Zoologists at UC Berkeley have discovered a new species of salamander in southeastern Mexico that was mistaken for another species due to identical appearance. DNA analysis revealed the two species evolved from different ancestors despite shared adaptations to burrowing.
Scientists have discovered a significant component of the ocean's carbon cycle, with photosynthetic bacteria found in virtually every surface water sample. These aerobic photoheterotrophic bacteria can produce organic matter and supply up to 40% of their energy from sunlight.
Researchers found that HAART decreased the HIV death rate to 38 percent of pre-HAART levels and opportunistic infections to 66 percent, supporting its effectiveness in advanced patients. The study analyzed data from 528 advanced AIDS patients who received HAART for an average of 15 months.
A new study has found that children conceived through assisted reproduction have stable and satisfying marriages, psychologically healthy parents, and well-adjusted children. The research also suggests that the absence of a genetic link between fathers and children does not interfere with developing positive relationships.
The Michigan Media Award for Excellence in Coverage of Women and Gender recognizes outstanding media coverage of issues concerning women. This year's winners, Susan Ferraro (New York Daily News) and Women's E-news, were selected for their excellent coverage of women's health care issues and neglected topics.
Couples seeking preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) for single gene disorders or to avoid chromosomal abnormalities have differing views on embryo destruction and genetic trait selection. The study found that most couples prioritize having a healthy child over preventing genetic transmission of inherited mutations.
The Ohio State genome map contains 66,000 genes, which is more than double the earlier estimates of 35,000 genes. The map provides annotations that explain the function of all genes, including tissue-specific genes that are active in some tissues but not others.
A new study, involving over 400 families from four European countries, has found no evidence of emotional problems among ART parents. The research also revealed that ART fathers have a warmer and less authoritarian relationship with their children.
Researchers have discovered a potential cause of male infertility, identifying the ZNF214 gene as a candidate gene. The gene is linked to impaired spermatogenesis and may be inherited from mothers. Further research will help understand its role in sperm production and develop targeted treatments.
The European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology is advocating for testosterone therapy in older men due to the increasing prevalence of age-related symptoms such as low energy, depression, and erectile dysfunction. Testosterone replacement therapy has been shown to alleviate these symptoms, particularly in men over 50 years old.
A team of scientists discovered a stable strain of bacteria living in a specific type of sea sponge, found along the Great Barrier Reef near Australia. The presence of this bacterium is linked to the health of the sponge and has potential as a model for finding new medicinal compounds.
Researchers found that raloxifene stimulates cell growth in ovarian adenocarcinoma cells with estrogen receptors, increasing the risk of recurrence. The study suggests caution for women with a history of breast cancer and estrogen receptor-positive ovarian cancer.
The number of multiple births per embryo transfer decreased from 29.6% to 26.3% in Europe between 1997 and 1998. The proportion of twin deliveries fell from 25.8% to 23.9%, while triplet births declined from 3.6% to 2.3%.
Scientists have found that teenage girls with Turner's syndrome still possess follicles in their ovaries, which may enable them to produce eggs. This breakthrough discovery provides a glimmer of hope for these women who are usually infertile due to the syndrome. Further research is needed to confirm the findings and explore the possibi...
The study suggests KETEK is an effective option for treating community-acquired respiratory tract infections, which cause 50 million deaths globally each year. KETEK demonstrated high activity against a range of bacteria, including pneumococci and S. pyogenes, with up to 99.6% susceptibility
A new study suggests tamoxifen may decrease risk of first breast cancer but increase risk of estrogen-receptor negative, more difficult-to-treat contralateral tumors in the opposite breast.
A recent study published by the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology found that women who smoke more than 10 cigarettes a day have a significantly lower chance of IVF success. The implantation rate for non-smokers was 22.7%, compared to 15.1% for women smoking over 10 cigarettes a day.
Research suggests that bowel cancer screening strategies targeting solely individuals with a family history may have limited impact on reducing mortality from colorectal cancer. In fact, the study found that around 85% of bowel cancers develop in people without a family history, highlighting the need for more widespread screening.
A UCSF study reveals that uninsured patients with chronic illnesses face significant challenges in managing their conditions, including poor symptom recognition and limited access to medication. This can lead to greater illness severity and premature death. Free community clinics are crucial for addressing these disparities.
