The Protein Data Bank (PDB) has received a $30 million grant from the federal government to continue its work in unlocking biological secrets. The PDB, an internet-accessible repository of 3-D models of proteins and other macromolecules, will help design new drugs that interact with these molecules.
Researchers analyzed 63 SARS viruses from three phases of the 2002-2003 epidemic and found significant genetic adaptations, including a rapid mutation rate and unique molecular fingerprints. The study suggests that containing outbreaks quickly is crucial before the virus becomes more difficult to control.
The authors argue that genetic testing poses no new ethical issues compared to existing practices, but the inconsistency in disclosure of results is unjustifiable. Genetic tests may soon be linked to lifestyle and future health, making them inappropriate for premium assessment if not disclosed equally.
A new study has shown that vaccinia transfer after smallpox immunization is extremely low if proper precautions are taken. The risk of transmission can be greatly reduced by keeping the vaccine site bandaged and practicing thorough hand-washing.
Researchers at USAMRIID successfully detected variola virus in a 50-year-old tissue sample using integrated diagnostic methods. The study demonstrates the capabilities of modern molecular diagnostics in identifying biological agents, which is crucial for national defense and infectious disease research.
Scientists have developed a real-time operational forecast system using satellite data, providing accurate 3D ocean conditions and helping Coast Guard rescuers determine the direction of stranded individuals. The system uses multiple satellite measurements and sensor data to generate forecasts several days ahead.
Researchers have unraveled the complete genome sequence of Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus, a predatory bacterium that can degrade complex biopolymers in other bacteria. The study may lead to novel anti-microbial substances and the development of a 'living antibiotic' as a potential therapeutic agent.
The Finuda experiment is studying the formation and decay of hypernuclei to explore the weak interaction. By analyzing the localization of lambda particles within nucleus, scientists can gain insights into the strong nuclear force.
A recent survey found that attitudes towards wolves in Wisconsin are shaped more by cultural factors than individual experiences. Moderate support exists for wolf recovery statewide, with 73% of residents favoring maintaining or increasing wolf numbers. However, hunters and livestock producers exhibit greater intolerance towards wolves.
The new guidelines recommend limiting treatment to patients at expected risk for metastatic disease and only evaluating drugs with demonstrated clinical activity. The guidelines also require significant proportion of patients to show decline or no increase in PSA and prostate-cancer specific survival.
Penn scientists use gene-transfer technology to insert extra MRSA into cells, leading to increased protection against oxidative stress and potential treatment for diseases related to aging and the heart. The study's findings suggest that boosting MSRA levels may prevent cell apoptosis and treat disease.
Therapy-based rehabilitation services for stroke patients living at home reduced the odds of deteriorating in personal activities of daily living (eg. walking, dressing) by 28% and increased the ability of patients to undertake activities of daily living by 14%. These findings suggest that a therapy-based rehabilitation service could b...
Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory used a specialized instrument to analyze stardust from a meteorite, confirming the theory that stars form atoms through nucleosynthesis. The discovery provides precise confirmation of how atoms are made inside stars.
A recent study by Dr. Shrawan Kumar found that X-ray technologists experience high levels of back pain and neck strain due to excessive task demands. The constant physical stress compounds the issue, with few professionals beyond 50 years old remaining in the field.
A moderate-fat diet, rich in monounsaturated fats from peanuts and peanut oil, produced a significant reduction in cardiovascular disease risk, with a 14% decrease compared to the low-fat group. The study found that despite weight loss, high fat diets can rebound and cause adverse effects on HDL cholesterol levels during maintenance.
A study from Duke University Medical Center found that virtual reality interventions significantly reduced symptom distress and fatigue in breast cancer patients during chemotherapy. Participants reported a decrease in nausea and vomiting, as well as improved mental state, after using the technology.
Researcher Charles Sanchez finds perchlorate in lettuce foliage, mainly in discarded frame and wrapper leaves. The study aims to assess the extent of perchlorate accumulation in soils and groundwater sources.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University have discovered new antioxidants that are 100 times more effective than vitamin E, with potential applications in dietary supplements and medical treatments. The newly developed compounds have also shown promise in protecting against lipid oxidation, a key factor in coronary artery disease.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have discovered a new enzyme that can create antibiotic compounds by nature's machinery. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new antibiotics and combat antimicrobial resistance.
