A team of researchers has determined that a gene on chromosome 12, previously suspected to be a strong genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's disease, cannot be replicated. Despite the initial findings, there is strong evidence for another genetic defect elsewhere on the chromosome that causes Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers used genetically modified mice to elucidate the mechanism underlying hereditary breast cancer. The study found that mutations in the BRCA-1 gene lead to genetic instability, favouring further mutations and tumour growth.
Magnetic patterns on Mars indicate ancient plate tectonics system, with implications for understanding of the planet's topography. The team found evidence of symmetrical mirror-image stripes, similar to those on Earth, which could be remnants of a long-lost plate tectonics system.
The completion of a high-density integrated genetic linkage and radiation hybrid map for the laboratory rat is a landmark in genomic science. The maps provide an integrated reference to more than 3,000 genes and ESTs, enabling researchers to connect disorders to their underlying genetic components.
Two studies published in Science suggest that parasites, specifically Riberoria trematodes, are responsible for some frog deformities. Laboratory and field experiments found that parasite infections cause mirror-image limb deformities, distinct from the thigh-knee-thigh-knee pattern caused by retinoids.
USGS scientists Mike Fisher and Art Frankel will discuss the potential effects of major quakes in Seattle using data from last year's SHIPS project. Scientists from other organizations will also describe the probabilities for a large earthquake in the Puget Sound area.
The study found that misexpression of Tbx4 in the forelimb region leads to leg-like structures, while misexpression of Tbx5 in the hindlimb region results in wing-like structures. These findings suggest that Tbx4 and Tbx5 play crucial roles in determining fore- and hindlimb identity.
Scientists at Penn School Medicine found that chaperonins, huge protein molecules, catch and unfold misfolded proteins to protect cells. This process takes place within 13 seconds and helps prevent cellular harm caused by protein misfolding disorders like mad cow's disease.
Researchers found that most hepatitis B virus infections in adult humans are uncomplicated and do not result in large-scale destruction of infected liver cells. A new noncytolytic process targets the virus' ability to reproduce, leaving the liver relatively unscathed.
Scientists have discovered magnetic stripes on Mars, similar to those found on Earth, suggesting the planet was once magnetized and had a global magnetic field. These findings provide insights into Mars' formation and evolution, shedding light on its potential for hosting liquid water.
Researchers found that axillary lymph node dissection, a common surgery used to determine the extent of disease in early stage breast cancer patients, may not benefit a large number of them. The study concluded that knowing lymph node status was unlikely to affect survival and may not be worth the risks associated with the surgery.
Researchers found a reciprocal relationship between emotional and cognitive areas of the brain in depressed individuals, with blood flow decreasing in cortical regions and increasing in limbic regions. The study provides new insights into the neural interplay between mood and cognition in depression.
Researchers have shown that four drugs, known as angiogenesis inhibitors, can effectively treat spontaneous tumors at distinct stages of progression in mice. The study provides evidence for the potential of these drugs to act against tumors in a mouse model that more closely resembles human tumor development.
Researchers at TSRI demonstrate that the immune system can cure viral infections without destroying infected cells. Nondestructive antiviral mechanisms triggered by inflammatory cytokines contribute to viral clearance, preserving organ function.
Rudolph's application of physiology to congenital heart disease significantly advanced understanding of normal and abnormal heart development in newborn humans. His research led to the development of new diagnostic and treatment methods for congenital heart defects.
Researchers at UNC-CH discovered DNA helicase II can act individually in DNA repair, similar to fixing a car. This finding brings scientists closer to correcting defective biological processes and treating diseases like Werner's and Bloom's syndromes.
A University of Toronto study found that female fashion models in magazine ads trigger negative emotions, including depression and hostility, immediately after viewing the ads. The research highlights the need for a cultural shift in how the female body is portrayed to reduce eating disorders.
A European beetle is expected to spread throughout Canada, posing a major threat to the forestry industry. The Introduced Pine Shoot Beetle has few natural enemies in Canada, making it a voracious insect that can feed on various pine species.
The Howard Hughes Medical Institute will award $15 million in new grants to support biomedical research in the region. The five-year initiative aims to provide much-needed support for researchers in a region with limited resources.
A study published in The New England Journal of Medicine found that early surgery can reduce death rates from aortic aneurysms by 90% compared to emergency repairs. The study involved 675 Marfan syndrome patients and showed that mortality rates were significantly lower when treatment was initiated earlier.
