The use of high-powered synchrotron X-ray sources and advanced detectors has significantly progressed protein structure calculation. Novel technologies like Energy Recovery Linacs (ERLs) will enable unprecedented brilliance in X-ray beams, opening new avenues for scientific exploration.
Researchers found that patients with multiple sclerosis who experience high levels of fatigue have widespread axonal damage in their brains. The study suggests that the nerve damage may be the underlying cause of fatigue, rather than other factors like conduction block or inflammatory mediators.
Negative clinical trial results from SSRIs go unpublished, while flimsy data support their use. Flawed trial design, secrecy in approvals process, and inadequate adverse drug reporting systems contribute to ineffective and unsafe drugs entering the market.
A study of 332 randomized trials found industry-funded trials more likely to yield statistically significant pro-industry findings. Pharmaceutical companies prioritize trials with higher potential for positive results. This bias affects not only medical treatments but also new surgical interventions.
A study suggests that genetic enhancement can increase muscle mass and strength in rats, which could benefit elite athletes, patients with muscle wasting, and elderly individuals. The research also highlights the need for regulatory bodies to distinguish between allowed and banned endurance enhancement practices.
Dr. Korsmeyer's work on BCL-2 identified its role in blocking cell death and established a mammalian apoptotic pathway. His research has significantly impacted cancer treatment and our understanding of biology and medicine.
Researchers tracked individual UVR dose patterns and sun exposure in a large cohort of Danish volunteers. They found that indoor workers were exposed to the least UVR, while gardeners received the most, and children's UVR exposure increased with age.
A team of biologists has discovered that the parasite relies on salvage enzymes to steal nutrients from its host to survive. This discovery provides new targets for drugs designed to treat victims of this parasitic disease, which causes chronic severe diarrhea and life-threatening complications in AIDS patients.
NSF plans to develop new programs to attract underrepresented groups to science and engineering careers, including African Americans, Alaska Natives, and people with disabilities. The agency aims to ensure that the US has a skilled, technically literate workforce capable of meeting the demand for a knowledge-based economy.
Researchers found that insulin-resistant young offspring of type 2 diabetics have increased muscle cell lipid content and reduced mitochondrial energy production. This study suggests a potential genetic cause of insulin resistance in young people with type 2 diabetes.
Researchers at Stanford University found that microenvironmental VEGF concentration determines the threshold between normal and aberrant blood vessel growth. Long-term continuous delivery of VEGF maintains below this threshold promotes normal angiogenesis, guiding therapeutic strategies.
Stanford University researchers use video cameras to capture daily activities of healthy children in various environments. By analyzing these recordings, they create detailed models of how children ingest or become exposed to substances like lead and pesticides. This approach allows for the collection of tens of thousands of data point...
Researchers found that simulated games in virtual reality boosted children's belief in their abilities, regardless of their physical limitations. The therapy also gave them a chance to succeed in types of play they might have difficulty accessing otherwise.
A Yale University study found an increased risk of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma among women who began using hair-coloring products before 1980, particularly those using darker permanent products for over 25 years. The study suggests that recent changes in hair dye formula contents may have reduced the risk for newer users.
Phenoxodiol, a chemo-sensitizer, has shown encouraging results in treating late-stage ovarian cancer. The study found 25% response rates and synergy with chemotherapy, suggesting potential benefits for patients.
Researchers discovered that the radish gene encodes a phospholipase-A2 enzyme, which plays a crucial role in anesthesia-resistant memory. The study found this enzyme is also involved in memory formation in chickens and rodents, suggesting a conserved mechanism across animal phyla.
The calcium-sensing receptor plays a crucial role in regulating mammary gland function, influencing milk production and composition. This study demonstrates that the receptor helps match milk production with available calcium levels in the mother's body.
Researchers discovered a protective protein, Wlds, that safeguards dopamine-axon connections in Parkinson's disease. The study revealed that while the protein protects axons, it does not prevent cell body damage, highlighting differences in degeneration processes.
Researchers investigate how harmless bacteria trigger immune response, offering new insights into oral health and potential treatments for infections. Beta-defensins, natural antibiotics produced by the body, may hold key to preventing infection, according to expert Dr. Beverly Dale.
Research at Joslin Diabetes Center reveals that insulin resistance in the brain may contribute to the development of Alzheimer's disease. Studies using genetically altered mice found a marked reduction in insulin signaling proteins, leading to excessive phosphorylation of tau protein, a hallmark of brain lesions in Alzheimer's.
