Targeting therapeutic genes to the lungs offers potential for managing serious lung diseases that do not respond to other treatments. Preclinical and human clinical studies have targeted various genetic diseases, including cystic fibrosis, asthma, and lung cancer.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that current Australian nature reserves are unsuitable for the critically endangered Leadbeater's Possum but may compromise on habitat for other forest-dependent species. Expanded reserve systems could provide higher habitat suitability values, but at a cost to other species.
Researchers are exploring aerobic exercise as a potential treatment for mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBI) in wounded warriors. The study aims to improve soldiers' quality of life by assessing intensive cardiorespiratory exercise, which may help alleviate symptoms such as migraines and motor problems associated with mTBI.
Research by Emily Fitzgibbons Shafer found that lower-educated men hold women with different surnames to harsher standards, while educated men are more accepting. A study of US residents found that 94% of women take their husband's surname after marriage.
A multicenter study of infants and children who suffered cardiac arrest found that body cooling had no significant benefits compared to maintaining a normal temperature. The study included 329 patients aged 2 days to 18 years old, but the results showed no difference in survival rates or brain function between the two groups.
Premature death rates declined among Hispanics, blacks, and Asian/Pacific Islanders due to fewer deaths from cancer, heart disease, and HIV. In contrast, white and American Indian/Alaska Native populations experienced increased rates driven by accidents, drug overdoses, and suicide.
A new automated web-based surveillance system has been demonstrated to detect potential safety problems with medical devices like the Mynx, a vascular closure device. The system, called DELTA, performs automated safety analyses and comparative effectiveness studies prospectively, sending alerts to users via email.
Researchers found that metformin significantly increased tumor cell apoptosis and altered the cancer microenvironment in patients with head and neck cancer. The study suggests that metformin may make cancer more susceptible to standard therapies and has potential immunotherapeutic effects.
A new model predicts wind frequency and potential contributions to traditional energy sources, enabling decentralized load frequency control. The algorithm requires less computational time than traditional methods, but may require more computation to maintain system stability.
NASA has resumed rigorous vibration testing on the James Webb Space Telescope after an early shutdown in 2016 due to sensor readings exceeding predicted levels. The team implemented changes to the test profile to prevent similar issues, adding diagnostic tests to ensure confidence in the launch environment.
A new species of parasitic wasp, Euderus set, has been discovered in the southeastern United States, manipulating its host's behavior to survive. The wasp's behavior is reminiscent of ancient Egyptian mythology's god Set, who controlled evil animals and even killed his brother Osiris.
A new study by University of Leicester researchers has identified the mechanism behind solidification cracking in steel welding, a critical engineering alloy. The team used synchrotron X-ray beamline technology to observe crack formation in real-time, revealing micro-porosities as the primary cause.
A group of medical experts has issued new clinical guidelines for managing children and adolescents with growth failure, recommending hormonal treatments for certain conditions but cautioning against routine use in cases of unknown cause. The guidelines aim to balance medical needs with potential risks and long-term consequences.
An interdisciplinary MSU team will investigate new ways of producing hydropower, increasing food production and lessening environmental damage caused by dams. They aim to find solutions to impact river flows and temperatures, fish migration and unequal energy pricing.
Researchers at MIT's Sloan Neuroeconomics Lab have developed a new method to extract correct answers from large groups of people, reducing errors in crowd wisdom surveys. The 'surprisingly popular' algorithm uses the variation between individual responses and predicted popular opinion to identify the correct answer.
Researchers discover that a component of the innate immune system, the complement system, plays a crucial role in killing antibiotic-resistant ST258 bacteria. The study's findings suggest that a modified antibody could be used to develop new tools to treat and prevent infections caused by these bacteria.
A new study found that non-invasive brain stimulation using transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) can significantly reduce bulimia symptoms, including urge to binge eat and concerns about weight. The treatment showed promise in improving cognitive control over compulsive features of the disorder.
Researchers found that genetic makeup of social partners significantly impacts wound healing, anxiety, and body weight in mice. The study provides insights into the mechanisms of social genetic effects and their potential application to human health.
Researchers develop simple method for coating nanoparticles with urea molecules to slow breakdown and release nitrogen. Initial field tests show promising results in reducing fertilizer need by half.
A new study by B. Ubbo Felderhof reveals that even when thrust and drag average out over a period, periodic shape deformations can lead to net motion in microorganisms and animals, improving upon popular explanations of swimming and flying mechanisms. The research provides an important conceptual clarification of flow theory and has po...
