The Protein Structure Initiative aims to determine protein structures to reveal their roles in health and disease. Columbia researchers will contribute to three centers, focusing on membrane proteins and cancer-related proteins.
A large study of 39,876 healthy women found no effect of vitamin E on total cancer or cardiovascular disease. However, vitamin E supplementation was associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular deaths among all women and a decrease in heart attacks and cardiovascular deaths among women aged 65 years and older.
Swift detected a quick rise in ultraviolet light after the Deep Impact probe struck a hard surface on the comet, revealing secrets about the impact.
A new classification tool developed by Dr. James Coplan may predict outcomes for children with autism and autistic spectrum disorders more accurately than existing methods. The study found that children in the normal range of intelligence show significant improvement in their ASD symptoms over time.
Researchers identified 277 human genes with different expression profiles in stem and progenitor cells involved in blood cell development. The new method allows for functional validation of high-throughput gene expression analysis, with potential applications beyond blood development.
Researchers discovered elevated GABA levels in aggressive neuroendocrine tumors, which may indicate poor prognosis. The study suggests a unique tumor-associated pattern that could provide new ways to diagnose these cancers earlier and implement more effective treatments.
A new study suggests that antidepressants can help reduce the risk of heart attacks and death among patients who have had a heart attack and are experiencing depression. The ENRICHD study found that patients taking antidepressants had a 43% lower risk of death or recurrent non-fatal heart attack, compared to those not taking them.
State-sponsored anti-tobacco media campaigns are associated with reduced youth smoking rates and increased antismoking attitudes. Students exposed to at least one state ad per four months were less likely to smoke and more likely to believe they would never start.
A study found that antidepressants reduced the risk of death and non-fatal heart attacks by 43% in depressed heart attack patients. The analysis was based on data from the Enhancing Recovery in Coronary Heart Disease clinical trial, which randomized 2,481 patients with depression or social isolation between 1996 and 1999.
A recent study found that 33% of people over 55 had undiagnosed asthma, with severe symptoms affecting their quality of life. The lack of specific asthma management plans for older people has significant implications for the growing Australian population living with asthma.
The USPSTF has issued new recommendations for HIV screening, which will be posted on the journal's website and the Agency for Health Care Research and Quality's website. The Task Force recommends testing for all individuals at risk of HIV infection, as well as pregnant women to prevent mother-to-child transmission of AIDS.
A Phase IIa study found that patients given clazosentan suffered from significantly fewer and less severe cases of cerebral vasospasm compared to placebo. The treatment was also associated with a lower incidence of new cerebral infarcts.
A new study by Stanford University and Johns Hopkins University found that third-graders with televisions in their bedrooms score lower on standardized tests. In contrast, those with access to home computers earn higher scores, regardless of homework time.
A large registry study found that vasodilators, such as nitroglycerin and nesiritide, have a lower in-hospital mortality rate compared to positive inotropes like dobutamine and milrinone for treating acute decompensated heart failure. The study suggests reserving inotropes for patients who fail with vasodilators or are severely ill.
Researchers sequenced the genome of Rickettsia felis to understand its biology and behavior. They discovered two unexpected plasmids that can replicate on their own, leading to novel techniques for study. The discovery also revealed a conjugation mechanism, forcing a reevaluation of how intracellular bacteria exchange genetic material.
A study of 348 students found that those with a TV in their bedroom scored significantly lower on all tests, while those with home computer access scored higher. The researchers controlled for other factors and observed large differences in predicted test scores.
The International Campaign to Revitalise Academic Medicine proposes three possible futures for academic medicine: one driven by the private sector, another by public engagement, and a third by global networks. The scenarios offer insights into how academic medicine should evolve, with potential benefits including improved efficiency, i...
Edwin Rydberg wins prestigious EMBO Science Writing Prize with his essay Through The Illusions, exploring the link between DNA changes, smoking and schizophrenia. His work showcases a fascinating combination of factors, inspiring new research in popular science writing.
A long-term study of over 1,000 children found that those who watched less TV in childhood and adolescence were more likely to achieve a university degree. Excessive TV time was associated with lower levels of educational attainment, even after controlling for other factors.
A new study in PLoS Biology confirms the genetic link between Polynesians and indigenous Taiwanese populations, revealing three unique mitochondrial DNA mutations. The findings suggest that Taiwanese aboriginal populations have been genetically isolated from mainland Chinese for 10,000 to 20,000 years.
