A five-year federal grant will discover progesterone-like compounds from commonly consumed botanicals and their role in women's health. The research aims to improve safety and inform decisions on self-medicating with botanicals.
Researchers found that Zika virus infection can persist for up to 70 days in pregnant monkeys, whereas non-pregnant animals clear the virus within 10 days. The study suggests that immune systems of mothers-to-be may be compromised, allowing the virus to linger.
The study reveals that Group B streptococcus (GBS) uses the enzyme hyaluronidase to evade the immune system during pregnancy, leading to neonatal morbidity and mortality. Blocking this enzyme could lead to eradication of GBS and new treatments for other ascending infections.
Researchers have developed a new method to detect atmospheric chemicals using mid-infrared lasers, generating glowing plasma filaments that reveal chemical fingerprints.
Researchers at Ontario Institute for Cancer Research created protein signatures to accurately diagnose prostate cancer and distinguish between aggressive and non-aggressive disease. The findings could lead to a non-invasive 'liquid biopsy' that provides faster, cheaper, and easier detection of prostate cancer.
Researchers at the University of Sheffield have developed biodegradable and harmless silk micro-rockets using innovative 3D inkjet printing. These devices can be used in drug delivery and locating cancer cells, and have the potential to revolutionize safe biological environments.
Researchers at EMBL-EBI develop an algorithm to cluster peptide mass spectra, identifying 9 million consistently unidentified spectra. This breakthrough simplifies the detection of post-translational modifications and variants, paving the way for more efficient exploitation of proteomics data.
Researchers have found that measuring copper and zinc concentrations in blood and tissue may allow for early diagnosis of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). The study, presented at the Goldschmidt conference, showed significant changes in these elements prior to symptom onset.
A new study by bioengineers at Brigham and Women's Hospital demonstrates the effectiveness of combination therapies in eliminating cancer cells. By pairing chemotherapy drug docetaxel with a targeted PI3K inhibitor, researchers achieved greater tumor inhibition and eliminated evidence of resistance.
A recent study found that balancing selection can increase the frequency of harmful mutations in non-HLA genes within the MHC region. This mechanism may contribute to the prevalence of heritable diseases. The research team used DNA sequencing data from 6,500 individuals to test this hypothesis.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that 70% of randomized trials' protocols mentioned industry-academic agreement on publication rights, with industry retaining review or disapproval rights. The findings suggest a lack of transparency and potential conflicts of interest.
A team of researchers at Oxford University has identified four genes that play a crucial role in early human development. These genes, known as Argfx, Leutx, Dprx and Tprx, are activated for an extremely brief period, when the embryo is a tiny ball of 8-16 cells. They then switch off, controlling the 'first gear' of embryonic growth.
Researchers discovered that the protein Pentagone regulates a concentration gradient in the fruit fly wing, controlling vein formation. This mechanism may also be relevant to human development disorders, where it could influence finger formation.
A new study in Australia finds that drinking patterns among younger generations are leading to a decline in overall alcohol consumption. The research shows that Australians born in the 1990s are significantly less likely to drink than previous generations.
A Harvard study monitors subway microbes to identify early warning systems for public health threats. The research found that surface type and human interaction significantly influence microbial community structure, with skin- and oral-associated microbes prevalent on poles and seats.
A team of engineers from Washington University in St. Louis is developing a bio-hybrid nose using the highly sensitive locust olfactory system to create new biorobotic sensing systems. The team plans to monitor neural activity and decode odorants present in the environment, paving the way for explosive detection.
A team of Cornell University researchers has devised a method for isolating one specific enzyme activity of SIRT6, a protein with multiple biological functions. The study used a mutant form of SIRT6 to determine its contribution to various functions, including genome stability and metabolism.
A new study finds that converting forests into monoculture palm plantations will cause significant climate-warming carbon emissions. Converting just 11,500 hectares of forest could release 1.5 million metric tons of carbon, equivalent to small developing countries. However, these emissions can be offset over 25 years if development is ...
The NYU Tandon School of Engineering's SMART program teams city teachers with university faculty and graduate students for advanced STEM workshops, research, and entrepreneurship. A new NSF grant adds a weeklong industry experience at major businesses.
Researchers discovered a lost hormone in starfish that is linked to human sexual maturity and evolution. The study found that the evolutionary history of the hormone gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) is written in the genes of the starfish, with two GnRH-like hormones found in both humans and fruit flies.
Astronomers have discovered a ring structure of complex organic molecules around a Solar-type protostar, providing direct evidence that interstellar materials are fed into the rotating disk structure. The distribution of these molecules reveals new perspectives on planetary system formation and chemical composition.
