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.