North and South American researchers have identified unusual structural features in the ribosome of Trypanosoma cruzi, a parasite responsible for Chagas disease. The discovery may lead to the development of targeted therapies without harming infected organisms.
A study at McGill University investigates the links between brain behavior, neurochemistry, and molecular biology in relation to mental disorders. The researchers aim to develop diagnostic tools, treatment, and prevention strategies for conditions like schizophrenia.
Antibiotic-resistant bacteria can be transmitted from animals to humans through contaminated food and handling practices. The European Union ban on agricultural antibiotics has led to a decline in resistant bacteria, suggesting that transmission from agriculture can have a greater impact on human populations than hospital transmission.
A new study confirms the filter's effectiveness in reducing prions by up to 99.9%, providing a critical safety measure against vCJD transmission through blood transfusion. The technology has the potential to safeguard the global blood supply and prevent future outbreaks.
A study of 1,797 children found a consistent pattern of negative associations between early TV viewing and adverse cognitive outcomes at ages six and seven. In contrast, TV viewing during preschool years had a more beneficial effect on reading recognition and short-term memory.
A study found that third-grade students with TVs in their bedrooms scored lower on math and language arts tests compared to those without. However, children with access to home computers showed improved test scores, suggesting a potential solution for parents seeking to boost their child's academic achievement.
A study by Yale University researchers found that sensor-based detectors for suicide bombers are ineffective and would only save a few lives. The team suggests investing in intelligence gathering to intercept attackers before they attack.
Researchers identified a striking similarity in personality traits between problem gamblers and individuals with alcohol, cannabis, and nicotine dependence. Young adults with problem gambling diagnoses tended to exhibit negative emotions, impulsive behavior, and risk-taking tendencies, suggesting a common underlying profile.
Research reveals continued union decline and increasing availability of flexible working arrangements in Britain. Despite this, employees' perceptions of work-life balance have improved, with managers showing a greater understanding of employees' responsibilities outside work.
A new 12-week study of 302 adults with high-normal or mildly elevated blood pressure found that eating special cookies containing 40 grams of soybean protein resulted in significantly larger decreases in pressure levels compared to those who ate similar cookies made of complex wheat carbohydrate. The soybean group had a net reduction o...
The five-year project aims to develop innovative tools for measuring population health, particularly in resource-poor settings. It will provide governments and communities with practical strategies to understand their health state and prioritize spending, ultimately improving global health outcomes.
Researchers at U of MN identified 14 genes that regulate blood stem cell development, which could lead to new treatments for blood disorders and cancers. The discovery provides insight into understanding how to stimulate blood stem cells to multiply in the laboratory.
NASA's Hubble Space Telescope captured dramatic images of comet 9P/Tempel 1 before and after a 820-pound projectile impact by the Deep Impact spacecraft. The collision caused a brilliant flash and increased the size of the inner cloud of dust and gas, which expanded outward in a fan shape at speeds of up to 1,200 miles per hour.
Researchers found that cells with damaged DNA trigger a mechanism to signal natural killer cells, which attack and destroy cancerous cells. The immune system's ability to identify cancer cells is crucial in preventing tumor growth.
Researchers have discovered that an experimental drug can reverse the loss of nerve fibres in Parkinson's Disease. The study found that dopamine-containing nerve fibres had sprouted back in the brain, leading to improved motor function and sustained benefits even after treatment cessation.
The study reveals key connections between metabolic disease pathways and aging, identifying genes and mechanisms that can be targeted for drug discovery. Targeting these pathways may uncover novel therapeutic targets and drugs to treat metabolic diseases and potentially impact the progression of aging.
Researchers tested Seroquel on 542 patients with bipolar depression, finding that 50% responded quickly to treatment and experienced reduced suicidal thoughts. The study's findings suggest a potential new standard of care for bipolar disorder.
A study of minor league baseball players found early damage to the hands of healthy players due to catcher's mitt design. The research revealed significant blood vessel damage and hand weakness among catchers despite using protective padding.
Animal research suggests a potential new treatment target for epilepsy by blocking a specific brain pathway involved in seizure spread. The treatment could be more effective and have fewer side effects than current therapies.
Research estimates a lifetime cancer risk of 0.14% and 0.022% from virtual colonoscopy, with the colon, stomach, and bladder being at greatest risk. While low radiation risks are promising, practical issues such as bowel preparation and patient compliance remain to be addressed.
