Research reveals that protein folding defects in the LDL receptor contribute to familial hypercholesterolemia by affecting calcium binding. This finding offers new hope for developing targeted therapies to enable proper protein folding and lower blood cholesterol levels.
The new technology uses upconversion to create visible light when struck by infrared laser beams, allowing for true three-dimensional color images. The implications are vast, with potential applications in medicine, air traffic control, and engineering.
University of Florida researchers report that psychological effects of chronic pain are more disruptive to daily life than the pain itself. The study found that nearly 200 patients with TMD experienced depression, anger, and anxiety due to their condition.
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory will study nuclei in stellar explosions and exotic nuclear structures, answering questions about nuclear physics and astrophysics. The facility provides a resource for scientists from around the world, offering insights into the main constituent of the visible universe.
A CU-Boulder research team has identified two yeast genes, SAS2 and SAS3, closely linked to a family of human genes associated with severe leukemia and HIV-1. The discovery may help researchers better understand the causes of acute myeloid leukemia and AIDS.
Cornell University scientists have developed a new technique for accurately characterizing biomolecules using electrospray mass spectrometry. This breakthrough allows researchers to analyze samples as small as a single cell with unusually high confidence, opening up new avenues for molecular investigations into human medical disorders.
The study highlights the devastating life path of many FAS adults, experiencing mental health problems, trouble with the law, and difficulties in school. Protective factors identified include stable living environments, early diagnosis, and access to services.
Researchers at Eli Lilly have discovered a new pathway through which estrogen affects various organs, including the bones and cardiovascular system. The study provides a potential explanation for how estrogen regulates body functions in different tissues.
A study by NHLBI scientists has found a strong association between prior CMV infection and higher rates of restenosis after coronary angioplasty. The research suggests that predicting patients at risk of restenosis may lead to the use of bypass surgery instead of angioplasty.
Scientists at UC Berkeley developed a 3D model that explains the size and shape of tectonic plates, predicting they are larger than previously thought due to increased mantle viscosity. The model simulates convection cells in the mantle, resulting in large plates and subduction zones.
Researchers developed a new sediment basin design that reduces silt removal by using a skimmer system. The system removed 37 pounds of soil during simulated events, outperforming other methods tested.
A recent study by Johns Hopkins Medicine detected genetic mutations specific to cancer in blood samples of six patients with head and neck cancer. The presence of DNA alterations in the blood was associated with large, advanced tumors and poor outcomes, including increased mortality rates.
UT Southwestern Medical Center is testing two new oral medications, propentofylline and SB202026, to alleviate major symptoms of Alzheimer's. These trials aim to improve patient conditions or slow symptom progression.
Despite advancements in technology, reliable short-term earthquake predictions remain nearly impossible. Experts recommend redirecting funds to disaster management plans and building codes instead.
Arctic ground squirrels experience long periods of torpor punctuated by costly rewarming periods. Hibernation is about finding rest, not conserving energy, according to zoophysiologist Brian Barnes.
A multi-institutional study found that surgery is effective for localized prostate cancer, with tumor grade being the best predictor of long-term survival. Ten years after surgery, men with grade 1 tumors had a 6% mortality rate, while those with grade 2 and 3 tumors had 20% and 23% mortality rates, respectively.
A Cornell psychologist suggests that a child's early preferences for sex-typical or nonconformist activities and peers may shape their future sexual orientation. Studies show that many gay men and lesbians recall being more attracted to those who were different from them in childhood.
Weizmann Institute physicists create a new 3D imaging technique that speeds up and simplifies the process of reconstructing 3D images. The system uses a transparent fluorescent screen to capture light particles emitted by flashes, allowing for precise distance measurements between the screen and object points.
A breakthrough in basic chemistry developed by University at Buffalo scientists has the potential to expand dramatically the variety and potency of new pharmaceutical compounds. The method uses a chiral catalyst to synthesize biologically important compounds with specific chemical structures.
Researchers developed polymer-based photonic materials that can store thousands of times more data than traditional CDs. The new materials utilize two-photon absorption to enable efficient color movie storage and allow for compact data storage, making them ideal for archiving large quantities of images.
A biological 'switch' has been discovered in plants that controls their leaf movements, opening them at dawn and closing them at dusk. This discovery could lead to new applications such as preventing crop wilting during drought or altering the time of flowering.
