Fossils of fungal spores and hyphae dating back 460-455 million years support the theory that fungi aided in plant invasion, suggesting interdependence between organisms. Fungi have been found in association with modern plants for up to 400 million years.
The NHLBI has launched a 10-year study to find new ways of detecting heart disease early, before symptoms appear. The $68 million Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) will collect data on various risk factors, including calcium deposits in coronary arteries and pulse waves at the radial artery.
A recent study published in Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research found that moderate alcohol consumption may inhibit the development of atherosclerotic lesions and halt their progression. This suggests that alcohol may have protective properties against heart disease, contradicting the traditional view known as the French paradox.
Despite technological advancements, earthquake prediction remains elusive due to the Heat-Flow Paradox and debates on fault strength. Research efforts have shed light on variations along the San Andreas fault, with some areas experiencing locked stresses while others creep slowly.
Researchers found that injured ruffe emit a potent, repugnant odor when in contact with other ruffe, which significantly suppresses their swimming and feeding activities. This cue has potential for managing the invasive species, but its effectiveness remains to be determined.
Children of divorced parents are more likely to drop out of middle or high school due to economic hardships, not family disruption. The resulting financial stress raises the odds of offspring dropping out to supplement the family income.
Scientists have discovered a new light-activated protein in surface water bacteria, which may represent a new mechanism for cycling carbon in the oceans. The protein, called proteorhodopsin, pumps ions across the cell membrane when exposed to light, generating energy for marine microbes.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found a strong link between brain cell loss in Gulf War veterans and abnormal over-production of dopamine, a neurotransmitter chemical important in degenerative brain diseases. The study suggests that the brain damage may be having a real effect on these veterans' brain function.
Leading AIDS researchers, including Robert Gallo and Seth Berkeley, urge a new era of scientific cooperation to accelerate HIV vaccine development. The epidemic affects 40 million people worldwide, and current funding and resources are insufficient.
A Phase I/II study found substantial and occasional complete regression of widespread tumors in patients with treatment-resistant metastatic renal cell carcinoma treated with blood stem cell transplants. Three patients achieved total regression, while seven showed partial regression of disease.
The Learning 2000 conference at Virginia Tech will discuss the pluses and minuses of building virtual universities, featuring experts from around the world. Topics include social issues, learning system vendors, philosophical approaches, and best practices in virtual university instruction.
Researchers explore how complexity theory can help businesses manage complex issues, such as supply and demand patterns. Key findings include the use of genetic algorithms to improve delivery performance and the importance of predictive powers in an unpredictable world.
Repeat DWI offenders pose a significant public health threat. Victim impact panels aim to influence offenders' attitudes about drunk driving through emotional influence and raising empathy for victims. However, research suggests a minimal impact on repeat DWI offenders, with some studies indicating a decrease in re-arrest rates.
Researchers created a triple-threat drug that takes multiple approaches to combat brain cell death associated with stroke. The drug, SUN N8075, blocks calcium and sodium channels and acts as a strong antioxidant, preventing further damage.
A six-month study confirms that antibiotic choice significantly impacts long-term patient outcomes for acute infections, with gemifloxacin reducing hospitalizations and recurrences of chronic bronchitis. The study found a 30% lower rate of recurrence in patients treated with gemifloxacin compared to clarithromycin.
A clinical trial shows that a single dose of Zithromax is as effective as a 10-day course of Augmentin in treating acute otitis media in children. The study found high treatment success rates for both regimens.
New data from an NHLBI pediatric AIDS study show no significant differences in cardiac function between children exposed to AZT and those not exposed. The study provides reassuring evidence that AZT is not associated with any significant negative clinical effects on the heart.
A new UNC-CH study reveals that North Carolina's Intensive Family Preservation Services program is highly effective in preventing out-of-home placements for high-risk families. The program, which provides intensive support services to families, has a significant cost advantage over traditional social service actions.
Researchers at Cornell University will develop adaptive software that can adjust to changing conditions in simulations and hardware. The Adaptive Software Project aims to create software that behaves like a living organism, adapting to improve results or survival.
Research found that prenatal brains metabolize alcohol differently than adult brains, leading to a rapid accumulation of toxic acetaldehyde. The study suggests that drinking alcoholic beverages during pregnancy can be particularly damaging to the fetus, especially the fetal brain.
The Stanford researchers received $2,200,000 to transform the World Wide Web into a Global InfoBase, creating a universal information model and query language. Additionally, they aim to personalize information management and analyze semantics to reveal new knowledge.
