A detailed map of the human genome will require locating at least half a million genetic markers to be useful for pharmaceutical research and development. According to Dr. Leonid Kruglyak, researchers need to locate more genetic markers to stay on track when chasing down genes that influence disease susceptibility and drug response.
University of Hawaii scientists have made a breakthrough in cloning technology by creating the first male mouse clone, dubbed Fibro. The achievement uses somatic cells from adult male tails to produce a live offspring, showcasing that animals of either sex can be cloned and non-reproductive cells can be used.
Researchers believe that microflares, miniature solar flares, are the key to heating the sun's corona. These events release as much energy as 10 million H-bombs and are found near magnetic islands and extended loops. The study suggests that cooler microflares drive the heating in these areas.
The US economy is expected to experience strong growth in the coming years, driven by rising consumer confidence and labor productivity. According to Dr. James Smith, a leading economist, real GDP growth will be around 4.0 percent this year, with some countries such as Argentina and Mexico growing faster than predicted.
A USGS study published in Atmospheric Environment reveals that air in Washington's Mount Rainier National Park contains higher concentrations of ozone than nearby urban areas. This poses a threat to park visitors and the beautiful forests, wetlands, and alpine meadows within the park.
Researchers identify a genetic marker associated with panic disorder, linked to variations in cholecystokinin (CCK) receptor function. The study found that this variation could be a risk factor for panic attacks and may be useful in diagnosis and therapeutic approaches.
Researchers found a novel natural, very dense polymorph of silica in the Shergotty meteorite, which challenges the accepted composition of Earth's lower mantle. The discovery suggests that free dense silica polymorphs could exist in the Earth's deep interior.
The US FDA approves ENBREL, a biologic response modifier, for moderately to severely active polyarticular-course juvenile rheumatoid arthritis in patients with an inadequate response to other treatments. The treatment has shown a clinical response in 74% of study participants.
Researchers may consider a new concept proposing the immune system responds only to foreign substances causing damage, rather than traditional views. This approach could lead to better understanding of hypersensitivity reactions and development of predictive tests for drug interactions.
Researchers at the University of Toronto found a strong correlation between high weekend ozone levels and one degree Celsius higher temperatures. This challenges the assumption that ozone has a minor impact on greenhouse warming compared to carbon dioxide.
A symposium on bioprospecting was held at the American Society for Microbiology meeting, exploring microbial diversity and the search for novel natural products. Experts discussed the potential of bioprospecting to develop new drugs and chemicals, as well as its role in conservation and cultural diversity.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have induced the growth of severed adult mammalian spinal cord fibers across the site of injury without implanted cells or tissues. The study calls into question current assumptions about barriers to spinal cord regeneration and points towards a promising new direction for achieving this goal.
HHMI researchers found a molecule called lynx1 in the brain of mice that is similar to a major component of deadly snake toxins. Lynx1 may be involved in pathways linked to memory and muscle function.
Researchers propose a revolutionary new theory about cell communication, suggesting that cytonemes relay messages between cells. The theory challenges conventional thinking on morphogen transmission and could fundamentally change our understanding of developmental biology.
Researchers at the University of Iowa report improved survival rates for women with stage IV breast cancer using a four-drug, high-dose chemotherapy treatment followed by a bone marrow transplant. The study found an overall survival rate of 38 percent, compared to projected rates of 32-30 percent in other studies.
Researchers developed a vaccine that protects mice against multiple strains of Staphylococcus aureus, including resistant strains. The vaccine uses a bacterial molecule produced during infection, and has shown promise in preventing infections.
Researchers investigate microorganisms found in Siberia's permafrost, glaciers, and polar ice caps, which could hold clues to life on Mars. The study aims to develop techniques for exploring icy worlds and understanding the potential for life beyond Earth.
Patients with heart attacks who are taken directly to high-volume hospitals have a higher survival rate than those treated at smaller centers. Younger patients and those with cardiologists as attending physicians also benefit from increased survival rates.
New guidelines published by three major national medical organizations emphasize a simple treatment mnemonic -- ABCDE -- that outlines the ten most important treatment elements of stable angina management. Lipid-lowering therapies clearly improve patient outcomes, while Vitamin E and Vitamin C therapy have not yet been proven.
A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that abciximab, a blood-thinner, can help prevent heart attacks in patients with unstable angina who have high troponin T levels. The treatment reduced heart attack risk by 44% in these patients compared to those without elevated troponin T levels.
