Washington University will receive $2.2 million to support a range of undergraduate science education initiatives, including summer research fellowships and programs to promote diversity in STEM fields. The university plans to use the funding to develop new curriculum and laboratory courses, as well as expand its outreach programs for ...
Researchers found that stroke patients with high blood sugar levels had a higher risk of death within 30 days, 1 year, and 5 years after the stroke. The study also revealed that uncontrolled blood sugar levels during hospitalization contributed to longer hospital stays and increased medical costs.
NASA's QuikSCAT satellite data reveals two ITCZs: a northern zone near the equator and a southern zone south of the equator. The southern zone is weaker due to cooler ocean water, affecting wind speeds and precipitation patterns globally.
Mayo Clinic researchers have discovered a way to use autoclave sterilization procedures in laboratory settings to detect and confirm the identity of smallpox virus and other bioterrorism agents. This innovation enables local laboratories to conduct rapid tests, reducing the time needed to respond to potential attacks.
A hormone therapy study involving 16,608 women was stopped early due to a 26% increase in breast cancer risk. The study found that the risks of estrogen plus progestin outweighed any potential benefits for heart disease and hip fractures.
A study in Zimbabwe found that women are willing to use diaphragms as a potential HIV prevention method. Diaphragms may increase the effectiveness of new microbicides designed to prevent HIV acquisition, according to principal investigator Nancy Padian.
The Howard Hughes Medical Institute has awarded $80 million to 28 universities in the US for initiatives aimed at enhancing undergraduate science education. These grants will provide resources to help universities improve their teaching programs, attract minority students to STEM fields, and foster interdisciplinary courses.
The Women's Health Initiative has stopped its trial on estrogen-progestin combination Prempro due to significant increased risk of breast cancer and cardiovascular events. Women taking this medication will continue with regular contacts, exams, and mammograms.
A national study on estrogen for postmenopausal women was halted after five years, showing a 26% increased risk of breast cancer and no significant cardiovascular benefits. The study found moderate reductions in fracture and colorectal cancer risk, but the risks outweighed the benefits.
Researchers will use tiny devices called nanosensors that can detect early signs of radiation-induced cell damage. The sensors, which pass easily through blood membranes, aim to avoid problems with current implantable sensors and eliminate blood sampling.
Scientists from the University of Minnesota and Duke University developed computer techniques that can automate image inpainting, restoring lost regions with neighboring available information. This technology has applications in surveillance images, enabling faster recovery of lost information and potential super resolution.
The BRASS Centre will focus on research in social, ethical, and environmental impact of business. It aims to enhance business practice, improve legislation, and public policy initiatives by creating a greater understanding of sustainability, accountability, and social responsibility.
A study by Ohio State University ranks the top 30 most internet-accessible cities in the US, with Chicago at the top. The 'Big 7' cities - including Washington, DC, Dallas, and New York - will continue to reap economic benefits from their high levels of internet accessibility.
Researchers discover that Staph's toxic shock toxin inhibits production of other toxic proteins, leading to reduced disease severity. This breakthrough understanding sheds light on the complex ways Staph causes life-threatening infections.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh discovered that even mild elevations in liver enzymes ALT and AST are associated with a nearly twice higher death rate compared to normal levels. Elevated enzymes signal liver injury and can result from HIV treatment, viral hepatitis, or alcohol abuse.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital developed a tri-modality approach to combat invasive bladder cancer, combining surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. The treatment strategy showed comparable ten-year survival rates to radical bladder removal, with 90% of patients surviving without bladder removal.
A study published in Journal of Clinical Oncology found that self-taught stress management techniques, such as progressive muscle relaxation and guided imagery, can significantly improve the quality of life for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. These techniques were more effective than traditional methods when learned independen...
A community-based intervention implemented in Albuquerque from 1997-98 found that young gay men reported a 12% decrease in unprotected anal intercourse, reversing baseline increases. The study suggests that empowering communities to establish healthy environments with peer support can effectively reduce HIV risk behavior.
A multi-center trial shows that new drug combinations, including two protease inhibitors, can significantly lower virus counts in patients with moderately advanced immunodeficiency. The study found that 31% of patients could achieve detectable viral loads with regimens containing four or five new drugs.
The new treatment combines antiviral and anti-inflammatory drugs to target the root cause of cold symptoms, not just its symptoms. Researchers found that adding interferon to the treatment increased effectiveness compared to individual medications alone.
