UCSF researchers have identified a protein essential for forming concentrated urine in mice, which has potential implications for treating fluid retention diseases such as congestive heart failure and cirrhosis. The study shows that inhibiting the water channel with drugs could effectively treat these conditions.
Researchers developed a new technique using combinatorial chemistry to screen thousands of catalysts simultaneously, reducing time by fractions. The method enables potential improvements in fuel emission controls, solar energy harvesting, drug preparation, and converting natural resources into useful products.
Researchers confirm massive ice shelf break-off using satellite images, indicating rapid collapse beginning early next year. The 12,000 square kilometer Larsen B Ice Shelf is nearing its stability limit due to regional climate warming, with two-thirds of the ice sheet now at risk.
David Botstein, Ronald Davis, and Eric Lander were awarded the Chiron Corporation Biotechnology Research Award for their pioneering work on genetic linkage analysis using molecular markers. Their research laid the foundation for the Human Genome Project and enabled the construction of human genetic maps.
A large-scale clinical trial assessed two types of cardiac pacemakers, finding that both improve health-related quality of life. However, the dual chamber pacemaker offers benefits only in patients with sinus node dysfunction, leading to a reevaluation of treatment options.
Dr. Hultgren's work on pilus genetics, biosynthesis and structure has contributed significantly to understanding bacterial adhesions critical to pathogenesis. His research applications have led to recognition nationally and internationally.
Mathematical models identify optimal locations for breast cancer screening centers in Montreal, balancing medical excellence with geographic accessibility. The study suggests that reducing the number of centers from 48 to 15-22 guarantees high standards while maintaining access for women.
A team of researchers, led by Maureen E. Raymo, have discovered millennial-scale climate instabilities that existed much further back in time than previously thought. These rapid climate fluctuations were found to be tied to changes in ocean circulation and heat transfer.
Charles Yanofsky, a renowned Stanford University microbiologist, has been awarded the 1998 Abbott-American Society for Microbiology Lifetime Achievement Award. He made significant contributions to our understanding of gene expression and protein biosynthesis through his discovery of attenuation as a regulatory mechanism.
A team of researchers led by Stephen M. Highstein will study the response of saltwater fish to near-zero gravity conditions on a space shuttle mission. By analyzing signals from the fish's brains, they hope to reveal clues about why astronauts suffer from motion sickness in space.
Luther S. Williams, a prominent NSF scientist, has been awarded the William A. Hinton Research Training Award for his contributions to fostering minority participation in microbiology research. The award recognizes his dedication to mentoring students from underrepresented groups and promoting diversity in STEM fields.
Dr. Richard Facklam, CDC Lab Chief, receives award for his contributions to clinical microbiology research, focusing on streptococci identification and pneumococcal vaccine development. He has also worked on antimicrobial resistance studies in developing countries.
Researchers at Purdue University are conducting a project to count and identify desert plants in Egypt's New Valley region before irrigation begins. The goal is to preserve native plant species and understand the ecological impact of water reclamation on vegetation.
E. Imre Friedman, a renowned desert researcher, has been awarded the Procter and Gamble Award in Applied and Environmental Microbiology for his groundbreaking work on microbial life in hot and cold deserts. His discoveries expanded our understanding of life's limits and pushed the boundaries of biogeochemistry and microbiology.
William E. Paul, a prominent NIH AIDS researcher, has been awarded the 1998 Abbott Laboratories Award in Clinical and Diagnostic Immunology. He made significant contributions to understanding cytokine biology, T-cell reproduction, and B-cell activation.
A new computer software called Intelligent Essay Assessor uses mathematical analysis to measure essay knowledge content. It has been extensively tested and published in peer-reviewed journals, providing consistent results that surpass human graders.
A new study found that clot-busting drugs can save legs as effectively as invasive surgery, reducing the need for open surgical procedures by over 30%. The experimental drug, recombinant urokinase, showed no significant difference in death or amputation rates between surgical and non-surgical patients.
Scientists have discovered that Helicobacter pylori resistance to metronidazole is caused by mutation in the rdxA gene. This gene codes for an enzyme that converts metronidazole into hydroxylamine, a mutagen and cancer-causing chemical.
A new study found no benefit to earlier steroid treatment for premature infants, but raises concerns about potential harm. The study enrolled 371 very-low-birth-weight infants and found higher infection rates, slower growth, and smaller head size in those treated with dexamethasone.
