Researchers discovered a modified antioxidant enzyme that delayed onset and increased survival of mice with familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease). The study found that the polyamine-modified catalase better penetrated the blood-brain barrier, reducing levels of hydrogen peroxide and nitric oxide.
Researchers are developing a new mobile radar system called SMART-R to track tornadoes and hurricanes. The system will enable more accurate predictions of storm movements and intensities, helping to save lives by issuing warnings earlier.
Researchers have found that near-infrared light from LEDs accelerates wound healing in patients with diabetic skin ulcers, serious burns, and severe oral sores. The treatment uses a portable device emitting LED lights, which promote energy inside cells, leading to faster healing times.
Two new studies by researchers at the University of California, Santa Cruz, link El Niño winters to increased coastal erosion and shifting sands along California's central coast. The findings show that damaging coastal storms are three times more likely to occur during an El Niño winter than in other years.
Research presented at the International Chemical Congress of Pacific Basin Societies found that beer, especially darker ales and stouts, may reduce the incidence of atherosclerosis and cataracts by up to 50 percent. Antioxidants in beer, particularly those found in darker brews, are believed to play a role in this protection.
A new study found that simple mother and teen conversations about the consequences of drinking can help prevent binge-drinking in college freshmen. Students who had more positive beliefs about drinking were more likely to drink excessively and experience negative consequences associated with binge-drinking tendencies.
Researchers in Canada are developing a class of drugs for chronic pain with fewer side effects. Canadian scientists also presenting promising treatments for Hepatitis C and non-insulin dependent diabetes by targeting key enzymes involved in the diseases.
Researchers have discovered a chemical in sea urchins that appears to attract and repel starfish, which are devasting coral reefs at an alarming rate. The finding could provide a new method for controlling the starfish population and saving these valuable ecosystems.
A study of 120 Asian women found that those with the highest isoflavone levels had a 50% decrease in breast cancer risk compared to those with lower levels. The researchers recommend including soy in the diet from teenage years to reduce cancer risk.
Researchers have developed an edible film made from strawberry puree, broccoli, oranges, carrots, and other fruits and vegetables. The films can significantly extend the shelf life of fresh-cut produce, such as apples, while keeping them fresh and flavorful.
A new study revises previous estimates of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet's contribution to global sea-level rise, suggesting it may be a slower source. The ice sheet was previously estimated to add 1 millimeter per year to sea level, but new data indicates this may be an overestimation.
Researchers found that germinated brown rice contains three times the amount of lysine and ten times the amount of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), an amino acid known to improve kidney function. Germination also activates dormant enzymes, increasing the nutritional value.
University of Michigan geologist Peter van Keken uses virtual reality to explore Earth's inner reaches, discovering new patterns and relationships. He aims to advance research into plate tectonics and mantle mixing using this immersive technology.
The Joint Mathematics Meetings bring together researchers and educators to advance mathematical achievement and encourage innovation. The event features over 1300 research papers and high-profile events such as the debut of Who Wants To Be A Mathematician.
A new study has successfully mapped the global extent of 'iron-limited' ocean regions, which are crucial for understanding how the ocean's biology controls the flow of carbon between the atmosphere and the ocean. These regions were identified by analyzing satellite data on dust deposition and phytoplankton productivity.
Researchers from Vanderbilt University have discovered that the genes bozozok (boz) and chordino (din) cooperate to limit BMP activity during embryological development, allowing for the formation of the head and trunk. This discovery highlights a simple mechanism underlying vertebrate head and trunk specification.
Researchers found that four-fifths of fall chinook salmon females in the Hanford Reach of the Columbia River carried a genetic marker linked to males. The study suggests environmental contaminants or water temperature changes may be responsible for this sex reversal, which could contribute to the decline of Northwest salmon runs.
The American Chemical Society is offering a $750,000 minority scholars program to support high school seniors and college students pursuing careers in chemistry. The program aims to provide renewable scholarships of up to $3,000 per academic year to attract qualified candidates from underrepresented groups.
Researchers discovered that only two genes, BMP and Bozozok, regulate head formation in zebrafish embryos. The study suggests that these genes also play a role in limiting BMP function, allowing for proper organ development.
Joseph L. Reid, a renowned physical oceanographer, is being honored with the Maurice Ewing Medal for his significant contributions to understanding ocean circulation and currents in the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian oceans. His work has also focused on current exchanges between major oceans.
A study by Slawek Tulaczyk and Marion Bougamont reveals that the West Antarctic ice stream may slow down and stop moving altogether, leading to thinning and shrinking of the ice shelves. This could have dramatic consequences for global ocean circulation and climate.
