Growth in biomass could put US on road to energy independence
Relief from soaring prices at the gas pump could come in the form of corncobs, cornstalks, switchgrass and other types of biomass, according to a joint feasibility study for the departments of Agriculture and Energy. The recently completed Oak Ridge National Laboratory report outlines a national strategy in which 1 billion dry tons of biomass ?any organic matter that is available on a rene...Successful lung cancer surgery not enough to break nicotine dependence in many smokers
A new study has found that close to half of 154 smokers who had surgery to remove early stage lung cancer picked up a cigarette again within 12 months of their potentially curative operation, and more than one-third were smoking at the one year mark. Sixty percent of patients who started smoking again did so within two months of surgery. The study, led by researchers at Washington Univers...Mayo researchers discover HIV dependence on a human protein
Mayo Clinic virologists have discovered that a specific human protein is essential for HIV to integrate into the human genome. Their findings show that when HIV inserts itself into a chromosome, a key step that enables it to establish a "safe haven," it requires a specific protein -- LEDGF/p75 (p75). This protein forms a molecular tether between chromosomes and HIV's integrating protein (integras...Wisconsin can lead the way to energy independence
America...Wisconsin can lead the nation to energy independence
The security challenges created by our dependence on risky sources of foreign oil combined with the rising costs and instability from Asias growing demand and our own storm ravaged infrastructure requires bold leadership by policy makers. We must pursue home-grown solutions including the use of corn based ethanol, biodiesel, cellulosic ethanol and other emerging bi...Declaring independence from technology (sort of)
Ignoring e-mail for 36 hours even o...Alcohol Dependence Gene Identified
Scientists believe they have found a gene that predisposes people to become alcoholics. According to results from a study // involving 262 families with alcoholic members all were assessed for three genes in an area on chromosome 15 that had previously been linked to alcoholism. Results showed one of the genes -- GABRG3 -- did appear to influence alcoholism risk. Researchers aren’t sure...Biofeedback Found To Reduce Steroid Dependence In Asthmatics
Biofeedback is the conscious control of body functions through the use of electronic monitoring devices. A new study finds practicing daily biofeedback // can help people with asthma reduce their need for inhaled steroid medications. Researchers tested the therapy in 94 adults with moderate persistent asthma. The participants were divided into four groups. Two of the groups used a biofe...Alcoholism & Dependence Seen More Commonly In Early Alcohol Drinkers
Early alcohol drinkers, who begin before the age of 14 years are not only more likely to become alcoholics than those who stay away from alcohol until they're 21//, but they also tend to develop dependence on alcohol faster, and face a longer struggle with alcohol throughout their lives. The study's lead author, Dr Ralph W Hingson of the Boston University School of Public Health's You...Genetic Factors linked with Drug Dependence and Abuse
Studies have indicated that genetic factors, the important risk factor for psychoactive drugs abuse//. Misuse or dependence on illicit drugs like marijuana, stimulants, opiates, cocaine and psychedelics was found to be strongly associated with the person’s genetic makeup – researchers report. In the July issue of the journal Psychological Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth Univer...Early Intervention Of Smoking In Teens Essential To Avoid Dependence
A research study on smoking has revealed that nicotine dependence can develop in some smokers right after the first puff even before they become regular users.// Smoking cessation programs for teenagers have had little success and this finding needs to be integrated into the cessation programs aimed at youngsters for the programs to be successful. The natural course of cigarette use h...