A study by the University of Illinois Chicago found that most day-care centers have no policy or procedures for systematically protecting children from sunburn. On average, only 2.5 bottles of sunscreen were available per 104 children, with 95% not wearing hats and 26% without shirts.
Researchers found that some algal cells can grow and survive in near-normal conditions without Photosystem I, a key component of traditional photosynthesis. This discovery may challenge our understanding of plant biology and suggest new avenues for studying photosynthesis.
Hospice care is underused in the US, with most patients enrolling too late to benefit from it. Short stays can lessen the effectiveness of hospice care, leaving little time for caregivers to learn about the patient's needs and arrange optimal care.
Researchers at Duke University successfully demonstrate that placental blood can be used as a reliable alternative to traditional bone marrow donors for transplantation. The study's findings pave the way for innovative treatments in hematology and immunology.
A University of Massachusetts study warns that Olympians may experience performance issues due to extreme heat and humidity. The study suggests that some remedies, such as blowing air over water with fans, may not be effective in cooling athletes down.
Researchers have identified the gene responsible for Chediak-Higashi syndrome, a fatal childhood disease that weakens the immune system and increases cancer risk. The discovery could lead to new treatments and diagnostic tests for patients with cancer or autoimmune disorders like lupus.
A clinical trial found that Modafinil improved wakefulness in narcoleptic patients by at least 50% compared to placebo, with fewer side effects than current treatments. The drug also showed potential as an anti-fatigue agent for truck drivers and airline pilots.
The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine recommends federal guidelines to ensure the safe use of xenotransplantation. The guidelines address four major areas: source animal screening, patient surveillance, tissue banking, and national registries.
Scientists at Yale University found that seasonal temperature trends have been arriving earlier each year since the turn of the century, contradicting predictions by two leading computer models. Regional patterns and variations in temperature changes were also discovered, highlighting limitations in current climate modeling.
Researchers at Columbia University's Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory found that the Earth's inner core is rotating faster than the planet, completing its once-a-day rotation about two-thirds of a second faster than the entire Earth. The discovery was made by measuring changes in seismic wave speeds through the inner core.
A recent study published in the International Journal of Behavioral Medicine found that face-to-face encounters with racism can lead to increased heart rate and blood pressure in African Americans. The researchers also discovered that strong feelings of anger, resentment, and anxiety follow such encounters.
Researchers tested bovine tuberculosis diagnosis methods, finding similarities in cattle responses to three tuberculins. Swine were found susceptible to M. bovis infection through meat consumption.
A comprehensive brain imaging study confirms subtle structural abnormalities in the brain circuit responsible for executive functions in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The study found smaller right hemisphere brain structures and abnormally symmetrical brains in boys with ADHD.
A better-coordinated data base can help policymakers analyze situations, identify priority research areas, and allocate resources more effectively. It enables researchers to determine cost-effective strategies for controlling pathogens in specific foods.
Methylnaltrexone, a medication that blocks morphine side effects without affecting pain relief, has been granted orphan-drug status. This designation will help bring the drug to patients with cancer pain who struggle with nausea and constipation due to long-term opioid use.
A new system using ozone has been successfully tested at a turkey processing plant in Arkansas, allowing for the recycling of at least 80% of chill water. The process saves energy and reduces costs by minimizing the need for cooling and pretreatment.
A study by NIH scientists found that individuals with dyslexia exhibit no activation in the V5/MT brain area, which specializes in movement perception. This suggests trouble processing specific visual information and may contribute to reading disabilities characteristic of dyslexia.
Marsden proposes using pilot plants to validate new technologies and reduce the approval process for pathogen-controlling technologies. The controlled environment allows for efficient testing of technologies in a realistic setting.
Dr. Daniel Fung's work on rapid methods in food safety has bridged the gap between clinical microbiology and food microbiology, enabling faster testing for pathogens like Salmonella and E. coli. The goal is to provide real-time results within a day, reducing waiting periods from seven days, which were once common.
Researchers at Kansas State University recommend using a small probe thermometer to check the internal temperature of the patty, which should reach 160 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal doneness. Color alone can be misleading, as premature browning can occur due to factors such as packaging and handling.
Researchers found that programs teaching African-American foster children about their cultural heritage improve self-esteem and encourage positive community involvement. Participants in the AA-RITES program showed greater respect for women, desired further education, and felt a sense of responsibility.
