UCSD bioengineers have fabricated cartilage tissue that mimics the structure and function of natural articular cartilage. The tissue is made entirely from biological materials and has shown promise in laboratory tests, with cells effectively secreting a key lubricant molecule.
A study of Scottish public opinion finds that Scots are disappointed with the level of political empowerment since devolution. Over seven in ten surveyed in 2000 believe the Scottish Parliament should matter more than Westminster.
A pediatrician at Brenner Children's Hospital has received a $2.25 million grant to study a violence prevention program that aims to help clinicians address key areas during office visits. The program, which will enroll over 5,720 patients across 220 physician practices nationwide, seeks to maximize recruitment in minority populations.
A study found that early exposure to a farming environment reduces the risk of childhood asthma and other allergic diseases. Children exposed to farms in their first year of life had lower rates of asthma, hay fever, and atopic sensitization compared to those exposed later.
A national survey found that women with children under 16 work about two and a half hours more per week than those without children, but this increase is not accompanied by improved satisfaction levels. The use of Information Technology (IT) in women's jobs has become a significant factor in increasing their working hours.
Recent research highlights the significance of sodium-calcium exchange in various physiological processes, including vision, secretion, and cardiac contractility. The study also explores its potential applications in cancer therapy and heart function.
A first-of-its-kind oral drug, bosentan, has been shown to reverse the deadly consequences of primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH) and improve patients' quality of life. By increasing exercise capacity and improving heart function, bosentan reduces symptoms such as shortness of breath and fatigue.
Recent research shows that jurors' comprehension of scientific evidence is a significant challenge, particularly when dealing with complex and nuanced facts. Dr. Solan identifies several problems, including diminished juror comprehension, inappropriate influence by expert credentials, and varying understandings of causation concepts.
University of Toronto researchers suggest a five-point strategy to address equity issues in health genomics. The plan includes research on ethical and social issues, training policy makers, and creating an investment fund to improve health in poorer countries.
Dr. Anthony S. Fauci has been recognized for his significant contributions to understanding the regulation of the human immune response and the pathogenesis of HIV disease. He has developed effective therapies for formerly fatal diseases and has pioneered strategies for therapy and immune reconstitution of patients with AIDS.
A large study has found that retinal blood-vessel damage is associated with an increased risk of stroke. Damage to the small blood vessels in the retina was linked to a doubling of stroke risk, regardless of age, sex, or other health factors.
The study found that critically short telomeres signal cells to arrest or die, rather than average length. Turning on telomerase can restore function without significantly increasing overall telomere length, offering new insights into cancer treatment options.
Biologists discovered that chromosomes fuse together due to telomere replication and distinct protein functions. The study found two types of telomeres and the roles of proteins in normal cell function.
A study by Julie Etterson found that native prairie plants like the partridge pea may not adapt quickly enough to changing climate conditions. The plants' evolutionary responses to drought and heat are unlikely to keep pace with the predicted rate of climate change, threatening their survival.
Biochemistry assistant professor Mark Glover has recreated the three-dimensional structure of a critical portion of the BRCA1 protein, a breakthrough that could lead to early detection and genetic screening for breast cancer. The findings may also provide new insights into how the protein prevents cells from becoming cancerous.
Approximately 59% of men and 52% of women in Britain are in 'non-standard' jobs, often with reduced union coverage. Despite trade unions' efforts to recruit more workers in non-standard positions, there has been no significant expansion of union membership among these employees.
Researchers found that certain fish muscles specialized for fast mating calls are now mutually exclusive with other functions like swimming. The study, on toadfish Opsanus tau, reveals the limitations of biological systems when optimized for one function.
A study found that US direct-to-consumer ads often use emotional appeals and vague descriptions of medication benefits, rather than providing quantitative data. This lack of transparency may lead to unrealistic expectations and increased demand for costly prescription drugs.
A new study by the Institute for Operations Research and Management Sciences found that consumers are more likely to maintain their vehicles properly if they have high-quality auto ratings. The study reveals three key lessons for manufacturers, dealers, and distributors: pricing power, customer loyalty, and leasing operations.
Researchers from SurroMed and Penn State University have developed Nanobarcodes particles, which can identify individual particles using optical microscopy. This technology enables multiplexed bioassays in solution, revolutionizing life science research and disease diagnosis.
A unique gene has been identified as a regulator of stem cell growth, suggesting that embryonic and adult stem cells share key genes and properties. This discovery could lead to the development of new therapies for cancer patients in need of stem cell transplants.