A study found that skin cancer patients experience improved mental and emotional health after surgery, but general quality of life remains unchanged. Patients also showed increased use of sunscreen and protective behaviors like wearing hats.
Patients undergoing complex gastrointestinal surgery at teaching hospitals are less likely to die or experience complications, with death rates under 10% compared to non-teaching hospitals. Higher hospital volumes also lead to fewer prolonged hospital stays, suggesting fewer complications from surgery.
Evo-devo biologists led by Raff will use mechanistic tools to address major historical questions about multicellular animals, the Cambrian radiation, and animal larvae. The approach may reveal complex features in animal development evolved more quickly than expected.
A six-month aerobic exercise program improved cognitive performance on a decision-making task in older adults by reducing behavioral conflict. The study used functional magnetic resonance imaging to measure changes in brain activity in middle-frontal and superior parietal regions, which were associated with improved performance.
The new assay uses fluorochrome binding to detect malaria parasites in cell culture, providing a safer and more cost-effective alternative to current methods. This breakthrough has the potential to drastically reduce the price tag for drug discovery and promote research into tropical parasitic diseases.
Researchers discovered a link between serum amyloid alpha (SAA) and future cardiovascular events, with increased levels predicting a 3% higher risk of heart attack or stroke over three years. SAA appears to respond specifically to active heart disease, making it a potential more accurate predictor than C-reactive protein.
Researchers found that gradual exposure to frequency-shifted sounds improved subject's ability to comprehend speech in cochlear implants. Brain scans revealed systematic changes in cortical responses after several hours of exposure.
A study of women in Ontario who had double mastectomies between 1991 and 2000 found that two-thirds reported no change or improvement in their sexual functioning. The majority also showed no decline in self-image, with nearly half reporting an improved self-image after surgery.
Researchers at UW-Madison find that mutations allowing AIDS viruses to escape immune detection also hinder their ability to grow after transmission. The discovery may help design vaccines targeting the virus's most vulnerable spots.
A UH-led group of experts has developed new stent designs to minimize complications in the treatment of aortic abdominal aneurysm (AAA) and coronary artery disease (CAD). These innovative stents feature genetically engineered cartilage cell-coated designs and novel mechanical properties that mimic human arteries.
A new book by John Hagan provides a detailed look at the inner workings of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia. The book sheds light on investigations not covered by the media and highlights the key role played by Louise Arbour in setting up the tribunal's effective operations.
Type I diabetics experience bone loss due to insufficient amylin production, which reduces osteoclast cell activity. Amylin injection or pathway activation may help correct this issue and alleviate osteoporosis.
A study found that women who used more antibiotics had an increased risk of breast cancer. The researchers also found that all classes of antibiotics were associated with an increased risk, and that long-term use of antibiotics was linked to death due to breast cancer.
A study found that mice with silenced small-conductance calcium-activated potassium (SK) channels in the DCN had increased firing rates and ataxia. Despite this, Purkinje cell input into the DCN remained intact, indicating a direct relationship between SK channel regulation and proper muscle coordination.
A modified surgical procedure, EUPF surgery, has shown an 82% success rate in treating obstructive sleep apnea by reducing snoring and improving oxygen levels. Patients who underwent the procedure reported significant improvements in quality of life.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University have found that statins interfere with a biochemical pathway crucial for germ cell migration in embryonic zebrafish. This understanding may lead to insights into disease processes, including cancer, as abnormal germ cell migration can contribute to deadly cancer spread.
The US Preventive Services Task Force has issued new recommendations for screening asymptomatic people for heart disease. However, evidence is insufficient to recommend EKG, treadmill tests, and CT scans for these groups. Additionally, hospice care may increase overall Medicare costs, but provide savings in certain cases with aggressiv...
A recent study provides new hope for understanding autoimmune diseases like pemphigus foliaceus by identifying an inexpensive blood test that can detect antibodies and intervene to halt disease progression. Environmental factors, including mercury exposure, ultraviolet radiation, and female hormones, are also being investigated as pote...
The share of top US citizen scorers on the Graduate Record Exam heading to graduate school in natural sciences and engineering increased by 31 percent between 2001 and 1998. This uptick is comparable to the gain in all score levels of examinees who intended to enroll in graduate school, suggesting a surge in interest in STEM fields.
