The University of North Carolina School of Medicine has received a $5 million federal grant to investigate ANCA vasculitis, a disease causing small blood vessel inflammation. Researchers will explore the cause of the disease and develop better treatments.
The Bio-X program awarded nearly $3 million in grants to Stanford faculty for innovative biological projects, including a method to rapidly synthesize patient-specific vaccines and an interdisciplinary course on human pathophysiology. The grants aim to promote interdepartmental bioscience research and education in biology, medicine, co...
Scientists have fabricated erasable polymer multilayers that can be selectively destroyed by environmental stimuli, enabling controlled release of embedded compounds. These films have potential applications in medicine and materials science.
Researchers have identified two proteins p73 and E2F1 that play important roles in programmed cell death, regulating the death of immune cells T cells. This discovery provides new insights into cancer research and the potential treatment of autoimmune diseases.
A shorter course of AZT therapy can reduce HIV transmission from mothers to children, now available at a lower cost. The study found that treatment regimens starting at 28 weeks pregnant and given to the infant for six weeks resulted in a transmission rate similar to standard long/long treatment.
Dartmouth Medical School's Interactive Media Laboratory has been designated a national Center for Public Health Preparedness, focusing on applied communications technology and E-learning. The center aims to enhance public health readiness by developing cutting-edge interactive education and training programs.
Top scientists from Harvard, Cornell, University of Dublin, and University of Colorado will discuss the molecular biology of IL-1 and its role in RA pathogenesis. They will also focus on new targets for treatment, such as bone degradation, and explore patient perspectives on quality of life.
China and Chile are now linked to U.S. universities through the STAR TAP global network, enabling high-speed data exchange for international collaborations. The connection enhances China's participation in next-generation Internet research and supports Chile's astronomical projects.
A physicist claims that scientists have underestimated the devastating potential costs of creating killer strangelets at a new US particle accelerator. The probability of such an event is tiny, but Kent argues that the scale of the destruction should be considered in risk assessments.
The American Chemical Society is co-sponsoring a briefing on math and science teaching, focusing on improving K-12 education in the US. The briefing will discuss the recent report 'Before It's Too Late' and the National Commission on Mathematics and Science Teaching for the 21st Century's progress.
A Northwestern University study collects data from nearly 1,000 dying patients to provide new insights into the care of terminally ill individuals. The research reveals that good communication with physicians and nurses, as well as spiritual/religious practices, contribute to a greater sense of purpose and personal acceptance.
A report by the North American Commission for Environmental Cooperation identifies industrial plants in the US as the main polluters of dioxin in Nunavut, with sources including municipal waste incinerators and cement kilns. The findings provide a new tool for governments to clamp down on polluters and control emissions.
A study found that chemicals from household sources like mothballs and pesticides linger in carpeting for extended periods. The type of chemical determines how long it stays attached to the carpet, with denser materials persisting longer.
Researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine found that Id2 gene is implicated in neuroblastoma development and underlies tumor growth. The study suggests developing drugs to counteract the Id2 gene may provide targeted treatment for neuroblastoma and other cancers.
A study of 300 former professional footballers found that almost two-thirds had experienced osteoarthritis, with knee problems being the most common. Anxiety and depression were also prevalent among those with this type of joint disease, which often led to early retirement.
A study of over 46,000 individuals found that lifestyle changes can significantly impact healthcare costs. The researchers identified 10 modifiable health risks that account for 25% of total annual expenditures, with stress-related problems being the costliest factor.
A new clinical score for managing upper respiratory tract infections with sore throat could substantially reduce unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions. The study found that using the score would have reduced antibiotics prescribed to culture-negative patients by 63.7% and overall antibiotics by 52.3%.
Children born prematurely are 3 to 4 times more likely to be educational underachievers than full-term children. Targeted educational intervention programs can help maximize their academic potential. The study controlled for age, race, maternal education, and foster-care placement.
In a two-year study, researchers at Northwestern University are using phytoremediation to reduce lead poisoning in Chicago's West Town community. They have planted different types of grasses and vegetation in 40 homes to test their effectiveness in removing lead from the soil.
A study found that only 18.5% of patients with fragility fractures received a proper osteoporosis diagnosis, and even fewer were treated accordingly. This gap in care represents a significant lost opportunity to build bone mass and reduce fracture risk among Canada's aging population.
