The University of California, San Francisco is part of a national study evaluating medications that duplicate glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate for treating knee osteoarthritis. The four-year trial aims to assess efficacy, safety, and side effects in over 1,000 patients.
Researchers used a computer climate model to find that vegetation interactions significantly drive the Sahel region's drought. The study suggests that natural vegetation causes enhanced drying, leading to cooler climates and reduced rainfall.
Researchers discovered strong evidence of a 55.5 million-year-old global warming event linked to a massive methane release. The 'latest Paleocene thermal maximum' led to the extinction or disappearance of deep-sea species and changed ecosystems. Further research is needed to understand this phenomenon.
The UofA research team is working to prevent rejection of transplanted islet cells, allowing diabetics to become insulin-free. Researchers are also developing procedures for transplanting islet cells before physical complications set in.
Victor Velculescu, a cancer researcher, develops SAGE technique to rapidly analyze gene expression in cells. The method provides a snapshot of all active genes and has potential applications in disease research.
The American Psychoanalytic Association's Fall 1999 meeting explores the latest in psychiatric research, including topics such as school violence and adolescent therapy. Key perspectives on psychoanalysis goals and interdisciplinary approaches to addressing complex issues were also presented.
Scientists at Johns Hopkins University have created a model that suggests a thin jet of relatively cold molten iron is streaming down across the liquid outer core from an area in the mid-Pacific to Earth's solid iron inner core. This 'cold front' could account for irregularities in the magnetic patterns observed over the Pacific.
Researchers at Brookhaven National Laboratory have discovered the molecular mechanism by which adenovirus binds to human cells, paving the way for the development of drugs that block infection. This breakthrough could lead to more effective vaccines and targeted therapies for viral infections.
A Yale research team has successfully turned supercritical carbon dioxide into a gel form, which could be used to extract oil from the ground instead of water. The new process is less expensive and more environmentally friendly than traditional methods.
Researchers at Princeton University have created ultrasmall plastic structures using a novel technique called LISA. The discovery has yielded insights into material behavior at nanoscales and has potential applications in computer memory chips, DNA sorting, and more. Refinements of the technique may lead to even smaller structures.
A new technique allows scientists to introduce desired genes directly into embryonic cells using the baculovirus, enabling the study of gene function in non-model organisms. This method has shown promising results in fruit flies, beetles, and other species, offering a breakthrough for understanding developmental processes.
A Mayo Clinic researcher found that nearly 8% of female soldiers on active duty in the US Army suffer from eating disorders. The study, led by Dr. Tamara Lauder, suggests that military fitness requirements and pressure to maintain a lean physique contribute to the higher prevalence of eating disorders among women.
Researchers have discovered a new target for treating chronic pain by disabling specific nerve cells that send pain signals to the brain. The study found that combining substance P with saporin can significantly reduce pain sensitivity, even when administered after neuropathic pain has developed.
A new study from Washington University in St. Louis reveals a clear tendency among college students to become addicted to more than one common substance or activity, with exercise yielding the highest level of addiction and strong connections between certain activities and self-esteem. The study found large correlations within and betw...
A study of 339 patients found that laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery is effective and safe for elderly patients, with functional outcomes comparable to younger patients. Elderly patients may tolerate the procedure better and have fewer complications than previously thought.
Researchers at Princess Margaret Hospital and AMGEN identify the role of T cells in bone destruction characteristic of many inflammatory diseases. The study reveals that T cells produce a substance that triggers bone loss, leading to severe osteoporosis and joint damage.
Researchers at Vion Pharmaceuticals have developed a novel gene-based anti-cancer drug delivery system using Salmonella bacteria. The TAPET technology has shown complete tumor regression in mice and high safety profiles, with potential applications for treating various types of cancer.
Recent studies analyzed the cost-effectiveness of various heart failure treatments, including ACE inhibitors, vasodilators, and interdisciplinary teams. The findings suggest that judicious use of these therapies can lead to significant cost savings while maintaining effective treatment outcomes.
Cooperative Extension specialists from the University of Delaware discussed the scope of issues surrounding genetically modified foods, including science, ethics, and production. They addressed concerns about resistance to GMOs in European Common Market and debated how to advise farmers on planting GMO crops for next year's harvest.
Paul Coleman, a renowned neuroscientist, has been awarded $1 million by the Alzheimer's Association to investigate the earliest signs of Alzheimer's disease. His research team aims to develop a simple test that can detect the disease in its initial stages, potentially allowing for earlier diagnosis and treatment.
