Researchers at Emory University have synthesized a compound called RTI-113 that targets the same dopamine transporters as cocaine, with potential to treat addiction and eating disorders. The medication reduces self-administration in monkeys and shows promise in managing urge for 'out-of-control' drug-seeking behaviors.
University of Delaware professor Daniel van der Weide will receive the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers from the National Science Foundation. The award recognizes his efforts to develop ultra-small instruments and techniques for polishing and characterizing semiconductor integrated circuits.
The Canon National Parks Science Scholars program aims to nurture a new generation of environmental scientists by supporting innovative research on topics selected by the NPS. Four doctoral students will receive $25,000 per year for up to three years to conduct research on critical challenges facing the national park system.
A study using brain scans found that structures on the right side of the brain are involved in anxious thoughts and processing new inputs. The right frontal lobe, basal ganglia, cerebellum, and pontine nuclei were identified as key areas.
Researchers at Cornell University have developed a network of instruments to predict and track tsunamis in real-time. The sensors will be placed on the ocean floor in strategic parts of the Pacific rim, including south of the Aleutian Islands chain and along coastal areas of Asia.
Researchers found that a gene linked to family-inherited Alzheimer's accelerates amyloid peptide production and plaque formation. The study suggests that early changes can be targeted with drugs to slow or prevent the disease.
Researchers discover the San Andreas fault cuts straight through the crust and Moho, affecting stress buildup and earthquake hazard predictions. The study improves understanding of rock boundaries, types, and stress accumulation to better assess seismic risks.
Researchers challenge the theory that birds evolved from dinosaurs, citing evidence of finger identity differences between bird and dinosaur embryos. The study found that bird wings correspond to human thumb, index, and middle fingers, while little fingers are lost.
A new coupled biological and physical model could predict the health of near-shore ocean environments where rivers meet the sea. The model identifies key processes involved in an ecosystem and quantifies their importance, providing insights into how these systems interact.
Researchers from Michigan Technological University are studying the effects of landscape structure on plant species, habitat quality, and economic output in public forests. Their goal is to develop a computer model that can help land managers select timber harvesting methods for optimal biological diversity and economic sustainability....
Scientists at UT Southwestern Medical Center have developed a system in mice where the level of a genetically engineered protein responds to inflammatory signals. This method of gene therapy has great potential for treating chronic relapsing and remitting inflammatory diseases, and may allow for targeted delivery of anti-inflammatory t...
Researchers calculate that populations are going extinct at a rate three to eight times faster than species loss, with significant implications for ecosystem services and human dependence on nature. The study reveals the often-overlooked benefits of individual populations, including genetic material and crop production.
Scientists discovered 12 novel genes on the Y chromosome that enhance male fertility and are functionally interchangeable with X genes. The study also found that the Y chromosome evolved to preserve housekeeping functions, leading to new insights into Turner syndrome and male infertility.
Kenneth Bernstein has made significant contributions to understanding the renin-angiotensin system, a key regulator of blood pressure. His work has transformed the field, revealing new insights into the biology of angiotensin II and its effects on cardiovascular function.
Researchers at Emory University's Center for Clinical Evaluation Sciences are developing a model to help health professionals appreciate population-based research and its value in answering questions about patient care. The center is designing an intensive one-week workshop for clinicians, set to launch in Spring 1998.
Researchers have discovered fossilized termite nests in the sandstone pillars of New Mexico, with some reaching depths of over 120 feet. The ancient structures contain interconnected galleries and chambers similar to those found in modern social termite nests, providing insights into past biodiversity conditions.
Researchers at the University of Maryland Greenebaum Cancer Center have linked the PTEN gene to endometrial cancer in a study published in Nature Genetics. The findings suggest that up to 50% of all endometrial cancers may contain a mutation in this gene, highlighting the potential for improved detection and treatment options.
Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh analyzed blood samples and found no difference in homocysteine levels between men who suffered heart attacks and those who did not. The study suggests that homocysteine may be more closely linked to atherosclerosis or inflammation rather than promoting processes leading to heart disease.
A Virginia Tech project seeks to increase the number of women in science fields by recruiting middle school girls and teachers in five Southwest Virginia counties. The program aims to promote gender equity and provide role models for girls interested in science education.
Researchers Paul Richards and Won-Young Kim analyze seismic data to verify the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty, concluding the event was an earthquake with 'excellent' monitoring capability
Researchers identified two critical periods of high error rates: before dawn and mid-afternoon. By understanding these patterns, workplaces can design jobs that exploit human strengths while protecting against attentional lapses caused by sleep deprivation.
