Science
Faster, More Efficient Method For Detecting Illegal Steroids In Urine
Amid growing concerns about sports "doping," researchers report development of a faster and more efficient method for detecting the presence of illegal anabolic steroids in urine. The new method takes only a few seconds and involves no time-consuming sample preparation. The study notes that use of banned substances by professional athletes to build muscle and gain a competitive advantage is a growing problem in sports such as track and field, baseball, football and cycling. Read more…
Early Detection Of Human Papilloma And Other Viral Infections
Scientists have developed a new, amazingly sensitive method for identifying the earliest stages of infection with human papilloma virus (HPV), a common virus that can increase the risk of cervical cancer in women. The test also has the potential for early identification of infection with other so-called DNA viruses, which cause a range of diseases that includes genital herpes and hepatitis. Read more…
DNA Sequencing Becomes Much Quicker
A new DNA sequencing process is simpler, more accurate and efficient than the multiplex PCR that was previously used to sequence portions of the genome. Microarrays are used to enrich or increase the volume of specific genomic sequences. Then high throughput DNA sequencing machines quickly determine the exact genetic code of the material. Read more…
Feminism And Romance Go Hand In Hand
Contrary to popular opinion, feminism and romance are not incompatible and feminism may actually improve the quality of heterosexual relationships. The new study also shows that unflattering feminist stereotypes, that tend to stigmatize feminists as unattractive and sexually unappealing, are unsupported. Read more…
Fish Get Insomnia, Eyes Wide Open, Say Sleep Researchers
Scientists have hooked a fish that suffers from insomnia in their quest to understand the genetics behind sleep disorders. Even zebrafish - a common aquarium pet - can have a genetic mutation linked to sleep problems. Because most fish lack eyelids, many people have wondered whether fish can even nod off. Read more…
Level Of Oxytocin In Pregnant Women Predicts Mother-child Bond
In animals, oxytocin, dubbed 'the hormone of love and bonding,' is critically important for the development of parenting, is elicited during sexual intercourse, and is involved in maintaining close relationships. These findings implicate oxytocin in the bonding process, but little research has been done on this relationship in humans. Now a new study demonstrates the links between oxytocin and bonding in human mothers. Read more…
Controlling Fire Ants Area-Wide
Progress is being made in coordinated efforts to halt the spread of imported fire ants, according to scientists studying this invasive pest that now inhabits more than 320 million acres in several southern states and Puerto Rico. Fire ants cause millions of dollars in agricultural damage each year. Not only do they build large mounds that damage nearby plant roots and farm equipment, they also cause painful stings to animals and people. Read more…
Genetic Approach Provides New Insight Into Trastuzumab Resistance In Breast Cancer
A new study provides important insight into the mechanisms involved in resistance to treatment of breast cancer patients with trastuzumab (Herceptin). The research identifies markers that may help to identify patients who are unlikely to respond to trastuzumab treatment and provides a potential strategy for treating these patients. Read more…
Thwarting The Growth Of Internet Black Markets
Computer scientists have designed new computer tools to better understand and potentially thwart the growth of Internet black markets, where attackers use well-developed business practices to hawk viruses, stolen data and attack services. Read more…
Primary Care System Must Change How It Approaches Dementia, Researchers Urge
Geriatrics researchers argue that primary care doctors, the physicians seen by most older adults, cannot meet the needs of the growing number of older adults with dementia without changing how the primary care system approaches dementia. Read more…
