A subpopulation of the immune cells targeted by HIV may play an important role in controlling viral loads after initial infection, potentially helping to determine how quickly infection will progress. In the February 29 issue of Science Translational Medicine, a team of researchers from the Ragon Institute of Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), MIT and Harvard describe finding a population of HIV-specific CD4 T cells – cells traditionally thought to direct and support activities of other immune cells – that can directly kill HIV-infected cells. "We observed the emergence ...

In science, refuting a hypothesis can be as significant as proving one, all the more so in research aimed at elucidating how diseases proceed with a view toward preventing, treating, or curing them. Such a discovery can save scientists from spending precious years of effort exploring a dead end. In a study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Munich-based researchers refute a widely accepted hypothesis about a causative step in neurodegenerative conditions. These results deal specifically with animal models of human amyotrophic lateral sclerosis ...

Healthe Trim's proprietary blend of over 15 natural ingredients includes hoodia gordonii, a natural, time-tested appetite suppressant, green tea leaf extract that provides a natural energy boost and burns fat, and resveratrol, which is packed with antioxidants and increases the burning of nutrients and fat into energy. The natural health and wellness supplement company has expanded its presence into retail to meet the growing demand of customers nationwide who are looking to enhance their metabolism, curb their appetite and lose weight now. Healthe Trim founder Matthew ...

Boston, MA (February 26, 2012)—Bacteria live in a state of perpetual warfare, with different species battling for dominion over their competitors and when pathogen, over their infected host. New research suggests that the human pathogen Vibrio cholerae, which causes the disease cholera, kills off its microbial rivals by jabbing them with a spring-loaded poison dagger. Were it not for that defense, called the Type 6 secretion system (T6SS), V. cholerae might not out-compete its neighbors to sicken millions of people every year. The results will be published online February ...

SEATTLE -- Scientists from Seattle Children's Research Institute and the University of Washington, in collaboration with the Genomic Disorders Group Nijmegen in the Netherlands, have identified two new genes that cause Baraitser-Winter syndrome, a rare brain malformation that is characterized by droopy eyelids and intellectual disabilities. "This new discovery brings the total number of genes identified with this type of brain defect to eight," said William Dobyns, MD, a geneticist at Seattle Children's Research Institute. Identification of the additional genes associated ...

New Rochelle -- Inhaled interferon-gamma may be an effective treatment for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a chronic and progressive form of lung disease caused by excessive formation of fibrotic, or scar tissue, in the lungs, according to an article published in Journal of Aerosol Medicine and Pulmonary Drug Delivery (http://www.liebertpub.com/jamp), a peer-reviewed journal from Mary Ann Liebert, Inc. (http://www.liebertpub.com) The article on inhaled interferon-gamma (http://online.liebertpub.com/doi/abs/10.1089/jamp.2011.0919) is available free online at the Journal ...

"Medisoft Medical Billing Software ANSI 5010 conversion is moving along smoothly," notes Harry Selent, CEO of www.MedicalBillingSoftware.com. Although the initial deadline for compliance has passed, the government has postponed enforcement of the adoption of the new standards to March 31, 2012 to allow time for both payers and doctors to fully comply. However, as more payers fully adopt the ANSI-5010 standards, doctors could see increased claim rejections from non-compliant claims. "Don't put your cash flow at risk" warns Selent. Verify that the latest ...

LEXINGTON, Ky. -- A study recently published by the University of Kentucky's Scott Livingston shows that physiological problems stemming from a concussion may continue to present in the patient even after standard symptoms subside. Currently, concussions are diagnosed and monitored through a patient's self-reported symptoms (including headache, confusion or disorientation, poor concentration, and memory loss) and through computerized neuropsychological testing programs, which measure cognitive abilities including attention and concentration, cognitive processing, learning ...

Foresters are pleased to announce that they will be sponsoring Wallace and Gromits 'Big Breakfast' fundraising event from 20th - 27th April. Wallace & Gromit are calling on people across the UK to join The BIG Breakfast to raise thousands of pounds for sick children in hospitals and hospices by enjoying their BIG Breakfast. People from all walks of life are being invited to take part and host a 'Wallace & Gromit BIG Breakfast', from the 20th - 27th April. The fundraising event hopes to raise over GBP60,000. 'Wallace & Gromit's Children's Foundation is ...

A nationwide survey shows a positive correlation between Green School practices and student achievement in science. The study was conducted by the University of Colorado Denver's Department of Geography and Environmental Sciences. And presented Wednesday at the Green Schools National Network conference in Denver. Schools that took part in the survey observe GreenPrint core practices as defined by the Green Schools National Network (GSNN). The core practices are: Curriculum that advances environmental literacy and sustainability Stewardship and service learning Sustainable ...

Political Studies professor Colin Farrelly wants to see more research into remarkable examples of health – such as why some people live 100 years disease-free. He describes the current pathology-based approach that emphasizes what causes specific diseases as "negative biology" and suggest more resources should be focused on "positive biology." "Currently the medical sciences presume that answering the question 'what causes disease?' is the most significant question to ask and answer," says Professor Farrelly. "Positive biology encourages us to invest just as much time, ...

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. -- MIT neuroscientists have shown that an enzyme overproduced in the brains of Alzheimer's patients creates a blockade that shuts off genes necessary to form new memories. Furthermore, by inhibiting that enzyme in mice, the researchers were able to reverse Alzheimer's symptoms. The finding suggests that drugs targeting the enzyme, known as HDAC2, could be a promising new approach to treating the disease, which affects 5.4 million Americans. The number of Alzheimer's victims worldwide is expected to double every 20 years, and President Barack Obama recently ...

