Research findings suggest that ferrets may be observed for a period of 10 days after biting humans, allowing for potential quarantine rather than euthanasia. The change in regulations has significant implications for the ferret community and public health veterinarians.
The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) has been awarded a $825,000 grant from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute to create a 'one-stop shopping' site for young scientists. The site will feature an extensive database on fellowships, graduate programs, job openings and other opportunities.
The article presents data on crash rates and driver experience to argue in favor of adopting graduated licensing systems. An ideal system starts learner's process at age 16, limits graduation until age 18, and restricts late-night driving.
Lee R. Berger receives the top prize for his groundbreaking discoveries in southern Africa, including the oldest known footprints of an anatomically modern human dating back 117,000 years. He aims to piece together data on the environment that spawned early humans.
Researchers at PPPL and USDA's ERRC are collaborating on a $120,000 project to develop radio frequency pasteurization methods. The new techniques use RF waves and microwave heating to effectively pasteurize raw liquid foods like eggs and milk without overheating them.
Researchers found that using rapid diagnostic methods for M. tuberculosis can decrease diagnosis time from 38.5 to 23 days, time to therapy from 6.6 to 2.0 days, and mortality by 22-33%. This also reduces healthcare costs per patient.
A recent field study found that use of ethanol fuels leads to increased levels of toxins called aldehydes and peroxyacyl nitrates (PAN), which can last for many days in the air. PAN is highly toxic to plants and a powerful eye irritant, posing health and environmental risks.
A UT Southwestern researcher has re-examined reports of stress in Gulf War veterans, finding minimal support for the theory that symptoms are stress-related. The data suggests a very low prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among Gulf War veterans.
University of Michigan scientists used insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) to stimulate growth of new myelin membranes around neurons in a culture dish. The results showed that IGF-I promotes myelination by triggering biochemical changes that help Schwann cells attach to nerve fibers.
A study by Cornell University Medical College researchers suggests that atherosclerosis and some forms of cancer may be linked to a single-cell mutation in the Type II TGF-beta receptor gene. This finding could provide new avenues for understanding cardiovascular disease progression and developing diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
Electromyography has proven more reliable than high-tech diagnostic tools in pinpointing some back disorders, according to a researcher at the University of Michigan Medical Center. A new technique called mini-paraspinal mapping can accurately diagnose many back problems while reducing EMG needle insertions from 45 to 12.
Researchers found that estrogen replacement therapy accelerated wound healing in elderly postmenopausal women, outperforming those not on hormone therapy. The study suggests that hormone replacement therapy may benefit chronic wounds in older patients.
Historic farm plots show that over-fertilizing can actually decrease crop yields and make production unstable. Long rotations and sustainable farming practices are more effective in increasing organic matter and nutrients to the soil.
A consensus group of breast cancer specialists has developed a classification system for DCIS, taking into account nuclear grade, necrosis, polarization, and architecture. The new system aims to improve patient treatment and discrimination between less aggressive and more aggressive cases.
A recent study found that women who perform specific components of Breast Self Examination (BSE) may have a reduced risk of dying from breast cancer. The three key components associated with this benefit are visually examining the breast, using finger pads to examine the breast, and using three middle fingers to examine the breast.
Researchers at Penn State have developed a new process for producing ultrafine metal powders, including silver and nickel, using a laser, household blender, and inexpensive reaction materials. The process produces particles in the 1-100 nanometer range, smaller than bacteria or viruses, with improved purity and uniformity.
A University of Illinois geneticist criticizes the misuse of genetics in society, citing the controversial book 'The Bell Curve' as an example. Jerry Hirsch argues that the field has been misunderstood and mishandled, leading to flawed conclusions about intelligence and racism.
Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center identified the P-TEN gene as a new breast cancer susceptibility gene. The discovery could lead to better tests for early detection and more effective treatments for women with Cowden's syndrome, an autosomal dominant disorder that increases breast cancer risk by 50-75%.
The University at Buffalo's National Center for Earthquake Engineering Research has been awarded a $10 million grant by the NSF to study advanced technologies for minimizing earthquake damage. The center aims to quantify the earthquake threat, develop new technologies, and improve emergency response through the use of advanced technolo...
Researchers found that small-intestine digestibility and nutritive value are essentially equal in pet foods containing raw meat or animal by-products. Pet owners can opt for premium diets rich in protein with fewer stools and less gas, but at a higher cost.
