Children exposed to two or more pets during their first year of life were on average 66-77% less likely to develop allergic antibodies, a significant finding that challenges current understanding of allergy development.
Scientists have found tiny bugs living inside mealybugs, which could aid in pest control efforts. The discovery also reveals a complex relationship between the insects and their bacteria, potentially leading to new methods of species identification.
A U.Va. study is investigating the effectiveness of echinacea in treating colds by standardizing extracts from the plant. The researchers plan to recruit approximately 450 subjects and administer three different concentrations of echinacea constitutents to test their impact on viral replication and inflammatory responses.
Scientists have gained valuable insights into AIDS by studying the simian immunodeficiency virus in monkeys. Researchers are now exploring ways to vaccinate against HIV transmission and eliminate latent viruses.
The LSU Museum of Natural Science is part of a $4 million grant to compare DNA sequences of 500 bird species. The goal is to understand the history of avian diversity and reconstruct the evolution of bird behavior, morphology, and ecology.
A study by National Space Biomedical Research Institute found that amino acid supplements can maintain protein synthesis rates and body mass during bed rest, a model for muscle loss in space. The supplements also showed potential in reducing muscle atrophy in elderly, burn patients, and those after major operations.
Researchers at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign have found several new pieces to the puzzle of high-temperature superconductors by imaging the copper-oxide plane. They discovered that the surface behavior is different from when buried inside the crystal, offering additional insight into high-temperature superconductors.
A new study demonstrates that pig cells can be transplanted into children with type 1 diabetes without the need for immunosuppressive drugs, resulting in some patients being off insulin. The use of embryonic stem cells and novel preservation methods also holds promise for increasing the availability of viable cells for transplantation.
A USF/UCLA study shows that healthy humans who smoke marijuana alter the expression of marijuana receptors on immune cells in their blood. The findings suggest that cannabinoids might benefit someone with chronic inflammatory disease but not those with a chronic infectious disease like HIV infection.
A study found that children exposed to dogs and cats in the home have a significantly reduced risk of developing common allergies, with exposure levels reducing allergy rates by up to 45%. The research suggests that early exposure to endotoxins from pets may help the immune system develop a different response, making it less likely for...
Virginia Tech and ICSRC used Internet2 technology to create a live virtual classroom environment where students from Seattle interacted with teachers on the east and west coast. The ThinkQuest conference explored emerging technologies and educational ideas, with participants debating future possibilities for K-12 audiences.
Dr. Barbara Block, a MacArthur Award winner, will present the Scholander Award for outstanding research on comparative physiology. The award recognizes her work on tuna migration patterns using satellite-based tagging technology, which has implications for preserving tuna species and managing fisheries.
Research identifies young women with breast cancer at increased risk of ovarian cancer, including those with BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations. The study suggests that these women may benefit from prophylactic oophorectomy or counseling.
A new study reveals that climate change has strengthened the connection between El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and cholera cycles, leading to increased disease outbreaks in warmer years. The researchers found that ENSO events trigger cholera increases after warm events and decreases after cold events.
A new system integrating wireless technology reduces clinical errors by providing real-time access to patient data, allowing medical staff to spend more time with patients. The system has been shown to decrease the time required to see each patient by 30% in post-operative acute pain management wards.
A clinical trial at Massachusetts General Hospital has shown that combined kidney and bone marrow transplantation can induce long-lasting tolerance in patients with multiple myeloma. The treatment, called non-myeloablative bone marrow transplantation, reduces the need for anti-rejection drugs.
A recent study found that simvastatin significantly reduced hsCRP levels in patients with high LDL cholesterol after just two weeks of treatment. The results suggest that statins may work through multiple mechanisms to reduce inflammation and prevent heart disease events.
A new study investigates blood flow in toads' pelvic skin while absorbing water, finding a significant increase in red cell velocity prior to water exposure and a seven-fold increase within one minute. The results support the initial hypothesis that increased blood flow is associated with water absorption behavior.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine developed a new technique using plasmapheresis and immunosuppressive medication to prevent antibody production against donor organs. The treatment resulted in an average of 13-month-long protection against organ rejection, significantly reducing long-term complications.
A study by Pauline Entin, PhD, found no significant gender difference in running speed for horses, which contradicts the assumption that men are faster than women. In contrast, female horses have been successful in premier events and dogs show a similar lack of gender-based segregation in racing.
