A UCSF study reveals that low-income children are at a greater risk of experiencing disability, with 4.4 million US children affected. The study found that poor families, older children, and single-parent households were more likely to have children with disabilities.
A comprehensive study published in the American Journal of Public Health found that weight loss, not weight gain, is associated with higher mortality rates in seniors. Women with a body mass index of 20 or lower had a significantly higher mortality rate than others.
A team of U.S. astronomers has discovered a massive concentration of water vapor within a cloud of interstellar gas close to the Orion nebula, measuring 20 times larger than observed in other clouds. The high amount of water vapor could provide crucial clues about the origin of water in the solar system.
The University of Illinois has created a 2,500 square meter prehistoric domestic compound to teach students how to conduct non-invasive archeogeophysical testing. The site, called CATS, features various archaeological features typical of Eastern and Midwestern Native American cultures of 600 to 2,000 years ago.
A new study by researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill found that Russian women and children are not consuming enough iron in their diets. The study, which analyzed data from over 3,000 households, revealed that more than half of the iron consumed is lost due to interactions with other foods.
A new study by Columbia University and NASA finds that the Arctic ozone hole is projected to double in size by 2020, leading to increased skin cancer cases globally. The research models show that greenhouse gases are cooling the stratosphere, causing more ozone depletion.
Sandia National Laboratories has proposed a design for an accelerator, X-1, that aims to achieve high-yield fusion. If funded, the project is expected to reach initial operating capability by 2007 and high-yield fusion by 2010, providing important data for the nation's stockpile stewardship program.
Despite evidence of warfarin's effectiveness, it remains underused to prevent strokes in those with atrial fibrillation. The study found that increased prescriptions from 13% to 40% between 1989 and 1993 did not lead to significant changes in usage from 1993 onwards.
Researchers at the University of Illinois found that microwave-blanched asparagus retains its nutritional value, taste, and texture better than traditionally blanched asparagus. The process involves short exposure to high heat, typically two to five minutes, using a microwave oven.
A new Cornell University study finds that higher taxes on cigarettes will have a statistically insignificant impact on reducing teenage smoking rates. Higher taxes are estimated to reduce the number of new teen-age smokers by less than half a percentage point or two percentage points, respectively.
Exposure to stress during puberty results in abnormal aggressive and submissive behaviors, as well as neurobiological alterations, in hamsters. The study suggests that an imbalance in vasopressin and serotonin brain chemical systems contributes to inappropriate behavior.
Researchers have gained insight into the mechanisms of cell migration by altering a calcium-regulated traffic signal that dictates how cells stick to their environment. This discovery could lead to new treatments for diseases such as cancer invasion and metastasis, as well as inflammatory problems like arthritis.
A large study of 5,106 primary school students found that overweight children had higher blood pressure, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and lower HDL cholesterol levels than their lighter peers. The study also showed that many more children became overweight over time than returned to a healthy weight.
Researchers found that focusing on mastering skills and self-improvement boosts adolescent girls' motivation and reduces dropouts from sports. A mastery-oriented approach can optimize motivation for all participants, leading to a better pool of talent at higher levels.
Researchers discovered that certain male songbirds like stripe-backed wrens learn calls only from their fathers, while females exclusively learn from their mothers. This unique vocal instruction system reflects sex and kinship in birds' communication, providing insights into avian behavior and social dynamics.
A Cornell University robot made from plastic Tinkertoy parts has been shown to perform repeatable, chattering, human-like stable steps without falling over on a gentle slope. The robot's design provides new insights into the mechanics of walking and may have implications for designing better powered and controlled biped robots.
Researchers found that choline supplementation during pregnancy led to increased memory capability in offspring, as brain circuits were primed to learn and retain new information. This finding has implications for pregnant women and their children, potentially leading to the development of dietary supplements to enhance memory function.
A study of 23,393 sex offender cases found that only 13.4% committed another offense after four to five years in the community. Deviant sexual interests, prior offenses, and not completing treatment were significant risk factors for reoffending.
Researchers developed a new vision test to predict the likelihood of future crashes for individual older adults. Drivers with poor performance on the test, indicating an impaired useful field of view, were more than twice as likely to be involved in a crash within 3 years.
