Research shows estrogens can act as antioxidants, protecting HDL from oxidation and enhancing its ability to shield LDL from damage. High levels of HDL also protect LDL when estrogens are present, with different estrogens displaying varying antioxidant potency.
Granzyme A, a double-headed protease, is assembled into a dimer with identical catalytic domains connected by a covalent disulfide bond. This unique configuration enables the enzyme to recognize specific sequences and activate cell death machinery in tumor cells and virally infected cells.
A new study by Stanford University found that cold-water crabs have a greater capacity to adjust their heat-tolerance thresholds than warm-water crabs. This counterintuitive finding suggests that cold-climate creatures may be more resilient to global warming.
NASA has created high-resolution world maps showing the frequency of lightning strikes worldwide, providing unique insights into climate information. The data indicates uneven distribution of lightning strikes globally, with increased activity in certain regions during El Nino events.
A new study found that a drug can temporarily improve tactile acuity by reorganizing brain activity, offering potential treatments for learning disabilities and chronic pain. The treatment involves finger stimulation with a drug, which boosts the number of neurons involved in processing tactile information.
The discovery could significantly reduce costs associated with producing clean energy from fuel cells. Researchers found that a tiny amount of gold or platinum is sufficient to create an active catalyst, paving the way for cost-effective hydrogen production.
Medical care expenses among older persons in the US are similar across racial and ethnic groups. Analysis of 4,870 Medicare patients from 1996-1998 reveals small differences mainly due to varying medical needs.
A study by scientists at PNNL and UC-Irvine clarifies the role of sea salt in sulfur chemistry, enabling more accurate predictions of acid deposition and global climate. Sea salt particles can absorb substantial amounts of sulfur dioxide, converting it to sulfuric acid.
A study of 9800 patients in Europe, Israel, and Argentina found that HAART significantly reduced AIDS incidence by 50%, with a 40% reduction in deaths among patients with low CD4 counts. Long-term follow-up is essential to observe changing causes of morbidity and mortality.
Researchers found that adults who received smallpox vaccinations as children showed fewer adverse reactions to diluted vaccine doses compared to those who never received the vaccine. The study's results have implications for potential future biological attacks and suggest that vaccine stocks may be more sustainable.
Researchers found that prenatal HLA typing can identify compatible donors, enabling early treatment for affected fetuses. The technique has the potential to save thousands of lives by treating a common blood disorder with bone marrow transplantation.
A study of over 5,980 women aged 67 or older found that breast cancer survivors had 34% fewer hospitalizations for heart attacks than non-survivors. The protective effect increased with higher cardiac risk factors, suggesting that female hormone levels may play a role in preventing heart disease.
The US Supreme Court has ruled in favor of affirmative action policies in medicine, with the editorial highlighting the importance of a diverse physician workforce. In medicine, racial inequalities persist despite increased diversity among junior doctors, with only 20% of consultants from ethnic minorities.
A study published in The Lancet found that carvedilol significantly reduces mortality and improves average life-expectancy by eight years compared to metoprolol. Additionally, carvedilol shows promise in improving ventricular function for patients with heart failure due to coronary artery disease.
A team of British, Australian and American astronomers have discovered a planet similar to Jupiter in orbit around a nearby star, 3.3 times further from its star than Earth is from the Sun. The system's long-term precision allows for the detection of true analogues to our Solar System, advancing the search for systems like our own.
Science historians argue that metaphors used in ecological science can carry misleading connotations and contribute to cultural bias. They claim that terms like 'natural enemy' are used without explanation or definition, leading to misconceptions about ecological interactions.
The UCLA Center for Astrobiology will focus on four themes: extrasolar planetary systems, habitability of planets and their satellites, Earth's early environment and life, and evolution of biological complexity. The center aims to detect planets beyond our solar system using new methods and study the factors that control habitability.
The study found that cold-tolerant genera are more likely to survive than drought-tolerant ones. Tree genera are expected to show limited evolutionary adaptability in the face of climatic changes.
Researchers at NIST's JILA have successfully paired individual potassium atoms into boson molecules, a breakthrough towards creating a quantum 'super molecule'. The technique could improve understanding of superconductivity and high-temperature superconductivity.
Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology have isolated a novel bacterium, Dehalococcoides strain BAV1, that can degrade toxic chlorinated compounds like PCE and TCE into non-toxic ethene. The discovery holds promise for cleaning contaminated groundwater and subsurface environments, offering a new hope for bioremediation strategies.