Physicists at Georgia Institute of Technology create Bose-Einstein condensates using an all-optical technique, confining rubidium-87 atoms with carbon dioxide lasers. This method is simpler and faster than magnetic confinement, allowing for a wider range of atoms to be used.
Postmenopausal women taking hormone replacement therapy for less than one year had a 25% increase in risk for recurrent heart disease, while those taking hormones for two years or longer had decreased risk. UTI patients successfully diagnosed and managed their own care with short-term antibiotics.
Researchers found brain areas that track continuous event boundaries, even in passive viewing, suggesting a natural process of segmentation. This study has practical implications for designing better tools for teaching new activities and understanding perception across time.
A team of researchers from Penn State has successfully developed a polymer coating that adheres to the surface of optical glass, particularly phosphate glasses. This breakthrough enables new applications for these glasses in fields such as optics and photonics.
A team of scientists will explore the Gulf of Mexico's extreme environments, including brine pools and cold seeps, to better understand their role in global warming. They will collect samples and study microbial processes to gain insights into methane oxidation and nutrient concentrations.
A study of 84 Australian children with asthma found that family environment plays a significant role in their experience. Children from stable families with defined roles, rules, and emotional support were less distressed by symptoms.
A study by Gladstone researchers has identified a specific gene that contributes to the development of tuberculosis. The discovery highlights the importance of recruiting immune cells in controlling the disease, and raises concerns about the potential risks of CCR2 drugs.
Scientists investigated subducting lithosphere and deep earthquakes near Fiji, finding a group of deep earthquakes off to the side that cannot be connected to the actively subducting lithosphere. The researchers suggest that similar slabs may exist elsewhere, preserving a significant primordial component of the mantle.
A recent study by Dr. Gianpiero Palermo and his team found that ICSI children are developing normally, with no significant delays in cognitive abilities, socio-emotional development, or motor skills. The study contradicts previous concerns about the ICSI technique's impact on babies' development.
A study reveals that nearly half of all emergency department visits involve drinking before arrival, with significant correlations to self-harm, assaults, and hospital admissions. The findings suggest a growing trend among women who drink at lower levels than men, contributing to alarming rates of alcohol-related deaths in Scotland.
A new study at Ohio State University found that using an extended sector biopsy technique can detect cancer in 13.5% more men than traditional methods. The additional tissue samples improved the accuracy of prostate cancer diagnoses, particularly for cancers detected inside the gland.
The RNA Invader assay directly detects gene expression levels from crude cell samples, eliminating costly and time-consuming steps. This technology allows for precise quantification of small changes in biologically significant genes.
Researchers discover bacterial toxin ST can slow down metastatic colorectal cancer tumor growth by targeting GCC receptor. GCC is a protein marker on cancer cells that allows scientists to detect if they have spread, and it can also be used as a diagnostic tool.
Researchers at University of Michigan and Northwestern University emphasize the importance of social and organizational readiness, technological readiness, rewards and incentives, and finding time in collaboratories. These factors enable effective collaboration and innovation in scientific practice.
Johns Hopkins undergraduates designed an aluminum lifting device to make playgrounds more accessible to children with limited mobility. The device features a 3-foot-square passenger compartment that can support 500 pounds and is powered by compressed air, providing a safe and efficient solution.
A new syndrome, Testicular Dysgenesis Syndrome (TDS), is being linked to declining male fertility rates, testicular cancer, and reproductive issues in men. TDS may be caused by genetic or environmental factors, resulting in maldeveloped testes and a range of symptoms including undescended testicles, hypospadias, and poor semen quality.
Researchers warn that angiogenesis therapy could trigger growth in abnormal tissue, increase artery-clogging plaque, and stimulate inflammatory response. Despite these potential complications, the authors remain hopeful that the therapy will ultimately prove effective and safe.
The SoyFACE experiment is the first test of crop growth in the presence of both increased carbon dioxide and ozone. This summer, researchers will evaluate how soybeans respond to higher CO2 levels and ozone exposure on 40 acres with 24 experimental rings.
Researchers found that Shigella bacteria can survive for up to six days in refrigerated conditions and rapidly multiply at room temperature. Properly storing fruits and vegetables and thoroughly washing them are crucial to removing pathogens like Shigella from produce.
