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.