A recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation has identified a potential detour for stalled intracellular lipid traffic. This novel approach could lead to the development of new treatments for various diseases, including those related to lipid metabolism.
Researchers have discovered a protein, alpha hemoglobin stabilizing protein (AHSP), that binds to free alpha globin and prevents it from forming a precipitate that damages red blood cells. This discovery may lead to a new treatment for thalassemia by reducing the need for frequent blood transfusions.
Dr. You's research highlights the effects of endocrine-active chemicals on biological systems, finding altered gene expression in male rats exposed to high levels of genistein and methoxychlor. The study suggests plant-based estrogens can alter the effects of synthetic compounds like pesticides.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that beta-blockers provided significant protection to the brain and its functions in patients undergoing bypass surgery. The study analyzed medical records of 2,575 patients and found a 1.9% rate of adverse effects for those taking beta-blockers compared to 4.3% for those who did not.
The company's phase I clinical trial will examine NicVAX's safety and ability to stimulate the immune system in nonsmokers. If successful, additional trials will be conducted to investigate its efficacy in smokers and ex-smokers.
Researchers at Duke University found that density-dependent mortality plays a role in promoting tree species diversity, just like in tropical forests. Their study suggests that preserving natural enemies is crucial for maintaining tropical diversity.
A study by researchers at the University of Michigan found that lakeshore housing development affects breeding bird communities in ways that conventional methods may miss. The study suggests that property owners can take steps to lessen the effects, such as keeping lawns small and encouraging native vegetation.
Researchers found that volcanic eruptions can completely reverse the influence of sunspots on global climate, contradicting previous assumptions about their relationship. By studying ice cores, they discovered that explosive volcanic activity coincides with correlation reversals between sunspot activity and climate.
Researchers found that closely related genes in maize can be located elsewhere in the genome, leading to increased hybrid vigor. This discovery has important implications for improving agriculture and developing new, more productive lines of corn.
Michael Shur, a renowned researcher at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, has been awarded the prestigious Humboldt Award for his outstanding contributions to novel semiconductor devices and integrated circuits. With over 700 technical publications and 25 patents, Shur is recognized internationally in his field.
Researchers can now perform innovative and massive new calculations, including simulating synthetic environments and analyzing genomic data. The tera-scale capability enables the creation of artificial agents with fine granularities, providing a more accurate representation of reality.
Researchers found that antibiotic treatment improved lung function in 56% of mild to moderate asthmatics with evidence of Mycoplasma pneumoniae or Chlamydia pneumoniae infections. Lung function also showed improvement after treatment, with an average increase of 200 milliliters.
A new test measures the ratio of cathepsin B to inhibitor stefin A in prostate tissue, revealing differences in tumors not visible under the microscope. The test can identify biologically aggressive and less aggressive forms of cancer, guiding treatment decisions for patients.
The Association for Gerontology in Higher Education has awarded grants to ten schools for innovative service learning projects, integrating community service into academic curricula. The recipients will implement their approaches in the Fall 2002 term and apply for future funding through a Request for Proposal process.
Researchers developed a transdermal HRT patch that increased androgen levels, leading to higher libido and greater sexual satisfaction in postmenopausal women. The study suggests a potential new treatment approach for female sexual dysfunction, building on preliminary research showing testosterone supplements can enhance sex drive.
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) has expanded its vaccine testing network, which has been a national resource for vaccine development since 1962. The new network will test vaccines against potential agents of bioterrorism and assess emerging hypotheses about vaccine-related adverse side effects.
The study provides direct measurements of nanoscale forces between cartilage molecules and a tiny probe tip, shedding light on the complex biocomposite material's behavior. The results reveal a mix of electrical repulsive and steric forces contributing to its unique properties.
A 30-year-old woman developed ataxia and nystagmus after using an herbal supplement for weight loss, leading to a diagnosis of Wernicke's Encephalopathy. The woman responded positively to daily thiamine injections, resolving her symptoms.
Satellite observations show northern regions experiencing a 'greening' trend over the past two decades, with spring advancing by about a week and summer maximum leaf cover increasing. The LPJ model confirms this trend, attributing it to warming caused by climate change, while also highlighting other factors such as increased carbon dio...
Researchers created mice with human alpha-synuclein gene to study MSA pathology. Healthy cells do not produce this protein, while affected cells form insoluble inclusion bodies.
