Professors named Fulbright scholars
Kent State faculty members Dr. Michael Kalinski and Dr. Daniel Holm have been awarded Fulbright grants to study and teach abroad, with Kalinski heading to India and Holm researching in Poland
Science News Archive 2007
Browse by Month - 2007
Page 152 of 203
Ancient coral reef tells the history of Kenya's soil erosion
A 300-year record of soil erosion in Kenya has been created using coral samples from the Indian Ocean, revealing a dramatic increase in erosion since British colonialism began. The study highlights the importance of sustainable land use practices to mitigate soil erosion and its consequences for food production.
Workers who focus on family given fewer career opportunities
A study from McMaster University finds that workers prioritizing family demands over work experience face declining job performance, limited career advancement, and strained relationships with bosses. Employees need to address family demands or develop coping strategies.
U of T receives $2.5M for interface design
A U of T-led project, FLUID, aims to provide consistent and accessible web services worldwide. The project will develop modular interface components and software architecture to support their implementation, ultimately enhancing the web experience for users with special needs.
Use of hydrocortisone reduces incidence of atrial fibrillation after cardiac surgery
A new study published in JAMA found that patients who receive hydrocortisone after cardiac surgery have a significantly lower risk of developing atrial fibrillation. The incidence of AF was reduced by 37% in the hydrocortisone group compared to those receiving placebo.
Drugs for Parkinson's disease may ease stroke-related disability
Research reveals a strong link between stroke damage to brain region putamen and motor neglect, a condition causing slow movement on the left side. Treatment targeting dopamine-like compounds may ease this disability in patients with Parkinson's disease.
Measuring calcium intake can help to identify osteoporosis in men with prostate cancer
A study of 372 men with prostate cancer found that 49% had osteoporosis, with those receiving hormone therapy and having undergone radical prostatectomy being at highest risk. The authors suggest that daily calcium intake could be used as a prognostic factor for osteoporosis in these patients.
Structural basis for photoswitching in fluorescent proteins brought into focus
Researchers at the University of Oregon have discovered the structural basis for photoswitching in fluorescent proteins, allowing for control over light emission. The study revealed that inserting a single oxygen atom can delay the switch-on time from five minutes to 65 hours, enabling more precise studies within cells.
News tips from the Journal of Biological Chemistry
Researchers provide new insights into how a key protein used to fight viruses works, raising hopes for improved treatments against viral infection. Additionally, heart stem cells are shown to be unaffected by acute heart failure, making them available for cardiac recovery. A chemical called thioredoxin also helps prevent loss of neuron...
Study suggests use of stem cell transplantation is beneficial treatment of type 1 diabetes
A study suggests that stem cell transplantation can induce extended insulin independence in patients with type 1 diabetes. The therapy involved high-dose immunosuppression followed by autologous nonmyeloablative hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, resulting in 93% of patients achieving periods of insulin independence. The treatmen...
Carnegie Mellon P2P system promises faster music, movie downloads
A new P2P system, Similarity-Enhanced Transfer (SET), can significantly speed up music and movie downloads by leveraging similarities between files. By identifying relevant chunks of files, SET greatly increases the number of potential sources for downloads.
New study zeroes in on genetic roots of Alzheimer's
Researchers at Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation discovered that ApoE4 attaches to a receptor on brain cells, leading to protein fragment formation and cell death. This finding may lead to new pathways for developing Alzheimer's therapeutics.
ConocoPhillips establishes $22.5M biofuels research program at Iowa State
ConocoPhillips has established a $22.5 million eight-year research program at Iowa State University focused on developing biorenewable fuels technologies, including ethanol and biodiesel from organic materials. The program aims to promote energy diversification and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Misusing vitamin to foil drug test may be toxic; plus, it doesn't work
Researchers report on patients who suffered toxic side effects from taking excessive doses of niacin, a common vitamin used to pass urine drug tests. The study warns against this practice due to the risks of liver toxicity, hypoglycemia, and other serious health issues.
Do we need a paradigm change? Disputing coevolution in herbivorous insects
A recent study by Dr. Jesús Gómez-Zurita and collaborators found that phytophagous leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae) radiated independently of their host plants, with origins dating back to the late Cretaceous period. This challenges the long-held coevolution hypothesis, suggesting a more complex evolutionary process.
