A new University of Michigan study suggests that Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) in California are doing a better job of selecting high-quality hospitals for their patients. In the study, researchers found that HMO enrollees were more likely to receive care from above-average hospitals compared to those with other insurance plans.
A researcher found that cognitive behavioral psychotherapies effectively treat various traumatic events, reducing intrusive thoughts, avoidance behaviors, and symptoms of anxiety and depression. Long-lasting benefits were also observed in studies following participants after treatment.
Researchers have discovered a new gene mutation associated with late-onset Alzheimer's disease, which interacts with other Alzheimer's genes and proteins. The A2M protein plays a crucial role in breaking down toxic amyloid plaques, suggesting a potential target for drug development to prevent or treat the disease.
A rapidly spinning neutron star, SAX J1808.4-3658, is providing proof for the theory that millisecond pulsars are propelled to mind-boggling speeds by accretion of material from a companion star. This discovery fills an important niche in our understanding of star evolution.
Research at The Jackson Laboratory reveals the Lunatic fringe gene's essential role in regulating somite formation during embryonic development. Notch signaling pathway disruption leads to segmental body plan implementation challenges in mammals and other organisms.
A new international study analyzed fat samples from 642 European women, finding no protective effect of oleic acid on breast cancer risk. Higher weight and family history were strong associations with breast cancer among participants.
Researchers at the University of Hawaii report breaking ground in mammalian cloning by creating reproducible clones from adult cells, with implications for pharmaceuticals and disease research. The 'Honolulu technique' has yielded three generations of identical cloned mice, opening doors to new avenues in genetic engineering.
Scientists have gained a clearer picture of massive volcanic eruptions by analyzing lava composition, indicating that the lava originated from the lower mantle. The findings suggest that the eruptions played a role in the greatest mass extinction event in Earth's history, wiping out up to 95% of plant and animal species.
Scientists at Sandia National Laboratories and UNM develop a rapid method to self-assemble diverse materials into coatings mimicking seashell structures. The coating process creates tough, strong, optically transparent coatings suitable for automotive finishes, optical lenses, and other applications.
University of Wisconsin Medical School researchers found that two connected brain structures control the way light affects rodent sleep activity, separate from the biological clock. The structures are part of the visual system and can override normal circadian rhythms with acute lighting changes.
Medicines commonly used to treat epilepsy appear effective in soothing agitation in people with Alzheimer's disease, a symptom affecting nearly all patients. The findings suggest these compounds may be as good as or better than current treatments for agitation, promising relief for families and caregivers.
The image clearly demonstrates the principle behind UHIPP, showing how natural and manmade surfaces affect city temperatures. Urban forests are crucial in keeping cities cool, according to Dr. Jeff Luvall, and streamside vegetation has a cooling effect as streams flow from mountains.
A recent study found that the prevalence of U.S. infants being placed to sleep on their stomachs has dropped by 66% since 1992, resulting in a 38% decrease in SIDS deaths. Despite this progress, Black infants remain at higher risk for prone sleeping and associated SIDS deaths.
The University of California - San Francisco will establish the country's first formally funded training program for hospitalists, thanks to a $712,000 grant from the Josiah Macy, Jr. Foundation. The program aims to develop skilled and efficient clinicians who can lead quality care in hospitals.
Mutations in the beta-catenin gene are frequent in hepatocellular carcinoma, a type of liver cancer. The study found that about 50% of tumors in transgenic mice contained these mutations, and 26% of human liver cancer samples also had similar genetic alterations.
A new NASA-funded research center at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute will investigate the origin of life, starting with stardust and organic molecules formed in interstellar space. The center's interdisciplinary team will explore two hypotheses on the formation of life's building blocks.
A shellfish toxin study has discovered a mechanism that may help treat cystic fibrosis by stimulating fluid flow through protein phosphatase inhibition. This could lead to loosening of accumulated mucus in the lungs and gut, reducing bacterial infections and early death.
A Colorado State University study found that irrigated agricultural crops and landscaping can produce local cooling, potentially exceeding global warming predictions. This leads to cooler temperatures, increased moisture, and altered tree distribution patterns in Rocky Mountain National Park.
Pacific Northwest researchers have developed In-Situ Redox Manipulation (ISRM) to remove deadly contaminants from groundwater. ISRM has been shown to be effective in removing chromate, technetium, and chlorinated solvents at levels below drinking water standards.
