Tim Appenzeller wins AGU's Sullivan Award for his article 'The Case of the Missing Carbon', while Jeffrey Kluger receives the Perlman Award for 'Secrets of the Rings'. Both articles are praised for their scientific accuracy, clarity and engaging storytelling.
Researchers analyzed 4,369 chest radiographs from 313 SARS patients and found that lung opacification levels on the seventh day could predict fatal outcomes. Patients with greater than 20% lung opacification were more likely to die from SARS, while those with less than 10% had a higher survival rate.
A pilot study found cryoablation to be an effective treatment for cancer patients' severe pain, providing relief until the end of life. The procedure involves freezing tumor tissue and surrounding areas to kill cancer cells and ease pain, with most patients tolerating it well despite some nerve damage in one patient.
Researchers found high quantities of the L1 protein, typically found in nerve cells, exclusively in aggressive and invasive front of colon cancer tumors. The discovery may lead to novel ways of diagnosing colon cancer and developing its therapy, as L1 plays a crucial role in tumor cell motility and invasion.
Researchers found that lithium-based drugs restored normal courtship behavior in mutant fruit flies with Fragile X syndrome, suggesting a potential new approach to treating the condition. The study also identified metabotropic glutamate receptor hyperactivity as a key contributor to the disease's symptoms.
A sense of entitlement is a substantial barrier to forgiveness, according to researchers. Narcissists are likely to insist on full repayment before forgiving and may hold grudges due to their inflated self-interest.
A study found that women with heart conditions are less likely to receive bypass surgery due to conservative treatment decisions and biases. Women's mortality risk is often compared to men's, but the author argues that this perspective neglects the potential benefits of surgery for women with similar medical profiles.
A UCI research team identified beta amyloid accumulation within neurons as the trigger for Alzheimer's memory decline in mice. By clearing away excess beta amyloid, they were able to correct memory impairments. The findings have implications for developing drugs targeting beta amyloid.
Researchers discovered that 11 of 17 measurable chemicals in surface water were reduced after passing through the system, according to Ron Turco, soil microbiologist. The study showed that constructed wetlands can act as a holding area for recycled water, providing a sustainable solution for irrigation and flood prevention.
Hexaminolevulinate, a fluorescence-inducing compound, enables early detection of superficial bladder cancer lesions. This increases the five-year survival rate to 90% and reduces recurrence rates.
A team of astronomers has discovered a remote galaxy cluster that is as massive as several thousand galaxies like our Milky Way and is located 9,000 million light-years away. The cluster contains reddish and elliptical galaxies with old stars, indicating it formed when the Universe was less than one third of its present age.
Researchers found that public-private partnerships (PPPs) can be weakened under certain circumstances, such as when introducing new safety features that increase operational costs. The study also highlights the importance of market value at the end of a contract in determining the desirability of PPPs.
Scientists at the University of Illinois discovered a collapsing bubble that reached temperatures of 20,000 degrees Kelvin, four times hotter than the surface of the sun. This result was achieved through sonoluminescence, which generates intense local heating when bubbles in a liquid collapse.
Molecular messengers Erk-1 and Erk-2 bind to vimentin, protecting their phosphorus message from loss. This linkage enables the safe transmission of the message along the axon, reaching the cell body for healing.
A study by UC Berkeley researcher Alan Krakauer found that subordinate male wild turkeys benefit indirectly from helping their dominant brothers breed, gaining an average of 1.7 offspring. This cooperative behavior is a key example of kin selection, which favors cooperation over selfishness.
A Mayo Clinic study establishes a threshold for valve repair surgery in patients with severe mitral regurgitation, indicating that those with large regurgitant orifice areas are at high risk of death if treated medically. The study suggests that valve surgery can restore normal life expectancy and reduce mortality by up to five times.
The University of Utah has received a $3.5 million grant from the Department of Defense's Office of Naval Research to develop cutting-edge computer simulation methods for describing chemical reactions in complicated molecular systems. This advancement will greatly expand the application of molecular simulation techniques to new scienti...
A virtual reality game has been found to significantly reduce pain responses in children with severe burns, with all but one child showing a decrease of at least 2 points on the Faces Scale. The game was more effective than analgesics alone in reducing pain and anxiety.
Research at the University of Alberta found a direct correlation between shorter index finger lengths and increased likelihood of physical aggression in men. Finger length was not correlated with verbal aggression, but rather with physically aggressive behavior.
