Research at the University of Michigan found a 30% higher concentration of signaling cells in people with bipolar disorder, which could explain and treat manic depression. The discovery highlights the disorder's genetic and biological roots, offering new avenues for understanding and treatment.
Lehman et al. show that PGC-1 is limiting for mitochondrial proliferation in cardiac muscle, directing changes in mitochondrial population across cells. Overexpressing PGC-1 increases fatty acid oxidation capacity and coupled OxPhos, but constitutive expression leads to dilated cardiomyopathy.
A new study reveals that free radicals, generated by the macrophage enzyme NADPH oxidase, are essential for the development of alcoholic liver disease. The researchers found that mice lacking this enzyme were resistant to liver injury and had lower levels of covalent adducts in their bile.
Researchers found that alcohol feeding impaired osteoblast function and led to increased bone turnover, contributing to bone fragility. In contrast, mice lacking the interleukin-6 (IL-6) gene had better maintained bone mass and reduced fractures.
Scientists have developed genetically-altered mice that resist diet-induced obesity and insulin resistance by producing uncoupling protein-1 in muscle tissue. This protein burns excess energy as heat instead of storing it as fat, mirroring the effects of exercise on weight loss.
Researchers discover SLPI protein promotes healing in non-healing wounds, reversing tissue destruction and hastening recovery. The study's findings may lead to new treatments for delayed wound healing in the elderly.
Two MS clinical trials halted due to adverse effects confirm the targeted peptide plays a role in the disease. The studies suggest that lower doses are better than higher doses, and immunological tests can determine how targeted therapies work in patients.
The NIAID Challenge Grants program will award $19 million to eight companies to develop new drugs and vaccines against deadly infectious diseases. Researchers will work on developing a pediatric indication for tafenoquine to prevent malaria in adults, as well as studying azithromycin for treating malaria.
The International Olympic Committee has discontinued gender testing at the Summer Olympics on a trial basis, supported by Yale physician Myron Genel. The tests were found to be inaccurate and potentially harmful to women with disorders of sexual development, who may have failed due to rare genetic abnormalities.
A recent study conducted at Indiana University Medical Center found that high-dose chemotherapy followed by stem-cell transplantation can achieve a durable remission in approximately 50% of patients with recurrent testicular cancer. The overall cure rate for these patients is now estimated to be around 85 percent.
The Foundation for Exploration and Research on Cultural Origins (FERCO) has funded eight research projects on ancient civilizations in Asia, North America and Europe. These projects include studies of early maritime adaptations, trade networks and the distribution of obsidian, among others.
A20 is a critical regulator of inflammation in multiple tissues, protecting against damage by inhibiting TNF activation. The discovery suggests new ways to block inflammation and may lead to novel forms of therapy for conditions like ulcerative colitis and septic shock.
European cancer specialists expect an overview of anti-oestrogen drug trials by 2005, allowing evaluation of long-term effects on breast cancer incidence and mortality. The US FDA has approved tamoxifen for high-risk women, but European experts are cautious due to differing trial results.
Researchers discovered a novel survival mechanism in Salmonella bacteria that detects and protects them from high levels of iron. The PmrA/PmrB system allows Salmonella to fend off the antibiotic polymyxin and thrive in hostile environments.
Materials professor Arthur Gossard and his students created a compound semiconductor for two unrelated experiments, one by Harvard and one by Chicago, which were published in the September 29 issue of Science magazine. The experiment involves creating pathways for electrons to improve conductivity.
The US cancer community must adopt a new paradigm to develop and test cancer treatments, says Dr Edison Liu. The shift in emphasis is needed due to rapid advancements in biological technology, which could lead to significant improvements in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
NASA and Lockheed Martin have agreed on a plan to proceed with the X-33 space plane program, including the use of aluminum fuel tanks for hydrogen fuel. The restructured plan focuses on milestone payments and mission safety, with the goal of reducing launch costs.
A new nomogram developed at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center predicts outcomes based on disease factors such as stage, PSA level, and radiation dosage. The tool demonstrates improved accuracy in estimating treatment efficacy compared to existing models.
A $1.1-million study led by LSU will examine marine life on offshore platforms for pharmaceutical value, while also investigating the potential for better glues and adhesives. The research aims to identify new treatments for diseases such as cancer and AIDS.
