Researchers at NIEHS and U.C. Davis have identified a key protein involved in sperm-egg fusion, paving the way for new approaches to family planning and infertility diagnosis. A vaccine targeting this protein may provide women with a non-hormonal means of birth control.
Researchers at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory implemented an automated computer system to operate naval plants, improving cost efficiency and reliability. The program has resulted in annual savings of nearly $800,000, with individual sites experiencing significant improvements.
A new study found that non-custodial fathers with biological children in a new relationship tend to crowd out their original children's lives, but not if they have stepchildren. The research suggests there is no easy way to define the complex relationships between absent fathers and their children after divorce.
The Leonid meteor storm may pose a significant threat to satellites due to the high likelihood of invisible meteors. Astronomers predict that most meteors will burn up at low temperatures, making them undetectable.
The University of Washington is launching a doctoral program in astrobiology, funded by a $2 million NSF grant. Students will study organisms living in extreme conditions on Earth to prepare for finding life on Mars and Europa.
The Swissair disaster revealed a flaw in the rules governing black box flight recorders, leaving investigators without critical data. The aircraft's recorders stopped working six minutes before the crash due to a power failure, highlighting the need for backup power to prevent data loss.
Researchers found that malnourished rats producing more glutathione had enhanced free-radical fighting capacities, lungs, and liver protection. Glutathione supplementation nearly doubled lung GSH levels, increasing protection against damage.
A study of 379 children at an Ohio State University elementary school found that most kids perceived their community as having both negative and positive aspects. Despite exposure to violence, nearly half felt safe at home, with 39% describing their homes as peaceful. The research highlights the complexity of urban childhood experiences.
Researchers have found evidence of ancient worm-like animals in rocks dating back 1.1 billion years, challenging the traditional timeline for multicellular life. The discovery suggests that animal body plans changed little before the Cambrian period, and that soft-bodied animals may have existed even earlier.
Researchers at The Wistar Institute have identified multiple regions on five different chromosomes responsible for wound healing and regeneration in mammals. The study, led by Ellen Heber-Katz, reveals the genetic basis of tissue regeneration in mice, with potential applications in human medicine.
Researchers at Ohio State University developed an electronic nose that can recognize different types of cheese by analyzing key fatty acids. The device correctly discriminated among cheeses and showed promise as a research tool for understanding the human sense of smell.
Scientists have grown healthy human placental cells in a laboratory using a new technique, providing a means to test the safety of drugs during pregnancy. The cells can survive and function like those in the womb, mimicking blood flow and nutrient exchange.
A new consortium of experts plans to increase the number of physician nutrition specialists on medical school faculties, establish educational standards for post-graduate training, and promote accreditation and monitoring. The goal is to help create a supply of nutrition professionals who can inform medical curricula and patient care.
A study linked three specific genes to the progress of Long QT syndrome, a heart-rhythm disorder that affects 25,000 Americans annually. Patients with defective genes can now expect their disease course, allowing for targeted treatments and improved outcomes.
Research at Ohio State University found that hospital patients often leave without knowing the basics of their new medication regimen, highlighting the need for prescription counseling. The study suggests that even a few minutes of counseling can make a significant difference in patient understanding.
Researchers at Ohio State University have developed a model to predict refugee migrations, identifying long-term root causes such as weak governments and economic dependence. The model also finds that large migrations are often preceded by generalized violence or civil wars.
Researchers found 'anomalous X-ray pulsars' in supernovae remnants, which spin slower and have stronger magnetic fields than radio pulsars. This discovery reverses the understanding of how pulsars behave after a star explodes as a supernova.
A study by Ohio State University found that MBA students perceive certain bargaining tactics as acceptable or unacceptable based on their individual characteristics. The research suggests that business professionals should prepare for negotiations by discussing ground rules and setting the right tone.
A Cornell University study found that 40% of world deaths can be attributed to environmental factors. The study highlights the impact of organic and chemical pollutants, climate change, and emerging diseases on human health.
The Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft has published the List of MAK and BAT Values 1998, revising health risks from exposure to ethanol vapors and aerosols, as well as sidestream smoke. The new classifications include significant updates on carcinogenic substances, with 22 evaluations or revisions for human cancer risk.
A team of international researchers has pinpointed the site of the first gene for prostate cancer located on the human X chromosome. This discovery may account for almost 20 percent of disease in families with a strong history of the cancer.
