A study of 44 North Carolina farmworkers found that 65 occurrences of green tobacco sickness, including nausea and dizziness, were reported over a 10-week period. The researchers believe the actual prevalence may be higher due to non-participating workers.
A brief non-confrontational intervention program significantly reduced alcohol-related problems among high-risk college-age drinkers, with 43% of participants dropping out of the high-risk category. The program showed long-lasting effects over four years.
Researchers discovered a link between plant hormone auxin and stress response, mediated by the BIG protein. The study also found that IP3 acts as a second messenger in plant cell signaling.
The Southern Highlands region of Tanzania is facing significant biodiversity loss due to widespread harvesting of African orchids. The Wildlife Conservation Society is working to establish a national park in the region to protect the area's floral significance and prevent further depletion of the species.
Researchers at the University of Florida found that undercharged air conditioners use more electricity, leading to increased energy bills. They estimate that consumers can recover the cost of charging their systems in three months by simply topping off the charge.
Research found that heavy rainfall precedes most waterborne disease outbreaks in the US, with extreme precipitation levels increasing outbreak risk. The study analyzed data from 1948-1994 and found a significant association between precipitation and waterborne disease outbreaks.
Researchers have developed a mouse model that can be infected with the hepatitis C virus, allowing them to test new therapies and study viral replication. This breakthrough could lead to the development of a cure for the disease, which affects an estimated 175 million people worldwide.
A new movie from NASA's Near Earth Asteroid Rendezvous (NEAR) mission showcases the final moments of the NEAR Shoemaker spacecraft's yearlong orbit at asteroid 433 Eros. The minute-long video, produced by imaging team member Mark Robinson, offers a close-up view of the asteroid's varied terrain and features.
A clinical study of 800 people with Long QT Syndrome found that an individual's own characteristics and electrocardiogram findings are the major determinants of risk for sudden death. This challenges the long-held assumption that family history plays a role in determining the risk.
Researchers used genetic tools to create mouse models of gliomas, revealing that the timing of PDGF expression can determine glioma characteristics. These findings suggest that drugs promoting glial cell differentiation may be effective for low-grade gliomas.
A UCSF study of 1219 women found that 44.3% opposed mandatory reporting of domestic violence, with those who were young, non-white, and non-English speakers more likely to oppose it. The study suggests policy makers consider developing IPV reporting policies that balance patient autonomy with protection from abuse.
A longitudinal study of Bosnian refugees found that those who experienced mass violence and torture continue to suffer from depression and posttraumatic stress disorder. The study highlights the importance of long-term mental health initiatives for recovery efforts, especially for elderly and disabled individuals.
Researchers examine how personality, culture, and group dynamics influence behavior and health outcomes in isolated environments. They also investigate the risks of space radiation exposure on astronauts' bodies, aiming to identify traits that maximize crew functioning and reduce individual and group problems.
Researchers have developed a mouse model that replicates the clinical features of type 2 diabetes, enabling studies on pathogenesis and testing of new therapies. The strain of mice, generated by selectively mutating an insulin-like receptor in muscle cells, fully recapitulates the disease's progression.
A team of scientists has genetically engineered a salt-tolerant tomato plant that can grow in irrigation water with high salt concentrations. The plant produces a naturally occurring protein that removes salt from the soil, allowing it to maintain quality and productivity.
A clinical trial found that marimastat produced comparable one-year survival rates to chemotherapy drug gemcitabine in patients with localized pancreatic cancer. Fewer toxic side effects were reported in patients taking marimastat compared to gemcitabine.
Ketek has been granted marketing authorisation by the European Commission for treating community-acquired respiratory tract infections, including those caused by resistant bacteria. The approval follows positive opinion from the Committee for Proprietary Medicinal Products and will be available in all 15 EU-Member States.
The UC Davis Department of Biomedical Engineering has been awarded a $12 million grant by the Whitaker Foundation to support its research programs and faculty recruitment. The grant will help establish the department as a leading center for biomedical engineering in the US, with a focus on genomics and imaging technology.
Boston University has received a $14 million Leadership Award to enhance its standing in biomedical engineering, while UC Davis has received a $12 million Leadership-Development Award for its visionary plan. Both institutions will use their awards to link genomics with organ-level physiology and improve medical applications.
The study identifies the carbohydrate response element-binding protein (ChREBP) as a key player in transforming excess glucose into fat. ChREBP binds to specific genes, activating enzymes that catalyze the transformation of excess glucose into fat, which can lead to weight gain.
