Scientists have discovered a novel protein complex that allows methanogens to survive in environments with sulfite, a toxic compound. The enzyme, coenzyme F420-dependent sulfite reductase, converts sulfite into sulfide, an essential nutrient for the organisms.
Scientists have found that injecting a specific amino acid into rats can alter their gene expression, raising hopes for potential treatments for diseases. The study also showed that certain nutrients can influence gene expression in animals even after birth, sparking interest in the role of diet in shaping our genes.
This article discusses various rehabilitation techniques for individuals with disabilities, including a new method to monitor voluntary movement in people with spinal cord injuries and the benefits of smart wheelchairs. It also explores the impact of ground surfaces on wheelchair propulsion and the effectiveness of hybrid-diffractive l...
Researchers found that pravastatin increased endogenous stem cells for cardiac repair, independent of cholesterol-lowering action. High doses improved cardiac function and coronary blood flow in hibernating myocardium, a condition where heart cells reduce their function due to insufficient blood flow.
A team of astronomers has discovered a hot Jupiter planet in a triple star system, challenging conventional theories of planetary formation. The discovery suggests that it is possible for planets to form around the host star and then be captured by a binary system, explaining the unusual configuration of the HD 188753 system.
The UK's top science stories highlight significant advancements in bone health technology, underwater archaeology, and superconductors. These innovations hold promise for improving human health, enhancing technological capabilities, and shaping the nation's future economic development.
Duque was honored for his innovative contributions to skeletal health research and education in the field. He aims to define vitamin D's role in regulating osteogenic cells and its impact on bone metabolism in the elderly.
A global signaling study suggests that cancer's genesis may be linked to the haphazard activation of secondary signaling pathways by proteins. The researchers found that only two human ErbB receptors, EGFR and ErbB2, become promiscuous when overexpressed, recruiting a large number of different signaling proteins.
Darbepoietin showed significant protection to heart tissue and improved cardiac function when administered 1-2 hours or 24 hours after an ischemic event. The findings suggest potential for quick translation into clinical trials.
Blazer is recognized for his contributions to understanding risk and protective factors, long-term illness course, and sequelae of depression in later life. He has also played a major role in the MacArthur's Foundation's Network on Successful Aging.
Researchers found that Trichostatin A (TSA) reduced lupus symptoms, including kidney inflammation and enlarged spleens, and effectively treated atherosclerosis in mice. The drug works by preventing genes from expressing proteins involved in both diseases, offering hope for simultaneous treatment.
MabThera demonstrates significant improvements in symptom parameters, including tender and swollen joint counts and fatigue, with higher response rates compared to methotrexate alone. The treatment was well-tolerated, with consistent safety profiles across the six-month analysis.
The Gerontological Society of America (GSA) presents the 2005 M. Powell Lawton Award to Dr. Mary Tinetti, recognizing her commitment to translating research into practice through collaborations with top health organizations. At Yale University, she has established a renowned geriatric clinical epidemiology program.
The Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) has released research reports on wait times for cancer, joint replacement, and sight restoration. The studies provide a framework for developing evidence-based benchmarks and identifying gaps in existing research.
Golimumab, a fully-human anti-TNF-alpha monoclonal antibody, achieves primary endpoint and shows significant improvement in signs and symptoms of moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis. Patients receiving golimumab plus MTX achieved higher ACR response rates compared to placebo.
Researchers discovered sequence variations in the DISC1 gene that predict schizophrenia, neurocognitive deficits, and brain structure abnormalities. The study's findings offer hope for developing a treatment that can prevent or fix the protein's function.
Researchers at UCSD develop mice models expressing high amounts of alpha-synuclein to study its effects on the nervous system. The models aid in understanding the causes of multiple system atrophy and developing treatments to slow disease progression, potentially benefiting patients with Parkinson's disease as well.
Researchers found that CBZ-ERC significantly reduced manic and mixed symptoms for patients with Bipolar I Disorder. The study also showed that the medication was generally well-tolerated, with only 14.3% of patients experiencing a relapse.
