Research found three birth variables strongly linked to adult obesity in African Americans: first-born status, female sex, and maternal prepregnancy body mass index. These factors account for 12% of the risk for obesity.
A new study at the University of North Carolina finds that men infected with HIV who use denial strategies to cope with the disease threat progress more rapidly to AIDS. Higher average blood levels of cortisol are also associated with faster progression.
Researchers at UC Irvine have discovered a protein called calsenilin that can offset calcium imbalances in brain cells, which contribute to the development of early-onset familial Alzheimer's disease. This finding may lead to pharmaceutical therapies and preventive measures to halt the progression of this neurological disorder.
A UK study found that men's age significantly impacts conception rates, with the probability of conceiving within 12 months doubling from around 8% at under 25 to 15% at over 35. The study also revealed a decline in male fecundity associated with increasing paternal age.
Postmenopausal women who took n-3 fatty acid-enriched supplements experienced a 26% reduction in serum triglycerides, while those not taking HRT saw a 36% decrease. This suggests that fish-oil therapy may benefit postmenopausal women regardless of hormone replacement therapy use.
A study found that prescribing sterile needles is ethical and clinically appropriate for injection drug users. Smoking daily can lead to impaired fasting glucose and type 2 diabetes. Long-term use of drugs promoting gastroesophageal reflux also increases the risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma.
A new screening test combining blood and ultrasound exams can identify over 90% of Down syndrome cases in the first trimester of pregnancy. The test, Ultrascreen, has the advantage of detecting more cases earlier than traditional tests.
A survey by Virginia Tech found that 54% of citizens agree that not enough is spent on elementary and secondary public schools, while 64% support using the lottery to fund education. In contrast, 79% believe public schools do a good job teaching math and science.
A six-month exercise program improved self-esteem in older adults through both stretching/toning and aerobic exercise. The stretching/toning group showed greater increases in overall physical self-worth and self-esteem related to body image, physical condition, and strength.
A study found that women with low-fat diets had 19% lower fractional calcium absorption rates than those with high-fat diets. The authors propose that fat may increase calcium absorption by slowing transit time through the intestines.
Researchers at Northwestern University are developing novel architectural and compiler concepts to reduce energy consumption in specific military applications by a factor of 100 times. This technology will also benefit civilian applications, enabling longer battery life and increased functionality in portable devices.
The NASA-developed Data Matrix symbol technology offers high-capacity marking in a small space, with applications in various industries such as automotive and electronics. The technology enables permanent identification of parts and products, even when protected by coatings or other obstacles.
A study by Emory University researchers found that women who experienced childhood abuse have elevated hormonal responses to stress, which may contribute to greater vulnerability to depression and anxiety disorders in adulthood. The study suggests that early-life trauma plays a major role in the development of mood and anxiety disorders.
A new DNA test developed by the University of Maryland Biotechnology Institute rapidly identifies Pfiesteria piscicida, a toxic marine microbe linked to fish kills and human illness. The test helps predict outbreaks and study the toxin's effects on immune cells in the brain.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a vaccine approach to fight the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) by infusing it into genetically modified cherry tomatoes. The study found that mice fed with these vaccine-containing tomatoes showed increased antibody production, providing protection against the virus.
The continuum fingerboard is a MIDI controller that allows continuous control over each note played, without discrete pitches. It resembles a piano keyboard but has a flat playing surface with soft fabric covering the mechanics, requiring musicians to learn new techniques.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a way to use old tires and pistachio shells to remove mercury emissions from power plants. The activated-carbon adsorbents show promise as a cost-effective alternative to current commercial products.
A US study found that women with recent normal Pap smear results have a similar low rate of significant cellular abnormalities regardless of the time interval between screenings. The study suggests that some women may not need to be screened annually, and that less frequent screening may be safe for low-risk women.
A new trial will compare the effectiveness of three colon cancer detection methods: air contrast barium enema, traditional colonoscopy, and virtual colonoscopy. The study aims to determine which method is most accurate, tolerable and cost-effective for detecting polyps and lesions in the colon.
Researchers have identified a viral protein responsible for Ebola-induced internal bleeding. The discovery could lead to the development of targeted antiviral treatments and vaccines to prevent the disease. By understanding how the virus attaches to and enters cells, scientists can design more effective countermeasures.
A new risk-management model developed by researchers at the University of Illinois combines genetic algorithms, fate and transport simulation models, and risk assessment modules to identify potential remediation designs. The model evaluates tradeoffs among cost, risk, and cleanup time under conditions of uncertainty.
