Researchers have developed a mouse model that replicates the clinical features of type 2 diabetes, enabling studies on pathogenesis and testing of new therapies. The strain of mice, generated by selectively mutating an insulin-like receptor in muscle cells, fully recapitulates the disease's progression.
A team of scientists has genetically engineered a salt-tolerant tomato plant that can grow in irrigation water with high salt concentrations. The plant produces a naturally occurring protein that removes salt from the soil, allowing it to maintain quality and productivity.
A clinical trial found that marimastat produced comparable one-year survival rates to chemotherapy drug gemcitabine in patients with localized pancreatic cancer. Fewer toxic side effects were reported in patients taking marimastat compared to gemcitabine.
Ketek has been granted marketing authorisation by the European Commission for treating community-acquired respiratory tract infections, including those caused by resistant bacteria. The approval follows positive opinion from the Committee for Proprietary Medicinal Products and will be available in all 15 EU-Member States.
The UC Davis Department of Biomedical Engineering has been awarded a $12 million grant by the Whitaker Foundation to support its research programs and faculty recruitment. The grant will help establish the department as a leading center for biomedical engineering in the US, with a focus on genomics and imaging technology.
Boston University has received a $14 million Leadership Award to enhance its standing in biomedical engineering, while UC Davis has received a $12 million Leadership-Development Award for its visionary plan. Both institutions will use their awards to link genomics with organ-level physiology and improve medical applications.
The study identifies the carbohydrate response element-binding protein (ChREBP) as a key player in transforming excess glucose into fat. ChREBP binds to specific genes, activating enzymes that catalyze the transformation of excess glucose into fat, which can lead to weight gain.
A new study by Penn State researchers reveals that managed care plans' use of performance measures can lead to improved quality of care, but significant variations in effectiveness remain. The study found that tightly integrated relationships between healthcare providers and the plan are key factors in delivering high-quality care.
A recent study found that 85% of injection drug users in Baltimore obtained some needles from street sellers, highlighting the need for improved needle exchange programs. The study suggests that individually sealed syringes could be a game-changer in reducing the transmission of blood-borne diseases.
A new University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill study found that 13 children died playing Little League baseball between 1987 and 1996. The research also revealed that ball-related mishaps totaled 15,266, with batters suffering most of those injuries. Face and teeth injuries accounted for 12,306 incidents, mostly to fielders.
A Virginia Tech accounting professor has received a research award for his contributions to government accountability and financial reporting. His research, which spans 19 years, has influenced the development of guidelines on entity identification in government financial statements.
Researchers at Virginia Tech have discovered a way to stimulate the production of Vitamin C in lettuce and other plants using rat genes. This breakthrough could lead to longer shelf life and improved nutrition, particularly in developing countries where access to fresh produce is limited.
A Temple University geologist and his team were visiting Mt. Etna when they received word of an impending eruption, which was predicted to the minute. The team had been working on a sensor that measures gas composition to predict eruptions, and their prediction marked a potential breakthrough in volcanic prediction.
A USC neuroscientist re-analyzed data from the Viking landers, finding a distinct biological rhythm in the soil that suggests the presence of life. The signal has a precise circadian rhythm of 24.66 hours, entrained to temperature fluctuations on Mars.
Myocarditis is an inflammatory condition that can trigger an autoimmune response, leading to heart failure. Researchers have identified complement and its receptors as key players in this process, shedding light on potential therapeutic approaches for treatment of human autoimmune diseases.
Researchers have decoded the genome of Sinorhizobium meliloti, a bacterium that fixes atmospheric nitrogen for plants. The complete genome map could improve crop yields while reducing fertilizer use, contributing to more sustainable agriculture.
Researchers developed an equation using probit analysis that accurately predicted up to 97% of at-large selections from 1994-2001. The model used objective team data and RPI ratings, and was applied retroactively to predict actual tournament picks.
A recent study by Carnegie Mellon University found that attending to a conversation significantly distracts the brain from processing complex visual information. Brain activity decreased by 29% when participants were simultaneously listening to a sentence and doing a complex visual task.
Studies reveal a connection between neuronal plasticity and chronic neuropathic pain. Gene therapy targeting protein kinase C shows promise in reducing sensitivity to pain. Such findings may lead to innovative treatments for persistent and debilitating pain conditions.
Infants begin learning from birth and can distinguish consonant and vowel sounds in any language by 12 months. The study suggests that early identification of children with language difficulties allows for intervention, enabling them to develop their maximum potential.
