The new Court Appointed Scientific Experts (CASE) project connects federal judges with credible experts to address complex scientific and engineering issues in courtrooms. By leveraging the AAAS's network of esteemed scientists and engineers, judges can better understand emerging technologies and make informed decisions.
The Merck Company Foundation and AAAS announced the 2001 winners of the expanded program providing research experiences in chemistry and biology for undergraduates. The awards aim to build bridges between chemistry and biology fields to encourage students to pursue graduate education.
The AAAS atlas shows how human activities affect natural resources, land use, and biodiversity. It provides case studies examining the relationship between population growth and environmental degradation in various regions.
The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) has launched a web-based forum on the debate over genetically modified foods, providing a balanced scientific view on related issues. The site features commentaries from top scientists, a glossary of terms, and a model curriculum for teaching genetic modification.
Researchers at Harvard University have created a powerful new tool to combat diabetes, identifying crucial genes responsible for pancreatic development. The discovery sheds light on the role of NGN3 and Pdx-1 in pancreatic development, offering hope for potential therapeutic usage.
The study identifies six transcripts whose up- or down-regulation in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) parallels the changes seen in anergic cells. Calmodulin suppression in RA is consistent and dramatic, suggesting a link between anergic cells and disease-associated T cells.
Researchers found that HBV polymerase mutations can restore viral replication rate while maintaining drug resistance, affecting treatment efficacy. Entecavir proved effective against even the most vigorous drug-resistant mutants, offering a promising alternative to lamivudine.
Researchers followed women with advanced disease to see which HIV variants remain after HAART. They found that R5 viruses can re-emerge as the predominant population following treatment.
A study published in Nicotine and Tobacco Research found that primary care physicians are more likely to provide smoking counseling than psychiatrists, particularly for patients with anxiety. Smokers with psychiatric conditions are less likely to receive quitting advice, highlighting the need for increased counseling efforts.
A study found that African-American light smokers face health risks despite low cigarette consumption, highlighting the need for physician attention. Light smokers were less likely to receive quit advice and follow-up appointments than moderate and heavy smokers.
Neuropathic Postural Tachycardial Syndrome (NPTS) affects approximately 500,000 people in the U.S., primarily women between 20 and 45. Researchers Dr. Giris Jacob and Dr. David Robertson found that NPTS can be caused by genetic mutations or disease after surgery, pregnancy, or inflammatory illness.
Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center found that fat cells can trigger insulin resistance in muscle and liver, leading to type 2 diabetes. The study, published in Nature, reveals a potential new target for diabetes treatment and prevention by disrupting the communication between fat cells and other tissues.
Agenerase ™ demonstrates promising once-daily dosing results, allowing for simplified HIV therapy. The amprenavir prodrug, VX-175, offers significant simplification of protease inhibitor-based treatment by enabling daily dosing of just two or three pills.
Researchers developed a computer program that provides bite-sized information on the most important findings, leading to a 34% decrease in antibiotic prescriptions for middle ear infections. The system helps doctors stay current with the latest research without overwhelming them.
Children with high blood cholesterol can benefit from a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet without adverse effects on growth or development. The Dietary Intervention Study in Children (DISC) found that reducing saturated fat and cholesterol intake lowered LDL cholesterol levels for up to three years.
A study conducted in southeast London found that Black Caribbean individuals have three times the rate of gonorrhoea and eight times the rate of chlamydia as black Africans. These disparities are attributed to factors such as deprivation, cultural variations, and behavior.
A new study found that women younger than 60 had a higher mortality rate after heart attacks than men of the same age, with an almost threefold higher risk for death. Researchers also discovered that inhaled insulin shows promise for treating type 2 diabetes, improving blood sugar control without serious side effects.
A large clinical trial found that hormone replacement therapy with estrogen and progestin did not increase or decrease the risk of stroke among postmenopausal women with heart disease. The study's lead author cautioned that the results may not apply to all women taking hormone therapy, and more research is needed.
Researchers found that triclosan is effective against malaria and toxoplasmosis parasites at low concentrations, without harming host cells. The study suggests combining triclosan with other inhibitors to disrupt fatty acid synthesis and prevent resistant microbes.
