News from the institutes and societies that organize science. Covers scientific medals, university-hospital partnerships, oncology cooperatives, and society leadership.
Researchers will use marine microorganisms to discover new chemical compounds with anticancer properties, acting through non-traditional mechanisms. The study aims to identify novel agents that can accelerate the drug development process and improve treatment options for cancer patients.
Researchers found that people in urban areas are more likely to live in areas with contaminated groundwater, particularly in the eastern half of the US. Untreated groundwater was four times more likely to exceed drinking-water criteria in urban areas than rural areas.
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that poorer neighbourhoods have higher mortality rates and reduced access to cardiovascular services after a heart attack. The researchers emphasize the need for targeted healthcare delivery and promotion to address these disparities.
The American Chemical Society's 34th Midwest Regional Meeting will feature over 200 papers on analytical chemistry for the new millennium, drawing at least 450 scientists. Colorful chemical demonstrations by Dr. Marvin Lang will also be presented.
The Choices and Challenges public forum project at Virginia Tech explores the humanistic components of science and technology, covering topics from genetic engineering to space technologies. The series has received national recognition, including two national awards, for its innovative approach to promoting dialogue between science, so...
Researchers discover that older adults' brains reorganize themselves to recall visual information, bypassing damaged neural circuits. This adaptation allows them to maintain relatively good memory function despite aging, according to a new study published in Current Biology.
Researchers found that older adults can compensate for cognitive decline by using unique brain areas, including the hippocampus, to support performance. This suggests that aging brains are more resilient than thought, with exciting implications for memory rehabilitation.
The American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) will present over 1,000 presentations on liver-related diseases, including new findings on using alcohol to repair damaged livers and the impact of race on response to anti-viral therapy in chronic Hepatitis C patients. The meeting aims to advance the science and practice...
The five-year grant will fund five major research projects, including studies on animal models, brain imaging techniques, and clinical trials. The goal is to improve tobacco addiction treatment by understanding why current treatments fail and developing new behavioral and drug treatments.
RADM Gaffney is recognized for his efforts to promote quality, forward-looking and innovative research administration through the Gulf Coast Initiative of 1998 and industry-academia partnerships. His work resulted in new partnerships and increased dialog between regions and ONR.
Children with leukemia who received central nervous system chemotherapy are at risk of learning difficulties later in life, according to a new study. The treatment may cause cognitive decline and academic struggles, particularly in reading, spelling, and arithmetic.
Researchers have discovered a reversible lipid imbalance that may be responsible for the common symptoms of cystic fibrosis. Administration of DHA corrected the imbalance and reversed signs of cystic fibrosis in mice with the genetic defect.
A University of Toronto study shows that nearly a third of young men in Ontario drink excessively, putting their health at risk. The study found that 30% of men under 45 and 25% overall exceed daily and weekly drinking guidelines.
A new study found that nearly a quarter of community health centers rely on foreign-trained physicians, who are often willing to accept lower salaries. If these doctors were no longer available, up to 57% of positions for foreign-trained doctors and almost 16% of all staff positions could go unfilled.
A groundbreaking study reveals differences in the human brain's neural architecture compared to apes and monkeys. Researchers found a uniquely human feature in the magnocellular pathway of the primary visual cortex, which may help understand diseases like dyslexia.
The University of Michigan School of Public Health is leading a $12.5 million project to improve the quality of life for children with asthma. The initiative aims to establish local coalitions that implement programs reducing hospital stays, emergency room visits, and enhancing asthma management. Faculty from U-M's asthma research team...
A study by Harvard Medical School found that elderly patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) covered by non-profit health maintenance organizations (HMOs) received higher use of lifesaving therapy and emergency transportation compared to those with fee-for-service insurance. HMOs improved access to timely urgent care, particula...
A meta-analysis of 37 cardiac rehabilitation studies shows significant positive effects on blood pressure, cholesterol and physical exercise. Rehabilitation programs can help patients change risk behaviors and improve their quality of life.
A new study by researchers at the University of Southern California found that children with asthma are significantly more affected by severe air pollution than other children. Living in communities with high levels of pollutants is associated with higher rates of bronchitis and phlegm among children with a doctor diagnosis of asthma.
A study presented at the American Chemical Society meeting found that high-temperature drying in clothes dryers can cause serious abrasions and cracking damage to cotton fabrics. This results in reduced fabric strength, faster wear-out, and increased lint production.
