A new study analyzes US hurricane damage data, normalizing for inflation, coastal population increase, and wealth. It finds that landfalling hurricanes in the 1940s-1960s would have produced over $10 billion in damages if they struck today, contradicting claims of climate change causing recent damage increases.
A study found thalidomide effective in healing 55% of HIV patients' mouth ulcers, while also improving comfort during eating. However, the treatment's potential for irreversible nerve damage and other side effects require careful monitoring.
Researchers at UPMC and Carnegie Mellon University identified brain regions responsible for learning through subconscious awareness, potentially impacting disorders like OCD and addiction. This discovery may reveal a new perspective on how the brain learns and adapts to change.
Darrel Snyder's expertise helps state and federal agencies monitor and bolster populations of threatened species by identifying days-old fish. He has confirmed spawning sites for endangered razorback sucker and Colorado squawfish, providing crucial clues for their survival.
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine shows that thalidomide effectively heals mouth ulcers in people infected with HIV, with 90% of treatment group volunteers showing at least partial healing. The drug also reduces pain and boosts patients' ability to eat.
The program, now in its second year, provides four weeks of intensive speech therapy for adults aged 20-50. Participants learn skills and behaviors to overcome stuttering, such as awareness, acceptance, and preparatory techniques like rehearsal and prevoicing. The goal is to improve communication flow and reduce stuttering interruptions.
A study of over 4,000 students found that having a preferred brand is a factor in both current use and intention to use in the future. The findings suggest that adolescents with a favorite brand of beer or cigarette are more likely to smoke or drink regularly.
The FDA has cleared Cook's low-profile GR II Coronary Stent, allowing cardiologists to treat blockages in hard-to-reach blood vessels without bypass surgery. This new stent could benefit thousands of U.S. heart disease patients who previously required heart bypass surgery.
A new gamma-ray telescope will reveal new views of binary stars, black holes, and pulsars, shedding light on violent stellar explosions. The instrument, built by Columbia physicist Elena Aprile, will measure gamma rays between 300,000 to 30 million electron-volts, helping scientists understand element creation.
Researchers found a direct cause-and-effect relationship between negative emotions and an increased risk of myocardial ischemia, a precursor to heart attacks. Stress levels, both emotional and physical, were associated with a higher risk of ischemia, especially in the hour following stress.
Researchers Animesh Ray and Mitsu Ogihara built DNA logic gates using common lab techniques, marking the first step towards a DNA computer. These gates detect specific DNA fragments, splice them together, and provide output through precise measurement of new strand lengths.
A recent study reveals that the potato famine fungus has resurfaced 150 years after its devastating impact on Ireland, with virulent and fungicide-resistant strains causing widespread damage. Researchers have identified several options for managing the blight, including DNA fingerprinting and simplified enzyme assays.
A Purdue University study shows that watching one-sided segments about UFO sightings on TV increases audience beliefs, while balanced segments decrease them. The research highlights the importance of credible sources and balanced reporting to counter misinformation.
Despite financial gains by some African Americans, racism may be getting worse in the US due to individual and institutional barriers. Expert James M. Jones recommends six steps to reduce prejudice, including joint cooperation, intergroup contact, and a greater appreciation of individual differences.
The Cook GR II Coronary Stent has received FDA clearance for treatment of acute or threatened vessel closure in patients with failed interventional therapy. The stent features a flat metal design and low profile for improved radial strength and trackability.
A double-blind study found that vitamin E and C supplements reduced sensitivity to ozone exposure and improved pulmonary function in asthmatic volunteers. The study suggests antioxidant vitamins may benefit others exposed to chronic oxidative stress, such as smokers or industrial workers.
A gravity survey conducted in a Portland rail tunnel has helped identify previously unknown faults in the area. The survey revealed irregularities that suggest seismic activity, with data set to inform detailed maps of the subsurface.
Researchers found that sadness, depression, and hopelessness can exacerbate asthma symptoms in children. The vagus nerve plays a key role in this process, suggesting new avenues for treatment. The study's findings highlight the importance of addressing depression in asthmatic children to improve their overall health.
A new study found that prophylactic surgery can prolong life expectancy by approximately 8.5 years, but at a significant impact on quality of life. The study also concluded that prophylactic surgery is cost-effective compared to cancer treatments.
Most people are reluctant to purchase insurance against natural disasters due to perceived low risk and high cost, according to a 1978 NSF study. Property owners often forego buying insurance unless required by mortgage or in areas with regulatory restrictions on premiums.
