Researchers aim to develop new techniques to selectively stimulate thalamic neurons and improve therapeutic efficacy of deep brain stimulation. The team will use computer-based neural models to describe stimulation phenomena and validate them in the clinic.
Scientists analyzed the magnetic field of the ALH84001 Martian meteorite using a new microscope, revealing that its interior remained cool enough to support life. The findings suggest that microbial life may have traveled from Mars to Earth via the meteorite, but do not prove it.
Researchers at UCSF have identified a fundamental decision-making unit in cells that integrates multiple signals to initiate cell movement. This protein, N-WASP, relies on cooperative action between two signal molecules to trigger actin polymerization and drive cell movement.
Researchers identified a protein in vertebrates that detects cell salt concentration and regulates its balance. The discovery may lead to improved treatment of kidney disorders and high blood pressure.
Researchers used gene therapy to deliver GDNF directly to the brain cells of monkeys, resulting in a dramatic increase in dopamine production and prevention of disease progression. The treatment also reversed functional deficits and symptoms associated with Parkinson's disease.
Robert C. Gallo and Luc Montagnier receive Spain's top science award for their groundbreaking work on the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of HIV/AIDS. The Prince of Asturias Award recognizes their originality and relevance to the scientific community.
Researchers at University of Rochester's Laboratory for Laser Energetics successfully completed the first full-scale test of polarization smoothing on the world's most powerful laser, Omega. The technique generated 70% more fusion neutrons than without and moves closer to self-sustaining fusion.
A new molecular diagnostics laboratory at Virginia Tech aims to investigate the genetic foundations of disease in horses and its implications for humans. The lab will focus on four major projects, including studying environmental toxins, COPD, osteoarthritis, and diabetes-related complications.
NASA's 2nd Generation Reusable Launch Vehicle Program aims to develop a privately owned, commercially competitive reusable launch vehicle. Proposals are due November 27, with cost proposals due December 4, and are expected to award multiple contracts totaling $900 million next spring.
A new patented device co-developed by Ohio State University engineers helps scientists separate cells in the laboratory for transplant and cancer research. The device refines existing magnetic cell separation techniques to better measure how well cells are labeled and magnetized.
A team of scientists suggests that meteorites like ALH84001 could have transferred life between Mars and Earth. The analysis of the meteorite's magnetic field supports the hypothesis that meteorites can be an interplanetary delivery system capable of transferring life.
Lawrence J. Marnett's research focuses on identifying functional biochemical differences between COX-1 and COX-2, which play a crucial role in cancer development. The grant will support the development of more specific and effective drugs to prevent and treat cancer.
Researchers have identified a protein called BNC1 that plays a crucial role in sensing light touch, allowing animals to detect gentle stimuli like a mosquito landing on their arm. The study found that knocking out the BNC1 gene greatly reduces the ability to sense light touch, but not completely eliminates it.
The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) has named 25 new Outreach Partners for its Constituency Outreach and Education Program, bringing the total number of Partners to 43. These partners will deliver science-based mental health information to the public and healthcare professionals through various outreach programs.
Researchers at Clemson University have developed a new laser imaging system that provides more detailed views of breast tissue than traditional mammograms. The system uses 16 laser points to detect growths not visible on regular mammograms and predict tumor malignancy with high accuracy.
A recent study found that students who effectively manage their time tend to have better grades, regardless of the number of study hours they put in. The research suggests that educators should reevaluate how they assess student efforts and consider changes to promote academic success.
Researchers will follow 1,000 HIV patients over three years to track health, attitudes, and treatment patterns, with a focus on rural areas where barriers hinder efforts to reduce HIV spread and mortality. The study aims to explore the role of coping mechanisms, stress, and social support in HIV transmission and disease progression.
A study found that college students who were liked by their roommates had higher self-esteem, less depression, and fewer physical problems. In contrast, those who were not liked experienced more mental and physical issues, including low self-esteem, depression, and illness.
New analysis reveals Comet LINEAR might have begun coming apart in mid-June, contrary to initial predictions. The comet's erratic behavior and eventual demise thrilled astronomers, who are now studying the data to understand its breakup process.
