A new study by Voskarides suggests that genetic variants beneficial for survival at extreme temperatures can predispose individuals to cancer. The study analyzes the relationship between cancer risk and local average annual temperatures, concluding that extremely cold environments contribute to cancer risk.
A new Zika vaccine has demonstrated well-tolerability and induced potentially protective immune responses in three phase 1 clinical trials. The vaccine, called ZPIV, was developed by the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research and is being evaluated in several trials to determine its safety and efficacy.
Researchers from Aarhus University discovered that patients with Rapid Eye Movement Sleep Behaviour Disorder (RBD) lack dopamine and experience brain inflammation, which may lead to Parkinson's disease. This study provides new insights into the early stages of Parkinson's disease development.
Researchers found that high ADAR1 levels correlate with reduced survival rates and disease recurrence in multiple myeloma. Inhibiting ADAR1 in experimental models suggests a potential approach to detect the disease earlier and address its root cause.
Researchers developed lab-engineered ovaries that improve bone and uterine health, body composition, and are more effective than hormone drugs in an animal model. The treatment could provide a safer, more natural alternative to hormone replacement medications.
A new algorithm, developed by a team at the University of Maryland, uses artificial neural networks to address multiple flaws in a single image. The algorithm can be trained on high-quality images and then applied to any image with imperfections.
A Northwestern University team creates quantum entanglement from a biological system using green fluorescent proteins. This finding advances scientists' understanding of biology and opens doors to exploit quantum mechanics for new applications.
Researchers develop a model explaining how DNA sequences affect nucleosome accessibility for gene expression, bridging the gap between mechanical and chemical information in DNA molecules. The study reveals specific base pair sequences that enable packaged DNA to unwind and 'breathe', allowing genes to be read.
Researchers investigated the sounds made by champagne bubbles to determine if they could infer bubble size and ultimately assess wine quality. By analyzing acoustic properties, they found that bubble size distribution can be obtained from simple measurements, potentially aiding in quality assurance testing of sparkling wines.
A new study reveals that hyperbaric oxygen therapy may correct behavioral and physical deficits associated with Alzheimer's disease. The treatment reduced plaque pathology by 40% and neuroinflammation by about 40%, improving the condition of mice with the disease.
A new study by the University of Manchester reveals that meteorites forming the Earth billions of years ago had much lower halogen levels than previously thought. The research found consistent and uniform halogen content across different types of meteorites, shedding light on the origin of life on Earth.
The ASCB Celldance program premiered two new videos at the 2017 ASCB|EMBO Meeting in Philadelphia. The videos, created by Guillaume Duménil, Dyche Mullins, and Lillian Fritz-Laylin, visualize how pathogens invade the body and proliferate, as well as single cells crawling through complex environments.
Researchers are using a high-tech approach to study the relationship between crow calls and their behavior, hoping to uncover the meaning behind their loud cawing. By analyzing audio recordings of the birds' vocalizations, they aim to gain insights into bird communication and behavior.
Researchers from University of Missouri Sinclair School of Nursing launched a federal initiative to improve quality of care in 40 nursing facilities. The Missouri Quality Initiative for Nursing Homes (MOQI) program has reduced potentially avoidable hospitalizations by 48 percent and improved resident care, saving Medicare costs.
The oversized planet WASP-18b is wrapped in a smothering stratosphere loaded with carbon monoxide and devoid of water. The formation of this atmosphere is attributed to 'sunscreen'-like molecules absorbing UV radiation and releasing heat, which is unusual compared to other gas giants.
NIFA's Federally-Recognized Tribes Extension Program and Tribal Colleges Research Grants Program support education and research-based knowledge for tribal communities. The programs address unique needs and problems of American Indian tribal nations through grants worth over $5 million in fiscal year 2017.
A new Army-developed Zika vaccine has induced a robust immune response in healthy adults, with over 90% of volunteers developing an immune response against the virus. The vaccine, developed by Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, was tested in three phase 1 studies and showed promising results.
Researchers found that tigers are clinging to survival in low-density populations due to habitat loss and fragmentation. The study revealed that primary forests are 47% more abundant than degraded forests, and extensive clearing has disproportionately reduced tiger numbers.
Scientists at the University of Washington have discovered that living yeast cell membranes can undergo phase separation, a process where distinct regions enriched in particular protein and lipid types arise. This discovery reveals that cells use demixing as a tool to shape membranes and their functions within a living system.
A new digital platform provides lay summaries of hot-topic articles from leading international academics, bridging the gap between researchers and individuals outside academia. The ultimate aim is to stimulate conversations in all sectors on the impact of regenerative medicine on society.
