Harvard researchers have created the first atomic-resolution image of a donut-shaped enzyme that unwinds the DNA double helix for replication. The structure reveals how six individual polypeptide lobes arrange themselves to look like a ring of bread buns, providing new insights into the molecular motor's mechanism.
Heart cells secrete substances to regulate oxygen-rich blood flow, triggering vessel constriction or dilation as needed. Research reveals an optimal oxygen concentration of 6%, with narrow permissible windows above or below this level.
SPARC's Scientific Communities Initiative has awarded grants worth half a million dollars to Columbia University Press's Columbia Earthscape, the California Digital Library's eScholarship, and MIT's CogNet. The grants aim to stimulate and accelerate digital science publishing ventures based in academia.
A new sequencing technique allows scientists to determine the linear order of building blocks in complex sugars, a crucial step in understanding their biological functions. This breakthrough could lead to significant advances in fields such as glycosaminoglycans and tissue development.
A new DNA chip method has been developed to identify and classify tumor types, offering a promising approach for cancer diagnosis and treatment. The technique uses gene expression analysis to distinguish between different types of leukemia, such as AML and ALL, and may also be used to predict clinical outcomes.
A Johns Hopkins-led study of over 600 patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) found that photodynamic therapy reduced vision loss risk by 67%, compared to 39% for those receiving a placebo. The treatment targets abnormal blood vessels and scar tissue, offering hope for slowing disease progression in selected patients.
Researchers found that microbial pathogens induce atheroma plaque formation in mice lacking anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. The study suggests that exposure to air-borne pathogens multiplies plaque formation by a factor of 10 in IL-10-deficient mice, making the plaque more likely to rupture.
RADM Gaffney is recognized for his efforts to promote quality, forward-looking and innovative research administration through the Gulf Coast Initiative of 1998 and industry-academia partnerships. His work resulted in new partnerships and increased dialog between regions and ONR.
Researchers are tracking 5,700 men to determine the relationship between bone mass, structure, and lifestyle with fracture risk in men. The study aims to provide knowledge for designing prevention and treatment approaches for male osteoporosis.
A panel of GMO experts will discuss the differences between genetic engineering and traditional breeding methods, as well as the regulatory frameworks for GMOs in the US and Europe. Key findings include varying attitudes towards labeling and education about rDNA technology across regions.
Researchers have successfully developed an immunotoxin that kills over 99% of latent HIV-infected cells using a monoclonal antibody and ricin. The treatment targets CD45RO molecules found on the surface of memory T cells, which are difficult to target due to their low abundance.
Brian Gerke, a 1999 Williams College graduate, has won the LeRoy Apker Award for his research on the effect of light on retinal molecules. His work could potentially help design optical computer memories and sensors.
A randomized clinical trial showed that combining bone marrow transplant and high-dose chemoradiotherapy significantly improves disease-free survival in children with neuroblastoma. The addition of vitamin A-derivative treatment further increases survival rates by nearly three-fold.
A national research project will investigate how insulin resistance, a precursor to Type 2 diabetes and obesity, is inherited in three generations of family members. The study aims to identify specific genes responsible for these conditions.
Researchers developed a model to predict bird flight patterns, enabling pilots to adjust their routes and altitudes. The model can forecast bird locations and altitudes hours in advance, reducing the risk of bird strikes and damage to windshields and turbine engine blades.
Dr. Karen Kwitter's research focuses on the chemical composition of planetary nebulae, which can reveal information about the life cycle of stars and the evolution of our galaxy. By analyzing light spectra from these clouds, she aims to refine models of galactic chemical evolution.
A study by Purdue University found that vegan diets lack sufficient calcium, even with dairy-free alternatives. Experts recommend drinking milk or adding fortified foods/supplements to meet the daily calcium requirement. Vegans may need to consume large amounts of calcium-rich vegetables like broccoli and kale to get enough.
Lung cancer treatment disparities between blacks and whites are attributed to racial attitudes and biases, affecting surgical resection rates and survival outcomes. UCSF specialists emphasize the importance of addressing these inequities through improved communication, screening tests, and clinical trials.
Researchers found that a muscle protein rapidly disappears from synapses when not receiving nerve signals, supporting the idea of rapid molecular changes in learning. This discovery may explain why withdrawal of certain agents can be fatal to patients on respirators.
Two new journals, New Journal of Physics and Internet Journal of Chemistry, have received SPARC's Leading Edge program endorsement. These peer-reviewed electronic journals offer wide dissemination of top-quality research at zero cost, improving accessibility for scientists and libraries.
