Researchers found that a fish oil-rich diet protects against colon cancer, while a corn oil-diet appears to promote it. The scientists also discovered how cancer spreads among cells in the colon, with a new understanding of cell damage varying from bottom to top within crypts.
Researchers at North Carolina State University discovered that fire ant queens can alter the sex ratio of their colonies by limiting female eggs laid. This finding suggests a negotiated middle ground between queens and workers, who have competing interests in raising new colony members.
Scientists have successfully synchronized two independent femtosecond lasers to generate a single pulse of light exhibiting properties of both lasers. This breakthrough enables the creation of new shapes of light pulses that could not be achieved individually.
Prominent plant scientists share their perspectives on genetically modified crops, exploring their potential to address world hunger and improve nutrition. The publication addresses concerns over safety, regulation, and social impact, offering a science-based understanding of the GMO controversy.
The Center for the Advancement of Health is developing urban-life indicators to assess quality of life for minority populations. The project aims to identify key criteria and methods for ranking urban areas within specific quality-of-life domains.
Researchers analyzed data from electronic tags on Atlantic bluefin tuna, revealing significant insights into their migrations, diving patterns, and environmental preferences. The study found that Atlantic bluefin tuna often travel throughout the North Atlantic, with some individuals migrating between two distinct breeding populations.
A study by Johns Hopkins researchers found that church-based nutrition and exercise programs significantly reduced heart disease risk factors in African-American women. The program, which included on-site exercise and dietary activities, showed a 10% reduction in 11 of 13 risk factors for heart disease after one year.
A Belgian study of non-identical twins found that female twins prolong gestation by 0.4 weeks, resulting in a higher birthweight for their male co-twin. Birthweights of unlike-sex twins were also compared, with female twins having similar weights to same-sex twins but male twins weighing an average of 78g more.
Researchers have developed portable chemical sensors using shifting liquid crystals, which can detect environmental exposure to residential pesticides and monitor food spoilage. The sensors are extremely sensitive and quick, taking only seconds to complete detection and reset.
A Swedish study published in The Lancet found no association between antihypertensive drug treatments and an increased risk of cancer. The study analyzed 6600 patients with hypertension, randomly assigning them to three treatment strategies, and found no significant difference in cancer incidence between groups.
A hospital-based study in Malawi found that children with HIV were less likely to develop rotavirus infection and shed the virus, but were more likely to die from diarrhea. The study's results encourage further research into the safety of rotavirus vaccines for HIV-infected infants.
Adults with cystic fibrosis (CF) are susceptible to cross-infection, including superinfection, from Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Chronic colonization occurs in up to 80% of CF patients, leading to increased illness and death. Genotypic changes in strains suggest social contact is a common mode of transmission.
Researchers found that 20% of caterpillars died from parasitoid attacks, mostly from introduced species. The study highlights the importance of understanding ecological costs of biocontrol agents to prevent adverse cascading events in food chains.