A team of scientists from Montana State University designed an experiment to study the role of gravity on infection-fighting white blood cells. The goal is to understand why astronauts are more vulnerable to infections in space and develop pharmaceuticals to boost immune responses.
A study published in Science found that European attitudes towards GM foods are driven by media coverage, with Europeans being more likely to view the technology as menacing or dangerous. In contrast, US citizens showed less skepticism due to higher science literacy and trust in regulatory agencies.
The University of Iowa is conducting a space shuttle experiment to study human cell growth and metabolism in space. The oxygen-sensing system developed by the university will be used to monitor oxygen levels and provide feedback control for optimal growth conditions.
Scientists discover that in complex systems like living cells, opposite charges don't always attract, but instead repel or separate into adhesive zones. This understanding can lead to designing new drug carriers and smart materials that respond to their environment.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have developed a new approach to bone marrow transplantation that prevents graft-versus-host disease by inactivating antigen-presenting cells. This technique targets T cell stimulation, reducing immune system suppression and potentially improving cancer treatment outcomes.
Researchers found that displaying aquariums in nursing homes reduced disruptive behaviors and improved eating habits among Alzheimer's patients. The tanks of brightly colored fish appeared to calm patients, increasing food consumption by up to 21 percent and decreasing behavioral issues such as wandering and aggression.
Researchers at Rockefeller University have developed a method to trigger a potent immune response in humans using mature dendritic cells, which lasts for months. The technique shows promise as a new way to fight cancers and chronic infections like HIV.
Researchers have discovered that movement of salt and liquid in and out of lung surface cells plays a central role in regulating the lungs' internal liquid coating. This finding confirms a theory of how lungs protect themselves and may suggest better ways of treating cystic fibrosis.
A follow-up study of the CATCH trial found that almost 4,000 eighth graders continued to practice healthy behaviors three years after elementary school lessons. The results suggest that schools can play a crucial role in helping youth establish habits that may prevent cardiovascular disease.
The Mangini Collection of 80,000 pages of documents chronicle R.J. Reynolds' struggle to hold onto market share as tobacco use declined, focusing on attracting young first-time smokers. The documents also reveal the company's efforts to refute findings that Joe Camel had a higher rate of recognition among schoolchildren than Mickey Mouse.
Biologists at the University at Buffalo discovered that the presence of a fertile female in the next nest can cause a male to stray, leaving his mate unguarded. The phenomenon is linked to local breeding synchrony, where multiple females lay eggs in the same area.
A new study finds that early aortic valve disease significantly increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, angina, and even death in older adults. The condition, known as aortic sclerosis, is associated with a 50% increase in risk of heart-related causes, even after adjusting for other factors.
The school will provide a comprehensive professional development program to expand problem-based learning into K-12 mathematics and science education. The program includes an intensive week-long institute for teachers, followed by bi-weekly sessions and material development.
Researchers discovered a new class of microstructured materials that self-assemble into flat, two-dimensional crystallites made from tiny plastic beads. Under the right conditions, these beads seem to defy the basic physical principle of oppositely charged objects attracting.
The Howard Hughes Medical Institute has awarded $12.7 million in grants to 35 biomedical research institutions across 25 states to support science education programs in local schools. The grants will fund innovative programs, including computer-networked DNA laboratories and mentoring programs for rural and inner-city youngsters.
A Kansas State University food microbiologist has developed a method to kill E. coli bacteria on meat using microwave and acid treatments. The approach involves dipping the meat in an 80 degrees Celsius solution of lactic acid for a few seconds, followed by short pulses of microwave treatment.
Researchers have discovered a new form of ehrlichiosis caused by Ehrlichia ewingii, previously known to infect dogs, in humans in Missouri and other states. The disease can be fatal if left untreated, causing symptoms similar to the flu, and can lead to serious liver and lung problems.
Researchers found that blocking VEGF can significantly increase the effectiveness of radiation therapy against various types of cancer. The combination of anti-VEGF and radiation resulted in greater tumor reduction and slowed re-growth, even with minimal added toxicity.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University found that damaged spinal cords can regenerate nerve fibers from transplanted adult nerve cells. The study suggests that scar tissue is the major obstacle to regeneration, and removing it may unlock a greater potential for nerve growth.
Researchers found neurons in parietal cortex that carry signals correlated with reward probability and amount, reflecting the value a monkey places on an action. This discovery reveals a viable biological alternative to the Cartesian reflex paradigm.