The Grid Physics Network initiative will create a virtual data system, allowing scientists to access and manipulate massive amounts of data from various institutions. The project has the potential to boost computing power and storage capacity, benefiting fields such as genomics and business applications.
A new X-ray telescope will allow astrophysicists to peer down the mouths of black holes with unprecedented resolution. The instrument can resolve an object the size of a Frisbee on the sun, enabling the study of stellar systems and astrophysical jets.
The hospital's new digital mammography system offers improved diagnostic evaluations and quicker image acquisition, reducing patient anxiety and inconvenience. Researchers will collaborate with GE Medical Systems to develop computer-aided detection software programs for better patient evaluations.
A small earthquake off Washington's coast caused hydrothermal vent systems miles away to pump out warmer water in an unexpected pulsing pattern. This has led scientists to re-evaluate their understanding of fluid flow within oceanic crust, which had previously been assumed to be stable and relatively unchanging.
The University at Buffalo is leading a $10 million DARPA project to develop specific ferromagnetic materials for use in spintronics. The goal is to create magnetic semiconductors and prototype devices to exploit electron spin properties, enabling new functions in data processing, storage, and communications.
The 2000 Fall Research Meeting of the Society for the Study of Impotence features over 60 researchers presenting new peer-reviewed findings on sexual dysfunction, including new pharmaceutical treatments under development. Internationally renowned clinicians will also present Grand Master Lectures on key topics in sexual medicine.
A study published in JAMA found that patients taking Celebrex had two- to threefold fewer serious gastrointestinal complications compared to those receiving ibuprofen or diclofenac. The medication was also associated with lower incidence of stomach upset, abdominal pain, and nausea.
Researchers from Emory University Health Sciences Center have identified three HIV-positive chimpanzees that are progressing to AIDS, offering insights into how the disease develops and may be resisted. The chimps' unique genetic profile could hold key to developing an HIV vaccine and new treatments for AIDS.
A mathematical model developed by Population Council scientists John Bongaarts and Charles Westoff shows that increased contraceptive use and effectiveness can significantly reduce abortion rates. The study estimates that a woman who uses no contraception would need about 12 abortions to restrict her fertility to two births.
The MIT researchers used their new analytical tool to determine the sequence of a heparin fragment and produced a surprising result that contradicts earlier findings. The correct sequence reveals that the heparin fragment contains only a partial active site, affecting drug activity.
A study in Tobacco Control found that nicotine addiction symptoms appear within weeks of starting to smoke, rather than gradually. Almost two-thirds of smokers exhibited symptoms of dependency, with cravings and feelings of addiction being the most common initial symptoms.
Researchers propose that wolf presence in Yellowstone reduces elk browsing, allowing aspen trees to grow and recover. Aspen groves were largely lost due to human activity, but the absence of wolves is thought to be a key factor.
Scientists have found a mid-mass black hole in the M82 galaxy, which packs the mass of at least 500 suns into a region about the size of the Moon. The discovery opens a new field of research and suggests that such black holes may exist in our own galaxy.
Researchers discovered a high incidence of Alzheimer's disease in an Arab community, suggesting a possible role for a previously unknown recessive gene. DNA analysis revealed that only 4% of participants carried the apolipoprotein E-4 gene variant, lower than expected rates in other populations.
Researchers at the University at Buffalo found that impaired pulmonary function was associated with increased risk of mortality over a nearly 30-year period. The study showed that individuals with poorer lung function were more than twice as likely to die, highlighting the importance of regular lung function testing
A new study from Brown University suggests that Rhode Island is a microcosm of the nation's future for end-of-life care. The state ranks sixth in nursing home deaths, adjusted for age and gender, with 20% of Americans expected to die in a nursing home by 2020.
The study reveals up to 149 conserved chromosome segments in humans and cattle, including four whole chromosomes with the same genes, despite a 60-million-year evolutionary gap. The comparative map will facilitate identification of genes controlling important traits in both species.
Italian researchers found that workers exposed to hydrocarbon solvents, such as petroleum-based products, were three years younger when first showing symptoms. The severity of Parkinson's disease was directly related to the amount of exposure experienced.
A controlled trial found that anti-smoking TV advertising can help smokers quit, with over 50% of participants reducing their smoking habits. The campaign led to a fall in smoking prevalence of more than 1% in targeted regions.
