Researchers identified a subspecies of chimpanzees as the natural reservoir of HIV-1, leading to cross-species transmission events. Studying these animals may help protect humans from developing AIDS.
A review of 57 studies found depression to be linked to increased risk of death from heart disease and other factors, with suicide accounting for less than 1% of deaths among depressed patients
A new study suggests that crowded urban buses in Buenos Aires could be responsible for 30% of new tuberculosis cases. Researchers found that bus travel increases the risk of infection due to overcrowding and poor ventilation, posing a significant public health threat.
Researchers at Northwestern University have created a world's smallest and sharpest pen that can draw lines just a few dozen molecules wide, opening up new ways to explore the nano-world of electronics based on molecules. The 'dip-pen nanolithography' technique uses an atomic force microscope to transfer molecules with high precision o...
A University of Iowa researcher has discovered that termite bacteria consume hydrogen, converting it into acetate, an excellent food source for termites and cows. This finding could lead to improvements in cattle nutrition and decreases in their methane emissions, a major contributor to global warming.
A study of 300 healthy women found that social isolation and suppressed anger are associated with decreased heart rate variability, a sign of physiological rigidity. This increased vulnerability to stress can lead to various diseases, including coronary heart disease and mortality.
A new study published in Psychosomatic Medicine found that patients with both depression and a physical illness stay twice as long in the hospital compared to those with only depression. The study surveyed over 2,300 psychiatric patients admitted between 1987 and 1992.
Health researchers sought to understand the impact of vitamin A deficiency and HIV infection on infant growth and immune cell counts. Biostatistician Colin Wu used curve estimation to produce a broader picture of these phenomena, allowing for comparisons at various stages. This technique has proven helpful in tracking changes over time...
Research finds depression after a heart attack is a key risk factor for cardiac causes in both women and men, with similar impact on survival. Despite the higher prevalence of depression among women, they did not die at significantly higher rates than depressed men.
Researchers have discovered a way to reprogram cells, enabling the selective expression of genes. This breakthrough could lead to new treatments for diseases by harnessing this technology to turn off or on specific genes in different cell types.
Pregnant women infected with HIV can reduce the risk of transmitting the virus to their infants by about 50 percent if they deliver by elective cesarean section before labor and membranes rupture. The study found that c-sections cut mother-to-child HIV transmission by at least 50 percent.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center found that simultaneous bone marrow infusions at lung transplantation significantly reduced obliterative bronchiolitis, a marker for chronic rejection. The study showed a 25% reduction in chronic rejection incidence among recipients who received bone marrow infusions.
The regional climate change model suggests a 50% decrease in snow cover over Washington state and warmer temperatures, while also increasing winter precipitation. The impacts on water resources could be significant, with less snow melt in the spring and reduced stream flow for irrigation.
A team of scientists has developed a superconducting device capable of detecting infrared light at previously off-limits wavelengths, offering remarkable speed and sensitivity. The device, known as a hot-electron photodetector, can recognize changes in light signals as fast as 25 billion times each second.
Research suggests tart cherries' anthocyanins can prevent oxidative damage and inhibit inflammatory enzymes, rivaling commercial antioxidants like vitamin E. Daily consumption of 20 tart cherries may provide anti-inflammatory benefits for pain relief from arthritis and gout.
A study of 254 women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) found that 7.5% had undiagnosed diabetes, compared to 1% in the general population. Insulin resistance is a key factor in PCOS-related glucose intolerance and diabetes risk.
A commercially available additive can double the life of concrete bridge decks and lower costs by enhancing resistance to water, corrosion and deicing salt. The study found that bridge decks constructed with the additive had less tendency for water or salts to intrude into the concrete.
Researchers successfully treated genetically modified mice with Parkinson's disease using gene therapy, restoring motivation to eat and drink. The study suggests a potential treatment strategy for patients with Parkinson's disease, eliminating the need for daily L-dopa treatments.
A study by Duke University researchers found that Medicare patients treated at major teaching hospitals have better survival rates for common conditions like hip fractures, stroke, and coronary heart disease. However, these facilities cost the Medicare program more than non-teaching hospitals.
A new heat-health watch/warning system will be installed in Rome by summer 2000, giving health officials up to 60 hours' notice of deadly weather. The system has already protected people from killer heat in Philadelphia and Washington D.C., and may be launched in Shanghai and other cities if effective.