A recent University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill poll found that 65% of respondents favor the death penalty, while 19% oppose it. The racial and demographic differences are significant, with whites more supportive than blacks, and men more supportive than women.
Yale scientists have created reversible electronic switches at the molecular level, which could lead to significant advancements in computing technology. The switches are comparable to or exceed conventional electronic devices and offer a potential solution to the limitations of shrinking circuit size.
Researchers at Arizona State University have designed and synthesized the first stable example of a new class of materials that can handle large molecules. The material, formed from zinc oxide and terephthalic acid, is a porous framework with large box-like spaces, allowing it to isolate and modify larger molecules.
Children with juvenile arthritis who participated in an eight-week resistance exercise program showed significant improvements in functional ability, with some experiencing a 200% increase. The program also reduced pain, disability, and medication use.
Researchers found that desert bee larvae wait for rain to emerge, using a bet-hedging strategy to minimize losses in drought years. The approach allows them to thrive in arid environments.
Researchers investigate plant microbiome interactions to optimize nitrogen uptake, reducing fertilizer needs. Janine Sherrier's presentation at UD explores symbiotic relationships between legumes and soil bacteria.
A new analysis of the SUPPORT study found that less aggressive treatment for seriously ill elderly adults does not explain their higher short-term mortality rates. In contrast, reporting HIV-infected patients by name had a limited impact on timely care and partner notification.
Researchers at Ohio State University developed a method to predict the lethal combination of insecticide concentration, droplet size, and number for specific species. The new approach boosts insect mortality by 60-70% in laboratory experiments, showing promise for more effective pest control with reduced environmental risks.
At the conference, nurses will discuss key concerns such as understaffing, nutritional care, and post-discharge recoveries for hospitalized elders. The Hartford Institute for Geriatric Nursing will also present research from its Scholars and Fellows Program.
The Rockwell Engineering Scholars Endowment will help Clemson meet its commitment to increase its number of engineering graduates by 30 percent. The endowment, valued at $1 million, will provide scholarships for students in mechanical engineering and electrical engineering.
The Ontario Student Drug Use Survey reveals a significant increase in youth smoking rates to 28% this year. Meanwhile, adult smoking rates have decreased, but cigarettes remain accessible and affordable for minors, a major concern.
A recent study by Ohio State University suggests that evergreen trees can collect two to four times more pesticide spray droplets than broadleaf plants. The researchers recommend planting a line of evergreen trees around crops to reduce the movement of pesticide sprays outside their fields.
A special diet formula with antioxidants and plant and fish oils reduced the need for ventilator support by an average of five days and ICU stay by five days in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The diet also significantly reduced organ failures, a common complication of ARDS.
Researchers presented data from an ongoing Phase I clinical trial showing that CCI-779, a derivative of rapamycin, is well-tolerated and may have antitumor activity. Twelve patients received CCI-779, with three experiencing tumor regression after other treatments failed.
A large-scale study found no clear evidence that name-based HIV reporting improves public health outcomes or increases timely medical care. Despite controversy, advocates argue the system helps notify partners and access healthcare, while opponents fear it deters testing.
The NYU Medical Center is launching a large-scale study to determine the effectiveness of combining CT scans with gene markers in detecting early-stage lung cancer in women. The study aims to identify reliable screening tools for women at high risk of developing this deadly disease.
Researchers found that smokeless tobacco users exhibited slower learning and adjustment to new requirements, more jerks, and less accurate overall performance compared to non-smokers. Tobacco use on the job can reduce an individual's capability to learn new visuo-motor mapping.
Scientists have reported a striking decline in Arctic sea ice thickness since the 1960s, with an average reduction of 4.3 feet. The study analyzed data from three autumn cruises and found a perennial ice cover of 1-3 meters, significantly thinner than previous estimates.
A University of Pittsburgh-led study found that two computer-based decision support systems significantly improved clinicians' ability to arrive at correct diagnoses, especially for medical students. The systems provided accurate and useful information to relatively inexperienced clinicians.
Millions of defective low-rise buildings in the US lead to high annual losses from windstorms, with recent hurricanes causing $70 billion in damages. A symposium aims to develop a national plan for wind-hazard mitigation and improve building codes.
The MIT plasmatron device has been successfully installed in a commercial car engine, reducing nitrogen oxide emissions by two orders of magnitude. The next step is to integrate the system into an actual vehicle, with the team aiming to install it on a bus within a year.