Surfing the blues -- Internet questionnaire can accurately identify depression
A Chinese online tool for assessing depression has been found to be both accurate and reproducible, offering a potential solution for identifying the growing number of people suffering from depression. The Internet-based Self-assessment Program for Depression (ISP-D) was tested on 579 subjects, revealing that 31% had major depressive d...
Fellowships aim to cultivate young theoretical physicists
The LHC Theory Initiative has announced its first-ever $40,000 graduate fellowship awards to stimulate young talent in particle physics. The recipients, Randall Kelly and Jonathan Walsh, will use the funds to support their research on higher-order corrections and simulation tools.
'Fusion' protein found by Johns Hopkins researchers
Researchers at Johns Hopkins have identified a protein required for neighboring cells to fuse and become one super cell. The Solitary protein coordinates the movement of molecular delivery trucks and marks where the cell barrier needs to be broken, directing the building of a delivery road.
Experimental flu vaccine appears promising in early tests
A new experimental flu vaccine produced using insect cells has shown promising results in early testing, demonstrating safety and immunogenic response in healthy adults. The vaccine, made using recombinant DNA techniques, offers a potential alternative to traditional egg-based vaccines.
Different approach needed to protect brains of premature infants
A study found vulnerabilities in premature infants' brains similar to those in mature brains, but also identified a significant difference that suggests different treatments are needed. Damage occurs mainly in white matter, which connects brain regions, and can lead to behavioral problems and developmental delay.
Report reveals estimated high prevalence and heavy cost of type 2 diabetes complications
The report estimates that nearly 60% of people with type 2 diabetes have at least one serious health complication, including heart disease, stroke, and chronic kidney disease. Estimated annual healthcare costs for a person with type 2 diabetes complications exceed $10,000.
Study finds dietary fat interacts with genes
Researchers found that for people with a specific genetic variant, dietary fat intake was not significantly associated with body mass index (BMI) or risk of obesity. However, consuming monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) like olive oil may help lower the likelihood of obesity in these individuals.
NASA data show earthquakes may quickly boost regional volcanoes
Scientists found strong evidence that a major earthquake can cause a nearly immediate increase in regional volcanic activity. The intensity of two ongoing eruptions on Indonesia's Java Island increased sharply following a powerful earthquake, and the increased activity persisted for about nine days.
Scientists implicate gene in vitiligo and other autoimmune diseases
Researchers discovered a key gene, NALP1, associated with vitiligo and other autoimmune diseases. The gene controls the innate immune system and may help trigger these conditions.
Study fails to verify gene variations as risk factors for certain cardiovascular problems
A recent study failed to validate the association of 85 genetic variants with increased risk for acute coronary syndromes (ACS), including heart attack and angina. The research included 811 patients with ACS, but found no conclusive evidence supporting the use of these gene variants as risk factors in clinical care.
Malpractice study -- Juries sympathize more with doctors
A recent study by University of Missouri-Columbia law professor Philip Peters found that juries often side with doctors over patients in medical malpractice cases. The research suggests that defendants' hired experts are more successful at persuading juries, leading to better outcomes for them.
Antibiotic stress, genetic response and altered permeability of E. coli
Researchers discovered that prolonged exposure to antibiotics triggers a genetic response in E. coli, resulting in increased efflux pump activity and altered outer membrane porin protein levels. This study highlights the critical role of genetic adaptation in antibiotic resistance.
Stress may help cancer cells resist treatment, research shows
Scientists from Wake Forest University School of Medicine found that stress hormone epinephrine can cause changes in prostate and breast cancer cells, making them resistant to cell death. This link between stress and cancer has been suggested but previously unexplored, with potential implications for patients and researchers.
FSU leads botanical research into 21st century: Deep South Plant Specimen Imaging Project
FSU is leading a collaborative project to create high-resolution digital images of 100,000 plant specimens from the East Gulf Coastal Plain. The project aims to enhance biodiversity documentation and provide online access to botanical information.
