The AAAS Science Journalism Awards recognize outstanding work in science reporting, including a series on ocean disturbances and stories on mysterious elk deaths. Winners include Jennifer Frazer and Kenneth Weiss for their coverage of these topics.
The JDRF-Lilly project will support cutting-edge research on biomarkers for pancreatic beta cell mass and function, which could indicate the presence of type 1 diabetes. Biomarkers would be a powerful research tool in indicating disease progression and predicting patient responses to treatments.
A study published in BMC Public Health found that people with schizophrenia are more likely to develop a ruptured appendix, with a 46.7% rate compared to 25.1% of the general population. The research highlights disparities in healthcare provision for mental illness and physical disease.
A new study finds that adults-only bars and nightclubs are associated with high rates of binge drinking and excessive alcohol consumption. The research suggests that regulating these establishments may be more effective than limiting total alcohol licenses.
Scientists at Baylor College of Medicine created a database of molecular profiles for blood cells, identifying unique 'lineage fingerprints' that mark different cell types. They found two genes that, when overexpressed, drove the differentiation of specific blood cells.
Researchers at Penn State successfully transmitted data at a rate of 100 gigabits per second over 100 meters using Category-7 copper cables. This breakthrough offers a less expensive and easier-to-build solution for high-speed data transfer, paving the way for future advancements in chip circuitry.
Researchers at Princeton University have discovered a chemical mechanism used by cholera bacteria to communicate with each other, which can be disrupted to potentially halt the disease's progress.
Researchers discover paddle, a modular unit in ion channels, enabling nerve cells to fire. The findings hold promise for developing new therapeutic drugs targeting ion channel function., Ion channel proteins control electrical activity in nerve cells, and the study's results may lead to new approaches for treating neurological disorder...
Neuroscientists are developing software that may turn thoughts into speech for patients like Eric Ramsey, who was left 'locked-in' after a car accident. By analyzing signals from his brain activity, the team has identified distinct patterns associated with vowel sounds, allowing them to correctly identify around 80% of the time.
A recent study from the University of Toronto found significant differences in how genetic material is spliced to create proteins in humans and chimpanzees. The researchers discovered that six to eight per cent of alternative splicing events showed differences, which are associated with various diseases.
A new study found that Forteo significantly increased bone density measurements, particularly in the lumbar spine and hip, compared to Fosamax. The findings suggest Forteo may be a valuable treatment option for secondary osteoporosis caused by glucocorticoid use.
Researchers at the University of California, San Diego found a strong association between deficiency in UVB exposure and endometrial cancer. Vitamin D3 levels were linked to lower risk of cancers such as breast, colon, kidney, and ovary.
Scientists report a breakthrough strategy to reduce smokers' nicotine dependence while allowing them to continue smoking. By gradually decreasing nicotine content in cigarettes, most smokers cut their daily cigarette consumption by 40% and experienced comparable reductions in nicotine intake.
A study found that liking one's own name can sabotage success for people whose initials match negative performance labels. Researchers analyzed Major League Baseball players' performance and found batters with names starting with 'K' struck out more often. Similarly, in academia, students with initials 'C' or 'D' earned lower GPAs.
Altered levels of an enzyme controlling brain hormone production linked to social isolation-induced anxiety and aggression in mice. The study suggests a potential mechanism for the psychological effects of social isolation, which could lead to the development of new treatments.
Researchers identified kisspeptin and GPR54 as independent prognostic biomarkers specific for ovarian clear cell carcinoma. These molecular markers are associated with a favourable prognosis and could potentially be used to monitor disease activity or as therapeutic agents in women with this subtype of ovarian cancer.
The CARMA database provides detailed information on power plant emissions, ranking companies by their carbon footprint. The US is the largest emitter, with Southern Co. leading the way, and Australians are among the highest per capita emitters.
Researchers used neuroimaging to study how the brain processes sounds in noisy environments, finding that the left hemisphere plays a key role. The study revealed that the brain's left hemisphere is responsible for distinguishing between signals and noise, enabling us to focus on specific sounds amidst competing noises.
Research on human RecQ helicases reveals their role in regulating homologous recombination, a DNA repair pathway. Mutations in these enzymes cause cancer-predisposition syndromes, highlighting their importance in maintaining genomic stability.
