A study reveals that mutant tau proteins disrupt microtubule assembly, leading to neuronal death in frontotemporal dementia and parkinsonism (FTDP-17). This discovery suggests a primary role for tau tangles in disease progression, pointing to potential therapeutic strategies involving tau-stabilizing drugs.
Researchers found that maternal tissue types can improve survival rates of slightly mismatched kidney transplants. The study suggests adding maternal HLA typing to the routine family workup could expand the pool of optimal donors.
Researchers at Amgen have demonstrated how a newly discovered protein regulates feeding behavior, suggesting a potential treatment for obesity. The study found that the protein blocks alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone, leading to increased food consumption.
Researchers have developed a nasal vaccine that could protect people from pneumonic plague, the disease responsible for the Black Death. The vaccine, which targets tissue lining the gut and respiratory system, has shown promising results in mice trials.
New superballoons could carry scientific experiments and relay voices globally, offering a cost-effective solution for space research. The balloons' lightweight design and strong materials enable long-duration flights up to 100 days at an altitude of 36 kilometres.
Researchers at the University at Buffalo's Toshiba Stroke Research Center have developed a prototype camera that can turn blurred X-ray images of brain stents into clear images, allowing for more accurate diagnoses and treatments. This technology enables viewing of even the tiniest blood vessels in the circulation system.
The new report reveals that drug overdoses and poisonings cause one-third of injury deaths in San Francisco. The city's injury rates are lower than Oakland but higher than Los Angeles and San Jose, while the leading causes of injury death include firearms, falls, and motor vehicle accidents.
Researchers propose that HIV's passive infection of astrocytes may contribute to AIDS dementia by disrupting glutamate removal. The study found more apoptotic astrocytes in brains of people with dementia compared to those without, suggesting a potential new target for prevention and treatment.
Scientists uncover new fossils of Deltatheridium, an early relative of marsupials, providing unprecedented insight into the evolutionary split between marsupials and placental mammals. The discovery sheds light on the origins of modern marsupials in Asia.
TOPIC ISLANDS transforms large documents into visualizations and excerpted summaries to recognize themes and facilitate easy understanding. The technology can process multiple pages simultaneously and is applicable to daily needs of individuals and organizations.
A new technique discovered by Lars Sørensen allows thieves to unlock and steal from cars using handheld computers, exploiting vulnerable infrared remote controls. The method is being taken seriously by car manufacturers, who are investigating ways to mitigate the threat.
A study of 4,108 participants found no association between normal use of hair color products and risk for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. The study suggests that hair dye use is an unlikely risk factor for the disease.
A new test for newborn screening can detect a wider range of congenital disorders, including phenylketonuria (PKU), within the time allowed for hospital stays under early discharge policies. The test uses tandem mass spectrometry and eliminated 90 of 91 false positive results produced by routine methods.
A new study finds that digital mammography provides better information for diagnoses, allowing radiologists to use multiple views of images. The technology has the potential to lead to earlier tumor detection and treatment, reducing breast cancer mortality rates.
A recent study reveals that up to 8-16% of the male population have experienced childhood sexual abuse, with far-reaching consequences including psychiatric problems, substance abuse, and long-lasting emotional health issues. The researchers call for medical professionals and parents to be more vigilant in addressing this issue.
University of North Carolina researchers have successfully used an antibiotic-like compound to externally regulate a gene implanted in the brain using AAV technology. This breakthrough suggests that gene therapy may eventually be feasible for human brain disorders such as Parkinson's disease and epilepsy.
The University of Michigan's VORTEX experiment, launched on the Space Shuttle Endeavour, investigates fluid atomization in microgravity. The study aims to answer fundamental questions about the process by which liquids are converted into tiny droplets.
A new study at Johns Hopkins suggests a safe and effective way to detect left-over thyroid cells using PCR technology. The test relies on detecting genes for thyroglobulin in patients' blood, allowing them to stay on their thyroid hormone medication while reducing the risk of false results.
A UCSF neurologist argues that children require unique treatments for brain disorders, as their developing brains are not miniature versions of adult brains. Researchers need more information about what goes wrong in childhood neurological disorders to develop targeted therapies.
Scientists Dr. Jeffrey R. Johnson and colleagues developed a helium-3 map of the Moon based on factors like exposure age, solar wind, and titanium content. The greatest amounts of helium-3 are expected to be found on the far side maria and in nearside areas with high concentrations of titanium dioxide.
