A University of Tennessee professor has received $300,000 in funding from the US Department of Energy to develop High-Entropy Alloys for improved structural materials. The goal is to enhance efficiency in coal-fired power plants, reducing carbon footprint and lowering fuel costs.
Researchers at Columbia University Medical Center have identified a brain receptor called Gpr17 that appears to play a central role in regulating appetite. Blocking the action of this protein, which is also found in humans, could lead to new drugs for preventing or treating obesity.
Researchers discovered a process that turns off key pathway required for immune system to attack foreign bodies, preventing maternal immune rejection of the developing fetus. Epigenetic modifications in decidua cells silence chemokine genes, inhibiting T cell recruitment and immune response.
Researchers at Salk Institute create cell-free expression system to synthesize and analyze integral membrane proteins, solving their three-dimensional structures in just 18 months. This breakthrough enables precise biochemical mechanisms understanding and targets the proteins with new drugs.
A new clinical trial is testing a combination of fulvestrant and ganetespib, an HSP90 inhibitor, to treat recurrent or metastatic estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer. The goal is to make tumor cells more susceptible to hormonal therapies.
A new study by Rice University's Baker Institute examines how the US has adapted its cyber policy in response to pivotal events such as the Arab Spring revolutions, Internet crackdowns, and social media use. The research highlights the increasing importance of digital international communications to US foreign policy.
A community health center in Joplin, MO, survived a tornado by having comprehensive disaster planning and robust electronic medical record systems. The study highlights the importance of data security and preparedness for interruptions to care and information access during disasters.
Chinese researchers develop a method to solve the specific heat-phonon spectrum inversion problem, enabling the calculation of thermodynamic functions from heat capacity data. They successfully apply this approach to the negative thermal expansion material ZrW2O8, obtaining consistent results with laws of thermodynamics.
Researchers from Norway created a scale to measure Facebook addiction, finding it more common among younger users and those with anxiety and social insecurity. The study also reveals that people with high extraversion scores are at greater risk of developing delayed sleep-wake rhythms.
New research confirms resveratrol's role in prolonging lifespan and health through SIRT1-activated mitochondrial function. Studies using mouse models show that without SIRT1, resveratrol has no beneficial effect on energy production.
Research found that ammonites made homes in unique environments surrounding methane seeps, forming integral part of interwoven communities. Isotope analysis revealed that these ancient mollusks spent their whole lives in these ecosystems.
Spartan Innovations, a new initiative by Michigan State University, aims to turn research innovations into successful businesses. The program provides resources such as entrepreneurship education, stipends, CEO mentors-in-residence, and gap funding to support MSU startups.
Researchers have discovered that Rev-erb proteins play a crucial role in controlling the body's internal clock and fat metabolism. When both proteins are not functioning, the liver fills with fat, leading to metabolic disorders. The study highlights the importance of understanding the circadian rhythm of metabolism.
The Minneapolis Heart Institute will receive $63 million to support innovative stem cell therapy development for heart disease, as part of the National Institutes of Health's Cardiovascular Cell Therapy Research Network. The network aims to drive public health advances in cardiovascular cell therapy.
Scientists at Scripps Research Institute created compounds that dramatically alter the biological clock, resulting in weight loss and improved metabolic markers in diet-induced obese mice. The study suggests potential effectiveness in treating obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol, and sleep disorders.
Arizona State University's Global Institute of Sustainability will develop and deploy solutions to sustainability challenges, including energy and climate change. The $27.5 million Walton investment will support four strategies to educate future leaders in sustainability.
Gennadi Henkin has received the 2011 Stefan Bergman Prize for his fundamental contributions to theory of functions on complex manifolds, integral representations in several complex variables, and multidimensional Cauchy-Riemann equations. He is recognized as a leading scientific researcher with over 130 publications in various fields.
Researchers at University of Granada developed a software tool estimating accurate heart disease risk for individuals and populations, reducing potential years of work and productivity loss. The tool employs various equations to understand the risk factors, contributing to heart disease prevention and long-term cost savings.
The Drugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative (DNDi) has received a €2 million Strategic Translation Award from the Wellcome Trust to develop E1224, a pro-drug with potent in vivo and in vitro activity against T. cruzi, the parasite causing Chagas disease.
Astronomers have observed a unique neutron star system, T5X2, exhibiting marginally stable nuclear fusion at high accretion rates. The RXTE data resolves a long-standing gap between theoretical predictions and observational evidence, shedding light on the complex processes governing thermonuclear explosions.
