Articles tagged with Discovery Research
A team of scientists at Cornell University has discovered a genetic connection between the evolution of plump fruits and vegetables and the growth of human cancer cells. The study identified a single gene called ORFX that plays a key role in plant fruit development, similar to the human oncogene c-H-ras p21.
Scientists at the University of Illinois have discovered a way to spontaneously assemble chemicals into ribbon-like tubules that resemble bacterial cell walls. These micrometer-sized tubules have potential applications in drug delivery systems and as templates for synthesizing inorganic nanostructured materials.
Researchers at Rosetta Inpharmatics used Flexjet DNA microarray technology to analyze the role of changes in chromosome number on gene expression, showing large-scale biases that affect cellular processes. The study provides a novel tool for evaluating aneuploidy and its potential applicability to human cancer cells.
A team of scientists at UCSF has identified five proteins that trigger the immune system to attack cancer cells, marking them for swift destruction by NK cells. The discovery increases the number of known targets for drugs or vaccines to boost the immune system's natural cancer-fighting ability.
A new TB drug candidate, PA-824, has been shown to be effective against MDR strains of the bacteria. The compound, developed by PathoGenesis Corporation with assistance from NIAID's Laboratory of Host Defenses, works by preventing MTB from forming an important fatty acid component of its cell walls.
The Kaposi's sarcoma virus employs a novel strategy to evade the immune system by removing sentries on cell surfaces and shipping them for destruction. Researchers identified two viral genes that reduce MHC-1 proteins at the cell surface, allowing the virus to spread more widely.
Scientists have created a novel dinucleotide molecule that appears to outlast existing treatments in cells. The integrase inhibitor has the potential to prevent HIV infection by blocking its ability to replicate in non-infected human cells.
Researchers have found a genetic link between IKK-gamma gene and the rare human disease incontinentia pigmenti, which affects skin and its derivatives. The discovery provides a nearly perfect mouse model of the disease, enabling thorough study and development of diagnostic and screening tests.
Researchers found that macrophages can recognize foreign cells using the CD47 protein, not MHC class I as previously thought. This discovery challenges an important dogma and has implications for autoimmune diseases and ovarian cancer.
Researchers study energy consumption in insect brains to better understand human brain function and develop more effective treatments for stroke patients. The team's findings could also improve our understanding of state-of-the-art scanning techniques like MRI and PET.
A new study published in Nature magazine suggests that warmer temperatures and changing precipitation patterns are affecting the growth rates of white spruce trees in Alaska. The researchers found that drought-like conditions are inhibiting tree growth, leading to a reduced capacity for these trees to absorb carbon from the atmosphere.
The UCSD Superfund program will conduct projects on 20 toxic contaminants, studying their effects on humans, animals, and the environment. Researchers will use molecular biology and recombinant DNA technology to develop tools for evaluating health risks and minimizing hazardous risks.
A breakthrough in nanolithography transforms dip-pen nanolithography into a parallel process, paving the way to mass-producing tiny nanostructures. The new eight-pen nanoplotter can create identical patterns with consistent line widths and requires only one feedback system.
A University of Florida research team discovered parts of the Antarctic ice sheet were unstable during Northern Hemisphere warming spikes. The findings suggest polar ice can undergo huge and rapid changes tied to climate, implying potential future instability.
Researchers from OSU discovered that some Hawaiian sea mounts were influenced by the existence of a mid-ocean ridge subducted under present-day Siberia. The findings provide more evidence on how volcanic hot spots interact with tectonic plates.
Researchers found that blind naked mole-rats disperse from their natal colonies to seek new partners and form new colonies, challenging the assumption that inbreeding is the norm for these eusocial creatures. The study also revealed that outbreeding is the preferred breeding system of choice for mole-rats.
Researchers at NYU and MIT have created a peptide-based scaffold that supports living nerve cells, enabling the growth of functional synapses. This breakthrough discovery offers new hope for repairing damaged nervous systems, including spinal cord injuries.
Researchers at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center have identified eotaxin as a critical protein in the development of food allergies. By blocking eotaxin, new drugs may prevent allergic reactions in the gastrointestinal tract, providing hope for those affected by food allergies.
Researchers have produced complete maps of CO emission in IC 10, a nearby dwarf irregular galaxy. This observation may offer insights into the formation of stars in the early universe. The team discovered that molecular gas generally lies near dense atomic hydrogen and young, recently formed stars.
