A study published in Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research found that binge drinking negatively affects mood and cognitive performance in young adults. Females were more impaired than males on working memory and vigilance tasks. The research suggests that binge drinking may contribute to the development of alcohol dependence.
A new discovery may lead to more precise cancer treatment by creating damaged DNA that is deadly to cancer cells. Researchers created synthetic double-stranded DNA with specific chemical characteristics and exposed it to long wavelength light, selectively triggering the damage process.
A new study found that light therapy, combined with anti-fungal treatments, can effectively combat various fungal infections, particularly those affecting the skin or nails. The research also sheds light on early fungal evolution and the role of light in fungal development.
A study by University of Toronto researchers found that orchestra musicians are not at risk of hearing loss in the pit, despite playing for long hours. However, individual practice and measures such as earplugs can still help protect their hearing.
A professor of environmental studies at U of T is bridging the gap between science and religion to address the environmental crisis. He notes that some religious yet ecology-minded Republicans are involved in a campaign against gas-guzzling SUVs, asking Americans to consider more ecologically sensitive cars.
Researchers at the University of Illinois found that controlling portion size through frozen entrees can lead to significant weight loss in overweight men. The study, published in Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism, showed that participants who ate frozen meals lost an average of 4 pounds more than those who estimated serving sizes.
A recent study by Washington University researchers used a molecular survey to detect Mycobacterium avium in the lungs of nine lifeguards who developed hypersensitivity pneumonitis after exposure to pool water. The bacterium, known for its resistance to disinfection, was found at high levels in air samples taken near the pool.
A 15-year study in rural Greece found that living in a mountainous area was associated with lower death rates and healthier heart profiles compared to lowland areas. Higher blood lipids and blood pressure were linked to increased risk, but other protective factors may be at play.
Researchers at Newcastle University tested a cancer virotherapy on two patients with advanced melanoma, finding no systemic toxic effects. The administration of CVA21 virus directly into cancerous tumors was well-tolerated and showed promise in controlling the spread of melanoma.
Researchers have discovered a 62 million year fossil diversity cycle, with the history of life on Earth being shaped by this cycle. The cycle is also evident in extinctions and originations, with longer-lived genera resisting the cycle better than shorter-lived ones.
A two-part study examines the effectiveness of neurobehavioral function assessments during coma and stroke rehabilitation for elderly individuals. The Disorders of Consciousness Scale reliably predicts recovery of consciousness, while tracking individual neurobehavioral recovery patterns improves medical and rehabilitation management.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute create DNA with a third pairing, allowing for replication of unnatural bases. The development improves fidelity to near-perfect levels, paving the way for applications in biotechnology, medicine, data storage, and security.
The new £6m biocentre will pioneer a novel approach to genomics, combining theoretical models with experimental data. This will enable pharmaceutical companies to develop safer medicines more efficiently by predicting human reactions in advance.
A collaborative study by UCL scientists found that HIV-1 subtype B spread through at least six separate transmission chains in the UK, contradicting the prevailing belief of a single initial entry. The study suggests changes in sexual behavior and lack of impact from antiretroviral therapy may have slowed the epidemic growth.
A twin study found that genetic factors contribute substantially to the development of AMD, accounting for 46-71% of disease severity variation. Environmental factors also play a role, with unique environment contributing 19-37% and shared environment 28-64% to AMD grade and specific macular measures.
Scientists have detected high levels of silver contamination in North Pacific waters, linked to atmospheric emissions from Asia. The findings suggest that silver could be used as a tracer element for tracking the fate of industrial emissions, with implications for understanding pollution patterns.
A study by University of Illinois researchers found that mothers' positive approach during homework-help sessions promotes persistence in children. Children who experienced positive interactions with their mothers were more motivated in school and valued the learning process.
The study reveals that antisense transcripts (SATs) are widely expressed in various mouse tissues and cell cultures, exhibiting tissue-specific expression patterns. SATs tend to be poly(A)-negative and enriched in the nucleus, suggesting a functional role in gene regulation.
The American Physiological Society has awarded travel fellowships to 25 minority students from African Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans, and Pacific Islanders. The fellows will attend the IUPS 2005 meeting in San Diego, CA, and be paired with APS mentors for career guidance.
A new lab technique has identified high levels of pathogens in a hospital therapy pool, with
A study found that a functional variant of a histamine-metabolizing enzyme is associated with higher frequencies of the allele in alcoholics, suggesting it may increase vulnerability to alcoholism. In contrast, carriers of the Ile105 allele are protected against developing alcoholism due to lower levels of anxiety.