Researchers have developed an electronic 'nose' that can detect the presence of pulmonary infection in patients with high accuracy. The device uses breath samples analyzed by multi-element odor detectors to identify unique patterns on a computer screen, distinguishing infected patients from non-infected ones.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have successfully revived flagging heart cells in laboratory vials using gene therapy. The treatment, which targets a protein kinase involved in heart muscle contraction, shows promise as a potential new drug target for treating congestive heart failure.
A study of over 1,700 older adults found a strong association between frequent religious services and lower levels of inflammation. Researchers discovered that attending church regularly was only half as likely to have elevated interleukin-6 levels, which can indicate immune system dysfunction.
The Plowshares Project enhances the US Army's Janus combat simulation model for emergency management events. TERRA simulates disasters and models effects on population and property. It also simulates individual field units and their actions in response to emergencies, facilitating interagency cooperation.
The MiCK assay measures how light scatters off of leukemia cells to determine the effectiveness of drugs being used to attack the cells. This technique allows for more accurate identification of which drugs will be most effective for each patient, revolutionizing leukemia therapy.
A workshop at UBC brought together faculty and graduate students from the Pacific Institute for the Mathematical Sciences (PIms) with industrial partners to solve six practical problems. The team successfully identified a better way to identify cancerous lesions in lungs, reducing mortality rates.
A University of Cincinnati geologist presents evidence from ancient volcanic ash beds indicating a narrow Iapetus Ocean existed during the Ordovician period. The discovery contradicts previous theories that the ocean disappeared due to landmasses being locked together.
The University of Maryland Medical Center has successfully implanted a new device that can regulate a dangerously rapid heartbeat automatically and internally. The Metrix System TM delivers a small electrical shock to the heart, making it a more comfortable alternative to external shocks.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that glucocorticoid can inhibit expression of TNF-alpha gene, halting inflammation and autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. Understanding this mechanism could lead to better drugs with fewer side effects.
A study found that seniors with depression in HMOs receive fewer mental health specialist visits and are prescribed benzodiazepines instead of newer antidepressants. This disparity may be due to cost-containment strategies, highlighting the need for better care for vulnerable elderly patients.
Researchers discovered a protein sensitive to chemical stimuli and tissue-damaging levels of heat, identifying capsaicin as the key player. The cloned gene enables large-scale production of the protein, paving the way for potential pain-controlling drugs.
Declining taste and smell in elderly people can lead to malnutrition, lowered immunity, and chronic diseases. Enhanced foods with flavored powders may help increase flavor and enjoyment, potentially boosting immune status.
Researchers developed a synthetic human hormone that triples platelets received from each donor, improving recovery of platelets in patients undergoing chemotherapy. An increased supply would give physicians more options for treating chemotherapy patients and make transfusions more affordable.
Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories are developing a portable evidence-detection system that uses flashing lights and modified goggles to make organic substances appear to blink. The system aims to help police investigators quickly find potential evidence in lighted rooms, reducing the time spent on crime scene investigations.
The UT Southwestern Medical Center has received a five-year grant to train graduate students and postdoctoral fellows in molecular microbiology. The program will focus on the molecular basis of bacterial pathogenesis and interactions with host cells, among other topics.
Scientists have discovered that saliva can be used as a source of DNA for genetic testing, with the potential to identify individuals at risk of certain diseases. This non-invasive method has significant implications for disease screening and diagnosis, particularly for children who may not be able to give blood.
A new study suggests that an individual's control over exercise intensity and duration can affect the immune system. Voluntary exercise was found to strengthen the immune system without stress, while forced exercise led to suppression.
A team of Stanford scholars presents a comprehensive study on the forces that shaped Asia during the Mesozoic era, revealing the dynamic processes that formed mountain ranges and volcanic island arcs. The research provides new insights into the region's geology and its potential for oil and gas reserves.
Researchers at the University of Georgia have made a groundbreaking discovery that leptin causes the programmed death of fat cells. This finding could play a significant role in the development of new treatments for obesity, as rats injected with leptin stay thin even after treatment is stopped.
The study found that people with the 4/4 variant are 15 times more likely to develop Alzheimer's disease than those with the 3/3 variant. In contrast, individuals with the 2/3 genotype appear to be protected from developing AD due to the presence of the protective 2 allele.
