Researchers are exploring spider silk's potential as an ecological material, with applications in wound-closure systems and durable surgical implants. By engineering artificial proteins, they hope to create intelligent materials that can assemble into new types of mesh with biochemically active groups.
Researchers have identified significant differences in brain chemistry between people with and without bipolar disorder using MR spectroscopy. The study's findings suggest that this imaging tool may help distinguish bipolar disorder from major depression, improving treatment outcomes.
Scientists study hydrogen's effect on upper mantle melting, revealing new data for improving earthquake hazard estimates. A computing technique analyzes seismic data to monitor active volcanoes worldwide. Comets may help track solar ejections and heliospheric conditions.
A study of over 20,000 women found tamoxifen reduces contralateral breast cancer risk by 47% in both African American and white populations. However, tamoxifen use is associated with a higher risk of thromboembolic events, particularly when combined with chemotherapy.
The study found that raloxifene reduced invasive breast cancer incidence by 59% and ER-positive invasive breast cancer by 66%, leading to a 66% and 76% reduction in these cancers after 8 years. No effect on ER-negative or non-invasive cancers was observed.
Researchers analyzed three of Iris Murdoch's works, including her final novel, to study the effects of Alzheimer's on language. The findings suggest a decline in vocabulary and simplified language in her final novel, consistent with early stages of the disease.
Researchers successfully reconstructed parts of the genome of a common mammalian ancestor using computerized paleogenomics, achieving an accuracy rate of 98%. This achievement provides a valuable window into the evolution of DNA in placental mammals.
Professor Carsten Peterson and his team demonstrate how genes interact to produce stable systems, using the fruit fly as a model organism. They found that canalyzing rules, where one controlling gene activates another without affecting it, are present in almost 200 genetic networks in fruit flies.
Researchers found that increasing physical activity among premenopausal women can significantly lower body mass index, percent of body fat, and other weight-related measurements. Low-folate diets may contribute to the high rate of heart disease in Central and Eastern Europe, particularly among men aged 30-50 years.
The Foundation for Education and Research in Vision (FERV) has awarded a Presidential Endowed Scholarship to Dr. Desiree T. Hopping, a UH alum and outgoing FERV president. The scholarship aims to support entering freshmen or first-year professional students with outstanding academic achievements and leadership skills.
Researchers found that implementing a series of simple interventions, including education and safety checklists, significantly reduced catheter-related infections in an ICU setting. The interventions prevented over 40 infections and saved nearly $2 million in additional healthcare costs.
The GFS program enables matching mass spectrometry data to raw genome sequences, identifying novel proteins in bacteria and model organisms. This grant upgrades the program to benefit the global proteomics community by providing a free, widely-used resource.
Researchers found that imatinib partially regressed lesions and stabilized disease in patients with AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma. However, high toxicity was observed due to medication interactions, highlighting the need for optimized dosing schedules.
Researchers developed a method to reconstruct ancestral genome sequences by comparing them with modern species' genomes, revealing new insights into mammalian evolution and biology. The technique achieved an accuracy of over 98% in reconstructing the ancestral sequence.
A recent study found that non-radiologist physicians performed 23.5% more diagnostic imaging tests than radiologists between 1997-2002, with increases twice as high for cardiologists and orthopedic surgeons.
Using MRI guidance, doctors can target and freeze liver tumors with cryotherapy, achieving high success rates and minimal scarring. The non-invasive procedure results in quicker recovery times and shorter hospital stays.
Researchers tested a weakened version of herpes simplex virus against neuroblastoma tumors, with only the virus proving effective in treating the cancer. The study shows promise for using the therapy in children and potentially in other cancers as well.
Researchers create model that evaluates the reliability of two types of transistors simultaneously, enabling accurate predictions and reducing testing resources. The new model helps understand how chemical bonds break over time, improving the performance and longevity of CMOS computer chips.
A recent study published in Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that drinking pomelit juice daily can lower LDL blood cholesterol and increase antioxidant activity. Hypercholesterolic patients may benefit from adding fresh Sweetie juice to their diet as a preventative measure against future heart disease.
A long-term study found that women had a higher risk of death from cardiovascular disease and lung cancer after stopping beta-carotene supplements, while the excess risk in men disappeared. The results suggest careful monitoring is needed to document long-term safety and efficacy.
