A new study using a decision analysis model found that sildenafil was as cost-effective as kidney dialysis, cholesterol lowering medication or coronary artery bypass surgery. An editorial questions whether health insurance should cover treatment for erectile dysfunction when many Americans are not covered.
A new diet study, funded by Duke University Medical Center, aims to test the hypothesis that reducing fat intake can halt or slow diabetes progression. Participants will consume specially prepared foods with Olestra instead of real fat, allowing researchers to study a low-fat diet independently from a low-calorie diet.
Researchers at UCSD develop a new drug-combination therapy using tamoxifen and cisplatin, significantly improving survival rates for patients with metastatic melanoma. The treatment results in a 62% reduction in tumor recurrence after five years.
The National Sea Grant College Program has released a 70-page guide to salmon issues in the Pacific Northwest, providing basic resources for news media covering the salmon management debate. The guide lists Sea Grant-funded researchers, contact information for agencies and organizations, and web-based resources.
Scientists have created a novel dinucleotide molecule that appears to outlast existing treatments in cells. The integrase inhibitor has the potential to prevent HIV infection by blocking its ability to replicate in non-infected human cells.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University found that the human brain employs surprising economies of effort in problem-solving by minimizing mental workload. The study used fMRI scans to identify brain activation patterns for verbal and visual thinking strategies.
Scientists at UCSF deciphered a pattern of signals that determine the survival of T cells, the body's natural defense arsenal. The research identifies a new role for chemical messages between the immune system and a steroid hormone signal, which may control stress-induced hormone imbalance and autoimmune diseases.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center developed a tumor-specific antibody, Y10, that targets mutated protein found only in cancer cells. This antibody can eradicate brain tumors in mice and has shown promise as a potential treatment for human patients.
Researchers have directly observed magnetic field line shrinkage or reconnection outflow during solar flares, resolving a long-standing mystery. The discovery sheds light on the behavior of magnetic fields in solar flares and their impact on space weather.
The Kaposi's sarcoma virus employs a novel strategy to evade the immune system by removing sentries on cell surfaces and shipping them for destruction. Researchers identified two viral genes that reduce MHC-1 proteins at the cell surface, allowing the virus to spread more widely.
Loren Acton, a former astronaut and solar physicist, has won the prestigious George Ellery Hale Prize for his outstanding contributions to solar astronomy. Acton's research focuses on understanding the Sun's behavior, shapes, colors, and motions.
A study found that residents of disadvantaged neighborhoods experience higher levels of depression due to the presence of disorder and social control breakdown. The researcher discovered that residents living in such areas report feeling distressed by high levels of crime, graffiti, and vandalism, as well as a lack of safety.
Patients with chronic heart failure who underwent exercise training showed significant improvements in left ventricular function and blood circulation, including increased stroke volume and reduced heart enlargement. Long-term exercise training was also associated with a reduction in total peripheral resistance.
Establishing stroke centers in hospitals can significantly improve outcomes for stroke patients by dedicating resources to diagnose and treat stroke patients within the critical 3-hour time period. The Brain Attack Coalition recommends primary and comprehensive stroke centers to provide emergency care and extensive care, respectively.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have created a stealth-like molecule called BSB that can effectively breach the blood-brain barrier and bind to amyloid plaques, enabling visualization using PET or SPECT imaging. This breakthrough paves the way for the refinement of BSB as a diagnostic tool for Alzheimer...
Scientists at Emory University Health Sciences Center have discovered that the oxytocin gene is necessary for forming social memories, allowing individuals to recognize familiar faces. The study found that mice lacking this gene exhibited social memory deficits, which were restored with oxytocin treatment.
A team led by Dr. Charles Meegan is developing a new burst monitor to fly on the Gamma Ray Large Area Space Telescope, which will provide broad energy coverage for gamma-ray studies and help solve the nature of gamma-ray bursts.
A community program in rural Maine associated with a significant decrease in heart disease death rates, thanks to its comprehensive approach to tracking patient risk factors and providing lifestyle education. The study suggests that such programs can be an effective way to blunt the worldwide cardiovascular disease epidemic.
A recent study reveals that primary care practices neglect to counsel diabetic patients on how to self-manage their illness, leading to a lack of comprehensive disease management. Despite this, patients who utilized community resources for support received more medical and counseling-related services from their physicians.
A study found that two methods to increase physical activity among sedentary adults were comparable in effectiveness but differed in cost-effectiveness. The lifestyle approach, which taught problem-solving and self-management skills, was more cost-effective, averaging $17/month over a two-year period.