Astronomers detect powerful gamma rays from SGR 1900+14, confirming the existence of magnetars and linking three mysteries: what are Soft Gamma Repeaters (SGRs) and Anomalous X-ray Pulsars (AXPs)? The discovery provides insights into neutron star behavior and suggests a million old magnetars might be drifting through the Galaxy
A new tool, the Implicit Association Test, measures unconscious components of prejudice, revealing automatic preferences and biases. The test has been used to demonstrate prejudice towards various racial, ethnic, and gender groups, highlighting the need for self-awareness and understanding.
Scientists have isolated the WFS1 gene responsible for Wolfram Syndrome, a rare form of insulin-dependent diabetes. The disorder is characterized by insulin-secreting cell death and progressive neurodegeneration, leading to blindness and premature death. Understanding this gene may lead to new treatments for common forms of diabetes.
A new study at UCSF found Botox effective in treating excessive underarm sweating, offering patients a significant alternative to surgery. The treatment requires no anesthesia and provides long-lasting results, with most patients experiencing reduced sweating within 48 hours.
A powerful gamma-ray and X-ray burst from a distant star caused significant changes in Earth's upper atmosphere, leading to increased ionization levels and reduced radio signal range. The event has implications for our understanding of the ionosphere and its interactions with external energy sources.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have found that vitamin E confers potent protection from atherosclerosis in genetically modified mice. The study demonstrates that free radicals play a central role in heart disease, and the antioxidant action of vitamin E significantly reduces atherosclerotic damage.
A study of 117 women with recurrent breast or gynecological cancer found that social functioning and pain levels correlated. Maintaining physical and social abilities can help reverse the downward spiral of increasing pain, psychological symptoms, and spiritual dimensions.
Research suggests that strong social relationships with family and friends can improve health status in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome. Having a doctor who recognizes and validates the illness, providing hope for the future, is also crucial to improvement. The study found that low levels of depression symptoms and a positive pe...
Researchers have identified the gene responsible for Lafora disease, a severe form of epilepsy characterized by seizures and progressive neurological degeneration. The discovery opens up new areas of research into both epilepsy and normal brain function, with potential applications in genetic diagnostics and treatments.
Scientists at Harvard Medical School have discovered that a member of the MAP kinase family, ERK, may act as a molecular gatekeeper activating excitotoxic pathways. This finding could lead to new drug targets against stroke and other neurodegenerative diseases.
A growing recognition of age differences in dietary needs is driving calls for separate guidelines for children. Key findings include the importance of sound scientific evidence and gradual changes to a child's diet, with monitoring of growth by health professionals at regular intervals.
UCSF researchers developed a highly sensitive, rapid technique for detecting infectious prions causing prion diseases like 'mad cow' disease and Creutzfeldt-Jakob's disease. The assay reveals unique shapes of the protein strains, providing new insights into their biology.
Scientists have successfully administered gene therapy orally, effectively curing lactose intolerance in rats. The study demonstrates the potential for an oral delivery system to treat other diseases, such as diabetes.
A multi-disciplinary team at CWRU will examine the quality of life for cancer survivors aged 60+, exploring coping mechanisms and support systems. The five-year longitudinal study aims to understand how cancer survivors cope with age-related health issues.
Researchers found that eating daily equivalent of pint of strawberries or large spinach salad reduces specific effects of brain aging in rats. Spinach and strawberry diets protected against declines in nerve cell communications and ward off dip in memory performance.
A new clinical trial by the NHLBI reveals that women who undergo CABG or angioplasty procedures survive at a rate nearly identical to men. The study found that being female was an independent predictor of higher survival, with women having 60% of the risk of death compared to men.
The UW Medical School team determined the three-dimensional molecular structure of a key enzyme responsible for activating many cell functions. This breakthrough is crucial in developing drugs that can control unchecked cell growth leading to cancer.
A new study found no significant differences between men and women in terms of in-hospital deaths and five-year survival rates after cardiac bypass surgery or angioplasty. The results suggest that the outcome for women undergoing revascularization is improving, despite previous studies showing poor outcomes.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have discovered a new anti-microbial agent called BCTP that effectively kills the influenza A virus in cell cultures and laboratory mice. The study found that BCTP is non-toxic to skin and mucous membranes, making it a promising alternative to traditional vaccines.
