Researchers found that telmisartan completely protected rats from stroke when used alone or with ramipril, with no strokes noted in either group. The study suggests that telmisartan's ability to pass through the blood-brain barrier is likely behind its neuroprotective effect.
Dr. Elizabeth Blackburn, a UCSF biologist, has been awarded the L'Oreal-UNESCO prize for her pioneering work on telomere and telomerase research, which has led to a better understanding of cell aging and cancer. Her research aims to improve human well-being by developing interventions to prevent common diseases.
Researchers have discovered a protein called CIB1 that plays a major role in controlling new blood vessel growth, providing a potential target for drug therapies. The findings may help control unwanted blood vessel growth in diseases such as diabetic retinopathy and wound healing.
Researchers have discovered blood plasma proteins that rise and fall after treatment with antiangiogenic drugs, which may be used as surrogate biomarkers to predict the optimal dose. The study also found molecular changes in normal mice, suggesting that the body's response is not solely tumor-dependent.
Ten Yale researchers have been named AAAS Fellows in recognition of their distinguished efforts to advance science, including Paul Anastas and Sankar Ghosh. The new fellows will be inducted at the 2008 AAAS Annual Meeting.
Researchers develop biosensors that track metabolic activity and diagnose unhealthy conditions in obesity. ATP's role in metabolism makes it a potential target for early diagnosis and treatment of metabolic syndrome.
Scientists have identified a crucial gene, Jhdm2a, that triggers the final step of sperm cell formation. Mice lacking this gene exhibit significant male infertility symptoms. The study provides evidence that Jhdm2a controls expression of genes required for DNA packaging in sperm cells.
Researchers found that insulin levels affect dopamine systems in the brain, which are involved in drug addiction and neuropsychiatric conditions. In diabetic animals, amphetamine-induced dopamine signaling was disrupted, suggesting a link between insulin status and brain function.
A molecular pathway that plays a critical role in blood vessel growth has been identified by researchers. The finding suggests a potential target for inhibiting the growth of blood vessels that fuel cancers, diabetic eye complications, and atherosclerosis. The study used zebrafish as a model organism to discover the pathway.
A small study found that eptifibatide, an intravenous blood thinner, appears to be well-tolerated in sickle cell patients and shows potential benefits in reducing inflammation. The results suggest that the drug may have anti-inflammatory effects without causing harm to these patients.
Biochemistry and biophysics expert Dr. James Shorter has been awarded a $1.5 million NIH New Innovator Award to develop biochemical methods for combating nerve degeneration diseases, including Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, and Huntington's.
Researchers developed a model to explain how knots form in tumbled strings, revealing a connection to DNA unwinding and tumor cell behavior. The study used computer simulations and experimentation to classify thousands of knots, shedding light on the probability of knot formation.
Researchers have performed the first atomic-detail computer simulation of how proteins vibrate in a crystal, enabling testing with new neutron analysis tools. The study aims to understand protein-protein interactions and could lead to breakthroughs in understanding biological systems.
A Yale University study found that structural changes to the human genome, including missing or rearranged segments, contribute to individual differences. These variations were identified using Paired-End Mapping and rapid sequencing methods.
A new method using 454 sequencing has identified significant human genetic variation, including structural variations that play a crucial role in genetic diversity. The study found over 1000 structural variations in two individuals and suggests that these variations may have notable physical effects on an individual.
Dr. Thomas E. Wellems is being honored by the American Society for Microbiology (ASM) for his groundbreaking research on malaria treatment and resistance to chloroquine. His work has significantly impacted malaria treatment, leading to a decrease in death rates in Africa and Asia.
A Weill Cornell study finds that nicotine in cigarettes accelerates atherosclerosis, even at low levels, by activating the sympathetic nervous system and increasing heart rate. Mice exposed to low-nicotine cigarettes showed smaller atherosclerotic lesions than those exposed to regular cigarettes.
Johns Hopkins researchers have solved the long-standing puzzle of how bacteria produce the B vitamin folate, uncovering an unknown enzyme that plays a crucial role in the process. The discovery sheds light on potential antibacterial drug targets and could lead to new therapeutic options.
The Biophysical Society has awarded 14 individuals for their exceptional contributions to the field of biophysics. These awards recognize achievements in areas such as lipids and membrane biology, education, single molecule biology, and computational biology.
Researchers recreated a 450-million-year-old protein using X-ray crystallography and mapped its structure. They found that only seven mutations were needed to evolve the ancient receptor into its modern form, with some 'permissive' changes paving the way for more significant transformations.
