A new gene therapy clinical trial has reported promising results in improving motor function for patients with Parkinson's disease. The study found significant improvements in both the off-state and on-medication phases, with some patients showing impressive gains of up to 65 percent.
Researchers at K-State are examining how nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs damage the gastrointestinal tract. They found that in addition to blocking COX, NSAIDs also affect calpains, important enzymes required for cell maintenance.
Researchers at the University of Alaska Fairbanks are working on a way to determine whether marijuana was grown indoors or outdoors by analyzing the stable isotopes of carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, and hydrogen. The method has potential to help police track down growing operations and match seized samples with known locations.
amfAR is funding research projects to better understand the social and biological factors that influence HIV treatment. Studies will explore the potential benefits of maraviroc, a new antiretroviral drug, and examine how stigma affects healthcare quality for people with HIV.
A study published in The Lancet found that gene therapy can safely alleviate symptoms of Parkinson's disease, with significant improvements seen in movement and motor scores. The treatment involves injecting genetic information directly into brain cells, eliminating the need for indwelling hardware associated with deep-brain stimulation.
Researchers compared genes involved in insects' immunity and their ability to spread disease, gaining insights into halting the transmission of diseases like malaria. By analyzing gene sequences with computers, scientists identified key genes to study, paving the way for new experimental research.
Researchers have made promising breakthroughs in understanding how antibodies can reduce the main hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease, including memory loss and ability to learn. The study suggests that antibodies could be used to prevent protein clusters from forming, which is believed to kill nerve cells.
Researchers discovered Alaska's ancient wolves were distinct from modern wolves, with robust bodies and massive canine teeth. The study suggests these specialized hunters and scavengers thrived in ancient Alaska, but their extinction portends potential demise of similar predators due to global warming.
Scientists have identified a gene mutation causing one form of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disorder, a common inherited neurological disease. The discovery enables a genetic test for people with this subtype, which was previously unidentified and lacked an unknown genetic basis.
Researchers will inject selected stem cells from patients' own bone marrow into their hearts during coronary bypass surgery. The goal is to prevent late scar formation and improve heart contraction, reducing the risk of congestive heart failure.
UC Irvine scientists use mathematical theory to understand how cancer cells alter their genetic makeup, accelerating tumor growth. The study found that tumors thrive when unstable in early stages and become stable later on, providing insight into future cancer treatments.
Researchers found that a nutritionally balanced diet high in omega-3 fatty acid reduced prostate tumor growth and increased survival in genetically predisposed mice. Omega-6 fatty acids had the opposite effects. The study suggests a beneficial effect of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on delaying human prostate cancer.
The University of Missouri-Columbia has been awarded a $750,000 grant to develop innovative mapping tools and concepts for teaching fundamental concepts of human health, biology, and medical sciences. The program, Maps in Medicine, aims to strengthen interest in science among at-risk high school students and enrich teacher training.
A team of scientists led by Sébastien Merkel found that post-perovskite, a high-pressure silicate mineral, doesn't fit what is known about the mysterious layer D
Research suggests that higher doses of vitamin A do not improve health outcomes for mothers and children in areas with moderate deficiency. Lower doses, as recommended by the WHO, may be sufficient to prevent mortality. The findings urge caution against increasing standard dosing schedules without further investigation.
Random Technologies launched its RPro Statistic Software, providing enterprise-level support for the widely-used open source system R, which is well-suited for biomedical research and data-intensive fields. The company aims to standardize the process of releasing new features and provide professional technology support.
A multidisciplinary research team, including experts from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, will conduct the first search for life on the seafloor of the world's most isolated ocean. The team uses three new autonomous underwater vehicles to sniff out chemical and temperature signals of hot fluids venting out of the ocean floor.
A study by Yoshi Iwasaki explores the role of enjoyable and expressive activities in promoting quality of life across cultures. The findings suggest that culturally-based leisure-like pursuits can enhance well-being, self-esteem, and resilience, particularly in less-privileged populations.
Recent evidence shows ovarian cancer is preceded by symptoms like gastrointestinal or urinary issues in three to four months before diagnosis. Patient groups urge women to seek medical attention for new and persistent symptoms, while experts acknowledge the need for clinical judgement and more research funding.
A RAND Corporation study found that improved access to federal and employer-provided time off improves parents' ability to care for their chronically ill children. The study revealed that many parents struggle to balance work and caregiving responsibilities due to inadequate leave policies.
The NIST/NCSU team observed the spontaneous assembly of organosilane molecules into a monolayer film, finding wavelike ordering with an expanded interface. The findings support recent theoretical modeling and have implications for understanding self-propagating chemical reactions and ordering phenomena.
A large-scale study found that high levels of urate in the blood are strongly associated with a reduced risk of Parkinson's disease. Urate, a normal component of blood, may have beneficial effects due to its antioxidant properties.