Researchers identified SLBP1 and SLBP2 proteins in frog oocytes, which act as biochemical switches triggering histone synthesis crucial for embryogenesis. The study provides new insights into the process of embryogenesis and its relation to stored RNA activation.
New radio observations reveal that black holes in galaxies can be fed with gas, while the surrounding material remains intact. In NGC1097, a barred galaxy with a massive central black hole, researchers found that gas flows towards the black hole through a shock front, which is then redirected along the bar by magnetic fields.
Marie Filbin's research discovery reveals a way to overcome the inhibiting function of MAG and other molecules that prevent axon regrowth after injury. By priming neurons with neurotrophins, she reverses inhibition and enables regeneration.
The James S. McDonnell Centennial Fellowships recognize scientists and scholars whose work will significantly contribute to knowledge development and its application. The winners, selected from five categories, will receive $1 million fellowships to support their research.
A study found that pain killers with ketamine and midazolam were safer and less likely to cause breathing issues than fentanyl/midazolam. The regimen prevented patients from remembering painful procedures and reduced parental ratings of pain and anxiety.
Cornell undergraduate students are using ethnobotany techniques to query Indian informants about plants with antibacterial properties, performing chemical extractions and bioassays. The research efforts have implications for discovering new drugs and preserving ancient lands.
Researchers found that an experimental antibiotic, moxifloxacin, is effective against a range of drug-resistant bacterial strains, including those resistant to penicillin and erythromycin. The findings suggest it could be a potential treatment for serious and deadly illnesses caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria.
Researchers have identified a new area for spatial working memory in the human brain, challenging current theories and revealing expanded frontal cortex development. Functional MRI allowed for real-time observation of neural activity, providing new insights into human brain function and evolution.
A study by Cooper Institute for Aerobics Research found that small lifestyle changes can improve cardiorespiratory fitness and blood pressure. After 2 years, both groups had significantly increased their physical activity and maintained improvements.
A team of engineers has developed a theory and algorithm that enables robots to adapt to changing conditions, solving a two-decade-old problem in intelligent control. The Max-Plus Algebra Model integrates low-level data sensing with high-level planning and decision-making processes, allowing robots to halt activity when necessary and r...
Researchers in Mexico City are testing an antenna system designed to ionise the atmosphere, hoping to influence local wind patterns and rainfall to disperse air contaminants. However, experts remain sceptical due to the enormous number of electrons required to alter the natural level of ionisation.
The Rotary Rocket Company is set to conduct atmospheric tests for its revolutionary heli-rocket Roton. The craft will use four 7-meter-long helicopter blades to slow its descent and potentially slash the cost of getting satellites into space. If successful, the first Roton could blast into orbit as early as next year.
A cost-effective method to eliminate methane emissions from coal mines has been developed by Natural Resources Canada. The system uses a secret catalyst to oxidize methane to water and CO2, generating heat and electricity in the process.
A study by University of Pittsburgh surgeons found that organs from marginal donors can be just as effective as ideal donor organs in pancreas transplants. The researchers accepted organs from donors over 45 years old, resulting in a high graft survival rate and improved quality of life for patients with diabetes.
According to Professor Bernard Cohen, nuclear power plants emit fewer carcinogens and pollutants compared to coal burning power stations. This results in a much lower fatality rate, with air pollution from coal causing 25 fatalities per minute versus only 0.018 for nuclear.
The MIT microchip can store and release different chemicals on demand from tiny reservoirs built into its silicon structure. This technology has the potential to revolutionize fields such as diagnostics, drug delivery, and wearable technology, by allowing for precise control over chemical releases and enabling new applications like imp...
The Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft has awarded the Eugen- and Ilse-Seibold Prize to Hans-Joachim Queisser and Yasuo Tanaka for their contributions to scientific studies in Japan and Germany. The prize promotes understanding between the two countries through fellowships and project funding.
Research suggests that soy supplements may decrease breast and endometrial cell proliferation, potentially lowering cancer risk. However, individual differences in metabolism and response to estrogens limit the benefit.
Researchers are developing new designs and technologies to make public buildings, homes, and infrastructure safer from natural disasters and terrorist attacks. The Architectural Surety initiative applies lessons learned from nuclear security to create more resilient structures.
Researchers found that arguing with a spouse perceived as relatively dominant led to larger increases in blood pressure, while arguing with a clearly dominant spouse resulted in minimal increases. The study suggests that expression of dominance in marriage may have consequences for cardiovascular health.
