A new study found that heavy alcohol consumption initiates free-radical mediated processes associated with heart disease, stroke, cirrhosis of the liver, and other chronic diseases. Vitamin C may help quell this activity, potentially limiting organ injury.
Researchers have found a potential link between leptin and high blood pressure in a study of over 300 healthy adults. Higher levels of leptin were associated with higher diastolic blood pressure, suggesting that leptin may play a role in regulating blood pressure.
Dennis L. Goeckel, an assistant professor of electrical engineering at the University of Massachusetts, has received a $200,000 grant from the National Science Foundation to continue his research on high-speed wireless communication. He uses mathematical models to optimize signals and improve reception quality.
Researchers discover microbes convert saturated hydrocarbon hexadecane to methane and carbon dioxide, leading to potential methane formation in old sediments. This process, known as microbial hydrocarbon 'cracking,' sheds light on slow yet globally relevant microbial processes in deep subsurface environments.
NASA will unveil its future space transportation goals and programs at Space Transportation Day '99, aiming to lower launch costs and make interplanetary exploration feasible. The conference will cover various projects, including X-33 and X-34 rocket planes, as well as technologies for safer and more reliable operations.
A new study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology reveals that low to moderate lead levels during pregnancy can increase the risk of spontaneous abortion. The research, conducted in Mexico City from 1994 to 1996, found that the risk nearly doubles for every five micrograms of lead per deciliter of blood.
Researchers used supercomputer simulations to test two competing scenarios explaining high-redshift galaxies. The collisional starburst scenario, which suggests small galaxies trigger intense bursts of star formation, received strong support from the simulation results.
The National Science Foundation's high-tech national supercomputer grid will be used in education, outreach, and training. Hands-on demonstrations of cutting-edge research and educational learning environments will be showcased at the conference.
A team of international researchers has identified the gene responsible for congenital generalized lipodystrophy, a severe form of lipodystrophy characterized by selective loss of body fat from birth. The discovery is expected to provide insights into common obesity and metabolic disorders.
Scientists at Oregon Health & Science University have discovered a naturally occurring protein, herstatin, that inhibits the functions of the HER-2 oncogene, a major factor in breast and other cancers. Herstatin blocks the HER-2 signaling activity that causes tumor cells to grow, ultimately killing those cells.
Research reveals US adolescents are physically inactive, with minorities facing greater health risks from being overweight. The study found girls, especially older ones, tend to be least active, while programs targeting minority adolescents could help mitigate these risks.
A new study reveals that genetic changes caused by atherosclerosis may be the reason why estrogen does not provide preventative effect against heart disease. Researchers found evidence of DNA methylation, which prevents the formation of estrogen receptors in cardiovascular tissue.
Researchers identified two gene variants that may govern the body's ability to regulate levels of an enzyme called renal kallikrein, which can affect salt and water balance. The study found that variations in the human tissue kallikrein gene are associated with higher blood pressure in African Americans.
The Geological Society of America 1999 Annual Meeting features sessions on geological hazards, climate change, planetary science and Mars exploration. Keynote speakers will discuss the impact of earthquakes, greenhouse conditions and environmental consequences of impact events.
US cirrhosis mortality rates have increased and declined in tandem with hard liquor consumption, contrary to the expected association with beer and wine. The study found that excluding beer and wine from analysis revealed a strong correlation between hard liquor consumption and cirrhosis mortality trends.
A new multiplayer online game called The Turing Game is designed to differentiate imposters from truth-tellers by analyzing written communication. Players are asked questions about their personal characteristics, revealing how cultural markers affect a person's virtual identity.
Researchers are developing a self-healing computerized system to manage electricity distribution, leveraging fuzzy logic and machine learning to predict power needs and adjust accordingly. The system, called TELOS, aims to improve grid stability and reduce power failures.
The Wake Forest University School of Medicine has been awarded $400,000 for a new MicroPET scanner, which will enable researchers to conduct PET studies in nonhuman primates and rodents. The scanner's higher resolution allows for more detailed brain structure imaging.
A new study finds that depressed workers can be a significant drain on employers' resources, with worker absenteeism resulting in $17 billion a year in costs. Implementing mental health benefits and encouraging treatment could lead to a substantial increase in productivity and cost savings.
The Comprehensive Cancer Center at Cedars-Sinai has begun treating patients with a next-generation radiation therapy system that allows physicians to deliver precise, three-dimensional radiation treatments. This technology enables the delivery of full doses of radiation to tumors while protecting surrounding normal tissues.
