Researchers found that HIV-induced changes in B cells lead to dysfunctional antibody production and increased risk of cancer. The study provides a key tool to investigate how HIV causes B-cell malfunction and may lead to the development of new treatments for HIV-infected individuals.
The Mayo Clinic emphasizes the need for quality web-based genetics information for patients and physicians. Researchers found that patients often turn to the internet for genetic information, but may find it confusing and inaccurate. Centralizing access to reliable websites and improving readability could address these issues.
The Penn team will focus on contusions and examine individual neurons' responses to injury. They aim to identify patterns of genes and proteins that are activated or suppressed, which could lead to new medications and treatments.
Researchers found that an early AFD is associated with increased rates of substance abuse, mental health problems, and educational underachievement. Early drinking is also linked to genetic risk for disinhibitory behaviors, suggesting it may be a symptom rather than a cause of alcoholism.
Researchers found no significant differences in sexual development between children fed cow milk and soy formulas, despite concerns over phytoestrogens. The study, spanning nearly three decades, suggests long-term exposure to soy-based infant formula may not have a 'feminizing' effect on children.
Men with constipation were nearly three times as likely to develop Parkinson's disease over the next 24 years compared to those without constipation. The study suggests a potential link between bowel movement frequency and the risk of developing Parkinson's, highlighting the importance of understanding how the disease progresses.
A large-scale clinical trial tested two investigational drugs, remacemide and Coenzyme Q10, to slow the progression of Huntington's disease. While Coenzyme Q10 seemed to improve the condition after one year, the overall results are inconclusive as to its effectiveness in slowing down the disease.
Researchers unveil a new technique for analyzing tiny airway biopsies, revealing a new disease suspect in asthma - the NKCC1 gene. The technique quickly measures multiple gene activities, supporting current hypotheses about asthma mechanisms while pointing to an unexpected role in excess mucus secretion.
Researchers identify genes from a rare Austrian plant that allow it to accumulate large amounts of nickel, enabling the potential to engineer crops to clean up polluted sites. This discovery could also lead to functional foods with micronutrients and improved crop nutrition.
A study of 347 patients found that CoQ10 slowed the decline of patients with Huntington's disease by an average of 15 percent, improving cognitive skills and daily responsibilities. However, the results are inconclusive due to limited patient numbers, and more research is needed before CoQ10 can be recommended as a treatment.
A US study of 415 people found that patients taking donepezil maintained their level of functioning 72% longer than those receiving a placebo. Another study involving 286 people in Scandinavia and the Netherlands showed similar results, highlighting donepezil's effectiveness in preserving daily activities.
The Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center has received a $2.5 million gift from the Avon Products Foundation to support innovative breast cancer research and clinical care initiatives, including immune response-based treatments and access to quality care for medically underserved women.
Researchers at McGill University have isolated novel stem cells from the dermis of adult rodents that can differentiate into various cell types, including neurons and muscle cells. These multipotent stem cells, known as SKPs, hold promise for treating Parkinson's disease and other neural disorders.
A new validated method measures HHMA in body fluids, establishing it as a likely contributor to Ecstasy's side effects. The detection of HHMA may provide new insights into the drug's effects and long-term toxicity.
Researchers used NMR technology to analyze lipoprotein size and concentration in 262 patients with high-risk heart disease. The study found that a commonly prescribed statin, pravastatin, was equally effective in lowering bad cholesterol levels regardless of LDL particle size.
The first public human genome sequence was successfully assembled using GigAssembler, a computer program developed by James Kent and David Haussler. The program utilized a greedy algorithm to assemble nearly 400,000 DNA sequence pieces, resulting in an 88% complete draft.
Researchers have found that aging rats exhibit fragmented behavioral rhythms, taking naps when they should be active. The study suggests that the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) cells, responsible for regulating circadian rhythms, may be losing their ability to mark time as individuals age.
A study of 350 men and women found that mental aging begins in the 20s with continuous declines in processing power. By mid-60s, people may notice a decline in everyday activities. An increase in experience and knowledge can compensate for losses until age 50.
Researchers developed a new processing method to enhance protein content in spaghetti using corn gluten meal, increasing it from approximately 8g to 10g per two-ounce serving. The modified pasta has good flavor and texture, making it a potential market opportunity for food manufacturers.
The UC-SMART program is allocating $1.5 million over four years to support cutting-edge semiconductor research at the University of California, Santa Barbara. Researchers will focus on developing novel materials and devices for optical and electronic applications, including organic chromophores, nanoparticle patterning, self-assembled ...