Cornell University researchers have developed simple but effective means to detect harmful bacteria using nanofabrication and biology. The new biosensors can be read using a laser beam and provide an instant reading of bacterial contamination, making them ideal for use in food production lines or other sensitive areas.
Research at USC highlights how neurodiverse brains interact with their families to develop coping strategies and resilience.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that delivering pain medication to patients before surgery reduces post-operative pain long after. The study, which involved 90 men undergoing radical prostatectomies, showed significant pain reduction in patients who received preemptive analgesia.
Researchers confirm that premature and low-birth weight infants should receive their immunizations at the same ages recommended for healthy, full-term babies. The study found that even the least immunologically mature preterm infants had adequate immune responses that lasted until age three to four.
Researchers at the University of Washington have developed a new test to assess rapid decision-making skills under heavy information load. The test, called the Abstract Decision Making task, was found to be predictive of performance in jobs such as emergency dispatching and air traffic control.
Researchers solved the crystal structure of human tumor necrosis factor-alpha-converting enzyme (TACE), revealing its unique features and providing insights into its role in inflammatory diseases. The study's findings have significant implications for developing targeted therapies for rheumatoid arthritis and septic shock.
Researchers used low-energy helium atom scattering to study the topmost layer of ice, finding that water molecules vibrate strongly, causing a coherent diffraction pattern to be elusive. The results explain why ice is slippery, adheres to other ice surfaces, and traps molecules in the stratosphere, leading to ozone depletion.
The CU-Boulder payload, dubbed COLLIDE, analyzes the gentle collisions of dust particles in space to understand the dynamics of larger particles. Four different impact speeds and two different depths of dust will be tested to shed light on the mysterious disappearance of dust from planetary ring particles.
The Bright Beginnings program has been awarded a $50,000 grant from the Community Foundation for Greater New Haven to expand its support services for vulnerable inner-city women and their babies. The program, which pairs trained volunteers with pregnant women, aims to promote good health care and parenting practices.
A new study by Ohio University researchers found that women with osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis use various coping mechanisms to deal with pain, including relaxation and emotional support. Women were better at regulating the emotional aspect of pain, while men struggled more with mood changes after high-pain days.
Dr. Mather's research and teaching in climatology have made a lasting impact on the profession. He is recognized for his exemplary service to the Association of American Geographers (AAG) and his faculty colleagues.
A space-based network of sensors is showing value in spotting and tracking storms that are likely to spawn tornadoes. Storms that sent tornadoes through Georgia and Florida were observed from orbit by special sensors a few hours before and after they struck, providing critical data for improving tornado warnings.
The Rockefeller study aims to identify genetic causes of early- and late-onset type 2 diabetes to develop better diagnostic tools and improved drug therapies. The researchers seek individuals with type 2 diabetes and at least one affected family member to participate in the study.
The crystal structure of the thermosome, an archaeal chaperonin, has been determined, providing insights into its mode of action. The thermosome contains a built-in lid domain that substitutes for a cochaperonin, allowing it to drive protein folding cycles.
A team at University of Colorado at Boulder has found a faint, doughnut-shaped ring of interplanetary and interstellar dust orbiting Jupiter. The ring is much larger and more sparse than previously detected rings, and most particles in it move in the opposite direction to Jupiter's rotation.
The event aims to encourage minority students into biomedical research and set them on a career path. The proportion of researchers from minority groups is strikingly lower than their percentage in the overall population.
University of Iowa researchers have shed light on the mysteries of metastasis by studying uveal melanoma, a potentially blinding and fatal form of cancer. They found that abnormal proteins respond to hepatocyte growth factor/scatter factor, attracting blood vessels and causing cancer cells to spread.
Researchers found that members of the African Hebrew Israelite community, who follow a vegan Middle Eastern diet and engage in regular exercise, have virtually no health problems despite being at higher risk. The study's findings suggest that with lifestyle changes, African Americans can prevent hypertension and related diseases.
A longitudinal study found that pregnant women have higher intestinal calcium absorption rates compared to pre-pregnancy levels, indicating increased calcium demand. Postpartum, maternal calcium absorption returns to normal, while breast milk calcium is provided through renal conservation and bone loss.
