Researchers have discovered a new function for the retinoblastoma gene, which plays a central role in stopping healthy cells from dividing uncontrollably. The gene also helps to mend broken strands of DNA by forming clusters with other proteins, opening up new approaches to cancer treatment.
A new study by UCLA psychologists found that almost none of their subjects could accurately draw the Apple logo from memory. Only one student correctly reproduced the logo on a blank sheet of paper.
The expansion of no-take marine reserves in Australia's Great Barrier Reef Marine Park has led to an increase in fish numbers and sizes, particularly coral trout. However, researchers emphasize that no-take reserves alone are not enough to protect the reef from other threats such as pollution, sedimentation, and climate change.
Researchers tracked protein coats on sleeping sickness parasite, finding up to 80 distinct disguises present at any time. This challenges conventional understanding of antigenic variation and its role in parasite survival.
Two new studies at Hospital for Special Surgery found that bariatric surgery prior to joint replacement significantly improves outcomes in obese patients. The research shows that weight-loss surgery can reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers, while also decreasing costs and complications associated with hip or ...
A new study mapped the spread of rabies in the Middle East, showing regular movement between countries and emphasizing the need for global collaboration to control the disease. International cooperation is crucial to increase awareness and implement effective control policies among key decision makers.
The chikungunya virus is predicted to soon spread to the US, causing a painful and potentially debilitating disease. Researchers are working on understanding how the virus enters the human body and developing vaccines, but progress is hindered by challenges in clinical trials.
The 2015 HFSP Fellowships support young scientists in life sciences research, with a focus on interdisciplinary collaboration. The fellowships are worth $180,000 over three years and offer a built-in return component, allowing fellows to set up their own independent laboratory.
A new human respiratory tissue model, MucilAir, has been shown to maintain normal biochemical processes for at least six months. The model is suitable for testing the impact of repeated exposures over a prolonged period, making it a valuable tool for assessing the toxicological effects of inhaled chemicals and safety of medicines.
Researchers discovered that honey bees use distinct mechanisms to fight off viruses, bacteria, and gut parasites, including the RNAi pathway and DNA methylation. The findings may help develop targeted treatments for honey bee colonies affected by specific infections.
Researchers at MIT suggest that consumers use a simple index strategy to make decisions, ranking products based on factors like price and quality. This approach is more efficient than complex models, requiring less cognitive effort and time.
Researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine developed a nanoparticle therapy that reduces fidgetin-like 2 enzyme levels to promote wound healing. The treatment accelerated healing in mice with skin excisions or burns by over twice as much as untreated controls, showing promise for faster recovery from various types of wounds.
Women with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are at a higher risk of developing cervical dysplasia and cancer, according to a new study. Researchers found that patients with Crohn's disease had a significantly higher risk of cervical neoplasia, especially those diagnosed at a young age or treated with certain medications.
A massive spring plankton bloom in the North Atlantic Ocean is transported downward by ocean eddies, releasing oxygen and absorbing carbon dioxide. This 'biological pump' helps the oceans absorb CO2 from the atmosphere, mitigating climate change.
The Human Frontier Science Program awarded $35 million in research grants to 31 teams, with a focus on intercontinental collaborations and cutting-edge life sciences projects. Younger scientists are encouraged to participate, with an average age of 36 for Young Investigator Grant awardees.
A recent study reveals nearly double growth in middle-aged hip replacements between 2002-2011, primarily due to population expansion. This trend poses significant challenges for healthcare costs, access, and future revisions.
A recent study by Professor Cathy Spatz Widom found that offspring of parents with histories of child abuse and neglect are more likely to experience childhood neglect and sexual abuse, but not physical abuse. The study also revealed a shift in societal attitudes toward physical abuse may be contributing to the decline in reports of th...
The new sensor system detects anomalies in machinery behavior and provides early warnings of potential failures. By analyzing data from multiple sensors, the system can predict when parts need to be replaced or repairs can be postponed, reducing downtime and costs.
Researchers discovered a rare genetic mutation that prevents certain children from producing a protein necessary to fight off the flu. This mutation can lead to life-threatening symptoms and has been found in only one case, but clinicians now have a potential treatment option for children with severe flu cases.
Researchers at University College London used the thermal grill illusion to study pain perception. They found that crossing fingers can change what you feel on a single finger by manipulating the spatial arrangement of nerve pathways.
Two experimental Ebola vaccines have proven safe in a phase 2 clinical trial involving over 600 participants in Liberia. The trial may now advance to Phase 3 testing if the results are confirmed, with the ultimate goal of determining whether these vaccines can protect against Ebola virus disease.
