Scientists at UNC Chapel Hill study found that a protein called adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) helps destroy another protein, beta catenin, which can lead to cell proliferation and tumor formation if disrupted. Understanding this pathway may help block tumor development in humans.
A new study found Smart Start programs significantly improve North Carolina children's thinking and language skills compared to non-participating children. The program's effectiveness was linked to direct classroom quality assistance, while other types of support had little impact on school readiness.
A study of over 7,000 people found that job complexity affects substance use, with those in complex jobs using more substances and those in simpler jobs using less. The researchers suggest assessing workers' cognitive abilities and reassigning or restructuring jobs to match their skills.
A University of Iowa-led study found that women with Stage I breast cancer who did not receive axillary node dissections had significantly worse 10-year survival rates compared to those who underwent the procedure. The analysis suggests that many women with early-stage disease are not receiving this crucial treatment, which may impact ...
Researchers at INEEL are developing a method to trap strontium-90 in calcite crystal, effectively removing it from groundwater. By stimulating naturally occurring bacteria to hydrolyze urea, they aim to increase the pH and facilitate mineral formation.
A new Cornell University study suggests that without democratic population-control practices and resource-management policies, the world's 2 billion people will face a difficult life by 2100. The report predicts an optimal population of 2 billion, with a standard of living about half that of the United States in the 1990s.
A study found that adolescents emulate their parents' overall health-risk lifestyle and adopt specific behaviors. Parents' health-risk behaviors are linked to their children's adoption of similar habits.
The discovery of a new tomb at Teotihuacan's Pyramid of the Moon has provided critical evidence for reconstructing the city's 2,000-year-old history. The tomb contains human skeletons, animal bones, and offerings that differ from previous discoveries, suggesting a significant cultural shift between two phases of pyramid construction.
Scientists have pinpointed a protein called plethodontid receptivity factor (PRF) that directly influences female receptivity in salamanders, shortening the courtship time by 15%,. This discovery highlights the importance of pheromones in survival and provides insights into the evolution and mechanism of action of these complex chemicals.
Researchers found that aged varnish molecules contribute to the typical yellow discoloration of old-master paintings. The study suggests that larger molecules in the varnish layer are harder to dissolve during restoration processes.
Researchers find geochemical signature in iron indicative of life, allowing for tracing of microbial populations across time and space. The technique could help resolve disputes about past life on Mars and provide insight into the evolution of life on Earth.
A new material featuring 'buckyball shards' has shown promise for chemical separations, suggesting a cheaper method for generating enriched oxygen and nitrogen. The material could be useful for the biotechnology industry to concentrate proteins in watery broths.
The US dietary supplement market is projected to reach $14 billion in 2000, with most supplements being unregulated. Dr. Steven H. Zeisel proposes creating a special 'nutraceuticals' category for regulated supplements that deliver concentrated forms of bioactive agents beyond food levels.
Researchers have identified a genetic mutation associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer in African-American and Latino men, with a five times greater risk compared to those without the mutation. The mutation affects the enzyme steroid 5a-reductase, leading to increased production of dihydrotestosterone, a potent form of tes...
Researchers at Wistar Institute find parallels between PRD1 and human adenovirus coat protein structures, suggesting an evolutionary relationship. The discovery may lead to new research areas and therapies.
Sulindac has been shown to cause the regression of benign colon polyps, helping prevent colon cancer development. The drug inhibits cancer cell growth by promoting programmed cell death and preventing NF-kB activation.
Researchers have developed a new pain observation scale called APocis, allowing healthcare professionals to accurately assess pain levels in young children. The scale records seven types of behavior related to pain, enabling doctors and nurses to determine the level of medication needed for effective pain management.
Two newly identified metabolites of the gasoline additive MTBE have been found in human urine samples. These findings suggest that humans are exposed to MTBE and its byproducts through inhalation, and that further research is needed to understand their impact on human health.
Researchers at Oregon State University have discovered a male pheromone that calms female salamanders during courtship, making them more receptive to mating. The study highlights the complex role of pheromones in animal behavior and suggests potential applications in human reproduction.
Researchers investigated how two proteins, Nodal and Pitx2, direct organ growth in mice, finding that Pitx2 plays a crucial role in determining lung leftness. The study also showed that a single transcription factor does not account for the entire left-right asymmetry in humans, highlighting the need for further research.
Researchers at the University of Washington have found that amiodarone can save lives in patients who do not respond to defibrillation, improving resuscitation rates by nearly 30% compared to standard treatments. The drug showed particular benefits for women and those treated late in the course of resuscitation.
