Research on MTBE contamination highlights the need for alternatives to this toxic fuel additive. Studies show that MTBE degrades slowly in sediments, but can be rapidly degraded by bacteria with oxygen addition.
A new study from the USGS and Oregon Graduate Institute reveals that up to 9,000 community water wells in 31 states may be contaminated with MTBE due to proximity to leaking underground storage tanks. The EPA has announced plans to phase out MTBE use in gasoline, but it will persist in the environment for at least a decade.
Actor Christopher Reeve was awarded the UCSD-Salk Institute Service Award for his tireless efforts to raise awareness of the importance of basic research for human biology and disease. The award recognized his unwavering personal campaign to increase public and legislative awareness of the need to support basic research in health.
Researchers found a correlation between unexplained foot fractures and low bone density, a primary symptom of osteoporosis. The study suggests that podiatrists should inspect patients with at-risk conditions for early signs of osteoporosis.
A new NASA web site features women who are making history with their contributions to microgravity research. The site profiles women from diverse backgrounds and expertise, including astronauts, scientists, engineers, and more.
The First Annual Civil War Medical Symposium will examine the influence of the mid-1800s conflict on modern medicine. Four physicians will discuss specific medical advances resulting from the war, including improvements in nerve injury treatment and smallpox vaccination.
Researchers at University of Iowa have found that a specific gene vector, AAV5, can effectively reach many brain sites following a single injection. The study suggests that AAV5-based vectors could be used to deliver correct copies of genes to cells throughout the central nervous system without multiple injections.
A study of over 3300 schoolchildren reveals that exposure to maternal cigarette smoke during pregnancy significantly reduces lung function. The effects are particularly noticeable on small airways and airflow, with environmental tobacco smoke having a lesser impact.
Chemist William R. Dolbier receives American Chemical Society Award for Creative Work in Fluorine Chemistry for innovative studies of fluorine, which strengthens bonds and makes products like Teflon resistant to high temperatures.
Researchers are conducting a national study to determine if a vaccine similar to the one given to children to prevent chicken pox will prevent shingles in older adults. The study hopes to enroll 37,000 people over 60 with no prior shingles diagnosis, aiming to boost their immunity and prevent the shingles virus from returning.
A distinguished panel of bioethicists published papers on physician-assisted suicide in Annals of Internal Medicine, discussing guidelines, safeguards, and expert opinions on the clinical, moral, and ethical issues involved. The findings highlight the need for thoughtful direction and common ground among diverse views.
A study of 947 HIV-positive individuals found that hospital admission was linked to unemployment (82%) and poor health status (46%). The study also showed that having a physician experienced in HIV/AIDS management was beneficial for avoiding hospital admissions.
Researchers at OHSU's Casey Eye Institute have developed a new method to diagnose rare eye infections caused by the Acanthamoeba organism. Using a confocal microscope, they can now detect the early stages of infection, allowing for prompt treatment and preventing vision loss.
A consensus panel convened by the University of Pennsylvania's Center for Bioethics discusses guidelines, treatments, and legal responses to assisted suicide. The panel aims to establish safeguards that make physician-assisted suicide voluntary, regulated, and an option of last resort.
Czanderna's work focuses on improving photovoltaic efficiency and lifespan, with a goal of making solar energy comparable to fossil fuels. His research led to the development of an insulating material that promises to last at least six times longer.
The TMJ Association has launched a national awareness campaign to raise awareness about jaw joint diseases, which affect over 10 million Americans, mostly women. The campaign aims to promote quality research and improved treatments for the condition, which causes debilitating pain and dysfunction.
Researchers at Pennsylvania State University have developed coal-derived jet fuels that can withstand higher temperatures without forming engine-clogging deposits. This breakthrough could enable faster, safer flight for commercial jet aircraft.
A team of researchers has developed a genetic tracking system that allows them to follow neural crest cells from the embryonic stage to adulthood. The study reveals key players in tooth formation and highlights their contribution to other craniofacial structures.
Chemist John D. Corbett is recognized for his pioneering work in inorganic chemistry, leading to the discovery of novel solid-state compounds with unique structures and properties. His research has enabled the development of products such as cell-phone batteries, catalytic converters, and corrosion-resistant alloys.
Frank Cardulla, a Glenview teacher, has won the James Bryant Conant Award for his innovative approach to teaching high school chemistry. He emphasizes understanding over rote memorization, encouraging students to think critically about chemical processes.
