Virus researchers discovered a critical role of Z-DNA in pox virus lethality, leading to potential development of anti-viral compounds effective against smallpox. The findings may also shed light on the regulation of transcription and cellular responses to viral infections.
Vera Kettnaker's proposed system analyzes an elderly person's movement patterns to detect potential problems and summon help automatically. The system would be integrated with ceiling-mounted cameras and data-processing equipment to provide a safe and private living environment for seniors.
Researchers discovered a novel way to defeat Gleevec-resistant cancer using a second drug that targets the tyrosine kinase enzyme. This proof-of-principle shows promise for treating patients with a range of cancers.
New predictions suggest vCJD epidemic will decline with a comparable worst-case scenario of 540 UK cases between now and 2080. The researchers estimated the incubation time of vCJD to be 12.6 years, similar to Kuru, and calculated that only 40 future cases are expected within the next five years.
A University of Pittsburgh Medical Center study found that high school athletes recover from concussion slower than age-matched college athletes. High school athletes showed significant memory impairment at day 7 post-injury, while college athletes displayed commensurate performance with control subjects by day 3.
Researchers discovered a lignin-carbohydrate compound from Prunella vulgaris with potent activity against HSV-1 and HSV-2 infections. The compound showed significant reduction in skin lesions and increase in survival rate in guinea pigs and mice, respectively.
Researchers use DNA analysis to identify previously unknown microbe kingdoms, expanding the estimated number of microbial species to about 30. The discovery has potential applications in agriculture and ecology, including understanding soil diversity and improving sewage treatment.
Researchers found that head injury significantly increases risk of developing Parkinson's disease, with severe injuries linked to a 20-year delay in symptoms. The study suggests that mild head injuries may not be associated with an increased risk, but more research is needed to understand the link.
Researchers found a 0.5% increase in cardiovascular deaths and 2% increase in respiratory problems four days after stagnant air, confirming guidelines for people with pulmonary disease. The study used 28 years of weather data to analyze mortality rates and provided insight into the relationship between air stagnation and health outcomes.
Researchers at Northwestern University find brain tangles in normal aging and mild cognitive impairment, correlating with memory loss. Neurofibrillary tangles are more numerous in brain regions associated with memory function, suggesting a link between tangle density and memory performance.
A recent study by Louise M. O'Brien found that snoring in children, even without sleep apnea, can lead to significant cognitive issues such as attention deficits and language difficulties. The research involved 87 children aged 5-7 who snored but did not have obstructive sleep apnea, compared to 31 non-snoring peers.
Researchers found nearly half of British public disagree with media coverage of MMR vaccine concerns, emphasizing the importance of balanced reporting. The study also highlights the need for journalists to approach minority voices within science with caution, particularly when dealing with alarming research.
The American College of Physicians (ACP) has launched Phase II of the Medical Professionalism Charter Initiative, aiming to improve patient care and population health. The charter redefines professional conduct in healthcare, with over 90 associations endorsing it.
A study by Therese Mar found a significant association between stagnant air and respiratory deaths, as well as cardiovascular deaths. The research used wind data to analyze the effects of air pollution on mortality over a 28-year period.
A recent study found that linezolid significantly improves the survival rate of patients with hospital-acquired MRSA pneumonia compared to vancomycin. The analysis of two earlier studies showed that patients who received linezolid were more than twice as likely to survive.
A study of over 200 older people from minority ethnic groups found that experience of racism was a clear difference in their quality of life. Despite feeling isolated, many participants had strong social connections and relied on each other for support.
A multi-center study found that 63% of patients with mild to moderate ulcerative colitis achieved remission after taking four packets of VSL#3 daily for six weeks. The probiotic composition demonstrated safety and efficacy in patients not responding to conventional therapies.
Researchers have created a new x-ray technique called DEI that enables the visualization of soft tissues such as skin, cartilage, and blood vessels. This technique has potential applications in diagnosis and could enhance mammography and the detection of other soft tissue pathologies.
Researchers have found a tiny pocket near a likely hinge in the E-protein that could put a cramp in the protein's calisthenics. Filling this pocket with a drug may prevent the virus from fusing or infecting cells, potentially leading to new treatment options for dengue fever.
The System Assessment Capability (SAC) is an integrated system of computer models and databases that predicts the movement and fate of contaminants through the vadose zone, groundwater, and Columbia River. SAC assesses the impact of contaminants on human health, animals, and the environment, providing a comprehensive understanding of c...
A University of Minnesota study found that ear problems decreased significantly over time after ear tube placement for children with otitis media with effusion (OME). The annual incidence of ear problems was highest during the first three to five years, but declined thereafter.
Designing molecules to block HIV receptors could lead to more effective and safer treatments. The approach has the potential to be orders of magnitude more effective than existing treatments, with fewer side effects.
The AAAS Science Journalism Awards honor exemplary communications efforts in science reporting completed between July 1, 2002 and June 30, 2003. Winners receive awards for scientific accuracy, originality, clarity of interpretation, and fostering public understanding of science.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have made a breakthrough in treating children with chronic hepatitis C (CHC). A multi-center study found that peginterferon alfa-2a was effective in reducing the virus in 43% of pediatric patients. The new treatment approach offers hope to both affected children and their worried families.
Researchers found that every slice of toothed whale red meat exceeded Japan's mercury limit, with some samples containing almost 200 times the maximum value. Mercury levels were higher in whales caught off the southern coast of Japan.
Researchers have discovered a new bacteriophage, CEV1, that can efficiently infect and kill E. coli O157:H7 in livestock gut systems. This natural approach could lead to an effective management strategy to eradicate the pathogen from livestock.
A national survey found significant support for HIV vaccine research, with 84% of the public believing efforts to develop a vaccine are 'extremely' or 'very' important. However, there is also concern about misconceptions about vaccine development and testing. The survey highlighted the need for education on ongoing HIV vaccine research.
Myasthenia, a severe form of muscle weakness, has been linked to a novel genetic mutation that disrupts muscle responsiveness to nerve electrical impulses. Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have identified a new cause for the debilitating disease, which may lead to new therapeutic approaches.
Seventeen boys and three girls from across the US will participate in a two-week study camp at the US Air Force Academy, receiving college-level training in organic chemistry. The four-member US team that emerges from this preparation will compete against teams from over 50 countries in the International Chemistry Olympiad.
A study by Dr Nir Vulkan suggests electronic markets will replace traditional dealer markets unless made more attractive with lower commissions. The research found that 'weak' traders are drawn to anonymous electronic marketplaces, leading to a potential shift of all traders to electronic markets.
A new climate model, ALL, integrated multiple factors into a single experiment, recreating observed temperature records for the 20th century. The model predicts increased global warming of 5.5 degrees Celsius by the end of the 21st century when sulphate emissions reductions are considered.
Effexor/Effexor XR demonstrated higher remission rates (41%) compared to SSRIs (35%), while also resolving physical symptoms of depression. The analysis included over 7,000 patients across 30 head-to-head studies.
Researchers found that surfactants can cause contaminants to move more rapidly through the vadose zone and reach the water table more quickly. This knowledge advances understanding of unsaturated flow processes and will aid in designing effective clean-up systems.