The largest US study on osteoporosis risk factors found that almost half of women over 50 are at risk for the bone disease. The study, led by Dr. Ethel Siris, highlights the need for more women to get tested and treated for osteoporosis, as it can lead to debilitating fractures.
Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center used PET scanning to assess abnormal energy metabolism in the hearts of young patients with fatty acid metabolism disorders. They found that affected children have a diminished capacity to use fatty acids and experience metabolic crises if untreated.
The Louisa Gross Horwitz Prize recognizes the groundbreaking work of Dr. Avram Hershko and Dr. Alexander Varshavsky on the ubiquitin system, which regulates protein balance in cells. Their research has far-reaching implications for understanding cellular processes and diseases like cancer and neurodegenerative disorders.
Durable responses were reported with Bexxar in a clinical trial of 582 patients with relapsed or refractory low-grade NHL. A total of 57% of patients achieved an overall response, while 28% showed a complete response. The average follow-up was 1.3 years, and half of the patients remained in remission for over 14 months.
A new nuclear medicine procedure has received preliminary approval for a clinical trial to diagnose inhalation anthrax in its earliest stages. The technique uses a 99mTc-labeled monoclonal antibody to detect the infection before other diagnostic tests can, enabling early treatment and reducing long-term antibiotic use.
A new study contradicts European clinical trials that excluded stroke patients with early ischemic changes from thrombolytic treatment. After analyzing CT scans, the study found no association between t-PA treatment and increased risk of adverse outcomes in patients with early ischemic changes.
Researchers have found that protease inhibitors used in AIDS treatment can lead to severe cardiovascular problems by accumulating a certain apolipoprotein in liver cells. This accumulation causes the liver cell to release excessive lipoprotein particles into the bloodstream, increasing the risk of heart disease.
Researchers use fractal models to study blue jets and starters, finding they are made of small streamers rather than a solid column. Blue jets propagate slowly from clouds to ionosphere, while starters travel shorter distances with low charge input.
A recent study by Columbia researchers suggests that low doses of radiation can cause widespread mutations in living cells, even if they only affect a small percentage of the population. The findings highlight the importance of considering the 'bystander effect' when assessing radiation exposure risk.
Acceleron Electron Beam has secured a $525,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Energy to develop and commercialize a new non-vacuum electron-beam welding technique that can make welds deeper and narrower than conventional techniques, while increasing production rates and reducing costs.
Professor Christer Bruun of the University of Toronto reveals that ancient Rome's aqueducts were technological marvels that brought clean water to over 1 million people. The Romans separated high-quality water for drinking from water used for flushing, a practice still lacking in many modern cities, including Canada.
A study published in Neuroscience found that the primary role of the startle reflex is to defend the body against strong impact stimuli, such as head blows. The research suggests that humans have the same timing as rats and that the startle response protects against these types of impacts.
Researchers at Columbia University have discovered a treatment for heart failure by correcting a specific cellular defect. Beta blockers prevent the excessive phosphorylation of the ryanodine receptor, allowing it to respond to signals and release calcium ions as needed. This finding offers new hope for treating heart failure.
The HomeChoice Pediatric dialysis system is designed to meet the special needs of young patients with ESRD, offering a safe and flexible option for administering dialysis at home. The system integrates Baxter's PD Link software, enabling remote monitoring and data analysis.
Researchers found that a specific mutation in collagen II affects the interaction with another collagen, leading to cartilage damage and osteoarthritis progression. The study's results provide insight into how mutations in collagen genes contribute to the disease.
Researchers at USC have discovered an increase in BACE enzymes in patients with inclusion-body myositis (IBM), a crippling muscle disease. The findings suggest that cholesterol may play a role in the production of toxic amyloid-ß protein, which could lead to new treatment options for both IBM and Alzheimer's disease.
Astronomers have shed new light on dark matter distribution by tracing it closely to galaxy patterns. They found that dark matter is distributed in a parallel pattern to galaxies and makes up about seven times more mass than ordinary matter.
Scientists took detailed measurements of a pollution plume containing Gobi desert dust and hydrocarbons on both sides of the Pacific, revealing elevated levels of pollutants. The study shows that Asian air pollution can affect air quality in North America, with significant implications for climate change.
A University of Toronto study found that women sexually assaulted by their husbands are more likely to inform police sooner than those sexually abused by boyfriends or acquaintances. The study also found that victims of spousal sexual abuse are more likely to seek treatment and consent to forensic evidence collection.
A Mayo Clinic study investigated the impact of intercessory prayer on patients' medical outcomes, finding no significant difference between the intervention group and control group. The study highlights the importance of addressing spiritual needs in patients, which may facilitate recovery from illness.