Researchers have identified a new human hearing loss gene, TMIE, in deaf mice, which may lead to the development of a screening test and therapy for families affected by inherited hearing loss. The discovery brings scientists closer to understanding the intricate choreography of genes and proteins involved in human hearing development.
Researchers at Temple University have discovered that combining the Rb2 gene with gamma radiation treatment speeds up tumor cell death by upregulating p73 and downregulating Bcl-2. This study offers a promising new approach to treating glioblastoma, a malignant brain tumor.
A Rutgers University study found that applying caffeine and green tea's epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) topically to skin can significantly inhibit cancer formation in mice. The substances show highly selective action on cancer cells, leaving normal skin cells unaffected.
A new study reveals that plant extinction rates are significantly higher than previously thought, with California playing a significant role. The researchers used data on native plant species in California to find that contiguous human development can lead to the loss of entire species.
The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) is launching a $20 million effort to pinpoint environmental triggers of Parkinson's disease. Three centers will conduct independent research, including the University of California at Los Angeles, Emory University, and The Parkinson's Institute.
The latest studies on hand transplants show that powerful drugs can prevent rejection while minimizing risks. Most patients experience only transient problems, which are easily corrected with treatment adjustments.
Researchers at UC Davis discover that c-reactive protein inhibits protective enzyme eNOS, leading to increased plaque formation and heart disease risk. This finding supports the need for new screening guidelines and highlights the importance of measuring c-reactive protein levels in high-risk groups.
Pittsburgh researchers report a new clinical approach that radically reduces and eventually weans patients off all immunosuppression after small intestine transplants. Results show many patients can take minimal doses of a single anti-rejection drug, with some remaining drug-free for up to 38 years.
Researchers have made significant progress in developing tolerance to transplanted organs through innovative approaches. Studies show that patients can be weaned off immunosuppressive drugs within months after receiving living donor kidney or small bowel transplants, with some patients achieving complete drug-free status.
Researchers have discovered that hibernating ground squirrels can tolerate extreme cold and stress without damage, which could lead to breakthroughs in organ preservation for humans. Their intestines display reduced oxidative stress during hibernation, and their livers show improved viability when stored at low temperatures.
Research suggests that hammerheads' electrosensory function enhances their food-finding capabilities along the ocean floor. The study also found that the cephalofoil acts like a canard to increase maneuvering capabilities, enabling the sharks to turn more sharply and with greater velocity than comparable species.
Researchers discover four distinct hemoglobin types in newborn Tammar wallabies, which persist for several days after birth. These embryonic-type hemoglobins have low oxygen affinity and do not function as tetrameric molecules.
Researchers studied muskrats' response to hypothermia, finding no metabolic benefit despite reduced diving heart rate. The study suggests alternative explanations for the muskrat's unique diving abilities.
The development of a 3D animated heart took one and a half years to complete, using multiple ovine data sets from a Stanford University study. Medical animation software integrated into robotic systems will create a new modality in visualization for cardiac surgery.
The study found numerous differences among isolates of S. agalactiae, suggesting the pathogen's ability to adapt and emerge as a major human pathogen. The researchers identified genes unique to S. agalactiae that likely play a role in colonization or disease.
Researchers are developing robots inspired by cockroaches' legs using biomimetics and Shape Deposition Manufacturing. The study found that a cockroach leg's response to displacement inputs can be modeled as a viscoelastic material, enabling the design of stable and compliant robot legs.
A team of UC Irvine researchers found that pythons expend excessive energy in digestion when consuming protein-rich foods. The study revealed that the metabolic rate needed for digestion is based on the content of the food, not its volume.
Yellowfin tuna have a carotid rete that acts as a thermal barrier, regulating brain temperature during rapid changes in environmental temperatures. The study found that the heat-exchanger system is effective in minimizing heat loss, but can be adjusted to regulate warmer brain temperatures.
Scientists suggest elephants have an aquatic ancestry, supported by their unique pleural space and snorkeling behavior. The elephant's dense connective tissue replaces delicate pleura, allowing for some sliding of the two surfaces across each other.
Researchers discovered a biochemical signaling pathway activated by radiation that makes blood vessels resistant to therapy. Inhibiting this pathway enhances radiation-induced cell death and cytotoxicity in endothelial cells. The approach aims to destroy existing blood vessels, helping to defeat the tumor.
Researchers found that pythons exhibit specific dynamic action responses to certain foods, which are associated with increased energy expenditure. These findings suggest that pythons have evolved to optimize their metabolic rate by consuming specific diets.
