Researchers found high HCV rates among former plasma/blood donors and villagers who received blood transfusions. Unhygienic plasma donation and blood transfusion are strong risk factors for HCV infection in rural central China.
Recent studies have shown that combining standard chemotherapy with new monoclonal antibody therapies can significantly improve survival rates for patients with follicular lymphoma. The latest study, led by Richard I. Fisher, found a 91% four-year survival rate for patients treated with this regimen.
A study by Case Western Reserve University researchers found that apigenin, a plant flavonoid, slowed tumor growth in mice with prostate cancer. Apigenin also reduced IGF-1 levels associated with increased cancer risk and triggered cell self-destruction.
A new satellite imaging method detects selective logging in the Brazilian Amazon, revealing twice the extent of forest degradation as previously estimated. Logging causes major ecological disruptions, including increased carbon flow to the atmosphere and area damage.
Researchers at Berkeley Lab have developed dual nanocrystal solar cells that are as cheap and easy to make as organic polymer-based solar cells. The new devices, comprising cadmium-selenide and cadmium-telluride, offer improved stability in air due to the absence of organic materials.
Researchers at NIST have successfully assembled and disassembled long chains of magnetic nanoparticles, offering potential applications in medical imaging and information storage. The chains are formed using a weak magnetic field, which induces alignment of the nanoparticles and allows for controlled manipulation.
A meta-analysis of seven head-to-head drug-eluting stent trials found that the CYPHER Stent reduces the need for re-treatment by about 30% compared to Taxus Stent-treated patients, regardless of patient and lesion types. The CYPHER Stent's strong clinical performance is established through rigorous analysis.
A recent study using high-resolution satellite data found that selective logging in the Brazilian Amazon has been underestimated by half, with an annual extent of around 4,685 to 7,973 square miles. This has significant ecological implications for the region and beyond, including increased carbon emissions and biodiversity loss.
Scientists found that P-glycoprotein accelerates clearance of amyloid beta from the brain, potentially reducing Alzheimer's risk. The study suggests that pharmaceuticals affecting Pgp activity levels may also influence Alzheimer's risk.
The Bush Administration proposed purchasing 25% of its food aid abroad to reduce transportation costs, but Senate leaders opposed the move, prioritizing domestic interests over international efforts to combat hunger. The World Food Programme emphasized the need for a concerted global response to address the issue.
Yale researchers have developed a method to count absolute numbers of individual protein molecules inside living cells and measure their locations with high accuracy. This breakthrough addresses fundamental hurdles for studying biology quantitatively, enabling the measurement of protein concentrations in various cellular structures.
Researchers have discovered functional ion channels in human stem cells that regulate cell differentiation and proliferation. By targeting specific potassium channels, scientists may be able to control cell growth and prevent tumor formation, potentially leading to new treatments for various diseases.
A study analyzed 802 Sri Lankan patients who ingested three common organophosphorus insecticides, highlighting substantial variation in clinical course and response to treatment. Current treatment is only partly effective, with case fatality rates often exceeding 10%.
Researchers at New Mexico State University are testing retinal scans on cattle for identification purposes, achieving near-perfect results in terms of speed and accuracy. The technology uses a painless beam of light to record the pattern of veins in the eye, providing a unique identifier similar to a Social Security number.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has joined forces with advocacy groups to fund research on autism susceptibility genes. The initiative aims to expand knowledge of the genetic factors involved in autism and develop targeted therapies.
The Herceptin trial showed a significant reduction in disease recurrence in women with aggressive HER2-positive breast cancer. The treatment improved disease-free survival and overall outcomes, with no serious cardiac side effects reported.
Researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center have successfully treated 72 patients with metastatic liver lesions using precision radiation therapy. The treatment resulted in a median survival time of 13 months, showing promise as an effective option for patients who previously had limited treatment options.
Research suggests that a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish and walnuts, may help prevent dry eye syndrome. Women who consumed at least five servings of tuna per week had a 68% reduced risk of the condition compared to those with lower intakes.
The Gamma Knife treatment has been shown to provide significant pain relief and quality of life improvements for over 90% of patients with trigeminal neuralgia. Facial numbness was a common side effect, but its impact on daily life was often less severe than the debilitating pain it replaced.
A study published in the Journal of Immunology suggests that the immune-cell substance MIF may be necessary for multiple sclerosis progression, but less important for initiating the disease. Researchers found that mice lacking MIF developed an acute phase of the disease, but then recovered without further signs of progression.
