Researchers at UC Santa Cruz have determined the molecular mechanism involved in light-induced activation of Channelrhodopsin-2, a widely used protein in optogenetics. The discovery provides insights into creating tailor-made proteins optimized for use in optogenetics experiments.
The latest Ebola outbreak is the largest, most sustained, and most widespread to date, with several potential treatments undergoing clinical trials. Dr. Ali Mirazimi notes that emerging infectious diseases will continue to challenge global health.
A meta-analysis found that cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia was associated with reduced insomnia symptoms and sleep disturbances in individuals with coexisting psychiatric and medical conditions. Patients who received cognitive behavioral therapy had twice the percentage of remission from insomnia compared to control groups.
A new smartphone app, Alcohol Tracker, warns users if they exceed recommended daily/weekly alcohol units. The app provides built-in psychological therapies and helpline links to help users manage their drinking.
Researchers found that recent years have seen three of the stormiest seasons on record, with the summer of 2012 being the 'stormiest' since at least 1871. A 142-year climate data study confirms a strong relationship between seasonal precipitation totals and cyclone frequency in the region.
Researchers have created and controlled surface plasmon wakes of light-like waves on a metallic surface, demonstrating a new technology with potential applications in nanotechnology and optics. The discovery uses a faster-than-light running wave of charge along a metamaterial to create and steer the wakes.
Dr. J. Richard Steadman, a renowned US ski team doctor and orthopaedic surgeon, has been inducted into the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine's (AOSSM) Hall of Fame. He is recognized for his contributions to sports medicine, including developing the microfracture technique for treating chondral defects of the knee.
Researchers create large-scale simulation of 275,000 atoms to study iron-nickel alloys' structure changes with temperature. They find that transitions occur in both orderly and disorderly ways, depending on heating or cooling, respectively.
Researchers at the University of Hawai'i Cancer Center found that aspirin can inhibit the growth of mesothelioma by blocking HMGB1. This could lead to improved survival rates for patients with this aggressive cancer, which kills around 3,200 people annually.
Researchers have found a potential treatment option for children with Ewing's sarcoma by combining two active ingredients, Olaparib and Trabectedin, which achieves complete remission in all cases. The combination enhances the sensitivity of cancer cells to these drugs, increasing its effect.
New grant funds development of efficient genomic data compression software to handle large volumes of genomic data, addressing challenges in data storage and transfer. The project aims to identify commonalities in compression strategies across different types of genomic data.
The Bcl-Rambo protein is involved in safely clearing damaged mitochondria from cells, a process called mitophagy. Controlled regulation of this protein may help limit the development of heart failure. Further research is needed to develop methods to control its activity.
Researchers discovered that protein p53 monitors centriole numbers to prevent potentially disastrous cell divisions. Without centrioles, cells are unable to divide due to the presence of p53, which acts as a backup to prevent abnormal cells from forming.
A study found that increased screening mammography was associated with more diagnoses of small breast cancers, but not significant changes in mortality or larger cancer incidence, suggesting overdiagnosis
Researchers have developed a highly sensitive test to detect infectious diseases like hepatitis C and superbugs. The new method can pick up tiny traces of metabolites, proteins or DNA fragments, making it 10,000 times more sensitive than other detection systems.
Scientists at UT Arlington and UNTHSC are building a prototype shunt flow monitoring system that can deliver on-demand and continuous readings of hydrocephalus. This could lead to better treatment, especially in infants and children who account for most shunt operations.
A new study from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory found that autonomous taxis could significantly reduce per-mile greenhouse gas emissions, with savings ranging from 63-82% compared to hybrid vehicles and 90% compared to gasoline-powered cars. The use of right-sizing, where the size of the taxi is tailored to each trip's occupancy...
Scientists at the Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research discovered the fundamental parameters of Mott conduction, a key effect in magnetic memories and technologies. They found that traditional measurements underestimated the spin-asymmetry in electron scattering, which is responsible for magnetic sensor operation.
A new USC-led study found that heart disease is the main reason for the disparity in life expectancies between men and women, with female death rates decreasing 70% faster than male death rates after 1880. The study suggests that biological differences may be at play, with potential factors including diet, exercise, and genetics.
The American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM) presents ten research awards and seven grants to recognize outstanding research initiatives. This year's award recipients include Thomas Kremen, Clare L. Ardern, Blaine A. Christiansen, Alexander Scott, and several others for their innovative projects on stem cell use, osteoa...