Researchers at Jefferson Medical College successfully introduced a therapeutic gene into the brain of two children with Canavan disease, showing decreased NAA concentration and increased myelin. The gene transfer demonstrated positive neurological improvements in the patients, offering hope for future use of gene therapy for brain dise...
Researchers have discovered that ozone directly affects plant aging genes, accelerating leaf yellowing and growth retardation. The findings may lead to the development of ozone-resistant plant varieties, reducing agricultural losses estimated at $3 billion annually.
A new study found that non-medicated ADHD children are three times slower than their non-ADHD counterparts when making quick decisions. However, when treated with Ritalin, the ADHD children's reaction times returned to normal.
The AAPS Workshop on Biopharmaceutics in the New Millennium will discuss new scientific approaches to measure bioavailability (BA) and document bioequivalence (BE) for orally administered drug products. The workshop will also explore challenges and propose approaches for harmonizing international regulatory guidances.
Scientists at Brookhaven National Laboratory have deciphered the structure of botulinum toxin, a deadly poison that can cause paralysis and death. The discovery could lead to the development of a recombinant vaccine to disable the toxin and improve therapeutic applications.
A study found that six months of care for patients in phase II clinical trials costs $57,542, similar to $63,721 for those receiving standard treatment. This research suggests insurers can improve healthcare without financial risk.
The Hubble Space Telescope observed Comet Linear experiencing a violent eruption, spewing dust into space and increasing its brightness. The team believes this event may indicate that similar 'Mount Saint Helens' outbursts occur frequently on comets.
Researchers deciphered the structure of a key protein complex in the human immune system, consisting of an antibody and its receptor. This discovery opens new avenues for therapies in allergies, autoimmune diseases, and transplantation medicine, enabling a better understanding of how pathogens are recognized and removed by immune cells.
A study by the CDC found that increasing smoking cessation therapy availability boosts assisted quit attempts and doubles success rates. The majority of smokers attempt to quit without treatment, resulting in low abstinence rates, but pharmacologic methods like nicotine patches and gum can significantly increase chances for success.
A new potent greenhouse gas, trifluoromethyl sulphur pentaflouride (SF5CF3), has been discovered in the atmosphere, with concentrations increasing since the 1950s. The gas is closely related to SF6 and may be produced as a breakdown product of industrial processes.
Researchers found that ibuprofen significantly reduced inflammation and amyloid plaques in an animal model of Alzheimer's disease, which may help prevent the disease. The study suggests that taking anti-inflammatory drugs early on could delay the onset of AD by about a decade.
Dr. Oliver Smithies has received the International Okamoto Award for his groundbreaking work in hypertensive and arteriosclerotic research using molecular genetics. He pioneered gene targeting techniques that have been widely adopted by researchers worldwide, leading to a better understanding of human genetic diseases.
A new diagnostic tool is highly accurate in detecting cancer spread in women with vulva cancer, potentially sparing them from debilitating lymph node removal. Researchers found that 27 out of 59 patients had cancer spread, and the procedure could spare up to 80% of women from this procedure.
Cranfield University is launching an eight-week management program for local land mine action managers, supported by the United Nations Development Programme and UK Government funding. The course aims to improve existing resource utilization in mine clearance management, helping to reduce the impact of land mines on affected countries.
Researchers at Purdue University and Ford Motor Co. developed an advanced electronic system to monitor engine health and adapt fuel delivery, eliminating the need for time-consuming engine mapping. The technology aims to reduce maintenance costs by automatically keeping engines running smoothly as they age.
Scientists at UCSF have shown that deformed prion proteins can trigger normal proteins to change shape and become infectious. The researchers used a new system to introduce prions into yeast, eliminating the possibility of non-prion molecules contributing to infection.
The lab has developed a Knife Failure Detector to reduce food production losses and ensure product quality, as well as a radiation dose measurement system for safe food irradiation. Additionally, ultra barrier coatings have been created to enable the use of plastic in electronic display panels.
A study by Duke University Medical Center researchers has found a possible genetic link determining which heart patients are more likely to suffer kidney damage after surgery. The research team found that the E-4 variant of the apolipoprotein APO gene, already implicated in Alzheimer's disease, appears to offer protection to the kidneys.
Physicists at UC Berkeley have created minuscule bearings and springs made from carbon nanotubes, which can reduce friction in microscopic machines. The bearings and springs, which appear to move with no wear and tear, could be crucial components of MEMS devices and NEMS systems.
