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.
The new guidelines rank treatment options using data from 69 experts, recommending cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) as the primary first-line treatment. The guidelines also suggest starting medication before adding CBT for severe patients, and recommend a trial of clomipramine after failed SSRI trials.
A Colorado State University study has found that exposure to high-frequency vibrations can increase bone density in female sheep by up to 3% over a one-year period. This promising treatment may be an ideal alternative for older, less active women with osteoporosis.
Researchers found that parents with two children spend an average of 57,661 hours raising their kids to age 18, exceeding the previously estimated 7.25 hours a day. This includes primary child care and secondary child care activities. The study also revealed that mothers spend more time on primary child care than fathers.
A study published in Developmental Psychology found that children who engaged in distracting activities and sought social support were less homesick. Parents can play a big role in helping their children overcome homesickness by practicing shorter separations and encouraging them to change what they can about the separation.
A national survey found that local TV news devotes only 2% to education and 1.2% to race relations, instead focusing on easy-to-cover topics like weather and breaking news. Local TV in larger markets spends even less time on these issues.
Researchers are studying the impact of Atlanta's growth on its air quality and temperatures over two decades. Trees have been found to reduce temperatures, with a difference of up to 31 degrees between paved areas and tree-lined spaces. The study aims to provide insights for cities reshaping themselves for comfort and lower heating bills.
A University of Pittsburgh study has successfully weaned 41 adults and children off immunosuppressive drugs for extended periods, with 25 patients remaining drug-free after seven years or more. Close surveillance is crucial to manage rejection and prevent graft loss, says Dr. Reyes.
A novel surgical technique developed at the UPMC has improved graft survival rates in patients receiving combined pancreas and kidney transplants. The technique protects the pancreas from injury during removal and transport, resulting in higher patient survival rates.
A new study shows that nearly half of rural eastern US sites would not meet the new ozone standard, posing health risks to residents. The researchers argue that a regional approach is needed to address rural air pollution, requiring cooperation among states and communities.
A study of kidney patients found that those taken off steroids had significantly better one- and three-year survival rates compared to those still on the medication. One-year patient survival was 99% in the group no longer taking steroids, while one- and three-year graft survival rates were also higher.
A $2.7 million clinical trial is underway at the University of Alaska Anchorage to investigate the effectiveness of needle exchange programs in reducing the spread of disease among injection drug users. The study will compare participants who receive clean syringes through needle exchange with those who purchase them at pharmacies.
Scientists measured viral load in 106 HIV-infected babies from birth to 5 years of age, finding that higher viral loads predict disease severity. Early HIV blood levels may also predict outcome of progression to AIDS in children, highlighting the need for early antiretroviral therapy.
A new study by Cornell University found that nonwhites, especially in NYC, are more likely to live in structurally inadequate and overcrowded housing. The study analyzed data from seven metropolitan areas, including NYC, and found significant racial disparities in housing quality.
A new study found that 41% of current AFDC recipients will reach the 60-month cutoff for lifetime receipt of welfare, and 52% will be forced to seek employment or work activity. States have options to exempt up to 20% of caseloads, but millions of families will still be affected.
Scientists at Johns Hopkins Medicine report a test that counts AIDS viruses in blood can identify infected infants and extend their lives by starting treatment early. The test shows within a month after birth whether a baby born to an HIV-positive mother is also infected, allowing for prompt intervention.
A recent study found that cockroach allergen exposure is a significant contributor to asthma morbidity among inner-city children. Children who were both allergic and heavily exposed to cockroach allergen were more likely to experience severe asthma symptoms, including hospitalizations and lost sleep.
A study by Cornell University researchers found that most buildings in the Northeast region exceeded minimum building code requirements for snow loads during the Blizzard of '96. The accumulation of snow from two storms led to increased snow weight on roofs, causing collapses in some areas.
The Pantex storage building will utilize automated gas generator disassembly system (AGGDIS) and weighing and leak check system (WALS) to improve the efficiency and safety of nuclear dismantlement operations. These robotic systems will enable faster handling of sensitive components, reducing radiation exposure for humans.