FSU anthropologist finds earliest evidence of maize farming in Mexico
Ancient farmers in Mexico cultivated early forms of maize around 5,300 B.C., 1,200 years earlier than previously thought. This finding expands knowledge on the transition to agriculture in Mesoamerica and sheds light on the rise of complex societies.
India's biotech industry emerging as world innovator, collaborator, competitor
The Indian biotech sector is poised to revolutionize the industry with its innovative products, strategies, and manufacturing capabilities. The sector has already made significant impacts on drug prices, reducing costs by up to 90% for some generic biopharmaceuticals.
Malaria in pregnancy: What can the social sciences contribute?
Researchers propose two models to study social science aspects of malaria in pregnancy, considering factors in prevention and treatment. The models aim to improve malaria control and prevention strategies during pregnancy.
Canadian-educated physicians need to practice in Canada, not the US
A significant number of Canadian-educated physicians practice in the US, contributing to the shortage. Practitioners from rural areas could alleviate shortages by returning to Canada.
CT imaging with use of novel contrast agent may predict heart attack in waiting
Researchers at Mount Sinai School of Medicine have developed a new imaging technology using multi-detector computed tomography (CT) and a novel contrast agent N1177 to detect high-risk plaque. This may help physicians diagnose a heart attack before it occurs, preventing cardiac events.
Modified bone marrow cells can help recovery in an animal model of multiple sclerosis
Researchers found that modified bone marrow cells reduced MS symptoms, nerve damage, and increased tissue debris clearance when injected into mice with EAE at disease peak. The study opens up further research avenues for human multiple sclerosis treatment.
Pitt alumnus and professor put a face on Internet communication with personalized icon software
Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh have developed a new approach to online communication called FaceAlive Icons, which uses personalized images to convey emotions. The program allows users to alter their facial expressions and improve personal communication in emails, text messages, and online forums.
MIT model helps researchers 'see' brain development
Researchers developed a tool to analyze brain folds using computer graphics techniques, providing insights into cortical development. The model may serve as a biomarker for early diagnosis of autism and other neurological diseases.
Veterinary scientists explore poultry virus as cancer killer
Researchers are investigating a genetically modified variant of Avian Newcastle disease virus to treat human prostate cancer. The virus is designed to replicate only in the presence of prostate-specific antigen, found exclusively in cancerous cells.
Protecting electronic information from theft, abuse research goal
Virginia Tech researcher Patrick Schaumont is developing a methodology to create secure embedded system designs. His goal is to protect sensitive information stored on portable computers, including access codes and high-resolution photographs.
Cocoa, but not tea, may lower blood pressure
A meta-analysis of 10 previous studies found that consuming cocoa products reduces systolic and diastolic blood pressure, comparable to the effects of blood pressure-lowering medications. However, drinking tea was not associated with a reduction in blood pressure in any of the trials.
Study examines calorie restriction and glycemic load
A new study has found that calorie-restricted diets with low or high glycemic loads result in comparable long-term weight loss. Participants lost an average of 8% of their original body weight, regardless of diet type, after one year on a 30% calorie-restricted diet.
Virginia Tech researches decontamination of chemical, biological warfare agents
Researchers at Virginia Tech are developing an instrument to study the chemistry of gases that decompose chemical and biological warfare agents on surfaces. The goal is to predict the fate of these gases on various surfaces, including metal, metal-oxide, and polymeric materials.
Learning from both ends of the stethoscope
A systematic review of studies published over four decades confirms that good doctor-patient communication significantly impacts patient outcomes, including resolution of chronic headaches and improved blood pressure readings. The review highlights the importance of clarifying instructions and checking for understanding to ensure effec...
Marine scientists monitor longest mammal migration
Researchers found humpback whales migrating up to 8,300 kilometers to warmer waters during winter, with the longest distance recorded at 5,100 miles from Central America to Antarctica. The study validates a long-held assumption about humpback whale migration patterns.
Mayo Clinic and IBM score significant advance in real-time medical imaging
The new technology significantly improves the accuracy of radiologist interpretation by aligning 3D medical images in three-dimensional space. This enables quicker diagnoses and treatment for patients with diseases like cancer, reducing wait time and anxiety.
