Researchers studied isotope anomalies in rocks, ice cores, and atmospheric samples to understand the rise of oxygen in the atmosphere. They found that ultraviolet light from the Sun drove atmospheric evolution, leading to the formation of ozone that shields life on Earth.
Boostrix is approved by the FDA for use in US adolescents against pertussis, with reported cases rising nearly 20-fold since 1976. Experts estimate the true incidence of the disease may be greater than one million cases per year, particularly among teens.
Researchers found that advanced NSCLC patients with high EGFR gene copy number, protein expression, or mutations respond better to gefitinib. High EGFR gene copy number is associated with prolonged survival and disease control.
Researchers found that low-dose MDCT can provide similar diagnostic image quality to standard-dose CT scans while reducing radiation doses by up to 10 times. The study suggests low-dose MDCT is a better option for evaluating sinus disease in children due to its improved accuracy and reduced need for sedation.
A new study found that increasing Pap screening adherence and improving its accuracy could reduce the incidence of invasive cervical cancer among women with access to screening. The study also identified factors associated with screening failure, including lack of Pap testing and unrelated outpatient visits.
Researchers at Rutgers are studying the effects of plant extracts on metabolic syndrome, a condition characterized by obesity, hypertension, and high insulin levels. The center aims to identify chemical compounds with therapeutic potential and develop new treatments for this growing public health concern.
Researchers found that leptin replacement treatment altered brain structure and reduced cravings for people with an obesity gene. The study suggests new potential treatments for weight-related issues.
MicroRNAs play a crucial role in regulating plant development by controlling gene expression related to the auxin response pathway. Studies show that microRNA-mediated regulation of genes like ARF17 and NAC1 is essential for normal plant growth, affecting root and shoot development.
NJIT digital poetry expert Dr. Funkhouser will teach a course on hypermedia writing and lead a creative multimedia workshop in Malaysia. He aims to integrate disparate forms of expression into useful hypermedia documents by leveraging database programming.
Infants of mothers with posttraumatic stress syndrome disorder (PTSD) symptoms after 9/11 have significantly lower cortisol levels compared to those born to mothers without the condition. This effect is observed both in utero and after birth, suggesting a potential biological risk factor for PTSD.
Ron Davidson, a professor at Princeton University, has received the 2005 Particle Accelerator Science and Technology Award for his contributions to the theory of charged particle beams. His work has applications in particle physics, nuclear physics, ion-beam-driven fusion, high energy density physics, and cancer therapy.
Researchers found that sirolimus-eluting stents significantly reduced the need for target-vessel revascularization (TVR) and cumulative incidence of death, reinfarction, stroke, or TVR compared to bare-metal stents. The STRATEGY trial showed a reduction in heart attack risk with tirofiban plus sirolimus-eluting stenting.
An observational study found that drug-releasing stents have a higher incidence of stent thrombosis beyond 30 days compared to clinical trials. The study identified premature antiplatelet therapy discontinuation, kidney failure, and diabetes as independent predictors of stent thrombosis.
Proconsul, a 18 million-year-old creature, holds the key to human and ape origins. The book provides an insider's view on fossil discovery and interpretation, exploring Proconsul's anatomy, diet, and habits.
Researchers from Thomas Jefferson University have successfully created plant factories that produce antibodies against tumor cells, offering a potential alternative to expensive and traditional methods. The plant-made antibodies show similar effectiveness in inhibiting tumor growth as mammalian-made monoclonal antibodies.
A study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology found that MDCT is highly accurate in diagnosing coronary artery disease in patients with little to moderate calcium buildup. However, its accuracy drops significantly in cases with severe calcification, emphasizing the need for conventional angiography in such cases.
The Sapling Foundation grant will support OneWorld Health's efforts to develop new medicines for infectious diseases affecting the developing world. The Institute develops affordable treatments for diseases like visceral leishmaniasis, malaria, and diarrhea, with a focus on pre-clinical studies and clinical trials.
A new study found that spacing out insulin given by an insulin pump in two doses, one over eight hours, can keep glucose levels more favorable than a single dose or double dose taken over shorter periods. This method showed improved blood glucose control after a pizza meal without causing hypoglycemic events.
The Field Museum is preserving the audio descriptions of its prized Pacific collection, recorded on sonobands in the 1950s and 60s. The project involves converting the recordings to a digital format, which has proven challenging due to the deterioration of the sonoband medium over time.
