Researchers at University College London have developed a novel approach to determine the melting temperature of iron at high pressures, allowing them to estimate the Earth's core temperature. This breakthrough has significant implications for understanding earthquakes, volcanoes, and the Earth's magnetic field.
The American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists has premiered an online database of the abstracts to be presented at the upcoming annual meeting. The database includes all invited and contributed paper abstracts, with a unique personal itinerary feature allowing attendees to plan their meetings.
A new watershed model, GISWA, can help predict the effects of forest practices on watersheds and wildlife habitat. The model simulates hydrologic conditions at thousands of locations within a single watershed to provide a detailed representation of water movement.
Researchers found that transmyocardial laser revascularization (TMR) improves angina by at least 2 classes in 72% of patients, while also increasing myocardial perfusion by 20%. TMR safely and effectively improved heart function over a 12-month period, driving its use with difficult bypass and angioplasty procedures.
A common intestinal parasite has rewritten the understanding of hemoglobin's evolution and role in nature. The parasite reveals that hemoglobin evolved primarily to handle nitric oxide rather than oxygen.
A robotic caterpillar, Moccasin II, has been developed to navigate through gas, water, and sewerage pipes in buildings damaged by earthquakes or explosions. The robot can successfully navigate multiple 90-degree bends and is equipped with lights, a video camera, and microphones to detect survivors.
New research in Conservation Biology found that fragmented rainforests can lose biodiversity for a century. The study, led by Thomas Brooks, suggests that conserving the most-recently isolated fragments will save the greatest number of species from extinction.
Biologists at Cornell University and Max Planck Institute found that Daphnia crustaceans can evolve quickly to cope with polluted water. The study showed that these tiny crustaceans adapted to handle less nutritious food, becoming a natural control for toxic cyanobacteria in Lake Constance.
Researchers found that women with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations have a 40% risk of local recurrence and developing new tumors, making breast-conserving therapy less optimal. The study suggests that mastectomy may be a more suitable treatment option for these women to reduce the risk of recurrent disease.
Researchers propose hormonal function change led to unique larval stage innovation, allowing population explosion among insect groups. Insects with complete metamorphosis have diverse habitats and food sources due to the lack of competition between juveniles and adults.
Researchers will collect snow samples from Illimani and Sajama mountains to understand the impact of El Nino and La Nina on precipitation patterns. The team's goal is to analyze climate conditions over the past two years using sophisticated chemical analyses of snow samples.
The study found elevated levels of DDE and mercury in bald eagle eggs on Kiska Island, but not on other islands. Seabirds are thought to be the major source of contamination due to their diet rich in fish from contaminated water.
A study by Anthony Ricciardi and Joseph Rasmussen reveals freshwater species are dying out five times faster than terrestrial species. At this rate, many at-risk species will disappear within the next century, with non-native species and dams identified as major threats.
A new device called the chaos mirror is invented to improve infrared networking technology in crowded offices. It uses a box enclosing seven highly reflective surfaces to split narrow incoming beams into a widely spread array of reflected beams, vastly increasing the chances of beam finding its target.
A new device measures macular pigment to study its correlation with macular degeneration, the leading cause of blindness. The portable device uses LEDs and takes about 10 minutes to measure a patient's macular pigment levels.
Researchers found moose pregnancy rates fell from 90% in 1966 to 75% today, indicating limited food availability. The abundance of willows limits the number of moose, not wolves and grizzly bears, according to the study.
New research predicts that up to half of African primate species could go extinct within decades due to habitat loss. The study suggests an 'extinction debt' has been incurred as a result of widespread deforestation in Africa.
Researchers found that patients who previously received hormone therapy with tamoxifen, had no prior chemotherapy, and had limited metastases were more likely to live longer after high-dose chemotherapy with transplant. This study suggests that closely monitoring high-risk patients can improve treatment outcomes.
Ernie Croot, a graduate of Centre College, solved the problem, showing there will always be some way to find one of these special sets. The solution has connections with deep questions in theoretical computer science.
A Wake Forest University study found that soy high in isoflavones can dramatically lower LDL cholesterol levels by up to 10% and total cholesterol by up to 9%. The study also showed a dose-response relationship between isoflavone content and cholesterol-lowering effects.