A new field of study, microbial forensics aims to attribute biothreat agents to their sources. The approach requires a multivariate method tailored to the threat encountered and situation addressed, coupled with scientific and investigative processes.
A Mayo Clinic study found that spit tobacco use can cause dramatic increases in heart rate and blood pressure, blunting the body's natural protective mechanisms. This raises concerns for both short-term users and individuals with established heart disease, suggesting a link to long-term cardiovascular risks.
African-American stroke survivors with obesity have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome. The study found that nearly all patients were overweight or obese, with diabetes increasing with BMI, and that class three obesity significantly increases the risk of recurrent stroke.
Theoretical chemists aim to develop models for understanding electron donor/acceptor interactions in molecular systems. They study how the surrounding environment affects electrons' flow, with potential applications in improving photosynthesis and designing efficient solar cells.
A study found that malt liquor drinkers are more likely to be homeless, unemployed, and drink heavily, with higher blood alcohol levels and aggressive behavior associated with MLB consumption. The researchers also noted that MLBs are often targeted towards lower-income, minority communities, making them a concern for public health.
Researchers mimic seafloor conditions to study methane hydrate formation and decomposition, aiming to identify safe extraction methods. The study's findings may help develop strategies to tap into locked-up methane reserves.
Researchers aim to control biofilm formation by manipulating quorum sensing in bacteria. They are designing new compounds that mimic natural molecules to disrupt bacterial signaling, potentially preventing hospital infections.
University of Wisconsin-Madison materials chemist Anne Bentley discovered how suspended nickel wires can scatter light in various fluids, including molasses-like liquids. The phenomenon could aid in photonics and lead to the development of magneto-optical switches for storing information in tiny electronic systems.
The Beilstein Journal of Organic Chemistry will publish original research on all aspects of organic chemistry and related disciplines. The journal aims to provide a chemically intelligent presentation of articles while emphasizing speed of publication.
A new study reveals that tattoo inks contain diverse chemical compositions, including heavy metals, which may pose health risks. The research aims to encourage closer regulation of the tattoo industry and improve safety standards for patients undergoing tattoo removal surgery.
Conductive adhesives offer an alternative to tin-lead solder, but overcoming low current density and corrosion challenges remained. Researchers at Georgia Tech used self-assembled monolayers and a three-part anti-corrosion strategy to increase current density, paving the way for high-performance conductive adhesives.
Research suggests that higher education helps older adults compensate for brain pathology and maintain cognitive function by engaging the frontal cortex. The study found a correlation between years of education and increased activity in the frontal lobes of older adults.
Researchers used RNA interference to silence mutated SOD1 genes in ALS mice, reducing disease progression and improving neuromuscular function. This breakthrough suggests gene silencing as a potential therapy for incurable progressive neurological diseases like ALS and Parkinson's.
Virginia Tech researchers have designed supramolecular complexes that can generate pharmaceutical compounds to cleave DNA in tumor cells. These complexes use visible light-induced reactions, which can penetrate tissue and deliver targeted therapy.
A new technique using micro-X-ray fluorescence (MXRF) rapidly reveals elemental composition of fingerprints, allowing for detection of chemical markers and revealing environmental clues. This non-destructive method could provide a valuable complement to traditional fingerprinting, particularly in tracking down missing children.
Patients with Speaker's Cramp experienced significant relief from grimacing and speech difficulties after receiving Botox injections. The condition's severity was correlated to digastric muscle activity levels.
A study found that only 44% of dental professionals assess their patients for eating disorders and 20% implement more frequent recall programs. Greater self-efficacy and knowledge among hygienists increased their ability to prevent disordered eating, while dentists' perceived benefits led to patient referrals.
A survey of 415 senior citizens in Western New York found that more than half faced barriers to seeing a dentist, with finances and anxiety being major concerns. The study suggests that dentists should discuss these barriers with their patients to improve access to dental care.
A new study has found a direct association between periodontal bacteria and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. The research, presented at the International Association for Dental Research, measured carotid artery thickness in subjects with high levels of periodontal-disease-causing bacteria.
A new study has mapped the domesticated pig's wild origin, showing that domestication took place in several different geographical regions in Europe and Asia. The technology for domesticating wild boars is believed to have spread across the world, rather than domesticated wild boar itself.