Researchers at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center found that the size and patterning accuracy of an embryo depend on the amount of reproductive resources invested in by mothers before eggs leave the ovary. The study used fruit flies to develop a mathematical model, TEMS, which links core pieces of the developmental picture. ...
Researchers expose high-temperature superconductors to record-breaking magnetic fields, revealing unique properties and interactions between electrons. The study paves the way for a new theory of superconductivity, aiming to create room-temperature superconductors without cooling requirements.
A study by the University of Adelaide reveals that black bream in the Coorong estuary employ a 'bet-hedging' strategy to survive, migrating between locations based on water and food availability. This adaptation helps the species resist climate change and human impacts.
A new study from the University of Waterloo found that almost one in four high school seniors try smoking hookah, with over 78,200 youth current water pipe users. The study warns that water pipes carry similar toxins as cigarettes and can lead to increased cancer risk.
Scientists have discovered a new role for voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs) in neurons, which play a critical role in cellular 'garbage disposal' processes. VGCCs are found not only on the synaptic membrane but also in lysosomes, where they facilitate lysosomal fusion and autophagy.
Researchers at Brown University have developed a method to create pure, p-type semiconductors from silicon telluride, which could be used in various electronic and optical devices. The materials can take up lithium and magnesium, making them suitable for battery electrodes.
Flocking behavior of European starlings is studied in a computational model called Star Display. Researchers found that agitation waves form when individuals repeat the fear reaction or escape maneuver of a close neighbor.
Ecosystems subjected to disturbances like fires or insect outbreaks are more sensitive to climate change, research finds. The study suggests that reducing disturbance intensity and frequency can help make ecosystems less vulnerable to climatic change.
The presentation highlights how women are being portrayed as equals to men in superhero fiction, with characters like Juliette and Agent May exhibiting intelligence, strength, and practicality. This trend is long overdue, recognizing a loyal female comic book fan base that seeks to see women treated as heroes too.
Researchers found that nasal drops of harmless bacteria can inhibit the spread of meningococcal disease-causing bacteria. The study suggests a possible new approach for preventing outbreaks using a related but harmless type of bacteria, which appeared to prevent the disease-causing pathogen from colonizing the upper airway.
A recent study compares the carbon footprints of Mediterranean diets in Spain to those eaten in English-speaking countries like the US and UK. The results show that Spanish diets have a significantly lower carbon footprint, mainly due to less beef consumption and more vegetable and fruit intake.
A new study from Forsyth Institute reveals that proton pump inhibitor-based antacids reduce stomach acidity, disrupting calcium absorption and increasing the risk of bone fractures. The research provides a best explanation for the side effect of these medications, which are used by 100 million Americans.
A team of astronomers using ESO's Very Large Telescope has observed a dusty cloud, known as G2, passing close to the supermassive black hole at the galactic center. The observations confirm that the cloud survived its closest approach and is likely a compact object surrounding a dense core.
A recent NIH-funded study found that HIV can genetically evolve and replicate in the brain within four months of infection, with signs of inflammation or viral replication present in up to 30% of infected patients. The study suggests that early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent potential brain damage.
Researchers at TUM have developed a new approach to joining modular 3D building units using shape complementarity, enabling practical nanomachines with moving parts. This breakthrough offers a toolkit for easy programming of self-assembly, paving the way for applications in DNA origami.
A new Ebola vaccine has been shown to be highly effective and safe in monkeys, using an experimental platform that primes the immune system with the full complement of viral proteins. The vaccine was developed by researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and may offer a promising alternative to existing vaccines.
Dr. Elizabeth Jaffee receives the AACR-Joseph H. Burchenal Award for her pioneering contributions to immunotherapies for breast and pancreatic cancers, leading to improved treatments and patient outcomes. Her work also focuses on establishing biomarkers of tumor microenvironment reprogramming.
A new study reveals that the thickness of Antarctica's floating ice shelves has decreased by as much as 18 percent in certain areas over nearly two decades. The accelerated losses are attributed to climate change, with some ice shelves losing up to half their volume within the next 200 years.
A recent IU study found that gender stereotypes about women's ability in mathematics negatively impact their performance. However, surprisingly, both men and women incorrectly believe these stereotypes will motivate women to perform better. The research highlights the importance of recognizing and addressing these misperceptions to red...