Researchers found that the New York City outbreak of West Nile virus in 1999 may have had up to 13,000 infections, including 1,700 febrile cases. Older adults and those without mosquito repellent were at higher risk for severe illness.
A broad consortium of scientists proposes developing ecological forecasting to forecast environmental changes, protect ecosystems, and predict the impacts of global warming. The initiative aims to improve planning and decision-making by providing reliable forecasts of ecosystem state and services.
Hydrogenosomes evolved from mitochondria in response to drastic ecological changes, displaying both species-specific and conserved features. The research team found that the contents and form of hydrogenosomes differ across species, with some resembling mitochondria.
The study highlights the loss of large predatory fish as a key factor in altering marine food webs, leading to changes in ecosystem composition. Historical records suggest that fishing impacts may have begun thousands of years ago, contributing to current ecosystem level changes.
Researchers at Newcastle University found that catastrophic damage to the 800-year-old coral reefs occurred during exceptionally warm weather in 1998. The damage is expected to take over 100 years to rectify, according to Dr. Peter Mumby. The study highlights the devastating impact of global warming on these unique ecosystems.
Researchers have made a breakthrough in understanding a perovskite-related oxide with an extremely high dielectric constant, which remains stable over a wide temperature range. The material's unique property is attributed to the rearrangement of atomic charges without structural distortion.
A team of scientists at North Carolina State University and Yale University have analyzed the function of all proteins in yeast, discovering novel protein interactions that will require further examination. This breakthrough could lead to better understanding of protein functions in more complex organisms, including humans.
Two new antiprogestin drugs show promise in reversible suppression of menstruation in rhesus macaque monkeys. The treatments block effects of estrogen on the uterus, preventing build-up of endometrial cells and potentially reducing symptoms of endometriosis. This could lead to relief for women suffering from distressing complaints.
A new model for detecting early meningitis epidemics in sub-Saharan Africa has been developed, using weekly incidence thresholds to identify outbreaks. The model uses clinic-based weekly incidence of 5-10 cases per 100,000 inhabitants to detect all meningitis epidemics with high sensitivity.
A UC Davis study finds that syringe-exchange programs reduce HIV risk among injection drug users, with benefits seen in studies conducted in the US and internationally. The programs appear to be most effective when they are the only source of clean needles available.
Brookhaven National Laboratory scientists have developed a cobalt-free alloy that can store more charge and resist corrosion, leading to longer battery life. The discovery could lead to more affordable electric vehicles.
Researchers found that infliximab treatment reduced ocular inflammation and symptoms in patients with Behcet's disease, including those at risk of permanent blindness. The study suggests TNF blockade as a new therapy for sight-threatening uveitis and severe vasculitic manifestations.
Researchers at UNC Chapel Hill found a previously unknown binding site on RNA polymerase, dramatically increasing the speed of DNA-to-RNA conversion. This discovery has significant implications for understanding gene expression and regulation in cells, particularly in cancer research.
A new study reveals that exposure to pesticides and solvents in men is associated with lower sperm threshold values and changes in hormone concentrations, particularly affecting primary infertility. The research highlights the potential impact of environmental factors on male reproductive health.
Researchers examined paleoecological records, archaeological sites, and historical documents to calibrate their understanding of coastal marine ecosystems. They found that human disturbance led to changes in ecosystem structures and functions, with many species becoming ecologically extinct.
Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago have discovered a new way to identify prions, the causative agents of mad-cow and Creutzfeldt-Jakob diseases. The study used yeast to pinpoint unidentified prions, which may be related to the sudden appearance of CJD in older adults.
The Frontiers in Physiology program provides laboratory research experience to middle- and high-school-level teachers, learning effective education strategies and sharing experiences. Teachers participate in experiments, such as studying Siamese Fighting Fish behavior and exploring factors affecting blood flow and pressure.
Researchers found a connection between a specific gene variation and recurrent miscarriages, with women carrying the variation having a 1.6-fold increased risk of pregnancy loss. The study suggests that nitric oxide plays a mediating role in early pregnancy and may be linked to impaired placental function.
PENNTAP, a leading technical assistance provider, has helped Mexico establish a new technical assistance program. The program focuses on automotive service shops, software development, and metalworking sectors with an emphasis on environmental protection.
The Deep Gulf of Mexico Benthos project aims to study the structure and functions of deepsea life forms, with a focus on the ecological impact of offshore oil production. The research team will collect data on ocean floor ecology, including biodiversity, species abundance, and environmental contamination.
