A 10-week study found that participants consuming artificial sweeteners lost an average of 1 kg, while those consuming sucrose gained 1.3 kg of fat mass and rose in blood pressure. The authors suggest overweight individuals consume beverages with artificial sweeteners to prevent weight gain.
The study found that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) increases the risk of breast cancer, pulmonary embolism, and stroke in women, while reducing the risk of colorectal cancer and hip fractures. HRT may also increase the risk of cardiovascular disease among older women.
A randomized controlled trial found that sildenafil reduced pulmonary blood resistance, a key indicator of pulmonary hypertension. The study suggests sildenafil could be a promising candidate for long-term treatment of secondary pulmonary hypertension in lung fibrosis. Controlled trials are needed to confirm the findings.
African-American patients are 71% as likely as white patients to receive a referral for coronary angiography, but only 63% actually undergo the procedure. Private insurance and patient preference may play roles in the disparity.
The UCI-based center will utilize mass spectrometry to measure radiocarbon in plants, soils and ocean coral, providing insights into the global carbon cycle. This technology enhances Earth system science research and strengthens UCI's interdisciplinary scientific study capabilities.
Researchers discovered a possible novel pathway for colon cancer in humans, associated with a single BLM mutation. The study found that almost two percent of patients with colon cancer carried the BLMAsh mutation, compared to less than one percent of healthy individuals.
Scientists at Oregon State University have made a groundbreaking discovery about the role of micro-RNA in regulating gene expression. Micro-RNAs are found to cut messenger-RNAs in half, interfering with their function and controlling the process of cell differentiation.
The award recognizes Laing's successful implementation of diversity strategies, including promoting women to management roles and supporting part-time employees. With nearly 25% of unit managers being women, his work has significantly altered the demographic makeup of Xerox's supplies delivery unit.
Researchers found thicker, denser storm clouds over warmer waters, covering wider areas of the tropics and releasing more moisture as rain. This contradicts the 'Adaptive Iris' theory, which suggests cloud cover decreases with rising ocean temperatures.
The newly revealed hieroglyphs at Dos Pilas shed new light on a critical period of Maya history, revealing a complex web of alliances and conflicts between Tikal and Calakmul. The inscriptions clarify the political and military relationships between these two superpower blocs, which dominated the region in the seventh century.
A new experimental technique called adoptive transfer has shown significant promise in treating metastatic melanoma by replacing immune cells with those specifically designed to destroy tumors. The treatment resulted in at least 50% tumor shrinkage in six patients, with no growth or appearance of new tumors.
The Sister Study aims to investigate the causes of breast cancer by recruiting 50,000 sisters of women with breast cancer. The researchers will collect biological and environmental samples, as well as questionnaires about health histories, environmental exposures, and lifestyles.
A Cincinnati ossuary has been discovered to feature a unique image of a massive Jerusalem tomb from the first century, associated with early Rabbi Hillel and Jesus of Nazareth. The ossuary's distinctive three pyramids have garnered attention from scholars, providing new insights into ancient Jerusalem's architecture.
Penn researchers have identified a key gene, Hop, that plays a vital role in regulating the development of heart cells. By inhibiting the expression of another important regulator, serum response factor (SRF), Hop protects cardiac muscle cells from over-development and fatal abnormalities.
A new therapy boosts the immune system's targeted assault on tumors, shrinking melanoma in human patients. The approach involved suppressing the patients' immune systems to make room for new cells that attacked and killed tumor cells.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have discovered a protein called Homeodomain-Only Protein (HOP) that regulates heart growth from fetal stage to adulthood. HOP helps control the balance of cardiac cell proliferation and differentiation, with disrupted levels leading to abnormal heart development.
Active mountains, despite constant uplift, do not get taller because of erosion forces balancing uplift and sediment transport. Researchers found that river erosion rates closely match the rate at which rocks move up, with abrasion by suspended particles doing most of the down cutting.
A team of researchers, led by Josef Penninger, found that the PTEN and PI3K alpha and gamma proteins work together to regulate heart size. They also discovered that when these proteins are shut down, large hearts can pump more efficiently than normal-sized hearts.
Researchers used the GISS SI2000 climate model to simulate past and future global temperature changes, finding that human-made forcings are mainly responsible for recent warming. The study suggests that reducing air pollution and stabilizing carbon dioxide emissions could limit warming to 0.75°C over the next 50 years.