The Arabidopsis thaliana plant's genetic evidence suggests it emerged between 50 and 200 million years ago. Researchers used computational tools to analyze its genome, finding duplicated chromosome segments that date back to ancient polyploid events, providing insights into the evolution of agricultural crops.
A new study reveals that one-fifth of young adult cancer survivors exhibit symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder, a condition characterized by overwhelming anxiety and fear. The study found a four-fold increase in PTSD diagnosis among young adults compared to those aged 9-17.
A study by Dr. Dallas Swallow and colleagues found that the lactase gene was shaped by two evolutionary periods: one before and one after fresh milk became available. The researchers discovered that genetic diversity in non-African populations is lower than in Africans, suggesting a loss of genetic variation due to random fluctuations ...
Scientists have calculated a lower strange quark contribution and discovered evidence for the proton's anapole moment, a parity-violating electromagnetic effect. The findings suggest less than 6% of the proton's magnetic moment arises from the strange quark.
The American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (AAPS) is hosting a workshop on bioanalytical methods validation, which aims to review progress since the first workshop in 1989. The event will focus on identifying and resolving scientific issues related to quantitative bioanalytical methodology.
Research suggests that most of the time during the Late Heavy Bombardment period, conditions on Earth were livable for microbes. The team's study indicates that only rarely would severe bombardment have made survival at the surface difficult, allowing hardy bacteria and viruses to find sheltered places to ride out the storm.
The IMAGE far-ultraviolet camera has captured breathtaking auroras visible from Georgia, Florida, and Texas, revealing minute details in their structure and shape. The camera's ability to image invisible ion auroras has greatly expanded scientists' understanding of the Earth's magnetosphere.
A Harvard Medical School study found that immune proteins Class I MHC and CD3-zeta play a role in brain development and remodeling, potentially triggering developmental disorders like dyslexia. The proteins may also be involved in neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease and multiple sclerosis.
Researchers expect Arctic ozone layer recovery to be slower than expected due to unusually low stratospheric temperatures and increasing greenhouse gases. The phase out of chlorine-containing chlorofluorocarbons and halons has not slowed down ozone losses over the Arctic, with significant losses observed last spring.
A seven-year study by University of Florida researchers found a 73% drop in mercury levels in wading bird chicks' feathers since 1994. The declines may be linked to the removal of mercury from commercial products and industrial processes, starting in the late 1980s.
Researchers found a record warming event in Antarctica around 19,000 years ago, with temperatures rising up to 18 degrees Fahrenheit in just a few decades. This event may have been the trigger for the end of the last ice age and rivalled strong warming events in the Northern Hemisphere.
A Mayo Clinic study finds that less radical surgery for kidney cancer is equally effective to radical alternative and less likely to cause failure in the second kidney. Long-term survival rates between the two procedures were identical, but patients undergoing less radical surgery had a lower risk of developing renal failure.
A study found that heavy drinkers were twice as likely to report work-related injuries, but most of this association was explained by working in dangerous occupations or holding jobs requiring a high school education or less. Further analysis revealed no significant association once these factors were considered.
Researchers at UMass developed a new technique for creating densely packed arrays of magnetic nanowires using self-assembling polymer scaffolds and electrodeposition. This technology has great potential in magnetic data storage and could be used to fabricate other array devices with nanoscale dimensions.
Researchers at UC Irvine have created a new method for producing metal nanowires with desired conductivity, strength, and length. The step-edge decoration process allows for the growth of long, uniform wires needed for emerging nanotechnologies like diodes and transistors.
Researchers found that wasabi's isothiocyanates can inhibit the growth of Streptococcus mutans bacteria, which cause dental caries. This effect comes from wasabi's ability to interfere with sucrose-dependent cell adherence. Wasabi has been implicated in various health benefits due to its antimicrobial properties.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have developed a tele-immersion technique that uses digital cameras, tracking gear, and polarized glasses to create a three-dimensional 'telepresence' experience. This allows participants from different locations to feel as if they're in the same room, enabling new possibilities for remote ...
Children rated cartoon cigarette warnings significantly more believable than plain text, regardless of the message. Cartoon tobacco warning labels may be an effective way to reach children and adolescents, who are at increased risk of becoming regular smokers.
Venlafaxine has been shown to alleviate hot flashes in postmenopausal women, including those with breast cancer, by reducing symptoms by 61%. The study found that a daily dose of 37.5-75mg was optimal for effect, with mild improvements in quality of life and no significant impact on libido.
