Researchers have found that a tough protein wall in sorghum seeds slows down digestion, but Hamaker's work identified an uncommon variety with improved digestibility. The study could lead to more nutritious sorghum crops for human consumption and animal feed.
Researchers found that workers with occupational asthma are at higher risk for hospitalization due to respiratory disease and asthma. Clinically silent acid reflux was also discovered in asthma patients, with a high prevalence rate suggesting a potential common association between the two conditions.
Researchers developed an algorithm to calculate protein association rates and increase affinity by genetically determining protein design. The new system may lead to diverse medicinal applications, including antibody detection.
Gallium nitride is used to produce very bright light emitting diodes and lasers, and very high power transistors that can operate at high temperatures. The technology has potential applications in mobile phone base stations, surgery, and dentistry, promising huge energy savings and CO2 reductions.
Harold McNair, a renowned chemist at Virginia Tech, has been awarded the American Chemical Society's Calvin Giddings Award for his outstanding contributions to analytical chemistry. He was recognized for his work on pesticide analysis using gas chromatography and mass spectrometry.
Scientists have successfully visualized the transition of magnetic whirlpools in superconductors from solid to liquid states and back again under temperature variations. This study reveals complex solid-liquid patterns and provides insights into how temperature changes affect superconductor performance.
Intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) enables physicians to deliver targeted radiation doses to tumors, improving treatment outcomes for various cancers. By using advanced imaging techniques and computer algorithms, IMRT minimizes damage to surrounding healthy tissues.
Researchers discovered a simple geometric explanation for protein spiral shapes, which could aid in understanding protein functions and structures. The finding uses mathematical ideas to optimize protein shape for maximum 'thickness,' leading to the natural occurrence of helical motifs in proteins.
Researchers at Ohio University are developing an algae-based system to remove carbon dioxide from smokestacks, reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The system uses photosynthesis and could process up to 20% of a plant's CO2 emissions, producing 200,000 tons of algae per year.
Experts examine parasitic and infectious diseases that can be spread by animals to people, highlighting the importance of integrated perspectives on human-animal interaction. The symposium aims to create a forum for discussing public health and food safety issues related to animal-human relationships.
Scientists at Northwestern University have identified the structure of the interaction complex between two molecules central to the allergic response in humans. The discovery could lead to a new class of drugs that target allergies at their source, preventing symptoms like itching and congestion.
A team of neuroscientists, led by University of Chicago neurologist John Milton, partnered with LPGA professionals to investigate how the brain manages complex physical tasks. They used functional MRI to study how professional golfers prepare to swing a club and how their brains acquire new skills.
Dr. Steven D. Douglas, a leading expert in immunology, has been recognized with the Erwin Neter Award for his groundbreaking research on innate immunity and disease. He has developed several major diagnostic tests used globally and is a leader in the Pediatric AIDS Clinical Trials Group.
Researchers at the University of Rochester have determined an improved pattern for artificial light-harvesting molecules, finding a point of diminishing returns for larger dendrimers. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient chemical reactions and applications in fields like medicine and renewable energy.
A study published by Emory University researchers found that a naturally occurring neurotransmitter called CART peptide produces behaviors associated with cocaine and methamphetamine. The finding suggests a role for the brain chemical in modulating or mediating the actions of drugs and potentially treating addiction.
Two studies found sigmoidoscopy detects few cancerous growths and none in asymptomatic patients with polyps, supporting the use of colonoscopy for regular screening. The research suggests that colonoscopy should be done every 5-10 years for people over 50 to save lives.
Hundreds of former bone marrow transplant survivors from the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center will gather in Seattle for a reunion, sharing memories and hopes for the future. The event is part of the center's 25th anniversary celebration and includes activities such as presentations on latest research findings and workshops.
A prospective study of adults with type 2 diabetes found non-traditional risk factors for heart disease, including albumin and fibrinogen levels. Women internists in Pennsylvania earned 14% less per hour than male counterparts. Low body weight was linked to increased fracture risk in women.
Researchers at Rush University Medical Center found that certain antibiotic agents can improve autism symptoms in some children, particularly those colonized by bacteria producing toxins. The study suggests a possible link between intestinal bacteria and autism, warranting further research for prevention or treatment strategies.
A new study by University of Washington researchers shows that firm parental rules can prevent or delay teen use of alcohol and marijuana. The study found that clear family rules, consistent discipline, and knowing where kids are with can make a big difference in preventing early substance use.