A new study by geophysicists Shelley J. Kenner and Paul Segall suggests that devastating earthquakes could strike the New Madrid seismic zone along the Mississippi River within this century, potentially causing widespread destruction from Arkansas to Iowa.
The 112th Geological Society of America Annual Meeting featured keynote speakers and symposia on planetary exploration, gas hydrates, and tectonics. The meeting included presentations from renowned scientists on topics such as sample returns from asteroidal material and the structure of planets and satellites.
The NIH-funded program will bring together researchers from the Center for Biomedical Inventions and the Touchstone Diabetes Center to develop novel therapies for type II diabetes. Researchers aim to translate basic science into medical therapy, exploring new approaches in treatment and delivery methods.
Researchers found that CPR training combined with social support significantly improved parental adjustment and reduced anxiety, compared to traditional instructor-led training. The study showed that parents who received CPR training felt more reassured and confident in caring for their high-risk newborns.
The Hepatitis C Cooperative Research Centers are expanding their investigation of acute and chronic infection caused by the hepatitis C virus, with a focus on understanding why African Americans respond poorly to current treatment. The initiative will also explore ways to prevent disease progression and develop new therapeutic strategies.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins have identified a previously unknown system that helps control the protein product made by the cystic fibrosis gene, called CFTR. The discovery could lead to improved drug testing and screening for cystic fibrosis therapies.
Researchers found radiation therapy to be both safe and effective in preventing cancer recurrence in women with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations. However, women with these genetic mutations were more likely to develop cancer in their unaffected breast.
New data suggest anakinra accelerates joint damage progression slowdown and improves health-related quality of life for RA patients. Studies found accelerated slowing of joint destruction with treatment, leading to nearly twice the rate of reduction in joint destruction as placebo groups.
The ECCO organisation urges a streamlined process for new cancer drugs, citing long and cumbersome procedures that hinder patient access. Experts warn of the need for harmonisation between regulatory agencies to avoid duplication and shorten the approval process.
African-American women are more likely to relapse into postpartum smoking due to various factors such as ethnicity, maternal weight gain, and stress. Women with higher levels of stressful events are nearly twice as likely to relapse compared to those with no stressful events.
A state-by-state analysis found that states with more extensive tobacco control policies had significantly lower youth smoking rates. Desirable legislation included enforcement of smoking age restrictions and photo ID requirements.
Scientists at Brookhaven National Laboratory are conducting a three-year study using the powerful MRI scanner to look for early signs of MS. The study aims to understand the disease process and potentially lead to more effective diagnosis and treatment.
A new field of ecology explores how humans influence urban ecosystems, raising questions about accountability and stewardship. Cities are increasingly recognized as significant ecological systems with diverse conditions, energy-intensive operations, and a substantial ecological footprint.
The world's growing demand for seafood may be met through aquaculture, but it will need significant advancements in biotechnology. Biotech is already improving aquaculture productivity, efficiency, and profitability, but more work is needed to bring fish production on par with other livestock.
Lymphoedema is a chronic condition resulting from breast cancer surgery and radiotherapy, characterized by swelling, pain, and disability. Early diagnosis and proper treatment can help alleviate symptoms, but increased awareness and education for healthcare professionals are crucial to prevent disastrous consequences.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital discovered a key link between presenilin gene mutations, altered calcium handling, and amyloid-beta42 production in Alzheimer's disease. Inhibiting a specific calcium pathway may lower A-beta42 levels, offering hope for preventing or slowing the progression of the devastating disease.
Scientists have identified a gene mutation on chromosome 22 that causes Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 10 (SCA10), a neurodegenerative disorder associated with motor incoordination and epilepsy. The discovery may lead to preventative measures by identifying ways to prevent neuron death.
A recent study by Ohio State University found that highly cynical workers are more likely to file grievances, show lower commitment, and believe good work won't be rewarded by management. Effective management can reduce worker cynicism by clearly publicizing successful changes, according to co-author John Wanous.
The US Department of Energy (DOE) has launched a 25-year research effort to improve understanding of the vadose zone, where contaminants can migrate into groundwater. The initiative aims to advance characterization, monitoring and modeling science and technology to support cleanup and long-term stewardship decisions.
Researchers at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center developed a new combination therapy of irinotecan, fluorouracil, and leucovorin that nearly doubled the tumor response rate and improved overall survival for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. The study showed significant benefits with no increased incidence of serious side...
