The Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory has won three R¼D 100 Awards for its groundbreaking technological innovations. The awards recognize the lab's cutting-edge research in X-ray microfocusing mirrors and high-thermal-conductivity graphite foam.
Scientists have found that cocaine abuse coupled with use of alcohol leads to impulsive decision-making and poorer performance on tests of learning and memory. The negative effects persist for at least a month after substance use stops, according to the study published in Neurology.
A new study published in Neurology demonstrates that oxcarbazepine is safe and effective enough to be used alone in patients with partial epilepsy who do not respond to other anti-epileptic drugs. The results show that 12% of patients were seizure-free during a four-month trial, offering new hope for those struggling with the condition.
A new womb surgery technique uses an IntraUterine Shaver to remove uterine tissue mechanically, reducing the risk of complications associated with current methods. The procedure is expected to cut substantially the number of hysterectomies and make minimal access surgery more accessible.
Researchers have developed a preimplantation genetic diagnosis test for OTCD, allowing them to detect the abnormality in embryos. This breakthrough may enable PGD tests for other families in the future, providing relief to those affected by this rare and distressing disease.
Australian fertility expert Professor Carl Wood discusses the controversies in Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART), including embryo cloning, IVF for cancer patients, and LGBTQ+ access to fertility treatments. He emphasizes the need for careful consideration of these issues, highlighting both advantages and drawbacks.
Scientists have discovered that the bone marrow is a source of mature liver cells, which could be used to develop new treatments for liver diseases. The findings suggest that healthy genes can be inserted into these stem cells to correct metabolic abnormalities.
Researchers at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia uncover the connection between chromosome 22's chemical structure and genetic diseases like +der(22) syndrome. They found unstable DNA sequences that can lead to translocations, increasing the risk of disease.
A recent study by the University of Pittsburgh suggests that parents' unfamiliarity with English can lead to their eligible children being uninsured. The research found that nearly one-fourth of children eligible for state children's health insurance programs were not enrolled in any health insurance program at the time of the study.
Researchers find functional liver tissue in human patients, solving organ shortages and rejection issues. The discovery also enables the growth of artificial livers and targets gene therapy for inherited liver diseases.
A survey of over 15,000 adolescent patients found that smoking was associated with higher rates of substance abuse, poor physical activity, and academic struggles. Orthodontists are uniquely positioned to promote healthy lifestyle messages to adolescents, who tend to visit them more frequently than other healthcare providers.
Research suggests that middle and high school students with restrictive home smoking policies are less likely to start smoking. The study also found that parental influences can play a significant role in preventing adolescent smoking, alongside other parenting practices such as discussion, punishment, and rules against smoking.
Longitudinal studies show that psychological health increases steadily after age 30, regardless of initial teenage health. Participants who started with fewer signs of psychological health in adolescence still showed improvement in adulthood.
A new study found that depression, loneliness, and coping styles are significant predictors of problem drinking behaviors in both men and women. The study revealed different patterns of problem drinking behavior between younger and older adults, highlighting the need for further research into the factors influencing drinking behavior.
Research suggests that different categories of adolescent smokers, such as persistent, experimenter, or intermittent smokers, have distinct characteristics and challenges. These differences can inform the development of targeted smoking prevention and treatment programs.
BLYS, a protein that stimulates antibody production, is being tested in patients with CVID. The trial aims to determine the efficacy of BLyS in producing antibodies and warding off infections.
A team of scientists at UCSF has identified five proteins that trigger the immune system to attack cancer cells, marking them for swift destruction by NK cells. The discovery increases the number of known targets for drugs or vaccines to boost the immune system's natural cancer-fighting ability.
A new Amazon rainforest field research facility will conduct extensive ecological studies to understand the region's impact on global change. Scientists from around the world will study logging effects, carbon exchanges, and ecosystem cycles.
The Special Issue of Science documents the devastating impact of AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa, with 24.5 million HIV-infected people facing inaccessible treatments and preventive tactics. The article highlights the need for increased funding, estimated to be between $1.6 billion and $2.6 billion annually.
Fossil evidence suggests that reptiles existed before dinosaurs and sported feathers, challenging the theory of bird evolution from dinosaurs. The discovery of 'Longisquama' features key clues indicating that its appendages were indeed feathers.
A study discovered a link between lower platelet adenylyl cyclase activity and increased risk of alcoholism. Recent alcohol consumption was found to be a confounding variable, and other factors such as major depression and hyperlipidemia were also associated with low AC activity.
