Scientists have successfully explained the structure and function of docking domains in peptide natural products. This breakthrough allows researchers to redesign docking domain interactions, modulating the product spectrum of a rhabdopeptide-synthesizing NRPS. The discovery has promising implications for creating new substances.
A new study published in Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience suggests a causal link between herpes viruses and Alzheimer's disease, with antiviral drugs drastically reducing the risk of senile dementia in patients with severe herpes infections.
Cuttlefish control camouflage by directly acting on skin cells called chromatophores, producing local changes in contrast. Through statistical analysis of chromatophore output, researchers inferred motor neuron activity and higher levels of control, peering into the brain's camouflage system.
Scientists at Newcastle University have found that metformin can reduce the presence of microRNAs that contribute to heart disease in patients with Type 1 diabetes. By decreasing these microRNAs, metformin improves glucose levels and promotes blood vessel repair, opening up new treatment options for this vulnerable patient group.
A new drug, OMX-CV, has been developed to deliver oxygen only to oxygen-starved heart tissue, bypassing systemic side effects. The treatment has shown promising results in an animal model of global hypoxia and could have applications for treating cardiovascular diseases and pediatric conditions.
Researchers developed a method to track students' progress in online courses, focusing on continuous and local proficiency growth. The approach uses digital logged data from online learning platforms, providing a more dynamic understanding of student growth.
Families participating in pediatric advance care planning experienced a better understanding of their child's end-of-life care choices, leading to alleviated physical symptoms. The study found that patients and families who received these sessions had significantly reduced HIV-specific symptoms up to 12 months later.
Non-medication measures such as one-to-one support and daily report cards improved academic outcomes in children with ADHD. Schools can increase children's ability to regulate their emotions through approaches like these, which may work best for children with ADHD delivered via one-to-one sessions.
Studies show that exercise can significantly reduce fatigue and improve well-being in patients with advanced lung cancer, improving symptom scores by approximately 10% during chemotherapy. Gentle aerobic exercise and strength training are recommended as part of treating the disease.
A study found huge variations in time between European countries to reach health technology assessment decisions on new cancer drugs, with some taking over a year. The average decision time was longer than one year in England and Scotland compared to Germany and France.
Researchers found a brain region strongly connected to food choice decisions, suggesting its potential use in developing therapies for healthy eating. The ventral pallidum area was activated when rats preferred certain foods, indicating context-dependent decisions.
A study by the University of Pittsburgh found that nearly a quarter of JUUL's Twitter followers are under 18, retweeting and amplifying the brand's messages to vulnerable populations. This is concerning as e-cigarette marketing can lead to nicotine addiction and increased tobacco smoking among young adults.
Researchers measured the ground effect of flying animals and found that it saves twice as much energy as previously believed. The study supports the 'ground up' theory on how birds began to fly by suggesting that proto-wings evolved from running and jumping abilities.
The University of Pittsburgh has received a $1.2 million NSF grant to analyze electronic anesthesia records and prevent postoperative complications and death using machine learning and Big Data analysis. Dr. Heng Huang will develop a new deep learning algorithm to predict surgical outcomes based on historical patient data.
Scientists at Swansea University's Energy Safety Research Institute are working on a £20,000 Royal Society Research Grant to create ultra-conductive wires that can transport electricity with improved energy efficiency. By mixing copper with carbon nanotubes, they aim to reduce the 10% of electricity lost in the grid.
Researchers have discovered a potentially new approach to deliver therapeutics more effectively to the brain, harnessing the brain's waste removal system. This method could revolutionize the treatment of diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, ALS, and brain cancer.
Researchers at Tufts University have developed 3D human tissue culture models for the central nervous system that mimic brain structure and function. The models allow for the exploration of cell interactions, disease progression, and response to treatment, enabling the study of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
A trial revealed that nurse-led care significantly improves gout treatment outcomes, including higher ULT adoption and better patient adherence. Patients receiving nurse-led care had lower urate levels, reduced flare-ups, and improved quality of life.
Researchers have discovered that human neurons employ highly compartmentalized signaling, unlike those in model organisms. This discovery highlights the potential benefits of human neuron structure for brain computational power.
A new study found that medical journals need more support and resources to successfully promote research on social media. The study's authors urge medical journals to define clear roles and responsibilities for social media editors and provide more resources to help them effectively disseminate information to the public. Social media h...
