A study found that infant monkeys raised without adult supervision experienced higher cortisol levels, indicating increased stress, which later led to heavy drinking as adults. This suggests a link between early life experiences, sensitivity to stress, and subsequent alcohol consumption.
A Yale study found that older persons with acute illnesses prefer hospital care over home care, even if the outcomes are equally good. Home care is a viable option only if it provides the same level of care as the hospital.
Chronic alcohol consumption combined with thiamine deficiency may have a synergistic effect on the brain, causing impaired learning, reference memory, and cognitive functions. Thiamine supplementation can exacerbate this effect, and some experts suggest that food supplementation or beer enrichment may be more beneficial.
The X-40A test vehicle, built by Boeing, is being shipped to NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center at Edwards, Calif., for a series of ground and air tests. The X-37 project aims to demonstrate technologies in the orbital and reentry environments for next-generation reusable launch vehicles.
Scientists at Northwestern University discovered that polyglutamine aggregates are toxic and can bring healthy proteins to aggregate with them. The growth of these aggregates can be suppressed by molecular chaperones called heat shock proteins. This finding provides a new model for understanding the common pathology of neurodegenerativ...
Researchers will grow functional human heart tissue, aiming for a fully functional heart in 10 years. They'll use scaffolding, stem cells, and patented technology to engineer cardiac muscle and valves.
Researchers found that watching the video reduced anxiety and stress in patients before surgery, while also decreasing cortisol levels and pain medication needs. The study suggests that preparing for an operation by watching a videotape may improve coping abilities.
A new study shows Bexxar produced tumor shrinkage in 97% of patients with advanced-stage, low-grade non-Hodgkins lymphoma. Most patients achieved complete remission, with no sign of cancer, and molecular remissions lasting up to three years.
The data from an ongoing Phase 1/2 trial of O-Vax in patients with advanced ovarian cancer indicates that the vaccine induces a positive immunological response, as measured by a delayed type hypersensitivity test. Favorable clinical responses were also observed, including complete regression of tumors and normalization of CA-125 levels.
A study found that recently detoxified male alcoholics experience significant cognitive and motor deficits, particularly in gait and balance. These impairments can lead to an increased risk of falls and may be linked to the 'premature aging hypothesis,' where the brains of older alcoholics resemble those of non-drinkers.
A new University of Florida study reveals that consuming folate-rich foods daily can significantly reduce homocysteine levels, a risk factor for heart disease, in postmenopausal women. The research suggests that improving folate intake is crucial for older women's health.
Scientists at Max Planck Institute discover novel potassium current activated by calcium, shaping neural signal frequency. SK channels play a crucial role in neuronal adaptation, influencing brain function and learning. The study resolves a long-standing controversy between electrophysiology and apamin-binding studies.
The Pew Fellows Program in Marine Conservation awards $150,000 to ten ocean ambassadors from five continents tackling pressing issues like marine pollution and coastal conservation. The 2000 recipients will conduct interdisciplinary projects applying sound science to urgent challenges.
A recent study of female participants with functional gastrointestinal disorders found that catastrophizing and low perception of power over symptoms worsened health outcomes. The researchers suggest that cognitive behavioral therapy may help alleviate these negative coping strategies and improve gastrointestinal symptoms.
Researchers have identified a water extract from potatoes that inhibits the attachment of certain bacteria, such as oral streptococcus and E. coli, to their target tissue. This finding could provide a new direction for antibiotic research and potentially help solve the growing problem of antibiotic resistance.
A new study published in Developmental Psychology found that older preteen children (6th grade) are at risk of chronic partial sleep deprivation, leading to increased daytime sleepiness. Family stress, parental education, and age may contribute to this issue, highlighting the need for better sleep habits and support.
Researchers conducted a Phase II trial of adenoviral p53 gene transfer with radiation therapy, showing 29% of patients achieved local tumor control and 12 of 15 had no active cancer. The study demonstrated considerable promise for combined treatments, comparing favorably to a control rate of less than 20% in patients treated with radia...
A study published at ASCO suggests that treating cancer patients on clinical trials is not more expensive than standard treatment. The research found average charges of $57,542 for trial patients and $63,721 for control patients, highlighting the potential for increased access to high-quality care.
A Phase II trial found a 40% response rate with low-dose anti-VEGF combination therapy, compared to 24% for high-dose and 17% for chemotherapy alone. Median survival increased by 2 months with the low-dose treatment.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins presented Phase I study results for Taxoprexin DHA-paclitaxel, a novel taxane that tolerates high doses with minimal side effects. The drug delivers more therapeutic agent to tumor cells and less to healthy tissues, improving safety and effectiveness.
