Scientists at The Wistar Institute identified a new gene called chfr that establishes a previously unknown checkpoint in mitosis, found in half of human cancer cell lines. This discovery holds promise for predicting patient response to Taxol and developing more effective targeted drugs.
A University of Wisconsin-Madison study finds that a breakdown in the brain's regulatory system is linked to impulsive violent behavior, with common neurological threads found in areas controlling negative emotions. The research opens a new avenue for studying and possibly treating violence and aggression.
Researchers have determined the 3-dimensional structure of a Rosetta Stone protein, which may help scientists understand how cells are programmed to die and shed light on the role of loss in cancer. The human Fhit protein is encoded at the most fragile site in the genome and is lost in many human cancers.
Critics argue that the 1990 Act has shifted protection focus towards rehabilitation, allowing more abuse to occur. The number of children placed in care fell by a third, but this decline is attributed to social workers' reluctance to intervene rather than a decrease in abuse.
Two separate groups of scientists identified a genetic mutation associated with primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH), a rare but devastating lung disease. Defects in the BMPR2 gene lead to abnormal proliferation of cells in the lungs characteristic of PPH.
A large-scale study suggests that coffee drinkers are at a higher risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis. The research found that those who consumed four or more cups of coffee daily were twice as likely to test positive for the disease, while those who drank 11 cups or more were nearly 15 times more likely.
The International Conference on Heavy Metals in the Environment will discuss successes and failures of research on human exposure to toxic metals. Major themes include risk assessment, environmental epidemiology, and human health effects, with a focus on protecting children from toxic metals.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center have identified Bone Morphogenic Protein Receptor Two (BMPR2) as the gene responsible for causing PPH, a fatal lung disease. The mutation of this gene causes cells to grow and clog blood vessels in the lungs, leading to high blood pressure.
A study of over 300 heart attack survivors found that only one in four called for help within an hour, while 12% delayed more than 24 hours. Prompt treatment can halve the risk of death from a heart attack, highlighting the importance of swift medical attention.
A study found that young women with heart disease experience worsening exercise performance and angina pain in the early follicular phase, just after menstruation, but improved performance and slower pain onset in mid-cycle. Sex hormones may play a role in these fluctuations.
The Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) has awarded $15 million in grants to 45 scientists worldwide to develop new approaches for treating various infectious and parasitic diseases. The selected researchers will focus on specific diseases or study underlying biological processes to control or cure these conditions.
A pilot study suggests metformin, a type 2 diabetes drug, may help treat HIV lipodystrophy by reducing insulin levels and improving metabolic changes. The treatment was well-tolerated with no serious side effects reported, but further studies are needed to confirm its effectiveness.
A new study by Valerie Hans reveals that potential jurors are skeptical of people who file whiplash lawsuits, leading to doubts about the legitimacy of claims. The research found that 92% of respondents believed frivolous lawsuits are common, resulting in lower settlements and more jury trials.
A large study found that consuming four or more cups of coffee per day was twice as likely to test positive for rheumatoid factor, a hallmark indicator of the disease. Those who drank 11 or more cups daily were almost 15 times more likely to have rheumatoid factor.
A new IIASA report examines Namibia's population growth, environment, and development, providing a comprehensive understanding of the country's challenges and opportunities. The study highlights the importance of sustainable human development and explores alternative policy scenarios for Namibia's future.
The wetland's condition has deteriorated due to mass tourism, with garbage and solid waste contaminating the site. Researchers propose taking immediate action to save it and recommend its inclusion in a Heritage Corridor to protect natural spaces.
A recent study has found that long-term Ecstasy use can lead to a significant decrease in serotonin levels in the brain. The research, published by the American Academy of Neurology, reveals that Ecstasy users experience a massive release and depletion of serotonin, which can contribute to behavioral problems such as depression.
The Sandia Red Team has demonstrated that competent outsiders can hack into almost all networked computers, regardless of their security measures. The team's goal is to improve the security of information systems by identifying weaknesses and providing recommendations for improvement.
A study warns that captive California condor releases will fail unless changes are made to reduce human contact and lead poisoning. Repeated instances of tameness issues and lead poisoning have resulted in bird deaths, highlighting the need for alternative methods.
A new minimally invasive procedure called endoscopic pancreatic sphincterotomy (EPS) has shown promise in providing long-term pain relief for patients with chronic pancreatitis. According to a recent study by Johns Hopkins physicians, 62% of patients reported significant improvement in their pain levels after undergoing the procedure.
