Researchers at UCF are exploring new ways to potentially reverse the damage caused by multiple sclerosis and other neurological disorders. The team will study the breakdown of myelin, a substance that coats and protects nerves, with the goal of developing new drugs that can reverse the damage and improve patient outcomes.
Researchers discovered water ice and organic molecules on asteroid 24 Themis, suggesting it may have delivered water to Earth 4 billion years ago. The findings support the theory that asteroids could have brought water to our planet after its formation.
Scientists found 7,000 times less methane and plenty of carbon monoxide on GJ 436b, challenging standard chemistry theories about planetary atmospheres. The discovery suggests that scientists should be more flexible in their theories about similar planets.
Researchers have created a method to convert non-food biomass into sugar, which is then fermented into ethanol. This approach produces significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions than traditional corn-based ethanol, offering a promising alternative for cleaner fuel production.
A University of Central Florida researcher has created a low-cost vaccine against two deadly diseases, malaria and cholera, offering long-lasting immunity to mice. The breakthrough uses genetically engineered plants to produce the vaccine, which could be produced in large quantities at a fraction of the cost of traditional methods.
Biomedical scientists identify a way to block the 'cell death signal' that triggers brain damage during strokes. The discovery could lead to new therapeutic targets for stroke therapy and potentially improve treatments for other neurodegenerative diseases.
University of Central Florida researchers have revealed a previously unknown mechanism that may drive the early brain function deterioration of Alzheimer's victims, potentially leading to preventive treatment. The discovery uses an existing cell research technique to accelerate the search for treatments.
Researchers at the University of Central Florida have found a protein, TRPC6, that could hold the key to treating GBM, a type of malignant brain tumor. Knocking down this protein's expression can stop tumor growth and spread.
A new UCF study found nearly half of 3- to 6-year-old girls worry about being fat, while one-third change physical attributes. Watching Disney movies like 'The Princess and the Frog' can help parents start conversations about weight, skin color, and beauty.
The University of Central Florida has received a $7.5 million research grant to enhance the efficiency of hybrid photovoltaic solar cells. Researchers will focus on increasing the absorption capability of organic materials to capture a broader spectrum of sunlight, leading to more flexible and efficient solar panels.
A UCF study will interview and observe over 360 native Cantonese speakers with aphasia to create a database of linguistic symptoms and non-verbal behaviors. The research aims to improve assessment methods and treatment guidelines for Chinese speakers worldwide.
Fernandez-Valle's research aims to identify proteins that could deliver cancer-fighting drugs to NF2 tumors, potentially improving lifestyles and extending patients' lives. She has established nationally affiliated clinics in Florida, bringing together physicians with expertise in treating the disease.
Researchers discovered a previously unknown mechanism that aids in the spread of Listeria monocytogenes, a deadly bacterium causing listeriosis and severe illnesses.
Researchers have identified a new genetic mechanism controlling body's fat-building process, potentially leading to new treatments for obesity and type 2 diabetes. The study found that the MCPIP gene controls fat cell development, offering a new direction for developing drugs to prevent obesity-related chronic diseases.
Researchers at UCF have developed a method to optically steer cells using low-intensity polarized light, guiding them towards desired locations. This technology has the potential to improve stem cell therapies for wound healing and cancer treatment.
A new UCF study is using population genetics to aid in the conservation of the Lower Keys marsh rabbits (Sylvilagus palustris hefneri), which are estimated to have less than 300 individuals remaining. The research aims to identify genetically diverse populations and relocate them to create a new habitat.
Researchers at UCF create first lab-grown motor nerves with nodes of Ranvier, a breakthrough that could improve understanding of demyelinating conditions and enable new drug therapies. The team plans to use the model system to explore the origins of diabetic neuropathy and identify targets for new treatments.
UCF researcher J. Manuel Perez's nanoparticles could potentially replace chemotherapy with targeted cancer treatment. The nanoparticles, carrying Taxol and other molecules, selectively target cancer cells while leaving healthy tissue intact.
A team of international scientists captured a snapshot of Earth's chemical signature using a lunar eclipse, providing crucial information for identifying potentially habitable planets. The observation, published in Nature magazine, offers a unique opportunity to study planetary atmospheres and compositions.
A new technique using gold nanoparticles could lead to an effective and affordable over-the-counter prostate cancer test kit. The test is designed to detect cancer-producing proteins related to prostate cancer, similar to the FDA-approved Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test.
A UCF researcher is developing a computer program to analyze brain scans and automatically measure tumor size in 3D. The program has shown up to 90% accuracy compared to human analysis and could help determine treatment plans for patients.
Researchers found that interrupting selenoprotein production can halt growth of bacteria such as Clostridium difficile and Treponema denticola. The study uses auranofin, an FDA-approved gold salt compound, to block bacterial growth by altering selenium metabolism.
Scientists at the University of Central Florida have revived a dormant gene found in humans, which produces retrocyclin, a protein that resists HIV. The study found that restoring the production of retrocyclins prevents HIV entry and transmission.
A study led by UCF scientist Wade Winterhalter uses cricket reproduction patterns to predict the impact of global warming on humans. The research combines global warming models with biological predictions, simulating daily and seasonal temperature changes in crickets over a six-degree Celsius increase.
A new University of Central Florida study may explain why children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) move around a lot. The research found that children with ADHD become significantly more active when required to remember and manipulate computer-generated letters, numbers, and shapes for a short time.