Researchers found that female diabetic rats had reduced nitric oxide levels, while male diabetic rats produced more, leading to increased vascular dysfunction. The study suggests sex-specific therapeutic interventions may be necessary for effective treatment of vascular disease in diabetes.
Dr. Nancy Kopell received the John von Neumann Lecture for her groundbreaking work on coupled nonlinear oscillators and their application to various biological systems. Her research focuses on understanding rhythmic behavior in networks of neurons and its role in filtering and transforming input patterns.
Scientists at Georgetown University Medical Center have discovered a new gene, XBP1, that contributes to Tamoxifen resistance in breast cancer cells. This finding may enable oncologists to screen women for responsiveness to these treatments and provide a clue for reversing resistance.
A recent study using spontaneously hypertensive rats found that testosterone supplements promote renal injury and exacerbate hypertension in aging male rats. The research suggests that natural decrease in testosterone levels with age may affect the progression of cardiovascular/renal disease in men taking testosterone replacement therapy.
Researchers create quantum mechanical analog of Ulam's conjecture to control chemical reactions and move quantum objects. This method uses photons to harness chaotic motion, allowing for efficient steering of quantum systems between two specified states.
Scientists at Georgetown University Medical Center found that brain areas process signals as progressive waves, coordinating a collective pattern from millions of neurons. This challenges traditional models and has the potential to help understand Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, and Alzheimer's.
Researchers have identified a specific amino acid in the potassium channel protein that blocks anaesthetic activation, paving the way for targeted anaesthetics with fewer side effects. This discovery could lead to improved understanding of how anaesthetics work and the development of new, more specific alternatives.
A study by Dr. Michael Holick reveals that vitamin D deficiency is common and problematic, increasing the risk of chronic diseases such as osteopenia, osteoporosis, and certain cancers. The author suggests increasing recommended Adequate Intakes for vitamin D to 800-1000 IU/d.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have elucidated the crystal structure of LTC4 synthase, a major influence on asthma development. The study enables the development of new therapeutics by tailoring molecules to block the enzyme's active sites.
Scientists have found a key weakness in the enzyme that helps bacteria swap genes for drug resistance, allowing them to block the spread of antibiotic-resistant microbes. Bisphosphonates, widely prescribed for bone loss, can annihilate antibiotic-resistant bacteria in laboratory cultures.
Scientists from leading institutions worldwide issue a statement highlighting the critical importance of synthetic biology, citing its potential to solve eco-safe energy issues, outbreaks of malaria, and more. The Ilulissat Statement emphasizes the need for an international effort to advance research while developing protective measures.
Delft scientists observe topotecan's effect on DNA molecule loops, revealing mechanism of TopoIB protein in cell division. They use magnetic spheres and magnets to manipulate a single DNA molecule, allowing them to study the enzyme's action live.
A team of researchers successfully linked surgeons to robots via a 4,000-mile satellite connection, improving the quality of minimally invasive surgery. The study found that virtual reality prediction would greatly aid this type of surgery, paving the way for new efficient healthcare services.
Scientists have discovered a mechanism that can organize the activity of cells involved in short-term recall known as working memory. The study found that inhibitory neurons play a key role in coordinating this process, which could lead to improved treatment options for individuals with schizophrenia.
Researchers at Jefferson Medical College found that a natural substance secreted by fat cells can protect blood vessels from inflammation, a factor in heart disease. Harnessing adiponectin's properties may someday help protect against blood vessel damage in patients with obesity and diabetes.
Scientists have developed a new class of designer materials using common amino acids, which exhibit excellent potential for solubilizing membrane proteins and enzymes. These lipid-like peptides can also stabilize self-assembled liquid crystalline nanostructures with varying surface charge density.
Researchers at Oregon State University found that lipoic acid restores glutathione levels and boosts antioxidant defenses to combat cellular decline associated with aging. The compound also acts as an anti-inflammatory agent, relevant to degenerative diseases.
Scientists created a mathematical model of bacterial gene transfer rates, taking into account natural subsurface environments. The new model suggests that bacterial transport and colonization are crucial factors in controlling gene spread, potentially impacting bioremediation and antibiotic resistance.
Biologists used simple equations to describe the motion of Listeria monocytogenes, reproducing all observed shapes with just two variables. The equations can help identify bacterial mutants and rule out mechanisms driving the motion.
