Astronomers have discovered large numbers of previously unknown stars in the Virgo Cluster using dying green stars as tools. The findings suggest that at least 22% of Virgo's light is coming from these hidden stars, and could affect estimates of universe mass.
Researchers sequenced the complete genome of a form of HIV from India, finding significant variation in genes for proteins on the outer envelope of the virus. This suggests that currently favored approaches to vaccine development may not work, and that a new approach may be needed.
A newly discovered gene mutation has been found to shut down the MHC-I transport system in tumor cells, making them less recognizable to the immune system. This could lead to a way to increase the immune system's sensitivity to tumors, potentially improving cancer treatment options.
Research suggests that individuals with high anxiety sensitivity are more likely to develop psychological problems or physical illness. Women cadets with high anxiety sensitivity were particularly likely to end up in counseling during basic training.
Astronomers have discovered a large number of slow X-ray pulsars in supernova remnants, which are believed to be neutron stars with huge magnetic fields. These so-called magnetars rotate much slower than expected and are invisible to radio probes.
A recent study suggests that early human activity in Australia may have contributed to the extinction of most large animal species. The research team used dating techniques to determine that an ostrich-sized bird called Genyornis newtoni went extinct around 50,000 years ago.
A Wake Forest University professor will assess a national campaign against smokeless tobacco, which has been linked to rising sales of moist snuff among baseball players. The study aims to determine the program's impact on major league baseball and its partners.
Four Harvard physicians recommend a moratorium on reducing the national cesarean section delivery rate due to concerns about maternal and infant safety. They argue that economic forces are driving the goal, rather than patient well-being.
Researchers found high concentrations of tolyltriazoles in groundwater under an airport, causing toxicity to bacteria and aquatic life. Current regulations only monitor glycol levels, ignoring major sources of toxicity.
The UCSF report reveals significant variations in cardiovascular risk factors among different ethnic/racial groups and regions in California. High blood pressure and diabetes rates are disproportionately affecting African Americans and Hispanics, with 41.5% of African American men and 35% of African American women having high blood pre...
A new study by NHLBI shows that ultrasonography can predict the risk of heart attack and stroke in older adults, even before traditional risk factors appear. The test measures artery wall thickness, providing valuable information for early treatment and prevention.
University of Michigan astronomers have detected the cool infrared signature of dust grains and silicates within superheated gas in the center of ancient elliptical galaxies. The discovery could represent the first direct observation of how mass lost by aging stars evolves in a hot, exotic environment.
A UK allied health professor has received a patent to test the effectiveness of combining lithium salts with existing anti-viral drug agents for AIDS patients. The proposed treatment aims to reduce toxic side effects and enhance the immune system, potentially reducing the amount of virus in the body.
Physicists Daniel Kabat and Gilad Lifschytz propose tachyons as the solution to explain how black holes absorb particles without violating M-theory. Tachyons, with imaginary mass, could provide a mechanism for energy absorption, making it possible for black holes to devour matter.
The Cellular Automata Machine (CAM) brain will be built under contract by Genobyte, a company in Boulder, Colorado. It will contain nearly 40 million artificial neurons, compared to the few hundred neurons used in most other specialists in artificial intelligence.
A team of astronomers has developed a 3-D globe-like image of the Helix nebula, allowing them to inspect it from all sides. The image reveals evidence that the nebula behaves like a double-headed garden sprinkler, with each side ejecting gas at similar structures.
The CloudSat spacecraft will produce detailed three-dimensional images of vertical cloud structures, missing from current weather forecasting models. Colorado State technology also contributes to a second NASA mission studying aerosols and thin clouds, enhancing climate change understanding.
The Digital Michelangelo Project aims to create highly realistic, three-dimensional images of Michelangelo's statues, allowing for interactive viewing from any perspective. The project will also enable the restoration of damaged areas through virtual reconstruction and the creation of accurate physical replicas.
Researchers at Vanderbilt Cancer Center found that overproduction of TGF-beta contributes to tamoxifen resistance. They also discovered the importance of immune system's natural killer activity for tamoxifen's effectiveness. This discovery may lead to strategies to prolong tamoxifen response or even reverse resistance.
Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories have created a microscopic three-dimensional lattice that confines light at optical wavelengths, potentially revolutionizing the fiber-optics communications industry. The technique appears to be the cheapest and most efficient way to bend light entering or emerging from optical cables.
Researchers will examine pharmacological value of plant species used in Highland Maya ethnomedical system to develop sustainable economic growth and conservation programs. The project aims to document active pharmacological properties and promote the use of beneficial plant species.
A tracking and outreach program in Rochester increased child immunization rates by 20% for children living in the poorest inner-city neighborhoods. The program successfully brought these children into the healthcare system, addressing barriers such as lack of transportation, education, and financial struggles.
A recent study published in Psychophysiology found that parking ticket writers experience significant increases in blood pressure and heart rate when interacting with angry motorists. The researchers suggest that these interactions may have a cumulative negative effect on cardiovascular health.
