Dr Lisa Connolly is leading a €4m international initiative to investigate the effects of natural toxins and manmade chemicals on human hormones, causing illnesses like cancer, obesity and infertility. The PROTECTED project aims to develop innovative analysis tools to protect public health from these endocrine disruptors.
Researchers have designed a molecule that can trap and remove carbon monoxide from the bloodstream, protecting mice from poisoning. The engineered neuroglobin binds CO about 1,000 times more tightly than hemoglobin, selectively targeting the dangerous compound.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have engineered a protein called Ngb H64Q that reverses carbon monoxide poisoning in mice, reducing CO half-life from 320 minutes to 23 seconds.
A case management program with trained nurses improves the health of elderly patients after a cardiac infarction, reducing physical restrictions and improving lifestyle changes. The study analyzed data from over 300 patients aged 65 years or older, finding positive effects on muscle strength, blood fat levels, and overall quality of life.
Researchers found that high-resolution brain scans using magnetoencephalography (MEG) can detect concussions more accurately than traditional methods like MRI or CT scans. MEG measures changes in brain communication between areas, allowing for earlier diagnosis and potentially improved treatment and recovery processes.
A team of researchers has made a breakthrough in understanding the structure of ice XV, revealing new insights into its formation from ice VI. Their work uses neutron diffraction and computer simulations to shed light on the hydrogen ordering phase transition.
Professor Adele Jones's EU-funded project None-in-Three won a major national award for public engagement. The project aims to prevent domestic violence in Latin America and the Caribbean, with initiatives including an interactive role-playing game for school children.
Researchers from Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution found that superoxide produced at coral surfaces may help corals resist bleaching. Contrary to previous findings, corals producing high concentrations of superoxide had greater resilience to bleaching than those with low production levels.
A study by researchers from the Netherlands discovered a clear association between higher levels of N-terminal Pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and brain damage, including smaller gray matter volume and poorer white matter organization. This finding suggests a close link between cardiac dysfunction and subclinical brain damage.
A study found that yoga significantly decreased diastolic blood pressure and night diastolic blood pressure in patients with prehypertension. Practicing hatha yoga for one hour daily may prevent hypertension development and improve overall health.
A new study published in BMC Public Health found that people who are more body vigilant are more likely to seek medical help. Researchers from the University of Surrey discovered that nearly half of those diagnosed with cancer were at an advanced stage, highlighting the importance of early diagnosis.
A study found that West African cities with lower male circumcision rates in 1950 tended to have higher HIV-2 prevalence from 1985. Male circumcision is known to reduce HIV-1 prevalence, suggesting that lack of circumcision may have driven initial HIV-2 emergence.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute have discovered molecular changes in primary tumors of breast cancer patients who developed brain metastases. The findings suggest that targeted therapies should be tailored not only for the original breast cancer but also for the brain tumors.
ORNL's technologies help in disaster response, urban planning, and energy management. Researchers have developed novel fluorescent air leak detection systems, faster scanning methods for microscopy, and more efficient motors for electric vehicles.
A new catalyst developed by researchers at the University of Pittsburgh has the potential to solve two problems at once - reducing net carbon dioxide emissions while generating cleaner fuels. The catalyst, which converts CO2 into methanol, could dramatically reduce the cost of carbon capture and conversion.
A study published in Neuron reveals the mechanisms behind learning social hierarchies, with the prefrontal cortex playing a key role. The researchers found that people can rapidly form coherent understandings of their own social hierarchy through integrating interaction outcomes.
Existing mosquito control strategies are often ineffective and may even be counterproductive in fighting Zika virus, according to a review of previous studies. The quality of evidence supporting these methods is poor, making it difficult to determine the best approach to combat the disease.
Studies found that early life stress associated with poverty and lack of familial support may lead to lower response to rewards, increased vulnerability to depression in children, and altered brain development. Positive maternal support appeared protective against these adverse effects on brain development.
Recent experiments by Loessner and his group have shown that L-forms are an independent form of life that can multiply indefinitely. They form a crazy network of vesicles with elastic connector tubes, enabling them to exchange cytoplasm and multiply without cell walls or genetic material.
American scientists have identified two new basslet species in the Caribbean, characterized by distinctive hourglass-shaped markings. The discoveries were made using a submersible to collect specimens from deep reefs and are part of the Smithsonian's Deep Reef Observation Project.
