A team of researchers found evidence of epitaxial processes that formed magnetite crystals in the ALH84001 meteorite, contradicting claims of nanofossils. The study suggests that the crystals were formed at temperatures too high for biological organisms to exist.
Researchers suggest that traumatic events in preschool years can significantly affect brain development and function. Extensive corrective experiences have been shown to help repair damaged neural connections over time.
Using high-intensity ultrasound, researchers discovered a dramatically improved catalyst for removing sulfur-containing compounds from gasoline and other fossil fuels. The new form of molybdenum disulfide is 10 times more active than the standard industrial catalyst.
Researchers developed a tamper-proof watermarking process that protects both owners and legitimate customers of multimedia data. The system combines encryption with part of the original image to create an invisible watermark.
Two Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory-developed technologies have been recognized internationally for their potential to improve the power industry. The Electro-Optic High Voltage Sensor provides safer and more cost-effective ways to measure high voltages. Rapid Solidification Process Tooling Technology reduces pr...
The Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution is building a $1.5 million ocean sciences museum with a self-guided format, featuring interactive exhibits and displays on marine research, education, engineering, and ocean operations. The museum will open in late 1998.
The new microfluidic-NMR system enables high-performance capillary electrophoresis separations and simultaneous NMR spectroscopy, facilitating the development of desktop spectrometers. The technology has significant applications in drug discovery and combinatorial chemistry.
Archaeologist Stanley Ambrose's findings from the Enkapune Ya Muto rock shelter in Kenya suggest that modern human behavior emerged around 40,000 years ago. The discovery of stone tools and ostrich eggshell beads indicate an early form of social solidarity and adaptive technology.
Researchers suggest that anti-smoking programs should focus on countering the influence of parent smoking, rather than just peer pressure. Early interventions may help modify risk factors such as low behavioral self-control and parental monitoring.
Researchers found a link between rainfall and nitrate leaching, with increased rainfall leading to higher nitrate levels in tile flow. The study recommends applying nitrogen fertilizer in the spring to prevent excessive nitrate loss.
Researchers have demonstrated an instance of a thin ion layer being pushed downward to create a neutral sodium layer. Contrary to predictions, the formation of this layer was not significantly affected by intense auroral ionization, revealing new insights into the physics and chemistry of the upper atmosphere.
A new University of Delaware study explores the cognitive impacts of Williams Syndrome, revealing discrepancies in spatial and language skills. Children with Williams Syndrome exhibit extraordinary verbal skills but struggle with spatial tasks, such as replicating shapes or describing directions.
A new study by botanists at the University of Georgia shows that trees left standing in pastures can dominate reproduction in nearby remnant forests, creating a genetic bottleneck. The research indicates that tropical forest survival may be more complex than known, requiring new conservation strategies.
Community-wide treatment of curable STDs reduced STD rates and improved pregnancy outcomes, but did not reduce new HIV infections in a recent study. The treatment regimen also reduced the prevalence of most targeted STDs, including syphilis and trichomoniasis.
Research participants advocate for full disclosure of experimental vaccine details, physical and social harm reduction, and community collaboration. They also want assurance of compensation, confidentiality, and support in case of adverse reactions.
A new study finds that positron emission tomography (PET) can detect additional tumors in patients with warning signs of colorectal cancer. PET imaging confirmed disease in 15 out of 17 patients with tumors, while those with negative results remained cancer-free for at least nine months.
Io's volcanic hot spots reach surface temperatures of over 2,200 degrees Fahrenheit, more than double previous measurements. The extreme temperatures suggest a unique process of differentiation and heavy element composition, shedding light on the moon's geological history.
Researchers identified specific aspects of attention that help predict driving performance in individuals with Alzheimer's disease. Those who scored poorly on attention tests also performed poorly on driving tests, highlighting the importance of attentional control in driving.
A team of biologists developed a new method to census deer populations in urban areas, employing helicopters with trained observers and Global Positioning System (GPS) technology. The study achieved a high detection rate of 79%, providing valuable insights for managing deer populations in ecological harmony.
The new CERIAS center will address information security issues from various perspectives, including sociology, psychology, criminology, and economics. It will provide training opportunities for students and work with industry and government researchers worldwide.