A study published in Cognitive Therapy and Research found that life experiences at home significantly influence a child's perception of control, academic performance, and relationships. Children whose parents promote original thinking and independence exhibit stronger feelings of control.
Researchers developed a new phased-array transducer system that enables electronic scanning of the prostate, reducing the need for mechanical adjustments. The design uses separate elements and adjusted signal timing to move the focus electronically.
Researchers have successfully used frozen ovarian tissue to induce live births in large mammals, including lambs. The study offers a promising solution for women who become infertile due to cancer treatments, providing an alternative to traditional fertility preservation methods.
A strong association has been found between depression and osteoporosis, with depressed individuals experiencing lower bone mineral density. Research suggests that depression may contribute to hormonal abnormalities leading to bone loss and changes in body composition.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology found a direct positive relationship between lifetime female sexual partners and the risk of prostate cancer in middle-aged men. Men with 30 or more partners had over twice the risk of developing prostate cancer compared to those with fewer partners.
Researchers develop AI-powered system to provide real-time characterization of ice buildup on wings, enhancing pilot decision-making and aircraft stability. The smart ice-management system aims to improve safety for pilots flying in severe icing conditions.
Researchers have developed a new radiation therapy technique that shows significant improvement over traditional methods in treating brain tumors in infants. The treatment uses high-intensity synchrotron sources to confine x-rays to extremely narrow slices, resulting in reduced damage to surrounding tissue.
Researchers discovered that introducing a tiny mutation in the telomerase enzyme can trigger a DNA damage response, inducing cell-cycle arrest or cell death in human cancer cells. This approach could lead to a new therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment.
Researchers at WashU Medicine discovered an antibody that targets a specific region of the amyloid-beta protein, drawing it out of the brain and into the blood. The study found that mice treated with the antibody developed fewer amyloid plaques in their brains than control animals.
Two UK studies reveal that NHS Direct led to a significant decrease in Accident and Emergency department visits, with a substantial reduction in staff time needed. However, the rise in hospital switchboard calls indicates that more people need medical advice, highlighting the need for increased NHS Direct usage.
A UK doctor suggests that preventing coronary disease begins with the fetus's growth and nutrition. The
Researchers have developed a new fertility test kit that measures natural levels of fertility in couples trying to conceive. The kit assesses the concentration of motile sperm in men and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels in women, providing an early warning system for potential infertility issues.
A new technique uses GPS signals to collect environmental data, reducing the size and cost of instrumentation. The system is promising for studying ocean-related conditions and global climate change, with potential applications in satellite systems and unmanned aerial vehicles.
Research suggests that brown dwarfs don't require special conditions to form, but rather are ejected from multiple-star systems due to gravitational interactions. This process affects their growth and ultimately determines their fate as either a normal star or a brown dwarf.
A study published in Spine found that patients with higher expectations for acupuncture or massage therapy experienced greater improvement in low back pain and function. Those with lower expectations showed only moderate improvement, highlighting the importance of considering patient expectations in treatment decisions.
A new study published in Pediatrics found that allopurinol significantly reduced seizures and cardiac events in infants with high-risk heart defects undergoing heart surgery. The study, led by Dr. Robert R. Clancy, used deep hypothermic circulatory arrest and randomized infants to receive either allopurinol or a placebo.
A recent study found that short periods of moderate exercise can improve overall mood, increase vigor, and decrease fatigue. However, further improvement was not seen with longer workout sessions.
A study published in American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that long-term contraceptives, such as Norplant, reduced second pregnancy rates among teens. Among the participants who chose these methods, only 11% became pregnant within a year, compared to 25% of those using oral contraceptives and 38% of those not using birth control.
A study found that emotional support was a significant predictor of better cognitive function in older adults, independent of other risk factors. Unmarried participants showed better cognitive function than married ones, suggesting that the presence of a spouse may have negative effects on cognition due to care burdens.
Researchers at Duke University used nuclear genes to analyze genetic material from 15 mammal species, providing statistically unambiguous results in favor of the Theria hypothesis. This contradicts the Marsupionta hypothesis supported by mitochondrial DNA method, which links disparate animals like kangaroos and whales.