A new study finds that intense weight training exercises can increase strength in older men, similar to those in their 20s. Researchers also observed improvements in muscle tone, aerobic capacity, and cholesterol profiles.
A study by University of Pennsylvania researchers reveals that infants' skulls are significantly weaker than adults', with one-eighth the strength, making them more susceptible to head injuries. The findings have broad implications for product design and safety standards in areas such as children's bicycle helmets and car seats.
A University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill study found that regular gardening, walking, and swimming can lead to a 5-10% reduction in average monthly Medicare expenditures. Making homes safer through simple changes also resulted in significant cost savings.
A new study by Ohio State University researchers found that judges from elite colleges are 30% more likely to rule against unions in labor law cases. Female Republican judges were also more likely to support unions than their male counterparts.
Researchers discovered that misfolded yeast prion proteins can alter protein synthesis and unveil silent genes, generating novel traits. By ignoring natural genetic stop signals, yeast may gain advantageous properties such as increased antibiotic resistance.
Scientists have discovered that activation of NF-kappa B prevents expression of a key regulatory protein called MyoD from replenishing muscle tissue. This finding has significant implications for treating cachexia, a syndrome that kills an estimated one third of cancer patients.
The American Chemical Society has awarded 35 Project SEED college scholarships to high school graduates from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. The scholarships are for up to $5,000 and support students who complete a chemistry course and work at a science institute under the auspices of Project SEED.
A novel liposuction treatment has been developed to treat chronic lymphoedema in breast cancer patients, reducing arm swelling by up to 98% and improving mobility and pain levels. The treatment involves removing fatty tissue and accumulated lymph via small incisions along the arm.
Researchers predict personalized breast cancer treatments using genetic profiles, with potential annual reduction of recurrence risks. Up to 100,000 genes in each cell are being studied for predictive value, leading to a future of tailored therapies.
Research finds high levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in lakes and reservoirs around six metropolitan areas, posing a bigger threat to aquatic life than other contaminants. PAHs from traffic do not accumulate in animals and are unlikely to affect human health.
Demographer John Wilmoth's analysis of Swedish national death records from 1861 reveals the oldest ages at death for men and women have been rising, with the average maximum age increasing from 101 to 108 years. This trend challenges existing theories that human life span has a fixed biological limit.
The year 2000 marks a significant turning point in cancer research, driven by advances in genetic knowledge and increased international cooperation. This collaboration enables large-scale trials to be conducted more quickly, leading to potential breakthroughs in cancer prevention and treatment.
A study found that physician encouragement and accurate information about colorectal cancer risks increased women's willingness to undergo screening. Women who were urged by their physicians to be screened had a substantially higher rate of recent screening, with 64% participating in the previous two years.
Researchers found genes tailored to specific environments, shared among organisms living in the same ecological niche. The discovery could help understand how cells adapt to extreme conditions.
Researchers found that early antiviral treatment primes the immune system to suppress viral levels without drugs, achieving temporary suppression in several months. Five patients remained off treatment for up to 11 months, maintaining low viral levels.
Researchers at the University of Chicago found that prions enable yeast to acquire multiple genetic changes simultaneously, leading to novel characteristics and growth properties. This discovery has broad implications for understanding evolutionary processes and how organisms respond to environmental fluctuations.
A study of 3,500 STD clinic visitors found that counseling helped replace misconceptions with effective strategies for STD protection. Over 15 million new cases of STDs occur annually, and common misconceptions include douching, urinating after sex, and washing genitals after sex.
The Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) will create a searchable database of species, facilitating the digitization and sharing of biodiversity data. This initiative addresses the lack of accessibility to biodiversity information in developing countries and aims to support scientific research and conservation efforts.
Adjuvant treatments with radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and hormone treatment tamoxifen can prevent late recurrences in breast cancer patients. The new findings show a significant decrease in deaths from breast cancer in middle-aged women, with a 30% fall over the past decade in the UK.
At the Institute of Human Virology (IHV) conference, scientists from Africa, Caribbean, and US/Europe discussed HIV/AIDS challenges in the developing world. They emphasized the need for more North-South partnerships to address affordable therapies and preventative vaccines.
Scientists have identified a major susceptibility gene for type 2 diabetes in Mexican Americans, also affecting two European populations. The discovery provides new approaches to prevention, diagnosis and treatment of the disease.