Ten Central Florida teachers are conducting space research for eight weeks with professors from the University of Central Florida's Department of Mechanical, Materials & Aerospace Engineering. They will develop models and teaching tools to share with their students in the fall.
A study found nicotine in most public places, including schools and government buildings, posing a health risk to nonsmokers. The researchers suggest instituting smoke-free environments and enforcing smoking bans in hospitals to reduce exposure to secondhand smoke.
This innovative approach enables visualization of immune system killer cells attacking tumors, providing insights into the immune response. Dr. Witte's collaboration with clinicians and scientists is paving the way for molecular imaging in clinical trials.
Researchers discovered that healthy Asian Indian men, even those not overweight, exhibit abnormal cytokine production levels associated with insulin resistance. This metabolic issue can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Researchers found that larger islands with more native parasites have weaker bird immune responses, making them ill-prepared for invasive infections. This study sheds light on how island populations respond to exotic disease introduction through human activities.
Researchers developed a non-invasive imaging method to track new blood vessel growth in the heart after a heart attack. The technique uses a radioactively labeled protein to detect changes in damaged areas over time, providing clear visualization of healing processes.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital have developed a strategy using small interfering RNA to enhance cancer treatment in cases of drug resistance. They tested their theory in a form of leukemia that is resistant to commonly used anti-cancer drugs.
A study found two common genetic polymorphisms associated with reduced statin effectiveness, affecting total and LDL cholesterol levels. The findings suggest personalized medicine and genetic screening could improve treatment outcomes.
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have created a detailed map of the Comstock Lode, a 14-million-year-old gold and silver ore deposit. The map uses mathematical techniques to visualize patterns of oxygen isotope exchange between water and rock, providing insights into the geological processes that formed the ore district.
Researchers found tamoxifen stimulates tumor growth in HER2-overexpressing breast cancer cells due to estrogen agonist activity. Combining tamoxifen with growth factor pathway inhibitors like gefitinib may help overcome resistance, according to a new study.
Researchers found that a harmless virus can mutate quickly and evade the immune system's defenses in mice with suppressed immunity. The study suggests that similar mutations may occur in humans with weakened immune systems, leading to severe disease.
Researchers found that climatic factors are the most important determinant of human pathogen distribution, contradicting conventional assumptions about disease control. Understanding ecological links between disease and environment could inform effective preventive strategies.
A recent study found that calcium supplementation can slightly decrease the risk of all types of colorectal polyps, with a greater effect on advanced lesions. Additionally, a diet high in fiber and low in fat may enhance this preventive effect.
Callimico monkeys eat fungi during the dry season, a trait shared by no other tropical primate species. They also exhibit a different reproductive strategy than other small New World monkeys, giving birth to single offspring twice annually.
Researchers discover COX-2 enzymes can produce DNA-damaging genotoxins, increasing cancer risk. Vitamin C may also contribute to DNA damage under certain conditions.
A new treatment approach has been developed to prevent autoimmune diabetes in mice by blocking the interaction between NKG2D on T cells and proteins found on abnormal cells. This breakthrough finding suggests a potential therapeutic strategy for preventing or controlling type 1 diabetes.
Researchers at the University of Southern California challenge the 'arithmetic' neurons use to process information, finding that summation depends on input location. The study reveals a two-layer model of processing, with local thresholds in separate branches and linear summation at the cell body.
Researchers successfully induced neuronal cells from bone marrow stromal cells, offering a potential treatment option for neurological disorders. The findings have significant implications for the development of regenerative medicine techniques.
Researchers discover a new strategy to combat type 1 diabetes by blocking the interaction of RAE-1 with its immune receptor, NKG2D. The treatment has shown complete effectiveness in preventing diabetes development in mice and promises potential as an effective human treatment.
Researchers found that calcium supplementation slightly decreases the risk of all types of colorectal polyps, with a greater effect on advanced lesions. A diet high in fiber and low in fat also shows promise in increasing the preventive effect of calcium.
A biologist studied the tree hole ecosystem and found that changing factors such as predation, resources, and disturbance alters community composition. The results show that certain species are tolerant of predators, disturbances, or competition, allowing them to coexist in different spatial scales.
A study found that states with mandated in-person license renewal laws had a lower death rate among drivers aged 85 and older. In-person renewal allowed for medical evaluations, which may lead to decreased fatality rates among this age group.
