Researchers discovered that synonymous mutations in genes can significantly impact an organism's fitness and survival. In a study on the bacterium Methylobacterium extorquens, scientists found that highly beneficial synonymous mutations enabled bacteria to quickly evolve and adapt to their environment under strong selection conditions.
A study presented at the 2016 USCAP Conference found that HER4 expression is associated with chemotherapy resistance and a lower survival rate in ovarian serous cancer patients. The research, led by Moffitt Cancer Center pathologists, suggests that HER4 may be a prognostic and potentially predictive marker for this type of cancer.
Scientists have identified a new gene, GT198, that causes breast cancer and can be used to diagnose the disease early. The gene is normally regulated by estrogen but becomes mutated when it causes rapid growth of cancer cells.
Research by University of York scientists shows how ketamine causes inflammation and cell death in the bladder, leading to cystitis. The studies found that direct contact with urinary ketamine is critical to the toxicity, ruling out systemic factors.
A new meta-analysis supports the link between Omega-3 supplementation and reduced major depressive disorder (MDD) rates. The study found a comparable benefit to antidepressants in patients taking EPA and DHA supplements.
Researchers developed a novel RNA-based hairpin molecule to inhibit microRNA activity in cells and mice. The plasmid-based microRNA inhibitor system effectively knocks down endogenous miRs, revealing roles for miRs in developmental pathways and cellular processes.
Researchers found significant bacterial contamination in buildings with storage tanks and altered plumbing, which can lead to chlorine resistance. To mitigate this risk, precautions should be taken to prevent bacterial introduction into the system.
Researchers analyzed six years of dental claims data to evaluate the longevity of restorations in primary molars. Sealants showed better survival rates when applied to children under three years old, while one-surface composite had similar longevity to one-surface amalgam.
Researchers have developed a unified mathematical framework to design a single global input that synchronizes nonlinear rhythmic units in nature and manmade systems. This breakthrough enables better understanding and control of oscillation in applications such as heart pacemakers, neuronal firings, and circadian timekeeping.
China's sweeping program to restore forests has seen significant gains in tree cover, with nearly 61,000 square miles of land recovering, while 14,400 square miles experienced loss. The recovery is encouraging, but researchers emphasize the need for further research on the broader impacts of forest degradation and recovery worldwide.
A study found that Canadian First Nations children with severe early childhood caries had a distinct oral microbiome, with higher levels of cariogenic microorganisms and population shifts in their oral microbial communities. This may explain the high prevalence of S-ECC in Indigenous children.
A new computer model has been developed to design safer versions of fast ships used in search and rescue operations. The model produces accurate animations and simulations that can show how sea waves affect these craft, highlighting the importance of accurate predictions of pressure forces.
New research from Penn Medicine shows a concerning trend of increasing opioid prescribing after common surgeries, with most patients filling a prescription for an opioid pain medication within seven days. The study's findings highlight the need for better strategies to treat postoperative pain safely and effectively.
Tropical Cyclone Emeraude intensified rapidly after forming on March 15, 2016, with GPM's radar measuring extreme rainfall rates of over 8.2 inches per hour. The storm peaked at 125 knots and then weakened, but is expected to re-intensify as it curves toward the southwest.
Researchers found that consistent treatment of customers and employees amplifies positive impact on firm valuation, while inconsistency weakens it. Companies with narrow business scopes benefit from coordinated activities, as investors can better judge management of key stakeholders.
A study found that ocean acidification worsens during nighttime hours in tide pools along California's rocky coast. The increasing acidity harms calcifying organisms like mussels and oysters by dissolving their calcium carbonate shells and skeletons.
The International Human Frontier Science Program has selected eight researchers to receive Career Development Awards, worth $300,000 over three years. The award supports the launch of their first independent laboratory and enables fellows to return home or move to another HFSP member country.
A recent study by University of California, San Diego School of Medicine reports that educating Community Health Workers (CHWs) and other 'citizen scientists' can boost the integrity of scientific research. The Building Research Integrity and Capacity (BRIC) program uses eight modules to teach research ethics and concepts.
A new study finds that an education strategy called teach-to-goal can effectively educate patients on using their rescue inhalers properly. The researchers found that this approach improved patient mastery of inhaler technique and reduced the need for hospitalization.
The AADR/ADA symposium aims to bridge the gap between research evidence and clinical decision-making. Participants will learn how to quickly access research evidence, interpret its findings, and apply them to patient care.
