Researchers at UT Southwestern and Children's will develop protocols and procedures for a thermocycler called GeneXpert, which rapidly processes and analyzes DNA samples. The new testing methods should allow children to leave the hospital sooner or avoid hospitalization altogether, with results available within hours.
Researchers found that temperature and tidal patterns vary significantly across 14 sites spanning 14 degrees of latitude along the West Coast. The study suggests that climate change may have a different impact on coastal animals depending on their geographical location.
A recent clinical trial found that a combination of estrogen and micronized progesterone causes fewer days and less intense bleeding than commonly used hormone replacement therapies. The study suggests that estrogen plus micronized progesterone (MP) may be the form of HRT with the least bleeding and potentially lower health risks.
A Johns Hopkins-led research team identified a control valve within heart cells that can be switched on to help the organ survive injury during a heart attack. The discovery could lead to new therapies for heart disease.
A UC Davis study found that fiber curbs appetite in women by triggering the release of cholecystokinin, a hormone associated with satiety. The researchers discovered that high-fiber meals resulted in greater feelings of fullness and higher levels of cholecystokinin compared to low-fiber meals.
Research suggests that low-grade glioma patients treated with early radiotherapy have impaired cognitive abilities, particularly memory. High doses of radiotherapy (over 2 Gy) exacerbate this effect. The study's findings imply that radiation therapy should be cautiously applied to asymptomatic patients and used in moderation.
Researchers from Cardiff University are conducting a £70,000 study to understand the advice needs of lone parents, who often struggle with income, housing, and childcare support. The study aims to identify barriers to access and advice for these families, shedding light on crucial issues that require attention.
Conducted studies show a strong majority of consumers favor irradiated ground beef, with surveys indicating 70-80% support the process when informed. Irradiation eliminates 99.9% of pathogens without changing taste or nutritional value.
Researchers develop theoretical models to understand the spatial component of insect outbreaks and predict their spread. By analyzing the Larch budmoth infestation in the European Alps, they confirmed that space-time models accurately predict geographic spread and timing, even with complex dynamics involved.
A new study has identified a unique brain marker of 'vulnerability' that may explain why people who recover from major depression remain at risk for another episode. The finding could lead to more targeted treatments and help identify family members at risk before they experience a major depression.
The Foundation has agreed to fund a physician-sponsored Phase I/II human clinical trial to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of CA4P as a treatment for wet age-related macular degeneration. The study aims to inhibit the growth of proliferating blood vessels linked to retinal conditions such as wet AMD.
Researchers have developed computer models to predict the effects of atomic disorder on piezoelectric properties, leading to improved performance. The work paves the way for designing lead-free piezoelectric materials with enhanced properties.
The article highlights the need for guidelines on human test subjects in chemical and biological warfare research. Bioethicists emphasize the importance of fair and humane treatments, including ensuring subject competency and freedom of choice.
Researchers recommend massive investment in alternative energy sources, including solar and wind power, to meet growing world demand. The study highlights the need for political will, targeted research and development, and international cooperation to mitigate climate change.
Researchers identified Ski's role in disrupting nuclear signaling proteins, preventing cells from slowing down and stopping division. This finding provides crucial insight into the development of cancerous tumors and offers a potential target for new anticancer drugs.
Scientists at Michigan State University have identified a new bacterium that can break down the toxic chemical TCA, which contaminates groundwater and erodes the ozone layer. The discovery holds promise for cleaning up contaminated sites in the US, as the microbe can convert TCA into less toxic substances.
A recent study by University of Pittsburgh researchers found a specific gene on chromosome 2q33-35 linked to depressive disorders in women, with no correlation in men. The CREB1 gene encodes a regulatory protein involved in brain function and plasticity.
The study highlights the importance of developing revolutionary technologies for energy production, distribution, storage, and conversion to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. Researchers emphasize the need for a multifaceted approach to address the issue, as single solutions are unlikely to be effective.
Researchers used fMRI to study how the brain processes visual patterns. They found that a higher area of the brain recognizes patterns and sends a message back down to lower areas to stop responding, allowing for better detection of new or different items. This improved ability can enhance the brain's overall processing efficiency.
A new study links ß-defensin 2 to the adaptive immune response, which combats pathogens that evade innate defense mechanisms. Researchers hope to incorporate ß-defensin 2 into cancer vaccines to promote tumor-destroying cell growth and improve patient response.