Scientists created a new mouse strain with a genetic deletion that affects stress hormones and behavior. The mice exhibit anxiety-like behavior consistently, not just in response to external stimuli, offering insights into the role of CRH-binding protein in depression and anxiety disorders.
A team of researchers has identified several chemical compounds that can prevent HIV from fusing with human cells, a crucial step in the viral infection process. By targeting the gp41 protein, these compounds may provide a new avenue for treating HIV and potentially other viruses.
Researchers at Duke University discovered that cancer gene c-Abl triggers the internal framework of cells, building nerve cells and aiding movement. Altering levels of growth factors and Src protein revealed c-Abl's normal function.
Researchers at the UK College of Medicine are developing a technology to deliver drugs directly into brain tissue to treat Parkinson's disease. The team plans to use a modified Medtronic pump to deliver GDNF, a protein that has shown promise in protecting dopaminergic neurons in preclinical studies.
Researchers have successfully engineered cardiac tissue, a crucial step towards repairing damaged heart tissue and testing new drugs. The team characterized the tissues' structural and electrical properties, identifying key parameters for growth and development.
A pan-European study found that type 2 diabetes in Europe is a significant healthcare burden, with total costs exceeding €29 billion and average individual costs more than double those of the general population. Preventing long-term complications through urgent action is crucial to reducing these costs.
New data confirm Relenza's effectiveness in targeting viral replication and reducing complications in patients with influenza B. High concentrations of the drug in the lungs also reduce the risk of resistance development.
Research highlights potential causes of autoimmune diseases, including prenatal exposure to environmental chemicals and certain dietary factors. Studies also explore links between ultraviolet radiation, stress, and exposure to heavy metals.
Researchers found that rosiglitazone treatment improved glycaemic control and reduced risk factors for coronary heart disease in patients with type 2 diabetes. The medication also showed promise in reducing protein excretion and triglycerides, while improving lipid profiles.
A study of 46 Internet sites selling prescription drugs found that only five revealed their locations, while nine sites sold medications without a physician's prescription. The researchers also found that online doctor consultations cost more than in-person visits, and some popular drugs were sold at higher prices online.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse has launched a $55 million clinical trials network to rapidly test promising treatments for drug addiction. The network, which will consist of 20-30 regional research centers, aims to bridge the gap between research and practice by partnering with community-based treatment programs.
Rosiglitazone reduces insulin resistance by 33% and improves pancreatic function in individuals with type 2 diabetes. The treatment also reduces insulin levels in the blood, potentially alleviating the need for regular insulin injections.
A study has identified perchlorate in fertilizers, a chemical compound suspected of adverse health effects. The findings suggest that fertilizers could be a source for perchlorate accumulation in the food chain, posing risks to human health and ecosystems.
Researchers at MGH discovered TGF-beta-1 inhibits blood vessel growth associated with metastatic gallbladder cancer. The study's results may lead to anti-angiogenesis agents for cancer treatment.
A groundbreaking study reveals differences in the human brain's neural architecture compared to apes and monkeys. Researchers found a uniquely human feature in the magnocellular pathway of the primary visual cortex, which may help understand diseases like dyslexia.
Studies suggest that involving individuals with diabetes in their care can improve quality of life and reduce complications. The results highlight the importance of patient education and empowering patients to make informed treatment choices.
A study by Harvard Medical School found that elderly patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) covered by non-profit health maintenance organizations (HMOs) received higher use of lifesaving therapy and emergency transportation compared to those with fee-for-service insurance. HMOs improved access to timely urgent care, particula...
Researchers at UB used a fluorescent probe to track the uptake of AN-152, a cancer drug linked to a peptide hormone carrier, by human breast-cancer cells. The study provides evidence that AN-152 directly enters cancer cells, accumulates in the nucleus and associates with chromosomes.
The University of Michigan School of Public Health is leading a $12.5 million project to improve the quality of life for children with asthma. The initiative aims to establish local coalitions that implement programs reducing hospital stays, emergency room visits, and enhancing asthma management. Faculty from U-M's asthma research team...
A Cornell University study of over 1,700 six- and seven-year-olds found that single mothers' education levels were more important than family income for their children's math, reading, and vocabulary scores. Strong links between a mother's ability level and her child's academic performance were seen in white, black, and Hispanic families.