A new book by Bonham Richardson examines the economies, environments, and societies of Caribbean islands St. Lucia, St. Vincent, Grenada, and Barbados. The study reveals how working people influenced British decision makers to develop unique adaptations to economic and geophysical stresses.
Researchers found that tightly controlling blood sugar levels can significantly decrease the lifetime risk of diabetes-related blindness for people with early-onset type 2 diabetes. For those who develop the disease at an age of 50-55 or earlier, maintaining a near-normal blood-sugar level can prevent vision and kidney problems.
Experiments show that young children under 3 have difficulty recognizing non-obvious symbols, such as a smaller doll in a miniature room. However, when they think the spaces are the same thing, they can apply their knowledge. Researchers used a 'shrinking machine' and live video presentations to study this phenomenon.
Researchers found that using Interferon-alpha, a cancer treatment agent, can extend the preservation time of donor livers and improve their function. This novel approach may significantly help future liver transplant patients by allowing for more time to prepare the organ.
Researchers attribute the increase in SIDS deaths to colder months and overbundling, while experts recommend placing babies on their backs to sleep, using firm mattresses and removing soft materials. Early prenatal care, breastfeeding, and smoke-free zones also reduce SIDS risk.
A 12-year study found that attending religious services was associated with healthier behaviors, stronger social ties, and improved emotional well-being in elderly individuals. The study revealed that religious attendance acted as a linchpin for overall health practices, friendships, and leisure activities.
Chemical engineers at the University of Illinois are developing carbon-based sorbents to remove hydrogen sulfide from coal-gas streams, increasing efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The new materials can effectively capture hydrogen sulfide and convert it into valuable byproducts.
A portable, hand-held biosensor has been developed to detect a wide range of medically important chemical compounds. The device, capable of detecting tiny concentrations of specific molecules, may represent a new type of practical and affordable device for various medical applications.
A team of scientists discovered a special protein that encases copper to transport it through the cell and deliver it to specific enzymes. The finding provides clues to toxic mechanisms of other metals and rare diseases related to copper metabolism.
Researchers at UC Irvine have identified a gene associated with an increased risk of schizophrenia and manic-depressive illness. The gene encodes a potassium ion channel protein that controls electrical activity in nerves, and its altered function may contribute to brain behavior changes.
Cargo ships powered by diesel engines are among the world's highest polluting combustion sources per ton of fuel consumed. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has implemented new regulations to address the issue, but experts warn that a measurable reduction in nitrogen emissions will not occur for many years.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have used glowing jellyfish protein to study how cells transform from embryos to larvae in fruit flies. The studies shed light on how cells cinch shut during dorsal closure, a process comparable to neural tube closure in developing mammalian fetuses.
Researchers have discovered that saliva is a reliable source of genetic material for DNA screening, eliminating the need for blood samples and associated risks. This breakthrough could make genetic testing more accessible to populations previously outside the medical mainstream.
A new X-ray technique called defraction-enhanced imaging (DEI) produces sharper images of breast tissue, potentially diagnosing tumors earlier and reducing cancer deaths. The method uses a single-energy X-ray source to reduce scatter and improve contrast, highlighting the edges of structures in cancerous tumors.
Targeted alpha-particle therapy using Bismuth-213 has shown very encouraging results in leukemia patients, with no significant uptake outside the target areas. The therapy appears safe and feasible, with high linear energy transfer and reduced damage to normal tissue.
Researchers found that cytotoxic T-lymphocytes (CTLs) can recognize and target different HIV strains, suggesting a potential universal vaccine. CTLs play a key role in the immune response against HIV, with high levels seen in long-term nonprogressors and individuals who remain uninfected despite multiple exposures.
A survey by Purdue University professor Glenn Sparks found that TV exposure can influence beliefs in paranormal phenomena, but only in 10% of cases. The study suggests that people tend to rely on personal experiences rather than media when they have no such experiences.
Researchers successfully transferred a normal human beta globin gene into mice bone marrow cells, achieving long-term expression and high levels of production. This breakthrough holds promise for the treatment of sickle cell disease and beta thalassemia.
Researchers used tree-ring analysis to confirm a devastating 1700 earthquake along the Pacific Northwest coast triggered a tsunami that flooded coastal Japan. The study provides new evidence for the Cascadia subduction zone's role in earthquakes of magnitude 9.
Hopkins neurologist Jeffrey Rothstein's team finds 65% of ALS patients have mutations in EAAT2 protein, which could lead to early diagnosis and treatment. The new test aims to detect these mutations in cerebrospinal fluid to enable doctors to check for ALS at first sign of symptoms.
