The University of Chicago will support a nationwide precision medicine study enrolling 1 million participants, with the Illinois consortium aiming to recruit at least 35,000 additional participants annually. Participants will provide health and lifestyle information, genomic data, and access their clinical records for better disease pr...
Researchers from UEA's School of Biological Sciences found that female birds are choosing busier breeding locations with more abundant males, leading to skewed sex ratios in small populations. These findings suggest that conservation efforts should focus on maintaining large populations with equal sex ratios.
A molecule believed to indicate good cancer prognosis has been shown to cause genomic instability and promote tumor growth. The study, published in Nature Cell Biology, suggests that targeting p21 could lead to new cancer treatments.
The study found a 60% decline in breeding white-naped crane populations in the Ulz River basin, with only 17 pairs remaining. The species is classified as 'vulnerable' due to habitat loss and fire threats. Conservation efforts are crucial to address declining numbers and protect this critical ecosystem.
A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials found that exercise during pregnancy does not increase the risk of preterm birth and may actually reduce it. Women who exercised were more likely to deliver vaginally and had lower rates of C-sections, gestational diabetes, and high blood pressure.
A study by Florida Atlantic University researcher Michael N. Kane finds that Catholic priests are struggling with retirement due to a declining population and increasing burnout. The priests' limited financial options and lack of clear retirement policies make it difficult for them to retire without facing significant challenges.
A new study suggests that despite advances in HIV treatment, the epidemic continues among gay men globally due to inadequate access to preventive measures like PrEP. Stigma and discrimination also play a significant role in the spread of the disease.
Researchers use SPHERE instrument to image first planet in wide orbit inside a triple-star system, suggesting such systems may be more common than thought. The planet, HD 131399Ab, has an unstable orbit and is estimated to be around 16 million years old, making it one of the youngest exoplanets discovered.
A new study in Biological Psychiatry reveals that inflammation of the hippocampus contributes to depressive symptoms in multiple sclerosis patients. Hippocampal immune activation was linked to more severe symptoms of depression and altered functional connections with other brain regions.
Scientists have created a tool to track reactive oxygen species (ROS) at the interface of mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum organelles, revealing localized signaling loops that regulate mitochondrial energy production. ROS play a crucial role in normal biochemical processes, but their effects can be toxic if uncontrolled.
Dr. Manel Esteller receives top-funding European grant to develop ncRNA DNA Methylation Kit for Cancer of Unknown Primary treatment. The kit aims to improve clinical management and patient outcomes by providing personalized treatment suggestions.
Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center have identified a developmental cause of adult-onset cardiac hypertrophy, a leading cause of heart failure. The study reveals that genetic mutations affecting the Ras/MAPK cell signaling pathway can lead to the development of cardiac hypertrophy in adults.
Research suggests that certain microbes in the air can be beneficial for human health, reducing allergy rates and improving immune function. By designing buildings with ventilation systems that bring in fresh outdoor air, architects can facilitate exposure to these beneficial microbes.
Researchers led by Josef van Genabith are working on two EU-funded projects to improve automatic machine translation, particularly for complex languages like Latvian and Czech. They aim to use 'deep learning' to recognize patterns in large text datasets and learn from them.
Researchers found that cockroaches exhibit head-direction-like activity and evidence of contextual cue processing in their brains. This suggests that insects rely on the same sensory inputs as humans and process them in a similar manner.
A new study found that acupressure reduced persistent fatigue in women treated for breast cancer, improving sleep quality and overall quality of life. Two-thirds of participants achieved normal fatigue levels after six weeks of relaxing acupressure.
A better understanding of how pollinators interact with plants is key to untangling the decline in pollinator health. Researchers are using molecular genetic analysis to reconstruct historical records of plant visits by native bees across 10 prairie sites in Kansas.
Tropical Depression 4E formed in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, with maximum sustained winds near 35 mph. The depression is expected to become a tropical storm in three days and potentially reach hurricane status.
The BMJ has released a series of infographics revealing UK doctors' payments from pharmaceutical companies, showing that those with the highest earnings are less likely to disclose payments. The database is seen as a step towards greater transparency and public accountability, but critics argue it is insufficient.
Researchers discovered a gene that enables plants to harness energy from the far-red-light spectrum, potentially increasing plant productivity. This breakthrough could lead to the development of more efficient crop plants and even artificial photosynthesis as an alternative energy source.
