Researchers found a genetic link between bleomycin hydrolase and Alzheimer's disease, with individuals having two copies of the G allele being four times more likely to develop AD. This discovery offers new opportunities for early intervention and potential therapy targeting this enzyme.
Pet-owning couples have lower baseline blood pressure, less stressful response, and quicker recovery time compared to pet-less couples. They also have more frequent social interactions, with those most attached to their pets interacting the most with their spouses.
Researchers from Johns Hopkins and Finland have developed a new mathematical formula that can accurately measure changes in brain activity due to oxygen levels. This breakthrough could lead to major advances in fMRI technology, enabling doctors to diagnose diseases by comparing levels of substances in the blood.
A recent study found that the uterine environment can have a profound impact on cognitive behavior in mice. The researchers discovered that hybrid-uteri mice, which are born from non-immune mothers with transplanted BXSB embryos, demonstrated significant cognitive advantages over other groups.
Research highlights the link between nutrition and nonmelanoma skin cancers, with dietary fat and antioxidant vitamins identified as key factors. Studies have shown that reducing fat intake and increasing consumption of Vitamin C, beta-carotene, and selenium may help lower cancer risk.
Researchers at University of Toronto uncover how protein Src strengthens synaptic connections, enhancing memory and learning. This discovery could lead to new treatments for chronic pain and epilepsy.
A study by University of Chicago paleontologist David Jablonski reveals that recoveries from mass extinctions differ significantly across geographical regions. He found varying ratios of surviving local species to foreign invaders and unique patterns of diversification, challenging previous assumptions about extinction intensity.
Professor Brian P. Butz's innovative expert system gathers information about students' learning patterns and adjusts questions to focus on areas of difficulty, presenting material in the most effective way for each student. The system has the potential to significantly improve academic outcomes for introductory and remedial classes.
A study by Eric M. Anderman and colleagues found that students who prioritize grades and performance are more likely to cheat, while those using deep-level cognitive strategies are less likely. Additionally, research by Harris Cooper and colleagues shows that homework completed is positively related to achievement in school.
A University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill study suggests that nearly 30% of the US population attend church weekly, contradicting previous head counts. The research found that telephone polls like Gallup overestimate church attendance due to biased respondent demographics.
Research shows that scarring from emotional abuse is more likely to trigger a battered wife's decision to leave her spouse. The study identifies two types of abusers: Pit Bulls and Cobras, with Cobras being characterized by a history of antisocial behavior and violence outside their marriages.
Researchers at the Weizmann Institute of Science demonstrate that observing electrons alters their behavior, changing from wave-like to particle-like behavior. The study shows that increasing detection can weaken interference patterns, while reducing detection strengthens them.
A decade-long study by USC and NIMH researchers found that girls who were sexually abused as children are more likely to have babies at a younger age, engage in risky sexual behavior, and experience negative thoughts about sex. The study tracked the psychological and behavioral development of 160 girls from adolescence to adulthood.
Researchers have successfully transplanted cryopreserved human neuronal cells into rats with stroke, restoring movement and behavioral recovery. The treatment has shown promise as an alternative to fetal tissue in treating strokes and neurodegenerative disorders.
A new hybrid antibody developed at National Jewish Medical and Research Center can selectively turn off only the CD4 T cells attacking transplanted organs, allowing the immune system to fight other illnesses without suppression. Clinical trials are estimated to take approximately two years.
Scientists have identified a specific area in the human brain that temporarily stores information about spatial locations, solving a decade-long puzzle. The discovery sheds light on how our brains process spatial working memory and its connection to other cognitive abilities.
Cincinnati marketing researchers have created a comprehensive test to measure an individual's need for levity, exploring the link between humor, whimsy, and human behavior. The study found that people tend to score high on external-humor, with men perceiving themselves as jokesters more often than women.
Thomas Jefferson researchers discovered that lower levels of the tumor suppressor gene Rb2/p130 correlate with increased risk of returning disease and higher mortality in women with endometrial cancer. The study suggests a potential diagnostic test to guide treatment and improve patient outcomes.
Chemist Benjamin Miller has devised a way to create new drugs by using metal atoms to assemble countless combinations of molecules, then selecting the best candidates through a Darwinian process. This method shifts the burden of tedious drug development work off technicians' shoulders, offering a faster and more efficient approach.
