Researchers discovered rare molecular interactions between skin molecules and UV-A light that can cause photoaging. The study found that UV-A wavelengths lead to weak molecular transitions, raising oxygen molecule energy levels to a damaging state.
A new study by University of Wisconsin-Madison biochemist Ron Raines found that a ribonuclease A protein in humans has the same cancer-fighting potential as a frog-derived protein. The finding opens a door to creating a new class of natural drugs aimed at fighting cancer without side effects.
Scientists at Duke University Medical Center have created microbubbles that can be used to suspend helium gas, allowing for detailed magnetic resonance images of blood vessels. The technique combines strengths of several imaging technologies and could lead to non-invasive studies on vascular health, perfusion, and anatomy.
Researchers developed mice with human apolipoprotein E4 (apoE4) in the brain, showing learning and memory problems similar to those seen in human Alzheimer's patients. The apoE4 mice performed poorly in tests requiring spatial learning and memory skills.
A new genetic mutation, APC I1307K, is found to modestly increase the risk of hereditary breast cancer in women of Ashkenazi Jewish descent. The mutation's effect is most significant in those who already carry BRCA mutations.
Researchers have discovered a protein in bacteria that protects them from nitric oxide, a toxin produced by the immune system. This mechanism allows bacteria to survive and thrive, with implications for human health and the development of new antibiotics.
A Carnegie Mellon University study found that excessive internet use is associated with decreased social involvement, increased depression, and loneliness. The research, which monitored 169 home computer users over time, suggests that the internet can have negative effects on emotional well-being.
Researchers will evaluate traumatic brain injury treatment at OHSU and Legacy Health System's hospitals, rehabilitation services, and outpatient care. The study aims to better understand long-term outcomes for patients with brain injuries.
Researchers found that the fen-phen diet drug combination was potentially toxic due to the destruction of serotonin control in blood plasma. This could lead to primary pulmonary hypertension and heart valve lesions in some users. The study highlights the importance of complete and up-to-date drug labels.
A Northwestern University Medical School study found that low literacy levels were a significant predictor of having incurable prostate cancer among low-income white and black men. Poor reading skills were more prevalent among black men with advanced cancers, suggesting low literacy as a key factor in the disparity.
A new study suggests that blocking glutamate activity may prevent schizophrenia-like behavior in rats. Using an experimental compound, researchers found that doses of PCP no longer triggered behavioral abnormalities when glutamate levels were normalized.
Researchers at the Weizmann Institute of Science have revealed the molecular repair mechanism known as S.O.S. repair, which fixes DNA damage and introduces random genetic material to create a beneficial mutation. This discovery provides new insights into diseases like cancer and bacterial resistance to antibiotics.
A study by Duke University researchers found that selectively logged Indonesian rainforests have comparable levels of tree species diversity to unlogged forests eight years later. The results suggest that these forests are more resilient than previously thought and may hold conservation potential.
Researchers developed a unique micro-scratch tester to examine tiny scratches in real-time, revealing that small cracks appear and create voids before material loss. This discovery led to the creation of new coatings with improved scratch durability, which have been applied to cars for field testing.
UK entries made up over half of finalists in the biennial European Academic Software Awards, demonstrating a growing commitment to quality educational software. The full list of EASA finalists can be viewed online.
Lab tests conducted by Allan Butterfield show that vitamin E can prevent the death of brain cells exposed to a toxic protein found in Alzheimer's brains. The study suggests that antioxidants may be a key to unlocking better therapies for the devastating disease.
A study by NIEHS found that variations in two genes (NAT1 and NAT2) interact with environmental exposure to tobacco smoke, increasing the risk of bladder cancer. Individuals carrying both at-risk copies of these genes have a tenfold higher risk of developing bladder cancer.
A study found that team skill, managerial involvement, and common team experience are crucial for software development success. In contrast, technology's impact on performance was less significant, with structured methods having a positive but insignificant effect on production activities.
A protein found in copperhead snake venom retards breast tumor growth by blocking tumor cell adhesion and invasion, as well as inhibiting new blood vessel development. Studies with mice implanted with human breast cancer cells showed a 60-70% reduction in growth rate and 90% reduction of tumor metastasis to the lungs.
Researchers developed tests to determine how well bipolar electronics, commonly used in satellites, can survive long-term radiation exposure. The tests, led by Sandia National Laboratories, predict a 10-year response in just a few weeks and have already benefited systems, preventing potential failures.
