A team of researchers found that domesticated donkeys originated in northeastern Africa approximately 5,000 years ago. Genetic analysis revealed two distinct lineages, indicating two separate domestications, which occurred between 303,000 and 91,000 years ago.
Researchers have developed a method to detect all cystic fibrosis mutations with 100% accuracy using microarray technology. The technology could be used to diagnose genetic diseases during preimplantation genetic diagnosis, providing rapid and reliable results.
Researchers found that obese individuals have disrupted ghrelin patterns, with lower blood levels at night, contradicting common expectations. This discovery may lead to new targets for treating obesity and explore drugs that make people more sensitive to their internal cues.
Researchers found that bicalutamide treatment resulted in increased bone mineral density, reduced body fat, and fewer side effects compared to leuprolide. This study suggests a single-drug treatment plan using bicalutamide may be an attractive alternative for men with non-metastatic prostate cancer.
The new Center for the Epigenetics of Common Human Disease at Johns Hopkins will develop tools to create comprehensive information about epigenetics and apply it to studying autism and bipolar disorder. Researchers will also examine entire epigenomes of specific groups to hunt for clues to human disease.
Researchers at Ames Laboratory have successfully developed a new type of superconductor, carbon-doped magnesium diboride, which can withstand higher magnetic fields. The material has a critical temperature of 39 Kelvin, making it more economical to use compared to other superconductors.
A study reveals that 97% of infertile couples and 80% of the general population believe PGD should be permitted for detecting genetic diseases. The majority also oppose reproductive cloning, with only 7% in favour. Germans demand change in German Embryo Protection Law to allow PGD.
A Clemson bioengineer has created a method using laser beams to align cells in a pattern, simulating tissue environments on a small scale. This technology could lead to early detection of cancer, saving lives, by detecting cellular responses to light.
Top US high school students have been selected to serve as members of the 2004 US Chemistry Olympiad Team, including Emily Tsui, Eric Brown, Fan Zhang, John Leon Kiappes, Jr., Jeremy Hiatt and Allen Cheng. The team will represent the country at international events, following college-level training and competition in organic chemistry.
Research found that 21% of embryo donation families chose to remain secretive about the child's origins due to concerns over family relationships and the mother's perceived biological role. Despite this, there were no negative effects on the children, and parental warmth and quality of parenting remained consistent across all groups.
Researchers found that an extract from Opuntia ficus indica (prickly pear fruit) reduced nausea, dry mouth, and loss of appetite in young adult volunteers. The study also showed a moderate reduction in hangover symptom severity, with higher levels of C-reactive protein associated with placebo treatment.
Researchers tested angiostatic therapy on mice with endometriosis lesions, finding it inhibited new blood vessel growth and reduced existing lesion size. The most effective compound was endostatin, which also showed no side effects in animal trials.
A study found that mice with a hyperactive Wnt10b gene consumed more food but had half the body fat of normal mice. The protein inhibited fat cell development and had contrasting effects on white and brown fat, leading to robust health despite reduced adipose tissue.
The use of artificial reproduction technologies in wildlife conservation aims to understand fundamental reproductive mechanisms in various species. Dr. David Wildt highlights the importance of collaboration between specialists from different disciplines to achieve genuine conservation.
Researchers discover that Kaposi's sarcoma virus can reprogram blood vessel endothelial cells into lymphatic cells, driven by the gene Prox1. This finding provides a potential target for new therapies against the disease.
Researchers found that ALCAM gene expression is significantly lower in higher-grade tumors and those with a worse prognosis. This suggests that decreased ALCAM expression indicates a more aggressive phenotype and poor prognosis in breast cancer.
Researchers have found that triple therapy using insulin, metformin, and a thiazolidinedione drug can control blood sugar levels without weight gain. The study showed that nearly all patients reduced their HbAlc levels below 7 percent, with some even achieving levels below 6 percent.
The UCSF Center for HIV Information has released the third edition of a CD-ROM targeting healthcare professionals in developing countries. The resource includes 5,000 pages of text on treatments, drugs, and standards of care from various countries.
Researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center have discovered that S. mutans, the primary bacterium responsible for tooth decay, has a vulnerable gene called fabM that enables it to withstand acidic environments. By targeting this gene, scientists may be able to develop new compounds to kill S. mutans and reduce cavities.