New research from UCSF reveals that HIV patients with high CD4+ counts are still at risk of opportunistic infections such as CMV retinitis. The studies found a relationship between the effectiveness of anti-CMV therapy and HAART, highlighting the need for careful consideration in treatment strategies.
The Microbe-Mineral Group at Virginia Tech aims to discover conditions under which microbes release nutrients or contaminants from mineral surfaces. Researchers hope to advance bioremediation and control unwanted releases of phosphorus and other minerals.
The Max Planck Institute for Gravitational Physics has released the public beta of the Cactus Computational Toolkit 4.0, a collaborative environment for solving partial differential equations in physics and engineering. The toolkit allows individual scientists to plug their own computing applications into a modular framework, enabling ...
A study suggests that frequent dental visits can eliminate gingival overgrowth recurrence in patients taking nifedipine for high blood pressure. This regimen significantly reduces gum swelling and associated health risks.
Researchers found that increasing humus content can increase quinoline's movement to groundwater, but mineral interactions play a key role. The study suggests that strongly bound pollutants may still be broken down by microorganisms.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison has launched a Center for the Study of Mind-Body Interaction to investigate how emotions affect physical health. The center will focus on five projects, including examining resilience in older women and the impact of meditation on brain activity.
A recent study published in Nature Medicine has found that gamma/delta T cells are essential for regulating airway hyperresponsiveness, which is characterized by an exaggerated response to stimuli. The research suggests that these cells have a suppressive effect on airway constriction and may be a key target for future treatments.
Researchers have identified 15 M. tuberculosis genes expressed only when the bacteria are growing in macrophages, key disease-fighting cells. These genes play important roles in pathogen metabolism, propagation and self-protection, potentially leading to new drug targets or vaccines.
Researchers have identified 109 mariner elements in the human genome, which may contribute to genetic disorders such as Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease and hereditary neuropathy. The study's findings suggest that mariner transposons could be a hotspot for genetic change and error.
Researchers at University of Washington found that couples who later divorced displayed significantly more negative emotions and words in their initial discussions compared to those who stayed married. The study suggests that learning how to soften one's approach and improve emotional connectedness can help prevent divorce.
Recent studies have found that high cortisol levels might be a cause of depression, potentially leading to new antidepressant drug strategies. Cortisol-lowering drugs have shown promise in reducing depressive symptoms, especially in patients with high cortisol levels.
Outbreaks of toxic Pfiesteria microorganisms in recreational waterways can have significant impacts on summer tourism and seafood sales. According to a survey of 3,500 coastal residents, a Pfiesteria outbreak could reduce tourism by at least 40% and lead to nearly two-thirds of respondents eating less locally harvested seafood. Consume...
The University of Maryland School of Medicine will receive $24 million over six years from Novartis Pharma AG to discover new treatments for schizophrenia. The partnership aims to find ways to treat patients with 'negative' symptoms, which are limited in emotional expression and social functioning.
The consortium aims to collect medical information and genetic material from 400 families nationwide with AS to identify additional genes associated with its pathogenesis. Researchers will conduct genome-wide searches and map genes linked to AS outside of the MHC.
Scientists have found that the gene order in Arabidopsis, a model eudicot, is not preserved in rice, a model monocot. This discovery reveals an evolutionary divide between dicots and monocots, cautioning against using Arabidopsis genome for understanding cereal crops like rice and wheat.
Researchers at Michigan Technological University found that metal contaminants in Lake Superior sediments primarily come from native ore deposits, not atmospheric sources. High concentrations of mercury were detected, associated with copper and silver deposits.
Researchers have successfully sequenced human chromosome 17 using a microdevice fabricated from glass wafers, demonstrating a bright future for convenient and low-cost sequencing machines. The device holds 500 sequencing machines on a single chip, making it a significant breakthrough in DNA sequencing technology.
A study found that despite comprehensive treatment, four patients became infected with HIV at least six months after initial exposure due to ongoing contact with infected partners. Counseling strategies targeting misconceptions about transmission are crucial to preventing future infections.
Researchers at Yale University have found that healthy bullfrog tadpoles can distinguish the odors given off by infected animals and keep their distance. This ability may be widespread among animals, enabling them to avoid diseases and reducing the spread of infection.
A new method enables cheap and simple manufacture of customized DNA chips, revolutionizing genetic analysis and research. This technology can help diagnose genetic diseases and accelerate drug discovery, while reducing production costs.