Studies show that nurse home visit programs have enduring positive effects on mothers' and children's lives years later. The programs resulted in fewer cases of child abuse, less childhood injury, and lower welfare use among participating women.
Scientists are using NASA's Michelson interferometer to study protein crystal growth in space, a method that may lead to new treatments for diseases. The device, which was originally used to test the existence of the luminiferous ether, is being repurposed to analyze how molecules assemble into crystals.
Researchers have discovered a way to harness valuable proteins from nearly dead insect pests, producing high-quality pharmaceuticals in a more cost-effective manner. The HeRD system enables the mass production of these proteins, paving the way for the development of novel vaccine treatments and alternative pesticides.
A Stanford doctoral student has developed a dynamic control system that uses Global Positioning System signals to actively control errant oscillations in large space structures. The system can detect centimeter-level precision and automatically fire thrusters to compensate for wayward motions, allowing for stable structure operation.
A team of researchers estimated that the moon formed in a year or less after a massive collision between Earth and a rogue 'protoplanet'. The study, published in Nature, suggests that only about half of the debris from the collision coalesced into the moon, with the rest falling back to Earth.
Researchers at UNC-CH have invented a process using carbon dioxide to separate liquids, promising a more environmentally friendly alternative to toxic solvents. The new method, described in Nature, has shown success in removing dye from water and could be applied in industries releasing vast amounts of waste water into the environment.
Weiss's research focuses on controlling Il-4 gene expression to develop therapeutic strategies against detrimental effects. Published in top journals, her work aims to improve understanding of Il-4 production regulatory mechanisms.
Researchers at Rockefeller University are conducting a study to examine the potential of three plant-derived compounds - curcumin, rutin, and quercetin - to prevent colorectal cancer. The study aims to determine whether these compounds can safely inhibit the development of colon polyps and reduce cancer risk.
Researchers at the Weizmann Institute of Science have confirmed the existence of fractional electric charges, one-third that of an electron, in a groundbreaking experiment. The team measured the charge using sophisticated equipment to eliminate noise and detected ripples proportional to the unit of electric charge.
A new study found that adolescents are more likely to disclose sensitive information about smoking, drinking, drug use, sexual behavior, and mental health when doctors assure them of confidentiality. This increases the chances of teens seeking future health care and being honest in their responses.
A recent study found that children whose parents are obese have a significantly higher chance of becoming obese adults. The research examined over 800 young adults and showed that having an obese parent more than doubles the risk of obesity, while having normal-weight parents reduces the risk.
A Georgia State University study found that higher testosterone levels are related to violent crimes and aggressive behavior in women's prisons. The study also discovered that low testosterone was associated with manipulative and sneaky behavior, suggesting a link between hormone levels and dominance.
A study found that 81% of women at risk for breast cancer planned to undergo genetic testing, driven by perceived benefits such as increased breast self-examination and better treatment options. Counseling is crucial to help them make informed decisions and manage potential psychological reactions.
A multicenter study found that antidepressant sertraline highly successful in treating premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PDD), with significant benefits seen in mood symptoms and relationship problems. The study showed 62% of women treated with sertraline experienced marked improvement, compared to 34% on placebo.
The study aims to measure how effectively combination drug therapy works during the early stages of HIV infection, with a focus on reducing damage caused by the virus. Researchers hope to determine the optimal duration of treatment for maximum benefit and assess the impact of early treatment on immune system chemicals.
Researchers find preferred shapes and sizes of lead inclusions in aluminum, which affect melting behavior and material properties. The discovery has implications for understanding and engineering the behavior of nanoparticles in various alloys.
Researchers at Purdue University found that a single injection of vitamin A has no impact on the health and fertility of hogs. The study, which tested over 977 sows, showed no difference in total litter size or weight, regardless of when the shot was administered.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have developed an oral vaccine that may prevent rejection of corneal transplants. The vaccine involves feeding processed corneal cells from donor corneas to recipients over time, training their immune system to accept donated corneas without the need for powerful immunosuppressive drugs.
Scientists found that mice lacking the macrophage elastase enzyme showed no signs of emphysema after heavy smoking. This discovery challenges previous theories and offers new hope for emphysema treatment. Researchers are now exploring metalloproteinase inhibitors to prevent the disease.