Researchers directly detected a gas giant planet with a wide orbit in the young triple star system HD 131399, challenging existing knowledge about exoplanet detection. The unusual arrangement of the three stars and the planet's size, containing water and methane, may have formed through interactions between planets or binary stars.
A landmark study suggests that culturally tailored weight-and-fitness interventions are effective in helping lesbian and bisexual women improve health behaviors. The study found that nearly 60% of participants increased their physical activity minutes by 20% and 95% achieved one or more health objectives.
A study led by Queen Mary University of London suggests that genetic variation in ribosomal DNA could be driving how a mother's diet during pregnancy affects her offspring's weight and attributes. This discovery may shed light on the conundrum of disease inheritance, particularly for conditions like type 2 diabetes.
MIT biologists identify a key protein inhibited by lithium, leading to reduced worm activity, suggesting a mechanism for lithium's effects on the brain; the findings propose a new hypothesis linking BPNT1 inhibition to mood stabilization in humans
Bacteria have adapted their cell walls to create better-fitted structures for survival in challenging environments. The study reveals unprecedented chemical modifications that enable bacteria to resist lytic enzymes and elicit an innate immune system response in certain hosts.
NASA satellites are gathering data on wind, temperature, rainfall, and cloud extent of Super Typhoon Nepartak as it approaches Taiwan. The storm's maximum sustained winds were near 140 knots (161.1 mph/259.3 kph) with a weakening trend expected.
Researchers discovered that fungal blastospores can kill mosquito larvae rapidly, with specific characteristics contributing to their virulence. The study found that blastospore invasion can occur even in the presence of drugs inhibiting protease activity, making them a promising alternative to chemical pesticides.
A new study reveals that 43% of women with unexplained infertility are infected with the HHV-6A virus, which activates immune cells and produces cytokines making it harder for a fertilized egg to implant. The finding could lead to treatments improving outcomes for infertile women.
A study led by Boston Children's Hospital researchers finds that the loss of let-7 microRNA family is central to neuroblastoma development. The study suggests strategies focused on restoring let-7 could provide a fresh, low-toxicity approach to treating this childhood cancer.
A study analyzing climate and mortality data reveals that 64-506 deaths in London and Paris can be attributed to anthropogenic climate change, increasing the risk of heat-related mortality by 20% and 70%, respectively. The analysis will help agencies create more accurate emergency plans for extreme weather events.
Researchers studied African mudskipper fish and a robot modeled on the animal to understand how early terrestrial animals moved 360 million years ago. The study suggests that tails may have played a key role in propelling these early land animals forward, especially on sloping granular surfaces.
A new study has discovered the largest number of Neanderthal human remains in northern Europe, consisting of five individuals including four adults and a child. The remains show signs of cannibalism, with cut marks and percussion marks on many bones.
Researchers have identified various miRNAs that can predict the response of metastatic renal cancer patients to anti-angiogenic agents. These biomarkers have been shown to be stable and detectable, allowing for personalized treatment. The study provides a promising tool for improving patient outcomes.
Two groundbreaking studies published in New England Journal of Medicine found that patients with specific subtypes of breast cancer responded better to neratinib and veliparib combinations before surgery. These findings have led to the fast-tracking of experimental drugs for large-scale phase 3 trials.
A University of Colorado Boulder study reveals that regular pedelec use improves cardiovascular health, boosts aerobic capacity, and regulates blood sugar control. By incorporating physical activity into daily commutes, riders can increase their fitness levels without requiring separate exercise sessions.
Athletes may experience long-term brain changes even after recovery from a concussion, according to new research. The study found alterations in brain white matter six months post-injury, with more severe symptoms at the time of the concussion being a predictor of these changes.
Scientists analyzed genetic mutations in patient tumors and cancer cell lines to predict which drugs will best fight various cancers. The study found that certain genetic mutations can signal whether cancer cells are sensitive or resistant to different compounds, depending on the type of tissue.
A new study reveals a significant gap between reported smoking during pregnancy and actual nicotine exposure, with 16.5% of women experiencing high-level nicotine exposure and 7.5% low-level exposure. The study highlights the importance of targeted public health efforts to decrease tobacco use among pregnant minority women.
Hurricane Blas continues to hold a Category 3 status with a large eye and powerful thunderstorms. The storm is expected to weaken over the next two days, potentially becoming a tropical storm by Friday night.
Researchers at Aarhus University discovered how simvastatin reduces inflammation in chronic diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis. The study found that simvastatin acts as a 'plug' in proteins retaining immune cells, reducing inflammation and improving symptoms.