Scientists have found fossils of an ancient, feathered animal that lived 220 million years ago, which may be the ancestor of birds. The discovery challenges widely accepted theories about the evolutionary link between dinosaurs and birds.
A recent analysis of a 1.2 billion-year-old Martian meteorite has shown the presence of water-soluble ions that resemble those found in Earth's oceans. The study suggests that ancient Martian oceans had a chemical composition similar to Earth's, with elements like sodium and chloride present in high concentrations.
University of Wisconsin researchers discover that environmental cues associated with drug use can produce profound molecular changes in brain circuits linked to learning and decision-making. The study suggests that long-term changes may persist in critical areas, particularly in people who self-administered drugs for long periods of time.
This study compares the effects of moderate alcohol consumption (equivalent to three glasses of wine) with that of the benzodiazepine drug Ativan, using PET scans. Researchers found that alcohol induces larger decrements in the basal ganglia and is perceived as more stimulating and reinforcing than Ativan.
Research suggests that salivary acetaldehyde produced by heavy drinking is carcinogenic in humans. ALDH2-deficient Asians have higher rates of digestive tract cancers due to inability to eliminate acetaldehyde. Acetaldehyde accumulation increases risk of cancer, especially among heavy drinkers and those with poor oral hygiene.
The discovery of ancient fossils in central Asia shows that birds' ancestors had the earliest known feathers, which predate dinosaurs. This challenges the long-held theory that birds evolved directly from theropod dinosaurs.
A study reveals that nearly 900 potentially hazardous asteroids are hurtling towards Earth, with some passing within a few moon distances every year. The researchers estimate that only 40% of kilometer-or-larger asteroids have been discovered, leaving the remaining 60% potentially difficult to find.
Researchers from Malin Space Science Systems found steep-sided gullies and sinuous channels that suggest liquid water may be present beneath the Martian surface. The team proposes a scenario where water seeps through porous rock layers, builds up pressure, and eventually bursts forth in short-lived torrents.
A University at Buffalo study found that a woman's biology, specifically age at first menstruation and first live birth, are major predictors of resolved fertility in fertile women, not lifestyle habits. Women over 30 at first live birth were three times more likely to take longer than a year to conceive.
A study suggests that combining honey with a protein supplement may boost post-workout recuperation and favor better blood sugar maintenance after exercise. The study found that the group receiving honey maintained optimal blood sugar levels throughout two hours following the workout.
Dialysis patients who took amino acid supplements experienced a significant increase in albumin levels, with an average rise of 0.22 g/dL for hemodialysis patients and 0.01 g/dL for peritoneal dialysis patients. This study suggests that simple nutritional interventions can have a positive impact on the health of dialysis patients.
Hospitals have made significant progress in improving stroke treatment, reducing CT scan interpretation time from an average of 219 minutes to 115 minutes, and increasing tPA treatment administration. Training and organizational improvements have enabled rapid response 'stroke teams' to diagnose and treat patients effectively.
A study published in Nature found that the combination of flavonoids and polyphenols in apples provides anti-oxidant and anti-cancer benefits. The researchers discovered that eating 100 grams of fresh apple with skins can provide the same anti-oxidant activity as 1,500 milligrams of vitamin C.
A new TB drug candidate, PA-824, has been shown to be effective against MDR strains of the bacteria. The compound, developed by PathoGenesis Corporation with assistance from NIAID's Laboratory of Host Defenses, works by preventing MTB from forming an important fatty acid component of its cell walls.
Research highlights the difficulties faced by rural low-income families in transitioning from welfare to work due to limited job opportunities and lower wages. Despite recent economic growth, many rural areas lack essential workplace supports and infrastructure, hindering employment prospects.
The UK College of Nursing faculty will conduct a three-year clinical trial to test the effects of a cognitive-behavioral group intervention on increasing self-esteem and reducing negative thoughts in low-income single mothers experiencing depressive symptoms. The study aims to improve mental health outcomes for this vulnerable population.
A genetically stripped down HIV-based vector has been developed that can deliver genes to target cells in the body safely. The vector can also be turned off with a common antibiotic, which suggests doctors may one day be able to control gene expression in people treated with HIV-based gene therapy vectors.
Researchers from Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School have made a groundbreaking discovery that existing brain cells can replenish dead counterparts, potentially treating degenerative brain diseases. The study found that nerve cells in the cerebral cortex can be induced to heal themselves through a process called neuronal rep...
A new national study found that unusual infections and fat emboli contribute significantly to acute chest syndrome in sickle cell disease patients. The syndrome is the leading cause of death among sickle cell patients, and earlier diagnosis and treatment may save many lives.
