A double-blind trial found that buprenorphine combined with behavioral interventions was significantly more efficacious in treating opioid-dependent adolescents than clonidine. The study also showed that 72% of teens who received buprenorphine were retained in treatment, compared to 39% of those given clonidine.
Scientists discover that constant stimulation of antigens is necessary to maintain anergy in self-reactive B cells, which can lead to autoimmune diseases. The study suggests that pro-inflammatory products or bacterial infections may trigger the loss of anergy and activate these cells.
The study classified duplicate pairs of genes involved in yeast metabolism into four functional categories: back-up, subfunctionalization, regulation, and gene dosage. These mechanisms play a substantial role in maintaining duplicate genes in the genome.
Researchers identify 64 genes used to separate breast cancer patients with good and poor prognoses. The technique of DNA microarray analysis could help predict patient response to adjuvant therapy, avoiding unnecessary treatments.
Researchers have discovered a novel T helper cell type, called THi cells, that produce the potent cytokine IL-17 and are responsible for initiating chronic inflammation and autoimmunity. The study's findings suggest that targeting these cells could lead to effective treatments for inflammatory diseases such as arthritis and asthma.
Researchers identified genetic signatures that predicted patient prognosis and response to treatment, outperforming existing clinical markers. The technique of DNA microarray analysis holds promise for developing new prediction methods, sparing patients from unnecessary treatments.
A synthetic pheromone has been found to effectively control Great Lakes lamprey populations by attracting them to traps and sterilizing males. The pheromone, PADS, was isolated after 15 years of research and is expected to be environmentally friendly and less expensive than current methods.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University identified a genetic mutation in the Stratifin gene that causes abnormal skin development and cancer in mice. The study found that mice with the mutation developed severe skin defects, including cyclical hair loss and skin cancer late in life.
A recent study has found that patients who are obese at age 40 and experience rapid weight gain have a higher risk of prostate cancer recurrence. The research, published by the American Association for Cancer Research, suggests that men who gained an average of three and a half pounds per year are more likely to experience biochemical ...
Experts from the American Institute of Biological Sciences assess dredge-and-fill programs to protect coastlines, highlighting flaws in current practices. The studies aim to identify areas for improvement and promote more effective ecological monitoring.
A study of 526 prostate cancer patients suggests that a man's body mass at different ages and adult weight gain can predict the risk of progression after surgery. Researchers found that obese men and those who gained weight quickly experienced biochemical failure more often.
The Phase II study showed that FTY720 reduced annualized relapse rates by at least 50% during the first six months and maintained this rate for an additional six-month extension. Patients who switched to FTY720 after six months experienced a reduction of at least 70% in their annualized relapse rate compared to placebo.
Researchers studied over 450 women with family histories of breast cancer to understand their soy product use. Key findings include that nearly half of the women consume soy products and believe they may reduce cancer risk, while others cite taste preferences or difficulties in preparation.
Researchers found that adult stem cell therapy significantly improves recovery of motor function and balance in an animal model of cerebral palsy. The treatment, which involves injecting stem cells directly into the brain, showed a 20% reduction in favoring the unaffected side and a 25% improvement in balance.
Researchers at Purdue University have developed a method to detect trace quantities of hazardous materials, including explosives, on surfaces such as luggage and skin. The portable device can analyze samples within seconds, making it potentially useful for security screening in public places.
Researchers at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility report the synthesis of a new material, MIL-101, with very large internal pores and high surface area. The novel metal organic framework material has potential applications in chemical separation, heterogeneous catalysis, gas storage, and more.
The study reveals that Rnf6 targets LIMK1 for degradation, controlling actin dynamics and axonal growth. Changes in Rnf6 levels can be restored by compensatory changes in LIMK1 expression.
Researchers found that endomorphin 1, a natural painkiller, had no effect on chronic arthritis pain. The study suggests the need for alternative pain management strategies for long-term arthritis sufferers.
Researchers studied iron-sulfur proteins called rubredoxin, which play a crucial role in processes like photosynthesis and respiration. By analyzing the strength of hydrogen bonds in different variants of the protein, they were able to explain changes in protein function and predict its behavior.
The 2005 Science survey identified top biopharma employers, based on 1,566 survey responses from readers of Science and other selected respondents. The rankings were determined using a mathematical process that took into account 42 specific characteristics or attributes in seven categories.
