A statistical analysis of liver patient records helped resolve a public health policy dispute over organ allocation. The new system prioritizes the most severely ill patients, improving transplant rates and reducing waiting times.
A robot named Nomad has been deployed to a site in Antarctica to search for meteorites and classify them using scientific instruments. The expedition marks the first time a robot will be used to discover extraterrestrial material that has fallen to Earth.
Scientists have identified a protein fragment that elicits an immune response against infected cells and cancer cells. The fragment, derived from a heat shock protein, was tested in mice lacking a healthy immune system and showed promising results.
A study found that Latino ESL students who took heart health and nutrition classes showed improved cholesterol, blood pressure, and nutrition knowledge. The researchers suggest that the ESL environment is an ideal way to reach this population and promote public health messages.
A US trade and aid embargo against Cuba has contributed to significant public health problems, according to Yale Medical School professor Michele Barry. The embargo has led to epidemics of blindness due to nutrient scarcity, infants ingesting lye instead of soap, and outbreaks of Guillain-Barre syndrome caused by contaminated water.
Jan Kohlmeyer and his team have identified a new order of marine fungi, Lulworthiales, which includes species that break down dead seaweed, marsh plants, and wood in oceans and estuaries. These microorganisms are crucial for recycling nutrients and maintaining the health of marine ecosystems.
A new study of 452 fourth-through-sixth-grade boys found that tough, antisocial boys were viewed as popular and antisocial by their peers and teachers. This finding highlights how children are rewarded with popularity for being antisocial, which can have significant implications for their future adjustment.
Investigations reveal that matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play a crucial role in communication between disc cells and macrophages, facilitating resorption. The discovery may lead to injectable therapies that encourage natural macrophage activity, offering a non-surgical alternative for herniated discs.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have developed transgenic mice that overexpress hepatocyte growth factor, leading to increased beta cell proliferation and insulin production. The study suggests that this approach may lead to new therapies for diabetes by enabling islet cells to proliferate and produce insulin more effectively.
Researchers found that low E-cadherin levels are the strongest prognostic factor for a poor long-term outcome in node-negative breast cancer patients. High or intermediate levels add little assurance of good prognosis, but abnormally low levels indicate a substantially increased risk of metastasis.
Physicist Jacquelyn Yanch has devised a new method to combat severe rheumatoid arthritis by injecting boron compounds and exposing joints to neutron beams, killing the synovium lining. Early results on rabbits are promising, but human trials are still needed.
Astronomers have discovered an expanding oxygen and neon ring in the remnants of a massive star explosion, providing unprecedented insights into the creation and dispersal of heavy elements. The findings suggest that these elements are necessary for life on Earth and could provide clues to the nature of supernovae.
Researchers detect faint X-ray source close to Sagittarius A*, a supermassive black hole at the center of our galaxy, using NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory. The discovery provides fresh insight into how the black hole is powered and may challenge current models.
NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory has detected nearly a thousand faint X-ray-emitting stars in the young star-forming region of the Orion Nebula. The discovery will help unravel the astrophysical principles underlying violent magnetic activity in young stars.
A team of scientists used Chandra to observe the Andromeda Galaxy and found a supermassive black hole with a surprisingly cool gas funneling into it. The temperature of this gas is only several million degrees, unlike other X-ray sources in the galaxy that reach millions of degrees.
Astronomers observe regular eruptions of hot gas every 45-90 minutes, chaotic system behaving like a giant particle collider. Researchers discover new class of flares made up of synchrotron radiation and plasma bubbles.
The discovery sheds light on the formation and death of stars, revealing intricate structures such as neutron stars, black holes, and X-ray binary systems. The image provides valuable insights into the distribution of heavy atoms throughout the universe, offering a glimpse into the early history of the cosmos.
A review paper by University of Pittsburgh researcher James J. Dignam suggests that physiological responses to treatments are not responsible for poorer outcomes among blacks. Black women with the same stage of breast cancer have more advanced disease conditions due to less access to or utilization of healthcare resources.
A four-year study found that consistently low salivary cortisol levels in boys aged 7-12 are associated with early onset and persistence of aggressive behavior. Boys with low cortisol levels exhibited three times the number of aggressive symptoms and were more likely to be singled out by their classmates.
The new fume hood technology uses only 30 percent of the airflow of standard laboratory fume hood installations, potentially saving $30 million annually in California. Nationally, the total savings is estimated to be ten times higher, with the technology having the potential to reduce operating costs and increase chip fabrication yield.
