The discovery provides a detailed picture of life during the earliest days of dinosaurs and mammals. The newly found fossils are from the Middle to Late Triassic period, around 230 million years ago, and include two new dinosaurs that appear to be older than previously recorded species.
Depleted gas reservoirs can store enough carbon dioxide to limit emissions from fossil fuels for at least 20 years, according to USGS scientist Dr. Robert Burruss. However, capturing, compressing, transporting, and injecting such large amounts of CO2 requires an industry nearly twice the size of the current natural gas industry.
Using genetically manipulated T cells producing a fluorescent jellyfish protein, researchers observed the movement of MEKK2 towards T cell receptors within seconds of antigen binding. This study reveals MEKK2's crucial role in delivering molecular signals to the nucleus and active attachment between immune cells.
Yale researchers have developed an improved ELISA test to detect ehrlichiosis, a newly discovered tick-borne disease. The new test is more reliable and efficient than the old one, allowing for better surveillance of the disease in affected areas.
A team of scientists discovered the oldest known dinosaur fossils in Madagascar, dating back to 230 million years ago. The fossils were found by a young local boy named Mena who led researchers to a hill with a mound of bones, sparking an eight-year dig that yielded spectacular results.
A study by University of Michigan researchers found that living in segregated cities with high levels of poverty is associated with higher mortality rates, particularly for cancer. The analysis revealed a strong correlation between segregation and increased susceptibility to illness and death among both black and white populations.
A study of 11 young men found that sleep debt increased glucose concentrations in the blood, while altering cortisol levels and thyroid hormone regulation. The research suggests that persistent sleep debt may exacerbate age-related chronic disorders.
A team of paleontologists has discovered jaws from two of the oldest dinosaurs ever found, along with eight other prehistoric animals, in a rich bed of fossils in Madagascar. The discovery provides a unique glimpse into the mid-late Triassic Period and illuminates scientific understanding of this era.
Growing neurons have a limited time to create connections before risking a 'clockwork death' due to lack of life-sustaining chemical signals. Researchers discovered an intermediate control mechanism, called en passant, which helps prevent miswiring by providing support as axons pass through the target region.
The Clemson University Genomics Institute is leading a three-year project with international partners to identify all 40,000 genes in rice and locate their position on 12 chromosomes.
A landmark study found that preschool educational interventions provided to children from birth to kindergarten had positive effects lasting until age 21. Young adults who received high-quality child care scored higher on mental development tests, reading, mathematics achievement, and were more likely to attend college.
Researchers at Purdue University will study the three-dimensional structure of several types of viruses, including yellow fever and hepatitis C viruses, using a combination of X-ray crystallography and molecular biology techniques. The goal is to develop drugs that prevent infection by similar viral pathogens.
A recent study by Penn State researchers found that severe poverty can lead to violent behavior in psychiatric patients. The study surveyed 293 patients and found that 23% showed violent behavior after discharge, with 14% committing a violent act during the follow-up period.
A new U-M study examines 11 college campuses' efforts to promote racial harmony and identifies areas for improvement. The study's findings highlight the importance of sustaining programs after grants expire, as communication barriers can persist without continued effort.
A new botulinum toxin type B medication has shown significant improvements in pain, disability, and disease severity in cervical dystonia patients. The treatment's benefits lasted for 12-16 weeks with no serious adverse side effects reported.
A CU study of ice-age sediment cores found that temperature fluctuations in the warm Atlantic Ocean were as large as those seen during the last ice age, raising concerns about future climate change. The research suggests that human-induced changes to ocean circulation could trigger global climate impacts.
A Mayo Clinic study found a significant increase in migraine headaches among women between 1980 and 1994, with the highest incidence among young women. The study suggests that stress-related factors, such as increased work demands and single-parent households, may contribute to this trend.
A recent Yale Cancer Center study reveals that many experienced cancer genetic counselors would pursue genetic testing for BRCA or HNPCC mutations despite concerns about discrimination. However, the majority would not bill insurance companies or use aliases, and would only share test results with physicians.
A large study by the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center found no association between vasectomy and increased prostate cancer risk. Additionally, dietary supplementation with vitamins C and E was linked to a lower risk of prostate cancer. Men who took zinc supplements also saw a significant reduction in risk.
A University of Michigan team found that applying repeated strain during tissue development increases the expression of key structural protein genes and improves cell organization, leading to stronger tissues. This approach could improve engineered tissues' strength and potentially be used to investigate disease mechanisms.
