The Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft has chosen five locations to develop bioinformatics capabilities, focusing on Bielefeld, Munich, Leipzig, Saarbrücken, and Tübingen. The initiative aims to boost Germany's attractiveness in life sciences and academic research.
Researchers have successfully increased normal life span in nematode worms through the use of synthetic catalytic scavengers, a new class of antioxidant drugs. The treatment extended mean life spans by approximately 50% and prevented early death in a mutant strain linked to oxidative stress.
A consortium of researchers found that isocitrate lyase (ICL) enables the tuberculosis bacterium to use fatty acids as energy. Disabling ICL crippled the bacterium in its persistent phase, suggesting a potential target for TB therapies. Current treatments are often ineffective due to the bug's ability to persist in the body.
The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) is hosting a public meeting to discuss possible studies related to Agent Orange exposure in Vietnam. The meeting aims to gather expert advice on the feasibility of conducting research in Vietnam and will coincide with an annual conference of dioxin researchers.
The 'Eliminating Health Disparities Graduate Traineeship' prepares African American graduate students for careers in public health that focus on preventing chronic disease in minority communities. The program aims to eliminate differences in health status among populations.
A study found that only 9% of articles in top US medical journals focused on primary prevention or screening, while 60% addressed treatment and basic science. The researchers called for further studies to expand the analysis.
A proposed kidney transplant system assigns priorities based on efficiency and equity points, reducing median waiting time from 24 to 14 months. The new policy increases the overall likelihood of transplantation from 45% to 61% and improves quality-adjusted life expectancy for African-Americans and women.
The study found that low-income African-American women are unaware of the high risk of cardiovascular disease among black women and do not consider it a health priority. They understand the link between diet and heart disease but lack knowledge about obesity, diabetes, and smoking's impact on cardiovascular disease.
A new study found that underage college drinkers are more likely to drink in private settings and obtain alcohol inexpensively. Underage students also reported consuming more drinks per occasion and experiencing more alcohol-related problems compared to their older peers.
The National Cancer Institute has awarded a grant to UCSF researcher Eliseo J. Pérez-Stable to raise awareness about cancer issues in Latinos, promote more research on the subject and train more Latino investigators. The goal is to address unequal burden of cancer in Latino populations through research, training and public awareness.
The Community Epidemiology Work Group (CEWG) will convene in Baltimore to share frontline reports on current and emerging patterns of drug abuse. Researchers from across the US will present data on localized drug use problems, providing valuable insights into national trends.
Dusty Miller, PhD, received the National Hemophilia Foundation's 1999 Dr. Murray Thelin Researcher of the Year Award for his work on gene therapy, a potential treatment for hemophilia. His pioneering research has led to the development of retroviral gene-transfer kits and promising early-stage gene-therapy trials.
The new equipment will provide a better view of the earth than ever before, allowing researchers to see specific houses or trees. The lab will supplement its existing technology to track hurricanes and access environmental data from dozens of satellites.
The $16.3 million grant will fund a Neuroscience Mutagenesis Facility to create at least 50 new mouse models annually for neural diseases such as epilepsy and neurodegenerative disorders. The program aims to address the 'phenotype gap' in human disease study by utilizing powerful genetic tools like genome-wide mutagenesis.
Maternal mortality remains a global health problem, despite significant international efforts. A new $4.95 million grant will aid in developing tools to diagnose and treat ectopic pregnancy, prevent preeclampsia, and identify women at risk of life-threatening infections.
Dr. Kisilevsky and his team aim to develop agents that prevent protein-carbohydrate binding, effectively inhibiting malaria parasite infection. The project builds on expertise gained in amyloid and Alzheimer's research, exploring novel ideas at a molecular level.
A study found high levels of dust mite and cockroach allergens in U.S. homes, linked to asthma symptoms. In Canada, almost six in ten asthmatics lack effective control of their condition, despite feeling well-managed, according to recent research.
A University of Washington study reveals that women who have Caesarean or assisted vaginal deliveries are at a higher risk of rehospitalization compared to those who have unassisted vaginal deliveries. The study found significant risks for complications such as uterine infection, postpartum hemorrhage, and cardio-pulmonary conditions.
A study by Cornell University researchers found that auditors tend to make more objective decisions than salespeople due to their legal liability. However, when salespeople are held accountable for their decisions, their bias is reduced. The study suggests that making decisions based on facts rather than personal biases can lead to bet...
