Articles tagged with Discovery Research
Dr. Craig Stevens, a leading pain researcher, has developed an alternative model using northern grass frogs to investigate the effects of morphine and other opioid drugs on humans. His research shows significant similarities between amphibians and mammals in terms of pain response.
Dr. Francesca Marassi, a Wistar professor, has been awarded a $228,000 grant from The W.W. Smith Charitable Trust to study the molecular structure of PLM, a protein that regulates cardiac muscle contractions. This research aims to understand how mutated amino acids affect PLM functions and develop therapeutic treatments.
The new genomics center will be linked to several institutions, including the New York State College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, and will strengthen existing databases for grain and plant genetics. This partnership aims to provide an internationally valuable resource for research storage and analysis of genetic data.
A new way of dating earthquakes has been developed by Vanderbilt University researcher Jay S. Noller, allowing for a more precise timeline of past quakes and a more accurate assessment of future quake probabilities. By studying bedrock formations, Noller was able to determine the timing, frequency, and likelihood of future quakes.
Research reveals that the AHC gene, previously thought to program ovarian development, is actually crucial for male fertility. Males lacking this gene have defective testicles and are sterile. The study also found that overexpression of the AHC gene can interfere with the function of a key protein involved in testicular development.
Researchers have genetically modified Salmonella bacteria to reduce virulence and increase safety while retaining tumor-targeting properties. The modified bacteria exhibit reduced ability to induce TNF-alpha and cause septic shock, making them safer for human use.
Researchers have found a protein in the small intestine that directly facilitates uptake of dietary lipids, making it a promising target for drugs to combat obesity and heart disease. The discovery has the potential to significantly reduce cholesterol levels in the blood and may help treat conditions such as artherosclerosis.
Researchers use infrared spectroscopy to analyze over 2,000 individual cervical cells from women with dysplasia and cervical cancer, finding that normal-looking cells have distinct abnormal spectra. This could simplify Pap test evaluation and lead to earlier cancer detection and prevention.
The accelerating universe is the top research advance of 1998, with scientists discovering that galaxies are flying apart at ever faster speeds. Researchers also made significant progress in understanding circadian rhythms, which could provide insight into overcoming jet lag and winter depression.
NSF-supported astronomers discovered that the expansion of the universe is accelerating, driven by a yet unknown force. Circadian rhythms research also made significant progress, with discoveries on genes regulating molecular cycles in fruit flies and cyanobacteria.
Physicists and astronomers observe distant supernovae to determine the universe is expanding at an accelerating rate, implying a mysterious property of space first proposed by Albert Einstein. The discovery was made possible by a unique collaboration between researchers using supercomputer facilities and powerful telescopes.
A newly discovered glycosphingolipid receptor may help explain susceptibility to urinary tract infections and provide a potential new treatment strategy. The receptor, called sialosyl galactosyl globoside (SGG), is suspected to be on urogenital tract cells in about 30% of all men and women, binding strongly to E. coli bacteria.
Scientists have identified a gene that plays a crucial role in detecting bacterial infections, potentially leading to the prevention of endotoxic shock. The discovery may enable the creation of a test to screen for people with genetic defects and provide a new approach to preventing deadly infections.
Researchers at Stanford University have observed the detailed structure of red sprites, finding thousands of vertical and tilted streamers with branching patterns. The findings suggest that electrostatic charge buildup in the atmosphere creates these spark channels, which ionize air molecules and produce glowing red streamers.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have found a link between nitric oxide and skeletal muscle function, shedding new light on Duchenne dystrophy. The study reveals that nitric oxide plays a key role in regulating blood flow to contracting muscles.
The Wistar Institute has been awarded a $20,000 grant to support continued research on TALL-104 cells, which show promise in treating breast cancer. The grant allows the Linda Creed Breast Cancer Foundation to be involved in supporting clinical trials for new treatments and perhaps a cure.
Researchers at Amgen have demonstrated how a newly discovered protein regulates feeding behavior, suggesting a potential treatment for obesity. The study found that the protein blocks alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone, leading to increased food consumption.
A recent study by UK researchers reveals how the Yersinia pestis bacterium uses its YopM toxin to target and destroy phagocytic cells, crippling the immune response. The findings provide new insights into bacterial causes of disease and cell biology, potentially leading to improved therapies for various diseases.
Scientists found that genetically altered mice with altered neuropeptide Y (NPY) levels exhibited changes in alcohol consumption behavior. Mice lacking NPY drank more, while those with high NPY levels consumed less and were more sensitive to the sedative effects of alcohol.