Researchers at Yale University have created a detailed map of the relationship between odor receptors and neurons in fruit flies. The study reveals that different receptors respond to varying numbers of odors and can even be inhibited by certain smells, providing valuable insights into the human olfactory system.
The Emory Vaccine Center's Hope Clinic will conduct clinical trials for topical vaginal microbicide gels to prevent HIV transmission, particularly among women in Atlanta and worldwide. The trials aim to test the safety and acceptability of two different gel formulations on healthy and high-risk individuals.
Researchers investigated airport security personnel's cognitive processes and found that changing targets dropped their abilities significantly, even with warnings. The ideal training for security screeners would involve familiarizing them with every possible threat to increase reliability.
A study by UC Berkeley neuroscientists found that fruit flies have taste receptors similar to humans, with four types devoted to sweet and bitter flavors. The researchers mapped the taste receptor nerve cells into the brain, revealing a map both of location and type of taste.
Researchers at Rice University have discovered the genetic basis of Candida's defense mechanism against nitric oxide, a key player in slowing down yeast growth. The study identifies a specific gene that allows Candida to sense NO levels and ramp up its defenses, providing a potential target for new drug therapies.
A new study found that pain medications NSAIDs and COX-2 inhibitors can slow healing after shoulder surgery. The research used laboratory rats to test the effects of these medications on tendon-bone healing.
A nationwide study found that restricting medication use due to cost can lead to significant declines in self-reported health status and increased rates of depression among older adults. The study, which included over 7,900 participants, highlights the importance of access to prescription medications for older patients.
The Sakai Project has released its open source collaboration and learning environment software for review and testing. The software aims to improve teaching and learning for thousands of students through rapid deployment of technology.
Scientists examine how oleic acid reacts with ozone and water molecules in the atmosphere, producing hazardous byproducts that can cause respiratory problems. The researchers aim to measure the exact amount of these byproducts formed during reactions.
A long-term study of 8,000 seniors found that those who cut back on prescription medicines due to cost had significantly worse overall and heart-related health outcomes. The study also showed that patients with depression over age 70 were more likely to experience a worsening of their condition if they cut back on their medications.
The Center of Excellence on Restoration of Function (CERF) at Yale University has received a five-year, $4.5 million grant to study spinal cord repair. The research aims to protect, repair and support the injured nervous system, with potential breakthroughs in treating conditions like multiple sclerosis and spinal cord injuries.
A project has successfully demonstrated that underground carbon dioxide storage can economically reduce emissions, allowing the oil industry to pump carbon dioxide into its wells and produce extra oil. Over 1.9 billion cubic meters of CO2 have been injected into a Saskatchewan oil reservoir since 2000.
A $2.9 million CDC grant will support a large-scale field study at 95 sites across the US to estimate the population density of host-seeking deer ticks and the extent of Borrelia infection among them, aiming to generate a continuous map of human risk for Lyme disease in the eastern U.S.
A recent study found that cholinesterase inhibitors improved mental and functional ability in AD patients over the first two years of treatment. However, there was no significant delay in institutionalisation or progression of disability, casting doubt on their effectiveness.
The National Institutes of Health has awarded a grant to the University of Wisconsin Comprehensive Cancer Center/Interdisciplinary Research Complex. The grant will provide state-of-the-art laboratories and enhance opportunities for interdisciplinary research teams.
Researchers found that younger patients, rural areas, and pregnant women were more likely to have their smoking status recorded in patient charts. However, only 50% of identified teen smokers received physician advice to quit and counseling was the most common form of assistance offered.
Researchers at CAMOS found a significant 'osteoporosis care gap,' with many cases going undetected in older adults. The study also revealed that even diagnosis can lead to a decline in quality of life due to fear of fractures.
Rosuvastatin, marketed as Crestor, has been linked to a higher incidence of rhabdomyolysis and renal insufficiency compared to other statins. The drug's manufacturer, AstraZeneca, is estimated to be seeking $20 billion in annual sales, making it morally unjustifiable to keep the drug on the market.
The Center for Biosecurity at UPMC analyzed US government civilian biodefense funding from 2001 to 2005, totaling $14.5 billion. The Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Homeland Security together account for over 90% of budgeted funds.
A recent study found that employees who were allowed to regulate their emotions in response to customer aggression reported lower levels of stress. Employers are advised to provide training in emotional regulation for service representatives to reduce burnout and absenteeism. The researchers also recommended enhancing job autonomy to m...
