Researchers have identified a core component of a conotoxin from marine snail venom that retains its pain-relieving properties after simplification. This modified conotoxin successfully treated pain in a laboratory rat model similar to human irritable bowel syndrome.
Researchers at Umeå University found that mutations in the SAMHD1 protein lead to an imbalance of DNA building blocks and increased mutation rates in colon cancer cells. This discovery suggests that changes in dNTP levels may contribute to the development of colon cancer.
Salk researchers have found a hidden energy switch that powers up pancreatic cells to respond to glucose, enabling the production of functional human beta cells. The breakthrough could lead to a viable treatment for type 1 and 2 diabetes.
FACETS, Canada's first open access science journal, has launched with a broad scope encompassing six major research fields and over 30 subjects. The journal waives article processing charges for submissions by June 30, 2016, to foster open access publishing and advance scientific knowledge.
Mathematicians and physicians at the University of Bonn have developed a new model for immunotherapy of cancer. The method describes how tumor cells change their external appearance in response to treatment, making it difficult for T-cells to recognize them as harmful.
A new study has identified potential health risks for healthcare professionals performing x-ray guided cardiovascular procedures due to radiation exposure. The research found that workers with higher radiation exposure were at increased risk of developing orthopedic problems, cataracts, and cancers.
Testosterone therapy appears to be safe in the short term, with benefits including improved well-being, decreased gender dysphoria, and reduced breast cancer risk. However, potential undesired effects include acne, alopecia, and increased blood pressure.
A recent study found that a droplet hitting a thin fiber will be captured at low speeds, pass through at intermediate speeds, and split at high speeds. The researchers' model has significant implications for optimizing water collection systems and fiber-coating technologies.
Researchers at Numenta Inc. have published a new theory on how networks of neurons in the neocortex learn sequences, providing a breakthrough in understanding neural circuits.
Researchers create a deformable lens array that adapts to the sheet camera's curvature, producing high-quality images over a wide range of deformations. This innovation could lead to cameras the size of a credit card or wrapped around everyday objects.
Research found that acknowledgment of responsibility and offer of repair are crucial elements in an apology, with expression of regret, explanation of what went wrong, and declaration of repentance tied for third effectiveness. The study also showed that the request for forgiveness is the least important component.
The study uses coarse-grained modelings to probe multi-scale behaviors in heterogeneous materials, revealing dynamical similarities, invariants, and slow-varying quantities. The researchers develop new approaches to analyze complex structures and fields, leading to a deeper understanding of the underlying mechanisms.
The Alzheimer's Association has developed recommendations for patient care milestones, including workforce development, timely diagnosis, education, and care guideline measures. Caregiver support strategies include culturally sensitive training, enabling caregivers to balance care with their own well-being, and addressing housing needs.
A new study found that low-risk drinking guidelines differ significantly across countries, reflecting varying attitudes towards alcohol consumption. Different countries assign distinct daily or weekly limits for men and women, leading to confusion among researchers and the public.
A new Bt technology could provide improved control of thrips and plant bugs in cotton, reducing the need for insecticide applications. The treatment has shown better plant protection than alternative strategies in field tests.
A simulation study found that coordinated efforts can prevent over 75% of CRE infections in healthcare facilities. The CDC has issued a toolkit to assist with planning and communication.
A study found that physicians incorrectly believe FDA approval requires comparable effectiveness and strong evidence, leading to inadequate communication with patients. The 'breakthrough therapy' designation has been misinterpreted by many medical professionals.
A new study finds that early treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) significantly reduces symptoms, but does not prevent long-term suffering. The research suggests that prolonged exposure and cognitive therapy can shorten the recovery time, but may not reduce PTSD prevalence.
Researchers discovered that entire sets of maternal and paternal chromosomes can segregate into different cells in embryonic development, leading to chimeric embryos. This finding provides a new mechanism for chimerism and may improve embryo selection approaches for IVF preimplantation genetic diagnosis.
A new Duke University-led study uses mapping software to track threats to endangered species, pinpointing areas for conservation. The San Martin titi monkey's habitat has been fragmented due to farming, logging, and urbanization, with nearly 95% of remaining habitats too small or poorly connected to support viable populations.
Research shows people with type 2 diabetes are more susceptible to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a condition characterized by a build-up of fat in liver cells. The study found that hospital admissions and deaths caused by liver disease are likely to rise if cases of type 2 diabetes continue to increase.
