Researchers at Johns Hopkins have modified established drugs to stimulate nerve growth without suppressing the immune system, a critical step toward treating neurodegenerative diseases. The new compounds were able to regenerate lost branches of nerve cells and cause recovery of functions in lab animals.
A study has found that human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) reduces HIV viral protein production and protects against skin lesions in transgenic mice. The hormone may also explain the low rate of mother-to-infant HIV transmission, and has potential for treating wasting syndrome in children and adults.
Coral reefs face an alarming decline due to unknown causes, including coral bleaching and diseases. The loss of these ecosystems could have severe consequences for thousands of species and the global economy.
Researchers found that a lower free-to-total PSA ratio may indicate aggressive prostate cancer. The study suggests this ratio can help doctors distinguish between serious and non-serious cases, leading to better treatment decisions.
Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) may experience menstrual irregularities, infertility, and increased body hair due to hormonal imbalances. Research suggests that PCOS may be inherited, affecting both males and females in the family.
Researchers will test the effects of microgravity on plant species known as sweet wormwood and rosy periwinkle, which naturally produce pharmaceutically important compounds. The goal is to develop new drugs or lower production costs.
A transgenic mouse model of Huntington's disease has been developed, exhibiting symptoms resembling chorea and epileptic seizures. The R-6 strain is the first known mouse model to display these characteristics, allowing researchers to study the disease's progression.
Researchers have developed a new treatment using human mesenchymal stem cells that can regenerate tissue and reduce healing time after tendon surgery. The treatment has shown promising results in animal models, with improved tendon repair strength and quality of tissue within four weeks.
Researchers found that black children are nearly 2.5 times more likely than white children to receive hemodialysis versus peritoneal dialysis. The disparity was observed across different age groups, with younger black children being most likely to opt for hemodialysis.
A review finds existing studies on pregnancy after breast cancer treatment are inconclusive due to biases and limited data. Researchers stress the need for more research to determine potential effects of estrogen levels on tumor growth in pregnant women.
A Johns Hopkins study found that in 83 neighborhood stores, 86% of African-American and white teen buyers successfully purchased cigarettes, often with seductive advertisements targeting minors. The researchers suggest strengthening public awareness of tobacco's health hazards to prevent teen smoking.
A Penn State engineer has developed liquid crystal fibers that can automatically prevent overload and protect optical sensors from laser damage. The fibers absorb all colors of light and react non-linearly to intensity, allowing low levels of laser light to pass through.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have discovered a new antibody that targets the CXCR4 receptor, a molecule involved in HIV infection. The antibody, termed 12G5, has been shown to block some types of HIV from infecting cells and has enormous value for HIV investigators.
Researchers have successfully used gene therapy to trigger saliva production in rats with damaged salivary glands, a condition similar to that experienced by head and neck cancer patients. The treatment involves infecting ductal cells with an adenovirus carrying the aquaporin gene, which allows them to produce fluid and secrete saliva.
A Cornell University study found that overweight cats are more likely to develop diabetes mellitus, lameness, and non-allergic skin conditions. The study also showed that obese cats are twice as likely to die in middle age compared to optimal weight cats.
Penn State researchers develop organic thin film technology with potential to replace expensive hydrogenated amorphous silicon in liquid crystal displays. With improved mobility and on/off ratio comparable to amorphous silicon semiconductors, pentacene-based devices show promise for mass production.
A new technology has been developed to address the need for Rh immune globulin, a treatment for pregnant women with Rh-Factor Incompatibility. The approach uses phage display to isolate anti-Rh antibodies from whole cells, offering a promising solution to this long-standing problem.
Researchers found that men with high homocysteine levels and Factor V Leiden were three times more likely to develop venous blood clots. A 20-fold increased risk was seen in those with both conditions.
Researchers studying sea lamprey nerve regeneration found that fibers grow in the correct direction and create synapses with target cells, restoring function. The discovery led to hypotheses about a new mechanism of neurofilament transport pushing forward growth cones.
A survey of psychologists found they use more test results and review more materials in custody evaluations. Attitudes also shift towards greater preference for joint custody and less reliance on single variables.
