The complete genome of pneumococcus has been sequenced, revealing its genetic makeup and potential applications in treating the bacterium. The newly released genome contains 2,326 sequenced genes, providing a comprehensive model for researchers to study its virulence and develop new therapies.
A study found that miniature chest radiography is the most effective way to detect active tuberculosis in jails due to its efficiency and low radiation dose. This method can identify 200 cases per 100,000 inmates or higher, significantly higher than the general U.S. population rate of 6.8 cases per 100,000 persons.
A research team at Penn State discovered that consortia of bacteria and archaeobacteria consume up to 80% of marine methane, a potent greenhouse gas. The findings indicate that these microorganisms play a crucial role in regulating the Earth's climate.
HIV-infected individuals taking antiretroviral therapy experience changes in fat distribution, cholesterol, and glucose metabolism, leading to anxiety-provoking body shape changes. Dr. Kingsley's proposed definition guides diagnosis and monitoring of HIV-associated lipodystrophy syndrome.
A UK government road safety programme could actually increase the number of teenagers who die on roads in the UK. Driver education programmes in schools and colleges may lead to earlier licensing and more drivers on the road, increasing road deaths.
Researchers found that minor mutations can significantly impair the immune system's ability to recognize and attack the virus. This means that vaccines targeting these regions may be less effective due to evolving strains of the virus.
A three-year comparative case study found that UK banks stayed away from the market, while others like Citibank entered with enthusiasm. The British absence can be attributed to a lack of cultural ties with CEE and insufficient capital strength.
Researchers have developed a new HIV vaccine that provides full protection against vaginal transmission of an HIV-like virus. The vaccine combines elements of the successful Sabin oral poliovirus vaccine with genetic fragments of the AIDS virus, triggering a robust immune response.
The study found that the cost of trichiasis surgery is a significant barrier for patients in The Gambia. Offering surgery at local health centers instead of regional clinics can significantly increase patient willingness to undergo treatment.
Researchers identified imperfections' preferred location on twin grain boundaries, leading to new strategies to control material properties. Grain size plays a role only when plastic deformation begins, with little effect afterwards.
Digital organisms created using Avida software are used to study the effect of high mutation rates on evolution. The researchers found that a trade-off exists between producing offspring quickly and making them more robust to mutations, suggesting that slower reproduction may be beneficial for survival in highly turbulent environments.
A recent court decision requiring all North Carolina speech-language pathologists to hold a master's degree may lead to a 13% workforce loss in the state's public school system. The shortage could exacerbate caseloads, particularly for students with autism and growing demands for early intervention services.
A recent study found that heating fluorinated polymers in a frying pan releases toxic chemicals, including ozone-destroying chlorofluorocarbons. The long-term environmental impact of these persistent compounds is still unknown.
Researchers studied Naples Yellow samples from historical paintings and identified differences in physical structures using X-ray and synchrotron diffraction studies. This technique can help narrow down the origins of unidentified artworks and potentially verify their pedigrees.
Researchers have identified a rare human disorder linked to aquaporin-1 protein deficiency, which affects the ability to concentrate urine and maintain healthy water levels. The finding may help doctors develop new treatments for diseases like diabetes insipidus, which causes frequent urination and emaciation.
Patients with lung cancer who undergo lung resection surgery at high-volume hospitals experience significantly better outcomes, including higher five-year survival rates (44%) compared to low-volume hospitals (33%). Complication rates are also reduced in high-volume facilities.
Researchers propose individualized risk-benefit assessment to determine treatment for illicit drug-using patients. They argue that withholding treatment is unfair and ineffective, citing success stories from AIDS treatment.
STI rates have soared since the 1990s, with HIV infection remaining high. In contrast, the 1980s saw significant declines in HIV transmission and bacterial infections when targeted awareness campaigns were implemented, highlighting the need for new campaigns to tackle these trends.
Researchers discover a new form of matter, called BEC, which can collapse and explode when cooled to near absolute zero. The new phenomenon, dubbed a Bosenova, involves the sudden transition from repulsive to attractive interactions between atoms.
Researchers tested four viruses to transport genetic material into defective eyes of 18-day-old rats. Adenovirus proved the most effective vector, targeting specific tissues and preventing disordered blood vessel growth. Early-stage research suggests a potential breakthrough in treating retinopathy of prematurity with gene therapy.