Scientists at The Wistar Institute discovered that poor T cell responsiveness limits current approaches to therapeutic vaccines. They found that the immune system's ongoing stimulus during chronic infection prevents optimal response to vaccines, which may be improved by lowering viral load or enhancing T cell function.
A new study found that higher adolescent IQ and greater activity levels are associated with a lower risk of dementia and mild cognitive impairments. The research used historical data from high school records and interviews with graduates to explore the relationship between early-life factors and late-life cognitive status.
A new Penn State study found that a balanced diet with both polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) is essential for lowering cholesterol levels. The study compared two heart-healthy oils, sunflower oil and olive oil, in a diet designed to reduce blood cholesterol.
Researchers at KEK Laboratory in Japan have observed a new type of interaction among quarks, producing evidence of a beauty quark converting to the lightest down quark. This observation allows for study of fundamental laws of the universe and potential validation or discovery of new physics models.
Researchers at USC discovered that anti-angiogenesis drugs increase glucose regulated protein 78 levels, blocking cell death and leading to drug resistance. Suppressing GRP78 gene expression can overcome resistance to chemotherapy drug etoposide.
Researchers show that HIF-1 alpha regulates bactericidal agents and enhances expression of bacteria-killing cells. Increasing HIF-1 activity increases the killing capacity of phagocytes, providing a novel approach to treating bacterial infections.
Research found no reduction in long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in breast milk of women who exercised moderately. Elderly people using herbal supplements are less satisfied with conventional medical care and often hide supplement use from doctors.
The new center will explore basic biological mechanisms and translational research on muscular dystrophies, while providing advanced diagnostic services to patients. Researchers will investigate new treatments for Duchenne muscular dystrophy and develop mouse models to test potential therapies.
The Protein Structure Initiative (PSI) has reached its rapid production phase, aiming to determine thousands of protein structures using innovative approaches and tools. The new centers will use methods developed during the pilot period to rapidly generate protein structures found in organisms ranging from bacteria to humans.
Researchers discovered that induction of the HIF-1 pathway can act as a 'super-antibiotic', increasing bacterial killing in low-oxygen environments. Additionally, studies on skeletal muscle and kidney regeneration found that these organs' natural repair mechanisms play a crucial role in maintaining function and tissue health.
Researchers have found that women carrying a certain immune system gene and not having HPV16 are three times less likely to resolve their precancerous lesions. This discovery could provide better targets for cervical cancer vaccine development and potentially allow women to avoid surgery, according to Johns Hopkins scientists.
Researchers used high-resolution DNA scanning to identify regions of chromosomes with genetic errors in lung cancer cells. The study found five new areas with copy-number changes, including deleted and over-copied genes, which could lead to targeted therapies.
Researchers found that over half of the 46 known microRNAs are essential for development, affecting it in specific ways. MicroRNAs regulate fundamental processes such as body patterning, morphogenesis, and nervous system development.
Argonne National Laboratory has received a $50 million NIH grant to expand the information available to researchers on biomedically important proteins. The grant will refine existing methods for structure determination, making it possible to produce over 250 protein structures per year.
A multi-site study found Risperidone effective in decreasing aggression, repetitive behaviors, and increasing social interaction in children with autism. The medication showed limited side effects, supporting its use as an intermediate-term treatment option.
The Joint Center for Structural Genomics will determine a large number of high-resolution structures of biological molecules using new methods and technologies. The researchers aim to tackle challenging structures such as large protein assemblies and proteins essential for all organisms.
Research found that children born full term but weighing less than 5.5 lbs had a 50% increased risk of psychological distress in later life, regardless of childhood factors. The study suggests that early factors before birth may be important in increasing vulnerability to depression in adult life.
Scientists at UCSD found that white blood cells increase production of protein HIF-1 in response to bacteria, stimulating antimicrobial compounds to kill invading organisms. Treating white blood cells with chemicals can enhance their bacterial killing ability.
A study of 2,819 respondents in western Norway found that exposure to pre- and post-natal tobacco smoke increases the risk of adult asthma. The researchers estimated that almost a quarter of cases of adult asthma could be prevented if children were not exposed to environmental tobacco smoke.
A new study of 229 children found that regular snoring in childhood is linked to an increased risk of developing hyperactive behavior. The study also found that other symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea, such as daytime sleepiness, can predict future behavior problems.