A UCSF study found that raloxifene, an osteoporosis prevention drug, significantly reduced the risk of invasive breast cancer in postmenopausal women by 76 percent. The drug also showed promise in preventing both breast and osteoporosis simultaneously.
The Max-Planck-Gesellschaft has developed a new method for deriving reliable information from experimental data using probability theory, providing significant cost savings. The 'multi-resolution method' is widely applicable to various fields, including fusion research, medicine, and astronomy.
Researchers from the University of Notre Dame and NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center used an infrared spectrometer to determine the carbon monoxide/water ratio in comet Hale-Bopp. The findings suggest that the comet formed 4 billion years ago, providing clues about its history and composition.
A new study found that cardiac surgery patients with serum potassium levels below 3.5 mmol/L are twice as likely to experience arrhythmias and a doubled need for cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Investigators recommend screening and replenishing potassium on a case-by-case basis.
Researchers at Purdue University discovered a new oxygen-sensing material that could improve car exhaust systems and medical devices. The material, ferroelectric thin film, shows promise for environmental and biological applications but has a drawback: its sensitivity to oxygen affects performance in computer memory.
Researchers found that HIV-infected pregnant women receiving care at specialized centers or state-funded sites were more likely to receive antiretroviral therapy, reducing transmission by up to two-thirds. The study highlights the importance of access to quality medical care in preventing mother-to-newborn transmission of AIDS.
Dutch chemists have developed a liquid containing metal nano-rods that can be regulated electrically to screen out sunlight. The rods' orientation is controlled by an electrical field, affecting light absorption and transmission. This innovative technology holds potential for applications in sunscreens and other devices.
New research suggests that PSA testing alone cannot fully explain the decline in prostate cancer deaths since the early 1990s. Instead, other factors such as changing treatment patterns and misclassification of cause of death may be contributing to the trend.
Researchers from the University of Iowa have identified a feedback loop mechanism that could explain the prolonged nature of migraines. The discovery reveals that inflammatory agents released during a migraine stimulate certain neurons to increase calcitonin gene-related peptides (CGRP) secretion, leading to persistent pain.
Physicists at the University of Amsterdam have developed a new method for treating port wine birthmarks using a red laser light. The improved wavelength allows deeper blood vessels to be accessed without damaging surrounding skin tissue, leading to more effective treatment outcomes.
The QuikScat satellite, launched on June 19, will provide daily snapshots of ocean winds to improve weather forecasting. The satellite is controlled by students and faculty at CU's Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics.
A study conducted at nine U.S. Centers found that a testosterone skin patch improves sexual function and psychological well-being in surgically menopausal women. The patch was well-tolerated and showed significant benefits in improving the quality of life for these women.
A new study shows that International Maritime Organisation (IMO) rules are being applied globally, even by countries not bound to them. This shift indicates the IMO has taken on a universal law-making role, overseeing safety at sea and pollution prevention.
Researchers at WashU Medicine found that high doses of cortisol, produced in response to stress, can significantly impair memory performance after several days. Memory impairment was seen only in those who received a high dose of cortisol and only after four days of treatment.
Researchers found that women with a history of depression had smaller hippocampal volumes than those who never had been depressed. This is significant because the hippocampus plays a crucial role in learning and memory. Treatment not only prevents suffering but may also limit long-term damage to the brain.
A unique NIH study will use advanced MRI technology to diagnose heart attacks and strokes more quickly and accurately, potentially saving lives. The study aims to learn whether MRI can identify heart attacks and strokes earlier, allowing for timely treatment.
A new study by UCSF researchers found a significant decline in TB rates in San Francisco from 1992 to 1997, attributing it to intensified control measures. The study used molecular epidemiology to track the disease and determine the effect of interventions on transmission rates.
Nearly 50% of South Asian children are born with low birth weight, contributing to widespread malnutrition and increased risk of infections. The condition is linked to cardiovascular diseases and diabetes in adulthood, highlighting the need for interventions to prevent low birth weight.
A new study found that women exercising vigorously while quitting smoking were twice as likely to succeed. This is attributed to physical exertion limiting weight gain and stress, making it easier for smokers to quit.
The Hertz Foundation has awarded a $1 million endowment to establish an endowed professorship at UC Davis in recognition of Edward Teller's contributions to physics. Earnings from the endowment will support the chair's teaching, research, and administrative work.
