New evidence from south China suggests a massive methane release occurred about 600 million years ago, thawing the Earth's climate. Methane hydrates are believed to be the source of this release, which would have had a profound impact on global climate if it were to happen again.
Rutgers University has been awarded a four-year, $5.45 million grant to construct and operate a wireless networking test bed for researchers nationwide. The test bed will include laboratory and field trial facilities, allowing researchers to test emerging wireless protocols in a standardized setting.
A study by Michigan Medicine and Harvard University found that FDA review fees for drug companies haven't led to faster approvals. The researchers analyzed data from 843 new drugs submitted between 1977 and 2000 and found that staffing levels, not fee-based system, were responsible for the decline in approval times.
Researchers develop biodegradable beads coated with targeting molecules to effectively treat inflammatory diseases like arthritis and heart disease. The particles can travel through the bloodstream and stick to inflamed tissues, offering a potential solution to conventional drug delivery issues.
H. Steven Wiley and colleagues use systems biology to analyze the EGFR receptor network, revealing surprising complexities. They predict that lower-affinity ligands can bind longer, allowing for more effective cancer treatments.
Researchers found that a combined drug therapy of finasteride and doxazosin significantly reduced the risk of BPH progression by 66 percent, compared to placebo. The treatment also provided greater symptom relief and improved urinary flow rate. Men at highest risk for BPH progression, such as those with larger prostates or elevated ser...
The Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and NASA's Glenn Research Center have partnered to develop new sealing technologies for solid oxide fuel cells. The goal is to improve the strength and fracture toughness of composite glass and glass-ceramic-based seals, enabling long-term stable operation of SOFCs.
Researchers have made detailed measurements showing that the smallest particles are the most toxic, easily flowing into the lungs and coating moist tissue. The findings raise concerns about current national air quality standards for particulate matter, which have been linked to 60,000 smog-related deaths in the US each year.
The report analyzes survival data from 23,000 children diagnosed between 1990 and 1994, showing significant differences in overall cancer survival rates. The Nordic countries had the highest survival figures for four major childhood tumor types, with an average five-year survival rate of 71.8% across all European countries.
The International HapMap Project aims to map the locations of representative tag SNPs in DNA samples from diverse populations. The project's results will increase the power and reduce the cost of future genetic association studies, significantly speeding up the discovery of genes involved in common diseases.
A double-blind study found that combination therapy with finasteride and doxazosin significantly delayed BPH progression in men with symptomatic BPH. The treatment reduced the risk of acute urinary retention and need for surgical intervention by over 65%.
Computer simulations show that wind-driven upwelling along the California coast will intensify over the next 50 years due to increased carbon dioxide concentrations. The upwelling season is expected to extend further into the fall, supporting some of the observational work showing a trend toward increased upwelling intensity.
A Virginia Tech researcher has been awarded $1.8 million to investigate the Arabidopsis genome, a key plant model organism. The project aims to understand the function of SABATH faculty of methyltransferase genes in plants, which could lead to breakthroughs in plant physiology and reproduction.
A new study found that exercise mode, rather than volume, influences hormone levels and changes in testosterone, DHEAS, and cortisol. Resistance-trained males had higher basal testosterone levels, while endurance-trained males had lower testosterone levels compared to sedentary subjects.
The International HapMap Consortium has outlined its policies for rapidly releasing human genetic variation data to researchers worldwide. The $120 million project aims to create a public resource map of common human genetic patterns, facilitating the discovery of genes associated with diseases and response to medicines.
A study found that alcohol exposure during prenatal and postnatal stages may program offspring for insulin resistance and glucose intolerance. Offspring exposed to ethanol showed increased glycemia, decreased insulin sensitivity, and higher triglyceride levels.
A Canadian study found that children with higher aerobic fitness reported fewer 'sick' days, while those with high body fat experienced more URTIs. Regular physical activity and lower body fat were also linked to better immune function in children.
A study found that nearly 750 pediatricians and family practice physicians reported a rise in vaccine concerns, with many citing short-term effects and unproven allegations. Physicians must be equipped to address these concerns and provide accurate information on vaccine safety.
A study found that patient and doctor attitudes play a crucial role in influenza vaccination rates among older adults. A vaccination-friendly culture at veterans' hospitals exceeded the national goal of 90%, highlighting the importance of promoting preventive measures.
