University of Illinois scientists have discovered that steroids can increase myelin synthesis, reversing a major problem in multiple sclerosis and other demyelinating diseases. The findings offer new potential treatments for nerve injuries and demyelinating diseases.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a novel optical biopsy technique using near-infrared light to detect hidden growths in breast tissue. The method shows strong correlation between infrared signatures and tumor types, potentially eliminating painful needle biopsies or expensive MRI procedures.
Researchers at the University of Delaware have developed promising new tunnel diodes that could boost silicon-based circuit speeds. The breakthrough technology has the potential to enhance existing production lines and reduce power losses, leading to more efficient and cost-effective chips.
Scientists can now examine a material's surface using specially constructed probes, identifying contaminants and component parts. The probes also measure thermal properties, conductivity, and topography to provide insights into material behavior.
Researchers tested human subjects with fMRI scans to show that focusing attention on a single stimulus cancels out suppressive influences of nearby stimuli, improving information processing. This effect is observed in the object vision circuit and is enhanced by spatially directed attention.
The new Plasma Atomisation Technology (PAT) process creates spherical titanium powders for coatings on implants, encouraging natural bone growth. The technique also allows for thin films and intricate components in pacemakers, resulting in high-quality products with reduced contaminants.
A new study links cerebral palsy to elevated levels of cytokines and coagulation factors in full-term infants, suggesting potential causes and possible prevention methods.
Researchers have created a transgenic mouse model of Huntington's disease, exhibiting progressive behavioral and motor dysfunction. The mice developed similar neuropathological changes to those seen in human Huntington's disease, with symptoms worsening as the abnormal gene load increased.
A recent study at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine reveals that proteins fold through a series of pre-determined, intermediate arrangements. This process allows proteins to correct mistakes quickly and prevent aggregation, which is crucial in fighting diseases like Alzheimer's.
Residents evaluate U. of I.'s East St. Louis Action Research Project as successful due to its inclusive approach, which addressed concerns about outside interventions and institutional racism. The project has led to numerous concrete results, including home repair projects, playground construction, and economic development initiatives.
A new Institute for Environmental Catalysis will be established at Northwestern University, focusing on catalytic oxidation processes and their applications. The researchers aim to improve environmental impact by reducing pollutants in the environment and industrial activities.
Scientists are using NASA Bioreactors to culture breast cells on Earth, learning what controls their growth and how to thwart malignancies. The research has the potential to improve healthcare for women, including those traveling to Mars, by developing new therapies that target cancer's genetic weaknesses.
Researchers suggest Tyrannosaurus rex lacked lips and Triceratops didn't have cheeks, contradicting long-held beliefs. The study's findings have implications for scientists studying these dinosaurs and those recreating them in art and media.
A study found that leptin decreases in response to energy deficit in women, leading to increased hunger and desire to eat. Leptin's role in regulating food intake is supported by the association between leptin levels and self-reported hunger.
A study of 1,979 female and male faculty members found that women with children published fewer peer-reviewed research studies and reported less career satisfaction. The survey also identified specific obstacles to career advancement for women with children, including lack of on-site child care and emergency leave options.
The Mexico Renewable Energy Program, sponsored by Sandia National Laboratories, has installed nearly 200 photovoltaic and wind energy projects in eight states, providing energy to over 9,000 people. The program aims to expand markets for US industry, increase agricultural production, and combat greenhouse gas emissions.
A study published in the British Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry found that children with severe allergies are more likely to experience behavior problems such as aggression, depression, and irritability. Genetics accounts for over 70% of the relationship between allergies and behaviors like depression and aggression.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have discovered that tumbling atoms play a crucial role in hydrogen re-forming reactions. The study reveals that hydrogens exchange sites with each other, leading to the formation of new bonds between carbon and metal centers.
Researchers from Columbia University's Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory measured zinc in rivers downstream from a Spanish zinc mine's collapse, finding amounts comparable to the mine's annual output, causing environmental concerns about crop losses and fish populations.
A study of 100 patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) found that 56% would consider assisted suicide, with fears of future suffering a primary motivator. Patient attitudes were not influenced by disease duration, depression, or pain levels.
Participation in an atherosclerosis treatment program reduced plasma total cholesterol and apolipoprotein B concentrations. The LDL content of alpha-tocopherol and beta-carotene was also increased, leading to a decrease in LDL oxidation.