Researchers investigate how reducing serotonin levels affects people with and without depression. The study uses tryptophan depletion to temporarily lower serotonin levels in participants, aiming to discover new ways to predict who is at risk for major depression and when treatment can be safely discontinued.
Researchers have developed a way to modify genes that create maytansinoids, potentially making them more effective against tumors and better tolerated by patients. The technique uses genetic engineering to alter the chemical structure of the anti-cancer agents, reducing toxicity and improving efficacy.
A new natural family planning method, the Standard Days Method, is more than 95% effective in preventing pregnancy. This method uses a color-coded bead system called CycleBeads to track ovulation and identify fertile days.
The proposed system uses autonomous spaceships to transport crews between Earth and Mars, enabling frequent 5-month trips. The design architecture includes Astrotels and Taxis, which will facilitate sustainable Mars habitation and exploration.
Researchers from Cornell University deployed acoustic recording units to capture sounds from the Pearl River drainage, but found no indication of the ivory-billed woodpecker's presence. The technology may provide conclusive evidence on future sound recordings.
The American Academy of Neurology endorses electrodiagnostic tests for diagnosing carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). These tests offer a high degree of sensitivity and specificity. The guideline recommends laboratory studies for confirming the clinical diagnosis of CTS due to its importance in treating patients who frequently require surgery.
A natural compound found in tomatoes has been patented and licensed for production as an insect repellent. The substance, IBI-246, is considered slightly safer than DEET and repels a range of insects, including mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, and biting flies.
A new study by UCSF researchers reveals that osteoporosis has significant economic costs for Californians, with Medicare paying for most hospital care and nursing home care being the largest expense. Early detection and prevention are critical to reducing these costs, which include indirect losses due to premature death.
A common soil bacterium produces a toxin that kills zebra mussels, causing major problems in water-dependent infrastructure. Preliminary tests indicate the microbe does not harm other species, paving the way for commercialization and potential use as an eco-friendly control agent.
A recent study by the University of Southern California reveals that breast cancer incidence rates have increased significantly among Asian-American women, particularly those of Japanese descent. The study found that breast cancer rates for Japanese and Filipino women were about double those for Chinese and Korean women.
A study found that sisters of centenarians have about half the risk of dying at any given age compared to the national average. Brothers of centenarians also exhibit low mortality rates, especially during young adulthood, increasing their chances of becoming centenarians.
The new guidelines stress the importance of inhaled corticosteroids for controlling and preventing asthma symptoms. The update also highlights the need for further research on combination therapy, particularly in young children.
Researchers have developed a new technique using the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) as a carrier to deliver a toxic agent selectively to tumor blood vessels. This approach has shown impressive anti-tumor effects in mice with human melanoma and prostate cancer, reducing tumor growth by up to 16 percent.
Anal cancer is under-recognized, but rates of 350 cases per million in HIV-negative men and double in HIV-positive men indicate a need for prevention. Stanford researcher Mark Welton proposes an approach using yearly pap smears to detect precancerous cells before they develop into cancer.
A new gene therapy tool has shown promising results in treating mice with hemophilia A by correcting the faulty factor VIII gene. The technology uses RNA trans-splicing to produce normal factor VIII protein, offering a potential cure for this genetic disorder.
The N.C. Health Choice program has expanded health-care coverage to millions of children from working families with incomes too high for Medicaid but too low to afford private insurance. The program's success can be attributed to its competitive payment rates for dental services, resulting in improved access to care for poor children.
The new facility will produce proteins for structural analysis and clinical trials, initially using bacterial and insect cell systems. The goal is to scale up production to mammalian cells, enabling more detailed understanding of protein structures and development of intervention strategies.
Scientists have discovered well-preserved fossil remains of early land plants on Bathurst Island in the Northwest Territories, which are 800 miles from the North Pole. These findings indicate that vascular plants were more complex and developed earlier than previously thought.
Researchers have found that two diabetes medications, thiazolidinediones, can prevent the development of multiple sclerosis in mice and reduce symptoms. The study suggests that these insulin-sensitizing drugs may also be effective in treating other neurologic diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
A multidisciplinary team at Abbott Laboratories developed an innovative process to produce the protease inhibitor ritonavir, leading to the discovery of next-generation protease inhibitor lopinavir. This breakthrough has improved HIV/AIDS treatment outcomes and saved thousands of lives in the US.
