A new combination drug treatment has shown to be more effective in treating chronic hepatitis C than the current standard. The treatment, peginterferon alfa-2b plus ribavirin, achieved higher sustained viral response rates compared to interferon alfa-2b plus ribavirin, especially in patients with genotype 1 infection.
Amita Sehgal and colleagues report a new link between the neurofibromatosis-1 gene and the body's circadian clock, revealing a new facet of the circadian control system. The findings show that the Nf1 protein regulates the cellular switch MAP kinase.
A study by USGS researchers found that large habitat patches are crucial for bighorn sheep persistence and growth rates. Small patches with high-quality habitat can still warrant restoration efforts.
A new report on primitive whales found in Pakistan provides well-preserved ankle bones, allowing scientists to change their conclusions on closest relatives. The findings unify the scientific perspective on whale evolution, supporting a closer relationship between cetaceans and artiodactyls.
A new study reveals that salmon populations are mutually dependent on riparian vegetation, which provides shade and large woody debris that support successful spawning. The researchers found a significant increase in nitrogen levels in plants near spawning sites, suggesting a two-way relationship between salmon and their ecosystems.
Professor Ian Hacking argues that classifications like 'football hooligan' and 'sex addict' can shape people's identities, while also highlighting the potential negative consequences of such labeling. His research emphasizes the importance of understanding how these classifications impact individuals and society.
Researchers have used Empirical Mode Decomposition to analyze patterns in tropical storm occurrences along the East Coast. The technique reveals four distinct cycles, or modes, that determine the number of hurricanes making landfall each year.
Researchers estimate that eastern North American reserves must be at least 1,000 square miles in size to prevent loss of species. This is significantly smaller than the current sizes of most reserves, which are often not enough to safeguard biodiversity.
The ADCS has expanded its clinical trials to test new therapies for Alzheimer's disease, including a cholesterol-lowering statin drug, an antioxidant, and a high-dose vitamin regimen. The trials aim to slow the progression of cognitive decline in people with AD.
The Alzheimer’s Disease Cooperative Study (ADCS) has received a five-year grant of $54 million to conduct clinical trials and research on new approaches to treating and preventing Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers aim to delay the onset of the disease and have already made significant progress in the past decade.
A study found that the California gnatcatcher, a threatened songbird, does not effectively serve as an umbrella species for coastal sage scrub conservation. The birds occur in nearly all patches, but insect diversity and quality are more closely linked to patch size than bird presence.
Researchers at Purdue University have successfully linked two tiny structures called quantum dots to create a semiconductor-based quantum computer. The device uses quantum bits that exist in both on and off states simultaneously, enabling faster processing of information than conventional computers.
Researchers develop a microsurgical technique to manipulate signaling proteins in developing mouse brains, revealing a previously unknown molecular mechanism involved in forming the cerebral cortex. The study shows that this protein directs the development of cortical areas, including vision, touch, and memory.
A team of researchers has identified a key enzyme involved in the consolidation of long-term memories, revealing new insights into the molecular processes underlying learning and memory. The study found that eliminating this enzyme led to impaired memory retention, highlighting its critical role in memory consolidation.
A randomised controlled trial found that patient-centred self-management training reduced relapse times and hospital visits, while maintaining health-related quality-of-life scores. This alternative approach to traditional outpatient care may improve health-service provision and reduce costs for chronic diseases.
A recent study published in Psychiatric Services found that expenditures on antidepressants, antipsychotics, and anxiolytics increased significantly between 1992 and 1998. The researchers highlighted the need for drug benefit coverage to ensure accessibility and affordability for individuals with low incomes.
A review article in The Lancet highlights the negative effects of shift work on health and productivity. Desynchronisation of circadian rhythms can lead to poor sleep, gastrointestinal disorders, and cardiovascular disease, emphasizing the need for employers to create effective working environments.
A new study by Cardillo and Bromham found that medium-sized mammals were not at greater risk of extinction, contrary to the widely accepted theory. Instead, small mammal species are the least vulnerable to extinction due to high population densities and reproductive rates.
Researchers found that inhaling tobramycin twice daily for 12 months effectively eradicated Pseudomonas aeruginosa from the airways of 14 cystic fibrosis patients, with nine remaining free from infection at two-year follow-up. The treatment regimen cures chronic lung infections in patients started soon after colonisation.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have found a gene called archipelago, or ago, involved in destroying the protein cyclin E. This regulation is crucial for cell division, and irregularities may lead to uncontrolled growth and cancer.