Researchers created high-resolution pseudo-images of minerals within basalt and bacterial growth, providing critical information about bacterial metabolism. The technique also creates three-dimensional images, allowing researchers to understand the complex relationships between microbes, minerals, and contaminants.
University of Colorado researchers have identified a protein called DAF-16 that controls lifespan in roundworms. This protein is part of a complex signaling pathway involving insulin and glucose, and its presence or absence affects an organism's lifespan.
A team of MIT researchers led by Susan Murcott aims to provide clean drinking water for people in developing countries. They have developed a system that can remove particles and microorganisms from water, which is crucial for preventing waterborne diseases in rural areas like Nepal.
Researchers found that nearly half of online cigarette vendors are located in New York State, with many operating in tobacco-producing states. The study highlights the need for stronger regulation and enforcement to prevent underage sales and protect public health.
Exanta shows comparable efficacy to warfarin in preventing stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation, with the added benefit of no dose titration or routine coagulation monitoring. The THRIVE programme also highlights Exanta's promise in treating venous thromboembolism.
The University of Rhode Island Oceanographers have been awarded a grant to develop a new RAFOS float, which will improve the measurement of ocean currents. The new float will be constructed at GSO's Narragansett Bay Campus and will meet the needs of other RAFOS float users while keeping production costs low.
The Southern African Regional Science Initiative (SAFARI 2000) study investigated coupled land-atmosphere processes associated with aerosols and trace gases. Key findings show the impact of southern African emissions on climate, as visualized through satellite, airborne, and ground-based observations.
Two independent studies show that HIV infection increases T-cell death and proliferation, leading to a decline in CD4+ T cells. The accelerated division of existing T cells contributes to the immunodeficiency associated with HIV, rather than blocking new cell production.
A National Science Foundation-funded study is examining the theory that media messages received as early as middle school influence women and minority students' career choices. The research aims to create a new curriculum to educate teachers about media messages and career options, while collecting data on students' media habits.
Droplets in salt crystals from various times in Earth's history reveal changing levels of major chemical components dissolved in ocean water. Lawrence Hardie's theory suggests that these changes may have fueled a nanoplankton population boom, leading to massive chalk deposits.
A NASA study reveals that Zambia faces significant air quality challenges due to the transportation of pollutants across southern Africa. Ground-level ozone levels in Lusaka exceeded .90 parts per million during the day, posing serious health risks to local populations.
The online learning modules, developed by Johns Hopkins Professor Wilson Rugh, have won the 2001 Premier Award for Excellence in Engineering Education Courseware. The modules cover a wide range of concepts in signals, systems and control, providing interactive exercises and quizzes to assess learning.
A new global survey found that 91% of physicians prescribe MabThera for NHL, with 62% citing proven efficacy in combination with chemotherapy. Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma affects 1.5 million people worldwide, with Roche's MabThera showing improved survival rates when combined with conventional chemotherapy.
Researchers have developed a new technology-driven approach to improving sea-going investigations using high-speed wireless networking. The system will enable scientists on land to analyze data immediately and provide feedback to ships at sea, reducing costs and increasing data quality.
Scientists discover that the 'Sleeping Beauty' transposon can deliver gene sequences to correct congenital blood and immune system disorders prenatally. Jakub Tolar's presentation also shows bone marrow stem cells engraft and differentiate into brain and liver cells after in utero transfer.
A recent study found a significant association between low systolic blood pressure levels (below 130) and cognitive impairment in older patients with heart failure. The researchers suggest that routine management of heart failure should include assessment of cognitive performance to detect early signs of cognitive dysfunction.
Research reveals that Northwestern crows primarily monitor their surroundings for opportunities to steal food, rather than detecting predators. The birds use complex strategies to obtain food, including targeting invertebrates and smaller prey.
Researchers used computer models to simulate the effects of elevated carbon dioxide on cotton crop yields, predicting a 26-36% increase in yields. The study's findings suggest that climate change may have a positive impact on US cotton production.
A recent study at Duke University Medical Center found that letrozole, a new breast cancer treatment, was more effective than tamoxifen in shrinking tumors and reducing cell division. Patients taking letrozole showed significant tumor shrinkage and underwent fewer mastectomies compared to those on tamoxifen.
A new study from University of Colorado at Boulder shows that global temperatures have risen one degree Fahrenheit over the past 100 years, causing snow and ice to decline around the world. The Arctic region is particularly sensitive to temperature changes, with sea ice extent decreasing by about 3 percent per decade.