Researchers found that Carvedilol has anti-arrhythmic properties that can reduce cardiac death and atrial fibrillation. The study suggests an alternative to implantable cardiovertor defibrillators (ICDs) for managing patients at high risk of sudden cardiac death.
Patients with active psoriatic arthritis treated with REMICADE experienced a high degree of sustained clinical improvement in arthritis, including significant reduction in structural damage. The treatment also showed sustained improvement in functional status and quality of life, as measured by the Short Form 36 questionnaire.
Bengtson has received four teacher-of-the-year awards and chaired 34 doctoral dissertations, influencing numerous graduate, undergraduate, and professional students. He is a past GSA president and has mentored eight postdoctoral students with tenure-track appointments in the field of aging.
A new robotic surgery-stenting combo has shown promising results in opening blocked coronary arteries and speeding up patient recovery. The procedure involves using the left internal mammary artery to bypass blocked areas and reduce scarring and disability, with patients returning to work within a week.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have successfully created a biological pacemaker using connective tissue cells from lungs and heart muscle cells, paving the way for an alternative to implanted electronic pacemakers. The biopacemaker uses tiny electroactive 'pacing cells' that can fire on their own and regulate the heart's rhythmi...
Case Western Reserve University's Noelker has advanced the role of research and services in improving quality of life for older adults. Her work focuses on workforce issues, increasing job retention among nurse assistants and home health aides.
Researchers at Imperial College London have directed embryonic stem cells to become cartilage cells, showing potential for growing new cartilage for transplantation. This breakthrough technique could also be used in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, offering a new solution for joint replacements and other medical problems.
Researchers found African-Americans had a 70% lower risk of dying in the hospital and better one- and six-month outcomes following coronary interventions. However, these benefits disappeared after one year, highlighting the need for aggressive adherence to risk reduction recommendations.
Researchers found that watching violent scenes can impair cognitive flexibility, while a beta-blocker medication can promote flexible thinking under stress. The study used propranolol to block the brain's normal response to stress and improve performance on word association tasks.
Researchers have found that women with lupus are at high risk of heart disease due to the presence of pro-inflammatory HDL in their blood. The discovery may lead to an effective test to identify patients at increased risk and prevent cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.
The discovery of Dallasaurus, a three-foot long lizard that lived 92 million years ago, fills a gap in the understanding of mosasaur evolution and reveals that they transitioned from land to sea. The fossil find provides significant insights into the biology and natural history of mosasaurs, which were top predators in their ecosystem.
Research reveals that the number of serotonin receptors in the subgenual prefrontal cortex affects the amygdala's emotional state, influencing behavior in stressful situations. Higher levels of these receptors can reduce rational 'discussion' and lead to increased amygdala activity.
Researchers investigate compounds like thalidomide, arsenic, and insecticide-derived drugs for their potential to treat solid tumors and various types of cancers. These novel approaches aim to overcome resistance to existing treatments and reduce adverse effects associated with hormonal ablation therapy.
The PROactive study shows ACTOS significantly reduced the recurrence of heart attacks and acute coronary syndrome in high-risk patients with type 2 diabetes. The medication demonstrated a 28 percent reduction in fatal or non-fatal heart attacks, as well as a 37 percent risk reduction in acute coronary syndrome.
A Scripps-led study finds that climate warming will shrink key water supplies around the world, affecting millions. Glacier-dependent regions like China, India, and parts of South America are particularly vulnerable to vanishing glaciers, which will lead to costly disruptions in water supply and resource management systems.
A recent study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that regular physical activity may lower breast cancer risk in both black and white women. Women who exercised for at least 1.3 hours a week had a 20% lower risk of breast cancer compared to inactive individuals.
Dr. Anstey, a fellow at Australian National University, has been awarded the prestigious 2005 Margret M. Baltes Award by the Gerontological Society of America (GSA) for her groundbreaking work on cognitive aging. The award recognizes her significant contributions to advancing our understanding of this critical aspect of human development.
