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.