Researchers identified five variants of the mu opioid receptor gene associated with altered beta-endorphin activity, which numbs pain and creates feelings of euphoria. These findings suggest that certain genetic variations may confer relative protection against opioid dependency in specific ethnic groups.
A software tool developed at Oak Ridge National Laboratory helps identify manufacturing problems causing defects in silicon wafers, increasing productivity and reducing costs for the US semiconductor industry. The 'spatial signature analysis' algorithm has been licensed to 14 manufacturers and equipment suppliers.
A gene defect has been identified as causing a form of hereditary blindness, retinitis pigmentosa. The discovery links the disease to a malfunction of the cytoskeleton, which forms the skeleton of cells and affects internal transport and cell division.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University used antisense therapy to prevent Burkitt's lymphoma development in laboratory mice, delaying tumor onset and decreasing its size. The strategy may also work in human patients who have relapsed after chemotherapy, with potential applications against various types of cancer.
The study found stored carotenoids are not converted to vitamin A when the vitamin is removed from the diet, casting doubt on the utility of carotenoid precursors. Vitamin A deficiency remains a significant public health concern worldwide, affecting millions of people, especially children and vulnerable populations.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed a vaccine made from dendritic cells that triggers the immune system to attack malignant tumors and prevent new tumor development in mice. The study found significant results, including a 70% kill rate of sarcoma cells within four hours.
The new technology enables doctors to assess pubic arch interference in minutes, allowing for better treatment decisions. It also reduces the need for expensive CT scans, which can cost up to $500 and take a week or more to obtain results.
A new satellite tagging technology has resolved the mysteries of tuna migration, revealing that bluefin tuna can move up to 1,670 nautical miles in 90 days. The tags, deployed in 1996 and 1997, have high survivorship rates and provide valuable information for managing giant bluefin tuna populations.
A study found that eight weeks of health education classes and vigorous exercise can reduce children's risk of developing heart disease during adulthood. The program resulted in significant reductions in cholesterol levels, systolic blood pressure, body fat, and increased health knowledge.
The Westwood-Squibb Center for Dermatology Research will examine the impact of managed care on dermatology and advance the specialty through dissemination of information and examination of ethical practices. The center aims to improve skin care and address economic, ethical, and policy issues in dermatology.
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have linked specific patterns of cognitive decline to specific brain abnormalities in Alzheimer's disease patients. The study found that certain brain sectors are associated with specific cognitive problems, such as memory loss and visual-spatial skills impairment.
Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories have developed a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) prototype that functions as a clock source, replacing traditional quartz crystals. The MEMS devices are made from polysilicon and can be built on one chip with integrated circuits, reducing manufacturing costs and increasing reliability.
A new educational program for third and fourth-grade children significantly lowers cholesterol levels and improves cardiovascular health within eight weeks. The classroom-wide approach is more effective than targeted small groups, suggesting a need for policy changes at the elementary school level.
Researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center have discovered that a combination of the diabetes drug Troglitazone and Accutane can permanently inhibit the growth of breast cancer cells and induce programmed cell death. The treatment has shown no adverse effects on healthy cells in laboratory studies and animal experiments.
A new approach to experimentation using computer simulation and rapid prototyping could significantly reduce development cost and time in the computer, pharmaceutical, and chemical industries. The study found that firms can save millions of dollars by switching between these methods at the optimal point.
The Exposure-to-Risk Monitoring System uses a non-invasive technique to provide immediate results of chemical exposure, tracking exhaled breath to determine amount and type of chemical inhaled. The system also considers individual physiology and can identify multiple chemicals simultaneously.
A Lewin study confirms Diabetes Treatment Centers of America's Diabetes NetCareSM program improves health status by increasing eye exams, foot exams, and cholesterol screenings. The program also reduces medical costs, including hospital admissions and inpatient costs.
Researchers at UCSF found that patients with HIV who undergo aggressive therapy have a robust response to cytomegalovirus, which causes blindness in people with AIDS. This suggests that CD4+ T cells replenished by therapy can mount effective responses against specific pathogens.
A five-year study on salamander populations in southern Appalachian forests reveals that canopy disturbance has a significant impact on their abundance. The results suggest that forest managers may need to adopt more intensive management practices to maintain salamander populations.
A University of Rochester team has developed a technology that provides the most thorough information yet on cells from the brains of deceased Alzheimer's patients, enabling comparison with healthy and sick cells. The study identified five genes whose expression differed significantly between healthy and Alzheimer's brains.