Research reveals that child accident victims experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) more frequently than previously thought, with symptoms often overlooked by adults. The study emphasizes the need for better education programs to recognize subtle signs of PTSD in children.
Boston College scientist Kevin G. Harrison proposes the Silica Hypothesis, which suggests that increasing ocean silica levels can remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, slowing global warming. This mechanism may be responsible for decreased atmospheric CO2 levels during glacial times and could be relevant to today's climate change.
A new study found that underage college drinkers are more likely to drink in private settings and obtain alcohol inexpensively. Underage students also reported consuming more drinks per occasion and experiencing more alcohol-related problems compared to their older peers.
Researchers found that tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) promotes tumor growth by impairing the immune system, increasing IL-10 and TGF-beta cytokine production. Marijuana smoke contains higher carcinogenic hydrocarbons than tobacco, posing a potential cancer risk.
A study found that inner-city physicians provide fewer cancer screenings and preventive services compared to higher-income communities. The researchers identified four main barriers: lack of training, time constraints, office support, and insurance reimbursement issues.
Researchers at Northwestern University have discovered that the growth-associated protein GAP-43 enhances learning and memory in the mammalian brain when overexpressed in a phosphorylatable form. This finding could lead to new treatments for memory loss and learning disorders.
A new study on rhesus monkeys found that those without functioning ovaries performed better on spatial memory tasks than monkeys with intact ovaries. This suggests that the lack of estrogen may protect against age-related decline in certain aspects of spatial memory.
The Canadian Arthritis Network hosts its Annual Conference 2000 in Toronto, bringing together researchers and clinicians to find solutions for the disease affecting over four million Canadians. The symposium will focus on new approaches to diagnosing and treating arthritis, including innovative strategies to repair cartilage defects.
Charles R. O'Melia received the Athalie Richardson Irvine Clarke Prize for his work on hazardous particles in water and his findings on filtration and coagulation practices. The prize comes with a gold medallion and $50,000, which will be given away to support education and environmental initiatives.
The National Cancer Institute has awarded a grant to UCSF researcher Eliseo J. Pérez-Stable to raise awareness about cancer issues in Latinos, promote more research on the subject and train more Latino investigators. The goal is to address unequal burden of cancer in Latino populations through research, training and public awareness.
A recent study involving nearly 3,700 Gulf War-era veterans from Iowa found evidence of multiple symptoms, including joint pain, fatigue, and headaches, but no definitive 'Gulf War syndrome'. The researchers suggest that these health problems may be due to common medical conditions rather than a unique disorder.
A new UC Francisco study reveals a link between chronic use of protease inhibitors and the development of avascular necrosis (AVN) of the femoral head in HIV/AIDS patients. Early diagnosis can lead to effective treatment, but high-risk hip replacement surgery is associated with infection risk for these patients.
The National Computing Facility for Lattice Gauge Theory (NCFLGT) will equip the University with a system capable of 144 billion calculations per second, advancing understanding of the fundamental forces of nature. This facility aims to make internationally significant advances in the understanding of the fundamental forces of nature.
A UB study found that obese children are more likely to have high levels of triglycerides and low levels of protective cholesterol, increasing the risk of heart disease later in life. The research, which analyzed data from over 4,000 children, suggests that monitoring body mass index is crucial for early detection of dyslipidemia.
A recent MIT study found that online retailers, such as Amazon.com, charge higher prices than low-cost competitors like Books.com and CD Universe. The study reveals substantial differences in prices across retailers on the Internet, with top brands maintaining price advantages despite lower costs.
Researchers found that macrophages can recognize foreign cells using the CD47 protein, not MHC class I as previously thought. This discovery challenges an important dogma and has implications for autoimmune diseases and ovarian cancer.
Researchers have found a genetic link between IKK-gamma gene and the rare human disease incontinentia pigmenti, which affects skin and its derivatives. The discovery provides a nearly perfect mouse model of the disease, enabling thorough study and development of diagnostic and screening tests.
Researchers developed a computer-controlled flow delivery device that monitors tracheal pressure and varies the flow of air to prevent apnea. The new technology may lead to alternative treatments for severely affected patients, potentially reducing the need for tracheotomies.
A new study by the University at Buffalo has found that African Americans and Mexican Americans experience significantly poorer oral health than white Americans. The research, based on national data from 1988-94, shows that nearly half of African American men and one-third of African American women had periodontal disease, compared to ...
A new study found that fathers were more involved in caregiving when they worked fewer hours and had greater marital intimacy. Fathers with high self-esteem and less traditional child-rearing beliefs were also more active in caregiving.
