The National Institutes of Health has launched the Centers for Common Disease Genomics (CCDG) to explore the genomic contributions to common diseases such as heart disease and diabetes. The program will sequence tens of thousands of genomes from individuals with these diseases, aiming to identify genes and genomic variants underlying d...
Researchers have designed controlled release microspheres to reduce the number of doses needed for patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension. The innovative treatment provides a convenient alternative to current therapies, which require frequent inhalation.
A recent study by the University of Missouri School of Medicine found that its Community Integration Program enhances training and may increase interest in rural practice for graduating medical students. The program encourages third-year students to identify a health need in a community and implement a project to meet it, leading to in...
Researchers at the University of Delaware have developed a low-cost nickel-based catalyst that can power fuel cells with unprecedented efficiency. This breakthrough could make hydrogen fuel cell cars truly affordable, potentially priced around $23,000 for a Toyota Mirai.
The DESTCloud platform validates disaster tolerance and fault tolerance of wide-area distribution systems in a virtualized environment. It enables training for complex disasters and interference, allowing for preemptive evaluation of system performance during large-scale disasters.
Dr. David Simmons aims to develop a predictive understanding of the glass transition in strongly interacting polymers, which could lead to breakthroughs in materials science and technology. His research has the potential to improve human health, energy efficiency, and electronics.
Researchers at TSRI have devised a new method for building potential drug molecules and organic compounds more efficiently and selectively. Amino acids can act as catalytic directing groups, streamlining the process and reducing reagent usage.
Researchers from KU Leuven identified histamine as a cause of abdominal pain in IBS patients, discovering that it makes the pain receptor TRPV1 hypersensitive. A pilot clinical study found that ebastine, an existing hay fever medicine, significantly reduced abdominal pain in IBS patients.
A study found that nations with higher prevalence of the A allele in the fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) gene variant are also reported as happier. This allele helps prevent pain and enhances sensory pleasure. Climate, economics, and politics did not significantly influence happiness levels.
A study by James Cook University scientists found that lizards in environmentally variable areas can tolerate more fluctuations, leading to wider ranges. Climate change predictions are met with evidence of species adapting to extreme weather events.
Researchers from Warsaw University of Technology develop a mechanochemical process to synthesize perovskites, which can be used in high-efficiency solar cells. The new method is environmentally friendly and produces higher-quality materials than traditional methods.
Researchers found that metformin decreases inflammation and fibrosis in pancreatic cancer, which may be most prevalent in overweight and obese patients. The study also identified a potential biomarker for response to metformin treatment based on patient body weight.
Adolescent weapon involvement is linked to injuries and long-term mental health problems. Researchers identified risk and protective factors varying by race and gender, with boys being more likely than girls to be involved.
Researchers at Rockefeller University discover a new signaling mechanism that instructs cells to become stem cells during embryonic development. The finding suggests that stem cells may exist before the niche is formed and has implications for understanding skin cancer treatments.
A study found that negative comments from mothers have a significant impact on Asian young adults' self-image, regardless of gender. The research team is now calling for a more tailored approach to treatment, as the Western approach adopted in Singapore may not be effective.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center identified a previously unrecognized small protein, DWORF, in human heart cells that plays a key role in heart muscle contraction. The protein stimulates calcium-ion pumps to increase forceful pumping.
A recent study suggests new potential drug targets and combinations for treating breast cancer, including signaling proteins and proteins that regulate cell growth pathways. The research identifies candidate genes essential to cancer cell survival and validates a gene as a target for further study.
A new report from Duke University's Triangle Center on Terrorism and Homeland Security recommends expanding community policing efforts to prevent violent extremism. The report finds that building trust with Muslim-Americans has become especially challenging due to widespread discrimination and harassment since 9/11.
Researchers identify SIM4, a new part of the TRIM5alpha protein that attaches to SUMO and activates an immune response against HIV. This finding could lead to optimizing gene therapy by tweaking the activity of antiviral factors.
Patients with high-deductible health plans use 7.5% fewer diagnostic tests like MRI, X-rays, and CT scans than those without such plans. High-deductible plans may discourage test use due to lack of informed decision-making by patients.
Researchers have discovered significant differences in the number of neurons in nematode ventral cords across various species, suggesting that neuron number and anatomy may have evolved multiple times. This variation could lead to the development of more targeted nematicides to control plant-parasitic nematodes.
