A recent study published in BMC Evolutionary Biology found that food affected by the Fukushima nuclear disaster harms animals, even at low levels of radiation. Researchers fed pale blue grass butterflies leaves collected from areas varying distance from the disaster site and investigated the effects on the next generation. The study sh...
Research reveals a two-and-a-half-fold increase in referrals by GPs for June and July 2013 after Angelina Jolie's announcement, with continued rise through October. The study found that many women with family history of breast cancer were referred for testing, contradicting concerns about 'worried well' individuals.
Researchers have developed a surface micropattern called Sharklet that mimics shark skin's natural texture, reducing bacterial contamination by up to 94% compared to smooth surfaces. This technology could potentially curb the spread of MRSA and MSSA in hospital settings.
Scientists used fossil records and evolutionary models to show that sloth lineages increased in size by over 100 kilos every million years. This fast rate of evolution suggests environmental factors or competition with other species favored larger body sizes before they died out.
A study found that autistic males have lower levels of estrogen receptors and aromatase, an enzyme converting testosterone to estradiol. This could lead to increased testosterone levels, potentially contributing to the disorder's prevalence in men. The findings suggest a possible reason for the gender bias in autism diagnosis.
A global snapshot of infectious canine cancer shows that strong dog control policies and sterilization programs can help curb its spread. Researchers found that countries with strict dog quarantine policies had lower rates of the disease, which is spread by living cancer cells between dogs during sex.
A study found sex-specific associations between socioeconomic factors and cholesterol levels, with women having higher total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol levels. Men's cholesterol levels were linked to their occupation, while women's were more closely tied to education level.
The BMC Ecology Image Competition showcases intimate moments of animals and plants, revealing their private lives. The competition captured stunning images of ecological interactions, including a Namaqua Rock Mouse pollinating the Pagoda Lily and an albatross feeding her chick.
Researchers developed a genomic-based system, IntClust, to classify breast cancer subtypes with high accuracy. The new system identified previously unnoticed subgroups of tumors, including those resistant to treatment, potentially leading to early detection and targeted therapies.
Researchers matched 25 patients' treatment outcomes with their tumor's RNA sequence, finding similarities that could aid diagnosis and predict effective treatment. The study suggests that RNA sequencing may be a useful tool to aid personalized medicine in prostate cancer.
Research suggests that climate change could lead to an increased risk of dengue fever in Europe, particularly in coastal areas along the Mediterranean and Adriatic seas. The disease is spread by mosquitoes, which thrive in warm and humid conditions, making these regions most at risk.
A new species of carnivorous crustacean, Thylacares brandonesis, has been identified from a 435 million-year-old fossil found in Wisconsin. The creature used long, claw-like appendages to catch prey, similar to modern remipedes.
Researchers identified specific genes switched on in woodrats that detoxify the creosote plant's toxic resin. The study found two closely related species of woodrat have different reactions to the toxin, with one species exhibiting stress due to unactivated detoxification genes.
Research in rats reveals that stress experienced by mothers, grandmothers, or even great-grandmothers can lead to shorter pregnancies and higher glucose levels in their offspring. The study's findings suggest a potential link between inherited epigenetic effects and preterm birth risk.
The black truffle genome contains a high rate of methylation, with transposon elements being more likely to be methylated than genes. Reversible epigenetic processes allow the truffle to adapt to its surroundings, increasing its plasticity and potentially playing a role in controlling traits like aroma and color.
Jigisha Patel argues that peer review should be recognized as a professional skill and that trained reviewers can improve the quality of randomized controlled trials. By implementing a 'quality assurance' symbol, trials could be identified as having undergone rigorous peer review.
A smartphone app study tracked daily activities and stool samples to analyze the impact of life events on gut microbiota. The results showed that specific events, such as moving abroad or getting food poisoning, significantly altered the composition of gut bacteria.
The Leishmania parasite protects flies from bacterial disease, increasing their lifespan and survival rate. This finding highlights the potential unintended consequences of using bacterial controls to control leishmaniasis.
Scientists have found that the spotted green pigeon and dodo are descended from 'island hopping' ancestors, according to a new study. The birds show signs of semi-terrestrial lifestyle and ability to fly, with genetic links to other island-dwelling species.
Research found that crocodylians have unique multi-sensory organs called dome pressure receptors or Integumentary Sensory organs, which grant fingertip sensitivity and detect surface pressure waves. These sensors also help regulate body temperature and detect suitable habitats.
Researchers developed a novel DNAzyme-gold nanoparticle test to detect dengue virus in mosquitoes, detecting as little as 10 viruses per sample. The assay is stable at high temperatures and can be easily transported and used in remote regions.
Research reveals that focusing on coding regions through high-depth coverage whole genome sequencing can accurately identify genetic variations behind CMT, outperforming exome sequencing. Exome sequencing offers greater sensitivity and fewer false positives due to its higher coverage, providing a superior approach for precision medicine.
Researchers found that cutlery can alter how we experience food, with weight and color affecting perceived density, saltiness, and sweetness. The study suggests that subtly changing eating implements and tableware can impact our enjoyment of food.
Research published in Critical Care journal suggests that air ambulances are effective and worthy of investment, despite high initial costs. Patients transferred by helicopter tend to have more severe injuries but experience improved survival rates due to faster treatment and care at the scene and during transport.
The Journal of Pharmaceutical Policy and Practice has transferred to BioMed Central, supporting its growth and development. The new focus will cover high-income economies and provide a platform for researchers to share evidence and perspectives on global pharmaceutical policy.