High levels of radiation from thyroid treatment can trigger homeland security detectors, which are now more common with increased sensitivity. Hospitals should develop documentation guidelines for patients undergoing nuclear medicine procedures to minimize this risk.
Research by Texas Agricultural Experiment Station scientists has shown that citrus compounds called limonoids targeted and stopped neuroblastoma cells in the lab. The finding is promising not only for its potential to arrest cancer but also because limonoids induce no side effects, according to Dr. Ed Harris.
A novel AT2R gene transfer approach has been shown to prevent hypertension-related enlarged heart, cardiac fibrosis. The study found that the procedure prevented the heart from enlarging and prevented thickening of the ventricular walls.
A CT scan has identified air trapping as the cause of a puzzling cough among World Trade Center rescue workers. The test, which measures lung airways, reveals abnormalities not detected by standard pulmonary function tests.
A new study of pesticide applicators found an increased incidence of lung cancer associated with chlorpyrifos exposure. Meanwhile, research on celecoxib-induced apoptosis in human lung cancer cells and the molecular mechanism of DNA repair proteins' relation to malignant melanoma are also reported.
A study by Dr. Jeremy Kuniyoshi reveals that surfing-related injuries are often complex and require a deep understanding of the sport to diagnose accurately. Common injuries include dislocated shoulders, head and neck trauma, and environmental injuries such as stings from marine life.
Researchers at the Mayo Clinic have identified a potential biomarker for aggressive kidney cancer, which can help improve treatment outcomes by identifying patients at high risk of disease progression. The study found that high levels of B7-H1 molecule are associated with increased risk of cancer spread and mortality.
A recent study by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons reveals that patients who eat a proper diet and exercise after liposuction are more likely to achieve positive long-term results. These individuals have a 96% chance of losing weight and a 15 times higher likelihood of being satisfied with their results.
A study of 1,285 gay, lesbian, and bisexual respondents found that discrimination due to their sexuality can lead to increased risk of mental health problems. High levels of physical and verbal attacks, as well as previous bullying, were linked to high rates of self-harm and mental disorder.
A National Institutes of Health (NIH) funded study by University of Houston professors found that employment reduces chronic drug use among female welfare recipients. Employment rates rose from five percent to nearly 39 percent, with a significant decrease in drug usage frequency.
A recent study found that combining SAMe with antidepressant medication improved symptoms in 50% of participants and led to complete remission in 43% after six weeks. The study, led by Massachusetts General Hospital, investigated the efficacy of SAMe in patients with continuing symptoms despite initial treatment.
A study led by Duke University researchers found that species tolerating secondary habitats are not more resilient to deforestation than those dependent on primary forests. The study suggests that all bird species in the region face equal threats from habitat loss, regardless of their adaptability.
Researchers have successfully grown the mouse norovirus MNV-1 in cells from mice with defective immune systems. This breakthrough enables scientists to study the virus and may lead to the development of a vaccine target, as it has already revealed an essential part of the capsid protein crucial for disease-causing ability.
A low-density helium/oxygen mixture significantly reduces airflow limitations and lung dynamic hyperinflation in COPD patients, allowing for a substantial increase in exercise endurance time. The study found that the duration of exercise doubled from 4.2 minutes to 9 minutes for patients breathing heliox compared to regular air.
The World Health Organization's "3 by 5" initiative aims to treat 3 million HIV-infected individuals in poor and middle-income countries by the end of 2005. Critics argue that this approach overlooks prevention strategies, is cash-strapped, and lacks country ownership.
The University's involvement will upgrade primary education in Vietnam's ten provinces, with a national roll-out planned. The project aims to develop primary teachers' professional standards through improved training and quality assurance.
UT Austin researchers found that fruit fly exposure to benzyl alcohol increases slo gene activity, leading to tolerance and increased resistance. This study provides potential targets for anti-addiction drugs.
Researchers at Columbia University have identified indoprofen as a potential therapeutic candidate for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a neurodegenerative disease affecting thousands of children worldwide. The discovery was made using a high-throughput chemical genetics approach and involves the use of a novel analysis tool called SLIMS.
President Bush appoints Arden Bement as the new NSF director, bringing nearly 40 years of industry, government, and academic experience. As NSF director, Bement will oversee $5.47 billion in annual funding for fundamental research and education across various fields.
A new study links resistin to inflammation, insulin resistance, and obesity. Resistin levels increase in human macrophages treated with endotoxin or cytokines, suggesting a role in promoting diabetes through insulin resistance.