Research found that spices can inhibit the growth of E. coli O157:H7 in ground meat and salami, with garlic showing the highest effectiveness. While spices may not eliminate the pathogen, they could add an extra layer of safety to food handling and cooking.
Researchers have developed a method to multiply and mature neural stem cells in the lab, which can form dopamine-producing neurons and reduce symptoms in an animal model of Parkinson's disease. The study opens up new opportunities for studying brain development and may lead to the creation of easily controlled stem cell therapies.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) is hosting a two-day national conference to discuss the latest scientific research on nicotine addiction. The conference will highlight the behavioral and neurobiological bases of nicotine addiction, as well as state-of-the-art treatment strategies and prevention methods.
Scientists discuss ways to use lightweight materials like hydrogen, boron, and lithium for radiation shielding. Researchers also explore using composites and polyamide binders for efficient protection against space radiation.
Researchers at Penn State found that sex hormones have little effect on adolescent sexual behavior after a nearly two-year study. Social factors like peer pressure are believed to have a much larger impact on behavior.
Researchers found that HIV establishes a pool of latently infected immune system cells even with early treatment. These cells can persist for years, posing an obstacle to ultimate control and eradication of the virus. The study suggests that these reservoirs are established very early in infection.
Scientists have identified SLP-76 as a critical protein for the development and activation of T cells, an essential part of the immune system. This finding provides valuable insights into the basic biology of immune system activation, which is crucial for understanding immunodeficiency disorders and autoimmune diseases.
Researchers successfully isolated intact DNA from giant sloth droppings, providing insight into its diet and habits. The discovery uses a novel molecular-palaeontologic method to analyze the chemical reaction that protects DNA in dried dung.
A study by Dr. Barry Bayus found that PC product lifespans have not accelerated over time, contradicting conventional wisdom. Despite rapid innovation, manufacturers have maintained consistent product lifecycles within their lines, suggesting a balanced approach to strategy and R&D investment.
Researchers are identifying the gene that causes Alström Syndrome, a recessive genetic disorder causing blindness, hearing loss, and other conditions. By studying DNA samples from living individuals and their families, they hope to find the gene's location and develop an animal model for the disease.
Researchers found that combining low doses of angiostatin with standard radiation therapy improves response rates without increasing toxicity. The combination causes significant growth inhibition in animal models, even in mice with large tumors.
Scientists have sequenced the complete genome of Treponema pallidum, the syphilis bacterium, providing critical information for developing diagnostic tests, treatments, and vaccines. The genetic blueprint reveals targets for new antibiotics and surface proteins that could stimulate an immune response in experimental vaccines.
Researchers at NASA have developed innovative methods to study molten metals in space, including electrodes and magnets to measure fluid flows and dendrite growth. These techniques will help improve manufacturing processes on Earth by understanding subtle phenomena affected by gravity.
A meta-analysis of 19 drug studies involving 2,318 patients suggests that three-quarters of the beneficial effect of anti-depressant medications can be attributed to the placebo effect. The remaining 25 percent may be due to side effects of the medication.
Researchers aim to prove robotic planes can operate autonomously over the Atlantic Ocean, improving weather forecasting. The autonomous aircraft will gather meteorological data for improved forecast accuracy and potentially detect severe weather.
A team of Cornell University researchers discovered that beetle pupae can create hundreds of deterrent compounds using combinatorial chemistry. The pupae secrete these complex chemicals through microscopic body hairs, thwarting most predators and ensuring their survival in the field.
Researchers at Purdue are testing the effectiveness of golf courses in filtering surface water and studying urban environmental issues. The course is also being used to investigate various creeping bentgrass cultivars and methods to control annual bluegrass, with goals including reducing transplant shock in newly planted trees.
A new study found that narcissists are more likely to become aggressive when they receive negative feedback, but not when they receive praise. The researchers suggest that this is because narcissists are emotionally invested in establishing their superiority and view criticism as a personal threat.
A new study analyzing hate crime data from New York City from 1987 to 1995 found no statistical link between economic fluctuations and rates of hate crimes. The researchers suggest two reasons for this lack of correlation: the decay of aggressive impulses over time, and the role of political leaders in framing economic grievances.
A new study found that patients with tumors expressing low levels of the tumor suppressor protein p21 are more likely to recur and die from bladder cancer than those with elevated p21 levels. The study suggests that knowing both p53 and p21 status is a more powerful indicator of risk, allowing for clearer treatment decisions.