Researchers from NOAA's National Sea Grant College Program explore the impact of selective fishing on fish populations and develop acoustic sensing methods to improve hurricane predictions. Tsunami forecasting also receives attention with a model specifically designed for Hawaii's unique terrain.
The Northeast region experienced slow population growth during the 1990s, primarily due to high levels of domestic out-migration. New foreign immigration played a crucial role in offsetting this trend, with nearly 3.1 million new immigrants arriving in the region, accounting for over 100% of population growth.
The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) recommends a single official to coordinate R&D across 26 agencies. This coordination is essential for advancing planned Department of Homeland Security initiatives and investigating terrorism.
A study of over 600 elderly women found that low hemoglobin levels are associated with a significant increase in the risk of mobility problems, such as difficulty walking or climbing stairs. The findings suggest that mild anemia may be a significant health issue for older women.
A study by Penn State researchers found that deformed frogs are linked to the combination of parasite infection and pesticide exposure. The research, which included experimental studies in ponds where the animals live, may help explain how environmental stress affects disease outbreaks in frogs.
Researchers found that Alzheimer's drug donepezil improved pilots' ability to retain complex training in a flight simulator test. The study used 18 pilots aged 52 and tested the theory that aging affects cognitive abilities due to loss of acetylcholine.
Researchers created four new mouse embryonic germ cell lines to investigate imprinting and its control. They found that the mother's copy of a paternally imprinted gene was active instead of the expected father's copy.
The U.S. Civilian Research and Development Foundation has awarded four Russian universities with $1 million each over three years to improve their basic science education. The BRHE program aims to strengthen the training of young scientists by enhancing research capabilities in natural sciences.
New research suggests that acid rain can deplete the nutrient pool available to trees in forests, making them more vulnerable to acid rain's effects. This finding has important implications for industrially influenced forests in the northeastern United States and Europe.
A new study by National Jewish Health reveals that smoking and pet ownership are common triggers of asthma attacks in children. Households with smokers differ from those with pets in terms of socioeconomic and psychosocial profiles, suggesting that addressing these triggers requires individualized approaches.
Researchers found that human embryonic germ cells and their specialized daughter cells maintain correct 'imprinting,' a way cells determine gene expression. This is critical information for the safe clinical use of these cells in treating diseases.
Researchers at the University of Melbourne have developed a new compound, ACV1, derived from cone shell venom that is more powerful and longer-lasting than morphine. The compound has shown promising results in laboratory studies, treating pain by blocking transmission along peripheral nervous systems without addictive side effects.
A study published in JAMA found that nearly 28% of newly infected people have a strain of HIV resistant to at least one class of antiretroviral drugs, highlighting the need for new treatment options. The research also shows that drug-resistant viruses take longer to control with current treatments.
A Johns Hopkins Medicine study reveals that HIV treatment is equally effective for patients with both HIV and hepatitis C infections, contrary to previous assumptions. The research found no significant difference in the virologic or immunologic response to HAART among those with co-infection, suggesting hepatitis C infection should not...
Northwestern researcher Robert L. Murphy calls for simplified, less toxic HIV therapies due to complex regimens and adverse effects. He discusses potential new treatments like atazanavir, a single-daily-dose protease inhibitor with minimal side effects.
Researchers found that drug combinations significantly reduced HIV levels in untreated patients, with at least 75% achieving a viral load of less than 400 copies/mL after 48 weeks. The study used three different drug combinations and found impressive changes in viral loads across all groups.
Researchers found that nucleic acid testing can identify acute HIV infection in people who are most contagious, missing routine antibody tests. This can help prevent further transmission and improve long-term prognosis for those diagnosed early.
Scientists followed nearly 2,000 HIV-infected patients with varying levels of hepatitis C exposure. They found that exposure to hepatitis C did not increase risk of death or AIDS progression but was associated with lower antiretroviral therapy prescriptions, which may lead to increased mortality rates in this group.
The Antarctic Mesoscale Prediction System (AMPS) successfully predicted a brief window of favorable weather, allowing helicopters to bring the last passengers aboard. The forecasting support helped guide the ice-strengthened ship SA Agulhas to retrieve the stranded vessel and crew from near Antarctica.
A new study from Duke University Medical Center found that smokers who knew they were genetically susceptible to smoking-related cancers were no more likely to quit than those who didn't know. However, the study also showed that this knowledge did not undermine motivation to quit, contrary to initial concerns. The research suggests tha...
