Early visual experience is crucial for normal development of color constancy in humans and monkeys. The study shows that baby monkeys raised in monochromatic environments had severe deficits in color constancy, highlighting the importance of early exposure to a diverse range of colors.
A new neurostimulation system uses continuous electric field adjustments to provide real-time, dynamic paresthesia steering for improved pain relief. This innovative technology enables up to 71 combinations of stimulation settings, leading to enhanced therapeutic possibilities.
Researchers have successfully delivered a mini-dystrophin gene to all skeletal and cardiac muscles of an adult mouse with muscular dystrophy, reversing the disease. The breakthrough uses a safe and simple method to target muscle cells without triggering an immune response.
Researchers have discovered a two-member family of protein molecules, phototropin, that detects blue photons and guides seedling growth towards light. This finding has profound influences on seedling development and is being intensely studied by chemists and biophysicists.
A new breed of vaccine-producing plants is being developed to combat global health issues, including cholera and diarrhea. The innovative technology uses minimal processing to yield heat-stable vaccines for oral delivery.
A new study suggests that a stroke-prevention strategy for kids pioneered at MCG is working. The program, which involves regular blood transfusions and screening using transcranial Doppler, has led to an 80% decline in strokes among California children with sickle cell disease.
In a breakthrough study, Johns Hopkins scientists identified that nerve cells use target-derived cues and proteins like NGF to guide them to their final targets. The research sheds new light on the complex process of nerve growth and cell targeting during development.
Research suggests that men tend to have poorer outcomes in short-term group therapy for complicated grief, with symptoms improving less among males than females. The study's findings emphasize the importance of considering patient gender when selecting treatment options.
The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) is honoring outstanding scientists and physicians who have made significant contributions to cancer research. The AACR recognizes researchers in various fields, including basic cancer research, clinical cancer research, and medical chemistry.
Researcher Conrad focuses on elucidating molecular steps in embryonic animal eyes to develop new treatments for corneal transplants. His team uses mass spectrometry to analyze polysaccharides and uncover the influence of sugars on cell decisions.
Researchers develop a new Coupled Wave-Wind model to estimate hurricane speed and intensity, incorporating surface breaking waves. The improved model aims to enhance forecast skills and mitigate natural hazards caused by hurricanes.
Researchers found minor molecular abnormalities in Huntington's disease cells, but only specific groups degenerate and die. The study suggests that therapies for neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's may need to address multiple cellular processes.
Scientists have discovered that adding titanium to sodium aluminum hydride enables reversible hydrogen release and absorption. The titanium acts like a molecular 'key,' facilitating the reaction. Understanding this mechanism may lead to improved hydrogen storage materials and better catalysts for fuel cells.
Researchers will investigate the link between atopic dermatitis and severe skin reaction EV in a nationwide research network. The study aims to better understand how atopic dermatitis predisposes individuals to EV after smallpox vaccination.
Researchers at Harvard University and Washington University have identified a family of molecules that play a crucial role in generating synapses in the brain. These presynaptic organizing molecules could lead to new treatments for neurodegenerative diseases, mental retardation, and other conditions where synapse loss is a factor.
The award honors an individual scientist for highly original research, with the winner receiving €75,000 and a commemorative plaque. Recent past recipients include Stanley J. Korsmeyer and Mario R. Capecchi.
Researchers at Yale University have made significant breakthroughs in understanding the helicase function of the hepatitis C virus. By visualizing the behavior of the viral enzyme NS3, scientists discovered that it moves with a discontinuous stepping motion that alternates rapid translocation with pausing.
The American Association for Cancer Research is accepting nominations for the 2005 Landon-AACR prizes, which recognize seminal basic and translational cancer research discoveries. The recipient of each prize will receive a $200,000 unrestricted cash award and present a lecture at the 96th AACR Annual Meeting in Anaheim, Calif.
Researchers have developed thin fiber-optic probes that can be threaded through biopsy needles to ensure accurate targeting and diagnose breast cancer with over 90% accuracy. The technology holds potential to minimize trauma and improve procedure speed.
Researchers identified a shared gene family responsible for calcium binding in bones, enamel, dentine, milk, and saliva. The genes, including SPARC and SPARCL1, evolved from a common ancestral gene and reside on the same chromosome in most vertebrates.
Council decision-making in EU is influenced by both power and needs. The allocation of EU budget shares varies among member states based on their economic capacity and population size.
