Researchers have developed a new method for bacterial hydrogen production, achieving high yields and efficiency. The process uses microbes to extract energy from organic matter, producing clean hydrogen gas with an overall efficiency better than 80 percent.
Researchers discovered that abnormal glutamine repeats interfere with key transcription factor TBP, leading to neurodegeneration in PolyQ diseases. The study provides insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying these inherited disorders.
Researchers found that skeletal myoblasts can help improve urinary incontinence in female rats with urethral sphincter deficiency when transplanted into their nerve-damaged muscles. The transplanted muscle cells increased urethral pressure, leading to significant improvement in incontinence and near-normal urethral closure pressures.
Researchers found that ancient retroviruses helped shape p53, a master gene regulator in primates, by inserting DNA sequences and rearranging the genome. This discovery provides new insights into how gene regulatory networks evolved in humans and other primates.
A Queen's University study confirms Darwin's controversial theory that different species can arise unhindered in the same place. Researchers found that tropical seabirds time-share breeding sites, differing genetically over long periods of time, shedding light on species divergence.
Nancy Whitelaw of NCOA has been recognized with the GSA's 2007 Maxwell A. Pollack Award, which honors individuals who bridge research and practice in aging. The award aims to promote evidence-based programs for older adults, building on her work creating the Center for Healthy Aging.
The Gerontological Society of America has recognized Spero M. Manson and Marcia M. Ory for their significant contributions to fostering excellence in gerontology through mentoring and inspiration. The award is given to individuals who have made a major impact on the field, inspiring students and colleagues alike.
LA BioMed researchers found that African-Americans and Latinos responded less well to medication for depression than whites, with socioeconomic factors playing a key role. The study suggests these groups may need more treatment beyond medication, including talk therapy.
A comprehensive review by the UK National Health Service found that PET scans can help diagnose and treat certain types of cancer more accurately than other imaging technologies. However, it is unclear whether these advances lead to improved patient outcomes and survival rates.
Researchers developed a microfluidic device that reveals how bacteria organize to form antibiotic-resistant biofilms, which play key roles in cystic fibrosis and urinary tract infections. The study's findings could help develop new treatments and preventive measures for these diseases.
Rita B. Effros receives the 2007 Robert W. Kleemeier Award from the Gerontological Society of America for her pioneering work on T cell senescence and telomerase-based therapies. The award recognizes her contributions to advancing the study of aging.
The NIH has provided over $9 million to fund 10 Science Education Partnership Awards (SEPA) to stimulate curiosity and encourage scientific investigation through hands-on activities. The program aims to improve public understanding of NIH-funded medical research and encourage young people in science careers.
A study by Purdue University found that citrus juices and vitamin C enable more of green tea's unique antioxidants to remain after digestion. The researchers discovered that lemon juice had the most profound impact, followed by orange, lime, and grapefruit juices.
Researchers create ways to visualize and analyze unstructured data, assigning brightness, color, and texture to identify potential threats. This technology can automatically recognize patterns and detect unexpected connections between data points.
The study found that a subtle disorder in optimal systemic hyperdynamic state influences portal venous flow, which is crucial for liver regeneration after LDLT. Maintaining an ideal systemic hemodynamic state ensures sufficient splanchnic blood flow and excellent clinical outcomes in cirrhotic LDLT recipients.
Research on DNA structures and electronic properties aims to create ultra small computers. The study found that intrinsic guanine rich sequences of ?-DNA exhibited length-dependent conductivity, providing insights into electrical behavior and potential modification.
Researchers at M. D. Anderson Cancer Center have identified a tumor-suppressor gene that suppresses lung tumors in mice and could provide new approaches for lung cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. The GPRC5A gene is under-expressed in human lung cancer cells and its expression was found to be lower in 61% of human non-small c...
A recent Temple University study reveals that children who experience neglect are more likely to become obese. The research found that neglect can lead to increased stress levels in children, which may affect their eating habits and physical activity.
Researchers at the University of Granada have developed a new system to diagnose pulmonary hypertension earlier. The system uses ultrasound technology and measures pulmonary artery systolic pressure, allowing doctors to identify the condition before it becomes irreversible.
A new model for predicting estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer risk in postmenopausal women performs almost as well as the standard Gail model and could be used to identify high-risk women. Smoking is associated with rectal cancer, while drugs like ZD6126 may cause heart damage due to cardiovascular changes.