The University of California, San Diego has secured $47 million in private support to build a state-of-the-art cancer facility, with John and Rebecca Moores committing $20 million towards the project. The facility will bring together over 300 physicians, scientists, and staff to provide advanced patient care and conduct research.
A national leukemia research consortium will be established to study chronic lymphocytic leukemia in a new way, bringing together top scientists from different disciplines. The consortium aims to generate new insights and novel ways of attacking the disease, with the ultimate goal of curing CLL.
Men who live with their biological children are more involved in community organizations and connected to family members through phone calls and visits. They also take the good provider role seriously and invest more hours in work and career than non-fathers and fathers of adult children.
A new study published in the journal Science suggests that low-mass stars called red supergiants may die explosively rather than fade away quietly. This discovery has significant implications for our understanding of nucleosynthesis, stellar structure, and the evolution of stars.
Borggaard, a Virginia Tech assistant professor, has made important contributions to the Air Force's science and technology needs with his work on continuous sensitivity equation methods. His research aims to reduce design cycle times and improve aerodynamic flows, benefiting aircraft performance and fuel efficiency.
The Albert B. Sabin Heroes of Science Awards recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to biomedical research, including vaccine development and transplant surgery. This year's awardees include Dave and Lynn Frohnmayer, Maurice R. Hilleman, Francis Daniels Moore, Ruth L. Kirschstein, and John Edward Porter.
Researchers discovered that viral load is a critical predictor of HIV transmission between men and women, regardless of gender. Individuals with low levels of the virus in their blood did not transmit the virus to their partner.
New USGS research shows that frog and toad abundance and species richness are low in urban areas but near normal in agricultural areas. The study also confirms the role of forests as important amphibian habitat, suggesting that habitat quality is crucial for these species.
The Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center will establish a new prostate cancer center with a $1.5 million grant from the Department of Defense. The center aims to investigate signals promoting and inhibiting cell growth in prostate cancer.
A study found that auditors and salespersons distort information to support their preferred decisions, with auditors showing less distortion than salespersons. Holding professionals accountable lowered distortion for salespersons, but not for auditors.
Experts discuss the impact of brain development research on child development and public policy, particularly day care, at a symposium hosted by Temple University. The forum explores serious implications of John Bruer's book, citing lack of data to support the 'zero to three' theory.
A 12-week study found that carotenes and vitamin E supplements reduced sunburn intensity in fair-skinned individuals. The duration of supplementation was more effective than dosage in protecting against sunburn damage.
A recent study reveals a new parameter regulating cell attachment, which is influenced by the physical properties of the surrounding environment. The rigidity of the matrix affects cell adhesion dynamics, leading to the formation of different types of adhesions.
Researchers found that adolescent alcohol dependence was associated with impaired memory function, particularly in verbal and nonverbal retention. Heavy drinking over time also linked to poor visuospatial functioning and retrieval of verbal and nonverbal information.
Adding nurse practitioners to acute stroke teams can significantly decrease complications, leading to reduced hospital stays, fewer deaths, and improved patient recovery. This approach also helps lower the risk of urinary tract infections, pneumonia, and deep vein thrombosis.
The Tuberculosis Research Unit at CWRU will work with seven basic science sites and three clinical sites to evaluate new drugs, vaccines, and diagnostic tests. The unit aims to alleviate the burden of TB, which affects 1.7 billion people worldwide.
A global alliance for cancer research has been formed to accelerate progress against the disease, with six priorities including creation of national registries, increased funding for research, and international clinical trials. The Alliance aims to unite scientists, governments, and corporations in a coordinated effort to combat cancer.
Researchers hope to achieve a treatment that prevents total paralysis after partial spinal cord injury by adding T-cells to the immune response. In laboratory animal tests, rats with partial spinal cord injuries regained motor activity in their paralyzed legs, while untreated rats developed increasing paralysis.
Researchers visualize radiation-induced breakage of specific chemical bonds in protein, revealing a highly specific phenomenon. The findings have direct implications for improving data collection using X-ray crystallography and developing pharmacological means to protect against radiation damage.
Researchers have made significant breakthroughs in functional MRI technology, enabling accurate mapping of cortical columns, the brain's microprocessors. This advancement will greatly improve our understanding of human perception and higher cognitive functions.
Researchers discovered diverse types of inhibitory neurons that filter messages to neighbors, enabling precise control over brain activity. This design principle allows for complex and fine-grained inhibition, potentially leading to novel treatments for neurological disorders.