Researchers analyzed rare isotope data to gauge when rivers abandoned their ancient beds and exposed terraces. The study reveals that rivers cut through bedrock at a rate far more rapid than previously thought, driven by regional climate changes during the last ice age.
Researchers found that beneficial bacteria trigger proteins called Toll-like receptors to maintain intestinal epithelial cell health and activate machinery for tissue repair. These receptors play a crucial role in protecting tissues from damage and inducing recovery after injury.
The Lancet editorial argues that criticism of President Bush's AIDS spending is necessary to ensure efficient use of limited resources. Leading scientists and public-health advocates have judged that the size of US investment into AIDS renders President Bush immune from criticism, but this assessment is mistaken.
Despite significant declines in breast cancer death rates due to mammography, one in three American women over 40 has not had a mammogram in the last two years. Mammography is the best screening tool for early detection of breast cancer, and Dr. Feig emphasizes its importance regardless of age.
The Lancet editorial highlights concerns about the practicality of implementing government plans for cleaner hospitals and lower rates of infection. Key issues include a lack of resources and clear timetable for implementation, as well as insufficient sanctions for hospitals that fail to maintain acceptable levels of cleanliness.
Researchers found that 'early blind' subjects excelled in recognizing changes in pitch, a skill impaired in both sighted and late-blind individuals. This study demonstrates the brain's capacity for reorganization in response to early sensory loss.
A new study reveals surprising differences in the DNA of normal cells from different people, detecting 76 large-scale 'copy number polymorphisms' associated with various health conditions. The researchers used a powerful new DNA profiling technique called ROMA, which identified genes involved in neurological development and cancer.
A new study by UC Davis researchers shows that photorespiration, long thought to be a wasteful process, is essential for healthy plant growth and nitrogen uptake. Elevated atmospheric carbon dioxide and low oxygen levels inhibit nitrate assimilation, leading to slowed plant growth.
Thermal ablation, utilizing ultrasound or MRI imaging, effectively destroys breast tumors by applying heat or freezing abnormal tissue. The procedure has been successfully performed on over 50 patients, with no scarring and no cosmetic deformity remaining after treatment.
Researchers propose adding calcium and vitamin D to existing FDA-mandated enrichment mix in products like bread and pasta to reduce osteoporosis and colon cancer incidences. The measure could save 11,000 lives and $3 billion annually with minimal financial cost.
Researchers assessed the effectiveness of quetiapine in reducing agitation symptoms in Alzheimer's patients. A study also found a possible link between HIV treatment and increased risk of Alzheimer's disease due to abnormal protein deposits. An animal model has been developed to study tau protein tangles, a hallmark of Alzheimer's path...
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine have discovered a new gene associated with an increased risk of developing type 1 diabetes. SUMO-4 plays a key role in regulating the immune system and has been found to prolong the inflammatory response when mutated, leading to cell death and destruction of insulin-producing cells.
The meningococcal serogroup C conjugate (MCC) vaccine programme has successfully controlled the incidence of meningitis C, with high short-term effectiveness and substantial herd immunity. However, long-term efficacy remains unknown, with protection diminishing in children vaccinated in early infancy.
Researchers found that babA protein, used by virulent H. pylori strains, has lost flexibility to bind to multiple blood types due to adaptation in Latin American populations. This discovery may lead to new approaches to prevent or decrease infections.
Researchers at Purdue University found that adults who stutter process language differently than those who don't, even when not speaking. The study, published in August, measured brain electrical activity and response time to find complex interactions between language and motor systems.
Princeton scientists develop a breakthrough technique using nanoimprinting to mass-produce devices with tiny features, achieving unprecedented density and space between ridges. The method uses a mold made from a fine comb-like pattern, enabling the creation of miniature electronic circuits with improved memory capacity.
A study by Tufts University researcher Catherine Freudenreich reveals that cells with certain DNA mutations may activate a surveillance system to repair damaged DNA, leading to cell death. The findings could lead to advances in treating diseases such as Huntington's disease and muscular dystrophy.
Scientists measured a 0.1% reduction in sunlight reaching Earth during a June 8 Venus transit using NASA's SORCE satellite data. This event is comparable to the estimated 50-year decrease in sunlight that occurred during the Little Ice Age in the 17th century.
A recent study found that computer-aided detection (CAD) software can identify 71 percent of missed breast cancers on mammograms. CAD marked tumors as suspicious, leading to earlier detection and potentially better patient outcomes.
