A new study published in Environmental Health Perspectives found that dogs in the home can increase cough, phlegm production, and bronchitis responses in children with asthma. The researchers speculate that endotoxin from dog dander may be the cause of this increased response.
Researchers discovered that bacteria employ a bungee-like structure called fimbriae with an adhesive protein at their tip to cling to mucous membranes. The mechanical properties of these structures allow them to grip even more tightly under force, helping bacteria persist in the human body.
A new survey found that Hurricane Katrina survivors in Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi experienced a doubling of serious mental illness compared to an earlier survey. Despite this increase, the rate of suicidal thoughts was surprisingly low, likely due to positive cognitions about future recovery efforts.
Researchers from UCR report that unless people reapply sunscreen often, filters in sunscreens can generate compounds that attack skin cells, leading to oxidative damage. To reduce ROS levels, more advanced sunscreens with UV-filters on the skin surface are needed or mixing with antioxidants.
Katrina's rapid development was aided by favorable atmospheric conditions and warm ocean temperatures. Satellite data from NASA instruments provided crucial information on the storm's cloud motion, rainfall intensity, and wind speeds.
A modified home video game system has been developed to aid stroke patients in performing hand exercises, utilizing virtual reality and traditional therapy techniques. The system, costing less than $600, promotes engaging patients and provides immediate feedback on performance.
The sequenced genome of Tetrahymena thermophila encodes over 27,000 protein-coding genes and lacks centromeres, shedding light on the single-celled organism's unique biology. The discovery provides a valuable model for studying eukaryotic evolution.
Researchers discovered that dopamine neurons in manganese-exposed animals don't release dopamine when stimulated, suggesting a dysfunctional dopamine system. The study found effects of manganese exposure at high blood concentrations, similar to those in children and adults with environmental or occupational exposure.
A new study from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center found that obesity can affect the progression and outcome of ovarian cancer, with obese women experiencing shorter survival times and earlier death. The study suggests that excess fat may be excreting a hormone or protein that causes ovarian cancer cells to grow more aggressively.
Researchers at Kent State University found that guided imagery significantly reduced patients' chronic pain experiences, making it easier to control. The study, published in Pain Management Nursing, suggests alternative therapies like guided imagery can complement medication therapy for effective pain management.
A comprehensive survey of Katrina survivors found that most experienced significant financial, income, and housing losses, as well as physical and psychological adversity. However, the vast majority reported developing a deeper sense of meaning or purpose in life after the hurricane.
Researchers developed an inhibitor that blocks anthrax toxin receptors, increasing potency by 50,000-fold. The new approach could combat antibiotic-resistant strains and improve survival rates for inhalational anthrax victims.
Researchers at Northwestern University have successfully integrated quantum key distribution and quantum data encryption to create a complete quantum cryptographic data network. This new system offers extraordinary resilience to eavesdropping and is compatible with standard fiber optical networks.
Researchers identified three proteins that determine an individual's hair pattern during embryonic development. They also found that hyperactivating one of these proteins in mice led to abnormal fur growth, providing insights into male-pattern baldness and ectodermal dysplasia.
Twenty-four scientists honored for developing life-saving antibiotics, chemotherapy treatments, eco-friendly refrigerants, and safer toxic gas transport methods. Their innovations have significantly improved human well-being and the environment.
A new FSU study found that high school seniors' educational and occupational plans have become increasingly unrealistic since the 1970s. The researchers attribute this to declining grades, community college as an educational stepping-stone, and parents giving students the message that a college degree is the only way to get a good job.
A recent study warns that a surplus of men in societies favoring male babies could lead to increased antisocial behavior, violence, and organized crime. The distortion of natural sex ratios has resulted in an estimated 80 million missing females in India and China alone.
A newly discovered enzyme inhibitor identified by researchers looking for pest controls may provide pain relief for arthritis and inflammatory diseases sufferers. The finding, hailed as the most important discovery in inflammation in over a decade, reduces side effects associated with painkillers like Vioxx.
Tetrahymena thermophila has two distinct nuclei, each with a different genome, and its macronuclear genome expresses genes governing behavior. The study reveals gene duplication in genes involved in sensing and responding to environment.
A new study found significant differences in histological types of epithelial ovarian cancer depending on body mass index (BMI), with obese women having a worse outcome. Higher BMI was also associated with decreasing survival rates and increased risk of mortality.
