News from the institutes and societies that organize science. Covers scientific medals, university-hospital partnerships, oncology cooperatives, and society leadership.
A study of over 46,000 individuals found that lifestyle changes can significantly impact healthcare costs. The researchers identified 10 modifiable health risks that account for 25% of total annual expenditures, with stress-related problems being the costliest factor.
A recent study by Ohio State University found that highly cynical workers are more likely to file grievances, show lower commitment, and believe good work won't be rewarded by management. Effective management can reduce worker cynicism by clearly publicizing successful changes, according to co-author John Wanous.
The Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory will use its powerful X-ray crystallography instruments to determine the three-dimensional structure of 2,000 proteins encoded by human DNA. This grant is part of a nationwide research effort to understand protein structures and functions.
The Midwest Center for Structural Genomics aims to cut the cost of determining protein structures from $100,000 to $20,000, reducing analysis time from months and years to days and hours. The center will select protein targets from various kingdoms of life to study disease-causing proteins.
Scientists have identified a portion of the HIV genome that remains unaffected by mutations, providing a potential therapeutic target for preventing viral spread. By blocking this site, researchers believe they can inhibit viral replication and develop a new treatment approach.
Researchers found that offspring of premature heart attack victims exhibit structural and functional changes in their arteries, including thicker vessel walls and reduced reactivity, even in the absence of other risk factors. This study uses high-resolution ultrasound to detect early signs of atherosclerosis at young ages.
Researchers found appreciable concentrations of triphenyl phosphate in 10 of 18 brand-new video monitors, which may be a health hazard for computer users even with adequate ventilation. The compound's levels remained high after two years of working use, highlighting the potential risks of computer work.
A study by Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center found that people who continued to smoke after undergoing balloon angioplasty and other procedures had lower quality-of-life scores compared to non-smokers and quitters. The researchers analyzed data from 1,432 patients and found a significant impact on physical and mental health measures.
A team of Penn State researchers has developed a scale to measure an individual's visioning ability, which is the capacity to summon a vivid mental image of their organization's future. The scale was validated through five survey groups and showed significant correlation with positive outlook and inspirational motivation.
Dr. Lee Hartwell has made significant contributions to our understanding of the cell cycle and its role in cancer development. His work with yeast has identified over 50 genes crucial for controlling cellular growth and division.
The NIH has awarded a $6 million per year grant to create the Women's Health Interdisciplinary Scholarship Program for Research, aiming to increase quality research in women's health. The program will provide salary support, coursework, and mentoring to junior faculty-clinical researchers.
A $10 million-per-year project allows researchers worldwide to collaborate on studying cell signaling, with the goal of developing a 'virtual cell' for testing new drugs. The Alliance for Cellular Signaling (AFCS) will help understand the global properties of cellular signaling, leading to breakthroughs in medical research.
A new study reveals extraverts are more sensitive to rewards in social situations, which drives their sociability. This finding has been replicated across 39 countries and challenges the notion that sociability is a core feature of extraversion.
A survey conducted by the University of Illinois found that farmers are twice as likely to continue working beyond age 65 compared to people in similar professions. The average age of farmers 65 or older was 73, with a third being 75 years old and having farmed for 46 years.
The Sequella Global Tuberculosis Foundation invites researchers worldwide to apply for $50,000 grants to develop effective vaccines for human tuberculosis. The program aims to spur innovation and encourage new approaches to vaccine development.
Researchers at the University of Alberta have developed a novel drug delivery system that targets bones directly, potentially treating osteoporosis more effectively. The system uses growth factors to stimulate bone cells and retains the drug in the targeted area, reducing side effects.
A study finds that multinationals that adopt stringent global environmental standards in developing countries outperform those using laxer standards, averaging a $10.4 billion higher market value. The researchers suggest that firms that prioritize eco-efficient production systems may see increased productivity and profitability.
A team of researchers has completed the genome sequence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, the largest bacterium sequenced so far. The findings may lead to innovative therapies for patients with cystic fibrosis and those who develop severe infections.
Baltimore researchers will develop a new type of measles vaccine protecting infants younger than 9 months old, reducing global suffering and death rate from measles. A DNA vaccine approach using genetic material of the virus will be tested in humans to determine its effectiveness.
Researchers from the American Chemical Society report that untested preservation methods are causing polymers in old paintings to fall apart, leading to cracks, yellowing, and warping. Chemists are now using computer models and simulating effects of temperature, humidity, and time to prevent irreparable damage.