A study by Newcastle University found that adult smokers are more likely to experience tooth loss. Adults from disadvantaged social backgrounds also suffered from oral health problems. The research suggests that public health interventions should target adults as well, in addition to children.
Researchers have found that genetic variations in the GABRA6 gene contribute to individual differences in stress response. The study suggests a link between this gene polymorphism and an attenuated stress response.
Researchers used high-resolution interferometric synthetic aperture radar to analyze data collected between 1992 and 2001 from European Remote Sensing satellites. They found that sliding rates increased by up to 30% during heavy rains, which may be controlled by elevated water pressures in the ground subsurface.
Experts are conducting a comprehensive census of marine life in the Arctic Ocean, which is experiencing rapid changes due to melting ice caps. The project aims to record and inventory biodiversity in the three main layers of the water column and study the effects of climate change on aquatic life.
A study of 374 people with HIV-1 infection found that CMV-positive status was significantly associated with accelerated progression to AIDS and death. Randomised clinical trials are needed to investigate the role of CMV in HIV disease progression.
Researchers discovered a genetic marker, PTPN22, associated with a two-fold increased risk of rheumatoid arthritis. The variant impairs immune regulation, leading to hyperresponsiveness and inflammation.
A study of accidental sand burials reveals that respiratory asphyxia is a deadly hazard, especially for young children. Parents are urged to supervise their kids playing in the sand, while early extrication and airway management can significantly improve survival odds.
The Advanced Carbon Nanotechnology Research Program aims to explore carbon nanostructures for biological and chemical sensors, energy-conversion devices, and electron emission devices. The research will train graduate students and establish interactions with industry and government laboratories.
Researchers recommend using RIP, a new compound that inhibits bacterial virulence and prevents infection-causing toxins. The discovery has the potential to protect hospitalized patients from deadly staph infections.
Researchers have successfully developed a human SARS immunisation in animal studies, showing that monkeys vaccinated with the SARS vaccine had antibodies to the virus and no evidence of viral shedding. In contrast, control group monkeys without vaccination showed significant viral shedding after infection.
The new Center will integrate resources between clinical and basic research programs to enhance understanding of dementia, improve diagnostics, and develop new treatments. The Center will focus on both Alzheimer's disease and non-Alzheimer's forms of dementia.
Researchers found that APOBEC3F protein can evade VIF's destruction of retroviral restrictors, potentially contributing to HIV resistance. The 'search and destroy' defense of APOBEC proteins may play a crucial role in resisting HIV infection.
Scientists have found evidence of rapid climate change in the North Atlantic, but contradicting measurements exist for the Southern Hemisphere. The new study provides detailed information on ocean surface temperature off Chile, consistent with Antarctic ice core data.
Researchers discover that cancer cells misuse the Twist protein to bypass multiple steps of metastasis, a process that requires cell invasion and migration. The study suggests potential applications for developing a Twist inhibitor as a therapeutic approach.
Researchers have developed an intranasal SARS vaccine that protects African green monkeys from infection with a single dose, delivering the vaccine directly into the respiratory tract. The vaccine targets the SARS spike protein and induces neutralizing antibodies against the virus.
The University Corporation for Atmospheric Research has purchased a large-scale Linux-based computing system, adding significant computing capacity to NCAR's arsenal. The system will enable the evaluation of major community climate and weather codes in a full-scale Linux environment.
A new study found that anabolic steroids can significantly improve the biomechanical properties of bioartificial tendon matrices, making them stronger, more elastic, and better remodeling. This could have clinical applications for orthopedic surgeons, particularly those specializing in shoulder repairs.
Researchers have made significant breakthroughs in growing replacement teeth and dental tissues using tissue engineering techniques. The development of novel regenerative therapies could restore partial tooth tissue loss and minimize restoration failure with traditional dental materials.
A recent study published in the Journal of Air Transport Management found that domestic airline ticket taxes add approximately 15% to average fares, contradicting airline executives' claims. The research analyzed millions of tickets and provides a definitive answer to questions about ticket tax burdens on air travel costs.
Researchers discover that drugs already being tested for cancer and Huntington's disease may help restore some memory capability to patients with RTS, a heritable disorder characterized by mental and growth retardation. The study found that restoring acetylation activity alleviates memory problems in mutant mice.
Researchers found that leptin signaling is necessary for regulating body weight homeostasis in mice. The study revealed that leptin receptors on POMC neurons play a key role in this process, and their absence leads to increased fat mass.