Researchers at UC Davis and Virginia Tech successfully created an egg-shaped fullerene, or 'buckyegg', which opens up new possibilities for structures of fullerenes. The unexpected discovery was made by collaborating scientists who used special conditions to create a mixture of fullerenes with triterbium nitride inside.
A new Loma Linda University study confirms that eating pecans daily can inhibit unwanted oxidation of blood lipids, reducing the risk of heart disease. The research found that pecans contain gamma tocopherol, a form of vitamin E, which protects fats from oxidation.
The IU and Purdue Analytical Proteomics Team has been awarded a grant to develop standardized proteomics methodologies to discover proteins relevant to cancer. The team will work with cancer researchers and clinicians at the IU School of Medicine, as well as experts in statistical and computer analysis.
Researchers have unveiled a new systematic approach to drug discovery that matches diseases with potential treatments using gene signatures. The 'Human Connectivity Map' allows scientists to compare disease signatures with those of treated cells, identifying effective treatments for cancer, obesity and Alzheimer's disease.
The study found that male sex influences RA mechanisms, with higher production of anti-CCP antibodies in families with affected male members. Female patients also exhibit differences in disease expression and response to treatment.
A new study found that an increase in body mass index (BMI) between first and second pregnancies is associated with adverse outcomes, including maternal complications and perinatal complications. Women who gained a modest amount of weight between pregnancies experienced increased risks of gestational diabetes and stillbirth.
The Temporal Dynamics of Learning Center aims to improve teaching techniques and alter human lives through a better understanding of how humans learn. The center, funded by the National Science Foundation, will study the role of timing in learning and develop interdisciplinary research networks.
A comprehensive mouse study provides new clues about the virulence of the 1918 influenza virus. The research found that a hyperactive immune response triggered by the virus may contribute to its exceptional lethality. Understanding this phenomenon is crucial for developing therapies against future flu pandemics.
Researchers developed a gene transfer method using the mutant form of apolipoprotein A-I (Apo A-I Milano) to treat vascular inflammation and plaque buildup. The study found that Apo A-I Milano gene transfer resulted in a 65% reduction in plaque buildup, compared to a 25% decrease with the normal HDL gene.
A new genetic 'roadmap' tool connects human diseases with potential drugs, revealing potential applications in cancer and other diseases. The Connectivity Map uses genomic signatures to predict molecular actions of novel therapeutic compounds and suggest ways existing drugs can be newly applied.
Alberto Bressan has been selected to receive the Antonio Feltrinelli Prize for his groundbreaking research on hyperbolic conservation laws. The prize is awarded annually in the area of physical and mathematical sciences, recognizing achievements that contribute to the development of new mathematics.
The Antarctic ozone hole reaches its annual peak, providing insights into the impact of the Montreal Protocol ban on CFCs. NASA's satellite data suggests that while the hole has not shown substantial recovery signs, long-term monitoring indicates a possible decrease in size by 2025.
The Genetics and Public Policy Center will conduct a public discussion about future potential large U.S. population-based studies examining the roles of genes and environment in human health. The study aims to unravel complex genetic and environmental factors contributing to common diseases such as cancer and heart disease.
A new study by Indiana University researchers found that state laws protecting abortion clinics have had no impact on violent crimes against them. Surprisingly, data from 361 clinics showed 7% experiencing major or minor violence, with 44% experiencing harassment.
A Stanford study finds that the cancer drug Gleevec, used to combat leukemia and gastrointestinal cancers, may also be effective in treating rheumatoid arthritis. The researchers tested Gleevec on mice with a condition similar to human rheumatoid arthritis and found it almost completely prevented disease development.
Researchers created a 'Poverty Atlas' using geographic information system applications to visualize poverty-related indicators. The maps provide a visual context for understanding the connection between poverty and geography, including factors like climate, soil fertility, and access to transportation networks.
Margaret Foti, AACR CEO, receives the Association of American Cancer Institutes Distinguished Service Award for her leadership and advocacy in advancing cancer research. The AACR has grown to over 24,000 members under her tenure, and she has launched several high-quality journals in the field.
The University of Victoria-led NEPTUNE Canada observatory will receive a significant boost in funding, allowing for expansion of its scope and scientific impact. The additional $20 million will enable more comprehensive studies on ocean-climate interactions, fisheries, gas hydrate deposits, and seafloor ecology.
Scientists discovered high concentrations of silver in Jerusalem pottery, suggesting significant wealth in the city during the Second Temple period. The findings, published in Archaeometry, used X-ray fluorescence and instrumental neutron activation analysis to analyze 1,200 pottery vessels from 38 sites in Roman Judea.
