Emory University researchers found that newborn rat pups who received more infantile stimulation handled stress better in adulthood, both externally and internally. The study suggests that early experiences shape the development of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal response to stress, which can have implications for human health.
Researchers have identified a key to targeting retroviruses to specific cells, paving the way for precise gene therapy delivery. The high-resolution structure of the virus's envelope protein reveals a precise pattern of ridges and valleys that determines cell accessibility.
Research suggests that aging has a modest impact on sensory perception, particularly smell, taste, and touch. Most older adults can detect scents and flavors similar to those of younger individuals.
Researchers have discovered a new state of matter in clusters of sodium atoms, exhibiting lower melting points than expected. The phenomenon challenges conventional physics and raises questions about the behavior of solid and liquid states in small particles.
Scientists confirm British Columbia was once nearly 2,000 miles south of its current location based on fossil evidence and magnetism. The discovery supports the theory of massive Earth movements along a gigantic faultline.
Researchers found stents lower risk of death, heart attack, and repeat surgery compared to angioplasty for patients with obstructed vein grafts. The study's results suggest a new standard of care for hundreds of thousands of post-bypass patients.
A recent study led by Professor Susan Fisher of the University of California at San Francisco found that low oxygen levels regulate cell proliferation in early pregnancy, controlling placental development. The team also discovered a process similar to cancerous growth occurs when cells invade healthy tissue under low-oxygen conditions.
The new beam line will provide opportunities for UK scientists to study the properties of magnetic materials that could impact on computers, electric vehicles, and storage media. The instrument generates intense X-rays, allowing for detailed analysis of atomic and magnetic structures.
Researchers will present studies on permanent prostate implants and radiation therapy for various cancers, including prostate cancer, lung cancer, and cervical cancer. The presentation highlights the benefits of these treatments in improving survival rates and quality of life for patients.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have identified a molecular target of action for BRCA1, which induces the cell cycle inhibitor p21. This finding suggests potential strategies for treating breast and ovarian cancers, including screening drug compounds to activate p21.
The MeasureNet system provides quick access to data, allowing teams of students to share and analyze results. By phasing it in over the last academic year, all students in first-year labs were using the system by spring quarter 1997, with overwhelmingly positive reactions.
Scientists are developing a solution to cool advanced supersonic jets by using jet fuel as a coolant, which can also circulate through the wings and fuselage. The research aims to address the problem of fuel degradation and carbon deposition that could cause maintenance issues with coal-derived jet fuels.
A new set of guidelines has been developed to assist physicians in dealing with wife abuse when the male and female partners are patients of the same physician. The guidelines prioritize autonomy, confidentiality, honesty, and quality care for both patients, while acknowledging that abused wives and their husbands have different needs.
Two electrically based technologies, Six-Phase Soil Heating and In Situ Corona, are being commercialized for rapid and effective cleanup of contaminated soils. These methods utilize electrical current to heat the soil, removing contaminants through steam stripping or destruction by ionizing plasma.
A Duke University theoretical chemist has developed a divide and conquer method to model electronic structures of large molecules with reduced calculations. The technique enables researchers to precisely describe electron interactions, providing a more refined picture of molecule behavior.
A Penn State poultry nutritionist is developing strategies to balance chicken diets and minimize manure production, reducing nitrogen and phosphorus waste. The approach involves adjusting feed formulation, using better feed additives, and tailoring feeds to the life cycle of birds.
An international team of scientists conducted a study on air pollution in Mexico City's basin, where inversions trap pollutants and fine particles pose significant health risks. The study provides insights into particle concentrations, transport patterns, and implications for U.S. cities.
A national study found that strong family and school connections help protect adolescents from substance abuse, early sexual activity, and other risks. Feeling connected to parents, teachers, and peers is key to avoiding these behaviors.
Researchers developed a program to target high-sensation seeking teens, showing promise in reducing illicit drug use among adolescents. The study found decreased use of liquor and marijuana, increased perceived risks of substance abuse, and a greater increase in negative attitudes towards drugs for high-sensation seekers.
Resistant starch promotes bifido bacteria growth in the gut, boosting protection against bowel diseases and cancer. The discovery may soon lead to 'edible plastics' that can carry beneficial substances safely through the digestive tract.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati have developed a system to synthesize and screen novel beta-lactam antibiotics, including some effective against extremely low levels of bacteria. The process takes about two days and produces over 1,000 novel compounds with potential for use in antibiotic skin patches.