This article explores how diseases, drugs, and chemicals affected famous artists such as Michelangelo, Edvard Munch, Ivar Arosenius, and Vincent van Gogh. Clinical laboratory analysis is providing new insights into their creative achievements.
UC Davis researchers found that therapy-induced leukemia develops from the rearrangement of the MLL gene and factors that activate programmed cell death. The process may be preventable by completing apoptosis in cancer cells, offering a potential treatment avenue.
Researchers have developed a novel approach to prevent and treat atherosclerosis by transferring the apo A-I Milano gene or using antibody therapy to reduce plaque buildup. The studies show that these methods can significantly shrink existing plaques and even remove bad cholesterol.
A German study of 37 men and 18 women found that some riders experienced increased heart rates that could lead to arrhythmias, especially in those with high blood pressure or previous heart attacks. Researchers suggest operators have external defibrillators on hand for safety.
The Gerontological Society of America (GSA) recognizes innovative research in aging with the 2004 Richard Kalish Innovative Publication Award. The award honors a paper that offers a new model of personality and great potential to stimulate research in gerontology.
Researchers have engineered mice to respond to a therapy that lowers beta amyloid production, which forms senile plaques in the brain. Early treatment may be crucial in preventing plaque growth and improving outcomes for patients with Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers reject competitive accretion model, which predicts stars form through gas accretion, in favor of gravitational collapse and fragmentation theory. The new model shows turbulence hinders accretion, resulting in stable core mass, contradicting observations of brown dwarfs with planetary disks.
A team of scientists has successfully created a new material that induces magnetic vibrations at visible light frequencies, allowing for the creation of ultra-small optical lenses and miniature lasers. This breakthrough could lead to significant advancements in optics, optoelectronics, and biosensing.
Professor Larry Milstein has been recognized with an endowed chair for his contributions to wireless communication, particularly CDMA and interference suppressing receivers. His research focuses on ultra wideband communications, MIMO systems, and orthogonal frequency division modulation.
A study published in The New England Journal of Medicine found that combining lifestyle modification with the weight loss medication sibutramine resulted in significantly greater weight loss among obese adults compared to using medication alone. Participants who kept daily food and physical activity records showed the most significant ...
Dr. Warner, a renowned expert in aging research, is honored with the prestigious award for his contributions to promoting basic research and bridging the gap between science and practice. He will present a keynote lecture at the GSA's Annual Scientific Meeting.
Researchers found a twofold increase in adolescent depression visits between 1995 and 2002, with medication use rising from 47% to 52% and psychotherapy dropping from 83% to 68%. SSRIs accounted for 76% of prescribed antidepressants during this period.
Research reveals a likely connection between early-life stress and teenage mental health problems, including behavioral and emotional disorders. Monkeys studied showed similar responses to early-life stresses as human children, providing a clearer developmental picture.
Brown Wilson, president of the Jessie F. Richardson Foundation, will receive the award for her work in developing assisted living projects serving diverse populations. Her innovative programs demonstrate excellence in translating research into practical application and policy.
A one-year study found that combining weight loss medication with a comprehensive program of lifestyle modification yields twice the weight loss compared to using either approach alone. The study showed participants who received combined therapy lost significantly more weight than those in other groups.
Climate models project significant changes in global water availability by 2050, with varying trends across regions. The study highlights the complex relationship between climate and water resources, noting that warmer temperatures can lead to both increased and decreased water supply in different parts of the world.
A study by Swedish researchers found that nearly all women wanted children, but only 3% preferred to delay their last birth until between 35 and 39. Many women also delayed their first child until their 40s. The study highlights the need for increased awareness of age-related decline in female fertility.
Harrington's research has had a national impact on long-term care policies, informing the U.S. General Accounting Office and Senate Special Committee on Aging investigations. Her work led to budget legislation increasing minimum staffing standards and salaries for California nursing home staff in 1999.
