Research papers published in Vadose Zone Journal reveal complex environmental problems at INEEL, including microorganisms and geophysical imaging. Extensive cleanup and monitoring efforts are being based on current understanding of the subsurface and associated contamination issues.
A five-year study found that high dietary intake of alpha-tocopherol, a form of vitamin E, significantly reduced the risk of developing bladder cancer. The researchers also found that gamma-tocopherol offered no protection against bladder cancer.
A study by UCSD psychologists found that when people pick a dog, they seek one that resembles them, and purebred dogs are more likely to match their owners. The researchers used randomized photo matching techniques to confirm the high incidence of resemblance between owners and purebreds, but not mixed-breeds.
A novel method of three-dimensional mathematical analysis has been developed to quantify bone characteristics of humans and great apes. The results agree with genetic analyses, providing a clear family tree that defines ancestral relationships down to the subspecies level.
The European Society for Medical Oncology survey found that stem cell transplants for breast cancer decreased from 2,629 in 1997 to 330 in 2002. The use of autologous transplants continued to rise for certain types of solid tumours, while allogenic transplants saw a slight increase, particularly for metastatic tumours.
A study found that exposure to terbutaline and chlorpyrifos in early development can lead to brain damage and increased susceptibility to pesticide injury. The combination of the two chemicals caused significant loss of brain cells and nerve cell projections, particularly in regions critical for learning and memory.
A new multi-million dollar grant from Conservation International aims to save the eastern lowland gorilla by strengthening conservation efforts in the region. The investment will increase protection of over 3 million hectares, preserving a high degree of biological richness and species endemism.
Kansas State University researchers are using geographic tools to track the spread of a highly invasive soybean aphid, which could have significant implications for national security. By analyzing data and mapping patterns, they aim to predict future outbreaks and develop an early warning system.
A new study reveals that children under 10 are at risk for sustaining multiple injuries, with boys being 10% more likely to seek medical attention than girls. The study also found that certain ages are more susceptible to specific types of injuries, such as burns and poisoning between the ages of one and three.
Researchers have discovered that the DNA copying enzyme, DNA polymerase, retains a "short-term memory" of mismatches and halts itself past the point of the mismatch. The study found that mismatch structures differ dramatically from previous indirect biochemical studies, revealing why stalling occurs.
Researchers developed a biomarker to detect HBV mutations that speed up liver cancer development. Studies found HBV mutations predicted major liver disease, including liver cancer, up to eight years before diagnosis.
Researchers found that gingival inflammation decreases during menstruation compared to ovulation and premenstruation. The hormone estradiol may play a role in this phenomenon, according to the study published by the American Academy of Periodontology.
Scientists have identified a key gene, FoxP2, that enables vocal learning in birds, which is similar to human language production. The researchers found that the gene is expressed in areas of the brain responsible for song production and learning, and its expression levels increase during times of song learning.
Researchers studied fruitfly embryos to understand how specific cells change shape during gastrulation, a critical growth step in development. They found that many types of proteins are involved and that changes occur well before the cells actually transform.
Guohua Yang and Gang-yu Liu used scanning tunneling microscopy to study the behavior of thiols on gold surfaces, revealing up to 15 different structural phases. These findings shed light on the interaction between thiol molecules and the gold surface, potentially enabling the creation of patterns with other molecules.
A new study published in The Journal of Nuclear Medicine found that taking patients off thyroid medication for only two weeks prior to a scan produces the desired changes in nearly 90% of patients. This simplified approach reduces the need for six-week follow-up scans, making it easier and quicker for patients.
Researchers discovered that Nembutal suppresses colon cancer metastasis and improves post-radiation brain function. Additionally, erythropoietin was found to protect cognitive function after whole brain irradiation, while a new vitamin B12 molecule targets tumor cells.
The symposium will focus on challenges in herb research, including the development of a valid test for herbal supplements and discussions on health benefits and quality issues. Experts will share their knowledge on polyphenols, regenerative properties of Chinese herbs, and quality problems with plant products.
Researchers have developed a new biological sensor platform that uses phospholipids to detect specific ions and molecules in real-time. The sensors can safely hold water-soluble dyes and enzymes, allowing for detailed analysis of cellular chemistry.
Researchers found that early exposure to environmental toxins reprograms the uterus to promote tumor growth in genetically susceptible rats. This new model of gene-environment interaction may explain why some people develop cancer while others don't, especially considering inherited BRCA1 mutations.
A Cardiff University team is designing and planning infrastructure for a pan-European wireless broadband network to provide affordable universal broadband access. The project aims to deliver low-cost services with negligible environmental impact, benefiting both citizens and businesses.
The 'one-step' chain growth method enables the design and synthesis of various highly conductive polymers. Regioregular polythiophenes can be formed into nanowire sheets or create a plethora of new conducting polymers by varying the chemical cap. This research has significant implications for applications in devices like transistors.
Researchers successfully treated 21 small breast cancers with RF ablation, destroying malignant tissue with no adverse effects. However, surrounding tissue was not removed, limiting the procedure's effectiveness as a standalone treatment.
Amanda Rudisin, a Virginia Tech undergraduate, has developed polymers that can transport DNA across cell membranes. Her research found that linear and branched molecules have varying effects on complexation with DNA.
Research highlights the potential risks of high-protein diets, parental happiness impacting birth weight, and frequent medical errors in family physician offices. Simple dietary restrictions may reduce mortality risk associated with high transferrin saturation, while maternal report of partner happiness can predict birth weight.
