Recent trends in juvenile crime policy are being driven by unwarranted fear, not facts, according to University of California at Berkeley Law Professor Franklin Zimring. The analysis of juvenile crime statistics for the period 1980-1996 and FBI data shows that juvenile crime has been on the decline for the past four years.
A new study by researchers at UCSF found that bartenders who worked in smoke-free conditions after the ban reported significant drops in coughing and other respiratory problems. Lung function also improved after the implementation of the smoke-free workplace law.
A new study led by researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill confirms the safety of digoxin, a commonly prescribed medicine for heart failure. The study found that taking digoxin at low doses and monitoring blood concentrations can significantly reduce toxicity risk.
Some smelter slags produce toxic elements like arsenic, lead, cadmium, and copper when exposed to natural weathering conditions. Researchers have found high levels of these elements in slag dumps, contaminating nearby water sources.
Researchers at Stanford University have observed the detailed structure of red sprites, finding thousands of vertical and tilted streamers with branching patterns. The findings suggest that electrostatic charge buildup in the atmosphere creates these spark channels, which ionize air molecules and produce glowing red streamers.
A psychologist proposes that cave artists, who painted sophisticated images 31,000 years ago, were actually people with underdeveloped minds. An autistic girl's unusual drawing skills inspired this theory, which suggests that artistic talents emerged due to mental deficiencies rather than sophistication.
Russian scientists are developing a bacterial mixture to break down organic waste from astronauts' underwear, reducing storage issues in space. The disposal unit will process plastic, cellulose, and other waste aboard spacecraft, addressing the acute problem of waste management in space.
The study concludes that recycling packaging waste reduces energy consumption and generates positive environmental effects, including a reduction in landfill use. The focus on packaging has also led to increased recycled materials, with over 140,000 tons of recyclable packaging increased since 1994.
A new study confirms that magma is forcing Long Valley Caldera to rise, which could lead to a volcanic eruption in the future. The researchers used precise gravity measurements to distinguish between magma and water, finding a systematic increase in mass beneath the resurgent dome.
Paleontologists have unearthed the first complete fossil of a gorgonopsid, a fearsome reptilian-mammalian creature that roamed Earth 250 million years ago. The discovery provides valuable insights into the gorgon's torso and limbs, resolving a long-standing debate about its anatomy.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have found a link between nitric oxide and skeletal muscle function, shedding new light on Duchenne dystrophy. The study reveals that nitric oxide plays a key role in regulating blood flow to contracting muscles.
Cathleen Synge Morawetz, a NYU professor emerita, is the first woman to receive the National Medal of Science for mathematics. Her pioneering work in partial differential equations and wave propagation has led to applications in aerodynamics, acoustics, and optics.
Polar spacecraft has taken the first measurements showing that solar events directly affect our outer atmosphere. The results correlate CMEs with enhanced ion outflows from the upper ionosphere, providing a new understanding of the complex interactions between the sun and Earth's magnetic field.
A new data classification scheme based on human perception is being incorporated into a hand-held chemical sensor system. This method, called VERI, can group real-world objects seen near each other by superimposing an invisible dumbbell shape, allowing for quick and accurate identifications.
A recent study found that bartenders' respiratory health and lung function improved significantly after a smoke-free environment was established in California bars. The study, supported by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, suggests that banning smoking in bars can have a positive impact on the health of bartending staff.
Bioethicists at the University of Pennsylvania recommend updating protections for human research subjects in response to rapid changes in medical practice. The new guidelines prioritize vulnerable populations, including those with mental illnesses and pregnant women, and aim to prevent abuse and misconduct.
A previously unknown contaminant similar to PCBs and dioxins has been found in the eggs of Atlantic and Pacific Ocean seabirds, with concentrations significantly higher in Pacific Ocean eggs. The study suggests that the contaminant exists primarily in the surface layer of the ocean.
A materials scientist at Johns Hopkins University reveals a rub-free solution to remove stubborn tarnish from silver. The method uses baking soda, water, and aluminum foil to trigger an electrochemical reaction that separates sulfur from the metal, removing tarnish without harming the silver.
A study published in Preventive Medicine reveals a significant decline in total cholesterol levels among U.S. adolescents, from 167 mg/dL in 1970 to 160 mg/dL in 1994. This decrease is similar to the drop in cholesterol levels among adults during the same period.
A new study reveals that glaciers prompted volcanic eruptions after they retreated north over the past 800,000 years. The research found that volcanoes were subdued when glaciers were present and became active when they retreated, suggesting a possible connection between climate change and volcanic activity.
