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.