The newly discovered planet, orbiting Gliese 876, is the smallest and first rocky terrestrial planet found around a normal star. Its surface temperature may be too hot for life as we know it due to its close proximity to the star.
The Burnham Institute has been awarded $13 million by the NIH to develop novel nanotechnology solutions for diagnosing and treating heart disease. The program aims to target vulnerable plaque, which can rupture and cause cardiac issues, with innovative nano-devices and self-assembling polymers.
Strong social attachments are associated with lower IL-6 levels, reduced mortality risk, and better quality of life among women with advanced ovarian cancer. Women with weak social connections have higher IL-6 levels, which promotes tumor growth and disease progression.
Researchers have developed a new technique to produce infectious human papillomavirus (HPV) in the lab, over 1,000 times faster than existing methods. This breakthrough could lead to new antiviral drugs and enhanced vaccines that target early stages of infection.
A cancer drug has been found to control levels of a hormone receptor protein in the womb, which is linked with giving birth. The study, funded by Action Medical Research, aims to assess whether the drug can be used to prevent premature birth.
The study found that 7.2% of the general population reported RLS symptoms, with women experiencing twice as high frequency of symptoms as men. Quality of life was significantly impacted, with RLS sufferers reporting lower scores than the general population.
Scientists investigated Antarctic icebergs' detachment from the main continental ice sheet, finding that ice fracturing occurs in episodes and may be tied to seasonal changes. The studies used satellite data, GPS equipment, and seismometers to monitor rifts on East Antarctica's Amery Ice Shelf.
A new study at the University of Wisconsin-Madison has streamlined a method for making large quantities of human papillomavirus, a major human pathogen. The technique allows scientists to culture any of the virus's 100 subtypes and genetically manipulate it, enabling faster development of therapeutic drugs and new vaccines.
Researchers discovered that EGFR interacts with STAT3 in the cell nucleus, leading to increased expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and a new transcriptional mechanism in human cancers. This interaction provides a potential target for anticancer therapies against EGFR, STAT3, and iNOS/NO.
A new method of controlling blood levels of calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs) improves the success of liver transplants by reducing variation and toxicity. The four-step process increases CNI levels within target ranges from 50% to 80% in patients.
A study of pediatrician attitudes towards childhood obesity found that many felt unconfident in their ability to treat the condition, with a scarcity of educational materials and personal biases being major factors. Despite this, nearly half of overweight pediatricians did not identify themselves as such.
The June 2005 issue of Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment highlights various ecological concerns, including Chesapeake Bay tributary restoration, community recovery after disturbances, and threats to marine species. Researchers also explore the nutrition link between pathogens and infected hosts.
A 13-member expert panel recommends that school-age children engage in at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity daily. This is based on a review of over 850 articles and 1,200 abstracts, which found that shorter periods of activity may not be enough to achieve similar benefits.
The Mayan 'royal lady' bee is on the brink of extinction as its traditional propagation method is lost. The authors propose a conservation strategy involving step-by-step instructions for basic stingless beekeeping, aiming to revive this vital pollinator.
Research suggests that obese women with breast cancer are more likely to receive reduced doses of adjuvant chemotherapy, leading to poorer outcomes. The study analyzed data from 9,672 women and found that 37% of severely obese patients received a dose reduction of at least 10%, compared to 20% of obese patients.
A new study finds that tobacco smoke exposure is responsible for most premature cancer deaths among African-American males, with Southern and Midwestern states showing greater burdens due to weaker tobacco control policies. The study suggests that strengthening tobacco control measures can help reduce these deaths.
Researchers have developed a process to convert recyclable plastic into high-quality lubricating oil, which can assist auto manufacturers in meeting mandated fuel economy specifications. The production of this oil is expected to be used commercially overseas, primarily in the Middle East.
Researchers found that subjects following a frozen-entree diet lost more weight and experienced greater satiety due to automatic portion control. In contrast, those following the food pyramid diet struggled with estimating daily calorie intake, leading to less effective weight loss.
Researchers at the University of Florida have successfully generated brain cells in a dish, a breakthrough that could lead to new treatments for neurological disorders. The discovery identifies the true stem cell, which can be used to produce a limitless supply of brain cells to potentially heal damaged brain function.
Researchers found that obesity and smoking accelerate aging by reducing telomere length, which decreases steadily with age. Smokers experience an average of 4.6 years of accelerated aging, while obese individuals see an additional 8.8 years of age loss compared to lean women.
