The 100th meeting of the American Society for Microbiology brought together experts in the field to share groundbreaking research on various microbiological topics. Key findings included significant progress in understanding microbial mechanisms and developing new diagnostic tools.
A study led by Colorado State University scientists reveals that human-caused global changes, such as land-use change and nitrogen deposition, are expected to drive biodiversity loss between now and 2100. The research identifies five primary drivers of global change and assesses their impact on terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems.
A new diode laser technique developed by MGH dermatologist Eliot Battle successfully removes excessive hair from individuals with darker ethnic skin. The longer-wavelength laser light and slower pulse delivery reduce damage to the surrounding skin, enabling patients with darker skin tones to tolerate higher energy dosages.
A nationwide clinical trial found that reducing tidal volumes in mechanical ventilation can cut mortality from Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) by up to 22%. The study, involving 861 patients and coordinated at Massachusetts General Hospital, used a new technique with smaller oxygen puffs to provide breathing assistance.
A Mayo Clinic study found that blood pressure levels differ equally between day and night, potentially increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke. The researchers monitored 240 healthy people for 20 consecutive hours, revealing significant variations in blood pressure during sleep.
New research suggests that aerosol pollutants in the atmosphere are likely masking global warming. Aerosols can modify clouds, suppress precipitation, and reflect light, cooling the Earth. This effect may be as large as the warming caused by human emissions of greenhouse gases.
The conference features expert speakers discussing attitudinal healing, the importance of spirituality in maintaining good health, and navigating the confusing signals of menopause. Women can learn how to incorporate spiritual practices into their daily lives and make informed choices about their health.
Researchers at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center discovered a secondary retroviral receptor, dubbed FELIX, crucial for feline leukemia virus (FeLV) infection. This discovery may provide a window into the pathway of retroviruses like HIV and potentially lead to therapies that disable the virus.
An asteroid impact would cause catastrophic destruction and an impact winter, but a subsequent 'ultraviolet spring' could be even more devastating due to ozone depletion and acid rain. This period of intense UV radiation could lead to widespread DNA damage, mutations, cancer, and plant death.
A new archaeon, Ferroplasma acidarmanus, is found in mining sites and accelerates the production of sulfuric acid, a major environmental pollutant. The microbe's ability to thrive in acidic conditions without a cell wall defies conventional understanding.
Researchers analyzed lunar cratering data and found a sudden increase in impacts about 400 million years ago. This period corresponds to the rapid evolution of life on Earth during the Cambrian explosion.
A study of 442 women in US and India found that most could calculate their gestational ages accurately, with most errors within a clinically insignificant margin. This suggests that unsupervised medical abortion using mifepristone-misoprostol may be safe for many women.
Scientists have developed a new imaging technique using ripples on the sun's surface to probe its interior and locate hidden solar storms. This breakthrough enables forecasting of solar storms with a week's warning, potentially disrupting spacecraft and power systems.
Researchers used genomics-based approach to discover new surface proteins that behave differently and are present across multiple strains of Neisseria meningitidis. These proteins can stimulate an antibody response capable of killing the bacterium, a key property for vaccine efficacy.
A CSIRO trial found that plant sterol-enriched margarine can reduce LDL cholesterol by an average of 9.6%. The study showed that including the spread in the diet for three weeks resulted in a 10% reduction in cholesterol levels, which may lower the risk of heart disease.
Weizmann Institute scientists developed a new method to incorporate organic molecules into electronic devices, controlling their properties and predicting behavior. The approach overcomes challenges in detecting electrical properties of organic molecules, enabling a feasible way to harness their diversity.
A study led by Johns Hopkins researchers found that patients with fulminant myocarditis can fully recover from the condition within two weeks without much damage to the heart or chance of relapse. Effective treatments include medications and mechanical pumps, which can increase blood flow and assist heart function.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic have discovered a significant link between major depression and seizures in older adults. The study, published in Annals of Neurology, found that individuals with a history of major depression were six times more likely to experience a seizure after age 55.
Researchers found that fruit flies exhibit behavioral and molecular changes similar to those observed in mammals, suggesting they may be capable of sleeping. The study provides new insights into the functions of sleep and could lead to the development of new treatments for human sleep disorders.
A study by UF/Cincinnati psychiatrists found that internet addicts struggle with mental illnesses like manic depression and anxiety disorders. On average, each participant had five other major psychiatric problems.
