A team of paleontologists has reestimated Seismosaurus's length to 110 feet, bringing it within range of the blue whale. The new estimate was achieved by scaling up a smaller Diplodocus dinosaur and comparing its caudal vertebrae.
Researchers found that tumbleweeds and other native plants in arid regions can effectively absorb depleted uranium from contaminated soils. The study, led by geologist Dana Ulmer-Scholle, suggests using these plants as a low-cost method for cleaning up DU-contaminated areas.
Dr. Cohen, originator of Duke University's Geriatrics Fellowship, has won the prestigious award for his work in geriatric medicine and cancer research. He will present a lecture at GSA's 57th Annual Scientific Meeting.
A study of 9,611 older adults found that regular physical activity in middle age significantly reduced the risk of early death. Even light activities like walking or gardening provided a protective effect.
Dr. Archbold's research focuses on family care for frail elders and new methods to better serve them. Her breakthrough findings have led to a new way of thinking about how nursing can support families caring for frail elders.
A new genetic study identified strong evidence for Alzheimer's genes on chromosomes 18 and 10, expanding our knowledge of the disease. The research, conducted on Hispanic families in the Dominican Republic, sheds light on the complex interaction of multiple genes that contribute to Alzheimer's.
A new theory proposes that a coal fire in the Titanic's coal bunker may have led to its high-speed sailing through an iceberg field. The theory, presented by Dr. Essenhigh, suggests that the crew was trying to control and extinguish the fire before reaching port.
Dr. Small receives Margret M. Baltes Award for groundbreaking research on cognitive decline in Alzheimer's Disease. His work has been instrumental in understanding the preclinical phase of the disease, advancing social/behavioral research on aging.
Dr. Smith, editor of GSA's Journal of Gerontology: Biological Sciences, receives the Robert W. Kleemeier Award for his decades-long research on cellular senescence. His work focuses on chromatin structure alterations in this process.
A study of 28 individuals with acrophobia found that combining D-cycloserine (DCS) with virtual reality exposure therapy significantly reduced fear of heights, with effects lasting at least three months. The treatment works by facilitating 'fear extinction' in the brain, a process previously used to treat phobias and post-traumatic str...
The Gerontological Society of America has conferred the 2004 Nathan Shock New Investigator Award to Dr. Marciniak for his pioneering work in gene regulation by the AIDS virus HIV. His research expertise bridges two critical areas, aging and cancer, making him a prime example of a geriatric oncologist.
Researchers found that testosterone impairs T-lymphocyte function, leading to a weakened immune response in men. In contrast, females' immune systems are more active without significant levels of testosterone, making them more prone to autoimmune diseases.
A recent study published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention journal found that obesity is associated with a higher risk of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in older women. The study followed over 37,000 Iowa women for 14 years and found that those who were overweight or obese had a 90% increased risk of developing AML compar...
Mahoney receives the award for his work on innovative programs to serve older persons, including the Cash and Counseling Demonstration project supported by Robert Wood Johnson foundation and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The prize recognizes his excellence in translating research into practical application and policy.
A recent study published in Hepatology found that occult HBV infection is prevalent in adult hemodialysis patients, with a rate four to five times higher than standard HBsAg testing. The majority of infections were associated with low viral loads and the sG145R-mutant.
Dr. Rikke will receive the prestigious award for his work in mapping and cloning genes in mice that modulate neurosensitivity to ethanol and general anesthetics. The award is presented annually by the Gerontological Society of America (GSA) to recognize outstanding research in gerontology.
Researchers found that combining liver transplantation and coronary artery bypass grafting is a safe approach for patients with severe coronary artery disease and end-stage liver disease. The procedure's success depends on careful multidisciplinary evaluation, coordination, and graft selection.
The discovery of five-toed tracks at Blue Beach in Nova Scotia suggests that pentadactyl tetrapods evolved tens of millions of years earlier than thought. The find contradicts the prevailing idea that polydactyl feet were more common among early tetrapods.
Researchers found elevated caspase levels in HCV patients with normal aminotransferase levels, associated with higher stages of liver fibrosis. The study suggests that measuring caspase-mediated CK-18 cleavage in serum may be a more sensitive method to detect liver fibrosis in chronic HCV infection.