A recent study published in PLOS Pathogens reveals that monocytes, immune cells central to inflammation, contribute to age-associated inflammation and impaired anti-pneumococcal function. Lowering TNF levels may be an effective strategy to improve host defense against pneumonia in older adults.
A research team from the University of Tsukuba found that the S-stroke is more efficient for middle and long distance swimming due to its ability to generate propulsive power with less physical exertion. In contrast, the I-stroke is better suited for short distances where speed over efficiency is prioritized.
Researchers developed a color-changing indicator that detects small cracks and scratches in polymers, highlighting areas of mechanical damage. The system uses microcapsules with pH-sensitive dyes that change color upon stress or fracture, allowing for early detection and prevention of costly failures.
A new study by RAND Corporation researchers found that many European immigrants and their descendants in the US did not achieve significant educational gains compared to those who remained in their native countries. However, exceptions were seen in Italy and Poland, where descendants experienced substantial educational advantages.
Adolescent girls living in high-poverty communities and majority Hispanic communities were more likely to have received the HPV vaccine. The poverty level of the community was also an important factor, with higher rates found in areas with lower socioeconomic status.
Researchers found dramatic changes in melt rate within less than a mile on the Ross Ice Shelf, which is normally stable. The study suggests freshwater from subglacial drainage systems contributes to melting, impacting the ice shelf's stability.
A study by University at Buffalo expert Janet Yang found that holding collective, communitarian beliefs contributes to altruistic behavior, while individualistic values hinder it. Emotions like sadness and empathy play a significant role in promoting altruism.
A new UCLA study found that when victims share highly personal feelings online, bystanders show lower levels of empathy and blame the victim more. The researchers suggest that oversharing personal emotions violates social media unwritten rules, making others more vulnerable to attacks.
The McDonnell Genome Institute will receive $60 million from the National Institutes of Health to study the genetics of common diseases. The research aims to uncover how differences in DNA contribute to disease risk, with potential benefits for improved diagnosis and treatment options.
Research finds occupational textile dust exposure associated with a more than doubling in rheumatoid arthritis risk. Genetic susceptibility to ACPA antibodies is also linked, with those exposed nearly three times as likely to develop the disease.
Researchers discovered a distinctive odor signature in mouse models of Alzheimer's disease that appears before significant brain pathology development, suggesting a non-invasive tool for early diagnosis. The odor profile may be related to the presence of an underlying gene rather than actual brain changes.
Researchers have discovered a way to light up a common cancer drug, allowing them to see where the chemo goes and how long it takes to get there. This breakthrough could lead to more personalized medicine and better understanding of how cells interact with drugs.
A study from the Oak Ridge National Laboratory-based BioEnergy Science Center finds unconventional bacteria could help boost cellulosic biofuel production efficiency. Researchers analyzed six microorganisms to solubilize switchgrass, a potential bioenergy feedstock.
Research by Mary Kohn and colleagues suggests that language change is more individualistic and varies for each person, not just during the teenage years. Language development occurs constantly, adapting to the generation speaking it, according to the study.
Scientists at Karolinska Institutet have identified a cell type in the brain's frontal lobes that is integral to attention. Parvalbumin-expressing neurons were found to reflect animals' level of attention, with high activity associated with attentive states and low activity with inattentive states.
Researchers at the University of Kent have developed a nanoprobe that enables the detailed study of individual proteins interacting with DNA. This technology allows for the manipulation and investigation of proteins bound to DNA tightropes, providing new insights into protein behavior.
Researchers have developed an entirely new form of digital memory using antiferromagnets, which can be controlled with electrical pulses. This technology has the potential to increase storage density, reduce energy consumption and improve speed.
Researchers developed bubble-pen lithography, a technique that uses microbubbles to inscribe nanoparticles onto a surface with precise control. This method allows for the creation of new materials and devices, such as metamaterials, with unique properties.
A study published in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found that preventative treatment with omalizumab reduces fall exacerbations in a high-risk group of allergic asthma subjects. Increasing inhaled steroid treatment levels offered little to no additional benefit.
Researchers at EURAC have made new discoveries about Ötzi's genetic history, clarifying that his maternal lineage is no longer present in modern populations. The study found that Ötzi's mitochondrial DNA, named K1f, originated locally in the Alps and is now extinct.