Scientists have characterized gene mutations in families affected by pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE), a rare disorder that can lead to progressive loss of vision, gastrointestinal bleeding, and cardiovascular disease. The study provides the basis for DNA-based carrier detection and prenatal testing.
A University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill study found that regular garlic consumption reduces stomach cancer risk by half and colorectal cancer risk by two-thirds. The researchers pooled data from 22 studies worldwide to confirm the protective effect, but note that supplements may not be as effective.
A study of 3,299 US oncologists found that 22% supported physician-assisted suicide for terminally ill patients with unremitting pain, while 6.5% supported euthanasia. Hydrochlorothiazide was shown to preserve bone density at the hip and spine in healthy older adults.
INEEL researchers discovered a way to make rare earth magnets more powerful and durable by tweaking their formula. By adding extra elements, they improved the temperature resistance and magnetic field strength of the magnets.
A University of Michigan professor suggests that flu vaccines should be administered when available to prevent lost work days and reduce physician visits, even if not cost-effective for working adults. The vaccine may have a greater impact on the elderly, who are more prone to complications.
A study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that injuries among rugby union players have almost doubled since the sport turned professional. Protective equipment worn by players is likely a contributing factor, according to the authors.
A study analyzing Ontario data found that immigration officials' referrals and region of origin are key determinants of tuberculosis risk. Immigrants from Vietnam had the highest incidence rate, emphasizing the importance of targeted prevention efforts to protect both migrant populations and native Canadians.
A new study published in Fertility and Sterility suggests that most infertile men cope with their situation well, with no significant differences among three groups of men. The researchers found that fertile men reported higher stress levels compared to those with low or no sperm count or unexplained infertility.
A case study in British Journal of Sports Medicine reports a physical education teacher who suffered from permanent nerve damage after using a frozen chip ice pack for at least 40 minutes. The authors recommend applying ice packs with caution and limiting the application time to 30 minutes or less.
Researchers have discovered a potential new target for therapy by understanding how Onyx-015 works against cancer cells. The study suggests that the drug's effectiveness may be linked to p14 ARF, which could lead to the development of new cancer treatments.
A UMass-led international research group has successfully sequenced the genome of Halobacterium species NRC-1, a salt-loving microorganism. The achievement promises to reveal insights into cell regulation, gene expression, and potential biomedical applications, including vaccine development and antibiotic design.
A survey of 3,299 oncologists found a significant decline in support for euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide, with those trained in end-of-life care less likely to support these options. The study emphasizes the need for education on providing high-quality palliative care to dying patients.
A new study led by the University of Michigan found that breast reconstruction during mastectomy significantly improves emotional, social, and functional well-being. Women who opted for simultaneous reconstruction experienced a larger psychological boost than those who waited for reconstructive surgery later.
Researchers at Texas A&M University have made groundbreaking discoveries about spinal cord plasticity, which enables the spinal cord to learn and adapt without brain input. This breakthrough could potentially lead to greater chances of recovery for victims of spinal cord injuries.
Researchers at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center discovered a way to protect ovaries from radiation and chemotherapy damage by 'knocking out' a particular gene. A compound called sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) has been shown to preserve ovarian function, allowing mice to continue producing eggs.
The NHLBI launched a $37 million genomic applications initiative to identify human genes relevant to heart, lung, blood, and sleep functions. The program aims to decipher individual gene functions and develop better prevention, diagnosis, and therapy methods.
Researchers at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center are testing thin-walled membranes for use in large space structures. The lightweight materials could revolutionize space exploration with reduced costs and increased efficiency.
A team of researchers has discovered a diverse range of actinomycetes in marine environments, including coral reef sponges and sediments. These bacteria have the potential to produce novel antibiotics and are being explored as a source of future medicines.
A new study published in Pediatrics reveals a strong link between teenage smoking and depressive symptoms, with non-depressed teens who smoke facing a four times greater risk. Social factors such as peer tobacco use, poor school performance, and parental report of bad temper also predict progression to heavy smoking.
Thirteen research projects selected for initial funding explore subsurface conditions, contaminants, and environmental cleanup methods at the INEEL site. The projects, funded by $3 million from INRA over three years, aim to develop effective cleanup methods for various applications.
A compound called sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) has been found to block the destruction of ovarian egg cells by radiation therapy in animal studies. This protection was shown to be effective in female mice exposed to levels of radiotherapy that would otherwise have destroyed their ovaries.