The overuse of antibiotics reflects both clinical need and non-clinical factors, including drug companies' advertising campaigns, 'drug hunger,' and a medical system prioritizing productivity. This misuse leads to the development of antibiotic-resistant microbes, posing a significant global threat.
Younger men with high cholesterol levels face a greater risk of death from coronary heart disease and cardiovascular disease later in life. Lower serum cholesterol levels translated into an estimated greater life expectancy of 6.1 years for men.
A new study by researchers at Dartmouth College found that fertilized lakes in Ontario, Canada, exhibit unpredictable algal composition and abundance fluctuations from year to year. This unpredictability makes it challenging for lake managers to make accurate predictions for planning management and research efforts.
The American Chemical Society will present research on weight-loss supplements, museum treasures, and fuel additives. The meeting will feature symposia on conjugated linoleic acids, endocrine disruptors, and pollution reduction.
A study found that antibodies in patients with primary Sjogren's syndrome bind to small nerve endings, blocking transmission and causing severe dryness of the eyes and mouth. Researchers hope to use this discovery to develop new treatments for autoimmune diseases.
The UC San Diego team, led by captain Scott Ketcham, aims to shatter the Human Powered Vehicle Association's non-propeller world speed record. The SubSonic submarine features a dolphin-inspired design with vectored thrust and dynamic ballast tanks for propulsion.
Scientists at Brookhaven National Laboratory have developed a patented process for encapsulating depleted uranium oxides in thermoplastic polymers, creating a stable and safe material for long-term disposal. The new process also enables the production of radiation shielding and counterweights with low residual radioactivity.
Using actively controlled engine noise cancellation technology can reduce noise pollution, improve fuel efficiency and alleviate environmental restrictions. This new approach eliminates the need for additional weight, increasing the viability of the concept.
Researchers at the University of Illinois found a cyclic contribution to global temperature change that may be masking human effects. The residual factor, which occurs over a 65-70 year period, periodically warms and cools the atmosphere, sometimes counteracting the greenhouse effect.
A study by the University of Pittsburgh found that female physicians in Pennsylvania earn significantly less than their male counterparts, with women earning 14% less per hour. Despite accounting for demographics and training, women are more likely to be in low-paying specialties and take time off due to child care.
A NASA scientist has solved the century-old mystery of the Chandler wobble, attributing it to fluctuating ocean pressure changes. The study found that two-thirds of the wobble is caused by these changes, while one-third is attributed to atmospheric fluctuations.
The University of Washington research aircraft Husky One will measure pollutant concentrations from three primary sources: fossil fuels, agricultural fires, and natural processes. The subcontinent-sized plume will be studied as it rotates thousands of miles across southern Africa and the Atlantic Ocean.
A new laser treatment being tested at Rush University Medical Center has shown promise in eliminating the need for surgery in women with small breast cancers. The procedure uses a laser delivered through a needle to destroy tumors detected by mammography, resulting in no complications and minimal pain.
A UCSF study found that insured minorities, particularly Hispanics and Asian Americans, face cultural barriers and limited insurance plan choices, leading to difficulty accessing healthcare. This study highlights the need for targeted interventions to address these disparities.
Research finds that child-centered parenting and prosocial behavior can break the cycle of destructive behavior in aggressive children, reducing school maladjustment and long-term unemployment. Aggressive children who learn prosocial behavior are more accepted by peers, developing social skills and improving job prospects.
Researchers found that patients with localized prostate cancer who received higher doses of radiation lived longer and had better local control of their cancer. The study, published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, examined data from 1560 patients treated between 1975 and 1995.
The Two-Micron All Sky Survey (2MASS) has released a massive dataset of infrared images, containing half a million galaxies and 162 million stars. The images are now available for the general public to view on their home computers, thanks to the collaboration between UMass and NASA.
Researchers have identified a protein that governs the flow of mineral-reducing pyrophosphate into joint tissues. This finding could provide powerful new insights into the basic mechanisms underlying some forms of arthritis, a group of diseases affecting half of people 65 and older.
A study examining the link between fathers' alcoholism and male, elementary-school-aged children's intellectual, cognitive, and academic performance reveals children of antisocial alcoholics display lower intellectual performance, poorest academic achievement, and poorer abstract planning and attention abilities. Parental cognitive abi...
Researchers found a potential for water trapped in sediments to surge out and cause undersea landslides that can produce tidal waves. The study suggests a new explanation for expulsive events in the continental slope along the East Coast, potentially triggering landslides without warning.
A recent study published in The American Journal of Human Genetics has found a major genetic component to TB susceptibility, specifically in a group of aboriginal Canadians. Individuals with at least one high-risk copy of the NRAMP1 gene are ten times more likely to develop TB than those without it.