Researchers at UNC's Bowles Center discovered that new brain cells develop during alcohol abstinence, reversing damage caused by chronic alcohol dependency. The study found a twofold burst in brain cell proliferation after four-to-five weeks of abstinence.
Dr. Pearlin is recognized for his significant contributions to articulating the role of a social perspective in understanding health and aging. His early research established social research into stress and health, particularly mental health.
A new internet-based library for coral reefs has been created by NASA, providing a comprehensive world data resource on coral reefs and adjacent land areas. The library will help improve local assessments of reef resources around the world and provide access to reliable global satellite datasets for mapping coral reefs.
A large UK trial found no significant improvements in survival, hospital admissions, or quality of life from comprehensive assessment and management of elderly patients. However, social functioning showed a small benefit from hospital-based outpatient geriatric care.
Researchers have uncovered a fossilized structure in the nuclear pore complex that suggests ancient bacteria could curve their membranes, leading to the development of endomembrane systems and eukaryotic cells. This discovery provides insight into the evolution of eukaryotes and their intricate internal processes.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has awarded over $8 million to seven science education partnership awards to improve science literacy among minority students. The programs focus on elementary education initiatives, Web-based games, and museum exhibitions to reduce obesity and diabetes, as well as promote biomedical careers.
Researchers at Cornell University have created a device that can detect as few as six viruses using a tiny paddle oscillator. The device, which uses the natural resonant frequency of the paddles to sense changes in mass, has the potential to differentiate between various pathogens and toxic organic chemicals.
A systematic review of studies found that atenolol had no significant effect on reducing death from all causes, cardiovascular causes, or incidence of heart attack. However, it showed a trend towards reduced stroke incidence and increased mortality compared to other antihypertensive drugs.
Dr. Ernest Mancini, current director of the Center for Sedimentary Basin Studies at the University of Alabama, will receive the prestigious Ian Campbell Award for his exceptional commitment and dedication to the geological sciences. He is being recognized for his outstanding contributions to the profession.
Researchers uncover the complexities of autophagy, a process that can promote or prevent cancer, depending on its timing. Autophagy also plays a crucial role in fighting infection and may hold clues to the mythical fountain of youth.
Norman D. Newell, a renowned geologist and paleontologist, will receive the Legendary Geoscientist Award for his groundbreaking research on fossil bivalve mollusks and modern carbonate sediments. He is also recognized for his advocacy of public understanding of evolution and science education.
Researchers at UH Cullen College of Engineering are developing advanced features for
The Vioxx drug was found to increase the risk of heart attacks in patients, with a doubling of risk compared to placebo or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. The data showed that adverse cardiovascular effects were evident earlier than September 2004.
A nationwide study found that women taking osteoporosis medications had fewer bone abnormalities and less knee pain associated with osteoarthritis. The research suggests that these medications, primarily alendronate and estrogen, may offer protective benefits for the development of knee OA.
A CU-Boulder team found strong evidence that dopamine in the brain helps people implicitly learn to make choices that lead to good outcomes. Dopamine levels can influence how patients with Parkinson's disease make decisions, according to the study.
Russell G. Slayback receives the William B. Heroy Jr. Award for his exceptional long-term service to AGI, while Warren D. Allmon is recognized for his outstanding contribution to public understanding of geoscience through his work at PRI.
Researchers discovered tPA's toxic effects on brain cells and blood vessels, leading to devastating brain injuries. A compound called APC counters these harmful effects, showing promise for improved stroke therapy.
A prospective study found that combining DETROL LA with standard treatment for enlarged prostate results in improved symptoms of overactive bladder, with 73% of patients experiencing relief. The most common side effects were dry mouth and dizziness.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh identified abnormal levels of protein erythrocyte-C4d in patients with lupus, showing high diagnostic sensitivity and specificity for the disease. This finding may lead to improved diagnosis and treatment options for patients with lupus.
The NIH is funding a five-year study to assess the impact of local design and transportation changes on physical activity and obesity. The goal is to determine if simple changes in the built environment can enhance physical activity and reduce obesity for residents.
A new transport molecule called NaBC1 has been discovered, allowing boron to enter human cells. The protein is specific for borate and plays a crucial role in controlling cell growth and bone mineralization.
