A recent study found that women in public housing lack factual knowledge about specific health risks and benefits of quitting. Concerns about general health were the primary motivator for quitting, but perceptions of addiction hindered actual plans to quit.
A synthetic detergent, nonylphenolethoxylate (NPE), commonly used in household cleansers, has been discovered to block a drug pump in cancer cells, reducing the need for chemotherapy drugs. The researchers found NPE present in human urine and suggest it could be a useful adjunct to standard treatments.
A research team has identified a critical weakness in the defence against aging and discovered that a specific cell type, the motor neuron, is the major target for oxidative damage. By inserting a human gene into fruit flies, researchers were able to boost their lifespan by 40%.
A survey of 60,000 Pennsylvania students found a decrease in willingness to seek help from physicians, parents, teachers, and counselors for drug abuse treatment. Students' perception of the risks associated with drugs has decreased over time, but the actual problems persist.
Scientists have created gene-altered mice that closely reproduce the clinical features of dilated cardiomyopathy, allowing for unprecedented study of early changes and development of new therapies. The model enables researchers to understand the causes and mechanism of the disease, ultimately aiming to develop more effective treatments.
Researchers developed a model to predict antiviral drug resistance in genital herpes, finding that treating the disease would prevent more cases than developing resistant strains. The study suggests using this methodology for other infectious diseases prone to resistance.
A study by National Jewish researchers found that families with unexpressed emotions and disorganization are more likely to have children with asthma who skip taking medication. The researchers also found that knowledge of asthma's symptoms and treatments alone is not enough to ensure a child will take medication as prescribed.
Researchers at Temple University have found that spatial attention can improve motor and language tasks in individuals with aphasia who have parietal lobe lesions. This means that directing attention to the correct location can enhance performance on various cognitive tasks, including sensory, naming, and reading tasks.
Researchers found that relatives of individuals with colon polyps have a slightly less than doubling of risk compared to the general population, rising to about 10-12% over a lifetime. The study suggests that these individuals should receive colonoscopy instead of sigmoidoscopy for screening.
A new study by Johns Hopkins researchers found that older men have more extensive prostate disease even if their PSA levels are the same as younger men. The study suggests that age should be an additional guide in deciding whether to do further testing for non-palpable prostate cancer.
Women in their 40s benefit more from annual mammography screening due to detectable cancers being larger and more aggressive. Mammograms for younger women are less effective compared to breast palpation, which also faces similar limitations in denser pre-menopausal breasts.
Research reveals that positive feedback from law enforcement can distort eyewitness memories, making them more confident and accurate. The study suggests that this distortion can lead to innocent convictions, highlighting the need for supervised lineups and confidence assessments.
Researchers at the University at Buffalo found a link between specific sperm abnormalities and low pregnancy rates. They discovered that samples with premature chromosomal decondensation or acrosome reactions had only a slim chance of leading to a pregnancy.
Researchers found a spherical object in the Khohar chondrite containing fine-grained metal aggregate and graphite. The graphite exhibits large D and 15N excesses, suggesting an interstellar origin, and is abundant with coexisting metal particles. These findings provide evidence of interstellar graphite in meteorites.
Scientists identify a common gene family responsible for generating rhythmic electrical impulses in both the brain and heart. This discovery could lead to the development of screening tests and therapeutic applications for cardiac and neurological disorders.
A computer model predicts reliably the severity and timing of drought episodes six months in advance, helping farmers choose drought-tolerant crops and minimizing economic losses. The researchers also highlight the need to maintain adequate river levels to prevent barge traffic disruptions and ensure water supply.
A study published in Nature Genetics found that mice deficient in a stress hormone receptor exhibit reduced anxiety and improved stress response. The research suggests that new drugs suppressing the receptor's function may be effective in treating depression and anxiety.
Wendy Raymond has received a three-year NIH grant to study cell division regulation in yeast using genetic and molecular approaches. Her research focuses on the role of CDC-14 in exit from mitosis, building on serendipitous findings from her 1997 winter study class.
Penn State researchers investigate the ionosphere and atmospheric sodium using a six-minute rocket flight. They aim to determine if sodium can be used as a tracer of atmospheric motion and understand its relationship with sodium ions.
Researchers found that aspirin inhibits angiogenesis in tumor cells by blocking COX-2 enzyme production, which prevents the formation of blood vessels. Additionally, aspirin also targets COX-1 enzyme in endothelial cells, forming new blood vessels.