A recent study found that minority patients express greater satisfaction when treated by a physician of the same race group. The researchers speculate that this may be due to increased trust and comfort, or negative opinions of physicians from different racial groups.
A recent study published in Youth & Society found that disadvantaged youth are less likely to engage in volunteer work, but religious activity and schools can provide a pathway for them to develop prosocial behaviors. The study suggests that early disadvantages may not affect volunteering if they promote social responsibility.
A Cornell University researcher discovered that paper wasps use visual cues to identify each other, recognizing individual faces and abdomens through unique markings. This challenges the long-held belief that insects rely solely on pheromones for identification.
A study by Jefferson researchers found that women who underwent uterine artery embolization for fibroids were at a higher risk of complications during future pregnancies, including increased rates of premature delivery, miscarriage, postpartum hemorrhage, and cesarean section. The study analyzed 50 published cases and found significant...
The pharmaceutical industry invests heavily in medical information, which can impact clinical practice and patient outcomes. However, this information is often kept secret, duplicated, and biased towards commercial interests, undermining public health needs.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania found that voter registration rolls are grossly inaccurate in many US states, with 32 states having counties with more registered voters than eligible voters. The problem is caused by a dysfunctionally decentralized election system and can lead to voting fraud.
New Ohio State University research suggests district court judges tend to follow appellate judges' decisions on labor law cases. The study found that district judges are less likely to write signed majority opinions and dissents, indicating they often go along with the decisions rather than taking initiative.
New research reveals that health problems among American Indians began thousands of years ago, with agriculture and urbanization contributing to a decline in overall health. Indigenous groups living along coastal areas had the healthiest skeletons, while nomads and rural settlers were also among the healthiest groups.
A K-State professor has found that medications used to treat other animals can be safely administered to llamas and alpacas to relieve intestinal worms. He conducted the research in the university's animal facility and discovered effective treatments using anti-parasitic drugs.
The NHLBI initiative establishes partnerships between research-intensive and minority-serving institutions to investigate factors contributing to asthma disparities. The project focuses on psychosocial factors, ethnic variations in sensitivity to environmental allergens, and the interrelationship between genetic susceptibility and stress.
Mathematical theory explains how high dose/refuge strategy works, allowing farmers to protect crops in refuges. The analysis leads to unexpected results, including minimal impact of insecticides on refuge value for some Bt crops and pests.
A UC researcher used geological features and satellite imagery to identify a possible bin Laden stronghold in Afghanistan, which was later confirmed by US forces. He also warned the US government about the potential for Al Queda to return to the region.
A phase II clinical trial shows the oral combination of thalidomide and dexamethasone reduces tumor size by 50% or more in 64% of newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients. This treatment alternative offers a promising solution to chemotherapy's side effects, including nausea, vomiting, and hair loss.
Research by UC Berkeley scientists shows that atrazine can feminize male leopard frog tadpoles and turn them into female frogs at levels as low as 0.1 parts per billion, a 30 times lower threshold than the current allowable limit for drinking water. The herbicide has been linked to declining amphibian populations in the US and worldwide.
The new center will focus on developing hormonal methods for effective and reversible male contraception, with potential health benefits such as preventing prostate disease. The program supports interactive research projects aiming to develop clinically useful products for people of different backgrounds and ages.
A report highlights that protecting threatened and endemic species does not automatically ensure compliance with biodiversity conservation laws. The study found that this approach falls short in preserving other bird species, especially in their habitats of distribution.
A team of international astronomers has identified an ancient star in the Milky Way Galaxy, dated to 14-15 billion years ago. The discovery provides direct knowledge of the elemental composition of the universe shortly after the Big Bang, offering insights into the formation of stars and the chemical recipe of the early universe.
A study found that aerobic exercise did not prevent aging-related bone loss, while higher body fat, especially in the abdomen, was linked to increased bone mineral densities. Muscle strength also played a role in maintaining bone health, contrasting previous studies suggesting aerobics could have a protective effect.
Researchers use novel genetic approach to study feather formation in chickens, revealing that barbs form first and fuse to create rachides. This discovery sheds new light on dinosaur evolution and has implications for understanding human development and organ formation.
Astronomers uncover a star with extremely low element abundance, providing a unique window into the Milky Way's early stages. The discovery challenges current theories and offers hope for finding 'unpolluted' Big Bang material.