Chinese and US researchers have identified the world's oldest flowering plant, a 140-million-year-old fossil found in northeast China. The plant predates the previous oldest-known flower by over 25 million years, shedding light on the origins of flowering plants.
A team of scientists, including MSU's Frankie Jackson, discovered a rare dinosaur embryo in Patagonia, Argentina, with implications for understanding sauropod reproduction. The find confirms the identity of the embryo as belonging to a type of plant-eating dinosaur.
The new detection system, developed by Dr. Gregg Henderson and his team, samples the air in building walls to analyze for termites' unique gases. Early detection could prevent significant damage, saving homeowners millions annually.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have identified a mutation that prevents sperm maturation in mice, which could lead to treatments for male sterility and development of new male contraceptives. The morc gene is expressed only in males during the earliest stages of sperm production.
Researchers at Cornell University have discovered the three-dimensional structure of a protein that helps build new blood vessels, feeding cancerous tumors. This understanding may lead to more effective anti-cancer drugs with fewer side effects.
Researchers found a strong association between leg length discrepancies of two centimeters or more and an increased risk of knee arthritis by up to 70 percent. Simple adjustments, such as special shoes or exercises, could help prevent or slow progression of osteoarthritis in millions of people.
Researchers found genes encoding for glutamate receptors in plants, indicating a common cell-to-cell communication system between plants and animals. This discovery may explain why certain plants produce neuroactive compounds that activate human brain receptors.
The Wistar Institute has received a three-year grant to recruit and equip laboratories of new scientific investigators in regeneration, signal transduction, and brain tumor research. The institute is grateful for the support, which will help transform its programs and attract high-quality scientists.
Scientists at University of Wisconsin-Madison successfully derive human embryonic stem cells (hES cells), which can form all cell types and tissues, holding great promise for transplantation medicine and drug discovery. The availability of hES cells opens extraordinary opportunities for tissue transplantation and cell and gene therapy ...
A Guatemalan forest has been identified as the world's most diverse home of slime molds, with over 1,000 species collected by Ohio University researcher James Cavender. The discovery highlights the importance of these ancient organisms in maintaining soil health and fertility.
A team of researchers has determined the complete genetic sequence of Plasmodium falciparum's chromosome, identifying over 200 genes crucial for parasite functions and potential targets for new anti-malaria drugs. The findings may help develop a vaccine and improve treatment options for this deadly disease.
Bernard Roizman's research has laid the groundwork for current efforts to develop a vaccine against HSV and gene therapies. He identified essential genes in viral replication, including a protease enzyme targeted by pharmaceutical companies.
Researchers have found that the Earth's inner core consists of two distinct parts: a lower area surrounded by an uneven upper layer with different material properties. This discovery is likely to affect the current model of how the Earth and its magnetic field came into being.
The American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (AAPS) Annual Meeting will focus on key topics such as emerging trends in drug design and development. Recent research also highlights the risks of sound-alike drugs causing prescription errors and the impact of high altitudes on drug efficacy.
Researchers at UCSF and the Gladstone Institute of Cardiovascular Disease have discovered a gene that encodes DGAT, a key enzyme in fat production. This finding has implications for understanding human energy cycles, obesity, and cardiovascular disease.
A recent excavation at the Pyramid of the Moon in Teotihuacan has uncovered a skeleton and 150 surrounding artifacts dating back to approximately 100 A.D. The burial is suspected to have belonged to one of the city's rulers, providing critical information that could revolutionize modern understanding of Teotihuacan's culture and history.
The Joint Genome Institute has exceeded its goal of sequencing 20 million base pairs for fiscal year 1998 and is on track to complete the entire human genome project in five years. The JGI's advanced technologies have enabled it to reach rates of over 2.5 million base pairs per month.
The University of Pittsburgh has been chosen as one of three pioneer sites for biocombinatorial chemistry research, a revolutionary approach to speed up drug discovery. Researchers will create novel chemical compounds and test them in specific assays to learn whether they can interrupt cellular activities that lead to cancer.
Despite electronic information retrieval systems, physicians often rely on colleagues, outdated textbooks, and non-relevant scientific journals due to time-consuming searches and limited relevance. Researchers advocate for better systems and further research to improve physician access to high-quality online medical information.
A new human tumor-suppressor gene, PPP2R1B, has been identified as a potential indicator of susceptibility to lung and colon cancers. The study suggests that the gene's mutations may be inherited, making some individuals more susceptible to cigarette smoke-related chemicals.
A study published in the British Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry found that children with severe allergies are more likely to experience behavior problems such as aggression, depression, and irritability. Genetics accounts for over 70% of the relationship between allergies and behaviors like depression and aggression.