The NHLBI halted a study on high blood pressure treatments after an independent review found that an alpha-adrenergic blocker, doxazosin, was less effective than the diuretic chlorthalidone in reducing cardiovascular disease. The study compared newer drug treatments with conventional and less costly treatment options.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University found that brain cells 'synchronize' to pay attention to a single stream of sensory information. This synchronization, like singing in a chorus, enables the brain to filter out distractions and prioritize important stimuli.
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine highlights a rare genetic disorder Ehlers-Danlos syndrome Type IV, which increases the chance of early death. The disease affects between one in 100,000 and one in 500,000 people, with most deaths following rupture of large arteries.
A large clinical trial, ALLHAT, has stopped part of its study due to Cardura being less effective at lowering blood pressure and preventing heart failure. The study compared Cardura with a diuretic, finding those taking Cardura had more serious hypertension complications
A University of Colorado study identified deposits of beta amyloid in the brains of wild, aging landlocked salmon, sparking new ideas about human aging and Alzheimer's disease. The study found that while brain regions responsible for memory and navigation were affected, other areas continued to function normally.
NASA is launching a new effort to develop a safer and cheaper reusable launch vehicle system, relying on commercial industry to meet NASA's science and exploration goals. The agency aims to reduce risk and technical challenges by partnering with industry partners.
A University of Maryland School of Medicine study found that mass treatment campaigns for schistosomiasis in Egypt led to a significant transmission of hepatitis C. The campaign used reusable needles and syringes, which were later replaced with disposable ones.
Scientists developed a theoretical model of food web organization based on two simple rules, revealing deep similarities between diverse ecosystems. The 'niche model' accurately predicts 12 characteristics of food webs, surpassing the cascade model's predictions.
A new study published in Nature found no association between nighttime lighting and the development of nearsightedness in children. The study surveyed over 1,200 children and found that parents' eye sight and genetics played a more significant role in causing myopia.
The NYU Division of Nursing has partnered with the Hugoton Foundation to launch a new Faculty/Staff Nurse Research Fellowship, providing $100,000 in funding for two teams of nurse researchers. The fellowship aims to study pressing clinical practice issues, including pressure ulcers and maternal/child health.
A study of medical students, residents, and physician teachers found that women are more likely to be single and childless, and spend twice as much time on household chores. The optimal time for parenthood is after training completion, which has repercussions for the healthcare system.
A new UCSF study found that bone density loss during osteoporosis treatment is often a sign of regular medication adherence, not a failure of the medication. Women who lost bone density in the first year may actually gain it back with continued treatment.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that longer-term methadone maintenance therapy significantly surpasses short-term detoxification and psychosocial counseling. The study revealed higher treatment retention rates and lower heroin use rates among participants in the MMT group compared to those...
A new rapid and reliable method for detecting tuberculosis has been developed, using the microscopic observation broth-drug susceptibility assay (MODS). The test is inexpensive and sensitive enough to be used in the field by health officers in developing countries.
A study found that 24% of elderly individuals experienced recurring dizziness, with factors like anxiety, depression, and taking five or more medications contributing to the issue. Two last-resort options for end-of-life suffering are discussed: terminal sedation and voluntary refusal of food and fluids.
A study by Yale researchers found that 24% of elderly people experience recurring dizziness, which may be caused by multiple problems. The condition, referred to as a geriatric syndrome, can be effectively treated by identifying and addressing contributing factors.
A UCSF study compared methadone maintenance with a 180-day detoxification program and found that methadone maintenance resulted in lower heroin use rates and fewer drug-related HIV risk behaviors. The study suggests that pharmacological tools are needed to combat heroin addiction.
A new University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill study confirms that Thoroughbred horse racing is also a sport of serious injuries. Researchers found 6,545 injuries among 2,700 licensed jockeys over a four-year period, with most head injuries resulting from being thrown or struck by the horse's head.
A recent study published in Obstetrics and Gynecology found that 92% of women experienced a decrease in symptoms after hysterectomy, leading to improved quality of life. The surgery provided significant relief from painful symptoms such as pelvic pain, urinary incontinence, and fatigue.
Nursing home residents with low nurse staffing have higher incidence of health problems, including urinary catheter use, skin care, and malnutrition. Experts recommend increased staffing, education, and training to improve quality care.