Researchers at Saarland University introduced XML3D, a new HTML extension that simplifies the illustration of complex products on the Internet. Using XML3D, customers can interact with 3D models and visualize product details.
Phytoplankton, tiny single-celled algae, act as a natural sponge for carbon dioxide and are critical to the global carbon cycle. Research by Canada Research Chair Maria Maldonado has shown that phytoplankton adapt to iron limitation by increasing copper uptake, leading to more efficient carbon absorption.
Researchers discover genes passed from plant to plant between species with distant kinship, contributing to the evolution of C4 photosynthesis. This 'lateral gene transfer' allows plants to adapt to new environments by taking genes from others.
Researchers identified 22,688 RNA editing events, with most converting adenosine to inosine. The study suggests a potential connection between RNA editing and miRNA-mediated regulation.
Sigma-Tau Pharmaceuticals is sponsoring a Patient Assistance Program (PAP) to provide financial assistance for VSL#3 DS, a prescription-only double strength probiotic formulation, to eligible patients with ulcerative colitis or ileal pouch. The program aims to make it easier for those in need to access the probiotic medical food.
Researchers have developed targeted, fluorescent molecular imaging probes that can non-invasively detect breast cancer lymph node metastases, improving breast cancer staging and prognosis. CAIX and CAXII cell surface markers are highly expressed in breast cancer lymph node metastases.
A new study provides a composite picture of oil and gas distribution after the 2010 Deepwater Horizon spill. It uses vast chemical data to estimate oil and gas flow rate and environmental distribution.
A recent study found that injecting methamphetamine is associated with an 80% greater risk of attempted suicide compared to other substances. The study's authors suggest that social and structural mechanisms, including isolation and poorer social support systems, may contribute to this increased risk.
A protein linked to learning and memory plays a crucial role in driving desert locusts from harmless grasshoppers to destructive swarms. Researchers discovered that this protein acts as a molecular switch in social feedback loops, triggering the locusts' gregarious behavior.
Cytosine plays a pivotal role in the human genome, acting as an on/off switch for genes and facilitating the recognition of foreign invaders by the immune system. Its diverse functions make it a crucial element of genetic diversity.
Researchers at Stanford Medicine have discovered a pathway that reveals how podocytes, specialized epithelial cells in the kidney, can regenerate and renew themselves during normal kidney function. This finding could lead to the development of therapies to treat people with chronic kidney disease.
Scientists at the Pasteur Institute discovered a novel defensive weapon against Shigella bacteria: septin protein cages. These cages not only target pathogens for degradation by autophagy but also prevent bacterial spread by impeding access to actin, a cell skeleton component.
The UCLA-developed integral projection model improves predictions for species facing climate change by analyzing multiple data sources simultaneously. The model reveals that gradual environmental changes have a greater impact on populations than fluctuating changes.
Researchers found that ABCB4, a protein responsible for moving auxin, also removes excess hormone when it accumulates, potentially affecting root growth. The study suggests that the herbicide 2,4-D may impact plants thought to be resistant due to its effect on this protein.
Researchers have identified two key proteins, TMC1 and TMC2, that are crucial for the inner ear's transduction channel. The study suggests that TMC1 is essential for hearing, while TMC2 is not, but can substitute for it in the vestibular system.
A new study suggests that increasing the expression of certain developmental genes in the uterus at precise times may improve IVF success rates. The researchers found that these genes, Msx1 and Msx2, play a crucial role in ensuring uterine receptivity for successful embryo implantation.
Stowers researchers used baker's yeast to study chromosome separation and found that Mps3 ensures accurate spindle pole body duplication, which is crucial for cell division. They also discovered a novel mutant with defects in nuclear membrane structure and function.
Researchers at Novartis have discovered a new class of dual-acting antimalarial compounds, the imidazolopiperazines (IZPs), which target both liver and blood infections. These compounds attack the Plasmodium parasite at both stages in its reproduction cycle, showing promise as a next-generation treatment for malaria.
The new US Carbon Cycle Science Plan aims to expand research on the human impact of carbon cycling and climate change. It emphasizes communication and accessible research for policy makers and the public, with a focus on strengthening observation networks and developing numerical models.
A special issue of Arthritis Care & Research provides over 250 patient outcomes measures for assessing adult pain, including tools for measuring sleep, fatigue, physical function, and depression. The updates aim to improve the care of patients with rheumatic conditions.
