Researchers found that treated wood continues to leach arsenic into soil and rainwater runoff, posing significant environmental risks. The study's conclusions highlight the need for proper disposal methods for CCA-treated wood to prevent long-term contamination.
Minority patients, particularly African Americans, were less likely to receive inhaled steroid medications for asthma, with usage increasing only among African American patients. Children also faced barriers to access, reflecting the need for further studies on healthcare disparities.
Researchers have identified 23 microRNAs that are significantly altered in the cancerous tissue compared to normal samples, with three miRs dramatically overexpressed and forming a signature that predicts the presence of malignant tissue. The study provides evidence for the regulatory role of microRNA in thyroid cancer development.
A new study led by Duke University suggests that growing tree plantations to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere may trigger environmental changes that outweigh some of its benefits. The research found that these plantations would lead to water and nutrient depletion, increased soil salinity and acidity, and decreased stream flow.
Researchers developed a virtual reality system using 3D echocardiography to analyze heart defects. Ten heart specialists successfully diagnosed healthy and unhealthy hearts within minutes, showcasing the technology's potential for better understanding cardiac anatomy.
Researchers at NIST have submitted recommendations for standardized performance guidelines for thermal imagers used in six critical emergency situations, including locating victims and pinpointing fire sources. The proposed evaluation methods will improve the selection process for life-saving devices costing $10,000 each.
Researchers have identified a genetic factor leading to forehead and frontal bone malformations, which can cause severe craniofacial defects. A potential therapy using FGF supplements may help prevent these defects in embryos with missing TGF-beta genes.
Researchers discovered a bacterial protein that mimics a plant cell's programmed cell death (PCD) mechanism, rendering the pathogen harmless. The study sheds light on immunity and offers potential applications in controlling crop and human diseases.
A new study by McMaster University found a significant correlation between brain size and intelligence in women. In contrast, men's spatial ability was not strongly related to overall brain size. The study suggests that sex differences may play a role in cognitive processes.
Researchers discover that the narwhal's tusk, measuring up to 9 feet long, contains up to 10 million nerve pathways, allowing it to detect changes in temperature and pressure. The unique structure of the tusk, with softer outer layers, may serve as a shock absorber to prevent breaks.
Researchers developed a technique to record brain activity using BOLD signal while applying electrical microstimulation to the primate brain. The study found that activity patterns are larger than expected, reflecting functional spread via horizontal connections.
A study of 1627 patients found that 53% stopped treatment early, with 36% citing ineffective treatment or worsening symptoms. Patients who experienced an early response to medication were 80% more likely to complete treatment, highlighting the importance of early symptom control and discussing treatment expectations.
The Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) has awarded $14 million to 28 international researchers in the Baltics and Eastern Europe over a five-year term. The grants will support research in various fields, including neuroscience and infectious diseases, and provide resources for equipment, supplies, and training opportunities.
Studies on evolution at the genetic level revealed new insights into the human species' evolutionary history and potential for personalized medicine. Other research advances included planetary discovery, plant molecular biology, and a deeper understanding of neutron stars and climate change.
A study published in Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research found that genetic variations on chromosomes two and four may affect drinking behavior, potentially preceding alcoholism. The research team analyzed DNA from 158 families with a history of smoking to identify genes related to alcohol addiction.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine discovered that new neurons in the adult brain are excited by GABA, a chemical previously thought to inhibit signals. The findings may help increase neuron regeneration and improve connections between transplanted stem cells.
Researchers found that mice with half the normal amount of telomerase can't maintain their stem cells' chromosome ends, leading to early demise. The study suggests that inherited disease may be caused by inherited telomere length, not the status of the telomerase gene.
For the first time, researchers at Rice University have succeeded in creating and observing an elusive and long-sought quantum state. The team cooled a mixture of fermionic lithium-6 atoms to extremely low temperatures, allowing them to study superfluidity with precision.
The DOE JGI is accepting letters of intent for new CSP projects until January 13, 2006, with a focus on advancing the nation's energy security. The institute will prioritize proposals that translate genomic information into discoveries for developing cleaner domestic energy options.
A study by Karolinska Institutet found that alcohol consumption significantly increases the risk of violent behavior, with a 13.2-fold higher risk within 24 hours. Use of certain medications, such as benzodiazepines and antidepressants, was associated with a decreased risk of violence.