A rare stomach cancer case report highlights histochemistry's diagnostic value for carcinosarcomas. The study finds epithelial components expressing cytokeratin 18, EMA, and CEA positivity, while mesenchymal components show vimentin staining without muscular or neural differentiation.
Researchers in paleoecology study fossilized remains and soil cores to reconstruct past ecosystems. The Amazon's pre-Columbian history reveals both human impact and resilience, while Arctic lake sediments indicate recent climate change.
Researchers discovered a novel type of stem cell in menstrual blood that can rapidly replicate and develop into various cell types, including heart, liver, and lung cells. This breakthrough could lead to innovative treatments for damaged tissues and diseases such as diabetes and liver failure.
A new study by the Medical College of Wisconsin suggests that captopril, an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, can reduce radiation injury to the kidneys in bone marrow transplant patients. This may lead to improved long-term kidney function and patient survival.
A recent study on Turkey's 2006 bird flu outbreak emphasizes the need for well-coordinated emergency response plans and clear responsibilities among healthcare workers. The research found that poor access to healthcare and poverty contributed significantly to the spread of the virus.
A new study by Brandeis University researchers finds that many pediatric oncologists lack the necessary training to build bridges with families of critically ill children through religion and spirituality. The study suggests that providing this type of training could improve patient outcomes.
Researchers found that males' simpler genetic architecture enables them to evolve faster and more efficiently in response to sexual selection. This is because males have only one X chromosome, making their inheritance pathway less complicated compared to females, who have two X chromosomes with interacting genes.
A team of Dartmouth Medical School researchers found that low doses of arsenic disrupt the activity of hormone receptors critical in development, highlighting the potential harm of arsenic at levels found in U.S. drinking water. The study's findings provide evidence for mitigating arsenic's impact on human health.
The system uses speech recognition and language processing technology to create transcripts of MIT lectures, allowing users to search for specific topics. The prototype web site has drawn increased traffic, primarily from international students accessing MIT's OpenCourseWare initiative.
NASA Goddard's method for producing high-quality carbon nanotubes has been recognized as a winner in the Nano 50 awards. The technology eliminates the need for metal catalysts, resulting in safer and less expensive production methods.
A study published in Neurology found that Latinos and African Americans with Alzheimer's disease lived significantly longer than white individuals. The study involved nearly 31,000 participants and adjusted for various factors, including education level and age when symptoms began.
A new study predicts a 10-fold increase in ADHD prescription costs for the NHS, rising from £7m to £49-101m by 2012. The research modelled various scenarios and considered factors such as drug availability, diagnosis rates, and treatment levels.
A team of researchers proposes a new mechanism to explain the brightest ever recorded supernova, SN 2006gy. The model suggests that an extremely massive star undergoes repeated explosions, resulting in a display up to 100 times more luminous than usual.
A study by Yale researchers suggests that YKL-40 may play a role in severe asthma, with elevated levels correlating to increased inflammation and lung function. The discovery brings hope for developing a blood test to identify patients with severe asthma, which affects 2.5 million Americans.
A gene in male cichlid fish produces yellow pigment cells on oval spots, attracting female fish. The fish engage in an exotic oral mating behavior, where males deposit sperm in the females' mouths after she picks up eggs.
Scientists have created a human embryonic stem cell line from an embryo with the fragile X mutation, revealing early events associated with the disease. The study suggests that preventing epigenetic modifications may help rescue abnormal cells, paving the way for new therapeutic strategies.
Researchers from Baylor College of Medicine found that viral infections like poliovirus target a protein called G3BP, which helps cells respond to stress. This disruption prevents the virus from being translated into proteins and killing the cells.
Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have identified a new class of long short interfering RNAs (lsiRNAs) in Arabidopsis that are induced by bacterial infection or specific growth conditions. These lsiRNAs have unique biogenesis and target degradation pathways, suggesting they may play important roles in host immunity.
A new biodiversity survey reveals that primary rainforests are home to over half of all terrestrial species, with many species found nowhere else. The study emphasizes the need for conservation and sustainable land-use practices, highlighting the importance of protecting large areas of intact forest habitat.
The first 'State of the Carbon Cycle Report' reveals a troubling imbalance in North America's carbon budget, largely driven by human-caused emissions. The continent's natural sinks, such as forests and soils, may be unable to compensate for increasing carbon dioxide emissions.
Professor Paul J.J. Welfens has received the economics prize from the Russian Academy of Sciences for his work on macro-economic theory and policy. He specializes in these areas at Wuppertal University's Department of Economics.
