News from the institutes and societies that organize science. Covers scientific medals, university-hospital partnerships, oncology cooperatives, and society leadership.
Scientists discover a 1,800-year tidal cycle that matches recent climate change, suggesting a natural warming trend began a hundred years ago. The study suggests strong oceanic tides drive changes in climate by increasing vertical mixing, resulting in cooler climates and drought conditions.
Dr. F. Ann Walker, a researcher on the kissing bug, will present her award-winning research on heme proteins and Chagas' disease at the American Chemical Society meeting. The study highlights the intersection of entomology, inorganic biochemistry, medicine, and anthropology.
Researchers found that biodiesel fuel reduced carbon monoxide and particulate matter emissions by 12-14% and 25%, respectively. The lower oxygen content of biodiesel also helped reduce hydrocarbon emissions.
A study found that metallothionein levels increase in the brain in response to alcohol consumption, suggesting a potential protective role. Higher MT levels may explain different levels of alcohol-related toxicity in individuals.
Researchers found that HPTE inhibited testosterone production in developing and adult Leydig cells, with longer treatment times causing greater inhibition. The study suggests that understanding the effects of endocrine disruptors like HPTE may lead to new molecular targets for male contraceptives.
Researchers used genomics-based approach to discover new surface proteins that behave differently and are present across multiple strains of Neisseria meningitidis. These proteins can stimulate an antibody response capable of killing the bacterium, a key property for vaccine efficacy.
A study of 442 women in US and India found that most could calculate their gestational ages accurately, with most errors within a clinically insignificant margin. This suggests that unsupervised medical abortion using mifepristone-misoprostol may be safe for many women.
The NYU Division of Nursing has partnered with the Hugoton Foundation to launch a new Faculty/Staff Nurse Research Fellowship, providing $100,000 in funding for two teams of nurse researchers. The fellowship aims to study pressing clinical practice issues, including pressure ulcers and maternal/child health.
Researchers from the University of Illinois at Chicago and the University of Stellenbosch isolated six chemical compounds with antimicrobial activity in chewing sticks used in Namibia, demonstrating their effectiveness in removing plaque and massaging gums.
Researchers found that delaying treatment by nine months results in significant permanent damage and reduced disease progression. Early therapy with a second-line agent like Hydroxychloroquine reduces the need for more expensive treatments, including surgery.
A study found that human presence near bald eagle nests decreased their brooding time by 59% and feeding bouts by 20%, potentially impacting nestling eagles' growth rates and survival. The researchers warn of the need for management strategies to mitigate human impact on wildlife populations.
A new study by Robert Pearson, Howard Wachtel, and Kristie Ebi found that children living near heavily trafficked streets have a six-fold increased risk of developing childhood cancer. The researchers used street-traffic densities to assess exposure to air pollutants from vehicle emissions.
Researcher Professor Heather Jackson spent 15 years studying marginalia in books to uncover insights into cultural and reading habits of the past. Her findings suggest that handwritten notes left in books can be a valuable source of historical information, providing unique perspectives on authors' intentions and readers' reactions.
A team of researchers at the University of Toronto has discovered a gene called Mgat5 that affects cancer growth. By knocking out this gene in mice, they found a significant reduction in breast and lung cancer growth, suggesting that sugar structures play a role in promoting tumor development.
Archaeologists have found that Roman wall painting declined in quality after Emperor Nero took power, as evidenced by the Domus Aurea complex. The imperial apartments were decorated with marble, while courtiers' rooms had less marble and more paintings.
Dr. John Craig Venter and Professor Edward Wilson were awarded the Science prize for their work in biology, while Dr. Cynthia Kenyon won the Medicine prize for her research on aging. Their discoveries have led to significant advancements in understanding human genomes and developing hormone-based treatments.
A recent study found that neighborhoods with higher densities of alcohol outlets have higher rates of drinking, accidents, and violence. The density of alcohol outlets in a neighborhood can shift the distribution of drinkers towards heavier drinking and more permissive norms.
The National Research Council will assemble a committee of experts to consider how undergraduates can gain knowledge and skills needed for research careers in the rapidly changing biomedical sciences. The committee will produce a report with recommendations, along with case studies and a review of best practices.
Researchers at Queen's University have made a groundbreaking discovery about the cause of sudden heart failure after open-heart surgery. They found that a specific protein called troponin I is damaged, leading to cardiac stunning. This new understanding could lead to new ways of preventing and treating this specific heart problem.