A new theory suggests that solar eruptions originate below the Sun's visible surface, rather than in its outer atmosphere. The proposed 'solar flux rope' model could improve forecasting and preparation for electrical disruptions on Earth.
A team of scientists has developed a method to identify common human single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) located in active genes. By comparing sequences from cDNA libraries across 50 individuals, they found 201 coding SNPs that could provide valuable insights into genetic differences between people.
A recent study found that nearly half of South Bronx adolescents feel unsafe at home due to exposure to violence, including physical and emotional abuse. The young people reported taking proactive steps to mitigate the violence, such as resolving conflicts peacefully and seeking protection from friends.
Researchers propose a novel mechanism for pericentromeric duplication, which has pulled disparate genes to the central regions of hominoid chromosomes. This process may have created new human genes and contributed to evolutionary divergence from Old World primates.
Rheumatoid arthritis patients receiving a single dose of Alexion's 5G1.1 showed significant reduction in joint pain and symptoms compared to placebo-treated patients, with 50% achieving an ACR20 score. The company is currently enrolling up to 200 patients in a Phase II efficacy trial employing multiple doses of 5G1.1.
A new CRADA and licensing agreement have been signed between NREL and Arkenol Holdings, which could further bring down the cost of making ethanol from biomass and boost the US biofuels industry. The agreements focus on developing new strains of genetically altered bacteria for use in converting rice straw to ethanol.
The Chiba City Project aims to advance highly scalable open source software development using state-of-the-art Linux clusters. The 512-CPU Linux cluster will be opened to the U.S. research community for collaborative development.
A recent study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that illness severity, rather than age, is a key predictor of death among seriously ill patients. The research analyzed data from over 9,000 hospitalized patients and found that those with the sickest conditions were at highest risk of dying within six months.
Researchers from Brown University School of Medicine and Miriam Hospital found that individuals with a history of depression can successfully quit smoking, with an average reduction in smoking rate by 80%. However, those who quit may be at a higher risk of later relapse if depressive symptoms persist.
A new survey of 8,865 Texas middle school students found that parents' attitudes towards fighting have a significant impact on their children's aggressive behaviors. The study also identified three other family factors and practices that are indicative of how likely kids will be involved in fighting and aggressive behaviors.
A new study suggests that gamma tocopherol in vitamin E may contribute to the development of knee osteoarthritis. In contrast, higher levels of alpha tocopherol, a common ingredient in vitamin E supplements, may help prevent the condition, particularly in African Americans.
Researchers at Cornell University developed new tests to measure the true bioavailability of aging toxins like DDT, which may overestimate the risk to living organisms. The new tests meet standards set by common earthworms and provide a more realistic reflection of potential harm.
A new auto device called plasmatron cuts pollution drastically in all kinds of vehicles, reducing nitrogen oxide emissions by 90%. The device is fully compatible with present engine technology and could offer many benefits envisioned for alternative vehicles sooner and at lower cost.
A new dating method, uranium-helium thermochronology, has shed light on the mystery of missing copper ore at the giant Chuquicamata mine in Chile. The study suggests that part of the rich deposit may have been displaced millions of years ago by tectonic movement along a fault.
Researchers found that alcohol sensitizes dopamine and serotonin neurons, leading to excitotoxicity and neuronal damage. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) may protect against this excitotoxicity, suggesting a potential treatment for alcoholics undergoing withdrawal.
A study funded by NIAAA found a common linkage between prenatal alcohol exposure and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), suggesting reduced dopamine neurons may contribute to hyperactivity. The research suggests both immediate and long-lasting effects on the brain's ability to focus.
Researchers have discovered that environmental stimuli like smells can induce a neurochemical response in the brain that may reinstate alcohol-seeking behavior after withdrawal. This study suggests that understanding the mechanisms involved in relapse can lead to the development of medications that target specific critical neural systems.
A recent study found that alcohol consumption during pregnancy can cause early delivery, with potential health consequences including low birth weight and increased risk of death or long-term illness. Researchers believe a critical period for drinking may exist, and prevention is key to reducing premature births.
A study of over 33,000 patients found that more patients switched to Allegra from Claritin than vice versa during the spring and fall of 1997 and 1998. The results also showed that Allegra was effective in reducing symptoms of chronic idiopathic urticaria and had a similar side-effect profile to placebo.