Researchers use storage ring to study molecular recombination process, revealing need for further theoretical work to understand influence of vibrational excitation. The experiment demonstrates the importance of vibrational motion in dissociative recombination and guides future quantum chemistry calculations.
A study of 1,148 women infected with HIV or at high risk found that those with regular doctors had lower recidivism rates. Continuous medical care can also provide emotional support and substance abuse help, changing lives for many.
A new molecule, Bin1, has been identified by Wistar scientists as a potential indicator of malignant prostate cancer. Bin1 interacts with and limits the malignant potential of Myc, a protein found frequently in prostate cancers.
Researchers found that high-level expectations influence visual perception, overriding depth information in objects. This challenges the idea of veridical reflections of reality in the brain.
A study by UCSF found that many HIV-positive injection drug users are not receiving protease inhibitors despite their availability, with 21% unaware of their status and only 14% still taking the medication. Common obstacles include homelessness, fear, and lack of access to healthcare services.
A new study by University of California San Francisco researchers proposes expanding federal Medicaid coverage of HIV drugs to control the disease. The expansion would result in 9,600 more years of life for persons with HIV disease over five-years and prevent 4,200 deaths.
A study found that 56% of HIV-infected gay men in the US are using combination therapy, but many are delaying treatment due to concerns about commitment and side effects. The study showed a strong link between advanced HIV infection and use of combination therapy.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center have successfully transplanted lab-grown brain cells into a patient with paralysis and speech loss after a stroke, marking a significant breakthrough in stroke medicine. The study uses tissue grown in the lab to avoid ethical concerns surrounding fetal tissue use.
Anemia is a major cause of debilitating fatigue and early death in people with HIV. Research shows that treating anemia can reduce the risk of mortality, especially when related to antiretroviral therapy like AZT.
Researchers found that non-dermatologists prescribed less-effective yet more costly medications for fungal skin diseases. Dermatologists prescribed single agents with lower failure rates and costs. The study has implications for health maintenance organizations limiting access to specialists.
A rare medical archive enabled researchers to determine that patients with high nm23 levels and low density of newly formed blood vessels were more likely to survive 14 years after treatment. Low micro-vessel count was also a predictor, with 92% of patients surviving at least 14 years.
Seven mid-career health professionals from various institutions have been selected as Robert Wood Johnson Health Policy Fellows. They will work in congressional and executive branch offices to enrich their knowledge of public policy and foster a better understanding of government health activities.
Researchers create neural network pattern recognition software to predict battery performance and life, providing faster and cheaper data for manufacturers. The software uses only minutes of laboratory test data and can be used to build better batteries.
Researchers found that an enzyme called kinase IV is regulated by another enzyme called phosphatase 2A, which attaches to it and quickly shuts it down. This discovery provides insight into how cells control their activities and offers potential for developing targeted drugs to kill cancer cells or bacteria.
Squalamine, a novel liver steroid, has been shown to inhibit the growth of brain tumors called gliomas by disabling blood vessel formation. In laboratory tests, it proved as effective as carmustine in slowing tumor growth and constricting blood vessels, suggesting potential as a human therapy.
A 51-year-old man with a rare brain disorder, known as 'sagging brain,' was treated at UCSF after initial diagnoses failed to provide relief. Exhaustive neurological scrutiny led to the discovery of a ruptured cyst causing the condition, which was successfully treated through surgery.
A study of 1235 adults found that obesity was associated with reduced breathing capacity, but only when fat mass was present. Handgrip strength and muscular fitness were also linked to improved lung function, suggesting a mediating role in the relationship between body composition and respiratory function.
The National Science Board will hold a public hearing to investigate effective teaching and learning of mathematics and science in K-12 education. The hearing aims to identify key contributors to successful reform strategies and discuss evidence of actual impact on student achievement.
A NASA image reveals the significant impact of urbanization on Sacramento's city temperature, with buildings reaching up to 140 degrees F. The study emphasizes the importance of urban forests in regulating city temperatures and suggests that their extent and arrangement play a crucial role in mitigating heat island effects.
Two studies found a direct relationship between RN staff mix and lower rates of medication errors, patient falls, and other adverse occurrences. However, the optimal RN staffing level remains unclear, with medication errors increasing above 87.5% RN care hours.
The study found that dietary DHA and EPA supplementation significantly influenced heart rate, with improved left ventricular diastolic filling observed in the marine oil groups. The fatty acid composition of plasma phospholipids may affect cardiac mechanics in humans.