Researchers at The Wistar Institute have identified multiple regions on five different chromosomes responsible for wound healing and regeneration in mammals. The study, led by Ellen Heber-Katz, reveals the genetic basis of tissue regeneration in mice, with potential applications in human medicine.
Researchers have identified the gene responsible for Lafora disease, a severe form of epilepsy characterized by seizures and progressive neurological degeneration. The discovery opens up new areas of research into both epilepsy and normal brain function, with potential applications in genetic diagnostics and treatments.
The UW Medical School team determined the three-dimensional molecular structure of a key enzyme responsible for activating many cell functions. This breakthrough is crucial in developing drugs that can control unchecked cell growth leading to cancer.
Researchers at PPPL used a supercomputer to simulate microturbulence in plasma, achieving 400 million particles in 5,000 time-steps. The results provide valuable physics insights and support the use of high-performance computing for discovery in fusion research.
Lee Hartwell, director of the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, is one of three scientists to share the Albert Lasker Basic Medical Research Prize. He has been honored for discovering the universal mechanism controlling cell division in eukaryotic organisms, a fundamental insight into cancer cell mutation and development.
A protein on sperm surfaces is essential for binding to eggs and traveling into the oviduct. Mice without this protein have reduced fertility rates, opening possibilities for new male contraceptives and treatments for infertility.
Scientists at Johns Hopkins Medicine solved a major mystery surrounding energy production by determining the molecular structure of adenosine triphosphate synthase (ATP synthase). The discovery explains how cells produce ATP, the common currency of energy, and offers new insights into why people get less energetic with age.
Researchers at Rice University have developed metal nanoshells, particles that can absorb or scatter light at virtually any wavelength, enabling new applications in energy-efficient paints and windows, solar collection materials, and chemical sensors. The team has also shown promise in extending their range to the far infrared.
Genetics professor John Avise's book, The Genetic Gods, examines how genetic discoveries are shaping our understanding of human life, including spirituality. The book argues that genes have a significant influence on human affairs, challenging traditional views of the supernatural.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Oncology Center identify connection between APC and c-MYC genes, which conspire to initiate almost all colon cancers. The study suggests potential new drug strategies to prevent colon cancer by blocking the signal that activates c-MYC.
Researchers have located a gene mutation responsible for nonsyndromic mental retardation (MRX), a condition affecting brain development and causing severe cognitive problems. The PAK-3 gene defect, discovered on the X chromosome, gives insight into how neurons interact in learning and memory.
A combination of XPS and XRD techniques reveals complex near-surface structures of oxidized palladium alloys, showing chemically bound water and microcrystals of gold and copper. The research provides new information on the mechanical properties and adherence to dental porcelain.
Researchers identified two distinct forms of prostate cancer, with one being more aggressive. The study also found that p27 plays a role in Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (BPH), which is genetically different from prostate cancer and not a precursor to its development.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania Medical Center have discovered a biochemical channel in the myelin sheath that enables faster exchange of cell nutrients, which could lead to treatments for neuropathies and demyelinating diseases. The study, led by Dr. Steven Scherer, demonstrates the function of connexin32 in myelinating ...
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania Cancer Center have identified a genetic mutation in the CYP3A4 gene associated with prostate cancer progression. Men carrying this mutation are nearly 10 times more likely to develop advanced tumors, highlighting the potential for targeted prevention strategies.
Researchers found that testosterone injections significantly improved energy levels in 79% of HIV-positive men with low interest in sex and depressed mood. The treatment also boosted enjoyment and satisfaction with life, although the long-term effects remain unknown.
Scientists at Oregon State University have found evidence of rock-eating microbes living nearly a mile beneath the ocean floor, which could suggest similar life on Mars or other planets. The discovery suggests that conditions similar to those on Mars exist beneath the ocean floor and could support life.
Mediterranean fruit flies exhibit two distinct modes of aging based on food supply, with limited protein leading to delayed reproduction and high protein enabling rapid production and aging. This study reveals surprising findings about the relationship between nutrition, reproduction, and longevity in these insects.
Researchers at UCSF have discovered a new molecular mechanism that activates platelets, leading to clot formation. The discovery of protease-activated receptor 4 (PAR4) may lead to new approaches for developing drugs to prevent heart attacks and strokes.
A gene knockout mouse study by Vertex Pharmaceuticals and Yale researchers establishes the role of Caspase-9 in a specific biochemical pathway resulting in neuronal cell death. This finding suggests that blocking Caspase-9 may be a viable strategy for treating acute and chronic age-related neurological diseases.