A Johns Hopkins study found that UV-B exposure from sunlight increases the risk of cortical cataracts in people of all ages and backgrounds. The researchers calculated a 10% increase in risk for every 0.01 'Maryland sun years' of exposure.
New research by Purdue University finds that fungicides on golf courses do not contaminate surface water or groundwater when used according to manufacturer's guidelines. In fact, most of the fungicide remains on the grass leaf blade and is degraded internally.
The development of a new vaccine is crucial to effectively eliminate tuberculosis (TB) as a global health problem. The ideal vaccine should prevent new infection, protect those already infected from developing active disease, and prevent reinfection in previously infected individuals.
KSU civil engineer Steven K. Starrett developed the KTURF program to predict pesticide and nitrogen leaching, which is within 4% of testing case values. The tool helps golf course turf managers screen chemicals and reduce groundwater contamination.
New research from Ohio State University suggests that workplace teams are not the key factor in determining employee behavior. Basic standards of employment, such as job security and good worker-manager relations, were found to be more important than management control in shaping worker behavior.
Scientists will present research on the effects of environmental endocrine disruptors on human health and the environment. Studies have found links between pesticides, PCBs, and amphibian decline, as well as potential impacts on fetal development and cancer risk.
FUSE is the first large-scale space mission fully planned and operated by a university department. It will study the origin and evolution of hydrogen and deuterium, as well as galaxy evolution and star formation, analyzing clouds of gases between stars in the Milky Way and nearby galaxies.
Researchers at Cornell University have developed tiny polymer pellets containing NGF that can regenerate dying cells and improve cognitive function in rats. The system targets specific brain areas and releases NGF molecules over a period of months, offering potential for a one-time treatment for Alzheimer's.
Scientists estimate a small amount of life could have existed on Mars through chemical reactions over billions of years. They also explore the possibility of life on Europa, estimating lower energy availability than on Mars.
Scientists have discovered a cheap material that changes color in response to light, potentially revolutionizing energy-efficient windows. The material could regulate illumination levels, glare, heat gain and loss, making buildings use less energy.
Despite high levels of mercury found in the Seychelles, a nine-year study found that frequent consumption of commercially sold fish carries no ill effects from low levels of mercury. The study suggests that current regulations in the US are sufficient to safeguard frequent fish eaters against mercury exposure.
A recent Penn State study found that new welfare reform legislation and abortion restrictions may have created a paradoxical outcome. The increase in single mothers, who are often on welfare, may be due to the decreased access to abortion services, leading more women to choose childbearing over termination.
A new study reveals that religious grandparents develop and maintain stronger relationships with their grandchildren compared to non-religious grandparents. The research found that religious observance is associated with greater involvement in family and social ties, which may be a key factor in grandparent-grandchild relationships.
Researchers at Penn develop groundbreaking new brain tracer Trodat to evaluate brain function in normal and disease states. The imaging agent, derived from tropane, follows the flow of dopamine in the brain and can be used as a diagnostic tool for imaging dopamine transporters.
African-American crack addicts often had traumatic childhoods marked by physical and sexual abuse, leading to unstable adult lives. The study's findings suggest that these individuals may gravitate towards drug dealing as a means of support due to unemployment and unstable employment.
A recent international study involving 842 patients found that statins significantly raised high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels, particularly in those with low HDL. The study's results challenge the long-held emphasis on low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and triglycerides, suggesting that increasing HDL may be a crucial facto...
Nu-Trim, a new fat substitute, contains beta-glucans that lower LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol. It can transform baked goods into low-calorie, high-fiber foods with improved texture and volume. Studies show it reduces plasma cholesterol by 27% and LDL cholesterol by 36%, making it an attractive option for heart health.
A new study found that children retain more simulated air pollution per unit of lung surface area than adults, suggesting they are more susceptible to illnesses caused by polluted air. Researchers will extend their studies to exercising volunteers to further understand the effects of particulate air pollution on children.
The National Congregations Study found that 2/5 of American congregations are interested in applying for government funding to support their social service programs, while 1/2 indicate they would not be interested. The study also reveals that only 4% of religious congregations receive government funding for social services.
A study by sociologist Andrew Szasz finds that Silicon Valley's electronics manufacturing toxins are concentrated in poorer, more Latino neighborhoods. The research uses EPA records to track toxic materials and reveals a disproportionate impact on marginalized communities.