New anti-TBT regulations may actually increase environmental and human health risks for countries with limited resources. The regulations result in $4 billion in added fuel costs for the shipping industry.
This study found that baseline overweight and overfatness were the strongest predictors of status at follow-up in a multiethnic pediatric population. Children in the overweight group had higher cardiovascular risk factors, including lower HDL-cholesterol concentrations.
Science Theatre engages new audiences for science through hands-on experiments and stage programs focusing on significant scientific topics. Volunteers gain valuable education and communication skills through the program.
Scientists at Case Western Reserve University and Queen's University have identified the first step in the formation of toxic amyloid plaques believed responsible for Alzheimer's destruction. Researchers have found promising lead molecules that may prevent plaque aggregation, potentially leading to new treatments.
Scientists at the University of Delaware have created a novel approach to detecting molecular-scale flaws in computer chip templates, allowing for real-time polishing techniques. This innovation could improve photomask precision and reduce production time, enabling faster and more accurate chip manufacturing.
Researchers developed a new blood test that can detect Down syndrome in the first trimester with accuracy rates exceeding 60%. The test combines measurements of human chorionic gonadotropin and pregnancy-associated protein A to identify women at higher risk of carrying a fetus with the condition.
The National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) has awarded $2 million to support 20 grants from the first round of applications. The grants focus on high-impact, high-risk research studies in areas such as cell biology, biophysics, and pharmacology.
Researchers at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center found that HLA-matched unrelated marrow transplants can be safe and effective for CML patients in chronic phase. The study showed a 57% overall survival rate, with younger patients having a higher rate of 74%, comparable to those with matched sibling donors.
A zone of high-grade copper ore has been found on the Pacific floor, a discovery that could lead to similar valuable deposits on land. The finding is attributed to a deep-sea exploration project led by UC Davis geologist Robert Zierenberg.
A study of 228 diseased heart valves found organized, hard-bone tissue in 30 valves, suggesting an active process of calcification. The discovery could lead to the development of treatments to prevent or treat heart-valve disease and provide insights into rare disorders like fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva.
Researchers have synthesized the major human metabolite of Taxol, 6-alpha-hydroxypaclitaxel, for the first time in a laboratory setting. This breakthrough will enable easier identification and quantification of the metabolite in complex mixtures, crucial for maximizing the clinical effectiveness of paclitaxel.
This study investigated the association of dietary components with iron stores in an elderly population. The results found five significant dietary factors positively associated with serum ferritin, including heme iron, supplemental iron, and vitamin C.
A study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology found that daily physical activities like climbing stairs and walking increased the risk of preterm birth among low-income women. In contrast, moderate exercise was shown to lower the risk of premature delivery by up to 50%.
A UC San Francisco study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that HHV-8 is a direct cause of Kaposi's sarcoma in HIV-positive homosexual men, with transmission through sexual contact playing a major role. The study showed that infection with HHV-8 increases the risk of developing Kaposi's sarcoma within 10 years.
Seventy percent of ships use TBT-based paints, which pose a constant but low release risk. Researchers are exploring alternative antifouling technologies that can match performance while being environmentally safe.
Research-related gifts from companies pose ethical quandries for scientists, with over half accepting gifts and 66% finding them important to their research. The study recommends guidelines for accepting industrial gifts to avoid problematic expectations and restrictions.
A new study found that nearly all of Georgia's surviving least tern pairs are nesting on artificial sites, such as rooftops or man-made sand hills. The researchers warn that without further protection, the Atlantic least tern is vulnerable to decline due to habitat loss and human activities.
A Virginia Tech student group, led by Kimberly Phillips, has been named a semi-finalist in the TI Digital Signal Processing (DSP) Solutions Challenge. They have developed a theoretical design to triple cellular communications system capacity and improve reliability of wireless calls, promising reduced tower size and increased range.
Researchers found TTP develops within four weeks of starting ticlopidine therapy, causing mass destruction of blood platelets and high mortality rates. Early detection and treatment with plasmapheresis significantly reduce death risk, but most neurologists and cardiologists are unaware of this side effect.
Researchers found that contrast echocardiography can detect blockage of small vessels leading to reduced tissue blood flow after a heart attack. The study validated the effectiveness of CE in measuring post-heart attack small vessel obstruction and compared it favorably to MRI.