A new study by Penn State researchers reveals that managed care plans' use of performance measures can lead to improved quality of care, but significant variations in effectiveness remain. The study found that tightly integrated relationships between healthcare providers and the plan are key factors in delivering high-quality care.
A recent study found that 85% of injection drug users in Baltimore obtained some needles from street sellers, highlighting the need for improved needle exchange programs. The study suggests that individually sealed syringes could be a game-changer in reducing the transmission of blood-borne diseases.
A new University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill study found that 13 children died playing Little League baseball between 1987 and 1996. The research also revealed that ball-related mishaps totaled 15,266, with batters suffering most of those injuries. Face and teeth injuries accounted for 12,306 incidents, mostly to fielders.
A Virginia Tech accounting professor has received a research award for his contributions to government accountability and financial reporting. His research, which spans 19 years, has influenced the development of guidelines on entity identification in government financial statements.
Researchers at Virginia Tech have discovered a way to stimulate the production of Vitamin C in lettuce and other plants using rat genes. This breakthrough could lead to longer shelf life and improved nutrition, particularly in developing countries where access to fresh produce is limited.
A Temple University geologist and his team were visiting Mt. Etna when they received word of an impending eruption, which was predicted to the minute. The team had been working on a sensor that measures gas composition to predict eruptions, and their prediction marked a potential breakthrough in volcanic prediction.
A USC neuroscientist re-analyzed data from the Viking landers, finding a distinct biological rhythm in the soil that suggests the presence of life. The signal has a precise circadian rhythm of 24.66 hours, entrained to temperature fluctuations on Mars.
Myocarditis is an inflammatory condition that can trigger an autoimmune response, leading to heart failure. Researchers have identified complement and its receptors as key players in this process, shedding light on potential therapeutic approaches for treatment of human autoimmune diseases.
Researchers have decoded the genome of Sinorhizobium meliloti, a bacterium that fixes atmospheric nitrogen for plants. The complete genome map could improve crop yields while reducing fertilizer use, contributing to more sustainable agriculture.
Researchers developed an equation using probit analysis that accurately predicted up to 97% of at-large selections from 1994-2001. The model used objective team data and RPI ratings, and was applied retroactively to predict actual tournament picks.
A recent study by Carnegie Mellon University found that attending to a conversation significantly distracts the brain from processing complex visual information. Brain activity decreased by 29% when participants were simultaneously listening to a sentence and doing a complex visual task.
Studies reveal a connection between neuronal plasticity and chronic neuropathic pain. Gene therapy targeting protein kinase C shows promise in reducing sensitivity to pain. Such findings may lead to innovative treatments for persistent and debilitating pain conditions.
Infants begin learning from birth and can distinguish consonant and vowel sounds in any language by 12 months. The study suggests that early identification of children with language difficulties allows for intervention, enabling them to develop their maximum potential.
Researchers found that the New York City outbreak of West Nile virus in 1999 may have had up to 13,000 infections, including 1,700 febrile cases. Older adults and those without mosquito repellent were at higher risk for severe illness.
A broad consortium of scientists proposes developing ecological forecasting to forecast environmental changes, protect ecosystems, and predict the impacts of global warming. The initiative aims to improve planning and decision-making by providing reliable forecasts of ecosystem state and services.
Hydrogenosomes evolved from mitochondria in response to drastic ecological changes, displaying both species-specific and conserved features. The research team found that the contents and form of hydrogenosomes differ across species, with some resembling mitochondria.
The study highlights the loss of large predatory fish as a key factor in altering marine food webs, leading to changes in ecosystem composition. Historical records suggest that fishing impacts may have begun thousands of years ago, contributing to current ecosystem level changes.
Researchers at Newcastle University found that catastrophic damage to the 800-year-old coral reefs occurred during exceptionally warm weather in 1998. The damage is expected to take over 100 years to rectify, according to Dr. Peter Mumby. The study highlights the devastating impact of global warming on these unique ecosystems.
Researchers have made a breakthrough in understanding a perovskite-related oxide with an extremely high dielectric constant, which remains stable over a wide temperature range. The material's unique property is attributed to the rearrangement of atomic charges without structural distortion.
A team of scientists at North Carolina State University and Yale University have analyzed the function of all proteins in yeast, discovering novel protein interactions that will require further examination. This breakthrough could lead to better understanding of protein functions in more complex organisms, including humans.
