Armstrong's groundbreaking work elucidated the physical processes underlying electrical signaling in and between cells. His research has contributed significantly to our understanding of ion channels and their role in transmitting nerve impulses, with implications for drug development and treatment of various diseases.
Scientists at Millennium and the Whitehead Institute discovered a novel protein FATP4 that plays a role in transporting fatty acid molecules from the intestine into the body. Inhibiting its function may provide new approaches to treating obesity.
A study by OHSU researchers found improved quality of care to be the major factor behind declining hospital mortality rates for heart failure patients in Oregon. The study analyzed data from 1991-1995 and concluded that better treatment and care were key contributors to the lower death rate.
Researchers aim to uncover principles of coordinated group motion and apply them to designing autonomous underwater or airborne robots. They will create a database recording fish school movements and test robotic versions of biological models.
A Cornell University research team led by Paulette Clancy is developing novel semiconducting materials using polymers, which could lead to cheaper and more portable 'throwaway electronics.' The project aims to create new materials for light-emitting diode displays and flexible laptop screens.
Researchers found that atovaquone was 100% effective in keeping volunteers bitten by mosquitoes carrying Plasmodium falciparum from developing the disease. Pairing atovaquone with proguanil, an older malaria-fighting drug, provides protection while avoiding drug resistance.
Scientists at OHSU have discovered a mechanism in the brain that controls weight, named the adipostat, which acts as a fat thermostat. The discovery could lead to medications that help regulate patient weight and prevent excessive caloric intake.
Scientists are working on developing new technologies to store, access, and search large volumes of data. The team aims to improve data management for next-generation science projects like the Sloan Digital Sky Survey, which will produce 40 terabytes of data.
Researchers are developing tiny, chip-based laboratories to speed up the search for new medicines by analyzing thousands of compounds simultaneously. This microscale analysis will enable faster, more cost-effective discovery in the fields of materials science and chemistry.
A team of researchers has produced high-resolution images of a complete ribosome complex using the Advanced Light Source (ALS), revealing more about its structure than previous observations. The new crystallographic images provide insights into how transfer RNA interacts with the ribosome and the molecular mechanisms of protein synthesis.
Research suggests that maternal depression may alter frontal brain activity associated with positive emotions in infants. The study found that infants of depressed mothers exhibited less left frontal EEG activity compared to right frontal EEG activity, indicating a potential impact on emotional processing.
Researchers will compare surgical and nonsurgical treatments for herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and degenerative spondylolisthesis in a 5-year study. The study aims to determine the relative effectiveness of these treatment approaches in improving health-related quality of life and reducing resource use.
A study of 1,037 inner-city boys found that those with behavioral problems in kindergarten became better adjusted as they grew older. High levels of hyperactive behavior were not linked to increased risk of juvenile delinquency.
Researchers at UCSF have identified a protein enzyme that plays a key role in pain signaling, suggesting a possible target for broad-based pain therapy. The finding applies to inflammatory pain syndromes, such as arthritis and colitis, and has potential implications for post-operative pain relief.
Millions of patients mix prescription medicines with alternative therapies without informing their doctors, raising concerns about herb-drug interactions. Studies have shown that herbs like St. John's wort and ginkgo can be effective in treating depression, anxiety, and memory problems, but may also cause side effects.
Researchers found a gene crucial for roundworm mating strongly resembles a gene involved in human polycystic kidney disease. The study uses Caenorhabditis elegans to understand the role of genes controlling reproductive behaviors, potentially shedding light on PKD1's function and its connection to kidney disease.
Researchers found that consuming water-rich foods instead of drinking water before meals can curb appetite and reduce calorie consumption. Foods high in water content, such as vegetables and soups, provide a sense of fullness while reducing energy density.
Research reveals striking increase in CD8 memory cells among HIV-positive teens, highlighting differences between male and female populations. The study provides a foundation for understanding adolescent immunity during HIV infection.
Researchers at UCSC have obtained detailed images of the complete structure of the ribosome, a tiny molecular machine responsible for translating genetic code and synthesizing proteins. The new images show how different parts of the ribosome interact with each other and with molecules involved in protein synthesis.
Researchers found that losing function of one copy of the PTEN tumor suppressor gene can lead to chronic fatal conditions, including cancer and autoimmune diseases. The study showed that this disruption allows white blood cells to accumulate unchecked and attack their own organs.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have identified casein kinase I (CKI) as a novel component of the Wnt-signaling cascade, essential for proper animal development. The discovery may lead to new approaches for influencing developmental processes and developing cancer treatments.
