Researchers at North Carolina State University discovered a link between dinosaurs and living birds by finding medullary bone in a T. rex fossil, indicating the dinosaur was female and likely producing eggs. The presence of this tissue provides an objective means of sexing dinosaurs.
Researchers develop vaccine targeting the local tumor microenvironment to improve systemic anti-tumor immunity in metastatic melanoma patients. The study shows promising results with partial responses and improved survival rates in some patients.
DOE JGI scientists have overcome major challenges to sequence DNA from ancient cave bear specimens, yielding 40,000-year-old genomic data. The breakthrough enables comparison with modern brown bears and polar bears, shedding light on human predecessors.
Researchers found that disabling a specific gene in fruit flies causes premature maturation, leading to small and misshapen adults. This study provides insight into the genetic mechanisms controlling human development from childhood to adolescence.
Scientists at the University of Michigan have discovered a bacterium that can live on toluene as its sole source of carbon and energy. This discovery holds promise for cleaning up environmental pollutants, particularly in oxygen-scarce environments where toluene can cause problems.
A study published in Journal of Consumer Research reveals how consumers evaluate an experience by drawing connections between positive and negative events. The research suggests that people find comfort in ambivalence when a bad experience is compared immediately to a good one, providing valuable insights for marketing professionals.
Researchers have discovered a new strategy used by TB bacteria to resist fluoroquinolone antibiotics, which are often ineffective against multi-drug-resistant TB. The discovery also reveals that other disease-causing bacteria, such as Shigella and E. coli, have developed similar resistance mechanisms.
States that set higher Medicaid payment rates can enhance the program's attractiveness to potential employees, but moderate rate increases have a limited impact on access and use. Reducing fees by five to ten percent may also be an option when state budgets tighten without serious negative consequences.
The Millennium Simulation uses sophisticated modeling techniques to recreate evolutionary histories for 20 million galaxies and supermassive black holes. The simulation demonstrates that a few massive black holes can form early enough to account for rare quasars, and provides a new tool for understanding the nature of dark energy.
Researchers found that credit card practices define consumption lifestyles and facilitate their attainment through consumption. However, some practices impede consumers from achieving desired lifestyles.
A study found that exposure to aircraft noise impairs reading comprehension in children, with a 5-decibel change causing delays of up to 2 months. Road traffic noise improved recall memory, but increased exposure to both types of noise led to stress and reduced quality of life.
Researchers found that Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms develop faster in the presence of neutrophils, which are sent to fight infections. The biofilms become resistant to antibiotics and the immune system, leading to chronic lung damage and death.
A study by Moreau and Dahl found that input constraints encourage creative processing in consumers, particularly when time is not a significant factor. The researchers discovered that under pressure, individuals tap into their creative side through consumerism, leading to innovative solutions.
A new combination vaccine for diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis has been found to be effective in providing immunity against whooping cough, with minimal adverse reactions. The vaccine is composed of four protein fragments from the pertussis bacterium and is comparable to existing vaccines in terms of immune response and safety.
Researchers developed a simple test to quantify loss of lubrication after knee injury, which has important implications for preventing osteoarthritis. The study found that lubricin completely disappeared from rabbits in three weeks and greater friction was observed in patients with injured knees.
Researchers found environmental toxins can alter animal genes, causing heritable diseases in multiple generations. The study suggests a role for environmental impacts in evolution, potentially impacting diseases like breast cancer and prostate disease.
Researchers explore how consumers construct their perceptions of self through loved possessions and activities. These objects play a crucial role in creating a coherent identity narrative, as they symbolically demarcate boundaries between the self and rejected identities.
Researchers have developed a new technique that allows for the creation of complex patterns in nano-electronics using self-assembling materials. This breakthrough enables the production of complex nano-electronic devices with non-regular geometries, which is crucial for advancing computer architecture by Moore's Law.
Physicists at NIST have demonstrated single photon detectors with an 88% efficiency, a significant improvement over previous designs. The detectors use a tungsten film chilled to near-absolute zero and are expected to enable reliable quantum communications systems.
Researchers at Ohio State University found that plants have a dual defense system against pathogens, using both PAMP and R-protein pathways. The study reveals that these pathways work together to provide stronger immune responses, allowing plants to resist infections more effectively.
This study found that consumers overestimate the impact of negative external cues and underweight positive cues when they are inconsistent. The relationship between positive and negative product cues is strongest when abundant intrinsic attribute information is present, suggesting a moderating effect on consumer judgments.
