A Duke University study found that state efforts to increase health insurance coverage among near-elderly individuals were largely ineffective due to high out-of-pocket premiums and limited affordability. The researchers argue that a single-payer system like those in other developed countries may be more effective in reducing the unins...
A review of 20 published trials found that combining estrogen replacement with at least 1200 mg calcium daily preserves better bone health than using either treatment alone. This review suggests a combination therapy approach to managing osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.
A study of 224 middle-aged and older adults found that avoiding pessimism had a greater impact on well-being, whereas optimistic thinking did not have as large an impact. The study also showed that caregivers were more pessimistic and less optimistic than non-caregivers.
Inflatable dams offer a range of benefits, including flexible flood protection solutions and minimal maintenance requirements. They can be used to control water levels, prevent backflows, and even provide recreational spaces while maintaining flood protection.
Researchers employ phytoremediation approach using poplar trees to remediate contaminated sites, drawing polluted groundwater to their roots where contaminants are rendered harmless. The method's effectiveness and limitations remain areas of study, with ongoing research aiming to improve its applications for environmental cleanup.
A study of 456 nurses found that satisfaction accelerated as pay levels increased, suggesting that employers can't assume they know how pay raises will affect satisfaction. The researchers identified several reasons for this phenomenon, including long-term budget constraints and inadequate performance appraisal systems.
A study of small hardware stores found that independent retailers outperformed franchise-affiliated ones in high-competition environments. Independent stores focused on providing knowledge-intensive service, which helped them thrive despite strong competition.
Janet Randall deciphered the communication system used by great gerbils to warn their kin of danger, discovering a variable warning system that alerts family members to the degree of risk. The gerbils' altruistic motives contrast with those of kangaroo rats, which use foot-drumming to ward off predators.
A study by Jim Hartz and Rick Chappell found a significant gulf between scientists and reporters, undermining science literacy among the general public. The researchers recommend improving communication between the two groups to ensure public support for basic research and its benefits.
The discovery of 92-million-year-old fossil ants in New Jersey amber confirms the existence of ants during the Age of Dinosaurs. The fossils show a metapleural gland, essential for ants' social system and ecological dominance.
Researchers at Columbia University have identified the first human gene associated with hair loss, offering new possibilities for treating various forms of alopecia. The 'hairless' gene initiates a cascade of events that stimulate hair growth, potentially leading to more effective treatments and gene therapy.
A national survey found that most women aged 35 and older experience leg swelling, tired legs, or restless feelings weekly. Many report being forced to take time off work or quit jobs due to leg health concerns, affecting their career progress and social activities.
Researchers have shown that TMS can modify brain reorganization, potentially accelerating recovery and rehabilitation. The technique may also be used to promote learning and improve brain function after injuries or trauma.
Researchers have developed a gene therapy technique that makes recipient's immune system tolerant of newly engrafted organs, eliminating the need for lifelong immunosuppressive drug therapy. The approach involves introducing a vector carrying the CTLA4Ig protein into an organ preservation solution before transplant surgery.
Physicists at Columbia University will receive funding to develop sensitive electronics for the Large Hadron Collider, enabling detection of new particles created during high-energy collisions. The electronics will handle a massive rate of collisions while maintaining precision of 0.25 percent.
A study by University of Washington professors Virginia Berninger and Robert Abbott found that handwriting instruction, combined with composition practice, significantly improved writing accuracy and quality in first-graders. The research also showed a direct carry-over from handwriting to compositional skills throughout the elementary...
Research by Dr. Dan A. Oren may help alleviate SAD symptoms such as fatigue, sadness, weight gain, and sleep problems. His study suggests that blood absorbs light energy from the sun, regulating biological clocks and behavior.
A new study by Ohio State University researcher Jay Frogel warns that El Niño events can change atmospheric data by up to 2 percent, affecting precise astronomical measurements. This alteration occurs due to the increased water content in the atmosphere during El Niño events.
A recent study published in Circulation found that consuming garlic supplements can lower the stiffness of the aorta by up to 15% in healthy individuals. The study suggests that eating garlic may be beneficial for cardiovascular health, particularly as people age.
Researchers discovered a genetic defect in ALL1 gene duplication that signals poor prognosis and shorter survival time in AML patients. Patients with this defect require aggressive treatment, including allogenic bone marrow transplant, to improve survival rates.
