Max Planck scientists have developed a novel therapeutic strategy against anthrax using defensins. These molecules can neutralize the lethal toxin of anthrax bacilli, preventing its deadly effect and protecting against fatal consequences.
Asian countries are closing the gap with the US in research and development, driven by increased talent pool, R&D spending, and patent growth. The number of researchers in Asia has grown rapidly, while US doctoral degrees have decreased, leading to a decline in US scientific capability.
A study found that young coronary artery disease patients have a high prevalence of hostility symptoms, with improvements in risk factors and quality of life seen after cardiac rehabilitation. The researchers suggest that reducing hostility should be emphasized in rehabilitation following a heart attack to improve long-term prognosis.
Researchers discovered that low-carbohydrate diets led to spontaneous reduction in daily energy consumption and improved glucose levels in obese diabetic patients. The study found no evidence of boredom or metabolic changes as explanations for weight loss.
A recent study by the University of Toronto found that nearly one in five teenagers in Ontario have evidence of tooth damage. The study also revealed that youth with cavities are more likely to experience tooth injuries.
A recent multi-center study found a direct link between residential radon exposure and increased lung cancer risk, with risks estimated to be 11-21% higher than average levels. The study, pooling data from seven North American studies, supports earlier findings and provides unambiguous evidence of the association.
A new study published in Heart found that individuals with giant cell arteritis (GCA) have a significantly higher risk of cardiovascular disease compared to healthy adults. The prevalence of GCA is estimated at one per every 500 seniors, and patients with this condition are more than twice as likely to experience heart attacks or strokes.
A study on twin pairs found that environmental influences play a role in shaping religiousness during childhood, but a stronger genetic influence emerges in adulthood. Like other personality traits, adult religiousness is heritable, indicating that an individual's faith can be influenced by their genetic makeup.
Scottish scientists are investigating a mechanism that may stop retroviruses in their tracks by interfering with disease-causing retrovirus infections. The study aims to develop new anti-retroviral therapies that can target cells already infected by retroviruses.
Researchers used fMRI to study brain activity under hypnosis for pain suppression, finding reduced activity in pain network areas and increased activity in other regions. This suggests that hypnosis blocks the pain signal from reaching the brain's perception centers.
Researchers discover ON01910, a non-ATP-competitive small molecule inhibitor of Plk1, arrests cell division in human cancer cells and inhibits a variety of tumors. Clinical studies are currently underway to determine the best way to utilize this potent anticancer agent.
A new study from PLOS Biology shows that reintroduced gray wolves in Yellowstone Park provide a crucial safety net for scavengers during climate change. Wolf kills temper the devastating effects of climate-related carrion shortages on scavengers.
Researchers have discovered that skeletal precursors of cardiomyocytes (Spoc cells) can transform into beating cardiac muscle cells, offering hope for developing cell-based treatments for heart disease. These cells were isolated from adult mice and showed spontaneous rhythmic beating and expressed cardiac markers.
Researchers discovered that DJ-1 negatively regulates PTEN function, suggesting a potential link between high DJ-1 levels and enhanced cancer cell survival. Elevated DJ-1 levels were associated with poor prognosis in lung cancer patients and may serve as a prognostic marker for cancer patients.
A new study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that obese patients with type 2 diabetes who followed a very low-carbohydrate diet lost significant amounts of weight. The participants consumed fewer calories on the low-carb diet, resulting in improved blood sugar levels and reduced triglycerides and cholesterol levels.
Researchers found that postmenopausal breast cancer survivors have a higher risk of bone fractures, with 68.6 excess fractures per 10,000 person-years compared to the general population. The study also identified factors associated with increased fracture risk, including age, ethnicity, and depression.
Researchers at Yale University found that rhesus monkeys only took grapes when they couldn't see the other person looking at them. This suggests that monkeys can reason about the mental states of others, including perception. The study's findings could provide insight into the causes of autism and social interactions.
Breast cancer in sub-Saharan Africa shows similarities with African-American women's disease patterns, suggesting possible hereditary factors. Incidence rates are lower due to protective behaviors like reproductive patterns and dietary habits.
A deeper understanding of behavioral biology is necessary to improve laws, according to Vanderbilt law professor Owen Jones. By integrating life science and social science perspectives on behavior, laws can be more effective in pursuing their goals.