A new silicon sensor using nanotechnology has shown promising results in detecting the gene for cystic fibrosis and other genetic diseases. The sensor can distinguish between lethal and non-lethal mutations at extremely low levels, potentially leading to faster and more cost-effective genetic testing.
Researchers have identified key genes and proteins involved in anthrax spore formation, revealing a complex process that involves the production of over 750 individual proteins. This study provides valuable insights into the molecular biology of anthrax and could lead to new vaccines and treatments.
A study published in The Journal of the American Medical Association found that fitness in young adulthood can significantly reduce the risk of developing high blood pressure, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. Improving fitness levels by 50% or more can decrease these risks by as much as 50%.
Researchers will use the simulator to test and validate computer tools for designing blast-resistant buildings. The blast simulator recreates explosive shock waves through servo-controlled hydraulic actuators, allowing for controlled tests of high-risk structures.
The National Vaccine Advisory Committee recommends strengthening routine vaccine supplies by increasing funds for stockpiles, supporting regulatory agencies, and improving communication. The committee also highlights the need for increased investment in vaccine manufacturing facilities and development of new vaccines to sustain supply.
Researcher Ashley Leeds found that alliance commitments are fulfilled about 75 percent of the time, but this rate drops to 6 percent for countries with significant changes in international power. Non-democratic states and major powers are more likely to violate treaties due to lower costs and increased influence.
The UK's largest persistent grid computing system, GridPP2, will enable particle physicists to process vast amounts of data generated by the Large Hadron Collider. The system, worth £16 million, will be built over four years and consist of a network of interconnected computers.
A study found that efalizumab significantly improved symptoms and quality of life in patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. The medication reduced the frequency and severity of psoriasis symptoms, including itching and scaling, while also improving mental health and daily functioning.
Researchers at USC have built a signal detector that only works when noise is added, using stochastic resonance to amplify weak electronic signals. The device uses carbon nanotubes and demonstrates the potential for enhanced applications in electronics and communication systems.
A large observational study found that improving fitness in healthy young adults can significantly reduce the risk of developing high blood pressure, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. Regular physical activity can help maintain a healthy weight and protect heart health, even after age-related changes.
A recent study found that efalizumab, a new biologic drug, significantly improves psoriasis symptoms and quality of life for adult patients. The treatment reduced the frequency and severity of itching and scaling, offering a potential breakthrough for those suffering from this chronic skin condition.
A new study suggests that premenopausal women with ER-negative breast cancer may benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy alone or followed by goserelin, while those with ER-positive tumors show no significant difference in outcomes. The findings support the idea of ovarian suppression as a treatment alternative for some premenopausal women.
Researchers have developed a new method to produce 'pure' hydrogen at low temperatures, reducing carbon monoxide (CO) contamination. The process uses a ruthenium catalyst to convert nearly 100% of CO into carbon dioxide and additional hydrogen.
Researchers found that feminist identity is more closely tied to one's political coming-of-age during the feminist movement rather than age. This suggests a shift in how feminism is perceived and self-identified by different generations.
Researchers found that oral drug ZD1839 suppressed the growth of ER-negative breast cancer cells and delayed the formation of tumors in transgenic mice. The treatment also reduced proliferation of normal breast cells by 20.3% and tumor cells by 42%. However, long-term safety data are needed for further research.
Researchers have developed smaller and lighter power adapters that can convert AC to DC power for laptops, enabling compact designs. The piezoelectric transformers are suitable for various appliances requiring an AC-DC converter and transformer.
A new study finds that older men with healthy life expectancy are less likely to receive adequate cancer treatment than younger patients. Despite better prognosis, older prostate cancer patients may not receive important treatments that could extend their life.
A recent study found that air pollution significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular deaths, with a 45% mortality rate attributed to heart disease, compared to 8.2% for respiratory diseases. The researchers propose that inflammation and nervous system changes may be key mechanisms behind this association.
The Université de Montréal has received a $11.7 million grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to develop advanced training programs, policy research leadership centers, and specialist networks for reproductive health in French-speaking sub-Saharan Africa.
Researchers found no significant effect of inhaled corticosteroid use on COPD mortality, hospitalizations, or exacerbations. An ultrasound-based screening strategy for critically ill patients with femoral catheters could add to quality-adjusted life expectancy and prevent pulmonary embolism.
