Researchers have identified a mouse model to investigate triggers of episodic neurological disorders, including common migraine and periodic paralysis. Two drugs, nimodipine and MK801, have been found to prevent attacks in mice, providing a potential new approach to understanding and treating these conditions.
The American Thoracic Society's first issue for August 2002 discusses significant reductions in fatal cardiovascular disease among smokers who quit, with a 50-70% higher hazard rate compared to non-smokers. Additionally, the study reveals improved HIV survival rates, with a marked increase in patients receiving HAART and surviving to h...
Researchers mapped the 11q13 amplicon, a common genetic defect in oral and head and neck cancers. A new gene, TAOS1, was identified as overexpressed in cell lines with 11q13 amplification, suggesting its potential as a biomarker for diagnosis and prognosis.
A new drug has been developed to combat botulism by potently neutralizing the toxin. The antibody cocktail is capable of binding to a different part of the toxin molecule, blocking more of the toxin surface than single antibodies. This approach could be scaled up for mass production and stockpiling to prevent or treat botulism.
A new model predicts that an animal's body size determines how often it encounters food in its environment. The researchers found that larger animals have bigger home ranges due to their ability to perceive and average over different scales of resource availability.
Red pine groves in the Boundary Water Canoe Area may vanish due to lack of natural fires. A new model suggests that continued fire suppression would lead to the loss of red pines and other tree species within 300 years.
Grasshoppers are drawn to plants with mycorrhizal symbiosis due to their increased nutrient content and tolerance to grazing. The study, conducted by Kansas State University researchers, found that grasshoppers avoid plants without this beneficial relationship, suggesting a crucial role for fungi in ecosystem health.
Researchers develop heat-sensitive polymers that change color at various temperatures, providing a safety application to prevent burns, food poisoning, and accidents. The polymers can be added to products such as plastics, paints, inks, and rubbers, enabling smart packaging that warns consumers of potential hazards.
A new study found that 18F-FDG PET scans accurately predict lymphoma treatment outcomes, especially after one cycle of chemotherapy. The test's sensitivity was higher after the first cycle, making it a better predictor of outcome and response to therapy.
Researchers created mice lacking SHIP gene to understand how bone forms and breaks down in diseases like JPD. The study reveals that mice with deficient SHIP develop osteoclasts similar to those found in humans with JPD, leading to severely osteoporotic conditions.
A physical map of the mouse genome provides detailed organization and context to the draft sequence, aiding in gene discovery and understanding health and disease. This mapping effort also enables researchers to access specific regions of DNA for further study.
The Karnal bunt pathogen faces challenges in reproducing over long distances, leading to declining small populations instead of growth. Researchers found that a critical mass is needed for the population to function well and invade new areas.
Researchers at Michigan Medicine have discovered a new predictive marker, HIP1, associated with an increased risk of developing prostate and colon cancer. HIP1 levels were found to rise significantly in tumor cells, making it a potential target for therapy.
Researchers discovered that damaged brains can reorganize and compensate for damage by engaging new systems to perform memory tasks. This finding has implications for the treatment of traumatic brain injuries, highlighting the potential benefits of brain imaging studies in tracking changes and understanding recovery.
A new Gulf buoy network is being developed to detect harmful algal blooms, also known as red tides, which can cause fish kills and human illnesses. The system uses FlowCAM technology, which will provide continuous monitoring of water column images, allowing for early warning and prediction of deadly red tides.
Researchers Aviv Bergman and Mark Siegal found that complexity of genotypes, rather than natural selection, provides fidelity in development. They argue that functional genetic networks with enough complexity exhibit built-in property of fidelity, unaffected by environmental disturbances or natural selection.
Researchers David Merritt and Ron Ekers developed a mathematical model suggesting that supermassive black holes merge when their host galaxies collide. The model demonstrates the realignment of larger black holes, resulting in sudden changes in jet direction, which can be observed as X-shaped patterns in galaxy images.
A recent brain mapping experiment provides significant new support for the theory that attention is the glue that cements visual information together, helping to solve the 'binding problem' in neuroscience. The study found increased activity in the parietal region when individuals were presented with multiple objects at once.
A UCLA study found that treating more people in developing countries with antiretroviral drug therapy can eliminate HIV on a community level, even without eradicating it in individuals. The research suggests that treatment and prevention are not two separate approaches, but rather intertwined strategies to save lives.
Researchers have discovered a gene associated with both macular degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa, two eye diseases affecting different segments of vision. The RPGR gene is linked to early-onset macular degeneration primarily affecting males.