Researchers at Ohio University have developed a list of 19 characteristics common to bullies and 21 characteristics common to victims. The list could help identify children who may become bullies or victims before problems become serious. Experts agree that home environment is a strong indicator of negative factors in bullies and victi...
Game shows on TV can reinforce information and change attitudes in kids, according to a study by Ohio University researcher Anne Cooper-Chen. The format is easily replicable in classroom settings, making it a valuable educational tool.
The H2Fuel Bus features a unique hybrid power system that uses hydrogen fuel stored in metal hydrides, producing near-zero emissions. The bus will provide valuable experience and raise awareness about hydrogen as an alternative fuel for the future.
A study found that hypermedia and collaborative learning enhance knowledge sharing among middle school students, creating a community of learners. This approach allows students to construct their own understanding and communicate it effectively.
Researchers successfully cloned the Clock gene, a key regulator of circadian rhythms in mammals. The gene's identification provides insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying circadian rhythm entrainment and expression, potentially leading to new treatments for sleep disorders and jet lag-related issues.
Researchers have discovered a novel protein, Vera, that plays a crucial role in RNA localization in oocytes. This process is essential for the development of embryogenesis and has broad implications for biology, as it occurs in many adult cell types.
Diane Morrison, a University of Washington research associate professor, argues that parents need to teach their children about safe sexual behavior. She believes that if Americans want their kids to learn positive sexual values, parents should have open and honest conversations about sex, condoms, and birth control.
A team of researchers from Oregon Health & Science University has identified three gene regions in mice that are linked to an increased risk of physical dependence on alcohol. The study's findings could lead to a better understanding of alcoholism and the development of new treatments.
Duke researchers found an existing class of drugs, cyclosporin and FK506, effectively stops the growth of the fungus Cryptococcus neoformans. The compounds are now being tested in animals with fungal infections.
Researchers successfully cloned the first mammalian clock gene, identified as 'Clock', which regulates biological clocks and sleep patterns. The discovery provides new insights into the genetic basis of individual differences in human sleep-wake behavior and may lead to the development of new drugs to regulate circadian rhythms.
Researchers discovered a genetic mutation in people with Alport syndrome prevents normal transformation process in collagen proteins, leading to gradual loss of membrane integrity. The mutation affects production of alpha-5 collagen, resulting in breakdown of critical glomerular basement membrane.
A study by Penn researchers found that minor depression in elderly populations is linked to differences in brain structure, specifically smaller prefrontal lobe volume. This finding has important neurobiologic implications for minor depression and may inform the development of new treatments.
Brown University scientists have successfully used a magnetic field to levitate frog embryos, reducing forces and stresses by a factor of 10. This technique, known as magnetic field gradient levitation, could enable researchers to study living organisms in simulated low-gravity environments at a fraction of the cost of space missions.
Astronomers have detected radio emission from a cosmic gamma-ray burst using the National Science Foundation's Very Large Array (VLA) radio telescope. The detection may help resolve one of the biggest mysteries in astrophysics, providing unprecedented knowledge about gamma-ray bursts and their parent objects.
Microbes in soil have been found to degrade certain toxic chemicals, including pentachlorophenol and benzoate. Researchers are developing procedures for using these hungry bugs in environmental cleanup efforts, which could be more effective and cost-efficient than traditional methods.
Research reveals grapefruit juice increases CYP3A4 enzyme levels, affecting drug metabolism; this finding narrows the search for responsible substance, enabling safer medications. Consistency is key: individuals taking affected drugs should consult physicians if adding grapefruit juice to their diet.
Researchers find that centrosymmetric materials can exhibit triboluminescence when containing impurities or structural anomalies, challenging traditional understanding of the phenomenon. The study synthesized various esters to investigate the relationship between material structure and triboluminescent activity.
A first-ever restocking project will release up to 20 captive-bred black and white ruffed lemurs into the ancestral island nation's rain forests. The project aims to help the animals adjust to their new environment through a 'soft release' approach, while also stimulating conservation-mindedness in local citizens.
Researchers have found that penguins from the Punta Tombo reserve in southern Argentina travel more than 300 miles to find food, a significant increase from previously thought foraging ranges. The depletion of squid and other preferred foods is attributed to commercial fisheries and climate change.
The study found a 38% decrease in asthma symptoms and a 31% increase in child quality of life. Parents also experienced a 16% increase in perceived competence of managing their child's illness. The program used a multi-disciplinary approach to help patients control their disease.