Researchers from 95 medical centers found that finasteride significantly reduced prostate surgery and urinary retention risk. Over four years, patients treated with Proscar experienced a 20% prostate size reduction and lower risks of complications.
Subodh Kumar's software, called sLIB, significantly speeds up the display of three-dimensional models by better than 100 to 200 times over older techniques. The program also allows designers greater control over detail levels and enables testing of user ideas.
The studies found that moving and lifestyle issues were the main reasons for surrendering pets, with 64% being euthanized instead of adopted. The majority of pet owners who surrendered their animals were under 30 years old, and more dogs than cats were taken to shelters.
The Building Design Advisor (BDA) is an advanced decision-making tool that enables architects to design more energy-efficient, economic, and comfortable buildings. With its easy-to-use interface, BDA integrates multiple simulation tools to provide a comprehensive view of building performance.
A study of physician practices found that counseling smokers to quit was provided in only 16% of office visits in 1991, decreasing over time. Primary care physicians were more likely to counsel smokers or prescribe nicotine replacement than specialists.
A study published at JAMA found that methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections resistant to many antibiotics are now present in non-chronically ill children outside of hospital environments. The researchers discovered a significant increase in community-acquired MRSA cases among children with no known risk factors.
Physicists have measured the rate of single proton release from highly deformed nuclei, offering insights into how nucleus shape affects radioactivity. The study reveals that these unusual shapes can significantly impact radioactivity rates, challenging conventional models.
A novel diagnostic technique uses isotope mass spectrometry to measure T cell proliferation rates in AIDS patients, allowing physicians to establish the proper time for medication and optimal treatment. The technology holds promise for optimizing AIDS therapy and diagnosing other conditions.
A team of astronomers used a supercomputer to simulate the growth of cosmic structure in a region comparable to the entire observable Universe. The simulation revealed patterns of dark matter walls and filaments, as well as massive voids and giant galaxy clusters.
Hultgren's research focuses on understanding how bacteria attach to human tissue, a key event in disease onset. He has made significant breakthroughs in developing vaccines against urinary tract infections.
Researchers identified 20 modifiable risk factors contributing to mortality in older adults, including smoking, exercise, and chronic disease severity. Improved disease and health factors could lead to longer lifespan for those over 65.
A team of researchers from the University of Cincinnati and other institutions has identified the first gene responsible for age-related hearing loss in mice. The Ahl gene is located on mouse Chromosome 10 and appears to be a single, recessive trait that causes significant hearing losses in older mice.
Engineers create instrument to monitor sputtering deposition in real-time, enabling scientists to optimize material properties. The technique allows for precision and quality control in coating processes.
Researchers at Harvard Medical School have identified four human genes critical to cell division, which could lead to more effective cancer treatments. The genes are part of the anaphase-promoting complex (APC) and play a crucial role in regulating mitosis.
A study found that product linkage and market position are crucial factors in International Joint Venture performance, while a local partner's strategic fit is also vital for risk reduction, market development, and profitability. The research suggests that multinational corporations should select partners with rich market experience, s...
Researchers create new materials with exceptional properties using a mathematical theory developed by Professor Subra Suresh and visiting scientist Antonios Giannakopoulos. The theory allows for the efficient testing of graded materials, including dental implants, tank armor, and gears in car transmissions.
A University of Toronto report suggests charging drivers for environmental damage caused by their cars can encourage sustainable transportation habits. The study found that combining increased prices with better urban planning led to the most significant changes in driving behavior and fuel emissions.
Scientists at Max Planck Institute have developed a non-invasive method to supply diseased hearts with vessel growth promoting factors, using microscopic beads that slowly release growth factor over 7 days. The treatment is suitable for small vessels but not large stenosing coronary vessels.
A study by Ohio University found that employers are more likely to hire obese individuals for sedentary jobs, but less likely for high-activity jobs. The study suggests that physical activity is a key factor in hiring decisions, rather than perceptions of attractiveness or weight.
A recent study found that films featuring people with disabilities have increased in popularity, but often depict unrealistic scenarios, such as psychiatric disorders being linked to violence. Despite this, the study suggests that these portrayals can be used as a tool for promoting critical viewing skills and understanding of people w...
A year-long study predicts severe impacts of global warming on North American prairies, with water shortages and habitat loss threatening migratory birds. The changing climate could lead to further ecosystem upheavals, forcing native species out as nuisance plants move in.