A study of postmenopausal women found that a high white blood cell count is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events and death. Women in the highest quartile had a doubled risk for coronary heart disease death, 40% higher risk for nonfatal heart attacks, and 50% higher risk for total mortality.
A three-week study of ten obese volunteers with mild type 2 diabetes mellitus found that a very low-carbohydrate diet led to an average weight loss of 3.6 pounds, primarily due to reduced calorie intake rather than loss of body fluid or increased metabolism. The results suggest that carbohydrate restriction may stimulate excessive appe...
Researchers discovered BIM accumulation is crucial for paclitaxel-induced apoptosis, while H-ras/MAPK pathway suppresses it. Cotreatment with proteosome inhibitors restored BIM accumulation, enabling tumor regression. This study highlights the importance of understanding signaling mechanisms to guide rational combination therapy.
A Florida Tech scientist has received a $1.7 million NSF grant to develop an integrated science teaching enhancement partnership, which will help design and pilot learning modules linking earth science, biology, chemistry, and physics
A study published in Heart found that antidepressants may explain the increased risk of heart attack associated with their use. Patients who recently started antidepressants were twice as likely to have a heart attack within seven days compared to those who hadn't taken the medication before.
Researchers at Temple University have developed a new targeted cancer therapy called ON01910, which inhibits Plk1 activity and shows promise in treating advanced and metastatic cancers. The compound has been shown to block tumor cell invasion, angiogenesis, and induce tumor cell death.
A new study finds that treating depression in older adults improves their ability to perform tasks critical to independent living and slows physical decline. The study used collaborative care management and found improved outcomes for patients with late-life depression.
A recent study found that Medicaid patients diagnosed with late-stage cancer have significantly poorer survival rates than those diagnosed earlier. The median survival was 18 months for late enrollers compared to 38 months for early enrollers and non-Medicaid patients.
Research suggests education level has no observable benefit on BMI for African-American women, despite their high rates of obesity and related illnesses. Prevention efforts should begin in adolescence or early adulthood to address this disparity.
Rutgers Professor Joel Lebowitz is recognized for his tireless personal activism to secure basic freedoms and ensure scientists' ability to practice their professions openly. He has improved society's quality of life, demonstrated outstanding teaching, and led the quest for international human rights or peace.
A new device can detect traces of explosives in air, making it possible to screen 100% of passengers at airports and border crossings. The device is 1,000 times more sensitive than current technology, allowing for accurate detection with minimal environmental interference.
A study published in Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research found that binge drinking negatively affects mood and cognitive performance in young adults. Females were more impaired than males on working memory and vigilance tasks. The research suggests that binge drinking may contribute to the development of alcohol dependence.
A new discovery may lead to more precise cancer treatment by creating damaged DNA that is deadly to cancer cells. Researchers created synthetic double-stranded DNA with specific chemical characteristics and exposed it to long wavelength light, selectively triggering the damage process.
A new study found that light therapy, combined with anti-fungal treatments, can effectively combat various fungal infections, particularly those affecting the skin or nails. The research also sheds light on early fungal evolution and the role of light in fungal development.
A study by University of Toronto researchers found that orchestra musicians are not at risk of hearing loss in the pit, despite playing for long hours. However, individual practice and measures such as earplugs can still help protect their hearing.
A professor of environmental studies at U of T is bridging the gap between science and religion to address the environmental crisis. He notes that some religious yet ecology-minded Republicans are involved in a campaign against gas-guzzling SUVs, asking Americans to consider more ecologically sensitive cars.
Researchers at the University of Illinois found that controlling portion size through frozen entrees can lead to significant weight loss in overweight men. The study, published in Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism, showed that participants who ate frozen meals lost an average of 4 pounds more than those who estimated serving sizes.
A recent study by Washington University researchers used a molecular survey to detect Mycobacterium avium in the lungs of nine lifeguards who developed hypersensitivity pneumonitis after exposure to pool water. The bacterium, known for its resistance to disinfection, was found at high levels in air samples taken near the pool.
A 15-year study in rural Greece found that living in a mountainous area was associated with lower death rates and healthier heart profiles compared to lowland areas. Higher blood lipids and blood pressure were linked to increased risk, but other protective factors may be at play.
Researchers at Newcastle University tested a cancer virotherapy on two patients with advanced melanoma, finding no systemic toxic effects. The administration of CVA21 virus directly into cancerous tumors was well-tolerated and showed promise in controlling the spread of melanoma.
