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.
Scientists Yonathan Shapir and Jacob Jorné discovered that natural cycles generate fractal patterns, governing everything from weather to cauliflower heads. This breakthrough enables the prediction of events like car battery lifespan, lawn growth, and tumor cell behavior, with potential applications in engineering and medicine.
A study by Penn State researcher Dr. S. E. Specter found that young men who ate mashed potatoes prepared with heart-healthy mono unsaturated oil stayed satiated longer than those who ate the same lunch with rice or polyunsaturated oil.
A Penn State researcher suggests listing energy density on Nutrition Facts labels to encourage people to choose lower-calorie, yet still satisfying foods. This approach can help reduce calorie intake and combat the current obesity epidemic.
Scientists have identified a number of genes specifically regulated by the hormone leptin, which is produced by fat tissue and secreted into the bloodstream. These findings offer new insights into how leptin causes fat loss and decreased appetite, and may also provide new targets for drugs designed to stimulate weight loss.
Researchers developed an intensive treatment combining radiation and chemotherapy to control locally advanced head and neck cancer, achieving complete local control for 92% of patients. The therapy increased long-term survival to 55%, with most side effects resolving after treatment.
A new telehealth technology called I-SITE is being used to fight a growing epidemic of diabetic blindness in First Nation Canadian communities. The system has successfully diagnosed and treated diabetic retinopathy, saving eyesight in patients who would otherwise have gone blind.
A new wave/current/surge information system will provide accurate storm surge predictions and support evacuation plans. The system, called WAVCIS, uses offshore instruments to measure oceanographic conditions.
Researchers have identified a crucial gene defect that hinders the ability of cells to repair DNA damage caused by oxidative stress. This deficiency may lead to diseases such as Cockayne's syndrome and increase the risk of cancer, heart disease, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Researchers have successfully engineered cancer cells that can suppress growth at secondary sites, a breakthrough with implications for the treatment of cancers that metastasize. By inhibiting cell growth at the site of metastasis, these cells may be able to treat existing tumors by blocking their ability to grow.
TAPET technology, a genetically altered Salmonella bacteria, shows improved antitumor activity when combined with radiation therapy. The NIH/NCI-funded SBIR grant aims to confirm this benefit in animal studies and develop a 'triple play' treatment for solid tumors.
Researchers at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center discovered a protein, Rrn3, that regulates cell growth in both humans and yeast. The protein appears to be a key player in an as-yet-unidentified cell-signaling pathway, potentially making it a unique drug target for cancer treatment.
A Penn State biologist has identified 13 sunfish and sucker species as being at high risk of extinction, primarily due to their isolated distributions and limited geographical range sizes. The study found that larger body size is associated with a higher risk of extinction in sunfish, but not in suckers.
A multicenter clinical trial has found that premature infant formula containing docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (AA) improves visual development in preterm infants. The study involved 470 premature infants who received either DHA- and AA- fortified formula or standard premature infant formula.
New research reveals that menstrual function matures rapidly after the first period, accompanied by a surge in hormones, rather than gradually over four to six years as previously thought. This finding has significant implications for adolescent pregnancy prevention and contraception initiation.
Scientists from various disciplines gather to develop recommendations for restoring Pacific rivers for salmon habitats. The workshop aims to select candidate watersheds and measurements for evaluating restoration success, bringing together expertise in watershed restoration.
A new study published in the journal Science suggests that low-mass stars called red supergiants may die explosively rather than fade away quietly. This discovery has significant implications for our understanding of nucleosynthesis, stellar structure, and the evolution of stars.
A new study suggests that a caspase-inhibiting drug could help delay ALS symptoms and prolong life. Researchers found that mice treated with zVAD-fmk lived 22% longer than untreated littermates, providing proof of principle for this potential treatment.
A study led by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has identified key changes in surface proteins of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) that enable it to evade the immune system. The research found that these changes occur early in the infection process and can determine whether a person will develop chronic or acute HCV disease.
Hawaii's dry forests require more than just grazing removal to regenerate; invasive species like non-native rodents and fountain grass also play a significant role. Active management is necessary to control these invaders and reintroduce native species, say researchers.
Researchers discovered a robust immune response in adolescents infected with HIV, suggesting they may benefit from aggressive early treatment. The study found higher levels of CD8 naïve T lymphocytes, which could mount an effective immune response against the virus.