A Johns Hopkins University researcher is creating reliable predictions about how contamination will spread through soil, enabling public officials to charge equitable pollution impact fees. This information can also benefit private builders by deciding whether building on a particular site will be too costly due to pollution impact fees.
A DNA vaccine against rabies has shown complete protection in eight vaccinated monkeys, offering new hope for global eradication of the deadly disease. The vaccine also elicited neutralizing antibodies that could potentially protect humans and animals.
A new study by USC/Norris Cancer Center scientists raises questions about the potential use of finasteride to prevent prostate cancer. Finasteride, commonly used to treat benign prostate disease, may not be effective as a chemopreventive agent against prostate cancer in men with high PSA levels.
A study of heat stroke patients during the 1995 Chicago heat wave found that nearly half died within a year and many suffered permanent loss of independent function. Most patients developed multi-system organ dysfunction, including neurologic impairment, which persisted long after discharge.
A Wake Forest University School of Medicine study found that patients with skin problems receive inadequate comprehensive care from primary care doctors, who focus solely on the skin issue. Dermatologists provide superior treatment due to their specialized expertise, and previous studies have shown they are cost-effective as well.
A study by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine has discovered that programmed cell death in the brain continues for weeks after initial trauma. This finding could lead to better treatments for brain injuries and related conditions such as stroke, spinal cord injury, and neurodegenerative diseases.
Researchers at Ohio State University have developed a new process to create near-net-shaped ceramic parts without shrinking or changing shape. The method uses a mixture of ceramic and metal powders, which oxidize to form ceramics with desired properties.
Researchers at Ohio State University found that intervention and participation techniques led to successful decisions 90% of the time, but were used in only 13% and 16% of cases respectively. Meanwhile, managers relied on less effective tactics like issuing edicts, which was used in nearly 40% of cases.
A national study finds that doctors are increasingly prescribing ACE inhibitors to heart attack patients, but still underprescribing them to those most in need. The study suggests that following American College of Cardiology guidelines could have saved up to 1,800 lives in the first year.
A new study published in the Astrophysical Journal Letters finds that a review of thousands of nearby stars failed to show any rogue stars capable of altering comet orbits and sending them towards Earth. The researchers used the HIPPARCOS catalogue, which measures the location and motion of over 120,000 stars, and found no evidence of a
The Naval Medical Center in San Diego has successfully tested a technique that restores hearing loss if administered within hours of exposure to loud noise, and can also 'inoculate' users against hearing loss. The technique uses micro-devices to deliver antioxidant pharmaceuticals that protect hypersensitive hair cells.
Researchers at Penn State have identified new molecular players involved in gene expression and discovered unexpected dynamics among these molecules. The study reveals how these molecules interact with each other to activate genes, shedding light on the complex process of gene regulation.
Researchers have visualized chaotic flows in three dimensions, revealing regular islands formed by unmixed liquid streams. The study's findings could lead to improved mixing conditions in various industries, including chemical companies and geophysics.
New research shows that social stress can trigger a dormant herpes virus to reactivate in mice, with the most dominant mice being affected. The study provides a valuable animal model for studying the relationship between stress and immunity, and may have implications for human health.
A study published in The Journal of Biological Chemistry found that aspirin can short-circuit the
Researchers discovered a gene-toxin link that may increase the risk of dementia in Parkinson's patients. The study found that exposure to pesticides and a defective gene called CYP 2D6 29B+ increased the likelihood of developing dementia, particularly among those with Parkinson's disease with dementia (PD+D).
The USGS presents various studies on invasive species, including a workshop on non-native plant invasions and their impact on native ecosystems. Additionally, researchers discuss the effects of grazing on plant species diversity and find that habitat conditions play a significant role in shaping species variation.
Physicists have achieved head-on collisions between electrons and positrons at the Asymmetric B Factory, a $177 million particle collider. The dual-ring machine will help researchers study the differences between matter and antimatter.
A 1996 hurricane study found that recovery rates increase with dispersal ability and size, while larger organisms are more resistant to moderate disturbance. The researchers also discovered that tidal surges can cause devastation on low-lying islands.
Research found an association between childhood-onset schizophrenia and large CAG/CTG repeats in male patients. The study confirms previous findings on adult-onset schizophrenia but notes a gender-specific link. Further studies are needed to confirm these results.