Researchers have created a nearly defect-free LB film using steric acid molecules, promising improvements in sensor devices and electrical switches. The breakthrough involves using cadmium ions to lock the molecules together, enabling a single layer without holes or irregularities.
The Rice center will focus on the interaction between nanometer-sized materials and water, aiming to develop new medical therapies and solve environmental engineering problems. The center will also provide educational and industrial outreach activities, including training teachers and supporting startup ventures.
Scientists analyzed the physical response of the Sea of Galilee to external forcing and found intense mixing occurred closest to shores, which could improve ocean forecasts. This understanding is crucial for predicting currents, temperatures, and other oceanic issues like fish development.
The National Science Foundation has awarded six centers for nanoscale research at top universities across the US. These centers will advance information, medical, manufacturing, and environmental technologies, while fostering education programs and public understanding of science and engineering.
A new computer diagnostic program has been developed to help physicians diagnose rare infectious diseases. The database contains information on 223 infectious and parasitic diseases common to animals and humans.
The Phase II trial treating women with early-stage breast cancer has shown significant cell kill without damage to the skin. The technology uses adaptively focused microwave radiation that selectively heats and kills cancer cells, potentially reducing or eliminating breast surgery.
Researchers are testing new advanced weather technology to monitor rainfall in watershed basins as small as one square kilometer. The technology will provide more precise and accurate flood and flash flood warnings, helping emergency management officials prepare for events.
Researchers at ONR and DARPA are developing OSCAR, an oceanic fuel cell that harnesses organic matter in sea sediments to generate electricity. The early versions of OSCAR have been generating about 50 milliwatts per square meter, sufficient power for small calculators.
New McGill researchers have been awarded $1.76 million in funding for new equipment and installations, with Quebec agreeing to match the amount. The funding will support various campus projects and research initiatives across multiple institutions affiliated with McGill.
Research reveals antioxidant supplements can mitigate the negative effects of ozone gas on lung function. Additionally, tiny airborne particles are associated with increased risk of hospital admissions for heart disease among diabetics.
The NeuroGraph device, developed with Office of Naval Research funding, reads brain activity through a cap outfitted with electrodes to analyze differences from the norm. Pharmaceutical trials may also utilize NeuroGraph to test new drugs' efficacy on brain activity.
The Georgia Tech/Goddard Global Ozone Chemistry Aerosol Radiation and Transport (GOCART) model accurately reproduces short-term and long-term variations in dust concentrations and distributions. The model provides five-day dust forecasts to warn people with respiratory problems and fisheries about potential red tides.
A team of researchers from the University of Cincinnati and the Air Force has developed a novel method for creating new silicon-based materials using an algal enzyme. The resulting silica spheres have unique properties that make them suitable for applications in sensors, optics, and medical devices. These materials could potentially le...
The Office of Naval Research has funded the development of a Tactical Vectoring Equipment (TVE) display, a simple array of six lights with Fresnel lenses that projects red or green light based on viewing angle. This system aims to improve navigation and communication for surface ships behind carriers in low visibility conditions.
New fossils found in Pakistan have revealed a close kinship between whales and hippos, with the discovery of artiodactyl ankles suggesting that hippos may be a side line of artiodactyls. The findings, published in Science, use immunological, molecular, and genetic techniques to explore relationships among groups of animals.
Researchers at Texas A&M University found that wind-borne pollutants can travel long distances, contaminating both air and water. They used rain and air samplers to collect pollutants in Corpus Christi Bay and estimated the amounts deposited into the bay area.
A new benefit-based copay system calculates individualized copays based on clinical benefits and risk groups, aiming to increase adherence and reduce financial barriers. The approach could lead to lower copays for sickest patients and make prescription drug coverage more accessible.
Francisco Valero-Cuevas is awarded a research grant to study the biomechanics of the human thumb, aiming to improve surgical procedures for hand injuries. He will use cadaver hands and a dynamometer to measure the force of the thumb in various directions.
A large study reveals nearly 30% of participants were diagnosed with peripheral artery disease, a condition that affects millions in the US and Western Europe. Untreated PAD can lead to serious health consequences, including heart attack and stroke.
Scientists at Duke University have discovered a new enzyme that attaches aminoarabinose to the outer coat of gram-negative bacteria, reducing the ability of positively charged antibiotics to attach and kill them. This discovery offers a potential approach to overcoming antibiotic resistance.