The lecture featured expert discussions on the connections between dinosaurs, Neanderthals, and human evolution. Key findings highlight the importance of studying ancient species to better understand our own ancestry.
Researchers describe the first case of sporadic fatal insomnia (SFI), a neurologic disorder matching Shakespeare's witches' curse, caused by protein misfolding rather than a mutant gene. The condition's symptoms and neuropathology are identical to those of fatal familial insomnia.
Researchers have created a highly accurate global map of Mars' topography, providing insights into the planet's evolution over 4 billion years. The map reveals the Hellas basin's massive size and its impact on water transport and cycles, with dramatic slopes affecting ponding of water in certain areas.
Purdue University's Agricultural Validation and Verification Site provides a nationwide source of image-decoding data for farmers to interpret satellite images. The site, launched by remote-sensing researcher Chris Johannsen, will help farmers identify nutrient deficiencies, pests, and other issues in real-time.
Spann will present the latest information from the UltraViolet Imager project, which studies how space storms develop and affect Earth's space environment. The presentation aims to provide insights into directly driven auroral signatures resulting from interplanetary pressure points.
The Fish and Wildlife Service is pioneering the ecosystem approach by dividing the country into 53 management units based on watersheds. Conservation biologists are urged to help implement this approach by working with land managers on Habitat Conservation Plans, identifying areas for flexibility and adjustments.
Researchers at Stanford University used optical tweezers to study the microscopic properties of magnetorheological fluids, finding that they behave in unexpected ways. The materials can form long chains and exhibit lateral aggregation, leading to a greater-than-expected range of behavior with varying magnetic field strengths.
Researchers found that current anti-HIV drug combinations are effective in suppressing the virus, but may not be enough to eradicate it. Studies show that residual infection persists, with some patients still showing signs of viral replication after years of treatment.
Researchers found that signals from germ cells shorten lifespan, while somatic gonad signals increase lifespan in C. elegans. The balance between these signals influences the animal's rate of aging. This system may allow the animal to coordinate its aging with reproductive development.
A new study by researchers at the University of California San Francisco found no correlation between smoke-free restaurant laws and decreased hotel revenue or tourist volume. In fact, some cities experienced statistically significant increases in hotel revenues and international tourist numbers after implementing such laws.
The Committee for the National Institute for the Environment is launching an electronic meeting place to facilitate collaboration between conservation biologists and natural resource managers. This initiative aims to promote interdisciplinary research and answer resource managers' questions, addressing a need for large-scale studies in...
Researchers found that African elephants can coexist with humans for a certain threshold, beyond which they disappear. The 'threshold hypothesis' suggests that land planners can distinguish areas suitable for elephant conservation from those that are not.
Researchers have determined the atomic structure of clathrin, a versatile molecule that self-assembles into a protective sphere to transport nutrients and hormones into cells. The molecule's unique structure allows for precise regulation of molecular entry, ensuring safe transit and controlled transport.
Researchers at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory study the impact of shear force on fish, finding effects include tearing of gill covers and loss of scales. The findings could help engineers tailor turbine design for specific waterways and reduce mortality rates among fish.
Babbitt envisions integrating conservation biology into urban planning to preserve at-risk species habitats. The approach was successfully implemented in Southern California's Habitat Conservation Plans covering 210,000 acres.
A study of 121 healthy young women found that those with low cholesterol levels were more likely to score high on measures of depression and anxiety. Researchers suggest that brain cells with low cholesterol have fewer serotonin receptors, which can lead to mood disturbances.
The IFT Meeting will address key nutrition topics, including the impact of new dietary reference intakes on industry and public policy. The event also highlights the nutritional needs of older adults, particularly those turning age 65 each year, who are at increased risk for nutrient deficiencies.
A recent study by Brown University researchers has found a link between agrin protein and Alzheimer's disease plaques. The protein, involved in nervous system development, may play a role in the disease's progression.
The UCSF Family Alcoholism Study aims to investigate the links between behavior, personality characteristics, and biological factors associated with alcoholism. The nationwide project enrolls heavy drinkers and recovering addicts with a family member participating, using telephone interviews, personality tests, and genetic analysis.
Researchers use 'Cosmic Triangle' to plot evidence for accelerated universe expansion and high mass density of dark energy. The findings rule out models with low or negative mass density, pointing towards a flat universe dominated by dark energy.
