A study has identified the replication stress response protein SMARCAL1 as a key player in the Alternative Lengthening of Telomeres (ALT) pathway, which is active in approximately 10% of all cancers. This pathway allows cancer cells to maintain telomere length and avoid cell death, making it a potential target for new therapies.
Researchers at Columbia University develop a new model considering life history traits' impact on mutation rates, finding that the molecular clock wobbles as it evolves. This leads to revised estimates of the human-chimp split time, supporting a mutational slowdown and reconciling genetic and paleontological data.
Researchers identified new glioma subtypes by analyzing DNA methylation profiles in 1,122 adult glioma samples. These subtypes can help stratify patients more accurately and improve treatment protocols, with some subgroups displaying similarities to pilocytic astrocytomas and better patient survival.
A smartphone app containing motivational videos transformed the interaction between married rural women and community health workers in India, leading to a significant increase in modern family planning method use. The study found that women who watched videos were 4.5 times more likely to use modern contraceptives than those who did not.
A new study suggests that the standard practice of treating infections with high doses of anti-microbe medications may not be the best way to prevent drug resistance in all cases. The researchers found that using the highest dose that is safe may be more effective than using the lowest dose that is effective in preventing drug resistance.
A ketoanalogue-supplemented vegetarian very low-protein diet was found to slow disease progression in patients with advanced CKD. The study suggests that this type of nutritional intervention could be used to postpone dialysis initiation in compliant patients.
The oil refinery fires in Libya have grown significantly since their initial outbreak in January, now covering a large area near Sidra on the coast. NASA has captured images of the burning areas using MODIS's thermal bands, which have been detected in red on the initial image taken on January 07, 2016
A new study found that individuals with fewer than 12 years of schooling benefit more from cognitive training than their more highly educated counterparts. Cognitive training on speed of information processing resulted in a 50% greater effect for those with less than a complete high school education.
Two studies on yeast reveal that gene expression among tandem DNA repeats varies substantially depending on position within the array. These findings provide key information about DNA architecture in cells, highlighting the central role of chromosome architecture in regulating these sequences.
Researchers at TSRI have solved a long-standing mystery about the 'relief-valve' that protects cells from swelling. The study reveals that VRAC is a complex structure with five protein subunits, which determines its relief-valve properties. Different cell types may need different forms of VRAC to cope with their environments.
A new study reveals bed bugs have developed resistance to neonicotinoid insecticides, making pest control more challenging. The levels of detoxifying enzymes in the resistant bed bugs were higher than those in susceptible populations, indicating pre-existing resistance mechanisms may have contributed to this development.
Researchers at LMU Munich uncover the mechanism by which crystalline deposits induce cell death, revealing a regulated process leading to necroptosis and inflammation. This discovery offers new targets for therapies and potentially improves treatment of conditions like gout and atherosclerosis.
A Kaiser Permanente study found that women diagnosed with hypertensive disorders during pregnancy are more than twice as likely to develop high blood pressure in the first year after delivery. The study highlights the importance of monitoring and controlling blood pressure not only during pregnancy, but also after delivery.
The Smith Cloud, a massive cloud of hydrogen gas, is plummeting towards the Milky Way at nearly 700,000 miles per hour. Astronomers believe it will ignite a spectacular burst of star formation upon impact, potentially providing enough gas to create 2 million suns.
Genomics assessments have identified actionable genetic alterations in pediatric patients with extracranial solid tumors, paving the way for individualized cancer therapy recommendations. Combined tumor and germline whole-exome sequencing has also shown diagnostic yield in children with solid tumors.
A study reveals chimpanzees struggle to find ripe fruit, the most energy-rich food source, in tropical rain forests. They must use cognitive strategies to outcompete other animals and optimize their search for high-energy foods.
Researchers at Forsyth Institute use a new imaging technique to visualize bacteria in dental plaque, revealing the formation of 'hedgehog' structures that suggest functional roles within the community. This study provides critical insights into how mouth microbes interact and will help understand their role in health and disease.
A RAND Corporation study found that medical marijuana users are more likely to vaporize or consume edible forms of the drug compared to recreational users. Additionally, medical users tend to report daily or near-daily use and consume more cannabis per day.
Physicists have discovered that nuclear effects help bring about superconductivity in YRS, a composite material of ytterbium and rare earth elements. This finding provides further evidence that unconventional superconductivity arises from quantum criticality and exposes the role of nuclear spins in exposing electronic quantum criticality.