Research by Uppsala University and colleagues found that small passerine birds have ultra-rapid vision, with some species able to detect changes at rates of up to 146 Hz, outpacing human vision by 50 Hz. This fast vision is thought to be an evolutionary adaptation for detecting moving insects.
A total of 697 applications were received for 75 HFSP postdoctoral fellowships, with 69 Long-Term Fellowships awarded to life scientists extending their expertise into another field and 6 Cross-Disciplinary Fellowships supporting young scientists from non-life science backgrounds
Researchers at Penn Vet have found that retinal cells continue to differentiate and divide before overwhelming cell death causes degeneration, a common feature of inherited blindness diseases. This study suggests that this feature may be present across many forms of inherited blindness.
A study in western Kenya assesses the acceptability of dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DP) as an alternative to sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) for preventing malaria in pregnancy. The trial found promising results but identified challenges related to adherence and confidence in rapid diagnostic tests.
A team of Korean scientists has developed a new framework for understanding acid-base reactions in organic chemistry. The study revealed that hydrogen-bonded clustering plays a critical role in enhancing the reactivity of alcohols and promoting the formation of an effective Brønsted base.
Researchers found a pathway in the brain linked to forgetting, which erases memories. The study suggests a balance between learning and forgetting is necessary for memory formation.
Researchers from the University of Surrey have discovered a new physical mechanism that separates particles according to their size during the drying of wet coatings. This 'self-layering' process creates two layers with independent properties, which could improve the performance of coatings across industries.
The University of California, Riverside, has received a nearly $1.6 million grant from the National Science Foundation to sequence the genome of the cowpea, a legume crop crucial for global food security. The research aims to develop high-yielding and disease-resistant cowpea varieties using genetically informed breeding strategies.
Researchers found that SIX1 plays a more substantial role in human kidney development than previously thought, remaining present beyond the initial branching of the kidney. This discovery may help better understand normal development and pediatric kidney cancer, Wilms' tumor.
Recent studies by UCLA neuroscientists indicate that our brains may be primed for empathy and altruism, with areas like the amygdala and anterior insula linked to experiencing pain and emotion. Temporarily disrupting prefrontal cortex activity can increase generosity, particularly towards those in need.
Studies presented at the Eighth Annual PPSSC Conference showcased advancements in targeting stem cells, adipose-derived stem cell plasticity, and melanoma immunotherapy using genetically engineered iPSCs. These breakthroughs hold promise for developing effective treatments for regenerative medicine and cancer
A study published at UT Southwestern Medical Center identified over 1,000 gene variants linked to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a serious autoimmune disease. The findings support the potential of precision medicine to improve diagnosis and treatment for SLE, which affects nine times more women than men.
A new study has found that gay and lesbian Canadians experience more mood and anxiety disorders than other Canadians, with bisexual Canadians reporting the highest rates. The research is based on data from over 220,000 Canadians who participated in the Canadian Community Health Survey between 2007 and 2012.
A team of Stanford Bio-X scientists developed the first technique for viewing cells and tissues in 3 dimensions under the skin. The MOZART technique allows for real-time imaging of individual cells or molecules in a living animal, enabling doctors to monitor tumors and understand how cells break free from tumors.
A multi-country study by NYU's Steinhardt School suggests that educational practices may spur innovation, rather than just personality and family history. College experiences, including challenging learning environments and relationships with faculty, positively influence innovative entrepreneurial intentions.
A recent study by researchers at Kyushu Dental University found a significant evidence-practice gap for sealant application among Japanese dentists. The findings suggest that dentists' beliefs about the effectiveness of caries risk assessment are strongly associated with their recommendation of dental sealants.
Researchers found that Cirara, an investigational drug, powerfully reduced brain swelling and death in patients who suffered a type of large stroke called malignant infarction. Six months after the stroke, patients who received Cirara had a three-fold reduction in overall mortality and a ten-fold decrease in death from brain swelling.
Researchers found that women who take the birth control pill are less likely to suffer serious knee injuries compared to those who do not use hormonal contraception. Women between 15-19 years old with ACL injuries were 22% less likely to be taking birth control pills.
Researchers identified eight functional variant mutations in the ADCY9 gene associated with non-syndromic oral clefts (nsCL/P) in Puerto Rican children. The study found three rare missense mutations, including rs52791170/K564Q and rs372048350/A811V, which were not previously reported in Puerto Ricans.