The new 800 MHz magnet will enable researchers to study larger and more complex biological systems, including protein folding and complex formation. This advancement is expected to significantly improve understanding of normal biological function and regulation, as well as the development of diseases and drug response.
In a 6-month study, black women experienced a 26% decrease in daily energy expenditure after weight loss, while white women saw a 16% increase. The authors conclude that black women's decline in physical activity increases their risk of weight relapse.
A study of 58 children with high cholesterol found that girls with hypercholesterolemia were more likely to become overweight or obese by age 11-12 compared to their peers. The researchers propose that abnormally high cholesterol may be a marker of an altered metabolism leading to excess adiposity.
A genetic mutation common among Ashkenazi Jews can double the risk of colorectal cancer. Researchers discovered this relationship through an international study analyzing DNA from nearly 3,100 individuals.
The laser technique, called LIBS, can detect various explosives and identify close relatives of anthrax in instant detection. A portable LIBS system could continuously monitor air for signs of chemical or biological agents, alerting officials to potentially hazardous substances.
A recent study published in New England Journal of Medicine found that genetically identical twin pairs had similar breast densities, while non-identical pairs had breast densities about half as similar. This suggests that genetic factors play a major role in explaining why women of the same age have different breast density.
A study of 9019 participants found that waist circumference correlates better than BMI with most CVD risk factors. The authors propose WC
The top-ranked company, Genentech, is praised for its alignment of work culture and personal values, as well as its commitment to translating scientific discoveries into medicine. Millennium Pharmaceuticals ranks second, with a strong focus on attracting leading scientists and providing them with the tools to practice their science.
A recent study found that breastfeeding had no significant effect on the risk of developing asthma or allergies in childhood. In fact, children who were breastfed for more than four weeks were twice as likely to develop allergic disease or asthma compared to those who were not breastfed.
Researchers found that Nocaine is a weak reinforcer, providing some of cocaine's effects but at a lower level. This makes it less likely to be abused and have abuse-related toxicity.
A new clinical trial is investigating the combination of high-dose calcitriol and docetaxel in treating advanced prostate cancer, with the goal of reducing PSA levels by 50% or more. The study builds on promising preliminary results from a previous Oregon Health & Science University trial.
Scientists are developing a new space weather model that can mimic solar explosions, auroras, and geomagnetic storms. The National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) will provide a computer model of Earth's upper atmosphere to aid the effort.
Researchers found diatoms use glass to facilitate photosynthesis, which benefits the planet by reducing carbon dioxide levels. This discovery links carbon cycles and silicon chemistry, providing insights into historical climate variations and greenhouse gas emissions.
The NIH Autism Coordinating Committee has selected two new centers to conduct autism research, expanding the agency's commitment to the field. The centers will focus on understanding the causes, diagnosis, and treatment of autism, with a goal of advancing knowledge about this devastating condition.
Climate change is expected to increase winter temperatures, leading to greater risks for perennial forage crops in Eastern Canada. The study used agro-climatic indices to analyze the effect of climate conditions on winter survival, finding increased risks due to warmer winters and reduced cold hardiness.
Researchers have found an enzyme that activates specific RNAs outside the nucleus, enabling them to carry out important steps of germ line development. The discovery provides an important piece of the puzzle in understanding how genes are controlled and may lead to new ways of regulating genetic information.
The National Lung Screening Trial will enroll 50,000 current or former smokers in the US to compare the effectiveness of CT scans and chest X-rays in detecting lung cancer. The trial aims to determine if early detection can lead to a reduction in lung cancer deaths.
Duke University psychologists found that infants who used 'sticky mittens' had more sophisticated abilities to explore objects and showed increased cross-sensory exploration. The study suggests that providing rich opportunities for infant learning is crucial for development.
A study published in Biochemistry found significant alterations in white matter tissue of Alzheimer's patients, suggesting a potential initiating step for the disease. White matter degeneration may be caused by a disease of oligodendrocytes, leading to axon damage and cognitive impairments.
A study by Georgia Tech reveals that individuals with optimistic outlooks, high self-esteem, and conscientious personalities tend to have more success in their job searches. Additionally, a change in daily routine can positively affect re-employment prospects, particularly for older workers.
Drs. Gerald DiBona and John Hall have overturned the medical community's long-held understanding of kidney function, revealing that increased nerve activity leads to high blood pressure. Their research shows that abnormal kidney function causes salt and water excretion to decrease, resulting in hypertension.