The Western Journal of Medicine publishes a special issue on successful aging, featuring expert opinions on minimizing age-related decline, delaying onset of conditions that limit function, and maintaining mental alertness. The journal aims to provide patients with advice, skills, and treatments that promote healthy aging.
The Comet Nucleus Tour mission, led by Cornell University, aims to study the composition of comet nuclei and assess their diversity. The mission will take images and comparative spectral maps of at least three comet nuclei, analyzing dust and gas flowing from them.
The Society of Actuaries is hosting a conference on risk measurement for financial services, bringing together experts to discuss integrated approaches. The event is timely with the Securities and Exchange Commission's new market risk disclosure rules.
Researchers have discovered how a rare epilepsy mutation works at a molecular level, potentially helping understand other nervous-system disorders. The mutation impairs signaling between nerve cells, leading to seizures in people with autosomal dominant nocturnal frontal lobe epilepsy (ADNFLE).
Dr. Roger J. Cuffey and his students have identified dinosaur footprints at Pipe Spring National Monument, offering a unique opportunity to study the tracks of an ancient three-toed beast. The findings suggest that the animal was likely a medium to large theropod, possibly the Eubrontes species.
Geologist Arnie Miller's research reveals regional origins of radiations in Ordovician fossils, contradicting the global diversity trend. Localized tectonic activity and emergence of volcanoes triggered diversification on different paleo-continents.
African tortoise ticks found on imported reptiles in Florida may carry heartwater, an exotic disease that kills livestock and wildlife. The US is considered a serious threat to the cattle, sheep, and goat industries, with no practical treatment for infected animals.
Researchers at Ohio State University have developed a new database to aid in the discovery of gold and silver deposits in three western states. The system combines geologic and related map information to provide a comprehensive overview of mineral content, allowing for more accurate assessments of potentially valuable areas.
Researchers at NCAR have created a software that uses an aircraft's existing equipment to measure and report in-situ turbulence, enabling pilots to steer clear of bumpy air. The data will be used to create turbulence forecasts and potentially enable real-time turbulence warnings.
David Meyer presents evidence that ancient crinoid Uintacrinus could float using a new model. The model explains the organism's ability to support its weight and collect food particles at the sea surface.
Researchers have discovered a small peptide called ALX40-4C that blocks the CXCR4 coreceptor used by HIV-1 to infect T cells. This breakthrough suggests a potential new generation of combination therapies that could delay or prevent HIV infection and AIDS progression.
Researchers believe a sudden shift in vegetation, triggered by changing atmospheric carbon dioxide levels and the dominance of C-4 grasses, led to a massive extinction event that wiped out many equine species. The long teeth of surviving horses allowed them to adapt to their environment, ensuring their survival.
The FDA has approved the first phase of a new AIDS vaccine developed at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, which aims to trigger immune responses to multiple HIV isolates using envelope proteins. The vaccine combines 23 different envelopes representing various HIV strains and is expected to last one to two years.
The World Wide Web Consortium has formed a new initiative to address web accessibility for people with disabilities. Judy Brewer, director of the International Program Office, will discuss the activities and impact of accessible design, as well as marketing benefits for non-disabled technology users.
The Society of Actuaries Foundation hosts a forum on math mentoring at the elementary school level, bringing together teachers, actuaries, and companies implementing a $120,000 two-year grant program. The session focuses on feedback from the first year and adjusting projects for the second year.
A US research team, led by Dr. Barton Kamen, has made significant progress in treating stubborn cancers with aminopterin, a drug that was previously shelved due to toxicity concerns. The FDA has granted $447,534 for further studies on the drug, which shows promise in treating patients with leukemia and other cancers.
A clinical trial found that synthetic and natural vitamin E are equally powerful antioxidants in preventing heart disease. The study, published in the American Heart Association Journal, used equivalent doses of both forms of vitamin E and found no significant difference in their effects on low-density lipoproteins (LDL) or LDL oxidation.
The Society of Actuaries' annual meeting will address pressing topics such as the old-age crisis, genetic testing, and technology's impact on healthcare. The event features a keynote speech by Robert B. Reich, who will discuss how societies can cope with globalization's widening split between the haves and have-nots.
The AAAS Annual Meeting will take place in Philadelphia from February 12-17, featuring over 900 speakers on topics such as pain management, climate change, and obesity. The meeting also includes a special seminar on the human genome project and presentations by top experts in their fields.