A study by Ohio State University researcher Paul Nutt found that business decisions often fail, with about half resulting in no implementation and 50% being partially used. Managers can improve decision-making by involving those affected and using effective tactics.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that testing for a specific gene type can accurately diagnose Alzheimer's disease in most patients. The study showed that 100% of patients with the Alzheimer's susceptibility gene had the disease's telltale neurofibrillary plaques and tangles.
The US Department of Agriculture has introduced Mediterranean mites to control field bindweed, a perennial weed that infests millions of acres of wheat, corn and other crops in the Pacific Northwest. The mites feed on bindweed leaves, causing galls to form, which weaken the weed and make it more susceptible to herbicides.
Researchers found that middle-aged males with rigid styles of expressing anger had higher levels of total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol than those who were flexible. This study suggests that a flexible approach to managing anger may be the best solution for reducing heart disease risk.
Researchers have identified a genetic marker linked to the callipyge trait, which results in larger buttocks and leaner, less expensive meat. The discovery of the marker will aid efforts to breed sheep with heftier hindquarters using a blood test, and may also be applied to other species.
Researchers at Harvard Medical School and Harvard School of Public Health have discovered the role of Stat 4 in determining T helper cell differentiation. The study found that Stat 4 is the master switch controlling the differentiation of T helper cells, which plays a critical role in dictating the outcome of immune responses.
A new study by Ohio State University found that U.S. House members who collect high amounts of campaign funds reduce the likelihood of a quality challenger entering the race by 16%. The study analyzed 397 races in 1990 and showed how incumbents' fundraising can discourage challengers.
Researchers weigh evidence for and against prion theory behind rare fatal diseases. A 24 researcher interview draws on interviews with all sides of the issue.
Researchers at Cornell University have successfully determined the structure of a newly identified key protein, expanding our understanding of cellular function and potential therapeutic targets. The discovery opens doors to further investigation of this protein's role in various diseases.
Hydrated lime has been shown effective in reducing sulfur dioxide emissions, now researchers found it also reduces selenium. At 400-600 degrees Celsius, the compound captures up to five percent of its weight in selenium.
Wild honeybee populations have collapsed due to a combination of factors, including harsh winters, wet springs, and blood-sucking mites. As a result, small and medium-sized fruit and vegetable growers will be hardest hit, leading to smaller yields and lower quality produce.
Researchers at Rutgers University are developing metalloprotein models to emulate nature's energy conversion process using state-of-the-art equipment. The models have the potential to lead to efficient molecular-based solar-energy systems and possibly molecular-based computers that derive their energy from synthetic metalloproteins.
A linguist documents the development of a sign language in Nicaraguan deaf children, revealing that early exposure to language is crucial for its emergence. The study confirms theories that language is an innate human trait with minimal input triggering expression.
A new clinical trial has shown that combining chemotherapy with radiation therapy can improve the survival rate of patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma by 31% compared to radiation alone. The treatment, which included cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil, resulted in a three-year survival rate of 76% for those receiving the combination therapy.
Experts suggest modifying building codes to provide air-conditioned lobbies, utilizing churches as shelters, and implementing debt-forgiveness programs to help vulnerable populations. Proactive measures like sentinel surveillance, public education, and outreach can save lives during heatwaves.
A study by Ohio State University researchers found that overweight and severely overweight patients are six to nine times more likely to develop post-operative infections than normal weight patients. These infections can be serious, but obesity does not increase mortality rates in this context.
Researchers at UC Davis found that diets deficient in amino acids can increase seizure severity, shorten time before seizures occur and reduce chemical stimulant needed. The study suggests specific brain regions are influenced by diet components, with implications for treating epilepsy, particularly in underdeveloped countries.
Research suggests that web users are more likely to be registered voters and participate in local, legislative, and national elections. Additionally, a significant portion of respondents reported being politically active through actions such as writing elected officials and signing petitions.
A researcher has developed a mathematical tool to model trading patterns of stockbrokers by analyzing crowd behavior. This technique, known as Orchid Fractal Analysis, provides highly accurate models of how crowds behave, similar to modeling crowd control at football stadiums.
A new diagnostic test uses purified proteins to detect Neospora caninum, a parasite causing cattle abortions. The test has been developed by the US Department of Agriculture and is expected to be commercially available within two to three years.
