A new form of herpesvirus has been identified as the cause of nearly a dozen young North American zoo elephant deaths. The virus, found to be latent in most African elephants, can spread to Asian species through transmission from infected African elephants in zoos. Early detection and treatment with antiviral drugs can save lives.
Researchers used 'silencing genes' cloned from electrically quiet human heart tissue to quiet firing nerve cells, demonstrating a potential gene therapy approach for conditions marked by excessive nerve excitability. The system was fine-tuned with an insect hormone-based control switch, allowing for temporary silencing of nerve cells.
Researchers found that brief exposure to high temperatures reduces potassium outflow from locust neurons, allowing them to fly normally after recovery. This discovery may have adaptive significance for heat-shocked animals.
A Johns Hopkins Medicine program offered HIV testing to emergency department patients, identifying nearly 6.4% of those tested as positive. The study found that voluntary screening improved early detection rates, particularly among high-risk groups such as males and blacks, who had higher rates of HIV positivity.
Researchers at Michigan Technological University are developing a technology to divert salt cake, an aluminum by-product, into valuable feed stock materials for the manufacturing of concrete products. This will ease material supply pressure and improve productivity in the concrete, mining, and construction industries.
Researchers found that Montserrat's volcanic ash contains high concentrations of cristobalite, a mineral linked to lung disease silicosis. The study suggests that living near the volcano poses a health risk, and future studies aim to determine acceptable levels of exposure.
Scientists have isolated two novel proteins expressed in cells specifically geared to the sense of taste, which are believed to be the first taste receptors. These candidate taste receptors resemble those that mediate sensory processes such as vision and olfaction and are positioned in specific cells on the tongue.
A team of scientists from Columbia University warns against incorporating spiritual interventions into medical practice due to methodological flaws in studies. Despite acknowledging comfort provided by religious activities, they argue that these should not be promoted as a means to improve health.
Scientists isolate UFD1 gene, linked to cardiac and facial anomalies in children with 22q11 deletion syndrome, a condition affecting one in 4,000 births. The study suggests that dysregulation of this gene leads to the development of heart and craniofacial structures.
Researchers have identified a gene, Irx4, that regulates the formation of heart chambers in vertebrates. The discovery provides new insights into cardiac development and opens up opportunities for discovering other genes involved in this process.
Researchers tested four types of on-hold music with 71 clients, finding that time spent waiting was generally overestimated. Alternative music emerged as a good choice, as it evoked less polarized reactions and shorter wait times.