A new study suggests that people who seek sex partners online are at a greater risk of acquiring sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and HIV. The survey found that online sex seekers were more likely to have had previous STDs and had more partners than those who did not use the internet to solicit sex.
A recent study found that approximately one-third of cancer care workers in Ontario are considering leaving their jobs due to job stress and burnout. The research also revealed that 53.3% of physicians, 37.1% of allied health care workers, and 30.5% of support staff have experienced emotional exhaustion related to their work.
The program, celebrating its 20th anniversary, allows high school seniors to work with NASA mentors and conduct meaningful research, fostering career aspirations in math, science, and engineering. Over 90% of participants go on to graduate from college, paving the way for future success.
A study of homeless people in Toronto shelters found that 72% had difficulties managing their diabetes due to factors like shelter diet and medication logistics. The authors recommend improving care by establishing secure areas for insulin administration and assessing shelter meals.
The top 50 chemical producers saw a six percent increase in sales to nearly $400 billion, with Europe accounting for 54 percent of international sales. Capital spending decreased by 16 percent, while research and development spending rose nearly two percent.
Researchers at Queen's University have discovered potent antifreeze proteins in insects, which can withstand temperatures as low as minus 30 degrees Celsius. The findings hold promise for agriculture and the frozen food industry, potentially extending growing seasons and improving crop yields.
A study found that only 9% of articles in top US medical journals focused on primary prevention or screening, while 60% addressed treatment and basic science. The researchers called for further studies to expand the analysis.
A major new study from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill found a significant decline in milk consumption and a sharp increase in sugar-laden soft drinks among US teenagers between 1965 and 1996. This shift is linked to an increased risk of chronic diseases, including strokes, heart disease, and osteoporosis.
The program allows educators to conduct research for the space program while enriching their teaching skills. Basil Antar, a returning fellow, is conducting microgravity research that could lead to better fiber optics, which will improve high-speed computers and digital communications.
Researchers at CU-Boulder have discovered a second underwater church in the ancient port city of Aperlae, suggesting it was a magnet for pilgrims traveling to and from the Holy Land. The settlement, which likely supported around 1,000 people, featured multiple churches, public baths, and self-sustaining agriculture.
Researchers found that methoxsalen inhibits CYP2A6 enzyme, increasing nicotine levels and reducing smoking desire. The medication was shown to improve oral nicotine replacement effectiveness in reducing cravings and puff counts.
A recent study by Dr. Whit Gibbons has discovered the smallest and youngest non-hatchling Blanding's turtle ever recorded, just two and a half inches long and four years old. The finding highlights the importance of understanding the species' life cycle and habitat needs to inform conservation efforts.
Researchers have developed a technique using infrared light to measure blood glucose, offering a painless alternative to current methods. A small clinical trial involving five people with Type I diabetes showed promising results, paving the way for future commercial development.
Scientists will study the effects of space vacuum and solar radiation on four specially selected microbes, including one known to survive high temperatures. The experiment aims to test the theory that microbial life once came to Earth on a meteorite from another planet.
A team of researchers has identified a specific binding site for alcohols and anesthetics on brain proteins, which could lead to new pharmacologic interventions for addiction and substance abuse. This breakthrough finding builds upon previous studies suggesting that alcohols interact with specific protein molecules in the brain.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center found that low-dose oral contraceptives offer a 40% reduced risk of ovarian cancer, similar to high-dose pills. The protection begins soon after use and continues for at least 30 years after stopping.
Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have charted the chain of events by which estrogen receptor-negative (ER-negative) breast cancer cells are formed. By understanding this process, scientists can identify potential targets for specific therapies to stop ER-negative tumors from growing.
Army soldiers surpassed the Healthy People 2000 goals for physical fitness, with 70% reporting aerobic activity and 97% doing muscle strengthening exercises at least once a week. They also adopted healthier behaviors in nutrition, safety, and alcohol use categories.
A recent study found that most existing skinfold-thickness equations developed from white adults do not accurately measure body fat in adolescent minority populations. Researchers identified a new equation, but further refinement is needed for African American girls and women.
Researchers have identified a gene associated with inherited primary pulmonary hypertension, providing new avenues of study for determining its molecular basis. The discovery opens up possibilities for designing more effective therapies for this devastating condition, which affects primarily women of childbearing age.
