Scientists at the University of Nevada discovered that plants absorb mercury from the atmosphere through their leaves, releasing it back into the environment. This finding has significant global implications for mercury controls and highlights the need for a collaborative effort to mitigate mercury pollution.
The NIH has suspended the use of celecoxib, a COX-2 inhibitor, in its large-scale cancer prevention trial after finding a two-fold increased risk of cardiovascular toxicities. The decision was made following a September 2004 report that highlighted concerns over the safety of rofecoxib, another COX-2 inhibitor.
A newly discovered compound, SP-4-84, has shown potential to enhance cancer treatments by increasing the effectiveness of chemotherapy drugs while reducing side effects. The compound works by inhibiting cancer cells' ability to survive chemotherapeutic treatment, allowing for lower drug dosages and fewer side effects.
EMSELEX, a new drug for treating overactive bladder, has shown efficacy in reducing incontinence episodes by up to 77% compared to placebo. The medication, selective for the M3 receptor, also improves symptoms such as urinary frequency and urgency.
Chronic kidney disease affects over 7.4 million Americans with less than half the kidney function of a healthy adult, while an additional 11.3 million have at least half normal function but persistent protein in their urine. Raising awareness and controlling diabetes and hypertension are critical to reducing progression and complications.
Two University of Houston chemical engineering students built a fuel-cell-powered shoebox car that carried 400ml water 75ft in under an hour. The team's achievement marked the first time UH students participated at the national level.
Dr. Alfred Sommer receives the prestigious Pollin Prize for his groundbreaking research on vitamin A supplementation, saving millions of children's lives worldwide. Dr. Parul Christian is awarded a $100,000 fellowship stipend to continue her work on maternal nutrition and infant mortality in developing countries.
A Yale University study found that children with increased preoperative anxiety are more likely to experience delirium and new maladaptive behavioral changes after surgery. Children who are younger, more emotional, and less social are at high risk of developing these issues.
Researchers at Emory University reveal a new pathway for formaldehyde decomposition that bypasses the traditional transition state, providing evidence for alternative mechanisms in chemical reactions. The study's findings have implications for our understanding of transition-state theory and its applications in chemistry and biochemistry.
The UCSB team has developed RNA grids with finite size and various patterns using atomic force microscopy, visualizing beautiful nano-grids and jigsaw puzzle-like structures. The researchers aim to attain total control of matter arrangement at a molecular level for applications in nanotechnology and medical testing.
A large retrospective study found that tuberculosis incidence doubled within the first year of HIV infection and increased four-fold after two years. The study's unique setting, including a high incidence of tuberculosis among miners and access to free healthcare, facilitated the research.
Saneron CCEL, a biotechnology R&D startup, has been awarded a $150,000 grant from the NIH to develop Sertoli cells combined with stem cells for treating spinal cord injuries. The company aims to provide readily available, non-controversial stem cells for cellular therapies.
Virginia Tech researchers have developed a chemical process to extract ethanol and xylitol from cotton gin residue. This technology has the potential to create a new industry in the state's cotton-growing region, providing a solution to the problem of residue disposal.
The American Association for Cancer Research and The V Foundation are awarding $600,000 in grants to four cancer research teams, led by top scientists, to accelerate progress against cancer. The grants will support translational research projects that aim to improve survival and quality of life for patients.
The Prentiss Foundation has awarded $5 million to University Hospitals of Cleveland to create an inpatient child and adolescent psychiatric unit. This funding will address urgent needs for access to mental health care, training programs, and research for children and adolescents in Northeast Ohio.
Researchers used fMRI to capture the brain's unconscious emotional processing of fearful faces, revealing activity in the amygdala and cortex. The study found that anxious individuals showed more brain activity, indicating a biological basis for unconscious emotional vigilance.
Researchers warn of growing ethical challenges in neuroscience as brain imaging technologies become more accessible. Breakthroughs in functional neuroimaging enable the study of cognitive processes, but also raise concerns about corporate profits and personal data privacy.
Researchers have developed DNA scaffolding that allows for the creation of high-performance nanoelectronic circuits with unprecedented precision. The technology uses synthetic DNA tiles to assemble devices closely, enabling short interconnects and high performance.
A study by Dr. David V. Day and colleagues found that NHL players who held the captaincy position outperformed their peers without such responsibilities. The researchers attribute this improvement to the culture of leadership promoted in the league.
Researchers found that combined dietary olestra and caloric restriction increased the rate of excretion of a test toxin by 30-fold and reduced its distribution into the brain by 50%. The study also showed that weight loss and regain resulted in changes to the concentration of toxins in adipose tissue and liver.