The Indiana University Center for Bioethics has established a Program in Ethical, Legal and Social Issues in Predictive Health Research with a $750,000 grant. The program aims to address the ethical concerns surrounding large-scale health research projects, including informed consent and data ownership.
The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics has awarded NASA's Earth Observing System Program the 2006 Space Systems Award. The program, which comprises a series of Earth-observing satellites and an advanced data system, is being recognized for its outstanding achievements in global environmental monitoring.
A team of German scientists has uncovered a genetic basis for the human familial advanced sleep phase syndrome (FASPS), which causes people to go to sleep and wake up early. The study identified a mutated gene, PER2, and its phosphorylation sites that lead to the disorder's symptoms.
A recent special issue of Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment highlights China's environmental concerns, including water and air pollution, cropland loss, and biodiversity decline. The country's rapid urbanization is also exacerbating these issues, with over 50% of its population expected to live in towns and cities by 2020.
Research emphasizes the importance of preconception care in reducing pregnancy risks, birth defects, and premature birth. Experts recommend discussing reproductive health with doctors during routine visits.
A team of RIT scientists digitally restored a 700-year-old palm-leaf manuscript containing the essence of Hindu philosophy, preserving the original writings attributed to scholar Shri Madvacharya. The processed images will be stored in various media formats for long-term preservation and made available to scholars.
A research team led by Virginia Tech professor Andrea Dietrich aims to identify the cause of metallic flavors in chemotherapy patients and develop preventive methods. The study will also explore the role of antioxidants and investigate the relationship between metal ions and health outcomes.
A recent study published in the Journal of Physiology found that short bursts of intense exercise separated by recovery time provide similar benefits to longer periods of moderate exercise. High-intensity interval training can be an effective option for those with limited time, burning calories during and after exercise.
Researchers found that third-generation aromatase inhibitors increased the survival time for patients with advanced breast cancer. The meta-analysis suggests that these inhibitors should be used as an initial therapy for these patients.
Radiation therapy significantly reduces risk of subsequent mastectomy and invasive breast cancer in both low- and high-risk patients with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). Autoimmune conditions are also associated with increased risk of Hodgkin lymphoma, according to two new studies.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology found that women with breast implants have a 73% higher suicide rate compared to the general population. However, the study also revealed no increase in mortality risk among these women.
Mount Sinai Journal of Medicine will transition to Wiley, focusing on translational and personalized medicine, featuring articles on clinical care, bio-medical research, and patient outcomes. The journal's redesign aims to bridge the gap between scientific discovery and clinical application.
Low-dose aspirin treatment may cause an extra case of gastrointestinal complications, such as ulcer bleeding or perforation, in susceptible groups. The authors conclude that for some patients taking aspirin to reduce their risk of heart attack, the risk of gastrointestinal complications might outweigh the cardioprotective effects.
Researchers at Rockefeller University have uncovered the mechanism by which Yersinia proteins disrupt host cell structure, killing their hosts. A mutation that impairs this process significantly reduces the bacteria's virulence, offering a potential target for new antibiotics.
A University of Michigan Health System study found that while more small kidney tumors are being detected and treated, the death rate from kidney cancer is not decreasing. The researchers suggest re-examining treatment strategies for patients with small renal masses, as surgery may not be the best option for everyone.
A recent study published in Journal of Vision found that judging facial similarity in children can accurately estimate the probability that two children are close genetic relatives. Researchers used participants' ratings to transform into estimates of genetic relatedness.
Researchers found that young children who receive musical training show distinct brain development and improved memory compared to untrained peers. After a year, musically trained children performed better in memory tests correlated with general intelligence skills.
Researchers developed a new mouse strain with a gene mutation that mimics human leukemia. The study found that the mutation affects Hox genes, leading to rapid cell growth and increased lifespan of cancer cells. The findings suggest that understanding this process could lead to new therapeutic options for AML patients.
The incidence of kidney cancer has risen over the past two decades, with small renal masses accounting for most cases. Despite increased surgeries, mortality rates have not decreased, suggesting that current treatments may not be effective for these slow-growing tumors.
Biologists at UCSD discovered red and yellow monkeyflowers have distinct pollinators, with hummingbirds preferred for the red form and hawkmoths for the yellow. The shift in flower color is likely due to natural selection by these different pollinators.
