A former head of the American Public Health Association raises concerns about public health programs infringing on civil liberties. Dr. Eugene Feingold questions whether these programs prioritize individual rights over public interest, highlighting the need for careful consideration.
New data show that latent pools of infected cells are established early in HIV infection, even with treatment. Dr. Fauci discusses potential strategies to diminish latent pools by stimulating latently infected cells with antibodies or cytokines.
A clinical trial in Uganda found that controlling sexually transmitted diseases did not lower HIV infection rates, contradicting earlier studies. Despite significant reductions in STDs, particularly among pregnant women, the study showed no effect on HIV incidence.
Researchers found that 11% of infected men were long-term nonprogressors at 10 years, but only 2% remained nonprogressors after 18 years. High plasma viral loads are a strong predictor of disease progression. Antiviral therapy is recommended for individuals with rising virus levels and high CD4 counts.
A study found that managed care organizations exceeded national goals for HDL screening, prompting calls for higher standards. Experts argue that managed care plans should be expected to reach 100% of enrolled members, considering their significant impact on population health.
The Stardust mission, launched in February, will be the first mission since Apollo to return samples of space material to Earth for analysis. The spacecraft will encounter Wild 2, a comet that alters course among the inner planets, and trap small particles from its coma.
Scientists have created a synthetic peptide that blocks the formation of amyloid plaques in the brain, destroying existing plaques and preventing nerve cell death. This breakthrough may lead to a new therapy for Alzheimer's disease and other diseases caused by defective protein folding.
A panel of scientists concludes that some UFO sightings are accompanied by physical evidence deserving scientific study. While the panel was not convinced of an extraterrestrial explanation, it highlighted potential health risks and noted that rare natural phenomena can cause similar effects.
A team of researchers led by Dr. Joel Bennett has successfully developed a new technique to study the IIb/IIIa receptor, a key player in platelet aggregation. This breakthrough could pave the way for the creation of more potent anti-clotting drugs.
Research finds that voluntary HIV counseling and testing significantly reduce risk behaviors, including unprotected sex, in individuals and couples. The study, conducted in three developing countries, shows a 50% reduction in risk behavior among participants who received counseling and testing compared to those receiving standard healt...
University of Pittsburgh researchers discover that boosting CD8 T cells, also known as killer T cells, can establish long-term immunity against HIV-1. By treating dendritic cells with HIV-1 proteins and interleukin-12, the immune system can be trained to recognize and attack infected cells.
A multi-center study provides clear guidelines for genetic testing in women with breast cancer, identifying those at high risk of ovarian cancer. The study found that nearly 40% of participants had abnormalities in BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, associated with a 10-fold increase in ovarian cancer risk.
Dr. Masashi Yanagisawa discovered endothelin, a hormone that controls blood vessel tone and plays a crucial role in cardiovascular function. This breakthrough has sparked further research into developing drugs to block its action and is now being tested in clinical trials.
A study of 245 chronic tension headache sufferers found that 66% have headaches nearly every day, and 72% reported missing work due to pain. The research suggests that chronic tension headaches are more debilitating than previously thought, affecting not only physical health but also mental well-being.
Researchers have developed a new strategy to determine the early stages of HIV infection, allowing for targeted treatment and study. The approach uses a modified enzyme immunoassay test to distinguish between recent and long-term infections, enabling more precise diagnosis and monitoring of disease spread.
The updated guidelines advocate for early, potent combination antiretroviral therapies to prevent AIDS in individuals infected with HIV. The new recommendations suggest that simpler drug regimens may offer greater compliance and convenience.
A new study found that nearly half of chronic tension headache sufferers also meet criteria for a mood or anxiety disorder. These disorders often go overlooked in treatment, and patients may not openly discuss them due to stigma. The study highlights the importance of considering mental health when prescribing treatment for chronic pain.
A new fungal disease has been identified as a potential cause of mass frog deaths in Australia and Panama, with similar declines observed in pristine rainforests. The fungus is thought to disrupt frogs' skin mechanisms, leading to fatal infections.
A new $1.5 million grant will fund a systematic review of those continuing to receive welfare assistance in Georgia, exploring challenges and barriers still present after welfare reform began in 1995. The study will also examine how DFCS agencies have changed in response to the reforms.
African masks have traditionally been associated with male initiation rituals, but a new study reveals that women also made and wore masks as part of an important life stage. The research challenges the long-held assumption of male dominance in African cultures.