Scientists found that vents on Enceladus channel water vapor from a warm, probably liquid source to the surface at supersonic speeds. This supports a theory that tidal heating causes geysers and provides implications for life in the solar system.
Researchers at the University of Central Florida are developing a virtual reality program to help stroke survivors improve their range of motion. The program, which will track patients' progress, aims to make physical therapy exercises more engaging and enjoyable, encouraging patients to work harder and increase their mobility.
A University of Central Florida study found that college students' anxieties often stem from exaggerated perceptions of parental expectations. Students who perceive a supportive parenting style tend to adjust better to college life. Schools may benefit from teaching assertive communication skills to parents and students.
A UCF professor has developed an oral vaccine that shows high effectiveness against the plague, which could provide a practical solution in the event of a bioterror attack. The vaccine is more expensive to produce than traditional injectable vaccines but offers a cheap and accessible alternative.
A University of Central Florida scientist has secured $1 million in NIH funding to research the death protein, BAX, which could lead to breakthroughs in treating cancer and heart disease. By understanding how BAX triggers cell death, she hopes to develop a peptide-based therapeutic approach to stimulate or protect healthy cells.
Researchers at UCF have identified a new protein family that regulates macrophage activation, potentially leading to the development of treatments for inflammatory diseases. The discovery has implications for conditions such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, and obesity-induced type 2 diabetes.
Researchers have made a unique discovery that could lead to the development of quantum computers, which would render current encryption technologies useless. The breakthrough involves controlling quantum tunneling in molecular magnets, allowing for faster and more efficient computation.
A new technique developed by a University of Central Florida chemist will help physicians more quickly identify the bacterial infections patients have so they can be treated in hours instead of days. The method uses gold nanoparticles coated with a sugar and a protein that binds to sugars, allowing for rapid testing of antibiotics.
A UCF team led by Kiminobu Sugaya has discovered a compound, phenserine, that reduces plaque buildup in Alzheimer's disease. This combination with stem cell transplantation triggers neuron regeneration, offering hope for patients. Further research, including clinical trials, is needed to confirm its effectiveness.
A study by UCF researchers found that insulin produced in genetically modified lettuce can restore normal blood sugar levels in diabetic mice. If successful in human trials, the method could affect millions of diabetics worldwide and reduce healthcare costs.
Research by UCF Professor Keith Ireton and colleagues reveals Listeria protein InlB induces internalization of human receptor Met, implicated in some cancers. Understanding this mechanism may lead to drug development targeting Met-related cancers.
Researchers have developed a unique nanoparticle that can safely deliver a compound to the eye, blocking an enzyme that contributes to glaucoma. This non-toxic tool offers high penetration rates and little patient discomfort, making it a promising treatment option.
Researchers are developing an interactive simulation of a wildfire spreading through Volusia County to study how residents make decisions about prescribed burns and insurance. The study aims to demonstrate that virtual reality can be an effective public policy tool in encouraging residents to invest in prevention.
Researchers mapped Saturn's rings using a 'CAT scan' method, confirming the presence of clumps and empty gaps. The discovery may help explain the origin and age of Saturn's rings.
The University of Central Florida professor has made a groundbreaking discovery that the hottest known extrasolar planet, HD 149026b, is approaching temperatures of 3,700 degrees. This unprecedented finding indicates that the planet's surface must be incredibly black to absorb all the starlight it receives.
The UCF research aims to make small unmanned spyplanes smarter by allowing them to communicate with each other, follow targets and hand off tracking. The project enables real-time data transmission of 3D images, providing valuable intelligence to troops on battlefields.
Jennifer Fewster, a UCF doctoral student, is studying giraffe excrement at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge to understand what animals eat in the wild and improve captive nutrition. Her research could help conserve endangered herbivores by mimicking their natural landscape and food supply.
Researchers have made a breakthrough in molecular technology that could help deliver life-saving drugs directly to cancer-ridden cells. The discovery involves attaching therapeutic drugs to molecules using tiny molecules that can travel through the bloodstream.
The sea urchin genome shares significant similarities with the human genome, including genes associated with Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, and Huntington's diseases. The discovery could hold key insights into developing new treatments and therapies.
A new technology allows users to record and store massive amounts of data onto a single disc, such as the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum's entire collection or 500 movies, maintaining excellent quality without damage. The UCF team's Two-Photon 3-D Optical Data Storage system uses lasers to compact information onto a DVD.
UCF, UCLA astronomers have made the first direct observation of distinct day and night temperatures on a planet orbiting another star. The team used NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope to measure infrared light emitted by the planet upsilon Andromedae b at five points around its orbit.
Researchers at the University of Central Florida have successfully demonstrated an extreme ultraviolet light source with 30 times the power of previous attempts. This breakthrough has significant implications for the next generation of computer chip production, as EUV light sources are critical components in stepper machines used to pr...
Researchers at University of Central Florida have discovered a defense peptide that can effectively block the HIV-1 virus from entering and infecting blood cells. The peptide, retrocyclin, has shown minimal resistance to the virus over 100 days, making it a promising candidate for developing an affordable treatment.
A UCF study found that coral tissue damage cannot heal near pollution sources on land, leading to reef decline and increased hurricane risks. The loss of coral harms natural ecosystems and the tourism economy, while also protecting coastal areas from storms.
Researchers aim to understand how prolonged space trips affect human immune systems by studying fruit flies on a Space Shuttle mission. The flies will be exposed to bacteria, fungi, and reduced gravity to determine if their weakened immune systems make them more susceptible to infection.