In February, join the BirdSource Great '98 count to help scientists learn more about North American birds by counting bird species at your backyard feeders or local parks. The project provides instant feedback through graphics and animated maps.
The Physics 2000 Project offers a fun and interactive approach to learning physics, featuring over 30 virtual experiments and explanations by cartoon characters. Users can explore topics such as X-rays, wave interference patterns, and electromagnetic radiation in an engaging and accessible way.
Researchers found that heterozygous children with the delta 32 mutation experienced slower disease progression and delayed onset of severe immunodeficiency. This discovery provides important arguments for the beneficial effect of delta 32 heterozygosity on HIV disease progression in children.
Researchers at Ohio State University have identified a new category of tumor suppressor genes associated with Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, a rare inherited disorder. The study found that the PJS gene produces a protein kinase enzyme, which is not produced in cancer-causing scenarios.
A laboratory study by Berkeley Lab's researchers reveals that green rust can chemically react with toxic selenium, converting it to a safer elemental form. This finding offers a possible new approach to addressing selenium contamination in soils and sediments.
Living Reviews in Relativity is a new review journal that summarizes and explains recent work in relativity. The journal is made possible by modern computer technology and provides free access to current research, including articles with web links to important scientific resources.
A study by Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center found that 77% of adult AML patients who received a T-cell depleted bone marrow transplant were cancer-free after 6 years. The treatment limits graft-versus-host disease risk and leukemic recurrence.
A recent study suggests that smokers with depression may be more likely to self-medicate with cigarettes due to genetic differences. The research found that individuals with specific variants of the dopamine D4 receptor gene were more likely to smoke for mood-enhancing purposes.
The Emory University Fragile X Group will investigate molecular, neurological, and biochemical approaches to clarify the fragile X syndrome, a cause of inherited mental retardation in humans. The team aims to develop model systems and explore potential therapeutic strategies.
The Near Earth Asteroid Rendezvous (NEAR) spacecraft successfully completed its Earth swingby, putting it on course for a historic encounter with asteroid 433 Eros. Scientists released the first images from the mission on January 26, providing valuable insights into the spacecraft's performance and trajectory.
Researchers at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center have identified a combination of drugs that can induce leukemia cells to mature and behave like normal blood cells. By targeting genetic changes underlying acute promyelocytic leukemia, the team developed a novel 'transcription therapy' approach that may improve treatment for other ...
Research suggests shrews can serve as an indicator of environmental health due to their high sensitivity to environmental change. In the Central African Republic, 16 species of shrews were found thriving in micro-territories, defying expectations for such limited habitats.
Researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder have created transgenic mice with gene mutations for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a genetic disease that thickens the heart muscle and obstructs blood flow. The study may lead to new therapeutic agents to improve heart function in humans.
Ann Weaver Hart emphasizes the importance of scholarly exchange and interaction in advancing knowledge. She draws on Henry Steele Commager's work, stating that scholars are not isolated but rather dependent on colleagues worldwide, dedicated to a public search for truth.
Chemists directly observed how hydrogen atoms behave and bond to surfaces at high temperatures using a scanning tunneling microscope. They found that dangling bonds on the surface unpaired, re-paired multiple times depending on temperature, showing favorable conditions for growing more silicon.
Researchers found a significant unmet need for treatment among urban HIV-positive women, who reported decreased sexual desire despite adequate testosterone levels. The study suggests that diagnosis and clinical attention are warranted to address this disorder.
Researchers found that patients with bereavement-related depression had decreased natural killer cell counts after disrupted sleep. The study provides direct evidence of the stress-immune relationship and highlights the importance of good sleep for maintaining health in the elderly.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine are conducting a new clinical trial combining a proven antiretroviral drug therapy with an experimental DNA vaccine to eradicate HIV. The therapy has shown promise in lowering virus levels and restoring immune system function, paving the way for a potential cure.
The Virginia Tech Center for Environmental Applications of Remote Sensing (CEARS) will provide detailed maps and spatial data to support informed development project decisions. CEARS will leverage NASA's resources and expertise to advance remote sensing research, education, and outreach.
Research on plasminogen-related growth factors has shed light on their role in mammalian development, tumorigenesis, and angiogenesis. The symposium explores the evolution of these growth factors and their interactions with other molecules, highlighting their importance in various biological processes.