Night-time hemodialysis patients showed comparable cardiovascular measures to healthy patients, with restored endothelial progenitor cell biology and improved blood pressure. This therapy may address high cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in end-stage renal disease patients.
Climate models predict a rapid increase in global temperatures and sea level rise of up to 30cm, with severe consequences for agriculture, ecosystems, and extreme weather events. The study also highlights the impact of human activity on the climate, fuelling global warming.
The Virginia Tech team has refined and tested their vehicles, Cliff and Rocky, for the DARPA Grand Challenge. The vehicles will navigate a 150-mile course in the Mojave Desert with no human intervention.
Researchers identified a novel syndrome marked by rapid cartilage debonding and stripping away from bone in an affected family. The condition causes joints to be exceptionally susceptible to shattering, despite being diagnosed with various disorders in the past.
An international team of researchers suggests that people at high risk of contracting HIV should take daily antiretroviral medication as a preventative measure. This approach, known as PrEP, has been shown promise in clinical trials and is seen as a crucial strategy to combat the ongoing pandemic.
The UW-Madison MRSEC center will focus on designing materials with controlled chemical functionality and physical properties, enabling new sensors and cell differentiation capabilities. The center's interdisciplinary approach brings together experts from various departments to advance nanotechnology research and technology transfer.
Researchers have developed a new approach to predicting flooding in the West, combining computer simulations with satellite imagery and field data. The method provides more accurate hazard information and could have significant economic impacts on rapidly growing Southwest cities.
Researchers found that cocoa flavonoids can bind to and inhibit CFTR, a protein in the intestines that regulates fluid secretion. This discovery could lead to natural treatments for diarrhea that are inexpensive and have few side effects.
The study provides conclusive evidence for the activation model of dosage compensation in flies, revealing that MSL upregulates X-linked genes twofold in males. This finding resolves a longstanding debate and highlights the importance of fine-tuning gene expression.
Researchers aim to identify genes underlying Alzheimer's disease to develop drugs for treatment or prevention. The study will focus on protein amyloid production and processing, a known factor in the disease.
A study by Duke physicists suggests that climate models of global warming need to be corrected for the effects of changes in solar activity. The researchers found that the sun may have minimally contributed about 10 to 30 percent of the 1980-2002 global surface warming.
Gleevec has been found to reverse lung vascular remodeling and pulmonary hypertension in experimental models. Larger clinical trials are planned to test its safety and effectiveness.
Researchers have calculated the math behind nearly weightless water walkers' ability to scale water walls several times their height. Tiny obstacles, such as leaves on streams or stones on riverbanks, pose an invisible challenge to these creatures.
The National Children's Study will follow over 100,000 children from birth to age 21 to examine the impact of environmental factors on child health. The study aims to improve the lives of children in Queens and inform child health guidance and policy nationwide.
Satellites have recorded a significant loss in Arctic sea ice extent, with the minimum concentration reaching 2.05 million sq. miles in 2005. The decline is attributed to warming trends and climate changes, which are expected to continue due to projected Arctic warming.
Despite nationwide efforts, only two-thirds of women ages 18-45 are taking folic acid supplements daily. The March of Dimes calls for increased grain fortification and multivitamin use to reduce neural tube defects.
Massachusetts General Hospital has been designated as a Specialized Center for Cell-Based Therapy for Heart, Lung and Blood Diseases. The center aims to develop new ways of regenerating or repairing damaged tissues using stem cell biology and tissue engineering.
Researchers observed western gorillas using sticks to test water depth and create a bridge in the wild. This discovery provides valuable insights into the evolution of tool usage in great apes and their abilities.
Scientists used transcranial magnetic stimulation to study brain activity during deep sleep, finding that regions of the cerebral cortex become functionally disconnected. This suggests that consciousness depends on the integration of information across different brain areas.
The future of medicine is shifting towards personal digital assistants (PDAs) that merge functionality into one device. Dr. Daniel C. Baumgart argues that PDAs can change the way healthcare is delivered by integrating information exchange, making it more versatile, customizable, and portable.