A study found that high polyunsaturated fat consumption increases the risk of asthma in pre-school children, with a diet rich in omega-6 fatty acids promoting inflammation. Conversely, breastfeeding and having older siblings may offer protection against asthma.
Dr. Ingo Potrykus is being recognized for his research on genetic engineering technology and its applications to crop plants like rice, wheat, sorghum, and cassava. His work has the potential to address Vitamin A deficiencies in developing nations and improve food security.
A study reformulates a common anti-depressive medication of the nineteenth century, revealing that it would have delivered a daily dose of mercury exceeding current safety standards. Mercury poisoning may have explained Lincoln's neurological symptoms, including insomnia and rage attacks, but also contributed to his famous composure.
Rutgers is launching a National Program of Excellence in Biomedical Computing to study the biology of transcription and gene expression. The program aims to understand the molecular mechanisms that govern gene expression, which is crucial for solving pressing human health problems such as cancer and infectious diseases.
CSIRO scientists have discovered a long line of viruses emerging from the Hendra virus family, including 15 new paramyxoviruses in animal hosts worldwide. The Australian Animal Health Laboratory holds a collection of all major newly discovered paramyxoviruses.
A public-private partnership has been launched to combat osteoarthritis, a chronic disease affecting millions of Americans. The Osteoarthritis Initiative will provide critical funding and resources for clinical research centers to establish natural history databases and biospecimen repositories.
Dr Vute Sirivivatnanon has won the Mohan Malhotra Award for his work in turning industrial waste into a useful component of concrete. His research resulted in the development of High Slag cement concrete, High Volume Fly Ash concrete and Silica Fume concrete being used in high-profile construction projects.
The Scripps Institution of Oceanography has developed a groundbreaking wildfire forecast for the western United States, using statistical methods to predict fire seasons and fuel availability. The 2001 forecast suggests a much milder wildfire season compared to 2000, which burned over 7 million acres and caused $1.6 billion in damage.
The Texas General Land Office and Texas A extM University are loaning the Navy two state-of-the-art buoys to monitor ocean currents and temperatures during the Ehime Maru salvage effort in the Pacific Ocean. The buoys will provide real-time data to support decision-making on how work should progress.
Researchers at Texas A&M University are developing instruments to measure aerosol pollution's impact on climate. The devices will study aerosols' interaction with light, absorption of sunlight, and their effect on cloud formation.
A recent study found significant discrepancies between spouses' reports on birth control methods. The research analyzed data from 23 countries and revealed that couples who had discussed family planning or where the wife had higher education levels were more likely to concur on the contraceptive method. However, concurrence was lower a...
Researchers found that ACE inhibitors slowed kidney disease progression, especially for patients with proteinuria. The medications were beneficial for kidney patients and should be given to most patients with kidney disease.
Dr. Tramont takes helm of DAIDS, a successful program critical to understanding HIV causes and creating antiretroviral drugs, with a focus on building on its legacy
Scientists have identified several proteins that can block myostatin activity, leading to increased muscle growth in mice. The study suggests that these proteins may be effective muscle-enhancing agents for both human and agricultural applications.
Researchers have identified a potential link between the apoE4 protein and the formation of neurofibrillary tangles, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. The study suggests that apoE4 may disrupt brain cell interactions and lead to the degeneration of neurons in this disease.
A new DNA test developed by researchers at Indiana University uses quantum dots to quickly and accurately analyze large numbers of genes. The test can identify up to 40,000 different genetic codes in just 10 minutes, making it a game-changer for medical diagnosis and research.
Research suggests that parents who are both firm and allow for some autonomy have a lower degree of conflict and avoid problem teenagers. Delinquency at age 12 or 13 is widespread, with smoking and drinking linked to increased delinquent acts.
Scientists have observed a sudden shift in Mars' atmosphere, with temperatures increasing by about 30 degrees Centigrade, due to a massive dust storm. This phenomenon is similar to Earth's global warming, but much more extreme and potentially leading to a significant cooling of the planet.
Researchers have found that both smells and pheromones can arouse instinctive behaviors in mammals, including humans. This is achieved through the detection of odorants by the vomeronasal organ (VNO) and the olfactory epithelium (OE), with pheromone signals directly influencing mid-brain areas controlling behavior and hormonal responses.
A new study suggests that setting aggressive deadlines can eliminate shortcut-taking and improve product quality. By separating estimates of task duration from deadlines, developers are motivated to stay focused and accurate in their work.