New research highlights pesticides, agricultural runoff, and animal by-products as major contributors to the Chesapeake Bay's ecological issues. Scientists examine the impact of endocrine disrupters, copper-based pesticides, and atmospheric ammonia emissions from swine farms on marine life.
Researchers have found that electrolyzed water is a deadly combination for bacteria, but great for consumers, killing bacteria on fresh produce and reducing bacteria up to a million-fold. The acidity and oxidation-reduction properties of the water contribute to its effectiveness in sanitizing food surfaces.
Researchers have created nanodecoy cells that can bind to viruses with sialic acid receptors, preventing them from infecting actual cells. This decoy approach could be used as a drug or on mucosal surfaces to defend against biological warfare agents, and has shown promising results in laboratory testing.
A new $100,000 prize has been established at UC San Diego to honor human cognition pioneer David Rumelhart. The prize will recognize significant contributions in the field of human cognition and be awarded biennially.
Researchers have discovered that naturally occurring microorganisms can reduce the severity of scab disease, a fungal disease costing US farmers over $3 billion annually. The approach, known as microbial spray, increases naturally occurring bacteria in crops close to harvesting time, reducing the need for chemical fungicides.
Researchers at the University of Florida have developed a new treatment method using carbon dioxide to eliminate bacteria from fresh fruit juice, preserving its flavor and appearance. The process is as effective as heat pasteurization in reducing pathogens, but without the undesirable taste change.
Researchers add antioxidants to plastic wrap, extending beef shelf life by two to three days. Synthetic antioxidants show significant increase, while natural antioxidants have minimal effect.
Canadian researchers developed a method to steer proteins to bone, where they can accumulate and help build bone mass. Additional research is needed to determine the effectiveness of these proteins in growing bone tissue.
David A. Evans, an organic chemist at Harvard University, will receive the 2000 Arthur C. Cope Award for his work on developing fundamental chemistry to assemble building blocks and control molecule three-dimensionality. He hopes to improve and modify vancomycin biosynthesis to build more potent or side-effect-free analogs.
Swager's innovative use of active plastics has led to the development of a highly sensitive plastic landmine detector, outperforming even trained dogs. His research also focuses on creating molecular wires with conductive molecules and insulation.
Jonathan Ellman, a professor of chemistry at UC Berkeley, will receive the 2000 Arthur C. Cope Scholar Award for his groundbreaking work in combinatorial chemistry, which enables the rapid design and testing of large families of molecules with potential therapeutic applications.
Chemist Albert Padwa receives Arthur C. Cope Scholar Award for developing fundamental techniques to streamline drug synthesis. He aims to make potential drugs with elegance, high efficiency, and minimal steps.
Chemist Ned A. Porter of Vanderbilt University has discovered how free radicals attack molecules in the body, a process that may be critical to the development of arterial plaque and heart attacks. His work also reveals that antioxidants like vitamins C and E can affect and stop this reaction.
A Penn State researcher finds that churches in lower-income areas offer fewer opportunities for learning civic skills, despite their importance. Church members from upper-class congregations are more likely to develop these skills, but they are less common among lower-class individuals.
Researchers at Scripps Institution of Oceanography have produced the first direct three-dimensional image of a volcanic system using sound waves. The team used a two-mile long array of hydrophones to record sound signals reflected from a magma chamber beneath the East Pacific Rise, revealing a large and complex magma chamber system.
A new statistical method, called gene-shaving, identifies distinct sets of genes with similar expression patterns in tumors. This technique allows researchers to predict patient survival and treatment efficacy with greater accuracy.
The American Chemical Society is hosting a master class on the chemistry of dietary supplements, shedding light on new findings about quality control and herbal treatments. The class will feature experts discussing conjugated linoleic acid, Ginkgo biloba products, and collaborations with native healers.
Lawanna Harris, a NASA engineering technician, is working on a rocket-based combined cycle engine to make space travel more affordable. Her research goal is to reduce the cost of payload from $10,000 to hundreds of dollars per pound within 25 years.
Anthony Auerbach, a University at Buffalo biophysicist, has been awarded a $2.7 million Jacob Javits Neuroscience Investigator Award to continue his distinguished research on cell communication and synapses. His focus will be on understanding acetylcholine receptors, proteins that facilitate chemical messages across brain synapses.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a vaccine approach to fight the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) by infusing it into genetically modified cherry tomatoes. The study found that mice fed with these vaccine-containing tomatoes showed increased antibody production, providing protection against the virus.
