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.