Stanford researchers have developed a new technique to analyze cellular behavior in leukemia patients, identifying patterns that predict response to treatment. By understanding how cells respond to environmental signals, doctors can propose less common therapies and tailor treatment options to individual patients.
Researchers analyzed rock samples to determine when and how quickly rivers cut through rock, revealing a rate much faster than previously thought. Climate changes during the last ice age prompted the rapid incision of gorges along both rivers approximately 35,000 years ago.
Four clinical trials are underway to determine the effectiveness of digital mammography, ultrasound, and MRI in detecting breast cancer and preventing deaths. These non-radiation based techniques could lead to a lower screening age and increased regular screenings for high-risk women.
A study of low-income African-American adolescent girls aged 14-18 found that those with a desire to become pregnant are more likely to have older partners and engage in casual sex. Researchers emphasize the need for targeted education and policy changes to address the root causes of adolescent childbearing.
A study found that adding aspirin to clopidogrel therapy increased the risk of intracranial and gastrointestinal bleeding in patients with a history of ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack. Despite this, combination therapy did not significantly reduce the primary outcome measure at 18 months.
Researchers studied coastal 'jet' south of Block Island, revealing strong seasonal variability in currents. Analysis showed that freshwater outflow from estuaries and wind stress drive the interplay behind this phenomenon, producing a stronger jet during summer and weaker flow during winter.
Accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI), also known as brachytherapy, treats breast cancer with minimal radiation exposure. This technique reduces treatment time to four to five days and improves convenience for women with busy lifestyles or rural locations.
Researchers found that a significant percentage of microarray probes don't match the latest RefSeq database information, leading to inaccurate results. Sequence-verified probes perform more consistently and accurately, improving diagnostic power and analysis of existing data sets.
A UK study involving 8000 pupils found that fewer girls reported intercourse before age 16 with peer-led sex education, but the impact on teenage pregnancy rates was unclear. The study's authors suggest broader strategies are needed to improve young people's sexual health.
A new study found that Dap160 stabilizes the complex of molecules involved in vesicle formation and retrieval, allowing for continuous neurotransmitter release. This process is essential for neurons to communicate with each other.
A new study led by Dr. Pierre Tariot found that quetiapine, an atypical antipsychotic, is effective in reducing agitation in patients with dementia, with a lower risk of side effects compared to other medications. The medication has shown no serious side effects so far and offers a new therapeutic option for patients and their families.
A new method, QM-MSP, detects cancer by analyzing methylation levels in genes associated with breast cancer. The test was found to accurately identify cancerous samples in 84% of cases and detect no cancer in 89% of normal tissues.
Researchers at Georgia Tech and partnering institutions are studying the effects of high electromagnetic stress on launchers, aiming to reduce damage caused by intense heat and friction. The goal is to develop reliable railguns for the Navy's next-generation electric battleships.
A recent study suggests that antipsychotic medication quetiapine does not increase the risk of stroke or transient ischemic attack in people with Alzheimer's disease. The research, which pooled data from two studies, followed 684 institutionalized patients with dementia and found an incidence rate of 0.3% for quetiapine.
Research found that obese women have a lower prolactin response to suckling, compromising milk production. This leads to a significantly shorter period of breastfeeding. The study suggests that obesity affects breast-feeding success, with overweight mothers being 2.5 to 3.6 times less successful than non-overweight mothers.
Research suggests that genetics studies demonstrate a significant impact of environment on Alzheimer's disease. Low levels of education are also found to be a risk factor for all groups, including identical twins. Additionally, disclosing an Alzheimer susceptibility gene does not increase anxiety about developing the disease.
Rensselaer researchers have developed an omni-directional reflector (ODR) that enhances LED brightness, accelerating the replacement of conventional lighting. The new technology has significant implications for energy savings and reducing mercury exposure, which can cause health problems.
A national study of over 20,000 children found that students with at least one sibling were rated as better able to form friendships and show sensitivity to others. The results suggest a social-skills advantage for having siblings, even after controlling for other factors.
The MESSENGER mission will explore Mercury's searing surface, oddball atmosphere, and bizarre magnetic field. The LASP's $8.7 million Mercury Atmospheric and Surface Composition Spectrometer will address questions about the planet's mineral composition, gas distribution, and core.
The RAD51 gene is crucial for repairing DNA breaks during recombination, a process vital for sexual reproduction. In humans, defects in this process can cause infertility, miscarriages, or birth defects.