Researchers at Takarkori site in Libya discovered over 200,000 seeds showing early form of agriculture by hunter-gatherers. Insects were not responsible for seed concentrations, confirming human activity in collection and storage.
A study published in Biological Psychiatry reveals distinct molecular changes in gene expression between men and women with major depressive disorder, suggesting different pathology and treatment needs.
A researcher re-examined seven bone measurements from 1940 and found they were more similar to Amelia Earhart than 99% of individuals in a large reference sample. The study concluded that the bones belonged to Earhart, citing evidence including her humerus and radius lengths.
Researchers used open-source software and genetic analysis to identify the male brown bear that killed a female and her two cubs in the Italian Alps. The study provides new insights into infanticide in small populations, highlighting its impact on species conservation.
The Association for Molecular Pathology (AMP) has published consensus-based recommendations for clinical CYP2C19 genotyping allele selection. The guidelines aim to standardize testing across laboratories and improve concordance, enabling better patient care.
Researchers have identified 15 new genes that play a crucial role in shaping our facial features. The discovery was made using a novel approach that analyzed DNA data from large databases of faces. The findings could lead to breakthroughs in forensic analysis and reconstructive surgery, enabling doctors to use DNA to recreate lost faces.
Researchers found four cases of amyloid beta pathology in brain blood vessels after childhood neurosurgery, sparking concerns over potential transmission of protein pathology. The study's findings were supported by a review of medical literature and suggest that neurosurgical instruments may be responsible.
An international team of scientists developed models to predict post-mortem interval based on tissue-specific gene expression changes. Changes in gene expression can be used to determine the time of death with considerable accuracy, potentially aiding forensic analyses.
A new approach by NIST enables numerical testimony for ballistic comparisons, estimating the probability of false positive matches. The method produces a numerical score describing similarity between cartridge cases and estimates the probability of random effects causing a false positive match.
A study by Tokyo Medical and Dental University found that protein YAP rescued SCA1 pathology when expressed during development, but not as an adult. The researchers also discovered a link between YAP and the transcriptional co-activator RORα, which plays a crucial role in cerebellum development.
A panel of experts has issued new guidelines for molecular diagnostic testing and treatment decisions in lung cancer. The updates reflect recent advancements and decades of work to identify the genetic underpinnings of lung cancer, helping oncologists match patients with effective therapies.
Researchers at NC State University have found a more accurate way to assess an individual's age at death using bone mineral density, increasing the margin of error from 27-70 years to within 13 years. The technique could be used to help identify human remains.
A Boston University study identified evidence of early Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) brain pathology after head impact, even in the absence of signs of concussion. The researchers found that head impact caused persistent changes in brain electrical functions and damaged blood vessels, leading to CTE.
A team of researchers has developed a DNA database to match confiscated rhinoceros horns to crime scenes and aid in prosecution. The RhODIS system uses genetic analysis to identify individual rhinos and prevent further poaching.
A new DNA-based system is successfully linking seized rhino horns to specific crime scenes where rhinoceros carcasses were left behind. The Rhino DNA Index System (RhODIS) has been used in over 5,800 forensic cases and has led to convictions in more than 120 cases.
Dr. Jeffrey Actor has been awarded $1.7 million to investigate a novel recombinant lactoferrin for use as a preclinical research tool to alter granuloma pathology in tuberculosis. This could limit development of lung disease and slow transmission of organisms between individuals.
A nationwide study of school principals found that most had assisted a victim recently but lacked formal training and specific protocols. The researchers emphasized the need for more training to address this issue effectively, highlighting the importance of schools in preventing teen dating violence.
Researchers used digital pathology slide images to train computer algorithms that could detect the spread of breast cancer to lymph nodes with high accuracy. The study found that AI algorithms outperformed human pathologists in detecting cancer spread, suggesting potential improvements in diagnosis and treatment outcomes.
Researchers have developed an AI application that can detect lymph node metastases in breast cancer patients with high accuracy, similar to human pathologists. This breakthrough could improve the efficiency of surgical pathology work and provide better prognostication.
A new PET tracer has been developed to effectively gauge the effectiveness of promising Alzheimer's treatments in mouse models. The tracer binds to BACE1, a key enzyme involved in amyloid-β development, and accurately measures its effects on brain metabolism, neuroinflammation, and amyloid-β pathology.