A recent study published in JAMA found that lean adolescents who consume fast food are less likely to compensate for the excess energy by adjusting their daily intake compared to overweight peers. In contrast, overweight participants tend to overconsume fast food and fail to make up for it throughout the day.
Researchers discovered that stable expression of small interfering RNA sensitizes TEL-PDGFbetaR to inhibition with imatinib or rapamycin. This finding suggests a new approach for treating cancer by targeting specific genes.
The University of Colorado will build two instruments for a satellite launched in 2006 to study noctilucent clouds. The Aeronomy of Ice in the Mesosphere mission aims to understand changes in cloud brightness and frequency, which may be linked to increasing carbon dioxide levels.
Researchers developed a new approach to interpreting brain electroencephalograms that provides an unprecedented view of thought in action. The technique uses Independent Component Analysis to separate signals from different areas of the brain, enabling detailed insights into neural dynamics.
The University of Houston is celebrating Women in Computing with a recent gala that honored two shining stars: associate professor Susan Hardin and computer science senior Mehnaz Bhayani. Susan received the Top Houston Women in Technology award, while Mehnaz won a $7,000 Kathi Bowles Scholarship to support her academic pursuits.
A new algorithm developed by USC computer scientist Mathieu Desbrun can simplify complex 3-D files into smaller, highly accurate meshes. This breakthrough facilitates the sharing and processing of geometric datasets in various applications, including animation, video games, and virtual museums.
A randomized clinical trial evaluated pulsed dye laser therapy for facial acne in 40 patients. The study found no significant improvement in acne symptoms after one or two treatments, with lesion counts and serial photographs showing no differences from baseline to week 12.
Researchers investigate the role of mutated a-actinin-4 in FSGS, a leading cause of progressive kidney failure. The study reveals two possible mechanisms: aggregation and rapid degradation, which can injure kidney cells, highlighting potential therapeutic targets.
The Communications Innovation Institute (CII) aims to tackle major challenges in communications technology by uniting universities, industrial partners, and policymakers. The CII will develop road maps for wireless and spectrum usage, explore 'viral' communications, and test emerging technologies such as peer-to-peer systems and wirele...
New data from 1999-2002 shows no decline in childhood overweight and adult obesity rates, with 65.1% of adults aged 20+ being overweight or obese. The prevalence of extreme obesity also remains unchanged.
Computer models show Io's volcanic eruptions vaporize sodium, potassium, silicon, and iron gases into its atmosphere. Researchers found single-atom and molecular forms of these elements, which could lead to unusual gas formations.
A new study from the University of Michigan Health System found that pulsed dye laser therapy was not effective in treating acne. Researchers compared the changes in acne severity on both sides of the face, with no significant difference between treated and untreated sides.
Scientists have identified new breast tumor subtypes associated with poor clinical outcomes, which can be recognized and matched with therapies. The discovery uses genomic approaches and microarray analysis to classify tumors into distinct subtypes based on patterns of gene interaction.
Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital have found that a compound blocking AMPA glutamate receptors can dampen excitotoxic brain injury in premature infants. The study suggests topiramate may be useful in preventing cerebral palsy and epilepsy in newborns.
A pilot project found that providing access to healthy food choices significantly improved weight loss and self-esteem among low-income African-American women. The Rolling Store approach offers a realistic and inexpensive solution to overcome economic and geographic barriers to healthy diets.
A recent study found that college students referred for alcohol interventions, often due to disciplinary actions or medical concerns, exhibit higher rates of binge drinking and problematic use. Brief motivational intervention (BMI) and alcohol education (AE) sessions were effective in reducing alcohol use among these students.
Researchers at USC and UT Austin have developed a device based on quantum dots that can detect infrared radiation in a crucial wavelength range. This technology has the potential to improve night vision goggles, medical sensors and environmental monitors.
Research suggests moderate drinking may lower heart disease risk in older adults but increase breast cancer risk, particularly among women with family history or hormone replacement therapy. Moderate consumption also appears to reduce the risk of diabetes and metabolic syndrome.
A study of over 200 patients with hernia found that post-surgical pain was inversely related to age, with younger patients experiencing less pain. Laparoscopic repair was also associated with lower first-day pain scores and faster return to normal activities compared to open surgery.