Researchers have found that paraoxonase, an enzyme present in the blood, can prevent the oxidation of LDL cholesterol and reduce atherosclerosis. The discovery opens a possible new route to prevention of heart diseases.
The SOAR telescope, a state-of-the-art facility in Chile, will enable researchers to study the universe like never before. It will collect 3,400 times more light than the original telescope, allowing for observations of dimmer objects and stars at greater distances.
The UNC-CH physics and astronomy department has launched a new program called SOLAR, which allows North Carolina public school teachers and students to use and remotely control the Morehead Observatory telescope. The program offers students access to real scientific data and the opportunity to capture their own images of the universe.
A new study by University at Buffalo researchers found that smoking during pregnancy increases the risk of pre-term birth, low-birth weight babies, and small-for-gestational-age infants. Despite taking prenatal vitamins, these risks remain higher for smokers compared to non-smokers.
Researchers found that annual mammograms and clinical breast exams can lead to high false-positive rates, causing unnecessary anxiety and costly follow-up tests. The study suggests that up to 16 million US women may experience a false-positive result after 10 years of screening.
Researchers have successfully replicated human bone disorder McCune-Albright syndrome in mice using a novel animal model. The model utilizes a combination of normal and mutant stromal cells, which are mixed together before transplantation into immune-compromised mice.
Researchers recommend strategies to manage queues and waiting lines, including paying bills by mail and avoiding in-person registration. Dr. Richard C. Larson suggests that fair standing queues, such as merging traffic, can help reduce frustration with waiting.
A new study found that shrinking tumors can reduce blood vessel pore sizes, making it harder for chemotherapy agents to reach their targets. Researchers recommend designing smaller, more agile drugs to overcome this challenge.
Researchers found that localized gene therapy can produce widespread, systemic effects on rheumatoid arthritis. The study used an adenovirus to carry therapeutic genes for altered cell receptors, which lessened inflammation and cartilage destruction in both diseased and distant joints.
A Purdue University research team has solved the structure of a receptor used by the common cold virus, providing potential insights into developing new treatments. By understanding how the virus enters human cells, scientists may be able to block its interaction with receptors, potentially reducing the incidence of colds.
Scientists at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory successfully marked selected internet traffic for priority service over unmarked traffic in a cross-country demonstration. The demonstration showcases a key milestone in the development of differentiated services, which will provide specialized services to network customers.
According to a new survey by the National Center for Early Development and Learning, nearly half of US teachers are concerned about children's ability to follow directions and academic skills when entering kindergarten. The study also found that concerns were less frequent in suburban and rural schools, as well as among less experience...
Researchers developed a laser-based test to detect early-stage breast and prostate cancer by identifying epithelial cancer cells in blood samples. The test shows promise for predicting disease progression and monitoring treatment response.
A University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill study found that children's conceptions of germs and disease are often influenced by television advertisements and media portrayals. The study compared children's and adults' knowledge on the subject, revealing discrepancies between medical facts and participants' understanding.
Cornell University researchers found that retinoic acid reverses the growth-promoting effects of oncogenes, which induce cancer. The study suggests enhanced therapies for leukemia and highlights the cancer-prevention role of carotenes in a diet rich in yellow-orange vegetables.
A new study from the University at Buffalo found that adults treated for growth-hormone deficiency as children have similar quality of life to their healthy same-sex siblings. Despite expecting benefits, the study revealed little relationship between adult height or growth hormone treatment and reports of psychological and social funct...
Scientists predict that the new sunspot cycle will rise faster than normal, reaching its peak in late 1999 or early 2000. The cycle is expected to continue until 2006, when the next cycle begins. This may lead to increased solar activity, potentially affecting satellite communications and Earth's outer atmosphere.
Researchers discovered that oligodendrocytes, responsible for white matter protection, are vulnerable to elevated levels of glutamate after brain or spinal cord injury. Compounds that block glutamate's action may prevent this damage and improve day-to-day function for people with spinal cord injuries.
A European epidemiological study found a weak but significant association between certain factors and sporadic CJD, including consumption of raw meat or brain tissue. The researchers noted that the study is only a first step and many questions remain to be answered.
A team of microbiologists genetically altered Pseudomonas aeruginosa to break its resistance to detergents and antibiotics. The study found that disabling the lasI gene reduced the bacteria's ability to form deadly biofilms.
Researchers aim to detect microorganisms like Cryptosporidium and Giardia before they reach tap water, using pilot-scale treatment systems and advanced detection methods. The study will help evaluate new technologies like dissolved air flotation and microfiltration to ensure public safety.
