Researchers at UNC School of Medicine have isolated a protein called SPLUNC1 that plays a vital role in regulating proper airway function. When missing or depleted, it can cause airway constriction and difficulty breathing in people with asthma.
A recent study by Penn researchers has found that signaling proteins in cells lining the heart play a key role in preventing excessive scarring after a heart attack. The proteins, YAP and TAZ, regulate immune responses to prevent inflammation and fibrosis, which can lead to heart failure.
A unique enzyme found in a soil bacterium from the Ruth Mullins coal fire has been used to improve antibiotic daptomycin, with potential applications for other drugs and therapies. The discovery could aid in the development of new drugs and treatments.
A new mathematical model reveals that metronomic chemotherapy's benefits rely on the normalization of tumor blood vessels, improving drug delivery and immune cell activity. The approach aims to alleviate abnormal tumor blood vessel structure and function, reducing proliferation of stem-like cancer cells.
Thyroid hormones are essential for brain cell development and signalling, but impaired transporters can lead to severe mental retardation. Researchers found that a genetic mutation deactivates an important transporter, MCT8, in patients with Allan-Herndon-Dudley syndrome.
Researchers at Queen Mary University London have discovered a genetic defect causing kidney and adrenal disease in patients from around the world. The study found that defects in the SGPL1 gene can lead to progressive diseases with neurological involvement.
Researchers have identified a new type of solar event and dated it to 5480 BC using carbon-14 levels in tree rings. The team proposes causes for the event, extending knowledge of the sun's behavior and its effects on Earth. The study provides new insights into the sun's activity during the mid-Holocene period.
BYU professor David Barney's research shows that playing music in P.E. class can significantly improve outcomes, making kids 5.87 times more likely to enjoy physical activity. Publicly picking teams, on the other hand, has a negative associative effect on children, leading to lower self-esteem and decreased confidence.
A new substance, SC83288, has been successfully used to treat severe malaria in humanised mice, killing the parasites in a short period of time. The substance was chemically modified from benzamidine derivatives to increase its effectiveness and tolerability without forfeiting its action against parasites.
A recent study published in Nature Ecology and Evolution found that extreme fire events are associated with anomalous weather patterns, such as droughts and strong winds. The research suggests that the global footprint of extreme fires is expanding, particularly in regions like Australia's east coast and the Mediterranean region.
The APOLLO network partners with the Paulovich Laboratory to develop a panel of tests to measure key proteins in tumors, enabling targeted cancer treatments. The effort aims to improve precision-based medicine by combining genomic and proteomic approaches.
Tropical Cyclone Carlos formed north of La Reunion Island in February 2017, bringing heavy rain and towering storms to the area. NASA's GPM satellite collected data on the storm's structure and precipitation rate, showing intense feeder bands with rainfall rates over 100 mm per hour.
The Global Consortium on Climate and Health Education aims to share best practices and design model curricula for academic and non-academic audiences. The consortium's goal is to create a cadre of highly trained health professionals to address the harmful health effects of climate change.
Researchers found that pasta consumption is associated with a higher diet quality, greater adherence to the U.S. Dietary Guidelines, and lower levels of saturated fat and added sugar compared to non-pasta eaters.
A new method called synthetic essentiality has been found to identify therapeutic targets in cancers lacking specific key tumor suppressor genes. By analyzing gene deletion patterns, researchers identified CHD1 as a potential treatment site for prostate and breast cancers with PTEN gene loss.
A study of undocumented immigrants with kidney failure found that lack of access to hemodialysis results in significant physical and psychological distress. The patients also experienced anxiety, work disruption, and family distress due to their life-threatening illness.
A study of over 33,000 people found that preventing adult weight gain can reduce type 2 diabetes cases twice as much as targeting high-risk individuals, and that population-based strategies could prevent nearly one in five diabetes cases if everyone who gained weight maintained their weight.
Researchers at the University of Kentucky have discovered ten previously unknown microbial natural products from an abandoned coal mine in Kentucky. The compounds include four new geldanamycin variants and four McCrearamycins, which contain a cyclopentenone ring. These findings suggest that small structural variations can impact cell u...
Scientists have identified a distinct cell population in tumours that inhibits the body's immune response to fight cancer. By targeting these cells, researchers hope to enhance the immune system's ability to attack cancer cells.
A new study found that people with higher BMIs are less likely to receive hospice care, die at home, or receive high-quality end-of-life care. Those who did use hospice services spent fewer days in hospice due to differences in home hospice usage.