A rare case of antegrade bowel intussusception after pancreatic duct reconstruction was reported, leading to a diagnosis of severe variant of Roux-en-Y stasis syndrome. The patient had previous episodes of abdominal pain and vomiting suggesting altered intestinal motility.
A University of California, Irvine study found that language barriers between patients and healthcare providers lead to longer hospital stays, more medical errors, and lower patient satisfaction. Patients who spoke directly with their doctors were most satisfied with their care.
A low-carb diet may help stunt prostate tumor growth by reducing insulin production, according to a new study. The study found that mice on a low-carb diet had longer survival and smaller tumors than those on other diets.
Linda R. Phillips, a renowned nurse scientist, receives the 2007 Doris Schwartz Gerontological Nursing Research Award for her sustained contributions to improving the lives of older people. Her research focuses on family caregiving, abuse, and nursing interventions to enhance caregiving quality.
Nancy L. Pedersen of Karolinska Institutet will receive the GSA's 2007 Award for her contributions to behavioral genetics and aging research. Her work, including leadership of the Swedish Twin Registry, has significantly advanced our understanding of genetic and environmental factors in aging.
The STEP study, sponsored by Merck & Co., Inc. and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, has discontinued vaccinations due to lack of efficacy. Volunteers will now be informed about receiving either the vaccine or placebo and continue to participate in ongoing risk reduction counseling and study-related tests.
Scientists reveal that the closure of the Rheic Ocean created the supercontinent of Pangaea and the Appalachian Mountains, marking a significant event in Earth's history. The discovery provides new insights into the formation of these geological features and their impact on climate change.
A nationwide survey of epidemiologists found that the HIPAA privacy rule is delaying or curtailing clinical studies, making them more costly and time-consuming. The study, commissioned by the Institute of Medicine, reported that two-thirds of respondents believed HIPAA had made research 'a great deal' more difficult.
A comprehensive review of published research on binge drinking and prenatal exposure found little evidence that serious harm was caused to the developing fetus. However, some studies suggested that binge drinking might impair normal neurodevelopment with small but notable effects on behavior and cognition.
Researchers at The Wistar Institute have deciphered the three-dimensional structure of a telomerase domain essential for its activity. This finding may lead to the development of direct inhibitors of telomerase, a promising new target for anti-cancer therapies. The study's insights into normal aging are also warranted.
Elaine Brody, a pioneer in geriatric social work and aging studies, received the M. Powell Lawton Award for her innovative contributions to gerontological treatment and service. The award honors her significant impact on improving the lives of older persons through her research and public policy initiatives.
Using donated kidneys from older donors with health conditions can alleviate organ shortage among older adults, reducing waiting times and improving survival rates. Patient survival rates were similar across age groups, with 91% of patients over 60 receiving ECD kidneys surviving the transplant.
Researchers found that the NF1 gene regulates the development of astrocytes and neurons by controlling two signaling pathways. This discovery may lead to separate treatments for the condition's two major symptoms: brain cancers and learning disabilities.
A study by Deem and Jun Sun found that genetic information becomes increasingly modular when exposed to a changing environment and horizontal gene transfer. This modularity arises spontaneously due to selective pressure, resulting in complex biological structures.
A massive survey by University of Toronto researchers found that Americans living in states with high income inequality are more likely to have disabilities affecting daily tasks. The study also revealed that wealth distribution in states has a significant impact on health outcomes, particularly for physical disability.
A study of U.S. soldiers found that mental health concerns and needs increase several months after returning from the Iraq war, with a significant portion not being identified by initial screening. The findings emphasize the importance of early intervention and better resources for DoD mental health care.
The Aquatest project aims to provide individuals and communities with the information they need to identify unsafe water and take action. The test, which can detect E. coli contamination, will be available in developing countries within 10 years, leading to improved water management and a potential decline in water-borne diseases.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have identified four molecules in the urine of mice with lupus nephritis that may serve as potential biomarkers for early diagnosis. These molecules, including VCAM-1 and CXCL16, could help predict kidney disease in patients with lupus.
A study found significant decreases in illness and death rates for 13 vaccine-preventable diseases in the US, including near 100% declines for some diseases like diphtheria, measles, and smallpox. High vaccine coverage levels have contributed to these achievements.
The Gerontological Society of America has chosen Qitao Ran to receive the award for his contributions to new knowledge about aging through basic biological research. The award is traditionally presented at the Annual Scientific Meeting the following year, where Ran will give a lecture on his work.