Recent discoveries in inflammation, tissue engineering for cartilage repair, adolescent idiopathic scoliosis diagnosis and treatment, and osteochondral allograft transplantation are recognized. Awards honor scientists conducting outstanding clinical research to advance patient treatment.
Mutations in calcium channel genes disrupt autophagy in neurons, leading to neurodegeneration. Calcium channels play a key role in regulating autophagic vesicle fusion with lysosomes, maintaining neuronal homeostasis.
Researchers at the University of East Anglia have discovered five strains of yeast capable of breaking down agricultural by-products into bioethanol. This breakthrough could lead to the production of over 400 billion litres of bioethanol annually from crop waste, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
The National Cancer Institute has renewed its grant to Norris Cotton Cancer Center, solidifying its status as a Comprehensive Cancer Center. The center offers top-notch patient care, cutting-edge research, and innovative treatments.
A new study found that black and Hispanic patients were 62% and 50% more likely to be readmitted within 30 days after TJR surgery compared to white patients. Longer hospital stays and comorbidities increased the risk of readmission.
Researchers identified HIV replication in the brain as early as four months post-infection, with 20% of participants exhibiting central nervous system (CNS) replication. This finding highlights the importance of routine HIV testing and prompt initiation of antiretroviral therapy to prevent neurocognitive impairment.
Dr. Sara A. Courtneidge is being recognized by the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) for her groundbreaking research on Src-family kinases and their role in cancer development. Her work has also focused on promoting women in science, leadership, and mentorship.
Researchers have developed a novel plastic that can produce electricity when pulled or pressed, opening up new possibilities for green energy harvesting. The material, called PVDF, has been enhanced with carbon nanostructures to increase its piezoelectric performance, allowing it to contract and relax in response to an electric current.
Researchers at the Universities of Cambridge and Tübingen have found that the main increase in body size occurred tens of thousands of years after Homo erectus left Africa, primarily in the Koobi Fora region of Kenya. This study suggests that human body size diversity arose much earlier than previously thought.
Researchers have found a correlation between metabolic imbalance and increased risk of respiratory diseases in early childhood. Elevated concentrations of specific sugars, such as hexoses, were associated with elevated inflammatory immune parameters.
The Canadian Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Scholarships aim to develop a global wellbeing index, similar to the Canadian Index of Wellbeing. Researchers will work with students from low- and middle-income countries to create indicators for measuring wellbeing in these regions.
A UCI team led by Leslie Thompson will establish an HD therapy employing human embryonic stem cells that can be evaluated in clinical trials. The researchers have identified a highly promising neural stem cell line showing disease-modifying activity in HD mice, and will conduct preclinical efficacy and safety studies.
Researchers at UC San Diego have developed a new family of time-resolved numerical simulation methods that significantly increase the speed of complex fluid and plasma simulations. The breakthrough reduces memory usage, allowing for larger simulations to be considered.
A study published in Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science reveals that cells multiplying on the eye's lens surface push neighboring cells towards the equator, mirroring a carnival game's coin movement. This insight may help scientists understand how the eye maintains its shape and develop cataracts.
Researchers at Elhuyar Fundazioa have developed new photonic systems for optical fiber sensing applications, enabling remote monitoring of sensors up to 253 kilometers away. The systems use compact, electrically passive sensors that can be embedded in the fiber and are immune to electromagnetic fields.
A new study reveals that the 2011 Japan earthquake triggered a significant release of climate-warming gases, including CFC-11 and HCFC-22, contributing to global warming. The study found that emissions increased by 21-91% over typical levels, equivalent to about 10% of Japanese vehicle emissions in 2011.
The UChicago Materials Research Center has received a six-year, $20.6 million grant from the NSF to investigate materials formed far from equilibrium and explore new paradigms for material fabrication and response. The center will support three IRGs addressing fundamental issues in soft materials, active materials, and quantum materials.
A study led by the University of Pennsylvania found that roseroot extract may be an effective treatment for mild to moderate major depressive disorder, with fewer side effects than conventional antidepressants. The herbal remedy showed a more favorable risk-to-benefit ratio, suggesting its potential as an alternative therapy option.
Researchers found that bats follow a set of internal 'traffic rules' while foraging, including chasing and avoiding collisions. By copying nearby individuals' flight directions within a short time frame, bats can efficiently navigate their surroundings.
A study published in JAMA Oncology found that high fitness levels in midlife were associated with a lower risk of lung and colorectal cancer. High fitness also reduced the risk of death from these cancers, as well as cardiovascular disease death among men diagnosed with cancer.