A new study published by the American Psychological Association reveals that high school involvement is a key factor in academic success for minority students at risk of dropping out. Successful at-risk students who participate in positive engagement behaviors exhibit good grades, test scores, and on-time graduation.
Researchers have identified a molecule that allows bacteria to resist an unusually wide range of drugs, including those with different chemical properties. This discovery highlights the dormant potential of some bacteria to survive complex antibiotic treatments.
Researchers found that ketoconazole slowed disease progression by 66% in patients with glomerular disease and 77% in those with diabetic nephropathy. However, the treatment accelerated disease rate in patients with polycystic kidney disease. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings.
A new study by Colorado State University researchers found no link between moderate red wine consumption and weight gain. Moderate levels of alcohol consumption were shown to not affect blood glucose and insulin levels, which often increase with weight gain.
The ORNL pellet blaster uses frozen pellets to strip contaminants from surfaces, leaving no residue. This method is safer and more efficient than traditional paint stripping methods, making it suitable for various industries including defense, aerospace, and manufacturing.
Researchers described the crystal structure of aldehyde dehydrogenase, a vital enzyme involved in animal and plant health. The study provides insights into how the enzyme metabolizes aldehydes, which are highly reactive compounds that can poison cells and trigger cancers.
The Weizmann Institute is launching an international bioinformatics network to bridge the gap in technology and training between Western countries and developing regions. The network, coordinated by the institute, will provide access to comprehensive bioinformatics data banks and facilitate collaboration among scientists.
Astronomers have detected a flash of light from a distant galaxy, potentially solving a 30-year mystery in astrophysics. The discovery suggests gamma-ray bursts originate from the distant reaches of the universe.
A team of geophysicists has found a partially molten granite pool beneath southwestern Tibet, which could have absorbed India's impact and lifted the plateau. The discovery uses seismic profiling techniques to detect deep earth structures and suggests that the Indian subcontinent's thrust into Asia may have created this zone.
Research shows that older adults have a decreased ability to oxidize fat during exercise, with only one-third the fat oxidation of younger counterparts. However, an intensive 16-week exercise program can help restore normal fat oxidation patterns in elderly individuals.
A new avian DNA 'marker' technique has been successfully adapted to determine the sex of marbled murrelets from blood samples collected in the field. Results show a ratio of almost two males to one female, raising concerns about declining populations and logging practices.
Research on nematodes led to the discovery of potential anti-cancer drugs and antibiotics. The substances, called xenorxides, have proven more effective than traditional anti-cancer drugs in some test settings.
Astronomers studied comet Hale-Bopp with the Hubble Space Telescope, finding that its nucleus may be more complex than previously thought. The findings suggest that components like carbon disulfide ice are not contained within water, but rather in separate regions of the nucleus.
Researchers found cyanogen gas in Comet Hale-Bopp, suggesting the same process controls its evolution regardless of distance from the sun. The discovery supports a key theory explaining how comets release this gas.
The study identifies mutations of P-TEN in advanced brain, breast, and prostate cancers, suggesting a new potential target for cancer treatment. The discovery represents one of the first genes implicated in aggressive brain tumors.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have discovered a protein called Homer that strengthens the link between drug addiction and long-term memory. The study found that Homer binds to nerve cells' message-receiving structures, potentially leading to new treatments for addiction.
Researchers use infrared spectrometer to study Comet Hale-Bopp, revealing an abundance of silicate grains with crystalline and amorphous structures. The findings provide valuable clues about the comet's makeup and potential origins of the solar system.
Researchers at Cornell University have achieved a breakthrough in materials science by growing single crystals of any material on a semiconductor substrate. This technique opens doors for manufacturing new classes of devices in optoelectronics and microelectronics, including lasers, detectors, sensors, and computer chips.
Researchers at Brown University have discovered a novel method for delivering drugs orally using tiny, biocompatible beads that stick to intestinal tissues and slowly erode to release drugs. The technique has shown promise in treating inflammatory bowel disorders such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.
A study of wild guppies in Trinidad found they can evolve between 10,000 to 10 million times faster than the fossil record. This suggests short-term experiments can provide insight into evolutionary changes over millions of years.
Brown University researchers have developed a novel oral drug delivery system using erodible plastic microspheres that can improve the efficacy of drugs like insulin. The microspheres, engineered with bioadhesive polymers, increase absorption rates and enhance therapeutic effects.
