University of Iowa professor Jack Scudder and colleagues have observed a milestone discovery in astrophysics: the first experimentally resolved site of collision in magnetic reconnection. This process links magnetic field lines from the sun to the Earth's core, allowing charged particles to cross previously forbidden boundaries.
A University of Iowa researcher has discovered a new species of crocodile, the largest known true crocodile, which lived between 2 and 4 million years ago in Kenya. The species, Crocodylus thorbjarnarsoni, is estimated to have measured up to 27 feet in length, making it significantly larger than the present-day Nile crocodile.
A University of Iowa study found that one-third of sexual relationships in the Chicago area lack exclusivity, with 17% of men and 5% of women admitting to being with someone else. The research also shows that individuals involved in friendships or acquaintances are more likely to have multiple sex partners.
A University of Iowa study suggests a way to improve heart treatment by targeting key heart-related mechanisms with drugs that maintain the positive effects of calmodulin kinase II while reducing its negative effects. The findings aim to prevent unwanted calcium activity and related molecular problems that lead to cell overload and death.
A University of Iowa study measures the levels of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in sediments, water, suspended particles, and air along the Indiana Harbor and Ship Canal. The study finds that PCBs are a significant source of pollution, with annual emissions estimated at 4 kg to water and 7 kg to air.
Researchers have found evidence of a 1-meter high sea level stand around 81,000 years ago, contradicting previous estimates of low levels. This finding highlights the importance of natural sea level fluctuations and their potential impact on coastal populations.
A recent study published in Molecular Biology and Evolution found that sexually reproducing organisms accumulate fewer harmful DNA mutations than asexually reproducing ones. This suggests that sexual reproduction provides a protective advantage against genetic damage.
Researchers have made the first direct radio image of a stellar coronal loop at star Algol, which may aid in understanding how space weather affects Earth. The coronal loop is roughly similar to those at the sun but with a more powerful magnetic field and larger size due to tidal effects.
Researchers confirm high levels of PCBs in IHSC sediments, sparking concerns about dredging's environmental impact. The study highlights the need for further investigation into the effects of dredging on sediment PCB levels and potential health hazards to humans.
A new study reveals how the ATP-sensitive potassium channel affects food intake and energy balance, pointing to a potential pathway for managing and preventing obesity. Disrupting the channel's function in mice led to reduced fat deposition and increased energy efficiency, but also impaired endurance.
A University of Iowa study reveals a critical link in the sugar chain of an important muscle protein, providing insights into congenital muscular dystrophies and cancer progression. The discovery may lead to new therapies for treating these conditions.
Researchers have identified a key protein channel that helps nerve sensors regulate blood pressure. The ASIC2 channel plays a crucial role in controlling electrical activity in blood vessels, and its absence leads to high blood pressure.
Researchers at the University of Iowa have found a new inherited retinal disease affecting the macula, which is an area critical for central vision. The disease causes abnormal blood vessels to form, leading to swelling or scars that can blur parts of the visual field.
Researchers have developed a mathematical model of heart cells to understand the effects of oxidized CaM kinase on cardiac electrical activity. Oxidation activates the enzyme, leading to a vicious cycle that advances heart disease.
A new study by University of Iowa researchers shows that breathing carbon dioxide can trigger panic attacks by increasing brain acidity, which activates a brain protein involved in fear and anxiety behavior. The study suggests new approaches for treating panic and anxiety disorders by targeting the brain protein ASIC1a.
Researchers found two independent pathways contributing to feeling one's own heartbeat, contrary to prior assertions. The study used a rare neurological patient and healthy comparison participants to confirm the existence of these pathways, which could have implications for emotion and self-awareness.
A recent study published in Psychosomatic Medicine found that individuals with depression tend to overreport physical symptoms. Researchers attribute this phenomenon to depressed individuals' recall of experiences differently, tending to ruminate and exaggerate negative emotions.
Researchers at the University of Iowa challenge previous studies on social cues in babies and dogs, finding that distractions from adults lead to poor performance in a classic toy-hiding game. Computer simulations support this explanation, showing that attention and memory are key factors in the task.
Researchers at the University of Iowa discovered a way to deliver therapeutic molecules directly into brain cells using the blood-brain barrier. They found that unique alterations in the blood vessels surrounding brain cells can target specific diseases, allowing for non-invasive treatment of lysosomal storage diseases.
University of Iowa researchers discovered a new molecular mechanism regulating pancreatic cells and insulin secretion in children with permanent neonatal diabetes mellitus. The mechanism involves the protein ankyrin, which regulates the KATP channel complex.
Researchers at University of Iowa have modified siRNA to be injectable into the bloodstream, targeting specific genes overexpressed in cancer cells. The new compound triggers tumor regression without affecting normal tissues.
A new protein has been identified as crucial for protecting sensory cells in the ear, according to a study led by University of Iowa researchers. The protein, claudin-9, helps maintain the separation of potassium ions between cells, preventing intoxication and functional defects.
A University of Iowa study found that kids who were active at age 5 had less body fat by ages 8 and 11. Even small increases in physical activity, such as an extra 10 minutes per day, can make a difference in protecting against excessive fat gains.
A study by University of Iowa researchers reveals that airway cells possess a unique 'tasting' mechanism to detect and eliminate harmful substances, bypassing the need for nervous system involvement. The discovery sheds light on how injured lungs can be further damaged.
A new study identifies alpha dystroglycan as a key protein that binds muscle membranes to the basal lamina, reinforcing membrane integrity. Injecting functional dystroglycan into muscle tissue restored membrane integrity and protected muscles from damage.