A new study reveals that prenatal exposure to higher levels of testosterone in pregnant smokers may predispose their daughters to develop a smoking habit as they age. Researchers analyzed data from over 240 pairs of mothers and daughters, finding no correlation between prenatal nicotine levels and later smoking behavior.
A team of biophysicists introduces a new method in atomic force microscopy that maps not only topographic features but also the specifics of biochemistry on biological molecules. The technique, which attaches antibodies to microscope tips, allows for precise location of proteins and has extensive applications in biotechnology.
Two prominent entomologists warn that recent studies on genetically engineered crops have distorted the debate, potentially having profound consequences for science and public policy. The experts question the methodology used in these studies, particularly one claiming Bt corn kills monarch butterfly larvae in laboratory tests.
A new test developed by USC scientists and colleagues can accurately detect hidden breast cancer cells in lymph nodes, improving the detection of metastases. This breakthrough enables customized treatments tailored to individual patients' characteristics, such as tumor size and hormone receptor status.
Researchers at University of Florida report a 92% survival rate for newborns with diaphragmatic hernia using a new treatment strategy that reduces overventilation and delays corrective surgery, significantly improving lung function and development.
Researchers at the University of North Carolina will use a novel vaccine method to develop a safe and effective HIV vaccine. Early tests on monkeys show promise, with vaccinated animals showing significant cellular and humoral immunity and reduced virus load.
Researchers at the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center have identified two genes that may control the development of inflammatory breast cancer. The discovery, published in Clinical Cancer Research, could lead to more effective forms of cancer treatment, particularly for newly diagnosed women.
Researchers from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute have pinpointed how light resets the biological clock of fruit flies. By analyzing biochemical consequences of light pulses, they found that light triggers cell breakdown of a key protein called timeless, which is essential for synchronizing the biological to day-night cycle.
Astronomers have found evidence of a prompt high-energy afterglow component from a gamma-ray burst, suggesting multiple energy emission processes and mechanisms. This discovery supports the idea that different activities cause what appears to be a chaotic explosion.
A new study by researchers at the University of Southern California found that children with asthma are significantly more affected by severe air pollution than other children. Living in communities with high levels of pollutants is associated with higher rates of bronchitis and phlegm among children with a doctor diagnosis of asthma.
The event will cover hormone replacement therapies, phytoestrogens, common herbs and dietary supplements, and health promotion strategies. UCSF experts will provide guidance on managing menopausal symptoms and maintaining long-term health.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have solved the molecular intricacies of how a fruit fly controls its internal clock to cycles of light and dark. The team found that the proteosome plays a key role in TIM protein degradation, which is controlled by exposure to light.
A recent study by Mayo Clinic researchers suggests that an immune system response to fungus is the cause of most chronic sinus infections, which affects 37 million people in the US. The discovery opens the door to the development of effective treatments for this common chronic disease.
Researchers have developed seven nonlinear control laws for multi-axis control of high-performance aircraft, which could potentially save battle-damaged planes from combat. These approaches have shown spectacular results on simplified models but display pathological responses on higher fidelity simulation models.
Scientists at JILA have successfully cooled a gas of potassium atoms to temperatures near absolute zero, creating a Fermi degenerate gas. This achievement demonstrates the behavior of fermions, which are essential building blocks of matter, and could lead to breakthroughs in atomic clock technology and electronic devices.
Researchers at the Naval Surface Warfare Center are developing new statistical techniques to aid human operators in detecting and defending computer networks against intrusion. The new algorithms will filter out access attempts from strange places or at strange hours, or any attempts asking for unusual information.
A University of Pittsburgh study found that a non-invasive test can predict heart problems in middle-aged women without clinical signs of disease. The test, called electron beam computed tomography (EBCT), detected early signs of atherosclerosis in women who had no risk factors or clinical signs of disease.
The forum aims to provide access to national experts, develop workshops for science reporters, and foster research into the state of public understanding of genomics. It plans to make digitized files available for journalists to accompany gene research stories.
Researchers have discovered a new drug, pifithrin-alpha, that can protect healthy tissues from radiation damage and reduce side effects. The treatment strategy may allow for higher doses of therapy to be administered, improving cure rates.
The Alliance Chautauquas showcase the Access Grid, an experimental system linking people in virtual spaces for teamwork, remote training, and distance education. Key features include audio interactions, video presence, and shared applications.