Chemists at the University of Warwick's Computational Chemistry Group have made significant discoveries about the biological reaction that causes gout. They found that a hydroxide ion is involved in the catalysis process, rather than an oxygen atom, which could lead to the development of inhibitors for the illness.
A Simon Fraser University study of 409 expatriates found that overseas assignments often lead to uncertain advancement prospects, decreased responsibilities, and family adjustment challenges. Executives report feeling unsupported during post-assignment reintegration, leading to a loss of value for their international experience.
The RFF briefing papers provide topical, timely, and non-technical information and analysis on climate change policies. Key policy lessons and economic implications are outlined, including the role of economics in addressing climate change risks and costs.
The new technique allows doctors to find the sentinel lymph node, reducing swelling and side effects. In over 90% of cases, the sentinel lymph node is found, offering women more effective treatment with fewer complications.
The Pediatric ACTG Protocol 185 clinical trial was stopped early due to an unexpectedly low rate of infant HIV infection, making it impossible to compare treatment outcomes. The study confirmed the effectiveness of AZT in reducing mother-to-child HIV transmission, extending its benefits to women with more advanced disease and previous ...
A study of 100 PSAs found that narratives showing consequences of violence are more appealing to adolescents and effective in reducing violence, unlike PSAs with celebrities simply telling kids not to be violent.
A new object recognition technique developed at Johns Hopkins University could help robots sort and pack chocolates with accuracy. By comparing distinctive series of numbers, called electronic signatures, a computer can tell how closely two objects resemble one another.
Forensic entomologist Gail Anderson's work helps secure conviction for two Canadian bear poachers. Insect egg samples from the victims' bodies were analyzed to determine the time of death, tying the suspects to the crime scene.
A Colorado State University researcher has developed a real-time radar system that can identify airborne objects even in dense air traffic, improving air safety and efficiency. The technology was tested successfully and is set to be installed in military aircraft, with commercial applications also being pursued.
Researchers at Virginia Tech have developed a reinforced polymer composite material with embedded Nitinol fibers, which can dissipate energy to withstand great impacts. The material's most effective use is seen in toughening airplane composite structures and improving protection against mine fragments and vehicular impact.
A study published in Neurology has identified long-term exposure to copper and manganese as a significant risk factor for developing Parkinson's disease. The study found that occupational exposure to these metals, either alone or in combination with other metals like lead and iron, increased the risk of acquiring the disease.
The collaboration aims to develop methodologies and models for managing ecosystems sustainably. The consortium will utilize the MAB biosphere network, research facilities at Biosphere 2 Center, and existing projects in Brazil, Mexico, and Argentina.
Researchers at Georgia Tech are using the university's rooftop solar system to study the performance and reliability of solar power systems. The system has operated close to expectations, producing 162.2 megawatt hours of electricity in its first seven-month period, but factors such as weather conditions have affected energy output.
The President's R&D budget for FY 1998 will cut federal R&D spending by an additional 14 percent (in inflation-adjusted dollars) by 2002. Funding for basic research would barely stay ahead of inflation at $15.3 billion, representing a 3.0 percent increase over FY 1997.
The International Research Institute (IRI) will distribute climate predictions several months in advance to a global network of agencies and policymakers. The institute combines the scientists and resources of two leading climate research centers, aiming to improve longer-range predictions and mitigate extreme weather.
A new University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill study finds that pregnant workers with demanding jobs are more likely to give birth prematurely. Black women appear to be at a greater risk from job strain than white women, with high-strain jobs increasing the risk by about 40%.
The American Association for the Advancement of Science reports that New England universities rely heavily on federal R&D funding, which could be cut by up to 33% by 2002. The region's economy and workforce will suffer if these programs are reduced.
A new laparoscopic technique has made kidney donation easier, with reduced recovery time and complications. The procedure involves a small incision and minimizes blood loss, allowing donors to recover in one-third less time compared to traditional surgery.
Researchers found that self-administered IL-2 injections can produce significant increases in CD4+ T cells in HIV-infected patients. Those with higher initial CD4+ T cell counts had the best responses, with almost half sustaining increases of at least 200 cells/mm³ after one year.