Progress against sarcoma
Researchers at the University of Utah Health have made a significant breakthrough in understanding the origins of synovial sarcoma, a deadly cancer that affects young adults. By engineering mice to develop this cancer, scientists discovered that it originates from muscle cell precursors known as myoblasts.
PSA doubling predicts prostate cancer recurrence
A detectable PSA level is first indicator of recurrent prostate cancer after radical prostatectomy, with a doubling time of less than three months indicating imminent death from prostate cancer. Patients with longer doubling times are at significant risk for disease recurrence and cancer-specific death.
UCSD researchers discover variants of natural tumor suppressor
Researchers at UCSD School of Medicine have identified two variants of the natural tumor suppressor enzyme PHLPP, which control three different disease pathways. The findings suggest that therapies targeting PHLPP1 could improve insulin regulation in diabetes, while therapies targeting PHLPP2 could enhance cell survival in heart and ne...
Drug-resistant bacterial infections serious complication after corrective eye surgery
Researchers found cases of MRSA infectious keratitis following refractive surgery in patients with no known exposure to healthcare facilities. Colonization of MRSA is common, especially among those exposed to healthcare settings.
Treatment of asthma: Stepping up treatment and also stepping it down
Researchers analyzed data from 397 adults and children, finding that most asthma flare-ups led to step-up in medication doses. Fewer patients experienced step-down therapy changes when symptoms subsided, highlighting the need for more flexible treatment approaches for asthma patients.
1 donor cornea may treat 3 patients
Researchers successfully transplanted a single donor cornea into three patients with different eye conditions, demonstrating the feasibility of customized component corneal transplantation. The procedure allows for optimal use of available donor tissue, particularly in countries with limited quality and quantity of donor corneas.
Invasive grass may impede forest regeneration
The invasive grass Microstegium vimineum can impede the regeneration of woody species in southern US forests by blocking sunlight and seeds. Researchers found that M. vimineum biomass increased significantly after forest canopy disturbances, leading to a decline in native species richness.
RNA splicing factor implicated in ovarian tumor cell growth
Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago found that knocking down a specific RNA-binding protein can inhibit ovarian tumor cell growth and invasiveness. The study suggests this protein could be a new target for diagnosis or treatment of ovarian and other cancers.
The sturdier sex? -- Study by Pittsburgh scientists finds female stem cells work better
A study by Pittsburgh scientists found that female stem cells have a greater ability to regenerate skeletal muscle tissue than male cells. The researchers isolated female and male muscle-derived stem cells and tested their regenerative capabilities in dystrophic mice. Female stem cells were more efficient at regenerating skeletal muscl...
New study sheds light on long-term effects of logging after wildfire
A new study published in Forest Ecology and Management found that logging after a wildfire can lead to high fuel accumulation, regardless of whether the site is logged or unlogged. The research showed that logging residue contributed to four times more fine fuels on the ground, while logging caused fewer snags and large woody debris.
Doctors aggressively treat early heart attacks, research shows
A new study found that doctors are treating patients with early symptoms of a heart attack with the same level of urgency as those with later-confirmed cases. This suggests that doctors are using alternative data sources, such as patient history and electrocardiogram results, to make treatment decisions.
New guidelines to address growing obesity epidemic
The new guidelines recommend measuring waist circumference in all adults to assess risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Health professionals are advised to incorporate this measurement into their toolkit for managing overweight and obese patients.
Researchers question validity of many research meta-analyses
A recent study by Drs. John Ioannidis and Thomas Trikalinos found that many meta-analyses employ asymmetry tests to detect publication bias, but these tests are often not statistically valid. As a result, the findings of these meta-analyses may be misleading or incorrect.
'Combination' Lyme disease vaccine proteins patented
Researchers create combination proteins that trigger a stronger immune response against Lyme disease, potentially leading to more effective vaccines. The new proteins can also be used as diagnostic reagents to distinguish between disease-causing and harmless strains of bacteria.
Scripps research study shows humans and plants share common regulatory pathway
The Scripps Research Institute study provides new evidence that Nod1, a key player in the human immune system, shares similarities with plant Resistance proteins. These proteins protect plants from various pathogens, revealing a common regulatory pathway between humans and plants.