Researchers have made progress toward a gene therapy for HIV infection by genetically altering virus-fighting T-cells to recognize and attack HIV-infected cells. The study found that engineered T-cells persisted in the bloodstream for at least 100 days after infusion, proliferating and providing long-term immunity.
A new study by University of California San Francisco researchers has found that HIV patients who feel part of their community and involved in their own care are more likely to take their medication and follow medical advice. In contrast, those feeling detached or depressed are more likely to disregard treatment.
A recent study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that testosterone administration significantly increases lean body mass and improves the quality of life in men with AIDS wasting syndrome. The treatment was shown to produce significant term benefits, making it an important new therapy for patients with this condition.
Physicians at UPMC are evaluating LBS-Neurons for treating stroke patients with a clinical human neuron transplant. The transplanted neurons aim to improve damaged host neurons or replace destroyed ones, showing promise in correcting cognitive and motor deficits.
Researchers investigated enteral supplements' impact on AIDS patients, finding net increases in protein and energy intakes. However, fat-free mass did not increase for the group as a whole, but was inversely correlated with baseline synthesis of fat.
Researchers at Northwestern University have identified a new regulatory molecule, HSBP-1, that regulates the production of heat shock proteins in response to stress. This finding may lead to new insights into cell death associated with aging and diseases such as heart disease and stroke.
A team of researchers documented a case of transmission of protease-resistant HIV, which is resistant to six of the 11 approved HIV anti-retroviral drugs. The patient was infected through unprotected anal intercourse with a partner who had previously been treated with these drugs, highlighting the need for continued prevention efforts.
Human factors researchers from Georgia Tech's Electronics Systems Laboratory are helping Kaman and Litton develop a new flight system for the Royal Australian Navy's SH-2 Seasprite helicopters. The team is focusing on creating an intuitive interface that enables two-person crews to fly the aircraft safely and efficiently.
A San Francisco study found that 55% of HIV patients who achieved undetectable viral levels experienced a return to detectability within one year, yet remained generally healthy. The study's findings suggest that maintaining undetectable viral load levels may not be necessary for sustaining wellness.
A new study by NYU Langone Health researcher Susan Harlap found that breast cancer surgery timing has no impact on survival rates since the mid-1980s. Changes in medical practice, including improved anesthesia and post-operative care, may have contributed to this shift.
Researchers found that tumors with a specific BRCA2 mutation are more sensitive to radiation and certain chemotherapy drugs. This suggests genetic screening could be used to tailor treatment for patients with this mutation, potentially improving outcomes.
The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine have identified crucial elements for successful international cooperation in future space programs. These include scientific goals, clear communication among teams, and regular assessments to ensure mission vitality.
Researchers at Brown University found two independent cardiovascular disease risk factors in women taking HIV treatment cocktails: disfiguring extra fat around the torso and serum lipid levels. The study also documented another side effect: body fat changes, including prominent bellies and buffalo hump fat pads.
Weizmann Institute scientists develop a novel approach to heal damaged spinal cords in rats, regaining partial motor activity and movement. The treatment promotes the animal's own self-repair mechanism, paving the way for further research on human applications.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh found that HIV-1 viral load in semen can fluctuate greatly and does not correspond to viral levels in blood, requiring new testing methods to monitor transmission risk. Testing viral load levels in semen may offer physicians a better way to assess transmission risk and target treatments.
Researchers have modeled semilocal strings in the universe, which may explain why there is more matter than antimatter. The strings' behavior could also shed light on the formation of galaxies and large-scale structure.
Researchers at the Fritz Haber Institute developed a method to form nanometer-sized clusters and etch metal surfaces using ultrashort voltage pulses. This technique enables the creation of structures on the atomic scale, opening new avenues for electronics and micromachining.
Studies reveal that patients are more likely to discontinue protease inhibitors due to side effects and complexity of dosing regimen. Additionally, certain groups such as women, minorities, and those with less education are underrepresented in receiving potent drug cocktails containing protease inhibitors.
A new vaginal microbicide, BufferGel, has shown promising results in a Phase I study, with 27 women reporting no serious side effects. The gel works by reducing the vaginal pH level, making it an effective barrier to HIV transmission.