David Kingsley's work on stickleback populations shows major morphological changes are controlled by simple mechanisms. The study highlights the importance of evolutionary biology in understanding animal adaptation and aiding human health.
A study by Sean Polyn and colleagues used fMRI to track brain activity during memory retrieval, finding the 'bootstrapping' effect where recalling a part of a memory triggers associated memories. This technique could help treat brain disorders like Alzheimer's disease and guide creation of more self-sufficient artificial neural networks.
Cedars-Sinai researchers have developed a new delivery system that can effectively regulate therapeutic gene expression, overcoming obstacles in bringing genetic therapies to humans. The system allows for the flexibility to turn gene expression on or off, even in the presence of an immune response, making it a critical tool for treatin...
A study of 183 women with inactive or stable lupus found that taking oral contraceptives had no statistically significant difference in the occurrence of flares compared to those taking a placebo. Mild-to-moderate flares and disease complications were also similar between the two groups over a 12-month follow-up.
Researchers found that exposure to fine particle air pollution and a high-fat diet together contribute to the development of atherosclerosis in laboratory mice. The study suggests that even low concentrations of air pollution may accelerate the progression of atherosclerosis, particularly among those with risk factors.
Researchers developed a new method to study mental time travel by analyzing brain scanning data. They showed participants images and then asked them to recall what they had seen, using computerized pattern-recognition program to track brain activity patterns. The results suggest that memory retrieval is a form of mental time travel.
Scientists from the Max Planck Institute for Developmental Biology have discovered a feedback mechanism involving hormones and regulatory proteins that controls the number of stem cells in plants. The research sheds light on how plants maintain a balance between growth and cell proliferation, preventing stunted or uncontrolled growth.
Researchers at McMaster University have successfully sequenced the woolly mammoth genome, providing a new understanding of evolution and allowing for the potential recreation of extinct hybrid animals. The discovery has significant implications for fields such as conservation and genetics.
The Fluarix clinical study demonstrated the vaccine's ability to induce protective antibodies, making it a promising tool in bolstering flu vaccine supply. The successful collaboration between academia, industry, and government agencies enabled the rapid development of the vaccine.
Researchers found that deleting or over-expressing the lin-4 microRNA in C. elegans worm resulted in a shorter or longer lifespan, respectively. This study suggests an intrinsic biological clock regulates both organ development and aging.
Conifers like Christmas trees survive due to efficient microscopic valves that allow water flow as easily as in flowering trees. The study found resistance to water flow was only 1.2 times greater in conifers, enabling them to dominate forests despite their shorter pipes.
Florida emergency physician groups provide substantial uncompensated care, ranging from 26 to 79 percent. The study suggests that the increasing number of uninsured patients is a significant contributor to this trend.
Researchers at Carnegie Institution found that Earth's mantle separated into chemically distinct layers faster and earlier than previously believed. The layering happened within 30 million years of the solar system's formation, revising the standard model of the geochemical evolution of the Earth.
Yale is establishing an online library for developing countries to access peer-reviewed scientific literature. The project aims to increase the ability of scientists in underdeveloped nations to conduct high-quality research and develop educational programs.
Researchers found that women have a similar risk of overall mortality and sudden cardiac death following a heart attack as men. ICD therapy reduced mortality risk in both genders, with benefits estimated at 43% for women and 34% for men, according to the re-analysis of the MADIT II study.
Researchers discovered a connection between iNOS and COX-2 pathways, enabling the development of new anti-inflammatory agents. Drugs that block these bindings may reduce side effects of COX-2 inhibitors, offering a safer form of therapy.
Researchers at McMaster University have discovered 'light echoes' of ancient supernovae, providing a unique opportunity to study the original light from these events. This finding sheds new light on our understanding of the universe and its elements.
Researchers discovered that macrophages secreting a specific enzyme trigger the rupture of unstable plaques in arteries, leading to cardiovascular events. The study suggests targeting this enzyme may help stabilize precarious plaques and reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Researchers found that male Asian elephants release different enantiomer ratios of frontalin, a pheromone, depending on their age and stage of musth. These ratios elicit varying responses in female elephants and other males, allowing them to distinguish maturity and reproductive phase.
Researchers found that expressing active MMP-9 in macrophages within atherosclerotic plaques leads to their rupture, causing blood clots and reduced blood flow. Additionally, the inactivation of focal adhesion kinase in cardiomyocytes promotes eccentric cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis in mice.
