A recent study found that a single water molecule can catalytically enhance the oxidation of carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide at low temperatures. This breakthrough could lead to new channels of reactivity using polar molecules like water.
Researchers found that a natural product of vitamin A can regulate immunity and enhance vaccine response when combined with PIC. The combination resulted in a four to seven times better immune response compared to individual treatments.
The Dr. Paul Janssen Award for Biomedical Research aims to recognize and reward innovative contributions to human health, as identified by a six-member international selection committee. The first Award will be presented in September 2006, with a $100,000 prize and global recognition for the recipient.
Researchers found that MXC alters estrogen-regulated gene Hoxa10 in the reproductive tract, reducing embryo implantation ability. Exposure to MXC has been shown to induce abnormalities in female reproductive tract development and function.
The study found a cellular protein called HVEM acts as an 'off and on switch' for immune responses, enabling communication between T lymphocytes and other cells. This discovery could lead to new treatments for autoimmune diseases by mimicking HVEM's action.
A study by Yale University researchers found that most embryos produced during IVF do not result in live births. The study aimed to identify methods for screening viable embryos and improve egg production techniques.
A team led by Neil Gehrels' Swift science team detected the afterglow of a gamma-ray burst (GRB) with a redshift of 6.29, confirming Lamb and Reichart's earlier prediction from 1999. This discovery smashes the old distance record by 500 million light years.
Georgetown University researcher aims to create mathematical model of how the brain recognizes objects in different scenes. His work has applications in artificial intelligence and understanding neurodevelopmental disorders like autism.
The study highlights the complex interplay between genetic and environmental factors in determining human aging. While there is no single gene responsible for aging, genetics account for approximately 25% of how a person ages, with stress, environment, nutrition, lifestyle, and immunity also playing significant roles.
Obese patients with coronary artery disease can benefit from bariatric surgery, which leads to significant weight loss and improvements in blood pressure, cholesterol, and sleep apnea. However, diet and exercise should remain the primary approach for weight management before considering surgery.
The study found that 70% of teachers incorporated computers into their classroom practices after working with researchers. Effective use of ICT enhances the teacher's role, improves the learning environment, and increases student engagement. However, many teachers lack confidence in using technology due to limited training.
A HealthGrades study reveals a significant rise in patient-choice C-sections, with rates varying widely across states. The study found that Arizona had the smallest increase, while Nevada saw the largest jump of 56.7%, highlighting the need for awareness and informed decision-making about these procedures.
Researchers demonstrate that reducing trauma to the artery and using anti-clotting drugs are key to successful stent placement. The study's findings suggest an 8.5% true clinical restenosis rate after two years.
Mental disorders are a major cause of sickness, disability, and premature mortality in developing countries. Treating mental disorders is crucial to achieving goals such as eradicating extreme poverty and hunger, reducing child mortality, and improving maternal health.
A new method predicts the risk of emergency caesarean section for women attempting a vaginal birth after a previous caesarean section. The method takes into account several factors, including maternal age and sex of the baby, to identify those at low risk of complications.
Exposing cells to chloroquine prevents acidification of compartments, allowing proteins to escape and be broken down into smaller pieces displayed to cytolytic T cells. This boosts hepatitis B virus-specific T cell responses in up to 70% of vaccine recipients.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has provided critical shielding data to NASA, enabling the resumption of space shuttle flights. The NIST system measures electromagnetic shielding characteristics in key locations, allowing NASA to set safe power levels on radar systems.
The UN's Deputy Secretary General orders delay on measurement of life-saving goals, citing concerns over 'distracting' from desired results. This decision diverts attention from a key problem: concrete trends toward helping people in extreme poverty often lack verification.
A study of 1,001 women found that oral contraceptive users had a 40% lower incidence of multiple sclerosis compared to non-users. Pregnancy also showed a lower risk, while the postpartum period increased the risk of MS onset. Estrogen levels may play a role in these findings.
A new guideline suggests a blood test can help identify the type of seizure, distinguishing between generalized tonic-clonic seizures and complex partial seizures. The test measures prolactin levels in the blood after a seizure.
