A three-year study using Arabidopsis thaliana aims to define the roles of protein-degrading enzymes important to wood formation. The researchers hope to identify genes that regulate this process, which could have significant implications for forest product development and our understanding of plant development.
A University of Toronto geneticist has discovered a process to clarify the relationship between bacterial pathogens and their plant hosts. By developing a functional screen, Professor David Guttman identified more type III effectors in plant pathogen Pseudomonas syringae than in any other animal or plant pathogen.
A new UCLA study finds that 'sweaty palms' syndrome is caused by a dominant gene, affecting up to 5% of the population. The disorder can significantly impact daily life and career, with symptoms including excessive sweating in hands and feet.
A study on female monkeys found that stress can reduce estrogen levels, leading to the development of atherosclerosis and increasing heart disease risk. The research highlights the importance of pre-menopausal behavioral and hormonal conditions for post-menopausal health.
The new technology uses magnetic resonance microscopy (MRM) to produce 3-D images of mice at unprecedented resolution, revolutionizing the use of mouse models in understanding human disease. Digital 'Visible Mice' will enable researchers to share and analyze animals electronically, facilitating collaboration across distances.
Scientists have combined satellite measurements with model calculations to demonstrate that atmospheric aerosols increase cloud brightness, leading to greater reflection of sunlight and potential cooling of the climate. This effect should be accounted for in assessing global climate change.
A study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry found that nearly all antidepressant trials exclude patients with mild depression, anxiety disorders, or other psychiatric problems. This limits the generalizability of trial results and may lead to unjustified exposure of risks and side effects.
Research suggests asteroids were responsible for a massive impact event 3.9 billion years ago, which destroyed older rocks and created thousands of craters across the inner solar system. This bombardment may have provided an environment conducive to pre-biotic chemistry and early life evolution.
A comprehensive study found that both prenatal and postnatal lead exposure were associated with increased antisocial behavior in children and adolescents. The researchers followed inner-city adolescents for over two decades, tracking blood lead levels and documenting delinquent behavior.
A study found that farmers with specific genetic variations in the paraoxonase gene are more likely to experience poor health after exposure to organophosphates used in sheep dip. This suggests a potential link between repeated exposure and chronic ill health.
Researchers are studying abnormal beta cell function to better understand canine and feline diabetes. They found that certain proteins play a crucial role in insulin secretion, which may contribute to the development of diabetes.
Researchers from National University of Singapore and John Innes Center discover protein RGL2 acts as molecular crossroad for seed germination. RGL2 accumulates upon imbibition and suppresses germination in absence of gibberellin, but is suppressed by GA allowing germination to begin.
The new UI Center for Research on Processes in Evolution will investigate the evolution of drug resistance in microbes and determine how specific viruses choose their hosts. This research could help identify patterns in evolution and constraints, shedding light on nature's workings and future disease threats.
A study found that genetic testing can identify HIV patients at risk of a life-threatening hypersensitive reaction to the antiretroviral drug abacavir. Patients with the HLA-B*5701 allele were over 100 times more likely to experience the adverse reaction.
A new study published in The Lancet suggests that abacavir-containing regimens are more effective than zidovudine/lamivudine in children with HIV-1 who have not previously been treated. This finding could provide a good NRTI backbone for use with protease inhibitors and non-nucleoside reverse-transcriptase inhibitors.
A team of researchers discovered a protein that controls animal cell fusion, which is crucial for proper development and tissue formation. The study found that mutations in this gene lead to birth defects and organ malformations, highlighting the importance of understanding the fusion mechanism.
A recent study found that nearly 33% of women misdiagnose themselves with vulvovaginal candidiasis, a yeast infection, while 19% actually had bacterial vaginosis. Dr. Daron G. Ferris suggests that women first see their doctor for confirmation before using over-the-counter treatments.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have developed a novel imaging technique to detect tiny tumors that cause a rare bone disorder. The method, which uses radioactive pentetreotide to identify tumor locations, has correctly pinpointed tumors in five of seven patients with oncogenic osteomalacia.
The study found TMC125 effective against highly NNRTI-resistant HIV strains in patients failing treatment. The drug showed no signs of resistance development and was well-tolerated during the trial.