Scientists have sequenced over 73,000 DNA fragments in the rice genome and found that transposons constitute less than 10% of the genome, scattered randomly. This discovery is good news for the completion of the rice sequence and could help locate new genes in rice and other important cereals.
Research from the Buffalo Newlywed Study suggests that excessive alcohol use can lead to marital aggression, but only within a specific context. The study found that different drinking patterns by husband and wife can be an additional source of conflict. Verbal aggression in the first year of marriage often develops into physically agg...
Research suggests that bus drivers' high levels of stress and strain may lead to increased alcohol consumption, particularly during non-work hours. The study found no direct link between work-related stress and alcohol dependency or abuse, but highlighted the potential for occupational stress to contribute to excessive drinking behavior.
Researchers have sequenced a large segment of the mouse t-complex, identifying 11 nearly overlapping genes, six of which are previously undiscovered. These genes appear to be active in early embryonic development, suggesting that entire regions may turn on and off together as part of developmental choreography.
A Swedish study found that nearly 29 percent of all unnatural deaths were associated with alcohol consumption. The most common causes included suicides, falls, traffic injuries, and intoxication. Experts emphasize the importance of responsible drinking and stricter policies to mitigate these risks.
Researchers localized autism and developmental language disorder to the same position in the human genome, suggesting a genetic relationship between the disorders. The findings also explain why language difficulties are more prevalent in siblings and parents of individuals with autism.
A French study on circadian clocks found that female zebrafish 'set' the clocks of their young before birth, influencing how easily the body adjusts to day/night cycles. Variations in maternal genes may also affect this process.
Researchers discovered how E. coli O157:H7 causes massive cell death in humans, leading to organ failure and death. The bacteria's verotoxins trigger programmed cell death through a Bcl-2 protein sequence, offering potential new treatments for food poisoning.
Researchers using the VLA radio telescope found a pulsar that is at least 40,000 years old and may be as old as 170,000 years. This discovery challenges current understanding of neutron stars and their ages.
A recent San Francisco study found that antiretroviral treatment continues to significantly improve AIDS patient survival rates, with a 60% reduction in risk of death for those receiving HAART. The study also revealed increased survival benefits over time, particularly among those diagnosed between 1996 and 1997.
Research shows that Ugandan companies can save money by providing HIV drugs to their employees, with annual cost savings of $74 per skilled employee and $42 per unskilled worker. The study found that providing prophylactic treatment for HIV-infected workers is a cost-effective option.
Two studies compare the efficacy and adherence of the triple nucleoside regimen of Ziagen/Combivir versus PI-containing regimens. Preliminary data show that patients on the Ziagen/Combivir regimen had better viral load suppression, with 68% achieving <400 copies/ml at 24 weeks, compared to 57% on the PI-containing regimen.
A randomized controlled study found a modest but significant reduction in asthma risk at 12 months in high-risk infants through a multifaceted intervention program. The program included avoidance of house dust mites, pet allergens, and tobacco smoke, as well as breastfeeding promotion and partially hydrolyzed formula supplementation.
A comprehensive study of HIV patients taking protease inhibitors found that marijuana use did not alter viral loads, with subjects who smoked or took oral dronabinol experiencing slightly greater declines in HIV RNA levels than those taking placebos. Adverse effects were minimal and not statistically significant.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is launching a new clinical trial to test a promising transplant therapy for type 1 diabetes. The Edmonton protocol involves transplanting insulin-producing pancreas cells and aims to induce immune tolerance, allowing people with the condition to stop relying on insulin injections.
The fourth annual America's Children report shows a decline in childhood mortality, teen birth rates, and poverty. The adolescent birth rate has reached its lowest level ever recorded, with the sharpest decline among black, non-Hispanic girls.
Researchers discovered that flexible polymers behave differently on surfaces compared to in bulk, with a stronger dependence on chain length. The study used two-photon fluorescence correlation spectroscopy to monitor individual molecule motions and found that chains 'entangle' with the surface, causing them to flatten.
Researchers analyzing blood samples from an anonymous test site in Santos, Brazil found a significant increase in HIV infection rates between 1995 and 1999. The majority of recent infections were among heterosexual women, who were also more likely to report anal sex and a history of sexually transmitted disease.
Scientists have identified mating behavior in Candida albicans, a fungus long thought to reproduce only by splitting itself. This discovery promises to accelerate research into the fungus and enable researchers to better understand its biology and identify new drug targets.