A new study suggests that the animal family tree looks fuzzy because early evolution occurred in clusters, making it difficult to reconstruct relationships. Scientists used DNA data to try to generate a clear picture of the tree, but instead found a bush with many branches sprouting close together.
The NIST Mass Spectra Library has been upgraded with approximately 20,000 new spectra, increasing the total number of compounds to over 163,000. The new library includes gas-phase retention index data for volatile organic compounds and tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) spectra.
A study published in Neuron found that stimulating brain cells increases Aß levels, while blocking neuronal activity decreases them. Cognitive activity may also affect Aß plaque levels.
Researchers have identified genome sequences for three species of Aspergillus fungus, shedding light on their role in disease and potential for new treatments. The findings may help develop diagnostic tests and prevent allergies and diseases like pneumonia and sinusitis.
Curtis Marean aims to reconstruct ancient ecological factors influencing human evolution and understand the future implications for modern humans. He believes a team-based approach will provide more fruitful research than traditional specialist work.
Researchers discovered that light-sensing retinal ganglion cells are active and functioning at birth, surprising the developmental timeline of the mouse retina. The cells react to light in two ways, sending messages to parts of the brain controlling circadian rhythms and visual development.
Researchers used molecular imaging to detect atherosclerotic plaques likely to rupture in experimental rabbit models. The study found that dietary modification and statin therapy can decrease apoptosis and stabilize plaques, supporting the paradigm of prevention over treatment for coronary artery disease.
Researchers found that increased brain cell activity drives up levels of amyloid beta, a key ingredient in Alzheimer's plaques. Corresponding drops in amyloid beta levels occurred when brain cells' ability to send messages was dampened or blocked completely.
The Canon National Parks Science Scholars Program has inducted its ninth class of students, who will conduct research on critical scientific problems affecting national parks. The program awards scholarships to support graduate students' education and research expenses for three years.
Researchers found that participants who were primed with thoughts of death were more likely to vote for John Kerry, while those who thought about their own mortality were more likely to support George W. Bush. The study suggests that mortality salience can influence political preference and worldview defense mechanisms.
Rutgers researchers found a strong correlation between dance quality and body symmetry in Jamaican teenagers. The study used motion-capture technology to isolate dance movements and evaluated dancers' abilities based on their peers' ratings.
Research shows that tight glucose control significantly reduces heart disease and damage to the eyes, nerves, and kidneys in people with type 1 diabetes. The study found a 42% lower risk of cardiovascular events and a 58% lower risk of serious events like heart attacks or strokes.
A study by UCSF researchers found that medical students with early warning signs of unprofessional behavior were nearly nine times more likely to be disciplined as practicing physicians. The study recommends reviewing medical school admissions and graduation standards to include explicit language about professional behavior.
Researchers propose a three-step process for cancer development, where epigenetic changes occur first, followed by genetic mutations. This new understanding may lead to earlier detection and treatment of cancer, similar to cholesterol-lowering drugs preventing heart disease.
Researchers at Kent State University reveal that all LCD surfaces align parallel to anisotropic surface roughness. The study reveals new insights into the structure and behavior of liquid crystals on various glass substrates.
Researchers solved the structure of a water-protein channel in plants and found that specific residues control the opening of the channel. The study could lead to new agricultural techniques and pharmaceuticals targeting aquaporin proteins.
Scientists conducted precise tests of Einstein's famous formula, confirming the relationship between energy and mass. The experiments used instruments like GAMS4 to measure gamma rays diffracted by crystals, achieving accuracy of four-tenths of 1 part in 1 million.
Researchers discovered that Francisella tularensis can bypass the immune system's sensors and only triggers a response once inside a monocyte. This finding may lead to better treatments for diseases like tuberculosis and the plague. Understanding how the human immune system reacts to F. tularensis could provide new avenues for treatment.
A study found that informational campaigns alone may not be enough to increase participation in cancer clinical trials among black and Asian American patients. Lack of awareness about trial costs being covered by insurance is a significant barrier to participation, especially among those with lower incomes and education levels.
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have developed an antibody therapy that successfully targets and kills cancer cells in laboratory models of neuroblastoma. The treatment, which combines antibodies with immune system cells, has shown promise for treating low initial tumor levels or small cancer cell populations.