A new study finds that a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet in dogs significantly influences the balance of microbes in their gut. The research suggests that obesity and overweight dogs may be more susceptible to dietary interventions.
A collaborative effort to improve CFD methodologies for evaluating medical devices has developed two benchmark models with robust experimental data. The study shows that 57% of simulation predictions were within one standard deviation of measured values, but more work is needed to develop widely-acceptable hemolysis solvers.
Researchers have discovered a critical DNA sequence code, known as the human Initiator, that regulates over half of all human genes. This breakthrough provides insight into gene regulation and may lead to new discoveries in understanding how human genes are turned on and off.
A new species of lizard, Magnuviator ovimonsensis, discovered in Montana's Egg Mountain fossil site, reveals significant gaps in understanding lizard diversity during the Cretaceous Period. The nearly complete fossils show that this ancient offshoot of iguanian lizards lived in a semi-arid environment with dinosaurs and other creatures.
A new study suggests that corrupt behavior can emerge from a sudden 'golden opportunity' rather than gradual processes. Researchers found participants were more likely to bribe when presented with an abrupt steep-cliff option compared to a gradual slippery-slope option.
A study found that nearly half of women treated for early stage breast cancer experienced at least one severe or very severe side effect from their treatment. The most common side effects were pain, skin irritation, and constipation, with Latina women being 30% more likely to report a severe side effect.
Researchers are studying how receptors are transported from inside the cell to the surface where they function. Small proteins like Rab43 play a crucial role in this process, helping to ensure the proper functioning of GPCRs.
Researchers at the Center for BrainHealth found a strong link between impulsive personality and high body mass index (BMI). Individuals with an impulsive personality were more likely to exhibit altered neural function, which may contribute to weight gain. The study suggests that addressing impulsive personality traits could be key to d...
Researchers found that the fluid-filled nature of muscle fibers plays a role in creating tension when stretching. The study used a model and experiments with real bullfrog muscle to demonstrate the mechanical properties of fluid in muscle fibers. This discovery argues for accounting for fluid in models of muscle mechanics.
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine suggests screening patients with a high risk for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) to identify undiagnosed cases and reduce the economic burden. Screening can be done by primary care providers, who can refer patients to specialists for further evaluation.
Researchers suggest early Mars was warmed by greenhouse effects from methane, carbon dioxide, and hydrogen. This could have supported liquid water on the surface, increasing the chances of finding life. The study's findings provide new insights into Mars' climate and its potential for hosting life.
A new approach to treating tuberculosis could significantly reduce treatment time and improve patient outcomes. Researchers identified an effective four-drug regimen that kills TB bacteria in the lungs and cures mice up to four times faster than current treatments.
Deb Jaisi, a University of Delaware researcher, uses isotope tracking methods to locate sources and fate of phytate in soil and water. His research aims to understand natural versus human contribution to phosphorus pollution in the Chesapeake Bay.
A new study finds that research on synthetic chemical pollution is severely lacking, despite its growing presence and impact on ecosystems. The study's authors call for increased funding and collaboration to better understand the environmental effects of these chemicals and mitigate their harm.
Researchers S. George Philander and Mark A. Cane developed a key insight that the Pacific Ocean's weather balance swings seesaw-like between extremes, leading to practical forecasts of El Niño events. Their work enabled institutions worldwide to monitor warning signs for crop planting, disease control, and floods or droughts.
A team of astronomers successfully observed the entire hydrogen coma of comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko using the LAICA telescope onboard the PROCYON spacecraft. The observations provide a unique opportunity to test coma models and estimate the total amount of water released by the comet per second.
A study published in Cell Death and Disease suggests that problems with mitochondria may contribute to Parkinson's disease. The researchers found that faulty waste disposal systems can lead to damaged mitochondria, which produce less energy and cause oxidative stress.
Researchers discovered the asteroid break-up occurred 2.5 million years before the rise in marine biodiversity, debunking the myth of a connection between the two events.
Climate change impacts mosquito life cycle and malaria parasite development, increasing transmission risk in sub-Saharan Africa. A new model predicts disease spread using periodic vector-bias effects, improving accuracy over previous models.
Researchers discover FKB-6, a protein that regulates the speed of chromosome pairing in nematodes, ensuring accurate genetic information swap during reproduction. The findings offer new insight into animal fertility and could help understand defects contributing to conditions like Down syndrome.