An ancient Antarctic ice core suggests a global climate-warming event occurred 12,500 years ago, with temperatures rising about 20 degrees Fahrenheit in a 50-year period. The findings challenge previous assumptions and throw new light on climate change research.
Researchers found that below a certain electron density, electrons behaved like insulators, but above this density, a conducting state was observed. The team proposes that a novel kind of superconductor is responsible for this phenomenon.
Researchers at NIEHS and U.C. Davis have identified a key protein involved in sperm-egg fusion, paving the way for new approaches to family planning and infertility diagnosis. A vaccine targeting this protein may provide women with a non-hormonal means of birth control.
Researchers at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory implemented an automated computer system to operate naval plants, improving cost efficiency and reliability. The program has resulted in annual savings of nearly $800,000, with individual sites experiencing significant improvements.
A new study found that non-custodial fathers with biological children in a new relationship tend to crowd out their original children's lives, but not if they have stepchildren. The research suggests there is no easy way to define the complex relationships between absent fathers and their children after divorce.
The Leonid meteor storm may pose a significant threat to satellites due to the high likelihood of invisible meteors. Astronomers predict that most meteors will burn up at low temperatures, making them undetectable.
The University of Washington is launching a doctoral program in astrobiology, funded by a $2 million NSF grant. Students will study organisms living in extreme conditions on Earth to prepare for finding life on Mars and Europa.
The Swissair disaster revealed a flaw in the rules governing black box flight recorders, leaving investigators without critical data. The aircraft's recorders stopped working six minutes before the crash due to a power failure, highlighting the need for backup power to prevent data loss.
Researchers found that malnourished rats producing more glutathione had enhanced free-radical fighting capacities, lungs, and liver protection. Glutathione supplementation nearly doubled lung GSH levels, increasing protection against damage.
A study of 379 children at an Ohio State University elementary school found that most kids perceived their community as having both negative and positive aspects. Despite exposure to violence, nearly half felt safe at home, with 39% describing their homes as peaceful. The research highlights the complexity of urban childhood experiences.
Researchers have found evidence of ancient worm-like animals in rocks dating back 1.1 billion years, challenging the traditional timeline for multicellular life. The discovery suggests that animal body plans changed little before the Cambrian period, and that soft-bodied animals may have existed even earlier.
Researchers at The Wistar Institute have identified multiple regions on five different chromosomes responsible for wound healing and regeneration in mammals. The study, led by Ellen Heber-Katz, reveals the genetic basis of tissue regeneration in mice, with potential applications in human medicine.
Researchers at Ohio State University developed an electronic nose that can recognize different types of cheese by analyzing key fatty acids. The device correctly discriminated among cheeses and showed promise as a research tool for understanding the human sense of smell.
Scientists have grown healthy human placental cells in a laboratory using a new technique, providing a means to test the safety of drugs during pregnancy. The cells can survive and function like those in the womb, mimicking blood flow and nutrient exchange.
A new consortium of experts plans to increase the number of physician nutrition specialists on medical school faculties, establish educational standards for post-graduate training, and promote accreditation and monitoring. The goal is to help create a supply of nutrition professionals who can inform medical curricula and patient care.
A study linked three specific genes to the progress of Long QT syndrome, a heart-rhythm disorder that affects 25,000 Americans annually. Patients with defective genes can now expect their disease course, allowing for targeted treatments and improved outcomes.
Research at Ohio State University found that hospital patients often leave without knowing the basics of their new medication regimen, highlighting the need for prescription counseling. The study suggests that even a few minutes of counseling can make a significant difference in patient understanding.
Researchers at Ohio State University have developed a model to predict refugee migrations, identifying long-term root causes such as weak governments and economic dependence. The model also finds that large migrations are often preceded by generalized violence or civil wars.
Researchers found 'anomalous X-ray pulsars' in supernovae remnants, which spin slower and have stronger magnetic fields than radio pulsars. This discovery reverses the understanding of how pulsars behave after a star explodes as a supernova.
A study by Ohio State University found that MBA students perceive certain bargaining tactics as acceptable or unacceptable based on their individual characteristics. The research suggests that business professionals should prepare for negotiations by discussing ground rules and setting the right tone.