A new study reveals that biofilm formation is a common feature of group A streptococcus necrotizing soft tissue infections, leading to higher bacterial loads, extensive inflammation, and more severe tissue damage. Biofilm should be considered as a complicating factor of NSTI.
A nationwide study by Michele Eliason and colleagues found that group intervention is effective in improving health behaviors among aging lesbian and bisexual women. The study, which involved over 375 participants, showed significant increases in physical activity and improvements in mental quality of life.
Researchers at Newcastle University have developed a genetic test to diagnose mitochondrial disorders, identifying six patients from four families affected by the disease. The test, which takes 2-3 days to produce results, has the potential to revolutionize diagnosis and treatment of this debilitating condition.
University of Illinois researchers have demonstrated doping-induced tunable wetting and adhesion of graphene, revealing its unique properties. The findings show that graphene can exhibit switchable hydrophobic and hydrophilic behavior, enabling the creation of reusable, self-cleaning sensors with potential energy savings.
A new study suggests that the weathering of rocks by early non-vascular plants, such as mosses and lichens, may have contributed to the cooling of the climate during the Late Ordovician period. This process, known as chemical weathering, can draw down atmospheric CO2, leading to global cooling.
A recent study reveals that a marine heatwave off the western coast of Australia has led to the dramatic loss of kelp forests, covering over 963 km2. The transition has resulted in a shift towards subtropical and tropical marine ecosystems, with significant changes in species composition.
Kiel researchers found that the stiffness of a male beetle's penis is crucial for successful mating, as the female's spiral-shaped reproductive organ makes penetration difficult. The study suggests that males with softer tips may have an advantage in mating.
Researchers caution against DIY tDCS use due to unpredictable effects and potential unintended consequences on brain function. The 'Open Letter' highlights concerns over frequency, cumulative dose, and individual variability in response to tDCS.
A national study developed by a University of Missouri researcher led to the creation of five pilot programs targeting lesbian and bisexual communities. The initiatives focused on lifestyle changes such as increased physical activity, healthier eating habits, and mindfulness-approach to improve overall health outcomes.
Researchers at The Wistar Institute have discovered a specific network of proteins present in the mitochondria of cancer cells that enables their ability to proliferate, migrate, and spread. By targeting this pathway, they believe it may be possible to develop new treatments for various types of tumors
Researchers analyzed animal and robot models to understand the evolution of the tail from water to land. They found that as surface slopes increased, tails became crucial for lateral movement, with significant benefits at steeper inclines.
The Cornell Lab of Ornithology has partnered with the Land Trust Alliance to launch the Land Trust Bird Conservation Initiative, aiming to improve bird conservation on private lands. The initiative provides technical support, workshops, and a Resources Directory to help land trusts enhance bird habitats.
Researchers from the University of Delaware have developed a new approach to detect hidden damage in structures, using carbon nanotube composites and electrical impedance tomography. The technique can monitor the health of structures and alert owners to potential problems, with major benefits including scalability and relatively low cost.
A look-back study suggests that a major operation to fuse the spines of children with rare, early-onset scoliosis can be eliminated in many cases. In the study, 26 out of 30 patients who opted out of the final fusion procedure had their spines stay straight over three to seven years of follow-up.
Researchers developed a theoretical framework to understand cooperation in competing populations, applying it to consensus votes and epidemic models. The model shows that long-range spatial correlations affect switching between cooperative and non-cooperative behavior.
Key findings highlight the need for national palliative care policies in African countries, where many lack such guidelines. The article discusses the evolution of palliative care policy on the continent, raising awareness and promoting education to address these challenges.
Researchers at CRG have discovered an active repression mechanism involving the progesterone receptor in hormone-dependent breast cancer cells, affecting 650 genes. The study identifies a protein FOXA1 that signals genes for repression by compacting chromatin and restricting gene access.
Researchers found that people who were easily bored tended to endorse more extreme political views. A second survey of 300 people also linked boredom with searching for meaning in life and political extremism.
The National Institutes of Health has selected Vanderbilt University Medical Center as the Data and Research Support Center for the Precision Medicine Initiative Cohort Program. The program aims to study genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors affecting the health of a million or more people.
The grant will enable further development of SPEAKmore! and related mobile technologies for advanced speech and language training. The company aims to help individuals produce more complex sentences and generalize newly learned language concepts, improving their communication skills.