Experts dispute FDA warnings on antidepressants and suicidal risk, citing limited data for children and adolescents. Studies show a decrease in suicides over years of growing SSRI use, but caution is advised when interpreting the data.
A recent study has identified previously unknown mutations in the pfrct gene as key players in Plasmodium falciparum's resistance to halofantrine and amantadine. These mutations may also restore sensitivity to chloroquine, a widely used antimalarial drug. The findings suggest a new approach to combating chloroquine-resistant malaria.
Researchers at Penn State are part of a multi-institutional project studying restless legs syndrome (RLS), a condition characterized by creepy-crawly sensations in the legs. The study aims to explore treatment options and causes of RLS, including iron deficiency and FDA-approved pharmaceuticals.
The AAAS has announced the winners of the 2004 Science and Engineering Visualization Challenge, showcasing outstanding visualizations across five categories: photography, illustration, graphics, interactive media, and non-interactive media. Marna E. Ericson took first place in photography for her image capturing tick nymphs' autofluore...
A 39-year-old woman gave birth to a healthy baby girl after undergoing orthotopic autotransplantation of cryopreserved ovarian tissue. This procedure bypasses the need for in-vitro fertilization, offering new hope for young cancer patients facing premature ovarian failure.
Researchers, led by Dr. Shelagh Campbell, study ATM mutants to understand the molecular mechanisms behind A-T disease. They found that mutant males exhibited locomotor defects, sensitivity to ionizing radiation, and chromosome instability similar to those seen in human patients.
Researchers detect distinctive fold in the ice, suggesting rapid movement and 'drawn down' towards the bottom of the ice sheet thousands of years ago. The finding implies that the centre of the ice sheet is more mobile than previously thought, requiring rethinking of existing models.
The Lancet editorial advocates for free access to genome data, highlighting its benefits in accelerating research on diseases such as SARS. This open-access policy promotes international cooperation, trust, and altruism, offering a compelling alternative to bioweapons.
A study found that oral amoxicillin was as effective as injectable penicillin in treating severe pneumonia in young children. The treatment has the potential to reduce referral, admission, and treatment costs in developing countries.
A team of US marine scientists has discovered a new cluster of hydrothermal vents in the Lau Basin, a geologically unique back-arc basin. The vents are expected to hold secrets about the origin of life on Earth, and the discovery is part of an unprecedented research effort that includes multiple expeditions over the next two years.
A study of college students found that 62% relied on prayer to handle stress-related difficulties, regardless of their religious affiliation. Spiritual support was shown to be similar to social support in promoting mental health and well-being.
A recent study published in Demography found that fathers are less likely to cohabitate with infants who have health issues. The research suggests that low-income children in poor health face significant challenges in maintaining a stable family structure.
A K-State sociology professor is working on a project called The Going Home Initiative for Re-entry of Serious Juvenile Offenders to improve the system for girls. Williams found that girls are treated more harshly than boys, with lower tolerance for their offenses and longer custody times.
The study reveals that a gene called phytochrome-interacting factor 1 (PIF1) regulates the production of protochlorophyll, a precursor to chlorophyll. Plants with mutated PIF1 genes accumulate too much protochlorophyll, leading to photo-oxidative stress and bleaching on leaves.
A retrospective study found that low-dose ketamine infusions provided complete relief from CRPS pain for 76% of patients, with 54% remaining pain-free for three months or more. The therapy's effectiveness was linked to its ability to block NMDA-receptor complexes involved in pain processing.
A study published by Express Scripts found that pharmacy dose consolidation programs offer minimal cost savings, ranging from $0.02 to $0.03 per member per month. The program's effectiveness was limited due to the low number of prescriptions and the availability of generic or over-the-counter options.
Scientists have discovered a new species of sea reptile, Dinocephalosaurus orientalis, from the Guanling Formation in southeast China. The creature had a long-necked body, measuring over five feet, with relatively stiff neck and short limbs, suggesting it was adapted for life in the water.
