Scientists have identified a crucial gene, Jhdm2a, that triggers the final step of sperm cell formation. Mice lacking this gene exhibit significant male infertility symptoms. The study provides evidence that Jhdm2a controls expression of genes required for DNA packaging in sperm cells.
A small study found that eptifibatide, an intravenous blood thinner, appears to be well-tolerated in sickle cell patients and shows potential benefits in reducing inflammation. The results suggest that the drug may have anti-inflammatory effects without causing harm to these patients.
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that multiple corticosteroid injections in pregnant women are linked to an increased rate of cerebral palsy among children. The study suggests that exposure to repeat courses should be limited to minimize this risk.
The UNC School of Pharmacy team has developed a new synthetic form of heparin called Recomparin, which is less complex and easier to produce than previous forms. This reduction in structural complexity is expected to lower the risk of uncontrolled bleeding while maintaining the drug's anticoagulant properties.
A study of 100,000 pregnant Norwegian women found an unexpected increase in new cases of binge eating disorder during pregnancy. The research suggests that adequate prenatal care and nutritional support are crucial to prevent the development of disordered eating behaviors.
Researchers at UNC Chapel Hill School of Medicine have identified neurexin as essential for synapse growth, maintenance, and function. The study in Drosophila fruit flies may lead to insights into autism spectrum disorders and human neurological disorders.
Researchers at the University of North Carolina and Max Planck Institute discovered that an autoimmune response can create a barrier to producing viable offspring in plants. This phenomenon, known as hybrid necrosis, can be triggered by specific gene combinations, suggesting a potential early step in the development of new species.
Researchers at the University of North Carolina analyzed data from nine studies and found that patients with a specific gene variation had a greater risk of side effects when taking medium or high doses of irinotecan. The study suggests that the FDA should modify its guidelines to reflect this finding.
Researchers identified an unusually high rate of severe allergic reactions to cetuximab among patients living in the middle South, with a 22% rate compared to 2% nationwide. The strongest predictor of a reaction was a history of other hypersensitivities.
Researchers recreated a 450-million-year-old protein using X-ray crystallography and mapped its structure. They found that only seven mutations were needed to evolve the ancient receptor into its modern form, with some 'permissive' changes paving the way for more significant transformations.
Researchers found that emotional events can be hard to intentionally forget, even when trying to block off unwanted memories. The study's results suggest that emotion places limits on mental control and can undermine intentional forgetting.
Coral cover in Indo-Pacific reefs has declined significantly since the 1960s, with nearly 600 square miles of reef disappearing per year. The rate of decline is twice that of rainforest loss, with coral cover hovering around 2% today.
A recent study published in The New England Journal of Medicine found that weekly progesterone injections did not reduce the rate of preterm birth in women pregnant with twins. In contrast, previous research showed that these injections reduced additional preterm births by one-third in women whose previous babies were born prematurely.
A study from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill found that HPV types 16 and 18 are responsible for 70% of invasive cervical cancer cases globally. The researchers analyzed data on over 14,000 invasive and high-grade cases to estimate the prevalence of different virus types.
A new study reveals that child abuse and neglect rates nearly double when soldier-parents deploy for combat tours, leaving mothers at home to care for the children. The rate of physical abuse nearly doubles, and neglect increases four times higher in these cases.
Scientists have found a key weakness in the enzyme that helps bacteria swap genes for drug resistance, allowing them to block the spread of antibiotic-resistant microbes. Bisphosphonates, widely prescribed for bone loss, can annihilate antibiotic-resistant bacteria in laboratory cultures.
A new survey by researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill found that the majority of doctors in North Carolina do not probe for signs of postpartum depression in new mothers. The study, to be published June 6, 2007, highlights the need for physicians to screen patients for depression during postpartum visits.
A study by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill found that pharmacist care can significantly improve medication adherence among heart-failure patients. By providing customized educational materials and regular reminders, pharmacists can help patients take their medications consistently, leading to lower health-care costs and...
A study published in Neurology found that people with migraines are 1.3-1.5 times more likely to develop retinopathy than those without headaches. The association was strongest among those with migraine headaches and other headaches with aura, even after controlling for diabetes, glucose levels, and blood pressure.
Rates of child abuse and neglect in military families in Texas doubled since October 2002, according to a UNC study. The increase was linked to the stress of deployment on military personnel and their families.
Researchers found that close living quarters among coral in healthy sections of the Great Barrier Reef facilitate easy infection spread, despite warmer ocean temperatures. Higher temperatures drive disease outbreaks, with a strong connection between white syndrome and coral cover.
A study by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill found that light sticks used in longline fisheries attract turtles, which can lead to entanglement and death. The researchers suggest that adjusting the lighting or using colors undetectable to turtles could reduce turtle deaths.
A new study from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill found that ocean temperature affects the distance marine larvae travel before maturing. This discovery has significant implications for managing commercially important or invasive species.
A study at UNC Chapel Hill found that specific genetic variants of the COMT gene can affect pain processing by altering messenger RNA secondary structure. The discovery may lead to more effective treatments for TMJD and other chronic pain conditions.
The University of North Carolina has received a $21.3 million grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to develop new treatments for late-stage African sleeping sickness and visceral leishmaniasis. The project aims to create affordable therapies for diseases affecting hundreds of thousands of people in developing nations.
A special issue of Nursing Research journal highlights innovative methods for treating tobacco dependence and practical approaches for clinical use. Nurses are widely recognized as central to global efforts to reduce the detrimental health effects of tobacco use, with training needed to deliver interventions to patients.
