A University of Colorado at Boulder study reveals that Ectatomma ruidum ants employ chemical camouflage to infiltrate neighboring nests and steal food, relying on vigilance of guard ants to eject intruders. The unique strategy allows the peaceful species to prosper despite its inability to kill individual members.
The six-month study demonstrated significant improvement in symptoms and disease activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, establishing a foundation for FDA approval of ENBREL. The results support the use of etanercept as an additional treatment option for these patients.
Researchers discovered a deep-sea octopus that produces light in its suckers, challenging the understanding of bioluminescence among cephalopods. The study sheds new light on evolutionary transition and the potential role of light organs in attracting prey.
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill will launch a management academy to boost training for public health professionals in four states. The academy aims to improve how health departments nationwide serve citizens, addressing concerns discussed for decades.
The NIA-funded Memory Impairment Study aims to test two drugs to slow or stop the conversion from mild cognitive impairment (MCI) to Alzheimer's disease (AD). Participants will be randomly assigned to receive placebo, vitamin E, or donepezil, and the study will be conducted at 65-80 medical research institutions in the US and Canada.
Researchers found that employed husbands and wives should each do less than half of the household chores to keep their personal distress levels at a minimum. A more equitable division of household work could reduce women's distress without increasing men's distress levels.
Weizmann Institute scientists develop a heat-shock protein-based vaccine that triggers high-performance antibodies against bacterial infections, providing nearly complete protection against lethal doses. The new approach may lead to improved vaccines for various diseases and potentially cancer therapy.
A recent study by Peggy McDonough and colleagues found no difference in the effects of men's and women's socioeconomic status on mortality risk. However, they discovered a new wrinkle: increasing one spouse's income affects the other's mortality risk differently for men and women.
A recent study by Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center found that middle school-aged adolescents who begin smoking cigarettes at age 11 or younger engage in twice the number of risky behaviors that could end their life. These risk behaviors include substance abuse, violence, and suicidal thoughts.
Researchers at Weizmann Institute identify protein IL-18BP, which blocks production of interferon-gamma in T cells, a major substance released by immune cells under the influence of interleukin 18. This discovery may lead to new treatments for autoimmune diseases and organ transplants.
ABX-EGF targets the receptor for human epidermal growth factor (EGFr), which is overexpressed on many major human tumor types. The antibody eradicates established tumors with low doses and has minimal immunogenicity.
A three-year study found that state and federal laws have helped older or sicker individuals obtain health coverage if they can afford it. However, the study revealed mixed results regarding the impact of these laws on health insurance affordability and enrollment in small employer and individual markets.
The international consortium has successfully completed the pilot phase and is now accelerating the large-scale effort to sequence the human genome. The goal is to produce a working draft covering at least 90 percent of human genome sequence within one year, with completion expected by 2003.
Researchers have developed virtual reality technology to evaluate mental health problems, including Alzheimer's disease and cognitive impairments. The study found that virtual reality tests showed no significant gender differences in performance.
AGU's Spring Meeting will address pressing issues such as climate change, nuclear waste management, and the impacts of global variability. The event will feature a diverse range of special sessions and press conferences.
Scientists at Oregon Health & Science University have identified a key brain peptide, orphanin, that regulates the body's inner clock and controls the circadian rhythm. The discovery opens new avenues for understanding sleep disorders and natural light cycles.
A new study published by Vanderbilt University Medical Center researchers found that estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) does not significantly elevate the risk of breast cancer in women with histories of benign breast disease. Women already face a higher risk, but ERT does provide benefits for heart and bone health.
A large clinical trial of mechanical ventilator use for intensive care patients with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) has been stopped early due to the success of a smaller breath strategy. This approach was found to reduce deaths by approximately 25 percent, improving the care and saving thousands of lives each year.
Researchers suggest a digestive problem may lead to autism and schizophrenia symptoms, as undigested milk protein produces morphine-like compounds affecting brain function. Animal studies show 95% of autistic and schizophrenic children had high levels of the protein in their blood and urine.