The University of Maryland Biotechnology Institute has licensed its DNA Bactofection technology to Microscience, enabling the delivery of DNA vaccines for viral diseases and cancers. Microscience will use the technology to develop a range of DNA vaccines, including those for typhoid, travellers' diarrhea, and hepatitis B virus infection.
Researchers have developed a new technique to record visual evoked brain activity in human fetuses, using magnetoencephalography (MEG). Four out of ten fetuses showed brain responses to visual stimuli, paving the way for further studies on neurological development.
A breakthrough in genetic engineering has enabled scientists to transform loblolly pine trees with improved drought tolerance and disease resistance. The study demonstrates the use of a shoot-based transformation method, which can accelerate the improvement of this important species.
A new vaccine has been shown to prevent stroke in rats by reducing inflammation in blood vessels. The study found that the vaccine reduced ischemic strokes by 16 times and prevented hemorrhagic strokes altogether.
Experts say preparing for natural disasters can also help mitigate the impact of terrorist attacks, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive approaches to risk management. Communities must consider all potential risks and develop disaster plans that address various types of hazards.
A study published in The Lancet found that single-session psychological debriefing after traumatic events is ineffective and may even do more harm than good. The research suggests that formal therapy like critical incident stress debriefing can prevent people from seeking natural family or social support systems.
A shortage of geriatric doctors and nurses poses a significant challenge to the aging population in the US. With only 9,000 geriatric doctors currently available out of 20,000 needed, the authors suggest that students in health professional education programs should have required content in caring for older adults.
A new study confirms that cat exposure increases the risk of persistent wheezing and asthma in children whose mothers have asthma. In contrast, exposure to cats is protective for children without a family history of asthma, reducing the risk of wheezing by 40%.
Researchers found that at least a third of neurons in the prefrontal cortex vary their activity with the number of dots seen, indicating they tune to quantity. The study suggests that individual cells specialize as they adapt to experience and participate in multiple networks.
Researchers found that genes, rather than blood pressure or age, significantly impact heart function and the risk of developing diastolic heart failure. The study suggests that an individual's genetic makeup may be programmed from birth, determining their future heart health.
Researchers developed a non-invasive method to generate a genetic fingerprint of fertile men's sperm cells, identified around 3000 individual mRNAs, and suggest it could help diagnose idiopathic infertility and reveal paternal influences on fetal development.
UC researchers have confirmed that coast redwood and Douglas fir are susceptible to Phytophthora ramorum, the pathogen causing Sudden Oak Death. The disease has already killed tens of thousands of oaks and tanoaks along California's northern coast.
A Stanford study found that a single adult stem cell could only repopulate blood and immune cells in mice, casting doubt on its ability to form all adult tissues. The research suggests that embryonic stem cells remain the most promising option for tissue formation.
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have identified a gene called early flowering 4 (ELF4) that regulates when plants flower and maintains their daily rhythmic activity. The discovery may aid agriculture by optimizing vegetative growth and timing of flowering and seed production.
A new device called SARA has been developed to detect fetal brain activity using magnetoencephalography (MEG) and light stimulation. The study found that 4 of 10 fetuses had measurable brain responses to light pulses, with the response time decreasing with increasing gestational age.
Researchers aim to create partial vision for the blind using 1,000 MEMs electrodes attached to the retina. The system, backed by a $9 million grant, promises to enable basic household chores and reading, but not driving.
A study of 270 patients found that bladder cancer recurrence rates increased with each episode, with the average time to second and third recurrences decreasing by 15 and 13 months respectively. Patients whose original tumors tested positive for the Ki-67 marker were at higher risk for first recurrence.
The Truthsayer system uses digital signatures to guarantee the accuracy and authenticity of online information. This approach makes it challenging for hackers to alter information without being detected, thus reducing the need for high-level security measures.
DuPont scientists have developed an innovative process for converting hydrocarbons to fluorocarbons without generating waste, producing water as a byproduct. The alternate synthesis process uses principles of inorganic chemistry to produce fluorinated aromatics in environmentally and economically efficient manners.
The Association of American Medical Colleges and colleagues argue that attaining greater diversity in the health care workforce is crucial for advancing cultural competency among providers. Addressing disparities in primary, secondary, and undergraduate education can help increase access to high-quality health services for minorities.