Researchers found Yersinia pestis uses a protein called YopJ to cut off cellular communication, disrupting immune response and killing the host. Understanding this mechanism could have important implications in medicine, particularly for cancer and immune-related diseases.
The MESA facility will join Sandia's expertise in weapon design and high-speed computing to create immersive environments for designing non-nuclear components of nuclear weapons. The project aims to reduce the likelihood of malfunction, making devices more difficult to destroy on impact.
A new study from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute finds that systolic blood pressure is more accurate than diastolic pressure in identifying patients with hypertension. The study suggests that future treatment guidelines may emphasize systolic pressure, which correctly classified nearly 96% of patients.
The new process uses a terawatt laser to deliver incredible energies in femtoseconds, sorting isotopes by molecular weight. This breakthrough eliminates the need for huge electro-magnets and cross-contaminated byproducts, making it an efficient alternative to gaseous diffusion.
Sandia National Laboratories is showcasing cutting-edge MicroElectricalMechanical Systems (MEMs) innovations at the Santa Clara show. The technology has vast applications in medical treatment, anti-terrorism, and engineering systems, with potential annual market value of $100 billion by 2030.
Researchers found that organic particles increase cloud droplet formation, making clouds more reflective of sunlight. This results in a 20% increase in droplets and a 6% reduction in droplet size, leading to a 1% decrease in Earth's temperature, potentially offsetting climate warming effects
A new research study found that animals fed a blueberry extract diet showed fewer age-related motor changes and outperformed their counterparts on memory tests. The antioxidants in blueberries may help protect the body against oxidative stress, a process implicated in aging and neurodegenerative diseases.
Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories have proposed a concept for rapid-fire thermonuclear explosions to generate clean fusion energy, using recyclable transmission lines and minimizing chamber emptying. The method aims to advance the development of machines like Z accelerator for relatively cheap and clean energy.
Researchers have successfully engineered CD4+ T cells to carry a fluorescent marker, allowing for the first time the tracking of autoimmune cells in vivo. The technique enables the study of physiological processes and inflammatory diseases, opening new avenues for therapeutic approaches.
Researchers at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center found that cancer tumors acquire and retain large amounts of vitamin C. This discovery highlights the nutritional needs of tumors, similar to healthy cells. Further studies are needed to determine how tumor cells utilize vitamin C once it is acquired.
Scientists at Johns Hopkins University discovered that the brain chemical nitric oxide makes female mice more aggressive when defending their pups, while reducing aggression in male mice. The study also found that brain cells producing citrulline significantly correlated with female mouse aggressiveness.
Researchers found that six HIV-infected patients who stopped taking antiviral drugs yet continued to suppress HIV replication had strong immune responses. The study suggests that temporarily discontinuing drugs may help maintain the virus at a low level, paving the way for vaccine development.
Researchers have identified two brain chemicals, delta-FosB and GluR2, as major contributors to the addiction process. The study found that delta-FosB increases sensitivity to cocaine reward by activating genes involved in glutamate receptors, leading to compulsive behavior.
A recent study suggests that teens from low-SES neighborhoods with higher educated parents exhibit reduced blood pressure responses to stress. This finding reinforces the importance of education in mitigating health risks for adolescents.
Scientists at Vanderbilt University Medical Center have identified a new target for drugs that inhibit tumor angiogenesis. Thromboxane A2 receptor antagonists show promise in blocking endothelial cell migration and preventing blood vessel formation associated with tumors.
Clemson University engineers are deploying mobile data-acquisition platforms, called 'wind towers,' to measure wind speed and direction in the path of Hurricane Floyd. The goal is to provide accurate ground-level data to help develop design bases for hurricane-resistant homes.
A new study found that heavy alcohol consumption initiates free-radical mediated processes associated with heart disease, stroke, cirrhosis of the liver, and other chronic diseases. Vitamin C may help quell this activity, potentially limiting organ injury.
Researchers have found a potential link between leptin and high blood pressure in a study of over 300 healthy adults. Higher levels of leptin were associated with higher diastolic blood pressure, suggesting that leptin may play a role in regulating blood pressure.
Dennis L. Goeckel, an assistant professor of electrical engineering at the University of Massachusetts, has received a $200,000 grant from the National Science Foundation to continue his research on high-speed wireless communication. He uses mathematical models to optimize signals and improve reception quality.