A two-year study found that moderate air pollution can decrease lung function in adult hikers, even at relatively low ozone concentrations. Hikers with a history of asthma or wheezing experienced more pronounced declines.
A study at the University of Toronto has discovered a biological basis for phantom sensations experienced by amputees. The researchers found that neurons in the brain that used to represent sensation in the lost limb remain functional and are now driven by stimulation of other body parts, usually the part closest to the amputated limb.
This book brings together international specialists to discuss the genetic structure of telomeres, telomerase function, and their importance in aging and cancer. The chapters cover topics such as telomere length regulation, chromosome end replication, and telomerase repressor genes.
Researchers at USC identified signals in the cerebellum and inferior olive that cause blocking, a phenomenon where animals fail to associate new stimuli with learned responses. Blocking prevents distraction from redundant or erroneous signals, ensuring efficient learning.
Researchers have identified a new tick-borne disease in North Carolina and the Southeast that is distinct from Lyme disease. The disease, caused by an unknown organism, produces symptoms similar to ehrlichiosis but without a telltale rash. Investigation led by Dr. Kathryn Kirkland suggests the infection can be cured with antibiotics.
A population association study found a higher percentage of the 7 repeat allele and 7+ genotype in ADHD children compared to controls. The study also identified significant positive results from a family-based approach, providing additional evidence for an association between DRD4 gene and ADHD.
Scientists have identified specific brain regions linked to tinnitus, a condition with no known cause or effective treatment. The study's findings raise hopes for developing treatments and possibly even a cure.
A study by NIMH researchers suggests that female sex hormones trigger PMS symptoms, but the susceptibility to these symptoms in some women remains unexplained. Researchers found no differences between women with PMS and those without when hormone levels were artificially manipulated.
A unique strategy aims to use computer-examined variables and prescribe chemical regulations for specific areas to benefit the environment and agriculture. The nation's first 'smart' environmental regulations for ground water contamination by agricultural runoff are being created as part of Indiana's pesticide management plan.
The new welfare and immigration reform acts are likely to produce unintended consequences, including reduced legal immigration and increased incentives for illegal immigrants. Farm employment in rural California is also linked to poverty and a vicious cycle of rural poverty, with immigrants becoming trapped in low-paid labor.
Numerical simulations by U of T physicists suggest sea-level changes exceeding 100 meters can occur, contradicting previous assumptions linking them to ocean floor elevation changes. The 'wobbling' of the Earth's rotation axis produces regional sea-level variations, requiring a reevaluation of long-term climate studies.
A recent study by Yale University School of Medicine researchers found that nearly 30% of people over 72 years old regained their ability to perform essential activities of daily living. The strongest predictor of recovery was age, with participants aged 85 or younger being more likely to regain independent ADL function.
A new DNA production method dubbed 'rolling circles' has been developed by University of Rochester chemist Eric Kool, allowing for easy and inexpensive production of large quantities of DNA. This technique uses circular DNA strands that can be replicated exponentially without the need for expensive enzymes or complex equipment.
Researchers found that accreting pulsars exhibit strange behavior, including gaining and losing time, due to mass transfer from stellar companions. This phenomenon is caused by the negative torque experienced by the pulsar, which affects its spin rate.
Researchers link biblical story of Hannah to first documented case of anorexia nervosa and its associated infertility. The article, published in Fertility and Sterility, suggests that extreme weight loss may have contributed to Hannah's inability to conceive.
A recent journal issue concludes that businesses are failing to leverage emerging computer/communications technology for profits. The study highlights the need for commensurate changes in management practices to unlock economic value from technological advancements.
A recent study by Ohio State University found that mild iron deficiency weakens bones and increases the risk of fractures in laboratory rats. The researchers also discovered that even minor iron deficiency can lead to lower bone density, making it more likely for bones to break.
A large study by Ohio State University researchers has found that stress experienced after a breast cancer diagnosis and surgery can weaken the immune response in women. The study, published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, used biochemical indicators to measure the impact of stress on immune function.
Researchers suggest schools need stronger partnerships with communities to provide safe spaces for learning. Full-service schools could offer health and counseling services, adult education classes, and parent support groups to address community stressors.
December 1997 was the coldest month on record in the Earth's lower stratosphere, indicating a cooling trend over the past 15 years. This is consistent with ozone depletion in the lower stratosphere.