Researchers argue that development involves a complex system in which genes and environmental factors constantly interact. They support evolution but reject simplistic notions of innate traits and behaviors. Instead, they propose a developmental systems theory that acknowledges the interplay between genes and environment.
A University of Iowa study found that hospitalized patients overestimate their chances of surviving in-hospital cardiac arrest and often misinterpret CPR procedures. The study suggests that doctors should improve patient education on CPR and 'do not resuscitate' orders to ensure informed decision-making.
Researchers developed DNA-like compounds that effectively inhibit cells responsible for systemic lupus erythematosus, a potentially groundbreaking treatment. The findings demonstrate the anti-inflammatory effects of class R inhibitory oligonucleotides and could lead to new therapies.
Veterinarians are at increased risk of zoonotic infection with various pathogens, including swine influenza and avian influenza viruses. A review of medical literature found that veterinarians often fail to use recommended personal protective equipment due to discomfort or lack of availability.
A study by researchers at the University of Iowa found that disrupting ASIC1a, a brain protein involved in fear behavior and anxiety, produces an antidepressant-like effect in mice. The results suggest that ASIC1a inhibition could represent a new approach to antidepressant therapy.
Researchers at the University of Iowa have discovered a new mechanism for DNA biosynthesis in certain organisms, which may be targeted by new antibiotics. The discovery has the potential to combat multiple drug-resistant diseases such as tuberculosis.
A University of Iowa biologist is studying how picoeukaryotes, tiny ocean plants, adapt to changing environments in response to climate change. The research found that despite sharing similar morphology, these organisms have distinct gene pools and unique genetic features that allow them to thrive in different ocean regions.
Researchers identified a genetic abnormality, CATSPER1, that may prevent men from conceiving. The gene's mutation affects sperm motility and hyperactivity, leading to potential targets for a pharmacological male contraceptive.
At-risk teens are more likely to seriously consider suicide if a friend of a friend attempts it, but holding summer jobs can be a deterrent. Summer employment is thought to create self-esteem while reducing isolation and substance abuse, and can even prevent the spread of suicidal thoughts among friends.
Researchers found that rats deficient in sodium chloride shied away from pleasurable activities, leading to a potential link between salt cravings and depression. High salt intake contributes to high blood pressure and other health problems, but the study suggests salt may have a mood-elevating effect.
Researchers at University of Iowa discovered that calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaM kinase II) activation can increase heart rates, contrary to traditional beta-adrenergic receptor stimulation understanding. This finding suggests inhibiting CaM kinase II function could help control heart rate problems in people with a...
Researchers found a link between CaM kinase II inhibition and reduced inflammatory gene expression in heart muscle cells. Inhibition of CaM kinase II protected mice from heart damage, highlighting a potential new treatment target.
A new surgical implant called Retisert has been successfully tested at the University of Iowa to treat sympathetic ophthalmia, a rare eye condition that can lead to complete vision loss. The implant provides slow-release immunosuppression to the affected eye, reducing or eliminating the need for systemic medications.
A study by researchers at the University of Iowa and University of Missouri-St. Louis found that economic recession is associated with increased victimization rates among minority groups, particularly blacks and Latinos. The study analyzed data from the National Crime Victimization Surveys from 1973 to 2005 and found that poverty, urba...
The Iowa students' innovative device can sanitize water for a mere $5, making it an accessible solution for developing countries. The project has already received a US EPA first-place award and plans to expand its reach globally.
A study by Ed Wasserman reveals that both baboons and pigeons can learn the relations between relations, a cognitive feat previously believed to be unique to humans. This discovery has implications for understanding animal intelligence and potentially informing methods for studying children with language impairments.
A University of Iowa study found that smoking decreases a key protein in lung cells, leading to cell aging and damage. The team suggests targeting Werner's syndrome protein for developing treatments for smoking-related diseases like emphysema.
A study by University of Iowa researchers has documented MRSA in swine and swine workers in the US for the first time. The investigation found a high prevalence rate of MRSA among swine and swine handlers, suggesting transmission between animals and humans.
A University of Iowa study links sex differences in brain structure, particularly in the parietal lobe, to variations in spatial skill test performance. Women's thicker cortexes are associated with poorer mental rotation ability, while men's larger parietal lobe surface area is related to better performance.
Researchers from the University of Iowa have discovered that calmodulin kinase II contributes to arrhythmia in Timothy syndrome, a rare disease affecting only 20 people worldwide. Inhibiting this enzyme can prevent irregular heartbeats.
A University of Iowa researcher and colleagues have discovered a direct link between cellular stress and fatty liver disease in mice. The study found that disrupted protein folding causes abnormal fat metabolism in the liver, which may lead to serious conditions like diabetes and cirrhosis.
Researchers found a new gene, PRICKLE1, linked to a specific type of epilepsy. The study involved international collaboration and led to the development of animal models to investigate its role in the disease.
Researchers at the University of Iowa have developed a method to estimate photosynthetic uptake by plants over large regions, improving accuracy of global warming and land cover change estimates. By analyzing carbonyl sulfide levels, scientists can quantify human-generated CO2 emissions and develop better management strategies.
A new study from the University of Iowa found that lung airway cells can activate vitamin D, leading to the expression of genes involved in immune defense. The active form of vitamin D helps fight bacterial infections and reduces inflammation.
Researchers discovered that Myxococcus xanthus uses a rippling motion to hunt other bacteria, with the pattern adapting to prey density. The study found that individual cells line up and move in an alternating pattern, producing high and low cell density waves.