A study found that people with latent toxoplasmosis are 2.65 times more likely to be involved in a road traffic accident, regardless of age. The research suggests that this parasitic disease is not harmless and poses a serious risk to public health.
Researchers have created a bioartificial trabeculum, or BAT, that exhibits rhythmic contraction at 100 beats per minute and functional cell-to-cell coupling. The model has potential applications in studying cardiac disease and developing new treatments for congestive heart failure.
Research suggests BDNF and NMDA receptor subunits are reduced in rats with early maternal deprivation, leading to changes in hippocampus function. This study provides evidence for the presence of molecular changes in the brain following exposure to stressful conditions during development.
Researchers found that ATG significantly improved the ability of patients to produce healthy blood cells, allowing them to stop blood transfusions. The treatment has also shown potential in preventing progression to leukemia and improving quality of life for patients with myelodysplastic syndromes.
A University of Wisconsin-Madison study warns that industrial fishing poses significant risks to sharks, dolphins, and billfishes. The large, slow-growing animals are vulnerable to declines in populations due to increased fishing pressure.
The study found that when blue crabs disappeared from a salt marsh, periwinkle snails flourished, eating all the cordgrass and causing ecosystem collapse. Overgrazing by periwinkles can convert southern salt marshes into barren mudflats within eight months.
Researchers developed a gene therapy combining radiation therapy and cisplatin to target tumor cells, resulting in significant regression with no additional toxicity. The treatment uses a modified cold virus to insert the TNF gene into tumor cells, enhancing anti-cancer effects.
A new company, SafeView Inc., has licensed technology from the Department of Energy's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory to detect hidden plastic and ceramic weapons. The system uses millimeter waves to generate holographic images that allow operators to screen for suspicious materials.
A study published in Molecular Psychiatry found a genetic link between the NET protein, which regulates norepinephrine levels, and an increased risk of restrictive anorexia nervosa. The discovery could lead to new treatments for this devastating illness, which has the highest death rate among psychiatric disorders.
A new time-release stimulant has been shown to produce significant behavioral improvements in children with ADHD, regardless of dosage. The medication offers a stable therapeutic environment and symptom control into the evening, allowing for improved daily functioning.
A new report reanalyzes national weather service estimates to provide a comprehensive understanding of US flood damage trends. The data show that North Dakota has suffered the most per capita economic losses due to flooding.
Researchers have developed a new microscope technology to study the interaction between biomolecules and minerals. The study focuses on Azotobacter vinelandii, a bacterium that releases siderophores to acquire iron from minerals. The findings suggest that these molecules can also dissolve minerals and potentially remove toxic metals, l...
The ACP Annals Tip Sheet discusses growth hormone deficiency treatment, exercise counseling effectiveness, and West Nile virus prevention strategies. The USPSTF found mixed evidence on exercise counseling's impact on patient activity, while recommending public mosquito control programs for virus prevention.
The grant will double Cornell's high-performance computing capacity, making it available for business applications and research. CTC will offer consulting services and training on parallel computing and Windows-based technologies to help businesses and institutions expand their computing environment.
The Molecular Sciences Institute (MSI) has been awarded a $15.5 million grant from the National Human Genome Research Institute to develop computer models of cellular signaling, aiming to predict intra-cellular signaling and enable more precise targeted treatments for diseases.
The CEGS program supports interdisciplinary research in genomics and its applications in understanding human biology and disease. Two new grants will focus on vertebrate diversity and cell signaling, potentially leading to major insights into genome changes that underlie evolution and human biology.
Research reveals that people with low self-esteem are significantly less likely to select a comedy video or engage in activities to improve their mood compared to those with high self-esteem. This is attributed to feelings of resignation and sadness, leading to a lack of motivation to change their emotions.
Researchers have developed a new DNA testing method using water-soluble conjugated polymers and peptide nucleic acid probes, which can detect specific DNA sequences at much lower concentrations. This approach significantly reduces the cost of diagnostics, especially in poorer countries where access to treatment is limited.
A new endovascular prosthesis has demonstrated promising results in treating life-threatening conditions such as thoracic aortic aneurysms and dissections. The treatment has shown decreased morbidity and mortality rates, making it available to patients who are not suitable for conventional surgical repair.
A recent study found that the suicide attempt rate is high among urban gay men, with younger generations experiencing earlier attempts. Researchers attribute this trend to increased anti-gay harassment and lack of social support among young LGBTQ+ individuals.
Rice Terascale Cluster will be the first university computer in Texas with a peak performance of 1 teraflop, enabling complex mathematical simulations for drug designers and biomedical researchers. The cluster will tackle increasingly complex problems in fields like bioinformatics, physics, and computer science.
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.