A study by Duke University Medical Center has shown that blocking a key enzyme pathway can prevent the onset of heart failure. The researchers found that blocking ß-adrenergic receptor kinase (ßARK) after a heart attack preserves heart function, providing a promising new avenue for treating and preventing heart failure.
New York State-based study finds that removing financial barriers through vaccine-financing reforms reduces scattered care and underimmunization among disadvantaged children. The reforms appear effective in keeping children in their primary care medical homes.
Researchers at Michigan Tech are transferring altered genes into fungi to facilitate nutrient flow through tree roots, helping trees grow faster and live healthier lives. The fungus provides a protective coating around the tree's roots, preventing insect pests and diseases from attacking.
Researchers found that an anti-smoking media campaign in Massachusetts increased awareness of the dangers of light cigarettes and decreased beliefs that they pose a lower risk to public health. The study suggests targeted advertising can correct misinformation about smoking.
A new study by University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill researchers shows a simple breath test can distinguish between patients who metabolize chemotherapy drugs normally and those who require lower doses for safety. The technique, which measures exhaled carbon dioxide, has promising advantages in reducing toxicity in patients.
Twelve international groups compared their computer programs' power to predict gene elements within a Drosophila DNA region. Many programs detected genes with 95% accuracy, while others struggled with precise gene boundaries and promoter predictions. The project established standards for future improvements.
Researchers present findings on the geological evolution of the North American Cordillera, including the Cascadia subduction zone's impact on earthquake hazards. They also explore tectonic movement and its implications for densely populated areas in the Pacific Northwest.
The Galileo spacecraft has captured the highest-resolution images yet of three of Jupiter's four innermost moons, revealing surface features as small as 2 kilometers across. The images show a bright surface feature on Amalthea named Ida, a streak of bright material about 50 kilometers in length.
A University of Washington study found that over half of farmworker children in Douglas and Chelan counties, Washington state, exceeded federal safety levels for pesticides. The study suggests that regulators need to reassess exposure standards for these chemicals.
Research suggests that violent video games can increase aggressive thoughts, feelings, and behavior in individuals, particularly young men who are habitually aggressive. The interactive nature of these games may be more harmful than exposure to violent television and movies, as they require players to identify with the aggressor.
A new violence prevention program, LIFT, has been shown to reduce aggressive behavior in elementary school children by 90% after a single year. The program includes parents, teachers, and peers in monitoring and managing environments to create a safer experience for all students.
Renowned author and futurist Ben Bova will deliver a keynote address at NASA's second 'Turning Goals into Reality' conference, exploring the future of air and space transportation technology. The conference, held May 18-19 at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center, aims to spotlight aerospace accomplishments by NASA and industry partners.
Researchers have discovered a dinosaur fossil with a four-chambered heart, similar to those of birds and mammals. The discovery suggests that the dinosaur was warm-blooded, with a high metabolism, and may have had a more complex circulatory system than previously thought.
Researchers found a five-fold increased risk of OCD in first-degree relatives of patients, supporting the hereditary nature of the condition. The study used diverse patient populations and blinded diagnosing researchers to minimize bias.
A new study found that general hospitals provide varying levels of wellness services to their communities. While many hospitals offer health screenings, social work services, and nutrition programs, others provide limited or no services. The study suggests that hospital sizes and affiliations impact the availability of these services.
Men who live with their biological children are more involved in community organizations and connected to family members through phone calls and visits. They also take the good provider role seriously and invest more hours in work and career than non-fathers and fathers of adult children.
Researchers have created a mutant strain of Mycobacterium tuberculosis that fails to establish a lethal chronic infection in mice. Targeting the pcaA gene, which codes for an enzyme essential for virulence, may lead to breakthroughs in TB treatment.
A new study published in The Milbank Quarterly found that employers play a significant role in shaping workers' decisions about health plans. Sixty-six percent of employees rely on their employers for health plan information and use this information to make informed choices.
A pilot program at Sandia National Laboratories aims to close the time gap between disease outbreak identification and terrorist origin. The system will use color-coded maps and database information to quickly characterize and differentiate disease outbreaks from natural occurrences.
The Howard Hughes Medical Institute will award $16.25 million in new grants to support research by outstanding scientists in six countries, including Canada and five Latin American nations. The grants will be awarded competitively and range from $50,000 to $90,000 annually.