A study by Alaskan and Canadian researchers found that climate change and commercial fishing negatively affect sockeye salmon runs in Alaska. The research used nitrogen isotope analysis to track salmon populations over 300 years, revealing a link between climate shifts and changes in salmon abundance.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that automated external defibrillators (AEDs) can save the lives of sudden cardiac arrest victims aboard aircraft, with a survival rate of 40% in a two-year study. The smaller, automated device requires less training to use safely and is approved for airline use.
Scientists have identified a molecule called VR-OAC that senses osmotic pressure in vertebrates, including humans. This discovery may provide insight into the biological basis of inner ear function and the sense of touch.
The UCSF Vietnamese Community Health Promotion Project has received a $3.6 million CDC grant to improve breast and cervical cancer screening among Vietnamese women in Santa Clara County. The project aims to address the high rate of cervical cancer in this population, which is five times that of Caucasian women.
The Respiratory Tract Infection Alert, a first national tracking system, provides predictive information via the Internet and a toll-free number to predict RTI season peaks. The system tracks common respiratory tract infections such as bronchitis, sinusitis, and pneumonia.
Jefferson scientists discover that blocking a protein affects collagen gene expression in both normal and scleroderma cells, offering new hope for treating the disease. The findings suggest that therapeutic compounds may be developed to inhibit this pathway and reduce collagen production.
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has awarded a $10.5 million grant to co-directors David E. Luzzi and Kambiz Pourrezaei, aiming to remaking the region as 'Nanotech Valley.' The Regional Nanotechnology Center will fund interdisciplinary research and promote collaboration between academia and local industries.
Researchers at Purdue University have developed a novel low-power circuit that can dynamically adjust memory usage to minimize energy consumption. The new design reduces the amount of energy needed to run a computer's memory by up to 62% while maintaining performance levels.
A new study found that watching television news can help people with low education levels understand political candidates better, closing the knowledge gap between less and more educated individuals. In contrast, reading newspapers is more effective for highly educated individuals who already possess a strong grasp of politics.
Researchers at Ohio State University have made a breakthrough discovery that may lead to a new therapy for patients who suffer from heart attacks. The study shows that blood-derived cells called monocytes can create tunnels in damaged heart tissue, which can potentially be used to grow new blood vessels.
Scientists have embarked on a collaborative effort to sequence the Fugu fish genome, offering valuable insights for identifying genes in the human genome. The project aims to utilize the Fugu genome's compact size and minimal 'junk DNA' to facilitate gene discovery.
Research at Cornell University and Ohio State University finds that newspapers have a stronger influence on the civic participation of highly educated individuals. This is because they can process information more carefully and extract mobilizing information efficiently from newspapers. In contrast, television has negligible impact on ...
Researchers developed an ultra-fast optical switch that can reformat information at speeds unmatched by current devices. The switch uses off-the-shelf components and operates in a billionth of a second, allowing for fast wavelength conversion and customization of pulse lengths.
University of Iowa researchers have identified a protein, brain sodium channel 1 (BNC1), that plays a role in the perception of light touch in mice. The discovery provides an important first step towards understanding the molecular basis for this process.
A University at Buffalo study has found that people with severe gum disease are twice as likely to suffer a stroke due to blocked arteries. Periodontal disease was associated with an increased risk for cerebrovascular events, particularly non-hemorrhagic strokes.
Engineers at the University of Rochester have created uniform silicon quantum dots that could revolutionize computing by reducing transistor size. The dots are made of cheap and abundant silicon, making them a viable alternative to expensive materials used in previous attempts.
Researchers found that up to 96% of Parkinson's patients experience serious sleep disturbances, often overlooked by doctors. A new study suggests that cabergoline, a long-acting dopamine agonist, offers significant benefits in improving symptoms of sleep disturbance and daytime sleepiness.
The Emory-led research group aims to use naturally occurring sphingolipids to develop more effective compounds for cancer prevention and treatment. Sphingolipids have shown promise in controlling certain types of cancer, and the grant will focus on developing these compounds into new anti-cancer treatments.
A study by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill found that Duke University football players transmitted a Norwalk-like virus to their Florida State University opponents after eating contaminated food. The transmission was attributed to people touching each other's hands, uniforms, and possibly the football itself.
A study of over 220,000 adults found that nearly two-thirds of long-term uninsured adults go without medical care due to cost, particularly those in poor or fair health. This poses a significant public health risk, as these individuals are more likely to experience complications and early death if they do not receive necessary medical ...