A multi-center study found that people infected with human T-lymphotropic virus type II (HTLV-II) are at a greater risk of acquiring bronchitis, bladder and kidney infections, oral herpes, and pneumonia. HTLV-II is primarily found in injection drug users and Amerindian tribes in South and Central America.
Researchers confirm presence of fullerenes in Allende meteorite, which could have played a role in early Earth's history and origin of life. The discovery provides insights into the formation of the solar nebula and presolar dust.
A UCSF report identifies three contributing factors to the problems facing allied and auxiliary workforce: market survival, flexible team members, and educators' skills preparation. The report recommends partnerships among health delivery organizations, workers, and educators to forge new approaches.
University of Michigan scientists have found that salicylate can prevent deafness in guinea pigs exposed to aminoglycoside antibiotics. The study suggests that moderate doses of aspirin could be effective in preventing hearing loss and damage caused by these antibiotics.
Researchers have detected fluorocarbon- and hydrocarbon-based surfactants in groundwater at military bases in Florida and Nevada. The presence of these surfactants poses concerns about their impact on human health and the environment, as they are resistant to degradation and may also contaminate other pollutants.
Jim Estes, a marine biologist with the USGS Western Ecological Research Center, will pursue research on restoring the Bering Sea and North Pacific ecosystem. He aims to provide information on how human effects manifest in the oceans, leading to drastic ecosystem changes.
BioServe will fly three bioprocessing payloads and industry experiments, including a National Institutes of Health experiment and two K-12 student outreach projects, on the space shuttle Columbia. The experiments focus on developing new wastewater treatments and improving techniques used to evaluate pharmaceutical compounds.
Research reveals that nectar robbing by bumble bees reduces pollen transfer and pollination success in the scarlet gilia plant. The study found that high robbing rates attract fewer pollinators, leading to decreased reproductive success.
Scientists at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory have created a new method to produce valuable industrial enzymes in plants, reducing costs and increasing efficiency. The process uses transgenic potato plants to generate cellulase enzymes, which can be used in various applications, including food processing and pharmaceuticals.
A study found that higher education levels are associated with more severe brain shrinkage in older adults, yet this does not lead to significant memory loss or cognitive impairment. The 'reserve hypothesis' suggests that education provides a protective effect against age-related mental decline.
A study found that African dust is a major factor affecting southeast U.S. air quality, with up to half of breathable particles in the air originating from Africa. The dust can push total airborne particles above the EPA's Clean Air Act limit on certain days.
A Massachusetts General Hospital study reveals that a majority of patients with unpaid bills were poor enough to qualify for state-sponsored free care or Medicaid. The study found that 84% of free-care patients and 78% of emergency bad debt patients had incomes below the federal poverty level.
A nationwide study is being launched in six US cities to determine the most effective HIV prevention counseling program. The study, called EXPLORE, will compare two behavior interventions: standard risk reduction counseling and a client-centered approach that focuses on personal decision-making.
Researchers have produced two blood factors that treat most patients with blood clotting disorders. The production of human blood proteins in plants eliminates disease transmission risk, making lifesaving treatments more accessible. This technology is expected to be 10 times cheaper than current methods and provides a stable production...
A new study found that women at high risk for breast cancer who are also anxious and lack self-control are less likely to get a mammogram. Researchers suggest problem-solving training may help address this issue among the most distressed women.
Researchers used imaging to 'movie' the interaction between a T cell and an antigen-presenting cell, revealing specific protein rearrangements that form an immunological synapse. This structure determines whether a T cell will respond to an antigen.
The USGS has successfully released captive-reared puaiohi birds into the wild, with four chicks having already fledged. This is a significant step towards the species' recovery, with biologists optimistic about re-establishing a self-sustaining population.
Phobic disorder significantly affects individuals with chronic diseases, hindering ongoing medical care. A study reveals that nearly half of those without regular medical care have active psychiatric disorders.
Coral reefs are experiencing extensive bleaching due to gradual warming of ocean temperatures. A new study found that heat damage to symbiotic algae is degrading their ability to convert light into utilizable energy. The damaged algae, including the D1 protein, impair photosynthesis and lead to coral expulsion.
A five-year study of female monkeys will examine how chronic, low-level stress affects brain function and may lead to depression. The research aims to understand why some individuals are more susceptible to depression than others and may provide insights into treating depression in humans.