CSIRO scientists have discovered a gene in Arabidopsis that allows it to bypass normal pollination and form seed. The hunt is on to find equivalent genes in commercial plants like rice to develop seedless crops through apomixis.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a superior method for producing butanol from corn, reducing energy costs and increasing production efficiency. The new process has shown results that surpass traditional methods, making it a potentially attractive alternative to petrochemical approaches.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have discovered a new state of matter in high-temperature superconductors, characterized by broken time-reversal symmetry. The material exhibits spontaneous currents and magnetic fields, creating a unique pairing mechanism.
A three-year study in Illinois found that planned burning in oak savannas enhances certain bird species, such as the red-headed woodpecker and northern oriole. The findings suggest that fire can select against some species but benefit others, leading to a more diverse bird community.
Researchers have discovered a naturally occurring chemokine antagonist, vMIP-II, which can block both CCR5 and CXCR4 receptors used by HIV to infect human cells. This breakthrough may lead to novel approaches for HIV therapy, including prevention of initial infection and slowing disease progression.
Researchers discovered middle-aged undertakers exhibit distinct developmental patterns, moving faster than peers but not improving with experience. They also struggle working together and respond to the odor of dead bees. The study provides new insights into the behavior and development of these specialized workers.
Researchers at the University of Illinois found a correlation between Pacific Ocean sea-surface temperatures and precipitation rates in the Great Plains. Warmer ocean temperatures lead to increased storm activity, resulting in wetter weather.
Researchers at the University of Illinois used advanced computer modeling to study the purple bacteria Rhodobacter sphaeroides. The team created a three-dimensional model depicting how the light-harvesting complexes aggregate in a ring around the photosynthetic reaction center, shedding light on efficient energy capture. This breakthro...
The W.W. Caruth, Jr. Foundation has donated $5 million to create an endowment for Scholars in Medical Research at UT Southwestern Medical Center. The program aims to recruit the world's most promising young medical scientists and provide them with research funds, mentorship, and resources to accelerate their careers.
Victims of interpersonal violence are more likely to develop health problems and increase healthcare services usage over time. The study found that average healthcare use increased by 18% the first year after a rape, 56% the second year, and 31% the third year.
A team of researchers has developed a virus that controls HIV infection by targeting infected T cells. The modified virus, VSV, tricks infected cells into fusing with it instead of normal cells, allowing it to destroy the virus. This approach could lead to new treatments for HIV and other diseases.
Researchers have discovered compounds in the bark of the pawpaw tree that show preliminary success in fighting some drug-resistant cancers. The compounds, called Annonaceous acetogenins, preferentially kill multidrug-resistant cells by inhibiting ATP production, pulling the plug on their energy source.
The Mars Global Surveyor mission will spend nearly two years collecting data as it maps Mars' surface and atmosphere. The spacecraft will use aerobraking to trim its path around the planet, allowing for a global portrait of Mars' topography, mineral composition, and interior.
A new study has uncovered the genetic wiring diagram underlying Candida's infectiousness, revealing two parallel genetic pathways that account for its ability to filament. Inactivating both pathways renders Candida harmless to macrophages and mice, offering new avenues for treating fungal infections.
A new international study has found a significant association between high levels of trans fatty acids and breast cancer in European women. The research suggests that reducing trans fatty acid consumption through dietary changes may help protect against breast cancer development.
A nationwide effort to find genes that determine susceptibility to rheumatoid arthritis has been launched, with researchers collecting medical information and genetic material from 1,000 families. The project aims to identify genetic regions shared by affected siblings, which may contain genes involved in the disease.
Scientists found that heart damage in Chagas' disease patients is due to the immune system's reaction to parasitic infections, contrary to previous thought. The study has significant implications for treatment and prevention strategies.
Researchers at Purdue University have developed an oral delivery method for insulin that may eventually treat human diabetes. The method uses a gel-like material to protect insulin from stomach enzymes, allowing it to release the drug in a location where it can work.
A prospective study conducted by researchers at the University at Buffalo found that surgery for endometriosis dramatically improves pain and discomfort in most women. The study also showed that women who had previously given birth were twice as likely to get pregnant again following surgery, while advancing age reduced fertility.
