A study published in Nature found that individuals with aphasia, who experience language loss after a stroke or brain damage, possess an exceptional ability to detect deception. They were able to identify lies cued by facial expressions alone with high accuracy, outperforming other groups.
The JDF Center aims to develop new gene therapy techniques to increase islet cell supply for transplantation and protect transplanted cells from immune system attack. The center will focus on making islet cell transplants viable for young patients with Type 1 Diabetes.
Research suggests that high levels of environmental endotoxin in homes with sensitive children may drive the immune system to produce cytokines that inhibit processes leading to asthma. Conversely, homes with children who are not sensitized to common allergens have significantly higher endotoxin levels.
Researchers found that a synthetic protein resembling the herpes simplex virus mimics beta-amyloid, a toxic agent in Alzheimer's patients. This connection could lead to the development of vaccines or drugs to prevent or treat Alzheimer's disease.
A study published in The New England Journal of Medicine found that a high-fiber diet can lower blood glucose levels and decrease insulin levels in patients with type II diabetes. Patients who consumed 50 grams of fiber per day showed a 10% reduction in glucose levels, compared to the recommended 24 grams of fiber per day.
The international panel established recommendations for drug resistance testing in treating HIV failure and pregnant women. This guidance aims to optimize the use of these tests in designing effective drug therapies.
Researchers found that even mild to moderate sleep apnea significantly increases the risk of hypertension, with graver levels associated with higher likelihood. The study used data from the Wisconsin Sleep Cohort Study and found a substantial risk of hypertension in those with mild to moderate sleep apnea.
A team of biologists at UCSD identified three genes that produce the 'double flower' abnormality, which is prized for its attractiveness. Normal flowers consist of four rings or whorls; when these genes are mutated, petals, stamens and carpels are converted into sepals, resulting in a double-flower character.
A recent UT Southwestern Medical Center study found that 20% of women with lower urinary-tract symptoms, including incontinence, had undiagnosed bladder obstructions. The researchers used urodynamics testing to identify the subset of women who would benefit from more specialized treatment.
The ACS Central Regional Meeting will feature over 600 research papers on various topics, including environmental science, food science, and diversity in the workplace. Notable speakers include experts from major brewing companies and a professor emeritus receiving a prestigious award for his invention of the first chemical sensor.
Scientists have discovered that single-isotope silicon can conduct heat more efficiently than natural silicon, with a 60% improvement in thermal conductivity at room temperature. This enhancement is attributed to the suppression of phonon scattering caused by fluctuations in atomic masses, resulting in improved heat transfer rates.
A study found high levels of dust mite and cockroach allergens in U.S. homes, linked to asthma symptoms. In Canada, almost six in ten asthmatics lack effective control of their condition, despite feeling well-managed, according to recent research.
The symposium will focus on practical information to implement change, improve health care delivery, and reduce errors. Key topics include cultural obstacles, innovations in technology, and strategies for moving beyond blame-based safety policies.
The meeting featured key findings on pediatric transplantation, mandatory liver sharing benefits, new tests predicting rejection, and advancements in immunosuppression. Researchers discovered a test that can predict organ rejection days or weeks before symptoms appear, reducing valuable treatment time.
Researchers at Northwestern University have successfully cloned a gene called Prestin, which codes for a protein that plays a critical role in the functioning of outer hair cells. The discovery could hold promise for treating hearing disorders and developing new biocompatible motors for nanotechnology applications.
Researchers have developed a novel diagnostic technique to directly detect prions in the cerebrospinal fluid, which is easily accessible for diagnostic purposes. This breakthrough method uses dual-color scanning for intensely fluorescent targets to identify single prion particles with high sensitivity.
A study of 589 10-year-olds found that those exposed to tobacco in the womb were more likely to experiment with tobacco. Peer tobacco use, child delinquency, maternal depression, and child depression were also significant predictors of tobacco experimentation.
The MAXIMA experiment provides evidence for a flat universe, inflation, and a cosmological constant. The study confirms predictions made before the experiment, supporting the standard cosmology.
A national survey found that over 45% of US homes have bedding with dust mite allergen concentrations exceeding 2 micrograms per gram of dust, a level associated with allergy development. The study also revealed that 17% of household occupants reported cockroach infestations in the year prior to the study.
The NASA Marshall Open House offers a daylong space adventure with interactive exhibits, including a Space Shuttle Pavilion, magnetic levitation track and International Space Station mockup. Meet astronauts, robots and celebrities, and participate in activities like the Astronaut Moon Bounce.