Dr. Daniel B. Lee's research suggests that rituals, not common beliefs, provide social glue for religious communities. This is evident in the Weaverland Mennonites' case study, where symbols and rituals sustain unity despite individual members having fluid and unstructured religious beliefs.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania Medical Center have discovered a biochemical channel in the myelin sheath that enables faster exchange of cell nutrients, which could lead to treatments for neuropathies and demyelinating diseases. The study, led by Dr. Steven Scherer, demonstrates the function of connexin32 in myelinating ...
A recent study by the University of Michigan found that Blacks' environmental concerns equal or exceed those of whites, with greater concern about local pollution and poorer environmental quality. The survey of 793 people identified significant differences in environmental attitudes between Black and white neighborhoods.
Researchers found that young rats learned to distinguish lactating females from others through repeated trials, but did not yet recognize their mother. This study sheds light on the complex process of mammalian recognition and attachment.
A new study led by Ohio State University's Douglas Downey found that school achievement drops with increasing family size, but not among Mormon children. Despite having more siblings, Mormons devote more resources to their children, enabling them to achieve academically.
The monetization of medicine has led to doctors making fiscal decisions, prioritizing who will pay for treatment. Progressive hospitals benefit, while the poor and underinsured access limited services. High-tech tools have increased costs, exacerbating the issue.
Historians at Nijmegen University studied the supply and storage of goods during the war, revealing that Hannibal lost because he could not supply his armies properly. This logistical issue hindered his ability to exert constant pressure on Roman forces.
A study by Penn State researcher Valarie King found that church-going grandparents have closer, more involved relationships with their grandchildren. The research, which collected data from over 500 White families, showed a moderate correlation between religiousness and grandparent involvement.
Researchers found that welfare-dependent individuals and working poor people face negative attitudes from professionals and encounter barriers in their daily lives. They struggle to lead ordinary lives without facing stigma, which drains their energy and hinders their progress in moving up the economic ladder.
Researchers at Spalding Sports Worldwide aim to create a golf ball that travels up to five yards farther when hit by the average amateur golfer. They are exploring solid-core balls with modified cores and new crosslinking agents.
Researchers have developed a new fuel formulation that produces 40-50 percent fewer unburned hydrocarbons and 20 percent less carbon monoxide compared to gasoline. The P-series fuel blend can power flexible fuel cars, offering an alternative to traditional gasoline.
Researchers found that extrusion-processed wheat bran in cereals can reduce the number of aberrant crypt cells in laboratory rats by up to 40%, compared to raw wheat bran and flaked cereals. The study suggests that processing wheat bran improves its health-promoting properties, making it a potential tool in reducing colon cancer risk.
Researchers have successfully released nerve growth factor (NGF) via pea-sized pellets implanted in test animal brains, which showed improved health. This breakthrough treatment could potentially help treat Alzheimer's disease and other neurological disorders.
Kansas State University researcher Xiuzhi Susan Sun has developed a new soy protein adhesive that is water resistant, strong, and non-toxic. The modified soy protein molecule unfolds to promote water resistance and increases adhesive strength. This adhesive performed well in various tests, including ASTM standard tests for adhesives.
A Penn State study reveals single mothers on welfare are more likely to have psychiatric disorders, highlighting the need for mental health services in welfare reform programs. The research found that major depression and agoraphobia were prevalent among welfare recipients.
The U.S. shows a drop in international rankings in math and science between the fourth and eighth grades due to low gains from year to year. Researchers attribute this to systemic issues in the education system, including curriculum and teaching quality.
A team of researchers has determined the three-dimensional structure of an enzyme responsible for gentamicin resistance, presenting a possible target for designing drugs to inhibit its action. The enzyme's structure resembles a cupped right hand wrapped around a cylinder, with a cavity that could hold gentamicin in place.
A new study by Dawn Stauffer and Rukmalie Jayakody found that 23% of welfare recipients had major depression, anxiety disorders, or other mental health problems. This rate is significantly higher than previously estimated, highlighting the need for comprehensive mental health services in welfare reform.
The American Sociological Association has released a new report examining the impact of affirmative action on reducing discrimination in the workplace. Barbara Reskin, Professor of Sociology at Harvard University, is the author and co-author of several dozen books and articles on discrimination, segregation, and professional life.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have found a molecular pathway that converts fast strength muscle fibers into slow endurance muscles. This discovery could lead to the development of drugs that restore endurance muscle tissue in individuals with congestive heart failure or diabetes.