Researchers discovered that lisofylline treatment reduced the incidence of Type 1 diabetes in mice by 67%, indicating its potential to protect insulin-producing cells. The study published in Pancreas journal suggests that lisofylline may slow down or prevent the disease in people at high-risk.
A study found that most physical activity web sites provide general knowledge but lack personalized assistance to users. Tailored messages can increase the chance of material usage and personal change. One site, JustMove.org, outperformed others in providing interaction and tailored assistance.
Researchers found that males of iridescent butterfly species approach females producing polarized signals more often when not depolarized. Non-iridescent species show no preference regardless of filter presence. Light bending by genetic scales may influence sexual selection and speciation in tropical forests.
A study found that white college students with high racial bias experienced a decrease in executive function after interacting with black people. Conversely, those who interacted with white people showed no subsequent loss of cognitive function.
Researchers have deciphered the genome of Bacillus anthracis, a deadly soil bacterium that has been weaponized as a biowarfare agent. The analysis reveals that the bacterium's virulence is linked to specific genes and plasmids that enable it to thrive in environments rich in protein.
Daniel Crawford's work aims to prevent undesirable side effects in synthetic drugs by accurately determining molecule handedness. He is developing computer models to compute optical rotation, allowing natural-products chemists to identify the correct hand of molecules.
Scientists in Japan and UCSD have discovered a novel regulatory role for pseudogenes, which stabilizes a protein-coding gene on another chromosome. The study found that disabling the pseudogene led to abnormal kidneys and bones in laboratory mice, while re-introducing it resulted in normal development.
A study of over 300 HIV patients found that 32% reported better life after diagnosis, with fewer worries about finances or disclosure. Patients who said life was better expressed more optimism and participated in non-organized religious activities.
The Prevnar vaccine, developed at the University of Rochester, has shown remarkable real-world effectiveness in reducing invasive pneumococcal infections by 69% among children under two years old. This translates to approximately 20,000 fewer cases of infection each year in the United States.
Researchers found that ants use distinct body odors to signal tasks, such as foraging and patrolling, allowing them to coordinate complex behaviors without a hierarchical control structure. The discovery sheds light on the importance of scent in insect communication and has implications for fields like computer science and robotics.
Researchers at UCSF suggest a new cutoff point for assessing risk based on weight for gestational age, increasing the prediction of adverse neonatal outcomes. The study found that fetuses in the lowest 5th percentile are at dramatically increased risk for low birth weight and preterm birth.
The editorial emphasizes that providing affordable drugs is insufficient to combat HIV in the developing world. Comprehensive medical care, including training for healthcare workers and laboratory tests, must also be included to make Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) effective.
Researchers from The Institute of Genomic Research sequenced B. anthracis genome to improve vaccine design and drug development. Despite similarities with closely related bacteria, the study found unique genes giving B. anthracis its ability to thrive on protein-rich matter.
A University of Toronto geologist claims that diamonds originated on the ocean floor, supported by a new study published in Nature. The research reveals that diamond formation begins when lava is pushed onto the ocean floor, interacting with sea water to alter its oxygen composition.
Researchers found that senators' efforts to boost approval ratings have limited impact compared to contextual factors like state population, economic performance, and president's popularity. Seniority and media coverage also play significant roles in shaping senatorial approval ratings.
The decoded Neurospora genome shows that humans share genetic similarities with the common bread mold, with around 10,000 genes. This discovery could lead to advances in genetic-based medical treatments and the development of new materials.
Scientists create hybrid virus that can attach to lung cells' top surface, allowing healthy genes to enter and correct genetic defects associated with cystic fibrosis. The new approach increases production of viral particles, a crucial step towards preclinical studies.
The UC Riverside-led study unveils the genome sequence of Neurospora, a model organism for understanding fungi's role in agriculture, medicine and the environment. The research reveals 10,000 predicted genes, with significant implications for developing new antibiotics and disease control strategies.
The Cornell laboratory will be a national center for calculating earthquake effects on structures, including soil deformation and seismic damage. The facility will use customized testing structures and actuators to apply displacements and loads, enabling researchers to study the behavior of structures during earthquakes.
Researchers have discovered the structure of voltage-dependent ion channels, crucial for nerve function and muscle contraction. The study reveals a novel mechanism that enables ions to flow through these channels, allowing for precise regulation of electrical impulses in the brain and heart.