Researchers from around the world present real-world and theoretical findings on valuing environmental services, exploring challenges of assigning economic values to ecosystems and regulating the environment. The study highlights the complexities of managing ecosystem resources and incorporating costs of pollution into prices.
A genetic mutation in the tau gene has been identified as the cause of a 20-hour day in hamsters. The discovery reveals that the enzyme CK1ε plays a crucial role in regulating the circadian rhythm, and offers new opportunities for developing drugs to control the biological clock in humans.
The skeleton previously identified as King Philip II has been proven to be one of Alexander's half-brothers, specifically Philip III Arrhidaeus. Researchers used macrophotography and forensic analysis to rule out the original theory, citing normal anatomical features and incorrect reconstruction that led to the mistaken identity.
A study of 42 breast cancer patients found that those who chose experimental treatments had higher levels of psychological distress, despite similar physical abilities. Researchers suggest that these women may feel a greater need to feel in control and desperate for effective treatment options.
A major study on colon cancer prevention found no link between dietary changes and reduced polyp recurrence. Despite initial hopes, researchers now recommend regular screening and colonoscopies for those with existing polyps.
The first Workshop on Interactive Robotics and Entertainment (WIRE 2000) will bring together experts from academia and industry to analyze the growing interaction between robotics and the toy industry. The conference will predict how this interaction will change both areas in the future.
A Northwestern University research team has discovered the first enzyme to play a role in the mammalian circadian clock, contributing significantly to understanding of circadian rhythm-related problems. The identified casein kinase I epsilon (CKIe) enzyme interacts with PERIOD proteins, affecting the timing of the circadian cycle.
Researchers are investigating what motivates young fathers to bond with their children, examining social supports, personality traits, and socio-demographic factors. The study aims to identify attributes that reinforce or diminish father-child bonding in teenaged mothers.
Researchers at Northwestern University report a rare but potentially fatal blood disease known as thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) associated with clopidogrel use. The disorder causes mass destruction of blood platelets, anemia, and other severe symptoms.
A team of scientists has discovered a 66-million-year-old Thescelosaurus with a complete fossilized heart, suggesting the dinosaur's circulatory system was more advanced than that of reptiles. The finding supports the hypothesis that dinosaurs were warm-blooded and could have had metabolic rates higher than typical reptiles.
A study by a University of Michigan School of Nursing professor found that moderate exercise can lower diastolic blood pressure in pregnant women, reducing the risk of developing gestational hypertension. The randomized trial involved 16 high-risk women who engaged in treadmill or bicycle exercise three days a week for 10 weeks.
The American Thoracic Society announces new research findings highlighting significant differences in lung function test results between Asian Americans and European Americans. Additionally, experts discuss the potential of gene therapy for treating lung cancer, while studying lung changes caused by smoking and aging.
Researchers at Rockefeller University have identified two genes responsible for producing branched muropeptides, essential for pneumococcus survival in the presence of penicillin. Inactivating these genes restores penicillin's potency, opening the door to new drugs that target this newly discovered mechanism.
Research suggests a single drug could silence misfiring immune genes, quelling asthma response. Identical DNA controls of cytokine genes in mice and humans hint at new treatment.
Researchers at HHMI discover XRCC4, a new type of genomic caretaker that helps repair double-stranded DNA breaks. In mice without p53, XRCC4-deficient mice survive embryonic development and show normal behavior.
The UK Markey Cancer Center will establish local coalitions and develop community outreach programs to address cancer barriers in Appalachian regions. The network aims to increase public awareness of clinical trials and promote participation among rural, medically underserved patients.
A study found that 80% of children with severe explosive temper and mood variations responded positively to divalproex, an anti-convulsant medication. The treatment improved behavior and responses in these children, who are often isolated from peers due to their disorders.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center uncovered evidence of genomic imprinting in marsupial opossums but not monotremes like platypuses. The study suggests that the 'battle of the sexes' theory for imprinting evolution may be supported by competition for nutrient allocation among young animals.
Yale University has received a $3 million grant from the Personality Disorder Research Foundation to study borderline personality disorder. The three-year grant aims to better understand the disorder, its causes, and effective treatments for patients.
Researchers found that local communication, such as talking to neighbors, is crucial for a sense of community. The study also highlights the importance of strategic community organizations and media in building a stronger sense of belonging.
A Canadian study found that bicycle helmet laws enacted in 1996 led to a significant increase in helmet use among cyclists, with overall wearing rates rising from 46% to 70%. Helmet use improved across all age groups and regions, but remained lower in non-metropolitan areas.