Research in Fiji Islands reveals that small community-based marine protected areas can be susceptible to attacks by crown-of-thorns sea stars, which can devastate coral reefs. Despite the importance of these protected areas, the findings highlight a new threat that may emerge from degraded areas surrounding healthy ecosystems.
Researchers at Washington State University are utilizing a fully automated 'plant hotel' to analyze the effects of global warming on plant growth. The machine can mimic various climate conditions, allowing scientists to study the genetic underpinnings of stress tolerance in plants and how they respond to environmental changes.
Researchers have cataloged 50 distinct cell types in a major appetite center of the brain, including two newly discovered subtypes that play a role in genetic control of obesity. The study provides a comprehensive parts list for this area of the brain, allowing researchers to identify which cells are responsible for specific functions.
A new non-hormonal male contraceptive, Vasalgel, has been successfully tested in rhesus monkeys, showing no conception after injection and minimal complications. The study's findings suggest that Vasalgel could be a promising alternative to vasectomy for managing reproductive rates in captive populations.
UD researchers identified 45 students with MTS, showing a unique brain processing pattern. The study found that the brain matches the video hand to their own hand, suggesting hyperactive somatosensory networks.
Researchers discovered that human umbilical endothelial cells are more susceptible to Zika infection, allowing it to access the fetal bloodstream. The virus uses a cell surface molecule called AXL to exploit a secret passage, enabling it to cause birth defects such as microcephaly and eye damage.
A new study reveals that the weevil genus Laparocerus has undergone an explosion of evolutionary radiation, resulting in 237 known species and subspecies on the islands of Madeira and the Canary Islands. The analysis suggests that sequential radiation events have generated several monophyletic groups within the genus.
A new project from Liverpool John Moores University is using drones equipped with thermal cameras to help identify endangered species, such as rhinos and orang-utans. The technique involves analyzing thermal heat profiles to create a unique 'fingerprint' for each animal, allowing for more efficient conservation efforts.
A new study by Nationwide Children's Hospital found that nearly two-thirds of US households own a pet, putting children at risk from medicine intended for pets. The researchers recommend safe storage and handling of pet medications to prevent accidental ingestion by children.
Researchers found lampreys mate promiscuously, with females mating dozens of times with multiple males before releasing eggs; sham mating occurs more often with larger male groups. The study suggests female lampreys choose mates based on body size and other qualities.
Patients with low back pain that radiates to the buttock, groin, thigh, and knees may have complex 'hip-spine syndrome'. A comprehensive physical examination and imaging studies can help diagnose the primary cause of pain. The article recommends considering both hip and spine conditions in diagnosis and treatment.
Researchers have discovered a novel combination therapy that successfully treats infections caused by a pernicious form of antibiotic resistance. The treatment regimen, which includes ceftazidime/avibactam and aztreonam, overcomes the resistance caused by metallo-ß-lactamases, a growing global public health problem.
A new biologic agent, 10-1074, has shown early promise as part of a potential new strategy for treating HIV. The drug demonstrated rapid decline in viral load in infected individuals and may be effective in preventing infection in high-risk populations.
A study by German researchers suggests that activating the PERK protein may alleviate symptoms of progressive supranuclear palsy. The protein helps eliminate abnormal tau molecules, which are also found in other neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's.
Researchers found that unconscious exposure to phobic images strongly activates brain regions involved in immediate fear processing, reducing the conscious experience of fear. This technique may be effective in treating anxiety disorders in children and adolescents by preparing them for feared stimuli without conscious awareness.
A study published in Health Affairs found that Medicare Advantage plans are paying more for patients with higher risk scores, despite no evidence of increased illness. The payment method could result in overpayments of $200 billion over the next decade.
A new study found that birds of prey interact more with scented packages than unscented ones, suggesting they associate the scent of peppermint oil with food. This method can be used to encourage species-specific feeding behaviors in zoos.
The Canadian Institute for Advanced Research (CIFAR) has received a $4 million funding boost from the British Columbia Ministry of Health to enhance health research in the province. This support enables CIFAR to facilitate collaborations among top researchers, tackling pressing health questions such as cancer and asthma.
A 480-million-year-old slug-like fossil in Morocco has been discovered, providing new insights into the evolution of molluscs. The fossil, Calvapilosa kroegeri, features a radula and short spines, suggesting that its ancestor was single-shelled and covered in bristle-like spines.
A QUT study reveals that solar PV systems are being acquired by families with lower incomes, contradicting the long-held notion that it is a luxury reserved for high-income individuals. The research found that financial capacity, education status, and home ownership were not the primary factors driving solar uptake.