A study published in Neuron reveals that different types of memories, including episodic and habitual ones, drive our future behavior. Episodic memories are linked to brain activity in the hippocampus, while habitual memories rely on the striatum, which guides attention in novel situations.
Researchers discovered the most luminous supernova yet observed in an unusual host galaxy, providing insights into super-luminous supernovae. The record-breaking ASASSN-15lh was found to mimic hydrogen-poor SLSNe's behavior but with greater extremes, sparking speculation about its extraordinary emission.
Researchers developed a family of reagents to add ring-shaped structures to drug candidates, reducing multiple steps in synthesis. This innovation may help speed up the development process for numerous pharmaceuticals.
A gene linked to mental disorders helps lay the foundation for a crucial brain structure during prenatal development. Mutations in this gene can lead to severe depletion of neurons in the cortex, compromising its ability to communicate with other brain areas.
A new report by Ohio State University researchers highlights the similarities in prevention approaches for school rampage shootings and street violence, despite differences in demographics and risk factors. The study emphasizes the need for a multifaceted approach to prevent youth violence, including strengthening families, reducing ac...
Biological anthropologists use skeletal remains to understand how earlier peoples lived, while forensic experts decipher skeletal evidence to solve crimes. Researchers at North Carolina State University have published guidance on analyzing child-abuse victims to shed light on past cultures' treatment of children.
NASA's RapidScat instrument and Aqua satellite captured data on the storm, which formed from a low-pressure area. It became the first hurricane to form in January since 1938 and is expected to maintain hurricane status until January 16.
A new randomized controlled trial at Brown University found that combining the drug topiramate with psychological counseling significantly reduced marijuana use among young smokers. However, many participants struggled with the medication's side effects, leading to dropout rates of 60%. The study suggests that medications can help redu...
Research from the Cornell Food & Brand Lab found that smaller recommended serving sizes on nutrition labels can mislead consumers into purchasing more of unhealthy foods like cookies. Shoppers tend to ignore serving size differences and assume healthier products.
Researchers found that brain network activity can predict how patients respond to general anesthesia. By analyzing alpha wave patterns and delta-alpha coupling, doctors may be able to optimize the amount of drug needed, reducing risks associated with anesthesia.
Researchers at UW Medicine developed a method to identify tissues contributing to cell-free DNA by analyzing fragmentation patterns, expanding the scope of liquid biopsies. This approach may aid in diagnosing unknown metastatic cancers and help guide treatment.
A study led by USGS research ecologist Jim Grace found that communities rich in species are substantially healthier and more productive than those depleted of species. Biodiversity is crucial for stable ecosystems and human society, the researchers say.
A cross-sectional survey of 14,587 patients found that 86% had a preference for at least one aspect of their psychological treatment, with time of day and location being the most popular. Patients who had unmet preferences were less likely to report being helped by the treatment.
Two letters to the editor debate the use of memory-based dietary assessment methods (M-BMs) in formulating dietary policies. Experts disagree on the credibility of M-BMs, with some arguing they are scientifically invalid and others citing limitations that can be mitigated by using multiple data sources.
Research suggests that suicidal behavior may be a misguided expression of self-sacrificial tendencies, which are otherwise beneficial in eusocial species. The study identifies parallels between self-sacrifice in non-human species and human suicide, highlighting the importance of addressing underlying misconceptions about one's own value.
The newly discovered super-luminous supernova, ASAS-SN-15lh, is the most luminous ever recorded, outshining the entire Milky Way galaxy. Its unusual characteristics challenge current theories on magnetar-powered explosions.
Researchers at UNC-Chapel Hill have created a new cancer treatment that uses immune bubbles to deliver chemotherapy directly to tumors. This innovative approach reduces the need for high doses of chemotherapy, potentially leading to more effective treatment with fewer and milder side effects.
A team of psychological scientists found little evidence to support speed reading as a shortcut to understanding and remembering large volumes of written content. Effective skimming is a more effective approach when interested in getting the gist of what's being read.
Researchers used density functional theory to understand the self-assembly of porphine molecules on copper and silver surfaces. They found that weak van der Waals interactions were the largest contributor to molecule-surface interaction, and surface-mediated molecule-molecule interactions occurred at higher coverages.