Researchers found that girls with close relationships with their fathers tend to develop later, while those with cold or distant relationships develop earlier. The quality of fathers' involvement is the most important factor in early family environment related to daughters' puberty timing.
The BioSimMER VR application simulates a 3D computer-simulated setting where emergency personnel practice responding to biological warfare agent attacks. By engaging rescuers' senses and decision-making abilities, the tool helps them make better decisions in real-life emergencies.
Researchers from HHMI at Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School discovered that stem cells can deliver therapeutic genes to diseased organs, potentially remodeling genetically defective tissues. The study suggests that adult stem cells may be manipulated to heal genetic defects in various organs and tissues.
A leading forensic toxicologist suggests that cocaine abuse may be behind some deaths in custody, rather than police brutality. The expert's neurochemical test detects a unique brain signature associated with excited delirium (ED), which can cause sudden death due to cardiac arrest.
Researchers found that interventions with peers grouped together often worsen adolescent problem behavior, leading to increased delinquency and substance abuse. Training adolescents to give up destructive behaviors seems ineffective when several group members have a tendency toward these behaviors.
Historically black colleges and universities are partnering with high-tech research-intensive universities for $1 million environmental health grants. The program, called ARCH, aims to strengthen research capabilities at minority-serving institutions, enabling them to conduct competitive research in environmental health sciences.
A report on a June 15 earthquake in Mexico highlights the need for enforcing special seismic design standards for critical buildings like schools, hospitals, and fire stations. The study found that these buildings are often constructed with heavier materials than recommended, increasing the risk of damage during earthquakes.
Researchers found that treating small, asymptomatic, unruptured cerebral aneurysms may increase health risks and death. The study's complex analysis suggested that in some cases, aneurysm treatment is unnecessary, highlighting the need for personalized care.
Richard M. Amasino, a plant molecular biologist at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, has been awarded the 1999 Alexander von Humboldt Award for his groundbreaking research on flowering time and senescence in plants. His discoveries have significant implications for agriculture, with potential to improve crop yields and resistance.
Astronomers believe that megaflares produced by tangled magnetic fields on a star and its planet might help identify distant Sun-like stars with planetary systems. This phenomenon could provide energy for the development of life on rocky planets, making it a promising area to search for extraterrestrial life.
Research indicates the Indian Ocean has its own El Niño-like phenomenon characterized by an east-to-west oscillation of warm waters affecting other parts of the world. The study found significant warming of the western portion of the Indian Ocean in 16 out of 48 years between 1950 and 1998, but only three were active El Niño years.
Scientists have found a possible way to induce new blood vessels without gene therapy, by lowering an individual's heart rate, according to a University of Iowa Health Care study.
A new study forecasts movie performance for domestic and international markets using a Bayesian model that examines information like star quality, past film performance, and screen numbers. The model provides accurate updates as sales figures come in to help plan better marketing activities.
A UK study found that breast-feeding significantly boosts cognitive development in babies, with benefits seen as early as 6 months and sustained through 15 years of age. The study analyzed data from 20 published reports and found that breast milk provides essential nutrients required for rapid brain development.
A simple cooling system can significantly reduce fuel vapour formation in aircraft tanks, minimizing the risk of explosion. The Polarjet system cools fuel to -1°C or below, reducing hydrocarbon vapours and oxygen levels, making planes safer without expensive modifications.
A recent study highlights the dangers of communications towers for migrating birds, which mistake tower lights for the moon and collide with structures. The Cornell University meeting brought together experts to discuss solutions, including co-location rules and reduced lighting in tall buildings.
A new Implantable Pulse Generator (IPG) device has been developed to help patients with paralyzed vocal folds breathe on their own. The device was recently implanted in a Missouri woman, who was able to have her tracheotomy tube removed after 18 months of successful ventilation.
A new study published in Health Psychology contradicts long-held notions about the connection between breast cancer and psychological factors. The researchers found modest associations with certain psychosocial factors, but emphasized that biology remains the primary factor in breast cancer development.
A new clinical trial confirms zaleplon's safety and tolerability for the long-term treatment of insomnia, lasting up to 12 months. The medication showed no withdrawal symptoms upon discontinuation, making it a good option for chronic insomnia sufferers.
