A team of researchers has identified three genetic suppressors of RNA silencing in plants, which are crucial for combating citrus tristeza virus (CTV) infections. These viral suppressors can be targeted by genetically engineering virus-resistant citrus trees, offering a promising approach to disease control and reducing economic losses.
Scientists have successfully grown sperm progenitor cells in a laboratory culture, paving the way for potential new treatments for male infertility. The breakthrough, led by Hiroshi Kubota, could also enable the creation of genetically modified animals and extend the reproductive life of endangered species.
Researchers found that activated STAT3 is necessary for skin cancer development, and inhibiting it can prevent tumor growth. A STAT3 inhibitor could potentially be used as a topical cream to treat sunburns or precancerous lesions.
Boston University chemist Thomas Tullius receives NIH grant to develop ENCODE technology for mapping protein-binding sites. His research aims to decipher patterns on DNA's landscape, building tools to understand how structure affects function.
A retrospective cohort study of 198 children who underwent fundoplication at Texas Children's Hospital from 1996-1999 found that fundoplication is not a long-term solution for treating GERD in children. Alternative medical treatments, such as histamine-2 receptor antagonists and proton pump inhibitors, are recommended instead.
Krill populations in Antarctica have declined dramatically, with an 80% drop since the 1970s, primarily due to warming and reduced sea-ice. This decline has significant implications for commercial fisheries and the region's unique wildlife, which rely on krill as a food source.
Dr. Paul Ribbe will be honored with a symposium for his significant advances in the crystallography of feldspars, which led to the creation of definitive work on mineralogy. The symposium features keynote addresses from internationally recognized scientists and explores the 'micro to macro' approach pioneered by Ribbe.
A research team has identified a possible genetic mechanism behind congenital heart defects, using mouse models to study the protein Baf60c. The findings suggest that suppressed levels of this protein may lead to dramatic cardiovascular defects.
Researchers found that human activities, mainly agriculture and construction, cause more soil erosion than all natural processes combined. This situation is particularly critical due to the rapid growth of the Earth's population and widespread land use.
A recent study has identified PITX3 gene mutations as a significant cause of congenital posterior polar cataracts in four unrelated families. This finding offers new hope for preventing and treating this condition, which is the leading cause of blindness globally among children. The researchers believe that identifying these gene mutat...
Researchers aim to understand why some generations exhibit higher rates of violence in adolescents, using data from the Pittsburgh Youth Study. The study will examine age groups and potential cultural or economic factors influencing violence.
Researchers at Saint Louis University discovered a new flu vaccine solution that uses lower doses in younger adults, which could stretch the nation's vaccine supply by up to 2.5 times. This innovative approach involves administering the vaccine intradermally, between the layers of skin, rather than through a traditional muscle injection.
Scientists use DNA technology to identify specific art materials and develop biological preservation strategies to combat insect and fungal damage. A regional symposium on cultural heritage conservation is also organized, attracting over 100 curators and students.
Researchers at The Wistar Institute have identified a protein called 53BP1, which recognizes molecular sites in chromatin to detect DNA breaks. This protein is responsible for activating the p53 cell-death program, preventing cancer, and has been found to work through a specific mechanism involving nucleosome structure.
The SARS outbreak highlighted the importance of preparedness and response in hospitals. Quarantine strategies proved ineffective as most cases were acquired in hospital settings. In contrast, Taiwan successfully replaced quarantine with better preparedness for future pandemics.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine have identified key growth factors essential for sustaining spermatogonial stem cells in culture. By understanding these factors, scientists hope to develop new fertility therapies and create sperm in vitro.
Researchers found a link between chronic allergic stimulation and an increased risk of leukemia and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in adults. Childhood eczema also appeared to increase the risk of this condition, although its impact is still relatively rare.
Researchers at Cornell University have discovered a new DNA enzyme, AIRs kinase, with a shape similar to other members of the riboside kinase family. This finding suggests that proteins may evolve using similar rules, and could lead to the design of laboratory tools for testing anticancer drugs.
The Stanford Environmental Molecular Science Institute will investigate how heavy metal contamination interacts with solid surfaces and bacteria using various molecular-level tools. The institute aims to understand the structure and properties of pollutants like arsenic, chromium, and lead at a fundamental level.
Scientists at Bristol University analyzed a Roman canister containing cosmetics and recreated the 'foundation' cream, finding it composed of refined animal fat, starch, and tin. The researchers concluded that tin was used as a pigment due to its non-toxic properties.
