Researchers identified a new class of anti-inflammatory drugs that may lessen cardiovascular risk by targeting microsomal prostaglandin E synthase (mPGES)-1. Unlike COX-2 inhibitors, mPGES-1 inhibitors do not increase the risk of heart attack and stroke while preserving some benefits.
Researchers suggest that interactions between viral dynamics and structured treatment interruptions may cause high fluctuations in viral load, leading to virologic failure. This challenges the effectiveness of a single, structured treatment interruption therapy for all HIV patients.
Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) has received a $465,000 grant from the Henry Luce Foundation to develop a groundbreaking Ph.D. program in sustainability. The program will integrate research and coursework in engineering, science, economics, and public policy to advance sustainable industrial system design.
UC San Diego scientists chart rapid progress in developing new fluorescent probes to study proteins in living cells. These techniques enable the localization of molecular machines in situ by electron microscopy.
COX-2 inhibitors increase myocardial infarction and stroke risk due to suppression of prostacyclin and PGE2. Inhibiting microsomal PGE synthase-1 may offer anti-inflammatory effects without cardiovascular consequences, suggesting a potential alternative therapeutic option.
Researchers have developed a new technology that converts coal into diesel fuel, potentially cutting the US's reliance on foreign oil. The process uses Nobel Prize-winning chemistry to control the molecular weight of hydrocarbon products, producing useful fuels while eliminating undesirable byproducts.
Researchers found that both self-monitoring of blood glucose and precise physician testing of hemoglobin A1c can help diabetics manage their disease. Consistent communication between patients and healthcare professionals is also crucial.
A study has found that taller people are more likely to develop atrial fibrillation, with the risk increasing by 32% for those in the tallest quartile compared to the shortest. The researchers suggest that tall individuals may need more aggressive risk factor attenuation strategies.
Researchers found that worms dwelling at ocean depths of 2,200 meters prefer temperatures around 50 degrees Celsius, outperforming other species. This adaptation allows them to graze on bacterial lawns that no other organism can access, with some species succumbing to heat quickly.
Nine lone walrus calves were reported swimming far from shore, unable to forage and likely to drown or starve. The researchers suggest that increased polar warming may lead to a significant population decline of the walrus species due to their inability to adapt to caring for their young in shallow waters without sea ice.
A new study by Dr. Greg Steinberg reveals that CNTF activates skeletal muscle AMP kinase, increasing fat metabolism and reducing the risk of metabolic abnormalities associated with excess weight. This finding opens the door to new strategies for obesity treatment.
A team of researchers, including biological anthropologists and physicians, studied the relationship between the brain and skull in infants with craniosynostosis using CT scans and MRIs. They found a strong correlation between neural structures located near the top of the brain and bony features at the base of the skull.
A new statistical technique identified a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) associated with obesity risk in 10% of studied populations. The variant, near the INSIG2 gene, was found to increase BMI measurements and was replicated in four independent populations, including families and non-related subjects.
A study by the University of Chicago found that vegan diets are more energy-efficient and produce fewer greenhouse gases compared to meat-based diets. Reducing food choices like eggs or hamburgers can make a significant impact on reducing emissions, with even small changes resulting in substantial benefits.
Researchers at UC Berkeley developed a method to create nanofibers in a controlled manner, overcoming the chaotic process of conventional electrospinning. By reducing the distance between the ejector and collection points, they achieved directed and precise deposition of fibers with diameters ranging from 50 to 500 nanometers.
Scientists at UNC-Rutgers create a more efficient method for producing diesel fuels from coal using a dual-catalyst system. This breakthrough could provide an attractive alternative to oil-based fuels, particularly as oil reserves dwindle, and enable the widespread adoption of cleaner-burning transportation fuels.
The US government's PEPFAR program aims to prevent 7 million new HIV infections by 2010, but a GAO report reveals that an ambiguous approach to condom promotion may hinder its success. Promoting condoms alongside abstinence and faithfulness messages is crucial for reaching this target.
Researchers have developed nanogenerators that can harness energy from body movement and other simple motions to produce significant amounts of electricity. These tiny machines could enable the creation of implantable medical devices, smart clothing, and other applications that require continuous power supply.
Scientists have visualized individual synaptic vesicles and proteins using Stimulated Emission Depletion (STED) microscopy, resolving the diffraction barrier. They found that synaptotagmin molecules remain together after fusion, enabling efficient neurotransmitter release.
A European cyber infrastructure network is being developed to keep Europe at the forefront of computational science. The ESF Forward Look study aims to provide a conclusive guide for policy makers on what researchers need to maintain Europe's leading position.
