Scientists found obese individuals have fewer dopamine receptors than normal-weight subjects, with the number decreasing as body mass index increases. Exercise has been shown to increase dopamine release and raise dopamine receptors in animal studies, suggesting it may help stimulate dopamine pleasure circuits.
Researchers found a correlation between lower dopamine receptor availability and higher BMI in severely obese individuals compared to control subjects. Exercise is recommended as the most practical application for improving dopamine receptors and reducing pathological overeating.
A new study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine shows that patients with heart failure can tolerate higher doses of ACE inhibitors without severe side effects. The research found that nearly all patients experienced only slight decreases in blood pressure and kidney function, which can be managed by adjusting the dose.
Scientists have discovered Wnt as an inhibitory factor in vertebrate heart development, with low activity leading to cardiogenesis. The research reveals a crucial mechanism in determining heart position.
A team of biologists led by Mark Springer at the University of California, Riverside and including Ronald DeBry of the University of Cincinnati report in Nature that an intensive analysis of DNA sequences provides strong support for a grouping dubbed Afrotheria.
Researchers at UCSD Cancer Center develop a two-drug combination that tricks leukemia-causing gene Bcr-Abl into committing suicide, achieving complete eradication of CML cells. The treatment uses STI571 and Leptomycin B to mobilize and trap the oncogene in the nucleus.
Researchers have found that leukemia cells resist apoptosis due to constitutive activation of STAT3 and/or STAT1. AG-490, a JAK inhibitor, promotes apoptosis in these cells by blocking STAT3 function.
A recent study published in Science found that tallgrass prairies have more variable plant growth than deserts, despite having less rainfall variability. This suggests that these ecosystems can respond to changes in precipitation patterns and may serve as an early warning system for climate change.
Research suggests that personality's role in high blood pressure may be less clear-cut than previously thought. The study found no evidence supporting the 'hypertensive personality hypothesis', contradicting previous findings that linked specific personality traits to hypertension. However, researchers speculate that personality may pl...
A study found that nearly one-third of primary care physicians do not discuss cancer screenings with their patients, citing lack of time and language barriers. The survey also revealed that many doctors would make decisions independently of patient preference, and some were less likely to discuss controversial tests like PSA measurements.
A new partial voice box resection procedure shows excellent local control and significant improvement in quality of life for patients with intermediate to advanced stage larynx cancers. This approach can provide a less drastic treatment option, reducing hardship on patients.
A study by University of Pennsylvania researchers found that the human myelocytomatosis (MYC) gene can induce spontaneous mutations in other genes, such as Nras or Kras2, leading to more tumor growth even after the MYC gene is shut off. This has implications for the search for therapeutics in cases of MYC-induced breast cancer.
A Wake Forest University School of Medicine professor is evaluating the impact of managed care patient protection laws on patient attitudes, behaviors, and access to care. The study will assess six states reflecting a range of legal and market conditions through extensive interviews and quantitative research techniques.
A new report by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill indicates a slight decrease in primary-care physicians in North Carolina, while showing significant growth in other healthcare professions. The number of primary-care specialists decreased by 16 doctors between 1998 and 1999, despite an overall positive trend.
A long-term study by Lehigh University researchers finds a strong link between severe physical discipline in preschool and later aggression. Children from low-socioeconomic backgrounds are more likely to develop aggressive behavior due to inadequate nurturing and stressful environments.
Scientists successfully used frozen human nerve cells to repair damaged spinal cords in an animal model of multiple sclerosis. The method may one day allow patients to use their own cells to treat demyelinating diseases.
Researchers at the University of Florida have found a new heat-based therapy that kills inoperable liver tumors without initiating an onslaught of harmful hormones. The technique, known as radiofrequency ablation, is less risky and cheaper than surgery or cold-based therapies.
A study by UW researchers found that genetic taste markers do not affect the enjoyment of chocolate, and that sweetness and fat can mask bitter flavors. The study showed that women who were more sensitive to bitter tastes preferred lattes over straight espresso coffee.
Researchers discovered that beneficial bacteria in the gut influence the expression of genes important to intestinal development and function. The study found that these microbes activate genes involved in sugar and fat absorption, cellular barrier integrity, and blood vessel formation.
A new study found that damage to the right prefrontal cortex, a small area in the brain's frontal lobes, is linked to impaired mentalizing, or understanding others' mental states. This deficit can affect empathy, sympathy, and social interactions.