Large volcanic eruptions, such as Mount Pinatubo's 1992 eruption, trigger a response in plant ecosystems where they become more efficient at drawing carbon dioxide out of the air. This process is thought to be triggered by reduced direct sunlight allowing plants to photosynthesize more efficiently.
Researchers found that the MabThera plus CHOP combination significantly improves overall survival for patients with aggressive non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, with a 70% survival rate after 26 months. The treatment is also effective in treating indolent NHL, with up to 55% of patients remaining in remission at four years.
A study suggests that a massive release of frozen methane from ocean sediments may have warmed the prehistoric Earth around 55 million years ago. The researchers propose that similar scenarios could occur in the future if oceans warm substantially, highlighting the importance of considering multiple greenhouse gases beyond carbon dioxide.
A large-scale study has identified genetic links to schizophrenia in European-American and African-American families. The research found a positive association between chromosome 15 and schizophrenia in European-Americans, but no such link in African-Americans.
A new study finds that participating in religious holiday rituals can make couples more satisfied with their marriages. Researchers discovered that the meaning created in shared rituals has a stronger impact on marital satisfaction than just practicing these routines or the importance of religion in the family.
A multi-site clinical trial found that citalopram, a popular adult anti-depressant, may help relieve suffering in children and adolescents with depression. The study showed significant improvement in mood among patients receiving the drug compared to those taking a placebo.
A follow-up study found that vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) improved symptoms in 60% of patients who had failed multiple medications, with 20% experiencing complete symptom disappearance. The technique has been approved for treating epilepsy and is currently being studied for its long-term benefits in depression.
A two-step approach combining high-dose chemotherapy and autologous stem-cell rescue with mini-transplantation from a sibling significantly reduces transplant-related complications and increases survival rates for patients with advanced-stage multiple myeloma. The procedure results in mild to moderate treatment-related toxicities and a...
The Northeast Organic Network (NEON) will examine ways to enhance production and consumption of locally grown organic food in the Northeastern United States. Over two years, NEON will develop enterprise budgets and support tools to improve organic farming management.
Scientists have determined the three-dimensional structure of Death Associated Protein Kinase (DAPK) and created a quantitative assay to measure its activity. This breakthrough may lead to new drugs that can reduce cell damage following brain injuries and strokes.
A new test standard developed by NIST increases the accuracy of paternity testing through the use of 20 markers on the Y chromosome. The test helps simplify and validate DNA identification processes in forensic and human ID tests.
A new NASA climate model suggests that low solar activity during the Little Ice Age (1400s-1700s) triggered regional cooling in Europe and North America. The study found that a dimmer sun reduced westerly winds, leading to cold temperatures during winter.
The TIMED mission aims to study the Mesosphere and Lower Thermosphere/Ionosphere (MLTI), a gateway between Earth's environment and space. The 2-year mission will gather comprehensive global measurements of temperature, pressure, wind, chemical composition, and energy inputs and outputs in this region.
The study aims to determine whether modafinil can effectively treat excessive sleepiness and improve alertness in night shift workers with chronic Shift Work Sleep Disorder. Those most likely affected are individuals working non-traditional schedules, leading to increased risk of work-related injuries and accidents.
Research finds that economic interdependence, including capital market and monetary policy ties, inhibits conflict behaviors more effectively than trade ties. Countries can exert non-violent pressure and test resolve of economic partners, reducing the risk of war.
Researchers at Rockefeller University have developed a novel approach to combating antibiotic-resistant infections by using a natural enzyme derived from tiny viruses that live inside bacteria. This enzyme can target and kill disease bacteria on the surface of cells, providing an alternative method for combating resistant pathogens.
The ACCESS study confirms that Atacand improves outcomes for patients with acute ischaemic stroke and high blood pressure. Early treatment with Atacand reduces the risk of total mortality, cerebral complications, and cardiovascular complications by 47.5 percent.
A team of researchers led by Jeannie T. Lee has identified the CTCF protein as a central regulator of X-chromosome inactivation, sparking new insights into the mechanism behind this process. The discovery sheds light on how the developing embryo chooses which X chromosome to inactivate.
Natural history museums are critical forces for understanding and conserving the world's biological diversity. They must focus on conservation, make collections accessible, collect and disseminate information faster, engage local communities, and promote science-based advocacy to advance conservation goals.
Research suggests that a single enzyme, 11beta hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11 beta HSD-1), is involved in the accumulation of visceral fat and metabolic symptoms. Increasing this enzyme's activity in fat cells leads to obesity, diabetes, and other diseases.