A Canadian-led international study found that every hour of delay in stroke treatment results in poorer outcomes, diminished quality of life, and increased healthcare costs. The study concludes that delays within the first six hours lead to significant losses in full quality of life and health-adjusted life years.
This September 2018 issue addresses various topics in family medicine, including the development of a new scale to diagnose postpartum depression among mothers of preterm babies. Additionally, it discusses educational practices for teaching medical students about family medicine-relevant clinical skills and knowledge.
A comprehensive review confirms low muscle mass is linked to increased risk of serious health complications and decreased survival. Muscle mass should be considered a key factor in evaluating a person's health status, especially if living with a chronic disease.
Researchers discovered a unique bioceramic saddle structure in the mantis shrimp's limbs that stores elastic energy without breaking. The structure consists of two layers with different materials, allowing it to withstand large forces and enable rapid raptorial strikes.
Researchers have identified a novel human immunodeficiency syndrome caused by a mutation in the IKBKB gene. The mutation disrupts the immune system, resulting in excessive inflammation and reduced numbers of antibody-producing B cells and effector T cells.
Researchers at Cornell University developed a tool that tracks alertness using smartphone cameras, capturing pupil size through photographs taken every time the device is unlocked. This non-invasive method reliably predicts alertness levels.
Researchers found that high biodiversity increases individual stability components, but at a cost: biomass production fluctuates more with diverse species. Non-linear connections between diversity and stability highlight the need for nuanced management strategies.
Researchers at OIST modified bacterial cells to form elaborate shapes, including stars, triangles, and pentagons, demonstrating the adaptability of bacterial cell division machinery. These findings suggest that geometry is not an obstacle to ring formation and have implications for developing new antibiotics.
Researchers discovered fossilized lung structures in an early bird ancestor, similar to those of modern birds. The findings suggest that key avian structures were in place by the Early Cretaceous and may have helped modern bird ancestors survive the extinction of dinosaurs.
Researchers discovered that coated nanoparticles can form sticky structures when interacting with living organisms, leading to new properties and potential impact on cells. The study's findings may help scientists engineer nanoparticles that are 'benign by design', reducing environmental and health risks associated with nanomaterials.
Scientists at OSU propose that the CRISPR adaptive immune system contributed to the loss of genes in deadly bacteria Rathayibacter toxicus. This discovery could help track and prevent the spread of this toxic species.
Research from King's College London found that genetics explain 57% of the differences in A-level exam results and 46% of the difference in achievement at university. Shared environmental factors influence university choice, but become less important over time.
Researchers at La Jolla Institute and UC San Diego will develop new immunotherapeutic options and novel precision approaches to treat head and neck cancer using neoantigen-specific T cell responses. The $4.5 million Cancer Moonshot award aims to improve outcomes for patients with this devastatingly deadly disease.
A new genetic cause for a severe childhood epilepsy syndrome has been discovered, with spontaneous mutations in the CACNA1E gene disrupting calcium flow in brain cells. The study found potential medical treatments, including anti-seizure medications that target the affected channel.
Researchers developed a new way to engineer rhodopsin proteins, enabling the creation of tools with distinct properties. This technique doubles the number of available optogenetics tools, allowing for more precise experiments and advancing neuroscience research.
Research finds a strong correlation between time spent under communism and increased alcohol intake, particularly among women. Long-term effects of communist regimes on drinking habits persist even after the Soviet Union's collapse.
Researchers at City of Hope have developed a synthetic DNA molecule that disables tumor defense systems while inducing immune responses, eliminating difficult-to-treat prostate cancer in experimental models. The novel two-step strategy relies on two opposite actions of the same 'hot and cold' molecule to remove obstacles to treating me...
A new treatment for lymphedema symptoms has been found to be effective in restoring skin health and reducing swelling. Ketoprofen, an anti-inflammatory drug, has shown promising results in two clinical trials, with participants experiencing significant improvements in skin thickness and appearance.
A new study from the University of Pennsylvania found that cancer patients can safely use topical skin treatments during radiation therapy without increasing the radiation dose to their skin. The study challenged common advice given to patients and debunked the myth that these treatments increase radiation damage.
Researchers used NLLE approach to estimate predictability limit of TCs over WNP basin, finding a baseline uncertainty of 102 hours comparable to TC intensity. The spatial distribution characteristics reveal varying predictability limits across regions, with highest in eastern WNP and lowest in South China Sea.