The University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine has received a $1.3 million grant to produce a promising avian flu vaccine that could protect against the deadly H5N1 virus. The vaccine, developed by Dr. Andrea Gambotto's team, has shown complete protection in mice and chickens against infection.
The International Astronomical Union has elected Catherine Cesarsky as its new president, effective for the next three years. The IAU will play a key role in promoting astronomy globally, especially during the proposed International Year of Astronomy in 2009.
The Biophysical Society has named twelve award recipients for their groundbreaking work in biophysics. These individuals have made significant contributions to our understanding of lipid biophysics, single molecule research, and the structure-function relationships of biological macromolecules.
Johns Hopkins researchers have created an online tool to help advance the search for causes and treatment of rare illnesses, known as 'orphan diseases'. The new database consolidates knowledge on genes contributing to cilia operations in the body, shedding light on their role in various common disorders.
A recent study by the University of Rochester Medical Center found that lead exposure is associated with an increased risk of brain cancer in adults. The research, which analyzed data from over 318,000 people, revealed a 50% higher death rate among those exposed to lead compared to unexposed individuals.
A multi-million dollar research partnership aims to protect the Coorong's ecological health and conserve threatened species through detailed studies of the region's ecology and water regime. The project will produce ecosystem-level models for predicting future changes in the wetland.
A human study confirms that immune cells play a destructive role in periodontal disease. Researchers found that B cells and T cells produce RANKL, which induces osteoclasts and leads to bone loss.
Researchers identified a connection between pregnane X receptor (PXR) and neuroprotection in a mouse model of Niemann-Pick type C disease. Activating PXR with known activators, such as dilantin and St. John's Wort, may help clear toxic cholesterol byproducts.
Researchers at Purdue University have discovered that nanocantilevers, coated with antibodies, attract different densities of proteins depending on their length. This phenomenon could lead to the development of advanced sensors capable of detecting minute quantities of contaminants.
Dr. Catherine Cesarsky has been elected as the new President of the International Astronomical Union (IAU) for a three-year term, becoming the first woman to receive this distinction. She brings extensive experience in research and leadership, having previously served as ESO Director General.
Researchers at Penn's Department of Radiology will utilize a new 7 Tesla whole-body Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) system for high-field imaging. The ultra-high field magnet will improve sensitivity, speed, and image resolution, enabling detection of disease in ways never seen before.
A massive 10-year study in Sardinia found no connection between Type A personality and heart disease, contrary to previous studies. The research measured the genes and traits of over 6,000 people aged 14-102, finding a strong genetic component for many traits.
A new microchip-based test called FluChip can distinguish among 72 influenza strains in under 12 hours, enhancing global flu surveillance efforts. This technology has the potential to increase laboratory diagnostic capacity and provide critical information on the geographic origin of emerging viruses.
Scientists have made a groundbreaking discovery on how the body's T cells react to parasitic diseases. The study found that T cells focus on specific peptides in response to infection, including Chagas Disease caused by Trypanosoma cruzi. This new understanding may lead to improved vaccine development for all parasitic diseases.
A team of researchers from Georgia Institute of Technology successfully tested a hydrogen-powered unmanned aircraft with a 22-foot wingspan, generating only 500 watts of power. The fuel-cell system makes the aircraft more compelling than just a lab demonstration or even a fuel cell system powering a house.
The University of Pittsburgh has been designated as an American Parkinson Disease Association Advanced Center for Parkinson's Disease Research. The center will focus on developing early diagnosis methods and understanding iron accumulation in the PD brain. Dr. J. Timothy Greenamyre will direct the center.
Researchers at EMBL have identified a microRNA called bantam as the key regulator of the Hippo signaling pathway, which controls cell division and death. Without bantam, tissues grow too slowly and remain smaller than normal.
Researchers are investigating whether a pint of English cider can provide health benefits similar to apples, thanks to its high levels of phenolics. A three-year study is underway to analyze how humans absorb these compounds and explore ways to adapt production methods to maintain high phenolic levels.
A study published in Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research found that acamprosate improved sleep disturbances in alcohol-dependent patients attempting to stop drinking. The medication was shown to reduce sleep problems during acute withdrawal and maintain its effects after two weeks of treatment.
Researchers found that a variant of the ADH gene influences response to alcohol among non-Asians, potentially decreasing risk for alcoholism. The study suggests that genetic factors can impact an individual's ability to interpret other genes' effects.