A telephone survey found that celebrity endorsements increased awareness and likelihood of certain cancer screenings, including mammography, PSA testing, and sigmoidoscopy. The study highlights the complex decision-making process around cancer screening, suggesting a need for celebrities to inform rather than persuade the public.
Researchers have developed a new tool that allows them to visualize cells in real-time, revealing details about their movement and behavior. The technique, called two-photon laser-scanning microscopy, has provided insights into the goal-oriented migration of activated T cells and the random wanderings of immature T cells.
CONRAD will conduct two Phase III clinical trials in India and four African countries to test a vaginal microbicide candidate, Ushercell, developed by CONRAD in collaboration with Polydex Pharmaceuticals. The goal is to determine its effectiveness in preventing HIV transmission.
A randomized controlled trial of 302 patients with migraines found that acupuncture and sham acupuncture resulted in similar reductions in headache frequency. While acupuncture was associated with a reduction in migraine headaches compared to no treatment, the effects were comparable to those observed with sham acupuncture.
A Stanford study compared two low-fat diets: one focused on avoiding saturated fat and cholesterol, the other including plenty of plant-based foods. The plant-based diet resulted in a significant 9.4% decrease in LDL cholesterol, while the conventional diet lowered it by 4.6%.
Researchers found that liver cells express CB1 receptors, which activate a signaling pathway increasing fatty acid synthesis. This activation is similar to brain and may be a target for metabolic regulation and appetite control.
Scientists detected gamma rays in thunderstorms, contradicting a long-held theory. The study found lightning strokes preceding the gamma rays, suggesting a negative cause-and-effect relationship.
Researchers discovered that FGF-21 regulates glucose uptake in human fat cells, significantly reducing plasma glucose levels and triglycerides. FGF-21 also protected animals from diet-induced obesity, providing evidence for its therapeutic potential in treating type 2 diabetes.
A recent study led by Elizabeth Parks from the University of Minnesota has made a groundbreaking discovery about the origin of fatty liver disease. The research found that excess dietary fat can lead to liver toxicity, causing it to malfunction in its role as the body's central storage and distribution center for fat.
Scientists have identified 35 genes essential for regeneration in planarians, a discovery that could lead to new insights into human regenerative biology and the development of potential treatments for diseases. The study also highlights the potential of planarians as a genetically sound model for human biology.
The study finds that major cardiovascular risk factors, such as obesity and high blood pressure, are increasing in low-income and middle-income countries, particularly in cities. As a result, these countries will face high levels of cardiovascular disease alongside infectious diseases.
AESEDA aims to entice minority students to enroll in Penn State's College of Earth and Mineral Sciences, with a focus on Africa connection. The program involves partnerships with HBCUs and Nigerian universities to develop natural resources and energy management in Africa.
Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory investigate the concept of return to normalcy in genetic systems. They uncover new insights into how cells can re-establish normal gene expression after perturbations.
A study of nearly 4,500 men and women found that full-time workers who spent more time on sedentary activities engaged in significantly less exercise than part-time workers. This is likely due to the limited free time available to full-time workers, leading to a greater reliance on leisure activities.
Researchers at VCU have created a unique polymer coating that switches from being hydrophilic to hydrophobic when exposed to water, offering potential applications in medical testing and fluid control. The coating's reversible properties make it suitable for various industries.
A new screening tool has been developed to assess children's exposure to secondhand smoke by asking caregivers about smoking factors in the home. The tool, which correlates with hair cotinine levels, can help pediatricians identify high-risk children and facilitate assessment in busy practices.
Accumulated liver lipids come from serum fatty acids, newly made fatty acids within the liver, and dietary fatty acids. Insulin-sensitizing agents may help reduce oxidative stress and treat NAFLD.
A new study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that blood stream invasion occurs in nearly half of untreated adults with erythema migrans, a tell-tale bull's eye rash. Younger patients and those with prior Lyme disease experience lower rates of invasion.
Researchers discovered FGF-21 regulates glucose uptake in human fat cells, decreasing plasma glucose levels and triglycerides in diabetic animals. Additionally, FGF-21 protected animals from diet-induced obesity, defining a functional role for FGF-21 in vivo.
Researchers at Oregon State University have used X-ray crystallography to determine the three-dimensional structures of nearly all possible sequences of a macromolecule, creating a map of DNA structure. This breakthrough should fundamentally improve our understanding of genetic function and biological processes.