A two-decade study found that people with high levels of depression are at a 73% increased risk of developing stroke, while those with moderate levels have a 25% increased risk. The association varied by race and gender, with higher risks observed in African Americans.
Researchers refute earlier research suggesting high triglyceride levels increase heart disease risk in men. In a new study, triglyceride measurements were found to be no help in predicting heart disease in men, unlike women where it was a good predictor of risk of heart attack and death.
University of Pennsylvania researchers have found that loss of consciousness is linked to specific angles of head rotation during car crashes. The study suggests that designing safer airbags and sports headgear could prevent or minimize coma in such incidents.
The BRCA1 protein is at the catalytic heart of a vital DNA control complex that coordinates physical access to DNA for gene transcription. Mutant BRCA1 can lead to cancer by interfering with this complex.
The University at Buffalo will host a global conference on environmental health, bringing together over 500 researchers and experts from around the world. The conference aims to assess the worldwide disease burden caused by environmental problems and build connections among health centers in Pan America and globally.
A study of over 5,000 children's stories found that girls with aggressive themes tend to exhibit behavioral problems at home and school. Researchers suggest engaging children in play to help them work through issues, rather than inhibiting it.
Researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital found that inhaling nitric oxide gas can prevent the development of pulmonary vascular disease (PVD) in infant rats by reducing cell proliferation in lung arteries. The study suggests that this therapy may significantly improve the quality of life and save lives of infants at risk for PVD.
The book analyzes the accumulative effects of industrial development over 40 years, showing changes in pollution patterns and potential risks to agricultural food production. Historical studies of heavy metal pollution are used to illustrate how spatial patterns have changed over time.
A group of ecologists and economists propose a new approach to valuing nature's worth. They suggest assigning an economic price tag to ecosystem services, such as pollination and water purification. By doing so, they hope to create financial incentives for protecting these vital resources.
The California Family PACT program has significantly reduced the number of unintended pregnancies among low-income women in California. The program saved over $512 million in public expenditures by providing comprehensive family planning services to more than 1.5 million clients, including education, counseling, and clinical services.
A study suggests a link between Gulf War veterans' circulation and chronic fatigue, with abnormal blood pressure responses to mental effort tests. Veterans with chronic fatigue showed blunted blood pressure increases during mental tasks, contributing to their exhaustion.
Researchers at University of Wisconsin-Madison found that interdigital tissue determines the uniqueness of each budding embryonic digit, forcing scientists to revise their theories on how cells organize into patterned tissue. The study reveals that surrounding soft tissue provides information about what it will ultimately become.
A recent study by Dr. Ehud Ahissar finds that tactile information is encoded by both spatial and temporal data, suggesting the brain requires more than spatial patterning. The temporal pathway processes low-frequency stimuli for object location, while the spatial pathway focuses on high-frequency stimuli for object features.
Researchers used three-dimensional cryo-electron microscopy to visualize the ratcheting rotation of ribosomal subunits relative to each other. This motion facilitates translocation of mRNA and tRNA during protein synthesis.
The Colloquium on Perspectives of Bioengineering at UCSD will bring together bioengineering leaders to discuss future advancements. The event, sponsored by the Jacobs School of Engineering, is a free public lecture open to all.
The report recommends creating a new NASA research program to study the effects of low-gravity environments on various technologies. This includes power generation, propulsion, and life-support systems, which will be crucial for human exploration and development of space.
A proposed kidney transplant system assigns priorities based on efficiency and equity points, reducing median waiting time from 24 to 14 months. The new policy increases the overall likelihood of transplantation from 45% to 61% and improves quality-adjusted life expectancy for African-Americans and women.
Theoretical waveguide may create fast, high-bandwidth conduit for today's Internet applications. The all-dielectric coaxial cable could lead to significant miniaturization of integrated optical devices.
The University of Iowa's contribution to the Cluster 2 space mission will analyze plasma waves in Earth's magnetosphere, predicting space weather events. The US experiment will also enable a unique telescope-like system for studying low-frequency radio emissions.
Researchers have identified a bone morphogenetic protein receptor II gene mutation as the cause of familial primary pulmonary hypertension, a progressive condition characterized by constriction of blood vessels. The discovery could lead to earlier diagnosis and more effective treatments for both familial and sporadic forms of PPH.