A new study by University of Kansas researcher Jessica Li found that broad smiles lead to perceptions of warmth but less competence, while slight smiles elicit more competence and lower risk perceptions. This can impact consumer behavior in different contexts.
Researchers at the University of Missouri have discovered that luteolin, a natural compound found in herbs and vegetables, can inhibit the growth of triple-negative breast cancer cells in mice. The study found that luteolin reduced metastasis risk by preventing cancer cell migration and viability.
A new technique uses remote sensing to assess coastal salt marshes' potential to survive environmental challenges. The UVVR ratio is a good surrogate for labor-intensive field studies, tracking the main destructive processes in marshes.
The study found that the BRCA1 gene is required for the survival of blood forming stem cells, which could explain why patients with BRCA1 mutations do not have an elevated risk for leukemia. The researchers also suggest that these patients may have a tougher time with chemotherapy side effects.
The increasing use of synthetic chemicals is outpacing global environmental changes, with pesticides and pharmaceuticals posing significant threats to human and environmental health. Research on these chemicals has been neglected, despite their impact on ecosystems and the environment.
Researchers have identified a key mechanism behind the aggressive progression of skin infections caused by Community-Associated MRSA strains. The discovery suggests that modifying the bacterial cell envelope could help prevent such infections.
Research by Virginia Institute of Marine Science reveals rapid landward migration of barrier-island sands leading to significant loss of adjacent saltmarshes. The study estimates that at least 60 acres of back-barrier saltmarsh are consumed annually, with nearly 10% of Virginia's historical acreage lost since 1870.
Pediatric experts warn that consumer-use baby monitors may cause undue alarm to parents and have no evidence of medical benefits for healthy babies. The devices, marketed aggressively to parents, promise peace of mind about their child's cardiorespiratory health but have been shown to be inaccurate and potentially harmful.
Researchers developed a novel strategy to synthesize various metal-organic materials, including double-shell hollow MOMs. This approach enables control over particle sizes and shapes, critical for optimizing porous material performance in catalysis, adsorption, and separation processes.
Scientists at Indiana University have discovered that fruit flies produce a molecule similar to cancer-causing compounds, offering a new model for studying this molecule. The study reveals the molecular mechanism behind the production of L-2HG in healthy and diseased cells.
Researchers at Scripps Institution of Oceanography have developed underwater robots that mimic the movement of plankton to study ocean currents and marine life. The robotic plankton, also known as M-AUEs, were deployed in a swarm to capture a three-dimensional view of the interactions between ocean currents and marine life.
A new study published in Biological Psychiatry found that prenatal infection can cause long-term alterations in the programming of the offspring's genome through epigenetic modifications, leading to behavioral abnormalities. The findings suggest that earlier infection may lead to more serious effects on neurodevelopment.
Babies with flat head syndrome are at heightened risk of motor, language, and cognitive delays. Early and prompt assessment and intervention are crucial to mitigate these delays.
Women who started their periods before age 12 have an increased risk of premature menopause, with no children amplifying the risk further. The study found that these women are up to five times more likely to experience premature or early menopause.
A new stop-smoking program using personalized disease risk analysis doubled the likelihood of smokers attending a smoking cessation course. The program's success rate was found to be around 28.7% among those who attended both the taster session and the full six-week course.
A study highlights challenges and opportunities of fishery management in China, promoting institutional reform for sustainable marine resource management. The researchers recommend new institutions, secure fishing access, policy consistency, educational programs, and increased public access to scientific data.
A recent study by University of Montana researcher Ashley Ballantyne and former doctoral student William Smith found that land ecosystems take up less carbon during periods of rapid warming and more during periods of slower warming. This slowing-down is attributed to reduced plant respiration, not increased photosynthesis.
A new study reveals that male and female African-American veterans receiving outpatient mental health services have lower patient activation rates than White veterans. The study also found a weaker relationship between African-American veterans and their mental health providers, leading to significantly lower medication adherence rates.
A UK-led clinical trial has successfully prolonged survival for pancreatic cancer patients by at least five years using a combination of chemotherapy drugs. The study found that patients who received this treatment had a 29% five-year survival rate compared to 16% for those on standard treatment.
Researchers used a laboratory model of the human gut to study how rotavirus evades the immune system. They found that the virus suppresses the production of IFN proteins aimed at controlling its growth, but adding type I IFN can reduce viral replication.