Mothers prefer family practice vaccinations over clinics, citing lack of empathy and pain from vaccination as reasons. Health professionals who acknowledge distress and engage with babies are valued most by mothers, research suggests.
A study by Dr. Karen Fingerman found that older mothers and daughters have a different perception of pleasant interactions, with fewer references to the mother-daughter bond itself. Instead, they often discuss family-related topics and the daughter's children, siblings, or husband.
Research shows that smoking exacerbates circulatory problems caused by vibration white finger, a condition affecting workers who use pneumatic tools. Smokers are twice as likely to experience severe symptoms of vasoconstriction compared to non-smokers.
A study published in Thorax found that children who had measles before age 3 and had two or more younger siblings were less likely to develop asthma. The study, which followed over 300 people for 30 years, suggests that exposure to certain infections in infancy may help protect against asthma.
The FDA has approved Visudyne therapy for the treatment of wet form of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of blindness among people over 50. The therapy involves a two-step procedure that can be performed in a doctor's office, causing closure of abnormal blood vessels and potentially restoring central vision.
Research at Penn State reveals vitamin D deficiency worsens symptoms of Chron's disease and ulcerative colitis in mice, while treatment with Vitamin D supplements reduces inflammation. The connection between vitamin D status and inflammatory bowel disease incidence is also suggested by geographical distribution.
A study published in JAMA found that nurse home visits to pregnant women and their families significantly improved health outcomes for years to come. The program reduced time on welfare, increased stability in family structure, and promoted economic self-sufficiency among mothers.
Researchers have created a new liquid-phase protein separation technology that can help scientists solve the proteomics puzzle. The system eliminates time-consuming 2-D gel electrophoresis and can detect trace amounts of protein, providing valuable insights into cancer research and other areas of science.
A Cornell University study reveals that younger farmers' lack of access to modern technology hinders their productivity, while older farmers continue to use technology efficiently despite declining output. The research has implications for business management decisions and federal agricultural policies.
The DFG is setting up 14 new Research Training Units, two of which are European, to provide novel academic qualifications for medics and scientists. The new units will promote interdisciplinary collaboration and innovative research in various fields.
A junior scientist has improved the efficiency of organic solar cells and discovered a new type of transistor, enabling flexible circuit manufacture. This breakthrough paves the way for simplification of circuit manufacturing and potential replacement of traditional silicon-based solar cells.
A prospective cohort study found that regular exercise can benefit men with type 2 diabetes, while low physical fitness is associated with mortality. Meanwhile, a dangerous combination of blood thinners and intravenous steroids requires daily monitoring to prevent life-threatening bleeding.
Fox Chase Cancer Center molecular biologist Dominique Broccoli has been awarded a $100,000 V Foundation Scholarship to investigate the role of telomeres in cellular aging. Her research aims to understand how telomere length limits cell growth and renewal, potentially leading to new approaches for limiting tumor growth.
A study by Rebecca Rudolph and colleagues found that short-segment Barrett's esophagus is not a lower-risk factor for esophageal cancer. Instead, people with this condition are at a similar risk as those with long-segment Barrett's esophagus.
Research suggests that honey is an effective form of carbohydrate gel for athletes, providing a sustained energy boost without causing a rapid spike in blood sugar levels. The study found that honey's lower glycemic index profile makes it an ideal choice for pre-workout consumption, potentially improving endurance and reducing fatigue.
Emory University researchers suggest that glutathione could be used as a flu preventive by exposing it directly to the tissues lining the mouth and upper airway. Studies have shown that glutathione reduces cellular damage caused by reactive oxygen, but its effectiveness in preventing disease has been unclear.
Computational biologist Sorin Istrail shows that the solution of Ising's model cannot be extended into three dimensions for any lattice, making exact solutions unattainable. The model, developed by Ernst Ising in 1926, has been extensively studied in one and two dimensions but remains unsolvable in three dimensions.
A new medical imaging approach using 3D color Doppler ultrasound shows promise for better cancer detection and recognition in breast cancer patients. The technique uses sound waves and computerized equipment to visualize blood flow in the vessels around suspicious areas, distinguishing between tumors and benign masses.
Detecting active regions on the far side of the Sun allows for up to two weeks' advance warning of strong solar winds. The method uses Lyman alpha radiation to track sunspot activity and predict severe space weather.