Optical probes have been developed to overcome light scattering in deep-brain imaging, allowing for precise stimulation of neural circuits. This breakthrough enables researchers to control individual neurons with remarkable resolution, opening up new avenues for neuroscience and neuromedical research.
Rates of breast cancer brain metastasis have not substantially declined despite improved targeted treatments for HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer. Researchers found that the risk of death from brain metastasis is more than twice that of patients with metastasis to other areas of the body.
Researchers from Johns Hopkins Medicine have found that drone transportation of large bags of blood products can maintain their temperature and cellular integrity. The study suggests drones are an effective way to transport blood products to remote areas or time-sensitive destinations.
Researchers at Mount Sinai have found measurable amounts of THC in the urine of young children exposed to secondhand marijuana smoke. The study highlights the need for education and awareness about the dangers of secondhand smoke to children in areas where marijuana use is common.
Researchers used magnetoencephalography to decode neuronal activity from MEG recordings, confirming theoretical predictions and showing that invisible images can be partially maintained in high-level brain regions. This study challenges current understanding of conscious perception and demonstrates the power of machine learning tools.
Key findings from 2016 pharmaceutical industry news include the fight against Zika and rare diseases, as well as failed deals and new players. The industry's top stories set the stage for 2017 with a focus on innovative treatments and regulatory changes.
Researchers have created two compounds that work as potential vaccines against opioid overdoses, preventing the drugs from entering the central nervous system and inducing addiction. The vaccine candidates showed promising results in mouse tests, with vaccinated mice surviving overdose fatalities at higher rates than unvaccinated mice.
A recent study published in Neuron found that deep brain stimulation did not improve memory performance, with a range of impairment from 5% to 20%. However, the researchers suggest that a different stimulation protocol may be necessary to boost memory.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have found that pollinator habitat seed mixes sold by companies in the Midwest contain seeds of Palmer amaranth and other invasive weeds. The USDA does not license or inspect these seed companies, leading to the unintended introduction of these weeds to thousands of acres of land.
A study found that women aged 65 years or older with metastatic breast cancer are more likely to have cancer-linked genetic alterations and receive targeted therapy than younger patients. Researchers emphasized the need to better understand and characterize genetic abnormalities in this age group to improve treatment options.
Rice University scientists have decoded the kinetic properties of cement and developed a way to 'program' microscopic particles to create less porous and more durable material. This technique may lead to stronger structures that require less concrete, reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
A new study from the University of Texas at Dallas examines why and how multinational enterprises decide to expand globally. It finds that moderate levels of institutional diversity in a region attract the highest amount of internationalization, while larger numbers of countries within the region reduce this process.
Carbon monoxide metabolism is linked to the body's circadian rhythms, and disruption can cause metabolic disorders such as diabetes or metabolic syndrome. Researchers have identified a reciprocal relationship between carbon monoxide production and the body's internal clock.
A study found that the Greenland ice sheet nearly disappeared for extended periods in the last million years, challenging previous assumptions about its stability. The finding implies global warming could tip it into decline rapidly, causing rapid sea-level rise.
Researchers at UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center developed a model that can predict which triple negative breast cancer patients will respond to chemotherapy. The model was moderately successful, accurately predicting response in 68% of cases with pathologic complete response.
Researchers have developed plants that can more effectively remove TNT from contaminated soil using the glutathione transferase DmGSTE6 gene. These plants show improved resistance to TNT and enhanced removal capabilities, offering a potential solution for land contamination
New research reveals microRNAs play a vital role in regulating gene expression, influencing organismic development and disease. Studies have uncovered a vast network of miRNA families that target disparate gene pathways.
A Kyoto University team has demystified the process of melanin transport to epidermis using video cameras and chicken tissue. Melanin pigments protect skin from DNA damage by surrounding keratinocyte nuclei, a discovery that could lead to effective dermatological treatments.
Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory have pioneered the use of machine learning to accurately predict the properties of nanomaterials, including thermal conductivity. The study's atomic-level model is more accurate than past models and enables researchers to capture bond formation and breaking events.
Researchers reconstructed ocean chemistry records from quahog clam shells to analyze past 1000 years of North Atlantic Ocean changes. They found that prior to industrial period, solar variability and volcanic eruptions drove climate and weather patterns.