A recent study found three genes that may play a role in protecting the kidneys from diabetic damage. The genes were identified by examining the genetic structure of healthy and sick mice, and their discovery could lead to new therapeutic strategies for kidney disease. By understanding how these genes work, scientists hope to develop d...
A diagnostic test allows physicians to identify a rare, severe imbalance of insulin levels in newborns, which can be cured with organ-sparing surgery. The test differentiates between diffuse and focal forms of congenital hyperinsulinism (HI), enabling targeted treatment.
A study of nearly 2,000 adults aged 18-90 found that higher education delayed the onset of depression by approximately ten years. This is because better physical health helps mitigate depression risk.
A study by Scott Coffey found that cocaine withdrawal symptoms are relatively mild and decrease steadily over time, with improvements in depression, anxiety, and energy levels.
A new study using a decision analysis model found that sildenafil was as cost-effective as kidney dialysis, cholesterol lowering medication or coronary artery bypass surgery. An editorial questions whether health insurance should cover treatment for erectile dysfunction when many Americans are not covered.
A new diet study, funded by Duke University Medical Center, aims to test the hypothesis that reducing fat intake can halt or slow diabetes progression. Participants will consume specially prepared foods with Olestra instead of real fat, allowing researchers to study a low-fat diet independently from a low-calorie diet.
Researchers at UCSD develop a new drug-combination therapy using tamoxifen and cisplatin, significantly improving survival rates for patients with metastatic melanoma. The treatment results in a 62% reduction in tumor recurrence after five years.
The National Sea Grant College Program has released a 70-page guide to salmon issues in the Pacific Northwest, providing basic resources for news media covering the salmon management debate. The guide lists Sea Grant-funded researchers, contact information for agencies and organizations, and web-based resources.
Scientists have created a novel dinucleotide molecule that appears to outlast existing treatments in cells. The integrase inhibitor has the potential to prevent HIV infection by blocking its ability to replicate in non-infected human cells.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University found that the human brain employs surprising economies of effort in problem-solving by minimizing mental workload. The study used fMRI scans to identify brain activation patterns for verbal and visual thinking strategies.
Scientists at UCSF deciphered a pattern of signals that determine the survival of T cells, the body's natural defense arsenal. The research identifies a new role for chemical messages between the immune system and a steroid hormone signal, which may control stress-induced hormone imbalance and autoimmune diseases.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center developed a tumor-specific antibody, Y10, that targets mutated protein found only in cancer cells. This antibody can eradicate brain tumors in mice and has shown promise as a potential treatment for human patients.
Researchers have directly observed magnetic field line shrinkage or reconnection outflow during solar flares, resolving a long-standing mystery. The discovery sheds light on the behavior of magnetic fields in solar flares and their impact on space weather.
The Kaposi's sarcoma virus employs a novel strategy to evade the immune system by removing sentries on cell surfaces and shipping them for destruction. Researchers identified two viral genes that reduce MHC-1 proteins at the cell surface, allowing the virus to spread more widely.
Loren Acton, a former astronaut and solar physicist, has won the prestigious George Ellery Hale Prize for his outstanding contributions to solar astronomy. Acton's research focuses on understanding the Sun's behavior, shapes, colors, and motions.
A study found that residents of disadvantaged neighborhoods experience higher levels of depression due to the presence of disorder and social control breakdown. The researcher discovered that residents living in such areas report feeling distressed by high levels of crime, graffiti, and vandalism, as well as a lack of safety.
Patients with chronic heart failure who underwent exercise training showed significant improvements in left ventricular function and blood circulation, including increased stroke volume and reduced heart enlargement. Long-term exercise training was also associated with a reduction in total peripheral resistance.
Establishing stroke centers in hospitals can significantly improve outcomes for stroke patients by dedicating resources to diagnose and treat stroke patients within the critical 3-hour time period. The Brain Attack Coalition recommends primary and comprehensive stroke centers to provide emergency care and extensive care, respectively.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have created a stealth-like molecule called BSB that can effectively breach the blood-brain barrier and bind to amyloid plaques, enabling visualization using PET or SPECT imaging. This breakthrough paves the way for the refinement of BSB as a diagnostic tool for Alzheimer...
Scientists at Emory University Health Sciences Center have discovered that the oxytocin gene is necessary for forming social memories, allowing individuals to recognize familiar faces. The study found that mice lacking this gene exhibited social memory deficits, which were restored with oxytocin treatment.