A new study by Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center researchers found that immunotherapy can boost survival from pancreatic cancer by more than 75% in mice, even without chemotherapy or radiation. The therapy targets mesothelin, a protein overproduced by virtually all pancreatic tumors.
Genomic data sharing networks pose a risk to individual privacy if accessed by the wrong hands. Stanford researchers demonstrate a technique to prevent hacking and protect donors' identities.
Scientists at the University of Adelaide have identified a key protein, CCR2, involved in a 'super-inflammatory' immune response driving multiple sclerosis (MS) and autoimmune diseases. Blocking this receptor may help control MS progression.
Fossils of ancient sharks estimated to be between 18 and 26 feet in length, with the largest specimen being 25% bigger than today's largest predatory shark. The discovery pushes back the fossil record of giant sharks by 170 million years.
A new study combines data from various sources to create more accurate flu forecasts. The ensemble models outperform traditional methods, including Google Flu Trends, and provide near-perfect correlation with CDC reports. Researchers hope to expand the model's capabilities to track other diseases.
A new study from TSRI found that high levels of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) encourage blood vessel growth in early tumor development, facilitating cancer cell dissemination and metastasis. The findings highlight the urgent need for new methods to diagnose cancers early and new treatments to fight growing metastases.
Researchers have discovered that ancient elasmosaurs, such as Aristonectes and Morturneria, used a comb-like structure in their jaws to strain out food particles from the water. This unique feeding style is similar to that of modern baleen whales and allows for efficient collection of food particles.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have developed a technique to produce 3D-printed hair-like strands, fibers, and bristles using a common low-cost printer. The process involves applying molten plastic and then moving the print head sideways to create tapered strands.
A $250,000 grant from the National Institute on Aging will help researchers at UTA and Ohio State University study the molecular mechanisms of muscle aging. The study aims to discover new ways to keep muscle function optimal during aging, potentially leading to treatments for age-related muscle loss.
Researchers at Osaka University have discovered a new role for p62 in the immune response to Toxoplasma gondii, paving the way for the development of an inactivated vaccine. The study found that p62 plays a crucial role in activating killer T cells in infected cells stimulated by interferon-γ.
A new study on the fossil bone growth of Ophiacodon, a distant relative of mammals, reveals that it was at least partly 'warm-blooded', challenging the long-held theory of its origin. The findings suggest that mammalian endothermy evolved earlier than previously thought, dating back to the late Carboniferous period.
Research suggests that gut bacteria can ferment dietary fiber, producing short-chain fatty acids that contribute to liver lipids and potentially lead to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. In individuals with compromised TLR5 function, overconsumption of fiber may exacerbate this process.
A comprehensive review of 135,000 pregnancies found that two most commonly prescribed macrolides have no adverse effects on child's physical development. The study used data from Quebec Pregnancy Cohort and failed to find any meaningful association between macrolide use and major congenital malformations.
Scientists developed a model that estimates the thickness of Earth's 'critical zone' given topography, gravity, and plate tectonics. The results show that bedrock weathering varies with tectonic compression, influencing the diversity of terrestrial life.
Researchers at UTMB created a novel, Eilat virus-based diagnostic test that can diagnose chikungunya in under two hours and is more affordable than existing tests. The test uses the structural proteins of the Eilat virus to mimic the chikungunya virus without replicating in humans.
A recent UTMB study found that severely obese pregnant women who maintained or lost weight during pregnancy had lower healthcare costs and healthier infant outcomes. The study compared 82 obese mothers with 85 healthy-weight mothers, finding that infants of obese mothers who lost weight were less likely to experience complications.
Researchers have run the largest cosmological simulation to date, modeling the universe's evolution from 50 million years after the Big Bang to the present day. The Q Continuum simulation provides new insights into dark energy and galaxy formation, with data analysis ongoing for several years.
Researchers found that statins may hinder immune response to flu vaccine and lower vaccine effectiveness in older adults, suggesting potential implications for flu vaccine recommendations and guidelines. The studies analyzed data from nearly 7,000 adults over 65 in four countries, including the US.
A new study by AAAS finds that warming waters in the Gulf of Maine have contributed to the decline of New England cod stocks, despite strict quotas. The researchers used sea surface temperature data to show how ocean warming reduced cod production and led to overfishing.
Refined estimates suggest nearly three million AIDS deaths by 2010, highlighting the need for accurate reporting to monitor HIV control efforts. The study found that 93% of AIDS deaths were misattributed to other causes, hindering progress in South Africa.
