Scientists develop a new process using chromium chloride to produce hundreds of thousands of compounds in just one experiment. The innovation enables faster screening of industrial products, including drugs and dyes.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center have identified a key gene in acute leukemia, suggesting potential new treatments. The study found that the inv(16) translocation collaborates with AML-1 to turn genes off, even when they should be on.
Researchers have discovered iron-rich rock formations dating back 2.3 billion years, indicating the presence of land-based life and atmospheric oxygen during that time. The findings, made by Dr. Hiroshi Ohmoto and Nick Beukes, suggest that life on Earth existed much earlier than previously thought.
Researchers found that older adults can compensate for cognitive decline by using unique brain areas, including the hippocampus, to support performance. This suggests that aging brains are more resilient than thought, with exciting implications for memory rehabilitation.
Researchers discover that older adults' brains reorganize themselves to recall visual information, bypassing damaged neural circuits. This adaptation allows them to maintain relatively good memory function despite aging, according to a new study published in Current Biology.
Researchers found increased genetic diversity in cattails growing in the most polluted sites, contradicting previous studies on animal populations. The team's findings suggest that cattails may be an effective indicator of environmental stress.
The Choices and Challenges public forum project at Virginia Tech explores the humanistic components of science and technology, covering topics from genetic engineering to space technologies. The series has received national recognition, including two national awards, for its innovative approach to promoting dialogue between science, so...
Astrophysicists use 'forensic science' to study gamma-ray bursts, seeking clues about their causes. Observations suggest that many bursts are linked to star formation and blue galaxies.
The fourth annual Skull Base Surgery Symposium will take place at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center from November 4-6, 1999. Renowned experts in the field of skull base surgery will share their knowledge on advanced technologies and procedures.
Research published in Heart shows that over 400 heart attacks occur annually among young women smokers and could be avoided with cessation of tobacco use. The risk of heart attack increases significantly with daily cigarette consumption, with even light smokers facing more than double the danger.
New radiocarbon dating reveals Neandertals coexisted with early modern humans in central Europe for thousands of years, casting doubt on theories of extinction and migration. The findings also suggest potential genetic exchange between Neandertals and modern humans.
Scientists are working on creating new thermoelectric materials that can rival the efficiency of conventional coolants in air conditioners. The goal is to develop a small, lightweight device that can both cool and generate electricity.
A study of 741 men and women exposed to the Dutch famine in utero found middle-aged women showed increased obesity rates, particularly abdominal deposition of body fat associated with metabolic syndrome. Women whose mothers were exposed to the famine early in their pregnancies were especially prone to later obesity.
A diet rich in folate, Vitamin B6, and Vitamin B12 may significantly lower homocysteine concentrations in individuals with high cardiovascular risk. This study found that a prescribed diet fortified with these nutrients was effective in reducing homocysteine levels, while self-selected diets showed no change.
A daily fish meal as part of a weight-loss diet lowers cholesterol levels, benefits glucose metabolism, and promotes successful weight loss in overweight middle-aged men and women with hypertension. The study found that a low-fat diet combined with fish consumption improved patients' glucose tolerance and reduced abdominal fat.
Scientists use functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to separate expectation and perception, revealing the role of the posterior parietal cortex in funneling expectations into the visual cortex. This breakthrough may shed light on attention deficits after brain injury and inform rehabilitation strategies.
A Duke University Medical Center study found that a brisk walk or jog three times a week may be just as effective in relieving symptoms of major depression as standard anti-depressant medications. The study showed significant improvements in all three groups, with exercise and medication showing similar results.
Researchers from Children's National Medical Center and University of Pittsburgh successfully reverse muscle damage caused by limb girdle muscular dystrophy using gene therapy. The non-toxic virus-based approach increases muscle strength and size by nearly 100% in animal tests, paving the way for potential treatment of Duchenne muscula...
Researchers discover that exposure to novel environments stimulates the zif-268 gene during sleep, which may help consolidate memories. During REM sleep, this gene is reactivated in rats that explored new environments, suggesting a crucial role in memory processing.
Researchers at the University of Delaware have developed a new artificial hip design that reduces stress shielding and prevents bone atrophy in younger patients. The design is based on an analysis of real loading conditions within the human hip region and has been shown to consistently perform better than conventional designs.
The American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) will present over 1,000 presentations on liver-related diseases, including new findings on using alcohol to repair damaged livers and the impact of race on response to anti-viral therapy in chronic Hepatitis C patients. The meeting aims to advance the science and practice...
