Alan Hall's work on Rho and Rac GTPases is crucial for understanding how epithelial tumour cells become metastatic. Svante Pääbo receives the Louis-Jeantet Prize for medicine to study genes involved in human evolution, including FOXP2 related to speech development.
The Journal of Polymer Science Part B: Polymer Physics Prize honors outstanding papers published between September 2002 and August 2004. Winners receive a $2,500 honorarium and travel stipend to attend the American Physical Society meeting in Los Angeles.
A study found that US Army personnel deployed to eastern Afghanistan between June and September 2002 had a significant risk of malaria infection upon return. The researchers identified 38 patients infected with malaria, resulting in an attack rate of 52.4 cases per 1,000 soldiers.
The Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory has unveiled a new comparative toxicogenomics database, integrating gene sequences, chemicals, and references to provide insights into gene-chemical interactions. This resource will help predict toxicity and understand the genetic basis of differences in responses to chemical exposures amon...
A K-State engineering professor studied rural highway crashes in Kansas, finding four key factors that consistently contribute to fatalities: driving under the influence, speeding, not using a seat belt, and being ejected from the vehicle. The study's findings have practical implications for introducing a primary seat belt law and emph...
Wildlife species are declining at an alarming rate due to habitat loss, poaching, and pollution. Scientists from the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) have developed a new method using satellite technology to monitor endangered populations in hard-to-reach locations.
A new study reveals that genetics, not environment, determines an ant's role in the colony. Harvester ants from southeastern Arizona and New Mexico show a surprising tendency to produce sterile workers when mating with males from different genetic lineages.
Women physicians are drawn to temporary jobs for schedule flexibility, while men prefer part-time work. The study found 85% of LT physicians were board-certified, raising concerns about the future of healthcare staffing if more women choose temporary jobs.
The SDSS team detected ripples in the galaxy distribution made by sound waves, providing evidence that galaxies grew via gravity. The findings support the standard cosmological model and provide insights into dark matter and dark energy's properties.
A large European study found no association between vegetable and fruit intake and reduced breast cancer risk. The researchers analyzed data from 285,526 women and reported no significant associations for six specific vegetable subgroups.
A 10-year study of 1,298,385 Koreans found that high sugar levels were associated with higher death rates from all cancers combined. The strongest associations were for pancreatic cancer in men and liver and cervix cancers in women.
Researchers found that Saharan dust increases the number of cloud condensation nuclei, leading to smaller cloud droplets and reduced rainfall. The study also showed that the dust affects thunderstorm anvils, impacting sunlight and warming temperatures over time.
The new guidelines recommend a stepwise approach to asthma care, monitoring medication intensity based on severity. Asthma exacerbations during pregnancy pose risks to both mother and fetus, highlighting the importance of asthma management.
A new lensless imaging technique has been demonstrated, allowing for direct imaging of ultra-fast changes in the collective behavior of atoms and molecules at the nanoscale. The technique uses coherent X-ray light to achieve 10 times better spatial resolution than current methods.
A study published by Imperial College London researchers suggests that around 70 future cases of vCJD may arise from consuming BSE-infected beef, with a total of up to 600 deaths. However, the team believes this is unlikely due to low reported clinical cases in other genetic groups.
A new study published in Nutrition Reviews finds that a vegetarian diet can lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of stroke, heart attack, and kidney failure. By analyzing 80 scientific studies, researchers found that individual patients experience blood pressure-lowering effects from a plant-based diet.
A new study suggests that insufficient sleep may be a contributing factor to weight gain and the development of metabolic syndrome. This condition increases the risk of serious diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
The Gemini Observatory has released three striking new images showcasing the 'Fireworks Galaxy', an interacting galaxy pair, and an extremely active stellar nursery. These images highlight the prolific galaxy NGC 6946, which is ablaze with galactic fireworks fueled by the births and deaths of multitudes of brilliant, massive stars.
Astronomers use Hubble's Near Infrared Camera and Multi-Object Spectrometer to observe a faint companion object orbiting a relatively bright young brown dwarf star. The observations provide strong evidence for the existence of an extrasolar planet, which is estimated to be about five times the mass of Jupiter.