A team of researchers from Bristol University and Saratov University in Russia analyzed 675 specimens of amphibians and reptiles from 289 areas spanning 13 geological time zones. The study found a profound loss of animal groups and ecosystems, with many species still absent after 15 million years of recovery.
A study found that the Pall Leukotrap Affinity Prion Reduction Filter reduces infectious vCJD prions in red blood cell concentrates below detection limits. The filter also reduced scrapie prions, a similar TSE, from blood, with no clinical symptoms reported in animals treated with filtered blood.
UGA researchers are using evolutionary game theory to study the conflict between humans and viruses, aiming to design better responses to viral diseases. The project applies game theory to understand human behavior in response to disease virulence and how viruses respond to treatment.
Researchers create miniature drills and end mills using microelectro discharge machining to produce smooth, curly chips of glass or ceramic. The process can take as long as an hour to produce one dimple a half millimeter in diameter, but is faster than photolithography.
Experts warn of a potential second wave of vCJD infections due to increased cases in France and the UK. The panel discussion highlighted the need for enhanced safety measures to prevent human-to-human transmission of this fatal neurodegenerative disease.
A mathematical model suggests that antibiotic use in chickens can decrease the risk of food-borne illness while potentially increasing antibiotic-resistant bacteria, but the benefits outweigh the risks according to researchers.
A new study co-authored by Ann Mooney explores how CEO job demands influence strategic decisions and leader behaviors. The research reveals that varying levels of demand facing top executives are shaped by three factors: task challenges, performance challenges, and executive aspirations.
A prospective, longitudinal study found that hospitalization and restricted activity significantly increase the risk of developing disability among older adults. The study, conducted at Yale University, involved monthly phone interviews with over 700 residents aged 70+, revealing that 55% developed disability, with hospitalization and ...
A comprehensive analysis of Phase 1 cancer trials found a significant drop in drug-related deaths and an improvement in the risk/benefit ratio. The study suggests that increased attention to patient safety, less-toxic targeted therapies, and improved supportive care have contributed to these improvements.
A study of 754 older adults found that illnesses and injuries leading to hospitalization accounted for 50-80% of disability outcomes. Participants who developed disability were more likely to have been hospitalized or experienced restricted activity.
The University of Victoria has received a new vector-based supercomputer to aid in climate research. The machine will enable faster climate simulations and models that represent economic, social, technological, and biogeochemical factors. This is the first such computer in Western Canada, which can speed up simulations by a factor of 20.
Researchers found that high-dose-rate brachytherapy after surgery improved limb-sparing outcomes for soft-tissue sarcoma patients. Five-year survival rates reached 83%, with significant reductions in tumor recurrence and metastasis.
A study of 26,071 elderly individuals found that annual influenza revaccination was associated with a reduced mortality risk of 24% compared to first-time vaccination. Revaccination after an interruption resulted in a similar mortality risk reduction as seen after the initial vaccination.
A recent study published in JAMA found that only a few US physicians have been elected to Congress since the 1960s. The researchers suggest that training and financial incentives may be contributing factors to this lack of representation. The study highlights the need for medical leadership in shaping healthcare policy.
A study analyzing phase 1 cancer trials from 1991-2002 found a significant decrease in treatment-related deaths and serious toxicity, with adjusted odds of death being less than one-tenth those of patients participating in earlier trials. Targeted therapies and improved supportive care are likely contributing factors.
A recent study has revealed a genetic link to colon cancer, identifying the MutY human homologue (MYH) gene as a risk factor. The research found that children of MYH gene carriers have a higher risk of developing the disease, with a 1:2 ratio.
Researchers engineered human mesenchymal stem cells to target tumors, delivering a therapeutic gene that inhibits cancer growth. The approach significantly improved survival of mice with breast and melanoma cancers.
Dr. von Andrian will focus on setting up a new microscopy model at Joslin to study the interaction between islet cells and immune cells, aiming to develop a simple model for studying islet cells in living animals. He will also collaborate with Joslin researchers on stem cell projects and vascular complications in people with diabetes.
A large cohort study found that eating five or more servings of fruits and vegetables daily may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, but not cancer. Green leafy vegetables showed the strongest inverse association with both conditions.
Loyola is conducting a clinical trial using a blood substitute in trauma patients to increase oxygen delivery and improve survival rates. The study aims to compare the survival rate of patients receiving the blood substitute to those receiving saline solution.
A new PIM chip called Godiva, designed and prototyped at USC, has successfully integrated into a server and delivered comparable performance to the original-equipment Itanium chip. The Godiva chip uses DDR-DRAM interface and reduces electrical power consumption by one hundredth.
