Researchers found plankton produce compound DMSP when stressed by UV radiation, leading to cloud formation and reduced direct light on the ocean surface. The study suggests plankton may impact global temperatures, with potential benefits in slowing climate change.
A large UK study found that Gulf war veterans reported significantly more symptoms of disease than non-Gulf war veterans in almost all ill health categories. The study also found that nearly 1 in every 20 UK servicemen who served in the first Gulf war believe they have Gulf war Syndrome.
A new study links irregular heart rhythms like atrial fibrillation with sleep disorders, particularly obstructive sleep apnea. Patients with AF are twice as likely to have sleep apnea, highlighting the need for screening and treatment in high-risk patients.
Researchers have developed a new method to generate human SARS antibodies quickly, which could offer a potent frontline defense and effective treatment for those exposed to the virus. The technique successfully neutralized the SARS virus in laboratory mice, providing promising results for potential serotherapy.
Researchers found a natural mutation of the SUMO-4 gene, which regulates immune system activity, to be a major contributor to type 1 diabetes. The mutation increases the immune system's reactivity to environmental triggers, leading to an autoimmune response that attacks the patient's own tissue.
FUZEON shows significant benefits in health improvements and reduced side effects for HIV patients, yet many are missing out due to fear of injection. Physicians and nurses play a pivotal role in educating patients on optimal use of FUZEON.
A six-month study found that providing primary care to nearly 2,000 HIV-infected patients costs an average of $30 USD per visit. The breakdown includes staff salaries, laboratory tests, and medications.
The Guava EasyCD4 and EasyCD8 assays provide comparable accuracy to flow cytometry methods but are simpler and more affordable, enabling global access to affordable HIV/AIDS patient monitoring. These lower-cost alternatives can significantly improve quality of care and life for millions of HIV+ patients in resource-limited countries.
A study found that rapid HIV testing during labor can provide accurate results within 66 minutes, enabling women to receive antiretroviral prophylaxis. The study also showed higher test acceptance among younger women and those with limited prenatal care, highlighting the importance of early testing for pregnant women.
A randomized, controlled clinical trial found that a targeted HIV prevention intervention significantly reduced consistent condom use and risky sexual behaviors in high-risk African-American adolescent girls. The intervention emphasized ethnic and gender pride, HIV knowledge, communication, and healthy relationships.
Researchers found that using growth-hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) therapy can increase normal growth hormone production and regulation in men with HIV lipodystrophy. This approach resulted in improved body composition, reduced fat deposits, and better cardiovascular health outcomes.
A study found that gender-and culturally-tailored HIV prevention programs reduced HIV incidence among African American teen girls. The interventions also showed promise in reducing chlamydia cases and promoting healthier relationships.
A randomized trial found that two short drug regimens for infants at birth reduced mother-to-child transmission of HIV compared to a single regimen. The study suggests several options for prevention, including voluntary counseling and testing, standard NVP prophylaxis, and postexposure prophylaxis.
A three-year clinical trial comparing tenofovir DF and stavudine found both treatments to be equally effective in treating HIV, but tenofovir DF had fewer toxic outcomes related to cholesterol levels, lipodystrophy, and peripheral neuropathy. The study involved over 600 patients across the US, South America, and Europe.
A randomized trial found that tenofovir disoproxil fumarate achieved high viral load suppression rates, comparable to stavudine-based regimens. Tenofovir DF was also associated with lower toxicity and better lipid profiles.
Researchers discovered that tobacco companies consider working-class young adults a critical market segment to promote growth. Studies found that socially disadvantaged young women do not necessarily desire 'feminine' cigarette brands, highlighting the need for targeted tobacco control resources towards this demographic.
Researchers discovered that replenishing depleted neurosteroid hormone allopregnanolone significantly delayed neurological deficits and doubled the lifespan of mice with neurodegenerative disease. The treatment was particularly potent when administered early in life and showed promise for delaying symptom onset and progression.
Lack of physical access, high subscription costs, and irrelevance of available information hinder developing countries' healthcare. A proposed international collaborative group seeks to create a 'pot of money' for initiatives promoting universal access to essential health-care information.
A single individual of the Cozumel Thrasher, a bird species believed to be extinct for over 35 years, has been confirmed by field biologists. The rediscovery opens possibilities for establishing protected areas and conserving this unique species and its habitat.
Research reveals high levels of toxic contaminants in New England rivers, affecting aquatic life and human health. Streams draining even small amounts of urban land show signs of degradation, while fish from rural areas accumulate higher mercury levels.