Researchers found that chronic sleep deprivation can lead to changes in glucose tolerance and hormone secretion, resembling the effects of advanced age or early stages of diabetes. Sleep deprivation also altered thyroid-stimulating hormone production and cortisol levels, with significant consequences for overall health.
The USGS has been monitoring a series of large earthquakes around the world since August 17. The seismic activity is believed to be related to stress buildup in the Earth's crust. Scientists will discuss their findings and lessons learned from recent earthquakes, including those in Turkey, Greece, Taiwan, and Mexico.
The discovery provides a detailed picture of life during the earliest days of dinosaurs and mammals. The newly found fossils are from the Middle to Late Triassic period, around 230 million years ago, and include two new dinosaurs that appear to be older than previously recorded species.
Depleted gas reservoirs can store enough carbon dioxide to limit emissions from fossil fuels for at least 20 years, according to USGS scientist Dr. Robert Burruss. However, capturing, compressing, transporting, and injecting such large amounts of CO2 requires an industry nearly twice the size of the current natural gas industry.
Using genetically manipulated T cells producing a fluorescent jellyfish protein, researchers observed the movement of MEKK2 towards T cell receptors within seconds of antigen binding. This study reveals MEKK2's crucial role in delivering molecular signals to the nucleus and active attachment between immune cells.
Yale researchers have developed an improved ELISA test to detect ehrlichiosis, a newly discovered tick-borne disease. The new test is more reliable and efficient than the old one, allowing for better surveillance of the disease in affected areas.
A team of scientists discovered the oldest known dinosaur fossils in Madagascar, dating back to 230 million years ago. The fossils were found by a young local boy named Mena who led researchers to a hill with a mound of bones, sparking an eight-year dig that yielded spectacular results.
A study by University of Michigan researchers found that living in segregated cities with high levels of poverty is associated with higher mortality rates, particularly for cancer. The analysis revealed a strong correlation between segregation and increased susceptibility to illness and death among both black and white populations.
A study of 11 young men found that sleep debt increased glucose concentrations in the blood, while altering cortisol levels and thyroid hormone regulation. The research suggests that persistent sleep debt may exacerbate age-related chronic disorders.
A team of paleontologists has discovered jaws from two of the oldest dinosaurs ever found, along with eight other prehistoric animals, in a rich bed of fossils in Madagascar. The discovery provides a unique glimpse into the mid-late Triassic Period and illuminates scientific understanding of this era.
Growing neurons have a limited time to create connections before risking a 'clockwork death' due to lack of life-sustaining chemical signals. Researchers discovered an intermediate control mechanism, called en passant, which helps prevent miswiring by providing support as axons pass through the target region.
The Clemson University Genomics Institute is leading a three-year project with international partners to identify all 40,000 genes in rice and locate their position on 12 chromosomes.
A landmark study found that preschool educational interventions provided to children from birth to kindergarten had positive effects lasting until age 21. Young adults who received high-quality child care scored higher on mental development tests, reading, mathematics achievement, and were more likely to attend college.
Researchers at Purdue University will study the three-dimensional structure of several types of viruses, including yellow fever and hepatitis C viruses, using a combination of X-ray crystallography and molecular biology techniques. The goal is to develop drugs that prevent infection by similar viral pathogens.
A recent study by Penn State researchers found that severe poverty can lead to violent behavior in psychiatric patients. The study surveyed 293 patients and found that 23% showed violent behavior after discharge, with 14% committing a violent act during the follow-up period.
A new U-M study examines 11 college campuses' efforts to promote racial harmony and identifies areas for improvement. The study's findings highlight the importance of sustaining programs after grants expire, as communication barriers can persist without continued effort.
A new botulinum toxin type B medication has shown significant improvements in pain, disability, and disease severity in cervical dystonia patients. The treatment's benefits lasted for 12-16 weeks with no serious adverse side effects reported.
A CU study of ice-age sediment cores found that temperature fluctuations in the warm Atlantic Ocean were as large as those seen during the last ice age, raising concerns about future climate change. The research suggests that human-induced changes to ocean circulation could trigger global climate impacts.
A Mayo Clinic study found a significant increase in migraine headaches among women between 1980 and 1994, with the highest incidence among young women. The study suggests that stress-related factors, such as increased work demands and single-parent households, may contribute to this trend.