Researchers at Whitehead Institute found key gene FLO11 required for fungal biofilm formation, which can cause serious infections in hip replacements. The discovery offers hope for preventing such infections in the future by understanding how fungi stick to plastic surfaces.
Researchers have found that dual electrical discharges associated with sprite creation can be separated by long intervals due to persistent cloud-to-ground currents. These currents, which can last up to 200 milliseconds, provide enough energy flow for the second burst to trigger the sprite.
The American Legacy Foundation has awarded $15 million to UCSF to establish a permanent internet access to tens of millions of pages of tobacco industry documents and develop a center for scholarly study. This move aims to improve research in the field and ensure accessibility to scholars, health advocates, and the public.
A Phase I study found that a dendritic cell vaccine extended median survival for patients with GBM by 455 days, compared to 257 days in the control group. The treatment elicited systemic immune responses and directed T-cells to the tumor site.
Researchers have identified a genetic mutation, FOXL2, responsible for early onset of menopause in some women, who may also be born with blepharophimosis. The discovery sheds light on the role of genetics in age-related changes and may lead to new insights into aging and reproductive health.
Researchers at The Scripps Research Institute propose a new therapeutic target to prevent tissue damage caused by stroke, complementing current clot-dissolving treatments. Administering a Src kinase inhibitor within hours of stroke may reduce brain injury and potentially prevent long-term neurological damage.
Red blood cells play a vital role in storing and releasing nitric oxide, a molecule that regulates blood flow and oxygen delivery. The findings could help improve understanding and treatment of diseases such as diabetes, sickle cell anemia, and high blood pressure.
A $2.75 million endowment will enhance Cranfield's research in nanotechnology, enabling the creation of new professorial posts and research fellowships. The donation is seen as a timely boost to support Britain's wealth creation through this key technology.
Researchers have found a fern that can soak up deadly arsenic from soil with staggering efficiency. The brake fern, Pteris vittata, accumulates high levels of arsenic, making it a promising candidate for cleaning up contaminated soils. This discovery has great potential for remediating toxic waste sites around the world.
A study by UK fertility experts found that natural cycle IVF can achieve comparable results to conventional treatment in 60-70% of cases, while reducing costs and risks. The approach is suitable for women with regular menstrual cycles and fallopian tube problems, but not for those with irregular ovulation or ICSI requirements.
Researchers have identified a pivotal early event in breast cancer development, where mammary epithelial cells spontaneously surmount senescence and acquire genomic instability. This finding could lead to new targets for very early detection and treatment of breast cancer, as well as broader implications for understanding carcinogenesis.
Jayraman et al. used fluorescent indicators to measure ASL salinity in normal human and CFTR-/- mice, finding no significant difference between the two groups. This noninvasive approach may provide new insights into lung diseases with poorly understood ASL properties.
A study by Stock et al. reveals that genetic disruption of the PGE2 receptor EP1 significantly reduces pain behavior and blood pressure responses to inflammation. The findings suggest that NSAID treatment's analgesic effect can be explained by inhibition of signaling through this single receptor type.
Research by Wayne Ahr and his team seeks to improve recovery methods for mature oil fields, aiming to extract between one-third and one-half of the remaining oil. The team uses computer modeling, geological analysis, and detergents to force out residual oil from porous rocks.
The universe consists mostly of mysterious dark matter and dark energy, which make up 95% of its mass. Ordinary matter accounts for only 5%, a finding confirmed by observations of the cosmic microwave background.
The Gault site in Texas holds the most intensively occupied Clovis site currently known in North America, revealing a 500-700 year progression of the Clovis culture. This unique campsite has yielded five stratigraphically separate occupational events, providing valuable insights into the earliest occupants of Texas and North America.
The Near Earth Asteroid Rendezvous (NEAR) mission will attempt a controlled descent to the surface of asteroid 433 Eros on February 12, gathering close-up pictures of its boulder-strewn surface. The primary goal is to study the asteroid's composition and behavior, with a secondary aim of practicing maneuvers for future landing missions.
Research published in Human Reproduction has shown that ovarian stimulation impairs embryo development and implantation in mice. Only 12% of embryos from superovulated mice implanted compared to 25% from control donors, highlighting adverse effects on both quality and fetal development.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital identify a new mechanism of breast cancer metastasis involving the growth of lymphatic vessels inside tumors. This discovery could lead to new approaches to treating and preventing cancer metastasis.
A preliminary study published in Operations Research found that free flight routing could lead to a significant reduction in mid-air collision risk, with a potential safety dividend of up to 69%. The study also suggests that shortened flight paths could result in reduced fuel consumption and increased flight frequencies.