Researchers identified two natural human antibodies that restored myelin sheath and promoted nervous system repair in mice with demyelinating diseases. The discovery holds promise for developing new treatments for conditions like multiple sclerosis.
The FDA has approved a new cancer treatment using microscopic glass beads that deliver localized radiation to liver tumors. The treatment involves injecting radioactive glass beads into the liver, where they kill malignant cells with minimal side effects.
Researchers propose a 10-year effort to understand Arabidopsis genes and their interactions. The goal is to build a complete "wiring diagram" of the plant's biological pathways and create a 'clickable plant' for interactive exploration.
Compressing coronary angiograms for delivery over telephone or computer lines can lead to diagnostic errors, according to researchers. Image quality is progressively lost with increasing compression, making it difficult for clinicians to detect subtle diagnostic features.
Researchers discovered how brain fills in missing information to help us perceive objects, even when they're partially blocked. This process allows for consistency and continuity in our visual world, enabling us to recognize shapes and objects accurately.
The $16.3 million grant will fund a Neuroscience Mutagenesis Facility to create at least 50 new mouse models annually for neural diseases such as epilepsy and neurodegenerative disorders. The program aims to address the 'phenotype gap' in human disease study by utilizing powerful genetic tools like genome-wide mutagenesis.
A NYU team has developed a molecule with switchable chirality by adding copper ions to methionine, which can be repeatedly switched and polarize light in opposite directions. This discovery could have significant implications for molecular computing and chiral material applications.
A study found that recently detoxified male alcoholics experience significant cognitive and motor deficits, particularly in gait and balance. These impairments can lead to an increased risk of falls and may be linked to the 'premature aging hypothesis,' where the brains of older alcoholics resemble those of non-drinkers.
Researchers have identified a compound in tobacco that inhibits an enzyme that breaks down key brain chemicals, potentially offering protection against Parkinson's disease. The discovery opens up new avenues of research and may lead to the development of neuroprotective compounds.
Scientists at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry have developed a method to create bones from skin and gum tissue cells, which can be used to replace missing bone in living rats. The engineered cells not only deliver bone-forming proteins but also participate directly in bone formation.
Astronomers used Chandra to survey the Hubble Deep Field North, detecting six galaxies that defy expectations with their high rate of star formation and giant black holes. The discovery indicates that only 15% of submillimeter sources can be luminous X-ray sources.
Researchers have successfully created genetically engineered mice that cannot produce their own vitamin C, a nutrient essential for growth and healthy tissues. These 'humanized' mice will aid in understanding vitamin C's role in diseases such as heart disease and cancer.
A new UF study contradicts dire predictions that prenatal cocaine exposure leads to misbehavior in toddlers. Researchers found no significant behavioral problems in cocaine-exposed children, suggesting poverty and environment may be the cause.
Researchers at Oregon State University have discovered a new class of chemicals called 'bruchins' that signal a plant to form a benign tumor, helping prevent insect infestation. The unusual chemical can induce tumor formation even at low levels, with precise effects on the plant.
Researchers found that mice with a missing gene for Protein Kinase A drank twice as much alcohol and recovered in about 65 minutes from intoxication. The study suggests PKA may play a role in regulating voluntary consumption of alcohol and sensitivity to its effects.
A team of biologists at UCSD identified three genes that produce the 'double flower' abnormality, which is prized for its attractiveness. Normal flowers consist of four rings or whorls; when these genes are mutated, petals, stamens and carpels are converted into sepals, resulting in a double-flower character.
The Howard Hughes Medical Institute has selected 48 talented researchers to join its investigator program, including 12 in computational biology. The new recruits will contribute to biomedical advances in areas like genomics and cognitive neuroscience.
Scientists have pinpointed the first gene in fruit fly Drosophila that is a target of an alternate control molecule, TRF1. This discovery opens up new avenues for understanding how gene expression is regulated, with potential implications for complex organisms like humans.
The Canadian Arthritis Network hosted a conference showcasing advancements in arthritis research and one-stop services for industry and government. The event featured key developments in therapeutics, diagnostics, and devices.
Researchers used X-ray crystallography to determine the structure of COX-2 with arachidonic acid bound, gaining insights into its interaction with inhibitors. The study's findings may help guide future drug development for pain, inflammation, and cancer treatment.
