The Johns Hopkins University engineering graduate student created a website to address questions on the impact of climate change on public health and policy makers' responses. The site provides research tools, links to experts, and raw data for researchers.
The study found that obesity significantly increases the risk of developing coronary heart disease, with risks rising from 35% for non-obese men to 46% for severely obese individuals. The expected lifetime costs of heart disease are also higher for obese individuals, ranging from $6,000 for mildly obese men to $16,400 for severely obes...
A survey of preschoolers found that those from smoke-free homes were less likely to want to smoke later in life. Children who saw pictures of smoking characters like Joe Camel incorrectly associated them with smoking, highlighting the influence of early exposure on attitudes towards smoking.
Research shows that caregivers with Alzheimer's disease are more likely to develop a high metabolic syndrome level, which increases the risk of heart attack and other health complications. Interventions such as exercise, psychological uplifts, and improved diet may help reduce stress and mitigate this risk.
A University of Pittsburgh study found that electron beam computed tomography (EBCT) can predict the development of heart disease in women with high accuracy. The test measures calcification in coronary arteries and aorta, indicating the presence of atherosclerosis.
Research found that men and women have distinct reactions to stressors, including disagreements and skill challenges. Husbands tend to respond more strongly to perceived threats to their status and power, while wives are more reactive to interpersonal conflicts and quality of interaction.
Sandia National Laboratories and Compaq have developed a system that sorts a terabyte of data in under 50 minutes, three times faster than the previous record. This achievement demonstrates the potential for fast and cost-effective data sorting, which can be used to identify patterns in large datasets.
Adding beta-blocker metoprolol to standard treatment for heart failure increases survival by about 35 percent, according to a large international study. The study, called Metoprolol CR/XL Randomized Intervention Trial in Heart Failure (Merit-HF), was conducted in the US and 13 other countries.
Researchers have developed a neurotrophic electrode that can be implanted in the brain to help paralyzed patients communicate through a computer. The system uses neural signals to drive a cursor on a screen, allowing patients to interact with their environment.
A study found that a gene called apolipoprotein E (apo)E influences blood cholesterol levels and predicts how much those levels are affected by weight gain, smoking, and other lifestyle factors. People with the apoE-2 variant have a beneficial cholesterol profile, but risk factors like smoking and obesity can negate this benefit.
A new study reveals that more than half of children consume excessive amounts of fat, leading to increased risk of cardiovascular disease. The study found that most children exceeded the recommended levels of total fat intake and also had inadequate consumption of desirable monounsaturated fats.
Drs. Jeremy Sugarman and Larry Burk argue that conventional clinicians have an ethical obligation to consider alternative medicine therapies, prioritizing patient autonomy, safety, and effectiveness. They emphasize the importance of respecting patients' choices while providing informed guidance.
A study has found that environmental stimuli can trigger neurochemical changes in the brain similar to those caused by cocaine use, leading to overwhelming cravings in recovering addicts. Dr. Leonard Howell's research suggests that a medication targeting the serotonin system may prevent such cravings.
A pilot study found that patient costs for care using perfusion imaging were almost half that of conventional treatment, with a threefold reduction in total hospital stay. This strategy can give emergency room physicians greater confidence in their decision-making, while also identifying patients who need further treatment.
A recent study by the American Heart Association found that physical activity significantly reduces the risk of stroke in individuals aged 45-64. Those who were more active at work had a 49% lower risk, while those with high levels of sports activity had a 23% reduced risk.
The University of Florida is part of a virtual Astrobiology Institute studying the origin and evolution of life in the galaxy. Chemists are searching for universal DNA features that could be found in potential Martian life, which may help overcome the difficulty of recognizing non-terrestrial life.
The NYU Computer Lab's ReaCT-ILP laboratory is working on eliminating the programming bottleneck in embedded systems by developing an optimizing compiler that regulates instruction timing. This technology, known as EPIC computing, aims to increase information processing power and precision in smart devices.