A UK case control study found that living near heavy industry sites for over 25 years increases the risk of developing lung cancer. Women living in areas with high rates of poverty and industrial activity were more likely to develop the disease.
A team led by Berkeley Lab's Susan J. Fisher and Joe W. Gray aims to identify cancer-specific proteins and patterns in blood samples for early detection. By combining genome-wide studies with mass-spectrometry-based protein analysis, the team hopes to develop a more accurate test for all cancers.
The National Cancer Institute has established a collaborative network of five Clinical Proteomic Technology Assessment for Cancer teams to evaluate and compare different proteomic platforms. The network aims to improve diagnostics, therapies, and prevention by standardizing technologies and methodologies.
A large study found that patients with IBS are 60% more likely to suffer from depression, migraine, or chronic pain compared to those without IBS. Individuals with IBS were also 40% more likely to experience depression and 60% more likely to suffer from migraine.
The Lancet warns that Millennium Development Goal 5 will only be met with intensified commitment and effective strategies to reduce maternal deaths. The authors call for governments and donors to invest in training, deployment, and retention of skilled attendants, particularly midwives, to make a significant difference.
Using mesh to close gastric bypass incisions prevents hernias in obese patients. Researchers found no impact on hospital stay or procedure cost.
Researchers gathered at the ARVO/Pfizer Ophthalmics Research Institute conference to discuss the current understanding of aqueous outflow pathways. The study aims to identify key unanswered research questions and explore new ideas for controlling high eye pressure in glaucoma patients.
The Edmonton Protocol clinical trial demonstrates islet transplantation as a promising procedure for managing severe Type 1 Diabetes, achieving insulin independence in 44% of recipients and improved blood sugar control. However, long-term sustainability varies, highlighting the need for continued research into this therapy.
The risk of transfusion-transmitted infections has decreased significantly since 1984 due to improved blood-safety measures. However, emerging pathogens such as variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease and viruses present in high concentrations in blood pose ongoing concerns for patient safety.
The University of Pittsburgh is developing a multidisciplinary nanotechnology undergraduate course with a $200,000 NSF grant. The hands-on research-oriented course will introduce students to nanoscale devices and their applications, with a focus on publishing research in refereed journals.
Researchers found that airbags and antilock brakes may not be effective in reducing accidents and injuries, as drivers adapt to the new safety features by becoming less vigilant. The study used data from Washington state drivers over a five-year period, tracking 1,307 drivers with varying levels of safety feature adoption.
Researchers will analyze FDA database of electrocardiograms to identify early predictors of cardiac risk and develop new biomarkers for drug toxicity. The goal is to improve the safety of new drugs while reducing development costs.
A four-year project aims to dramatically improve scanning for serious illnesses by enhancing electron spin resonance imaging techniques. The technology could provide 10,000 times more spatial information, recording images 10,000 times faster, and improve sensitivity by 100 times or more.
A new study by UW researchers suggests that the 1918 flu pandemic was deadly due to a severe immune system response, contradicting the conventional wisdom of secondary infections. The study found activated genes related to immune responses and programmed cell death, indicating an overzealous host immune system.
Tarantulas can now be known to secrete silk from spigots on their legs, which may have increased traction. This discovery could represent a major change in the evolution of spider silk production.
A clinical trial shows that islet transplantation using the Edmonton Protocol can dramatically benefit certain patients with severe complications of Type 1 diabetes. The procedure has promising implications for treating this autoimmune disease, which affects an estimated 21 million Americans.
The University of Virginia Health System has been awarded a $5.5 million grant to develop new contrast agents for detecting and treating atherosclerosis, a disease that increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. The researchers aim to create tiny ultrasound contrast agents that can be used during simple examinations to detect vuln...
A Rice University study recommends lowering Houston's toxic air pollutant levels due to high health risks. The report proposes a new set of air quality standards based on the underlying toxicology of four pollutants, including benzene and formaldehyde.
Research published in Gut found that female liver transplant recipients live an average of 22 years after the procedure, compared to 18 years for men. The study analyzed data from over 2,700 patients and found that younger people tend to have longer life expectancy but also lose more years of life due to transplantation.
A team of researchers led by Emanuel Hanski discovered a protein called SilCR that blocks the immune system's distress calls, making Group A Streptococcus bacteria more virulent. The findings could lead to new strategies for treating necrotizing fasciitis and halting its rapid destruction of tissue.