Researchers will investigate stress management interventions for chronic pain and illness, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and HIV. The study aims to improve disease-related biomarkers, treatment adherence, health behaviors, and psychological outcomes.
A preliminary study found that clemastine fumarate partially reversed optic nerve damage in people with MS. The drug improved transmission signal times by an average of 2 milliseconds per patient, suggesting possible myelin repair.
Researchers at Rush University Medical Center are conducting a five-year randomized trial to test the MIND diet's effects on cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease incidence. The study will enroll 600 individuals aged 65+ and evaluate the diet's impact on brain structure, cognition, and health outcomes.
Simulating CO2 saturation in rocks could provide a breakthrough in carbon capture and storage by estimating the rocks' potential locations. Researchers at Kyushu University have developed a technique to characterize fluid displacement processes, allowing for more accurate estimation of storage capacity and leakage risk.
Tropical Cyclone Fantala has developed with a 15 nautical-mile-wide eye and strong thunderstorms circling the low-level center. The storm is intensifying rapidly as it moves west toward Madagascar, with projected peak winds of 120 knots (138 mph/222 kph) after three days.
Programs to prevent inappropriate medication use, reduce unnecessary medical procedures, and link vulnerable adults to Medicare are highlighted at the AGS16 meeting. These initiatives aim to improve quality of care and address population growth needs for older adults.
Researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center discovered that liver metastases derived from colorectal tumors are more resistant to radiation therapy. The study found that gastrointestinal stromal tumors were the most resistant, while those from breast and lung cancers were more sensitive.
Researchers at Penn State College of Medicine have discovered a potential target for treating lupus: interferon gamma. The cytokine stimulates immune cells and is involved in the formation of autoreactive B cells that produce autoantibodies, leading to inflammation and tissue damage.
A study by University of Cambridge researchers used Foursquare and Twitter data to quantify the social diversity of London neighborhoods, discovering that signs of gentrification are strongest in deprived areas with high social diversity. These areas saw an influx of more affluent visitors and improved wellbeing indicators.
Researchers created knockout mice that lack a gene involved in DNA repair, shedding light on how cells fix broken DNA. The mice developed kidney and liver dysfunction due to impaired detoxification, highlighting the importance of FAN1 protein.
UM College of Arts & Sciences psychology researchers found associations between specific dopamine genes and initiating joint attention in high-risk siblings. Early levels of joint attention have been linked to later ASD symptoms, suggesting that dopamine genes may help explain differences in early communication.
A mobile-phone-based system is demonstrating huge potential for improving public health service delivery in resource-poor settings. The system has facilitated ongoing data collection, greatly improving data quality, timeliness, and cost-effectiveness.
Non-invasive positive pressure ventilation enhances efficiency of pulmonary rehabilitation in patients with stable COPD, improving measures of shortness of breath and exercise tolerance. Patients experience significant relief from breathing difficulties during exercising, allowing for more effective pulmonary rehabilitation.
Researchers from Imperial College London have visualized the effects of LSD on the human brain for the first time, revealing complex changes in brain activity that underlie psychedelic experiences. The study found that LSD alters the way brain networks process information, leading to a more integrated and unified brain state.
Patients evaluated with point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) had significantly less time on vasoactive agents, fewer ICU days, and decreased morbidity. POCUS also resulted in cost savings of about $20,000 per patient.
The Journal of Dairy Science has expanded its article collections to include six new subject areas, including Tail Docking, Listeria monocytogenes and Dairy Products, and Casein. ADSA members can access full content through individual membership or institutional subscription.
A study by Dawn Marie Dow reveals that middle-class African American mothers employ bias-preparation strategies to address the challenges their sons face in a society that often criminalizes black bodies. These strategies include managing daily interactions, emotional expression, and physical appearance to mitigate negative stereotypes.
Biologists at UC San Diego found that manipulating the Ryk signaling protein enhances the return of function after traumatic injury, allowing for partial restoration of neural circuits with rehabilitative training. This discovery opens up new opportunities to apply nervous system development principles to treat paralysis in adulthood.
A new study led by Grant Lipman found that applying paper tape to blister-prone areas before exercise prevented both incidence and frequency of foot blisters. The tape, commonly used for wound treatment, is mildly adhesive and doesn't tear blisters if they occur.