A team of astronomers detected a population of distant, dusty galaxies forming stars at rates 10-100 times higher than most optical sources. The discovery suggests that much of the star formation in the distant Universe may be hidden to visual observations, requiring a combination of both optical and submillimeter observations.
Researchers created a computer simulation to help robots learn by imitation, using virtual android Adonis to teach the macarena dance. The system demonstrates that imitation can make robots more flexible and effective in learning any task.
The electronic tongue is designed to detect different elements of taste, including sweet, sour, salt, and bitter. The device uses four well-known chemical sensors attached to minute beads placed on a silicon wafer, allowing it to analyse for several different chemical components simultaneously.
The TEMPUS furnace, used on NASA's Microgravity Sciences Laboratory-1 mission in 1998, has demonstrated its value by making repeat measurements that matched very closely with one another. Scientists are now analyzing the data to correct surface tension measurements and make the first-ever reliable viscosity measurements.
Researchers used neutron tunneling to study magnetic properties of thin iron films, discovering a sensitive tool for exploring surfaces. The phenomenon shows promise for studying subtle magnetic phenomena in technological materials.
A team led by Cappy Rothman has successfully used sperm from a dead man to establish a pregnancy. The woman is now one month pregnant after being injected with eggs harvested from the deceased man's wife. Bioethicist Arthur Caplan fears that regulations are lagging behind technical advances in posthumous reproduction.
The Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) is funding four new research units exploring various scientific topics. These units will investigate the development of better implants, tools for effective small-scale farm management, and the study of arithmetic and its relations to other mathematical fields.
The report shows a decline in infant mortality, high blood lead levels, and child poverty. More children are being read to, participating in early childhood education, and improving their math scores. However, substance abuse, cigarette smoking, and youth violence remain concerns.
A study of over 2,000 American women who underwent medical abortion with mifepristone and misoprostol found that the method was highly effective and satisfactory, even among those for whom it failed. Women preferred the non-invasive nature and natural experience of the method, and reported few side effects.
Plant cells respond to fungal invasion by generating reactive oxygen intermediates, ion fluxes, and changes in gene activity. Gentle mechanical stimulation mimics this effect, suggesting physical contact is sufficient for triggering the defense response.
The DFG's new programme aims to promote the independence of young scientists by providing funding for research work abroad and independent research at German universities. It targets especially qualified young scientists and will handle 100 new grants per year, with up to DM 120 million in funding.
Researchers successfully wiped out 20 square kilometers of water hyacinth in the Sepik River, reducing infestations from 27 square kilometers to just seven over five years. The use of biological control agents like weevils was a key factor in this achievement.
A Duke University Medical Center study found that biological differences and later diagnosis contribute to the disparity in survival between black and white prostate cancer patients. The study surveyed 231 men from North Carolina and ruled out unequal treatment as the root cause of the higher mortality rate among blacks.
The institution has trained nearly 300 fishermen and helped them establish businesses in hard clam aquaculture. Graduates receive state-owned land leases, equipment, and seed to support their operations.
A new spray-on treatment has reduced 'albedo breakdown', a condition causing unsightly puffiness in oranges, by up to 20-25% in Australian orange crops. The treatment uses mineral calcium to address the issue, which can significantly impact fruit value and quality.
A Johns Hopkins study has found that depression is an independent risk factor for coronary artery disease in men, with those experiencing clinical depression twice as likely to develop the condition. Symptoms of CAD appeared on average 15 years after the first episode of depression.
Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) has been shown to reduce atherosclerosis in cholesterol-fed rabbits, eliminating some fat already present. The Wistar Institute, established in 1892, is making history through its development of vaccines and discovery of molecules helping the immune system fight diseases.
A study by pediatricians from Wake Forest University found that gay teenage boys with multiple male partners are more likely to experience violence, drug abuse, and absence from school. The researchers suggest that clinicians can apply these findings to provide targeted support for these adolescents.
Researchers analyzed data from over 72,000 screening mammograms to show a steady increase in cancer detection across all ages, with no abrupt jump at 50. The study challenges previous conclusions that suggested an age-related change in mammography's effectiveness, supporting the continued use of screening for women aged 40-49.
Researchers from the Max Planck Institute for Chemistry studied the stability of materials relevant to the lower mantle under very high pressures and temperatures. Their findings indicate that partial melting is more likely than previously thought to explain seismic anomalies in this region.
Adolescents born to US-born parents show poorer health and riskier behavior compared to foreign-born youth. Foreign-born teens have better physical health and are less likely to engage in delinquent or violent acts.