A study found that reducing hostility in coronary heart disease patients leads to improved blood pressure and reduced risk of heart disease. The intervention, which included listening skills and techniques to avoid cynicism and anger, resulted in lower diastolic blood pressures among participants.
Daily contact from weight counselors can help dieters maintain consistency in tracking food intake, leading to better weight loss outcomes. The study found that increased therapist contact significantly improved participants' ability to avoid gaining weight during the holidays.
Researchers found that head trauma impairs brain cells' ability to detect and repair DNA damage, leading to weeks of prolonged cell death. The study suggests that the body's surveillance system breaks down after an injury, making it difficult for cells to recover.
The discovery of BLyS, a natural component of the immune system, holds promise for treating immune deficiency disorders, enhancing vaccine effectiveness, and targeting certain types of leukemia and lymphoma. The substance stimulates B cell growth and antibody production, addressing a long-standing puzzle about monocytes' role in the im...
A new study by researchers at UCLA found that pregnant women with positive psychological resources tend to have healthy-weight infants. The study, which analyzed data from 230 pregnant women, suggests that a woman's ability to adapt to the challenges of pregnancy is crucial to the outcome.
A new study suggests that hope plays a vital role in maintaining the health of HIV-positive men who have lost a loved one to AIDS. The researchers found that optimistic expectations and feelings of control over the disease are associated with a slower rate of progression of HIV-related illness.
A protein called PEDF has been shown to halt excessive blood vessel growth in the eye, potentially treating diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration. Researchers found that increasing PEDF levels could slow vision deterioration and prevent new vessels from overgrowing.
Researchers at University of Chicago discover that a single amino acid change in viral protein ICP0 prevents herpes virus from entering nervous system. The finding reveals a potential new target for herpes vaccines or future therapies.
A study of 1,504 pairs of parents and children found that enjoyment of physical education classes and family support were key factors in influencing levels of physical activity. The research highlights the need for schools to develop programs that maintain high participation and enjoyment throughout the school career.
Researchers have identified the molecule transported by Rim protein in photoreceptor cells, a key factor in the development of Stargardt's disease and age-related macular degeneration. By understanding this process, scientists may be able to develop new treatments to slow or prevent the progression of these diseases.
A new study found that women have limited knowledge of their mortality risks, particularly regarding heart disease and lung cancer. Women aged 55-74 were unaware of the deadliest cancer in this age group, while older women knew less about what kills them than other age groups.
Researchers at Technion-Israel Institute of Technology have discovered that small lasers can produce tiny optical vortices, also known as whirlpools of light, which could be used to transmit information at high speeds over long distances. The findings have practical applications in improving optical fiber communications and may also be...
According to the third annual Federal report on America's Children, infant, childhood, and adolescent death rates are down, as well as teen smoking, teen crime, and teen birth rates. However, most children and adolescents have poor or improving diets, with 12 percent having difficulty performing everyday activities.
Researchers found that CMV infection accelerates the progression of HIV in infants, leading to motor problems, stunted brain growth, pneumonia, and other symptoms of AIDS. The study sheds light on how viruses interact to cause disease and may lead to further understanding of why some individuals have a faster progression of HIV.
A study conducted by researchers at the University of Southern California found that regular exercise over a lifetime significantly reduces the risk of breast cancer in postmenopausal women. Women who maintained a relatively stable weight throughout their adulthood saw a 45-55% lower risk, with the greatest benefits seen when exercisin...
The Rush University Medical Center has launched a new NIH-funded program to train individuals in the fundamentals of clinical research. The program, which includes courses on biostatistics, epidemiology, and research ethics, aims to prepare individuals for careers in clinical research.
JHU/APL's MESSENGER spacecraft will be the first to visit Mercury in over three decades, gathering data on the planet's density, atmosphere, and magnetosphere. The $286 million mission has potential applications in industry beyond scientific research.
Researchers from the University of Delaware have developed a cheap and disposable biosensor using gold-on-plastic technology, which can detect targeted molecules in bodily fluids with high accuracy. The device is more specific than existing methods, such as latex agglutination tests, and can be produced at a lower cost.
The Marshall Space Flight Center is developing innovative solutions to reduce costs and increase reliability in space transportation. The team aims to make space accessible to the general public, enabling adventure travel, business ventures, and scientific research.
Researchers from the University of Massachusetts have produced the highest-resolution data ever available on a tornado during the May 3 storm in Oklahoma. By analyzing radar signals, they aim to determine what meteorological conditions enable supercells to form and drop dangerous tornadoes.