Two Pitt ChemE Professors, James McKone and Chris Wilmer, have been honored as new Fellows at the Scialog: Advanced Energy Storage meeting. They were among 58 early-career researchers recognized for their work on novel electrochemical energy storage innovations.
Fetal monitoring specialists argue that continuous electronic monitoring is associated with lower infant mortality and should be used for all women in labor. However, other experts claim that the practice increases intervention rates and may not prevent neonatal deaths, suggesting a reevaluation of its benefits.
A team from Technical University of Munich has discovered a 'shut-off switch' in immune cells called PD-1 that prevents T cell Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. The study found that PD-1 can turn off defective T cells at an early stage, preventing them from becoming tumor cells.
Researchers have discovered a small-molecule drug that can restore brain function and memory in mice with Alzheimer's-like symptoms by blocking toxic ion flow. The drug, anle138b, attaches to amyloid-beta protein clusters and deactivates pores, reducing neuronal dysfunction and cell death.
A public-private effort in Los Angeles County has reduced emergency medical services, inpatient hospital care, and outpatient health services use among those enrolled in the Housing for Health program. Participants made an average of 1.64 fewer emergency room visits and inpatient hospital stays decreased by more than 4 days.
Research by UCL shows that hunter-gatherer storytellers played a crucial role in promoting co-operative and egalitarian values. The study found that skilled storytellers had greater reproductive success, were more likely to be co-operated with, and lived in camps with higher levels of cooperation.
The largest ever analysis of NHS patients who fail to attend reveals socio-economic deprivation as biggest risk factor. Nearly 20% of patients missed more than two appointments over a 3-year period, with 46% missing one or more appointments.
A study found that lithium chloride prevents brain damage caused by fetal alcohol exposure in mice, reducing sleep disturbances and memory loss. The drug was given to newborn mice after a single dose of 'binge' alcohol, eliminating hyperactivity and sleep deficits.
Researchers developed a neural network-based model to assess coastal communities' resiliency to hurricanes. The model forecasts storms in terms of impacts, rather than just wind speed, and has been tested during real-time storms, including Hurricane Harvey.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center identified a chemical that suppresses the lethal form of a parasitic infection caused by roundworms. The study developed a mouse model susceptible to the full range of infection and found that a synthetic steroid called Δ7-dafachronic acid significantly reduced worm burden.
Researchers at University of Warwick and Francis Crick Institute discovered a deeper understanding of how D-cycloserine works against bacteria, opening up possibility of developing new antibiotic drugs. The study highlights the need for more effective antibiotics to fight drug-resistant bacterial infections.
A new collaborative engineering project funded by NSF aims to make numerical computation of departure rates and route choice faster, enabling rapid rerouting and diversion. The project uses machine learning to develop statistical models of traffic flow, potentially reducing congestion by seconds, minutes or hours ahead of time.
The MSU McNair Scholars Program, a five-year grant-funded initiative, supports 25 undergraduates annually and provides services such as undergraduate research projects, conference presentations, and graduate school preparation. The program has already seen significant success, with 136 students participating since its inception in 2009.
A weight management programme can reverse type 2 diabetes in most people who have had the condition for up to 6 years, according to a new study published in The Lancet. Almost half of participants achieved and maintained diabetes remission at one year without antidiabetic medications.
A study published in The BMJ found that air pollution from road traffic in London is associated with an increased risk of low birth weight babies born at full term. Exposure to PM2.5 pollutants was linked to a 2-6% increased odds of low birth weight and 1-3% increased odds of being small for gestational age.
A new study by Ohio State University found that a composting program in Costa Mesa, California led to residents increasing their energy and water conservation efforts. The research suggests that when people start engaging in one environmentally friendly behavior, they are more likely to adopt other pro-environmental habits.
A new algorithm can speed up protein-folding simulations, allowing researchers to model phenomena that were previously out of reach. This technique can help scientists better understand and treat diseases like Alzheimer's, which is associated with amyloid-beta protein fragments forming hard plaques that disrupt neurons.
A new analysis published in Perspectives on Psychological Science concludes that the Goldwater Rule is not well-supported scientifically and is outdated. Examining someone directly may not be necessary if other valid sources of information are compiled, such as interviews with family members or extensive public records.
Researchers at Harvard's Rowland Institute have developed a system that uses renewable electricity to electrochemically transform carbon dioxide into carbon monoxide, with an energy conversion efficiency of up to 12.7%. The device has the potential for industrial applications and could be scaled up to scrub CO2 from the atmosphere.
