Researchers found that a soil pathogen in temperate forests kills most black cherry seedlings within a few meters of their parent tree. This allows other species to take root and increase forest diversity. The study suggests microbial pathogens play a crucial role in shaping forest communities.
Researchers are conducting a national genetic study to identify the genetic markers that contribute to Parkinson's disease. The study aims to enroll 600 pairs of siblings with Parkinson's disease, using information from the U.S. Human Genome Project to isolate genetic markers.
Researchers found that estrogen can reduce the risk of developing cataracts by up to 77%, with estradiol and estrone showing particular promise. The study used rats with induced ovarian failure to test the effects of different estrogens on cataract development.
A microscopic fungus infecting common eastern US grass, tall fescue, can significantly impact plant diversity and local ecosystems. The fungus alters the host plant's growth, making it more toxic to other herbivores and drought-resistant.
The Indiana University Cancer Center has been designated as an NCI-recognized clinical cancer center, bolstering its $33.3 million annual funding for cancer research projects. The grant enhances collaboration between researchers and physicians to target clinical problems and apply findings to new patient treatments.
Researchers at Indiana University launched a full-scale expedition to explore ancient Taino Indian sites in the Dominican Republic. The underwater site has yielded over two dozen artifacts, providing valuable information about the tribe's culture and interactions with Europeans.
Research by Indiana University kinesiologists suggests that encouraging leg movements on a miniature treadmill can lead to an eight-to-12 month improvement in the time Down syndrome babies take their first independent steps. This intervention is found to decrease family stress and facilitate cognitive, spatial, and social development.
Scientists at Indiana University have identified a new potential target for treating parasitic diseases in human cells. The discovery suggests that chloroplast-like plastids, which are found in single-celled parasites, may play an important role in the cell and could be targets for drug therapies.