Researchers have successfully cloned a key gene responsible for pea stem growth, which codes for an enzyme that converts gibberellic acid into the compound promoting stem elongation. This discovery sheds light on why some plants are tall and others short, illustrating fundamental principles of genetics.
A team of researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine has determined the molecular structure of Cre recombinase, an enzyme used in genetically engineering animal models. The detailed structural picture will aid in designing better research models and provide insights into the recombination reaction.
Researchers have discovered a new class of proteins that may provide insights into all dystonia disorders. The DYT1 gene codes for torsinA protein, which is mutated in patients with early-onset torsion dystonia, disrupting communication among neurons responsible for movement and muscle control.
The E. coli genome, consisting of 4,639,221 base pairs, has been fully sequenced, revealing 1,333 known genes and 1,000 unknown functions. The completion of the genome paves the way for a similar analysis of human DNA.
Researchers at University of Florida have developed a small, mobile land mine detector using X-ray probe technology that accurately identifies type and location. The device could be available to governments and humanitarian agencies within a year.
Researchers developed a new type of polymeric membrane that can operate at elevated temperatures and withstand harsh chemical environments. The membrane could potentially recover large volumes of hydrogen gas, reducing the environmental impact of refining processes and making it economically feasible.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have discovered that inhaled nitric oxide can reduce formation of sickle cells in patients with sickle cell disease, potentially interrupting crises. The treatment approach could lead to long-term, outpatient care for affected individuals.
The grant will support various research projects, including climate modeling, molecular dynamics simulations, and interactive learning tools. Cornell aims to create a national model for universities in the information age with this technology.
Researchers found that supplements significantly reduced bone loss and increased bone density in older men, while also reducing the risk of fractures. The study's findings suggest that calcium and vitamin D supplementation can be an effective lifelong strategy for maintaining bone health.
Researchers are investigating how climate change affects plant community composition, whole-ecosystem carbon exchange, and energy balance in northern peatlands. The goal is to determine the mechanisms of biotic control over temperature and its impact on ecosystem processes.
A MGH-led team has pinpointed the location of the DYT1 gene on chromosome 9, revealing it is responsible for virtually all cases of early-onset dystonia. The discovery may help understand how stress triggers neurological diseases and lead to the development of a blood test to diagnose the disorder.
Astronomers using the Hubble Space Telescope have discovered a large crater on asteroid Vesta with an estimated diameter of 285 miles and 8 miles deep. The crater's impact debris is believed to be a source of special types of meteorites, including those found in Hawaii.
Researchers discovered a strain of hepatitis E virus in pigs that is similar to the human strain, but not causative of disease. The finding may contribute to the development of a vaccine and improve our understanding of the virus's transmission and prevalence.
A study of 250 Ohio University students found that men are more likely to play rock music at high volumes, even if they don't like the genre. The researchers suggest that external pressures, such as peer influence, may be a contributing factor.
Researchers at Duke University have developed a genetically engineered enzyme treatment to address Pompe disease, a condition causing skeletal, heart, and lung muscle destruction. The new therapy will be tested in infants with the most severe symptoms first.
Researchers developed a training method to improve perception of air flow resistance in asthma patients. The study found that participants had fewer asthma attacks after completing the training, detecting problems earlier and taking medication before an attack occurred.
A long-term study of women's reproductive cycles aims to understand the patterns of change leading up to menopause. The researchers plan to collect urine samples from 150 women aged 35-60 for six months each year, analyzing hormones linked to the female reproductive cycle.
A study by University of Rochester researchers found that maternal lead exposure leads to a 40% increase in cavities in rats. Lead interferes with saliva production, which protects teeth against decay. The team is now searching for the cause of this link, which could help explain why dental cavities remain a major public health problem.
A new study by Ohio University researchers found that three commonly prescribed antihypertension drugs can enhance a protection mechanism against oxidative stress, which can cause cell damage. The drugs stimulated the production of antioxidant enzymes in most cases, but inhibited it in others.
A study of Martian meteorites suggests that Mars formed quickly and became geologically quiet, with little plate tectonics. This process allowed the planet's internal structure to remain relatively unchanged since its earliest history.