UCB-Bioproducts is providing commercial quantities of bivalirudin for Angiomax, a thrombin-specific anticoagulant. The company's unique process technology enables the production of synthetic peptide-based APIs, and its regulatory support ensures compliance with FDA regulations.
Researchers at Texas A&M University have devised a method to stop light, utilizing the EIT phenomenon to slow down photons in a gas cell. This breakthrough could enable new applications for quantum computing and modern nonlinear optics.
Researchers at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center have developed a new mouse model that shows gene mutations leading to 100% prostate cancer incidence. This discovery provides insight into genetic variations causing more severe forms of prostate cancer in humans.
Researchers have developed a new test, SUTI, that can accurately diagnose male infertility by detecting high levels of ubiquitin antibodies on the surface of sperm cells. This method could lead to more accurate diagnoses and targeted treatment for couples struggling with infertility.
Lehigh University will partner with industry leaders to advance research and commercialization of optical technologies, including Lucent, Corning, and Sycamore Networks. The $1 million grant from the PA state will be used to develop a multi-institutional enterprise that aims to transform the regional economy.
Researchers at UNC-CH have successfully developed vaccines using plasmid DNA that can prevent and even halt the progression of insulin-dependent diabetes in laboratory mice. The study's findings offer new hope for treating this growing health threat in humans, with potential annual injections required.
Nagyvary's work has concentrated on a chemical approach to the unique Stradivarius sound, focusing on wood quality, filler, and varnish. He believes chemicals are the prominent reason why a Stradivarius has such a distinct sound, with spectroscopic tests confirming his results.
A new device that combines two sensors to measure glucose and insulin levels simultaneously could provide early warning for diabetics. This technology has the potential to help predict blood sugar changes and stave off complications such as kidney failure and heart disease.
Researchers found a significant association between chronic respiratory disease and periodontal disease in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Poor oral health worsens respiratory function and may increase risk of serious lower-respiratory-tract infections.
Researchers will examine genetic factors that might predispose people to ischaemic stroke, using a novel molecular strategy and data from 500 patients. The study aims to identify genes involved in stroke and develop new treatments, which could increase protection against subsequent strokes.
Research highlights ethnoracial differences in nicotine dependence among adolescent African Americans, suggesting culturally-relevant cessation treatment. Tobacco use disproportionately affects African Americans, increasing risk of smoking-related health issues.
A novel drug ALT-711 snips vascular collagen bonds, improving flexibility and reducing systolic blood pressure in older non-human primates. The treatment also increased blood flow through the heart, with effects persisting for over a year after administration.
Researchers at Howard Hughes Medical Institute have identified a link between faulty glycan construction and the onset of autoimmune diseases like lupus. Knocking out a gene involved in modifying sugar molecules on cell surfaces led to mice developing lupus-like abnormalities, including inflamed kidneys and autoreactive antibodies.
Researchers found that TV PSAs targeting teens with high sensation-seeking traits reduced their marijuana use by at least 26.7%. The campaigns also reversed the trend of more teens using marijuana as they get older.
Researchers engineered mice lacking a gene involved in iron metabolism and found progressive brain deterioration similar to Parkinson's Disease and Multiple System Atrophy. Iron deposits in key areas of the brain suggest a causative role for iron in these disorders.
A new study found that eating one medium-sized persimmon per day can help reduce the risk of heart disease by fighting atherosclerosis. Persimmons contain significantly higher levels of dietary fiber, minerals, and phenolic compounds than apples.
Researchers found that women who exercised on their own had better aerobic results than those in supervised groups. Exercise improved physical functioning by 5.7 points, with significant weight loss among tamoxifen users.
Researchers at the University of Adelaide have successfully produced a low-toxin white-vetch grain that can be safely consumed by monogastric species like pigs and poultry. The new variety has significant health benefits and marketing opportunities for farmers, offering a solution to previous export issues with toxic vetch grains.
The American Geophysical Union and the American Geological Institute conducted a survey of recent Ph.D. graduates in earth sciences, revealing significant shifts in job prospects and postdoctoral positions. 80% of geoscience Ph.D.s found jobs in the geosciences, with negligible unemployment rates compared to previous years.
Research found that periodontal disease may increase a person's risk for respiratory disorders like Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Patients with poor periodontal health had nearly a one-and-a-half times greater risk of developing COPD. Improved oral health may help prevent the progression of COPD.