A groundbreaking study reveals that brain cells belong to multiple groups and change their affiliation according to the task, coordinating processes involved in vision, hearing, and movement control. This finding has implications for neurology and computer science.
The new test developed by Prof. Roald Nezlin of the Weizmann Institute solves a problem with standard tests by measuring the quantity of DNA in harmful complexes, indicating effective treatment. This approach could also be used to measure antibody complexes involved in other autoimmune diseases.
A new monoclonal antibody called ReoPro has significantly reduced life-threatening complications from angioplasty both immediately and up to three years after treatment. The study found that patients treated with ReoPro had a 59% reduction in overall death, recurrent heart attacks, and urgent repeat angioplasty or by-pass surgery.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory find auroras occur predominantly in darkness, between sunset and midnight, and mainly during spring, winter, and fall months. Their study provides strong support for an existing theory explaining aurora formation, which correlates to ionospheric electrical conductivity.
The USDA has developed Z-Trim, a low-cost agricultural byproduct-based fat substitute with a smooth mouth feel. It can supply important texture qualities in foods like cheese products and baked goods, reducing calories by up to 700 per day.
A team of researchers has found that most DNA mutations in yeast are caused by the activity of an enzyme called REV1. The enzyme helps cells evade quality control and can produce mutations when repairing damaged DNA, potentially leading to cancer.
The Portal of the Future project combines advanced technologies, including weigh-in-motion systems, explosives detection, and hidden nuclear material detection, to prevent sabotage and terrorism at DOE sites. Researchers also assess commercial products like under-vehicle surveillance systems for potential use.
Researchers analyzed ancient methane levels in ice cores, revealing patterns of climate change over the past 110,000 years. The study confirms high methane levels during warm periods and suggests a link between global warming and changes in terrestrial climate.
The University of Massachusetts has introduced an in-vessel composting unit at Tillson Farm, expected to process 10-20 tons of food waste into compost. The system, a self-contained commercial composter, uses a combination of heat, moisture, and air circulation to break down organic waste.
Researchers estimate Tyrannosaurus Rex could exert a biting force of up to 3,011 pounds on its prey, with 58 definite T-rex bite marks found on a Triceratops pelvis. The powerful dinosaur's teeth were as strong as those of an alligator, suggesting it could have struggled with its prey.
A high-tech radar system developed by the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) successfully distinguished between heavy rain and hail in Colorado. The experimental dual-polarimetric radar proved its precision on July 12th, 1996, providing accurate measurements of raindrop size and shape that can help predict flash floods.
Federal support for R&D in the Midwest is projected to decline significantly under proposed budget cuts. The region's economy heavily relies on federal funding for top-ranked universities.
The joint venture aims to improve the ability to diagnose, control, and cure cancers by identifying gene defects and relating them to treatment responses. Memorial Sloan-Kettering's retrospective database and Sequana's gene discovery platform will be combined to achieve this goal.
A prototype propulsion system powered by a kitchen microwave has the potential to reduce propellant needed by up to 50%, enabling longer satellite lifespans and cost savings. The microwave-powered thruster operates more efficiently than chemical systems and is safer, as it only produces thrust when microwaves are active.
Researchers at Penn State have discovered that certain vegetable oil formulations can perform as well or better than commercial standards in tests for high-temperature resistance, slipperiness, and evaporation loss. This breakthrough has the potential to provide a more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional lubricants.
A three-year international research project will assess population impact as a factor in declining biodiversity. Researchers will focus on various human population factors and measure their effects on biodiversity levels. The findings, while local in focus, will be broadly applicable to many other sites around the world.
A new study found that steroid receptors are not mere on-off switches but rather complex molecular control panels. This discovery could lead to the development of targeted therapies for various diseases such as breast and prostate cancer, inflammation, osteoporosis, and endometriosis.
Researchers have developed a new method to find human genes by using analogous genes from other species, offering a more accurate approach than existing techniques. The method has been tested on nearly 100 genes, with 40 out of 47 mammalian reconstructions being perfect and 94-97% accurate in the remaining cases.
Dr. Neal Lane raises questions about dumping of Japanese vector supercomputers in the US market, affecting domestic industries, and calls for swift investigation by federal agencies like Commerce and International Trade Commission.