Chemists at Ohio State University have created the first-ever compounds of uranium bonded to atoms of three so-called
A study published in Medical Care found that managed care plans continuing to serve older Americans under the Medicare program tend to provide higher quality service. The research suggests that higher quality performance is associated with lower rates of withdrawal from the program.
Researchers used refined techniques to study minerals from meteorites, revealing a 20-million-year estimate for the Earth's formation. The new figure is based on careful separation of minerals and isolation of radioactive forms of niobium and zirconium.
The book examines California's commercial and recreational fisheries, discussing natural history and ecological health. With over 125 leading scientists contributing to the report, it provides valuable insight into the relationship between marine resources and economic prosperity.
A recent survey of over 500 first-time mothers found that 35% experienced urinary incontinence and 4% suffered from faecal incontinence. The study suggests that damage to the pelvic floor may occur during pregnancy as well as childbirth, highlighting the need for improved maternity care.
Researchers have identified a region of chromosome 4 associated with pancreatic cancer, which may lead to earlier identification and treatment. The discovery has potential implications for understanding the disease's causes and developing new treatments.
The University of Illinois Chicago has received a five-year, $7 million NIH grant to study the mechanisms of fertility and infertility. Researchers will investigate hormone regulation, immune response, and other factors contributing to endometriosis and infertility.
A UCLA-led team of chemists and engineers has developed a transparent plastic that can mend itself when heated, offering potential use in industries such as electronics, radar and communications. The material, called Automend, retains 60% of its original strength after healing.
A large family study identified a specific genetic marker on chromosome 4 associated with inherited pancreatic cancer. The discovery sheds light on the disease's development and may lead to new prevention and treatment strategies.
Researchers found that a specific strain of Staphylococcus aureus is linked to severe pneumonia in children, particularly those with influenza-like illness. The study highlights the need for vigilance in monitoring and treating these cases, as younger patients are at higher risk of death.
Plant cells employ a sophisticated immune system with a thick cell wall and Leucine-rich repeat receptor kinase that detects bacterial flagellin, triggering gene expression and immune response. The discovery sheds light on plant resistance to pathogens and paves the way for engineering pathogen-resistant crops.
A unique Icelandic study reveals a significant genetic component to endometriosis, with affected women being more interrelated than control groups. The research suggests that women at risk may benefit from earlier pregnancy or diagnostic tests.
The Terra satellite provides daily global measurements of sea surface temperature accurate to within half a degree, surpassing previous satellites' accuracy. This high-resolution data enables scientists to better understand climate change and its effects on the ocean's temperature.
A study suggests that metformin, an oral diabetes drug, reduces the risk of miscarriage in women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). Researchers found that 8.8% of pregnancies treated with metformin ended in miscarriage, compared to 41.9% in those not receiving the medication.
Research reveals insulin's impact on cardiac growth and development. Insulin signaling pathways regulate the expression of key genes involved in cardiac hypertrophy.
Researchers detected a magnitude 5.7 quake on Kilauea's southern flank in November 2000 using GPS data, which caused the volcano's southern flank to slide nearly 3.5 inches into the sea. The event could become a model for predicting catastrophic tsunamis in the Pacific.
A new study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health researchers found that Maryland's 1990 law banning Saturday night specials resulted in a 9% lower rate of gun homicides. The study suggests the law saved an average of 40 lives per year between 1990-1998.
A rare form of meningitis caused by Angiostrongylus cantonensis larvae was contracted in a Jamaican restaurant outbreak linked to contaminated romaine lettuce. The lettuce, imported from the US, was the likely source of the infection, which affected 12 individuals and hospitalized nine.
The study reveals key mechanisms and pathways involved in immune response regulation. It highlights the importance of understanding immunological functions to develop new therapeutic approaches.
Researchers develop innovative approach to treating psoriasis using a novel combination of therapies and biomarkers, offering new hope for patients suffering from the chronic skin condition.
Researchers found that about 25% of genes in fruit flies are evolving rapidly in response to competitive pressures, contradicting the neutral theory. In humans, around 35% of accumulated changes are 'good,' contributing to disease resistance and sexual reproduction, highlighting the ongoing role of natural selection.
Researchers at Stanford University used biomechanics to estimate T. rex's running speed, concluding it was unlikely to reach high speeds. The team found that large animals face limitations when trying to support their weight with muscle, making fast running impossible.