Scientists have found an enzyme called Pak 1 that acts on the heart's pacemaker to slow the rapid beating of the heart's 'fight-or-flight' reaction to adrenaline. This discovery opens up new avenues for diagnosis, drug design and treatment of common heart diseases.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have created a new technique to map fruit fly chromosomes, allowing for more accurate study of their structure. This approach uses mechanical devices and computer-based image processing to analyze hundreds of images, providing an impartial estimate of chromosome band locations.
Andrzej Joachimiak and Gerold Rosenbaum receive the award for their key contributions to protein crystallography research at Argonne National Laboratory. The recognition highlights the quality of their work in structural genomics and biophysics.
A new protein fragment called pHLIP has been demonstrated to target and accumulate in human breast tumors, enabling detection and potentially treating cancer. The protein's ability to navigate acidic environments makes it a promising tool for detecting various disease states.
A new animal study reveals that moderate alcohol consumption significantly increases breast cancer tumor size and angiogenesis, providing insights into the mechanisms of alcohol-induced breast cancer. The study confirms that even low levels of EtOH intake can stimulate tumor growth and malignancy.
Thomas Steitz received the 2007 Gairdner International Award for his work on the structure and function of the large subunit of the ribosome, which has led to a better understanding of human disease and the development of new antibiotics. His research has also highlighted the importance of basic discoveries in medical science.
A research team from the University of Illinois and the University of Wisconsin aims to discover, engineer and produce promising phosphonate-based antibiotics. The project seeks alternatives to standard antibiotics due to growing concerns about antimicrobial resistance.
A Georgetown University expert reveals how drug reps manipulate physicians with finely-tuned doses of friendship and financial incentives. The authors found that friendly doctors are the easiest to influence, while those who refuse are often wooed with gifts and flattery.
Scientists have created a technique to directly control brain cell activity with light, enabling experimentation with neural circuits and potentially leading to therapies for disorders like depression and Parkinson's disease. The 'traffic light' system uses light-sensitive proteins to selectively stimulate or dampen different neurons.
Researchers designed peptides that can bind to specific regions of transmembrane proteins to study their effects on crucial first steps in blood clotting. This breakthrough method allows for the interrogation of inaccessible proteins within the cell membrane.
Alan Garen and Zhiwei Hu have developed a way to target and destroy tumor blood vessels using nanoparticles. The technology uses a synthetic gene that activates an immune response, allowing for selective destruction of tumors while leaving normal tissue unharmed.
An interdisciplinary team of researchers analyzed the simplest known biological clock and found that the protein KaiC, combined with KaiA and KaiB, creates a complex system to regulate biochemical processes. The study reveals that the proteins form a dynamic mixture of complexes at different stages of their cycles.
George M. Whitesides, a renowned Harvard chemist, has been awarded the Priestley Medal for his distinguished service to chemistry over 40 years. His groundbreaking research in diverse areas such as NMR, materials science, and nanotechnology has laid the groundwork for advances in electronics, pharmaceuticals, and medical diagnostics.
Researchers found that overexpression of RAMP1 protein increases sensitivity and responsiveness to CGRP, a neuropeptide thought to cause migraines. The study suggests people who get migraines may have higher levels of RAMP1 than those who don't.
Denmark's researchers claim anesthetics are based on sound pulses rather than electrical impulses. The membrane of the nerve is similar to olive oil and can change state with temperature, allowing concentrated sound pulses to propagate without heat.
Howard C. Berg, a pioneer in single molecule biology, has been awarded the Biophysical Society's Single Molecule Biophysics Award for his groundbreaking research on flagellated bacteria and fundamental cellular processes.
Researchers are using solid-state NMR spectroscopy to explore the properties of natural antibiotics called antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), which are produced by virtually all animals. AMPs have shown promise in targeting microbes without harming healthy host cells.
Frank Slack studies genetic switches controlling development and aging, while Sandra Wolin investigates RNA damage contributing to senescence and neurodegenerative diseases. Both researchers aim to improve understanding of aging processes.
Researchers from Baylor College of Medicine identify Sox17 as critical for transforming embryonic stem cells into cardiac mesoderm, the precursor to heart muscle. The discovery provides insight into generating cardiac muscle more effectively from embryonic stem cells.
Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center have isolated a protein, caveolin-1, that enhances cell death in response to Taxol chemotherapy in breast cancer cells. The protein needs to be phosphorylated to work, and its expression level can vary depending on the type of breast cancer.
New research in mice suggests that reversing CaMKII inhibition alleviates Angelman syndrome neurological problems. The study identifies potential therapeutic targets for treating symptoms, and the findings may apply to other unexplained mental retardation syndromes.