Researchers genetically inactivated an enzyme, acid sphingomyelinase, to show that damage to endothelial cells is another way radiation kills tumor cells. Tumors without the enzyme were radioresistant, while those with it responded well to low doses of radiation.
The new guidelines introduce a 'prehypertension' category to alert individuals to their risk, recommend lifestyle changes, and streamline diagnosis and treatment. They also emphasize the importance of lowering blood pressure through medication and healthy habits.
Researchers identify a helpful gene mutation in the Vpr gene of long-term nonprogressive HIV patients, which impairs the HIV virus' cell-killing machinery. The presence or absence of this mutation may play a central role in determining which patients develop fatal AIDS.
Researchers discover that ovarian tumor cells can 'switch back' to a normal state, making them vulnerable to chemotherapy. This finding represents a crucial step toward the discovery of new anti-cancer drugs.
A recent study published by the University of Rochester Medical Center found that consuming large quantities of seafood during pregnancy does not pose a detectable risk to children. The study, which followed 300 children from birth in 1989 and 1990, found no adverse effects from low levels of mercury in fish.
Researchers at Cornell University have discovered a gene that codes for an enzyme producing nitric oxide, a hormone triggering plant's defense against pathogens. The discovery provides new insights into the biochemical and genetic pathways enabling plants to protect themselves from disease.
Researchers used GPS receivers to detect seismic waves from a 7.9 magnitude earthquake in Alaska and measure their impact on the US and Canada, revealing large surface displacements. The study showcases the versatility of GPS technology for tracking seismic activity and monitoring natural disasters.
A recent study provides the first genetic evidence that damage to blood vessels feeding tumors plays a primary role in tumor regression. Damage to endothelial cells, which line blood vessels, can induce apoptosis, leading to tumor death. The study's findings suggest possible new clinical approaches for radiation therapy.
The Lancet report emphasizes the need for WHO to prioritize health as a human right in the 21st century. Creating primary health-care services and upgrading national disease surveillance systems are crucial measures to ensure global security.
A UC Riverside graduate student has won the Best Poster award at an international conference for his research on clustering binary fingerprint vectors with missing values. His work aims to improve DNA microarray data analysis, which can help classify microorganisms and detect diseases.
A team of scientists discovered that small heat-shock proteins play a key role in delaying both aging and age-related diseases such as Alzheimer's, Huntington's, and Parkinson's. The proteins inhibit protein aggregation, suggesting a molecular link between the two conditions.
A team of researchers discovered a genetic break in human chromosome 14 affecting brain development and behavior. The broken gene may contribute to mental illness, including schizophrenia, in affected families. The study provides a crucial piece of the puzzle in understanding the complex disease.
In a clinical trial, patients taking oral topiramate were six times more likely to be continuously abstinent for at least one month. The study also showed significant reductions in plasma GGT levels, indicating improved liver health.
Researchers found that half of the ozone is lost through unknown mechanisms in summer, but absorbed by trees in winter. The study suggests that understanding natural processes is crucial for developing scientifically-based air quality management policy.
A Ph.D. student in chemistry at Virginia Tech has been selected to attend the 53rd Meeting of the Nobel Laureates, focusing on biochemistry. The student will have personal interactions with Nobel laureates and engage in seminars and roundtable discussions.
A global network of scientists identified a new coronavirus as the cause of SARS, rapidly developing diagnostic tests and sharing data in real-time. Three diagnostic tests are now available, but limitations exist, highlighting the need for further work to develop reliable and sensitive tests.
A study by Mayo Clinic researchers found that a specific Vpr mutation is associated with long-term nonprogressive HIV infection, where infected individuals exhibit preserved immune function. The discovery suggests a potential therapeutic opportunity for Vpr inhibitors to reduce T cell death during HIV infection.
Researchers found that topiramate significantly reduced heavy drinking days and increased abstinence days in heavy drinkers compared to placebo. The study also showed substantial reduction in plasma concentrations of the enzyme g-glutamyl transferase, an objective measure of high alcohol consumption.
Researchers found that association constants, a crucial factor in supramolecular chemistry, are often determined with faulty measures. They developed new equations to calculate Ka when ion-pairing is different and showed that this has significant implications for creating functional materials.
Researchers found that channeled whelks, a species of marine snail, have distinct feeding behaviors along the Pacific coast. Genetic analysis revealed that these differences are likely due to genetic isolation and regional variations in prey availability.
Researchers discovered that 3,3'-diindolylmethane (DIM) inhibits the proliferation of human prostate cancer cells by acting as a powerful anti-androgen. DIM, found in cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, decreases PSA levels and blocks the effects of androgen on cancer cells.
HHMI has awarded $10.4 million to Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) and $8.2 million to Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL) to support graduate courses spanning biological disciplines and computational sciences. The grants will support high-quality courses that significantly impact participants' careers.
A large study of 779 mother-infant pairs found no association between prenatal mercury exposure and impaired neurodevelopment. Despite finding two tests associated with exposure, the results were likely due to chance, suggesting that current fish consumption levels are probably safe during pregnancy.
A NASA study tracked a dust storm that traveled from China to the French Alps in just two weeks, crossing multiple continents along the way. The research used computer models and meteorological data to recreate the dust's journey and understand its composition and origin.
Researchers found lower levels of metabolic activity in mitochondria of older people, underlying insulin resistance. Physical activity can enhance mitochondrial number in muscle through activation of AMP kinase.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has awarded grants to support six new autism research centers. The centers, led by renowned experts in the field, will focus on understanding brain abnormalities, diagnosis, early detection, prevention, and treatment of individuals with autism. This major network of centers aims to reduce the bur...
A recent study evaluated the medical costs of osteoporosis therapies and found that patients taking weekly Fosamax had lower GI-related medical costs compared to those taking daily or weekly doses. The analysis, conducted with a large medical claims database, also revealed that treating patients with a weekly dose of Fosamax versus a d...
Scientists have made significant discoveries in the treatment of sinus node dysfunction, lupus, and cardiac failure, while also uncovering new mechanisms for bacterial defense and asthma treatment. These findings hold promise for developing more effective therapies.
A new study challenges current climate change understanding by suggesting that aerosols may have a greater cooling effect than previously thought. This could alter projections of future climate change if high-magnitude negative aerosol forcing values are correct, potentially downplaying human activity's role in warming.