Men with high PSA levels prior to prostate removal surgery were significantly more likely to have advanced clinical stages of cancer and higher grade cancers in surgically removed tissue. Increasing PSA levels after surgery were also associated with increased risk of cancer recurrence.
Rokach's research focuses on designing and synthesizing radio- and photo-affinity ligand molecules to bind to the disease-causing enzyme, which contributes to asthma, inflammatory bowel disease, and psoriasis. The grant will support his work on identifying the structure of the enzyme.
The Gladstone Institutes will develop a core curriculum of required and elective courses spanning various stem cell research disciplines. The CIRM Scholars Training Program aims to advance regenerative medicine by focusing on understanding the fundamental mechanisms related to stem cells.
A report on vaccine markets is criticized for favoring large firms and delaying access to effective vaccines. The author recommends using advanced purchase commitments as a complement to research funding.
A study of Hispanic individuals found a high prevalence of visually significant cataract, with rates higher than in African American or white populations. Language and financial barriers were identified as key factors hindering access to cataract surgery.
The study found two relapse peaks after surgery for breast cancer, with 20% of premenopausal patients relapsing within 10 months. Calculations predict that surgery-induced angiogenesis accelerates disease by two years and produces early deaths among screened young women.
Researchers at Temple University have found a link between the Rb2/P130 gene and lung cancer, with epigenetic activity causing the gene to be silenced. A simple genetic test could identify cancerous or pre-cancerous conditions using this epigenetic state.
Scientists at The Wistar Institute have identified the cancer gene MYC as activating the metastasis gene MTA1, a key regulator of tumor spread. Blocking this pathway may prevent metastasis and inform the development of new therapies.
The ULTRA AP concept vehicle combines proven technologies with advanced materials and engineering concepts to enhance survivability and mobility. The design incorporates novel armor designs, blast protection, and on-board computers for improved safety and performance.
The US National Science Foundation and Japan will collaborate on disaster prevention research through shared access to experimental facilities, including the world's largest shake table. The agreement also includes the exchange of scientists and engineers.
A Canadian Medical Association Journal study finds that children living in low-income neighborhoods are at high risk of overweight and obesity. The research suggests that school programs promoting healthy lunches and physical activity could be effective preventive measures.
The study found that heritability of osteoporotic fractures is stronger than previously estimated, especially for early-occurring fractures. Genetic variation in liability to fracture differed considerably by type of fracture and age at fracture event.
Researchers at UGA College of Veterinary Medicine have identified a new way to combat viral diseases by blocking a protein that helps transport viruses out of cells. This approach, targeting the host gene Rab9, shows promise in preventing the replication of four different viruses: Marburg, Ebola, HIV-1, and measles.
Researchers at UCLA and NIH have discovered a new compound that can block viruses from entering cells, providing potential relief for conditions like HIV, herpes, and the flu. The compound also shows promise in combating antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Researchers have found that Clioquinol, an old antibiotic, may interrupt the production of mutant huntingtin protein in neurons, reducing its toxic effects and potentially slowing down Huntington's disease progression. The study suggests a new potential treatment for the degenerative brain disorder.
Researchers identified a rare syndrome resulting from a HOXA1 gene mutation, affecting horizontal eye movement, hearing, motor skills, and cardiovascular development. The study provides new insights into the role of HOXA1 in human brain development and may lead to ongoing research directions in developmental biology.
eEF1A2 protein is moderately to highly expressed in two-thirds of breast tumor cells, with significant over-expression in estrogen receptor-positive tumors. The protein's role in breast tumour development remains unclear, but may be related to its function in protein synthesis or cytoskeletal remodelling.
Researchers found that older adults' brains have trouble filtering out distracting information, leading to memory impairment. The study provides a new diagnostic tool for attention and memory problems in both young and old individuals.
A new study found that people aged 65-93 were more likely to ask personal questions in public, despite agreeing that such behavior is socially inappropriate. This may be due to weakening inhibitory control related to normal aging, according to Associate Professor Bill von Hippel.
Researchers found that individuals' body weight influences their preference for residential locations in sprawling counties. Personal attributes like gender, age, and marital status also play a role in this decision.
