Experts argue that conservation biologists should move away from simplistic predictive models based on population size to conserve species effectively. John Wehausen analyzed California bighorn populations and found that many small populations persisted for 50 years, contradicting predictions made by a 1990 model.
Researchers discovered that children of alcoholics have lower natural opioid activity in the brain, making them more susceptible to addiction. This difference may alter the brain's reward pathway and response to stress, increasing vulnerability to alcoholism.
Researchers discovered that UV radiation blocks the ability of skin cells to recognize retinoic acid, a nutrient made from vitamin A. This triggers a cascade of biochemical changes, causing a functional vitamin A deficiency in human skin. Pretreating skin with retinoic acid before UV exposure can limit the damage.
Researchers successfully produce widespread transfer of corrective genetic material into muscle cells using a naturally-occurring hamster model. The technique, developed by Penn researchers, overcomes the existing problem of accessing millions of muscle cells requiring genetic re-engineering.
Recent research suggests that marijuana impairment does not increase driving accidents, but rather affects judgment. Drivers who consume marijuana slow down and drive more cautiously to compensate for their impairment.
A new way to immunize against the Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacterium has been developed, providing a fresh alternative to antibiotics in fighting this deadly microbe. The antibody blocks the toxin delivery system, allowing lung cells to mount a defense and prevent delivery of toxins.
A University of Iowa research team has developed a way to isolate replicating DNA molecules for studying the replication process. This advance will allow investigators to better understand DNA replication and may lead to improved therapies for treating diseases such as cancer.
Scientists at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory have developed an ion trap mass spectrometer that analyzes both positive and negative ions simultaneously, improving data quality and reducing averaging requirements. Remote sensing tools are also being used to monitor public grazing lands, while miniaturized heat pumps offer efficien...
Scientists at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center have identified a key component of the immune system's over-aggressive response that leads to septic shock. The discovery confirms suspicions raised by recent studies and may lead to new treatment approaches for severe bacterial infections.
The new book Psychiatry and the Cinema explores how movie portrayals of psychiatrists have shaped public perceptions of mental health. By analyzing film representations of psychiatric treatment, the authors shed light on the intersection of entertainment and medicine.
A study published in Nature Genetics reveals that the transferrin cycle plays a limited role in iron transport, instead focusing on concentrating iron in red blood cells. The research may lead to improved diagnosis and treatment of iron metabolism disorders.
Scientists have developed a new method to study sprites, the high-altitude companions of lightning strikes, using radio signals. By analyzing these signals, researchers can now estimate the number of sprites spawned by a single thunderstorm with greater accuracy.
A new study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition suggests that lifelong dietary intakes of potassium, magnesium and fruit and vegetables are determinants of bone mineral density in elderly men and women. Eating fruits and vegetables can help prevent osteoporosis by neutralizing acidity and maintaining bone health.
A study published in Injury Prevention reveals that pediatricians can curb violent behavior during well-child examinations by educating families about youth violence, counseling children directly, and advocating for gun safety. The study also highlights the importance of community resources and supports parents' discipline practices.
Researchers Joel Berger and Steven Cain found that the length of bison birthing periods is not longer in brucellosis-exposed populations. This allows ranchers to predict when it's safe to put cattle on public lands where bison live, typically delaying until July.
The caiman harvesting program in Venezuela, which began in 1983, has harvested over a million spectacled caimans, generating $115 million in export value. However, the program's direct link to conservation is threatened by changes to funding allocations and market instability.
Sandia National Laboratories' tiny acoustic wave sensors can detect specific chemicals in the environment and alert people to potential hazards. The sensors, similar to a 'canary in a mine,' are part of a hand-held chemical detection system called 'chem lab on a chip.'
Scientists discovered that p-glycoprotein and a similar protein collaborate to limit drug traffic through the brain. This finding could lead to improved treatment of diseases like AIDS, depression, cancer, and more.
Researchers at UNC Chapel Hill have discovered a novel cancer gene therapy strategy that blocks NF-kappa B, a protein that enables many cultured tumor cells to escape death. The technique showed promising results in mice with human tumors, shrinking and eliminating tumors in some cases.
A new human gene has been identified as potentially playing a key role in regulating high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels in the body. The gene's overexpression in mice led to nearly undetectable HDL levels, a condition associated with high cardiovascular disease risk.
Behavioral factors can contribute to extinction, such as electrocution from roosting on electric wires or flying into lights. Biologists are using decoys and mimicry to reestablish colonies and attract species.
A recent study found that women with impaired hearing had lower blood levels of vitamin B-12 and folate compared to those with normal hearing. The researchers suggest that dietary recommendations aimed at influencing the course of age-related hearing loss may be possible, but more advanced studies are needed.