Researchers at the University of California, San Diego, have developed a new technique using ultrafast lasers to obtain high-quality images of brain tissue. This technique enables scientists to automate and modernize histology, mapping neurotransmitter production and normal cell function.
Scientists at Imperial College London have developed a biofeedback system that provides instant visual feedback on rowing technique, helping rowers harmonize their movements and avoid lower back pain. The research has shown significant benefits in reducing injuries and improving performance in the sport.
Risk experts address communication challenges in public health and policy contexts, discussing factors like perception, information quality, and industry influence. Effective risk communication is crucial for public health decisions and policy-making.
Researchers found a slightly increased risk of ovarian cancer in women with endometriosis, with a half-life increase and higher risks for younger women. In contrast, the risk of cervical cancer was reduced by roughly a third. Further investigation is needed to understand the connection between endometriosis and cancer.
Bacteria are a crucial component of Earth's biodiversity. Increasing primary productivity in experimental ponds results in changes to the number and types of bacteria present, with differences observed across various taxonomic groups.
Researchers used lead isotope ratios to identify the source of lead poisoning in albatross chicks on Midway. The study found that chicks are eating paint chips directly, leading to high levels of toxic metal in their blood, causing symptoms like droopwing.
A study of 34 surrogate mothers found that none reported misgivings about handing over the baby, with most enjoying good relations with commissioning couples. However, some experienced mild psychological difficulties after handover, which subsided with time.
Researchers found that reporters use metaphors to describe gentrifying neighborhoods as living organisms needing salvation, while low-income areas are rarely mentioned. The study's findings suggest that reporters' representations 'legitimize gentrification at actual or anticipated sites of restructuring'.
A new study found that laparoscopic surgery for gynaecological procedures does not reduce adhesion-related readmissions, with risks comparable to traditional open surgery. The research tracked over 23,000 patients in Scotland and found significant risks of adhesions for many types of laparoscopic procedures.
A comprehensive international study of 541 ICSI and 440 IVF children found no significant differences in growth, medical illnesses, or cognitive development. However, a moderately higher rate of malformations was observed in the ICSI group, which may be due to selection bias.
Researchers are investigating how exercise affects immune function in older populations, aiming to prevent infections and improve health outcomes. Preliminary data suggests moderate exercise may boost immune function measures and reduce mortality caused by influenza.
CA4P, a vascular targeting agent, is being tested in humans for the first time to prevent and regress choroidal neovascularization, a major cause of vision loss in age-related macular degeneration. The trial is led by Johns Hopkins' Wilmer Eye Institute and funded by The Foundation Fighting Blindness, Inc.
A randomized clinical trial of over 500 women with primary breast cancer found no significant improvement in disease-free survival or overall survival with high-dose chemotherapy and stem cell transplantation. However, time to recurrence was longer for patients who received the treatment.
A recent study found that high-dose chemotherapy followed by autologous stem cell transplant did not significantly increase survival rates for women with early stage breast cancer. The study, which included 511 patients, showed a higher number of relapses in the treatment group but also nine deaths due to transplantation complications....
Researchers have successfully treated rats with spinal cord injuries using embryonic stem cells, which can potentially treat paralysis and degenerative nerve diseases. The treated rats regained ability to walk after nine weeks, with analysis revealing new myelin sheaths and growth factors that stimulated neuron formation.
Researchers found that introduced plants from different guilds struggled to establish themselves in plots with high species richness. The presence of warm-season grasses had a strong inhibitory effect on invaders from all four guilds, suggesting they offer stiff competition for resources.
A study by Arizona State University researchers found a strong correlation between income levels and plant diversity in urban areas. The 'luxury effect' suggests that higher-income neighborhoods have greater plant diversity, possibly due to the influence of wealth on landscaping choices.
A newly discovered protein causes blood clots in the livers of humans with viral hepatitis and mice exposed to corona virus. Blocking this protein may offer a new approach to treating patients with chronic viral hepatitis and potentially SARS.
A recent study by Texas Cooperative Extension found that kids' gardening programs increase a child's interest in science and nutrition. The program, Junior Master Gardener (JMG), was developed to teach horticulture skills while promoting healthy eating habits.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center have identified 19 genetic loci associated with depressive disorders, which may lead to more effective treatments. The study also found that individuals with these genes had a significantly reduced lifespan, particularly in children.
High grazer diversity enhances biomass production, a key determinant of fish yield in aquatic ecosystems. Complex interactions between consumer diversity and plant diversity lead to emergent consequences, cautioning against extrapolating conclusions from plant diversity experiments.