A new study by Stanford University geophysicists challenges the widely used time-predictable recurrence model, which estimates the time when an earthquake will occur. The researchers found that the model failed to predict a magnitude 6 quake on the San Andreas Fault in Central California.
Researchers at the University of Florida have demonstrated a novel approach to overcoming gene therapy hurdles by attaching viruses to tiny manufactured balls coated with iron oxide. The microspheres can be targeted using magnets, allowing for more efficient delivery of corrective genes to specific organs or tissues.
Research by Dr Michal Lyons examines the experiences of would-be home-owners in seven cities, revealing that delays in getting a foothold are worst in London and major metropolitan areas. Parental home ownership is crucial for young people's chances of becoming homeowners.
Researchers identified a green tea compound that may block a key cell receptor involved in allergic responses, potentially providing an anti-allergenic effect. The study found that the compound, methylated EGCG, is more potent than previously discovered compounds and may work against various allergens.
Researchers at TSRI have uncovered a mechanism by which plants adjust their flowering cycles to optimize productivity. By manipulating the timing of plant development, crops may be able to produce faster and more nutritious yields.
HHMI has selected 20 'million dollar professors' to promote groundbreaking research in STEM fields and enhance undergraduate education. These experts, including Sarah Elgin, will develop innovative teaching tools and curricula to address the growing demand for interdisciplinary knowledge.
A study found that mentally ill individuals are vulnerable to victimization in conflict situations, particularly those with substance abuse disorders or delusional beliefs. Counseling services can help family members and professionals cope with these individuals while avoiding conflicts.
Researchers have identified two compounds, NAP and SAL, that can prevent ethanol's disruption of L1-mediated cell adhesion, a critical process for brain development. These findings bring the study of fetal alcohol syndrome closer to effective interventions.
A new class of composites has been developed that can store electric charge more efficiently, enabling the creation of artificial muscles and tendons with improved motion. The material also has potential applications in microfluidic systems for drug delivery and smart skins for drag reduction.
The National Lung Cancer Screening Trial (NLST) is a randomized, controlled study aiming to determine the effectiveness of spiral CT scans versus chest X-rays in reducing deaths from lung cancer. Participants will receive annual screenings for three years and their health will be monitored until 2009.
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation has awarded grants to ten dental schools to expand community-based education programs and increase enrollment of underrepresented minority students. The goal is to reduce gaps in dental care for underserved populations and create a more diverse dental workforce.
Researchers at Stanford University broke the learning process down into smaller steps for adult owls, allowing them to adjust their mental maps more accurately. This method showed promise in overcoming the age-related decline in learning abilities, with implications for treating brain injuries and improving physical therapy outcomes.
The HHMI Professors, 20 research scientists at 19 universities, will focus on engaging and effective approaches to undergraduate science education. They will develop new high-tech teaching tools, provide early research experiences, and mentor minorities to promote diversity in STEM fields.
Researchers have solved the structure of the pre-budding complex, a set of proteins that plays a key role in forming vesicles on the cell's endoplasmic reticulum. The study reveals how the complex assembles on the ER membrane and initiates the process of membrane cargo capture and vesicle budding.
A study by Texas A&M University found that even small amounts of alcohol can impair driving skills and increase the risk of accidents. Drivers with a blood alcohol concentration as low as .04 (half the legal limit) showed significant impairment in their abilities, highlighting the dangers of drinking and driving.
Research by Dugatkin and colleagues shows that observing fights in swordtail fish affects their likelihood of winning. Psychological factors play a significant role in animal societies, predicting the outcome of interactions between group members. These findings have implications for understanding human social dynamics.
Researchers have filled in gaps in the 250 surviving troubadour melodies with various interpretations. Professor John Haines says different influences, such as Arabic-style melodies and waltz-like rhythms, have shaped these songs over time.
A study of community radiologists' mammogram interpretations found wide variation in how often masses, calcifications, and suspicious lesions are detected. False-positive readings increased with patient demographics, training level, and time since graduating from medical school.
A clinical trial found that consuming almonds daily significantly reduces LDL cholesterol levels in hyperlipidemic subjects. The study also showed that eating more almonds increased the reduction of 'bad' cholesterol even further, without resulting in weight gain.
Research highlights increased cervical cancer risk in smokers, while ovarian tumors with BRCA2 mutations also commonly have BRCA1 mutations. A potential therapeutic approach for eliminating malignant urothelial cells is also explored through CD40 ligation.