A new study found that farming overall is protective against breast cancer in women, but pesticide exposure boosts their risk slightly. Women who farmed more than 23 years had a 40% lower risk of breast cancer.
Industry documents reveal little evidence of testing for the impact of additives on mainstream or sidestream smoke content or toxicity. The study highlights the importance of regulating tobacco additives to address public health concerns.
Researchers found that combining radiation therapy with androgen suppression therapy significantly reduced the risk of PSA failure in men with intermediate- and high-risk prostate cancer. The treatment showed efficacy even in low-risk patients, suggesting a potential benefit for all early-stage prostate cancer patients.
Researchers have simulated silicon nanowires with promising results, predicting changes in electronic states, Schottky barriers, and doping methods that could improve device performance and consistency. The simulations suggest new ways to overcome current technological challenges, including the use of nanoscale clusters as dopants.
Research measures health-related quality of life among 'typical' migraine sufferers, showing a strong link between migraine and depression. Forty-seven percent of migraine sufferers experience depression, compared to 17% without migraine.
The American Academy of Neurology and the Child Neurology Society recommend EEG evaluation for children with a first nonfebrile seizure, providing insights into seizure type and potential recurrence risk. The guidelines also emphasize individualized evaluations and future research directions.
Women scored higher on math exams in single-sex groups, achieving 70% accuracy rate compared to 58% with mixed gender groups. The presence of men can cause women to suffer from stereotype threat, leading to decreased performance.
The Magic Book project enables readers to move from a real-world reading experience to an immersive virtual environment, interacting with characters and objects. This technology has applications in storybooks, technical manuals, and textbooks, offering a seamless transition between physical and virtual environments.
The virtual reality experience, Paved with Fear, simulates daily activities for psychiatrists to grasp the impact of auditory and visual hallucinations. Developed in collaboration with patients, this innovative technology provides a unique understanding of the condition, ultimately enhancing treatment effectiveness.
A study published in PNAS reveals that lead contamination in San Francisco Bay will continue to affect the environment for decades due to the persistence of contaminated soils and sediments. Researchers found that lead from past gasoline emissions still accounts for most of the lead in water samples, with limited mobility out of the bay.
Researchers from University of Washington and UC Berkeley found two distinct patterns of dysfunctional marital interaction predictive of divorce at different points during a marriage. These patterns differ in emotional intensity, leading to either volatile or suppressed relationships.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have discovered a powerful new antibiotic candidate, PD 404182, which is 10,000 times more effective than other known inhibitors of a key enzyme in Gram-negative bacteria. The compound targets KDO 8-P synthase, essential for bacterial cell surface formation, and shows promise in weakening bacte...
Researchers Marilyn Hughes and Rebecca M. Mullis developed a model to recruit and retain older African Americans in research projects, with 95% participation rate. The $400,000-project was funded by General Mills Corporation and involved African-American churches throughout the study.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center discovered a new protein, SMAC, which promotes apoptosis and is responsible for cell death. The study found that only seven amino acids are necessary to induce cell death, making it possible to design drugs based on these amino acids.
Scientists have identified genetic resistance to aflatoxin production in over five major crops, with commercially usable resistant varieties expected to be available soon. Crop management practices such as irrigation and early harvesting can also significantly reduce aflatoxin content.
A study published in Tobacco Control found that symptoms of nicotine dependence can appear within four weeks or even just a few days of starting to smoke. The research team monitored over 700 teenagers and found that nearly two-thirds developed at least one symptom of addiction, with feeling addicted being the most common initial symptom.
Renowned scientists and clinicians will discuss recent advances in breast cancer science and treatment, including new developments in imaging techniques, hormone replacement therapy, and alternative therapies. The symposium will feature prominent speakers from top medical institutions.
A team of Penn State researchers has developed a scale to measure an individual's visioning ability, which is the capacity to summon a vivid mental image of their organization's future. The scale was validated through five survey groups and showed significant correlation with positive outlook and inspirational motivation.
The DOE's sensor system uses a temperature sensor and radio-frequency tag to measure F-16 brake temperatures during landings. This allows ground crews to monitor the risk of hot brake emergencies, enabling pilots to take necessary precautions.
A new study found that an oral-solution form of Risperdal is just as effective as intramuscular injections in reducing symptoms of psychotic agitation. The oral solution may be a more acceptable alternative for both caregivers and patients, promoting patient choice and compliance.