A long-term study in over 200 pregnant women found that a special diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids did not result in children being slimmer or fatter than those from the control group. The study challenges earlier findings that suggested omega-6 fatty acids might contribute to infant obesity.
Researchers found that female deer typically travel twice as far and take more convoluted paths than males, making it harder to contain chronic wasting disease. Dispersal rates are density-dependent, meaning higher deer densities lead to greater dispersal.
A study in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs found that Maine's pharmacists were not utilizing its prescription-monitoring program, which could increase patient safety. Meanwhile, a second study suggests that local 'drug take-back' programs can increase public awareness and usage.
The July 2016 issue of Geology features studies on pre-Mississippian tectonic affinity across the Canada Basin-Arctic margins, as well as hydrothermal alteration of seafloor peridotites. Researchers also investigate recent volcanic resurfacing of Venusian craters and cyanobacterial fossilization in Ediacaran siliciclastic environments.
A recent study published in Marine Biodiversity Records reveals that lionfish have colonized almost the entire southeastern coast of Cyprus within a year, thanks to rising sea temperatures. The invasive species can outcompete native fish and reduce biodiversity in the area.
A new study found that internet users who primarily accessed the web for entertainment purposes, such as watching cat videos, were less likely to demand democracy in their countries. In contrast, those who used the internet for news and sharing political opinions were more likely to support democratic reforms. The researchers suggest t...
A University of Miami research team created a mathematical model to investigate the role of sexual transmission in the spread and control of Zika. The study found that mosquito control remains the most important mitigation method, but sexual transmission increases the risk of infection and prolongs outbreaks.
Researchers developed novel techniques to visualize uncultured microbial cell activity using BONCAT, a high-throughput and cost-effective approach. This method identifies individual active cells and clusters within microbial communities, providing insights into the ecological function of microorganisms.
Researchers develop mathematical model of animal social networks, finding that newborns copy their mother's connections to form social relationships. The study captures key properties of observed networks in four diverse species, suggesting a simple 'social inheritance' mechanism drives social structure.
Researchers have discovered biomarkers using non-invasive liquid biopsies to identify aggressive disease in prostate cancer patients before surgery. The study uses urine samples from 210 patients and identifies a range of proteins that can help predict which patients have slow-growing versus aggressive cancer.
A study by researchers at Tufts University successfully reprograms cells from diabetic foot ulcers into pluripotent stem cells, which can be turned into various cell types important for wound healing. The findings provide a new target for treatment and may lead to the development of more effective therapies for non-healing wounds.
Researchers found that oral bacteria cooperate to make a pathogenic bacterium more infectious by providing an oxygen-rich environment. This cross-respiration allows the pathogen to grow and thrive, leading to worse infections.
Researchers found placental mammals evolved at a constant rate before the extinction event but accelerated rapidly after, resulting in diverse modern groups like bats and cats. The team analyzed fossils from the Cretaceous to present day, finding a massive spike in evolution rates after dinosaur extinction.
A new electric mesh device has been developed to wrap around the heart and deliver electrical impulses, improving cardiac function in experimental models of heart failure. The device is designed to mimic the properties and functions of heart tissue, closely imitating its elasticity and conductivity.
Volanesorsen, a novel lipid-lowering medication, significantly improved insulin sensitivity and glucose control in patients with type 2 diabetes and high triglycerides. The study found a 69% reduction in triglycerides and improved hemoglobin A1c levels, suggesting that lowering triglycerides can improve insulin sensitivity.
A study examining childhood weight's link to age of first substance use found significant correlations between weight status and timing of first use among specific racial and ethnic groups. Hispanic girls who were overweight as children were more likely to begin using substances at an earlier age.
Indiana University chemists Steven Tait and Kenneth Caulton will develop new catalysts for molecular transformations using surface chemistry and metal-organic chemistry. Their goal is to convert environmentally harmful CO2 molecules into carbon-neutral plastics, building materials, and fuel.
Danish researchers have discovered a possible connection between environmental factors and the onset of puberty. They found that epigenetic changes in the human genome are involved in defining pubertal timing, with specific DNA methylation patterns indicating whether a child has entered puberty.
Two studies in mice reveal that rescuing MeCP2 activity in certain neurons can improve symptoms of Rett syndrome, with different types of neurons playing distinct roles. Researchers are now exploring drugs to improve inhibitory and excitatory neuron balance, offering new hope for potential therapies.