A recent study found that communication drives the use of the Internet at home, with individuals using e-mail in more sessions and consistently than they use the World Wide Web. The study, which tracked 229 people's behavior over a year, shows that social uses of the Internet are strongly favored by novice users.
A new medical test using pulse oximetry can accurately diagnose obstructive sleep apnea in children, reducing equipment and staffing costs. The test also enables early treatment for children with breathing obstruction related to tonsils or adenoids, improving respiratory health outcomes.
The American Liver Foundation will honor Dr. John M. Vierling for his significant advances in understanding autoimmune and alloimmune liver diseases, as well as Dr. Andrew J. Conrad for his impact on chronic viral infections diagnosis and management. The foundation's recognition dinner will take place on February 11.
A new UCSF study reveals that working conditions and job type significantly influence a person's decision to continue working or leave the workforce after developing carpal tunnel syndrome. Women are more likely to make changes to their work situation due to poorer support at home and greater fatigue following diagnosis.
A study by UCSF researcher Shelley Adler found that only a third of women with breast cancer disclose using alternative treatments to their medical doctors. The main reasons for remaining silent were attitudes toward physicians and the perception that disclosure was not relevant to the doctor-patient relationship. Women tend to discuss...
A study by Professor Robert L. Brown suggests that maintaining a larger labor force and increasing productivity can mitigate the impact of baby boomers' retirement on society. By keeping workers in the workforce longer and investing in education and capital, it is possible to produce enough goods and services for the economy.
Archaeologists have uncovered a large Middle Kingdom temple in the Nile Delta, with traces of five earlier temples dating back to around 3100 BC. The discovery includes ritual objects and burial grounds, providing insight into ancient Egyptian temple rituals.
Researchers at the University of Toronto have found a cellular communication method in the brain that could lead to improved treatments for schizophrenia and addiction. The study demonstrated how proteins can modify each other's function, including the ability of neurons to accept or reject dopamine and other neurochemicals.
Researchers identify genetic abnormalities in microsatelite instability (MSI) and chromosomal instability (CSI) leading to varying tumor behaviors. Colorectal cancer patients with MSI form have a better chance of surviving longer, prompting potential changes in treatment strategies.
The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) honored science writers who tackled complex topics with clarity and coherence. AAAS Science Journalism Awards recognized four award-winning journalists for their outstanding work in large newspaper category winner George Johnson and magazine co-winners Robert Kunzig.
The series features Harbor Branch scientists presenting their latest research on topics such as the Indian River Lagoon, bioluminescence in deep-sea animals, coral reef ecosystems, and more. A portion of the funds raised will also support internships and scholarships for graduate students pursuing ocean sciences careers.
University of Toronto researchers have successfully integrated organic molecules and inorganic materials at the molecular scale, creating a new class of composite materials. These hybrid materials have unique properties that could improve their hardness, thermal and electrical insulation, or light emission and magnetism, paving the way...
A recent study suggests that female and older computer users are more concerned about moral issues affecting the Internet, such as spreading computer viruses and sharing offensive games. The researchers found that younger respondents were less likely to view these actions as harmful.
Researchers discovered that full-fat frankfurters release flavor compounds more slowly and last longer than lower fat varieties. This results in a stronger initial flavor followed by a rapid decrease, affecting the overall taste experience.
The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases has awarded nearly $4 million for new projects on autoimmune diseases. These projects enhance the NIAMS' commitment in this area, focusing on nine conditions that affect almost every human organ system.
The U.S. is missing effective nationwide programs against HIV/AIDS, with the U.S. lagging behind countries like Switzerland and Thailand in implementing nationwide programs. Experts call for a national system of sexually transmitted disease protection to address this public health threat.
Researchers at Banyu Pharmaceutical Co. in Japan have designed a synthetic molecule that can block the molecular pathway of the opioid receptor-like 1 (ORL-1), leading to a better understanding of pain regulation. This breakthrough finding may pave the way for new and improved drugs to treat pain, as well as other neurological disorders.
The Howard Hughes Medical Institute is investing $8.05 million in new 'superbend' beamlines at the Advanced Light Source, enabling protein crystallography research and advancing understanding of molecular function and interaction.