The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) has announced $3 million in funding for robotics research, application, and education in agriculture. This funding will support research on collaborative human-robot interactions, including the development of customizable robots and infrastructure to lower barriers to entry.
Developing a broader skill of empathy is crucial for medical students and doctors, enabling them to strike a balance between compassion and clinical detachment. This approach, driven by Dr David Jeffrey's work, enables improvements in patient care, psycho-social research, and medical education.
A new study found that intensive arts programs lower stress levels of economically disadvantaged preschoolers through reduced cortisol levels. The study demonstrated the positive effects of arts programming on children's physiological functioning.
Research suggests a link between gut microbiota and mood, anxiety, and depression, with changes in the diversity of microorganisms linked to behavioral changes and treatment implications.
Researchers used MRI measurements to detect higher levels of oxidative stress in patients with schizophrenia compared to healthy individuals and those with bipolar disorder. The study suggests that oxidation imbalance may contribute to the development and progression of schizophrenia.
A study found that farm dust exposure stimulates production of a protein called A20, which suppresses inflammatory immune responses in the lungs. This leads to lower rates of asthma and allergies in children who grow up on farms.
Researchers found that Phospholipase D (PLD) plays a central role in coupling endocytosis with membrane recycling in light-sensitive cells. Without PLD activity, the retina gradually degenerates and mutant flies go blind.
Researchers have discovered 75 groups of 'critical paralog' genes essential for cellular communication and signalling pathways. These findings will aid in guiding drug targets and identifying biomarkers for diseases such as cancer and neurodegenerative disorders.
Researchers have discovered a permanent coastal home for endangered leatherback sea turtles in the Mozambique Channel, revolutionizing conservation efforts. The turtles, known for their open-ocean migratory nature, are now found clustering together year-round in this area.
A recent study found that women are more likely to cooperate with law enforcement in intimate partner sexual assault cases if they are married to the suspect, in a longer relationship, or have been threatened. Conversely, victims who feel their autonomy is being limited or blame themselves for the incident are less likely to participate.
The study will examine the degree of damage caused by agricultural land management practices to the local environment and explore ways to lessen such damage. It aims to identify means to mitigate the effects of soil erosion on economic, health, and societal perspectives.
A new study from Oregon State University found that a school-based intervention promoting warm and caring interactions between teachers and preschoolers can reduce the child's stress levels. The intervention, which includes one-on-one play time, showed promising results in reducing cortisol levels, an indicator of stress.
A study found that higher body mass index (BMI) and fat mass are significant markers of risk for stress- and urgency urinary incontinence (SUI and UUI) in older women. Women who lost at least 5% of their BMI or fat mass were less likely to experience new or persistent SUI over a three-year period.
Researchers found that greater weight increases the likelihood of night sweats and hot flashes in early menopause, but reduces these symptoms throughout menopause. Maintaining a healthy weight before and at the onset of menopause may help reduce hot flashes and night sweats.
A new species of assassin flies has been discovered in South Africa, along with the redescription of its genus. The study, published in African Invertebrates, reveals seven species within the genus and establishes a new tribe, shedding light on the unique adaptations of these predatory insects.
The study found that KTE-C19 induced a significant response rate in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, with 76% overall response and 47% complete remission. Serious adverse events were reported, but the team developed guidelines to manage side effects across multiple institutions.
A study of over 10,000 adults and teens found that most people wrongly believe that tobacco additives are the main source of harmful chemicals in cigarette smoke. In reality, the chemicals produced by burning cigarettes pose a greater risk to health.
Researchers discovered that NLRP2 is specifically produced by egg cells and becomes more important to fertility as the mice age. The study suggests that mutations in NLRP2 may give rise to early menopause and other conditions associated with maternal fertility decline.
A new study found that women with a Lactobacillus-dominated microbiota in their uterine cavity had significantly lower rates of implantation, pregnancy, and live birth compared to those with non-Lactobacillus-dominated microbiota. This research suggests that the endometrial microbiome may play a crucial role in reproductive success.
A recent study published in eLife found that REM sleep loss leads to increased consumption of unhealthy foods, particularly sucrose and fat. The researchers discovered that inhibiting neurons in the prefrontal cortex reverses the effect of REM sleep loss on sucrose consumption.