Researchers present a molecular portrait of aging in the human kidney using DNA microarray technology, identifying 985 age-related genes. The study suggests a common aging mechanism operates across different kidney structures and tissues.
A clinical study found that roughly half the population produces more than 98% of potentially pathogenic bioaerosols. Administration of nebulized saline can reduce droplet exhalation in high-producers for up to six hours.
Research suggests that more intense therapies lead to better remission rates and longer survival for adults with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) who have normal genetic makeup. Patients with an enlarged spleen are less likely to enter remission, highlighting the need for targeted treatment.
A new biopsy technique combining ultrasound and fine needle aspiration can reliably determine whether lymph nodes are malignant in women with breast cancer. The method allows for the identification of cancerous nodes without the need for sentinel lymph node sampling or axillary node dissection, saving patients from additional surgery.
Researchers at Michigan State University have identified a new pheromone that regulates the behavioral maturation of honey bees, keeping younger nurse bees in check until they are more mature. This discovery sheds light on the complex social dynamics within bee colonies and how older forager bees exert influence over younger bees.
The Alliance for Taxpayer Access congratulates Congress and NIH on their public access plan, which aims to make taxpayer-funded biomedical research accessible online at no extra cost. The plan's compromise approach balances publisher interests with public access, addressing the 'Fleecing of America' issue highlighted by NBC News.
Chronic stress, even in healthy women, can lead to shorter telomeres and increased oxidative stress, accelerating cellular aging. The study also found that caregivers of chronically ill children experienced more stress and shorter telomeres than controls.
Researchers have developed a treatment for urinary stress incontinence using patients' own stem cells. After a 15-20 minute outpatient procedure, many patients experience no urinary leakage within 24 hours, with increased muscle mass and contractility of the sphincter and thicker urethra.
Research using fMRI scans reveals that individuals with high-functioning autism exhibit different brain activation patterns when recalling alphabet letters, with more activity in right hemisphere and less in left.
Researchers used volumetric CT imaging to analyze the mask's composition, revealing previously unknown aspects of its creation. The study also showed internal and external damage not visible to the naked eye, which was corrected using rapid prototyping software.
A recent study revealed that nearly one-third of diabetic men suffer from hypogonadism, a condition caused by improper functioning of the pituitary gland or hypothalamus. The high prevalence of low testosterone levels in diabetic patients is concerning and associated with various health issues such as loss of muscle tone, increased abd...
Scientists found significant differences in Salmonella and E. coli's use of a gene linked to processes that govern antibiotic resistance, altering their ability to survive in different environments. The study suggests that understanding such changes will help develop new treatments for disease-causing microorganisms.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have developed a new molecular switch that can transform bacteria into working sensors. The device, created using a novel fusion technique, shows promise for detecting cancer cells, releasing drugs, and monitoring chemical or biological agents.
A study in the Royal Society journal explores genetic factors in social responsibility, finding that genes play a significant role in shaping attitudes. The research also examines the potential for Argentine ants to spread globally due to climate change, highlighting the importance of preventive measures.
A study using fMRI and polygraph exams found that brain activity can distinguish truthful responses from deceptive ones. The researchers created a relevant situation for normal volunteers, who showed activation in specific brain areas during deception.
Research found African-Americans had lower medical care expenditures, excused time from work, and smaller financial settlements than Caucasians. Differences were also seen with socioeconomic status, with those of lower education and income receiving less.
A new study suggests that indoprofen, a previously banned pain reliever, can increase SMN protein production in human fibroblasts by 13 percent. This increase could potentially lessen the severity of symptoms for children with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), a leading genetic cause of infant and toddler death.
A team of researchers led by Qiang Fu validated satellite temperature data for global warming using direct measurements from the stratosphere. The results show that the troposphere has warmed at nearly one-third of a degree Fahrenheit per decade, consistent with climate models and surface temperature records.
Researchers found that viral delivery of a parkin gene protected dopamine-producing neurons from degeneration, offering new hope for treating Parkinson's disease. The study demonstrates the feasibility of gene therapy in a genetic model of the disease.
A new method of paleoelevation has been developed by Jennifer McElwain at the Field Museum, allowing scientists to estimate land elevation over geological eras. The method uses stomata on leaves to determine past carbon dioxide levels and elevation, providing a more accurate understanding of climate evolution and plant animal migration.