Researchers at the University of Maryland have developed a new method to detect chemical weapons by reacting with specific phosphate esters. The system uses molecules that selectively detect even small amounts of lethal phosphate esters, reducing false positives from benign chemicals like pesticides.
A recent study found gabapentin to be at least as effective as tricyclic antidepressants in treating postherpetic neuralgia, with better-tolerated side effects. The eight-week clinical trial involved 229 patients and reported a significant drop in pain levels for those treated with gabapentin.
A new study by Ohio State University researchers found that nearly one-third of children with asthma developed symptoms after a dental visit. The study suggests that allergens from dental procedures may be a key culprit.
A study published in Nature Medicine suggests that high glucose levels during pregnancy can lead to embryonic cell death, resulting in higher rates of miscarriage and birth defects among diabetic women. The researchers found that controlling blood sugar levels is crucial for pregnant women with diabetes.
A sensor measuring raindrop energy may soon warn farmers of potential crop disease outbreaks. Early results show that the sensor can explain how rain spreads fungal spores causing some crop diseases.
The 1998 hurricane season saw a significant increase in storm frequency and intensity, with three hurricanes and four tropical storms making landfall along the US coastline. The season was attributed to warming ocean temperatures and changes in atmospheric circulation patterns.
Research shows preterm babies may exhibit mild behavioral and sensory response problems, but most develop normal motor and mental function. The study suggests that these differences are not indicative of long-term developmental issues.
Researchers found that single mothers and single fathers have similar success rates in raising well-behaved and high-performing children. However, single mothers tend to face socioeconomic disadvantages that can affect their ability to provide a positive family environment.
Researchers have developed a new method to introduce genes into unfertilized oocytes, increasing the efficiency of producing transgenic cattle. This breakthrough could make traditional methods obsolete and pave the way for applications in agricultural livestock and other mammals.
A study of 1,189 Indian seventh-grade children found that nearly 13% had fluorosis, a primarily aesthetic condition affecting adult teeth during development. Children who started using fluoride toothpaste under age 2 showed more severe cases of fluorosis.
A recent study at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center shows that radiologists can accurately detect breast cancer using digital mammography technology as effectively as traditional film-based methods. The technology has the potential to improve detection rates and reduce deaths from breast cancer.
The ROSAT Guest Observer Programme was terminated after eight years of successful operations due to irreversible damage to the High Resolution Imager (HRI) caused by an accident on September 20, 1998. The final observation campaign is planned for December, with a focus on observing important astrophysical objects.
Researchers at Ohio State University have developed adjustable satellite antennas using smart materials that can change shape to improve signal quality. The new design reduces the need for constant reorientation of satellites, increasing their efficiency and range.
A recent Ohio State University study analyzed 1,387 households' spending habits, savings, and investments to determine their readiness for retirement. The research found that 48% of Americans would struggle financially, citing a lack of savings and high spending levels as major contributors.
An international team of scientists analyzed satellite radar measurements, finding no significant melting or instability in the West Antarctic ice sheet's middle section. The study suggests the answer to whether global warming affects its stability is no, at least for now.
Researchers found that diets rich in fruits and vegetables reduce lipid oxidation, protecting against atherosclerosis. The study, part of the DASH clinical trial, showed participants who ate more fruits and veggies had lower breath ethane levels, indicating increased antioxidant protection.
The AAAS Science Journalism Awards recognize the work of individuals who excel in reporting on science and its impact on society. In 1998, four teams of journalists won awards in large newspaper, small newspaper, magazine, television, and radio categories for their outstanding reporting.
Researchers at UB's Toshiba Stroke Research Center have developed a new dual contrast injection method, enabling neurosurgeons to characterize and treat arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) more effectively. The technique allows for precise measurement of blood flow rate, facilitating the accurate administration of a glue-like substance ...
Researchers at Jefferson Medical College successfully used a gene repair technique to change the color of white albino mice cells to black, restoring melanin production and correcting a genetic mutation. The breakthrough holds promise as a potential treatment for some hereditary diseases by correcting the underlying genetic defect.
A recent study by UK researchers reveals how the Yersinia pestis bacterium uses its YopM toxin to target and destroy phagocytic cells, crippling the immune response. The findings provide new insights into bacterial causes of disease and cell biology, potentially leading to improved therapies for various diseases.
A CSIRO study found that margarines high in polyunsaturated fats and low in trans fatty acids reduce LDL cholesterol by 11-15%, corresponding to a 20-30% fall in heart disease risk. The study also showed that these margarines can produce a greater fall in blood LDL-cholesterol than other types of margarine.
