Researchers identified a previously unknown protein family, chaplins A-H, essential for S. coelicolor's aerial hyphae formation. Exogenous application of chaplin proteins restores aerial growth in streptomycetes lacking specific genes.
Physicists at the University of California, Irvine have discovered superweakly interacting massive particles (superWIMPs) that may constitute up to one-quarter of the universe's mass. These new particles are predicted to be stable and could provide an alternative explanation for dark matter.
Researchers developed a gene therapy technique that uses an oncoretrovirus to transfer MGMT into normal bone marrow cells, allowing for the enrichment of healthy cells. The treatment showed promising results in mice with beta-thalassemia, achieving successful in vivo selection in 66% of cases.
Pre-diabetic adults with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) are nearly twice as likely to die from any cancer and four times more likely to die from colon cancer compared to those with normal glucose tolerance. Researchers suggest that high insulin levels may promote the development of cancer cells, but prevention methods are unclear.
A bowel cancer screening trial tested faecal occult blood testing in the UK population and found detection rates lower in the West Midlands than Scotland. The study identified the need to target specific groups and recommends a national strategy targeting colorectal cancer, including awareness-raising measures.
The Institute for OneWorld Health is conducting a Phase III clinical trial to develop paromomycin as an affordable and cost-effective cure for visceral leishmaniasis. The trial, supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, aims to provide an effective treatment for a disease that affects 1.5 million people worldwide.
Researchers found a major neurochemical deficit in patients with multiple system atrophy, a rare degenerative disease, which correlates with worsened sleep problems. The study suggests that brain chemistry disruptions may also be linked to other neurological diseases like Parkinson's.
The American Dietetic Association emphasizes the importance of food and nutrition programs for children and adolescents. These programs not only combat hunger and food insecurity but also provide crucial nutrition education and promote physical activity to prevent excess weight and chronic diseases.
The study found that rhTSH reduced the mean effective half-life of radioiodine by 26% in patients who received it before therapy. This reduction allowed patients to clear 131I more rapidly, resulting in lower radiation levels in their blood and tissues.
A study of 778 Ohio State University students found that nearly two-thirds (64%) were in the precontemplation stage, which is associated with increased heavy drinking. In contrast, students who had cut back on their intake reported perceiving more risks and fewer benefits associated with alcohol use.
A study published in Pediatrics found that children with migraines experience significant impairment in school functioning and emotional well-being. The researchers surveyed 572 children and adolescents, revealing that quality of life is negatively affected across all areas of functioning compared to healthy peers.
A study of 23 West Nile patients reveals early symptoms include rash, low back pain, and limb pain, progressing to muscle weakness and respiratory failure in severe cases. The disease can cause significant disability and death if left untreated, emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis and treatment.
A clinical trial found that early treatment with Atacand significantly reduced 12-month mortality and vascular events in patients with acute ischaemic stroke. The study also showed a comparable tolerability profile to placebo.
A study of very low birth weight infants found that female babies grew more quickly than males, leading to higher obesity rates and increased risk of metabolic disorders. By age 20, 21% of females were overweight and 15% obese.
Researchers found that the ThinPrep Pap test was more likely to detect abnormal cervical cells in women taking oral contraceptives than those not on birth control. In reality, most healthy cells looked like HPV-infected cells due to changes caused by the testing method, highlighting the need for further analysis and potential re-testing.
Research by Scott McWilliams at the University of Rhode Island shows that birds' digestive systems adapt to meet changing energy demands during migration. Birds need sufficient protein to build their digestive tract, which can impact habitat management at key stop-over sites.
A study of 978 heterosexual residents found that physical attractiveness is not a primary factor in long-term relationships, while fidelity and good parenting qualities are highly valued. The researchers suggest that humans have evolved to play a sophisticated mating game, with similar characteristics being preferred in partners.
Leading climate scientists endorse the position on climate change and greenhouse gases taken by AGU in 1998, stating that natural factors cannot fully explain recent warming. They argue that proxy data must be assessed for temperature variability and hemispheric mean temperature should be distinguished from regional temperature anomalies.
A new study found that nodding or shaking one's head can affect agreement with an editorial, increasing confidence in favorable thoughts and decreasing confidence in negative ones. Body movements like writing with a non-dominant hand also influence attitudes, even on important issues.
Researchers found that rare variations of HLA-A and HLA-B genes can protect against HIV. The study, which analyzed data from 996 HIV-infected men in Chicago, suggests that these genetic variants may be used to develop targeted AIDS vaccines.
The trial, led by Saint Louis University, is a phase I trial investigating the safety and immune response of EP HIV-1090 vaccine candidate. Participants will receive the vaccine or placebo over 18 months, with observations to assess its potential effectiveness against HIV.
Research shows that most women cannot rely on private pensions for adequate income in later life, highlighting the need for improved state pensions and carer credits. Single women have a significant private pension advantage compared to married or divorced women.
A research team led by Nathaniel Landau identified the interaction between HIV's Vif protein and APOBEC3G. The study found that mice have a similar antiviral protein that can block HIV replication due to its inability to recognize human proteins.
A new study suggests that psychological factors like anger and anxiety may boost heart risk in postmenopausal women. Hormone replacement therapy provides some artery protection for women with high levels of anger and Type A behavior, but not for those with anxiety or depression.
A recent study has identified GATA4 gene mutations as a primary cause of human cardiac septal defects, which are characterized by the incomplete formation of the heart's four chambers. The discovery is significant, as it may one day enable doctors to prevent congenital heart defects by fixing the problem before birth.
Researchers at the University of South Florida have discovered that stem-like cells from peripheral blood can promote functional recovery after a stroke. The study found that rats treated with these cells showed significant behavioral improvement and reduced hyperactive behavior compared to those receiving no cellular treatment.
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....