Researchers have developed a new anti-microbial agent that can destroy anthrax spores while remaining non-toxic to humans and animals. The material, BCTP, has shown promise as a post-exposure decontamination agent in animal studies.
Researchers developed nanometer-sized semiconductor crystals that emit multiple colors of light, enabling the simultaneous measurement of several biological markers. These crystal probes show improved photochemical stability and fluorescence lifetime compared to conventional dye molecules.
The UCSF Dental Post-Bac Program aims to provide additional training to students from disadvantaged backgrounds who have been rejected from dental school. The program helps students develop the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in dentistry, with a focus on increasing access to dental care in underserved communities.
Hurricane Georges caused over 100 deaths and hundreds of millions of dollars in damage across the Caribbean. PAHO mobilized experts to provide emergency relief supplies and repair damaged health facilities.
A new animal study suggests that female mice exposed to DES in utero are at higher risk of reproductive tract cancers, while their unexposed offspring show no such increase. This finding indicates a potential transmission of susceptibility to cancer across generations.
Health ministers in the Americas call for urgent steps to regulate tobacco advertising and prevent minors' access, with a focus on educational, legislative, and fiscal measures. The region faces significant health and economic burdens due to tobacco use, with 670,000 deaths annually attributed to tobacco.
A major geomagnetic storm, the strongest in recent years, is affecting communication and navigation satellites due to an intense solar flare. The storm's speed was twice normal, causing unusual penetration of electrons into the Earth's magnetosphere.
Researchers John Toner and Yuhai Tu develop a theory explaining how birds move as a single unit despite frequent misjudgments and limited visibility. By making analogies to physics phenomena like magnet alignment and fluid flow, they provide insights into other animal collectives and even auto traffic flow.
Researchers have discovered a gene called E2F1 that helps bring about tumor cell death yet is also necessary for their growth. The study found that without E2F1, tumors grew slower but cell death was reduced by 80 percent.
The Johns Hopkins University Center will combine advanced information technology with surgical expertise to create dramatic changes in medical care. The center will focus on developing computer vision, sensors, and robotic devices for computer-assisted surgery.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have developed a new test to accurately measure kidney function, enabling patients to spend less time in the clinic. The new procedure involves injecting a small amount of radioactive isotope solution and estimating how quickly it disappears from the blood and appears in the urine.
A study by University of Florida researchers found that cystic fibrosis patients who lack the beneficial intestinal bacterium Oxalobacter formigenes are at a greatly increased risk of developing kidney stones. The absence of this organism can lead to high levels of oxalate, which can crystallize and form painful stones in the kidneys.
The sensory exploitation theory suggests that animals choose mates using sensory systems shaped for daily survival needs, rather than solely for sexual attraction. This model proposes that animals have built-in preferences for traits unrelated to genetic fitness, which can be seen in examples such as water mites mimicking copepod vibra...
Weizmann Institute scientists have created a new class of magnetic materials made of clusters of inorganic molecules, opening up research possibilities for the microelectronics industry. The new magnets display an unusual combination of properties that make them suitable for miniaturization and potential industrial applications.
Researchers have developed a method to breed flightless Asian ladybirds that can control pests on crops like cucumbers and melons. The new biological pest-control strategy has shown promising results in reducing pesticide use, but further field trials are needed to assess its efficiency.
A study of over 1,200 elderly adults found that higher levels of education were associated with healthier behaviors, biological conditions, and psychological factors. These findings suggest that social disparities may continue to affect health outcomes in late life, even among those who are functioning well cognitively.
The third Convection and Moisture Experiment (CAMEX-3) campaign observed rare lightning fields and purple sprites in the eye of Hurricane Georges. The team studied the hurricane's unique characteristics, including large cloud turrets and variable wind speeds.
Scientists have deciphered the molecular structure of neurotransmitter release machinery, revealing how proteins SNAREs propel neurotransmitters into synapses. This breakthrough may lead to improved treatments for brain disorders and shed light on processes like learning and memory.
Research finds that women experiencing hostility, anxiety and self-consciousness have thicker carotid arteries, an early marker for cardiovascular disease. Holding in anger or suppressing negative emotions may be key determinants of women's cardiovascular health.
Researchers have tested a new approach to immunization, using dendritic cells to stimulate immunity in mice. The technique, which uses heat-killed bacteria to sensitize immune cells, has shown promising results in preventing Chlamydia and potentially HIV infections.