A new study reveals the mechanistic relationship between cytokine IL-1ß, obesity, and colorectal cancer. Increased IL-1ß levels in obese mice activate multiple pathways leading to colon cancer. The study highlights the close linkage of obesity and inflammatory response, reflecting IL-1ß's broad actions.
A randomized controlled trial found that a nurse-led care approach with a treat-to-target strategy significantly lowered uric acid levels and reduced the risk of gout flares and tophi compared to usual care. The study suggests that educating patients and providing regular follow-up can improve treatment adherence and outcomes.
A study found that physical activity reduced deaths from cardiovascular disease in frail older adults, suggesting it may partly reduce the increased risk associated with frailty. The study also showed that being pre-frail or frail was linked to a higher risk of death from cardiovascular disease.
Researchers created DNA-based dendrimers that form rigid nanocages with controlled voids, preventing back-folding and maintaining structure even in high-salt concentrations. These nanocages show promise as functional carriers for medicine and material engineering applications.
Researchers at the Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC) have discovered a new mechanism that controls tissue infiltration by neutrophils, which are tasked with eliminating the source of infection or inflammation. This regulation prevents excessive tissue injury and is essential to understanding immune system balance.
Researchers analyzed DNA from kissing bugs to understand the complex interactions between humans, parasites, and microbes involved in Chagas disease. The study found two strains of Trypanosome cruzi and a higher bacterial species richness in infected insects.
A new statistical method estimates the short- and long-term risk of recurrence for hormone receptor-positive and HR-negative breast cancers in US women. The study found that while HR-positive breast cancer has a lower risk of progression to metastatic disease soon after diagnosis, the risk persists for several years.
Scientists discover that healthy oesophagus tissue contains hundreds to thousands of mutations per cell by middle age, with only a dozen genes driving competition. The study reevaluates the role of some cancer genes in light of normal tissue sequencing, raising new questions about ageing and disease progression.
Researchers will investigate a behavioral telehealth intervention to improve rehabilitation outcomes for people with refractory epilepsy. The study aims to build on the Foundation's partnerships and enhance expertise in clinical translation of cognitive rehabilitation interventions.
A Duke University research team has found a way to detect autologous blood transfusions, a method used by athletes to boost oxygen-carrying capacity. By analyzing RNA changes, researchers can identify stored red blood cells and detect self-transfusions.
A Brown University study found that fentanyl test strips reduced overdose risk by having users take smaller amounts, go slower or use with someone else present. The researchers also noticed participants were more confident in using the strips after training.
Researchers analyzed da Vinci's artworks and found evidence of intermittent exotropia, a condition that enables monocular vision. This skill may have contributed to his ability to depict depth in his paintings.
Researchers at ANU have discovered a new syndrome with an immune deficiency and inflammatory diseases of the skin, lymph nodes, and spleen. The study provides a powerful method for resolving potentially important genetic variants using whole genome sequencing and gene editing.
Researchers at Max Planck Institute for Brain Research and Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies developed techniques to reveal the cuttlefish brain's control network. By analyzing skin pattern dynamics, they inferred motor neuron activity and predicted higher-level control structures, providing insights into biological camouflage.
Supervised aerobic exercise demonstrated large antidepressant effects in patients with major depression, significantly better than medication and/or psychological therapies. It showed comparable effects across various settings and delivery formats, including outpatient and inpatient care.
A research team led by CU Denver scientists has developed reliable genetic markers for the whitebark pine, a tree considered for endangered status. These markers will aid in disease resistance screening, strategic seed collection, and climate change mitigation efforts.
A pooled analysis of four UK randomised controlled clinical trials found significant differences in chemotherapy side-effects between men and women with oesophagogastric cancer. Women experienced higher rates of nausea and vomiting, diarrhoea, mouth ulceration, and hair loss compared to men.
A team of researchers at TUM and Helmholtz Zentrum München investigated the processes taking place in the body during a three-year allergen-specific immunotherapy. They found that regulatory B-cells play a more important role than previously thought, and that certain ratios of cell types can predict treatment success.
Researchers at QuTech have developed a comprehensive guide towards a world-wide quantum internet, describing six phases of network development from simple qubit networks to fully quantum-connected computers. This will enable secure quantum communications and applications such as precise clock synchronization and virtual telescopes.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have discovered that viral vectors used in gene therapy undergo spontaneous changes during manufacturing, affecting their structure and function. The team has developed new ways to prevent these changes, leading to more efficient and safer delivery of gene therapies.