A study by Colorado State University researchers found that students who reported more anger in response to common driving situations were at risk for anger, aggression, and accidents. Both groups of drivers were more alike than different in terms of their risk levels.
A study by Jungmeen E. Kim, Ph.D., and Phyllis Moen, Ph.D. found that newly retired women experience higher depression if their husbands remain employed, while newly retired men with employed wives face more marital conflict. In contrast, retired men who re-employ show higher morale.
Researchers have confirmed that catnip repels German cockroaches, specifically through the action of nepetalactone. The study also found that male cockroaches are more sensitive to the repellent activity than females.
Four experts will discuss their findings on the chemistry of addictions involving cocaine, alcohol, and PCP at a news briefing. The experts will provide insights into the underlying mechanisms and potential treatments for these addictions.
A longitudinal study of over 600 adult participants found a significant seasonal effect on depression, hostility, anger, irritability, and anxiety, with winter months showing the highest levels. The researchers suggest diet, activity, and light exposure may contribute to these seasonal mood differences.
Researchers found that airplane crash survivors have lower levels of anxiety, depression, and PTSD symptoms compared to non-crash air travelers. The study suggests that survivors may benefit from experiencing a traumatic event, providing a resource for recovery.
Researchers have obtained X-ray images of crucial steps in bacterial infection, revealing the structure of pili and adhesins that enable bacteria to cling to tissue. The findings provide new insights into the development of effective antimicrobial strategies and vaccine candidates.
The symposium aims to examine the structure of vancomycin and its potential weaknesses. Researchers will discuss various strategies for preventing the spread of antibiotic-resistant strains.
Breakthroughs in self-assembly and supermaterials could lead to extraordinary applications such as artificial body parts, ultraresistant coatings, and high-definition television screens. Five experts will share their discoveries that could jump-start new marvels in materials technology.
A Cornell University study found that senior volunteers enjoy significantly higher levels of psychological and physical well-being than non-volunteers. The research suggests that volunteering provides retirees with social connections, routines, and a sense of purpose, leading to improved overall well-being.
Researchers have genetically modified rice grains to improve supply of iron and vitamin A. IDA and VAD are major contributors to childhood and maternal mortality primarily in developing countries. The transgenic material will be freely available for further development into publicly available rice breeding lines.
Researchers found that oxygen supplementation can significantly reduce the effects of retinal detachment by protecting photoreceptor cells and limiting cell abnormality. This breakthrough suggests that ophthalmologists may want to consider providing oxygen therapy to patients diagnosed with retinal detachment while awaiting surgery.
The University of Southern California has received a historic gift of $110 million from the W.M. Keck Foundation to establish the Keck School of Medicine and enhance its health sciences program. The donation will focus on neurogenetic disorders, with potential breakthroughs in understanding and treatment of debilitating diseases.
Researchers at the University of Kentucky have discovered the molecular signals that lead to programmed cell death in spinal cord injuries. This breakthrough discovery may lead to the development of drugs to prevent or limit the consequences of spinal cord injury.
A University of Toronto researcher found that home births enable women to connect childbirth with their religious beliefs and family relationships. The study involved 45 American women from diverse backgrounds who valued having loved ones nearby during birth.
The ONR report highlights the need for further research into the effects of underwater noise on marine life, including non-hearing physiological effects and behavioral changes. The report also reviews current scientific knowledge and expert opinions on the topic, emphasizing the importance of understanding the impacts of human activiti...
Phyllis I. Hanson, a researcher at Washington University School of Medicine, has been awarded a Keck Foundation grant to study the molecular machinery that neurons use to communicate. Her work may one day suggest treatments for neuromuscular and psychiatric disorders resulting from faulty communication between neurons.
A team of researchers at Washington University School of Medicine has been awarded a grant to develop new treatments for spinal cord injuries. They plan to use embryonic stem cells to replace damaged tissue and restore lost functions, with the long-term goal of enabling patients to regain bladder and bowel control and potentially walk ...
Bruce Clurman, a researcher at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, has been awarded a $1 million grant to support his medical research. The award, part of the W.M. Keck Foundation's Distinguished Young Scholars in Medical Research Program, will enable Clurman to pursue new ideas and develop new treatments for diseases.