Gamma-ray bursts remain a mystery despite over 2,500 recorded events and numerous burst sources identified. Scientists caution against interpreting data carefully due to potential systematic errors in measurement systems.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine successfully used gene therapy to activate the human immune system against metastatic prostate cancer. The study, published in Cancer Research, showed that patients' B-cells produced antibodies and T-cells directly attacked tumor cells after vaccination.
The American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (AAPS) has selected ten individuals for its prestigious Fellow status in recognition of their significant contributions to the field of pharmaceutical sciences. The new AAPS Fellows include experts from academia, industry, and government institutions worldwide.
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases has awarded $1.9 million to three Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Research Centers, led by experts in various aspects of the disease. These centers will conduct research on causes, characteristics, and treatment of CFS.
The American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (AAPS) recognizes outstanding researchers with its annual awards. Joseph R. Robinson receives the Distinguished Pharmaceutical Scientist Award for his work on controlled drug delivery and ocular drug disposition, while Charles Russell Middaugh wins the Research Achievement Award in ...
Researchers at Chromos Molecular Systems have successfully passed an artificial chromosome to their offspring, paving the way for practical germline gene therapy. The technology could enable genetic changes to be inherited without disrupting other genes, offering a safer alternative to current methods.
Researchers Ally R. Harari and Jane Brockmann studied the behavior of Diaprepes abbreviatus beetles, finding that mounting females attracts larger males, improving female reproductive success. The beetle's behavior appears to suggest a different explanation for homosexual behavior than observed in domesticated animals.
Researchers found that misdiagnosed electrocardiographic artifact, caused by body movement or poor contact, led to unnecessary procedures like pacemaker implants and heart catheterization. The study highlights the need for improved training in recognizing artifact and increased awareness among physicians.
A new laser-based explosive detector can detect minuscule explosives emissions from landmines, offering an alternative to sniffer dogs. The detector uses an ultra-smooth cube of silica crystal with a single curved face and measures the 'ring-down time' of a laser pulse as it passes through the crystal.
Dr. Rafi Ahmed will deliver a lecture on immune memory to viruses as part of the 1999 Tadeusz J. Wiktor Memorial Lecture series at The Wistar Institute. His research focuses on chronic viral infections and immunology, building on his PhD in Microbiology and Molecular Genetics from Harvard.
Researchers discuss alternative theories for Magnetar outbursts, including the role of intense magnetic fields and environmental influences. The magnetar theory suggests that giant flare events occur when the neutron crust cracks, while an alternative explanation proposes a relativistic wind of interstellar material surrounding the SGR.
Researchers have found that lesbian and bisexual women are at risk for spreading human papillomavirus (HPV) and bacterial vaginosis, a common cause of vaginal infections. The study also suggests that these women should receive regular Pap smears to prevent cervical cancer.
Amateur astronomers reported brief changes on the Moon's surface, but their claims were never confirmed until now. A team of scientists has found evidence supporting these observations using satellite data from the Clementine mission.
A study found that TB was transmitted among inmates and guards in a city jail, highlighting the need for aggressive TB detection and treatment. Meanwhile, a qualitative study identified five components of successful work with victims of domestic violence and emphasized the importance of 'compassionate asking' to address this complex so...
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center discovered that cocaine affects the central nervous system, causing vessel constriction, rapid heartbeat, and subsequent heart attacks. By blocking the sympathetic nervous system, they found a potential pathway to develop a life-saving antidote for cocaine overdoses.
Researchers identify Notch signaling pathway involved in switching from brain cell growth to stability, which could lead to new treatments for neurological disorders. The study provides a clue on how the transition from growth to stability occurs in the brain.
A study by University of Michigan researchers found that US teens feel stressed more often than East Asian students, despite performing poorly on math tests. The stress is mainly caused by unclear academic goals and societal expectations, while Japanese students have a clearer focus on academic achievement.
Esther H. Freeman, a chemistry teacher at Tabb High School in Virginia, has received the Southeast Regional High School Chemistry Teaching Award from the American Chemical Society. Her innovative teaching style, which incorporates music and hands-on laboratory experiences, encourages students to participate in science fairs.
A new study by Princeton University researchers shows that switching from leaded to unleaded gasoline can reduce blood lead levels to an average of three micrograms per deciliter, well below the 10 ug/dL threshold considered cause for concern in the US. This reduction is significant, especially in countries still using leaded gasoline.
