The UCSD team identified isl1+ cardiac progenitor cells in newborn rats and mice, as well as in human heart tissue, which can spontaneously form heart muscle tissue. The discovery raises the possibility of using these cells to correct a wide spectrum of pediatric cardiac diseases.
Researchers discovered that gliding ants, like Cephalotes atratus, can land on tree trunks and climb back up, with 85% success rate. The ants' ability to change direction mid-air is still a mystery, but it's likely due to their unique morphology, including flattened hind legs and head flanges.
A review of federal, state, and local gun laws found no conclusive evidence that these laws reduce gun-related deaths or violent crimes. Poor data, underreporting, and jurisdictional issues hindered the research, leading to a lack of knowledge about the effectiveness of current laws.
Simulations show that growing black holes release a blast of energy, powering strong winds that prevent material from falling in, inhibiting further growth. This process links black hole mass to the total mass of stars in galaxies, explaining observed phenomena and promising deeper insights into galaxy formation.
A study published in NeuroToxicology reveals that polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and low levels of maneb, a fungicide, can disrupt dopamine neurons and oxidative stress responses in the brain. This research aims to better understand Parkinson's disease and develop therapies to prevent or slow its progression.
A Stanford study found that early HIV screening reduces annual transmission by 21% and lengthens life by 1.5 years for those with HIV infection. Routine screenings are cost-effective compared to other commonly accepted programs, suggesting expanded HIV counseling, testing, and referral in the US.
A new leukemia drug treatment has shown promise for MDS patients with 5q minus syndrome, becoming transfusion independent in 91% of cases. The defective chromosome abnormality may be linked to other serious cancers, including leukemias and small cell lung cancer.
A new study has created a cancer-killing compound that selectively targets leukemia cells, while sparing normal cells. The compound, derived from the wormwood plant, works by exploiting the unique iron needs of cancer cells.
The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) has awarded 6 minority researchers to attend cancer conferences in 2005. The awards allowed early career scientists from underrepresented groups to attend the conferences, providing them with opportunities to share new discoveries and advance their careers.
Dr. Walsh will focus on his research on nonribosomal peptide synthetases, which biosynthesize a variety of biologically active peptides. He will discuss the molecular logic of enzymatic assembly lines and tailoring enzymes that modify the peptides.
A new stroke-prevention drug, Exanta, has been shown to reduce the risk of major hemorrhage by 26% and is equivalent to warfarin in preventing strokes. However, its high price makes it cost-ineffective for most patients at low risk of bleeding, except those with a high risk of both stroke and bleeding.
Researchers reconstructed climatic conditions in western Egypt 130,000 years ago, finding a humid event that supported human presence and wildlife. The study provides new insights into the dispersal of humans out of Africa and the impact of climate change on ancient societies.
The Pall Leukotrap Affinity Prion Reduction Filter reduces leukocytes and prions by 99%, making it effective against vCJD. The filter also preserves red cells without compromising their efficacy or purity.
Scientists prevented brain damage by producing therapeutic levels of GDNF, a protein that helps nourish brain cells, in small monkeys. The gene therapy approach aims to halt Parkinson's disease at its onset and treat devastating side effects.
The study reveals that Iraqi Turkmen are a well-educated population with high socio-economic circumstances, contributing to forced migration. The report emphasizes the importance of Turkmen participation in Iraq's reconstruction and suggests their valuable human resource can aid in rebuilding efforts.
Patients with cancer have a significantly increased risk of developing venous thrombosis, with the risk highest in the first few months after diagnosis. The study found that patients with hematological, lung, or gastrointestinal cancers had a higher risk compared to those without cancer.
Researchers discover a novel mechanism of heterosis in naturally occurring plant populations. Human actions inadvertently favor heterozygous volunteers, leading to the persistence of high heterozygosity despite inbreeding.
Researchers from Newcastle University and Denmark found that the natural pesticide falcarinol in carrots reduced cancer risk in rats. The study suggests that eating one small carrot daily could benefit consumers' health, with potential recommendations for growers.
Researchers compared yeast, worm, and fly proteins and found conserved communication pathways and protein clusters involved in essential cellular functions. The study supports the concept of a basic wiring diagram for all eukaryotic cells and may lead to more effective treatments with fewer side effects.
A study of 265 pairs of caregivers and care recipients found that spouses are more likely to be abusive when experiencing health problems or caring for a needy spouse. Researchers warn that such situations should trigger screening and intervention efforts to protect the elderly person.