Researchers at The University of Scranton and the University of Illinois have made groundbreaking discoveries about how molecules interact in nanoscale devices. Using IR Raman Spectroscopy, they measured the pathways for energy transfer across a molecular wall, shedding light on how to design materials that move heat effectively.
The Earth Institute at Columbia University aims to increase the number of women in its affiliated departments and research centers to 25%. The ADVANCE Program, funded by a $4.2M NSF grant, uses a five-fold approach to help women overcome career barriers in earth sciences and engineering.
A study found that Mexican-born Hispanics returning to Mexico experience lower mortality rates, adding up to five to eight years of extra life expectancy at age 45. The analysis suggests that return migration is a key factor in this anomaly.
Biologists at Duke University discovered that nitric oxide delays flowering in plants, influenced by external concentrations of the chemical. This finding suggests that air pollution from burning fossil fuels could impact critical plant processes.
Norman, a morphine-free poppy variant, produces thebaine and oripavine compounds preferred by industry. CSIRO's Dr Phil Larkin and colleagues discovered genetic differences in Norman that facilitate its superior pain relief properties.
The study reveals that recycling endosomes transport molecular cargo to the neuronal surface after being drawn into the neuron, regulating long-term potentiation (LTP) and spine growth. This discovery suggests a unifying mechanism for understanding LTP and its role in learning and memory.
A recent study by Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center researchers used multiple methods to detect SV40 DNA, RNA, and protein in human pleural mesothelioma samples, finding no evidence of a significant role for SV40. The team also discovered that common laboratory plasmid vectors may be causing false-positive results in assays.
Researchers at Brown University have discovered that recycling endosomes store and transport AMPA receptors, which are essential for memory formation. The study provides new targets for treatments for disorders such as Alzheimer's disease and mental retardation.
A retrospective study from St. Jude Children's Research Hospital found that high levels of telomerase gene expression are associated with an unfavorable outcome for children treated for osteosarcoma, including lower progression-free survival rates and decreased overall survival.
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have uncovered the structure of an enzyme that produces folate, a nutrient essential for bacterial survival. The team created images of the molecular structure using X-ray crystallography and discovered a new target for drugs that could avoid antibiotic resistance in anthrax bacteria.
Researchers studied vibrational energy flow through a water-surfactant-organic solvent system, finding that the shape of molecules plays a crucial role in heat transfer. The study reveals that different excitations travel along different paths and rates, leading to significantly longer energy transfer times.
A new Chinese fossil discovery sheds light on the evolution of protorosaurs and their long-necked marine reptiles. The Dinocephalosaurus species' 25 cervical vertebrae neck may have enabled a unique suction-based feeding method, allowing it to capture prey more effectively in water.
A Swedish study of over 700,000 young adults found that low birthweight and being born to a teenage mother are independent risk factors for increased suicide risk. The study also showed that individuals born fourth or more in sibling order and those from poor maternal socio-economic backgrounds are at higher risk of attempted suicide.
USC researchers warn that a strong earthquake could trigger a tsunami in San Pedro Bay, potentially devastating the largest container ports in the US. The study found that a magnitude 7.6 earthquake could cause waves to build to nine feet inside the harbor, threatening ships and coastal areas.
A randomised trial found that doubling the daily dose of imatinib improves progression-free survival by 12% compared to a single daily dose. The study also showed no significant difference in treatment side-effects between the two groups.
The CYPHER Stent significantly reduces major adverse cardiac events in women, including diabetics and smokers, by up to 90% over conventional bare metal stents. The analysis of 345 female patients showed a low target lesion revascularization rate, indicating fewer procedures and better outcomes for women with heart disease.
The NSF and AAAS announced the winners of the 2004 Visualization contest, which spanned research fields from viral medicine to Earth science. The top entries were selected in categories such as photography, illustration, graphics, interactive media, and non-interactive media.