A new triple-vaccine strategy has been shown to stimulate a strong HIV-specific immune response in monkeys, demonstrating its potential as an improved method of protection against the virus. The approach uses a series of three vaccines that build on each other to generate a stronger immune response than might otherwise be possible.
Geologist John Hooke estimates that humans move approximately 45 gigatons of soil and rock annually, surpassing the movement of rivers, glaciers, and oceans. This significant displacement has environmental implications, including acid mine drainage and river sedimentation, highlighting the need for sustainable practices.
A new study by Stanford Medicine found that children with obese parents are at the highest risk of becoming overweight. The researchers identified several key risk factors, including parental obesity, low sleep time, and sensitive temperament, which can be addressed through early intervention programs.
A nationwide survey found that approximately 11 million people in the US have food allergies, with shellfish being the most commonly reported severe allergy in adults. The study also revealed that seafood allergies often begin later in life, with a prevalence of at least 2.5% among adults and 0.8% among children.
The University of California - Irvine has launched the nation's first medical education program focused on Latino culture, providing a unique training experience for future physicians. The Program in Medical Education for the Latino Community (PRIME-LC) combines medical-school training with post-graduate work in environmental health, s...
Physicists from a global team at Boston University have discovered neutrino oscillation and mass, modifying the Standard Model. The findings show a prominent dip in atmospheric neutrino data consistent with the theory of neutrino mixing.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have developed a new technique called chromatin array, which provides a detailed picture of gene activation and expansion. This technology allows for the detection of genes that are not accessible using traditional RNA microarrays, enabling scientists to study previously inaccessible genes.
Researchers identified Mpdz gene as key player in physical dependence and withdrawal from sedative-hypnotic drugs. The study found that higher expression of Mpdz correlated with reduced susceptibility to drug withdrawal seizures.
A study found that patients who received bone marrow stem-cell transfer showed a 7% improvement in left-ventricular function, compared to a 0.7% increase for those given medical therapy. Larger trials are needed to confirm the effectiveness of this approach in treating cardiovascular disease.
Researchers discovered that Pre-Columbian mural paintings in Mesoamerica contain information about the pre-recorded past magnetic field. Coastal areas experience 'breathing' due to sea tides, affecting aquifer air flow. Drift waves in the Earth's ionosphere may cause breakdown of magnetic structures. A generalized law for aftershocks e...
Researchers at Imperial College London have discovered a way to channel and focus light beams on a chip using artificial materials with tiny grooves and holes. This breakthrough could revolutionize the design of the first optical computers, which struggle to overcome constraints due to the need for efficient wire replacement.
Researchers investigate auditory brainstem responses for early detection of ototoxic hearing loss, as well as sensory rehabilitation methods such as obstacle avoidance training, blind rehabilitation, and constraint-induced therapy. These studies aim to minimize or prevent debilitating hearing loss and improve mobility function in indiv...
A study found that genetically modified mice lacking SAP gene develop normal immune functions despite pristane exposure, which typically induces lupus-like symptoms. The researchers suggest targeting SAP for treatment may be an ideal approach to developing new drug treatments for autoimmune diseases.
A study by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital found that Asian bird flu viruses, such as H5N1, became highly pathogenic through continued circulation and gene swapping in domestic ducks in southern China. The researchers warn that control of poultry outbreaks is crucial to prevent the virus from evolving into a human pandemic.
A new study by UNC researchers reveals that primary-care doctors who received comprehensive smoking cessation intervention training during residency are more likely to continue using these methods in their medical practice years later. The long-term effects of such training on physician behavior have significant implications for public...
The nematode C. elegans prefers 6% oxygen, which helps it survive in environments with low oxygen. The worm's oxygen sensors are similar to those used by humans and other animals to detect nitric oxide.
Using guinea pigs, researchers increased production of G-protein Gem, which decreased calcium current densities by 30-90% and helped steady irregular heartbeats. Gene therapy shows promise as an alternative to calcium channel blockers with fewer side effects.
Nine UCSD students are conducting nine-week research projects in Japan, Taiwan, and Australia through the Pacific Rim Undergraduate Experiences (PRIME) program. They will work with local researchers to develop their skills in cyberinfrastructure and cultural understanding.
Two new books by the United Nations University provide a guide for developing countries to promote technology-based enterprises. The studies analyze factors that enabled select countries like Singapore, Malaysia, and South Korea to expand their high-tech exports. Key findings highlight the importance of science, technology, and industr...