A genetic variation in monoamine oxidase A (MAO A) enzyme may protect maltreated children against antisocial behavior, with a ninefold increased risk of aggression in those with low enzyme activity. In contrast, higher MAO A levels were associated with trauma resistance and reduced behavior problems.
A study by University of Minnesota researchers found that morphine activates the MAPK signaling pathway in human endothelial cells, promoting angiogenesis and tumor growth. The findings could lead to new treatments for managing cancer pain while minimizing tumor growth.
A team of scientists from Smithsonian and other institutions sequenced bird genetic material found in the 1917 collection, comparing it with the 1918 pandemic virus HA gene sequence. The comparison suggests that the pandemic viral HA gene was not derived directly from an avian source.
Diet-induced thermogenesis is an intricate system of communications masterminded by the brain that produces heat and helps prevent obesity. By removing beta adrenergic receptors, researchers found that mice fed a high-fat diet grew massively obese, highlighting the importance of this pathway in preventing weight gain.
Researchers identified a significant link between a specific gene variant and increased risk of antisocial behavior in maltreated children. The study found that individuals with a certain variation of the MAOA gene were more likely to develop behavioral problems, comparable to major risk factors for heart disease.
Researchers found that tirofiban and abciximab were equally effective in preventing longer-term events such as death, heart attacks, and repeat surgery after coronary-artery angioplasty. The study's conclusion was that while abciximab is more expensive, it provides little long-term advantage compared to tirofiban.
A year-long evaluation of hybrid buses in NYC's fleet found a 10% higher in-service fuel economy and 36% lower oxides of nitrogen emissions. However, maintenance costs were significantly higher due to the maturity level of the technology, but are expected to decrease as it advances.
A new genetic screening method has been developed to predict the behaviour of Wilms' tumour in children. Genes on chromosome 1q are overexpressed in tumours that relapse, suggesting that identifying subgroups at presentation could improve treatment outcomes.
Patients with post-stroke dementia are at an increased risk of death within two years, with a relative risk of mortality six-fold compared to those without dementia after stroke. Dementia is also associated with poorer survival rates and reduced treatment adherence due to medication non-compliance.
The Hartford Doctoral Fellows program aims to ensure a pool of trained and skilled geriatric social workers by recruiting, sustaining, and training talented doctoral students. The program is designed to produce tomorrow's social work faculty, with over 600,000 practicing social workers in the US requiring geriatric knowledge.
Researchers are conducting clinical trials to restore sexual desire in menopausal women using an investigational skin patch. Approximately 43% of women experience some form of difficulty in their sexual function, significantly higher than men.
Scientists have discovered a significant upward bulge at the equator and downward bulge at the poles in the Earth's gravity field. The observed changes are counteracting the gravitational effects of post-glacial rebound, leading researchers to investigate potential causes such as climate change or ocean circulation.
A study by the Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences found that young tech CEOs are more likely to invest in research and development, while older attorneys tend to be more conservative. The study suggests that CEO characteristics, such as background and tenure, have a significant impact on R&D spending.
Cancer biologists have successfully identified 21 potential cancer genes that collaborate with p27, a protein found in abnormally low levels in lymphomas and breast cancers. The study reveals new insights into the cellular pathways that distinguish one type of cancer from another.
Advanced sensors and communication platforms can monitor complex tropical environments to track elusive animals and study their behavior. Technologies like automated telemetry systems, high-quality sound recordings, and radiotransmitters are being developed to aid conservation efforts in the Amazon basin.
Researchers analyzed biomarker data from over 700 healthy men and 60 rhesus monkeys, finding lower body temperatures, blood insulin levels, and higher DHEAS levels in those on a calorically restricted diet were associated with longer lifespan. The study suggests potential for developing compounds that mimic the benefits of caloric rest...
A new study suggests that a burst of transpositional activity occurred at the same time humans and chimps diverged, implicating retroelements in the emergence of modern humans. The research found that ancient families of HERV elements may retain biological activity over long evolutionary times.
A new study finds that low-carbohydrate, high-protein diets may increase the risk of developing kidney stones and raising bone loss. Researchers observed a significant decrease in urinary citrate levels and an increase in acid excretion in subjects following these diets.
The latest muon g-2 measurement provides a unique and unusually sensitive test of the validity of the general theory of electromagnetism or, equivalently, the Standard Model of particle physics. The result confirms earlier measurements with twice the precision, making this new measurement a much more sensitive test of the Standard Model.