Researchers found that exposure to passive tobacco smoke increased the risk of sickle cell crisis by 90 percent and was not influenced by other factors. Removing passive tobacco smoke from the home may reduce suffering and medical care costs for children with sickle cell disease.
Researchers found that antibiotics improve daily growth and reduce swine death rates, resulting in higher profit returns for farmers. The study suggests that a ban on antibiotic use would lead to sharp increases in production costs.
A study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that practice-based interventions, like the Healthy Steps Program, can improve the quality of care for young children. Participation in the program resulted in increased parental satisfaction, timely preventive care, and more developmentally-oriented services.
Scientists from the Open University and University of Kent will analyze samples from Comet Wild 2, which was brought back by NASA's STARDUST mission. The cometary particles provide a window into the past, helping to answer fundamental questions about the solar system's formation.
Low cardiorespiratory fitness in young adulthood is associated with a higher risk of developing diabetes, hypertension, and the metabolic syndrome. Improving fitness over 7 years was linked to reduced risk, but weight changes may have offset this benefit.
The Healthy Steps for Young Children Program improved developmental services, parenting practices, and discipline in pediatric care. Families who participated had increased odds of receiving well-child visits, timely vaccinations, and being satisfied with care.
Researchers identified frequent BRAF mutations in intermittent sun-exposed skin melanomas, but rare mutations in chronically sun-damaged or unseen skin. Additionally, bladder cancer cell lines showed defective checkpoint function, suggesting barriers to carcinogenesis. These findings may inform therapeutic strategies for these diseases.
Screening for proteinuria is not recommended for the general population due to high costs and false positive/negative test results. However, targeted screening for hypertensive patients aged 30+ and adults 60+, or less frequent screenings every 10 years, can be cost-effective.
Researchers found that top-selling moist snuff brands contained high amounts of free-base nicotine, while the relationship between market share and nicotine content in loose-leaf tobacco was less consistent. The study highlights the importance of regulating nicotine levels in smokeless tobacco products to prevent addiction.
Researchers have discovered a new gene, malcavernin, associated with the brain disorder CCM, which can be used to diagnose and treat the condition. The discovery provides hope for early detection and monitoring of the disease in families at risk.
Researchers have determined the 7.6-angstrom scale structure of a reovirus, visualizing its molecular composition and internal workings. The discovery may help understand how the virus manufactures genetic weapons to infect cells, potentially leading to new treatments and applications.
Researchers found that postoperative pain was less on days three, four, and five following surgery for patients in the microdissection group compared to those in the standard electrocautery group. The study suggests that microdissection needle cautery may be a more effective method for reducing post-tonsillectomy pain.
Researchers discovered levetiracetam reduces phasic spasticity in MS patients, improving balance and walking difficulties. The medication also shows promise in treating other symptoms associated with the disease.
A survey of 743 physicians found that parents' refusal of vaccines is becoming a growing concern, with many citing fears about short-term reactions and long-term complications. Pediatricians are more likely than family physicians to provide additional information and discuss concerns with parents.
A new analysis has found that long-term exposure to air pollution is associated with a 31% increase in the risk of dying from ischemic heart disease. The risk is comparable to that of being a former smoker, according to researchers at NYU Langone Health.
A team of researchers has discovered a plant pathway that can attach sugar groups, called sialic acids, to proteins, making them recognizable by the human body. This discovery opens up new avenues for using plants to produce medically important proteins for human use.
A study found that a single nucleotide polymorphism in the CD24 gene is associated with an increased risk of developing multiple sclerosis. The research suggests that the protein encoded by this gene may be a valuable target for new drugs to treat the disease.
A study published in Conservation Biology found that non-lethal repellent methods, such as motion-activated devices with strobe lights and random noises, were effective in keeping predators away from deer carcasses. The methods outperformed traditional deterrents like electronic training collars.
Researchers developed a risk index to identify people at higher risk of finding advanced precancerous growths in the upper colon. The study found that older age, being male, and having certain types and sizes of polyps in the lower colon were associated with an increased probability of finding these growths.
A study by Penn State researchers found that high school merit scholarships can lead to a ceiling in student test scores, with limited improvement over time. The scholarships also disproportionately benefit students from more affluent schools, exacerbating existing racial achievement gaps.
The American College of Physicians (ACP) and the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) have released joint clinical guidelines to manage atrial fibrillation, a common heart condition. The guidelines focus on controlling heart rate and stroke prevention with blood thinners, rather than restoring sinus rhythm.