Researchers found that linoleic acid significantly improved vasodilatory responses and decreased systolic blood pressures in spontaneously hypertensive rats. The study also showed that linoleic acid administration improved spatial reference memory in older SHRs, suggesting a positive link between D1 receptor density and cognitive funct...
Vitex's INACTINE technology demonstrated complete parasite eradication of Trypanasoma cruzi, Plasmodium falciparum, and Babesia microti parasites. The company's pathogen reduction system meets critical requirements for commercial success, with potential to improve safety of red blood cell transfusions.
The XENDOS study demonstrates that Xenical plus lifestyle intervention is more effective than lifestyle intervention alone in preventing or delaying the development of type 2 diabetes. Significant and sustained weight loss was achieved with Xenical, which also improved cardiovascular risk factors.
Emory University will lead a new center studying the relationship between environmental agents and Parkinson's disease, with research focusing on pesticides, organochlorine insecticides, and genetic causes of PD. The center aims to develop strategies for prevention and treatment.
Researchers at NIST have developed a neutron scattering technique to survey minuscule holes in film samples, revealing the size and volume fraction of pores. This 'Swiss cheese' approach aims to create better insulating materials without compromising barrier properties.
A team of biologists and engineers has discovered that the gecko's adhesive power depends on weak van der Waals forces and geometry, not surface chemistry. They fabricated prototype synthetic foot-hair tips that stick like real geckos' feet, opening doors to manufacturing biologically inspired adhesives with widespread applications.
Researchers have isolated polyoxomolybdate molecules from molybdenum blue solutions and used laser light scattering to decipher their structure. The findings reveal hundreds of individual POM molecules forming stable, hollow spheres that remain suspended in solution.
Researchers found that rats treated with adult human stromal cells experienced significant improvements in function after a stroke, including enhanced motor and sensory abilities. The study suggests a potential new treatment approach for stroke patients, offering a longer time window for effective treatment.
A team of scientists discovered that self-organized spin clusters emerge from competing interactions in geometrically frustrated magnets, shedding light on natural clustering processes. This finding suggests the existence of higher-order organizing principles in nature.
Researchers find anaesthetics induce sleep by locking onto GABA-A receptors in the tuberomammillary nucleus, a small area of the brain controlling breathing and temperature. This discovery could lead to new anaesthetics providing better recovery for patients.
A meta-analysis of 31 studies found the California Verbal Learning Test to be the most accurate predictor of Alzheimer's type dementia. Researchers also discovered that odor identification tests can identify preclinical Alzheimer's in individuals with the ApoE gene more effectively than neuroimaging measures.
A group-based stress management training program has been found to lower blood glucose levels and improve health outcomes in people with type 2 diabetes. After one year, 32% of participants showed a reduction in hemoglobin A1C levels, while only 12% of those receiving no stress management training did so.
Researchers created a DNA fin test that accurately identifies six shark species commonly caught in North Atlantic waters. The test uses polymerase chain reaction and has implications for shark fisheries and trade monitoring, facilitating better recordkeeping and conservation efforts.
Scientists have discovered proof of an ancient earth-shaking asteroid impact in South Africa and Northwest Australia, using ancient rocks containing spherules formed from vaporized meteor material. The study provides insight into the earliest known meteor strike on Earth, which had a profound impact on the planet's surface and climate.
A study conducted by Ohio State University found that 20% of women and 5.8% of men among the student-athletes reported behaviors associated with eating disorders, including binge-eating and purging. The survey also revealed that 38% of athletes thought certain body parts were too fat, with a higher prevalence among female athletes.
Researchers conducted a high-tech simulation to test the Mars Exploration Rover mission, which will arrive on Mars in early 2004. The test aimed to understand the nature and accumulation patterns of Mars' signature red dust, crucial for ensuring astronaut safety.
Theoretical study reveals MgB2's anomalous behavior arises from two separate electron populations with different bonding arrangements. The research suggests the possibility of creating new materials with analogous electronic structure, providing insights into high-temperature superconductivity.
The partnership aims to advance biomedical research through collaboration between biologists and mathematicians/scientists. The new awards will support projects in areas such as disease modeling, HIV dynamics, and bioinformatics.
The report highlights deficiencies in protecting rescue and other workers, resulting in unnecessary injuries, particularly to eyes and lungs. Improvements recommended include providing emergency response personnel with appropriate protective gear and developing safety regulations tailored to large terrorist events.