Celiac disease patients have higher zonulin levels, which contribute to intestinal permeability and immune system modulation. Increased zonulin is also linked to other autoimmune disorders such as diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Researchers at National Jewish Health discovered how proteins IL-15 and IL-2 work together to control the immune response against viruses. The proteins balance the production and division of memory killer T cells, allowing the immune system to battle antigens with a controlled response.
Researchers at ZymoGenetics developed a novel immunosuppressive agent that inhibits disease symptoms in mouse models of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The treatment works by capturing a cytokine that stimulates B cells to make antibodies, reducing their destructive impact on the body.
A Northwestern University research team has discovered the first enzyme to play a role in the mammalian circadian clock, contributing significantly to understanding of circadian rhythm-related problems. The identified casein kinase I epsilon (CKIe) enzyme interacts with PERIOD proteins, affecting the timing of the circadian cycle.
A study of 42 breast cancer patients found that those who chose experimental treatments had higher levels of psychological distress, despite similar physical abilities. Researchers suggest that these women may feel a greater need to feel in control and desperate for effective treatment options.
A new study published in the journal Science suggests that low-mass stars called red supergiants may die explosively rather than fade away quietly. This discovery has significant implications for our understanding of nucleosynthesis, stellar structure, and the evolution of stars.
Scientists have discovered a potential drug target for treating African sleeping sickness by identifying a unique metabolic pathway in the parasite. The discovery offers hope for developing effective treatments for the estimated 500,000 people affected by the disease.
Researchers discovered that adding carbonate to cow manure can effectively kill dangerous microbes, such as E. coli O157:H7. The treatment is estimated to cost less than $10 per year per cow and could help prevent water contamination.
The NIH has awarded nine grants totaling $12.8 million to investigate the role of genetics in determining how medicines work in the human body and what side effects people may experience. These studies aim to develop more personalized medicine approaches through pharmacogenetics research.
A $11-million grant will support a research team in understanding how genetic variation affects the response to anti-cancer drugs. The team aims to develop personalized dosing strategies to increase treatment efficacy while reducing side effects.
A new iceberg has broken from Antarctica's Ross Ice Shelf, just east of one discovered on March 17. The new iceberg is approximately 130 km by 20 km and was detected using high-resolution satellite data provided by the Antarctic Meteorological Research Center.
A North Carolina State University professor argues that a greater understanding of ancient medicine could provide modern doctors with new ways to treat diseases and identify potential dangers. He cites examples such as St. John's wort, which was initially used as an antiseptic but later found to have abortifacient effects.
Researchers identify epigallocatechin and epigallocatechin-gallate as key compounds responsible for flavor changes in commercial processing, and suggest adding vitamin C to preserve their stability. This discovery could lead to improved bottled or canned green-tea taste and enhanced health benefits.
A study published in Molecular Psychiatry reveals that individuals with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depression have lower levels of a certain brain protein, leading to less 'plastic' brains. Researchers hope to improve current therapeutics by targeting the cascade of events responsible for phosphorylating this protein.
Researchers have found that CD8 cells can stop human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in its tracks even when added to infected CD4 cells. This finding suggests a new approach to controlling the spread of HIV and could lead to potential therapeutic strategies.
Researchers at the University of Glasgow have identified a complex of proteins that activate cell growth and division protein E2F, leading to excessive cell division and cancer. This breakthrough provides an opportunity to develop small molecule drugs that can arrest E2F activity and prevent tumour cell proliferation.
Alex S. Kandel, a post-doctoral chemistry student at Pennsylvania State University, has been recognized for his outstanding research on fundamental molecular behavior and reactions. He discovered that making chlorine react with methane requires energy, while the reaction of chlorine and ethane releases energy.
Chemist F. Ann Walker received the Francis P. Garvan-John M. Olin Medal for her research on heme proteins, including nitrophorin, a molecule found in kissing bugs that releases nitric oxide to facilitate feeding. Her work provides insight into the function of heme proteins and their role in the immune system.
Hoffman's groundbreaking work led to the discovery of primordial plutonium and seaborgium, with a focus on symmetrical mass division in spontaneous fission. Her ongoing research continues to advance our understanding of nuclear chemistry and its applications.
Researchers at OHSU's Casey Eye Institute have developed a new method to diagnose rare eye infections caused by the Acanthamoeba organism. Using a confocal microscope, they can now detect the early stages of infection, allowing for prompt treatment and preventing vision loss.
A new NASA web site features women who are making history with their contributions to microgravity research. The site profiles women from diverse backgrounds and expertise, including astronauts, scientists, engineers, and more.