Dr. Mario Molina, Nobel laureate and environmental science professor, will address his experiences as a minority in the sciences at the American Chemical Society meeting. He will also discuss his work on ozone depletion and atmospheric chemistry.
A Canadian Medical Association Journal study found that pushes from behind and impacts with the boards account for most spinal injuries in ice hockey. The study also revealed regional disparities and a disturbingly low median age of injured players, highlighting the need for prevention strategies.
For over 40 years, chemist Ernest Davidson has used computers to simulate and study chemical reactions with precision. Today's computer programs can model complex reactions involving up to 30 atoms, enabling chemists to devise new reactions.
A study found that 54 out of 57 bottled waters had fluoride levels below the recommended range, while all Cleveland tap water samples met or exceeded the optimal level. Bottled water also contained higher bacteria counts than tap water, with some samples having over 4,900 colonies per milliliter.
Hoffman's groundbreaking work led to the discovery of primordial plutonium and seaborgium, with a focus on symmetrical mass division in spontaneous fission. Her ongoing research continues to advance our understanding of nuclear chemistry and its applications.
Researchers have captured the first pictures of neurofilaments moving along nerve fibers using time-lapse photography, providing a rare glimpse into slow axonal transport. The study suggests that neurofilaments move quickly but infrequently, and may hold clues to understanding nerve malfunction in diseases like Lou Gehrig's.
Samuel Danishefsky has developed anti-cancer vaccines that stimulate the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells. His research also explores laboratory versions of natural products with potential to combat cancer. Several vaccines are entering Phase II and III clinical trials to test their effectiveness.
Researchers create way to 'finger print' and monitor water absorption in clays, which could improve oil well drilling and construction site understanding. The technique uses X-ray scattering to analyze the distance between crystal layers in clay.
Certain long-chain alcohols can reverse ethanol's antiadhesive effects on nerve cells, suggesting potential medications to reduce the damaging effects of alcohol. The findings may lead to a better understanding and prevention of fetal alcohol syndrome and its related neurotoxic effects.
A new polymer-drug combination has inhibited the growth of ovarian cancer cell lines by up to 97% in two previous treatments. Researchers are now investigating the effects of varying metal combinations, hoping to find a more effective treatment for this deadly form of cancer.
Researchers have found extraterrestrial noble gasses encapsulated within fullerene molecules, providing a new tool for tracing extraterrestrial events. The discovery supports the theory that atmospheric gases and organic compounds were delivered to planets via asteroid and comet strikes.
Renowned scientist J. Craig Venter will discuss his work on decoding the human genome at the American Chemical Society meeting. He co-founded Celera Genomics to sequence the entire human genome by 2001 and is this year's honoree for the David Perlman Memorial Lectureship.
The Clinical Advantage program aims to reduce the gap between effective treatments and conventional care for heart attack patients. By implementing evidence-based techniques, hospitals hope to improve assessment, management, and discharge planning, resulting in better patient outcomes.
Dr. F. Ann Walker, a researcher on the kissing bug, will present her award-winning research on heme proteins and Chagas' disease at the American Chemical Society meeting. The study highlights the intersection of entomology, inorganic biochemistry, medicine, and anthropology.
Scientists discover a 1,800-year tidal cycle that matches recent climate change, suggesting a natural warming trend began a hundred years ago. The study suggests strong oceanic tides drive changes in climate by increasing vertical mixing, resulting in cooler climates and drought conditions.
A new study estimates that up to 9,000 community water wells in 31 states may be contaminated with methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) due to their proximity to leaking underground storage tanks. This could pose a risk to the approximately 90 million people who obtain drinking water from these wells.
Researchers found that a soil pathogen in temperate forests kills most black cherry seedlings within a few meters of their parent tree. This allows other species to take root and increase forest diversity. The study suggests microbial pathogens play a crucial role in shaping forest communities.
A recent study suggests that environmental factors play a significant role in the development of psychiatric disorders, alongside genetic factors. Research findings indicate that adversity and social determinants can contribute to the onset of conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and antisocial personality disorder.
A recent Purdue University study discovered that parents' influence on their children's religious beliefs is largely shaped by verbal communication rather than actual practice. The research found that students who had open discussions with their parents about religious beliefs were more likely to accurately perceive their parents' views.