A new study by Cornell University's Randall Peterson suggests that all small groups can function more efficiently by limiting free speech. When members have the opportunity to express their opinions, they are more likely to feel the decision-making process is fair, but excessive voice can stymie progress.
A study of 200 white and black girls aged 13-14 found that more body fat was associated with lower dating success, while below-average fat was linked to higher rates of dating. The research suggests that adolescent girls' weight concerns influence their attitudes towards physical attractiveness.
A University of Iowa researcher found that fast-tracking can decrease staffing costs for hospitals with hourly-paid staff, but not those with set salaries. The approach allows patients to wake up quickly, reducing recovery room time and increasing productivity for hospital staff.
A research study found that pregnant women who receive supportive counseling are more likely to stay smoke-free, but relapse rates remain high. Ongoing counseling is necessary to prevent smoking relapse in postpartum women.
A recent study by Ohio State University researchers found that boys circumcised in a doctor's office fare equally well as those circumcised in a hospital operating room. The cost savings of having the procedure done in an office setting were estimated at $1,609 per procedure, resulting in an annual savings of $184,713.
NERSC's new IBM RS/6000 SP system will increase computing capabilities by over 400%, with a peak performance of 3 teraflops and 2,048 processors. The system will enable faster turnaround of results for users across the country, supporting large-scale scientific research in fields like climate modeling and materials science.
A new study by Ohio State University researchers found that boys tend to fear animals, supernatural phenomena, and safety more often than girls, who fear natural phenomena such as thunderstorms and the dark. The study used human-figure drawings and questionnaires to assess anxiety levels in 86 children aged 8-12.
The National Science Board will hold an open session on May 6 and 7, covering topics such as swearing in NSB nominees, presentations of honorary awards, and committee charges. The agenda for May 7 includes annual business matters and a report from the CPP Task Force on the Environment.
A study by Philip Tetlock found that experts often minimize errors and attribute successes to sound judgments, even when wrong. Despite being only correct half the time when 80% confident, experts retain confidence in their fundamental assessments.
A study by Ohio State University researchers reveals that humic acid can trap nitrogen-containing proteins in soil, reducing their availability to plants. The process may be responsible for declining rice yields in Southeast Asia despite increased fertilizer use.
Deep-sea divers may benefit from bacterial supplements that reduce dissolved hydrogen in their blood, mitigating the risk of decompression sickness. Researchers have found that methane-producing microorganisms can help alleviate symptoms.
A new scanner, the T-Scan 2000, can detect tumors in breast tissue using a tiny electric current, allowing doctors to avoid biopsies. This device has the potential to reduce negative biopsies and increase early biopsy referrals for women with suspect lesions.
Researchers compiled a catalog of 200 nearby spiral galaxies and discovered that approximately 30% contain bar-shaped bands of stars, which are more common than thought. Infrared telescopes revealed the presence of these bars, indicating that galaxies have interacted with each other in the last 10 billion years.
Researchers found that epithelial cells contain an anti-virus alarm system which triggers persistent inflammation in asthma. The study challenges the traditional view of asthma as an allergic response and suggests a new approach to treatment.
A global conference at Baycrest Centre in Toronto brings together experts and survivors to address the specific needs of aging Holocaust survivors, while also learning from recent genocide victims in Rwanda. The event aims to provide health care professionals, academics, and families with coping strategies to deal with passed-on trauma.
Researchers are developing a system to track and analyze bees equipped with radio frequency tags to detect explosives, which could aid in locating landmines. The technology aims to train bees to identify minute amounts of explosives, revolutionizing landmine detection.
Researchers found that Japanese students used an intuitive process to make decisions, while Americans relied on 'number-crunching' and careful information processing. The study suggests that cultural differences play a significant role in influencing how people make decisions, with implications for global business.
A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that underlying vitamin D deficiency in post-menopausal women is associated with an increased risk of hip fracture. The researchers discovered that 50% of women with osteoporosis who suffered a hip fracture had previously undetected vitamin D deficiency.
William Bardeen, a renowned physicist at Fermilab, has been elected to the National Academy of Sciences for his groundbreaking contributions to quantum field theory. His work on anomalies in quantum field theory and applications of the strong force has garnered international recognition.
Bone marrow stem cells have been shown to form liver cells, suggesting a potential new approach for treating cirrhosis. Researchers at McGill University in Quebec discovered that cells from bone marrow can differentiate into hepatocytes, oval cells and bile duct cells.