A study found that lifetime illegal drug use accounts for nearly a third of patients visiting an inner city hospital emergency department. Recently used drugs significantly increase the risk of requiring emergency care, with possible 1 million ED attendances and 40,000 acute admissions annually in England.
UC Davis researchers have discovered a genetic switch, Ku86, involved in cells' response to radiation therapy. The switch, when turned off, enhances the effectiveness of radiation therapy with less toxicity than current radiosensitizing drugs.
A USC-led study found that higher ozone levels during pregnancy are associated with lower birth weight and increased risk of intra uterine growth retardation. The researchers monitored ozone and carbon monoxide levels in Southern California communities and analyzed birth records from over 3,900 children.
Two studies on obesity pharmacotherapy were published in the New England Journal of Medicine, exploring the efficacy of lifestyle modification and pharmacological interventions. Dr. Susan Yanovski, director of the NIDDK's Obesity and Eating Disorders Program, is available to comment on these findings.
Advanced imaging techniques allow researchers to visualize and analyze the protein-conducting channel with unprecedented detail. The study reveals new insights into the structure and function of this complex biological system.
Dr Cleaveland's project seeks to eliminate rabies by targeting its primary source: dogs. The research also sheds light on the role of wildlife in transmitting diseases between species.
A study found that decaffeinated coffee consumption increased levels of fatty acids and Apolipoprotein B (ApoB) in the blood after three months, potentially promoting heart disease risk. In contrast, caffeinated coffee had no significant effects on these markers.
Masternak will receive the award for best paper published in Journal of Gerontology: Biological Sciences for 2005. The presentation will take place on November 20th at 12:15 p.m. at the Orlando World Center Marriott Resort.
Researchers have obtained the crystal structure of phytochrome, a protein that regulates plant growth and development in response to light. The discovery may lead to precise control over flowering events and improved crop yields.
Despite updated guidelines and advances in treatment, a quarter of COPD patients hospitalized with an exacerbation will die within a year. Experts recommend prioritizing prevention of exacerbations and slowing down disease progression over symptomatic relief as the primary goal in COPD management.
CERN has been awarded a high-performance computing prize at the Supercomputing 2005 conference. The recognition is due to CERN's pioneering work on the LHC Computing Grid and its collaborative efforts with industrial partners in developing grid technology.
Dr. Cavanagh's donation honors the contributions of Paul M. Bass and W. Plack Carr Jr., who made his past achievements possible. Dr. Cavanagh's research involves developing new contact lenses with improved oxygen flow, impacting millions worldwide.
Researchers at Princeton University developed an algorithm to optimally assign funding proposals to reviewers, resolving a long-standing issue for the National Science Foundation. The solution has broad applications in scheduling interns, deploying combat units, and assigning teachers to classes.
Researchers have found that valproic acid reduces skin disease and kidney disease in mice with lupus, a condition affecting over 1 million Americans. The drug has been shown to slow the progression of kidney problems, inflammation, and other symptoms.
Aronow, a leading geriatric cardiologist, receives the 2005 Freeman Award for his work in gerontology and long-term care. The award recognizes his contributions to the field of aging and gerontological research.
Dr. Hobbs and Dr. Grundy, two UT Southwestern researchers, have been recognized by the American Heart Association as Distinguished Scientists for their contributions to cardiovascular research and treatment. The recognition acknowledges their lifelong dedication to advancing our understanding of heart disease and stroke.
A synthesis report reveals climate change's growing health impacts vary by region, with coastlines and sub-Saharan Africa particularly at risk. The report highlights the need for global leadership in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and sustainable energy policies.
A new 12-point plan provides guidance on conducting email-based health research, emphasizing the need for informed consent, identity protection, and confidentiality safeguards. The plan aims to maximize technical knowledge and secure the research process.
A study by Barkin and colleagues found that when pediatricians discuss seven key health topics, parents are more likely to remember the advice. Discussing too many topics leads to decreased parental recall. The research aims to improve family education and patient outcomes in pediatric care.