A study monitored sun exposure, diet and blood levels of vitamin D in 23 teenage girls from ages 10 to 13 years old. The results showed that almost half of the Bangor area girls had insufficient levels of vitamin D in their blood, with 17% having low levels in September.
Researchers used fMRI to study male monkeys' brain activity in response to attractive female scents, finding high levels of neural activity in areas associated with decision-making and memory. The study suggests that males don't just act on primal urges, but exhibit complex neural processes when evaluating potential mates.
Researchers discovered that a mineral gel formed during rock abrasion can reduce friction between rocks to near-zero levels at high shearing speeds. This finding has implications for understanding and predicting earthquake damage, as it could lead to more accurate simulations of seismic slip speeds and fault weakening processes.
A UK study estimates that diagnostic X-rays contribute to around 700 cancer cases annually in the UK, with similar but higher risks observed in other developed countries. The researchers emphasize the importance of avoiding unnecessary X-ray procedures and weighing benefits against risks for patients.
A Carnegie Mellon statistics student has developed a method to mitigate noise in brain imaging, allowing for clearer pictures of brain activity. This technique could lead to more efficient experimental procedures and pave the way for more challenging experiments.
A team of researchers has developed a novel lung cancer treatment using nanoparticle cluster bombs, which have shown promise in treating cancerous lung cells. The new delivery system could potentially be used to target cancer cells while leaving healthy cells alone.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute find normal cellular prion protein essential for prion diseases like BSE, and inducing neurotoxicity without scrapie prions triggers catastrophic outcomes. This discovery highlights the complexity of prion pathogenesis and challenges existing therapeutic approaches.
The EMBO-launched portal aims to facilitate life scientists' career mobility across Europe by providing a one-stop-shop for funding opportunities, training programs, and job openings. Users can share their research profiles and contribute to the platform through submissions of experience reports on mobility.
A team of researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center discovered that a genetic defect affects lysosome protein arginine regulation, causing Batten disease. This condition leads to lysosomes malfunctioning and cells swelling with waste, ultimately killing brain cells and resulting in severe medical problems.
A comprehensive review of 72 studies found no evidence that testosterone replacement therapy increases prostate cancer or cardiovascular disease risk. Testosterone therapy may alleviate symptoms of low testosterone levels, but monitoring is crucial due to potential side effects.
This AGU journal features research on space weather substorms, with a possible explanation for large magnetic fluctuations during the onset of a space weather substorm. Additionally, high frequency sea ice motion may affect Arctic dynamics, while tropical drought regions in global warming and El Nino teleconnections are also explored.
Purdue researchers discovered a method to boost the production of ferulate 5-hydroxylase, an enzyme used in pharmaceuticals. By altering nutrients and controlling fermentation time, they increased the enzyme's activity by 45% and productivity by twice its normal rate.
A meta-analysis of five published trials found that aluminium-containing vaccines were more likely to cause redness and induration in young children and local pain in older children. However, there was no evidence of serious or long-lasting side effects.
Recent studies suggest that pediatric influenza is a significant medical problem, causing excess hospitalizations and antibiotic prescriptions. Experts call for increased efforts to identify and vaccinate high-risk children, as well as educating parents and physicians about the importance of flu vaccination.
Researchers found that adolescents with early onset depression had significantly smaller left hippocampuses compared to healthy controls. The study also revealed that those with longer histories of depression had larger hippocampuses, suggesting that initial differences may not be apparent in adult patients.
A study by NIH researchers found that low free testosterone levels may be associated with an increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease in older men. The study, conducted on 574 men aged 32-87, revealed a 26% decrease in AD risk for every 50% increase in free testosterone index.
A clinical trial found that depression improved in most patients after three months of drug therapy, but 24% persisted with high scores. Moderate to severe pain at the start of treatment was associated with a higher risk of poor response.
A long-term ocean pattern, Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO), influences West Coast temperatures and precipitation up to a year in advance. The study reveals correlations between PDO patterns and temperature and precipitation trends on the West Coast.
The minimally invasive surgical techniques made possible by the robot system can give the same surgical result as open-chest techniques with less impact on young patients' bodies. Robot-assisted surgery may be a good option for certain defects and reduces hospital stays, operative trauma, cosmetic impact, and overall recovery time.
A team of University of Arizona geoscientists found that movement along faults created huge blocks of rock, lifting them 9,000 feet into the air to form Tucson's skyline. This discovery challenges previous theories on mountain formation in the western United States.