Researchers found that a green tea compound may prevent light chain amyloidosis, a condition where parts of the body's own antibodies become misshapen and accumulate in organs, by transforming the protein into a non-toxic form. The study suggests potential lifesaving benefits for patients with multiple myeloma and amyloidosis.
Researchers have discovered a signaling pathway in cardiac tissue that helps control inflammatory responses after a heart attack. Activating the Hippo pathway leads to the recruitment of T regulatory cells, which reduce inflammation and promote tissue healing in mice with heart injury.
Research reveals that bacteria eliminating competitors creates conditions for thriving populations, leading to cooperative family structures. The study suggests that similar patterns can be seen in natural objects, providing insights into bacterial behavior.
Nathan Cahill, an RIT associate professor, has been named a Rising Researcher by SPIE for his work in defense and security research. He was recognized for his contributions to remote sensing, machine learning, and cybersecurity.
The Quark Matter 2017 conference showcases new results on ultrarelativistic heavy-ion collisions, revealing the behavior of quarks and gluons in a primordial soup. Scientists explore the structure of nuclear matter, detecting correlations in particle characteristics to understand the dynamic behavior of quarks and gluons.
A new review highlights effective interventions for managing health complications from female genital mutilation, sparking further research on addressing the needs of millions affected worldwide. The World Health Organization's guidelines provide a crucial starting point, but more work remains to determine the most effective treatments.
Researchers at Northwestern University have identified a retinal cell that may cause myopia when it dysfunctions, and this dysfunction may be triggered by excessive indoor time. The discovery could lead to a new therapeutic target to control myopia.
A new study found that distantly related carnivorous plants, including pitcher plants, share similar genetic changes associated with their ability to digest insects. The research suggests that the evolutionary routes to carnivory may be limited and that these plants have co-opted ancient proteins to create digestive enzymes.
Researchers have identified substantial problems with three widely cited studies on mass deworming in Africa, finding methodological issues and biased reporting. The studies initially reported positive long-term effects of mass drug administration, but a critical analysis found these claims to be overstated.
A survey study found that cosmetic professionals are often unaware of the true prevalence of body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) in patients seeking cosmetic procedures. Most respondents were familiar with BDD and its criteria, but only a small percentage routinely addressed body image problems or collaborated with psychologists.
Researchers have created sensor technology for a robotic prosthetic arm that detects signals from nerves in the spinal cord, enabling users to control the device with phantom limb movements. This breakthrough could lead to more functional and user-friendly prosthetics, potentially revolutionizing the lives of amputees.
The International Potato Center launched an online mobile-accessible Pest Risk Atlas for Africa to assess potential pest risks under current and future climate conditions. The atlas provides detailed information for pest risk analysis, including detection and identification, means of movement and dispersal, and phytosanitary measures.
Neuroscientist David Heeger proposes a new theory that explains how the brain uses prediction and inference to make decisions. The brain's neural network can process sensory input in a feedforward manner, but also runs in a feedback mode to generate predictions, and combines both modes for optimal performance.
A two-year study found that Penn State's power plants on campus pose no radon-related health risks, despite high concentrations of radon in the natural gas used. Researchers measured radon levels downwind and upwind from the plants, finding them to be far below a health threat.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center identified an ion channel, TrpC5, essential for the brain's response to leptin and lorcaserin, two hormones and medications used to suppress appetite and reduce body weight. In mice deficient in TrpC5, these hormones were ineffective, leading to increased body weight and disrupted metabolism.
Researchers developed machine learning algorithms to reconstruct 3D protein structures using microscopic images, enabling faster discovery of new drugs for diseases like Alzheimer's and cancer. The approach eliminates prior knowledge requirements, making it possible to study previously inaccessible proteins.
A multidisciplinary team combines drones with infrared cameras to monitor animal populations, reducing costs and increasing access. The new technique uses thermal imaging to identify species, potentially aiding conservation efforts against poaching and habitat destruction.
A Queensland-led team has developed an effective and economical Ebola treatment made with antibodies from horses, which could be used in the next outbreak. The post-exposure treatment is a cost-effective alternative to monoclonal antibodies, which require significant investment for scale-up and manufacture.
Researchers at Hiroshima University have developed a terahertz transmitter capable of transmitting digital data at rates exceeding 100 gigabits per second. This breakthrough enables faster data transfer rates, making it suitable for applications such as satellite communications and ultrafast wireless links between base stations.
A recent study published in the British Journal of Psychology found that US actors dominated the Academy Awards, winning over 50% of all prizes. Shared social group membership with judges was a significant factor in determining award winners. Nationality and film subject matter also played important roles in award wins.