The Yale Cancer Center will conduct a clinical trial of a new compound, indole 3 carbinol, to suppress HPV infections and prevent cervical cancer. A $1.3 million grant from the NCI will fund the study in 200 participants with chronic HPV infections.
A University of Florida study found that rising sea levels are causing cabbage palms and other coastal trees to die due to saltwater exposure. The phenomenon may be more immediate than thought, with small increases in sea level affecting large areas of flat coastline on the west coast.
Penn State engineers have developed a new mini-thruster that draws only 80 Watts of power but produces more thrust than any system in its class. The thruster uses microwave technology to create a free-floating plasma, which generates thrust when released through a nozzle.
A 40 million-year-old fossil from Myanmar, Bahinia pondaungensis, sheds light on the origins of anthropoids, a group that includes monkeys and apes. The discovery suggests that these primates may have originated in Asia, rather than Africa, with similarities to tarsiers found in dental anatomy.
Researchers are changing treatment methods for gum disease to focus on treating bacterial infections. This approach can save many teeth that were previously considered 'hopeless' and may reduce the risk of heart disease.
Researchers identified a critical two-week window for surgical decompression to improve facial function in patients at risk of permanent damage. Electrical testing and EMG analysis helped pinpoint the optimal patient population, revealing a 91% recovery rate through surgery within this timeframe.
Researchers at Northwestern University create a new technology called nano-plotter, which enables precise placement of multiple molecules on a solid substrate. This innovation could lead to advancements in molecule-based electronics, molecular diagnostics, and catalysis.
Researchers found that adult monkeys have new neurons added to their cerebral cortex, reversing a dogma nearly a century old. This discovery suggests new ways of explaining how the mind accomplishes basic functions, such as problem-solving and learning.
Increasing folate levels prior to conception could reduce Down syndrome risk, according to a study funded by the FDA. Folate deficiency at conception increases neural tube defect risk, including spina bifida, which is the leading cause of childhood paralysis.
Researchers at Cornell University will use acoustic monitoring to count forest elephants in Africa, providing crucial information on population numbers and health. The project aims to support conservation efforts by tracking endangered species such as gorillas and rhinos.
Researchers discovered that high levels of alcohol during late fetal development kill Purkinje cells, which act to filter and synthesize information. Alcohol deprives these cells of Glial Derived Neurotrophic Factor (GDNF), necessary for their survival.
Researchers at UNC Health Care have identified a new way to halt herpes simplex virus reproduction by targeting its molecular tracks. The study found that inhibiting JNK protein kinase reduces viral yield in cells by up to 70%.
The article explores the idea that time is an illusion, proposing a timeless universe where all configurations exist simultaneously. This concept is rooted in Einstein's general theory of relativity and quantum mechanics, suggesting an eternal, four-dimensional structure called Platonia.
Researchers found that Australopithecines used less energy while walking than modern humans, thanks to their shorter legs which took less energy to move. The analysis suggests that Lucy's anatomy was well-suited for her environment and not a hindrance.
Researchers found a three-stage unbinding profile of cadherins, which suggests a 'ratcheting' mechanism that prevents abrupt failure of adhesive junctions. This discovery may lead to the development of gene therapy for diseases associated with malfunctions or mutations of the cadherin protein.
A recent study found that the majority of Americans with alcoholism do not receive treatment, highlighting a significant gap in care. The research identified distinct characteristics among those who did receive treatment, suggesting that treatment options may need to be tailored to address specific needs.
A recent University of Georgia study suggests that retroviruses, including HIV, may have an ancient origin. Researchers analyzed the genome of a worm called Caenorhabditis elegans and found evidence of retroviral-like elements in its DNA. This finding challenges previous assumptions about the evolution of complex retroviruses.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have successfully transplanted discarded thymus tissue into two infants with DiGeorge Syndrome, restoring their immune systems and providing long-term treatment. The children's new gland has provided a normally functioning immune system that requires no long-term drug support.
A team of astronomers has discovered a new molecule, nitrogen sulfide, in comets, which may offer insights into the formation of the early solar system. The compound's presence in comets suggests that it could have originated from the material that formed the planets.
The American Geophysical Union's Fall Meeting features a press field trip on San Francisco Bay, where USGS scientists discuss water resources research. Media representatives can attend scientific sessions, visit the Press Room and Briefing Room, and participate in exclusive events.