Researchers at Ames Laboratory have developed a new thermal barrier coating technology that enhances engine operation in high-temperature environments. The new coating, which uses nickel-aluminum-platinum alloy samples, offers significant improvements in oxidation resistance and reduces the risk of failure in gas turbines.
Researchers captured ancient, 9-billion-year-old light from a massive galaxy cluster, providing a snapshot of the universe at 5 billion years old. The discovery confirms that galaxy clusters formed in a way consistent with recent structures.
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital finds that upfront treatment with radiation followed by chemotherapy can cure brain tumors in children over 3 years old, raising survival rates to 78% for two-year event-free survival and 89% for overall survival. The study shows promise for treating relapse cases using ICE chemotherapy.
Research estimates cod biomass on the Scotian Shelf was 1.26 million metric tons in 1852, compared to less than 50,000 metric tons today. The decline is consistent with earlier research and suggests that commercially important species biomass is only a small fraction of what existed before industrialized exploitation.
A new book explores how changing social and economic conditions are reshaping the transition to adulthood, with many young people not completing key milestones until their 30s. The authors argue that institutions and policies need to be revamped to provide stronger support for vulnerable groups.
Physician experience and annual mammogram volume are associated with improved mammographic accuracy, according to a US study. Physicians who interpret 2,500-4,000 mammograms annually have lower false-positive rates and miss fewer cancers compared to those with less volume.
Teenagers often inadvertently expose themselves to pornography while conducting legitimate internet searches. The study reveals that late childhood has become a time of relative exposure to sexualized media due to the pervasive nature of online content.
A UI study examining hazing on college campuses found that 6.7% of surveyed Cornell students participated in hazing, while nearly twice as many reported being hazed. The study suggests a gap between students' and universities' definitions of hazing, highlighting the need for education and prevention efforts.
A recent study found that natural mentoring relationships had a significant impact on teens' lives, reducing the likelihood of gang involvement and substance abuse. However, these benefits were often outweighed by other risk factors such as poverty and family relationships.
Researchers identified protein biomarkers in amniotic fluid linked to preterm labor, predicting success of cervical stitching. The study also found additional biomarkers suggesting other causes of preterm birth.
Researchers at Mount Sinai School of Medicine discovered that alpha-defensin-1, a protein found in cells, can directly inactivate HIV virus and block infection in vulnerable cells. The findings offer insight into the function of alpha-defensin-1 on both the virus and the cell, potentially leading to new avenues for prevention and therapy.
The new version of GenMAPP 2.0 incorporates various features to organize and analyze gene expression data on biological pathways, including a flexible format accepting multiple gene ID systems and species-specific databases. This update complements hierarchical clustering methods and enables convenient display of data on web sites.
Researchers found BDNF is as effective as VEGF in inducing growth of tiny blood vessels in organs with TrkB-expressing cells. It recruits blood stem cells that contribute to neo-angiogenesis, providing a novel therapeutic protein for organ-specific angiogenesis.
Researchers found that glycyrrhizic acid from licorice can kill cells infected with the Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus. The compound targets genes required to maintain the virus in a latent state, potentially leading to novel anti-herpesvirus agents.
A study found that parents quitting smoking before their children reached third grade is associated with nearly double the chances of their children quitting smoking in young adulthood. The findings suggest that helping parents quit smoking should be considered in future public-health interventions targeting youth smoking.
A new study found that colorectal cancer screening strategies had similar participation rates, regardless of the screening method offered. Tamoxifen use was also associated with an increased risk of endometrial cancer in both pre- and postmenopausal women.
Researchers found decreased calcium responses in olfactory receptor cells from patients with bipolar disorder. These findings may provide new targets for drug development and improve treatment predictions.
Researchers use network theory to find invasion hubs where invasive species spread fastest, targeting control efforts at these points. The study found Lake Muskoka and two other lakes as potential invasion hubs in Canada.
The DOE JGI has launched a public online microbial genome data clearinghouse, IMG, to facilitate the analysis and comparison of microbial genomes. The platform offers a comprehensive system for exploring and annotating DOE JGI-sequested genomes, enabling scientists to tap into the diversity of microbial environments.
A Cornell University-led team has discovered a mysterious population of distant galaxies radiating in the infrared spectrum with hundreds of times more power than our Milky Way galaxy. The galaxies are thought to be ultraluminous infrared galaxies powered by massive starbursts or active galactic nuclei, and their discovery is published...
A study involving genetically altered mice has found similarities with essential tremor disease in humans, suggesting that the GABA system plays a role in the condition. The findings may lead to new treatments for essential tremor, which affects an estimated 5 million Americans.