A commonly used acne treatment has been found to increase depressive behavior in mice, sparking concerns about its potential effects on humans. The study, published in Neuropsychopharmacology, suggests a possible link between the active molecules of Roaccutane and depression-related behaviors.
A large prospective cohort study found that extremely high levels of lipoprotein(a) in women are associated with an increased risk for cardiovascular events, particularly those with high LDL-C levels. The study included over 27,000 initially healthy women and followed them for 10 years.
The 2006 CIO Survey conducted by Professor Jerry Luftman found that IT executives prioritize business alignment but struggle to achieve it, instead focusing on technology innovation. The survey also reveals an increase in reporting to CFOs and a lack of federated IT functions in many companies.
A new XRF Core Scanner will analyze sediment cores quickly without physical damage, providing fast insight into past geological events and current environmental state. This technology is based on a similar X-ray technology used to explain the collapse of the Classic Mayan civilization.
Researchers found that nicotinamide can protect against nerve damage in the chronic progressive phase of MS, preventing disability. Nicotinamide increased levels of NAD, which reduced neurologic deficits and protected axons from further degradation.
Research suggests that women are more likely to graduate from college than men, with a significant lead since 1982. Growing incentives and cultural changes have contributed to this trend, with women from families with low-educated or absent fathers seeing the biggest increase in college enrollment and graduation.
Researchers at Intel and the University of California, Santa Barbara have created a new hybrid computer chip that uses lasers to transmit data, promising faster data transfer rates. The development paves the way for future optical communications at low cost.
Preeclampsia's impact on fetal death has decreased over the last 35 years, largely due to reduced stillbirths and better clinical management. Modern medical management has effectively prevented fetal deaths without increasing infant or maternal risk.
The University of Texas at San Antonio has received a $225,000 National Science Foundation grant to support students pursuing doctoral degrees in physics. The grant will enable students to study optical and laser materials and characterize their properties.
A large observational study found that men with local or regional prostate cancer receiving GnRH agonist therapy had a 44% higher risk of developing diabetes and a 16% higher risk of developing coronary heart disease. Physicians should consider alternative treatments to mitigate these risks.
Research findings published in this issue of Archives of Internal Medicine highlight the importance of sleep evaluation in routine medical care. Studies show that fewer hours of sleep may contribute to poor health in young adults and affect body mass index, while also impacting the immune system and quality of life.
Bitter taste perception varies among individuals due to genetic differences, influencing the detection of toxins like glucosinolates in vegetables. This study establishes a link between bitter taste receptors and toxin detection, providing insights into evolutionary mechanisms.
The survey reveals that caregivers experience devastating consequences, including relapse, hospitalization, and financial strain. Caregivers also emphasize the importance of effective medication and long-term care to maintain their loved ones' overall well-being.
Researchers from UCSB and Intel built the world's first Hybrid Silicon Laser using standard silicon manufacturing processes, combining Indium Phosphide for light emission and silicon for light routing. This breakthrough addresses the last major barrier to producing low-cost, high-bandwidth silicon photonics devices.
Researchers discovered that releasing reservoir water to recharge natural aquifers can help cities survive droughts with full production from municipal wells. This technique may become crucial for areas experiencing reduced inflow due to changing water uses or climate change, such as the city of Las Vegas, NM, and parts of California.
A transfusion-free surgical program for Jehovah's Witness patients undergoing liver transplantation has significantly reduced the overall use of blood products for non-Jehovah's Witnesses. The program's implementation led to lower mean number of intraoperative PRBC and FFP transfusions, as well as decreased procedure cost.
The MIT researcher's design allows for the installation of huge offshore wind turbines in deeper waters, reducing public opposition and increasing electricity production. The floating platforms can be assembled onshore, towed out to sea, and adjusted to stabilize the turbines, resulting in cost savings and improved efficiency.
A new formula developed by doctors at the University of Rochester Medical Center reduces farsightedness among LASIK patients, making it more likely to get vision right the first time. The formula takes into account various imperfections in the eye that were not previously known to exist.
Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center have discovered that carbon monoxide can reverse symptoms of pulmonary arterial hypertension by arresting smooth muscle cell growth and inducing apoptosis. The gas works with nitric oxide to target problematic cells, offering a potential new therapy for the debilitating condition.
A study by Baylor College of Medicine found that early identification and treatment of hearing loss in children with bacterial meningitis can minimize its impact on social interactions. Children suffering from the Streptococcus form of meningitis were more likely to experience hearing loss.