Researchers at Georgia Tech Research Institute developed a Computer-Aided Design Support System to minimize human errors in traffic management center design. The CADSS provides interactive tools, including guidelines, case studies and report generation, to consider human factors in the design process.
The Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center has been selected to participate in the National Cancer Institute's new Mouse Models of Human Cancers Consortium. Researchers will develop and evaluate mouse models for eight major organ systems, focusing on breast, prostate, lung, ovary, skin, blood and lymph system, colon, and brain cancers.
Researchers are testing gene therapy using nerve growth factor (NGF) to slow Alzheimer's disease progression. The trial aims to assess the safety of NGF-producing cells injected into patients' brains, with potential benefits for slowing dementia.
Researchers have deciphered part of the cellular events underlying apoptosis, providing insights into cancer pathologies and potential cures. The cooperation between c-Abl and p73 leads to cell death, highlighting their roles in safeguarding the cell against DNA damage.
A new UCSF study reveals that gay men are more likely to smoke than the general male population, with 48% of participants in the research survey smoking compared to 27% of U.S. men. The study also found correlations between smoking and HIV status, heavy drinking, and frequenting gay bars.
The partners aim to enhance the EPA's BASINS program by adding uncertainty and probability assessment capabilities. This will enable decision-makers to prioritize management actions that yield the best results. The collaboration also seeks to improve stakeholder involvement and promote proactive watershed management.
Researchers developed a treatment using embryonic stem cells that improves rat spinal cord injury recovery. The treatment, involving nerve cell precursors, promotes substantial improvements in locomotion when instituted after the injury process is complete.
Behavioral and social factors contribute to nine out of ten leading causes of death in the US. A recent report by the Center for Advancing Health found that NIH spent only 9% of its research training funds on behavioral and social sciences, highlighting a need for increased funding and opportunities.
Researchers at NIAID have produced the first high-resolution genetic map of Plasmodium falciparum, the deadliest malaria parasite. The map provides a framework to accelerate genome sequencing efforts, enabling scientists to locate genes important for drug resistance and disease severity.
The National Patient Safety Foundation has launched an initiative to reduce medication error risk, focusing on redesigning practices for safe medication use. Key findings include the need for broad cooperation across the healthcare system to improve pharmaceutical safety.
The Whitaker Foundation is funding a new biomedical engineering facility at Washington University, which will enhance research and teaching in the field. The $13 million grant will support recruiting faculty members and building the center, anticipated to become a national leader in biomedical engineering.
Acoustical technology developed at CU-Boulder uses high-frequency pulses to detect fouling deposits on membranes, allowing for more efficient purification of drinking water. The technique has the potential to reduce chemicals needed and improve membrane performance in applications such as seawater desalination.
Seven research centers will study tobacco use, prevention, and treatment using a transdisciplinary approach. The centers aim to accelerate development of effective tobacco control interventions and reduce tobacco-related deaths.
A Penn State researcher found that nearly three-fourths of women addicted to crack cocaine engage in prostitution to support their habit, highlighting the need for comprehensive support services. The study suggests that programs should offer housing, education, and job training to help these women escape poverty and addiction
A $55 million grant from NIDA is supporting the development of new drug addiction treatments through collaboration between researchers and community treatment providers. Over five years, Oregon will receive $11 million to test promising science-based treatments in real-life settings.
Gene-repair pioneer Eric Kmiec has established the University of Delaware's Laboratory of Gene Therapy, focusing on sickle-cell anemia, Huntington's Disease and food-crop advances. His technique repairs genetic mutations by stitching mutated sequences back together in their proper order.
A new medication nalmefene has been found to reduce the risk of relapse in alcohol-dependent individuals. In a 12-week clinical trial, patients who received nalmefene were 2.4 times less likely to relapse than those who received a placebo.
The AAAS study recommends using federal funding for research on human stem cells, including embryonic stem cells already isolated in laboratories. However, the derivation of human stem cells should not receive federal funding due to public anxiety surrounding its process.
Researchers are using naturally occurring microbes to clean radioactively contaminated walls and ceilings at a shut down reactor in the UK. The technology removes surface contamination through a microbial decontamination process, significantly reducing waste treatment costs and improving personnel safety.
A Penn State study found that restructuring public schools can be detrimental to student performance, particularly in low-income communities. The researchers argue that complex educational technologies and instructional practices require skilled teachers and substantial resources, which may not be available in disadvantaged schools.