A team of Penn State materials scientists has developed a new polymer material that can move significantly when an electric field is applied. The material, Poly(vinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene) Copolymer, exhibits electrostrictive properties and shows potential for use in artificial muscles, skin, and organs.
A recent study suggests that moderate drinking may protect against coronary heart disease by improving insulin sensitivity. Analysis of a large Italian database found that the prevalence of Syndrome X, a condition characterized by abnormal levels of triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, blood pressure, and glucose, was significantly higher a...
A study published in Nature found that people with a genetic defect that reduces nicotine metabolism are less likely to become smokers and smoke fewer cigarettes. The defect is present in 20% of non-smokers, compared to 10% of smokers.
A study found that postmenopausal women with excess body hair are 33% more likely to develop breast cancer. Excess sebum production also increases the risk in premenopausal women, while an 'apple' shape is linked to a higher risk of breast cancer in this age group.
A strong consensus has emerged among US seismologists that the seismic network would have detected a blast equivalent to 800 tons of TNT, leading some experts to conclude that India's second round of tests were small and designed to test nuclear bomb components. Pakistan conducted its own nuclear tests shortly after.
The report examines emerging trends in science education and research worldwide, with a focus on the impact of globalization on national science policies. Key findings include the dilemma posed by high scientific costs, particularly for developing countries.
Researchers propose that intense magnetic fields from lightning can induce fatal electrical currents within the body, leading to unexplained heart malfunctions in high-altitude areas. The study, published in Lancet, suggests a new route for lightning-related injuries and deaths.
Researchers found a community of microorganisms thriving in Antarctica's Lake Bonney and several other lakes. The microbes can survive in an environment similar to Popsicles, using sunlight to create pockets of liquid water.
Researchers at Cornell University discovered that the auditory portion of the midbrain uses acoustic qualities to isolate one signal as potentially interesting, similar to the cocktail party effect. This ability helps female midshipman fish locate the hum of interest among multiple signals.
Researchers found that misoprostol can cause congenital facial paralysis known as Mobius syndrome in children born to mothers who took the drug during pregnancy. The study also showed that mothers who used misoprostol were more likely to have infants with Mobius syndrome compared to those who did not use the medication.
A study of Rhode Island's needle exchange program found that sharers reuse needles an average of 24 times, contributing to high HIV infection rates; providing clean needles is seen as the single most effective way to prevent its spread.
Oregon Health & Science University scientists begin human trials of a targeted drug therapy for chronic myelogenous leukemia, aiming to eliminate leukemia cells with a faulty gene. The investigational drug has shown success in destroying BCR-ABL cells in mice and animal trials.
A study published in the journal Science warns that regional populations of large predators are at risk of collapse due to high mortality rates outside national parks. The researchers recommend expanding 'no-kill' zones, improving hunter education, and increasing park size to protect roaming wildlife.
Researchers discovered a plant-like metabolic pathway essential for survival of certain parasites, including those causing malaria, toxoplasmosis, and cryptosporidiosis. The finding provides new targets for anti-parasitic medications, including the possibility of medicines related to herbicides.
The survey found that 82% of Russian husbands and 79% of wives prefer husbands to earn the household income, contrary to earlier US studies. In contrast, 50% of Russian women manage the family's income, with one-third of both genders preferring this role.
Scientists have discovered teeming microbe colonies beneath Antarctic ice that use sunlight to sustain life when the South Pole tilts towards the sun. The researchers found diverse microorganisms, including blue-green algae and bacteria, supported by photosynthesis and atmospheric nitrogen fixation.
Researchers successfully engineered a seed-building gene into a plant's leaves, resulting in the growth of embryonic tissue and roots on leaf surfaces. This breakthrough could lead to valuable innovations in food crops and revolutionize the production of oils and proteins from corn, canola, and soybeans.
A study by UNC-CH scientists found elevated DDE levels in Aberdeen residents' blood, but no major clinical effects were observed. Younger residents showed a two-to-three-fold increased risk of herpes zoster, indicating immune system suppression.
Scientists have identified a new family of insecticidal toxins produced by Photorhabdus luminescens, which are active against a wide range of insects and at least as potent as Bt. The discovery holds promise for the future of natural pest control, particularly in the face of increasing resistance to Bt.
Researchers discovered bacterial colonies thriving in Antarctic ice, surviving on minimal light and water. The findings suggest similar life forms may exist on Mars or Europa, and could provide insights for searching for life beyond our solar system.