Researchers analyzed brain activity of rhesus monkeys to infer what they knew, finding novel nerve cells representing correct memory associations that persisted even after incorrect choices. Human memory relies on association, and behavioral performance may be influenced by external factors.
A study found that nearly 28% of Americans, or about 76.5 million, live in foreign-stock households, where at least one family member is born abroad. The researchers identified seven household types, showing a more dispersed population than previously thought.
UCF researchers have developed a portable method for producing safe drinking water from any source, including contaminated wastewater. The system uses naturally created nanoparticles to kill bacteria that foul membranes used in traditional water treatment methods.
Astronomers have released images of galaxy NGC 1097, revealing the channelling process of matter toward its central supermassive black hole. The new images show over 300 regions of star formation in a prominent ring surrounding the nucleus.
The International Polar Year (IPY) 2007-2008 aims to analyze environmental and economic importance of polar regions. Scientists from around the world have submitted over 1000 research proposals, focusing on global climate change, ocean circulation, and human activities.
Researchers at Penn State have developed a prototype sonic gas analyzer that automatically detects gas concentrations in air/gas mixtures by analyzing pitch changes. The system can track toxic or flammable gases and detect changes as low as 0.003 percent, making it suitable for monitoring hydrogen levels in microbial fuel cells.
Researchers have identified a rare genetic change on the X chromosome that causes XLHPT, a condition affecting male blood calcium levels and parathyroid hormone secretion. The study's findings may lead to new treatments for osteoporosis, a bone-weakening condition in the elderly.
A DNA vaccine could be a powerful tool to combat the 'bird flu' pandemic, potentially produced in as little as two or three weeks. The technique is largely untested in humans, but it might help slow the spread of the disease if enough conventional vaccines aren't available.
Researchers discovered that bacteria and elephants consume energy at a similar rate per unit mass, regardless of their body size. This finding suggests that living organisms can overcome physical limitations by adapting to their own biochemical characteristics.
George Orwell's struggles with tuberculosis and possible infertility contributed to the dark tone of 1984, but also gave him a unique perspective on human suffering. His writing became more universal as he drew from his own experiences with illness.
The International Council for Science (ICSU) has launched a new strategy to strengthen international science, focusing on interdisciplinary research in areas such as sustainable development and natural disasters. The plan aims to improve communication between scientists and policymakers, and promote the sharing of findings and data.
Research studies found that children who watched more than two hours of TV daily were 2.6 times more likely to be overweight than those who watched less than two hours. Parents' TV viewing habits directly impact their children's weight, emphasizing the importance of limiting screen time and modeling healthy behaviors.
A new study using a risk analysis model shows that soft drink consumption from school vending machines has a minimal impact on adolescent body mass index (BMI) or overweight. The authors used publicly available data sets to estimate consumption and found that regular soft drinks have little to no effect on adolescents.
The ICSU Scoping Group on Human-Induced Environmental Hazards aims to provide a strong scientific basis for reducing risks and consequences of natural hazards. Recent disasters show a dramatic increase in natural disasters, causing significant economic loss and human displacement.
The Tulane Primate Center is expanding its facilities with a new grant, providing state-of-the-art housing and nursery facilities for monkeys. The center will also establish a national nonhuman primate breeding colony resource to meet increasing demand for these animals.
The Mayo Clinic report reveals that trastuzumab is the most effective treatment for women with HER2-positive breast cancer. With a disease-free rate of 90.4% at three years, this breakthrough offers new hope to millions of women worldwide affected by this type of cancer.
The introduction of generic ART led to a significant decline in HIV-related deaths in India between 1997 and 2003. Accessible drugs have also reduced the incidence of opportunistic infections such as tuberculosis among immunocompromised patients.
Research found that prenatal exposure to alcohol may cause visual problems in infants, with those born to mothers who binge drank during pregnancy at higher risk. Infants aged 30 and older whose mothers drank during pregnancy also showed poorer visual acuity, suggesting age-related physiological changes may play a role.
Studies show that histone modifications activated genes involved in cocaine response, leading to neural and behavioral plasticity. Long-lived changes in chromatin remodeling may be crucial for cocaine-induced neuroadaptations.