Research using real-time surveillance data found that preschoolers lead influenza epidemics, spreading the disease to vulnerable groups. The study suggests shifting immunization focus from high-risk individuals to those who are transmitting the disease.
Italian scientist Boncinelli is recognized for his ability to cover multiple disciplines in his books. He finds balance between scientific facts and a social context. A Russian scientist, Dr. Alexander Vershinin, receives an additional prize for his education initiative promoting marine life knowledge among children.
A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial found that chromium picolinate supplementation significantly reduced carbohydrate cravings and improved symptoms of atypical depression. The study suggests that chromium picolinate may be beneficial for patients with severe carbohydrate craving, a characteristic symptom of the disorder.
Researchers find that HIV in the temporal lobe mutates rapidly, triggering an immune response that causes dementia. The study suggests targeting infected white blood cells could lead to new treatments for HIV-related brain damage, affecting up to 15% of infected individuals worldwide.
A study published in the British Journal of Psychiatry found that pathological liars have a surplus of white matter and a deficit of gray matter in their brains. This suggests they have more tools to lie but fewer moral restraints than normal people.
Researchers have developed a method to enhance the responsiveness of Stat1 protein, allowing for more efficient interferon signaling. This could lead to improved therapeutic benefits and reduced side effects for patients with hepatitis C, multiple sclerosis, and other conditions.
A new study from Uganda found that pregnant women are at a higher risk of acquiring HIV, with rates of 2.3% per year during pregnancy compared to 1.3% during breastfeeding and 1.1% for non-pregnant women. The research suggests hormonal changes may contribute to this increased risk.
Researchers at Sanford Burnham Prebys have visualized the 3D representation of myosin V 'walking' along actin filament, a key protein involved in motility and muscle contraction. This study provides detailed molecular knowledge of how myosin interacts with actin through the hydrolysis cycle.
A new study using real-time MRI reveals improved tools for evaluating heart disease in fetuses. This advanced imaging technique provides three-dimensional measurements of the fetal heart's volume and function, allowing doctors to plan more effective care before birth.
Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have made a breakthrough in understanding gene regulation by opening the O-box, a previously inaccessible region of genes. This discovery has significant implications for the development of new therapies and treatments.
The prevalence of drug-resistant gonorrhoea is increasing in South Africa, with reports of treatment failure coinciding with the emergence of ciprofloxacin-resistant isolates. The country's health department has been urged to take action and conduct nationwide surveillance to assess the extent of the problem.
In a study published in Science, researchers found that female barn swallows prefer males with darker breast and belly feathers, which signal high quality and health. This dynamic and continual process allows females to assess potential mates daily, influencing the evolution of showy ornamental traits.
Research suggests that increased oxygen levels in Earth's atmosphere led to the emergence of large placental mammals, including massive sloths and saber-toothed cats. The study, published in Science journal, uses deep-sea core samples to track changes in oxygen content over 205 million years.
A team of researchers has developed a new theory explaining how electrons interact with molecules, revealing unexpected transport channels. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient molecular transmission and the development of molecular switches.
Portal hypertension affects blood flow into the liver, causing high pressure that can lead to bleeding and death. Researchers identified a cellular mechanism leading to reduced nitric oxide production, which can be restored by reducing GRK2 protein production.
This study shows that expressed attitudes can be modified by providing consensus information about the beliefs of others. The researchers found that a peer group's influence is more significant than a non-associated group in shaping attitudes towards obesity.
Researchers designed a new cyclen-based receptor that strongly binds the fluorescent dye pyranine under near-physiological conditions. The assay enhances the evaluation of developmental drug compounds' properties, improving the development of safer drugs.
Scientists at Vanderbilt University Medical Center discovered compounds secreted by frog skin can selectively kill HIV without harming T cells. The findings hold promise for developing new treatments and vaccines against the virus.
Beta-glucan, a soluble fiber found in oat kernels, has been shown to penetrate the skin naturally, promoting wound healing and reducing scarring. The compound works through the inter-cellular lipid matrix to enter lower levels of the skin, making it a potential alternative to Botox for non-invasive treatments.
Key findings highlight the importance of early community involvement, clear communication, and local infrastructure development in HIV pre-exposure chemoprophylaxis research. The commentary advocates for partnerships between sponsors, investigators, communities, and governments to build trust and achieve successful research outcomes.