Researchers have successfully eliminated human brain tumors grown in mice using a toxin produced by E. coli bacteria, providing a potential breakthrough in treating astrocytoma and glioblastoma, two common types of brain cancer. The next phase of research will focus on preliminary clinical trials in older children and adults.
The American Heart Association awarded Gold Heart Awards to Edmond M. Hoffman and Harold C. Strauss for their significant contributions to the organization over several decades. Their work includes promoting increased federal funding of biomedical research and relocating the National Center from New York City to Dallas.
A study by Boston University researchers found that delivering bad news via email is more accurate and less painful for the messenger than personal or phone delivery. The research suggests that electronic communication can increase honesty and accuracy in delivering negative information, challenging current norms.
A new analytical technique has revealed large variations in Ginkgo biloba herbal products, which may be a problem for consumers. The study found that some products contain significantly more ginkgolides and bilobalide, the most pharmacologically active compounds, than others.
A new review of psychological research reveals exercise as a viable treatment for mild to moderate depression. Regular exercise has been shown to be an effective but underused treatment option.
The U.S. Army has implemented a new computerized supply tracking system called Wildcat, which applies commercial strategies and wireless technology to improve efficiency and reduce costs. The system tracks supplies using hand-held mobile computers and a central database, eliminating the need for manual ordering and inventory management.
A new study by Penn State researchers improves the regional climate assessment of the Mid-Atlantic Region. The research involved gathering input from over 95 stakeholders representing industry, environmental groups, government, and research organizations. Key findings highlight the importance of human health in addressing global change...
The 'Edge of Light' scanner uses light reflection to create a high-resolution map of surface topography, detecting deformation between rivets caused by corrosion. This technology has the advantage over existing NDI technology, allowing for non-destructive inspection and potential applications in forensic studies and forgery detection.
University of California researchers have successfully created a buckyball device that emits white light, contrary to conventional scientific wisdom. The device, made from a modified buckyball derivative, has extremely low efficiency but could potentially be used for illuminating rooms in the future.
A new scanning device enables researchers to examine internal characteristics of composite engine parts as they are mended, improving use of composite materials. Initial experiments showed that surface integrity can belie internal damage in graphite fibre-PEEK composites.
The study found that only 7% of D.C. residents and 14% of Delaware residents consider themselves part of the South. In contrast, 84% of Texans and 82% of Virginians identify as Southerners. The results suggest a more nuanced understanding of regional identity.
Researchers may consider a new concept proposing the immune system responds only to foreign substances causing damage, rather than traditional views. This approach could lead to better understanding of hypersensitivity reactions and development of predictive tests for drug interactions.
Patients with heart attacks who are taken directly to high-volume hospitals have a higher survival rate than those treated at smaller centers. Younger patients and those with cardiologists as attending physicians also benefit from increased survival rates.
Researchers discover that iron minerals in sediment protect marine organisms from extreme arsenic levels. The study suggests that natural processes can be harnessed to develop new methods for treating arsenic-tainted waste.
A team of physicists has devised a general theorem to explain the phenomenon of allometric quarter-power scaling, which describes how biological processes vary in predictable ways depending on an organism's mass. The researchers found that efficient transportation networks, including those in plants and animals, follow this scaling law.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have created the largest protein from scratch, inspired by a household bacteria. The protein, called alpha-3D, has a well-defined three-dimensional structure and could lead to novel drugs and diagnostic tools.
A new study reveals that global surface temperatures have increased by 14.6 degrees Celsius, with the warmest years on record occurring in the 1990s. Most of the warming has occurred over the northern continents during specific seasons.
The grant will support government programs, non-governmental organizations, and local women's groups to improve access to emergency care. Researchers aim to reduce maternal mortality rates by up to 1 in 12, which can be dramatically improved with timely medical intervention.
A University of Illinois professor's study reveals that crew members' communication timing greatly affects performance during emergencies. High-performing crews were found to be targeted and specific with their exchanges, while low-performing crews had a disconnect between training and actual conditions.
Researchers have determined that a particular enzyme bound to HDL acts as a powerful antioxidant within blood vessels. This discovery may lead to new treatments for heart disease by preventing oxidative modifications of low-density lipoprotein (LDL).
A new mathematical model suggests that annual antibiotic treatments will not be enough to eradicate trachoma in areas with high incidence rates. The model predicts that these areas, which account for only 10% of total affected regions, will experience a higher rate of blindness due to reinfection.