VIDEO: Certain kinds of male birds gather into small clusters of land called leks to perform their courtship dances, and according to science, who they choose to associate with matters.... Click here for more information. CORAL GABLES, FL -- Certain kinds of male birds gather into small clusters of land called leks to perform their courtship dances, and according to science, who they choose to associate with matters. A new study by University of Miami Evolutionary Biologist ...

As a journalist for Rolling Stone and The New York Times, Strauss has interviewed celebrities from Lady Gaga to Tom Cruise to Howard Stern and hundreds more. He's picked up Brittany Spears and wooed Jessica Alba on Jimmy Kimmel Live. Now he's taken all that knowledge and experience about social dynamics and packed it into the ultimate party game called "Who's Got Game?" The Backstory: How Facebook Paved the Way for Turning the Game from a Dream into a Reality: How did "Who's Got Game?" come to be? Through social networking, a young entrepreneur ...

If you want a preschooler to get the point, point. That's a lesson that can be drawn from a new study in Psychological Science, a journal published by the Association for Psychological Science. As part of their investigation of how small children know what other people know, the authors, Carolyn Palmquist and Vikram K. Jaswal of the University of Virginia, found they were able to mislead preschoolers with the simple introduction of a pointing gesture. "Children were willing to attribute knowledge to a person solely based on the gesture they used to convey the information," ...

URBANA – Adding prebiotic ingredients to infant formula helps colonize the newborn's gut with a stable population of beneficial bacteria, and probiotics enhance immunity in formula-fed infants, two University of Illinois studies report. "The beneficial bacteria that live in a baby's intestine are all-important to an infant's health, growth, and ability to fight off infections," said Kelly Tappenden, a U of I professor of nutrition and gastrointestinal physiology. "Breast-fed babies acquire this protection naturally. Formula-fed infants get sick more easily because the ...

Infectious diseases can spread very rapidly, so quickly identifying them can be crucial to stopping an epidemic. However, current testing for such diseases can take hours and days. But not for much longer. Jayne Wu, associate professor of computer science and electrical engineering at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and Shigetoshi Eda, associate professor of Forestry, Wildlife and Fisheries at the UT Institute of Agriculture Center for Wildlife Health, have developed a portable device that can be used onsite to detect infectious diseases, pathogens as well as ...

The pecan weevil, Curculio caryae (Horn), is a major pest of pecans throughout the southeastern United States, as well as portions of Texas and Oklahoma. In "Biology and Management of the Pecan Weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)," (http://bit.ly/xrqS3d) a new article appearing in the Journal of Integrated Pest Management, scientists from Oklahoma State University and Texas A&M University describe the biology, life stages, crop injury, monitoring approaches, and primary control strategies currently used for pecan weevil in pecan. Aimed at pecan growers extension personnel ...

According to a study by the United States Secret Service and Department of Education that evaluated 41 school shooters, 71% felt persecuted, bullied, threatened, attacked, or injured by others. In several cases, they had experienced school bullying and harassment that was "long-standing and severe." The study also found that most shooters planned their attack in advance and told other students of their intentions. In the Chardon High School case, reports indicate the shooter tweeted he was going to bring a gun to school. Students often know what is happening ...

In contemplation of presidential, congressional, gubernatorial and state elections in November 2012, Robert Weidenfeld's book proposes a viable alternative to the systems of governments that grossly abused and contravened the principles of true democracy ever since 1789, when George Washington became the first President of the original 13 united colonies. The book reviews major historical events during the last 5,000 years, including the most significant systems of laws governing various societies during this lengthy period of time. Evidence from primary sources reveals ...

VIDEO: The most visible change in the Arctic region in recent years has been the rapid decline of the perennial ice cover. The perennial ice is the portion of the sea... Click here for more information. GREENBELT, Md. -- A new NASA study revealed that the oldest and thickest Arctic sea ice is disappearing at a faster rate than the younger and thinner ice at the edges of the Arctic Ocean's floating ice cap. The thicker ice, known as multi-year ice, survives through the cyclical ...

Visible and Infrared satellite imagery together provide a clearer picture of what a tropical cyclone is doing. NASA's Aqua satellite passed over newly strengthened Cyclone Irene and captured both types of images, which showed the extent and power of the storm. The low pressure area called System 92S that tracked across northern Madagascar this week and brought flooding rains has moved into the Mozambique Channel, strengthen and has been renamed Irina. NASA satellites captured a visible image of Irina as it filled up the northern half of the Mozambique Channel. System ...

Jackson Grills, a leading specialty grill manufacturer, is announcing a new ownership structure and website to support their corporate mandate of offering "Premium Quality." "We believe that the Jackson Grills product lineup fills a unique niche in the barbeque market - one that masterfully balances value with style and performance," says Ken Friesen, Owner of Jackson Grills. Initiated by the new ownership, Jackson Grills has undergone a complete brand makeover, featuring a new refined logo, tagline, website and social media initiatives. "All ...

New Rochelle, NY, February 29, 2012—Although industrial parks are often considered major economic engines for the communities in which they reside, they can also consume environmental resources and produce significant pollution that can negatively affect human health and quality of life. A case study published in Environmental Engineering Science (http://www.liebertpub.com/ees), a peer-reviewed journal from Mary Ann Liebert, Inc. (http://www.liebertpub.com), describes a systems-based approach to assess and reduce the negative societal and economic impact of industrial parks. ...

COLUMBIA, Mo. – Many leading causes of death are linked to unhealthy lifestyle behaviors, including inadequate physical activity. Adults in minority populations have lower levels of physical activity and higher rates of preventable deaths, according to the Department of Health & Human Services. In a new study, University of Missouri researchers found that minority adults who received exercise interventions increased their physical activity levels. However, these interventions are not culturally tailored to best assist minority populations in improving overall health. Conn ...