Researchers used helium scattering to probe the germanium surface at temperatures above 1000K, finding that it undergoes a structural phase transition from an ordered phase to another highly ordered phase. At this temperature, the surface becomes metallic and exhibits jump diffusion of adatoms, similar to liquid germanium.
Researchers have determined that a particular enzyme bound to HDL acts as a powerful antioxidant within blood vessels. This discovery may lead to new treatments for heart disease by preventing oxidative modifications of low-density lipoprotein (LDL).
Jon Kleinberg, a computer scientist at Cornell University, is working on making the Internet more efficient by studying how information moves through networks. He aims to develop better routing algorithms that can handle congestion and optimize network capacity.
A study published in Nature Medicine found that silent HIV infections can persist for decades, making long-term medication necessary. Researchers discovered that patients taking strict anti-HIV regimens could keep the virus suppressed and experience no symptoms of AIDS, highlighting the importance of adherence to therapy.
A new study presented at the American Lung Association/American Thoracic Society International Conference reveals that men are more likely to smoke when angry or anxious than women. The findings also suggest that male donors' lungs may be more prone to rejection in female recipients, increasing the risk of graft failure and death.
A new species of hominid, Australopithecus garhi, has been discovered in Ethiopia, providing significant evidence about the evolutionary connection between early humans and their ancestors. The fossil finds help fill a void in the East African record of human origins, spanning 2-3 million years ago.
Research found that pollutants in house dust, such as PAHs, can enhance the inhibitory effect of chlorpyrifos on cholinesterase, a critical enzyme for nerve cell function. The study suggests that exposure to these pollutants may increase pesticide toxicity, posing health risks to humans.
A DNA vaccine developed by Emory University researchers protects monkeys against HIV challenge infections, demonstrating a promising step towards an effective AIDS vaccine. The vaccine uses a two-step approach, priming the immune system with a DNA vaccine and followed by booster immunizations with a pox virus.
Breastfeeding significantly reduces asthma risk in children, while obesity may increase risk. Snoring and high blood pressure in pregnancy are also linked to pre-eclampsia.
eMediator provides versatile virtual agents with game theory and expert system capabilities, offering flexible bidding and optimal strategies. The platform allows users to create their own agents and view a list of available agents, providing flexibility and control in the bidding process.
The Howard Hughes Medical Institute has awarded $1.32 million to Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory to support advanced courses in molecular biology, neuroscience, and structural biology. The institution will also construct a new teaching laboratory and provide scholarships for scientists worldwide.
The conference focuses on lithium's applications in reducing suicidal acts in people with bipolar disorder, boosting the immune system, slowing down cancer cell growth, and interfering with viral infections. More than 300 experts will attend to discuss these topics and share latest research.
A study of 270 patients with intracranial aneurysms found that diabetes increases the likelihood of posterior circulation aneurysms, while prior pregnancy is a risk factor for multiple aneurysms. The researchers hope to better detect and treat aneurysms in patients by identifying these risk factors.
The University of Chicago's symposium on evolutionary developmental biology will explore new perspectives on animal evolution. Keynote speakers and organizers aim to challenge traditional views on the complexity of ancient organisms that gave rise to diverse phyla.
Scientists discover that breast tumors produce high levels of a fetal form of insulin receptor, stimulating rapid cell division and cancer growth. The finding offers a potential target for new cancer drugs, which could block or slow breast tumor growth.
A new mathematical model suggests that annual antibiotic treatments will not be enough to eradicate trachoma in areas with high incidence rates. The model predicts that these areas, which account for only 10% of total affected regions, will experience a higher rate of blindness due to reinfection.
Researchers at UNC-CH discovered three genes crucial to cell survival and protein disposal. The proteins ROC1, ROC2, and APC11 are involved in the ubiquitin ligase enzyme that marks proteins for degradation. Disruption of this mechanism may promote cancer development by driving cells to proliferate uncontrollably.
Weed killers and pesticides applied to lawns can track into homes, causing unnecessary exposure, particularly to children. Consumers can reduce track-in by removing shoes, restricting access to youngsters and pets, and carpeting entryways.
The USC School of Engineering's Information Sciences Institute has developed a process called EFAB to mass-produce tiny mechanical and electromechanical devices with complex features. This process integrates micromechanics with microelectronics, allowing for the production of sophisticated systems on a chip at relatively low temperatures.
UCSF researchers identified a signaling cascade that regulates steroidogenic factor 1, a nuclear receptor involved in sexual differentiation and stress response. The finding suggests a ligand-independent mechanism of action for SF-1, potentially explaining resistance to hormone therapies in certain cancers.