Lynn Levinson, a veteran chemistry educator from the Chicago area, has been recognized with the ACS Regional Award in High School Chemistry Teaching. Her dedication to hands-on, laboratory-based learning and extracurricular activities has inspired her students to excel in chemistry competitions and research projects.
Researchers found that estradiol levels changed significantly during exercise for women using transdermal estrogen patches, but returned to normal within thirty minutes. In contrast, other hormones showed no significant changes during exercise with oral or transdermal administration.
Four students from Boston, Connecticut, Ohio and Minnesota are named as the US Physics Olympiad winners. The team members have demonstrated exceptional knowledge of physics through extremely challenging exams. They will be attending top universities next year.
Researchers found that people don't remember individual web pages as much as they do categories, leading to confusion on corporate websites. Designers should focus on organizing information in a way that is consistent with how users mentally organize it.
The robotic microscope enables repeated analysis of cellular changes, allowing scientists to identify factors predicting cell fate and guide investigation into neurodegeneration. With the microscope, researchers can analyze 300,000 cells in just 15 minutes, reducing laborious tasks and eliminating bias.
Two new drugs, PKC412 and CT53518, have shown promising results in treating acute myeloid leukemia (AML), a deadly form of blood cancer. The drugs, which target the FLT3 receptor, have been effective in killing leukemia cells and prolonging survival in mouse models.
Researchers found a lack of information available to asylum seekers and host communities, hindering effective integration. The study highlights the need for better communication, public relations campaigns, and coordinated services.
An undergraduate student can win a $4,000 scholarship and travel stipend to the Gerontological Society's Annual Meeting. The award is based on academic performance and must be nominated by faculty from their institution.
Pisciotta has inspired students throughout Montgomery, Carroll, and Prince George's Counties for over 30 years. She is recognized by the ACS Regional Award in High School Chemistry Teaching for challenging and inspiring her students.
Princeton students have created a comprehensive map of the US's natural hazard risks, revealing that large events like hurricanes and earthquakes drive costs. The data also suggests a 30-year east-to-west oscillation in hurricane tracks, potentially shifting their trajectory northward.
UC Davis' entry, Yosemite, is a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle that doubles fuel economy and reduces tailpipe emissions below California's strictest SULEV standards. The FutureTruck project, a joint government-industry initiative, aims to raise the environmental performance of popular SUVs while keeping their amenities.
A recent study published in Science finds that the genetic variation of the nene bird species decreased significantly between 160-850 years ago, likely due to human expansion on the island of Hawaii. The researchers used DNA analysis from ancient specimens and modern captive birds to draw this conclusion.
A new brain-scan study confirms fibromyalgia patients do experience severe pain, with measurable pain signals in their brains. The study uses fMRI scans to identify areas of the brain most active during pain, providing a road map for future research on the disease.
Researchers from The Neurosciences Institute and Arizona State University successfully implanted electrodes in monkey brains to decode neural signals controlling arm movements. This breakthrough technology aims to restore movement to individuals with paralyzed arms through a 'neural bypass'.
Researchers at Northwestern University developed a new tool to write nanopatterns with DNA inks, enabling the creation of miniaturized gene chips with an array of diagnostic tests. This technology can produce spots of DNA down to 50 nanometers in diameter, reducing cost and time.
Researchers use new microscopy techniques to observe immune cell behavior in living tissues, revealing prolonged contact between T cells and dendritic cells. This study paves the way for future work on T-cell activation and provides a new glimpse into key steps in early immune responses.
Researchers discovered that RING Finger proteins play a crucial role in targeting cellular molecules for proteolysis during the cell cycle. This process is essential for regulating cell growth and preventing cancer. The study provides new insights into how cells recognize which proteins to eliminate and when.
Researchers found that a therapy combining electrical stimulation with bilateral movement significantly improved motor skills in stroke patients compared to unilateral movement or physical therapy alone. The study suggests that involving the unaffected limb can help restore function and create new neural pathways.
A 100,000-year climate cycle linked to the sun's magnetic activity has been discovered. The study found that periods of high solar magnetic activity correlate with warmer climates and vice versa.
The study identified the gene responsible for producing ear wax as being located on chromosome 16, near another gene linked to paroxysmal kinesigenic choreoathetosis. This discovery may shed light on the development of apocrine glands and their secretory products.