A study by Cedars-Sinai Medical Center has detected and measured contaminants from certain pesticides and industrial chemicals in the amniotic fluid of unborn babies. DDE levels were found in 30% of the population, ranging from 0.1 to 0.63 nanograms per milliliter, which is comparable to natural hormone levels.
A study of 510 preschool children found that those sleeping less than 10 hours a day are at risk for increased behavioral problems, such as oppositional behavior and aggression. The relationship between sleep and behavior problems is complex, with possible interaction effects between variables like temperament and parenting.
A computerized system, developed by Purdue University engineers, matches patient CT scans with images in a large data base of previous patients' scans. This allows less-skilled medical personnel to aid in diagnoses by reducing the need for manual comparisons.
A study of over 1,000 older, disabled women reveals that nearly two-thirds report significant pain in multiple areas, yet many use inadequate or ineffective doses of medication. This mismatch suggests a need for better pain management strategies among older adults.
A new study at Ohio University found that growth hormone is important in the development of Type I diabetes-induced kidney damage. The researchers induced Type I diabetes in mice and found that those with disrupted growth hormone receptors did not develop diabetic kidney disease.
Scientists have extended their gene repair technology to correct point and frameshift genetic mutations, with potential applications for treating cystic fibrosis and other diseases caused by DNA deletions.
A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine found that combined hormone therapy of estrogen and androgen increased muscle mass and decreased fat in postmenopausal women. The therapy showed an average 2-4% reduction in body fat and a 4-6% increase in muscle mass.
A new review of psychological research reveals exercise as a viable treatment for mild to moderate depression. Regular exercise has been shown to be an effective but underused treatment option.
A newly discovered gene family, Morc, regulates important biological processes and may play a role in cell division in all tissues. The researchers also believe that the Morc family members may malfunction in cancer cells.
Researchers found that stimulating growth hormone production in healthy older men and women can reduce body fat by approximately 5% and increase IGF-I levels. This effect was observed in both men and women, with some suggestions that estrogen replacement may partially block certain effects.
A UCSF team has identified a key gene, sgk, that regulates blood pressure by mediating the effects of aldosterone. The discovery could lead to more effective therapies for hypertension and low blood pressure, two conditions affecting millions of Americans.
Researchers at Max Planck Institute discover key molecule for LTP, a crucial process for learning and memory. The finding sparks new discussion on the role of LTP in memory formation, as mice lacking LTP showed no abnormal learning behavior.
Scientists have discovered the gene responsible for triggering embryonic cells in the inner ear to develop into sound- and motion-sensing hair cells. The Math1 gene signals precursor cells in the inner ear to become hair cells, which cover inner ear surfaces like wheat in a Kansas field.
A new study found that cliques and social sets, as well as marijuana use, are predictors of violent behavior among teenagers. The research also identified other factors such as being male, having been victimized by violence, or feeling vulnerable to violence as risk factors. These findings have significant implications for understandin...
Researchers at NASA and the University of Alaska have discovered mysterious bursts of colored light in thunderstorms, known as sprites. These brief, fleeting phenomena contain a great deal of energy, which may be sufficient to drive novel chemical reactions, potentially impacting the Earth's protective ozone layer.
A comprehensive approach to cancer treatment is needed, considering a patient's total life situation, including stress, environmental toxins, and nutritional deficiencies. Research highlights the importance of evaluating alternative and complementary therapies, which have poorly documented effectiveness but are widely used by patients.
A recent USGS study has found that urban sprawl, not fire suppression, is largely responsible for the devastating wildfires in southern and central-coastal California. The researchers suggest that strategic management of buffer zones between urban lands and wildlands could help mitigate ecological impacts.
NASA has selected 23 organizations to develop revolutionary space-based power generating systems that harness the Sun's energy for Earth and space. The selected teams will receive $6.4 million in funding to create commercially viable space solar power technologies.
Researchers successfully used gene therapy to control appetite and weight in obese mice, resulting in significant weight loss within weeks. The study also explored an alternative protein, CNTF, which showed promising results in rats.
Researchers found that fertilized eggs attach themselves to the womb six to 12 days after ovulation, with implantation occurring on day eight being the most successful. The later the attachment takes place, the more likely a pregnancy will end on its own. Day eight appears to be the optimal time for successful implantation.
Fetuses that implant late in the uterus have a higher risk of dying in the first weeks of pregnancy. The study found that if a fertilized egg implanted on or after day 12, it had an increased chance of loss, with risks reaching as high as 82%. Daily urine testing revealed that these lost fetuses tended to implant later than those that ...