Fewer than half of patients had received at least one screening test more than six months prior to diagnosis. Patients with a history of screening had earlier stage and presumably more treatable disease, highlighting the underuse of colorectal procedures in clinical practice.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University and Pria Diagnostics LLC collaborate to develop a portable device that can quickly detect infectious diseases and biological agents. The device, which aims to produce its first portable HIV monitor within two years, utilizes microfluidic devices and micro-optical fluorescence spectroscopy.
Researchers at Queen's University have discovered the mineral ikaite in ancient marine sedimentary rocks, suggesting that the ocean was colder than previously thought. The study challenges the 'Snowball Earth' hypothesis and proposes an alternative explanation for the formation of this mineral.
A study of physicians' experiences with religious conflicts in medicine found that certain cases can push doctors over the threshold towards negotiation and persuasion. Doctors described strategies such as encouraging prayer as an adjunct to medicine or appealing to the patient's religious community to navigate these tensions.
Researchers found a high concentration of X-ray sources near the Galactic center, suggesting multiple black holes are present. The presence of these black holes is consistent with the theory that stellar-mass black holes can sink toward the center of the galaxy through dynamical friction.
Researchers found that statins may break down toxic amyloid-beta by inhibiting the Rho/ROCK pathway, which could lead to new anti-amyloid drug targets. The study suggests that statins may be a promising strategy in treating Alzheimer's disease.
A study of 21 physicians found that patients often refuse medical recommendations for religious reasons, particularly in situations with moderate treatment benefits. Physicians should practice candid, respectful dialogue to negotiate accommodations with patients while respecting their differing worldviews.
New York interventional cardiologists opt out of treating critically ill patients if their death would negatively impact their state mortality report card. The study found that 83% of respondents believed patients who benefit from angioplasty may not receive the procedure due to public reporting of physician-specific mortality rates.
A study of over 1,100 children in Alberta found that those who entered Grade 1 at an older age scored better on tests measuring self-esteem years later. This is due to the relative age effect, where older children generally enjoy more success in competitive programs.
Astronomers have discovered a candidate planetary companion to a relatively bright young brown dwarf star located 225 light-years away in the southern constellation Hydra. The object, detected by NASA's Hubble Space Telescope, is estimated to be about five times the mass of Jupiter and orbits its host at a 99% confidence level.
The Chicago Biomedical Consortium has awarded a $1.5 million grant to the University of Illinois Chicago for its Proteomics/Bioinformatics Demonstration Project. This project will utilize advanced technology, including a Fourier Transform Mass Spectrometer, to study proteins and their interactions.
Researchers found that warming swordfishes' eyes allows them to process visual information faster than cooled eyes, giving them a significant edge over prey. By heating their eyes, swordfishes retain the ability to spot quickly moving objects, enabling successful hunts in cold water.
Astronomers discovered a dense stellar graveyard with thousands of X-ray sources within 70 light years of the Milky Way's center. The discovery supports the idea that dynamical friction could create a massive population of stellar-mass black holes.
Researchers have discovered FK Comae Berenices, a rare fast-rotating yellow giant with high levels of coronal magnetic activity. The star's rotation is roughly 200 miles per second, making it an 'extreme case' of sun-like magnetic activity.
The von Liebig Center has awarded $1.8 million to 39 projects led by Jacobs School faculty, with a focus on removing inflammatory mediators from plasma and developing handheld gas analyzers for lung disease diagnosis. Researchers will also explore new materials and techniques for creating high-efficiency LEDs.
A study published in the Journal of Nonverbal Behavior found that couples in long-term relationships and self-proclaimed lovers were less accurate in identifying others' love levels. Despite their confidence, they often got it wrong twice as much as right.
A Dartmouth researcher uses Amazon.com book ratings and reviews to study literary tastes, finding patterns in how readers react to different books. The analysis reveals predictable regularities in taste, including high grades for classics and books with large fan bases.
The American Academy of Neurology has issued a new guideline recommending the use of corticosteroids, such as prednisone and deflazacort, to slow muscle deterioration in children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. These medications have been shown to improve muscle strength and function.
A structured group session improved quality of life, mood, and function in AMD patients after six months. The program also prevented depression cases and increased participants' confidence in their physical abilities.
Researchers at the University of Manchester are exploring the role of p63 in cleft palate development. By investigating how this protein works during normal development and how it is disrupted in cleft palate, the study aims to improve understanding of the condition and potential therapies.