Researchers review vitamin C absorption and metabolism, suggesting re-evaluation of its use in treating cancer. New insights reveal differences between intravenous and oral administration routes.
A new study led by Thomas Jefferson University researchers found that once-a-day injections of the blood thinner enoxaparin sodium are just as safe and effective as twice-daily treatments in treating blood clots. This finding has significant implications for medical cost savings.
A recent study found that almost one in three young women under 25 are infected with chlamydia, compared to fewer than one in 10 older women. Regular screenings at six-month intervals can help prevent re-infections and infertility in this age group.
Despite low use rates among Canadian women aged 50-69, mammography screening remains incomplete, particularly in underserved communities. Organized programs and targeted education strategies can help address these gaps.
Biologists at UCSD discover how to genetically convert leaves into petals, a process made possible by the expression of five genes in leaves. The achievement has significant implications for plant development and could lead to the creation of novel plants with colorful, petal-like structures.
A UK study found that one in five patients with acute symptoms of a sexually transmitted infection are unlikely to be seen at a genitourinary medicine clinic within the recommended 48 hours. The study, which surveyed healthcare staff posing as patients, also revealed that those in certain regions faced even longer waits.
A new study published in the Journal of Behavioral Neuroscience found that extraverts show greater brain reactivity to positive images compared to introverts. The researchers used fMRI to measure brain responses to negative and positive images, and found associations between personality traits and neural activity in response to emotion...
Autonomous agents improved performance by communicating via message board, outperforming previous studies and human-programmed strategies
A recent study found that problem drinkers with HIV are more likely to take their medications off schedule, highlighting the importance of screening for alcohol problems among persons with HIV infection. Nearly half of problem drinkers reported taking medication off schedule during the previous week.
A new study reveals that legumes, such as beans, lentils, and peas, are rich in dietary fiber and resistant starch, which can help prevent cancer. Legumes contain substantially higher percentages of both nutrients compared to cereal grains and heavily processed flours.
A new test combining a vinegar solution with an HPV test accurately detects precancerous lesions and reduces false positives among African women, potentially saving thousands of lives. The test could be easily administered at home or in clinics, making it a game-changer for cervical cancer screening in developing countries.
Research by Sunyna Williams found that people are more honest about health risks when in relationships, but less so about matters of the heart. Couples tend to dispense with precautions like condoms too quickly, especially during closer relationship stages.
Researchers found that college students reading the New York Times online were less likely to read national, international, and political news compared to their paper-reading counterparts. This resulted in significant differences in readers' knowledge about public affairs.
Researchers discovered that touching plants can affect insect feeding behavior, with some species experiencing increased leaf area loss and death when visited. The study suggests that future ecological studies should consider the potential effects of researcher interactions on plant biology.
Researchers developed fiber-optic sensors to detect flaws in rails and wheels, improving train safety by pinpointing location, speed, and damage. The palm-sized sensors offer a fast and cost-effective method to detect deformities in rail-car wheels, reducing the risk of derailment.
A new superconducting magnet is being tested at the University of Illinois to enable precise measurements of the proton's magnetic moment and small-scale structures. The experiment, called G0, will use polarized electrons to scatter off liquid hydrogen and deuterium targets in the magnet.
Astronomers using the Chandra X-ray Observatory discovered a complex shape of the Cat's Eye Nebula, which is driven by hot gas. The team also found an unexpected X-ray source at the central star, sparking questions about its formation.
A new study by Imperial College scientists found that the power law used to determine the relationship between plant species and land area is not scale-invariant. Species richness accumulated rapidly at intermediate scales, rather than being constant as previously believed. This finding has significant implications for conservation stu...
Researchers at Imperial College London developed a novel magnetic material dubbed 'Swiss Rolls' that guides radio-frequency magnetic flux in MRI scanners, producing undistorted images. The material's periodic array of structures helps direct magnetic flux from the body to receiver coils with minimal leakage.
A new study reveals that the amygdala plays a pivotal role in initiating memory storage by deciding which experiences are important enough to store based on emotional significance. The research uses male rabbits and temporarily disables the amygdala, leading to a breakdown of learning-related changes in other brain regions.