Researchers study energy consumption in insect brains to better understand human brain function and develop more effective treatments for stroke patients. The team's findings could also improve our understanding of state-of-the-art scanning techniques like MRI and PET.
Scientists have developed a method to 'knock out' fruit fly genes, allowing researchers to study their functions and identify corresponding human diseases. The technique, also applicable to fixing faulty genes, has the potential to revolutionize gene therapy.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota have developed a new low-fat cheddar formulation that delivers several taste-enhancing compounds. The blend of three bacterial starter cultures reduces bitterness and adds clean, buttery notes, making it an attractive option for health-conscious cheese fanciers.
Researchers found that survival and reproduction rates for black-throated blue warblers were lower during El Niño years and higher during La Niña years. Climate changes associated with El Niño diminished food supply, causing low reproductive success in breeding grounds.
A new treatment for carbon monoxide poisoning has been developed, which can be applied by paramedics to speed up the elimination of the poison from victims' bodies. The treatment involves adding a specific mixture of oxygen and carbon dioxide to an oxygen mask, increasing the rate of carbon monoxide elimination up to three times.
Chinese President Jiang Zemin outlines China's commitment to global scientific collaboration, highlighting initiatives such as Sino-Israeli and Sino-Australian scientific collaboration funds. He also calls for curriculum reform in China's education system and acknowledges the country's brain drain, with Chinese students studying abroad.
Researchers at Cornell University have discovered how a hyperactive form of the molecular switch Cdc42 disrupts orderly cell growth, leading to cancer. The team found that Cdc42 increases protein shuttling, overstimulating cellular activities and causing hallmarks of cancer cells.
A University of Florida study found that most Americans consider mid-range body sizes attractive and socially acceptable. In contrast to the idealized thin figure often seen in media, participants preferred a range of builds from slender to rounded. As people age, they become more tolerant of varying body sizes.
Computer models at UW-Madison use genetic algorithms to optimize engine performance, increasing fuel efficiency while reducing pollution. The results demonstrate significant improvements in nitric oxide and soot emissions, as well as a 15% reduction in fuel consumption.
A new 25-minute test distinguishes between different types of schizophrenia by measuring people's response to a sudden loud noise. Early onset schizophrenia has more severe information processing deficits and is less responsive to current treatments.
Two studies found a decrease in respiratory illnesses among school-age children after improved air quality. Lung function continued to grow in adolescents despite cessation of growth in height, with males showing greater gains. A new diagnostic test for asthma in young children was also developed.
Direct images of aligned magnetic domains on both sides of an interface reveal the phenomenon of 'pinning' in layered magnetic structures. The researchers used photoemission electron microscopy to distinguish between layers with different chemical elements, demonstrating that exchange bias is an intrinsic property of the interface.
A study found that people with a particular variation in the serotonin transporter gene (5-HTT) showed a greater fear response during a laboratory experiment. This variation is linked to increasing regulation of serotonin levels in the brain, which may play a role in anxiety disorders.
Researchers found that telomerase expression can activate the c-myc oncogene, a hallmark of cancer cells. This raises concerns about using telomerase in human tissue culture cells for therapeutic purposes.
Researchers from Arizona State University, IBM Almaden Research Labs, and Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory have confirmed the alignment between electron spins in ferromagnets and anti-ferromagnets is colinear. This finding improves understanding of exchange bias, a phenomenon useful for controlling magnetization in magnetic disk storage.
The article describes how novel human genes can be found using data mining techniques on the Internet. Researchers identified putative human genes related to peptide transporter proteins, which are essential for drug absorption and distribution.
Researchers discovered a new approach to treating schizophrenia by creating medications that only last intermittently in the brain, reducing prominent side effects. This breakthrough opens doors to significant changes in how schizophrenia is treated and could lead to more effective medications with better tolerability.
NASA's X-34 and X-40A vehicles will be showcased at the Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) Technology Exposition, highlighting the X-37 Project and its related technologies. The event will provide an opportunity for industry representatives to learn about the program and its benefits.
A substantial reduction in stroke risk is associated with increasing physical activity levels, including walking, according to a study of female nurses. Walking was found to be inversely associated with total stroke risk, even at a brisk or striding pace, and its benefits were comparable to those of vigorous physical activity.
A study combining disulfiram (Antabuse) with buprenorphine found that participants who received both experienced longer periods of cocaine abstinence and achieved continuous abstinence sooner than those receiving only buprenorphine. No significant differences were observed in opiate abstinence between the two groups.