The study reveals that the introduction of tributyltin as a biocide in boat paint led to a sudden loss of aquatic vegetation from most Norfolk Broads lakes. The ecosystem remains shattered despite efforts to restore it.
Researchers discovered that fruit flies missing the Gr66a protein consume caffeine as if it were not bitter due to their inability to detect its taste. This finding sheds light on how animals perceive bitterness and has implications for understanding caffeine-induced behavior in other organisms, including humans.
Researchers found that more people with AIDS died from common causes in 2004 compared to 1999. A survey of gay men revealed a significant gap between self-identified straight men who have sex with men and their actual behavior.
A defective protein transport pathway in zebrafish has been linked to severe skeletal deformities and craniofacial defects. The discovery provides a new animal model for studying the rare human syndrome CLSD, which shares strikingly similar defects.
Researchers found that short-term application of topical corticosteroids followed by maintenance treatment with a less potent agent can effectively manage intertriginous psoriasis. The study also showed that 0.1 percent betamethasone was more effective than 1 percent pimecrolimus in reducing symptoms.
A study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology found that helical high-resolution multi-detector CT (MDCT) is more effective than conventional high-resolution CT in detecting bronchiectasis. The new technique can identify abnormal airways with greater accuracy, but at a higher radiation dose.
A study published in Current Biology found that the brain's premotor cortex displays the same activity pattern when subjects watch an action as when they hear a verbal description of the same action. This suggests a strong mental link between talk and action.
A study of 71 mother-child pairs found that low maternal education, unfamiliar foods, and younger child age predict more prompting from the mother. Conversely, obese mothers tend to have children who comply with food prompts less frequently, suggesting a need for tailored eating behaviors.
Researchers found an association between low blood lead levels and increased risk of death from cardiovascular disease and stroke. Blood lead levels as low as 2 μg/dL were linked to higher risks of death from these causes, affecting all groups studied.
A Florida Institute of Technology professor has earned a $177,000 grant over three years to investigate the historic carbon balance of Andean vegetation and soils. The researchers will use fossil pollen and charcoal evidence from lake sediments to reconstruct past changes in vegetation and determine fire.
The University of Arizona has been awarded a $3.3 million grant from the National Science Foundation to increase women's participation in science and engineering careers. The five-year project aims to address subtle discrimination that hinders women's advancement in these fields.
Researchers from IDIBAPS and Queensland University discovered that caveolin-1 and lipid droplets are essential for liver regeneration. The protein allows hepatocytes to accumulate energetic reserves and start the genetic machinery for division. Without it, mice are unable to regenerate their liver tissue.
A study at the University of Chicago Medical Center found that short or poor quality sleep is associated with reduced control of blood-sugar levels in African Americans with diabetes. The research suggests that improving sleep duration and quality may be an inexpensive way to improve health outcomes for patients with type 2 diabetes.
Researchers have deepened understanding of mirror neurons' role in empathy, social behavior, and language acquisition. The studies found that mirror neurons play a key role in mental re-enactment of actions when linguistic descriptions are conceptually processed.
Researchers at the University of Illinois developed MultiSeq, a free software that analyzes sequence and structure data to investigate changes in proteins and nucleic acids. This allows scientists to gain insight into fundamental questions like the origin of life and develop resistance to antibiotics.
Patients with end-stage renal disease have a significantly shorter life expectancy after ICD implantation, highlighting the need for continued research on prevention and treatment strategies. The study calls into question the survival benefit of ICDs in patients with kidney disease who meet current implant indications.
Researchers at Iowa State University are working on a project to improve the performance of thin-film solar cells by 40-50% using non-crystalline silicon wafers. The discovery could result in several patents and give companies like PowerFilm Inc. a significant advantage in the market.
Research from the University of North Carolina finds that low adrenomedullin hormone levels may cause preeclampsia and other pregnancy complications. Pregnant mice with reduced adrenomedullin levels had smaller litter sizes, overcrowded embryo spacing, and poor fetal growth.
A new study found that moderate consumption of Cabernet Sauvignon reduces AD-type â-amyloid neuropathology and memory deterioration in mice. The findings support epidemiological evidence suggesting moderate wine consumption may help prevent Alzheimer's clinical dementia.
Researchers analyzed temperature and salinity data from sensors along the Southern California coast to detect changes in water quality. They found that fluctuations in sensor data correlate with changes in water quality, allowing for near real-time detection methods.