Two new antiprogestin drugs show promise in reversible suppression of menstruation in rhesus macaque monkeys. The treatments block effects of estrogen on the uterus, preventing build-up of endometrial cells and potentially reducing symptoms of endometriosis. This could lead to relief for women suffering from distressing complaints.
A new model for detecting early meningitis epidemics in sub-Saharan Africa has been developed, using weekly incidence thresholds to identify outbreaks. The model uses clinic-based weekly incidence of 5-10 cases per 100,000 inhabitants to detect all meningitis epidemics with high sensitivity.
A UC Davis study finds that syringe-exchange programs reduce HIV risk among injection drug users, with benefits seen in studies conducted in the US and internationally. The programs appear to be most effective when they are the only source of clean needles available.
Brookhaven National Laboratory scientists have developed a cobalt-free alloy that can store more charge and resist corrosion, leading to longer battery life. The discovery could lead to more affordable electric vehicles.
Researchers found that infliximab treatment reduced ocular inflammation and symptoms in patients with Behcet's disease, including those at risk of permanent blindness. The study suggests TNF blockade as a new therapy for sight-threatening uveitis and severe vasculitic manifestations.
Researchers at UNC Chapel Hill found a previously unknown binding site on RNA polymerase, dramatically increasing the speed of DNA-to-RNA conversion. This discovery has significant implications for understanding gene expression and regulation in cells, particularly in cancer research.
A new study reveals that exposure to pesticides and solvents in men is associated with lower sperm threshold values and changes in hormone concentrations, particularly affecting primary infertility. The research highlights the potential impact of environmental factors on male reproductive health.
Researchers examined paleoecological records, archaeological sites, and historical documents to calibrate their understanding of coastal marine ecosystems. They found that human disturbance led to changes in ecosystem structures and functions, with many species becoming ecologically extinct.
Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago have discovered a new way to identify prions, the causative agents of mad-cow and Creutzfeldt-Jakob diseases. The study used yeast to pinpoint unidentified prions, which may be related to the sudden appearance of CJD in older adults.
The Frontiers in Physiology program provides laboratory research experience to middle- and high-school-level teachers, learning effective education strategies and sharing experiences. Teachers participate in experiments, such as studying Siamese Fighting Fish behavior and exploring factors affecting blood flow and pressure.
Researchers found a connection between a specific gene variation and recurrent miscarriages, with women carrying the variation having a 1.6-fold increased risk of pregnancy loss. The study suggests that nitric oxide plays a mediating role in early pregnancy and may be linked to impaired placental function.
PENNTAP, a leading technical assistance provider, has helped Mexico establish a new technical assistance program. The program focuses on automotive service shops, software development, and metalworking sectors with an emphasis on environmental protection.
The Deep Gulf of Mexico Benthos project aims to study the structure and functions of deepsea life forms, with a focus on the ecological impact of offshore oil production. The research team will collect data on ocean floor ecology, including biodiversity, species abundance, and environmental contamination.
A leading economist argues that the UK's National Health Service (NHS) is in 'political denial' about the need for rationing due to inefficient practices and a lack of evidence-based policies. The expert suggests targeting cost-effective activities to maximize health improvements using limited resources.
A recent study finds that decades-long declines in marine life populations are linked to centuries-old overfishing practices. Overfishing has caused significant ecological damage, including the loss of underwater kelp forests and seagrass beds, which have cascading effects on entire ecosystems.
A one-year pilot study will examine the effects of smoked cannabis on chronic neuropathic pain, with a focus on dosing and side effects. The trial will recruit 32 patients and use four strains of cannabis to assess pain intensity and quality of life.
Historical records show that humans exploited coastal resources thousands of years ago, leading to the decline of top predators and smaller species. Wise management strategies, such as restoring native oysters and promoting aquaculture, can help conserve water quality and create habitats for fish and shellfish.
The Brookhaven/Caithness technology recovers silica from low-salinity geothermal brine, producing 99.9% pure silica with lower maintenance costs. This innovation could lead to new industries and employment opportunities in regions rich in geothermal resources.
A statistical analysis of 47 randomized trials involving 18,000 women found that chemotherapy improves survival time adjusted for quality of life for both younger and older women. Younger women treated with chemotherapy gained an average of 10.3 months of relapse-free survival within 10 years.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute develop cyclic peptide nanotubes that disrupt bacterial cell walls, killing deadly pathogens. These 'nanotube' stacks have strong bactericidal activity and may minimize resistance development.