A study published in JAMA Oncology found that superlatives like 'breakthrough' and 'miracle' were used to describe unapproved cancer drugs, often without clinical data. Targeted therapy was the most commonly referenced class of drugs, with immunologic checkpoint inhibitors also being frequently described as 'game-changers'.
A new study reveals that warming waters in the Gulf of Maine are a major factor in the collapse of New England cod stocks, hovering at 3-4% of sustainable levels. The research suggests that increased water temperatures reduce the number of new cod produced and lead to fewer young fish surviving to adulthood.
Tropical Cyclone Chapala strengthened into a hurricane on October 29 after developing an eye feature, with maximum sustained winds reaching 65 knots (75 mph). The storm is expected to intensify and make landfall in northeast Yemen on November 2 as it passes Socotra island.
The new approach uses a single chemical compound that makes cancer cells glow when exposed to near-infrared light, allowing for more effective removal of tumors. In laboratory tests, tumors were completely eradicated without side effects, and the treatment showed promise in targeting specific cancers.
Rates of kidney failure caused by multiple myeloma have declined over the past decade, with a 20% reduction from 2001-2002 to 2009-2010. ESRD patients with multiple myeloma are also living longer and experiencing a decline in mortality within 3 years after initiating dialysis.
Researchers at Ohio State University have developed a new welding technique that produces 50% stronger bonds while consuming 80% less energy. The process uses high-voltage pulses to vaporize metal foils and directly bond atoms, creating seamless welds without weakened seams.
Researchers have developed a novel cell transplantation delivery method using magnetic fields to guide human neural progenitor cells to injured brain areas. The iron-oxide nanoparticles help retain transplanted cells at the injury site, enhancing their viability and differentiation.
Researchers have discovered a genomic molecular fingerprint, signature 3, that highlights certain gastric cancers susceptible to treatment with platinum drugs or PARP inhibitor drugs. This biomarker could guide targeted therapy for breast, ovarian and pancreatic cancers as well.
A study by U of T Scarborough and Rotman School of Management found that a high-performing founder can drive a spin-out's success with an experienced team, boosting the firm's ability to start quickly and operate smoothly.
Researchers found that worker wasps in colonies with more full siblings are more likely to kill their queens, allowing them to lay male eggs and outcompete the queen for reproduction. This behavior is driven by kin selection theory, which predicts that workers favor close relatives over distant ones.
Saint Louis University's Vaccine and Treatment Evaluation Unit will study the safety and effectiveness of vaccines using omics technologies, including transcriptomics, proteomics, lipidomics, and metabolomics. The research aims to understand the immune system's response to infectious diseases.
A large-scale study found that women who gave birth at a younger or older age, breastfed, or used oral contraceptives had a reduced risk of death. The researchers suggest hormonal mechanisms may explain these associations, and further studies are needed to confirm the findings.
A study published in Molecular Cell reveals that cells have adaptive mechanisms to maintain perfect timing despite varying starting conditions. This finding has significant implications for understanding how cells avoid errors that promote cancer development and can inform the creation of robust mechanisms for synthetic life.
Regular physical activity can help women at high risk of breast cancer delay drastic measures by reducing estrogen-sensitive breast tissue. Women who engage in 30-60 minutes of aerobic exercise per day for five days a week may experience a 10% drop in estrogen-sensitive breast tissue over 100 minutes of exercise.
A new report by Daniel Herbst and Alexandre Mas found that lab-based estimates of the spillover effect, how one worker's productivity impacts another's, are similar to field results. The study analyzed more than 30 lab and field studies across various occupations and continents, suggesting that insights from lab experiments can be gene...
Researchers have discovered a long-acting enzyme that rapidly and safely metabolizes cocaine, potentially providing a treatment option for cocaine overdose. The enzyme, E12-7Fc-M3, has been shown to eliminate cocaine from the bloodstream for extended periods of time.
The new catalyst developed by researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory features unprecedented selectivity and a conversion rate nearly twice that of conventional catalysts. This breakthrough enables the selective oxidation of cyclohexane to produce nylon precursor with increased efficiency.
Researchers at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center used computer-based modeling to improve outcomes for infants born in drug withdrawal. The study reduced methadone treatment duration from 16.4 to 14.1 days and inpatient treatment from 21.7 to 18.3 days.
A team of researchers mapped a universal dynamic that explains protein production and distribution, with implications for understanding phenotypic variability. The findings suggest a fundamental role for cellular feedback mechanisms in regulating protein levels.
Paleontologists discover two new transitional species of duckbilled dinosaurs with intermediate characteristics, suggesting a shift in growth patterns and development over time. The findings provide insights into the evolution of hadrosaurid dinosaurs, highlighting the importance of heterochrony in understanding evolutionary processes.