A new microscope technology using ultraviolet light enables fast and accurate imaging of fresh tissue samples, revolutionizing pathology and medical research. This approach eliminates the need for time-consuming slide preparation and preserving tissue, making it an essential tool for improving patient care and research nationwide.
The Universal Genomics Instructor Handbook and Toolkit provides a comprehensive 'how-to' guide for implementing genomics education in various medical specialties. The toolkit contains four exercises and resources for clinicians to gain introductory training in genomic medicine.
Researchers at UNH used scientific sleuthing to better understand magma movement in Mount Etna, finding that ancient and present-day magma sources are similar. The study also revealed that crystals formed beneath the volcano were virtually chemically identical to erupted lavas, suggesting short crystal storage times.
Optic nerve hypoplasia is a leading cause of childhood blindness in developed nations, and researchers have discovered the biological mechanism behind it. The condition affects brain growth during development, particularly with the CASK gene, which helps provide architectural support for neuronal communication.
The Association for Molecular Pathology publishes consensus recommendations for validating next-generation sequencing bioinformatics pipelines. The guidelines emphasize the critical role of trained molecular laboratory professionals and provide practical advice for laboratories.
A comprehensive study of heart-spleen and heart-kidney networks reveals the interconnectedness of organ damage after a heart attack. Researchers found histological and cellular changes in the spleen and kidney, as well as bimodal inflammatory responses and irreversible dysregulation in the cardiosplenic and cardiorenal networks.
A £200,000 research project aims to enhance ballistics evidence with similar scientific accuracy as DNA analysis. The LOQUITUR project will develop software to measure minute surface details on ammunition and weapons, enabling more accurate matches and improving forensic analysis.
Researchers found a connection between abnormal glucose breakdown in the brain and the severity of Alzheimer's symptoms, with lower glycolysis rates and higher brain glucose levels correlated to more severe pathology. The study suggests that targeting glycolysis defects could lead to new treatments for Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers have developed new software to improve the interpretation of Y-chromosome DNA evidence in court. The tool estimates the number of matching males and their possible relatives, helping courts determine the likelihood of the suspect being identified.
Researchers from Duke University and Ohio State University found that high levels of molybdenum in Wisconsin drinking water wells come from natural sources, not coal ash. The study used forensic isotopic 'fingerprinting' and age-dating techniques to determine the contamination's origin.
Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology develop 'Refinable Attack INvestigation' (RAIN) software to automate cyber attack investigation. The system provides a detailed record of intrusions, even if attackers covered their tracks, allowing investigators to quickly identify the extent and impact of network or computer system attacks.
Statisticians Steve Lund and Hari Iyer argue that Likelihood Ratio's Bayesian reasoning approach is flawed for courtroom use, risking conclusions driven by assumptions rather than data. NIST recommends using the method only in cases where probability-based models are warranted.
Research at Sam Houston State University found that home-brewing techniques using unwashed poppy seeds can produce lethal doses of morphine. The study reveals the potential danger of consuming moderate volumes of poppy seed tea, which can lead to overdose or death.
A collaborative study has found that a combination of three monoclonal antibodies prevents Zika virus infection in primates. The treatment completely blocked the virus from taking hold in the animals, indicating a promising intervention to protect uninfected pregnant women and their fetuses.
A team of scientists has identified a protein called TOX that drives the initiation and growth of an aggressive form of leukemia. TOX is expressed in 95 percent of human T-ALL cases and required for cancer's growth and persistence, offering new targeted treatment approaches.
A Sam Houston State University researcher is studying child abuse cases filed directly with police, aiming to strengthen the safety net for abused children in Texas. The study aims to determine if every child in need receives critical services at an earlier point in the investigation.
Researchers identified five specific warning behaviors in the Berlin attacker prior to the 2016 attack, which could inform future threat assessments. The study explores how better awareness of these signs and understanding of perpetrator radicalization might improve prevention.
The Association for Molecular Pathology (AMP) has awarded prestigious honors to Drs. Andrew P. Feinberg, Gregory J. Tsongalis, and Alexis B. Carter for their outstanding contributions to the field of molecular diagnostics. AMP President Federico A. Monzon praised the award recipients for their decades of service to the society.
Researchers have discovered new molecular fossils of archaea using forensic science methods, providing insight into the distribution and timeline of these ancient microorganisms. The study used gas chromatography-mass spectrometry to analyze sedimentary rock samples from southern China, revealing previously unknown fossils.