A team of chemists and materials scientists at Umeå University has discovered a method to align polymer chains vertically, enabling ultra-fast charge transport. This breakthrough has implications for the production of efficient organic opto-electronic devices, such as solar cells and light-emitting diodes.
Penn researchers developed algorithms that can predict where a seizure will originate and which groups of neurons it will likely spread to. These predictions could provide a more objective way of identifying surgical targets, improving the success rate of such interventions.
Adverse Outcome Pathways (AOPs) are a framework for improving chemical hazard assessment by prioritizing modern test methods that reduce animal use. Scientists can identify specific Key Events that lead to adverse outcomes, allowing them to choose the most needed tests.
Microtubules can spontaneously form large networks through the interaction of motor proteins. This self-organization is crucial for cell division and may inspire new materials and drug designs. Researchers developed a model describing this behavior, which could lead to breakthroughs in biology and material science.
A recent study published in Cell reveals how eggs store fuel for embryo development by accumulating sugars during the final stages of maturation. Insulin signaling is inactivated, leading to reduced mitochondrial activity and sugar buildup.
African Music, Power, and Being in Colonial Zimbabwe explores how British colonists suppressed and co-opted African music and dance, while Chikowero argues that indigenous people used music as a form of resistance. The book reveals the role of music in the subjugation and liberation of African culture during colonial times.
A team of plant scientists has identified two superior forms of a naturally occurring enzyme known as Rubisco, which could improve photosynthesis and increase wheat yields by up to 20%. The researchers found variation in the enzyme's catalytic properties among closely related genotypes, including wild relatives of bread wheat.
Scientists discovered that a proton pump called ATP12A causes problems in CF lungs by increasing airway acidity. This discovery may lead to new therapies targeting this protein to halt lung disease progression. The finding builds upon earlier work using CF pigs, which showed an abnormally acidic airway liquid.
Researchers have developed a new mouse model that successfully suppresses NF-kappaB signaling, reducing tissue damage and inflammation in the kidneys. This breakthrough could lead to a tailored therapy for patients with ischemic renal failure.
A collection of articles explores fertility issues in patients with cancer, including the legal framework and potential solutions for disputes involving donated genetic material. The articles also highlight the importance of oncologists providing fertility care to their patients.
Researchers at Oregon State University have developed a therapy that halts the progression of ALS in mice for nearly two years, allowing them to approach their normal lifespan. The treatment uses copper-ATSM, which delivers copper specifically to cells with damaged mitochondria and has low toxicity.
Researchers at UCLA have discovered a protein combination that significantly improves clinical bone restoration, offering potential therapeutic treatments for osteoporosis and bone skeletal defects. The combination of NELL-1 and BMP2 stimulates bone production while inhibiting fat cell formation.
A new smartphone app has enabled vets to vaccinate 70% of the dog population in Ranchi, India, minimizing the risk of rabies transmission. The app tracks vaccinated and unvaccinated dogs, allowing for targeted vaccination efforts.
Cognitive neuroscientist Rosie Cowell is using a five-year grant to develop and test a theory of memory interaction with fine-grained visual perception. She will use computational modeling and memory experiments to investigate how the medial temporal lobe affects both memory and visual perception.
The iCat study successfully used clinical genomic sequencing to recommend therapy or diagnose changes in children with solid tumors. The findings support the use of personalized treatment based on tumor genetic characteristics, fueling potential drug development for pediatric and rare adult tumors.
The study discovered that cancer begins after activation of an oncogene or loss of a tumor suppressor, involving a change that takes a single cell back to a stem cell state. Targeting specific genes could stop cancer from ever starting.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University have received funding for innovative diagnostic devices targeting three major blood disorders: malaria, cystic fibrosis, and sickle cell anemia. The technologies aim to improve diagnosis speed, accuracy, and accessibility in resource-constrained settings.
A new study published in Science found that viral infection during pregnancy can cause autism-like behaviors in mice offspring, characterized by deficits in social approach behavior and repetitive behaviors. Blocking the immune response with antibodies restored normal brain structure and function.
Research by University of Sydney researchers found that finger tracing enhances students' understanding and solving skills in geometry and algebra. Students who used finger tracing completed tasks more quickly and correctly than those without the technique.
Researchers discovered a new way to classify gliomas by analyzing their molecular characteristics, specifically DNA methylation levels. This approach predicts which tumors are more likely to grow rapidly and can guide treatment decisions.
A recent study at Children's Hospital Los Angeles found that standard Body Mass Index (BMI) is insufficient for measuring changes in body composition in children with leukemia. The researchers discovered a correlation between increases in body fat and losses of lean muscle mass during treatment.