A recent study published in PNAS found that single cocaine exposure can increase both morphine preference and kappa-opioid receptor agonist aversion in rats. This suggests the existence of opposing brain circuits involved in drug craving and avoidance, with potential implications for treating addiction by modulating these pathways.
A synthetic compound called ISO-1 appears to work by blocking inflammation and protecting mice from developing type 1 diabetes. The researchers believe it could be developed into an oral drug that provides long-lasting protection for young people.
Researchers have developed a novel approach to modify alpha globin, potentially providing more effective treatments for sickle cell disease. Genetically engineered mice with the disease showed improved blood counts and extended lifespan after producing zeta globin.
Lunar experts from the University of Arizona will testify about the benefits and challenges of an extended human presence for scientific exploration and mining. The hearing will focus on using water as a resource for propulsion, life support, and fueling return trips to Earth.
Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology discover a way to boost the efficiency of polymer organic light-emitting diodes by biasing spin statistics. The new method could lead to more efficient devices with an increased percentage of light-emitting singlets.
Virginia Tech researchers are creating biocompatible adhesives that can be activated with light to mend vascular tissue. The novel polymer has been shown to have promising properties for laser-assisted vascular repair, potentially speeding up the healing process and reducing complications.
Scientists studying an Antarctic 'cod' are gaining insights into how its unique physiology helps it survive in icy waters. By understanding how the fish adapts to environmental change, researchers hope to develop new treatments for human heart conditions.
A new transcript-based cloning technique enables scientists to identify specific genes in a matter of months, reducing the process from years. The technique was used to isolate and identify a gene in Medicago truncatula that plays a crucial role in nitrogen fixation.
Scientists at Fox Chase Cancer Center successfully extracted high-quality RNA from archived tissue samples using the Paradise Reagent System. This innovation allows researchers to identify genetic changes in cancer that span years, enabling personalized therapy.
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have developed a new storage method that increases stem cell survival rates by over 20 times, allowing for more efficient and reliable research. The technique uses a gel matrix with trehalose to protect cells from freezing and thawing damage.
Jefferson researchers have discovered a unique genetic signature for colon stem cells, which could lead to a better understanding of colon cancer development. The study found that specific genes are selectively expressed in the bottom of crypts, where stem cells reside.
A UCLA study finds that FoxP1 and FoxP2 genes shared by humans and songbirds may play a critical role in human speech and speech disorders. The study suggests that understanding these genes could lead to new medications for speech disorders.
OneWorld Health plans to launch a network of volunteer pharmaceutical scientists to develop treatments for diseases like visceral leishmaniasis, Chagas disease, and malaria. The initiative aims to harness the expertise of industry professionals to address global health disparities.
Researchers at the Eleanor Roosevelt Institute have patented a new treatment for type II diabetes, focusing on regulating insulin resistance by manipulating melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH) levels. The approach has shown promise in genetically engineered mice and may offer a new direction in understanding and treating the disease.
Dr. Blossom A. Damania has been awarded the $50,000 Gertrude B. Elion Cancer Research Award for her research on tumor virology and Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV). This award recognizes her groundbreaking work in deciphering how the virus can transform cells into malignancies.
Researchers are developing bacterial cellulose-based products for various uses, including artificial blood vessels for microsurgery, electronic paper displays, and bioengineered wound dressings. These innovative materials have the potential to improve healing rates, reduce pain, and enhance medical outcomes.
Researchers fabricate polymer 'nanobrushes' and other 'smart' molecules with potential uses in analyzing individual cell proteins and detecting chemicals. The molecular dimensions of these nanostructures allow for scalable chemistry and could enable tiny ELP arrays to screen protein contents.
Researchers have found that Nembutal, a sedative, can suppress the growth of colon cancer cells by inhibiting gamma-aminobutyric acid receptors. The study suggests a novel approach to treating cancers with neurotransmitter receptors on their surfaces.
A University of Pittsburgh study found that providing young women with emergency contraceptive pills at home did not lead to an increase in unprotected sex or inconsistent contraceptive use. Instead, the study showed a corresponding increase in condom use among those who received the pills.
A new shape-search system developed by Purdue engineers allows employees to search huge industry databases using sketches of parts or selecting similar-shaped parts. The system reduces design time by up to 80% by indexing parts based on their geometry and features, providing valuable background information about part production costs.
Researchers found zebrafish embryos are sensitive to mid-blastula transition in ionizing radiation, but unaffected by UV radiation prior to this stage. After the transition, UV radiation causes morphologic damage, while ionizing radiation damages DNA due to lack of repair mechanisms.
A recent study found that stenting has excellent short-term results for treating lower-extremity ischemia, with a high success rate of 98 percent. The procedure also has a significantly lower mortality rate compared to femoral artery bypass surgery.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have successfully designed better bacteria killers by modifying arylamide-based polymers inspired by frog skin. The modified polymers can disrupt bacterial cell membranes without harming human cells, making them a promising new approach to combat antibiotic resistance.
The study reveals that nanoparticles are 30 times more efficient at promoting manganese oxidation than bulk material. This discovery challenges the long-held assumption that manganese oxidation requires bacteria, suggesting particle size may play a key role.
A study found that the anti-inflammatory drug nimesulide triggered angiogenesis and increased pancreatic cancer cell growth in COX-2 negative tumor cells, but inhibited tumor growth in COX-2 positive cells. Researchers plan to test other COX-2 inhibitors for similar effects.