Researchers at UNC-CH have synthesized ginkgolide B, a compound isolated from the ginkgo tree, which has been used as herbal medicine for thousands of years. The successful synthesis may lead to new treatments for dementia, multiple sclerosis, and other illnesses.
A new study published in Marketing Science suggests that customers may prioritize brand risk over quality when making purchasing decisions. The research findings have important implications for marketing strategies, including the need to consider loyalty customers and potential trial experiences.
Scientists have developed a non-invasive method to study the smallest components of living organisms using a nuclear magnetic resonance microscope. This technique enables real-time monitoring of cellular changes in response to environmental exposure, which will help researchers understand disease mechanisms and predict treatment outcomes.
Researchers at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center successfully controlled incontinence in animal model of diabetes using gene therapy approach. The treatment, involving delivery of nerve growth factor gene via modified herpes virus, showed promising results by repairing damaged bladder nerves and improving bladder function.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University describe the workings of an enzyme caspase-9 crucial for understanding apoptosis. They hope to develop drugs that inhibit this enzyme to fight neurodegenerative diseases.
Researchers have pinpointed an enzyme that controls the shape of a developing organ in the roundworm C. elegans, opening up new avenues for understanding organ development and potentially cancer research. The discovery reveals that two activities work together to define the shape of an organ.
A study found that a significant number of infertile men have cystic fibrosis gene mutations undetected by routine screening. This raises concerns about the risk of passing on defective genes to future generations. The researchers suggest improving screening methods for men and testing women for gene mutations to mitigate this risk.
Scientists have developed a new marking system that allows them to visualize and track immune memory cells for the first time. This breakthrough has significant implications for vaccine development, organ transplantation, and the treatment of autoimmune diseases.
The University of California, San Francisco's HIV/AIDS website, HIV InSite, was recognized as one of the most comprehensive AIDS-related information resources in the world. The site, established two years ago, has garnered over 14 million hits from an international audience and is noted for its unbiased coverage of HIV/AIDS topics.
Researchers have revived a theoretical concept for faster-than-light travel by using a 'bubble' of warped space, which can be created with modest amounts of energy. The idea, inspired by Dr Who's Tardis, involves shrinking the departure point and expanding the destination, effectively transporting objects at faster-than-light speeds.
Two studies published in Ecological Applications found that wildlife corridors increase the movement and population density of butterflies and other habitat-restricted species. The most effective corridors were those that connected isolated patches of open space with existing forest, allowing for improved plant diversity and food sources.
Researchers found a protein called GON-1 that regulates organ shape in Caenorhabditis elegans, a microscopic worm. This discovery could lead to the development of inhibitors to slow or stop cancer cell spread and may one day enable growing human organs in labs.
The two-year TIMED mission will focus on the portion of Earth's atmosphere between 60 and 180 kilometers above the surface. The spacecraft will measure temperature, pressure, winds, and chemical composition, gaining a better understanding of the dynamics of this gateway region.
Scientists at Oak Ridge have invented an aluminum-based propellant allowing for varying speed control. This technology enables the use of rubber bullets with reduced lethality, avoiding fatal outcomes at close range.
New gene therapy study in mice demonstrates a gradual increase in factor VIII levels, stable for 11 months. The goal is one dose, which could be all that's needed to be physiologically cured of future bleeds.
A study by NASA's Johnson Space Center found that spaceflight increases the levels of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in astronauts' saliva samples. EBV can cause glandular fever and has been associated with Burkitt's lymphoma, a type of cancer common in Africa.
Scientists have identified a drug that completely stops the growth of abnormal blood vessels on or beneath the retinas of laboratory mice, potentially preventing vision loss. The drug, PKC 412, has shown promising results in halting abnormal vessel growth by up to 100%, with no apparent adverse effects on normal blood vessels.
The Far Ultraviolet Spectroscopic Explorer (FUSE) will test the Big Bang theory and collect comprehensive observations of the Milky Way's star-forming regions. Launched on June 23 from Cape Canaveral Air Station, the three-year mission marks a first for an academic department in managing a satellite.
A new study found that early t-PA treatment can have a long-lasting benefit for patients who experienced a stroke. Within three hours of symptoms onset, patients treated with tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) were at least 30% more likely to have minimal or no disability at 12 months compared to placebo-treated patients.