A new study surveyed 26 men and 26 women with congestive heart failure, using standardized measurements to assess their quality of life. Women scored higher than men in physical functioning, bodily pain, general health, vitality, social functioning, mental health scores, depression, and feelings of peacefulness.
A new multicenter randomized clinical trial aims to reduce stroke rates in African Americans by comparing the effectiveness of aspirin and ticlopidine. The study is supported by the National Institute of Neurological Disease and Stroke and will provide free medication to participants.
A new Penn State research project assesses the effectiveness of Telehealth technology in supplementing traditional home health visits for people with diabetes. The project aims to improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare costs, while expanding access to care for underserved populations.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found adenovirus in 71.4% of autopsied hearts from patients with viral myocarditis, a condition previously attributed to Coxsackie B enterovirus. The study suggests adenovirus and enteroviruses may work together to cause this condition.
A new blood test that measures troponin T, a protein released by dying heart muscle during heart attacks, can identify high-risk patients and predict long-term risk. The test has been shown to detect cardiac events or death within 30 days with high accuracy.
University of Michigan scientists estimate moon age between 4.52 billion to 4.50 billion years ago through tungsten isotope analysis. The data supports the hypothesis that the moon was formed from a large object colliding with Earth.
A new study by the American Heart Association reveals that men who experience high levels of anger are at increased risk of having a stroke. The research, which followed 2,110 middle-aged men for seven years, found that those who struggled to manage their anger were more likely to suffer from a stroke.
Researchers will analyze complex human thought processes using brain imaging to discover how the human operating system works. The project aims to develop displays and interfaces that keep information processing requirements within the human range, particularly in high-stress environments.
A study found that physical exertion, even mowing the lawn, can rupture blood clots in vulnerable plaque of sedentary men with coronary heart disease and hypercholesterolemia. This increases the risk of sudden coronary death, especially for those with high total cholesterol levels.
The BERT-1 trial found that low-dose beta radiation effectively prevents restenosis by reducing late lumen loss in coronary arteries. In a six-month follow-up, 90% of patients experienced no significant narrowing of their vessels post-angioplasty.
Michigan Technological University researchers are developing Trac + Deicer, a mixture of crushed glass and calcium magnesium acetate (CMA), as an alternative to road salt. Studies have shown that CMA can be as effective as salt in keeping snow from packing on the road surface while being less corrosive.
Researchers have identified a mutation in the myostatin gene in beefy bovines, which is also found in
A recent study has found a link between methylmercury exposure in pregnant mothers and neurological delays in 7-year-old children. The research, conducted in the Faroe Islands, used sophisticated neuropsychological and neurophysiological techniques to examine the effects of prenatal mercury exposure on brain development.
A Phase 1 study of BRCA1 gene therapy in patients with ovarian cancer demonstrated minimal side effects and a significant tumor reduction in three participants. The researchers found that the vector was not immediately destroyed by the body's immune system, allowing it to transfer the BRCA1 gene into cancer cells.
Researchers develop dendrimer supermolecules that funnel light energy through a tree-like structure, directing it to a central point. The nanostar molecule can convert ultraviolet light into visible light with up to 99% efficiency, making it suitable for various applications such as solar energy harvesting and optical sensors.
A new mathematical model proposes the sun's magnetic field resembles a wild cyclone rather than a tidy lawn sprinkler. The model suggests that the magnetic field lines pass through different latitudes, providing a route for low-energy particles to travel from the equator to the poles.
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) biologists have found direct evidence for the function of a key protein involved in cells' uptake of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. The discovery could lead to new treatments for atherosclerosis, a leading cause of death in Western industrialized countries.
Researchers found that fragments of chromosome 11 slow tumor growth in mice and cell cultures, suggesting a tumor suppressor gene may be present. The study provides new hope for treating lung cancer patients by identifying a potential target for therapy.
A recent study found that patients who received the anti-clotting drug ReoPro before angioplasty had a 19% lower risk of needing coronary artery bypass graft surgery within six months. The study, which involved 5,641 patients, also showed significant cost savings in treating heart patients.
A nationwide study found that 62% of patients with high cholesterol did not reach recommended targets, with African-Americans facing even greater challenges. Patients who followed doctors' advice on diet and exercise were more likely to reach target levels.