A recent study found that people select future social partners based on cooperative behavior, not punishment of egoism. This contradicts the expectation that punishing others for self-interest would be beneficial for one's reputation and relationships.
A UT study reveals climate change affects ants' ability to disperse seeds and perform vital ecosystem functions, potentially jeopardizing plant biodiversity. Researchers observed dramatic changes in ant behavior in response to temperature increases.
Scientists found significant increases in annual temperatures in south-western China, with 77% of weather stations displaying statistically significant rises. Glaciers are retreating at an alarming rate, threatening natural habitats and ecosystems.
The proposed WEO would bring together specialized global bodies like the WTO and WHO. The organization aims to rationalize overlapping processes and make environment more integral to overall sustainability.
Studies reveal the role of Sirt1 in improving insulin sensitivity through caloric restriction. Researchers also identify a potential treatment approach for KRAS mutant colorectal cancers by combining receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors with MEK inhibitors. Additionally, new insights into the cellular defects of Huntington disease are p...
A team of researchers has identified Sirt1 as a crucial protein linking caloric restriction to improved insulin action in skeletal muscle. This finding provides new targets for therapeutics to reduce insulin resistance and lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
A University of Hull study found that weeds are vital to the existence of many farmland species, providing food for over 330 species of insects, birds, and animals. The research also showed that increasing farm management intensity can lead to a decline in seed biomass and energy, affecting farmland biodiversity.
The African Orphan Crops consortium will work with African scientists to identify and breed nutrient-rich food crops, addressing malnutrition and food shortages. The $40 million initiative will also establish the African Plant Breeding Academy in Ghana, training local plant breeders to adopt advanced breeding approaches.
A UCLA study reveals that the loss of a critical protein regulating estrogen and immune activity can lead to metabolic syndrome, characterized by Type 2 diabetes, atherosclerosis, and cancer. The research found that this protein's absence promotes increased fat accumulation, inflammation, and glucose intolerance in female mice.
A new study by Ben-Gurion University of the Negev found that parents' attitudes and behavior play a significant role in their child's homework motivation. By having a more positive, supportive attitude and communicating the learning value, parents can improve their child's motivation. The researchers also recommend giving children choi...
MIT researchers found evidence that tiny aerobic organisms may have evolved to survive on extremely low levels of oxygen in oceanic 'oxygen oases.' Laboratory experiments with yeast suggest early ancestors could have thrived with minimal O2, reconciling a debate over early Earth's atmosphere.
A new study found that some hospitals have high rates of finding CAD during cardiac catheterization, while others have low rates. Hospitals with lower rates were more likely to perform procedures on younger patients, women, and those with atypical symptoms.
Scientists at the Allen Institute have identified complex cellular patterns in brain development, suggesting multiple mechanisms beyond Reelin involved in proper neuron migration. The findings have major implications for understanding brain disorders like autism.
Radiation dose optimization in head CT scans is crucial for reducing exposure and improving patient safety. Experts recommend using techniques such as lower tube current, automatic exposure control, and scanning at a lower tube voltage to minimize dose without compromising image quality.
A new software program, called a DNA compiler, designs synthetic DNA sequences to control protein production in simple organisms. The technology allows biotechnology companies to quickly identify the best DNA sequence for a particular application, increasing efficiency and productivity.
A mouse model of focal dermal hypoplasia has been developed to study the cause of a rare human birth defect and its relation to the Wnt signaling pathway. The model reveals the essential role of PORCN in embryonic development and highlights the disorder's connection to cancer research.
Case Western Reserve University researchers developed a new computer modeling method that accurately predicts how peripheral nerve axons respond to electrical stimuli, slashing the process from weeks to just seconds.
A new study led by Johns Hopkins researchers found that community members link adolescent girls' increased HIV vulnerability to weak structural support systems. The study's findings highlight the need for policies and interventions to strengthen cultural, economic, educational, and legal structures to protect girls.
The Partners PrEP Study demonstrates that antiretroviral medication tenofovir significantly reduces HIV infection risk in individuals at high risk. The study found that those who received daily tablets containing tenofovir or a combination of tenofovir and emtricitabine experienced fewer HIV infections than those who received a placebo.
The University of Houston is transforming the Third Ward into a cultural center with a $100,000 National Endowment for the Arts grant. The project will feature public art installations, new media initiatives, and community engagement to enhance quality of life in the area.