Scientists at UNC-Rutgers create a more efficient method for producing diesel fuels from coal using a dual-catalyst system. This breakthrough could provide an attractive alternative to oil-based fuels, particularly as oil reserves dwindle, and enable the widespread adoption of cleaner-burning transportation fuels.
Researchers have found that women are increasingly represented among pediatric medical subspecialties, with more than 70% of practitioners in certain areas such as adolescent medicine and neurodevelopment being women. The trend is seen in 17 out of the 16 specialties studied.
A new small-scale study suggests that personal fulfillment is the strongest motivator for US adolescents to exercise. The research found that teens are more likely to participate in sports and vigorous activities if they enjoy the process and want to improve their fitness and physical skills.
A nationwide randomized clinical trial found that mycophenolate mofetil produced fewer complications than the standard medication Cytoxan in patients with lupus nephritis. The study showed that oral mycophenolate mofetil worked faster in relieving inflamed kidneys and improved patient outcomes.
A recent study found that tiny amounts of virus-laden blood leak from placentas to babies during labor, leading to a significant risk of HIV transmission. Researchers suggest that pregnant women start taking anti-retroviral drugs before going into labor as a potential solution.
Researchers found that a home-based environmental intervention significantly reduced asthma symptoms and associated healthcare use in inner-city children. The cost per symptom-free day was $25.57, offsetting the intervention's expenses.
Researchers at UNC Chapel Hill have discovered a new enzyme that can break down chloroacrylate pesticide residue in just 10,000 years, significantly longer than other environmental pollutants. This enzyme is found in bacteria that thrive on the pesticide and has implications for designing more efficient enzymes.
Subordinate male fish undergo rapid transformation when more dominant males are removed, exhibiting increased aggression, brightness in colors, and changes in brain gene expression. The research reveals a crucial connection between social cues and reproductive physiology in both humans and fish.
A new study by UNC researchers finds that the 'acting white' phenomenon is not a major reason for poor academic performance among black students. Instead, school organization and stigmatization of high-achieving students contribute to the achievement gap.
A new study at UNC reveals that retired professional football players have a 37% higher risk of Alzheimer's disease due to concussions. The study found that history of recurrent concussions and sub-concussive contacts may be risk factors for late-life memory impairment, mild cognitive impairment, and early expression of Alzheimer's dis...
A team of scientists led by Dr. Alan Feduccia found that fossilized patterns resembling feathers are more likely skin-related tissues, contradicting the theory of feathered dinosaurs. The study also revealed embryos of developing birds have distinct wing structures, making it unlikely for birds to evolve from flightless dinosaurs.
Researchers found that specific versions of the TGFb1 gene are linked to worse lung disease in cystic fibrosis patients. The study's large size and robust design enabled scientists to identify a potential target for improving CF therapy.
An international team of researchers suggests that people at high risk of contracting HIV should take daily antiretroviral medication as a preventative measure. This approach, known as PrEP, has been shown promise in clinical trials and is seen as a crucial strategy to combat the ongoing pandemic.
A significant proportion of young adult patients examined had well-established periodontal disease despite no signs or symptoms. Women affected by this disease faced a higher risk of preterm birth and other pregnancy complications, corresponding to systemic inflammation indicators.
Researchers have found that certain anti-cancer drugs, known as FTIs, can block biochemical processes causing progeria's symptoms. The collaboration has shown a strong positive effect on progeria patients' cells.
Researchers at UNC Chapel Hill found that radiation exposure at older ages significantly increases the risk of lung cancer among Hanford nuclear workers. The study analyzed data from 26,389 workers hired between 1944 and 1978 and identified 2,265 cancer deaths.
A study of pediatrician attitudes towards childhood obesity found that many felt unconfident in their ability to treat the condition, with a scarcity of educational materials and personal biases being major factors. Despite this, nearly half of overweight pediatricians did not identify themselves as such.
A new study suggests that men and women have different perceptions of gun ownership and storage practices, with men more likely to own guns and be responsible for storing them. The research emphasizes the importance of providing gun safety counseling in various settings, including hardware stores, workplaces, and sporting events.
Researchers have developed a new X-ray device that can create images of objects from numerous angles without mechanical motion, increasing imaging speed and reducing size. This technology has the potential to lead to smaller, faster, and more accurate X-ray scanners for airport baggage screening and medical imaging.
Gene targeting allows scientists to alter specific genes in cultured cells and transfer them to laboratory mice, enabling the study of human diseases. The technique has revolutionized biomedical research and is now practiced by thousands of scientists worldwide.
A new study found that combat veterans are more likely to be heavy smokers and drinkers, while also experiencing lower physical inactivity compared to non-veterans. The research suggests that combat exposure may exert long-term adverse effects on cardiovascular risks.
Researchers found that permitting workers to carry guns on the job significantly increases the risk of homicide, with a nearly seven-fold increase in worker fatalities compared to workplaces where no firearms are allowed. This finding highlights the need for employers to reassess their policies on workplace gun permits.
A recent study found that obesity in mice significantly impairs their immune response to influenza infection, leading to a 40% mortality rate compared to lean mice. The research suggests that humans with obesity may also be at increased risk for severe outcomes from influenza.
Phytome is a comprehensive database of genetic data on 39 plant species, including rice, wheat, and potatoes. The platform enables researchers to analyze complex questions about gene function and comparison across different species.