A new system-on-a-chip technology from CPU Tech enables seamless upgrades to high-end electronic systems without rewriting software. This innovative solution addresses the issue of electronic obsolescence, which can cost hundreds of millions of dollars to resolve.
Research suggests Tourette's syndrome is not a simple motor disorder, but rather a condition affecting the brain's circuits that control planning and decision making. The study found that individuals with Tourette's can anticipate and adjust to their tics, indicating intentional movement.
The University of Iowa team will use a low-frequency radar to probe beneath the Martian surface and study the planet's ionosphere. The goal is to detect signs of liquid water, which may be responsible for carving the planet's canyons.
Researchers at Penn State have developed a new mobile data access system (MDAS) that enables efficient access to diverse data sources through both wired and wireless connections. The system uses multidatabases to provide integrated access to multiple databases with a single query, reducing traffic jams caused by simultaneous queries.
A gamma-ray burst may have melted primordial dust grains, seeding the formation of meteorites and rocky planets like Earth. The theory suggests that only one Sun-like star in a thousand would be close enough to form chondrules.
Researchers at Harborview Medical Center are exploring a new approach to treat depression by introducing extra copies of the gene for 5-HT1b receptors into serotonin neurons. Preliminary results suggest that this technique may allow for faster and more effective treatment of depression.
A University of Iowa study reveals that high salt concentrations in the airways of people with cystic fibrosis prevent antimicrobial peptides from working effectively. This finding provides new ideas about potential treatments for the disease.
For the first time, researchers have designed a working molecular motor that can convert chemical energy into controlled motion. This breakthrough advances miniaturization technology to the single molecule level, with potential applications in understanding diseases and developing new treatments.
Researchers at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center have developed a new drug that targets histone deacetylase, an enzyme that regulates cell growth and division. The drug, called SAHA, has shown promise in treating various types of cancer, including breast, lung, and prostate cancers.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University have developed a groundbreaking treatment for self-injury in people with developmental disabilities. By combining communication training with naltrexone, a medication that blocks the brain's opiate receptors, they were able to significantly reduce or eliminate self-injury in most cases.
Third-year medical students who completed an ethics course showed a deeper understanding of medical issues and made more informed decisions. The course improved their ability to consider patients' capacity for informed choice and evaluated the benefits of physician-assisted suicide, according to lead author Risa P. Hayes.
According to Professor Valerie Randle's research, the imbalance in senior positions is attributed to differing attributes and aspirations of men and women. More women are now aspiring towards senior management positions due to growing schemes like networking and mentoring.
Seven large randomized clinical trials investigate the relationship between homocysteine, vitamins, and cardiovascular risk. The American College of Physicians recommends high-risk individuals take folic acid supplements, while others can benefit from a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have discovered that Fragile X syndrome affects dendritic spine development in the brain, leading to impaired protein synthesis and maturation. This process is fundamental to normal brain development and may hold clues to understanding the cause of mental impairment.
A study of 393 male college football players found a link between multiple concussions and permanent neurological damage, particularly in athletes with pre-existing learning disabilities. Players with two or more concussions showed significant signs of long-term neurological damage, especially if they had an LD.
A survey of older Californians ages 45-70 found that poor health is a significant contributor to early retirement, with nearly half retiring for health-related reasons. The study also revealed disparities in health coverage and poverty rates among early retirees compared to those who retired after age 50.
Researchers attribute decrease in atmospheric carbon monoxide levels to reductions in manmade emissions, consistent with trends reported by the EPA. The study found a significant decrease of around five parts per billion by volume in carbon monoxide concentration levels at Big Meadows in Shenandoah National Park, Virginia.
Researchers at Max Planck Institute for Brain Research discovered a protein in photoreceptor cells that plays a crucial role in adapting to changing light intensities. The activation of this autoreceptor triggers a negative feedback loop, reducing glutamate release and preventing signal saturation.
The 9th annual meeting of the European Respiratory Society will address various topics such as lung cancer, asthma, chronic bronchitis, and sleep apnea. The congress will also feature discussions on artificial ventilation methods, non-invasive ventilation, and respiratory problems faced by mountaineers, deepsea divers, and astronauts.
A University of Illinois physicist has proposed a 'midinfrared' scenario that may help explain the mechanism behind high-temperature, cuprate superconductors. The theory suggests that the driving force for superconductivity in cuprates is a saving of Coulomb energy associated with long wavelengths and midinfrared frequencies.