Researchers discovered that different ethnic groups living in California manifest the disease very differently, with African Americans and Caucasians developing tongue cancer at higher rates. Cultural habits such as cigarette smoking and areca nut chewing contribute to the prevalence of oral cancer in certain groups.
A leading neuroscientist is exploring the neural basis of creativity, beauty and love through an interdisciplinary research program funded by the Wellcome Trust. The study aims to understand how beauty and love relate and what it means to be happy, with potential implications for fields like economics and jurisprudence.
A major five-year study will analyze 32 common allergen sources, identifying T cell responses and potential epitope-based therapies. The project may lead to revolutionary new approaches for treating allergies, potentially reducing the need for lengthy desensitization treatments.
A new microscope technique offers real-time analysis of breast cancer biopsies, which could reduce the number of needle biopsies needed from women suspected of having breast cancer. The technique uses reflectance confocal microscopy to examine tissue samples and detect cancer cells in minutes.
A new study finds that 92% of older adults with diabetes have at least one other major chronic condition, and nearly half have three or more. The severity and type of co-existing condition matter, decreasing patients' ability to manage their diabetes.
W. Andrew Achenbaum receives the Donald P. Kent Award for his outstanding contributions to gerontology through teaching, service, and public interpretation. The award highlights Achenbaum's dedication to advancing research on aging and disseminating findings to the broader society.
A new study combines data perturbation and query restriction to protect confidential information in statistical databases. The hybrid model provides accurate answers while maintaining online security.
A comprehensive exercise program incorporating walking, strength training, and stretching improved daily function and reduced symptoms in women with fibromyalgia. The benefits were enhanced when combined with targeted education on managing the disease.
Researchers identified distinct molecular markers predicting subsequent invasive cancer after noninvasive breast cancer diagnosis. These biomarkers can stratify women's individual risk and guide aggressive therapy decisions.
A preclinical study found that mice fed extra nitrite and nitrate had 48% less cell death in the heart following a heart attack. Nitrite/nitrate-rich diets may improve outcome following a heart attack by forming nitric oxide gas, which reopens closed or clogged arteries.
A study found that Brazil's strategy of negotiating AIDS drug prices with multinational companies and producing generic drugs locally saved the country approximately $1 billion between 2001 and 2005. However, recent years have seen a significant rise in total AIDS drug costs, driven by increasing treatment numbers and longer life expec...
A new study from the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center shows that targeted interventions for caregivers can significantly improve their physical and emotional quality of life. The FOCUS Program, a family-based intervention, provided benefits for spouses of prostate cancer patients, including reduced uncertainty and imp...
A diet high in fish, omega-3 oils, and fruits/vegetables can significantly reduce the risk of dementia. The study found a 60% lower risk for those consuming omega-3 rich oils, while a 30% lower risk was seen for those eating fruits and veggies daily.
Researchers develop synthetic compound that promotes death of lung-cancer cells and tumors by mimicking natural 'death-promoting' protein Smac. The compound was effective against nearly one-quarter of lung-cancer cell lines tested, with some breast cancer and melanoma cells also showing sensitivity.
Scientists have identified a new genetic lineage of the Ebola virus in great apes, which contradicts previous assumptions about its evolutionary development. This discovery suggests that wild strains of Ebolavirus can exchange genetic material through recombination processes.
Researchers identified a genetic link between schizophrenia and a faulty brain mechanism, affecting startle response. Mice with increased fatty acid binding protein (Fabp7) showed impaired prepulse inhibition, similar to human schizophrenia patients.
A new study from Rice University and the University of Houston found that proteins pack more tightly in their natural environment, with increased structural content and stability. The research suggests that protein structure is affected by crowding, even when proteins are in their folded state.
Youth with ADHD exhibit delayed brain maturation in frontal cortex areas, which can affect higher-order executive control functions. However, the delay is most pronounced in regions at the front of the brain's outer mantle, supporting ability to control thinking, attention, and planning.
A lead-specific DNAzyme uses the 'lock and key' reaction mechanism, but switches to 'induced fit' in the presence of zinc or magnesium. This discovery could lead to faster and more sensitive sensors.
Patients with focal epilepsy tend to underreport seizures, with up to 85.8% of nighttime seizures going unreported. Seizure documentation accuracy was not correlated with cognitive function or educational level, but patients who documented seizures had better verbal memory performance.