A Yale study reveals that information related to faces is processed in a specific region of the prefrontal cortex. The research found that neurons responding to faces were clustered in one area, called the inferior prefrontal cortex, and were able to maintain activity even after stimuli disappeared.
A Duke University Medical Center study of patients from 57 hospitals found that treating a heart attack with direct angioplasty fails to save substantially more lives than therapy with clot-busting drugs. The rate of death or second heart attack was not statistically different between the two therapies.
Researchers have developed a simple test that may help identify young children at risk of developing life-threatening rapid heartbeats. The test, which measures P-wave dispersion, has shown promise in predicting the development of intra-atrial re-entry tachycardia (IART) in children.
Researchers found that only three of 39 physicians ordered an MRI for a patient with low yield, while others suggested it in the future or referred her to a neurologist. Physicians often failed to use recommended communication skills, such as asking about the patient's friend's experience with MS.
Neuroscientists at the University at Buffalo have produced an image of the brain's neural activity when monitoring multiple conversations. The study used PET and electrophysiology to identify how resources are allocated, revealing that the brain can complete tasks with focused attention but struggles with divided attention.
A six-month aerobic exercise program improved the functional capacity, strength, and independence of heart failure patients aged 61-91. The study showed a 22% increase in physical fitness, with 43% of patients completing the trial and experiencing significant improvements.
High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol may help trigger an inflammatory reaction in the blood vessels and accelerate atherosclerosis under some circumstances. Researchers suggest that anti-inflammatory medicines like aspirin could be useful in preventing or controlling atherosclerosis.
A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine reveals that heart surgery patients who experience a stroke have significantly higher mortality rates and longer hospital stays compared to those without a stroke. The average hospital bill for these patients is $45,052, highlighting the need for improved stroke prevention and management.
Researchers successfully used gene therapy to grow new blood vessels in eight people with obstructed leg circulation due to atherosclerosis. The therapy, called therapeutic angiogenesis, helped improve blood flow, reduce pain and gangrene risk, and even prevented amputations.
A new form of gene therapy has been tested to prevent blockages that occur after bypass surgery, with four patients showing successful results. The treatment aims to reduce cell growth and atherosclerosis in grafted vessels, which can fail due to up to 50% of cardiac and leg bypass surgeries.
Researchers found that angioplasties in high-volume centers with skilled physicians had low mortality rates and comparable heart attack rates compared to younger patients. The study suggests that elderly patients can benefit from angioplasty when appropriate candidates, paving the way for more advanced care.
Researchers have discovered a promising approach to protecting the brain from damage during heart bypass surgery, using chemicals that inhibit nitric oxide production and reduce glutamate accumulation. Patient trials are expected to start in early 1998.
Research suggests that parental control, when combined with warmth and affection, is essential for Black teens' academic success. Students who reported high levels of family closeness had higher levels of self-esteem and were more likely to believe they had the skills and abilities to do well in school.
Researchers create a novel form of botulinum toxin that survives the gastrointestinal system and can be used as an effective oral vaccine. This breakthrough has far-reaching implications for developing vaccines against diseases such as diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough.
A new study published in American Psychologist found that racial differences in intelligence narrowed by about half between 1970 and 1988 and have remained constant since then. Socio-economic class differences also decreased gradually since 1932, with IQ scores converging between the upper and lower thirds.
A new research tool developed at USC promises to speed dramatically the hunt for disease-causing genes by reconstructing gene layouts. The ExonPCR technique uses a series of 'yes' or 'no' answers, similar to the parlor game '20 Questions,' to narrow down possibilities and solve the riddle.
Researchers have identified a genetic susceptibility locus for ET, a debilitating disorder characterized by tremors in the arms, head, neck, and voice. The discovery paves the way for future research to identify the cause of ET and develop more effective treatments.
Researchers identified education and current health status as significant predictors of improved or maintained cognitive performance in older African Americans. The study also found that women are less likely to experience decline in cognitive functioning than men.
A new study reveals that employers give fewer chances to women and employees with working spouses for job relocations, despite their acceptance rates being no different. The research found biases based on sex and marital type, which could impact career development and create a glass ceiling for working women.
The Mars 2001 Lander mission aims to investigate the geological record of ancient Martian waterways and possible biology. Cornell's Athena rover will use its integrated scientific instruments to collect data on the planet's surface, including an imager, infrared spectrometer, and Alpha-Proton-X-Ray spectrometer.