Researchers have discovered a metal wire with 'memory' that can help compress broken bones, leading to quicker healing times and better fusion of the bone. The alloy, Nitinol, resists loosening even after being absorbed by the bone, applying consistent pressure to promote proper healing.
Scientists at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry have developed a method to create bones from skin and gum tissue cells, which can be used to replace missing bone in living rats. The engineered cells not only deliver bone-forming proteins but also participate directly in bone formation.
Scientists report evidence that high-temperature superconductivity in copper oxides is linked to two-dimensional spin excitations, contradicting the long-held idea that stripes are responsible. This finding sheds new light on the mechanism behind this phenomenon.
The Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft conference highlighted the need for research into adiposity, which causes physical disorders and increases the risk of contracting illnesses such as diabetes and cardiovascular disorders. Scientists called for guidelines to support doctors and patients in their struggle against obesity.
Researchers from various fields will discuss normal development and understanding of the visual world, as well as brain failures to recognize objects. The symposium aims to bring together converging perspectives on how our brains organize and interpret visual information.
A team of researchers at Sandia National Laboratories has developed an intelligent software agent that can defend itself and other computers against cyber attacks. The agent uses a multi-agent collective approach to detect and respond to unusual requests or commands, providing real-time protection against various types of threats.
Researchers have identified a compound in tobacco that inhibits an enzyme that breaks down key brain chemicals, potentially offering protection against Parkinson's disease. The discovery opens up new avenues of research and may lead to the development of neuroprotective compounds.
Researchers have identified a new protein synthesis mechanism at synapses that regulates synaptic strength, leading to long-term memory storage. The study reveals that experience or activity in the mammalian brain can modify individual synapses on an individual basis.
A team of scientists led by Li-Huei Tsai found that the enzyme calpain triggers neurodegeneration in brain cells, similar to Alzheimer's disease. The discovery proposes a common mechanistic link between toxic insults and brain cell injury, offering potential targets for drugs to slow or stop progression.
The Marshall Center's Fastrac engine team has developed a 60,000-pound-thrust engine with reduced costs through innovative design and commercial off-the-shelf parts. The team achieved this feat in under three years, significantly faster than usual for rocket engines.
Researchers found that brief daily awakenings reduce ventilation duration, cut ICU stays by one-third, and lower healthcare costs. Patients who had daily sedative breaks recovered much more quickly, with reduced need for diagnostic tests related to mental status.
A custom-made vaccine created from a patient's own cancer tumor cells has proven effective in prolonging the survival of patients with malignant melanoma. The vaccine resulted in a 47% five-year survival rate among 214 patients with disease spread, outperforming standard treatment.
ReQuip significantly reduces the risk of levodopa-induced dyskinesia in Parkinson's disease patients. The five-year study shows that ReQuip monotherapy can reduce dyskinesia incidence by seven times and effectively control early PD symptoms.
A new study found a combination therapy of Serzone and psychotherapy to be highly effective in treating chronic forms of major depression, with an 85-percent response rate. The treatment approach produced significant improvement in patients sooner than psychotherapy alone, and with fewer side effects.
Researchers found two protein biomarkers, cIAP-1 and XIAP, that correlate with distant metastasis-free survival in prostate cancer patients. Elevated levels of these proteins were associated with a higher risk of relapse after radiation therapy.
Researchers have reported promising results from a Phase I-II trial of an ovarian cancer vaccine made from patient's own cancer cells. Eight of 10 patients showed immunological response, with one experiencing complete tumor disappearance and CA125 levels normalization.
Researchers found that concurrent chemotherapy and daily chest radiation can help lung cancer patients live longer, with an average survival of 17 months. In contrast, sequential treatment resulted in an average survival of 14.6 months.
A study of rural teenagers found lower asthma rates among farm-raised teens, while respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) bronchiolitis in infancy strongly correlates with later development of asthma and other breathing issues. Asthma experts emphasize the need for tailored management strategies addressing different stages of the disease.
A national study found that 85% of chronically depressed patients improved after three months of treatment combining antidepressant Serzone with Cognitive Behavioral Analysis System of Psychotherapy (CBASP). The combination therapy was more effective than either medication or psychotherapy alone for treating chronic depression.