Researchers have discovered a bacterial protein called anti-TRAP (AT) that participates in regulating tryptophan production. The newly discovered protein helps Bacillus bacteria control the production of tryptophan, one of the building blocks of most proteins in humans.
Researchers discovered that VEGF promotes the growth and survival of malignant tumor cells, affecting a wide range of cancers. The study found that inhibiting VEGF's effects can slow or halt tumor growth and is expected to improve treatment outcomes for some patients.
Researchers found that a new depression treatment approach, funded by NIMH, significantly reduces patient suffering and is cost-effective. The study's two-year data showed improved outcomes for patients receiving the intervention, which included training and resources for clinicians and medication or psychotherapy.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital successfully used gene therapy to improve survival rates and energetic state of the heart in a rat model with heart failure. The study suggests a potential new treatment option for patients with cardiovascular diseases.
A Mayo Clinic study found that long-term medication use helps smokers who stop avoid relapse and gain less weight. The study, which involved 784 participants, showed that those taking the antidepressant bupropion were more likely to stay smoke-free than those on a placebo.
Researchers at Purdue University link economic growth to annual hard frosts, finding that temperate areas have historically had less disease and better agricultural productivity. Frost enables the build-up of organic matter in fertile topsoil, allowing for richer agricultural success.
Researchers analyzed data from 1973-1995 to find a significant rise in very low birthweight following Prime Minister Olof Palme's murder and ferry Estonia disaster. The study suggests that communal bereavement can affect public health, even if the event is rare or less visible.
The American College of Physicians announces new standards for manuscript submission, emphasizing author disclosure of sponsor involvement. These revised guidelines, developed by the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors, aim to prevent pharmaceutical companies from controlling study data and results.
A research team at the University of Ulster and Queen's University of Belfast has developed a mobile intelligent agent that finds the most reliable internet connection at the best price. The tool will negotiate quality connections in real-time, transparently and instantly.
A low-dose nicotine patch was found to be effective in controlling the severity and frequency of motor tics in children with Tourette's syndrome. The study showed that patients with active nicotine patches did better than those with control patches, even when receiving reduced doses of haloperidol.
A team of researchers discovered a new type of carbon nanotube that is approximately 40 percent stronger than other nanotubes made using the same number of atoms. This breakthrough was achieved through supercomputer simulations at the San Diego Supercomputer Center and the University of Michigan.
Researchers at Newcastle University have discovered a purple potato variety that shows promise in resisting the devastating potato blight disease. The variety, grown commercially without using chemicals, could significantly impact the supply of organically-grown potatoes, improving availability and reducing costs for farmers.
A new study by O.R. researchers found that the value of the dollar significantly impacts a company's decision on whether to export or invest in foreign production facilities. In depreciated currencies, strong exports favor the choice of ownership structure, while appreciated currencies favor investments in overseas production.
The University of Ulster will launch a 'green' power research centre with a £600,000 grant from the UK-based Science Research Investment Fund. The centre will focus on cutting-edge research into renewable energy sources such as wind, photovoltaics, and small hydro schemes.
Research found that knocking out delta opioid receptor increased anxiety and led to increased drinking behavior in mice. The study suggests a potential link between the endogenous opioid system, stress, and alcohol consumption.
Researchers found that divalproex sodium reduced the need for oxazepam and slowed worsening symptoms in a seven-day study. The anticonvulsant's anti-kindling properties may prevent nervous system hyperexcitability during alcohol withdrawal, making it a viable treatment option.
A large study found that having sex increases the risk of a heart attack by 2 hours later, especially for those with low exercise frequency. However, the absolute risk per hour is very low, and doctors should not advise patients to abstain from sex due to this risk.
A small study found leech therapy to be effective in reducing pain from osteoarthritis, with rapid relief seen after three days and sustained effects four weeks later. The treatment produced no side effects or infections.
A study found that negative emotionality is highly correlated with self-reported health problems in adolescents with alcohol use disorders. The study suggests that these health problems are predominantly of psychological origin, despite relatively normal laboratory and physical exam results.
Research reveals a strong association between rheumatoid arthritis and smoking, with those consuming more cigarettes daily facing increased risk. Lifestyle factors such as insulin-dependent diabetes, late menstruation, and prolonged hair dye use also contribute to the development of rheumatoid arthritis.