A Temple-led research team has discovered that bacterial biofilms found in the gut can provoke the onset of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in lupus-prone mice. The researchers found that curli amyloid and DNA complexes in biofilms lead to inflammation, self-attacking antibodies, and autoimmune disease symptoms.
Researchers found that electron-phonon interaction is suppressed in 2D materials due to dimensional effects, leading to increased conduction. The discovery has potential applications in the creation of future flat and flexible electronic devices.
A new Northwestern Medicine research center will investigate the potential heart damage caused by excess dietary phosphate, particularly in African Americans. The goal is to find new ways to prevent and treat heart failure and build evidence for regulating phosphate in the food supply.
Researchers found that dental pulp stem cells can regenerate myelinated axons in laboratory rats with sciatic nerve defects, outperforming autologous nerve grafts. The study suggests that MDPSCs contribute to peripheral nerve regeneration through the secretion of neurotrophic and angiogenic factors.
Gerhard M. Sessler, a renowned expert in acoustics, received the 2015 Gold Medal of the Acoustical Society of America for his groundbreaking work on electret and silicon-based microphones. His inventions have led to the development of highly sensitive and cost-effective microphones that dominate global production.
Researchers at UNC School of Medicine have discovered two biomarkers - oxidized LDL cholesterol and fructosamine - that are strongly correlated with the development of severe coronary disease in females. Elevated levels of these biomarkers were found to be a strong predictor of severe heart disease, particularly in women.
Researchers discovered a new category of tRNA fragments that depend on individual characteristics, including race, gender, and population. The analysis also found that tRNA fragments have regulatory roles in cellular processes and differ between tissues, disease subtypes, and individuals.
A review of 34 countries' policies on children's exposure to radio frequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) from technology found varying degrees of advice. Dr. Mary Redmayne recommends minimizing exposure by turning off devices at night, using flight mode, and storing them 20cm away from the body.
A study of nearly 18,000 women in the UK, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand found that 20-80% drank during pregnancy, with higher rates among smokers. The prevalence of binge drinking was also common, particularly before pregnancy. Factors associated with lower risk included age, ethnicity, education level, and body weight.
Tropical Storm Linfa weakened due to wind shear after moving over land, with a elongated shape and deep convection in the southwest quadrant. The storm is forecast to strengthen before dissipating in the Taiwan Strait on July 10.
Researchers found that very small brain lesions noted on imaging are associated with a heightened risk of stroke and death. The discovery may help physicians identify people at risk for stroke before they have symptoms, even in middle age.
Researchers found large-amplitude slow-delta waves in patients receiving nitrous oxide, twice as powerful as those seen in deep sleep. The discovery could lead to better anesthetic dosing decisions and alleviate concerns about awareness under anesthesia.
A new study proposes a novel nanotechnology-based strategy to enhance water diffusion through sanitation filters using phonon oscillations, resulting in three times the efficiency of water transport. Crowdsourced computing played a crucial role in this project, with over 150,000 volunteers contributing their computing power.
Changes in key biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease during midlife may help identify those who will develop dementia years later. The study found that drops in amyloid beta 42 levels among cognitively normal participants are linked to the appearance of plaques in brain scans years later.
A study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that even very small brain lesions (less than 3 mm) detected by MRI triples the risk for stroke and death in asymptomatic patients. Having both small and larger lesions increases the risk to eight-fold, highlighting the importance of considering all lesion sizes in clinical practice.
Results from the EORTC trial 62072 show pazopanib improves progression-free survival in soft tissue sarcoma patients without affecting their health-related quality of life. The study provides valuable data on treatment outcomes and cost effectiveness for this patient population.
Research shows older patients with spinal cord injuries have more severe lag times between injury and surgery, with a significant delay in treating those over 70 years old compared to younger patients. This can lead to less severe injuries and better outcomes for these patients.
Researchers have discovered a stress pathway in immune cells that play a role in certain forms of asthma. The IRE1α/XBP1 pathway helps eosinophils, a type of immune cell implicated in asthma, develop and survive. This finding suggests a potential new therapeutic target for treating asthma.
A new study published in PNAS found that anxious parents are more likely to have anxious offspring, and that an over-active brain circuit may set the stage for developing anxiety and depressive disorders. The research identified three brain regions responsible for passing anxiety from generation to generation.
A survey of physicians and advanced practice clinicians found that many report working while sick due to fear of letting colleagues down and staffing concerns. The study highlights the complex social and logistic factors driving this behavior and emphasizes the need for systems support to prioritize patient safety.