University of Michigan scientists have identified a protective mechanism that allows anthrax spores to remain dormant in soil for decades. The study found that germination requires the coordinated activity of multiple genes, receptor proteins, and amino acids in two simultaneous signaling pathways.
A multi-site study led by UCSF investigators shows comparable survival rates and graft function for HIV-infected patients receiving kidney and liver transplants. The study found that nearly 90% of kidney grafts and 84% of liver grafts were functioning within a year post-transplant.
After two years of abstinence, the risk of relapse decreases to less than 1 percent annually. Former smokers who relapsed were more likely to use cigars and pipes, and drink excessively.
Scientists discovered that mice without the myostatin protein gain less fat as they age, even though they eat the same amount of food. This could lead to a new approach for treating type 2 diabetes by increasing muscle mass, which may improve insulin sensitivity.
A large trial involving 593 pregnant women has shown that traditional acupuncture can significantly reduce nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy. A type of acupuncture called p6 took around a week longer to have an effect.
A study presented at Nutrition Week showed that patients taking weight loss medication Xenical who enrolled in a support programme lost twice as much weight as those who did not (8.5kg vs 4kg). The two-way support improved patient satisfaction, with over 90% of patients worldwide satisfied with their treatment and level of weight loss.
A recent study from UNC Chapel Hill found that bright exterior lighting and staffing practices can significantly reduce workplace homicide risk. Eliminating solo work at night is associated with a 70% lower risk of homicide.
Researchers propose a more heterogeneous model of protein folding, which offers alternative pathways to the traditional view. This new understanding may lead to drugs that mimic molecular chaperones' role in fending off neurodegenerative diseases.
The study examined PON1 activity in children and adolescents with high lipid levels, finding associations between certain genotypes and HDL cholesterol levels. The researchers also found that dietary fat intake increased over time, contradicting expected trends in the nutritional intervention population.
The global obesity epidemic is spreading rapidly, with an estimated 300 million obese adults and 22 million children worldwide. Scientists attribute the rise to industrialized lifestyles, urbanization, and decreased physical activity levels, particularly among developing countries.
A large-scale study analyzing over 297,000 cases found that smokers are half as likely to die from heart attacks compared to nonsmokers. The main reason for this difference is the significant age gap between smokers and non-smokers, with smokers averaging 14 years younger at the time of their attack.
A recent NHLBI study found that 90% of middle-aged Americans are at risk of developing high blood pressure, with a significant decrease in the past 25 years due to improved treatment. Lifestyle changes such as a healthy diet, regular exercise, and moderate alcohol consumption can help reduce this risk.
A study found that relaxation techniques learned prior to cancer treatment reduced anxiety more effectively than those taught during treatment. These techniques also eased symptoms of nausea, pain, and emotional adjustment issues, helping patients feel more in control of their treatment.
Arthur Buikema, a Fulbright fellow, developed two new courses in Environmental Science and Health at the National University of Science and Technology in Zimbabwe. He introduced alternative teaching strategies and integrated technology into education, giving students handouts instead of traditional lecture notes due to limited resources.
A new laser ultrasonic sensor streamlines the papermaking process by measuring flexibility in real-time, allowing for improved quality control and reduced energy consumption. The sensor's non-contact technology enables accurate measurements without damaging the paper, paving the way for increased efficiency and productivity.
A first-of-its-kind clinical study presented at the AAGP meeting shows that treatment with ARICEPT significantly improved cognitive and global function in patients with vascular dementia. The study, which included 616 patients, found improvements in both cognitive abilities and overall functioning.
Researchers used C.elegans to study molecular mechanisms of dopamine neuron degeneration in Parkinson's disease. The study found that exposure to a neurotoxin, 6-OHDA, caused rapid death of dopamine neurons, and blocking dopamine transporter function eliminated the toxic effect.
Daniel Crawford's research focuses on studying the structure and properties of large chiral molecules, such as amino acids, to predict experimental data. His proposed work aims to speed up the synthesis of natural products with biological importance.
The AstraZeneca CNS Awards Program was launched in 2002 to support the career advancement of young physicians in central nervous system (CNS) fields. The program recognizes excellence in innovative research, educational efforts, travel, and materials, and offers a platform for award winners to reach their full potential.