Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have identified a critical gene, Bop, that controls the formation of heart chambers. The study found that deleting this gene in mouse embryos disrupted heart muscle cell maturation and right ventricle development.
A new UF study demonstrates improved aerobic capacity in healthy elderly adults following both low- and high-resistance exercise training programs. This challenges the conventional view that strength training is not effective for improving cardiovascular and respiratory performance.
The MESSENGER project has passed a critical design review and is ready to move forward with building its spacecraft. The spacecraft will study Mercury's composition, geologic history, and magnetosphere over a one-year orbit, providing valuable insights into the inner solar system.
A UCLA study found that 75% of HIV-positive women reported a positive change in their views of themselves, while 53% reported a shift in life priorities. The women attributed this change to coping with HIV infection, which made them feel wiser and stronger.
Methyl bromide fumigation is a better option than current treatments for killing anthrax, according to UF researchers. The method could have saved $23 million in cleanup costs compared to estimated methods.
Researchers successfully treated rats with chemical-induced Parkinson's disease using gene therapy, restoring normal limb movement. The treatment involves delivering two corrective genes into a specific brain region to prime the production of dopamine, which coordinates limb movements.
Researchers have found a way to efficiently study early blood-cell development using the pag-3 gene in both mice and the common worm Caenorhabditis elegans. The study revealed that knocking out genes in mice results in blood formation defects consistent with predictions made by the worm research.
A study of coral records from the South-West Pacific reveals that El Niño's behavior remained consistent during the Little Ice Age, with no impact on its strength or frequency. The research suggests that massive corals can provide valuable insights into past climatic phenomena.
A study by Pitt researchers found that men and women have different genetic markers associated with severe depression, which may lead to better diagnosis and treatment strategies. The findings suggest that sex-specific genes for recurrent major depression may be the rule rather than the exception.
Research tracking over 700 children from adolescence to adulthood found that adolescents watching more than one hour of TV daily were more prone to violence. The link remained even after accounting for other factors like childhood neglect and low family income. The study's findings contradict the common assumption that media violence o...
A recent study suggests that statins may inhibit calcium growth on aortic valves in elderly people, potentially reducing the risk of cardiovascular events. Researchers found that those taking statins had a 62% lower median rate of calcium accumulation compared to non-statins group.
A study published in Health Education & Behavior found that community programs aimed at preventing teen pregnancy can reduce birth rates. The implementation of these programs led to a 15% decrease in birth rate in one area, while the other saw a slight increase.
Researchers at The Wistar Institute discovered that the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) uses a telomere-like system to survive within its host cells. This finding has significant implications for treating EBV-associated cancers, as inhibiting this mechanism could potentially inhibit tumor cell growth.
Researchers have identified the mechanism behind tamoxifen's side effects, which may lead to the development of safer alternative medications. The study found that tamoxifen and raloxifene work differently in various cell types, with potential implications for breast cancer treatment.
The world's largest and highest-performance nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer has arrived at PNNL. This unique system will enable scientists to study basic molecular processes and make new discoveries in fields such as DNA damage, disease development, and protein interactions.
Researchers found that managed care is associated with improved integration of inpatient and outpatient care, leading to lower hospitalization rates for chronic conditions. The study analyzed California trends and found a strong association between patient access ratings and reduced hospital admissions.
A study by the American College of Emergency Physicians finds that emergency department visits increased 27% from 1990-1999, with critically ill visits rising 59% and urgent visits increasing 36%. The number of beds per population also decreased, exacerbating the problem.
Aging cells retire when their telomeres become too short to function, according to a new Rockefeller University study. The researchers found that protein TRF2 helps critically short telomeres function better, allowing old cells to live longer.
Researchers found that vitamin supplementation reduced intimal index growth after heart transplantation, a common cause of arteriosclerosis. Vitamin C and E also maintained stable coronary endothelial function.
Teenagers are more likely to drive safely when their parents set restrictions and monitor their activities. The study found that adolescents who lack self-control or engage in deviant behaviors are at a higher risk of driving dangerously.
Researchers at UC Berkeley have developed a technology for creating cheap plastic solar cells that can be painted onto any surface, enabling applications such as powering wearables or small devices. The efficiency of the solar cells is currently low, but the team believes it has the potential to improve with further development.
