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.
A mutated protein combination is responsible for excessive sugar production in the liver, leading to high blood glucose levels. Researchers have identified PGC-1alpha and FOXO1 as key proteins that form a powerful switch for gluconeogenesis, and blocking their interaction may lead to effective diabetes treatment.
A recent study by Dr Glen Newey argues that politicians' deception is often necessary for the greater good. The researcher claims that the more people demand transparency from their leaders, the more likely politicians are to resort to lies and misrepresentation.
A study found that hostility in children is a risk factor for developing metabolic syndrome, a precursor to cardiovascular disease. High scores on hostility measures were associated with increased rates of obesity and insulin resistance in later years.
Researchers used second-harmonic generation to image tumors in mice, revealing that collagen levels correlate with tumor permeability. The study suggests that a hormone called relaxin could selectively break down tumor-matrix collagen, improving drug delivery to cancer cells.
A new study confirmed Dr. Samuel Orton's hypothesis that children 'turn off' the right hemisphere of their brain as they become accomplished readers. The research also found that different phonological skills relate to activity in different parts of the brain when children read.
Researchers used 3D imaging to study ALS mutant proteins, finding they interact incorrectly and form toxic complexes that interfere with nerve cell function. The study supports two theories: oxidative damage from mutant SOD1 protein and aggregation of protein complexes.
Researchers at UW-Madison have successfully created the world's first knockout rats using a novel combination of techniques, enabling further study of breast cancer and potential treatments. The development restores the rat as a key model for biomedical research, leveraging its genetic flexibility to gain insights into various diseases.
The KEPPRA international Phase IV SKATE study achieved a significant reduction in partial seizures in 49% of patients, with a seizure freedom rate of 17.2%. The study showed favourable efficacy across various subtypes of partial seizures.
The North Pole Environmental Observatory project aims to investigate the interplay of ocean currents and other factors related to climate change. The research team has established a temporary camp on sea ice near the North Pole for the third consecutive year to retrieve mooring instruments, insert buoys, and sample Arctic Ocean waters.
Researchers have developed DNA enzymes that can produce branched and lariat RNAs, key intermediates in the biological process of splicing. The discovery could provide new insights into RNA splicing and its connection to genetic diseases.
Researchers have discovered that a small protein, SmpB, helps modify the structure of tmRNA to facilitate its role in repairing damaged mRNA. This process prevents the production of toxic proteins and ensures cellular survival. The study also reveals how a plant virus exploits this mechanism for its own replication.
Research found that two proteins, IL-1 and TNF-alpha, work together to overcome pneumonia. Inhibiting one protein can lead to death in mice with bacterial pneumonia. Cytokines play a crucial role in the immune response by recruiting white blood cells to fight invading bacteria.
A new study raises concerns about the effectiveness of Scotland's modern apprenticeship scheme due to lack of data on its success. The researchers recommend introducing a recognized national diploma and monitoring employment conditions to ensure young people gain real benefits from the scheme.
A team of Johns Hopkins University undergraduates invented the Main Squeeze device to ease child car safety seat installation. The low-tech tool applies up to 200 pounds of compression to ensure a snug fit, reducing the risk of injury. The students' design uses a simple crank and attachments for various car models.
Researchers created diamond layers on steel by using a chromium nitride intermediate layer to prevent carbon penetration and graphite formation. The technique resulted in good-quality diamond layers on certain types of tool steel.
A new book by Corien Prins examines the tension between anonymous online activities and tracing technologies, with implications for consumer protection, liability, and privacy. The Dutch National Programme for Information Technology and Law (ITER) funded the research.
A unique satisfaction index developed by London School of Economics and Queen's University Belfast reveals that local councillors can improve voter satisfaction by applying findings to spending decisions. The research found different priorities in various areas, often related to local economic circumstances.
A study found that young children interpret both abstract and narrative dance performances to a similar degree, challenging the assumption that they need to be narrative or 'comprehensible'. The research also showed that children have the ability to give meaning to what they see and hear in abstract dance.
The EMBO organization rewards a communicator with a silver medal and 5,000 euros for an imaginative and original work. The prize aims to promote molecular biology studies in Europe and recognize the value of communication skills.
Researchers discovered the YB-1 protein's Cold Shock domain, resembling a bucket with handle and two ears, attaches DNA to its binding site. The domain alone forms weak bonds to DNA, contradicting previous measurements of complete protein strength.
Patients with acute depression who received phone-based disease management were six times more likely to reduce their symptoms to a low level compared to those receiving standard care. The program also led to primary care doctors using nationally approved guidelines in treating their patients.
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.