Chemists at UNC-CH have answered a decade-old scientific riddle about the origin of an energy barrier that prevents reactions except at high temperatures. The study found that dimer sites, pairs of silicon atoms, play a crucial role in the reaction by tilting up and down like a see-saw.
Researchers are surveying and identifying underwater wreckage off Utah and Omaha beaches in search of missing WWII soldiers. They've already found six to eight Sherman tanks and over two dozen wrecks.
A researcher from University of Illinois claims that grip on the bat during contact with baseball has no effect on ball speed and trajectory. The study, demonstrated in theory and experiment, corrects coaching advice to relax grip during swing.
A study by Drs. Rebecca Sue Broyles and Jon Tyson found that comprehensive care reduced life-threatening illnesses and intensive care days by 48% and 42%, respectively. Comprehensive care also saved an average of $6,265 per infant compared to routine care.
New research suggests angiotensin-(1-7) levels may predict and prevent preeclampsia. The hormone helps regulate high blood pressure during normal pregnancy.
The new report clarifies how to monitor and treat pregnant women with hypertension before and during pregnancy. It highlights the importance of differentiating between hypertension and preeclampsia, a condition that affects the placenta, kidney, liver, and brain, and can lead to severe complications for both mother and child.
Researchers at the University of Colorado at Boulder found that patients who received medication and a family-focused treatment program had fewer episodes of the disease, with longer delays before relapses. The study suggests that positive family interaction can help limit relapse rates.
The tiny Sandia laser can generate white light, replacing gas-filled fluorescent tubes in offices and homes, with a lifespan of five to ten times longer. The technology also aids in detecting bioweapons and E. coli bacteria, reducing carbon emissions by approximately 350 million tons per year.
Women with BRCA 1 or 2 mutations may not have to fear radiation therapy due to no increased incidence of side effects. The study suggests similar recurrence rates and survival after five years, with additional treatment keeping cancer in check.
The Ras oncogene's suppression of p53 could explain why some cancers are resistant to radiation therapy. The finding suggests that Ras may play an indirect role in many more cancers by regulating the tumor-suppressor gene, contributing to cancer development.
Researchers found scores of state programs offering financial incentives to attract primary-care practitioners to medically under-served areas. These programs have contributed significantly to the US healthcare safety net, with over 1,300 physicians serving in needy areas.
A comprehensive follow-up care program for high-risk infants resulted in significant reductions in life-threatening illnesses, intensive care admissions, and hospital stays. The study found that such a program can be effective in reducing overall costs while improving outcomes.
Uninsured adults are more likely to report poor health status, delay seeking medical care, and forgo necessary care due to cost. Long-term uninsured adults also experience increased risk of death, particularly when hospitalized or diagnosed with serious symptoms.
A study found that lead exposure on the job can cause progressive declines in memory and learning abilities nearly two decades later. The effects of lead were seen even after exposure had stopped, suggesting a progressive impact on the brain.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine are investigating the potential cholesterol-lowering properties of gugulipid, an extract from the mukul myrrh bush. The study, led by Dr. Philippe Szapary, aims to determine whether gugulipid is safe and effective in reducing mild-to-moderately elevated cholesterol levels.
A new radiation treatment technique targets head and neck tumors while sparing salivary glands, enabling patients to function more normally. Patients who received intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) experienced improved saliva flow and quality of life compared to conventional radiation therapies.
A 'smart' prosthetic lower limb is being developed with a digital control system, enabling amputees to maintain active lives. The leg will simulate human gait and adjust to terrain, reducing pressure sores and improving comfort.
Mayo Clinic researchers developed a new, non-invasive DNA test that detected 91% of colorectal cancers and 73% of polyps. The test shows promise for reducing unnecessary colonoscopies and costs associated with colorectal cancer screening.
A capitated benefit broadened covered services and improved integration among providers, increasing access rates by 50-70% and nearly doubling statewide. The Oregon experience may serve as a model for other states to improve access to substance abuse treatment for Medicaid clients.
A study found that Helicobacter pylori bacteria were present in 88% of SIDS babies, with genes indicating an inflammatory response and potential ammonia production. The prevalence of H pylori infection is typically around 2% in developed countries.
Dana Longcope, a Montana State University physicist, has received the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers. He was recognized for his work on modeling the sun's magnetic fields, which helps explain solar flares and coronal mass ejections that affect Earth's technology.