Researchers discovered the ancestral role of VEGF protein guiding developing blood cells to their destinations. The findings suggest that blood vessels may have evolved from blood cells, a theory supported by studies on fruit fly embryos.
A new NIAID study found that diluting smallpox vaccine can expand the US vaccine supply fivefold, providing more protection against a potential outbreak. The trial used a freeze-dried live vaccinia virus vaccine and resulted in high take rates with minimal side effects.
A team of scientists from the University of Maine discovered a slow-growing sea urchin variety that never reaches legal size for harvesting in Maine's coastal waters. This finding suggests that harvesting legal-sized urchins could cause a shift in the population towards non-harvestable stocks.
Joanna Fowler has made significant contributions to positron emission tomography (PET), including the development of fluorine-18-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) and radiotracers for monoamine oxidase (MAO). Her work has improved our understanding of biochemical processes in addiction, aging, and drug action.
Researchers have discovered a new class of objects in two nearby galaxies, NGC 1023 and NGC 3384. These 'faint fuzzies' are thought to be about the same age as globular clusters but look and act differently, with sizes ranging from 50 to 100 light-years across.
Researchers from Oregon State University and others have found that Antarctica's ice sheets played a significant role in causing the Earth's sea level to rise by up to 70 feet in less than 500 years. This finding highlights the pressing need for better understanding of Antarctica's huge ice sheets and their stability.
A population study found that hypospadias was more than 20 times as common in boys whose mothers were exposed to DES during pregnancy. Research on exposure to DES may be relevant to current concerns about weaker oestrogens in oral contraceptives and other substances.
Researchers have discovered crystalline materials that can change shapes rapidly and act as ultrafast switches in optical computers, potentially enabling 3D TVs and unprecedented storage potential. The materials could be produced in bulk and reduced costs may be achieved through improved manufacturing efficiencies.
A team of researchers has discovered that the medial superior temporal area (MST) acts as both a compass and biological global positioning system, providing mental maps to help understand location and movement. This finding helps explain why people with Alzheimer's disease struggle to navigate their environment.
Researchers developed a Web-based display, CIP, to describe current icing conditions, which goes into service this week for meteorologists and airline dispatchers. A companion tool, FIP (Forecast Icing Potential), forecasts potential icing up to 12 hours ahead but is still in development.
Research on fruit flies reveals Rac genes control axon growth, guidance and branching in the human brain. The study suggests that large amounts of Rac GTPase protein are needed for proper branching, while less is required for growth.
Researchers found that women with a common mutation in the estrogen receptor alpha gene had dramatic increases in high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or the 'good' cholesterol. This discovery suggests that genetic testing may help doctors make better decisions about hormone replacement therapy for preventing heart disease.
A study found that long-term use of oral contraceptives may increase the risk of cervical cancer in women who test positive for human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA. Women using oral contraceptives for 10 years or more were four times more likely to develop cervical cancer, highlighting the importance of HPV screening.
Researchers have found that nornicotine, a breakdown product of nicotine, can catalyze certain chemical reactions in the body, potentially triggering adverse health effects. This interaction may also lead to reduced drug potency and increased risk of side effects for those taking medications while smoking or using nicotine products.
Research suggests that PGE2 can alleviate intestinal inflammation by inhibiting NF-\u00b8B and JAK/STAT pathways. Additionally, the study highlights the importance of targeting PGE2 receptors in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease.
Scientists at University at Buffalo used chitinase to identify the extracellular transport signal of cholera toxin, a crucial step in understanding how bacteria cause disease. The researchers found that only a portion of a specific region of the protein was essential for its secretion.
Researchers report that a critical period between 5-21 days after birth is crucial for normal anxiety-like behavior, triggered by serotonin stimulation of the forebrain receptor. This timing enables long-lasting changes in brain chemistry or structure essential for normal emotional behavior throughout life.
A recent study published in JCI Journals reveals a significant connection between the brain and bone health, with implications for osteoporosis treatment. The findings suggest that certain neurological factors contribute to the development of bone disorders, opening up new avenues for therapy.
Only 25% of patients have been seizure-free for the past year, with many experiencing frequent seizures despite medication attempts. Vagus Nerve Stimulation Therapy (VNS) has shown promise in reducing seizures and improving quality of life.
Researchers have found a way to use a single photon to initiate the transfer of two electrons in a photochemical reaction, offering greater efficiency. The long-lived charge separation appears to last for several minutes, which is longer than usual.