A team of researchers has identified a potential alternative therapeutic option to COX-2 inhibitors by targeting microsomal prostaglandin E synthase-1 (mPGES-1). Inhibiting mPGES-1 suppresses PGE2 expression while augmenting PGI2 production, without affecting blood clotting or blood pressure.
Scientists from the Max Planck Institute determined how toxins interact with bacterial potassium channels at an atomic level. They found that toxins attach to a particular area of the channel, changing its structure, and recognize specific amino acid sequences in the ion channel.
Researchers identified a novel disease-causing bacterium in patients with Chronic Granulomatous Disease (CGD), a rare immune disorder. The bacterium, Granulobacter bethesdensis, is part of the Acetobacteraceae family and was found in inflamed lymph nodes.
Xiaolian Gao, a UH biology and biochemistry professor, is among the 24 honorees for her DNA chip research that has the potential to make complete functioning organisms. Her technology could lead to alternative energy sources, natural product synthesis, and gene therapy procedures.
Researchers discovered that rats and mongooses rarely penetrate forest interior due to poorer habitats for reproduction, making natural forests ideal refuges for threatened island species. Conservation efforts should prioritize protecting remaining large blocks of natural forests on Pacific islands.
Researchers discovered that African legless amphibian B. taitanus females provide nutrition to their hatchlings via their skin for up to four weeks. This post-hatching parental care is unprecedented in amphibians and may represent an evolutionary intermediate between reproductive modes.
Bile acids play a crucial role in signaling the liver to regenerate tissue, with research suggesting that an imbalance in these compounds can trigger the process. Understanding this mechanism could lead to new treatments for liver disease.
Scientists at the University of Wisconsin-Madison discovered that certain soil types serve as natural prion repositories, potentially contributing to CWD transmission. The study found that prions bind tightly to montmorillonite clay and remain infectious after boiling in a detergent solution.
A Dutch-German research team has successfully controlled a chemical reaction by steering the motion of electrons with ultrashort laser pulses. The team used phase-controlled laser pulses to manipulate the timing of electron motion, leading to a preferential emission of deuterium ions and atoms in specific directions.
A UK trial of TeGenero's TGN1412 biological agent resulted in six healthy volunteers developing serious adverse events, highlighting the need for urgent changes to phase I trial authorisation processes. Regulatory bodies must now consider the unique risks associated with activating antibodies compared to conventional drugs.
Researchers found that placental growth factor levels are higher in heart attack patients and correlate with cardiac function improvement. The study suggests PlGF promotes tissue repair after a heart attack by mobilizing stem cells.
Scientists have identified a new disease-causing bacterium in an immune-compromised patient with chronic granulomatous disease. The bacterium's pathogenesis was demonstrated through the isolation of the organism from lymph nodes and exposure to CGD mice, highlighting its potential as a model for studying microbial killing mechanisms.
The Regenstrief Institute has developed the Regenstrief Medical Records System, which provides unique clinical decision support and guidelines. The institute's research has shown that widespread adoption of electronic medical records can improve quality of care and save $81 billion annually.
A study assessing combined interventions found co-trimoxazole, ART, and insecticide-treated bed nets substantially reduced malaria frequency in HIV-infected adults. The treatments had a cumulative protective effect on malaria incidence, with co-trimoxazole lowering rates by 76%, ART and co-trimoxazole by 92%, and all three by 95%.
A study found that nearly half of elderly Beijing residents have metabolic syndrome, a cluster of five risk factors for cardiovascular disease. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome in China is on par with Western populations, posing a significant burden on the healthcare system.
UCR researchers develop more stable carbene, a family of compounds used in pharmaceuticals and petrochemicals. The new molecule has a unique shape and size, potentially leading to even more powerful catalysts.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati found that delaying aortic trauma repair can lead to better survival outcomes for patients with certain injuries. Dr. Amy Reed's study analyzed 51 cases and found that 54% of patients who underwent delayed endovascular repair survived, compared to 38% of those who received immediate open repair.
A University of Alberta study found that older donor hearts are just as good as younger ones, with similar survival rates at the end of 10 years. Despite initial risks, such as increased mortality within 30 days and pretransplant diabetes, long-term outcomes were comparable.
Researchers have developed nanogenerators that can convert mechanical energy into electricity, opening up possibilities for battery-free implants, sensors, and portable electronics. The devices use zinc oxide nanowires to produce current through the piezoelectric effect.