Researchers identify TAL1/SCL as a key player in T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL), a cancer that affects 10%-15% of pediatric and 25% of adult patients. Disrupting TAL1/SCL's interaction with E47/HEB may offer new therapeutic avenues for these patients, who respond poorly to current chemotherapies.
Researchers found that adding texture to implant surfaces increased compatibility with fibroblasts, reducing the risk of dead tissue build-up and infections. The study suggests that textured surfaces could lead to fewer implant replacements and improved patient outcomes.
African American participants who received pressure-lowering eye drops had a lower risk of developing glaucoma compared to those who didn't receive treatment. Regular eye exams are crucial for determining glaucoma risk, particularly in African Americans over 40.
Research at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center reveals that African-American women are more likely to develop aggressive and rapidly growing breast cancers. Tumors from black women tend to exhibit abnormal cell-cycle regulatory proteins, which can lead to poorer outcomes if diagnosed at later stages.
A recent study by Ohio State University reveals the link between body dissatisfaction and eating disorders in women. Constant body monitoring and certain personality traits are found to be significant predictors of disordered eating behaviors among women with body dissatisfaction.
The study found that daily pressure-lowering eye drops reduced the development of primary open-angle glaucoma in African Americans by almost 50%. This suggests that comprehensive dilated eye examinations should be recommended at least once every two years for African Americans over age 40.
Researchers discovered that the Hoxb1 gene is necessary for forming a circuit between the brain and facial muscles, controlling movements such as blinking and facial expressions. The study's findings have implications for understanding and potentially treating Mobius syndrome and other nerve-related disorders.
A long-term study published in JADA demonstrates that rinsing twice daily with Listerine Antiseptic mouthrinse is as effective at reducing plaque and gingivitis as flossing once daily. The study found that Listerine Antiseptic reduced plaque by 20% and gingivitis by 11%, while flossing led to 3.4% and 4.3% reductions respectively.
A team of scientists found that the estuaries were resilient and recovered quickly from the storms, with most shellfish and finfish populations returning to normal. However, blue crabs took longer to recover due to overfishing and floodwaters disrupting their migration patterns.
A study published in Archives of Ophthalmology found that long-term use of statins and nonstatin cholesterol-lowering medications was associated with a reduced risk of open-angle glaucoma. The study included 667 men with new diagnoses of glaucoma between 1997 and 2001.
Researchers found that delta-9-THC, the main active ingredient in cannabis, induced schizophrenia-like symptoms in some subjects. These symptoms included paranoia, thought disorder, and problems with memory and attention.
A study of 300 people found that those with more abdominal fat were four times more likely to develop hypertension. Meanwhile, a six-year study of middle-aged men found no correlation between regular aerobic exercise and reduced artery thickening.
A recent study found that fruit consumption was inversely associated with risk of neovascular ARM, a more severe type of vision loss. Participants who ate three or more servings per day had a 36% lower risk compared to those eating less than 1.5 servings.
A new study shows that VELCADE (bortezomib) can significantly extend survival and induce important responses in relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma patients. The median overall survival was 17.2 months, with a 14.1-month duration of response and 15.3-month time to disease progression.
A team of scientists led by a URI oceanographer will extract long sediment cores from Lake Bosumtwi to study West African monsoon dynamics and tropical climate linkages. The research aims to improve understanding of Earth's climate system.
A study found that targeting the Pak1-DLC1 interaction can prevent breast cancer growth. The researchers discovered that when DLC1 is modified, it interferes with cell death signals, allowing cancer cells to survive and multiply.
Researchers recreated mammalian cell self-organization patterns in a test tube using mathematical formulas dictating cell interactions. This may help improve tissue regeneration methods and understand mechanisms behind birth defects and heart disease.
Researchers developed a 'Wireless Health Outcomes Monitoring System' (WHOMS) that enables doctors to send short questionnaires to patients via mobile phone, reducing the need for printed questionnaires. The system aims to improve doctor-patient communication and prioritize patients in serious need.
Dr. Li-Huei Tsai's groundbreaking study reveals p25 protein's role in Alzheimer's disease, a key feature of which is the presence of beta amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. The research also suggests an intervention after stroke could lower or prevent additional risk of Alzheimer's