A Cornell University study found that 40% of world deaths can be attributed to environmental factors. The study highlights the impact of organic and chemical pollutants, climate change, and emerging diseases on human health.
The Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft has published the List of MAK and BAT Values 1998, revising health risks from exposure to ethanol vapors and aerosols, as well as sidestream smoke. The new classifications include significant updates on carcinogenic substances, with 22 evaluations or revisions for human cancer risk.
A team of international researchers has pinpointed the site of the first gene for prostate cancer located on the human X chromosome. This discovery may account for almost 20 percent of disease in families with a strong history of the cancer.
Astronomers detect powerful gamma rays from SGR 1900+14, confirming the existence of magnetars and linking three mysteries: what are Soft Gamma Repeaters (SGRs) and Anomalous X-ray Pulsars (AXPs)? The discovery provides insights into neutron star behavior and suggests a million old magnetars might be drifting through the Galaxy
A new tool, the Implicit Association Test, measures unconscious components of prejudice, revealing automatic preferences and biases. The test has been used to demonstrate prejudice towards various racial, ethnic, and gender groups, highlighting the need for self-awareness and understanding.
Scientists have isolated the WFS1 gene responsible for Wolfram Syndrome, a rare form of insulin-dependent diabetes. The disorder is characterized by insulin-secreting cell death and progressive neurodegeneration, leading to blindness and premature death. Understanding this gene may lead to new treatments for common forms of diabetes.
A new study at UCSF found Botox effective in treating excessive underarm sweating, offering patients a significant alternative to surgery. The treatment requires no anesthesia and provides long-lasting results, with most patients experiencing reduced sweating within 48 hours.
A powerful gamma-ray and X-ray burst from a distant star caused significant changes in Earth's upper atmosphere, leading to increased ionization levels and reduced radio signal range. The event has implications for our understanding of the ionosphere and its interactions with external energy sources.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have found that vitamin E confers potent protection from atherosclerosis in genetically modified mice. The study demonstrates that free radicals play a central role in heart disease, and the antioxidant action of vitamin E significantly reduces atherosclerotic damage.
A study of 117 women with recurrent breast or gynecological cancer found that social functioning and pain levels correlated. Maintaining physical and social abilities can help reverse the downward spiral of increasing pain, psychological symptoms, and spiritual dimensions.
Research suggests that strong social relationships with family and friends can improve health status in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome. Having a doctor who recognizes and validates the illness, providing hope for the future, is also crucial to improvement. The study found that low levels of depression symptoms and a positive pe...
Researchers have identified the gene responsible for Lafora disease, a severe form of epilepsy characterized by seizures and progressive neurological degeneration. The discovery opens up new areas of research into both epilepsy and normal brain function, with potential applications in genetic diagnostics and treatments.
Scientists at Harvard Medical School have discovered that a member of the MAP kinase family, ERK, may act as a molecular gatekeeper activating excitotoxic pathways. This finding could lead to new drug targets against stroke and other neurodegenerative diseases.
A growing recognition of age differences in dietary needs is driving calls for separate guidelines for children. Key findings include the importance of sound scientific evidence and gradual changes to a child's diet, with monitoring of growth by health professionals at regular intervals.
UCSF researchers developed a highly sensitive, rapid technique for detecting infectious prions causing prion diseases like 'mad cow' disease and Creutzfeldt-Jakob's disease. The assay reveals unique shapes of the protein strains, providing new insights into their biology.
Scientists have successfully administered gene therapy orally, effectively curing lactose intolerance in rats. The study demonstrates the potential for an oral delivery system to treat other diseases, such as diabetes.
A multi-disciplinary team at CWRU will examine the quality of life for cancer survivors aged 60+, exploring coping mechanisms and support systems. The five-year longitudinal study aims to understand how cancer survivors cope with age-related health issues.
Researchers found that eating daily equivalent of pint of strawberries or large spinach salad reduces specific effects of brain aging in rats. Spinach and strawberry diets protected against declines in nerve cell communications and ward off dip in memory performance.
A new clinical trial by the NHLBI reveals that women who undergo CABG or angioplasty procedures survive at a rate nearly identical to men. The study found that being female was an independent predictor of higher survival, with women having 60% of the risk of death compared to men.