A new study by Johns Hopkins Medicine recommends reducing the annual frequency of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing for men between 50 and 70 years old, as most don't need frequent tests to detect curable cancers. The guidelines suggest PSA testing every two years is sufficient to identify most men with curable prostate cancer.
The study estimates ecosystem services' value between $16 and $54 trillion per year, with coastal environments accounting for 43% of this value. The research highlights the importance of valuing ecosystem services in decision-making processes.
The newly revised nomograms combine clinical stage, Gleason score, and PSA level information to identify men who can be cured by surgery alone. The use of these nomograms should improve our ability to predict surgical curability and help patients make informed treatment decisions.
Researchers have discovered that HIV can invade cells within any female reproductive tract organ, increasing the risk of infection. The study's findings suggest that vaccine development and disease prevention should aim to confer protection throughout the entire tract.
A new study by Washington University School of Medicine researchers found that a surprising 22 percent of men with prostate cancer had PSA levels between 2.6 and 4, highlighting the need for yearly PSA tests for men over 50. The study suggests that doctors may be missing cancers in this range due to outdated guidelines.
Researchers have discovered a key role for the TIGR protein in non-hereditary forms of glaucoma, which may lead to novel diagnostic tools and treatments. The study found that exposure to steroid drugs or oxidative stress increased TIGR protein production, contributing to elevated intraocular pressure.
A new laparoscopic technique for kidney removal has been shown to reduce pain, hospital stays, and recovery time compared to traditional methods. The study found that kidneys removed with this technique function as well as those taken out with a large incision.
A study funded by NIMH found that only 23.5% of women in jail needed mental health services received them, despite having special needs such as abuse and addiction. The lack of services can lead to increased suicide rates among female detainees.
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed a new technique to fix potholes using microwaves, which can detect cracks and flaws beneath asphalt and concrete. This technology has the potential to extend the lifespan of roads and reduce maintenance costs by billions.
Researchers at University at Buffalo and Roswell Park Cancer Institute found no link between chemotherapy use and cancer risk in children's offspring. The study analyzed health records of 153 children born to 91 chemotherapy patients, showing none developed cancer.
The Boston University team successfully captured the first-ever image of Hale-Bopp's three tails, providing new insights into the comet's composition. The team's innovative detector system and modest telescope size allowed them to detect faint signals from sodium gas, which is not visible to the naked eye.
Researchers are collecting data from the lowest few thousand feet of the atmosphere, known as the boundary layer, to better understand its interactions with the surface. The Cooperative Atmosphere-Surface Exchange Study (CASES) aims to improve weather forecasting by measuring heating and evaporation rates at the surface.
Researchers have discovered that relaxor ferroelectrics can deform 10 times more under high voltage, making them ideal for medical ultrasound devices and potentially leading to breakthroughs in piezoelectric technology
Scientists have found that the fragile X protein is produced in synapse junctions, essential for normal brain development. The discovery reveals a new understanding of the disorder's mechanisms, which may lead to better treatments and therapies.
The North Carolina Statewide Infection Control Program has prepared guidelines to prevent and control the spread of antibiotic-resistant infections, specifically MRSA and VRE. The guidelines offer practices designed to reduce transmission between patients in various healthcare settings.
Students Mili Ashar, Jay Humphries and Aaron Kim developed a mechanism that allows a double-amputee to attach a power drill or other tool to his prosthetic arms. The team also created a snake-like robot for military surveillance that can slither across rugged terrain without risking a soldier's life.
A new study published in Developmental Psychology found that mothers' behavior and perception of their child's temperament can influence a child's problem-solving abilities. Children rated as more difficult by their mothers were more likely to struggle with task completion and had lower IQ scores.
Researchers found that people demonstrate territorial behavior in parking lots, delaying departure times when another car wants the space, and becoming more aggressive with honking cars. This behavior is counterproductive, wasting time and effort.
A study published in Developmental Psychology suggests that bilingual preschoolers understand written languages faster and can read sooner than their monolingual counterparts. Bilingual children recognize symbolic relations between letters and sounds, allowing them to comprehend written language without visual objects.
The article argues that deregulation has resulted in lower energy prices for consumers, comparable to those in 1949 when adjusted for inflation. Free markets have also devised solutions to manage price risks through hedging instruments, allowing large consumers to lock in prices and mitigate volatility.