Researchers found tundra soils unexpectedly responsive to increased nitrogen, impacting carbon storage and potentially affecting atmospheric CO2 levels. The study highlights the potential risks of rising nitrogen levels worldwide, particularly in warmer regions.
A study by Penn State researchers found that slow download speeds increase arousal in some individuals, leading to greater physiological excitement and improved memory. Slower speeds also encourage more active browsing behaviors.
Researchers discovered that nociceptive neurons trigger group feeding behavior in Caenorhabditis elegans, a species of worm. The findings build on earlier research and have potential relevance to understanding human eating behaviors and obesity.
Johns Hopkins researchers create ultra-strong copper that retains its ductility by manipulating the metal's microstructure through a process involving liquid nitrogen, rolling, and controlled heating. The resulting material exhibits enhanced strength without sacrificing flexibility.
The World Health Report 2002 reveals that childhood and maternal underweight, unsafe sex, high blood pressure, and tobacco consumption are the leading causes of global burden of disease. Increasing fruit and vegetable consumption can be a simple step towards reducing certain risk factors.
A new study reveals that coral reef biodiversity hotspots are not driven by local endemic species, but rather by the overlap of globally dispersed species. Conservation efforts should target both high and low biodiversity regions.
Quorum sensing allows bacteria to coordinate unified attacks on hosts through the production of virulence factors. Disrupting quorum sensing might be used to control infection. Other reviews discuss athogenesis of coagulase-negative staphylococci, Q fever in children, and testosterone therapy in HIV wasting syndrome.
A new database technology developed by Dr. Peng Liu can detect single, multiple or simultaneous attacks, isolating malicious transactions while preserving benign ones. The software also repairs the database by containing corrupted data objects and undoing the effects of the attack, allowing for static and on-the-fly repairs.
A recent study from the Framingham Heart Study has shown a small but significant improvement in heart-failure survival rates since the 1990s. This increase is attributed to the widespread adoption of proven-effective medications such as beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, and aldosterone antagonists. The findings suggest that treating patie...
The conference emphasized the need for collaborations among government, industry, and academia to address nuclear education and R&D needs. Key action items include developing better secondary-school curriculum, expanding joint outreach at high schools and community colleges, and attracting young women and minorities to the field.
Imatinib mesylate has shown significant effectiveness in treating gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs), a previously difficult-to-treat cancer type. The drug's success is attributed to its ability to target KIT tyrosine kinase mutations, which are present in most GISTs.
A recent study predicts that the 2002 European seal plague outbreak may claim up to 10,000 harbour seals in Denmark and Sweden alone. The researchers used mathematical models to compare the 2002 findings to a previous 1988 outbreak, predicting similar impacts on the population.
The Field Museum is part of a 15-20 year program to fill in the Tree of Life, using genetic studies, fieldwork and existing information. The project aims to determine evolutionary relationships among bird species and other groups, with applications in disease research, conservation and ecosystem restoration.
A new NHLBI study has found improved heart failure survival rates, with deaths decreasing by 12% per decade for both men and women. The study, which analyzed data from 10,317 participants over 50 years, also revealed a significant drop in new cases of heart failure among women during the same period.
A new study suggests that dust in the Kuiper Belt produces anomalous cosmic rays, which have been puzzling scientists. The research provides a possible explanation for the origin of these high-energy particles and offers insights into the composition and interactions of the solar system.
The HapMap project aims to chart genetic variation within the human genome by comparing differences among individuals. Researchers hope to create a tool to detect genetic contributions to many diseases, improving drug design and diagnostic tools.
A study by Cornell University professor Michael C. Latham shows that a fortified orange drink improves iron and vitamin A status, reducing anemia risk by 51% in pregnant Tanzanian women. The supplement is also found to improve breast milk vitamin A levels and has potential to boost nutrition worldwide.
Researchers suggest using rapamycin to improve renal function and reduce ischemia-reperfusion injury in marginal kidney transplants. The study found that kidneys treated with cyclosporine fared worse than those treated with rapamycin, leading to restricted blood flow and poorer filtration.
Researchers have created detailed maps of the brain's cerebral and cerebellar cortex, which will help physicians understand brain damage and guide neurosurgeons. The maps will be freely available online, revolutionizing the field of neuroscience.
Geologist Schmitt presents new insights into the Moon's origin, contradicting the Giant Impact hypothesis, and its implications for understanding early Earth and Mars. He also discusses possible evidence for ancient oceans on Mars and the potential for life in the solar system.