Scientists have found that retinoic acid, a cancer-fighting vitamin A derivative, enters a cell's nucleus via protein CRABP-II by exposing positive charges on its amino acids. This discovery could lead to new treatments for various diseases, including leukemia and breast cancer.
A Northwestern Memorial HealthCare study identified a gene variant TGFBR1*6A associated with a high risk of colorectal cancer. The variant was found to be more prevalent among patients without a mutation in other genes, suggesting its potent contribution to familial cases.
A study published in Developmental Cell identifies two genes, HES-1 and HLF, that regulate human blood stem cell behavior. These genes enhance cell-cycle progression and inhibit premature cell death in hematopoietic stem cells.
Children living with single mothers and grandparents in the household show similar test scores to those in married-couple families. Research highlights the importance of grandparents' role in supporting children during adolescence. Grandparents can serve as a source of strength for youth navigating this critical period.
The study highlights substantial risks of farm salmon escapes into the North Atlantic and other regions, threatening native fish populations. Escapes lead to interbreeding, loss of fitness, and genetic diversity, as well as parasite transmission to wild stocks.
Mayo researchers identified a genetic glitch in the heart's electrical system, which can lead to sudden and unexpected drownings. The study found two cases of proficient swimmers who died unexpectedly while swimming, highlighting the importance of further research into this phenomenon.
USC researchers successfully implanted six blind patients with a retinal prosthesis, enabling them to detect light, identify objects, and perceive motion. The device shows promise for treating degenerative eye diseases like retinitis pigmentosa and age-related macular degeneration.
A study comparing human and chimpanzee genomes identified genes involved in sensory perception and spermatogenesis, as well as a strong link between immune defense and positive selection. The authors suggest that an evolutionary arms race may have driven the development of tumor-suppressor and apoptosis genes.
Researchers observed B cells' random and directed migration to helper T cells, guided by chemokine receptor CCR7 and cognate antigen. The interaction enables stable formation of motile conjugates with activated T cells.
A large European study found that only 60% of patients with heart failure were treated according to the ESC guidelines for the five most commonly used cardiac drugs. Adherence to treatment guidelines was independently correlated with patient outcomes, including hospitalization rates and time to readmission.
A three-question model asks about parental smoking habits and home environment to gauge ETS exposure risk. The study used hair samples to measure cotinine levels, finding that parental reports often underestimated child exposure.
Research suggests children who consistently eat breakfast have superior nutritional profiles compared to those skipping breakfast. The study also found a correlation between breakfast consumption and improved cognitive function, including memory and test grades.
Researchers found that both medication (nefazodone) and psychotherapy (CBASP) are effective in treating chronic depression even when the initial treatment fails. The study showed that switching between these two treatments resulted in improved symptoms for many patients, suggesting a strong basis for adjusting treatment plans.
Researchers have identified a biological pathway for a potent molecule, IL-10, that can delay rejection of transplanted organs by preventing blood-vessel deterioration. The study used rat models and found that a single muscular injection of IL-10 could provide long-term therapeutic effects.
A study found that male mouse fetuses exposed to estrogenic chemicals developed more ducts in their prostate and narrowed urethras, raising concerns for human health. The researchers used low doses of ethinylestradiol and bisphenol A, which are commonly found in oral contraceptives and plastics.
The Hox gene complex has been rearranged differently in several Drosophila species, but their expression and function are conserved. The research suggests that Hox gene clustering is a result of evolutionary history rather than functional necessity.
The FDA approved clofarabine for pediatric patients with relapsed or refractory ALL, built on years of effective use of pre-1980 drugs and adaptable for adult use later. Researchers say this approval is crucial for giving children access to new anti-cancer drugs.
Researchers developed an Interactive Scanning Electron Microscope (iSEM) system to simulate the capabilities of a $200,000 analytical instrument in classrooms. Students can measure and analyze objects in detail, simulating real-world experiments previously only accessible to graduate students.
A study of NYC public school children found a high proportion had a probable mental disorder six months after the 9/11 attack. The severity of exposure was related to disorder rates, with family exposure being a stronger factor than direct exposure.
Researchers identified 18 genes that predict which patients will respond to Hepatitis C treatment, offering a potential simple blood test for early diagnosis. The study found that these genes are key to the body's ability to eliminate the virus.
A six-week cycling study found that regular exercise activates hundreds of genes in young, healthy men, some linked to diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The study also showed that individuals who improved their performance most activated more genes in the muscles, a phenomenon not previously seen.