Researchers identify small synthetic molecule PAC-1 that directly activates procaspase-3 and induces apoptosis in cancer cells. This discovery offers a promising approach for personalized anti-cancer therapy by bypassing the broken signaling pathway in cancer cells.
A new study from Harvard Medical School identifies neurons in the parietal cortex that assist in categorizing visual stimuli, and how brain activity patterns change with learning. The findings suggest categories are encoded by individual neurons and the parietal cortex plays a key role in learning and recognizing visual images.
Researchers at NYU Langone Health have unraveled the signals governing ovarian development, revealing a feedback loop that ensures sufficient primordial germ cells in the ovary. This discovery has implications for understanding organ growth, regeneration, and disease treatment using stem cells.
A recent Italian school study found high rates of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) and fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS), with prevalence rates three times higher than previously estimated for Western Europe. The study used active surveillance to identify children with growth and behavioral problems, revealing a significant associati...
A new study found that long-term abstinence from alcohol can resolve many neurocognitive deficits, including short- and long-term memory, planning, learning, and comprehension. However, spatial processing abilities may be impaired, affecting daily activities like driving.
The MitoChip v2.0 is a second-generation 'lab on a silicon chip' that rapidly sequences all mitochondrial DNA, accelerating research in fields like cancer diagnostics and gerontology. The new tool detected nearly three dozen variations in the non-coding D-loop region, improving its sensitivity and reproducibility.
Researchers found that the human gut stores a significant amount of HIV, equivalent to nearly twice the amount in the bloodstream. The gut's role in harboring the virus was not fully understood until now.
The study found that crucian carp store vast amounts of glycogen in their brain to survive anoxia, with levels reaching 15 times higher in February than July. This adaptation allows them to extend their survival time without oxygen by 150-fold.
A comprehensive scan of the human genome has identified 51 chromosomal regions linked to alcohol addiction. The study provides new tools for understanding the physiological foundation of addiction and identifying individuals at risk.
New research led by University of Oregon's Douglas Kennett sheds light on Rapa, a French Polynesian Island, revealing a late pulse of colonization around A.D. 1200. The settlement date matches Easter Island's and provides insights into population dispersal mechanisms, highlighting the challenges of environmental degradation.
Researchers at Cardiff University developed an innovative algorithm inspired by honey bees' waggle dance to maximize results in manufacturing processes. The Bees Algorithm enables companies to efficiently adjust basic elements of their operations, resulting in significant cost savings.
Andrei Okounkov, Terence Tao and Wendelin Werner are honored with the Fields Medal for their work in probability, representation theory and algebraic geometry. Their contributions have brought new insights into problems in physics and mathematics.
Researchers found that modified versions of bisphenol A stimulate breast tumor cell growth and are absorbed by breast cancer cells. The study suggests human enzymes convert BPA into a more toxic form, increasing the risk of breast cancer. Further research is needed to confirm these findings.
Researchers analyzed data from 11 studies and found that blacks with diabetes had about 0.65% less A1C levels, a measure of blood sugar control, compared to whites. This disparity contributes to higher rates of diabetes complications among blacks.
The Weather Research and Forecasting model (WRF) has been adopted for operational use, predicting extreme weather with substantially improved accuracy. The high-resolution WRF serves both public forecasts and cutting-edge research, leading to better forecasts.
The M/V Susitna will operate as a ferry between Anchorage and Port Mackenzie, while also being used as a technology demonstrator for the Navy's expeditionary warfare concepts. The vessel features a unique hull design with adjustable buoyancy and multiple modes of operation.
Researchers at Iowa State University are working on a project to purify fuel ethanol into beverage alcohol, reducing production costs. Two technologies – ozone gas treatment and granular activated carbon filtering – will be used to remove impurities from the fuel.
Researchers at Princeton University claim the Earth's magnetic field suggests a massive tilt occurred about 800 million years ago. This 'true polar wander' event could have shifted entire continents, producing mysterious geochemical changes in ancient oceans.
Researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center are working to reverse paralysis and lessen spinal cord injury effects through new projects funded by speeding fines. The grants support studies into nerve regeneration, astrocyte role, and remyelination.
Scientists have discovered a common coastal strain of cyanobacteria that thrives in choppy, polluted waters. The study found that this strain has evolved unique metal-processing biology missing in its open-ocean relative, enabling it to absorb and process essential metals.