Dr. Joe Sodroski, a renowned HIV researcher, received the 2006 Retrovirology Prize for his significant contributions to understanding HIV infection and disease. He made key discoveries about how HIV infects cells and causes disease, including identifying the Rev gene and producing the first X-ray structure of gp120.
The HIV/AIDS epidemic in Latin America and the Caribbean is characterized by high prevalence rates, with over 3.5 million projected cases by 2015. The region's unique challenges include poverty, migration, and a lack of research into transmission patterns.
The USC-Harvard team identified a protein switch that regulates the immune response, shedding light on the balance between tolerance and aggression in autoimmune diseases. The finding supports the combinatorial control theory of gene expression, with implications for understanding signal transduction and transcriptional networks.
Prostate cancer cells resist hormone treatment by activating three survival strategies involving the protein BAD. The discovery may lead to new treatments or ways to monitor treatment's intended effect, such as developing a drug to prevent BAD inhibition.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine found that mast cells in the immune system can break down and neutralize certain types of snake venom, enhancing resistance to its toxicity. This counterintuitive discovery challenges the long-held assumption that the immune system exacerbates snakebite symptoms.
Researchers found that playing violent video games for 20 minutes can cause people to become less physiologically aroused by real violence. Participants who played violent games had lower heart rates and skin responses while watching footage of people being beaten, stabbed, and shot.
Researchers developed nanoparticles to target atherosclerotic plaques with low doses of fumagillin, reducing new blood vessel growth by 60-80%. This technique may enable effective treatment at lower doses for drugs with high side effects.
A mother's attentiveness to her baby's distress is more important than positive feedback for secure attachment. Researcher Nancy McElwain found that sensitivity during times of distress, not nondistress, predicts attachment security at 15 months.
Researchers delivered antisense oligonucleotides through cerebrospinal fluid to treat neurodegenerative diseases like ALS. The therapy effectively modulated protein levels and slowed disease progression in rats.
A Johns Hopkins study shows that moderate exercise has no negative impact on the heart's ability to pump blood or increase in size. Exercise improves heart function and reduces abdominal fat, benefiting those who make gains in physical fitness.
Researchers found regions of the earth's crust stretching apart to form new sea floor, a process previously underestimated. The study reveals detachment faults, characterized by curved surfaces and swarms of tiny earthquakes, are common along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge.
Researchers at the University of Florida have successfully tested a new method to detect leukemia cells and believe it can be used to diagnose cancer at the molecular level. The technique uses aptamers, short strands of DNA that can recognize cancerous cells without prior knowledge of molecular changes associated with the disease.
A new study suggests injecting sulfur into the stratosphere could cool the planet by reflecting solar radiation. This method, known as albedo enhancement, has been observed during volcanic eruptions and could start taking effect within six months.
A study of low-income housing residents found that those who watched more TV took fewer steps and were less likely to meet the recommended daily step count. The research used pedometers to measure physical activity and was conducted by researchers from Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
Researchers at Purdue University developed a new low-cost system that analyzes scattered laser light to quickly identify bacteria. The technique uses a petri dish containing bacterial colonies growing in a nutrient medium, projecting the scattered light pattern onto a screen behind the petri dish.
The University of Liverpool has secured a £2.5M investment to enhance its marine biology research and facilities, including a new mesocosm system and research vessel. This expansion will support the creation of seven new academic posts and introduce new undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.
A meta-analysis of studies found that men are at a 50% higher risk of recurrent blood clots compared to women. The study enrolled 5416 patients and analyzed rates of recurrence after stopping preventative anticoagulant medication.
Researchers found that a command hormone called ecdysis-triggering hormone (ETH) orchestrates activities in discrete groups of peptide neurons in the brain, initiating innate behaviors such as escape and defensive maneuvers. This discovery could lead to manipulation of behavior in animals and intelligent robots.
Despite well-documented exercise benefits, individuals with arthritis face various barriers, including pain, lack of support, and limited facilities. To overcome these challenges, healthcare professionals can prescribe exercise, expand arthritis-specific programs, and emphasize adaptations for physical limitations.
Researchers reveal that glucocorticoids, commonly used for inflammatory disorders, can cause osteoporosis by delaying osteoclast death and suppressing bone formation. Prolonged GC use affects bone health in mice with normal and disrupted GC receptors.