A study published in CMAJ Open found that Indian-born women living in Canada with two or more children gave birth to significantly more boys than girls. The sex ratio increased with the number of abortions and when the fetus's sex could be accurately determined by ultrasound.
Cancer researchers used single-cell phosphoproteomics to study glioblastoma and found that tumors adapt and resist therapies in as little as 48 hours. The approach could lead to personalized treatment with better combination therapies for this deadly brain cancer.
Scientists used mafic dikes to determine the connection between northern Laurentia (North America) and southern Siberia for over a billion years. The study reveals new arrangements of continental blocks within Nuna-Columbia and Rodinia, with potential economic implications for mining companies.
Suresh Senan, a renowned expert in radiation oncology, has been awarded the Heine H. Hansen Award for his pioneering work in lung cancer therapy and research. The award recognizes his significant contributions to the field of lung cancer on an international basis.
Researchers have identified two novel molecular players necessary to regulate plasmodesmata in plants under biotic and abiotic stress conditions. These enzymes help control the flow of nutrients, minerals, and cellular signals between cells by altering callose levels at the plasmodesmata channel.
A new study reveals that copper sulfate, commonly used as a fungicide in agriculture, is lethal to the native Brazilian bee Friesella schrottkyi. Sublethal exposure also affects its behavior, highlighting concerns for growers and pollinator conservation.
Researchers have created a light-activated tool to adapt drugs for type 2 diabetes. The study provides insight into cellular receptor signalling and could lead to more efficient anti-diabetic drugs. The new tool, PhotoETP, allows precise control over blood glucose levels with fewer side effects.
A new study reveals that glial cells play a dynamic role in shaping nerve endings, controlling neuron connections and functions. Glial cells use specific molecular mechanisms to regulate the shapes of different neuronal cell types, including those expressing temperature- or odor-sensing proteins.
New research reveals that stressful events result in DNA de-methylation, leading to the suppression of gene expression and facilitating adaptive behavioral responses. The study also found a link between SAM, a compound produced by the liver, and stress-related responses in the brain.
In 2015, Virginia shellfish farmers sold $48.3 million in clams and oysters, with hard clam sales leading the nation. The state's industry is expected to increase by 14% for planted oysters in 2016.
Research reveals enlarged endosomes as early sign of neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's Disease and Down Syndrome. Abnormally active Rab5 protein disrupts axonal transport and neuronal function.
A team of scientists at the MBL Whitman Center successfully recreated a T-cell receptor signaling pathway, revealing novel insights into protein signaling and its role in the immune response. The study found that protein molecules separate into structures through phase separation, leading to efficient signal transduction.
Researchers warn that copper contamination and climate change may hasten the extinction of two amphibian species due to increased copper toxicity and reproductive failure. The study found that even low levels of copper can be lethal to amphibians, highlighting the need for industries to reduce copper use.
Researchers at UCSB have mapped the network of circadian neurons that communicate to re-establish synchronization, finding a 'small-world structure' with hubs and short paths for communication. This discovery sheds light on how the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) regulates essential functions like sleep and hormone release.
Eliminating kerosene subsidies by 2030 could reduce use by 97%, improving health and the economy. The study suggests phasing out subsidies to maintain lighting access while promoting affordable alternatives.
Scientists develop SkinHaptics technology that sends ultrasound waves through the hand to create targeted tactile sensations on the palm. This innovation solves a major challenge for wearable devices by allowing users to feel what they are doing without interrupting the display.
UCLA biochemists have devised a method to convert sugar into various useful chemical compounds without using cells. The approach, called synthetic biochemistry, has shown promise in producing complex enzyme systems that can function well enough for industrial applications.
Researchers analyzed 16 ant species to understand queen-worker differences, finding conserved gene sets associated with traits like queen numbers and worker sterility. This study provides insight into the evolution of gene expression across ant species.
A study published in the American Journal of Infection Control found that staff at outpatient care facilities fail to follow hand hygiene recommendations 37% of the time. Medical students assessed infection prevention policies and practices, noting only 63% compliance with recommended hand hygiene practices.
Researchers found a novel neuron regeneration pathway in C. elegans that could lead to treatments for human spinal cord injury and paralysis. The discovery sheds light on the adult human nervous system's ability to regenerate, which is essential for restoring health to people with permanent neurological damage.