Drs. Brown and Goldstein's research on low-density lipoprotein receptors and Sterol Regulatory Element Binding Proteins (SREBPs) led to effective new drugs for high cholesterol treatment and discovery of a potential insulin-sensitive regulator for diabetes therapy.
Researchers at Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research have discovered a protein called GβL that helps regulate the mTOR pathway. The study reveals that when GβL is absent or disabled, cells become insensitive to nutrient levels and grow abnormally, which may be a cause of disease.
A UC Davis study found that a soy extract supplement reduced PSA levels in men with untreated prostate cancer. The study involved 62 men who received genistein concentrated polysaccharide for six months, resulting in an average decrease of 17% in PSA levels.
Research found that male butterflies of iridescent genus Heliconius are attracted to female wings displaying polarized light, suggesting a new role for polarization in mate attraction. The study also highlights the importance of polarization in maintaining species diversity among tropical butterflies.
Researchers at Rockefeller University have discovered the molecular mechanism by which potassium ions flow through living cells during a nerve or muscle impulse. The structure reveals four red-tipped paddles that open and close in response to positive and negative charges.
Researchers have identified a promising drug development strategy for lupus by targeting the Tall-1 molecule. Binding studies revealed that a short section of one binding domain on Baff-R holds promise, potentially preventing lupus-like symptoms in mice and people with autoimmune diseases.
The book, written by Dr. Georges Stoops, provides a system of analysis and description of soil and regolith materials seen in thin sections. It aims to standardize descriptions of features found in thin section analysis, facilitating communication among scientists using micromorphology.
A year-long study on Texas A&M University campus found that male urban squirrels are more likely to die on roads, with males darting about through streets more frequently. In contrast, female squirrel death was mostly attributable to predation, highlighting the need for effective wildlife management strategies in urban landscapes.
Blocking the activation of Stat5 in prostate cancer cells triggers extensive cell death, providing a new targeted therapeutic approach to manage cancer growth and metastasis. Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in men, with approximately 220,900 new cases expected in the US in 2003.
A recent study by French researchers found that nearly two-thirds of unplanned pregnancies occurred among women using effective contraception methods like the Pill and IUD. The study suggests that there is often a mismatch between a woman's contraceptive needs and the methods she uses.
The award recognizes the researchers' contributions to developing a viable alternative to neutrons for studying magnetic structure in rare earths and actinides. Resonant magnetic x-ray scattering complements neutron magnetic scattering, opening new possibilities for research in condensed matter physics.
The Office of Naval Research has developed a chest-mounted air-conditioning system that can cool an aviator's body by up to 10 degrees Centigrade. The system uses zeolite to absorb heat and is designed to be lightweight, compact, and independent of aircraft power.
A 22-page technical review explores the relationship between economic growth and wildlife conservation, revealing a high correlation between the two. The review aims to increase awareness about the fundamental conflict and identify potential solutions.
A recent U-M study shows that men are dying at higher rates than women for most causes, with minority and middle-class Black men facing even greater risks. The findings point to economic marginality, adverse working conditions, and societal expectations of masculinity as key drivers of these health disparities.
A new network aims to provide comprehensive support for children and families affected by disasters and terrorism. Dr. Russell T. Jones, a Virginia Tech professor, is part of the group, which seeks to foster integrated readiness, response, and recovery programs across the US.
A recent Italian study found that men exposed to high levels of traffic pollution have impaired sperm quality and reduced fertility. The research team examined semen samples from 85 motorway tollgate workers and 85 aged-matched controls, revealing deranged sperm parameters below World Health Organisation levels.
A study of over 4,000 men found that erectile dysfunction is strongly associated with cardiovascular disease. Men without diagnosed cardiovascular disease who had erectile dysfunction were more likely to have risk factors like diabetes, smoking, high blood pressure, and low HDL cholesterol.
A University of Toronto study examines the 2000 Walkerton and 2001 North Battleford water contamination outbreaks, blaming systemic failures on human factors. The research highlights the importance of information circulation, competence, and public safety guidelines in complex systems.
Researchers at Ohio State University have identified a viral protein called p12 that mimics the way HIV-1 enters and infects human cells. The discovery provides valuable insight into how retroviruses overwhelm the human immune system, shedding light on the mechanisms of HTLV-1 infection.
Weber's research reveals that all minimal surfaces share a common property, which attracts artists who create near-minimal surfaces without realizing it. His work also inspires architects to explore the use of minimal surfaces in structures, calendars, and other applications.