Research at the University of Michigan found a 30% higher concentration of signaling cells in people with bipolar disorder, which could explain and treat manic depression. The discovery highlights the disorder's genetic and biological roots, offering new avenues for understanding and treatment.
Lehman et al. show that PGC-1 is limiting for mitochondrial proliferation in cardiac muscle, directing changes in mitochondrial population across cells. Overexpressing PGC-1 increases fatty acid oxidation capacity and coupled OxPhos, but constitutive expression leads to dilated cardiomyopathy.
A new study reveals that free radicals, generated by the macrophage enzyme NADPH oxidase, are essential for the development of alcoholic liver disease. The researchers found that mice lacking this enzyme were resistant to liver injury and had lower levels of covalent adducts in their bile.
Researchers found that alcohol feeding impaired osteoblast function and led to increased bone turnover, contributing to bone fragility. In contrast, mice lacking the interleukin-6 (IL-6) gene had better maintained bone mass and reduced fractures.
Scientists have developed genetically-altered mice that resist diet-induced obesity and insulin resistance by producing uncoupling protein-1 in muscle tissue. This protein burns excess energy as heat instead of storing it as fat, mirroring the effects of exercise on weight loss.
Researchers discover SLPI protein promotes healing in non-healing wounds, reversing tissue destruction and hastening recovery. The study's findings may lead to new treatments for delayed wound healing in the elderly.
Two MS clinical trials halted due to adverse effects confirm the targeted peptide plays a role in the disease. The studies suggest that lower doses are better than higher doses, and immunological tests can determine how targeted therapies work in patients.
The NIAID Challenge Grants program will award $19 million to eight companies to develop new drugs and vaccines against deadly infectious diseases. Researchers will work on developing a pediatric indication for tafenoquine to prevent malaria in adults, as well as studying azithromycin for treating malaria.
The International Olympic Committee has discontinued gender testing at the Summer Olympics on a trial basis, supported by Yale physician Myron Genel. The tests were found to be inaccurate and potentially harmful to women with disorders of sexual development, who may have failed due to rare genetic abnormalities.
A recent study conducted at Indiana University Medical Center found that high-dose chemotherapy followed by stem-cell transplantation can achieve a durable remission in approximately 50% of patients with recurrent testicular cancer. The overall cure rate for these patients is now estimated to be around 85 percent.
The Foundation for Exploration and Research on Cultural Origins (FERCO) has funded eight research projects on ancient civilizations in Asia, North America and Europe. These projects include studies of early maritime adaptations, trade networks and the distribution of obsidian, among others.
A20 is a critical regulator of inflammation in multiple tissues, protecting against damage by inhibiting TNF activation. The discovery suggests new ways to block inflammation and may lead to novel forms of therapy for conditions like ulcerative colitis and septic shock.
European cancer specialists expect an overview of anti-oestrogen drug trials by 2005, allowing evaluation of long-term effects on breast cancer incidence and mortality. The US FDA has approved tamoxifen for high-risk women, but European experts are cautious due to differing trial results.
Researchers discovered a novel survival mechanism in Salmonella bacteria that detects and protects them from high levels of iron. The PmrA/PmrB system allows Salmonella to fend off the antibiotic polymyxin and thrive in hostile environments.
Materials professor Arthur Gossard and his students created a compound semiconductor for two unrelated experiments, one by Harvard and one by Chicago, which were published in the September 29 issue of Science magazine. The experiment involves creating pathways for electrons to improve conductivity.
The US cancer community must adopt a new paradigm to develop and test cancer treatments, says Dr Edison Liu. The shift in emphasis is needed due to rapid advancements in biological technology, which could lead to significant improvements in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
NASA and Lockheed Martin have agreed on a plan to proceed with the X-33 space plane program, including the use of aluminum fuel tanks for hydrogen fuel. The restructured plan focuses on milestone payments and mission safety, with the goal of reducing launch costs.
A new nomogram developed at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center predicts outcomes based on disease factors such as stage, PSA level, and radiation dosage. The tool demonstrates improved accuracy in estimating treatment efficacy compared to existing models.
A $1.1-million study led by LSU will examine marine life on offshore platforms for pharmaceutical value, while also investigating the potential for better glues and adhesives. The research aims to identify new treatments for diseases such as cancer and AIDS.