The National Science Foundation has awarded Williams College a $143,912 grant to equip a new laser facility, bringing together four research labs and a student workspace. The new equipment will enable researchers to measure optical wavelengths accurately and support a broad range of research in atomic, molecular, and optical physics.
Researchers found that a brief genetic response to heat stress can increase fruit fly lifespan at normal temperatures. The study reveals hsp70's role in moderating stress and potentially regulating aging.
The new guidelines, JNC VI, recommend stratifying patients into risk groups based on blood pressure stage and presence of risk factors. Lifestyle changes are advised for all patients on drug therapy, regardless of risk group.
Astronomers have detected the 'frame-dragging' effect, a prediction by Albert Einstein 80 years ago, in disks of gas swirling around black holes. The team used X-ray astronomy satellites to measure the precession of accretion disks, finding evidence of frame dragging in two black hole systems.
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have discovered a novel leukemia-producing transcription factor called E2A-HLF, which transforms immature lymphocytes by preventing normal destruction programs. This finding provides a potential window into understanding leukemias that result from altered survival signals.
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine is establishing a unique clinical trials unit to develop and test new therapies and vaccines for sexually transmitted diseases. The unit will focus on addressing major problems worldwide, including syphilis and gonorrhea, and will be the first of its kind in the US.
A new study found that vegetarian diets combined with vigorous exercise or moderate alcohol intake can significantly lower the risk of coronary artery disease. The research also showed that running and drinking were linked to increased levels of good cholesterol in both vegetarians and non-vegetarians.
Purdue University researchers isolate plant genes that enable efficient phosphate uptake, a key finding in addressing global phosphorus scarcity. The discovery may lead to the creation of more efficient phosphorus users and alternative sources of phosphorus.
Researchers have found that radiation exposure can be passed down through generations, affecting cell growth and reproduction. The study used a sensitive model to demonstrate that male mice exposed to radiation may pass on detrimental effects to their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
A recent article by John T. Bruer, Ph.D., states that neuroscience does not provide conclusive evidence to support the idea that children's early years are crucial for future learning outcomes. The brain remains adaptable and changeable throughout life in response to environmental stimuli.
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital are developing new brain tumor treatment protocols that use 3D imaging to accurately target tumors, reducing radiation doses and side effects. The protocols involve combining lower-dose radiation with chemotherapy to increase survival rates and minimize long-term damage.
A new Fetal Echocardiography website aims to improve detection of congenital heart disease using an expert system that guides physicians and technicians in interpreting fetal sonograms. The beta version of the program has been accessed over 7,000 times since its online launch in August 1996.
The 'Mugspot' software module automatically analyzes video images to pick out passers-by, tracking their heads for identification. Developed at USC and Bochum University, it uses an unusual approach mimicking the brain's visual cortex to recognize faces in substandard lighting conditions.
Drilling in the Caribbean Basin uncovered evidence of massive volcanic eruptions 55 million years ago, which triggered a dramatic climatic change and rapid ocean water inversion. This led to the release of sea floor methane into the atmosphere, causing global warming and speeding evolution of new species.
A study by UPMC researchers found that serotonin receptors in the brain decline by 55% with age, even after accounting for normal aging changes. This decline may contribute to the development of depression and Alzheimer's disease, highlighting the need for effective treatments.
Researchers have identified a critical nicotinic receptor in the brain that may contribute to the development of epilepsy, Alzheimer
Charles Rick's half-century of research at UC Davis forged a fundamental understanding of tomato genetics. He identified 42 disease-resistance genes and bred them into commercial varieties, benefiting almost every other vegetable crop worldwide.
A recent Virginia Tech study reveals that students in technology-enriched courses reported more active engagement with coursework, investing more of their own time. Faculty members also reported a change in their role from one-way information dispensers to facilitators for learning.
A recent study found that women with unplanned pregnancies are less likely to breastfeed, which can lead to poorer health outcomes for their children. The research, published in the American Journal of Public Health, suggests that doctors may not be adequately addressing the issue.
Science's Next Wave is creating a fellowship database with funding from HHMI. The site will feature profiles of selected foundations and other funding organizations, providing crucial information for young scientists. The new database will debut in early 1998.