A new study published in New England Journal of Medicine shows that treatment for mild gestational diabetes reduces maternal glucose levels and improves health outcomes for both mothers and babies. The ACHOIS trial, the largest of its kind, recruited 1000 women and 1030 babies from Australia and the UK.
A new family of catfish, Lacantuniidae, has been identified with a unique skeletal structure that sets it apart from other catfish families. The discovery sheds light on the evolutionary history of ancient fish species and their potential connections to dinosaurs.
A study of 216 prematurely born children found reduced distance and near visual acuities compared to full-term children. Two percent were visually impaired, and 5.3% had low visual acuity after treatment for retinopathy of prematurity or cryotherapy.
A report describes four transplant recipients who contracted rabies from a common donor, demonstrating the risk of transmission through solid organ transplantation. The cases highlight the importance of considering rabies diagnosis in rapidly progressive neurological diseases.
A study by Oxford Scientists found that climate envelope models are poor at predicting biodiversity changes, with only a 50% success rate in agreeing on direction of change. Using multiple models, however, can increase accuracy to over 75%. This approach may provide a solution for improving environmental policy making.
Researchers discovered that diabetic retinopathy occurs in people with pre-diabetes, suggesting eye changes may begin earlier than previously thought. Regular eye exams and good blood sugar control are recommended to prevent vision loss.
The New Horizons spacecraft has been shipped from the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory to NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center for pre-launch tests. Engineers have tested the probe's structural integrity using a vibration test lab, simulating the energetic ride it would encounter during liftoff.
A new expert panel recommends that children spend at least an hour a day in moderate to vigorous physical activity. This can be achieved through appropriate school programs, parental influence, and community support.
A leading researcher is presenting data on a new infertility drug that has shown promising results in reducing miscarriage rates in mice. The drug, PV903, contains an active ingredient found in semen and aims to instruct the mother's immune system to tolerate the fetus.
The researchers created 'nanobarcodes' that can be read by computer scanners or observed under fluorescent light microscopes, allowing for the simultaneous identification of multiple pathogens. The technology has potential applications in genomic research, clinical diagnosis, and environmental monitoring.
SC Johnson's donation will help conserve 7.5 acres of forest and reduce deforestation in Madagascar. The partnership aims to mitigate climate change and preserve biodiversity through sustainable agriculture and ecosystem services.
A multi-disciplinary team, led by UCSB professors, aims to develop novel technologies to diagnose and treat heart disease. The team will focus on creating nano-delivery vehicles, molecular nano-stents, and bio-nanoelectromechanical systems (BioNEMS) to target vulnerable plaque.
Researchers found that a vaccine targeting TRP-2 improves chemotherapy sensitivity in brain tumors. The study showed significant improvements in patient survival and tumor response rates compared to conventional treatments.
A recent study found that states with stricter child support enforcement have significantly fewer unmarried births, suggesting that tougher laws may make men more reluctant to become unwed fathers. The study's results suggest a 17-20% reduction in out-of-wedlock births if all 50 states implemented effective enforcement measures.
A new study models phosphorus loading into Lake Mendota, finding that the buildup of phosphorus in soils is likely to be the source of serious chronic environmental problems for hundreds of years. The research suggests that restoring water quality is unlikely unless soil erosion is greatly reduced and new technologies are developed.
Researchers found that women with high intakes of vitamin D and calcium from food sources had a significantly lower risk of developing PMS. The study suggests that a high intake of these nutrients may reduce the risk of PMS and could be beneficial for younger women as well.
International Commissions and the Power of Ideas examines the impact of commissions on global governance and policy, with a focus on individual commission's character and record. The book provides a comprehensive analysis of commissions' role in creating action plans and shaping mind-body of global governance.
Researchers have created a method to monitor RNA synthesis and promoter activity in real-time within a single living cell. This breakthrough could help understand the role of RNA molecules in controlling gene expression and may lead to new discoveries in drug development and biology.
A study of 1500 men with locally confined prostate cancer found that delaying radiation therapy did not affect overall survival, disease-specific survival, or treatment failure rates. This research provides reassurance for patients considering delayed treatment, allowing them to make informed decisions.
Researchers found teen-age boys with Type 1 diabetes have significantly higher intima-media thickness than those without the disease, indicating greater atherosclerosis progression. Smoking and poor glucose control are key risk factors for cardiovascular disease in this population.