A study by Cornell researchers found a close correlation between cowbird brain size and its singing ability, which attracts females. The research suggests that visual and sexual selection factors go hand-in-hand in determining mating success among male cowbirds.
A new study by Johns Hopkins researchers found that older adults with asthma are hospitalized at higher rates due to more severe symptoms and co-morbid illnesses. Earlier diagnosis and better medical care can help lower these hospital admission rates.
New research from the HOT Study reveals significant differences in the response to antihypertensive treatment between age and sex groups. Women with hypertension achieve target blood pressures more easily than men, while older patients exhibit improved blood pressure control and lower risk of adverse events.
A new study reveals that a commonly used DNA polymerase can withstand an unprecedented number of mutations without compromising its function. Researchers have identified 8,000 active mutant forms, which may have significant implications for understanding evolution, cancer research, and the development of new biotechnological applications.
A landmark survey reveals that 57% of Canadians with asthma do not have their illness adequately controlled. Many patients and physicians underestimate the severity of asthma, leading to poor control of symptoms.
A University of Washington study reveals that women who have Caesarean or assisted vaginal deliveries are at a higher risk of rehospitalization compared to those who have unassisted vaginal deliveries. The study found significant risks for complications such as uterine infection, postpartum hemorrhage, and cardio-pulmonary conditions.
A study by Cornell University researchers found that auditors tend to make more objective decisions than salespeople due to their legal liability. However, when salespeople are held accountable for their decisions, their bias is reduced. The study suggests that making decisions based on facts rather than personal biases can lead to bet...
Hot tubs can cause lung disease by dispersing bacteria through aerosolization, leading to symptoms like fever and weight loss. Removing the hot tub from the home is often the primary treatment for mild cases, while more severe cases require corticosteroids and antibiotics.
Researchers discovered toxic alkenylbenzenes in tobacco smoke, which can cause cancer and lung disease in humans. The compounds are more likely to affect health when filtered cigarettes' ventilation holes are blocked.
The Howard Hughes Medical Institute has selected 48 talented researchers to join its investigator program, including 12 in computational biology. The new recruits will contribute to biomedical advances in areas like genomics and cognitive neuroscience.
Research reveals a strong interaction between neuroticism and the serotonin transporter gene in influencing cigarette smoking behavior. Individuals with poorly expressed serotonin transporter genotypes and high levels of neuroticism face significant challenges in quitting smoking. This study suggests personalized approaches to smoking ...
The German-Japanese Consortium has successfully sequenced human chromosome 21, revealing 225 genes with implications for understanding trisomy 21 and other diseases. The findings also challenge previous estimates of the total number of human genes, suggesting a revised estimate of around 40,000.
A recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that Jewish men share a common set of genetic signatures with non-Jews from the Middle East, including Palestinians, Syrians, and Lebanese. This suggests that Jews and Arabs are more closely related to one another than to non-Jews from other areas of ...
The 108th Annual Convention will examine the role of psychology in changing healthcare environments, online therapy, and the human genome project. Keynote speakers Pete Seeger and Arthur Jensen will discuss their work on music, spirituality, and genetics.
A new imaging technique reveals disrupted microcolumns in brains affected by Alzheimer's disease and Lewy body dementia, suggesting a link between microcolumn organization and cognitive impairment. The study found that the absence of microcolumns correlates with the number of fibrillary tangles, but not senile neuritic plaques.
DoubleTwist has completed the first annotation of the human genome, revealing genes and valuable information. The analysis used Sun Enterprise supercomputers and DoubleTwist's proprietary genomic analysis software to process all available sequence data.
Researchers found associations between certain personality traits and a polymorphic region in the human AP-2beta gene. These traits include muscular tension, guilt, somatic anxiety, psychasthenia, and indirect aggression. The study suggests a novel approach to understanding the genetic basis of psychiatric disorders and personality.
A study found that elderly COPD patients who use inhaled steroids can significantly reduce their rehospitalization and death risk. Additionally, postmenopausal women are more likely to develop sleep apnea and have a severe form of the condition. Meanwhile, researchers discovered age bias in lung cancer treatment, with older patients be...
A study of 290 pre- and 400 post-menopausal women found that sleep apnea is more prevalent and severe in the older group. The researchers suggest that lower levels of estrogen and progesterone during menopause may contribute to this disparity.
The Cangaroo II telescope detects gamma rays emitted by black holes and their surrounding electric and magnetic fields. Researchers aim to study the enormous effect of black holes on galaxy energy and evolution.