A study led by Johns Hopkins researchers found that positive messages nearly doubled the pain threshold and tolerance of both groups, while negative messages lowered it. The results suggest that addressing both biological and emotional causes is crucial for pain treatment.
Researchers found that captopril inhibited the growth of new blood vessels essential for tumor growth, potentially reducing cancer incidence and severity. The drug's mechanism may differ from its blood pressure-lowering effects.
A study by University at Buffalo psychiatrist Miriam Shuchman found that 93% of youthful suicide attempters received some type of psychosocial assessment, compared to 49% of young victims of violence. The study also showed significant disparities in counseling services for injured girls and boys.
The National Science Foundation has successfully completed two key projects supporting the transition to the commercial Internet, demonstrating multiple network providers can work together in a competitive marketplace. The next generation of Internet will focus on high-performance connections and routing for advanced research.
Researchers at the University of Washington have created a genetic mutation in mice that prevents them from storing fat even on a high-fat diet. The study suggests a potential new approach for treating obesity by targeting the cells' internal signaling pathways.
A study conducted by the University of Washington found that HIV transmission can occur even among individuals with few sexual partners, and that oral sex is a common route of transmission among gay men. Despite warnings from health experts, unprotected oral sex may not be as safe as previously thought.
A Duke University study suggests that plants may shunt excess atmospheric carbon dioxide into groundwater to remain stored away for thousands of years. This could help solve the mystery of missing CO2 in the atmosphere and potentially lower predicted impacts of global warming.
Studies using high-resolution MRI scans show that long-term stress can cause a crucial part of the human brain to shrink. Research has found links between stress hormones and atrophy in regions responsible for memory and learning, such as the hippocampus.
Newborns exposed to crack cocaine in the womb display excitability, lethargy, stress, and delayed motor skills, but may not require special care. Cocaine exposure may also impact parenting styles and lead to negative outcomes for babies.
Researchers find nitric oxide controls genes, influencing myriad body functions. The discovery offers a new approach to developing antibiotic drugs to disarm invasive bacteria.
Duke University professors Orrin Pilkey and David Bush will lead a media tour and briefing to highlight the risks of building on beaches prone to hurricane damage. The tour will show better and worse places to build along the Grand Strand, with tips for minimizing storm damage.
Researchers at Virginia Tech have developed compounds that reduce wear and friction for ceramics and steel, saving up to 99% of wear and 40-50% of friction. The technology has been licensed for further development by Triad Investors Corp.
A Cornell University team found no overt response from humpback whales to the Acoustic Thermometry of Ocean Climate (ATOC) simulation sounds in Hawaiian waters. The whales swam normally near the underwater speakers, with some even singing close to the speaker.
The Zare lab's Microprobe Two-Step Laser Microscopy technique detects organic molecules in meteorites, revealing interplanetary and interstellar origins. The method eliminates contamination sources, enabling precise analysis of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and other compounds.
A four-year study reveals that winter rainfall is crucial for desert plant growth, contrary to previous assumptions. This discovery sheds light on the complex factors causing desertification and emphasizes the need for further research on desert ecology.
Researchers are exploring a system to buy and sell cycles of time on idle machines, offering an alternative to buying new hardware. This metacomputing concept enables people to rent out their computers' unused power for tasks that require extra computing horsepower or specialized equipment.
Two possible source craters for the Martian meteorite ALH84001 have been identified through a search of impact craters on Mars. The craters are located in the southern highlands and display characteristics such as pristine ejecta blankets and sharp crater rims.
Researchers are investigating the history of forests, fire incidence, and signs of early settlers in the Lake Tahoe Basin due to a bark beetle infestation. The study aims to reconstruct the forest structure before logging, the history of fire in the area, and the age of trees.
A study by Virginia Tech researchers found that public support for the death penalty is ambivalent, with many opponents emerging when alternatives to capital punishment are presented. The survey showed that 83% of Virginians initially supported the death penalty, but this number dropped significantly when respondents were given a life ...
Researchers have developed a rapid virus detection technology for drinking water, recreational waters, and groundwater. The test detects the presence or absence of viruses using a specific enzyme released from cells, providing a more accurate indicator of human health risk.