A leading economist argues that the UK's National Health Service (NHS) is in 'political denial' about the need for rationing due to inefficient practices and a lack of evidence-based policies. The expert suggests targeting cost-effective activities to maximize health improvements using limited resources.
A recent study finds that decades-long declines in marine life populations are linked to centuries-old overfishing practices. Overfishing has caused significant ecological damage, including the loss of underwater kelp forests and seagrass beds, which have cascading effects on entire ecosystems.
A one-year pilot study will examine the effects of smoked cannabis on chronic neuropathic pain, with a focus on dosing and side effects. The trial will recruit 32 patients and use four strains of cannabis to assess pain intensity and quality of life.
Historical records show that humans exploited coastal resources thousands of years ago, leading to the decline of top predators and smaller species. Wise management strategies, such as restoring native oysters and promoting aquaculture, can help conserve water quality and create habitats for fish and shellfish.
The Brookhaven/Caithness technology recovers silica from low-salinity geothermal brine, producing 99.9% pure silica with lower maintenance costs. This innovation could lead to new industries and employment opportunities in regions rich in geothermal resources.
A statistical analysis of 47 randomized trials involving 18,000 women found that chemotherapy improves survival time adjusted for quality of life for both younger and older women. Younger women treated with chemotherapy gained an average of 10.3 months of relapse-free survival within 10 years.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute develop cyclic peptide nanotubes that disrupt bacterial cell walls, killing deadly pathogens. These 'nanotube' stacks have strong bactericidal activity and may minimize resistance development.
A two-year study of human impacts on oceans over time reveals that overfishing was the primary driver of ecosystem collapse in each case examined. Historical overkill of marine life triggered changes in ecosystem structure and function, leading to toxic algal blooms, dead zones, and outbreaks of diseases.
K.C. Cole will be honored at the annual ACA meeting with the Elizabeth Wood Award for her contributions to science journalism. The award recognizes individuals who have effectively communicated complex scientific concepts to the general public.
A new sea current has been discovered off the African coast, with high speeds of up to a metre per second. The current is driven by the mixture of cold polar water and extremely saline water from the Red Sea and Persian Gulf.
The new Phileas bus-tram system uses a magnetic reference system to guide the vehicle, allowing for precise navigation around bends and stops. The system enables the bus to travel at higher speeds while reducing construction costs and improving safety.
Researchers at Brown University have discovered direct evidence of climate change on Mars, finding that water ice was once present closer to the equator. The findings suggest that the icy region has moved from the planet's poles to nearer its equator due to climate change.
A team of researchers at Yale University successfully transplants Schwann cells into a patient's brain to repair damaged nerve fibers in Multiple Sclerosis. The procedure aims to restore normal function and has the potential to benefit millions of people affected by MS and other demyelinating diseases.
PS-341, a proteasome inhibitor, has shown promising results in treating multiple myeloma and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. The Phase I clinical trial found one complete response and several partial responses among patients, indicating the drug's potential as a treatment option.
Researchers discovered that fish use crossflow filtration to separate food particles from water, contrary to the long-held sieving model. Computer models and fiber-optic endoscopes confirmed this finding, revealing a swirling vortex at the roof of the mouth where food particles are trapped.
A study of 786 children aged 7-9 found girls were less active than boys, with 14% of boys and almost one in four girls exercising less than the recommended minimum. Over 40% of children failed to engage in moderate physical activity.
Researchers confirm long-standing mystery of magnetic reconnection, a process that generates solar flares and aurorae. The event was observed by NASA's Wind spacecraft as it flew through the Earth's magnetotail, revealing collisionless processes that explain its fast rate.
Respiratory sounds can precisely determine the level of shortness of breath in asthma patients. A new computer program uses acoustic analysis to detect breathing problems, potentially setting off an alarm during sleep and enabling researchers to study conditions without inducing symptoms.
The Mayo Clinic study found that thalidomide can stop or slow the progression of multiple myeloma in patients newly diagnosed with this cancer. Thalidomide was previously used to treat advanced myeloma, but this is the first published report documenting its effectiveness as a first-line treatment for early-stage multiple myeloma.
A study by Peter J. Cunningham found that despite increased eligibility for public coverage, only half of low-income children are enrolled in programs like SCHIP and Medicaid. The gap is attributed to high costs, stigma associated with public programs, and lack of awareness among Hispanic families, which have lower take-up rates.