Researchers from Alfred Wegener Institute and L-DEO have determined the temporal variability of helium flux between glacial and interglacial periods using an Antarctic ice core. The study reveals a marked difference in terrestrial dust composition during the last Ice Age versus current warm period, with implications for climate archives.
Researchers have developed a 'Fingertip Digitizer' that can transfer the meaning and intent of common hand gestures to virtual worlds, allowing for greater precision and control. The device can also sense physical characteristics of objects and detect health anomalies.
A new study by Cornell University reveals that small businesses adopting good HR practices experience significant growth, including 22% more revenue and 23% more profit. The study found that companies focusing on company culture, employee autonomy, and a family-like environment outperform those with stricter controls.
A study examined prescribing patterns of COX-2 inhibitors and gastroprotective agents for arthritis patients with varying levels of GI risk. The majority (75.3%) of patients prescribed NSAIDs received a gastroprotective strategy, primarily using COX-2 inhibitors.
Case Western Reserve University has been awarded a prestigious multimillion-dollar research center by the National Science Foundation, focusing on polymers research. The CLiPS center aims to lead the nation with an integrated program of research and education through its unique microlayering and nanolayering process.
Researchers develop a novel approach to treat amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) by delivering an antisense oligonucleotide drug directly to the brain and spinal cord. The treatment slows disease progression by silencing mutant proteins that cause the disease, offering new hope for patients.
A new study by the University of Cincinnati finds that dark-skinned individuals are at a higher risk of dying from skin cancer due to its aggressive nature and delayed diagnosis. Despite having lower incidence rates, dark-skinned people are more likely to die from skin cancer, highlighting the need for increased awareness and preventio...
Researchers developed an unobtrusive activity assessment system to track daily activity patterns of elderly individuals, detecting subtle changes that may indicate early signs of dementia. The study found significant differences in walking times and variability between healthy elders and those with mild cognitive impairment.
A study of extraterrestrial dust in Antarctic ice cores found that the amount of cosmic dust falling to Earth has remained largely constant over the past 30,000 years. This finding could help refine efforts to understand the timing and effects of changes in the Earth's past climate.
A 'domino' transplant program can effectively double the benefit of altruistically donated kidneys by serving multiple recipients, according to researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine. The domino-donation model has been shown to increase the likelihood of good outcomes for patients and prioritize those in greatest need.
Researchers found that glucocorticoids (GCs) alter the activity of bone-forming and bone-degrading cells, leading to delayed bone formation and resulting in GC-induced osteoporosis. Antisense oligonucleotides can be delivered through cerebrospinal fluid to treat neurodegenerative diseases like ALS.
Researchers at UC Irvine discovered that a class of drugs called ampakines can reverse age-related memory loss by increasing the production of a naturally occurring protein in the brain. The study showed that even after the drug left the body, its effects on memory formation persisted.
The first satellite built in Montana, MEROPE, was destroyed when a Soviet-era intercontinental ballistic missile it was riding on crashed in Kazakhstan. The launch failure occurred just 13 minutes after liftoff and resulted in the loss of nearly 100 MSU students' hard work.
A Phase III clinical trial at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital shows that erythropoietin (EPO) increases hemoglobin levels in anemic children with cancer, reducing the need for red blood cell transfusions and improving their quality of life.
Cortisone has been found to weaken bones by targeting osteoclasts, which dismantle old bone. Researchers may now be able to develop therapeutic targets to prevent cortisone's damaging side effects on bone.
Recent observations from the Cassini spacecraft and Huygens probe suggest massive methane storms on Titan, creating a 'methane cycle' similar to Earth's water cycle. These storms produce dense clouds of methane and copious precipitation of liquid drops, generating rivers and canals on Titan's surface.
A new strategy called domino paired donation can match kidneys from living non-directed donors to recipients who have a willing but incompatible donor. This approach has the potential to increase both quantitative and qualitative benefit of each LND donation, leading to more transplants accomplished.
Researchers found that flavanol-rich cocoa can improve blood flow in menopausal women with elevated cholesterol, as well as increase brain blood flow in elderly and young adults. Cocoa flavanols may also have beneficial effects on platelets and reduce the risk of vascular damage.
Scientists at the University of New South Wales create a new type of quantum wire that uses holes to carry electrical current, enabling control over magnetic properties and paving the way for spin-based transistors. This discovery has significant implications for high-speed electronics and quantum information technologies.
The human retina can transmit data at roughly 10 million bits per second, similar to Ethernet connections. Researchers used a miniature multi-electrode array to record electrical impulses from guinea pig retinas, revealing that sluggish cells convey most of the information.