Research at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found no link between driver education courses and reduced motor-vehicle-related crashes or violations among teens. Instead, early licensure may increase the risk of accidents.
A UPMC study of 124 depressed elderly participants found that a combination of medication and psychotherapy prevented depression recurrence in 80 percent of patients, while medication alone was effective in only 57 percent. The study suggests that continued treatment can significantly reduce the risk of recurrence.
A UCSF study found that 11.7% of medical students sustained possible exposure to blood-borne diseases like HIV and hepatitis through accidental needlesticks, highlighting the need for greater supervision and training programs.
The divide between biology and behavioral sciences is growing, leading to misconceptions about cause-and-effect relationships in health. Researchers warn that this gap may hinder the development of effective therapies and treatments.
Researchers found HIV's impact on T-cell production and its role in the immune system. The study involved measuring daily rates of new T-cell production in HIV-negative adults and those with suppressed virus, revealing a surprising increase in new cell production responsible for increased T-cell counts.
A portfolio optimization model (POM) developed in 1989 helps Chicago's Peoples Energy utilities balance costs by reserving natural gas supply, transportation, and storage. The model generates significant annual cost savings of $50 million since 1995, improving efficiency and decision-making.
Researchers have successfully developed a novel therapy that uses a fusion protein to selectively kill HIV-infected cells by triggering a chain of suicidal events. This approach has potential applications in treating other infectious diseases such as hepatitis C and malaria, and may also be used to target cancer cells.
Researchers have developed a new approach to solve multi-objective groundwater remediation problems, allowing decision-makers to weigh conflicting objectives like risk and cost. The Niched Pareto procedure will enable the creation of tradeoff curves to guide decision-making towards optimal solutions.
The National Institute on Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse has awarded a $7 million grant to Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center to study the causes of alcohol addiction. The studies will provide insights into brain processes that lead to alcoholism, with a focus on understanding the fundamental actions of alcohol on the brain.
A UK study found that decreasing food intake can help ward off age-related brain disorders such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. The research team led by Mark Mattson discovered that eating less made nerve cells in the brain more resistant to deterioration and death.
A new study reveals that alpha V beta 5-integrins on cell surfaces facilitate the entry of genetically engineered AAV viruses into cells, allowing for efficient gene delivery. This understanding can lead to improved gene therapy methods and enhanced chances of successful treatment outcomes.
Patients are willing to disclose behavior that puts them at risk for conditions ranging from HIV to domestic violence, regardless of the method used. The study's findings suggest that doctors can initiate discussions about sensitive subjects without worrying about patient willingness.
Researchers have successfully used gene therapy to partially correct protein deficiency responsible for hemophilia B in dogs, suggesting its potential for human treatment. The corrected genes produced blood clotting protein factor IX steadily more than a year and a half after treatment.
Researchers at NYU School of Medicine have developed a method to measure anatomical changes in the entorhinal cortex, a key memory center in the brain. This technique uses MRI scans and reveals that patients with very mild Alzheimer's disease show significant shrinkage in this area compared to healthy volunteers.
Researchers found a strong relationship between reading nutrition labels and eating less fat. People who read labels tend to consume 30% or less of their daily calories from fat, compared to 35% for non-label readers.
Klaus Toepfer warns of a growing global conflict over natural resources, particularly water, as the world's population is projected to increase dramatically. He advocates for monitoring drinking water reserves, cooperative agreements, and economic incentives for new technologies to promote water conservation.
A 10-year-old study found that early childhood anemia can lead to poor school performance and mild to moderate mental retardation. The research strengthens the need for effective identification and treatment of iron deficiency in early childhood.
Researchers mapped brain regions affected by cocaine and found that addiction is linked to the right side of the brain. The study used a powerful brain-imaging technique to map frontal-lobe regions associated with cocaine's effects in 20 cocaine addicts.
A large retrospective study found that poor dietary intake of animal protein in postmenopausal women is associated with an increased risk of hip fracture. In contrast, calcium and vitamin D intake had no significant association.
Scientists have developed a novel gene therapy system that uses a molecular rheostat to control the activity of therapeutic genes. This system allows for precise dosage control and can be achieved through oral administration of a simple pill.
A study by Westwood Squibb Center for Dermatology Research found that Medicare policies contradict medical practice for treating actinic keratoses, which can develop into squamous cell carcinoma. In most cases, doctors prefer to remove lesions immediately, but Medicare won't reimburse doctors who do so on the first visit.
A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that African American women who lost weight on reducing diets burned less resting energy expenditure than their white counterparts. This difference was significant and may contribute to the higher prevalence of obesity among Black women in the US.
A large Danish study found moderate wine consumption protects against coronary heart disease. Red wine's high antioxidant content is linked to a healthier diet, including more fruit, vegetables, and fish consumed by wine drinkers compared to beer or spirits consumers.