A study found that rural stroke patients who received tPA treatment at small hospitals with phone support had outcomes similar to those treated on-site. The most notable result was the administration of tPA to 53 people who would not have otherwise received it.
Research suggests that statins can increase 'healthy' (non-amyloidogenic) cleavage of amyloid precursor protein (APP), potentially protecting against Alzheimer's disease. In a study, two different statins increased healthy cleavage of APP in mouse neuroblastoma cells.
A modeling study published in PLoS Medicine suggests that integrating HIV prevention and treatment efforts could prevent up to 10 million AIDS deaths in Africa by 2020, with a predicted 74% reduction in new infections and 50% decrease in annual mortality.
A study of 90 patients reveals 50% experienced delirium, with distinct clusters of symptoms including psychotic problems, cognitive impairment, and mood disturbance. Early recognition is crucial to prevent poor outcomes, as delirium can lead to increased risk of falls, infections, and mortality.
Syphilis symptoms and treatments are alluded to in Shakespeare's plays and poems, with Dr. John Ross suggesting mercury poisoning may have contributed to the Bard's death
Female insects can be deceived into accepting non-nutritious gifts, enabling cheating males to infiltrate genuine gift-giving male populations. This phenomenon suggests that males' sensory exploitation of female preferences may drive the evolution of worthless gift-giving behaviors.
A new device study shows spinal cord injury patients experiencing some degree of functional recovery after six months, with improved sensation and motor function recorded at one year. The oscillating field stimulator device has been shown to promote nerve fiber regeneration, offering a potential treatment option for severe injuries.
Researchers at UAlbany-CNSE have successfully created ferromagnetic silicon, which can maintain a permanent magnetic field above room temperature. This breakthrough has the potential to revolutionize spintronic devices, enabling faster and more efficient computing.
Scientists have identified key genes and gene regulation mechanisms in malaria parasites, which could lead to the development of new vaccines. The study's findings may help researchers understand when different genes switch on and off as the parasite metamorphoses through its complex life cycle.
Astronomers have discovered a massive debris disc surrounding the star Vega, indicating a chaotic process in planetary system evolution. The debris is thought to be the result of embryonic planets colliding and crashing into each other, creating ever-finer dust particles.
The NIH Pioneer Award program aims to support groundbreaking biomedical research through individual scientist awards, promoting diversity in the field. Eligible scientists can submit self-nominations until April 1, 2005, with funding up to $500,000 for five years.
The discovery reveals a quasar with an extreme redshift of 2.11 found within the center of an active spiral galaxy called NGC 7319. This finding casts doubt on the idea that quasars are extremely distant objects and could impact our understanding of cosmology.
A 20-year study at Columbia University Medical Center found that depression risk increases with each subsequent generation. Children from families with a two-generation history of depression are at high risk for developing anxiety disorders and experiencing more impairment as they age.
Astronomers have discovered that radio jets from black holes can trigger the collapse of interstellar clouds and induce star formation. The jets' collision with dense gas leads to the creation of new stars, bringing 'new life' to these systems.
Researchers at Temple University have discovered a new family of genes that could serve as a potential cancer marker. One form of the gene, NSP5a3a, is highly expressed in some tumor cell lines and may be useful for developing diagnostic tests and cancer therapies.
Dr. Du's research reveals that Bruce regulates p53 and the mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis, increasing cells' sensitivity to cell death. The findings have implications for treating certain tumors and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's disease.
Research found that total sleep time decreased as body mass index increased, except in severely obese individuals. Sleeping less than 16 minutes per day was associated with a lower BMI.
A new NCAR study reveals that rising temperatures are the primary cause of expanding droughts globally. The research found that almost half of the change in dry conditions since the 1970s is due to warming rather than decreased rainfall or snowfall.
A new gene vaccine has shown high efficacy in protecting mice against Her2/neu breast cancer, using a viral-vectored approach to stimulate a long-lasting immune response. The vaccine protected 86% of experimental mice from developing the disease.
Researchers found that a protein in plants plays a crucial role in controlling DNA doubling, which can lead to cancer cells. The study suggests that an error in the human counterpart of this protein could contribute to cancer development.
Researchers found that weight loss was significantly associated with incident dementia, regardless of confounding factors. The study suggests that monitoring weight change and nutritional state in people with dementia is crucial for prevention and minimization.