Statisticians Jan Magnus and Franc Klaassen analyzed nearly 90,000 points from Wimbledon matches between 1992 and 1995, finding players are not more likely to fluff a point after breaking or serve a double fault. The study challenges common clichés about tennis scoring patterns.
The Society of Actuaries (SOA) honored ten authors with top awards for their research in actuarial modeling, including the Lew Award and Anderson Memorial Award. The SOA's Committee on Knowledge Extension Research chose winning papers based on achievement in actuarial modeling research.
Researchers develop models to predict wearout and damage of undercarriages and rails due to stress, enabling early replacement and cost savings. The studies aim to improve the efficiency and safety of high-velocity trains.
Following guidelines improves patient safety and reduces liability costs by 96% compared to no guideline compliance. MMI's report highlights the financial impact of adhering to core risk modification programs, with average cost per claim reduced by $70,000.
A study discovered that individuals carrying a genetic variant in the CYP2A6 enzyme break down nicotine more slowly, leading to greater resistance to nicotine addiction. This finding suggests that medications targeting the enzyme may help prevent and treat nicotine addiction.
A study of HIV-positive African American women found that shared childhood and adult histories of abuse led to feelings of powerlessness, increased risk of HIV infection. Rehabilitation programs must address these underlying issues to encourage safer sex behaviors.
The RADARS study found rectal diazepam gel to be effective in reducing seizure frequency and improving outcomes for patients with acute repetitive seizures (ARS). Administered by caregivers, the treatment demonstrated minimal potential for serious adverse events, making it a cost-effective option.
Researchers have created star polymer gels with potential applications in delivering high concentrations of drugs to specific areas in the body, such as tumors. These gels can also recognize and remove substances like cholesterol from the blood through a process called molecular imprinting.
The international panel emphasizes that blood tests measuring HIV levels and CD4 cells should guide treatment decisions, rather than resistance testing. The panel also highlights the limitations of current resistance assays and recommends further epidemiological studies to monitor resistant strain prevalence.
Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine have successfully grown new kidneys in rats by placing developing rat kidneys inside adult rat abdominal cavities. The resulting organs function and thrive, suggesting a possible alternative to traditional kidney transplantation.
A unique gel formulation of diazepam has been found to reduce the severity of acute repetitive seizure episodes in both children and adults. The treatment, administered through a Quick-Dose delivery system, protects patients from seizure recurrence and enables caregivers to administer treatment privately.
A new study will investigate whether intensive gymnastics training at a young age leads to negative dietary issues and affect future health in children between 4-8 years old. The research aims to explore the psychological effect of gymnastics on young girls' eating habits and potential risk for eating disorders.
Researchers at Cornell University have developed a special type of packaging that reduces the bitterness in grapefruit juice. The new packaging system uses an enzyme called naringinase to neutralize the bitter compounds found in fresh citrus fruit, resulting in a sweeter taste.
Researchers found that identical twins are twice as likely to share nightmare frequency as nonidentical twins, with a 45% chance of one twin experiencing frequent nightmares if the other does.
Fibrates, used for decades to treat hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis, have been shown to reduce inflammation in vascular muscle cells, inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. This mechanism suggests that fibrates may have a beneficial vascular action during atherosclerosis treatment.
A new fungus has been discovered that is killing frogs and toads worldwide, with 10 species affected in Australia and seven in Panama. The fungus, thought to be suffocating the animals by coating their skin and legs, may be a major factor behind the decline of amphibian populations reported globally.
Astronomers have observed a significant increase in Triton's surface temperature, causing its thin atmosphere to thicken, and potentially leading to global warming. The moon is approaching an unusually warm summer season, with temperatures rising by 5% over the past nine years.
Scientists from Ligand Pharmaceuticals Incorporated have discovered two novel non-steroidal progestin compounds, (S)-LG120746 and (S)-LG120747, that selectively stimulate tissues within the body. These compounds demonstrate a protective activity in the uterus without concomitant stimulation of breast-cell growth.
A University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill study found that St. John's Wort can cut alcohol consumption in laboratory animals by up to 50 percent. The herb's active ingredient, hypericin, may prove effective in the fight against alcoholism without causing side effects.
Researchers at University of Chicago and Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions identify genetic regions on chromosomes 1p, 3q, and 4q that appear to contain genes triggering the onset of inflammatory bowel disease. The study confirms the role of previously localized gene IBD1 in concert with another disease gene on chromosome 1.