Researchers discover microbes convert saturated hydrocarbon hexadecane to methane and carbon dioxide, leading to potential methane formation in old sediments. This process, known as microbial hydrocarbon 'cracking,' sheds light on slow yet globally relevant microbial processes in deep subsurface environments.
NASA will unveil its future space transportation goals and programs at Space Transportation Day '99, aiming to lower launch costs and make interplanetary exploration feasible. The conference will cover various projects, including X-33 and X-34 rocket planes, as well as technologies for safer and more reliable operations.
A new study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology reveals that low to moderate lead levels during pregnancy can increase the risk of spontaneous abortion. The research, conducted in Mexico City from 1994 to 1996, found that the risk nearly doubles for every five micrograms of lead per deciliter of blood.
Researchers used supercomputer simulations to test two competing scenarios explaining high-redshift galaxies. The collisional starburst scenario, which suggests small galaxies trigger intense bursts of star formation, received strong support from the simulation results.
The National Science Foundation's high-tech national supercomputer grid will be used in education, outreach, and training. Hands-on demonstrations of cutting-edge research and educational learning environments will be showcased at the conference.
A team of international researchers has identified the gene responsible for congenital generalized lipodystrophy, a severe form of lipodystrophy characterized by selective loss of body fat from birth. The discovery is expected to provide insights into common obesity and metabolic disorders.
Scientists at Oregon Health & Science University have discovered a naturally occurring protein, herstatin, that inhibits the functions of the HER-2 oncogene, a major factor in breast and other cancers. Herstatin blocks the HER-2 signaling activity that causes tumor cells to grow, ultimately killing those cells.
Research reveals US adolescents are physically inactive, with minorities facing greater health risks from being overweight. The study found girls, especially older ones, tend to be least active, while programs targeting minority adolescents could help mitigate these risks.
A new study reveals that genetic changes caused by atherosclerosis may be the reason why estrogen does not provide preventative effect against heart disease. Researchers found evidence of DNA methylation, which prevents the formation of estrogen receptors in cardiovascular tissue.
Researchers identified two gene variants that may govern the body's ability to regulate levels of an enzyme called renal kallikrein, which can affect salt and water balance. The study found that variations in the human tissue kallikrein gene are associated with higher blood pressure in African Americans.
The Geological Society of America 1999 Annual Meeting features sessions on geological hazards, climate change, planetary science and Mars exploration. Keynote speakers will discuss the impact of earthquakes, greenhouse conditions and environmental consequences of impact events.
US cirrhosis mortality rates have increased and declined in tandem with hard liquor consumption, contrary to the expected association with beer and wine. The study found that excluding beer and wine from analysis revealed a strong correlation between hard liquor consumption and cirrhosis mortality trends.
A new multiplayer online game called The Turing Game is designed to differentiate imposters from truth-tellers by analyzing written communication. Players are asked questions about their personal characteristics, revealing how cultural markers affect a person's virtual identity.
Researchers are developing a self-healing computerized system to manage electricity distribution, leveraging fuzzy logic and machine learning to predict power needs and adjust accordingly. The system, called TELOS, aims to improve grid stability and reduce power failures.
The Wake Forest University School of Medicine has been awarded $400,000 for a new MicroPET scanner, which will enable researchers to conduct PET studies in nonhuman primates and rodents. The scanner's higher resolution allows for more detailed brain structure imaging.
A new study finds that depressed workers can be a significant drain on employers' resources, with worker absenteeism resulting in $17 billion a year in costs. Implementing mental health benefits and encouraging treatment could lead to a substantial increase in productivity and cost savings.
The Comprehensive Cancer Center at Cedars-Sinai has begun treating patients with a next-generation radiation therapy system that allows physicians to deliver precise, three-dimensional radiation treatments. This technology enables the delivery of full doses of radiation to tumors while protecting surrounding normal tissues.
A new study reveals that prenatal exposure to higher levels of testosterone in pregnant smokers may predispose their daughters to develop a smoking habit as they age. Researchers analyzed data from over 240 pairs of mothers and daughters, finding no correlation between prenatal nicotine levels and later smoking behavior.
A team of biophysicists introduces a new method in atomic force microscopy that maps not only topographic features but also the specifics of biochemistry on biological molecules. The technique, which attaches antibodies to microscope tips, allows for precise location of proteins and has extensive applications in biotechnology.
Two prominent entomologists warn that recent studies on genetically engineered crops have distorted the debate, potentially having profound consequences for science and public policy. The experts question the methodology used in these studies, particularly one claiming Bt corn kills monarch butterfly larvae in laboratory tests.