Boosting breastfeeding rates could save millions of lives, including those from child mortality and breast cancer. Global economic losses from not breastfeeding are estimated at US$302 billion annually.
Researchers found that a population of suppressive T cells in the small intestines prevents immune responses to solid foods. Dietary antigens induce development of most pTreg cells in the small intestines, which play a key role in determining how our immune system handles food.
Scientists have discovered the molecular mechanism behind thyX's role in enabling diseases to reproduce. The finding could lead to the creation of non-toxic antibiotics that block the chemical reaction involving thyX. Several deadly diseases rely exclusively on thyX for survival and reproduction.
POSTECH researchers have developed a rapid printing technology for high-density and scalable memristor arrays composed of cross-bar-shaped metal nanowires. This technology enables the fabrication of microminiature memristors with excellent electrical performance and reproducible resistive switching behavior.
PNNL's CHAMPION software helps prevent hacks and streamlines cyber threat analysis, saving analysts time. The Micro Aerosol Disinfecting System uses activated salt spray to kill pathogens with high efficiency, making it suitable for hospitals, schools, and other enclosed spaces.
Millions of dollars have been spent on insecticides to kill bedbugs, but a new study shows that overuse has led to increased resistance. Researchers found that bedbugs in Michigan and Cincinnati were up to 33,333 times more resistant to certain chemicals than susceptible strains.
Researchers developed a new hybrid polymer that combines rigid covalent bonds with soft supramolecular polymers. This allows for the creation of self-repairing materials, drug delivery systems and artificial muscles. The unique structure enables the polymer to lift weights, contracting and expanding like muscles.
Researchers discovered that octopuses use body language to communicate during disputes, with darker colors associated with aggression. The species Octopus tetricus was found to be highly interactive, with more than 186 recorded interactions in a single location.
Researchers found that the adult brain's natural plasticity can compensate for a near-complete loss of auditory nerve fibers, restoring sensitivity to faint sounds but not complex sounds like speech. The brain's 'amplifier' at higher stages of processing acts as an amplifier, increasing sound detection abilities within normal limits.
A new study by Lauren Davenport found that daughters of interracial parents are more likely to identify as multiracial than sons. The study also reveals that religion and socioeconomic status play a significant role in how biracials self-identify, with women being more likely to identify as multiracial than men.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry found that adolescents who were chronically victimized during school years are five times more likely to think about suicide and six times more likely to attempt it at 15. The research highlights the importance of early interventions to p...
A team of McGill University researchers has created artificial neuronal connections for the first time, growing over 60 times faster than natural neurons. This breakthrough could lead to new surgical procedures and therapies for people with central nervous system damage or diseases.
Researchers at RIT's NTID and University of Rochester Medical Center are analyzing the effects of e-cig flavorings using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The study will help determine potential toxicants and inform the FDA on long-term adverse effects, addressing a lack of knowledge about e-cig safety.
Researchers found that immune cells activated during severe maternal inflammation produce IL-17, which interferes with brain development. Blocking this signal restored normal behavior and brain structure in mice. The study suggests a possible mechanism for how maternal infection may lead to autism-like behavior.
Recent summer temperatures in Europe have exceeded those of the past two millennia, according to a new study that used tree-ring information and historical evidence. The research suggests that past natural changes in summer temperature are larger than previously thought, potentially leading to more extreme events.
A new study has developed a painkiller that targets the same opioid receptor as morphine but with fewer side effects. The peptide-based drug produced longer pain relief without respiratory depression and impaired motor coordination, unlike morphine.
Researchers examine the efficacy profile of anti-prion antibodies, finding that toxicity depends on factors such as antibody dose and binding region. The study suggests that antibodies targeting the flexible tail region of PrP may be more promising candidates for immunotherapy.
A new study published in Science suggests that food tolerance emerges over time in normal individuals due to specific populations of T cells. The research found that consumption of a normal diet stimulates gut cells that suppress rejection of food by the immune system, making children more susceptible to food allergies.
Researchers at Gladstone Institutes uncover a neural circuit that controls walking and find a new target for treating Parkinson's disease. Dopamine depletion disrupts movement by miscommunicating between the basal ganglia and thalamus, leading to an imbalance between go and stop pathways.
Researchers have identified a new mechanism governing DNA repair in the presence of certain class of histone deacetylases. This discovery has implications for cancer treatment and could lead to optimization of clinical use of HDAC inhibitors.