A major study found that smoking speeds up the hardening of arteries, increasing stroke and heart attack risk. Quitting smoking can slow this process, but may not reverse existing damage.
Sandia Labs is working on chemical sensing technology to quickly detect and classify explosive molecules, which can identify land mines. The project aims to provide a more accurate and efficient method for demining, reducing the risk of casualties and environmental damage.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center discover that telomerase causes human cells to retain their youth and continue dividing beyond their normal limit. The extension of normal cell lifespan in a youthful state presents numerous opportunities for biotechnology and medicine, including producing engineered products in human cells.
Researchers at the University of Virginia have discovered that fruit flies respond to cocaine in a similar manner as humans, using similar biochemical pathways. This breakthrough may lead to highly specific drugs to treat cocaine addiction, based on genetic and biochemical insights gained from studying the flies.
A comprehensive study of middle-age Americans found that ex-smokers experienced faster progression of atherosclerosis compared to nonsmokers, despite having quit years before. The study suggests that the cumulative effect of smoking on arteries may be irreversible.