Researchers discovered diverse types of inhibitory neurons that filter messages to neighbors, enabling precise control over brain activity. This design principle allows for complex and fine-grained inhibition, potentially leading to novel treatments for neurological disorders.
Researchers discovered that injured spinal neurons establish gap junctions to communicate with each other, but not with healthy neighboring cells. This finding suggests a new approach to re-establishing connectivity between neurons and muscle after peripheral nerve damage or spinal cord injury.
A Yale researcher has recalculated the number of near-Earth asteroids, estimating fewer than initially thought, with a smaller potential impact risk. The study found that only 500 to 1,000 such asteroids exist, each carrying a 0.5% chance of colliding with Earth in the next million years.
A team of astronomers led by University of Michigan professor Douglas Richstone discovered three new supermassive black holes in nearby elliptical galaxies. The formation and evolution of galaxies are linked to the presence of massive black holes, which played a crucial role in shaping galaxy development.
A recent study suggests that planetary systems similar to our own are rare in the galaxy, with less than 45% of stars capable of hosting Jupiter-like planets at specific distances. The study's findings were made possible by a new method developed by graduate student B. Scott Gaudi and his team using gravitational lensing anomalies.
Researchers at Dartmouth Medical School have discovered a way to inhibit the enzyme that many bacteria use to infect and damage hosts. This finding could provide a foundation for developing new agents to combat bacterial infections, potentially leading to therapies against cystic fibrosis and other diseases.
A new report from the Center for Advancing Health highlights the importance of incorporating proven behavior change strategies into medical care. Despite recognizing the value of these interventions, managed care plans often fail to offer them to their members due to unclear cost impacts and lack of leverage for purchasing agencies.
The robot population in North America has nearly doubled over the last decade, with robots becoming increasingly important in various applications. The latest edition of the Handbook of Industrial Robotics highlights the evolution of robots and their integration with humans in manufacturing, agriculture, and construction.
Chronic stress can cause immune system dysfunction, brain cell damage and impaired learning. Long-term alcohol exposure blunts the body's ability to respond to stress, leading to a domino-like effect on hormone release and ultimately damaging the immune system.
A new study links traumatic stress disorder and dementia in WWII veterans, suggesting that painful war memories may trigger violent episodes. Researchers found that veterans who developed dementia showed no signs of PTSD until then, highlighting the need for further research into this phenomenon.
Researchers at UNC-CH successfully created six-molecule water rings, mimicking natural ice structure. This achievement aims to boost knowledge of water's unique properties and hydrogen bonding forces.
A recent study found that alcohol dependence eliminates any protective effect of moderate drinking, intensifying risks associated with heavy drinking. Light and moderate drinkers have lower mortality rates than heavier drinkers and abstainers due to lifestyle factors such as exercise and diet.
Researchers at the University of Massachusetts Amherst have created a virtual 'Loganscape' to test alternative signs for Logan International Airport. The study aims to reduce the time it takes drivers to find their terminal, using modified signs with airline names and letters, and also exploring the effectiveness of alphabetized listings.
A Penn State engineer has developed a computer-based technique that reliably predicts the probable number of accidents due to wet pavement on a particular section of highway. The approach suggests corrective actions to improve safety, focusing resources on eliminating problems where the risk is highest.
A recent study found that an introduced fruit fly, Drosophila subobscura, has evolved a wing size pattern mimicking established populations in Europe within two decades of its introduction to North America. The fly's rapid evolution has significant implications for the dynamics of invasions and native species interactions.
Researchers identify genetic abnormalities in microsatelite instability (MSI) and chromosomal instability (CSI) leading to varying tumor behaviors. Colorectal cancer patients with MSI form have a better chance of surviving longer, prompting potential changes in treatment strategies.
A new report describes four patients who experienced bruxism, including jaw clenching, headaches, tooth grinding, and broken teeth, after taking Zoloft for depression and anxiety. The symptoms resolved with the addition of another anti-anxiety drug, Buspar.
Physicians at UNC-CH and Duke will receive funding to support care for people living with AIDS across North Carolina and clinical trials promising further medical progress. The renewed national Adult AIDS Clinical Trials Group (AACTG) funding reflects the quality of AIDS research and treatment in North Carolina.
Scientists confirmed the presence of oxygen VI in the galactic halo, indicating extremely high temperatures approaching half a million degrees Fahrenheit. The discovery provides strong evidence for supernovas pumping hot gas into the corona, supporting a long-held hypothesis about the galaxy's recycling process.