A systematic analysis of clinical trials on glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate for treating osteoarthritis has shown mixed results, with potential benefits for symptom relief but methodological flaws and biases. The study recommends additional rigorous independent studies to determine true efficacy and usefulness.
Researchers found that women caregivers experience significant emotional distress, which accumulates over time, but adapt physically to caregiving responsibilities, and physical limitations often stabilize after initial increases
Glaucoma is now understood as a neurodegenerative disease affecting the entire visual system, including brain cells. Researchers found that forty percent of nerve cells in both eye and brain are destroyed by the disease.
A team of researchers has discovered that hazelnuts contain the potent anticancer agent paclitaxel, which could reduce the cost of the commercial drug Taxol. The finding may also stimulate competition among drug manufacturers, leading to cheaper prices for cancer patients.
Historian Alan J. Rocke presents a symposium on the history of futurism in chemistry, exploring divergent visions of science in the year 2000. The event highlights the accuracy of 19th-century predictions about the 20th century and showcases the evolution of chemistry.
The American Physical Society's largest physics meeting will feature over 5000 speakers presenting on topics including nanotechnology, MEMS innovations, cancer detection, and cardiac disorders. Researchers will also discuss pseudoscience and superstition in science.
This special issue of the American Sociological Review explores broad social trends over the past century, discussing topics such as modernization, globalization, industrialization, and secularization. The article also delves into the sociology of the Black working class and the impact of Western society on religion.
The Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center will establish a new prostate cancer center with a $1.5 million grant from the Department of Defense. The center aims to investigate signals promoting and inhibiting cell growth in prostate cancer.
Researchers at UCSF Center for AIDS Prevention Studies are conducting a quality-of-life study to understand challenges faced by HIV-positive individuals. The Unity Project aims to examine the effects of one-on-one interventions on managing healthcare, disclosing status, and dealing with sexuality.
The IDEATel project aims to improve health and access to care for rural and inner-city residents with diabetes. The four-year grant will study the efficacy of telemedicine in enhancing patient quality-of-life and reducing healthcare costs.
Researchers have identified a new family of genes that encode proteins functioning as bitter taste receptors, providing crucial insight into the organization of the taste system. The study reveals that these receptors are expressed in cells that also express gustducin, a coupling protein critical for sending bitter signals to the brain.
A study published in the Journal of Applied Physiology reveals that a specific pathway controls the breakdown of proteins regulating muscle type. The ubiquitin/proteasome pathway determines which proteins are degraded, allowing for the switching of muscle type during exercise training or constant contraction.
Researchers found that a short-term drug regimen can reverse working memory loss in monkeys treated with antipsychotic medications. The study suggests improved treatment strategies for people with schizophrenia, Parkinson's disease, or age-related memory loss.
Scientists at Johns Hopkins have developed a novel approach for detecting cancer based on genetic mutations in mitochondrial DNA. The new test uses bodily fluids such as urine, saliva, and sputum to identify cancer-specific mutations.
Prof Hugh Possingham, a renowned population ecologist, has been awarded the inaugural Fenner Medal for his groundbreaking work in applied and pure theoretical ecology. His research has significantly impacted environmental conservation efforts in Australia and globally.
A UCSF study found that offering a small cash incentive to homeless adults improved their adherence rates for TB prevention therapy, compared to traditional methods. The research involved over 100 participants and found that those who received the monetary incentive completed treatment at nearly double the rate of others.
Scientists have discovered a new family of bitter taste receptors that can detect different forms of bitter and are found in the cells of taste buds. These receptors were found to be highly discriminative and appear to play a crucial role in an animal's survival.
Scientists have discovered a new fossil snake species, Haasiophis terrasanctus, with advanced anatomy similar to modern boas and pythons. The findings suggest that the evolution of limbs in snakes was more complex than previously thought, possibly representing an evolutionary reversal where advanced snakes regained hindlimbs.
The device uses tiny polymer and electrode films to control light transmission, protecting military equipment from disabling laser attacks. It also has potential consumer applications, such as programmable sunglasses and improved cameras.
A clinical trial of Enbrel in children with polyarticular juvenile rheumatoid arthritis found significant improvement in joint pain, stiffness, and inflammation. The drug was well-tolerated, with a 74% response rate among treated patients.
A new study reveals that North America does not absorb as much carbon dioxide as it emits, contradicting long-held assumptions. The research found that natural processes can only account for a small fraction of the released carbon dioxide, highlighting the complexity of climate change.