Researchers identify Dmrt1 as a crucial gene for normal mammalian testis development, providing insights into human testicular degeneration syndrome. The discovery also highlights surprising molecular conservation between vertebrates and invertebrates.
Researchers at UCSF and Compugen identified a new chemokine CXCL16 that recruits immune cells to sites of infection. The novel molecule binds to the CXCR6 receptor, which is exploited by HIV viruses for entry into human cells.
US presidential nominees Governor George W. Bush and Vice President Al Gore express differing views on global warming, environmental policies, and education reforms in their responses to the Science questionnaire. They agree on supporting research funding and tax credits for biomedical research.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have discovered a gene responsible for hereditary benign intraepithelial dyskeratosis (HBID), a rare eye disease primarily among the Haliwa-Saponi tribe. The gene causes a 'founder's effect,' leading to abnormal growths on mucosal linings, affecting vision and bloodshot eyes.
Archaeologists may use sound waves to survey potential building sites for significant cultural artifacts. The high-resolution acoustic system can detect and image small buried objects, improving on current ground-penetrating radar methods that struggle with wet soils or non-metallic objects.
The Jackson Laboratory has received a $14 million NIH grant to create a center for mouse models of heart, lung, blood and sleep disorders. The center aims to develop new models and databases for biomedical researchers worldwide, as well as advance understanding of genetic mechanisms underlying healthy function and diseases.
A more thorough evaluation of energy costs can increase the value of an energy conservation project, allowing companies to carry out plans that might otherwise appear too expensive. By considering overlooked savings such as reduced maintenance and internal costs, energy managers can recoup costs faster.
Researchers found that bacteria thrived in around a third of common pesticides, with Shigella, E. coli, and Salmonella growing best on chlorothalonil. The risk of food poisoning could increase one-thousandfold if contaminated water is used on crops.
The University of North Carolina School of Medicine has received a $5 million federal grant to investigate ANCA vasculitis, a disease causing small blood vessel inflammation. Researchers will explore the cause of the disease and develop better treatments.
The Bio-X program awarded nearly $3 million in grants to Stanford faculty for innovative biological projects, including a method to rapidly synthesize patient-specific vaccines and an interdisciplinary course on human pathophysiology. The grants aim to promote interdepartmental bioscience research and education in biology, medicine, co...
Scientists have fabricated erasable polymer multilayers that can be selectively destroyed by environmental stimuli, enabling controlled release of embedded compounds. These films have potential applications in medicine and materials science.
Researchers have identified two proteins p73 and E2F1 that play important roles in programmed cell death, regulating the death of immune cells T cells. This discovery provides new insights into cancer research and the potential treatment of autoimmune diseases.
A shorter course of AZT therapy can reduce HIV transmission from mothers to children, now available at a lower cost. The study found that treatment regimens starting at 28 weeks pregnant and given to the infant for six weeks resulted in a transmission rate similar to standard long/long treatment.
Dartmouth Medical School's Interactive Media Laboratory has been designated a national Center for Public Health Preparedness, focusing on applied communications technology and E-learning. The center aims to enhance public health readiness by developing cutting-edge interactive education and training programs.
Top scientists from Harvard, Cornell, University of Dublin, and University of Colorado will discuss the molecular biology of IL-1 and its role in RA pathogenesis. They will also focus on new targets for treatment, such as bone degradation, and explore patient perspectives on quality of life.
China and Chile are now linked to U.S. universities through the STAR TAP global network, enabling high-speed data exchange for international collaborations. The connection enhances China's participation in next-generation Internet research and supports Chile's astronomical projects.
A physicist claims that scientists have underestimated the devastating potential costs of creating killer strangelets at a new US particle accelerator. The probability of such an event is tiny, but Kent argues that the scale of the destruction should be considered in risk assessments.
The American Chemical Society is co-sponsoring a briefing on math and science teaching, focusing on improving K-12 education in the US. The briefing will discuss the recent report 'Before It's Too Late' and the National Commission on Mathematics and Science Teaching for the 21st Century's progress.
A Northwestern University study collects data from nearly 1,000 dying patients to provide new insights into the care of terminally ill individuals. The research reveals that good communication with physicians and nurses, as well as spiritual/religious practices, contribute to a greater sense of purpose and personal acceptance.
A report by the North American Commission for Environmental Cooperation identifies industrial plants in the US as the main polluters of dioxin in Nunavut, with sources including municipal waste incinerators and cement kilns. The findings provide a new tool for governments to clamp down on polluters and control emissions.
A study found that chemicals from household sources like mothballs and pesticides linger in carpeting for extended periods. The type of chemical determines how long it stays attached to the carpet, with denser materials persisting longer.
Researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine found that Id2 gene is implicated in neuroblastoma development and underlies tumor growth. The study suggests developing drugs to counteract the Id2 gene may provide targeted treatment for neuroblastoma and other cancers.
A study of 300 former professional footballers found that almost two-thirds had experienced osteoarthritis, with knee problems being the most common. Anxiety and depression were also prevalent among those with this type of joint disease, which often led to early retirement.
A study of over 46,000 individuals found that lifestyle changes can significantly impact healthcare costs. The researchers identified 10 modifiable health risks that account for 25% of total annual expenditures, with stress-related problems being the costliest factor.