Warren Pharmaceuticals has synthesized molecules exhibiting only tissue-protective effects of EPO, with no impact on the classical EPO receptor. These compounds show promise in treating various diseases including stroke, spinal cord compression, diabetic neuropathy, multiple sclerosis, and congestive heart failure.
Researchers at Michigan State University have devised new ways to understand the impact of AIDS on families in rural Africa. The study shows that the disease is not always devastating, but rather cripples some families while leaving others with a better chance of enduring.
Scientists successfully isolated human periodontal ligament stem cells, which have shown tremendous potential to regenerate the periodontal ligament and cementum. The stem cells were able to form dense tissue in rodent models, with eight out of 13 transplants producing a mixture of cementum and periodontal ligament.
Researchers have successfully generated nerve precursor cells from adult skin cells using a two-step process involving soluble agents called growth factors. This breakthrough raises the possibility of generating nerve cells from an individual's own skin cells, overcoming issues of rejection.
A Stanford study reveals that shared genetic data can be linked to individuals through common DNA sites, raising concerns over patient anonymity. The researchers propose firewalls and secure access controls to protect sensitive genetic information.
Researchers engineered mutations to 700 yeast genes and used computerized analysis to predict gene functions. The developed yeast strains are now commercially available for other researchers.
The field of stem-cell research faces challenges in winning public support due to limited clinical benefits. Scientists are urged to step forward and lead a debate about the potential benefits and costs of working with stem cells.
Researchers have identified a potential molecular target to halt the spread of human papillomavirus (HPV), a common cause of cervical cancer. By targeting specific RNA molecules that produce proteins driving cellular proliferation, HPV-infected cells may be eradicated, offering new treatment options.
International bodies have struggled to agree on separating stem-cell research from reproductive cloning laws. Dr. Carol A Tauer argues that each issue should be argued on its own merits. Scientists shy away from controversial areas due to unclear funding policies, and the EU needs to break its stalemate for progress.
Researchers have identified a naturally occurring genetic difference controlling brain serotonin production, which may explain psychiatric disorders and influence patient responses to SSRIs. The discovery sets the stage for new insights into the role of the serotonin enzyme and gene in animal behavior and human disorders.
Two projects aim to study angiogenesis and anti-angiogenic therapy, as well as the interaction between hormones and growth factors in prostate tumor growth. The ultimate goal is to develop new treatment strategies that suppress metastases by prolonging dormant states.
Researchers from Oregon State University identified a key genetic mechanism linking resveratrol in red wine to reduced fat formation and increased fat mobilization. This may explain why moderate red wine consumption is associated with lower deaths from heart disease.
Researchers found that combining doxorubicin with dexrazoxane reduced heart damage in high-risk ALL survivors by 25 percent compared to doxorubicin alone. The study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, used blood tests to detect heart damage before it could be seen on echocardiograms.
A new HPV vaccine study is underway in women aged 24-45 to prevent cervical cancer and genital warts. The quadrivalent vaccine protects against four common strains of human papillomavirus virus, including two that cause cervical cancer and two that cause genital warts.
Researchers from University of Colorado Boulder analyze Cassini mission data, revealing compositional variation in Saturn's A, B, and C rings. The study suggests that the outer part of the rings contains more ice, shedding light on their origin and evolution.
Scientists have solved the structure of a human protein called AGT, which repairs damaged DNA inside human cells. The protein can inadvertently protect cancer cells from chemotherapy agents, rendering them ineffective.
A new study suggests that high levels of church attendance in the ninth grade may protect some African-American teenagers from engaging in risky behaviors throughout their high school career. The research found that more religious activity in the ninth grade was associated with smaller increases in marijuana use among boys and cigarett...
A study published in NEJM found that rapid rise in PSA levels prior to diagnosis is a stronger indicator of prostate cancer death than the actual PSA level. Early and annual testing are recommended for men with high PSA velocity to detect potential aggressiveness of cancers.
Researchers define two groups of pacemaker neurons driving breathing rhythm, with calcium channels playing critical role in gasping mechanism. Under hypoxia, sodium-driven pacemakers become essential for baby's survival, suggesting a potential link to SIDS risk factors.
Researchers recommend performing oral food challenges on children with at least a 50-50 chance of passing, based on IgE antibody levels less than 2.0 kilounits per liter of blood. This guideline aims to reduce unnecessary avoidance of common allergenic foods and improve the accuracy of food allergy diagnosis.
Researchers found that the mutant SOD1 protein selectively migrates to spinal cord mitochondria, triggering apoptosis and cell death. This mechanism provides potential insight into how ALS-linked mutations cause degeneration in affected tissues.