Dr. Oliver Smithies has received the International Okamoto Award for his groundbreaking work in hypertensive and arteriosclerotic research using molecular genetics. He pioneered gene targeting techniques that have been widely adopted by researchers worldwide, leading to a better understanding of human genetic diseases.
A new IIASA report examines Namibia's population growth, environment, and development, providing a comprehensive understanding of the country's challenges and opportunities. The study highlights the importance of sustainable human development and explores alternative policy scenarios for Namibia's future.
Researchers at Queen's University have discovered potent antifreeze proteins in insects, which can withstand temperatures as low as minus 30 degrees Celsius. The findings hold promise for agriculture and the frozen food industry, potentially extending growing seasons and improving crop yields.
The University at Buffalo will host a global conference on environmental health, bringing together over 500 researchers and experts from around the world. The conference aims to assess the worldwide disease burden caused by environmental problems and build connections among health centers in Pan America and globally.
Gallium nitride is used to produce very bright light emitting diodes and lasers, and very high power transistors that can operate at high temperatures. The technology has potential applications in mobile phone base stations, surgery, and dentistry, promising huge energy savings and CO2 reductions.
The report recommends creating a new NASA research program to study the effects of low-gravity environments on various technologies. This includes power generation, propulsion, and life-support systems, which will be crucial for human exploration and development of space.
A new model for neuronal cell death in inherited neurodegenerative diseases proposes that mutant genes increase the risk of sudden programmed cell death. Researchers aim to target factors leading to increased neuronal death risk by identifying critical reactions, which could lead to effective treatments.
Scientists at the University of Illinois have discovered a way to spontaneously assemble chemicals into ribbon-like tubules that resemble bacterial cell walls. These micrometer-sized tubules have potential applications in drug delivery systems and as templates for synthesizing inorganic nanostructured materials.
A national survey of 2,326 physicians found HMO physicians are less satisfied with their jobs compared to those in group practices or solo private practices. Time pressure is a major source of dissatisfaction among all physicians, with HMO physicians wanting additional time with patients.
A woman's personal search for medical research information led her to a cure for infertility and miscarriages. The proposal of an online archive for all biomedical research would give free access to latest medical findings, benefiting patients and scientists alike.
The new microrobots, made of gold and polypyrrole, can function in salty broths, blood, and other liquids. They may be useful for fundamental studies, manufacturing small devices, or minimally invasive surgery, according to the researchers.
Researchers have designed a molecule that selectively inhibits gelatinase enzymes, which help tumors grow and spread. This discovery may lead to new treatments for breast and prostate cancers, as well as other types of cancer and inflammations.
The Virginia Tech Transportation Institute has secured a $15 million contract from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to conduct advanced safety research. The consortium will explore human factors research using data collected on actual roadways, test facilities, and simulated driving conditions.
Researchers create a new type of antibiotics that bind to bacterial protein-making machinery, preventing resistance. The approach could yield an antibiotic approximately 1,000 times more effective than the original, offering hope in combating the growing problem of antibiotic resistance.
AAAS and UCSF launch a premier online AIDS prevention information forum, linking peer-reviewed papers, daily features, and resources for scientists. The site aims to accelerate HIV vaccine development by facilitating global collaboration and information exchange.
A collaborative study found that media coverage of new medications tends to exaggerate their benefits, ignore their risks, and fail to disclose their costs. Only 40% of news stories citing experts with financial ties to the drug being studied disclosed this potential conflict of interest.
Researchers will discuss potential anti-cancer properties of selenium in broccoli and analyze human exposure to toxic chemicals through hair analysis. The meeting will also focus on the ongoing contamination of the Great Lakes by toxaphene, a pesticide banned in 1986.
Researchers discovered how brain fills in missing information to help us perceive objects, even when they're partially blocked. This process allows for consistency and continuity in our visual world, enabling us to recognize shapes and objects accurately.
Scientists at HSC have successfully reversed fatal pulmonary hypertension in an animal model using an elastase inhibitor, which stops disease progression and restores normal blood vessel function. This breakthrough research may lead to new treatments for other cardiovascular conditions.
Researchers found that Asian immigrants working in ethnic-oriented businesses tend to have lower educational levels and poorer English skills. This can lead to social isolation, potentially hindering their long-term economic prospects.