A recent study found that only 11% of young adults use condoms solely for AIDS prevention, while 41% use them exclusively for pregnancy prevention. The majority (48%) use condoms for both purposes, indicating a pragmatic approach to risk reduction.
A nursing intervention program involving weekly telephone calls with nurses improves cancer patients' ability to manage symptoms, communicate concerns, and advocate for their own care. The program also benefits family caregivers, reducing time spent on managing side effects and improving quality of life.
A study by Rockefeller and Aaron Diamond researchers found that about one in six patients with the AIDS virus carried a strain resistant to at least one drug. The researchers recommend exploring the prevalence of this resistance and considering therapy structured around HIV-resistance testing to improve treatment effectiveness.
A study published in the Journal of Comparative Neurology found that moderate fetal alcohol exposure can cause the corpus callosum to be larger than normal, contradicting previous research. This could have significant implications for our understanding of fetal alcohol syndrome and its effects on brain development.
A study by Ohio State University researchers found that Washington D.C. is the most internet-accessible city in the United States, with high-ranking cities in the West and Northeast performing well. Cities with more connections to commercial-Internet backbones were rated as more accessible.
A trio of Temple University computer scientists develop a framework to provide wide-ranging IT education to non-computer science majors. The project aims to change attitudes toward technology and foster second-level courses across various disciplines.
Researchers found physicians who provided validation and confirmed patients' worth had a positive impact on those abused. Validation messages, such as 'battering is wrong', helped women realize the seriousness of their situation and move toward safety.
A meta-analysis of 37 cardiac rehabilitation studies shows significant positive effects on blood pressure, cholesterol and physical exercise. Rehabilitation programs can help patients change risk behaviors and improve their quality of life.
Research shows that moderate levels of worry about breast cancer motivate women to get screened, but high levels may inhibit use. Educational programs that focus on raising worry and fear alone may not be effective without an action plan.
A new study found that adolescents' beliefs about refraining from sex, positive views on abstinence, and self-efficacy significantly influence whether they delay or rush into their first sexual experience. The research also revealed a strong association between early first intercourse and parental education levels.
The American Psychiatric Association's 1999 Fall Components Meeting tackled significant psychiatric topics such as Psychiatric Aspects on Violence, Psychiatric Dimensions of Disasters, and Addiction Psychiatry. The meeting brought together over 1,000 leading psychiatric experts to discuss these critical issues.
A study of 232 rheumatology patients found nearly half used alternative treatments and discussed them with physicians, highlighting the need for physician inquiry. Additionally, a single dose of azithromycin prevents syphilis in exposed individuals, while flu vaccinations benefit HIV-infected patients.
Fire ant attacks have been reported in US healthcare facilities and homes, resulting in severe medical complications, including death. The medical complications of fire ant stings can range from mild irritation to death from a generalized allergic reaction, depending on the number of stings and the physical condition of the victim.
A study of 318 men found that high levels of stress and low social support are associated with higher levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in the blood, a marker for prostate cancer. The research suggests that psychosocial factors may promote prostate disease through direct physiological pathways.
A study by the Georgia Institute of Technology found that the cost of applying for air emissions permits under new national regulations is lower than industry estimates. The survey of 500 U.S. manufacturers revealed that companies spent an average of $113 per employee to apply for permits, with total estimated costs of approximately $1...
Researchers at the University at Buffalo have found that melatonin speeds up bone formation and increases production of bone matrix proteins, suggesting a potential link to osteoporosis prevention. The study used mouse and rat cells to demonstrate the role of melatonin in promoting bone growth.
Researchers at University of Michigan have developed a new isotope-separation process using an ultrapowerful laser system that can deliver up to 1000 times more power than the entire electrical generating capability of the US. This technique provides a futuristic alternative to bulky methods and opens possibilities for preparing medica...
Research finds that mothers with unwanted births experience depression, unhappiness, and lower quality relationships with their children. These effects persist throughout the children's lives, impacting all family members.
A new study found that workplace substance use has significant negative consequences for employees, including morale problems, increased injury risk, and poor communication. The researchers developed a team-oriented training to help work groups address co-worker substance use and promote employee well-being.
A study by Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center found that early discharge for full-term, Medicaid newborns in Ohio did not result in increased rehospitalization rates. In fact, rehospitalizations decreased 23% due to better post-discharge coordination of care.