Researchers found that African-American girls consistently ate breakfast less frequently than white girls, and that those who skipped breakfast had lower body mass index and lower fiber and calcium intakes. The study suggests that skipping breakfast may predispose adolescent girls to diets that are inadequate in these essential nutrients.
A home-based physical activity program increased physical activity levels and improved fitness among breast cancer survivors. Participants reported reduced fatigue, increased vigor, and improved body image after 12 weeks of counseling via weekly phone calls and mail-delivered tip sheets.
A new study published in the Journal of Applied Physiology found that short bursts of high-intensity exercise can improve muscle health and endurance capacity similar to traditional endurance training. The study showed a significant increase in citrate synthase, an enzyme indicating tissue oxygen utilization, in trained subjects.
A study published in Obstetrics & Gynecology found that high malpractice premiums are affecting the supply of obstetricians, particularly in states with the highest costs. Researchers found a significant increase in births-per-junior fellow in high-premium states compared to low-premium states.
The Millennium Run simulation recreated evolutionary histories for 20 million galaxies and supermassive black holes, clarifying physical processes underlying galaxy buildup. The study also demonstrated that characteristic patterns imprinted on matter distribution at early epochs are still present in observed galaxy distributions.
Researchers found that people with secondary CHF (diagnosed while hospitalized for another reason) were more likely to die, incur higher medical costs, and spend more time in the hospital than those diagnosed with primary CHF. The study analyzed data from over 2.5 million patients admitted to 350 US hospitals in 2003.
A Dartmouth professor studied two US-air drug ads from 1999 to examine how effectively prescription drug ads convey their messages. The study found that de-integrating risk information improved recall of general information and led to a perception of greater informational content, but no increase in knowledge about the drug's risks.
Researchers discovered genetic variations in the VKORC1 gene that affect warfarin dosing, allowing for more precise patient treatment. The study, supported by the NIH Pharmacogenetics Research Network, may enable doctors to set ideal doses quickly and precisely.
A study of young adults found a strong association between asthma and panic disorder, with active asthma predicting subsequent panic disorder. The 'electronic nose' technology also showed promise in detecting lung cancer by analyzing exhaled breath samples.
A new University of Georgia study analyzed existing data and found that airbags are associated with slightly increased probability of death in accidents, particularly at high speeds. The analysis contradicts earlier studies on the effectiveness of airbags, which have been required for drivers and front-seat passengers since 1998.
Researchers are exploring marine natural products as a source of new medicines, including compounds that target cancer cells and regulate calcium flow. One compound, phorboxazole, has shown potential in inhibiting tumor cell growth at low concentrations.
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) has awarded new grants to strengthen the national biodefense and emerging infectious diseases research network. The grants support research on next-generation treatments, vaccines, and diagnostic tools for diseases such as anthrax, plague, smallpox, and West Nile fever.
Researchers identified an 11-gene BMI-1-pathway signature that consistently predicts disease recurrence, metastasis, and death after therapy in cancer patients. The presence of this gene expression pathway is associated with a high probability of poor therapy outcome and metastasis.
A new study by Dr. Jane Dimmitt Champion and her team found that minority adolescent women with a history of sexual/physical abuse are at higher risk of pelvic inflammatory disease and HIV/STDs. With better screening, these health problems could be decreased.
The American Academy of Ophthalmology released its June 2005 journal, featuring studies and research on various aspects of ophthalmology. The journal is the world's largest association of eye physicians and surgeons with over 27,000 members.
A new study published in Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology found that dysfunctional family relationships and poor communication styles have a limited impact on childhood depression. Most children exposed to high risk of depression do not appear to become depressed, instead showing resilience.
The Rapid-Scan DOW radar promises a complete picture of tornado evolution by detailing critical steps in tornado behavior, thanks to its 5- to 10-second resolution and close range. The radar's analysis will help produce better warnings and provide insights into the distribution of features across many types of tornadoes.
A recent study found that day care centers are a major source of indoor allergens, with detectable levels of various allergens present in every facility. The study also discovered significant differences between carpeted and non-carpeted surfaces, with lower concentrations of allergens on non-carpeted surfaces.
The new IMG 1.1 version features enhanced capabilities to improve the efficiency of genome analysis, including a function to compare gene occurrence profiles and support infrastructure for comparative organism statistics. The tool continues to be updated quarterly with new public and DOE JGI genomes.