UT Southwestern researchers have created a novel protein cross-linking method that utilizes brief exposure to visible light to initiate bonding between proteins. This technique is about 1,000 times more efficient than existing chemical methods and allows for precise control over the reaction timing.
Researchers found that melatonin reacts with peroxynitrite-derived free radicals, forming compounds similar to brain signaling chemicals. These metabolites could impact aspects of behavior, such as mood, with unclear consequences for human health.
Research by Oregon State University's Linus Pauling Institute found that vitamin C does not interact with metals like iron in a way that causes pro-oxidant effects. Instead, it reduces oxidative damage and is linked to improved health outcomes, including reduced risk of cancer, heart disease, and aging.
The Institute of Food Technologists' 1999 Annual Meeting & FOOD EXPO will feature over 1,200 scientific presentations on global food safety, nutraceuticals, biotechnology, and more. Attendees can also explore the latest in food products, ingredients, and processing techniques.
Scientists at Boston University's School of Dental Medicine have discovered a new gene involved in common inflammatory diseases, including Crohn's disease. The researchers identified the gene that controls production of Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha (TNF), a molecule implicated in various inflammatory conditions.
Researchers found a functional abnormality in the brain's sound processing region in adults with dyslexia, contributing to difficulties in early speech and language learning. This deficit affects the ability to process rapidly successive sounds, leading to weaknesses in reading skills.
The American Society of Gene Therapy is hosting its 2nd Annual Meeting, featuring key researchers and NIH director Harold Varmus. The event showcases the latest advancements in gene therapies for various genetic disorders, including AIDS, cardiovascular disease, cancer, cystic fibrosis, and neuromuscular diseases.
The Terra mission marks a new era in global change research, providing unprecedented data to study climate change. The workshop brings together leading scientists to discuss new findings and challenges in the field.
Researchers in UB's Center of Excellence for Document Analysis and Recognition aim to establish a scientific basis for whether handwriting is unique to each individual. The new tools will enable law-enforcement investigators to analyze handwriting in documents, potentially identifying writers and suspects in criminal cases.
New approaches to addressing fresh produce safety will be discussed at the IFT Annual Meeting, focusing on microbiological performance criteria and non-thermal technologies. These methods aim to control microorganisms and maintain food freshness, with benefits including better nutrient retention and flavor preservation.
Researchers at UCSF found that groups of professionals, including sheriffs and psychologists, can detect lies with high accuracy when motivated and trained. However, even trained observers may not always be accurate, and most people struggle to detect deception without proper training or motivation.
The Institute of Food Technologists' Annual Meeting will address pressing questions on plant substances, functional foods and dietary supplements. Researchers will discuss the potential impact of phytochemicals and dietary supplements on chronic disease, as well as cultural and regulatory differences among countries.
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine confirms that intravenous neostigmine is an effective and safe treatment for acute colonic pseudo-obstruction. The study involved 21 patients with severe abdominal distention and dilated colon who had failed to improve after 24 hours of conservative treatment.
Representatives from government agencies, industry, and academia will discuss regulatory aspects of pesticide residues in foods. The symposium will also examine global food safety standards concerning heavy metals, mold toxins, and other contaminants.
Experts will discuss Listeria monocytogenes characteristics, risk assessment and control measures. They will also examine strategies for dealing with antimicrobial-resistant pathogens and improving food safety in muscle foods.
A University of North Carolina study finds that couples with high family support show better heart and blood pressure responses to stress, while spousal support is particularly valuable in reducing cardiovascular risks. The research highlights the importance of psychological factors in family life for heart health.
The convention will explore the role of psychologists in preventing teenage aggression and violence, as well as the consequences of internet usage. Experts will also discuss cancer treatment and prevention, including promoting well-being in cancer patients.
PhD researcher Jason Todd earned a patent for his research on a new, low-cost material for purifying proteins using chitosan beads. The technology has been licensed to LigoChem Inc., allowing them to purify antibodies at a lower cost.
Researchers found depressed smokers had lower natural killer cell activity than non-smokers, while moderate smoking contributed to increased white blood cell counts and reduced NK activity. The study suggests that even moderate cigarette smoking can impact the immune system adversely.
The University of California, Davis, has been named one of seven new Centers of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education by the National Security Agency. Professors Matt Bishop, Karl Levitt, and Philip Rogaway are being recognized for their research and teaching efforts in computer security.