Two new 'cool climate' grape varieties, Traminette and Marquis, have been bred for their excellent fruit quality and cold-hardiness, making them suitable for the Northeast's short growing seasons. These hybrid grapes have shown promise in trials across several regions.
A study by Argonne National Laboratory and the University of Chicago Medical Center supports Benjamin Gompertz's theory of a universal law of mortality. The researchers analyzed data from sheltered animals and humans, finding statistically indistinguishable mortality curves that fit the Gompertz model.
Researchers identified a single gene regulating wing formation in fruit flies, revealing a fundamental understanding of how genes mastermind limb development. The discovery may lead to new avenues for preventing birth defects caused by genetic miscommunication.
A licensing agreement between Michigan Technological University and Mineral Resource Technologies aims to commercialize the recovery and processing of fly ash. The technology separates out carbon, iron oxide, and cenophores from the high-carbon byproduct, enabling its use as a replacement for cement and filler for various products.
A new bait made of natural substances has been discovered that kills cockroaches by disrupting their uric acid production, a crucial resource for survival. The bait, developed by Dr. Heather Wren, is effective against both resistant and susceptible strains and shows promise in controlling large populations of German cockroaches.
A pilot study found that mothers with children have poorer oral health, including more missing teeth and gum problems, compared to childless women. Stress levels may exacerbate this issue, suggesting that mothers need to prioritize their oral hygiene despite stress.
Researchers at UCLA's Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center are testing the safety and effectiveness of TNP-470, an experimental drug that prevents tumor growth by blocking the formation of new blood vessels. The study aims to reduce tumor size and prevent cancer spread in patients with metastatic breast cancer.
Researchers found that mice without thyroid hormone receptor beta are deaf, even though they appear healthy. The study suggests that this gene controls hearing development, and its loss may cause human genetic forms of deafness.
A University of Colorado research team is testing the skies over northern Peru with a large balloon and kite to measure greenhouse gas emissions in the Amazon rainforest. The team will track levels of carbon dioxide, methane, and ozone, as well as hydrocarbons emitted from vegetation.
A sports nutrition program has been adopted by top US women's heptathlon athletes, credited with improving performance and hydration. The program emphasizes fluid replacement and eating small, frequent meals to optimize fuel for high-intensity exercises.
Researchers found that a glass of orange juice boosts stomach acid levels and increases the absorption of delavirdine, a promising new AIDS drug. The study, funded by NIH and Upjohn Pharmaceuticals, suggests that orange juice may help patients with low stomach acid achieve adequate therapeutic benefits.
Researchers analyzed sediment layers deposited by tides to study the moon's retreat from Earth. The study found that a day on Earth was approximately 18 hours long 900 million years ago, with the moon moving away at a constant rate. The analysis also revealed changes in tidal patterns over time.
Scientists from Oregon State University and others announced a breakthrough in colossal magnetoresistance, a phenomenon that holds promise for improved computer memory and data storage. The discovery of thallium manganese oxide may lead to new avenues of research and materials development.
A new study found that children living in communities with stricter fireworks laws are 7 times less likely to be injured than those in lenient areas. The study, published in Pediatrics, also recommends a nationwide ban on personal firework use except for licensed public displays.
The Southern Pine Beetle is the most aggressive and destructive of five bark beetles that feed on southern pines, causing $900 million in damage to U.S. pine forests from 1960 through 1990. Forest owners and homeowners need to take control measures if they spot the beetle, as it can be a costly pest.
The NCAR research program is testing a new cloud-seeding technique using pyrotechnic flares to enhance rainfall in drought-stricken Coahuila, Mexico. The technique has shown promising results in South Africa and Arizona, but its effectiveness remains uncertain.
Scientists worldwide are building equipment to replicate the discovery of a new state of matter, known as the Bose-Einstein condensate. The condensate's properties have been studied extensively, with researchers making breakthroughs in understanding its behavior at extremely low temperatures.
A new study confirms the Bering land bridge was not inundated by rising seas until about 11,000 years ago. The study reveals that the vegetation at the time consisted primarily of tundra plants and shrubs, unsuitable for long-term habitation by large grazing mammals.
A team of researchers at Cornell University has identified the exact year logs were cut from ancient tombs in Turkey, dating back to 718 B.C. This finding pushes back the Aegean Late Bronze Age by as much as a century, providing new insights into ancient civilizations such as the Minoans and Mycenaeans.