A University of Pittsburgh study found that regular multivitamin use before and during pregnancy significantly reduces the risk of preeclampsia, particularly among non-overweight women. The study showed a 72% reduction in risk for these women compared to those who didn't take multivitamins.
Researchers found that genetic instructions for constructing and positioning human limbs originated from ancient fish ancestors around 100 million years ago. They isolated genes from the spotted catshark and discovered a shared developmental mechanism between median fin development and limb formation.
The Baylor Institute for Immunology Research has been awarded a $3 million grant to develop vaccines against melanoma, a deadly form of skin cancer. The research will focus on using dendritic cells to modulate the immune system and stimulate an anti-cancer response.
Inhaled nitric oxide significantly reduces chronic lung disease and brain injury risk in very low birthweight premature infants. The therapy, given within the first few weeks of life or within 48 hours after birth, appears to protect against long-term breathing problems and brain damage.
Researchers at University of Iowa and partners visualize magnetic interactions between two atoms less than one nanometer apart, enhancing magnetic semiconductor materials. The technique could lead to smaller, more efficient computer chips using spintronics technology.
A new MRI data-acquisition technique developed at the University of Wisconsin-Madison enables clinics to image more patients with osteoarthritis-related knee problems in a shorter time. The technique delivers precise 3D images, allowing for better diagnosis and treatment options.
Global Plan to Stop TB 2006-2015 aims to increase joint TB/HIV programs, benefiting 3 million co-infected with antiretrovirals. Tuberculosis is a leading killer of people living with HIV, and collaboration between communities and governments is crucial to access effective interventions.
A global survey of coral reefs, built using NASA satellite images, found that only a handful of marine protected areas provide effective protection for fish species and marine life. The study highlights the need for larger reserves to protect these ecosystems.
A study by UCLA psychologists found that multi-tasking impairs the ability to learn new information, especially in tasks requiring attention and declarative memory. The researchers used fMRI to examine brain activity and found that multi-tasking disrupts the hippocampus, a critical region for learning and memory.
Researchers have achieved net optical cooling of erbium-doped materials using laser radiation, overcoming technical difficulties associated with this phenomenon. This breakthrough enables the development of new devices such as high-power optical fibre lasers and medical diagnostic techniques.
J-P Garnier, GSK CEO, emphasizes the company's commitment to providing affordable HIV drugs and vaccines for diseases affecting the developing world. He highlights GSK's efforts to introduce modern HIV drugs at lower prices and protect innovation through patents.
A newly devised nozzle allows researchers to distribute helium atoms with X-ray-like waves on randomly shaped surfaces. The technique could power a non-invasive, high-resolution approach to studying materials at the nanoscale.
Research by Zelalem Temesgen and colleagues found that nearly half of long-term HIV-positive patients develop resistant strains of the virus, hindering effective treatment. The authors suggest strategies such as adherence improvement and using new antiretroviral classes to improve patient outcomes.
Researchers at Tufts University's Feinstein International Center aim to improve animal health, trade, and human livelihoods in Africa. They propose independent certification bodies to ensure safe export trade and fair standards for livestock commodities.
Researchers at UCI used text mining to analyze 330,000 NYC Times articles, identifying topics and trends. This technology can be applied to various fields, such as medical research and law.
A new study finds that African-Americans are more likely to cohabit with and marry whites than black immigrants from the Caribbean and Africa. Interracial marriages among different racial groups remain low, but cohabitation rates are higher.
A Northwestern University study found that over 90% of patients support designating a proxy for health care, but less than 26% had previously been asked. The researchers advocate for routine identification of proxies to promote advance care planning and improve patient outcomes.
Researchers will follow over 540 children with mild to moderate kidney disease for four years, collecting blood, urine, and genetic samples. The study seeks to refine an existing method to measure glomerular filtration rate (GFR), a precise indicator of kidney function.
A study by Daniel A. Hahn found that worker ants in desert carpenter ant colonies store more fat per unit lean mass than lighter ants, leading to a greater proportion of soldiers being stored. This difference in individual-level storage tactics contributes to between-species differences in behavioral development and motivation.
Astrophysicist Saul Perlmutter wins prestigious International Feltrinelli Prize for his groundbreaking research on dark energy and the accelerating expansion of the universe. The prize recognizes Perlmutter's contributions to our understanding of the universe's mysterious force, dark energy.