists developed a novel technique to analyze the MDMX protein, revealing its auto-inhibitory segment that controls p53 activity. This discovery may help identify patients more likely to respond to an MDMX-targeted cancer drug.
A new technique based on Optical Coherence Tomography allows conservators to analyze the hidden layers in priceless paintings without removing physical samples. This enables detailed information on the chemical composition of paint and coatings applied over time.
A workplace intervention increased employed parents' daily time with their children by an average of 39 minutes per day, found a study published in Pediatrics. The Support-Transform-Achieve-Results (STAR) program improved family life by increasing employees' control over schedules and supervisor support for personal and family lives.
The study of genomics effects on placebos introduces the concept of 'the placebome,' identifying a network of genes that significantly influence medicine and clinical trial design. Genetic variations in neurotransmitter pathways modify placebo effects, suggesting placebos play a larger role in healthcare than previously recognized.
Research by Robin Lumsdaine found that women with new grandchildren are 9% more likely to retire early than those without. This decision can significantly impact income adequacy later in life. Policymakers may need to consider childcare needs and flexible work arrangements to encourage older workers to stay in the workforce.
A new study by McGill University researchers found that a 12-week tango course improved balance and functional mobility in 40 Parkinson's patients, while also showing modest benefits in cognitive functions. The dance style's social interaction and physical activity may have therapeutic value for PD patients.
The Sugar app, developed at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, is entering a pilot clinical study to assess its effectiveness in managing diabetes. The app tracks blood sugar levels, weight, exercise, and wound care, providing patients with personalized messages and insights.
Researchers discovered a previously invisible biological process that may be implicated in the rapid growth of some cancers. The new study reveals that a well-known cancer protein called mTOR can hand off its work to another protein, CDK1, when cells are dividing.
A Nation Empowered: Evidence Trumps Excuses aims to empower parents, educators, and policymakers with tools to implement acceleration strategies. The report presents evidence-based research on the benefits of acceleration for gifted students, dispelling myths and misconceptions about its dangers.
Research published in BMJ Open found that children with type 1 diabetes are almost five times more likely to be hospitalized compared to their peers. The study, which analyzed data from over 1577 Welsh children, also revealed that pre-schoolers and those from disadvantaged backgrounds are most at risk of hospital admission.
A KAIST research team has developed a hyper-stretchable elastic-composite energy harvester called a nanogenerator. The device can harvest mechanical energy to produce high power output with large elasticity and excellent durability.
Countries with higher cancer spending have consistently lower cancer mortality rates, with a 17% decrease in amenable mortality. Increased spending on breast cancer treatment also leads to improved survival rates without significant cost increases, but more research is needed to contain costs.
Researchers at the University of Akron have developed a polymer coating that allows medical sensors implanted in the body to communicate with it. The coating, which is biocompatible and conductive, can monitor biomarkers such as blood sugar levels around the clock.
Researchers found that lung tissue can repair itself by using mature lung cells to regenerate new ones. Type 1 cells can transform into Type 2 cells to produce surfactant and help with gas exchange. This discovery has implications for treating conditions like COPD.
The Dark Energy Survey has released a series of detailed maps of dark matter, created with the world's most powerful digital camera. The analysis will help scientists understand dark matter's role in galaxy formation and probe the nature of mysterious dark energy.
Scientists have identified a 'safe haven' effect in melanoma cells that shields them from targeted treatments. Adding a second experimental drug targeting a protein called FAK has shown promising results in slowing down tumor growth and improving cell death rates.
A new open-access article provides cutting-edge resources for identifying parasitoid wasps in Africa and Madagascar, with over 306 described species and 54 genera available for research. The resource aims to facilitate future work on the taxonomy of these wasps and their importance in ecosystems.
Researchers at ITMO University and Australian National University created an invisible cylindrical object in the microwave range without metamaterial coatings. The method is based on Fano resonances, where waves scattered via resonant and non-resonant mechanisms have opposite phases and are mutually destroyed.
Researchers have developed a new technology that accurately identifies high-risk changes in exhaled breath, indicating stomach cancer development. The nanoarray analysis method shows promise for non-invasive screening and monitoring of those at risk.
