A three-year study found no evidence of toxic substances from Pfiesteria in seafood. Researchers sampled edible tissues from various fish species and discovered that only menhaden were affected, with open sores being the primary cause.
A recent study suggests that naltrexone's effectiveness in treating alcoholism may be influenced by individual metabolism. Measuring blood levels of the medication's major metabolite, 6-beta-naltrexol, may help determine the optimal dosage for each patient. This approach could lead to better treatment outcomes and reduced relapse rates.
Fossils of fungal spores and hyphae dating back 460-455 million years support the theory that fungi aided in plant invasion, suggesting interdependence between organisms. Fungi have been found in association with modern plants for up to 400 million years.
The NHLBI has launched a 10-year study to find new ways of detecting heart disease early, before symptoms appear. The $68 million Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) will collect data on various risk factors, including calcium deposits in coronary arteries and pulse waves at the radial artery.
A recent study published in Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research found that moderate alcohol consumption may inhibit the development of atherosclerotic lesions and halt their progression. This suggests that alcohol may have protective properties against heart disease, contradicting the traditional view known as the French paradox.
Despite technological advancements, earthquake prediction remains elusive due to the Heat-Flow Paradox and debates on fault strength. Research efforts have shed light on variations along the San Andreas fault, with some areas experiencing locked stresses while others creep slowly.
Researchers found that injured ruffe emit a potent, repugnant odor when in contact with other ruffe, which significantly suppresses their swimming and feeding activities. This cue has potential for managing the invasive species, but its effectiveness remains to be determined.
Children of divorced parents are more likely to drop out of middle or high school due to economic hardships, not family disruption. The resulting financial stress raises the odds of offspring dropping out to supplement the family income.
Scientists have discovered a new light-activated protein in surface water bacteria, which may represent a new mechanism for cycling carbon in the oceans. The protein, called proteorhodopsin, pumps ions across the cell membrane when exposed to light, generating energy for marine microbes.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found a strong link between brain cell loss in Gulf War veterans and abnormal over-production of dopamine, a neurotransmitter chemical important in degenerative brain diseases. The study suggests that the brain damage may be having a real effect on these veterans' brain function.
Leading AIDS researchers, including Robert Gallo and Seth Berkeley, urge a new era of scientific cooperation to accelerate HIV vaccine development. The epidemic affects 40 million people worldwide, and current funding and resources are insufficient.
A Phase I/II study found substantial and occasional complete regression of widespread tumors in patients with treatment-resistant metastatic renal cell carcinoma treated with blood stem cell transplants. Three patients achieved total regression, while seven showed partial regression of disease.
The Learning 2000 conference at Virginia Tech will discuss the pluses and minuses of building virtual universities, featuring experts from around the world. Topics include social issues, learning system vendors, philosophical approaches, and best practices in virtual university instruction.
Researchers explore how complexity theory can help businesses manage complex issues, such as supply and demand patterns. Key findings include the use of genetic algorithms to improve delivery performance and the importance of predictive powers in an unpredictable world.
Repeat DWI offenders pose a significant public health threat. Victim impact panels aim to influence offenders' attitudes about drunk driving through emotional influence and raising empathy for victims. However, research suggests a minimal impact on repeat DWI offenders, with some studies indicating a decrease in re-arrest rates.
Researchers created a triple-threat drug that takes multiple approaches to combat brain cell death associated with stroke. The drug, SUN N8075, blocks calcium and sodium channels and acts as a strong antioxidant, preventing further damage.
A six-month study confirms that antibiotic choice significantly impacts long-term patient outcomes for acute infections, with gemifloxacin reducing hospitalizations and recurrences of chronic bronchitis. The study found a 30% lower rate of recurrence in patients treated with gemifloxacin compared to clarithromycin.
A clinical trial shows that a single dose of Zithromax is as effective as a 10-day course of Augmentin in treating acute otitis media in children. The study found high treatment success rates for both regimens.
New data from an NHLBI pediatric AIDS study show no significant differences in cardiac function between children exposed to AZT and those not exposed. The study provides reassuring evidence that AZT is not associated with any significant negative clinical effects on the heart.
A new UNC-CH study reveals that North Carolina's Intensive Family Preservation Services program is highly effective in preventing out-of-home placements for high-risk families. The program, which provides intensive support services to families, has a significant cost advantage over traditional social service actions.
Researchers at Cornell University will develop adaptive software that can adjust to changing conditions in simulations and hardware. The Adaptive Software Project aims to create software that behaves like a living organism, adapting to improve results or survival.
Research found that prenatal brains metabolize alcohol differently than adult brains, leading to a rapid accumulation of toxic acetaldehyde. The study suggests that drinking alcoholic beverages during pregnancy can be particularly damaging to the fetus, especially the fetal brain.