Researchers at UCSF have found that two existing drugs, quinacrine and chlorpromazine, can effectively treat mouse cells infected with prions, which cause rare neurodegenerative diseases. The study suggests that these drugs may also be effective in patients with advanced disease, paving the way for potential new treatment options.
A study by Duke University Medical Center found that feelings of abandonment, punishment, and alienation from God can increase mortality risk among the elderly. The research highlights the need for spiritual assessment and pastoral interventions to address chronic religious struggles in patients with major medical illnesses.
A new study at Duke University Medical Center reveals that depressed heart failure patients are twice as likely to die or be re-admitted to hospital within three months and one year. The researchers recommend testing for depression in all CHF patients to improve outcomes.
John D. Gearhart praises the policy as a good starting point for expanding stem cell research, despite limitations in funding and oversight. He emphasizes the potential of federal funding to accelerate progress and improve human health through advances in understanding and treating various diseases.
The study found that value messages in American primary schools primarily focus on orderliness and hard work, with modern values like cultural diversity and choice also present. Schools' organizational interests influence the interpretation of value terms, such as citizenship and self-esteem.
Researchers at the University of Massachusetts are flying into the eyes of hurricanes using advanced airborne sensors to gather real-time data. The new IWRAP system will provide finer resolution than previous systems, enabling better predictions about storm intensity and potential path.
Researchers at The Scripps Research Institute have solved the structure of a neutralizing antibody against HIV, marking an important milestone in the development of an effective vaccine. This breakthrough demonstrates that the human immune system can produce antibodies effective against HIV and provides a template for vaccine design.
The study demonstrates a fundamental role of caveolin-1 and caveolae in organizing multiple signalling pathways in the cell. The absence of caveolae impaired nitric oxide and calcium signaling, leading to severe physical limitations in caveolin-1-disrupted mice.
A Mayo Clinic study published in Cancer journal reveals that daily alcohol consumption by women whose mothers, sisters or daughters have breast cancer may increase their risk for getting the cancer. The study found an increased risk among first-degree relatives of women with breast cancer, but less evidence among second-degree relatives.
A recent study by Dr. Laura C. Klein found that adolescent nicotine exposure directly affects stress hormone levels in adults, leading to increased risk of anxiety, depression, and cognitive impairments. The research suggests a possible biochemical explanation for the effects observed in human studies.
A community-based therapeutic care component is being touted as a more effective and cost-efficient way to treat malnutrition during famine. The strategy aims to improve coverage, provide socioeconomic benefits, and reduce death rates from starvation.
The study found that exisulind significantly suppressed the rise in PSA levels compared to placebo, especially in high-risk patients. Exisulind therapy also lengthened the median PSA doubling time, suggesting a delay in disease progression.
A recent Wistar Institute study identifies an enzyme that modifies histones to activate specific genes in yeast. This discovery supports the 'histone code' theory, suggesting a complex interplay among histone modifications controls gene activity.
A UK population study found that an estimated 3.1% of adults aged 45 and older had definite or probable heart failure, highlighting the need for accurate diagnosis and targeted screening to alleviate symptoms and improve prognosis.
A study published in Science identified two genes, WNK1 and WNK4, that cause pseudohypoaldosteronism type II (PHAII), a disorder leading to hypertension. The researchers found that the mutated genes are overexpressed in affected family members, leading to increased salt reabsorption and blood pressure.
A recent trial found that WHO short-course chemotherapy was as effective as traditional Russian treatments in curing patients with tuberculosis. However, the results highlight the challenges of implementing changes in a healthcare system with entrenched cultural and structural barriers.
Researchers measured entropic forces exerted by rod-shaped viruses on particles in water, revealing additional effects of flexibility. The findings suggest that flexible viruses can effectively occupy more space, driving rearrangements in the system and increasing attraction between spheres.
Research suggests centromeric DNA and histones evolve rapidly, influencing species compatibility. Continuous evolution of centromeric histones may be driving adaptation to changing DNA sequences, contributing to the 'centromere paradox' and species sterility.
A new gene study reveals that early land plants and fungi evolved much earlier than thought, around 700-1300 million years ago. These organisms likely played a crucial role in changing the Earth's climate by increasing oxygen levels and decreasing carbon dioxide.
A study found that genetic traits from crops can persist in weeds for generations, potentially leading to hardy and hard-to-kill weeds. This raises concerns about the long-term impact of transgenic crops on weed populations.