Researchers found that even when conflicting information is invisible, the human brain initiates mechanisms to resolve it. This occurs in the early visual cortex with minimal involvement of the fronto-parietal cortex.
Therapeutic stem cells exit the bloodstream via a distinct process called angiopellosis, where endothelial cells actively push them out of blood vessels. This alternative mechanism allows for longer exit times and multiple cell exits at once, with implications for cancer research and intravenous therapies.
Researchers found a strong five-gene signature in all patients who succumbed to the disease, regardless of their length of survival. The team also tested HXR9, which blocked HOX gene function, forcing cancer cells to close down and die, and found that combining it with cisplatin significantly increased cancer cell killing.
Researchers have discovered a massive helium gas field in the Tanzanian Rift Valley, ensuring a stable supply of this finite resource. The find, associated with volcanoes, has calculated a probable resource of 54 Billion Cubic Feet, enough to fill over 1.2 million medical MRI scanners.
A study of 19 international studies found that higher blood levels of omega-3 fatty acids from seafood and plants were associated with a 10% lower risk of fatal heart attacks. People with the highest levels had a 25% lower risk, while nonfatal heart attacks showed no significant association.
Out-of-pocket spending per hospitalization rose by 37%, driven by deductible and coinsurance increases, affecting treatment choices and access to care. Adults in individual-market plans faced the highest cost sharing.
A pilot study published in The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association found an adjustable foot wrap to be significantly more effective than standard pharmaceutical treatment for restless legs syndrome. The device caused a 1.4 times increase in sleep for those with moderate to severe symptoms.
A new treatment developed by UTSA researcher Matthew Gdovin can kill up to 95% of cancer cells in two hours using a single dose and a beam of light. The method involves injecting a chemical compound into the tumor and then exposing it to a beam of light, causing the cells to become acidic and commit suicide.
A new study found that household use of coal and dirty fuels in households is a major contributor to Beijing's notorious air pollution. Eliminating these emissions could reduce particulate levels by up to 22%. Regional efforts are crucial to address this issue, as individual cities may not have control over surrounding regions.
A UAB study finds that laundry pod detergents are far more likely to cause poisoning injuries in young children than non-pod detergents, with an estimated 71% of pod-related exposures classified as poisoning. The research estimates there were almost 36,000 cases of injury due to all types of laundry detergent between 2012 and 2014.
Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors (IMTs) are linked to a deficiency in nonsense-mediated RNA decay (NMD), which deactivates the cell's quality control system and leads to increased inflammation. This finding may lead to new treatments for rare masses of immune cells.
A new artificial intelligence system called ALPHA has been developed by Psibernetix, Inc., which consistently outperforms human experts in simulated air combat. ALPHA's ability to process vast amounts of sensor data and make tactical decisions in milliseconds makes it a formidable opponent, even when its aircraft are handicapped.
A new study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that coprescribing naloxone with opioids for chronic pain can significantly reduce opioid-related emergency room visits. The study also showed that patients prescribed naloxone had substantially fewer overdose episodes compared to those not prescribed the medication.
Researchers at WPI and Penn used laboratory experiments and computational modeling to study the interactions between molecular motors, filaments, and membranes. They found that a single myosin-1 molecule is not enough to generate sufficient force against slippery membranes, requiring up to 124 molecules working together.
Researchers discovered that isoprene, a common natural chemical found in human breath, increases significantly at hypoglycemia levels. This finding may lead to the development of new tests for detecting hypoglycaemia and reducing its risk of life-threatening complications.
A new study recommends using residual fertilizer to give plants staying power and add value for consumers. Controlled-release fertilizers proved to be more effective in maintaining plant performance beyond the production phase.
NASA's Integrated Multi-satellitE Retrievals for GPM (IMERG) data revealed extreme rainfall in West Virginia during June 20-26, 2016, with 12.6 inches reported in affected areas., The IMERG analysis also showed heavy rain producing thunderstorms, causing flash flooding in the region.
Researchers have identified a protein called GlyRS that contributes to higher mortality in breast cancer patients by launching cancer growth. The study suggests targeting this protein could lead to the development of new anti-cancer therapies.
New research reveals that households in Beijing contribute significantly to outdoor pollution, producing 50% of black carbon emissions and 69% of organic carbon emissions. The use of solid fuels for heating and cooking in homes is a major source of ill health in China, with air pollution ranking as a leading cause of premature death.
A new computer model demonstrates how the tiny slits in the spleen prevent old, diseased or misshapen red blood cells from re-entering the bloodstream. The study provides a better understanding of how the spleen's function affects diseases that impact red blood cell shape and structure.