A phase I/II study demonstrates the bioartificial kidney's safety and effectiveness in treating acute renal failure, with six patients surviving over 30 days after treatment. The device uses human adult progenitor/stem cells to filter blood and regulate immune system molecules.
Researchers found that adding alcohol injections to RFA significantly improved treatment outcomes, eradicating 34 of 41 liver tumors with no bowel-related complications. The combination therapy also showed promise for treating large tumors and other types of tumors in the body.
Researchers developed a method combining CYP3A4 phenotyping with UGT1A1 genotyping to optimize irinotecan chemotherapy. Greater height, obesity, and lower physical activity levels are linked to increased endometrial cancer risk.
Researchers demonstrate that long-term maintenance therapy with peginterferon alfa-2b can prevent or delay the progression of hepatitis C, reducing the risk of liver damage by half. A new antiviral agent, NM283, also shows promising activity against genotype 1 HCV, offering hope for future therapies.
Researchers at Virginia Tech are investigating the transport of arsenic in a headwater stream adjacent to an old mine site. The team has discovered that groundwater is releasing arsenic into the stream, but some of it is being retained in the streambed.
Researchers discovered that Netrin-1 stimulates cell proliferation, migration, and adhesion in endothelial cells and vascular smooth muscle cells, promoting angiogenesis. This finding has implications for treating diseases such as cancer and ischemic heart disease by either inhibiting or inducing blood vessel growth.
A mouse study revealed that the molecular clock genes Bmal1 and Clock play a crucial role in regulating blood sugar levels. Disrupting these genes led to impaired glucose regulation, even with insulin treatment. The study suggests that our internal circadian clock may influence blood sugar control beyond diet.
A St. Jude clinical trial has shown promising results in treating acute lymphoblastic leukemia with a new chemotherapy regimen that eliminates irradiation, achieving high event-free survival rates of over 80% and overall survival rates of around 86%. The trial's stringent risk classification and early intensification of chemotherapy le...
Researchers found that molecular clock genes Bmal1 and Clock play a crucial role in regulating glucose levels, with suppressing these molecules eliminating diurnal variation. A mutated Clock gene also protected mice from diabetes induced by high-fat diets, suggesting altering meal timing may reduce disease risk.
A recent study using data from 43,093 adults found that 24.9% were current cigarette smokers and 12.8% were nicotine dependent. Those who were nicotine-dependent consumed 57.5% of all cigarettes smoked in the US, highlighting the need for targeted smoking cessation efforts on individuals with nicotine dependence and psychiatric disorders.
A new study suggests that using drugs to slow heart rate (rate control) is more cost-effective than restoring normal heart rhythm (rhythm control) for treating atrial fibrillation. The American College of Physicians released a tip sheet with these findings and several other articles on related topics.
A study found that cigarette smokers are more likely to have polyps, a greater number of polyps, and larger polyps than non-smokers. Vitamin C supplements were also associated with the absence of polyps in patients who regularly consumed them.
A recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation reveals that a diabetes drug called rosiglitazone enhances fat cell energy production by remodelling mitochondria. This finding suggests a potential new approach to treating obesity, which is a major risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes.
The climatic effect of increased CO2 is uncertain due to unknown aerosol influence, which can mask greenhouse gas effects. This limits refinement of climate sensitivity estimates and decision-making on carbon emissions.
A team led by Professor Kenneth Mease will develop an algorithm to control a Mars lander's flight during the hypersonic entry phase and deliver the vehicle with pinpoint accuracy. The first demonstration of pinpoint landing is under consideration for a Mars mission in 2011.
Researchers found thousands of 600 million year old embryo microfossils in China's Doushantuo Formation. The discoveries suggest that these ancient embryos may have hatched into adult forms with tubular structures, linking them to a coral-like animal.
Studies found that morbidly obese patients experience high rates of GERD symptoms, including heartburn and acid regurgitation. Additionally, a systematic review revealed a significant dose-dependent association between body mass index and risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma.
Researchers found that optimists had a 55% lower risk of all-cause and cardiovascular death compared to pessimists. Optimism was associated with better coping strategies and protected against changes in risk factors that affect cardiovascular disease progression.
A new esophageal capsule has been found to be as effective as traditional endoscopy in detecting Barrett's esophagus, a pre-cancerous condition. The study showed a high sensitivity of 97% and specificity of 100% in identifying esophageal abnormalities.