A study found that brain regions activated by food craving are also involved in drug craving, suggesting a common neural basis for both. The hippocampus, insula, and caudate were identified as key areas of activation during food cravings.
A study found that African-American patients treated by white doctors receive HIV medications nearly four months later than those treated by African-American doctors. Better communication and trust between patient and doctor of the same race may explain these differences.
The MIT guidance system allows pilots to issue high-level commands, such as 'fly to Task Area B', to a UAV, which executes them while avoiding threats. The system uses a natural-language interface and task scheduler to improve safety and efficiency.
Researchers found that melittin, a compound in bee venom, blocks the expression of inflammatory genes in synovial cells. This inhibition can lead to reduced tissue swelling and osteophyte formation, suggesting a potential treatment for RA patients.
Researchers at UNC Lineberger identified two proteins, p16INK4a and ARF, that increase dramatically as cells age, suggesting a link between cellular aging and their upregulation. This discovery may lead to new biomarkers for determining the molecular age of people and potentially slow aging.
Researchers have created a powerful 'toolkit' that enables fast and accurate functional profiling of yeast genes. By combining multiple techniques, the toolkit allows scientists to identify genes whose coupled elimination kills the yeast, providing valuable insights into gene interactions.
Acid rain suppresses methane emissions from wetlands, but only for a short time. The effect of acid rain on methane emissions is more than enough to compensate for the expected increase due to climate change.
A study found that 10% of college football players had MRSA skin infections, with cosmetic body shaving increasing the risk by 43%. The researchers recommend discontinuing body shaving to decrease infection risk. Proper disinfection of whirlpools and antibacterial soap dispensers in showers can also help control MRSA spread.
The discovery of a prosauropod dinosaur, ancestral crocodilians and a mammal-like cynodont reveals diverse terrestrial faunas at the end of the Triassic period. The findings contradict previous assumptions about the Triassic-Jurassic extinction event.
The study found that silencing of the PTPRO gene causes a drop in the level of the enzyme, leading to increased cell proliferation and cancer development. Over-producing the PTPRO enzyme slowed the growth of cancer cells and induced programmed cell death.
A US study found that most low-grade cervical lesions (LSIL) in young women will regress spontaneously, lending support for monitoring these cytological lesions. Follow-up HPV status was a strong predictor of regression, but persistent multiple HPV types slowed rates of regression.
A large study found that breastfeeding for at least 24 months reduces the risk of rheumatoid arthritis by 50%, while irregular menstrual cycles between ages 20-35 increase the risk. The study also confirms a peak risk of RA around menopause age 50-54.
The seven-year contract will target non-HIV STIs and include microbicides, vaccines, STI treatments and diagnostic products. Students from international partners can participate in a yearlong program at UCSF for certification and mentoring.
Researchers found a correlation between the presence of the CXCR3 protein and increased survival in Stage III metastatic melanoma patients. This discovery may lead to improved vaccines that 'turn-on' cancer-killing immune cells and instruct them to find tumors.
The Madrid bombings resulted in over 2,000 injuries, with 312 patients taken to GMUGH. Immediate triage and evacuation procedures helped prevent medical staff from being overwhelmed, saving the lives of more than 80% of critically injured patients.
Astronomers study remnant of 1,000-year-old supernova to solve long-standing puzzle of cosmic ray origin. They create gamma-ray image using Cherenkov radiation, providing first unequivocal proof that supernovae produce galactic cosmic rays.
A team of researchers has identified three genetic suppressors of RNA silencing in plants, which are crucial for combating citrus tristeza virus (CTV) infections. These viral suppressors can be targeted by genetically engineering virus-resistant citrus trees, offering a promising approach to disease control and reducing economic losses.
Scientists have successfully grown sperm progenitor cells in a laboratory culture, paving the way for potential new treatments for male infertility. The breakthrough, led by Hiroshi Kubota, could also enable the creation of genetically modified animals and extend the reproductive life of endangered species.
Researchers found that activated STAT3 is necessary for skin cancer development, and inhibiting it can prevent tumor growth. A STAT3 inhibitor could potentially be used as a topical cream to treat sunburns or precancerous lesions.
Boston University chemist Thomas Tullius receives NIH grant to develop ENCODE technology for mapping protein-binding sites. His research aims to decipher patterns on DNA's landscape, building tools to understand how structure affects function.