Astronomers calculate that a gamma ray burst has expanded to 85 times the size of our solar system and is still growing. The detection uses the 'twinkling' effect in radio astronomy, where the point where twinkling stops allows for diameter measurement.
Researchers found that infants who heard stories with complex words recognized and remembered the words even when spoken differently in a list, indicating they store sound patterns from frequent speech. This study sheds light on how young children learn language and master word meanings.
The University at Buffalo Center for Biosurfaces has received a $900,000 grant from the National Science Foundation to investigate the effects of airborne contaminants on human cardiovascular and respiratory health. Researchers aim to develop new materials that are non-toxic and do not cause adverse reactions in humans.
Researchers have identified a gene responsible for late infantile Batten disease, a devastating genetic disorder that affects about 300 children in the US. The CLN2 gene codes for an enzyme that degrades proteins and its discovery may lead to effective treatment and new insights into the aging process.
The University at Buffalo's School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences is developing a model program to teach medical students and resident physicians empathy and communication skills. The project will use standardized cases and patients to present typical situations they may face in their practices.
The Stanford team perfected a system to control tractors at all speeds with centimeter-level precision, exceeding the best human drivers' accuracy. This technology has potential applications in autonomous tractors and smart roads, improving farm productivity while reducing environmental impact.
The Sandia-developed explosives-detection portal uses chemical preconcentrator technology to identify passengers with recent exposure to explosive chemicals. The portal has been tested on over 2,000 passengers to gauge acceptance and performance.
The paper presents an interactive introduction to SORTIE, a computer model of forest dynamics based on individual-trees. The digital output includes scores of still images and a dozen color animations, allowing readers to visualize the complexity of the model.
A team of archaeologists has discovered a previously unknown mound complex in Louisiana built between 5,000 and 5,400 years ago. The site, Watson Break, consists of 11 mounds that predate other known complexes by 1,900 years and provide clues about the planned engineering behind their construction.
A consortium of scientists has released a new genome sequencing project for the bacterium P. aeruginosa, which causes chronic lung infections in CF patients. The project aims to increase practical knowledge about the pathogen and develop new drugs for treatment.
The Family Solutions Project, which combines first-time juvenile offenders with their parents and siblings, has shown a 21 percent decrease in recidivism rates. The program emphasizes problem-solving skills, decision making, and communication to help young people develop new peer groups.
Researchers are focusing on mediators in Georgia with a four-year project aiming to identify common practices that distinguish skillful from less effective mediation. The study includes 25-page surveys of 1,000-plus mediators and analysis of 40 videotaped mediation sessions.
Researchers discover byssal threads in marine mussels, which feature a mix of collagenous and elastin-like properties. The unique structure of these threads may inspire the development of biomimetic materials with improved stretchiness and toughness.
Gale and doctoral student Steve Kogan used discourse analysis to examine a therapy session conducted by Michael White, a renowned therapist influenced by postmodern thinking. The study found that the therapist successfully managed the talk to make each participant central and accountable, promoting more transparent interactions.
Despite intensive searches, only a few gamma ray burst counterparts have been found, leaving scientists with more questions than answers. The lack of consistent patterns hampers the search, but continued observations with powerful instruments may help clarify the issue.
Researchers design all-carbon backbone that spontaneously folds into compact helical structure without hydrogen bonds. The resulting molecule has a tubular cavity with potential applications in selective chemistry and catalysis.
Scientists described the three-dimensional structure and inner workings of a terpene synthase, a type of protein that synthesizes complex compounds including cholesterol. The findings provide groundwork for understanding how to regulate cholesterol creation in the body.
Researchers at OHSU found that mice without the D4 dopamine receptor exhibit increased locomotor activity when exposed to these substances. The study suggests that the D4 receptor may play a role in modulating drug effects and could be a new target for treating drug abuse.
A new study found that many North Carolina third- and fourth-graders have higher-than-healthy blood pressure and total cholesterol levels, putting them at a higher risk of heart disease or strokes later in life. Additionally, a small but significant number of elementary school children are already smoking.
The report highlights the resurgence of infectious and parasitic diseases, including exotic ones like Ebola and dengue hemorrhagic fever. The authors call for strengthened infection control precautions, rapid diagnostic tests, and improved public education to combat these diseases.
Scientists from over 20 nations will gather to discuss the processes and interactions that determine fish population production. The symposium explores topics such as overfishing, environmental factors, and recruitment dynamics to better understand the global fisheries crisis.