Researchers have discovered that spraying milk on cucumbers can effectively kill powdery mildew, a major problem for organic farmers. The solution, which involves mixing one part cow's milk with nine parts water and spraying it on the plants twice a week, has been shown to be faster and more effective than chemical fungicides.
A study of 1050 men and 1098 women in Spain found that 26.2% of men and 28% of women experienced abnormal breathing during sleep, considered a threshold for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). OSA is linked to increased risk of cardiovascular diseases and daytime drowsiness.
Children raised by single parents perform just as well in school as those from two-parent families, according to a large study. The key factor determining success is the mother's level of education and coping skills, not the absence of a father.
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has been awarded a $42.1 million federal contract to study the effectiveness and safety of new anti-psychotic drugs for treating schizophrenia and Alzheimer's disease. The five-year study will enroll 1,000 patients with schizophrenia and 400-500 Alzheimer's patients.
A new study by Resources For the Future finds that emissions trading has shifted sulfur dioxide emissions away from populated areas to the Midwest, improving public health and environmental conditions in the Northeast and East. Health-related benefits are estimated at $125 million annually.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that prolonged mental stress increases the levels of atherogenic lipoproteins and decreases the rate at which fats are cleared from the blood after a meal. This can lead to higher lipid levels and increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
Researchers from the University of Wisconsin-Madison propose a new approach to understanding ecosystem health by focusing on an organism's ability to withstand environmental stress. The study suggests that competition among species is less important than biodiversity as an insurance policy against unknown environmental fluctuations.
Cornell researchers use the Palomar High Angular Resolution Observer (PHARO) camera to take near-infrared images of Neptune, revealing a massive cloud and numerous smaller clouds. The camera's high spatial resolution allows for detailed analysis of the planet's clouds and atmospheric circulation.
Researchers have developed a new membrane-based system that can separate proteins from impurities in a single step, potentially reducing production costs and increasing efficiency. The technology, known as the 'salt cloud' concept, exploits the natural charge on proteins to improve separation rates.
Researchers found that risedronate significantly reduced the incidence of new spinal fractures by 41% and non-vertebral fractures by 39% among postmenopausal women. After one year, risedronate also showed a 65% reduction in new spinal fractures compared to placebo.
Research reveals high symptoms of depression among mothers caring for inner-city children with chronic conditions. The study suggests therapists and educators can help these mothers cope by acknowledging limitations and modifying unrealistic expectations.
A nationwide study suggests that American adults generally experience fewer economic difficulties as they get older. The study found that 16% of adults under 40 reported frequent bill payments issues, compared to 6% of those 60 and over. Economic hardships peak in the 30s, then decline with age.
A recent report from UC San Francisco reveals a decline in tobacco industry influence in California, with decreasing campaign contributions and revenue. The report finds that Republicans received 81% of tobacco money in the 1997-1998 election cycle, despite Democrats controlling both houses of the Legislature.
Researchers at Penn State have discovered that dimethyl ether (DME) produced from coal-derived syngas has lower carbon monoxide emissions compared to propane or butane. DME also exhibits similar or lower nitric oxide emissions in most cases, making it a viable alternative fuel.
A preliminary study by University of Florida researchers suggests that magnetic stimulation may be a safe and revolutionary treatment for patients with clinical depression who do not respond to standard medications. After two weeks of daily magnetic treatment, the 10 patients evaluated in the study showed improvement in tests that rate...
A major study aimed at preventing cardiovascular disease in diabetes will involve 10,000 patients and last for at least nine years. The study aims to determine whether aggressive control of glycemia, high blood pressure, and cholesterol levels can reduce cardiovascular complications in Type 2 diabetes.
A new study found that Americans overestimate their lifespan by about a year compared to official statistics. Blacks and men are the most optimistic about their lifespans, while white females predict they will live less than expected.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center discovered the crystal structure of an enzyme that repairs DNA damage caused by sunlight and cigarettes, a key component in the nucleotide excision repair system. The discovery sheds light on how this system differentiates between healthy and damaged DNA and recognizes various lesions.
A Phase I/II trial of NUVANCE, an investigational once-a-week inhaled asthma treatment, suggests the drug helped stabilize lung function for up to 12 weeks following discontinuation of inhaled corticosteroids. The treatment was generally well tolerated, with minimal decline in forced expiratory volume.
Research found that babies who used newer-style walkers with large trays took longer to sit upright, crawl, and walk compared to those who didn't use walkers. These delays were attributed to the restricted visual feedback from seeing their moving legs.