A new theory called inflationary cosmology suggests that the universe may have begun as a fractal, with an exponential expansion period. This theory provides answers to several questions about the origin of the universe and its structure.
A recent study examining 19,842 white male twins found that genetic factors do not play a significant role in causing the most common form of Parkinson's disease. Instead, undetermined environmental factors are believed to trigger typical PD, particularly among those diagnosed after age 50.
Dr. Keith Wailoo, a UNC associate professor, has been awarded a $1 million James S. McDonnell Centennial Fellowship to study disease and biomedicine in the 20th century. He will investigate how people's ideas about illnesses like breast cancer and sickle cell anemia have changed over time.
Researchers at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center found that lung transplant patients who received lungs preserved for more than six hours had similar survival rates compared to those stored for less than four hours. The study, which examined over 350 cases, suggests that the current organ allocation policy may need to be revised.
Researchers discovered that Endermologie, a non-invasive treatment, creates collagen bands parallel to the skin surface, leading to smoothing of cellulite. The study found no evidence of fat metabolism or new blood vessel formation.
Scientists have discovered that laboratory rats fed soy meal develop less pain after nerve injury than those on a soy-free diet. The research suggests that diet could be an important factor in the expression of nerve-injury pain in rats, and may offer possibilities for understanding individual differences in pain perception.
Researchers used a copula model to analyze joint mortality data, finding that considering two covered lives as dependent rather than independent reduced annuity values by about 5 percent. The study's findings have significant implications for actuarial research and annuity valuation.
The Ecological Society of America will host three symposia on topics such as the impact of urbanization on water quality and animal life, the effects of non-native species invasions, and research into sustainable land-use practices. The symposia aim to explore options for managing invasive species and promoting sustainable urban systems.
University of Illinois researcher Paula Treichler argues that popular culture and narrative can effectively engage the public about science. The AIDS storyline on ABC's General Hospital is cited as an example of this approach, which used a soap opera format to educate and explore the meanings of AIDS.
Human neural stem cells have been cloned for the first time in a solid organ, validating decades of research on mouse cell biology. These cells hold potential for future therapies in conditions like Tay-Sachs disease and brain cancer.
The Institute for Coffee Studies will investigate the effects of coffee on the brain, depression, and alcohol dependency. Researchers aim to identify potential medicinal compounds in coffee that could benefit human health, with a focus on chlorogenic acids and their impact on neurotransmitter systems.
A University of Michigan project enables space weather researchers worldwide to share data, models, and instruments, bridging geographical gaps. Collaborative technology also empowers small universities to access expensive equipment and interact with a broader scientific community.
Orrin Pilkey, a Duke University geologist, argues that engineering models used to predict natural processes, such as beach erosion, are flawed and damaging to society. He proposes that beach erosion is linked to rising sea levels and that some coastal engineering measures can exacerbate erosion.
A team of scientists has created a detailed model of the structure of a protein in photosynthetic bacteria, which can help explain how certain diseases such as Alzheimer's and Mad Cow Disease occur. The model shows how nature uses irregular forms to create complex structures that are effective at absorbing sunlight.
Researchers at UPMC found PET scanning to be 84% accurate in detecting distant metastases, compared to CT's 63% accuracy. The study highlights the potential benefits of PET scanning in improving treatment decisions for patients with esophageal cancer.
Prof. Michal Schwartz's research reveals a unique relationship between the central nervous system and immune system, showing that immune cells can aid in healing damaged nerves. This discovery may lead to new treatments for nerve damage and autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis.
Scientists are utilizing satellite remote sensing and mathematical modeling to predict and track climate variability and change related to infectious disease outbreaks. Improved forecasting models can help implement proactive programs to prevent or minimize weather-related health problems.
Researchers discovered a link between the dopamine transporter gene (SLC6A3-9) and cigarette smoking behavior. Individuals carrying this gene were less likely to start smoking before age 16 and more likely to quit smoking, with an average of one and a half times greater success rate.
A study by Cornell University ecologists estimates that non-indigenous species in the US cost $123 billion annually. These invasive species, including weeds, insects, and mammals, cause significant economic damage and threaten native ecosystems.
Theorists contemplate the impact of modern cosmology on Western society, noting a lack of social consensus and rootlessness. Joel Primack presents a new symbol, the cosmic uroboros, to embody an image of the cosmos consistent with modern science.