A three-year study found that changes to soil communities had no effect on the yield of plant life above ground or the amount of carbon stored in the soil. The researchers suggest that positive and negative effects of fauna in the soil cancel each other out, leading to no net ecosystem effects.
Iron fertilization of phytoplankton could lead to changes in atmospheric composition and climate, potentially offsetting CO2 removal benefits. This may also result in significant warming of ocean surface waters, affecting oceanic circulation and the climate.
A study by Professor Lesley Degner found that Canadian women with breast cancer and men with prostate cancer fare better emotionally and socially due to their positive attitude towards illness. The most important information patients want is 'What are my chances of a cure?' and 'How far has my disease spread?'.
A study by Professor Lesley Fallowfield found that psychosocial discussions are often overlooked in cancer treatment consultations. Training can help doctors and nurses discuss personal and sexual issues comfortably and sensitively, improving patient outcomes.
The grant will support five local projects focusing on stem cell transplantation, pneumococcal infection, combination drug therapy, gene therapy, and molecular biology of hemoglobin development. St. Jude sickle cell patients will have more opportunities for new therapies and participation in groundbreaking clinical trials.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins have identified a novel gene mutation causing Huntington's Disease-like 2 (HDL2), a condition identical to Huntington's but caused by a different mutation. The discovery provides a window into the mechanisms of brain cell death and could shed light on other neurodegenerative disorders.
Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital present findings on using amniotic fluid cells for tissue engineering, reducing complications in fetal biopsy. The hospital also highlights concerns about children's health in the event of a bioterrorism attack and environmental factors affecting school-going children.
Professor Edzard Ernst urges oncologists to be open to alternative medicines, as desperation drives patients to try anything. He warns that some therapies can be dangerous and advises patients to consult with healthcare professionals before trying new treatments.
Researchers have discovered a correlation between El Niño events and stalagmite growth in Belize, revealing changes in the carbon cycle of the overlying rainforest ecosystem. The findings suggest that stalagmites may record important information about weather and carbon fluxes on interannual time scales.