Researchers identified O-GlcNAc transferase (OGT) as a key enzyme regulating food intake in mice. Deletion of OGT caused mice to overeat and become obese, suggesting a new treatment target for human obesity.
LGBTQ patients of color face significant health disparities due to intersecting marginalized identities. A new series of articles provides a roadmap for healthcare providers to improve doctor-patient communication and shared decision-making.
A randomized trial reveals that Parent Mentors are significantly more effective than traditional Medicaid/CHIP methods in insuring uninsured minority children. Parent Mentors save $6,045.22 per child and potentially could save the nation $17-$20 billion.
Researchers found that Nheengatú speakers communicate time of day by pointing at the sun's position in the sky, similar to saying 'nine o'clock' in English. This practice shows that users of auditory languages can develop visual language like sign languages.
A new study found that HIV-infected individuals have impaired affinity maturation of memory B cells, resulting in low frequencies of somatic hypermutation and poor HIV-neutralizing capacity. This immune dysfunction contributes to the ineffective antibody response against HIV.
A new study published in Pediatric Obesity found that eating a second breakfast at school is associated with healthier weights and reduced risk of obesity among middle school students. The study, which tracked 584 students over two years, found that students who ate double breakfasts were less likely to be overweight or obese compared ...
A recent study by University of Illinois researchers demonstrates that biodiesel produced from sugarcane can be more economical than soybean-based biodiesel. With sugarcane producing up to 12% oil, it offers a promising solution for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on foreign oil.
Scientists have created a new technology that converts adult tissue-derived stem cells into human neurons on 3-D scaffolds, which were injected into mouse brains with promising results. The goal is to develop a dense circuitry of neurons that can replace diseased cells and improve therapeutic benefits.
Researchers found larger globe pallidus volume in schizophrenia patients and specific leftward asymmetry for the region. Patients also showed smaller hippocampus, amygdala, thalamus, and accumbens volumes compared to healthy controls.
Scientists have successfully formed nanowires using a combination of atomic layer arrangements and real-time monitoring. The breakthrough discovery aims to control the properties of materials, enabling more efficient electronic devices and future generations of transistors.
Researchers uncover a protein receptor that responds to progesterone, triggering a power kick that allows sperm to penetrate an egg. A drug inactivating this receptor may lead to a unisex contraceptive effective for both men and women.
The Saban Research Institute at Children's Hospital Los Angeles has received a $7.1 million grant from the California Institute of Regenerative Medicine to develop an 'off-the-shelf' cellular therapy for enteric neuropathies, which affect the digestive system. The goal is to create nerve cells from human induced pluripotent cells to tr...
Researchers identified uropathogenic E. coli as the E. coli type most strongly linked to pre-term infant mortality from necrotizing enterocolitis. The study suggests that early identification of this bacteria could help physicians make informed care decisions for vulnerable infants.
A new study in mice suggests that a mother's microbiome shapes her offspring's immune system. The research found that maternal antibodies facilitate the transmission and retention of microbial molecules from a mother to her offspring.
Researchers used a mouse model to explore the causes of preeclampsia and found that Cox2 inhibition can improve symptoms by treating embryos before implantation. This approach has potential for preventing preeclampsia-related complications.
Scientists at Umea University have discovered chemical compounds that attenuate Listeria monocytogenes virulence without killing the bacteria, reducing resistance risks. The findings provide a promising platform for developing new antimicrobial strategies against this foodborne pathogen.
Researchers at Monash University found that drones are more precise than traditional ground counts for monitoring seabird colonies. Drones' down-facing perspective reduces the likelihood of missing birds and provides a more accurate count.
A new technique developed by Stanford chemists has shown promise to be thousands of times more sensitive than current techniques in lab experiments. The test uses DNA screening technology and could enable early detection of diseases such as cancer and HIV.
A new report by the Equality and Human Rights Commission reveals hundreds of non-natural deaths in detention, with a lack of specialist mental health services and oversight contributing to the problem. The report calls for improvements in police custody, prisons, and psychiatric hospitals to address these concerns.
A team of international scientists found that feeding biogas reactors at longer intervals produces more biogas, increasing methane and total biogas yields by up to 14% and 18%, respectively. The flexible feeding management approach has no negative effect on the stability of the biogas production process.
Researchers at The University of Nottingham are developing Sodium MRI technology to provide more detailed tissue health and disease information. The technique uses naturally occurring sodium ions, which can offer greater clarity than current hydrogen-based MRI scans.