Researchers will investigate whether liver damage in HIV patients with hepatitis C is caused by the medication or the virus itself. The goal of the study is to improve treatment outcomes for patients with both conditions.
Researchers at UC Berkeley have made a significant breakthrough in producing a chemical precursor of artemisinin, the best drug available today to cure malaria. The team's goal is to develop a low-cost alternative that can be widely distributed in developing countries, where the current cost is a major barrier.
A new initiative aims to slow deforestation in tropical forests by allowing wealthy industrial nations to pay developing countries to conserve their forests. This mechanism would earn 'carbon credits' that count toward emissions targets, potentially reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
A study of over 4,000 dual-earner households with children aged 2-11 found that non-standard work schedules can negatively impact family functioning and child well-being. The effects were particularly strong for preschool-aged children, highlighting a challenge to the assumption that non-standard work is 'family friendly'.
Researchers have recorded non-volcanic tremors in a deep borehole near Parkfield, California, providing insight into the San Andreas Fault's behavior. The findings help geologists understand whether the fault's deeply buried rocks behave similarly to those in the Cascadia Subduction Zone.
Scientists create new OLED technology that enables 100% efficiency and prolongs lifetime by using a fluorescent dye, paving the way for mass-manufacturable, low-cost lighting solutions. The invention has the potential to revolutionize interior lighting and transform ceilings into giant light panels.
Researchers found that small body size and parasitic lifestyles hinder fossilization, while burrowing clams have a higher chance of becoming fossils. The study provides strategies for improving the reliability of the fossil record, enabling scientists to better understand biological dynamics.
Researchers have found that organic nitrogen can be directly taken up by plants, allowing them to share nitrogen and maintain biodiversity. This discovery has significant implications for unfertilised grasslands where organic nitrogen often dominates.
Scientists have successfully reversed cell division, a process essential to life, and may use this discovery to control cancer development and metastasis. The research holds promise for preventing and treating birth defects and other conditions.
Researchers found that humans and chimps harbor different kinds of mutations that influence PTC taste sensitivity. Humans carry two functional forms of the gene, while chimps have a broken form that likely emerged due to changes in their diet and environment.
Researchers discovered a novel biological process that allows poxviruses to enter cells by disrupting their outer membrane. Polyionic compounds can be used to treat poxvirus infections, even days after infection has started, making antiviral antibodies more effective.
A comprehensive study published in Cell reveals that inhibitory responses are widespread among odor receptors, and most receptors are inhibited by at least one odor. The research also shows that individual receptors range along a continuum from narrowly tuned to broadly tuned to odorants.
The COSMIC satellite network measures atmospheric data daily in real time over thousands of points on Earth using GPS signals. Temperature and water vapor profiles will help meteorologists forecast storms and study long-term climate change trends.
Following 9/11, American consumers reduced air travel by 12-20% and increased highway travel, leading to a substantial increase in miles-driven and traffic deaths. This behavioral change is attributed to strong emotional forces like fear and anxiety, highlighting the potential for indirect damage from terrorism.
A study of zoo lions across the US found that cold temperatures contribute significantly to mane length and density, with up to half of the variation attributed to temperature. The research suggests that lion manes may not be as genetically determined as previously thought.
The discovery of Au. anamensis fossils in Ethiopia bridges the 1-million-year gap between Ardipithecus and Australopithecus, two species previously thought to be distinct. The new findings provide insight into the evolutionary history of human ancestors, revealing a more complex and nuanced timeline.
Researchers have discovered that the brain uses a code more efficient than previously thought, with analog signals influencing synaptic transmission onto other neurons. This finding has significant implications for our basic understanding of brain operation and neuronal dysfunction.
Researchers at Penn State have developed a one-dimensional gas system that exhibits remarkable stability despite collisions among atoms. The system, dubbed the 'Quantum Newton's Cradle,' has been observed to maintain its momentum profile unchanged even after thousands of collisions.
Researchers at Rice University have developed a motorized nanocar that can be powered by light, paving the way for bottom-up construction. The nanocar, measuring just 3-by-4 nanometers, features a rotating motor that pushes it along like a paddlewheel.
The MANIAC Challenge is a two-year competition that will test algorithmic prowess and study actual, uncontrolled ad hoc networks, offering valuable data on network behavior. Researchers aim to address questions of cooperation in wireless networking and provide insights into the performance of mobile ad hoc networks.
Researchers found that high-dose CRF injections triggered intense bursts of sugar craving in response to a cue, but low doses or no injection had minimal effect. The study suggests a potential link between stress and binge behavior.