Researchers found that patients given folic acid and vitamin B12 had a 38% decrease in plasma homocysteine levels, while the placebo group experienced a 31% increase. This combination therapy prevented hip fractures in stroke patients despite frequent falls, attributed to osteoporosis.
Mutations in the EGFR gene are more common in people with lung cancer who never smoked, and these mutations may predict a dramatic response to certain drugs. The study's findings suggest two distinct molecular pathways involved in lung cancer formation, one affecting smokers and the other non-smokers.
A clinical trial found that a device used to clear debris in arteries during PCI did not provide benefits for patients. Despite successful retrieval of embolic debris, the device failed to enhance myocardial reperfusion success, reduce infarct size, or improve clinical outcomes.
Researchers at University of California - San Diego have made a significant breakthrough in treating inflammatory bowel disease by discovering the molecular mechanism behind IFN-α/β therapy. The study reveals that activated IFN-α/β plays a protective role in colonic inflammation and maintains intestinal homeostasis.
Researchers found that training designed to eliminate racial biases in police interactions can be effective in reducing biased reactions. The study used a simulation to test the impact of different approaches on officer behavior, and the results suggest that such training could lead to improved outcomes for all parties involved.
The NHGRI has approved a plan to sequence the genomes of 12 new organisms, including marmoset, skate, and disease-carrying insects, to gain insights into human health and disease. The project aims to identify genetic variations associated with common illnesses and develop powerful tools for biomedical research.
Researchers are drawing inspiration from honeybees' collaborative decision-making and ants' behavior to develop new collaboration frameworks for disaster relief efforts. The study aims to create flexible networks of responders who can act based on local information, mimicking the spread patterns of viruses and rumors.
Researchers found that TLR9-induced protection is mediated through type I IFN induction, which suppresses inflammation. Type I IFN has a protective role in colon injury and protects against colonic inflammation.
Martin Bengtsson, a young Swedish physicist, has been awarded the first Best Paper Award by the Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry Journal. His paper introduces a method to decrease laminar flow in microchannels without adding moving parts, which could become an important tool in microreactor technology.
A study of over 1.2 million mammograms found that experienced physicians detected cancer with higher accuracy and had lower rates of false positives. The research suggests that raising the minimum annual volume requirements for qualified mammographers could improve the overall quality of screening mammography in the US.
A Cornell University study found that tumor incidence was reduced by 17, 39, and 44 percent in rats fed the human equivalent of one, three, or six apples a day. The researchers also discovered that phytochemicals present in apples have potent antioxidant and anticancer activities.
Researchers found that overweight patients, those with moderate income, and women survived longer with esophageal and stomach cancer. Premature birth significantly increases the risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma, potentially linked to gastroesophageal reflux disease.
A study analyzing data from four clinical trials found that older patients with lymph node-positive breast cancer can tolerate standard and intensive chemotherapy regimens similarly to younger patients. The findings suggest that age is not a barrier to the effectiveness of adjuvant chemotherapy in healthy older women.
A recent study published in JAMA found that distal microcirculatory protection devices used during angioplasty procedures in heart attacks failed to improve patient outcomes. Despite successfully removing debris from arteries, the treatment did not reduce major adverse cardiac events or affect ST segment normalization.
A team of scientists found that solar storms and Arctic winds led to a 60% ozone reduction in the upper stratosphere in 2004. The study used data from seven satellites to conclude that energetic particles from the sun triggered chemical reactions, leading to increased nitrogen oxide levels.
Researchers found celecoxib reduces prostate cancer cell growth and proliferation by targeting both COX-2 and cyclin D1. In animal models, celecoxib also reduced tumor mass and blood vessel density, suggesting a potential new therapeutic approach for treating prostate cancer.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have developed a new method to educate T-cells in the bone marrow, increasing their ability to recognize and kill cancer cells. The approach shows promise for treating myeloma and potentially other blood and solid tumors.
Researchers identified specific genetic variants that increase the risk of kidney damage after heart surgery. Patients with these polymorphisms have a higher likelihood of renal dysfunction due to amplified inflammatory responses and vascular constriction.
Dr. Strahl's research focuses on histone modifications, specifically the addition of ubiquitin to histone 2B by Rad6 enzyme. He also explores histone methylation and its regulation through various biochemical pathways.
A Mayo Clinic study found that intermediate-risk patients with unstable angina who underwent exercise treadmill testing could be safely discharged from the emergency room without significant events. In contrast, those not eligible for testing were more likely to receive costly stress imaging and hospital admission.