A new clinical score for managing upper respiratory tract infections with sore throat could substantially reduce unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions. The study found that using the score would have reduced antibiotics prescribed to culture-negative patients by 63.7% and overall antibiotics by 52.3%.
Children born prematurely are 3 to 4 times more likely to be educational underachievers than full-term children. Targeted educational intervention programs can help maximize their academic potential. The study controlled for age, race, maternal education, and foster-care placement.
In a two-year study, researchers at Northwestern University are using phytoremediation to reduce lead poisoning in Chicago's West Town community. They have planted different types of grasses and vegetation in 40 homes to test their effectiveness in removing lead from the soil.
A study found that only 18.5% of patients with fragility fractures received a proper osteoporosis diagnosis, and even fewer were treated accordingly. This gap in care represents a significant lost opportunity to build bone mass and reduce fracture risk among Canada's aging population.
Scientists have characterized gene mutations in families affected by pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE), a rare disorder that can lead to progressive loss of vision, gastrointestinal bleeding, and cardiovascular disease. The study provides the basis for DNA-based carrier detection and prenatal testing.
A University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill study found that regular garlic consumption reduces stomach cancer risk by half and colorectal cancer risk by two-thirds. The researchers pooled data from 22 studies worldwide to confirm the protective effect, but note that supplements may not be as effective.
A study of 3,299 US oncologists found that 22% supported physician-assisted suicide for terminally ill patients with unremitting pain, while 6.5% supported euthanasia. Hydrochlorothiazide was shown to preserve bone density at the hip and spine in healthy older adults.
INEEL researchers discovered a way to make rare earth magnets more powerful and durable by tweaking their formula. By adding extra elements, they improved the temperature resistance and magnetic field strength of the magnets.
A University of Michigan professor suggests that flu vaccines should be administered when available to prevent lost work days and reduce physician visits, even if not cost-effective for working adults. The vaccine may have a greater impact on the elderly, who are more prone to complications.
A study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that injuries among rugby union players have almost doubled since the sport turned professional. Protective equipment worn by players is likely a contributing factor, according to the authors.
A study analyzing Ontario data found that immigration officials' referrals and region of origin are key determinants of tuberculosis risk. Immigrants from Vietnam had the highest incidence rate, emphasizing the importance of targeted prevention efforts to protect both migrant populations and native Canadians.
A new study published in Fertility and Sterility suggests that most infertile men cope with their situation well, with no significant differences among three groups of men. The researchers found that fertile men reported higher stress levels compared to those with low or no sperm count or unexplained infertility.
A case study in British Journal of Sports Medicine reports a physical education teacher who suffered from permanent nerve damage after using a frozen chip ice pack for at least 40 minutes. The authors recommend applying ice packs with caution and limiting the application time to 30 minutes or less.
Researchers have discovered a potential new target for therapy by understanding how Onyx-015 works against cancer cells. The study suggests that the drug's effectiveness may be linked to p14 ARF, which could lead to the development of new cancer treatments.
A UMass-led international research group has successfully sequenced the genome of Halobacterium species NRC-1, a salt-loving microorganism. The achievement promises to reveal insights into cell regulation, gene expression, and potential biomedical applications, including vaccine development and antibiotic design.
A survey of 3,299 oncologists found a significant decline in support for euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide, with those trained in end-of-life care less likely to support these options. The study emphasizes the need for education on providing high-quality palliative care to dying patients.
A new study led by the University of Michigan found that breast reconstruction during mastectomy significantly improves emotional, social, and functional well-being. Women who opted for simultaneous reconstruction experienced a larger psychological boost than those who waited for reconstructive surgery later.
Researchers at Texas A&M University have made groundbreaking discoveries about spinal cord plasticity, which enables the spinal cord to learn and adapt without brain input. This breakthrough could potentially lead to greater chances of recovery for victims of spinal cord injuries.
Researchers at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center discovered a way to protect ovaries from radiation and chemotherapy damage by 'knocking out' a particular gene. A compound called sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) has been shown to preserve ovarian function, allowing mice to continue producing eggs.
The NHLBI launched a $37 million genomic applications initiative to identify human genes relevant to heart, lung, blood, and sleep functions. The program aims to decipher individual gene functions and develop better prevention, diagnosis, and therapy methods.
Researchers at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center are testing thin-walled membranes for use in large space structures. The lightweight materials could revolutionize space exploration with reduced costs and increased efficiency.
A team of researchers has discovered a diverse range of actinomycetes in marine environments, including coral reef sponges and sediments. These bacteria have the potential to produce novel antibiotics and are being explored as a source of future medicines.
A new study published in Pediatrics reveals a strong link between teenage smoking and depressive symptoms, with non-depressed teens who smoke facing a four times greater risk. Social factors such as peer tobacco use, poor school performance, and parental report of bad temper also predict progression to heavy smoking.
Thirteen research projects selected for initial funding explore subsurface conditions, contaminants, and environmental cleanup methods at the INEEL site. The projects, funded by $3 million from INRA over three years, aim to develop effective cleanup methods for various applications.
A compound called sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) has been found to block the destruction of ovarian egg cells by radiation therapy in animal studies. This protection was shown to be effective in female mice exposed to levels of radiotherapy that would otherwise have destroyed their ovaries.