A recent Yale Cancer Center study reveals that many experienced cancer genetic counselors would pursue genetic testing for BRCA or HNPCC mutations despite concerns about discrimination. However, the majority would not bill insurance companies or use aliases, and would only share test results with physicians.
A large study by the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center found no association between vasectomy and increased prostate cancer risk. Additionally, dietary supplementation with vitamins C and E was linked to a lower risk of prostate cancer. Men who took zinc supplements also saw a significant reduction in risk.
A University of Michigan team found that applying repeated strain during tissue development increases the expression of key structural protein genes and improves cell organization, leading to stronger tissues. This approach could improve engineered tissues' strength and potentially be used to investigate disease mechanisms.
Gamma-ray bursts remain a mystery despite over 2,500 recorded events and numerous burst sources identified. Scientists caution against interpreting data carefully due to potential systematic errors in measurement systems.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine successfully used gene therapy to activate the human immune system against metastatic prostate cancer. The study, published in Cancer Research, showed that patients' B-cells produced antibodies and T-cells directly attacked tumor cells after vaccination.
The American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (AAPS) has selected ten individuals for its prestigious Fellow status in recognition of their significant contributions to the field of pharmaceutical sciences. The new AAPS Fellows include experts from academia, industry, and government institutions worldwide.
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases has awarded $1.9 million to three Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Research Centers, led by experts in various aspects of the disease. These centers will conduct research on causes, characteristics, and treatment of CFS.
The American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (AAPS) recognizes outstanding researchers with its annual awards. Joseph R. Robinson receives the Distinguished Pharmaceutical Scientist Award for his work on controlled drug delivery and ocular drug disposition, while Charles Russell Middaugh wins the Research Achievement Award in ...
Researchers at Chromos Molecular Systems have successfully passed an artificial chromosome to their offspring, paving the way for practical germline gene therapy. The technology could enable genetic changes to be inherited without disrupting other genes, offering a safer alternative to current methods.
Researchers Ally R. Harari and Jane Brockmann studied the behavior of Diaprepes abbreviatus beetles, finding that mounting females attracts larger males, improving female reproductive success. The beetle's behavior appears to suggest a different explanation for homosexual behavior than observed in domesticated animals.
Researchers found that misdiagnosed electrocardiographic artifact, caused by body movement or poor contact, led to unnecessary procedures like pacemaker implants and heart catheterization. The study highlights the need for improved training in recognizing artifact and increased awareness among physicians.
A new laser-based explosive detector can detect minuscule explosives emissions from landmines, offering an alternative to sniffer dogs. The detector uses an ultra-smooth cube of silica crystal with a single curved face and measures the 'ring-down time' of a laser pulse as it passes through the crystal.
Dr. Rafi Ahmed will deliver a lecture on immune memory to viruses as part of the 1999 Tadeusz J. Wiktor Memorial Lecture series at The Wistar Institute. His research focuses on chronic viral infections and immunology, building on his PhD in Microbiology and Molecular Genetics from Harvard.
Researchers discuss alternative theories for Magnetar outbursts, including the role of intense magnetic fields and environmental influences. The magnetar theory suggests that giant flare events occur when the neutron crust cracks, while an alternative explanation proposes a relativistic wind of interstellar material surrounding the SGR.
Researchers have found that lesbian and bisexual women are at risk for spreading human papillomavirus (HPV) and bacterial vaginosis, a common cause of vaginal infections. The study also suggests that these women should receive regular Pap smears to prevent cervical cancer.
Amateur astronomers reported brief changes on the Moon's surface, but their claims were never confirmed until now. A team of scientists has found evidence supporting these observations using satellite data from the Clementine mission.
A study found that TB was transmitted among inmates and guards in a city jail, highlighting the need for aggressive TB detection and treatment. Meanwhile, a qualitative study identified five components of successful work with victims of domestic violence and emphasized the importance of 'compassionate asking' to address this complex so...
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center discovered that cocaine affects the central nervous system, causing vessel constriction, rapid heartbeat, and subsequent heart attacks. By blocking the sympathetic nervous system, they found a potential pathway to develop a life-saving antidote for cocaine overdoses.
Researchers identify Notch signaling pathway involved in switching from brain cell growth to stability, which could lead to new treatments for neurological disorders. The study provides a clue on how the transition from growth to stability occurs in the brain.
A study by University of Michigan researchers found that US teens feel stressed more often than East Asian students, despite performing poorly on math tests. The stress is mainly caused by unclear academic goals and societal expectations, while Japanese students have a clearer focus on academic achievement.