A Stanford research team is studying how mouth microbes interact with their hosts to shape immune system development. They have identified new microorganisms in the oral pocket that were previously unknown and are working to understand complex interactions between oral flora.
According to Rutgers sociologist, the DOE's Long Term Stewardship program ignores worst-case scenarios, fails to consider public disasters. The agency relies on flawed engineering barriers and institutional rules to mitigate risks, according to Clarke.
Researchers discovered that lactating mammary glands can sense changes in calcium levels and adjust milk production accordingly. The calcium-sensing receptor plays a key role in this process, allowing the gland to match milk production with the availability of calcium in the mother's body.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have confirmed that cord blood stem cells can differentiate into heart muscle cells and produce a critical enzyme to halt progressive damage. Additionally, cord blood transplants appear to slow or halt brain damage caused by metabolic diseases such as Sanfilippo Syndrome.
Researchers have found that a clinically approved drug for chronic hepatitis B can block the action of an anthrax toxin. Adefovir dipivoxil effectively reduces the effects of edema factor, one of two deadly toxins produced by anthrax, at non-toxic doses.
Most cloned embryos are unable to reprogram their genes and develop normally, behaving like hybrids instead. Dr. Keith Latham's research highlights the challenges in cloning success.
A new statistical technique called wavelet bootstrapping enables researchers to extract meaningful information from a single data run by applying re-sampling methods in the wavelet domain. This technique has applications in geophysical sciences, bioinformatics, and medical imaging, among others.
A new 3D fabrication technique uses light-activated molecules to create complex microstructures with sub-micron features. The technique, called two-photon 3D lithography, has the potential to compete with existing processes for fabricating microfluidic devices and optical elements.
Researchers have found that genetic variations can affect an individual's response to alcohol, with some genes contributing to increased sensitivity and others to tolerance. The study suggests that understanding these biological markers can help develop new treatments for alcohol dependence.
Researchers successfully cloned mice from olfactory cell nuclei, demonstrating totipotent development and normal brain function. The study expands understanding of neuronal diversity and offers insights into reprogramming mature cells.
A panel discussion at Stanford Medicine explores thorny issues posed by technology, including non-traditional families and reproductive cloning. The discussion aims to address concerns over the responsible use of new reproductive and genetic technologies.
Researchers have developed a new method to find communities in large, complex networks, revealing structure and commonalities among members. The technique was tested on college football conferences with over 90% accuracy, showing promise for understanding systems like food webs and social networks.
Experts argue that electronic voting machines should print a paper copy of the ballot, allowing voters to inspect and verify their votes. The push for a 'voter-verifiable paper audit trail' aims to prevent machine errors and ensure election integrity.
Research integrating genetics and paleontology aims to resolve human evolution debates by combining fossil records with genetic data. A recent study on baboon teeth shows that enamel thickness can vary widely within a population, challenging long-held assumptions.
Researchers found that loblolly pine forests grown in high CO2 conditions exhibit varying growth rates depending on soil moisture. Nitrogen deficiencies limit tree growth in dry years, while excess nitrogen makes a difference in wet years.
Research found brief, in-person interventions are best for hazardous drinkers under 24. Computerized approaches with individualized feedback also show promise for college students. These methods can be delivered through electronic means, addressing barriers such as distance and fear of judgment.
Deep-sea coral and sponge ecosystems are being destroyed by commercial fishing, especially bottom trawling. Scientists call for governments to protect these newly discovered ecosystems, which provide habitat for marine wildlife and contain chemicals that could become medicines.
Research by Richard Norby and colleagues at ORNL found that young trees and green plants respond favorably to elevated CO2 levels, with a 24% increase in net primary productivity. However, the long-term effect of carbon dioxide fertilization on mature trees and soil sequestration is still debated.
Researchers created immortal human nerve cells by introducing a telomerase gene into progenitor cells, allowing them to continuously divide and produce specific types of neurons. The cells were used to partially repair damaged spinal cords in laboratory animals without forming tumors.
Scientists at the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute are studying the impact of carbon dioxide on the ocean, which could help predict global climate change. The research also explores the potential for iron fertilization to reduce atmospheric CO2 levels.
The Nanophotonics Group at Cornell University has developed tools to guide and switch light in low-index materials, including air or a vacuum. This technology enables the use of a wide variety of low-index materials, including polymers, and could speed up the day when home use of fiber-optic lines becomes practical.