Researchers are working together on the Pierre Auger Project to find the source of high-energy cosmic rays. The project aims to build two huge observatories in the southern and northern hemisphere to detect and measure extensive air showers produced by these particles.
Researchers at Michigan State University have developed a new thermoelectric material that can cool computer chips more efficiently than existing materials. This innovation has the potential to increase computer speed and extend processor lifetimes, making it an attractive solution for the Navy's environmentally friendly cooling needs.
Researchers found a significant association between the L/S and S/S alleles of the serotonin transporter gene promoter region and suicidal tendencies in individuals with unknown psychiatric diagnosis. The study suggests that genetic factors, such as the 5-HTTLPR polymorphism, may contribute to autoaggressive behavior and violent suicide.
Research found that asthma negatively affects the sex lives of nearly two-thirds of patients, with psychological characteristics like depressive symptoms increasing the risk. The study suggests a potential link between asthma symptoms and sexual activity, highlighting the need for healthcare providers to address this issue.
A study analyzing data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey found that depression increases the risk of coronary heart disease in both men and women. In contrast, depressed men have a higher risk of death from CHD compared to their non-depressed counterparts.
Researchers at Wake Forest University School of Medicine report a significant increase in breast cancer risk among Eastern Band Cherokee women who use smokeless tobacco. The study found that the risk of breast cancer rose almost eightfold compared to non-users, highlighting potential health concerns with alternative nicotine products.
The NASA Marshall Space Flight Center has awarded a $136.9 million contract option to Computer Sciences Corporation (CSC) to provide information services from May 2000 to April 2001. This brings the total value of the contract to approximately $1.05 billion if all options are exercised.
A study by Emory University neurologists found that pallidotomy surgery significantly improves motor function in patients with Parkinson's disease, with persistent benefits extending to both sides of the body. The long-term effectiveness of this treatment has been confirmed through a 36-month follow-up.
Researchers found that people exposed to pesticides were approximately two times more likely to develop Parkinson's disease than those not exposed. In-home exposure to insecticides carried the highest risk of developing the disease.
Scientists have pinpointed the first gene in fruit fly Drosophila that is a target of an alternate control molecule, TRF1. This discovery opens up new avenues for understanding how gene expression is regulated, with potential implications for complex organisms like humans.
Researchers discovered two molecular switches, Jnk1 and Jnk2, that stimulate programmed cell death in response to UV radiation. Disrupting these genes protects cells from lethal doses of UV light, providing a promising new therapy for diseases such as strokes and heart attacks.
The Prosorba® Column is a device that removes harmful antibodies and immune complexes from the blood of patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Patient trials are expected to evaluate its effectiveness and safety in treating this chronic inflammatory condition affecting over 250,000 Canadians.
Researchers found that hamsters use day length information to anticipate winter, and this memory is retained for a season. The study suggests that the hamsters' brain processes seasonal changes in daylight to adjust reproductive cycles.
War has a devastating impact on children's mental health, leading to increased anxiety and depression. The study highlights the need for further research into the long-term effects of conflict on young minds.
A new UC Berkeley study reveals that diverse ecosystems are not immune to invasion by alien species. In a series of experiments, researchers found that high diversity actually increases the likelihood of invader establishment in larger ecosystems.
The METHRO II study found that H 376/95 was effective in preventing venous thrombo-embolism in patients undergoing total hip or total knee replacement surgery. The incidence of venous thrombo-embolism was significantly lower with the highest dosage of H 376/95 compared to dalteparin.
Researchers at UCSF have discovered a region in the telomerase enzyme that could be targeted to kill cancer cells and regenerate damaged cells. The discovery provides new insights into the mechanism of telomerase and its potential as a therapeutic target, as well as its role in regulating cell life span.
Astronomers have obtained radar images of a giant, dog bone-shaped asteroid called 216 Kleopatra, located in the main asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. The asteroid is about 217 kilometers long and 94 kilometers wide, with a shape that resembles a distorted dumbbell or dog bone.
A study by the American Academy of Neurology found that people with higher levels of non-occupational activities, such as playing a musical instrument or gardening, were less likely to develop Alzheimer's disease later in life. Researchers also discovered that it is never too late to get started with intellectual activities.
Researchers found a link between smoking, coffee consumption, and lower Parkinson's disease incidence. Higher dopamine levels in the brain may explain why people with these habits are less likely to develop Parkinson's.