Researchers discovered that Schwann cells digest damaged myelin internally through autophagy, clearing 40-50% of the myelin within 5-7 days. This mechanism enables significant nerve repair in the peripheral nervous system, contrasting with the CNS where oligodendrocytes fail to clear myelin.
A UCLA review of common practices in prostate cancer has found that monitoring men with very low- and low-risk prostate cancers using watchful waiting or active surveillance is an effective approach for many patients. This approach could spare them the debilitating side effects of aggressive treatments, which are often used unnecessari...
A retrospective study found that women with epilepsy have an increased risk of maternal death and adverse outcomes during delivery. The authors identified 80 deaths per 100,000 pregnancies among women with epilepsy, compared to 6 deaths per 100,000 pregnancies without epilepsy.
A natural-color satellite image taken on July 05, 2015, shows the impact of Canadian wildfires on the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup Finals in Vancouver. The smoke from three wildfires in the Boulder Creek Wildfire complex grew rapidly, blanketing the stadium and surrounding areas.
Johns Hopkins scientists discovered that blocking calcium from entering mitochondria in heart cells didn't prevent cell death after heart attacks, but rather activated alternative pathways. The study's findings challenge the long-standing theory of using calcium channel blockage to prevent heart attack damage.
CAM research provides a roadmap for increasing agricultural production by developing water-efficient crops and improving existing non-CAM crops. The emerging discipline has tremendous potential for applications, attracting growing interest from academia and industry.
Research in Japan reveals worsening cardiovascular risk factors, including hypertension and high cholesterol, despite global declines in the US. Improved data collection and clinical trials are crucial to developing new treatments and improving patient outcomes worldwide.
Researchers developed a non-invasive technique using Raman spectroscopy to detect various forms of skin cancer. Malignant melanoma can be detected with an accuracy of 91%, while non-melanoma skin cancers are accurately identified between 73% and 85%.
Scientists discover that Methotrexate, commonly used for arthritis, can also treat myeloproliferative neoplasms with fewer side effects and lower costs. This repurposed treatment could revolutionize the care of patients worldwide.
A new DNA sequencing method allows for efficient tracking of wild bee populations, enabling conservationists to detect decline trends and test remedies. The 'bee soup' technique can quickly identify species diversity and abundance in a single sample, saving time and money compared to traditional methods.
Researchers sequenced the genomes of two extinct woolly mammoths and three modern Asian elephants, identifying genetic variants associated with traits such as hair development, fat storage, and temperature sensation. The study found that these changes likely enabled the mammoths to adapt to harsh Arctic environments.
Astronomers detected high-energy x-rays from five previously clouded supermassive black holes, supporting the theory of millions more existing but hidden from view. The research uses NuSTAR to study nine candidate black holes, confirming five were obscured by dust and gas.
A major independent evaluation is being carried out by a national panel of researchers to assess the UK's medical revalidation process. Almost 160,000 licensed doctors will participate in the survey, which aims to identify areas for improvement and inform the General Medical Council's efforts to enhance patient care.
A team led by Professor Jozef Gecz has identified a gene mutation responsible for female-only epilepsy and found a treatment using synthetic allopregnanolone, promising to delay seizure onset and reduce autism and intellectual disability effects.
Patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) and quadruple wild-type genes showed significant benefit from continuing anti-EGFR therapy beyond progression. Second-line cetuximab plus FOLFOX chemotherapy improved progression-free survival, response rate, and overall survival in patients without genetic mutations.
Researchers found that mice exposed to cat urine early in life can't avoid it later due to positive reinforcement and hormone changes. The molecule L-Felinine is responsible for this effect, blocking pregnancy and reducing litter size.
Scientists from TU Wien and Free University of Berlin developed a quantum tomography method to measure and describe large quantum systems precisely with few measurements. This technique uses continuous matrix product states, which represent a vanishingly small fraction of all possible states but are physically important.
Researchers explore nanocarriers and microbubbles for efficient thrombus treatment, addressing limitations of existing drugs. The review highlights potential solutions for improving outcomes in ischemic heart disease and stroke, where millions die annually.
A new study from Washington State University suggests that REM sleep plays a crucial role in converting waking experiences into lasting memories and abilities in young brains. The study found that brain circuits change in the visual cortex during exploration, but REM sleep is required to make those changes "stick".
Researchers have visualized the oldest known Old World monkey skull, revealing a tiny but remarkably wrinkled brain. The ancient creature's brain supports the idea that brain complexity can evolve before brain size in primates, contradicting conventional wisdom.