The American Physiological Society is offering $2,000 Katrina grants to graduate students and postdoctoral fellows affected by the hurricane. Over 40 universities are providing assistance with laboratory space, research assistance, fellowships, housing, meals, and stipends.
Analysis of M2 protein sequence data reveals higher resistance to antiviral drug amantadine in Southeast Asian H5N1 viruses, especially in China. This suggests selective pressure may be driving the emergence of resistant strains through human activities.
The University of Manchester's Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell-Matrix Research has secured a £3.1 million grant for the next five years to develop approaches for preventing and treating diseases, including cancer, osteoarthritis, and vascular disease through vascular engineering.
Two 'ephedra-free' supplements, Advantra Z and Xenadrine EFX, increased heart rate by an average of 11-16 beats per minute and blood pressure by 7-12 percent. The study calls for further research on the safety and effectiveness of bitter orange-containing supplements.
The NIEHS Hurricane Katrina Information Website offers a wealth of information on environmental pollutants and their potential impact on human health. The website draws from various sources, including research programs and Superfund Basic Research Program data.
Long-term Afghan refugees experience a high incidence of injuries, with falls, assaults, and road traffic accidents being common causes. The study emphasizes the importance of integrating injury-prevention research into refugee health care programs to address this critical public health issue.
Mayo Clinic's new treatment protocol combining radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and liver transplantation has significantly improved the five-year survival rate for patients with bile duct cancer to 82%. The treatment enables surgeons to remove the entire liver and obtain better tumor clearance.
The researchers have developed two rapid-solution synthesis methods that can produce robust, water-dispersible quantum dots for bioimaging and organically soluble quantum dots ready for sequestration into a polymer host. The new synthesis methods are scalable and can be used to produce large quantities of quantum dots.
The blood test aims to identify individuals with improper control of the growth-promoting gene insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF-2), which is associated with a higher risk of colon cancer. If successful, the test could help monitor those who need invasive colonoscopy or suggest dietary changes to reduce their risk.
Astronomers have found two young stars with 'gaps' in their disks that resemble the gaps between Jupiter and Uranus in our solar system. The discovery challenges existing theories of giant-planet formation and provides a unique window into how our own solar system came to be.
A new study published in The American Journal of Medicine reveals that a high-carb, vegan diet leads to significant weight loss and improved insulin sensitivity. With unlimited servings of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, this low-fat diet is also associated with lower rates of prostate cancer and various life-threatening diseases.
The Office of Science program matches displaced students and faculty researchers with host grant recipients, providing financial assistance to continue research at other institutions. Displaced individuals can indicate their interest on a clearinghouse website and receive case-by-case consideration for modest supplemental funding.
Recent studies suggest that major variants in genes Microcephalin and ASPM are evolving under strong natural selection in modern human populations. These genetic changes may have emerged as a result of cultural evolution and the spread of agriculture and written language, coinciding with key milestones in human history.
A new research project will look at the Australian healthcare system's performance and identify areas for improvement. The study aims to create a more accessible and sustainable primary healthcare system, especially for people with chronic illnesses.
The Australian Primary Health Care Research Institute funds three South Australian projects to enhance healthcare communication and address chronic disease management. Researchers will investigate best practices in general practice, rural health care, and mild chronic lung disease management.
A study found that 69% of meta-analyses in critical care had flaws, leading to concerns about the reliability of medical research. The most common issues were failure to report comprehensive literature searches and methods for avoiding bias.
The project aims to evaluate the effectiveness of self-help and information technology in delivering better services for people with mental health problems. It is part of a larger funding round aimed at improving primary health care policy.
A team of researchers has identified three key transcription factors that enable human embryonic stem cells to maintain pluripotency. By understanding the regulatory circuitry controlling these cells, scientists can now develop strategies to coax them into specific cell types for regenerative medicine applications.
Researchers have made significant progress in understanding stem cells and their role in reproduction and the nervous system. Studies suggest that therapeutic cloning may become unnecessary once body cells can be re-programmed into stem cells.
Researchers identify how nuclear receptors work to suppress inflammatory responses, potentially leading to more powerful anti-inflammatory drugs with fewer side effects. This discovery could lead to better therapeutic results in treating diseases such as arthritis and arteriosclerosis.