Research using MRI scans has identified early changes in the hearts of children who have undergone chemotherapy, allowing for potential preventative therapy. The study used T1 mapping to detect fibrosis and found a correlation with exercise capacity and cumulative dose of anthracyclines.
A gene expression study highlights genes that help buffer grapevines against environmental change and may explain the different quality performances of grapevine when grown in different terroirs. The research could be used to identify and breed grapevine varieties better suited to climate change.
A study published in Fluids and Barriers of the CNS found a significantly altered level of six specific proteins in people with restless leg syndrome (RLS), consistent with iron deficiency, dopamine dysregulation, and inflammation. The discovery could lead to new treatments for RLS and its associated cardiovascular disease risk.
A recent genome study identified genetic markers that can lead to higher yielding cocoa plants with better taste. Researchers sequenced the genome of the most commonly cultivated cacao plant and found a gene involved in pod color variation, which can help improve the quality of cocoa beans.
Research suggests that 70% of women with uncomplicated urinary tract infections improve within a week without antibiotic treatment. The study's findings indicate that women may be more willing to delay antibiotic use than expected, highlighting the potential benefits of alternative treatments.
Researchers found only two technologies showed good evidence of effectiveness in reducing arsenic contamination, but most studies were of poor quality. The reluctance of users to adopt these technologies was also a major issue, with many people believing they would not be affected or finding them too difficult to use.
Research found that snails' coiled shells are driven by a protein gradient and asymmetry in Decapentaplegic expression, contrasting with limpet shells which lack this asymmetry. The study provides an explanation for the evolution of shell coiling in gastropods.
A study published in Stem Cell Research and Therapy found that grafting fetal human stem cells into the spine improves both motor and sensory functions, as well as structural integrity, in rats with acute lumbar compression injuries. The researchers also observed long-term improvements in spinal cord segments.
Researchers found that giant viruses share genes with tiny virophages and transposable elements, suggesting they evolved from each other on multiple occasions. The study's complex network of evolutionary relationships challenges previous understanding of viral evolution.
A recent study published in Investigative Genetics found that the genomic diversity of the Dutch population follows a southeast-to-northwest gradient, with the population separated into four geographic groups. The researchers propose that this pattern is due to recent movement within the last 2000 years, rather than ancient events.
In a surprise twist, female strawberry poison frogs in Costa Rica prioritize the nearest singing male over physical appearance and vocal quality. The research found that females fail to discriminate between different call rates or frequencies, instead opting for the closest speaker.
Research found that women's immune systems decline slower with age compared to men's, particularly in lymphocytes. This slower aging of the immune system may contribute to women's overall longevity.
Research found that earthworms increase nitrogen content of plants and reduce slug damage by 60% due to improved plant defenses. High plant diversity also results in lower slug damage, suggesting a complex interaction between the two species.
A large-scale study of mosquitoes in Kenya found a diverse range of arboviruses, including West Nile, Ndumu, and Ngari viruses. Over 450,000 mosquitoes were screened, revealing previously unknown viruses with similarities to the Chaoyang virus in China.
Research by Monica Gagliano and Michael Renton found that plants can positively influence seed growth via unknown mechanisms. Chilli seeds germinated better when grown with basil plants, even when other signals were blocked.
A recent study has found a significant link between certain antidepressants and an increased risk of Clostridium difficile infection. People with major depression were 36% more likely to develop CDI, while the use of mirtazapine and fluoxetine doubled the risk. Researchers stress that the exact cause of this association is unknown.
A study maps H7N9 risk in eastern China by analyzing bird migration patterns and poultry distribution. The model predicts future infection risks across central and western China, aiding surveillance and control of H7N9 infections.
Researchers from Japan created a human Dravet syndrome model using patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells, revealing the effect of SCN1A mutations on GABAergic neurons. This breakthrough provides an unparalleled insight into the mechanism behind DS and a unique platform for drug development.
Research found that pregnancy decreases breast cancer risk in humans and mice by down-regulating genes involved in growth factors and immune system. The study also revealed a permanent alteration in mammary tissue stem cells, preventing runaway cell growth characteristic of cancer.
Research published in BioMed Central's Stem Cell Research & Therapy found that injecting human stem cells into mice with tumors slowed down tumor growth. The study suggests that stem cells may restrict oxygen and nutrient delivery to the tumor, limiting cell division.
Researchers developed phase shift nanoemulsions that produce tiny microbubbles, which accumulate in tumors and amplify the effects of ultrasound. This reduces treatment time and power needed to destroy tumor tissue by over half, showing promise for improving cancer therapy.
The Journal of Therapeutic Ultrasound marks a significant milestone in the field, focusing on translational and clinical research. This open-access journal aims to accelerate the adoption of therapeutic ultrasound as a clinical tool for treating various medical disorders.
New research reveals microwave tomography can effectively monitor breast cancer treatment, identifying shrinking tumors and guiding timely treatment changes. This non-invasive imaging technique is low-cost, easy to repeat, and unaffected by factors like body mass index or age.
Researchers found that even light smoking increases the risk of rheumatoid arthritis, with a doubling of risk for those who smoke 1-7 cigarettes per day. Stopping smoking after 15 years reduces the risk, but it remains higher than non-smokers.
A new study published in Critical Care finds that reducing movement in ICUs can decrease severe pain and serious adverse events, while increasing analgesic use. The training program implemented by the University of Montpellier Saint Eloi Hospital increased staff awareness and reduced side effects.