Researchers found that over 12% of a sample must be covered in soot for people to accurately detect the difference between clean and dirty sheets. The study provides guidelines for determining when to clean and protect fine art from soot damage, helping museum designers preserve valuable collections.
According to the report, Indiana's forests have expanded significantly since the 1960s, with 85% of timberlands in private ownership. The number of trees has increased to 2 billion, providing habitat and food for wildlife.
Susan Okie, a medical reporter at The Washington Post, has won the 2000 American Society for Microbiology (ASM) Public Communications Award. Her two-part series on tuberculosis highlights the challenges of controlling this deadly disease and emphasizes the need for new medicines and vaccines to eradicate it.
Astronomers used Chandra to survey the Hubble Deep Field North, detecting six galaxies that defy expectations with their high rate of star formation and giant black holes. The discovery indicates that only 15% of submillimeter sources can be luminous X-ray sources.
Maternal mortality remains a global health problem, despite significant international efforts. A new $4.95 million grant will aid in developing tools to diagnose and treat ectopic pregnancy, prevent preeclampsia, and identify women at risk of life-threatening infections.
A study published in The New England Journal of Medicine confirms Requip's efficacy in managing early Parkinson's disease symptoms with a low risk of developing dyskinesias. Patients taking Requip alone were seven times more likely to remain dyskinesia-free than those on levodopa alone.
Researchers discovered a new enzyme that moves along DNA, separating its sides, and has a unique gait dubbed the 'quantum inchworm'. This finding may aid in building nanomachines for gene delivery and cancer treatment.
A recent study by the NHLBI found that reducing dietary sodium can significantly lower blood pressure in people with and without hypertension. The study, which involved 412 participants, showed that the lowest sodium intake produced the greatest blood pressure reduction, regardless of diet type.
Researchers found that blocking the interaction between two naturally occurring molecules restricts tumor growth and spread in mice. Inhibition of RAGE-amphoterin interaction decreased tumor cell growth, migration, and invasion without affecting angiogenesis.
Researchers are conducting a nationwide study to identify genes that predispose individuals to major mental illnesses such as depression, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. The study aims to develop better treatments and tailored medications for these disorders, which often run in families.
Researchers link HIV-protease inhibitors to increased diabetes risk due to impaired glucose storage, prompting reevaluation of screening methods and development of new treatments. Up to 83% of patients on the drugs develop excess belly fat and type 2 diabetes.
The Project Link program combines innovative treatments with a culturally diverse staff and close cooperation with the criminal justice system to improve patients' lives. Participants spent an average of 45 days in jail and 8 days in the hospital, compared to 104 and 114 days respectively before entering the program.
The National Toxicology Program (NTP) will review testing recommendations for future studies on DNA-based therapies, dietary supplements, and occupational chemicals. The agenda includes discussion of DNA-derived vaccines, gene therapies, and radio frequency radiation emissions from cellular phones.
Researchers identify a component of Chilean tarantula venom that specifically blocks stretch-activated channels, implicated in various physiological processes. This peptide toxin shows promise in treating conditions such as congestive heart failure, heart attacks, and brain tumors.
A University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill study found that shorter hospital stays may actually increase the likelihood of breastfeeding. The research suggests that giving clinicians and mothers more decision-making power over discharge timing can support breastfeeding, even in cases where risk factors suggest otherwise.
Research suggests that rising CO2 levels may cause a 40% reduction in coral reef growth over the next 65 years. The team found no evidence of acclimation to reduced carbonate levels, highlighting the negative impact on coral reefs. This finding has significant implications for the increasing vulnerability of many reefs to other stressors.
The symposium aims to strengthen research relationships between university scientists and industry experts in the rapidly growing field of polymers. Robert Waymouth will deliver three lectures on polyolefin catalysis and its applications.
A new study links high hostility levels to an increased risk of coronary artery calcification and heart disease in young adults. The researchers found that those with higher hostility scores were nearly 3 times more likely to develop coronary artery calcification than those with lower scores.
Recent safety studies by the National Toxicology Program will be reviewed by a public meeting on May 18. The studies include chloral hydrate, napthalene, and indium phosphide.
A new study by Northwestern University Medical School researchers found that high blood sugar levels are associated with an increased risk of pancreatic cancer death. The study analyzed data from nearly 40,000 men and women who were screened for cardiovascular disease risk and followed up for an average of 25 years.
Patients with generalized social phobia can benefit from long-term sertraline HCl treatment to prevent relapse and reduce symptoms. The study found that continued use of sertraline significantly reduced the risk of relapse compared to placebo, while also improving quality of life.