Researchers at Arizona State University have created a cell-like machine that captures light energy and converts it into a usable form, duplicating biological photosynthesis. This breakthrough technology has the potential to power artificial biological systems and could lead to innovations in computing, drug development, and other fields.
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis studied 82 healthy adults aged 64-83 over 12 years, finding that most remained stable and only 40% developed cognitive deterioration. The study's key findings suggest that subtle changes in performance can signal the onset of Alzheimer's disease, potentially leading to early intervention.
Researchers will present findings on prevention, treatment of neurological problems like stroke, epilepsy, and brain injury. The meeting aims to develop international collaborations and transfer lessons learned in space and undersea research to patient care.
Researchers at MSU and elsewhere find chemical language that governs biofilm formation and destruction, enabling potential control through disrupting natural messaging system. This discovery has implications for treating chronic infections and improving biofilm management.
Sandia researchers develop a simple way to relieve internal stresses in amorphous diamond films, creating thick, stress-free coatings that are harder than known coatings. The coatings have also been used to create large-area free-standing membranes with desirable properties such as high hardness and low friction.
A new analysis found that Michigan's strict mammography regulations, enacted in 1989 and 1994, significantly improved the quality of mammograms without limiting access to cancer-screening procedures. The study suggests that federal mammography standards will also have positive results.
Researchers have identified a key chemical message that triggers the formation of biofilms, complex communities of bacteria that are notoriously resistant to antibiotics. This discovery could lead to the development of more effective treatments for bacterial infections.
A UCSF study reveals that low-income children are at a greater risk of experiencing disability, with 4.4 million US children affected. The study found that poor families, older children, and single-parent households were more likely to have children with disabilities.
A comprehensive study published in the American Journal of Public Health found that weight loss, not weight gain, is associated with higher mortality rates in seniors. Women with a body mass index of 20 or lower had a significantly higher mortality rate than others.
A team of U.S. astronomers has discovered a massive concentration of water vapor within a cloud of interstellar gas close to the Orion nebula, measuring 20 times larger than observed in other clouds. The high amount of water vapor could provide crucial clues about the origin of water in the solar system.
The University of Illinois has created a 2,500 square meter prehistoric domestic compound to teach students how to conduct non-invasive archeogeophysical testing. The site, called CATS, features various archaeological features typical of Eastern and Midwestern Native American cultures of 600 to 2,000 years ago.
A new study by researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill found that Russian women and children are not consuming enough iron in their diets. The study, which analyzed data from over 3,000 households, revealed that more than half of the iron consumed is lost due to interactions with other foods.
A new study by Columbia University and NASA finds that the Arctic ozone hole is projected to double in size by 2020, leading to increased skin cancer cases globally. The research models show that greenhouse gases are cooling the stratosphere, causing more ozone depletion.
Sandia National Laboratories has proposed a design for an accelerator, X-1, that aims to achieve high-yield fusion. If funded, the project is expected to reach initial operating capability by 2007 and high-yield fusion by 2010, providing important data for the nation's stockpile stewardship program.
Despite evidence of warfarin's effectiveness, it remains underused to prevent strokes in those with atrial fibrillation. The study found that increased prescriptions from 13% to 40% between 1989 and 1993 did not lead to significant changes in usage from 1993 onwards.
Researchers at the University of Illinois found that microwave-blanched asparagus retains its nutritional value, taste, and texture better than traditionally blanched asparagus. The process involves short exposure to high heat, typically two to five minutes, using a microwave oven.
A new Cornell University study finds that higher taxes on cigarettes will have a statistically insignificant impact on reducing teenage smoking rates. Higher taxes are estimated to reduce the number of new teen-age smokers by less than half a percentage point or two percentage points, respectively.
Exposure to stress during puberty results in abnormal aggressive and submissive behaviors, as well as neurobiological alterations, in hamsters. The study suggests that an imbalance in vasopressin and serotonin brain chemical systems contributes to inappropriate behavior.
Researchers have gained insight into the mechanisms of cell migration by altering a calcium-regulated traffic signal that dictates how cells stick to their environment. This discovery could lead to new treatments for diseases such as cancer invasion and metastasis, as well as inflammatory problems like arthritis.
A large study of 5,106 primary school students found that overweight children had higher blood pressure, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and lower HDL cholesterol levels than their lighter peers. The study also showed that many more children became overweight over time than returned to a healthy weight.