Researchers found that cigarette smoke impairs the recruitment of cells to injured ligaments, delaying healing. Smoking cessation before surgery may help reverse these delays, suggesting another reason for quitting.
A team of scientists has identified over 350 immune system genes in the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which transmits deadly diseases like yellow fever and dengue. Understanding these genes' role in virus transmission could lead to new ways of combating these diseases by enhancing the mosquito's immune response.
A diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids found to reduce prostate tumor growth and increase survival in genetically predisposed mice. Omega-6 fatty acids had the opposite effects, highlighting a beneficial interaction between genes and diet.
A Phase 1 study using an adeno-associated virus vector to deliver an inhibitory gene to the subthalamic nucleus demonstrated a lack of adverse events and statistically significant improvements in clinical symptoms and brain metabolism. The treated side showed notable improvement, with sustained benefits observed over 12 months.
Scientists have developed a breakthrough understanding of how individual water molecules come together to form ice crystals. This research provides unprecedented resolution and sheds light on the process of heterogeneous nucleation, essential for climate change models and cloud formation.
Researchers found that verbalizing emotions reduces brain activity in the amygdala, a region associated with emotional responses. This decrease in activity is linked to increased activity in the right ventrolateral prefrontal cortex, which processes emotions and inhibits behavior.
Researchers at Weill Cornell Medical College have discovered two potential points of vulnerability in the XIAP protein, a key player in cancer cell survival. Targeting these activities could lead to tumor cell death and reduced tumors.
The James Webb Space Telescope model is on display in Dublin, Ireland, providing a glimpse into the successor to the Hubble Telescope. The model was built by Northrop Grumman and weighs over 12,000 lbs., featuring a sunshield that 'breathes' thanks to a special material imported from France.
Research suggests that a diet high in omega-3 fatty acids may improve prognosis for men genetically prone to develop prostate cancer. The study found that mice with a genetic defect causing prostate cancer had reduced tumor growth, slowed disease progression and increased survival when fed a high-omega-3 diet.
Two new vaccines have been designed to combat cocaine and methamphetamine dependencies, stimulating the body to produce antibodies that attack the drugs. These therapeutic vaccines minimize withdrawal symptoms and relieve addiction, but do not necessarily curb relapse.
A new study reveals that Antarctic icebergs are hotspots of ocean life, supporting thriving communities of seabirds above and a web of phytoplankton, krill, and fish below. The researchers found that the icebergs produce a halo effect with increased phytoplankton, krill, and seabirds out to a radius of more than two miles around them.
A new study found that blind people have superior serial memory skills, particularly in remembering items in the correct order. This advantage is thought to result from the constant use of serial-memory strategies in everyday life. Researchers plan to further investigate the underlying mental processes responsible for this phenomenon.
Researchers found that a unique, highly carnivorous Alaskan wolf species vanished after the end of the last Ice Age. The study revealed a distinct genetic profile and diet, which suggests these wolves were specialized for large prey and possibly scavenging.
Experts recommend mass distribution of LLINs to control malaria, citing two protective effects: direct user protection and community-wide prevention. Low coverage and social marketing restrictions hinder efforts, leading to criticism from Sachs and colleagues.
The American Society for Microbiology (ASM) received three honors at the 2007 Hermes Creative Awards, including a Platinum Award for its MicrobeWorld Radio audio and video podcasts. Its blog, Small Things Considered, won a Gold Award, while its website earned an Honorable Mention.
Scientists have discovered a potential new treatment for Parkinson's disease by inhibiting the action of an enzyme called SIRT2. Blocking this pathway is believed to protect neurons damaged in Parkinson's from the toxic effects of alpha-synuclein, a protein that accumulates in the brains of patients.
A new study suggests that women who suffer from morning sickness during pregnancy may be less likely to develop breast cancer later in life. The study found a 30% lower risk of breast cancer among women with nausea and vomiting compared to those without, suggesting potential protective effects against cancer cells.
NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA) have signed agreements to cooperate on the James Webb Space Telescope and the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) Pathfinder mission. The JWST will investigate galaxy, star, and planetary system origins, operating in space at L2 with a 21.3-foot primary mirror.
Researchers discuss future directions in neuroblastoma treatment, including new approaches for high-risk patients and the development of an international classification system. Current regimens and prognosis are also analyzed, highlighting the need for improved understanding of genomic alterations to guide therapy.
Researchers at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center studied an ancient retrovirus, PtERV1, which infected nonhuman primates 4 million years ago. They found that humans have innate immunity to this virus, but this resistance may have made them more susceptible to HIV infection.
A recent study suggests that northern forests absorb less carbon than previously thought, with intact tropical forests taking up a larger proportion of the atmosphere's carbon dioxide, partially offsetting industrial emissions and deforestation.
A four-year study investigates how dietary iron is used by cells, addressing endemic iron deficiency affecting 80% of the world's population. The researchers aim to understand cellular iron metabolism, a key process impacted in various human diseases.