Poultry farmers can stop using antibiotics to promote growth in birds by adding antibodies against appetite-suppressing neurotransmitters and a fatty acid found in hamburgers. This alternative method produces similar growth gains as antibiotics, with improvements of 3-5% in growth rates.
Researchers from the University of Washington have discovered that Barnard's Galaxy, an irregular dwarf galaxy, is significantly different from the Milky Way. Using images taken by the Hubble Space Telescope, they found three star clusters within NGC 6822 to be of very different ages, with one cluster dating back 15 billion years.
A new AI system, CONSA, helps bickering computer programs resolve differences and come up with a satisfactory result. The system has been successfully tested on agent-controlled robot football teams and helicopter combat simulations.
A new NASA satellite has provided unprecedented sensitivity to detect molecular hydrogen, the primary ingredient for star and planet formation. This discovery suggests that star formation proceeds similarly across various space environments, including nearby galaxies.
Research by Australian scientist Peter Dingle found that potted plants have a limited effect on reducing formaldehyde levels, a toxic chemical linked to sick building syndrome. While plants can improve the aesthetic environment, they do not significantly clean the air of pollutants.
Researchers created a virtual crash test dummy to predict head and chest injuries during accidents. The simulation shows that multiple impacts result in more severe injuries, regardless of the vehicle model involved.
Astronomers have observed five young, massive star clusters in a distant galaxy, offering a glimpse into the earliest stages of stellar nursery development. The discoveries, estimated to be around 500,000 years old, provide valuable insights into how globular clusters form and evolve over billions of years.
Researchers at the Mayo Clinic found that an experimental diode laser treatment controlled cancer growth in all but one patient with melanoma in the eye. No recurrences were noted in the remaining patients during follow-up periods.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have developed a new antibiotic solution that may help prevent capsular contracture, a common risk associated with breast implant surgery. The solution, created by Dr. William P. Adams Jr., inhibits bacterial growth from organisms commonly found around implants and has shown promise in prev...
Scientists at National Jewish Health have identified a key protein that regulates fat cell development, which could lead to new strategies for treating obesity and related conditions. By inserting a negative version of CREB into fat cells, researchers can inhibit the growth of new fat cells.
Scientists from the University of Wisconsin-Madison have developed a new surface chemistry that simplifies DNA computing and enables scaling up to tackle complex problems. This breakthrough demonstrates DNA computing's potential to surpass conventional computers in information storage and processing capabilities.
A recent study from the Mayo Clinic found that eating disorders continue to increase in young females, with a steady rise in incidence over the past 50 years. The study suggests that the type of eating disorder being reported is shifting towards more cases of bulimia (binge and purge).
A Yale researcher has discovered up to 70 new and very distant RR Lyrae stars in the Milky Way that can provide valuable clues about the galaxy's history and composition. The stars are thought to be among the oldest in the galaxy, with ages of over 12 billion years.
Researchers will study the Chipewyan (or Dene Suline) language in the Cold Lake First Nations community as part of the three-year Daghida Project. The goal is to help start an immersion program for children and revive the language, which has been largely lost among younger generations.
A new study at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill found that newer oral contraceptives may reduce the risk of heart problems for women who smoke. The study compared the cardiovascular responses to stress among healthy women taking different formulations of the drugs, including those with smoking habits.
Researchers at Penn State found that Beowulf clusters, composed of low-cost personal computers linked together, can offer supercomputer-like capabilities. The clusters can run multiple processors in parallel, providing a cost-effective solution for scientists who need to run complex codes.
A new study from Yale University reveals that interferon-gamma protein causes hardening of arteries, rather than prevents it. The research used an animal model to show that the protein leads to muscle cell growth and lesions in artery walls.
Astronomers pinpointed a gamma-ray burst's precise location using coordinated observations from NASA satellites, providing data on X-rays and visible energy. The blast occurred over 10 billion light years away, roughly 2 billion years after the Big Bang.
A study published in Neurosurgery found that 42% of patients survived five years or more after receiving enhanced chemotherapy through blood-brain barrier disruption. The treatment also showed no cognitive loss or impairment in 36 patients, contrary to previous studies.
The ASM Public Communications Award recognizes achievement by journalists in communicating microbiological sciences to the general public. The award is open to stories published or aired in calendar year 1999, and nominees must submit a completed nomination cover page, letter, and copies of their work.
A new study from the University of California, San Francisco found that certain types of managed care plans do not offer greater access to preventive medical services compared to non-managed care plans. Traditional group/staff managed care plans still provide more preventive services than non-managed care in most cases.