Researchers have developed an assay that identifies specific combinations of gene variations linked to heart disease. The assay allows quick access to individuals' genetic profiles, enabling precise diagnostic tests for heart disease and other chronic illnesses.
A study by Robert Hegele and colleagues has discovered a genetic link between the GNB3 gene and obesity in the Canadian Inuit. The researchers found that individuals with a common variant of the GNB3 gene had significantly higher body mass index, waist, and hip girth, indicating a strong association with greater body fat.
Scientists have discovered a new species of camel, dated two million years ago, with mountain goat-like features. Additionally, researchers have found dinosaur nesting grounds in Patagonia, providing insights into sauropod reproductive biology and behavior.
A captive breeding program aims to replenish the nearly decimated population of white abalone by leveraging their unique reproductive needs. The mollusks require close proximity with an opposite sex for fertilization, hindering effective reproduction and making conservation efforts challenging.
Researchers at the University of Michigan are developing nanomolecular 'smart bombs' that can detect pre-malignant and cancerous changes in living cells. These devices use synthetic polymers called dendrimers to transport anti-cancer drugs and sensing agents into cells.
A study found that 15% of dental patients with periodontal disease have undiagnosed diabetes, while 56% have high cholesterol. The study highlights the importance of routine physical examinations and preventative care for patients with risk factors.
A recent study published in the Journal of Periodontology found that smokers have lower success rates with periodontal treatment, requiring further treatment nearly 43% of the time. Quitting smoking can improve oral health and reduce risks associated with heart disease and cancer.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University developed HARP MRI to provide detailed heart muscle images in minutes, not hours. The system uses harmonic phase magnetic resonance imaging and software modifications to produce high-quality images of heart function.
Researchers use satellite altimetry to analyze warm ocean features and predict hurricane intensification, helping forecasters identify areas most at risk from storm surges. A study found that hurricanes crossing warm eddies intensified their winds by up to 70mph in just nine hours.
A UCSF study found that physicians who ask victims of domestic violence if they are being physically abused can provide the first step towards helping them find a way out. The study showed that a validating and gentle approach, rather than seeking a yes or no answer, is more effective in identifying victims and providing support.
A new NIAMS-funded study will enroll 5,700 men aged 65+ to investigate the relationship between bone mass, structure, lifestyle, and fractures. The research aims to determine if high bone mass increases the risk of prostate cancer.
Scientists have identified a network of cellular receptors in the spinal cord that transmits sensations of chronic pain. Blocking their activity may provide a new strategy for pain management. The discovery suggests that pain can be caused by pathways normally not painful.
A Mayo Clinic study highlights the importance of autopsy in diagnosing Parkinson's disease, suggesting low autopsy rates and nonrandom patterns may skew research findings. The study analyzed 235 deceased patients with parkinsonism diagnoses, revealing important factors influencing autopsy decisions.
Researchers at Wake Forest University School of Medicine have cloned the gene responsible for primary hyperoxaluria type II, a rare inherited form of kidney stone disease. The discovery may lead to better understanding and treatment of the disease, which can cause severe kidney failure and early death if left untreated.
Researchers have identified an enzyme, PKCe, that could be a target for treating alcoholism. Mice genetically engineered to lack the enzyme were less likely to drink and showed increased sensitivity to alcohol and benzodiazepines in the brain.
Seven research centers will study tobacco use, prevention, and treatment using a transdisciplinary approach. The centers aim to accelerate development of effective tobacco control interventions and reduce tobacco-related deaths.
The American Chemical Society's Southeast Regional Meeting will be held in Knoxville, featuring a variety of topics including environmental and medicinal chemistry. Over 600 scientific papers will be presented during the event.
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is establishing a prestigious new Clinical Nutrition Research Unit with $4.7 million in NIH funding. The unit will focus on enhancing the use of laboratory discoveries in population-based and clinical research, as well as educating health professionals about nutrition.
The five-year grant will fund five major research projects, including studies on animal models, brain imaging techniques, and clinical trials. The goal is to improve tobacco addiction treatment by understanding why current treatments fail and developing new behavioral and drug treatments.
A new nutrition intervention program aims to improve eating habits and increase calcium consumption in healthy children, potentially reducing the risk of osteoporosis and bone-related health issues later in life. The program will test whether behavioral modification and education can lead to long-lasting changes in diet.
The University of Southern California has received a $12.8 million grant to establish a national center studying tobacco use and prevention among teen-agers from Pacific Rim cultures. Researchers will investigate how culture, immigration, and adaptation affect smoking habits and design effective ways to discourage smoking.