In Poland, cigarette smoking is responsible for nearly half of premature deaths. However, with new tobacco legislation, smoking rates are declining and life expectancy is improving, decreasing by nearly 4 years in men and over 3 years in women.
A University of Vermont study found that children who consume flavored milk have higher calcium intakes than those who don't. Flavored milk helps boost overall calcium intake without impacting total added sugar consumption, reversing the trend towards soft drink and fruit drink consumption in children.
Researchers found that genetic variations in HIV-A and HIV-C proteases make it harder for antiviral drugs to work. The study's findings have negative implications for long-term efficacy of therapies in patients infected with African subtypes.
The World Health Organization predicts 15 million new cancer cases annually by 2039, with 70% occurring in developing countries. Anti-cancer factions are pooling knowledge and resources to establish a system to better equip healthcare organizations for the growing challenge.
Deforestation rates in Brazilian Amazonia averaged seven football fields per minute, with highway proximity being a significant predictor. Current policy initiatives to expand infrastructure networks will likely increase deforestation activity, particularly in south-easterly areas.
Anastrozole, an aromatase inhibitor, has been shown to be more effective than tamoxifen in reducing the risk of breast cancer recurrence, hot flushes, and thromboembolic events. The treatment also reduces the incidence of endometrial abnormalities and vaginal bleeding, providing a significant benefit for postmenopausal women with early...
Sir Richard Peto and Sir Richard Doll have been pioneers in mapping the health hazards caused by smoking, with their study identifying a link between smoking and various causes of death. Their research has led to a huge body of knowledge reinforcing anti-tobacco efforts.
A study of younger and older children with phenylketonuria (PKU) reveals significantly poorer adherence to recommended dietary controls in older children, affecting blood phenylalanine levels. Biochemical control can be challenging even in young patients, emphasizing the need for improved treatment options.
Researchers found that selective fishing practices can lead to dramatic changes in fish size, affecting growth rates and productivity. They propose rethinking minimum size restrictions and establishing no-take reserves to manage fisheries sustainably.
Regular physical exercise can significantly improve physical and mental health in breast cancer patients, reducing fatigue and weight gain. Physical activity may also extend survival rates by improving immune function and hormone levels.
A recent study in rural Uganda found a significant decline in HIV-1 incidence rates between 1990 and 1999, with a notable decrease in the second half of the decade. The reduction was particularly pronounced among men aged 20–24 years and women aged 13–19 years. This finding suggests that targeted interventions may be effective in slowi...
A randomized clinical trial found that exercise reduced estradiol and estrone levels in postmenopausal women, particularly those who lost body fat. The study suggests that exercise may play a role in reducing the risk of breast cancer by lowering estrogen levels in older women.
New findings from the Heart Protection Study (HPS) reveal substantial benefits of statins among high-risk patients, including those with normal or low blood cholesterol levels. The study found a significant reduction in death rates from heart attack and stroke, with simvastatin also showing well-tolerated benefits.
A study identified three gene expression patterns correlated with survival after chemotherapy, which outperformed the International Prognostic Index. The patterns revealed aspects of tumor biology affecting treatment response, including immune system involvement and tumor cell division.
Researchers at Stanford University found that briefly disrupting a single mutant gene can permanently alter the course of cancer. The study, led by Dean Felsher, used a gene called MYC to induce cancer cells to revert to normal bone cells after treatment was stopped.
A pilot study in Uganda found that patients with advanced HIV disease can survive and thrive with antiretroviral therapy. The program implemented an effective system for medical care and drug distribution, resulting in improved adherence to treatment and better virologic responses.
Researchers at Dartmouth have discovered a novel photoreceptor protein that absorbs light and regulates the circadian rhythm. The protein, White Collar-1, is part of a genetic system that can be exploited to develop new drug delivery systems for treating fungal diseases.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center discovered the protein White Collar –1, or WC-1, as the photoreceptor for light responses in fungi. This breakthrough finding sheds light on how life adjusts to the environment and has implications for understanding various physiological processes in fungi.
A new study reveals a small-brained Homo erectus individual from Georgia, raising questions about the role of brain size in human migration. The discovery, part of a rich fossil collection, suggests that other factors may have contributed to the ancestors' exit from Africa.
A new study reveals that statins can cut the risks of heart attacks and strokes in people with diabetes, narrowed arteries, or a history of stroke. The findings recommend changing guidelines to consider statin use for anyone at increased risk of heart disease, regardless of cholesterol levels.