Conservation efforts have led to a resurgence of the Greater Prairie Chicken population in Illinois, with numbers increasing from just six resident males to over 500 birds. The success is attributed to an experimental program that imported birds from healthy populations elsewhere, addressing genetic diversity and habitat loss issues.
Researchers used x-ray crystallography to reveal the structure of HIV reverse transcriptase (RT) enzyme. The active form shows how genetic mutations confer resistance to antiviral drugs like AZT by preventing nucleotide analogs from binding, allowing RT to continue making DNA for the virus.
Chinese and US researchers have identified the world's oldest flowering plant, a 140-million-year-old fossil found in northeast China. The plant predates the previous oldest-known flower by over 25 million years, shedding light on the origins of flowering plants.
Scientists found that genetically altered mice with altered neuropeptide Y (NPY) levels exhibited changes in alcohol consumption behavior. Mice lacking NPY drank more, while those with high NPY levels consumed less and were more sensitive to the sedative effects of alcohol.
A new statistical analysis of 115 years of global temperature data strengthens the argument that human-caused emissions are warming the earth's atmosphere. The study found strong year-to-year correlations between actual temperature data and simulations from two leading computer models, indicating a consistent long-term trend.
Researchers at the Carnegie Institution for Science have isolated the protein that responds to UV-A/blue light, a crucial step in understanding plant growth and development. The discovery of NPH1 as the photoreceptor for phototropism has significant implications for agricultural research and future studies on plant development.
The CFIT Reduction Task Force has found that airlines are placing too much faith in new technologies and not enough emphasis on basic training and safety procedures. The task force recommends a checklist and education aid to alert flight crews to the dangers of CFIT accidents, which have increased by seven confirmed incidents this year.
A team led by Patrick Kochanek has identified specific biochemical markers that may help detect child abuse. Preliminary evidence suggests that victims of abuse often have abnormal levels of quinolinic acid in their cerebrospinal fluid, which could reveal whether a parent is lying about the timing of an injury.
A team of astronomers led by Bo Reipurth and John Bally observed that ultraviolet radiation from nearby massive stars destroyed the cocoons of gas and dust surrounding young stars, revealing billions of miles long supersonic jets. The destruction has provided new insight into star birth and evolution, and may have implications for the ...
A team of scientists, including MSU's Frankie Jackson, discovered a rare dinosaur embryo in Patagonia, Argentina, with implications for understanding sauropod reproduction. The find confirms the identity of the embryo as belonging to a type of plant-eating dinosaur.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have discovered a key step in regulating PPAR-gamma receptors, which control insulin sensitivity. The finding may lead to drugs with fewer side effects and greater efficiency for treating adult-onset diabetes.
Neuroscientist Michela Gallagher's research reveals that cognitive decline in old age is not caused by dying brain cells, but rather by the natural aging process. The study used rat models to show that neuron losses are confined to populations of cells with limited memory function.
The largest series of unrelated cord blood transplants confirms the feasibility of transplantation for patients without a matching donor. The study demonstrates success in children and mismatched transplants with reduced acute graft versus host disease incidence.
Researchers at the University of Chicago have discovered a molecular mechanism that allows organisms to evolve new traits in response to environmental stress. The mechanism involves the protein heat shock protein 90 (Hsp 90), which normally keeps genetic variations silent but can reveal them during times of stress.
A team of researchers has identified the normal function of a protein associated with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), an inherited neuromuscular disease that is the most common genetic cause of infant mortality. The study, published in the journal Cell, also developed cell-based assays to search for potential therapeutic compounds.
Researchers from Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center found that hospitals with high volume of surgery for selected procedures had substantially lower surgical mortality rate. Mortality rates were 40-80% lower in these hospitals compared to those with limited experience.
Researchers have discovered a novel function of the Survival Motor Neuron (SMN) protein essential for mRNA production in all cells. This finding links SMN deficiency to spinal muscular atrophy, a leading genetic cause of infant death, and paves the way for potential therapeutic interventions.
Researchers have found that decreasing pan evaporation does not necessarily mean less evaporation in surrounding landscapes. By considering regional land-surface moisture, environmental engineers explain how evaporation figures can drop due to saturated terrain, resolving the paradox.
Scientists at the University of Chicago have discovered a substance that can induce hair follicle formation in mature skin cells, offering new possibilities for treating premature baldness. By manipulating the beta-catenin molecule, researchers were able to create new hair follicles from adult skin cells, paving the way for potential t...