A study published in Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine found that parental attitudes toward STD vaccinations are not significantly influenced by the type of infection, with most parents prioritizing vaccine effectiveness and prevention of fatal infections. Only 6% of parents expressed an aversion to STD vaccines in general.
Researchers have uncovered a new hypothesis on the origins of cyanobacteria, which gave rise to chloroplasts in plant cells. The study suggests these bacteria first emerged in freshwater systems and gradually adapted to brackish and marine environments over time.
Parasitized monarch populations are more susceptible to habitat loss and climate change, leading to a decline in migratory populations. The study's findings suggest that long-distance migration can amplify the effects of parasite infections on hosts.
Children from traditional nuclear families achieve better in school than stepchildren and half-siblings, despite being raised with their two biological parents. The researchers found that family structure is just one factor influencing educational outcomes.
Researchers at University of California - Irvine find that chronic nicotine exposure increases neurofibrillary tangles in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease, contradicting previous studies. The study highlights the importance of investigating therapies for both plaque and tangle formations in Alzheimer's.
Current clinical practice identifies only half of infected mothers, highlighting the need for systematic screening. Screening can detect infection early, preventing severe eye and brain damage in infants.
The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) has awarded four faculty members from Minority-Serving Institutions for their meritorious work in basic, clinical, or translational cancer research. The awardees attended special conferences focused on oncogenesis and oncogenomics.
The SPORTIF V trial found ximelagatran effective in preventing strokes and systemic embolic events, but with higher mortality rates compared to warfarin. The study results suggest a solid clinical benefit for ximelagatran, but more research is needed to safely bring it to market.
Researchers have identified a new source of mesenchymal progenitor cells in the human umbilical cord's Wharton's Jelly, which can be harvested to generate an abundant supply of stem cells. This discovery has the potential to greatly improve bone marrow transplantation success rates, currently ranging from 30-40%. The new stem cell sour...
The EMBO/HHMI Startup Grants will provide up to six grants of $50,000 per year for three years, with an additional $25,000 per grant from participating countries and EMBO. The initiative aims to strengthen science in Central Europe by offering resources and career opportunities to young independent scientists.
The American Association for Cancer Research recognizes Melissa J. Parsons and G. Ruth Thomas as the first award recipients in 2005, honoring their meritorious scientific papers on cell death in oncogenesis. The AACR aims to accelerate cancer prevention and cure through research, education, and advocacy.
The new Pacific Rim Transdisciplinary Tobacco & Alcohol Use Research Center will investigate substance use among teenagers and analyze the impact of environmental factors on smoking-related behaviors. The center's studies aim to understand why some prevention programs work while others do not.
A study by Emory University researchers found that a sex hormone metabolite, allopregnanolone, reduces stress and anxiety in female rats. The findings suggest that progesterone may inhibit the effect of CRF on the acoustic startle response.
A study found that storing household guns locked, unloaded, or separate from ammunition significantly reduces the risk of unintentional and self-inflicted firearm injuries among adolescents and children. The study suggests that locking firearms and ammunition is an effective way to prevent access by youth.
The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) has developed the world's first cruelty-free insulin assay, a significant improvement over existing methods that rely on animal testing. The new test kit uses synthetic replacement for fetal calf serum and is now commercially available.
A collaborative study found evidence of TB and leprosy co-infection in ancient bones across Europe, suggesting that TB overtook leprosy as a more aggressive disease. The findings imply that the decline of leprosy may have been linked to the rise of TB, which brought a speedier death due to opportunistic co-infection.
A new math model of heart cells has identified a novel calcium pathway that regulates cardiac electrical activity and is linked to arrhythmia research. The study, published in Circulation, provides a valuable tool for understanding the relationship between calcium handling and cardiac arrhythmias.
Researchers at Michigan State University have found significant differences in genetic libraries among bacteria strains previously thought to be similar. The study suggests that current definitions may need revision as many bacteria share as few as 65% of their genes, highlighting the importance of ecological distinctiveness.
Researchers found that ximelagatran was as effective as warfarin in preventing venous thromboembolism, but had a lower risk of bleeding. In another study, ximelagatran also showed promise for stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation, with a lower rate of major and minor bleeding
Researchers found that devolved administrations have acquired more policy-making resources and clearer priorities to influence EU policy, but may face challenges due to civil servant access limitations. The study highlights the growing importance of devolution in UK's EU policy, with potential impacts on agricultural and rural policies.