Researchers have detected unusual light patterns from faint stars in a globular cluster, suggesting catastrophic star interactions. The study's findings reveal that these clusters are regions of intense stellar activity, with stars locked in orbital duets that can prevent core collapse into black holes.
University of Michigan scientists develop viral vector delivering dystrophin gene to adult mice with muscular dystrophy, inducing high levels of normal dystrophin protein for several months. The breakthrough could pave the way for effective gene therapy treatment for Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
Scientists have identified a crucial gene that controls metabolism in worms and may be responsible for diabetes. The discovery reveals that humans can live without insulin if they carry an inactive version of this gene, opening up new avenues for treating the disease.
A new study published in Social Science Research found that cognitive ability does not create growing differences among socioeconomic classes in the United States. Instead, educational attainment is the key variable in the American class system.
HIV scientists discovered a biochemical cascade initiated by virus envelope proteins that activate cells and increase their vulnerability to infection. The study found macrophage-tropic viruses use CD4 and CCR5 for cell entry, while T-cell tropic strains do not trigger signalling.
A study published in Child Development found that moderate alcohol exposure during pregnancy can harm infant development, leading to reduced motor skills, shorter attention span, and increased drowsiness. The study, conducted on rhesus monkeys, suggests that even moderate drinking poses a risk to infant health.
A combination of urine and blood-based tests has been found to be more sensitive in detecting HIV-1 antibodies, potentially identifying individuals with compartmentalized infections or immune responses. This breakthrough could lead to the development of a safe and effective AIDS vaccine.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital discovered that chemotherapy treatment with doxorubicin causes mouse oocytes to undergo apoptosis, or programmed cell death. The study sheds light on the mechanisms behind female infertility after chemotherapy, potentially leading to new ways of selectively targeting cancer cells.
Researchers at UPMC Health System found abnormally high metabolism in the amygdala, a small area of the brain, may cause many symptoms of depression. The study's findings may lead to more effective antidepressant and mood stabilizing treatments for nearly 19 million people affected by these disorders.
Researchers at Oregon Health Sciences University have found that HIV infection of endothelial cells leads to the development of cancerous B-cells in AIDS patients. The virus disrupts normal signaling mechanisms, causing an increased number of adhesion molecules to form and support the growth of malignant cells.
Male sparrow brains grow larger when housed with females, with increases of 15-20% in brain regions controlling song production. Social cues influence the birds' breeding efforts and song behavior, revealing new insights into the avian brain's plasticity.
VA-10,367 has been shown to enhance the recovery of function following spinal cord injury through effects on neuronal regeneration. In a peripheral nerve injury model, the compound accelerated the days to onset of foot movement and walking, leading to recovery of function.
A study of genetically normal rats reveals that overfeeding during infancy can lead to changes in basic metabolism and reproductive issues in subsequent generations. The research, led by Elsie Taylor at the University of Washington, shows that even without genetic abnormalities, conditions during development can have lasting consequences.
A study by scientists at NIAID found that gene therapy can result in prolonged production of functionally normal white blood cells in patients with chronic granulomatous disease. This finding has important clinical implications for the treatment of this rare immunologic disorder.
A Wake Forest University study found that poor readers' brains differ physiologically from normal readers, with the thalamus being less active. This could lead to pre-clinical diagnosis and understanding of reading genetics, stages of reading, and potentially therapeutic interventions for dyslexia.
Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories have created a method that purposefully unbalances reentry vehicles to steer them closer to targets, improving accuracy. The approach also enables the reorientation of satellites in space without changing their shape or requiring fuel.
A husband-and-wife team of psychiatrists are conducting a major population-based study to find the gene(s) linked to schizophrenia. The five-year study will be carried out in the Azores and on the Portuguese mainland, using genetic markers and genome-wide scans.
Sandia National Laboratories has released a CD-ROM containing over 60 megabytes of data gathered from downhole diagnostic tools used in 80% of domestic oil wells. The new tool provides valuable information about well bore dynamics and mechanical stresses on sucker rod strings, leading to equipment fatigue and rod failure.
Researchers successfully delivered genes encoding dopamine-producing enzymes into the brains of rats with induced Parkinson's disease, significantly reducing abnormal rotational movement. The treatment showed greater improvement when both genes were used together.
Researchers at Emory University report that a growth factor stimulation increases new neurons in the brain's striatum and cortex, raising hope for treating neurodegenerative diseases. The study confirms previous findings on adult mammalian forebrain's capacity to produce new neurons.