A study of over 700 HMO patients found that those with an alcohol-and-other-drug dependency were more likely to be younger, male, and have greater psychiatric and family/social problems. In contrast, those with an alcohol-only dependency were more likely to be older, female, and college educated.
The University of Michigan has been awarded $47.8 million in grants from the Michigan Life Sciences Corridor, with U-M scientists leading 24 research proposals approved for funding. The funds will support life sciences research and economic development throughout the state.
A French BSE epidemic is believed to have infected at least 1,200 cattle since 1987, with around 100 animals slaughtered for human consumption in 2000. The risk of BSE entering the food chain from British beef has been reduced, but late-stage infected animals are likely to have been slaughtered for meat.
Researchers at NC State University have developed a new process for creating superhydrophobic polymer surfaces that are longer-lasting and more environmentally friendly. By increasing the surface area of a flexible material before attaching coating molecules, they can achieve superior water resistance and durability without using solve...
A new platinum-based cancer drug, BBR3464, has shown promising activity against ovarian cancer that is resistant to cisplatin. The drug, developed by Nicholas Farrell and his team, has been found to be significantly more potent than cisplatin and may offer new hope for the treatment of this devastating disease.
The Indiana Genomics Initiative, backed by a $105 million grant from Lilly Endowment, aims to advance educational opportunities, genomics, and bioinformatics research. The project will create a world-class biomedical enterprise at IU, capitalizing on existing resources and expertise in informatics.
Researchers used gene array technology to analyze brain gene expression in human alcoholism, identifying extensive reprogramming of the frontal cortex. This study provides insight into the molecular neurocircuitry altered by chronic alcohol abuse, shedding light on tolerance, dependence, and neurotoxicity.
A Princeton scientist created a computer model of a mouse brain that can recognize spoken words, challenging conventional views on sensory perception. The model uses sensitive timing of electrical signals to perform calculations, potentially leading to faster and more sophisticated brain functions.
A single gene mutation extends fruitfly lifespan by doubling it from 37 days to 69-71 days while maintaining high functioning and fertility. The Indy gene is associated with altered metabolism and energy utilization, pointing to potential benefits for human lifespan through genetic modification.
Researchers found a set of neurons in the supplementary eye field that react when an individual realizes they made a mistake, shedding light on self-control and cognitive processes. This discovery has implications for understanding schizophrenia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and psychopathic behavior.
A new study by UCSF researchers found that California's tobacco control program prevented an estimated 33,300 heart-disease deaths during its first nine years. The program also associated with a significant reduction in cigarette consumption, but budget cuts and changes weakened the effort in the mid-1990s.
According to a University of Michigan study, teen cigarette smoking rates have declined significantly since the '90s. The Monitoring the Future survey found that 8th-12th graders showed statistically significant declines in current and daily smoking measures.
This year's Monitoring the Future study found a significant rise in ecstasy use among American adolescents, with proportions increasing by 50-100% across all grade levels. In contrast, inhalants, LSD, and crystal methamphetamine use have declined substantially since their peak levels in the mid-1990s.
Scientists have found that 'raining' electrons from Earth's magnetosphere destroy ozone in the upper atmosphere, creating a new aspect of natural ozone destruction. The degree of electron precipitation is directly related to the 11-year solar cycle.
A heat-sensitive liposome has been shown to triple the amount of an anti-cancer drug delivered to tumors in mice compared to other liposome-based methods. The liposome releases its cargo rapidly and effectively, increasing the functional concentration of the drug in the tumor.
A study by Jonathan B. Losos and Dolph Schluter found that the diversity of lizard species on larger Caribbean islands is primarily due to evolutionary processes, rather than colonization and extinction. The researchers used the Caribbean lizard phylogeny to estimate the number of immigration and speciation events on the islands.
The University of Washington has established a $35.5 million center for mind, brain and learning to conduct innovative research on early brain and behavioral development. The center, in partnership with Talaris Research Institute, will focus on five major themes: brain plasticity, brain-behavior links, nature-nurture, computer vs. biol...
Scientists at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center presented new findings on lower dust absorption of sunlight, Arctic stratospheric temperature control and the impact of a large solar proton event on the atmosphere. The studies aim to improve climate modeling and understanding of climate change.
Two new research studies have shown significant promise for reducing joint damage in rheumatoid arthritis, with a combination of infliximab and methotrexate halting progression and improving symptoms in patients. Etanercept also demonstrates efficacy in slowing joint damage and decreasing symptoms.
A new study published by the American Psychological Association found that older adults who feel they have control over valued roles tend to adopt healthier behaviors and live longer. The study suggests that maintaining a sense of control over the most important role can help prevent premature death.