Researchers found that silibinin reduces cancer cell proliferation and enhances programmed death of cancer cells, making it a potential treatment option. The study also suggests that other herbal supplements may have similar anti-tumor effects, warranting further investigation.
A study by UT Southwestern Medical Center researchers found that the hormone orexin activates HIF-1, which increases energy production in cells. This activation is linked to the body's response to low blood sugar and hunger, suggesting a new mechanism for metabolic regulation.
Researchers developed a new indicator, Hb-Var, measuring hemoglobin level stability in dialysis patients, finding it strongly predicts mortality risk. Higher Hb-Var scores associated with increased death rates, even after adjusting for absolute hemoglobin levels and trends.
A study by University of California, Irvine researchers found that low doses of freeze-dried grape powder inhibit genes linked to sporadic colorectal cancer. The study suggests a diet rich in grapes may help prevent colon cancer, which kills over half a million people worldwide each year.
Researchers directly observed how water molecules link with proteins, enabling movement and function. The study challenges conventional wisdom and provides new insights into protein-water interactions.
The NASA SORCE mission is tracking regional variations in the sun's warming impact on Earth, with possible implications for global climate patterns. The study found that while the sun's brightness affects Earth's temperature modestly, regional temperature changes can vary by a factor of eight.
A survey of clinical scientists reveals that the HIPAA Privacy Rule has a negative influence on health research, causing uncertainty, increased costs, and delays. The study found that researchers believe the rule adds significant complexity to their work, compromising participant confidentiality.
A virtual simulation study by Florida Institute of Technology doctoral student Zeeshan-ul-hassan Usmani reveals that circular crowd formations lead to high injury rates, while vertical rows provide the safest positioning. The findings may have implications for emergency response and counter-terrorism activities.
A study found that hospitals with higher lymph node examination rates did not see better patient survival after colon cancer surgery. The rate of detecting node-positive tumors remained the same across all hospital groups.
A new model for predicting breast cancer risk in postmenopausal women is as accurate as the Gail Model, but easier to use. The model uses only three factors: age, family history of breast cancer, and previous breast biopsy.
A study of nearly 2,500 youths found that playing multiple violent video games increased aggressive behaviors and hostile attribution bias. The researchers identified seven parallels between video games and effective teaching methods, including adaptability to individual learners and teaching for real-world situations.
A new study found that experienced ultrasound examiners can accurately classify ovarian tumors using pattern recognition, outperforming blood test CA-125 levels. The method could improve diagnosis and treatment for women with ovarian cancer.
Researchers found no link between the reg1 gene and pancreatic stone formation in patients with tropical calcific pancreatitis. The study suggests alternative mechanisms, such as calcium signaling, may be involved in stone formation.
Researchers have found a way to help health-care providers and social workers understand the stages that abused women go through when deciding to leave their partners. The study identifies five stages, including precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, and maintenance, with key turning points for women's empowerment.
Andrew P. Goldberg, a renowned expert in aging research, receives the 2007 Joseph T. Freeman Award for his contributions to exercise, diet, and metabolism in aging. The award ceremony will take place at GSA's Annual Scientific Meeting in San Francisco, where Goldberg will present a lecture on his work.
Researchers found that gene signatures can predict which chemotherapy regimens are most effective for breast cancer patients. The study showed a significant improvement in response rates when using gene signatures to select treatments, suggesting a potential breakthrough in personalized medicine.
Researchers found that the Wwox protein keeps ErbB-4 on the cell surface, associated with better survival in breast-cancer patients. The absence of Wwox is linked to shorter survival, particularly in triple-negative breast cancers.
Lynn M. Martire of the University of Pittsburgh has been awarded the 2007 Margret M. & Paul B. Baltes Foundation Award for her outstanding research on interplay of social roles, stress, and health in aging. The award highlights her work on dyadic psychosocial interventions and late-life depression's impact on family members.
Research reveals MMP-1 and TNF-alpha play a central role in ulcerative colitis development, offering new therapeutic targeting proteins. Agents like Infliximab have shown promise in treating adult and child patients with ulcerative colitis.
The Gerontological Society of America has awarded USC's Mara Mather the 2007 Richard Kalish Innovative Publication Award for her groundbreaking research on memory in older adults. Her work challenges traditional notions of memory as an exact photograph, highlighting the role of cognitive control in emotional memory.