A Family's Guide to Living with HIV is a comprehensive resource providing detailed information on the disease, its treatment, and its impact on daily life. The book also focuses on supporting psychological concerns, nutrition, education, and social activities for patients and their families.
The researchers created nano-sized probes using emissive polymersomes that can optically image tissue structures deep below the skin, with potential to target multiple cancer cell-surface markers simultaneously. The probes use near-infrared light to produce a bright signal detectable through imaging systems.
After discontinuing DMPA, adolescent girls experienced significant gains in bone mineral density, with their levels comparable to those of other women in their age group. The study's findings suggest that DMPA use may not have a lasting impact on bone health in young women.
A new study found that melatonin increases production of GnIH hormone in birds, which has opposite effects to GnRH and can trigger gonad shrinkage. This discovery suggests potential effects on human reproductive axis and raises concerns about the hormone's interactions with other systems.
A new study by UCI researchers found that carotid-artery plaques develop depressions called ulcerations that can lead to stroke-causing blood clots. Early detection and treatment of these plaques before ulceration growth may benefit people at risk for stroke.
Astronomers have discovered the smallest extra-solar planet to date, orbiting a pulsar in a planetary system resembling our own inner solar system. The new planet is estimated to be one-fifth the mass of Pluto and has an orbit approximately six times larger than its third planet.
The Interactive Media Laboratory at Dartmouth Medical School is developing virtual clinics to educate healthcare and victims' services providers on DNA evidence collection and interpretation. The training aims to improve the efficiency of the justice system by streamlining the process of analyzing and submitting DNA data.
A survey of 1,068 parents aged 13-17 found that more than half supported parental notification laws (PNLs), which allow minors to obtain birth control without parental consent. Parents' support for PNLs may stem from fears about unknown others making decisions on their children's health.
Researchers found that ant queens benefit from mating, gaining increased lifespan and reproductive success. Sexual cooperation rather than conflict promotes this benefit in social insects, allowing queens to experience a long reproductive phase after colony maturity.
A randomized controlled clinical trial found oral rehydration therapy (ORT) to be as effective as intravenous fluid therapy in rehydrating moderately dehydrated children. ORT is quicker, less invasive and allows parents to learn a skill that can be used at home for future illnesses.
A team of researchers led by Brian Hare found that domesticated foxes are skilled at reading human social cues, similar to dogs. The study suggests a correlation between genetically selected 'tame' behavior, such as fearlessness, and increased social intelligence.
The Smalley/Curl Fund for Innovation supports research in medical diagnostics and drug delivery using gold nanorods. Rice University faculty receive one-year grants to develop novel ideas with the potential to impact all areas of nanotechnology.
Researchers have identified two distinct gene expression profiles in children with acute asthma, which could lead to customized treatments. The study's findings may enable targeted therapies for acute asthma attacks and help predict impending attacks by analyzing a patient's unique genetic profile.
The Global Seismographic Network can track seismic signals in real-time, allowing researchers to compile and interpret information about potential hazards sooner. The network's unparalleled detail enables scientists to quickly determine the magnitude and location of an event in near real-time.
A study of 6,658 children found obese patients had a five-year mortality rate double that of non-obese peers. Obese children often receive transplants at younger ages and experience more cardiovascular complications.
The U.S. National Science Foundation has submitted a $5.6 billion budget request for fiscal year 2006, representing a 2.4% increase over the previous year's budget. The agency plans to focus on research in frontier areas and provide support for the workforce, despite some tough choices ahead.
Researchers found abnormal brain activity in individuals with autism when observing hand movements, indicating a faulty mirror-neuron system that affects social skills and empathy. This study provides insight into the neural basis of autism's social deficits.
Researchers discover that the nuclear hormone receptor nhr-49 controls two opposing pathways regulating fat metabolism in nematodes. The discovery reveals a complex feedback system controlling fat consumption and composition, with potential implications for understanding human metabolic disorders such as diabetes and obesity.
A recent study found that consuming high amounts of dairy products and fruits/vegetables was associated with lower risk for functional limitations and disability. The researchers suggest that calcium and vitamin D from dairy foods, as well as antioxidants in fruits and vegetables, may play a role in reducing disability risk.
A recent study by the American Academy of Neurology found that marijuana use impacts brain blood flow, even after a month of abstinence. The research involved 54 marijuana users and 18 control subjects, who underwent transcranial Doppler sonography to measure blood flow velocity and pulsatility index.