Scientists successfully used gene therapy to correct deafness in shaker-2 mice by identifying a recessive mutated gene responsible for the condition. The study's findings also revealed that the mutation affects a myosin enzyme involved in inner ear development, which is crucial for hearing.
A 20-acre Pennsylvania watershed was extensively measured in the 1970s, providing valuable data for calibration of runoff models. The study revealed differences in water behavior between south- and north-facing slopes, with implications for understanding small-scale hydrology.
The American Urological Association's 93rd Annual Meeting featured groundbreaking research on prostate cancer, erectile dysfunction, and kidney diseases. Researchers presented studies showcasing the importance of PSA testing in African American men and the effectiveness of sildenafil in treating erectile dysfunction.
Researchers have developed a unique antenna design called the Orlan antenna to provide communications and vital signs for astronauts on the International Space Station. The antenna's special loop design couples sufficient energy to transmit radio-frequency signals while minimizing reflections.
Scientists observed unusual transpolar auroral arcs during a geomagnetic storm in January 1997, contradicting existing models of the magnetosphere. The phenomenon was caused by energy propagating towards the dayside along the arc, indicating dynamic events in the magnetosphere.
Researchers at Savannah River Technology Center found metal-munching bacteria thriving in sterile storage pond environments, threatening long-term nuclear fuel rod integrity. This ill-timed discovery comes as a global downturn in nuclear reprocessing leads to extended storage periods.
Researchers at Georgia State University found over 15 types of fungi growing in car AC foam and glue, causing bad smells and allergic reactions. Sulphur-containing compounds are also responsible for the odors.
A solar flare on July 9, 1996, generated a massive seismic wave that resembles those created by terrestrial earthquakes. The seismic wave contained about 40,000 times the energy released in the San Francisco earthquake of 1906.
Duke University researchers have developed a new treatment that significantly extends the survival of patients with glioblastoma multiforme, the most malignant brain cancer. The treatment involves injecting antibodies carrying radioactive Iodine-131 directly into the tumor cells, achieving a median survival time of about 56 weeks.
A new computer simulation shows how a small cosmic cloud could suddenly burst the heliosphere, potentially leading to catastrophic climate changes and increased exposure to deadly cosmic radiation. The simulation may help guide Voyager 1 and 2 through a series of shock waves and a massive 'wall' in space nearly two decades from now.
Researchers at Arizona State University have found a large deposit of mineral hematite on Mars, suggesting the presence of hydrothermal activity and potentially water in the past. The find makes a strong case for future NASA missions to explore this area near the Martian equator.
Researchers discovered Cryptosporidium and Giardia parasites in 7.3% and 11.7% of stool samples from dogs, with puppies under 30 weeks old most affected. Despite no visible symptoms, these parasites can cause serious illness in humans.
Scientists have discovered giant convection cells on the sun, which could play a major role in its rotation and solar activity. These cells are large enough to swallow Jupiter and last for long periods, influencing space weather.
Recent USGS research reveals little difference in ground motions on Mississippi River bluffs vs nearby floodplain. This suggests areas underlain by rock may experience less shaking than those with alluvium, such as valleys.
A study of 996 terminated Ohio workers found that those given no explanation of why they were dismissed were 10 times more likely to report suing their former company. Employees who felt treated unfairly or undignified at termination were also more likely to file a wrongful termination suit.
Researchers find that the Jamaican tree crab and its relatives are not related to ocean-dwelling crabs but evolved from a common Jamaican marine ancestor. The species made a rapid evolutionary leap, adapting to their new environment in just 4 million years.
A NASA experiment has yielded new insights into the internal fabric of soil and powders under very low confining pressures. The Mechanics of Granular Materials (MGM) experiment showed unusual density patterns and unique shear band formations, which could lead to improved engineering standards and disaster preparedness.
Researchers found that poor social skills in teens signal emotional and behavioral issues, which can be diagnosed earlier than traditional indicators. The study suggests treatments focus on squelching problem behaviors rather than improving social skills.
The U.S. Geological Survey is using GIS techniques to investigate the origin of ancient river valleys on Mars and map impact craters, faults, and volcanoes. The research reveals that geothermal activity led to valley formation on early Mars.
The USGS has released a new seismic hazard map for the Western Hemisphere, providing a comprehensive tool for assessing potential earthquake damage. The map is the result of nearly a decade of cooperative work by scientists from around the world and will be available online and in various publications late this year.