Scientists have discovered that the May 8 gamma ray burst releases an enormous amount of energy, outshining the sun in its lifetime. Radio observations indicate the fireball expands at nearly the speed of light, with a size estimated to be about one-tenth of a light-year.
The Sandia invention enables research development of EUV lithography, patterning faster and more memory-dense microchips. This light source is brighter than synchrotron radiation and takes less space.
Researchers uncovered a sculpted marble head of Emperor Augustus, measuring slightly larger than life, in near-perfect condition. The discovery was made by an excavation team led by University of Cincinnati archaeologist Brian Rose, who recognizes the statue due to its distinctive hairstyle and facial features.
A new test developed by Johns Hopkins researchers uses white blood cells to predict which medications are most effective for each patient with kidney disease. The study found a wide range of responses among patients, suggesting that such tests might assist physicians in developing personalized treatment strategies.
A team of researchers will examine the blood samples and medical histories of 2,000 people who have experienced an early heart attack. The goal is to locate and determine the structure and function of genes that contribute to heart disease.
Scientists successfully converted energy in the form of light into matter, creating electrons and positrons. The experiment used high-energy electrons and photons to produce an incredible amount of power in a tiny area, marking a major breakthrough in understanding quantum electrodynamics.
A nearly complete Tyrannosaurus rex fossil was discovered in northeastern Montana, measuring over 52 inches. The fossil exceeds all known measurements of the dinosaur and is believed to be one of the largest carnivores on the planet.
Researchers have identified a new source of sulforaphane, a compound that helps mobilize the body's natural cancer-fighting resources and reduces cancer risk. Studies show that consuming broccoli sprouts daily may provide similar chemoprotection as eating large amounts of mature broccoli weekly.
University of Washington scientists investigate how estrogen replacement therapy protects against Alzheimer's disease by promoting neuron survival and protecting against toxic substances. They found that estrogen may activate an enzyme to increase the expression of neurotransmitter genes, facilitating learning and memory.
A study of 65 patients found that those with the Alzheimer's-related gene apoliprotein E-4 (APOE-4) are more susceptible to mental impairment after open heart surgery. The researchers believe this is due to the variant gene's inability to repair nerve cells efficiently.
A study of 11 London taxi drivers reveals the right hippocampus is activated when recalling complex routes, but not during other types of memory recall. The brain area is specially recruited for route recall, supporting human navigation and spatial cognition.
The University of Texas-Houston has established a Specialized Center of Research (SCOR) in scleroderma, a chronic disease with no known effective treatment or prevention. The center will conduct investigations into the genetic and environmental factors that affect susceptibility to the disease.
A study by psychiatrists at the University of Washington Medical Center found that unmarried patients were more likely to evoke strong reactions from physicians, with multiple unexplainable physical symptoms and a history of trauma being key indicators.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that a hepatitis infection converts the liver into a 'cancer time bomb' by converting it into billions of cancer-prone cells. The virus makes even apparently healthy cells lose one of two copies of a protective tumor suppressor gene, making them vulnerable to further genetic damage.
A study by Morris Moscovitch finds that face recognition occurs in a distinct brain system, separate from object recognition. Despite difficulties with recognizing common objects, the ability to identify faces remains intact.
A recent study found that a genetic mutation in the CCR5 gene does not fully explain why some people infected with HIV remain healthy for years. Instead, researchers attribute their good health to various factors, including immune system components and viral factors. The investigation involved 33 patients from different cohorts and rev...
Researchers found that R-PIA increased the activity of glutathione, an antioxidant that absorbs free radicals, providing enhanced protection from damage. Animals treated with R-PIA recovered their hearing faster and more completely than those treated with saline, showing less damage to sensory cells.
A Johns Hopkins University professor has built a virtual laboratory to give engineering students hands-on experience with real-world challenges, including oil-drilling simulations and digital logic circuits. The online lab offers a cost-effective alternative to traditional labs, allowing more students to participate and reducing costs.
A UPMC study found that people think more slowly at night due to increased information-processing requirements. After losing a night of sleep, participants showed a slowing in the speed of information processing during the day.
Chernobyl wildlife exhibits genetic change but no apparent defects, suggesting less severe environmental damage than feared. The area's abundant species thrive in a largely abandoned landscape.