Researchers identified a strong association between a 12 bp mutation in a newly discovered X-chromosome gene and X-linked mental retardation. The mutation was found in 7 percent of all institutionalized mentally retarded males surveyed, as well as in higher frequency among those with Autism.
Researchers investigated whether a specific serotonin transporter gene polymorphism is associated with psychosis and hallucinations in schizophrenia. Patients with the ll genotype had significantly higher ratings for psychosis and increased intensity of hallucinations compared to those with other genotypes.
Researchers discovered that cooling papers to 10 degrees Celsius reduces decomposition rates by six-fold, making it an effective method for preserving documents. This technique could extend the shelf life of valuable books and papers by hundreds of years, potentially saving them from degradation.
Researchers from UC Davis and Washington University found that larger organisms were more resistant to hurricanes' immediate impact, but the most prolific ones recovered faster. After a year, lizard populations had not changed, while spider numbers returned to pre-hurricane levels.
A new diagnostic technique has been found to distinguish benign breast abnormalities from breast cancer in pre-menopausal women. The test, called the Biofield Diagnostic System, performed best in this age group, with a high sensitivity and specificity rate.
A chemist at Washington University has created a molecule that mimics the behavior of ribozymes, acting as a catalyst to dismantle dangerous genetic codes involved in viral and fungal diseases, certain cancers, and HIV. The discovery shows great promise for improved drug treatments.
Researchers at the University of Chicago have discovered a new protein, calgranulin, that can prevent the formation of kidney stones in minute amounts. Calgranulin is present in the kidney and human urine and can stop the growth of calcium oxalate crystals, the major component of kidney stones.
Researchers identify three key genes, swirl, somitabun, and snailhouse, that control dorsoventral patterning in zebrafish embryos. The study reveals a new understanding of the biochemical pathways involved in embryonic development, shedding light on birth defects in humans.
Researchers have found that acyclovir significantly reduces the number of recurrences of ocular herpes disease, a condition affecting 400,000 Americans each year. The study identified patients who would benefit most from long-term acyclovir treatment and showed the drug has few side effects.
Researchers found that alendronate significantly increased bone mineral density at the spine and hip in men and women taking steroids, reducing fracture risk. The study showed improved outcomes for post-menopausal women receiving 10mg of alendronate.
Researchers have successfully adapted a strain of E. coli bacteria to survive on a diet that includes fluorotryptophan, a synthetic amino acid that is toxic to Earth-based life. After multiple generations, the microbes developed mutations that enabled them to cope with the artificial compound and thrive.
A permanent international radioecology laboratory was established in Chernobyl to study the effects of radiation on wildlife and ecosystems. The lab aims to dispel myths about life in radioactive environments, revealing a thriving ecosystem with subtle yet significant impacts.
Researchers found shrimps detect trout chemical odour from upstream by creating tiny currents. This strategy allows shrimps to escape brown trout ambushes. Shrimps can sense trout presence through vision but not smell, and create backflow to avoid predation.
A study in Detroit is testing whether extra pharmacist attention can keep patients with hypertension on track. Pharmacists are checking blood pressure, watching for side effects, and suggesting medication changes to doctors.
Researchers confirm reptation theory of polymer behavior, showing hot chains coil back and snap forward, leaving a telltale signature. The study suggests stronger composite materials and welded plastic seams, with potential applications in aircraft, medical devices, and consumer products.
A University of Colorado at Boulder chemical engineering team has developed new techniques for faster healing of severe bone fractures and regeneration of cartilage in joints. The process uses ultraviolet light to create custom scaffolds that can be engineered to time-release medications and human-growth factors.
A recent study highlights the importance of delivering bad news effectively to patients with cancer and other serious illnesses. The findings emphasize that withholding information or breaking bad news abruptly can exacerbate distress, while honest and empathetic communication can lead to better adjustment in the long term.
A study by Johns Hopkins School of Public Health found that one APOE variant can predict the age of onset for Alzheimer's disease in those predisposed. The research suggests that lifestyle choices may be protective against the disease.
Researchers identified Munc13-1 as a novel diacylglycerol target that regulates neurotransmitter release from nerve cells. This study reveals a new mechanism for neurotransmitter release beyond the well-known role of Protein Kinase C.
Researchers from CU-Boulder are part of a major international project to understand climate change trends in the Arctic and its impact on global temperatures. The Surface Heat Budget of the Arctic Ocean project uses aircraft, satellites, ships, and submarines to study interactions between sea ice, atmosphere, and clouds.