A study led by U-M scientist Lisa Curran found that El Nino triggers the reproduction of tropical forest trees, allowing them to survive and thrive. However, human activity such as logging is destroying the ecosystem, threatening the local economy and global exports.
The Howard Hughes Medical Institute awards a four-year grant to expand training programs for Central and Eastern European, former Soviet Union, and Baltic scientists in specialized symposia, laboratory courses, and visiting lectureships. Over 500 participants have benefited from similar grants in Latin America.
A study by Cornell sociologists finds that dual-earner couples are scaling back work to care for families and have more time for themselves. Women are more likely to take on these roles, leading to a 'neotraditional' arrangement where the husband's career is the primary focus.
A new study from the Society of Actuaries found no direct link between managed care plan ratings and enrollment. The researchers suggest that ratings may be valuable in refining the rating process and increasing its usage by consumers, but more research is needed.
The National Patient Safety Foundation announced four grant winners in its 1999 Research Awards, supporting projects aimed at improving patient safety. The grants, totaling up to $100,000, will fund studies on various aspects of patient safety, including cardiac surgery and pediatric sedation.
A study published in the Journal of Nutrition found that consuming dairy products rich in conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) reduced the incidence and number of mammary tumors in pubescent rats. CLA was shown to decrease the proliferation rate of mammary terminal end bud cells by 30%.
The current WTO approach to risk assessment assumes new technologies are safe until proven otherwise, but this places excessive faith in limited knowledge. In contrast, a precautionary approach requires better testing and monitoring of new products' effects on the environment and people's health.
Research from The Netherlands reveals that individuals with high work overcommitment scores may be predisposed to cardiovascular disease due to an impaired natural blood clot-dissolving system. This association suggests a potential physical mechanism behind the observed link between work-related stress and heart disease.
A recent study published in Psychosomatic Medicine found that patients with functional dyspepsia often employ non-discriminative coping patterns, reserving action-oriented strategies for controllable events. This approach may exacerbate anxiety levels and worsen symptoms.
The Medical Event Reporting System for Transfusion Medicine aims to stop blood-transfusion errors before they happen. Researchers will analyze near misses to identify lessons that can prevent the next headline.
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.
The UofA research team is working to prevent rejection of transplanted islet cells, allowing diabetics to become insulin-free. Researchers are also developing procedures for transplanting islet cells before physical complications set in.
Researchers at Vion Pharmaceuticals have developed a novel gene-based anti-cancer drug delivery system using Salmonella bacteria. The TAPET technology has shown complete tumor regression in mice and high safety profiles, with potential applications for treating various types of cancer.
Researchers presented data from an ongoing Phase I clinical trial showing that CCI-779, a derivative of rapamycin, is well-tolerated and may have antitumor activity. Twelve patients received CCI-779, with three experiencing tumor regression after other treatments failed.
Researchers found that smokeless tobacco users exhibited slower learning and adjustment to new requirements, more jerks, and less accurate overall performance compared to non-smokers. Tobacco use on the job can reduce an individual's capability to learn new visuo-motor mapping.
A recent study found that alcohol consumption during pregnancy can cause early delivery, with potential health consequences including low birth weight and increased risk of death or long-term illness. Researchers believe a critical period for drinking may exist, and prevention is key to reducing premature births.
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.
A new program, Seeding Postdoctoral Innovators in Research and Education (SPIRE), aims to improve career prospects for postdoctoral students by providing diverse training. The program will give postdocs teaching experience while offering cutting-edge biology courses at historically minority universities.
Researchers found that patients with more extreme daily mood swings experienced greater improvements in therapy outcomes, regardless of treatment type. This suggests that increasing patient sensitivity to stimuli may be a more effective approach than finding the best therapy for each individual.
A new study published in Developmental Psychology found that children who spend more time in nonmaternal care have somewhat less positive interactions with their mothers. The study also showed that higher-quality child care is associated with increased maternal sensitivity and a stronger mother-child bond.
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.
The University of Victoria has established a research chair to study ecological processes contributing to safe drinking water. The chair will evaluate watershed management activities, supply operations, and food chain changes to optimize water quality and minimize treatment costs.
The American Heart Association has prepared 16 news releases and 32 news tips for the 72nd Scientific Sessions. Logistical information includes room locations, telephone numbers, hours of operation, and name badge requirements. Reporters can access news conferences, media availabilities, and exhibitions at specific times.