Researchers developed a new approach to assess social determinants of health by examining issues like employment, housing, and education through the eyes of community residents. This approach gives a voice to those who are normally not heard, forcing experts to listen to their perspectives on quality of life.
Researchers at Ohio University develop a faster gene function identification system using a nonviral gene expression system in zebrafish, reducing identification time from three years to two days. The technique allows scientists to study gene function without destroying the gene, making it valuable for studying genetic disease.
Scientists will observe how airglow changes during the eclipse to estimate oxygen densities at different altitudes in the upper atmosphere. The Polar spacecraft, equipped with a UVImager and other cameras, will take images of the Earth's shadow as the Moon's shadow moves across the globe.
Two new violet species have been discovered in Central America, Hybanthus hespericlivus and Hybanthus denticulatus, characterized by their distinctive physical features. The violets, which are shrubs, were previously misclassified but have now been identified as distinct species through molecular studies.
A study found that people potentially at high risk for schizophrenia exhibit executive functioning problems before psychosis onset, which could serve as an early warning sign. This discovery may allow mental health professionals to test for and intervene in executive functioning issues.
Researchers found that the immune system targets unwanted invaders by introducing mutations in genetic material, increasing antibody diversity. The study identifies Pms2 enzyme as key player in hypermutation process, which may contribute to cancer growth.
The National Science Board will meet on February 25-27, 1998, to discuss various topics including graduate education, industry reliance on publicly funded research, and long-range planning. The meeting is open to the public, and media representatives are invited to attend.
Scientists at Georgia Tech develop a system to encode and decode information using chaotic carrier signals in fiber optic cable. The work opens up new possibilities for secure communication, potentially speeding up data transmission by 100-fold.
Researchers have discovered that NSF, a universal protein involved in cellular fusion and secretion, controls the speed of neurotransmitter release. Inhibiting NSF function delays transmitter release, providing new insights into the molecular mechanisms governing synaptic communication.
Researchers discover orexin-A and orexin-B neuropeptides stimulate food consumption in laboratory rats. The study's findings suggest a new molecular basis for regulating feeding behavior and may lead to the development of medications to inhibit eating habits.
A new study published in the Journal of Marriage and the Family found that husbands' acceptance of influence from their wives and sharing power are crucial for successful marriages. The research, conducted over six years, showed that active listening techniques do not predict marital success and may even hinder conflict resolution.
The U.S. Geological Survey presents a forum on reducing losses from natural disasters, featuring California's experience in earthquake risk management and mitigation. The event aims to share lessons learned from the Northridge earthquake of 1994 and explore potential models for nationwide disaster reduction plans.
Researchers Matthew Botvinick and Jonathan Cohen found that the brain uses intersensory matches to identify the body as its own, leading to a sense of ownership and self-awareness. This study's findings could have implications for understanding clinical conditions such as phantom limb and alienation phenomenon.
Researchers found that women with scleroderma have higher levels of non-self fetal cells circulating in their blood decades after pregnancy, which may indirectly dysregulate the immune system. The study's findings raise new questions about the nature of autoimmune diseases and their relationship to chimerism.
Researchers estimate a new volcano could erupt in northern California within 400,000 years due to a magma chamber discovered 20 kilometers into the earth's crust. The Lake Pillsbury area, near San Francisco, is identified as a possible location for the eruption.
Researchers at Virginia Tech are testing UV technology to enhance night visibility, with the goal of improving road safety. The project aims to increase drivers' visibility distance by up to 30% and make pedestrians more visible.
The American Psychiatric Association (APA) hosts a consensus conference to address controversial psychiatric issues in the media, including the misuse of psychiatric diagnoses and advertising of psychopharmaceuticals. The conference aims to establish a shared understanding between psychiatrists and journalists on these topics.
Among the Bari of Venezuela, promiscuous mothers who have secondary fathers benefit their children's survival rates. The study found that children with secondary fathers had an 80% survival rate compared to 64% for those without. Small food gifts during times of scarcity are believed to be the primary reason for this increase.
A study of physically impaired older Americans found that 50% reported receiving unnecessary help, while 28% felt they needed more support. Negative reactions to care significantly predicted depression, highlighting the need for interventions improving caregiving exchanges and quality of life.
Research finds that White students tend to provide more praise and less criticism when evaluating essays written by Black students, compared to when evaluating those written by White students. This 'positive feedback bias' can deprive minority students of intellectual challenges and may compound existing biases.