Studies of brain-damaged patients reveal that remote autobiographical memories can be preserved even with limited damage to the medial temporal lobe. The researchers found that the ability to recall and experience these memories is more closely tied to neocortical areas than previously thought.
A new study by J. Lawrence Broz suggests that the economic status of US citizens plays a significant role in shaping aid policies towards Mexico and Asia. The study found that constituents who oppose ESF rescues are more likely to lose from globalization, making them less concerned with global economic stability.
Research found that stress before vaccination led to better immune responses and greater protection nine months later. Stress may prime the immune system for oncoming trauma, enhancing its long-term memory for antigens.
Researchers have captured a detailed picture of the large doughnut-shaped base of the syringe barrel embedded in bacterial membranes. This discovery may lead to the development of new antibacterial drugs that can selectively target disease-causing bacteria, rendering them harmless while sparing beneficial ones.
A study by Ohio State University found that benzodiazepines are widely prescribed for sleep disorders, with nearly two-thirds of visits resulting in medication prescriptions. The study also showed disparities in prescription patterns based on age, insurance type, and physician specialty.
A significant association was found between air pollution and an increased risk of ventricular tachyarrhythmias among patients with implanted cardioverter defibrillators. The risk was particularly high when particulate air pollution, black carbon, nitrogen dioxide, and sulfur dioxide were present.
A study found that pregnant women who are more fatigued, stressed, or anxious tend to eat more carbohydrates and certain nutrients, while others may consume less. The research highlights the importance of considering psychosocial factors when counseling pregnant women on diet during pregnancy.
Scientists have identified a peculiar region of partially molten rock at the bottom of Earth's solid mantle, which they relate to a plume of hot material. The discovery suggests that this dense blob of material may be the stable root for long-lived mantle plumes and could explain the formation of island chains like Hawaii.
Researchers at Northwestern University discovered that brain regions involved in information integration shift depending on cognitive task. Dynamic Causal Modeling revealed that specific regions, like the lateral temporal cortex and intraparietal sulcus, act as convergence zones integrating information from other parts of the brain.
A stronger version of the chickenpox vaccine has been shown to prevent shingles in older adults, reducing incidence by 51% and total burden of pain by 61%. The vaccine also significantly reduces postherpetic neuralgia, a debilitating form of chronic nerve pain.
Scientists discovered complex deformation in a subduction zone near Japan, while studying the effects of land water storage on global mean sea level over the past half century. Researchers also found a link between the ionosphere's plasma rise and depletion, and discovered that Siberian peatlands release copious carbon as they thaw
The study reveals the first complete look at the structure of SUMO-1 and its conjugation to other molecules within the complex. Understanding this process could lead to novel anticancer therapies by targeting sumoylation, which promotes cell division.
A new study found that phenotypic and functional qualities of T cells are associated with the ability to regress large tumors. Naïve and early effector T cells were more effective for tumor treatment than more differentiated T cells. This discovery is important for developing improved adoptive immunotherapy approaches.
A study by Dartmouth Medical School found a higher mortality rate among American Indians and Alaska Natives after surgery, with 3.1% of Americans Indian dying compared to 2.2% of Caucasians. The research highlights existing disparities in healthcare and suggests further investigation into factors contributing to these differences.
The University of Arizona has received a $14 million grant to focus on two major types of contaminants: arsenic and halogenated organic solvents like TCE. The research projects will improve hazardous waste management in Arizona and the Southwest, and can serve as a model for arid and semi-arid regions worldwide.
Scientists develop gene transfer technology to block neuropathic pain by delivering a GABA-enhancing gene via a disabled herpes simplex virus. The treatment showed promise in animal studies, with pain-relieving effects lasting up to six weeks. A clinical trial in humans is planned.
A new study by the NHLBI found that children in an intervention group consumed more than 67% of their calories from heart-healthy foods, compared to less than 57% for those in a usual care group. Children who consumed more dairy products had lower BMIs and lower LDL levels.
A new study developed a predictive profile of children likely to respond to Pivotal Response Training (PRT), a child-directed behavioral intervention. The study successfully matched autistic children with an appropriate therapy, leading to significant gains in language skills, play skills, and social behaviors.
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases has awarded UC Irvine a $40 million grant to establish the Pacific-Southwest Center for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases Research. The center will focus on developing vaccines, antidotes, and new methods to prevent infectious diseases.
Researchers found that removing the spleen and suppressing related factors can prolong survival in mice with leukemia. The study suggests a potential treatment model for human hematological malignancies, but further research is needed.