Researchers have discovered a complex system of communication in bacteria, known as quorum sensing, which allows them to sense the size of their colony and produce toxins. This system has significant potential for rapid pathogen sensing and novel antibiotic strategies.
Researchers have identified Myc binding sites using different experimental approaches in Drosophila and human cells. The findings suggest that Myc regulates a large portion of both the fly and human genome, altering previous views on its activity and interactions.
A study found that counseling interventions reduced unprotected sex acts among HIV-positive participants by an average of 10 from 14 to 4 per year. However, a group receiving booster sessions showed an unexpected upswing in unprotected sex eight months after intervention, suggesting the need for longer-term follow-up.
A recent Phase I study of compacted DNA gene therapy for cystic fibrosis demonstrated safety and tolerability. The treatment resulted in a meaningful increase in chloride ion transport in the nose, suggesting successful gene transfer and potential therapeutic benefits.
MIT researchers aim to replicate the properties of spider silk for use in high-strength fibers, specialty textiles, and bullet-proof gear. By understanding the structure-property relationships of spider silk, they hope to create materials with similar properties.
Monoamniotic twins shared the same amniotic sac and were found to have comparable rates of preterm labor and complications. In contrast, they had a significantly lower mean gestational age at admission and improved neonatal survival rates compared to dichorionic diamniotic twins.
Scientists at Northwestern University have discovered an enzyme that makes endothelial cells in the lungs susceptible to injury during periods of inflammation. They developed an experimental MLCK inhibitor, which protected normal mice from lung injury when exposed to bacterial toxin and ventilator-induced stress.
Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital successfully implanted collagen grafts to induce nerve regeneration in rats, promoting partial penile repair. This breakthrough brings the organ closer to complete replacements and paves the way for future tissue-engineered penises.
A team of researchers at an Arctic ice camp gather data to better understand the physical, biological, and chemical environment of the ice-covered ocean. They examine sea ice thickness, atmospheric mercury levels, and its impact on marine mammals.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University discovered molecules that play a critical role in triggering inflammation in the brain, which speeds up Alzheimer's disease progression. The study found that blocking these molecules' interaction with amyloid plaques could lead to a slower disease progression.
According to a Penn State study, African-Americans are more likely to support higher cigarette taxes, particularly among younger Blacks, those at higher educational levels, and former smokers. The study found that increasing taxes can decrease smoking prevalence rates and generate revenue for tobacco cessation programs.
A new imaging technique using hyperpolarized helium MRI offers a noninvasive method to study the airways of people with asthma. The technique provides information on ventilation and depicts structure and function of the airways, which can help correlate symptoms with treatment.
Researchers have discovered that injecting herpes simplex virus vectors can deliver neurotrophic factors to damaged nerves, improving intracavernous pressure in rats. This concept could translate to humans, enabling gene therapy as a prophylactic treatment for men undergoing radical prostatectomy.
A study evaluated online resources for breast cancer clinical trials in Canada, finding that only 29% were listed. The US National Cancer Institute's PDQ Clinical Trials Database identified 86% of trials globally.
A team of scientists has identified a cancer-causing gene in childhood kidney tumors, which may lead to more precise diagnoses and effective treatments. The discovery was made using molecular tests on tumor cells from patients with papillary renal cell carcinoma, a disease difficult to treat due to its unclear molecular origins.
In a groundbreaking study, researchers discovered that wood mice employ a sophisticated navigation system involving 'portable signposts'. These signs, created by moving small objects, help the mice orient themselves and efficiently explore their home-ranges. The findings provide new insights into the complex behavior of non-human species.
A study of 10 young children with SARS found that they exhibited milder symptoms such as cough and runny nose, unlike teenagers who showed symptoms similar to adults. The clinical course was also shorter and less aggressive among younger patients.
Researchers found that consuming sesame oil as the sole cooking oil for 60 days lowered patients' blood pressure levels from 166/101 mm Hg to 134/84.6 mm Hg, with a reduced dose of nifedipine from 22.7 mg/day to 7.45 mg/day. The effect may be attributed to polyunsaturated fatty acids and sesamin in sesame oil.
Researchers have purified Wnt protein, a potent trigger of development and cell proliferation, to activate blood-forming stem cells. The discovery offers novel ways to enhance stem cells for cancer patients whose immune systems are compromised by chemotherapy.
A study found that regular physical activity, especially brisk walking, significantly reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease and death in men with diabetes. Diabetic men who were in the third highest category of total physical activity reduced their risk by 36 percent.