A new program, social problem-solving telephone partnerships (SPTP), uses phone calls to help family caregivers resolve challenges of caring for stroke survivors. The study found that caregivers who received SPTP improved significantly in their depression, emotional well-being, and mental health over four weeks.
A recent study found that dog collars fitted with deltamethrin resulted in a 42% reduction in transmission of zoonotic visceral leishmaniasis to children and a 54% drop in infection rates among dogs. This alternative control method is more practical and effective than current methods, such as dog culling and spraying insecticide.
Cornell researchers have found that a longer infusion time of boronophenylalanine is needed to effectively target cancer cells in brain tumors. The new finding has the potential to improve the success of boron neutron capture therapy, which has shown moderate success in treating tumors but struggles with aggressive cell clusters.
A study has identified a significant difference in brain tissue structure between individuals with persistent developmental stuttering and those with normal speech. The abnormality may develop during early language and speech acquisition, explaining how disturbed signal transmission affects speech production.
A new device produced high-energy electron beams to break down harmful organic molecules and kill bacteria such as anthrax, providing a more affordable alternative to existing technology. The Coupled Multiplier Accelerator (CMA) has been licensed for commercial use to treat contaminated water and food.
Researchers from the Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry found that the cannabinoid receptor is crucial for erasing fear behavior. In mouse models lacking this receptor, fear behavior evoked by an aversive acoustic sound was significantly reduced compared to normal control mice.
Research reveals that chronic cocaine users experience a decrease in the perception of pleasure, which can contribute to addiction. New therapies may focus on blocking the elevation of brain reward thresholds produced by chronic cocaine use.
Researchers at Scripps Institution of Oceanography used satellite and radar technologies to monitor the height and thickness of Antarctica's ice shelves. They successfully measured the effect of tides on ice shelf height, allowing for more accurate tracking of climate-related changes.
The Lancet Oncology and Infectious Diseases examine the effectiveness of cancer prevention strategies, including chemoprevention and lifestyle changes. Researchers also explore the impact of HIV treatment on reducing epidemics and developing vaccines against the virus.
A team of scientists has discovered a mechanism for neuron-specific expression of Pcdh proteins, allowing individual neurons to generate distinct combinations of genes and proteins. This discovery may underlie the specificity of neural connectivity.
Research reveals distinct patterns of use among methamphetamine and cocaine abusers, with meth users more likely to experience attention and organizational difficulties. Cocaine users, on the other hand, tend to consume the drug primarily in the evening, leading to differences in cognitive impairment.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine discovered that human Tsix is expressed only on the inactive X chromosome, contradicting previous findings in mice. The study suggests an alternative mechanism for X chromosome regulation and shifts the focus away from the Tsix gene.
Researchers found that MSI-1436, a natural compound derived from dogfish shark liver, helped normal and obese mice and rats lose fat without losing muscle mass. Phase I trials are expected to begin next year to test its safety and effectiveness as an anti-obesity treatment.
A study by Dr. Steven L. Batki found that methadone treatment significantly improved the completion of TB therapy in opioid-dependent patients with latent TB infection. Patients receiving standard or minimal methadone treatment had higher completion rates compared to those receiving routine care.
Researchers at Salk Institute and UT Southwestern Medical Center identified a critical class of proteins controlling nerve connections from the eye to the brain. The study revealed how optic axons map their connections using Eph receptors and ephrin ligands, shedding light on neural development and potential repair mechanisms.
The study of over 5,000 participants found a significant association between excess weight and increased risk of heart failure in both men and women. Obesity was independently linked to an increased risk of heart failure, even after accounting for other risk factors.
Researchers found that Clb2 is the real trigger for yeast cell division, contradicting previous findings on Clb5. This discovery has implications for treating cancer, as it reveals a new way to understand the cell cycle mechanism.
Scientists found that magma could reach speeds of 200-600 mph, filling parts of the repository within hours. This could displace radioactive canisters and cause extensive damage.
Scientists at Penn State University have identified a new gene essential for pollen production in flowering plants. The team used genetic techniques to discover the gene, which is necessary for the formation of cells required for pollen production.
Researchers at the University of Louisville found a link between sleep apnea and high blood pressure through protein changes in laboratory rats. The study suggests that the connection plays a significant role in developing high blood pressure during bouts of sleep apnea.
Researchers have determined that the conformation of Smad3 protein regulates TGF-ß pathway interaction with other proteins, affecting signal transduction and gene expression. This discovery provides new insight into molecular mechanisms of TGF-ß signaling and potential targets for drug design.