A one-year study found growth hormone treatment significantly reduced intra-abdominal fat and improved insulin sensitivity in postmenopausal women with abdominal adiposity. The treatment also increased thigh muscle area and lowered LDL cholesterol concentration.
Researchers analyzed 7,000 job-related queries and found that online job searches have a higher percentage of non-relevant returns (60%) compared to general web searches (50%). The study suggests that company web sites need re-design to highlight geographical information and use user-friendly terms for better search engine indexing.
The Endocrine Society recommends classifying childhood obesity as a legitimate disease to encourage public funding and insurer reimbursement for treatment programs. This classification aims to prevent and treat obesity in children, reducing serious health risks such as diabetes, heart disease, and respiratory disorders.
The study found marked differences among countries, with Turkey, Brazil, and Mexico showing the highest number of women faculty. Despite increasing numbers of female physicians, disparities persist in specialties like rheumatology, influenced by factors such as family vs. career emphasis and cultural norms.
The 2004 Midwest crop yields were record-breaking due to unique weather conditions, including an unusually high number of sunny days that aided photosynthesis. This anomaly in atmospheric circulation patterns contributed to the exceptional yields, which surpassed predictions and models.
Researchers studied 590 patients aged 7-18 to develop a cephalometric radiograph score. Those with high scores were more likely to have higher RDI (respiratory disturbance index) scores, indicating potential sleep-disordered breathing risk. This pilot study suggests radiography may be used to identify teenagers at risk for sleep apnea.
Inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) produces nitric oxide, contributing to inflammation and host defense. eNOS-derived NO accelerates host-defense responses but also leads to excessive inflammation and sepsis.
Researchers evaluated microscope image quality and endothelial cell density to assess corneal health. Current system shows promise, but improvements needed in some eye banks to enhance image quality and accuracy of counting cells.
A Johns Hopkins engineering student built an antenna inspired by a cockroach's sensory system, enabling a robot to scurry along walls and avoid obstacles. The device sends signals to the robotic brain, allowing it to maneuver in low-light environments with polished surfaces.
A new study suggests that breastfeeding mothers can safely resume nursing after undergoing surgery with the anesthetic propofol. The research found that less than 0.1% of the drug's dose is present in breast milk within 24 hours, minimizing infant exposure and justifying uninterrupted breastfeeding.
A recent study published at the Central Surgical Association meeting found that success rates for kidney transplants are comparable regardless of donor and recipient age. The research suggests that using newer methods to match kidneys with recipients can increase organ availability for older patients.
A recent study found that acid rain can severely degrade forest soils, leading to poor tree growth rates and potentially high mortality rates. The research, conducted near St. Petersburg, Russia, tracked tree growth for the first time with changes in soil from acid rain, highlighting the need for recovery strategies beyond surface waters.
Histatin binds to TRK1p membrane protein, regulating potassium ion flow and killing fungal cells by preventing ion regulation. The finding paves the way for developing a more effective Candidiasis drug.
Scientists have discovered that an estrogen receptor, ERβ, plays a crucial role in regulating defeminization, a process by which males lose female-like behavior. The study found that neonatal males are exposed to estrogen produced by their testes, leading to changes in gene expression and neural architecture.
Researchers at Purdue University discovered that a group of plants called metal hyperaccumulators can store high levels of metal in their tissues, making them resistant to pathogens. This trait allows these plants to thrive in soils naturally enriched in metals without succumbing to diseases like powdery mildew.
A new study by University at Buffalo researchers found that panoramic X-rays have limited value and can be used selectively in some cases. The study, which evaluated 1,000 panoramic X-rays, revealed that lesions in sinus cavities, soft tissue of the neck, and upper jaw bone were not always picked up on full-mouth-series X-rays.
Kao's research uses DNA microarrays to measure gene expression and identify a mutation that increases the production of erythromycin by five days. By recreating this mutation, she aims to develop new antibiotic-producing bacteria, revolutionizing the field of antibiotic synthesis.
Dr. Goldstein and Dr. Brown will discuss their research on the regulated intramembrane proteolysis (RIP) of sterol regulatory element binding proteins (SREBPs), which regulates lipid biosynthesis and plasma cholesterol levels. Their work has been recognized with numerous awards, including Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine.
The Einstein@Home project enlists thousands of home computers to analyze data from LIGO and GEO-600 detectors, searching for subtle ripples in space-time predicted by Einstein's General Theory of Relativity. By involving hundreds of thousands of people, the project aims to discover gravitational waves and validate theoretical physics.