Researchers found late-onset schizophrenia to be a distinct condition characterized by tau protein abnormalities. The study analyzed brain tissue from patients and found that changes in the hippocampus were caused by hyper-phosphorylation of tau.
Researchers have successfully treated metastatic disease using a modified herpesvirus, providing a promising treatment option for patients with advanced cancer. The therapy has shown promise in early trials, demonstrating its potential as a novel approach to combatting this devastating disease.
A University of California at Berkeley study found that up to 30% of U.S. children who use computers may need special eyewear to reduce the risk of premature vision problems. The research also shows a strong correlation between computer use and premature myopia, or nearsightedness.
Researchers found that different brain pathways handle mental rotation and object recognition tasks, indicating distinct neural circuits. The ventral pathway is involved in object identity, while the dorsal pathway is linked to spatial location.
The AAAS Report XXVII: Research and Development FY 2003 provides a definitive guide to the President's R&D budget proposals. The report shows a record increase in federal R&D funding to $112 billion, driven by increases in defense and health sectors. Non-defense R&D would decrease slightly, while basic research would see a 7.9% growth.
Researchers found that boosting PKM levels in fruit flies improves memory retention, contradicting previous understanding of memory fade. The discovery sheds light on the process of synaptic tagging during memory formation and has significant implications for our understanding of neural mechanisms.
Researchers found that reducing medication costs by 40% can add up to 90 years of life for heart patients over 75. Lowering prices from average wholesale price (AWP) to 20% below AWP extends life by 63 years, compared to only 48 years at AWP.
Researchers at Stanford Medicine have identified a medical condition causing violent 'sleep sex' behaviors, characterized by loud moaning and sexual assault during sleep. The disorder can be treated with standard sleep disorder treatments, including therapy and medication.
A new study by researchers at Thomas Jefferson University found that the protein GCC is present in intestinal metaplasia, a sometimes precancerous condition in the esophagus and stomach. GCC's presence was detected in five of five cases of esophageal cancer and eight of nine cases of stomach cancer.
Chronic heart failure affects 5 million US people, with poor hospital outcomes and high readmission rates. Researchers conducted large placebo-controlled trials to develop treatment guidelines for this condition.
A study of dialysis patients found that high pulse pressure is associated with a greater risk of death, contradicting the idea that lower blood pressure is better. Researchers analyzed over 37,000 patients and discovered that the difference between systolic and diastolic blood pressures can indicate mortality risk.
A new study by Eckehard Liske, PhD, confirms the safety and efficacy of RemiFemin in relieving menopausal symptoms. The research shows that standardized herbal supplement works without affecting hormone levels, reducing hot flashes, mood swings, night sweats, and sleeplessness.
A study of 206 men and 135 women found that waist circumference and BMI are both strong predictors of nonabdominal, abdominal subcutaneous, and visceral fat stores. Combining these two measures is more effective at predicting abdominal obesity and its associated health risks than using either variable alone.
Researchers found surprising parallels in RNA virus replication, suggesting a common strategy to kill various viruses. The discovery could lead to more general virus control strategies.
The study found energy expenditure differences between African American and white children, as well as differences in body composition and activity levels. Children with higher fat mass expended more energy, regardless of their race or sex.
A study of 33,344 participants found that higher dietary energy intake was associated with a greater risk of benign prostate disease. Additionally, high protein intake, especially from animal sources, and certain polyunsaturated fats increased the risk. The authors suggest that dietary factors may contribute to the development of BPH.
A study found that iron supplementation significantly enhanced maximal oxygen uptake and respiratory exchange ratio in iron-depleted women, improving their adaptation to aerobic exercise. Women with more depleted initial iron status showed the most improvement.
Researchers at UC Berkeley have identified organic nitrogen oxides, previously unknown pollutants, which play a crucial role in atmospheric chemistry. The team's advanced detector can monitor NO compounds continuously with unprecedented sensitivity, enabling better predictions of ozone formation and air pollution impact.
Scientists found that viruses causing diverse ailments like AIDS, common cold, and hepatitis share functional traits, linking large groups of viruses. These traits involve replication mechanisms and messenger RNA stages, suggesting a common ancestor among the viruses. The discovery bolsters prospects for broad-spectrum antiviral agents.