A new study found that discharged psychiatric patients who did not abuse alcohol and drugs had the same rate of violence as their neighbors in the community. Substance abuse raised the risk of violence among both groups, but was more common among discharged patients.
Researchers from Duke University and the University of Pennsylvania have gained crystal-clear insight into ribonuclease P, an enzyme that forms a crucial partnership with RNA to construct proteins. The findings suggest an ancient remnant of early life's evolution when RNA molecules were enzymatic workhorses.
Researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry generated mice with no functional Pax8 protein, which develop hypothyroidism due to a defect in thyroid hormone production. The study suggests that Pax8 plays a crucial role in forming thyroxin-producing cells of the thyroid gland.
Researchers create ultra-sensitive assay to detect DNA damage caused by ionizing radiation and cancer-causing chemicals, showing potential for early detection and treatment of genetic injuries. The new technique is 10,000 to 100,000 times more sensitive than existing methods.
Despite initial evidence of HIV-1 infection, researchers found no conclusive cases of transient infection among exposed infants. The study suggests laboratory contamination or mislabeling as the cause of false positive test results.
A study suggests that conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a fatty acid in red meats and cheeses, can prevent the onset of diabetes in laboratory animals. CLA appears to work as well as new diabetes-fighting drugs, thiazolidinediones.
Scientists have isolated a novel gene involved in phosphorylating starch in potato tubers. Inhibiting its expression leads to reduced phosphate content and altered starch properties, resulting in improved degradation and reduced cold-induced sweetening. This discovery has significant implications for plant biotechnology.
A new nasal spray vaccine, FluMist(TM), has shown promising results in preventing the flu and flu-related ear infections in children. The vaccine provided 93% protection against the flu and 98% protection against otitis media, a common complication of the flu.
Scientists at Boston University report a new model of ventilator assisted lung function that incorporates 'noise' to improve gas exchange in patients with lung injury. The approach may also minimize additional trauma by enhancing the avalanche-like opening of airways and alveoli during inhalation.
A team of researchers has discovered a nearly complete skull of the large predatory dinosaur Majungatholus, which lived during the Late Cretaceous period. The fossil, found on the island of Madagascar, sheds light on the habits and characteristics of this enigmatic theropod dinosaur.