New research reveals that baby albatrosses are still eating lead-based paint chips from buildings around the island, leading to severe poisoning. The study found a high rate of droopwing chicks and potential risks for human children on the island.
Researchers at University of Illinois used PIMA technology to identify source and meaning of 'spectacular late prehistoric' figurines found in Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Tennessee. The artifacts were likely produced by Cahokia's artisans during an artistic explosion in the 12th century.
The European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology report shows a trend of increasing availability and efficacy of ART treatments in Europe, with Denmark leading the way in terms of fertility treatment accessibility. The report also highlights declining numbers of embryos transferred per cycle, reducing multiple pregnancies.
Researchers tested ancient tree species to disprove the carbon loss hypothesis, which suggested deciduous trees had an advantage in polar forests. The study found that deciduous trees actually lose more carbon than evergreen trees, challenging the long-held theory.
A recent study by Rochester Institute of Technology finds that electric vehicles could generate a GDP impact of around $40 billion annually, reducing trade deficits and increasing labor productivity. The study predicts a future transportation sector dominated by electric drive vehicles, leading to significant economic benefits.
A new study published in Nature Medicine has found that certain human genes can predict the progression rate of AIDS in infected individuals. The researchers analyzed data from a large group of homosexual men with HIV and found that those with specific HLA protein types were more likely to succumb to the disease quickly.
A new study by Brian Wansink found that diners who consumed more olive oil ate more bread due to its high calorie density. The researcher suggests focusing on total food intake rather than individual item fat content for better health outcomes.
Researchers at U. Iowa identified two ion channel genes that detect low salt concentrations in fruit flies, a model organism for studying human salt-sensing mechanisms. Disrupting these genes impaired the ability of young flies to detect low salt, highlighting their role in the detection of salt.
A novel method integrates habitat modelling and spatial population dynamics in reserve-network design to consider the impact of habitat loss on species survival. This approach represents a step towards more realistic consideration of species survival when selecting reserve networks.
A new study by Dr Stephen Joseph finds that emergency personnel in Northern Ireland experience high levels of psychological distress due to lack of control over their lives. Effective coping skills like anger management, emotional disclosure, and relaxation training can aid recovery from traumatic incidents.
A low-intensity CQI intervention successfully increased the use of preoperative beta-blocker therapy and IMA grafting in elderly patients, achieving significant overall effect and positive trends. The study demonstrates a Medical Specialty Society CQI Platform as a model for rapid translation of evidence into practice.
Women treated with radiation therapy and chemotherapy had a 61% lower risk of developing breast cancer compared to those who received only radiation. The authors suggest that ovarian hormones play a role in promoting tumor growth after radiation, which may explain the increased breast cancer risk in young women exposed to radiation.
A study published in JCI finds that PlGF-1 prevents oxygen-induced retinal vascular degeneration in retinopathy of prematurity, suggesting a potential therapeutic agent for the condition. Additionally, researchers identify Fgl2/fibroleukin as a critical prothrombinase involved in the pathophysiology of viral hepatitis.
Researchers have identified a genetic marker, MSR1, that increases prostate cancer risk in African-American men. The study, which recruited over 400 black men from Flint, Mich., found that rare germ-line mutations were associated with an increased risk.
A study by Penn State researchers found that high-credit-consciousness college students owned more credit cards, carrying an average balance of $686 per month. These students also showed lower levels of personal responsibility, blaming external factors for their lives instead of taking control.
A UCLA-led study found that individuals with bipolar depression who continued taking antidepressants in conjunction with mood stabilizer medication after remission had a lower risk of depression relapse. The study's lead author, Dr. Lori Altshuler, suggests guidelines similar to those for unipolar depression may be more effective.
The Rutgers Center for Genetic Research on Mental Disorders will investigate the genetic basis of mental disorders such as autism, schizophrenia, and depression. The center aims to identify inherited factors that determine individual likelihood for developing each disorder.
Researchers found that the p53 gene plays a crucial role in distinguishing which lung cancer patients are most likely to survive four years or more. The study identified a sub-group of early-stage lung cancer patients without p53 mutations who had a significantly higher survival rate, providing hope for a new treatment approach.
IVF adoption is more accessible in Middle Eastern Muslim countries due to Islamic fatwa declarations. Shi'ite Muslims are permitted to use donor egg and sperm technologies, whereas Sunni Muslims are restricted, leading some men to reassess their marriages.