Researchers at Brigham Young University have developed a miniaturized mass spectrometer capable of analyzing chemicals with high sensitivity. This portable device has significant implications for applications such as detecting chemical weapons, explosives in airports, and forensic investigations.
A comprehensive genomic analysis of Wilms tumor identified genetic mutations involving a large number of genes, converging into two major pathways that lead to cancer. The study offers new opportunities for treatment by targeting these processes instead of individual genes.
The Human Pathology Atlas analyzes human genes in all major cancers, revealing patterns that influence patient survival. The atlas provides a powerful tool for personalized medicine, with potential applications in lung and colorectal cancer.
Aged chimpanzee brains exhibit pathology similar to human Alzheimer's disease, including Aβ plaques and tau lesions. The study provides the most extensive evidence of AD brain pathology in a primate species, shedding light on the evolution and potential targets for therapeutic interventions.
A tropical insect, Synthesiomyia nudiseta, has been detected in corpses in North West Italy, according to a study by Dr Stefano Vanin. The research suggests that climate change and globalization have enabled the fly's migration from China.
A review of over 170 studies reveals that insect analysis is only useful in a few forensic cases. The method's success relies on species distribution, temporality, behavior, and genetic analysis, which should be applied case-by-case.
Researchers studied changes in oral bacterial communities after death and found similar successional changes in three cadavers. The aim is to use these changes to estimate time since death based on the newly set environmental conditions.
Researchers from Kent State University have identified pathologic hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease in the brains of aged chimpanzees, similar to human Alzheimer's disease brain pathology. The study found amyloid beta plaques and blood vessels in all 20 aged chimpanzee brains, with increasing sizes correlating to age.
A study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry found a consistent pattern of increased risk of later violence among adolescents with depression. The research team identified modest increases in risk of violence in depression, with an odds ratio of two-fold in one sample.
A high proportion of former NFL players had neuropathological evidence of CTE, with 110 out of 111 players diagnosed. The study also found a link between CTE and previous football participation, with severe pathology more common among professional players.
Researchers analyzed shark scavenging behavior to identify marks on human bones, distinguishing them from terrestrial carnivore marks. The study found that shark teeth leave striations, while terrestrial carnivores leave puncture-like marks, providing valuable clues for forensic anthropologists.
Researchers develop a technique called expansion microscopy to physically expand tissues, enabling pathologists to diagnose diseases like early breast cancer with high accuracy and reliability. The method has been shown to improve the resolution of conventional microscopes and can be applied to any type of clinical sample.
Forensic scientists at Nagoya University have successfully extracted human DNA from mosquitoes' stomachs and amplified it using PCR techniques. The team found that human DNA remained viable in mosquito blood for up to two days after feeding, providing a new tool for crime scene investigators.
A team of researchers used a low-cost Kinect scanner to create a high-resolution 3D scan of the T. rex skull, contradicting previous theories about the holes in its jawbone. The scan reveals that the angles at which the holes bore through the jaw are inconsistent with bite patterns, casting doubt on two popular hypotheses.
Research reveals dose-dependent gadolinium deposits in normal brain tissue of patients who underwent MRI with contrast agents, suggesting a widespread issue. The study's findings contradict previous assumptions about the blood-brain barrier's impermeability to gadolinium.
A study found that pacemakers and other cardiac devices can determine the time and cause of death in unclear cases where autopsy fails. The devices revealed this information in 76% of cases, with changes in lead impedance and pacing threshold used to assign the time of death.
Researchers analyzed ancient Roman skulls using state-of-the-art forensic techniques to identify significant cranial differences between coastal communities. The findings suggest that the area around Velia had a large Greek population, influencing local physical characteristics.
Researchers at Louisiana State University have developed a portable system for capturing and analyzing biomolecules from fingermarks, including DNA and explosives. The technique uses infrared laser ablation to lift molecules off surfaces without destroying them.
The IASLC published a comprehensive summary of the year's key developments in thoracic oncology, covering prevention, early detection, pathology, staging, surgery, adjuvant therapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy. The publication highlights significant progress in small cell lung cancer and malignant mesothelioma.
Researchers found that pathologists outside of academic centers were more likely to misdiagnose appendix tumors as invasive cancer. A significant number of patients had their diagnoses changed after a second evaluation, emphasizing the importance of expertise in appendix cancer diagnosis.
Researchers at North Carolina State University developed a technique to estimate age based on frontal sinus X-ray images. Four stages of development were identified, allowing for approximate age determination from infancy to age 18.