Scientists at Massachusetts General Hospital discovered how smoking leads to premature ovarian failure by identifying a mechanism triggered by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in tobacco smoke. The findings support the hypothesis that PAH-induced egg cell death contributes to early menopause in women smokers.
A study of 170 pregnant women in treatment for drug dependency found that those with co-occurring alcohol problems have more severe psychological issues, including depression and anxiety. The findings highlight the need for universal screening and tailored treatment approaches to address these women's unique needs.
New research reveals that introverted firefighters are more likely to experience higher injury rates due to reluctance to call for assistance. The study also found that ignoring safety rules can lead to severe injuries and delayed recovery from work-related injuries, especially for married female firefighters. Additionally, chronic noi...
Research confirms that nicotine reduces peak blood alcohol concentrations, leading to increased consumption of alcohol to achieve intoxication. This interaction can result in adverse effects on the liver, heart, and brain.
Research finds a link between family history of alcoholism, serotonin variation, and behavioral problems in children. Children with a genetic variant associated with increased serotonin reuptake are more likely to exhibit impulsivity, depression, and anxiety.
Scientists at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center used gene array technology to analyze thousands of genes in malignant brain tumor samples. They identified a critical step in the development of glioblastoma multiforme, which may improve patient prognosis and lead to effective therapies.
Children prenatally exposed to alcohol demonstrate significant social and adaptive behavior deficits, but similar deficits are found in clinically referred children with no prenatal exposure. As prenatally exposed children age, their social difficulties become more pronounced, highlighting the importance of addressing these issues.
A study found that children who received asthma management training also taught their parents about managing the condition, leading to improved family health behavior. The training program showed modest but notable changes in parents' self-management of their children's asthma.
By analyzing seismic waves, scientists have mapped the physical properties of the earth below, identifying regions with seismically fast mantle that produce gem-quality diamonds. This discovery could aid in locating new diamond mines by targeting areas with similar characteristics.
A study published by researchers at the University of Chicago Medical Center found that prenatal exposure to methamphetamine increases the risk of brain disorders, such as Parkinson's disease, in male offspring who later take the drug themselves. The toxic effects of methamphetamine can hasten the onset of these conditions.
Global change poses significant environmental challenges, including climate change, biodiversity loss, and resource depletion. Scientists urge immediate action to address these issues, as human activities are transforming the Earth's environment at an unsustainable rate.
Scientists at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health have identified a protein that clears viruses from neurons in the spinal cord and brain stem but not those in the cerebral cortex. The study suggests that different combinations of antibody and T-cell immunity may be needed to control infection and recovery from encephalitis.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University discovered how Mycobacterium tuberculosis evades detection by the human immune system. The TB bacterium inhibits MHC-II molecules in macrophages to prevent recognition and eliminate it from detection.
A new screen at Sandia National Laboratories can render complex scientific data sets in seconds, outperforming the movie industry's cluster of computers. The facility uses massively parallel imaging to create images with high resolution and detail, allowing scientists to better understand complicated systems.
A Chinese nurse, Hong Li, has launched a groundbreaking nursing research project in China, studying the role of families in caring for elderly patients with cancer. The project aims to improve care by enhancing collaboration between nurses and families, and its findings have already attracted interest from other hospitals.
Researchers found that a specific Apo-E gene variant increases the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) in current smokers, with men carrying the E4 version facing a three times higher risk. The study suggests that quitting smoking can reduce this risk and highlights the importance of reducing smoking to avoid CHD.
The American Sociological Association presents annual awards to recognize outstanding contributions to the profession of sociology. Winners are selected for their scholarly work, teaching, and practical applications, aiming to advance the discipline and public good. Recipients include researchers, educators, and practitioners who have ...
Dr. Barr will investigate the relationship between rising acetaminophen use and a 20-year increase in asthma prevalence, exploring potential mechanisms behind the association. The research aims to inform treatment strategies and public education about pain medication use.
Researchers at UC Davis have found that genes in one part of a plant can override the genetic program in a distant part, changing how it grows. They also developed a new method to permanently bind radioactivity to antibodies to deliver cancer treatment.
The study found that many young people from ethnic minorities are happy with Bradford, seeing it as a socially benign multi-cultural environment. However, there is a growing mismatch between their aspirations and the harsh realities of the labour market, leading to feelings of disposability.