A study published in The Lancet found that prescription-drug advertisements rarely quantify a medication's expected benefit and instead rely on emotional appeals. This lack of clear information can lead to consumer misinformedness about treatment options and potential side effects.
Research by Professor Alison Booth finds that women are held back by a combination of factors, including lower pay increases after promotions and differences in internal job offers. Temporary work can be an advantage for women, but men who start with temporary jobs never achieve the same salaries as men in permanent jobs.
The collaboration between Myriad Genetics and the University of Utah revealed that the Tsg101 protein is essential for HIV1 budding, allowing for the disruption of the virus lifecycle. This breakthrough led to the identification of potential HIV drug targets, with lead compounds developed for anti-HIV therapy.
Researchers at Penn State University and SurroMed, Inc. have developed a novel method for encoding information on the submicron scale using microscopic metallic barcodes. These patterned metallic particles can simultaneously monitor multiple biological reactions in very small volumes of fluid.
Menkes' disease is a fatal illness caused by copper deficiency, affecting male infants typically, causing death by age 3. Researchers now study the normal function of the gene involved in development and what causes its absence or defect., The disease is named for John Menkes who first described it at Columbia University in 1962.
Researchers at Whitehead Institute identify a new gene, IBD5, on chromosome 5 that increases susceptibility to Crohn's disease. The study provides a strong case for building a haplotype map of the human genome, which could make finding disease-causing genes faster and cheaper.
Peptide-T, a synthetic compound, prevents HIV from entering healthy human cells by adhering to specific cellular receptors. This new mechanism of action offers an alternative to existing protease inhibitors, which can develop resistance and cause harmful side effects.
A study published in Environmental Health Perspectives found that iron-deficient children have significantly higher blood lead levels than those with normal iron levels. The researchers, led by Asa Bradman, tested blood samples from 319 Sacramento-area children and found an average blood lead level of 5.6 micrograms per deciliter in ir...
A second gene mutation for the inherited form of ALS has been discovered by Northwestern University researcher Teepu Siddique. The newly identified gene, alsin, is responsible for juvenile inherited ALS (ALS2), a rare and slowly progressive disease affecting young populations in North Africa and the Middle East.
A study published in The Journal of Nuclear Medicine found that FDG PET detected recurrent thyroid cancer 50% more often than conventional imaging, leading to changes in clinical management for almost 80% of patients. The PET scan identified additional tumor sites and distant metastases, improving patient outcomes.
Researchers have pinpointed the cause of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), a deadly inherited blood-clotting disorder, as mutations in the ADAMTS13 enzyme gene. The study suggests that administering an active form of the enzyme could be a treatment option for TTP.
The National Institutes of Health has awarded $45 million to establish Biomedical Research Infrastructure Networks (BRINs) in 23 under-funded states and Puerto Rico. These grants will enable institutions to develop areas of potential research, improve laboratory equipment, and recruit new faculty members.
A team of psychologists studied 1024 laughter episodes from young adults watching funny video clips. They found interesting sex differences in laugh types and pitches, with women producing more song-like laughs than men. Laughter is surprisingly high-pitched, with some laughs reaching frequencies of over 2,000 Hz.
Researchers found that brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels are better at predicting adverse outcomes compared to traditional methods. Elevated BNP levels identified patients at high risk of dying or developing heart failure, even in those with no detectable heart damage.
A recent study found that physicians often avoid discussing spirituality with patients due to concerns about opening Pandora's box. Despite 78% believing in a connection between religion and health, only 8% have discussions with patients on spiritual topics.
Researchers are using airborne laser swath mapping and ground-based scanning laser technology to gather precise 3D data of the affected areas. The UF-led team aims to detect any damage to the foundation and assess structural integrity.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a new imaging method that uses high-temperature superconductors to improve Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) technologies. The breakthrough, led by Professor William Halperin, enables the study of superconducting vortices in tiny crystals with unprecedented spatial resolution.
A recent study by Imperial College London has provided insights into the Foot and Mouth epidemic in Great Britain, revealing that large farms with many animals are more infectious and susceptible to disease. The analysis also highlights fragmented farms as a significant risk factor for transmission.
The Vetlesen Foundation has awarded a grant to the University of Rhode Island Graduate School of Oceanography for the acquisition of equipment for studying sediment cores in global change research. This funding will enable researchers to further understand climate history and processes that may influence future changes.