New research reveals the Van Allen radiation belts are powerful particle accelerators generating 'killer electrons' that can severely impair satellites. The accelerated electrons have a dramatic effect on human technological systems, including satellite failures and pager service disruptions.
Clinical trials show substantial increase in leukemia-free survival among AML patients treated with Maxamine Therapy. The treatment has been shown to prevent relapse and prolong remission while maintaining a good quality of life.
Researchers created genetically altered mice that exhibit anxiety to study the serotonin system's contribution to anxiety and depression. The model could help develop more refined targets for psychiatric drugs and provide insights into inherited personality disorders.
The US has achieved an all-time high in life expectancy, with a decline in infant mortality rates and teen pregnancy. Despite progress, there are still areas that require further improvement, such as preventable fatal injuries to children and low-birth-weight rates.
Researchers have found a decade-to-decade variability in the depth of summer thawing in certain permafrost regions. By 2050, the active layer over large parts of the Northern Hemisphere could grow thicker due to climate trends.
Researchers study old-growth forests' carbon, water, and energy exchange to understand their role in global climate change. The project aims to provide baseline information on managed ecosystems' impact on global carbon budgets.
Researchers at Columbia University synthesized a derivative of vitamin A that accumulates with age in human eyes and may contribute to macular degeneration. The new synthesis allows for large-scale production of the compound, enabling further experiments to pinpoint its relationship with age-related changes in the retina.
Researchers found that stray maternal cells in umbilical cord blood transplants can engraft and cause graft-versus-host disease symptoms. Treatment involves withdrawing anti-GVH medications, allowing the immune system to reject transient maternal cells.
A clinical trial demonstrates that TPO, administered with G-CSF, boosts stem cell migration and increases the number of patients eligible for autologous stem cell transplantation. The treatment significantly improves re-growth of blood cells after chemotherapy.
The Wistar Institute has been awarded a $20,000 grant to support continued research on TALL-104 cells, which show promise in treating breast cancer. The grant allows the Linda Creed Breast Cancer Foundation to be involved in supporting clinical trials for new treatments and perhaps a cure.
A new experimental compound, CMA-676, demonstrates promising efficacy in treating acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) with an antibody-targeted chemotherapy approach. The treatment shows a remission rate of approximately 40% comparable to standard combination chemotherapy regimens.
The American Physical Society is celebrating its 100th anniversary at a giant meeting in Atlanta, Georgia, from March 20-26, 1999. Over 7,000 physicists and experts will attend the event, which includes keynotes from national political figures and Nobel laureates.
Researchers have confirmed that Asian air pollution can travel to the US West Coast under specific meteorological conditions, with pollutants including carbon monoxide and particulates. The study found that air reaches the West Coast in about seven days, but can take as few as four or 10 days, depending on weather patterns.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that umbilical cord blood transplants can cure genetic diseases in children, with an overall survival rate of 68% and 80% success rate in patients under 2 years old. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to the successful outcomes.
A new study using precise elevation measurements from the Mars Global Surveyor spacecraft provides a detailed picture of Mars' north polar region. The findings suggest that any water in the region should flow towards the pole, rather than the equator, due to its depression-like structure.
Researchers continuously monitored carbon dioxide flux at a 35-acre tree-kill area near Horseshoe Lake, discovering daily cycles that defy temperature explanation. The data suggests barometric pressure oscillations and Earth tides may influence the degassing rate, highlighting the complexity of volcanic gas emission.
Physicians at the University of Chicago Medical Center have found a way to bring full immune system power against cancer using co-stimulation technology. Patients with advanced or recurrent lymphoma have experienced anti-tumor effects and complete remissions after receiving expanded, co-stimulated T cells.
A two-year study of 979 persons found that 31.5% of patients with inadequate health literacy were hospitalized, compared to 14.9% of those with adequate literacy. The risk of hospital admission increased by 50% in patients with limited reading skills.
Researchers found that global climate change could lead to dramatic increases in California wildfires and economic losses. The study analyzed the potential effects of climate change on wildfires in California and found that changes would occur despite enhanced fire suppression resources.
A phase I trial has shown that adding mature stem cells to an umbilical cord blood transplant increases the success rate of transplants in children. The 'booster' cells were given to patients after growing in a laboratory setting for 12 days, and 19 out of 28 patients had successful transplants.