Researchers Shiv Grewal and colleagues found that histone H3 variants are linked to gene expression and chromosomal structure. The study suggests a 'histone code' model for organizing the genome into active and silent regions.
Researchers at Clemson University are testing 15 houses with hurricane-resistant retrofits to determine their effectiveness. The study aims to provide more accurate estimates of retrofit costs and benefits, helping homeowners decide whether the expense is worth it.
A UK study found that childhood maltreatment and revictimisation of children and women are common problems. Abusive experiences co-occurred in both childhood and adulthood, with repetition and severity of childhood abuse independently associated with specific types of adult revictimisation.
The National Science Foundation is awarding $53 million to build a distributed terascale facility, supporting research in storm prediction, combustion engines and biology. The project will create a unique national resource for high-performance computing, connecting researchers across the US.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University have identified a novel photopigment in the human eye that regulates melatonin production, which plays a vital role in the body's circadian rhythms. Exposure to blue light has been found to be most effective in controlling melatonin levels.
Researchers at Virginia Tech have demonstrated improved fuel cell materials and systems, enabling operation at higher temperatures. The team will receive $2 million in grants to develop next-generation polymer electrolyte membranes and membrane electrode assemblies.
Research suggests that telomere shortening is associated with atherosclerosis, potentially linking it to premature ageing. Patients with severe coronary artery disease showed shorter telomeres compared to healthy controls, indicating accelerated cellular ageing.
A new computer-simulation tool developed at Purdue University has shown that a pre-cooling technique can reduce electricity costs for commercial buildings by as much as 41 percent during the hottest summer months. The tool takes into account factors like utility rates and climate to tailor the best strategy for individual buildings.
A team of researchers, led by George Cybenko and Sue McGrath, are developing a mobile agent-based system to monitor bone loss in astronauts during extended space missions. The system will analyze data on urinary calcium, diet, exercise, atmospheric conditions, and medical history to provide timely feedback and prevent bone loss.
Astronomers have observed a web-like structure in space using NASA's FUSE satellite, confirming theoretical models of how matter condensed into galaxies. The helium traces the universe's architecture back to very early times, shedding light on its re-energization by quasars and star birth.
Researchers found that newly restored wetlands often struggle with invasive weeds, which can outcompete native species for resources. The cost of wetland restoration is also a significant barrier, with some projects costing up to $200,000 per hectare.
A new study reveals the Tibetan Plateau is approximately 13.5 million years old and has reached its maximum average height of 5 kilometers. The plateau's formation is attributed to the collision between two tectonic plates, resulting in a flat-topped spreading plateau.
Researchers at the University of Florida have concluded that the few remaining populations of beach mice on the Florida and Alabama coasts are in substantial danger of extinction from hurricanes and continuing loss of habitat to development. The study predicts a 37-57% chance of extinction in 25 years and a 59-80% chance in 50 years.
The project, initiated in 1997, incorporates multiple viewpoints from the scientific, corporate, and environmental communities to balance ecology and economics in forestry management. The team's approach has formed notable partnerships and is regarded as a model for others striving to achieve this balance.
Case Western Reserve University has received a $2.2 million grant from the Charles B. Wang Foundation to establish the Center for Computational Genomics. The center will tackle cutting-edge problems in genomics and bioinformatics, focusing on genomic analysis and disease prevention.
The Ku heterodimer, a key player in non-homologous end joining (NHEJ), is shown to 'cradle' broken DNA ends with its ring-shaped molecule, forming a precise alignment for repair enzymes. This structure provides insights into the accuracy of the NHEJ process and its importance in genome integrity.
A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that patients with cardiac arrhythmias have a similar accident rate to healthy drivers. The study, which analyzed data from over 600 patients, showed that only 11% of accidents were preceded by potential arrhythmia symptoms.
A new study by University at Buffalo researchers found that insulin can reduce pro-inflammatory components in the bloodstream while increasing anti-inflammatory components. The results suggest that insulin may have anti-atherosclerotic effects and potentially reduce the risk of heart attack, contrary to previous assumptions.
Researchers have identified a key mechanism involved in meningococcal disease, offering new insights into its treatment. A defect in the activation of Protein C could be treated with administration of active Protein C, bypassing the requirements for activation on blood vessels.
AIDS researchers urge collaboration to develop new treatments for drug-resistant HIV patients, who represent 30% of treated cases in the US. The lack of effective therapies sets the stage for a dangerous epidemic of drug-resistant HIV.