Physicists at JILA have observed a novel form of matter, a fermionic condensate, by cooling potassium atoms to extremely low temperatures and applying a magnetic field. The formation of these pairs has potential implications for high-temperature superconductivity and energy efficiency.
Research found that inter-seeding winter cereal rye with organic soybeans reduces weed growth and increases yield, but requires specific termination methods for effective management. The study suggests a new approach to organic weed control that prioritizes soil health and sustainability.
Elves automates X-ray crystallography process, decreasing time to 19 minutes from days or weeks, increasing efficiency of beamlines. The software uses X-ray diffraction data to produce a 3-D layout of proteins, crucial for understanding their function and designing drugs.
A study found that people with migraines have a higher risk of developing brain infarcts and white matter lesions, especially in the cerebellar region. Women with migraine also had twice the risk for deep WMLs compared to controls.
A study found that half of parents did not understand randomization, with minority and less-educated parents being more likely to be confused. However, the presence of a nurse and longer conference duration were associated with improved understanding.
A study found that PET scans revealed significant abnormalities in 53 patients, including 30 cases with malignant or premalignant tumors unrelated to primary cancer. Follow-up was crucial to diagnose incidental findings, which were often asymptomatic.
Experts predict a widening gap in access to nanotechnology benefits between rich and poor countries, despite its potential to improve lives in developing nations. The paper calls for an international network to assess emerging technologies and promote global public goods.
The American Academy of Family Physicians proposes a palliative care model for elderly patients, focusing on proactive and team-oriented care. The TLC model aims to relieve physical and emotional suffering throughout the aging process.
A nationwide study found that most pediatric residents are satisfied with their primary care training, attributing it to positive preceptor experiences. The study highlights the importance of selecting effective teachers and providing sufficient teaching opportunities for optimal outcomes.
Dialysis patients with inflammation or malnutrition have lower cholesterol levels than those without. Higher cholesterol is associated with lower mortality among patients without these conditions, but not among those with them.
Physicians can help family caregivers by promoting good communication, facilitating advance care planning, and providing emotional support. They can also attend to family grief and bereavement, improving outcomes for both patients and caregivers.
A recent study suggests that breast augmentation procedures can affect the sensitivity of mammography, with women with implants having lower detection rates. However, this does not necessarily translate to a higher risk of advanced disease at diagnosis. Women with breast implants should still follow recommended screening intervals.
Peter Chen's research on 'smart linkage' aims to discover hidden data relationships and link databases for efficient information sharing. The project uses a complex mathematical model to narrow down lists of suspicious individuals, prioritizing searches based on risk levels.
Researchers found that post-exposure oseltamivir prophylaxis significantly reduced virus transmission and illness in households. The strategy was more effective than treating the ill household member only, with a 63% protective efficacy rate.
A study by University of Iowa researchers reveals that the cystic fibrosis protein CFTR can function as an adenylate kinase enzyme, controlling channel opening without consuming energy. This discovery has broad implications for understanding ABC transporters and their role in genetic diseases.
Researchers discovered that a small mutation in the fragile X gene causes tremors, balance problems, and dementia in older men. Genetic screening is recommended for men with these symptoms, especially those carrying the premutation, to accurately diagnose and treat Fragile X-Associated Tremor/Atxa Syndrome (FXTAS).
A study found that patients taking statins before leg bypass surgery had better graft patency and lower risk of amputation. Patients on ACE inhibitors also had a lower risk of dying after surgery. The medications' effects outweighed PAD severity and other medical issues.
Elevated PlGF levels in patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) and acute chest pain indicate a significantly increased risk of heart attack or death at 30 days. Measuring PlGF levels may provide a powerful clinical biomarker for vascular inflammation and adverse outcome in ACS patients.
Researchers at the Weizmann Institute developed a novel nanotube composed of nanoparticles, offering tailored properties for various applications. The tubes' unique characteristics enable design of future sensors and catalysts.
Researchers found that free testosterone was associated with a decreased risk of Alzheimer's disease in men. A Netherlands study also linked higher consumption of fatty fish to reduced impaired cognitive function and speed. In contrast, higher dietary cholesterol intake was associated with increased risk of impaired memory and flexibil...
A recent study using computer imaging techniques reveals that Neanderthals exhibit distinct differences in skeletal morphology compared to modern humans. The research, led by NYU paleoanthropologist Katerina Harvati, suggests that Neanderthals are a separate species within the genus Homo.