Researchers have discovered a 62 million year fossil diversity cycle, with the history of life on Earth being shaped by this cycle. The cycle is also evident in extinctions and originations, with longer-lived genera resisting the cycle better than shorter-lived ones.
A two-part study examines the effectiveness of neurobehavioral function assessments during coma and stroke rehabilitation for elderly individuals. The Disorders of Consciousness Scale reliably predicts recovery of consciousness, while tracking individual neurobehavioral recovery patterns improves medical and rehabilitation management.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute create DNA with a third pairing, allowing for replication of unnatural bases. The development improves fidelity to near-perfect levels, paving the way for applications in biotechnology, medicine, data storage, and security.
The new £6m biocentre will pioneer a novel approach to genomics, combining theoretical models with experimental data. This will enable pharmaceutical companies to develop safer medicines more efficiently by predicting human reactions in advance.
A collaborative study by UCL scientists found that HIV-1 subtype B spread through at least six separate transmission chains in the UK, contradicting the prevailing belief of a single initial entry. The study suggests changes in sexual behavior and lack of impact from antiretroviral therapy may have slowed the epidemic growth.
A twin study found that genetic factors contribute substantially to the development of AMD, accounting for 46-71% of disease severity variation. Environmental factors also play a role, with unique environment contributing 19-37% and shared environment 28-64% to AMD grade and specific macular measures.
Scientists have detected high levels of silver contamination in North Pacific waters, linked to atmospheric emissions from Asia. The findings suggest that silver could be used as a tracer element for tracking the fate of industrial emissions, with implications for understanding pollution patterns.
A study by University of Illinois researchers found that mothers' positive approach during homework-help sessions promotes persistence in children. Children who experienced positive interactions with their mothers were more motivated in school and valued the learning process.
The study reveals that antisense transcripts (SATs) are widely expressed in various mouse tissues and cell cultures, exhibiting tissue-specific expression patterns. SATs tend to be poly(A)-negative and enriched in the nucleus, suggesting a functional role in gene regulation.
The American Physiological Society has awarded travel fellowships to 25 minority students from African Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans, and Pacific Islanders. The fellows will attend the IUPS 2005 meeting in San Diego, CA, and be paired with APS mentors for career guidance.
A new lab technique has identified high levels of pathogens in a hospital therapy pool, with
A study found that a functional variant of a histamine-metabolizing enzyme is associated with higher frequencies of the allele in alcoholics, suggesting it may increase vulnerability to alcoholism. In contrast, carriers of the Ile105 allele are protected against developing alcoholism due to lower levels of anxiety.
A new field of study, microbial forensics aims to attribute biothreat agents to their sources. The approach requires a multivariate method tailored to the threat encountered and situation addressed, coupled with scientific and investigative processes.
A Mayo Clinic study found that spit tobacco use can cause dramatic increases in heart rate and blood pressure, blunting the body's natural protective mechanisms. This raises concerns for both short-term users and individuals with established heart disease, suggesting a link to long-term cardiovascular risks.
African-American stroke survivors with obesity have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome. The study found that nearly all patients were overweight or obese, with diabetes increasing with BMI, and that class three obesity significantly increases the risk of recurrent stroke.
Theoretical chemists aim to develop models for understanding electron donor/acceptor interactions in molecular systems. They study how the surrounding environment affects electrons' flow, with potential applications in improving photosynthesis and designing efficient solar cells.
A study found that malt liquor drinkers are more likely to be homeless, unemployed, and drink heavily, with higher blood alcohol levels and aggressive behavior associated with MLB consumption. The researchers also noted that MLBs are often targeted towards lower-income, minority communities, making them a concern for public health.
Researchers mimic seafloor conditions to study methane hydrate formation and decomposition, aiming to identify safe extraction methods. The study's findings may help develop strategies to tap into locked-up methane reserves.
Researchers aim to control biofilm formation by manipulating quorum sensing in bacteria. They are designing new compounds that mimic natural molecules to disrupt bacterial signaling, potentially preventing hospital infections.
University of Wisconsin-Madison materials chemist Anne Bentley discovered how suspended nickel wires can scatter light in various fluids, including molasses-like liquids. The phenomenon could aid in photonics and lead to the development of magneto-optical switches for storing information in tiny electronic systems.
The Beilstein Journal of Organic Chemistry will publish original research on all aspects of organic chemistry and related disciplines. The journal aims to provide a chemically intelligent presentation of articles while emphasizing speed of publication.