A new study reveals that vulnerable countries are largely disconnected from scientific knowledge on climate change, hindering their policymaking. The study calls for initiatives across private and governmental organizations, researchers, and individuals to bridge the knowledge gap and promote cross-national collaborations.
Baruch Fischhoff reviews four types of analysis to guide policymakers' decisions: estimating risks, deciding on worst-case scenarios, achieving maximum benefits with minimal risk, and weighing risks and benefits. He proposes making the analysis process more transparent and relevant to increase trust.
A team of researchers at Clemson University is working on simplifying collaboration and improving efficiency in the handling of large data sets, also known as Big Data. They are studying ways to bridge the gap between technology experts and scientists, enabling better communication and workflow optimization.
Researchers discover a protein called Casein Kinase 2 that prevents white fat from burning energy in cold conditions. Inhibiting this molecule boosts metabolism and reduces weight gain in mice fed high-fat diets.
Research on biodegradable nanomedicine shows promise in selectively destroying ovarian cancer cells left behind after surgery. The technology uses nanoparticles to provide real-time imaging and phototherapy treatment during surgery, achieving complete tumor eradication in mice with no adverse effects.
Researchers at the University of Chicago and University of Wisconsin developed a new method to split water into hydrogen and oxygen efficiently using solar energy. By incorporating nitrogen into an electrode made of bismuth vanadate, they increased photon absorption and electron transport, leading to higher fuel efficiency.
The 2015 Antarctic ozone hole was the fourth largest on record, peaking at 28.2 million square kilometers, and formed later than usual due to unusually cold temperatures and weak dynamics in the stratosphere. The large size of this year's ozone hole will likely result in increases of harmful ultraviolet rays at Earth's surface.
Researchers have discovered that cytomegalovirus activates the immune system to continually feed sentinel cells into mucous membranes, offering better and more immediate protection. This finding suggests a strong candidate for vaccines against various pathogens, including HIV and tuberculosis.
Researchers have identified a new cancer-predisposing gene, SEC23B, associated with thyroid cancer and Cowden syndrome. This gene is involved in protein transport within cells and has been found to promote aggressive growth of thyroid cells.
Paleontologist Matthew McLain discovered a tyrannosaur bone with teeth marks indicating it was gnawed by another tyrannosaur. The grooves found on the bone suggest that the eating occurred after the animal had died, adding to evidence of cannibalism among tyrannosaurs.
Researchers at Northeastern University have cracked the code of Uber's surge pricing algorithm, finding that prices can vary wildly based on location and demand. The team has developed a detailed map of surge areas, revealing that some areas offer significant discounts by walking or waiting five minutes.
Scientists have discovered a new function of the nuclear membrane: repairing catastrophically broken DNA strands. The membrane fixes heterochromatin breaks, preventing chromosome aberrations and potentially fatal cancer formation. This study may reveal how organisms become more predisposed to cancer as they age.
Researchers have developed a new lithium-air battery that utilizes unique materials to overcome common issues with efficiency and water tolerance. The battery's design features a lithium metal negative electrode, non-aqueous electrolyte, and positive electrode that work together to improve overall performance.
Researchers at Harvard Medical School have found that some human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells) are genetically identical to human embryonic stem cells (ES cells), suggesting they may be used interchangeably.
The upgraded McMurdo TDRSS Relay System (MTRS) is transmitting terabytes of data at 200 megabits per second, enabling the production of global maps and enhancing natural hazard monitoring. The system's performance has improved data flow and will eventually support other polar-orbiting spacecraft.
Researchers used Google Street View images to assess damage to buildings after a major natural disaster. The study found that online images could be used to identify material and form of structures that remained standing, providing valuable information for future design guidelines.
Researchers analyzed blood samples of chickens from the same generation to reconstruct how mitochondrial DNA passed from mothers to daughters. The study found that evolution occurs much faster than previously believed, with a rate of change in mitochondrial genomes estimated at around 2 percent per million years.
A study by NIH researchers found that a specific variation in the BDNF gene may contribute to obesity, particularly in African Americans and Hispanics. The study suggests that boosting BDNF protein levels could offer a therapeutic strategy for those with the genetic variation.
Researchers have developed an online database called Hair-GEL that provides a bird's eye view of hair follicle formation. By analyzing the genetic activity of skin cells during fetal development, scientists can gain insights into how stem cells and niche cells interact to form functional hair follicles.
Researchers developed a mathematical model to estimate stress in bedrock, enabling predictions of fracture locations and landslides. The study reveals topography above ground influences weathering below the surface, improving understanding of geological processes.