A recent USGS study found that a subalpine wetland in Colorado's Rocky Mountain National Park was a net source of carbon to the atmosphere during a two-year period, despite being a net carbon sink for thousands of years. The study suggests that climate change may be affecting the carbon balance of these wetlands.
A USGS scientist is presenting new evidence that historical tsunamis in the Caribbean were caused by submarine slope failures and landslides on the nearby sea floor. The research suggests that these events triggered long-period waves that approached shallow water near shorelines, resulting in devastating damage.
Researchers from Johns Hopkins Medicine discovered that it took a volunteer patient about 250-300 milliseconds to begin understanding a pictured object, and another 250-450 milliseconds to fully comprehend its meaning. The study suggests that information accumulates gradually in the brain, rather than in a strictly all-or-none fashion.
The USGS is developing simulation models to evaluate the effects of proposed remedial actions on stream chemistry in abandoned mine lands. These models are applied to St. Kevin Gulch, a small stream near Leadville, Colorado, providing estimates of water quality that reflect the impact of proposed actions.
Researchers at UNC Health Care have discovered two proteins, CRY1 and CRY2, which help regulate circadian rhythms. These proteins were found in layers of the retina not involved in forming visual images, and their presence may help set the daily clock from sites in skin cells.
Recent research by the USGS aims to characterize and mitigate earthquake hazards in the region. The study highlights that nearly every state east of the Mississippi River has experienced damaging earthquakes, with some causing widespread damage.
A study by Johns Hopkins researchers suggests that classroom disorder can influence aggression levels in first-graders, with high-disorder classrooms linked to increased aggression in later years. Meanwhile, girls and boys from poor communities are also at risk of becoming highly aggressive by middle school.
A study by Penn State economists suggests that climate change could lead to an increase in waterborne diseases like Cryptosporidiosis, which can be fatal among immunocompromised individuals. The researchers estimate that doubling the frequency of 100-year floods could add up to $70 per person in costs.
A University of Colorado at Boulder study reveals a significant decrease in glacier area and volume worldwide, especially at mid- and low-latitudes. Glaciers such as those in Africa's Mount Kenya have lost up to 92% of their mass and many glaciers in Europe and New Zealand have shrunk significantly.
A new University of Washington cable television channel, Traffic TV, will broadcast real-time rush-hour traffic updates starting June 1. The service provides live video footage of traffic choke points and estimated travel speeds along area highways.
Researchers found a correlation between genetic variants and novelty-seeking and neuroticism genes in two-week-old babies. The study used the Brazelton Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale to assess behavioral responses to human and non-human stimuli, revealing early signs of potential psychiatric disorders.
Researchers have discovered that dust mites cluster together to survive dry spells, which may lead to new ways of exterminating them. The study found that males cluster to conserve moisture, while females do not, and that pheromones may play a role in finding mates.
Traumatic stress triggers an intricate response in the body's biochemical equilibrium, affecting the brain, endocrine, and immune systems. Research aims to understand this process to create more effective treatments for related disorders.
A free orientation program developed by UF professor Alice Holmes aims to increase patient satisfaction among hearing aid users. The four-session program provides realistic guidance on using hearing aids, adjusting settings, and preventing communication breakdowns.
Researchers have discovered a new light-sensitive pigment called cryptochrome, which controls the circadian rhythm in mammals, regulating bodily functions such as body temperature and blood pressure. The discovery may lead to better treatment for depression and reduce accidents during late-night shifts.
A study of 19 habitual coffee drinkers found that moderate caffeine use raises blood pressure by an average of five points, increasing the risk of heart disease. This effect occurs within an hour of consumption and remains elevated throughout the day.
A new study found that social disruption in monkeys infected with simian AIDS virus accelerates disease progression. Monkeys separated from familiar companions experienced faster development of AIDS, highlighting the impact of psychosocial factors on immunodeficiency disease.
University of Michigan scientists measure how matter changes under extreme pressure using a high-resolution femtosecond laser. The experiment confirms earlier predictions about atom behavior in super-dense environments, providing insight into phase transitions and electron conductivity.
The Virginia Tech Biotechnology Conference brings together experts to share knowledge on cutting-edge topics like gene therapy, mammalian cloning, and the impact of the Human Genome Project. The conference offers a range of workshops and lectures for high school and community college educators, as well as full-time students.
A new study finds that when remembering words, the brain activates the left side, while unfamiliar faces are processed by the right. However, both sides become active for objects with names.