The NIH will provide nearly $10 million in funding for nine Science Education Partnership Awards, supporting programs that increase science literacy among K-12 students and teachers from underserved populations. These awards aim to make science more accessible and encourage young people to pursue careers in science.
Researchers developed a technique to predict adult height in children using factors like age, sex, weight, and growth maturity level. The method accurately predicted final heights within specific ranges for boys and girls, offering a valid tool for caregivers to assess their child's growth.
A team of scientists from the University of Arizona found no net increase in resistance to Bt crops, with a decrease in resistance reported instead. This is contrary to experts' predictions when these crops were first commercialized. The use of refuges has driven pesticide use to historic low levels, saving growers $80 per acre.
A study of 208 women with early or advanced breast cancer found that nearly half forgot their tablets and over a tenth deliberately skipped doses. The research highlights the need for doctors to address patients' concerns about hot flushes and injections, which can affect treatment adherence.
Researchers have identified two protein kinases, STN7 and STN8, responsible for regulating short-term and long-term adaptations in plant photosynthesis. The discovery provides new insights into the regulation of photosynthetic proteins and has significant implications for understanding plant adaptation to changing light conditions.
Scientists from Max Planck Institute discovered that the auditory cortex integrates sensory information from multiple sources simultaneously, strengthening activity with tactile stimulation. This finding suggests that the brain processes sensory data early to prevent false perceptions.
A recent UCSD study shows that non-coding regions of DNA, often referred to as 'junk' DNA, are essential for maintaining an organism's genetic integrity and play a crucial role in evolutionary survival. These findings suggest that these regions are not functionally inactive but rather provide resistance to new mutations.
Eating one fish meal per week provides significant nutritional benefit, but decreasing fish consumption can lead to lost omega-3 fatty acids and increased risks of coronary heart disease and stroke. The study suggests that the government advisories may be doing more harm than good by limiting fish intake.
Researchers at Ohio State University isolated three key genes controlling when female mosquitoes switch from feeding on blood to an all-sugar diet. These genes help the mosquitoes survive cold weather and potentially aid in understanding the West Nile Virus transmission.
A new computer system using DNA will be developed to solve complex logistical problems, such as evacuation logistics after a hurricane. The system aims to calculate optimal evacuation routes and supply logistics in record time.
The Harvard Center for Risk Analysis examines the health effects of fish consumption, finding that moderate intake reduces stroke risk by 17% and coronary heart disease mortality by 3.9%. However, high mercury exposure may harm cognitive development.
The new NASA animation shows the tracks of all 21 named storms, including Arlene and Wilma. The video is available for download in various formats, including MPEG-1 and JPEG.
A ferret study found that restoration of binocular vision began in as little as 30 minutes and improved significantly within four hours. The researchers discovered that blocking protein synthesis did not affect recovery, suggesting preserved basic visual wiring during deprivation.
A study of 1,492 men found that annual PSA testing reduced the risk of dying from prostate cancer by 3.6%, while increasing the chances of diagnosis with curable cancers. The test measures levels of prostate-specific antigen, a protein produced by the prostate.
Researchers discovered a genetic duplication of 27 genes on chromosome 7, which affects language abilities. The study's findings provide insight into the cause of specific language impairment and may lead to new treatments.
Displaced people face increased risk of infectious diseases due to poor sanitation and limited access to medical services. Improving public health systems through mass vaccinations is key to preventing disease outbreaks.
Researchers found halophilic bacteria in non-saline Japanese soil, suggesting they originated from salt lakes in Inner Mongolia, China. The study suggests dust storms can transport bacteria across geographical boundaries, posing health risks.
A UCSF professor argues that paying doctors and hospitals to improve performance has little impact on care quality. He suggests that health insurers must consider the complexity of the system before deciding whether pay-for-performance works.
A new study found that psychosocial stimulation led to beneficial effects on cognitive and educational tests in children with stunted growth. In contrast, a food supplement alone was insufficient to sustain benefits. The study suggests that early childhood stimulation is crucial for improving the development of undernourished children.
A new study finds that a drug combination against AIDS-related infections also prevents malaria in children. The combination, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TS), was found to be highly effective in preventing malaria, reducing the incidence by 99.5%, and also reduced gastrointestinal illnesses.
Researchers have developed a new approach to cardiac resynchronization therapy that uses a minimally invasive method to place pacing leads. The technique, which involves puncturing the heart's pericardium to insert the lead, shows promise in improving treatment outcomes for patients with heart failure.