Researchers discovered that the cell cycle's temporal regulation evolves rapidly, with changes occurring every 100 million years. This fast evolution is unexpected for a fundamental process like cell division.
A study by Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center found that high-dose intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) achieved a 89% disease-free rate for patients with prostate cancer after an average of 8 years. The treatment also showed improved quality of life by reducing side effects and maintaining urinary continence.
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have discovered that the protein ABCB6 is crucial for producing heme, a molecule essential for red blood cells to carry oxygen. The team found that ABCB6 helps regulate the production of heme by ferrying in porphyrins, which are then converted into heme inside the mitochondria.
Research found that a lower second-to-fourth finger ratio is linked to higher athletic achievement in women, particularly in running and team sports like soccer and tennis. The study of 607 female twins suggests that this finger ratio may be influenced by sex hormones and genetic factors.
The study provides valuable insights into the genetic causes of Parkinson's disease and offers a starting point for further research. Researchers have made the data publicly available, creating a resource that can be used by other scientists to accelerate progress in the field.
Teenagers who drink alcohol are more likely to be victims of violence, a Cardiff University study has found. The research, which surveyed over 4,000 children aged 11-16 in England, showed that drinking habits can increase the risk of injury.
A multicenter clinical trial confirmed the Edmonton Protocol's ability to safely promote long-term stabilization of blood sugar levels in 'brittle' diabetes patients, with some achieving insulin independence. Investigators also reported improved measures of blood glucose control and reversal of hypoglycemic unawareness.
The Geoffrey Beene Cancer Research Center will focus on two complementary programs at Memorial Sloan-Kettering, one in Cancer Biology and Genetics, the other in Human Oncology and Pathogenesis. The center aims to translate revolutionary advances in understanding cancer into dramatic progress in controlling it.
A decline in methane emissions from human activities in the 1990s led to slower growth of atmospheric methane levels. However, recent increases in emissions from human sources are offset by reduced wetland emissions, which could mask further rises in methane if drying trends are not reversed.
Prioritizing health facility births with trained midwives can substantially reduce maternal mortality worldwide. The Lancet series highlights the stark disparities between rich and poor countries, with women in developing countries being 1000 times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications.
The Veterans Aging Cohort Study (VACS) has received a five-year award to examine the impact of aging and alcohol use among those with and without chronic HIV infection. The study will investigate the independent effects of these factors, as well as their interaction, on health outcomes.
A four-year, €4 million joint research programme between TU Delft and Shell aims to develop new technologies for sustainable mobility. The programme will focus on hydrogen production, traffic regulation models, Li-ion battery improvements, solar energy conversion, and methane extraction.
The new Hurricane web portal provides a variety of measurements from NASA instruments, including current conditions, image galleries, event-based data, and tools. The portal also features links to various analysis software systems, such as Giovanni, allowing users to explore and analyze Earth sciences data interactively.
A Florida State University study found that parental notification laws and consent requirements significantly reduced risky sexual behavior among teens, with a 20% decrease in gonorrhea rates among Hispanic girls. However, the results were not statistically significant for black girls.
A new study from UC Davis found that older men face barriers to seeking and receiving depression care due to societal stereotypes and stigma. Traditional views of masculinity lead some men to reject diagnoses and conceal symptoms, resulting in lower rates of treatment and referral.
Researchers at the University of Georgia have discovered a way to halt damage caused by root-knot nematodes, devastating plant pathogens worldwide. By genetically modifying plants with RNA interference, they've created crops resistant to all four most economically important species, offering a sustainable solution for growers.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found two genetic mutations in the SLITRK1 gene linked to trichotillomania, affecting 3-5% of the population. The study validates a biological basis for mental illnesses and opens the door for genetic testing.
Researchers at EPFL create polariton Bose-Einstein condensate in solid state, exhibiting macroscopic order and long-range coherence. This breakthrough could lead to new technologies like quantum computing and advanced electronics.
Researchers found that blunt smokers associate clinical symptoms with nicotine rather than marijuana dependence. The study of 92 blunts users in New York City suggests tobacco's presence may foster dependence on blunts.
A study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that gun store reforms led to a 44% decrease in new guns sold to criminals in Milwaukee. The change resulted in a 96% reduction in small, inexpensive handguns and 42% fewer other types of guns recovered from crimes.
A study published in Gut found that babies with low birthweight are at a higher risk of developing irritable bowel syndrome. The research, which analyzed data from 3334 twin pairs, suggests that genetic and environmental factors contribute to the development of IBS.