Despite significant genetic mutations, Ebola's functional level has remained the same over the past four decades. This suggests that vaccines and treatments developed during current outbreaks may be effective against future outbreaks.
Researchers found that the human immune system can control re-awakened HIV with a vaccine-based approach, reducing virus levels to 50 copies per ml within six weeks. This study demonstrates the potential of a 'kick and kill' strategy, which could lead to an effective cure for HIV.
Research by University of Michigan Medical School found that brain 'hubs' consistently attract information flow, shedding light on how the brain processes and transfers critical information. This discovery may help better understand principles of information processing in the brain.
Recent studies in Cancer Cell and Trends in Immunology review the intricate relationship between the immune system and cancer. Research has shown that harnessing anti-tumor immunity can be a promising approach to treating various cancers.
RAVE empowers clinicians to write personalized decision support rules based on their experience with patients, enhancing patient care and safety. The tool's checks and balances ensure that rules meet specified criteria and are only accessible to the intended users.
A new study by University of Washington astronomer Benjamin Charnay and co-authors proposes that violent methane storms high in Titan's dense atmosphere could be the answer to the moon's eastward-sloping sand dunes. The storms produce strong gusts much faster than Titan's usual winds, dominating sand transport and realigning the dunes.
The new report provides a comprehensive analysis of the current bioenergy landscape, technology, production financing systems, and markets. It highlights opportunities for enhancing energy security and mitigating climate change through advanced biomass conversion technologies.
Recent advances in voltage-sensitive dye imaging have paved the way for real-time functional imaging of live tissue electrical activity. Research by Larry Cohen and his team has enabled this frontier field, with recent articles demonstrating its legacy.
Researchers have built detailed computer simulations of a GRB jet's internal structure, revealing that non-uniformity is key to determining astroparticle emission. The model predicts a lower neutrino flux from GRBs than previously thought, which may be detectable by the next generation of neutrino telescopes.
Research identifies company characteristics, partner selection, and consumer uncertainty as crucial elements in platform adoption. The study suggests partnering with reputable firms can foster technology adoption.
A recent study by Duke-NUS Medical School researchers found an association between meals eaten away from home and high blood pressure in university-going young adults. The study, which surveyed over 500 participants, showed that pre-hypertension was prevalent in 27.4% of the population, with men more likely to be affected than women.
Researchers discover nitric oxide plays key role in controlling blood flow to tissues, enabling oxygen delivery; low levels linked to heart diseases and blood disorders. Nitric oxide-deficient mice exhibit impaired oxygenation and increased risk of heart attacks.
Researchers at Kyoto University discovered how nerve cells adjust to low energy environments during brain growth, shedding light on neurodegenerative disorders. They found two protein molecules that produce enzymes to allocate energy molecules for cellular survival in areas with low ATP energy concentrations.
A UN SW-led research team has successfully encoded quantum information in silicon using simple electrical pulses for the first time. This breakthrough enables local control of individual qubits with electric fields, reducing development costs and making large-scale quantum computers more accessible.
A study found that some dogs can mount an immune response to human norovirus, suggesting they may be infected. However, the risk of canine infection and transmission to humans is unclear.
A recent study found that a good therapeutic alliance is crucial for improving wellbeing, while poor relationships can harm treatment outcomes. The researchers discovered that patients who received effective therapy benefited from the therapist-patient connection, regardless of the therapy type.
A recent study published in the JNCI: Journal of the National Cancer Institute found a surprising association between shorter telomeres and decreased cancer mortality. The researchers analyzed data from two prospective cohort studies involving over 64,000 individuals and discovered that those with longer telomeres had higher genetic sc...
A new study has discovered that mighty mosasaurs, which could grow up to 50 feet long, likely gave birth to their young in the open ocean, not on or near shore. This groundbreaking finding answers a long-held question about the initial environment of this iconic predator.
Researchers at MIPT have successfully grown fully functional cardiac tissues from cardiomyocytes using a genetically modified spider silk substrate. The study, published in PLOS ONE, demonstrates the potential for regenerative medicine to overcome transplant rejection by finding suitable substrates for cell growth.