The Isle Royale wolf population has rebounded after years of decline, with five new pups added to the total count. The Middle Pack now controls most of the island's area, increasing access to moose for food. Meanwhile, the East Pack maintains control over the eastern end of the island.
A new method suggests that trees and large plants led to an increase in atmospheric oxygen over 300 million years ago. This period saw higher concentrations of oxygen lasting for 100 million years, significantly higher than current levels of 21 percent.
A study found that only 15% of women in prison had undergone cervical cancer screening, despite 75% being willing to receive it. Short stays and urgent medical needs contribute to this disparity. Improved medical care could reduce the burden of ill health later on.
A recent study by Ohio State University researchers found that two experimental wetlands, one with more diverse plant species and the other more productive, both contribute equally to reducing nitrates and water pollution. The study aims to answer whether mitigated wetlands can effectively control environmental threats like hypoxia in ...
A semi-fuel cell hybrid has been developed to propel unmanned undersea vehicles, providing a cheap and safe energy source with four times the energy of current batteries. The technology also features a long shelf life and uses seawater as the battery fluid.
A study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that diphenhydramine, a commonly used antihistamine, impairs driving performance more significantly than alcohol. Fexofenadine, on the other hand, had minimal impact on driving skills.
Researchers at Ohio State University used ground penetrating radar to detect creosote deposits buried beneath an EPA cleanup site in Marion, Ohio. The technique showed promise for finding other kinds of buried hazardous waste.
A study funded by the NIH found that adding DHA and AA to infant formula boosted average intelligence scores in 18-month-old children. The study showed significant differences in mental development indexes between groups receiving different formula types, with the highest scores seen in those receiving formula with both DHA and AA.
Researchers found that using methane with a palladium-based catalyst can remove nearly 100% of nitric oxide from stack gases, a process considered more environmentally friendly and cost-effective than current methods. However, the sulfur dioxide present in some emissions interferes with the reaction.
The Boston University conference explores how science is used and misused in public discourse, affecting policy decisions such as failed drug policies. The event also examines the intersection of science with social sciences and the courts, aiming to provide a clearer understanding of scientific findings for the general public.
The American Geophysical Union's 2000 Spring Meeting will feature a wide range of scientific sessions and press conferences on cutting-edge research. The conference will be held May 30 to June 3 at the Washington Convention Center, with special focus on interdisciplinary collaboration.
Researchers found that short periods of stress can enhance the immune system's response to foreign invaders, such as bacteria and viruses. The study showed that mice with normal gamma interferon function had a more robust immune response after being stressed.
Researchers at Emory University have uncovered a significant connection between mast cells and the development of multiple sclerosis. Mast cells, previously only studied in respiratory tract diseases like hay fever and asthma, are now linked to nerve damage in MS.
Researchers at Purdue University are creating plastic and mathematical models to analyze the aerodynamic sound of human speech. They aim to predict the consequences of surgery on the throat and develop a method to better synthesize and characterize voices for robotics and voice-recognition purposes.
Dr Norman Li, a separation science and technology pioneer, has been awarded the 2000 Perkin Medal for his groundbreaking work on membranes for separation and encapsulation. His pioneering research led to the development of liquid membranes and improved gas transport systems, impacting various industries.
Researchers at Ohio State University found a strong correlation between high credit card debt and physical impairment. People experiencing stress over debt reported worse health outcomes than those with lower debt levels. The study suggests that high credit card debt can have a detrimental impact on overall well-being.
Only about a third of engineering schools in the US require all students to take an ethics course, according to UMass professor Karl Stephan. This lack of emphasis on ethics raises concerns about the impact of technology on society and the need for engineers to consider the ethical implications of their work.
Researchers have identified five genes statistically linked to prostate cancer in about 500 men. The strongest candidate has the hallmarks of a gene that thwarts cell division, potentially playing a major role in causing prostate cancer when it fails to function.
Researchers found that falling snowflakes create noise underwater by oscillating bubbles, which can be detected by aquatic animals and blur sensitive sonar readings. The study suggests that snowflake sounds could be a significant source of underwater clutter for people using sonar devices.
A new review of data from a recent nationwide trial shows the free prostate specific antigen test (fPSA) is as accurate in detecting prostate cancer risk in African American men as it is in Caucasians. The study found that nearly 75% of unnecessary prostate biopsies can be spared for black men.