A new analysis of PURSUIT data reveals women in Latin America and Eastern Europe receive less aggressive cardiac treatment and have higher incidence of heart disease deaths compared to men in similar regions. In contrast, women and men in North America and Western Europe receive comparable treatment and outcomes.
Researchers found that elevated blood pressure is a strong predictor of changes in brain structure and related cognitive functioning. All participants showed declines in mental abilities over time, with higher blood pressures associated with greater declines, particularly for visual-spatial ability and speed of performance.
A University of Colorado at Boulder study found that rats who exercised regularly before stress exposure were protected against its suppressive effect on immune response. Regular exercise in moderation can help buffer the negative effects of stress on the immune system, according to the researcher.
A new University of Michigan study investigates the impact of tobacco litigation on public health policy, concluding that courts are not well-suited for adopting policy changes. The authors argue that building a moral and political case is essential to achieve tobacco control goals through legislative and regulatory processes.
Researchers at UCSF have found that DHEA can reverse the effects of Endothelin-1, a peptide elevated in most heart diseases, by dilating coronary arteries and increasing endothelial cell function. This study provides scientific credence to DHEA's potential benefits on cardiovascular health.
A new study finds that Enhanced External Counterpulsation (EECP) is effective in reducing angina in individuals with coronary artery disease. EECP, a non-invasive therapy, has been proven to improve exercise tolerance and reduce angina attacks, offering relief for patients who suffer from this condition.
A NASA-led panel aims to create a road map for science communication, considering new technologies and their impact. The Research/Road Map group will focus on adding value to scientific research and communicating findings to the public.
Researchers found that famous faces activate both sides of the brain, whereas unfamiliar faces only activate the right side. This suggests that paying attention to a person's name and face can improve memory recall.
The Advanced Composition Explorer (ACE) spacecraft is taking precautions to withstand the November 17 Leonid meteor storm, which could pose a risk due to its close proximity to the comet's wake. NASA technicians are adjusting the spacecraft's orientation and instruments to minimize damage from the massive cloud of Leonid particles.
Patients with congestive heart failure who exercised had higher survival rates after four years compared to those who did not, with a 92% versus 64% rate of survival. The study's findings support the potential benefits of exercise for patients with this condition and underscore the need for further research.
A study by Jane E. Freedman found that purple grape juice inhibits platelet aggregation, reducing blood clotting risk and improving cardiovascular health. The flavonoid quercetin was also shown to have antioxidant properties, preventing the inactivation of nitric oxide.
A study of 3359 twin pairs found that genes play a significant role in two behaviors contributing to compulsive gambling, with familial factors explaining 62% of the behavior. The researchers estimate that about half of these behaviors are genetically mediated, highlighting the importance of inherited factors in vulnerability to gambling.
Researchers found that administering the drug immediately improves patient outcomes and may alleviate the need for transfer to larger hospitals. The study's results support earlier use of eptifibatide in smaller community hospitals treating heart attack patients with unstable angina.
A study by U-M epidemiologists found that Americans living in cities with greater income disparities are more likely to die than those in cities with lower disparities. Researchers also examined the characteristics of individuals using emergency contraceptive pills and proposed a plan to improve home care efficiency.
Researchers at Virginia Tech will study the potential connection between pesticide exposure during the Persian Gulf War and an increased risk of developing Parkinson's Disease. The three-year project aims to investigate neurochemical changes in mice exposed to insecticides, which could provide insights into the disease.
Researchers found that low SES patients experience worse quality of life after treatment despite aggressive cardiac procedures. They require significant lifestyle changes, physical rehabilitation, and medication management, which can be inaccessible or misunderstood by this group.
A Georgia Tech study found that sensory neurons in animal limbs play a critical role in determining what information is received and what behaviors result. Researchers successfully transplanted female feeding claws onto males, demonstrating novel input processing by the brain.
The Pacific Northwest National Laboratory has established a new adjunct organization to coordinate nuclear nonproliferation programs, research, and policy work in the region. The center aims to promote collaboration among stakeholders for proliferation prevention and arms control policy.