Researchers at the University of Iowa have discovered a new vaccination strategy that dramatically speeds up the immunization process by greatly reducing the required 'lag time' between initial vaccination and booster shots. This finding has important implications for immunotherapy, where developing immunity fast is critical.
A novel technique developed by Stanford researchers allows scientists to distinguish between possible cancer-causing genes and those that are harmless. Mutations in the PI3K gene were found to be a primary driver of melanoma, while a mutation in the B-Raf gene did not cause cancer despite being commonly associated with the disease.
Researchers at UT Southwestern discovered that microRNA miR-1 targets the mRNA of the gene Hand2, a key regulator of heart formation. This fine-tuning allows proper heart muscle development and may aid in understanding congenital heart disease.
Researchers generated human skin tissue with cancer-associated genes to study melanoma development. They found that specific gene combinations, such as Ras and hTERT, induced invasive melanoma growth in human tissue.
Researchers found that variations in four genes controlling inflammation are associated with insulin resistance in Mexican Americans. These findings may enable physicians to identify patients at high risk for developing diabetes and design therapies targeting these genes.
Researchers found that taking pioglitazone for three years significantly reduced the risk of developing type 2 diabetes in women who had previously had gestational diabetes. This is promising news for preventing and treating type 2 diabetes, as it may help stabilize beta-cell function.
A cross-sectional study of 2,162 men found that 38.7% had low testosterone levels and 23% had a history of diabetes. Men with diabetes and low T were 2.09 times more likely to have hypogonadism, a condition characterized by low testosterone production.
A study found that ACTOS reduced inflammation markers CRP and IL-6, improving glycemic control in patients with stable blood sugar levels. Treatment with ACTOS resulted in significant decreases in these markers compared to placebo.
A study of 580 women found that nearly half experienced persistent lymphedema, a condition causing fluid buildup in arms and hands. Lymphedema affects quality of life, requiring lifestyle changes such as compression garments.
Researchers used genetic engineering techniques to develop mice with overexpressed PKC-beta 2, demonstrating its role in the progression of diabetic kidney disease. The study found that albumin levels were tenfold higher and oxidative stress three times higher in these mice compared to normal mice.
A new study demonstrated add-on effects of ACTOS on diabetic dyslipidemia, reducing triglycerides and increasing HDL cholesterol. Patients with type 2 diabetes who switched from Avandia to ACTOS showed significant improvements in lipid levels, regardless of age or gender.
Research linking obesity and asthma suggests that weight loss can reduce eotaxin levels, a key inflammatory mediator. The study found that obese patients experienced significant reductions in eotaxin levels after losing weight, offering new hope for treating debilitating asthma symptoms.
Researchers discovered that macrophages in the innate immune system may play a role in Alzheimer's development. They found that healthy individuals can clear amyloid-beta, but Alzheimer's patients' macrophages struggle with this task.
A Joslin study finds that maintaining a controlled diet and preventing weight gain can prevent the development of glucose intolerance in individuals born with low birth weight. The researchers observed improved insulin sensitivity and reduced risk of diabetes in mice on calorie-restricted diets compared to those allowed to eat freely.
Researchers from Johns Hopkins report that the band leader controlling DNA copying also brings the jam session to a close, intricately connecting the two processes. This discovery sheds light on the development of immune system cancers.
The NIH/National Library of Medicine (NLM) will administer a new public health information expert training program, funded by the $3.68 million grant. The program aims to develop more public health professionals skilled in applying computer technology to enhance their work.
A recent study published in The Lancet suggests that early treatment with antiepileptic drugs may not provide significant long-term benefits for patients with infrequent seizures. In fact, the trial found that delayed medication did not increase the risk of chronic epilepsy or improve quality of life.
Deep-sea organisms rely on 'sinkers', discarded mucus nets of larvaceans, as a vital food source. Researchers found that these cast-off 'houses' carry large amounts of detritus and tiny animals towards the seafloor.
Researchers have identified ERG as the first proto-oncogene commonly overexpressed in early-phase prostate cancer, providing a promising target for diagnosis and treatment. The study also found correlations between ERG expression and PSA recurrence-free survival of prostate cancer patients after radical prostatectomy.
At the DoD 'Era of Hope' breast cancer meeting, Vanderbilt-Ingram researchers presented their groundbreaking research on various aspects of breast cancer, including tumor microenvironment, diagnostic imaging, and biological pathways. The conference brought together a diverse group of researchers to share their work and collaborate with...