The newly detailed structure of PRD1 reveals striking similarities with human adenoviruses, suggesting a conserved icosahedral shape used by viruses across species. This knowledge may inform the development of novel antibiotic strategies against antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
A new research initiative aims to understand the reasons behind oral health disparities among low-income African American children and their caregivers. The study will examine social characteristics, dietary habits, lead levels, and dental caries to identify risk factors for poor oral health.
A University of North Carolina study found a significant decline in fatal and single-vehicle crashes involving 16-year-old drivers after the introduction of graduated driver licensing (GDL) in North Carolina, with nighttime crashes decreasing by 43% and daytime crashes down by 20%. The GDL system requires young beginning drivers to pas...
A new study reveals that 12% of Indian women are overweight and 2% obese, with urban areas showing higher rates of overweighness. The research highlights the need for targeted health education programs for high socioeconomic groups to combat obesity.
A study at Boston Children's Hospital found that three-fourths of parents who smoke would be willing to discuss quitting with a counselor while their child is in the hospital. Most parents also expressed interest in enrolling in free phone-based cessation programs.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins report sustained, treatment-free remissions in aplastic anemia patients treated with high-dose cyclophosphamide. After two years or more, 14 of 19 patients remained disease-free, while nearly 65% were in complete remission four years post-treatment.
A new analysis of studies shows that behavioral interventions, including counseling and training programs, can significantly improve blood pressure management. More than 4,000 participants benefited from these programs, which offered improved blood pressure control over usual care.
A new study found that early parenting difficulties are associated with the development of asthma in genetically at-risk children between six and eight years old. Parenting difficulties, including maternal depressed mood and coping problems, were significantly and independently linked to asthma at school age.
Researchers have identified a genetic variant in mice that provides immunity to anthrax, shedding light on the early stages of infection and potential therapies. The Kif1C protein may play a crucial role in protecting macrophages from self-destruction, and boosting its activity could be an effective approach to treating human anthrax.
A Finnish study found that car collisions with moose and deer peak one hour after sunset, reaching crash rates 30-80 times higher than daylight hours. The risk is also present during dawn, with Finnish deer being descendants of white-tails imported from America in 1934.
A large-scale study found that giving erythromycin to newborns within the first two weeks of life increases their risk of developing pyloric stenosis. The researchers used data from over 14,000 babies born between 1993 and 1999.
Former Washington Post reporter, Charles Suplee, has been named the 2002 recipient of the American Chemical Society’s James T. Grady-James H. Stack Award for Interpreting Chemistry for the Public. He will be honored at a luncheon on Oct. 12 and receive $3000, a gold medal, and a bronze replica.
A study found that 81.6% of injection drug users in Vancouver had hepatitis C antibodies, with 62 new cases reported among those initially negative. Risk factors for infection included female sex, cocaine use, and frequent needle-exchange program attendance.
A new study at Lehigh University will introduce alternative strategies to control ADHD symptoms in preschoolers without medication. The goal is to improve behavioral, social, and educational outcomes for young children at risk of ADHD.
The UCSF Center for Addressing Disparities in Children's Oral Health will investigate causes and preventive measures for early childhood caries, focusing on racial and ethnic minorities. The center aims to improve oral health among young children through data-driven projects and interventions.
A study found that interactive video visits can reduce costs by $300 per patient by substituting seven in-home visits, while advanced communication technology can save $700 per patient. Patients and nurses responded favorably to the technology, which improved positive outcomes of treatment and reduced hospital re-hospitalizations.
A study examining cervical manipulation and its potential risks found an estimated rate of 1 arterial dissection per 5.85 million manipulations, significantly lower than previous estimates. Practitioners should discuss the benefits and risks with patients to ensure informed decision-making.
Researchers have found that atherosclerosis is driven by chronic inflammation of vessel walls, which is central to CD44's role. Drugs targeting CD44 may contribute to treating atherosclerosis, especially when combined with existing therapies.
A study found that African Americans with diabetes often lack adequate blood sugar and cholesterol control, leading to increased risk of complications. Poor prevention and management habits are prevalent, with many participants failing to receive recommended exams or monitoring their glucose levels regularly.
Researchers found that women taking hormone replacement therapy were 40% more likely to require gallbladder surgery than those on placebo. Additionally, high-dose cyclophosphamide was successful in treating some aplastic anemia patients, offering potential implications for the treatment of severe autoimmune diseases.