Researchers at Moss Rehabilitation Research Institute are studying depression in people with traumatic brain injury (TBI) to understand the relationship between activity levels and mental health. The study aims to fine-tune depression treatment for TBI patients by exploring behavioral activation therapy.
Researchers found that women with a history of suicide attempts had lower circulating levels of BDNF, a protein critical for neuron function and synaptic activity, compared to those without such a history. This biomarker shows promise in predicting future suicide attempts and may be incorporated into standard blood tests at annual chec...
Researchers at EPFL have measured quantum properties of electrons in 2D semiconductors, paving the way for smaller, more efficient chips. The breakthrough could lead to the development of spintronics-based devices that generate less heat.
A study found that most people, including those without a prior connection to the condition, support newborn screening for spinal muscular atrophy. Key benefits cited include better healthcare and life expectancy for affected infants, as well as informed decision-making for future pregnancies.
A team of surgeons at Mount Sinai Hospital performed the first robot-assisted radical neck dissection in the US using the bilateral axillo-breast approach. The surgery successfully removed 59 lymph nodes from a patient diagnosed with thyroid cancer, showcasing the technique's potential for minimally invasive procedures.
A study found a positive relationship between working memory and healthy traits like physical endurance and cognitive function. Traits associated with suboptimal cardiovascular health, smoking, and binge drinking were linked to less cohesive brain networks.
A study by Indiana University researchers found a link between the fragile X syndrome gene and excessive tissue growth. The discovery reveals a key biological mechanism behind the physical and mental impairments caused by fragile X syndrome, which affects 1 in 4,000 males and 1 in 6,000 females.
Researchers from UTA found that workplace sexual harassment persists as an occupational health issue, with limited progress made in addressing its complexities. The study suggests that effective strategies can be developed by understanding the characteristics of harassers and their use of power.
Large racial disparities were found in the survival of patients with ovarian, colon, and breast cancers in the United States. Black women had consistently worse survival compared to white women, despite similar stage distributions. The five-year net survival for black women was lower than for white women in all three types of cancer.
A new quick and portable test can detect iron and vitamin A deficiencies in under 15 minutes, providing a potential solution to the global health problem affecting over one-third of the world's population. The test has the potential to prevent blindness, anemia, and death among children and women.
A study published in JAMA found that patients treated by substitute doctors had similar death rates as those treated by regular hospital staff. However, hospitals that used substitute physicians less often had poorer patient mortality outcomes, possibly due to geographic remoteness or limited financial resources.
Researchers at UC Riverside have found a way to access and manipulate taste neurons in the pharynx of common fruit flies, which could help control the spread of mosquito-related illnesses and reduce agricultural losses. This genetic approach offers a new framework for understanding the complexities of insect feeding behaviors.
The Dahl's Toad-headed Turtle is threatened due to small and fragmented populations and high levels of inbreeding. A genetic rescue strategy is recommended to save the species, including moving turtles between subpopulations and restoring its habitat.
Researchers discovered that reducing a mitochondrial protein in cardiac muscle cells initiates cardiac dysfunction and heart failure. The findings suggest that restoring proper function of mitochondria-associated ER membranes may be a novel target for treating heart failure.
Research expedition tracked endangered tigers through Sumatran jungles, finding low density populations clinging to survival. Well-protected forests are disappearing and fragmenting, erasing tiger habitat gains, mainly due to oil palm plantations.
A preschool program called REDI (Research-based, Developmentally Informed) has been shown to improve executive function skills and academic performance in low-income children. The program focuses on building social and emotional skills, which are critical for learning and classroom engagement.
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh's Roslin Institute are investigating gene drive technology to curb pest rodent populations. They aim to reduce or eliminate pest species using a more humane method.
Researchers have successfully extracted and sequenced the DNA of a single mitochondrion, revealing vastly different sequences between individual mitochondria within a cell. This breakthrough may lead to improved diagnosis and treatment of neurological diseases, such as those caused by accumulated mitochondrial mutations with age.
A study of women with rheumatoid arthritis found that weight gain, not loss, was associated with a lower mortality risk. Those who experienced severe unintentional weight loss had the highest risk of death decades later.
Researchers found a complicated pattern of neural activity during different time intervals, with neurons adjusting their activity depending on the required interval. The brain doesn't change the trajectory when the interval changes, it just changes the speed at which it goes from the initial state to the final state.
A brain imaging study reveals that musical training sharpens and bonds ears and tongue to hear speech better by enhancing neural foundation in bottom-up auditory encoding, top-down speech motoric prediction, and cross-modal auditory-motor integration.