Researchers found that maternal HLA typing can provide clues about which sibling is the optimal organ donor. This discovery could improve kidney transplant selection by identifying suitable donors beyond HLA-identical siblings.
The Colorado State University hurricane forecast team predicts 14 named storms, 9 hurricanes, and 4 intense hurricanes for the 1999 season. The U.S. Atlantic coast has a higher probability of being hit by major storms, with the Gulf Coast facing an increased risk of landfall.
Researchers at The Neurosciences Institute propose a new hypothesis, the dynamic core hypothesis, suggesting that consciousness arises from the synchronized activity of large populations of neurons in the cerebral cortex. This approach aims to explain two fundamental properties of conscious states: integration and differentiation.
Scientists are investigating the hydrogeology of the West Siberian Basin to better track and predict the future path of radioactive waste from nuclear weapons material production. This research aims to inform remediation strategies at three former plutonium production sites, influencing both human health and ecosystem safety.
Free-radical activity was found to be roughly doubled in the frontal and temporal lobes of brains of people who died of Alzheimer's disease. The levels of two biochemical markers of free-radical tissue damage were also elevated in these areas, which are critical for memory and intellectual function.
An international team of scientists, led by Colorado State University's Scott Denning, aims to resolve the mystery of the 'missing sink' that absorbs excess carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. The TransCom3 project will use advanced modeling techniques and data analysis to narrow down the location and mechanisms of this natural process.
Researchers found that cord blood can restore bone marrow even with partial matches, offering hope to patients who need transplants. Four children received 'haplo-identical' sibling umbilical cord blood transplants and showed promising results.
Researchers suggest that genetic remnants of an ancient virus incorporated into human DNA may assist the AIDS virus in evading anti-drug treatments. Studies found that a specific enzyme from this endogenous virus gene can complement HIV-1 protease activity, making it resistant to current drugs.
Researchers analyzed two cores retrieved from a Bolivian glacier, discovering that the tropics were much cooler during the last glacial stage, with temperatures estimated to be around 5-6 degrees Celsius lower than today. The findings also suggest that the region was wetter and experienced massive lakes forming on the plateau.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have isolated a rotaviral strain's receptors, which can be used to create a synthetic mimic that blocks the virus. The team hopes to use this alternative therapy to protect against disease without causing infection.
A significant proportion of individuals within the low risk population test positive for HIV-1 antibodies in their urine and negative in their blood. The presence of antibody against HIV-1 in the urine indicates prior exposure to the virus, suggesting a need for both blood and urine screening.
Researchers have found that migratory birds' winter habitats influence their breeding success by affecting arrival time and physical condition. American redstarts in wetter environments maintained better body mass and robust condition, while those in drier environments lost mass and showed signs of deteriorating condition.
A Purdue University study shows that proteins can replicate themselves and adapt to changes, expanding the scientific view of how life began. The study also found that changes to the environment affect the types of peptides that can be formed.
By increasing sound processing speed in adult rats, researchers gained insight into brain mechanisms linked to language impairments and dyslexia. The study demonstrates the brain's 'plasticity' and suggests that neurons can be altered to improve efficiency in processing sounds.
Researchers from Johns Hopkins University have successfully evaluated soybean-produced antibodies that can prevent the spread of genital herpes virus. The findings suggest that these monoclonal antibodies could work well as a cheap and efficient topical lubricant for large-scale human populations.
Researchers May R. Berenbaum and Arthur R. Zangerl found that webworms and parsnips in the Midwest have adapted to each other, with levels of detoxification enzymes matching those of defensive compounds produced by plants. This suggests a reciprocal evolutionary change between interacting species.
Researchers measured electrostatic properties of a protein surface using a surface-force apparatus, providing the first direct comparison between localized measurements and theoretical predictions. The study verified the accuracy of measurement technique and demonstrated that current models are reasonably accurate for predicting electr...
A rapidly spinning neutron star can naturally produce a Gamma-ray burst by oscillating and radiating its rotation energy. The spin-down process is triggered by the gravitational wave instability, which grows explosively in hours or minutes, strengthening the magnetic field and eventually radiating away all remaining rotation energy.
The National Journal of Young Investigators (JYI) has published its premier online issue, featuring undergraduate-authored articles in various scientific disciplines. The journal aims to provide a platform for young scientists to showcase their research, discuss experiences, and connect with the scientific community.
Researchers at the University of Illinois discovered that binding proteins are crucial for initial wiring of the brain. Without them, axons misfire and route randomly, failing to interpret cues that guide their growth.