Researchers have identified three candidate regions on chromosomes 5q, 7q, and 19q that may contain genes influencing prostate cancer aggressiveness. These regions are associated with a higher Gleason score, indicating poor differentiation of tumor cells and increased risk of metastasis.
The Ohio Board of Regents has awarded a $321,780 grant to Case Western Reserve University's School of Medicine to enhance neurogenetics research. The medical school plans to recruit a new faculty member with expertise in neural molecular genetics and establish a neural transgenic/behavioral testing core facility.
A fatal tropical disease has infected large numbers of foxhounds in the US, causing skin lesions, hair loss, and joint issues. At least 12% of dogs have antibodies suggesting exposure to the parasite, with 2% showing a strong response, prompting public health officials to recommend quarantine or euthanasia.
Scientists have successfully implanted the lens of a sighted fish into cavefish, resulting in the growth of a normal eye. This breakthrough may provide new avenues for understanding the genetic factors involved in eye growth and development, potentially leading to improved treatments for certain forms of blindness. Further research is ...
Cornell University has been selected by NASA to lead the science team for the next Mars mission, which will include a large roving vehicle carrying six scientific instruments. The rover's Pancam panoramic camera system will reveal terrain around the vehicle and help select rock targets for study.
A new study suggests that bupropion hydrochloride sustained-release tablets may be an effective treatment for HSDD in females, with significant increases in episodes of sexual arousal and interest. Researchers reported encouraging results, with nearly 40% of participants showing improvement in their sexual desire.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have identified a protein ligand-receptor pair that plays a crucial role in plant cell development. The discovery, led by Steven Clark, could lead to breakthroughs in increasing flower and fruit production, as well as controlling fruit timing.
A study by Case Western Reserve University found that people with higher levels of non-occupational activities were less likely to develop Alzheimer's disease later in life. Intellectual and physical activities, such as playing musical instruments or exercising, may help ward off the disease.
A team of researchers has discovered a novel molecular structure that determines male or female physical characteristics in fruit flies. The findings have implications for humans as similar genes have been found in the human genome.
Research on a monkey vaccine for anthrax suggests that while vaccinated individuals may survive an attack, they could become severely ill, posing a burden on the military. The US Army Medical Research Institute's 1991 test found that monkeys given the vaccine became sick for up to two weeks after inhaling anthrax spores.
Research shows that newborns who experience tissue injury and pain may develop a permanent rewiring of their nervous system, leading to increased sensitivity to pain later in life. The study used an animal model to demonstrate the effects of early pain exposure on adult pain pathways.
A Virginia Tech researcher's work has influenced reclamation policy, guidelines, and regulations in four Appalachian states. The study quantified the diversity, productivity, commercial value, and carbon-capture potential of 21 mined and reforested sites across a seven-state region.
Scientists at The Wistar Institute identified a new gene called chfr that establishes a previously unknown checkpoint in mitosis, found in half of human cancer cell lines. This discovery holds promise for predicting patient response to Taxol and developing more effective targeted drugs.
A University of Wisconsin-Madison study finds that a breakdown in the brain's regulatory system is linked to impulsive violent behavior, with common neurological threads found in areas controlling negative emotions. The research opens a new avenue for studying and possibly treating violence and aggression.
Researchers have determined the 3-dimensional structure of a Rosetta Stone protein, which may help scientists understand how cells are programmed to die and shed light on the role of loss in cancer. The human Fhit protein is encoded at the most fragile site in the genome and is lost in many human cancers.
Critics argue that the 1990 Act has shifted protection focus towards rehabilitation, allowing more abuse to occur. The number of children placed in care fell by a third, but this decline is attributed to social workers' reluctance to intervene rather than a decrease in abuse.
Two separate groups of scientists identified a genetic mutation associated with primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH), a rare but devastating lung disease. Defects in the BMPR2 gene lead to abnormal proliferation of cells in the lungs characteristic of PPH.
A large-scale study suggests that coffee drinkers are at a higher risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis. The research found that those who consumed four or more cups of coffee daily were twice as likely to test positive for the disease, while those who drank 11 cups or more were nearly 15 times more likely.
The International Conference on Heavy Metals in the Environment will discuss successes and failures of research on human exposure to toxic metals. Major themes include risk assessment, environmental epidemiology, and human health effects, with a focus on protecting children from toxic metals.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center have identified Bone Morphogenic Protein Receptor Two (BMPR2) as the gene responsible for causing PPH, a fatal lung disease. The mutation of this gene causes cells to grow and clog blood vessels in the lungs, leading to high blood pressure.