Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that babies weighing below 5 pounds 13 ounces are more likely to face mortality or disability compared to those weighing less. The study included approximately 127,000 newborns and showed that pre-term infants' risk of adverse outcomes increased with decreased growth.
Logging in tropical forests has sparked a 'deadly second harvest' of wildlife, including gorillas and elephants, with increased access providing markets for bushmeat. The Wildlife Conservation Society estimates that annual bushmeat harvest exceeds one million metric tons.
An international team led by the University of Colorado at Boulder is studying the South Asian summer monsoon, a region that affects 65% of the world's population. The six-week expedition aims to understand the basic physics behind these variations and predict them, enabling drought or flood warnings for affected regions.
A study published in The American Journal of Managed Care found that insurance companies are losing money by requiring prior authorization for all tretinoin prescriptions for patients over 25 years old. In fact, the restrictions can lead to a high administrative cost due to the drug's applications beyond acne treatment.
A two-month research trip to Antarctica led by Temple University biologist Robert W. Sanders aimed to study microorganisms and retrieve samples from the extreme environment. The National Science Foundation funded the work, which will contribute to understanding biology at the limits of life.
New study using GPS satellites tracks ground motions in Midwest seismic zone, revealing little to no motion across the area. The results suggest National Seismic Hazard maps should be revised to reflect lower estimates of earthquake risk, potentially leading to cost savings for new construction.
The discovery of Australopithecus garhi provides crucial information about the evolution of humans, revealing a species that walked on human-like legs and used stone tools to strip meat from bones. The fossils also suggest that this species may have been the immediate predecessor of humans.
A two-year study of 350 pregnant women in Tanzania is being conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of a simple fortified drink in improving iron and general nutritional status. The drink, made with 11 vitamins and minerals, has shown promising results in improving anemia and other nutritional deficiencies in Tanzanian children.
The Mars Pathfinder mission sent back 2.3 gigabits of new data, including over 17,000 images and 16 chemical analyses of rocks and soil. The mission provided key findings on Mars' geology, magnetic properties, atmosphere, and cartography.
The NHLBI Director notes a decline in hypertension levels from the 1950s to the 1980s, but reports that recent data show a slowdown in blood pressure control rates and a slight increase in stroke rates. The study highlights the need for continued efforts to prevent and treat hypertension.
Researchers at the University of Toronto have discovered a 50-million-year-old association between an antibiotic-producing bacterium and fungus-growing ants. The study suggests that this symbiotic relationship may provide valuable new insights into the identification, production, and use of antibiotics.
A new bio-tech can remove up to half of impurities from crude oil, improving its physical and chemical properties. This breakthrough technology has the potential to make heavy crudes usable for clean-burning fuel, addressing the dwindling supply of lighter grades.
Researchers from Idaho National Laboratory are developing tools to monitor water flow and contaminants in the vadose zone beneath the Savannah River Site. They planted soil monitoring equipment to measure water content, tritium concentration, and soil tension, providing valuable information about the vadose zone.
The Merck Manual has been extensively revised to reflect ever-increasing medical knowledge, with new additions on topics like drug therapy for the elderly and chronic fatigue syndrome. The Centennial Edition is now nearly 3,000 pages, divided into 23 thumb-indexed sections, making it a vital necessity for today's clinicians.
Cornell University researcher Carla Gomes has received $700,706 in grants to develop faster methods for tackling combinatorial problems. She plans to use a high-performance computing facility with 32 linked desktop computers to test new ideas.
The Decontamination, Decommissioning, and Remediation Optimal Planning System (DDROPS) simulates facility decontamination and waste minimization. This software optimizes cutting and packaging of debris to reduce radiation exposure risk and disposal costs.
Dr. Stefan-M. Pulst will present five scientific sessions on spinocerebellar ataxia and a new brain tumor-discovery, expanding treatment options for neurodegenerative diseases. His team mapped a new gene SCA10 to chromosome 22, causing loss of gait and limb control.
Archaeopteris, an extinct tree, had a structure similar to modern trees, with woody strength and protective bark. The tree lived for 10-50 years or more, predating the evolution of seeds in trees.
The AAPS Workshop on Regulatory Issues Related to Drug Products for Oral Inhalation and Nasal Delivery will focus on quality assurance, CMC data, and bioavailability. The workshop aims to advance science through open exchange of knowledge and contribute to human health through pharmaceutical research.
A recent study analyzed gender differences in precancerous changes in smokers' lung tissue, finding that women develop a distinct pattern of bronchial changes and are more susceptible to tobacco-related carcinogens. This research underscores the importance of considering gender in lung cancer screening methods.
Researchers at UC Davis used fluorescent microscopy to observe motor proteins carrying cargoes through a live roundworm cell. The findings provide valuable insights into the cellular transportation system and demonstrate a technical method for future research.
Researchers at UC Davis report a significant breakthrough in superplasticity, achieving the ability to stretch metal without breaking at lower temperatures. The discovery involves using nanostructured materials, which are 1,000 times smaller than microcrystals, resulting in stronger and more practical materials.
A laser pointer has been found to help some Parkinson's patients overcome freezing episodes, where their legs temporarily lock in place. The device provides a visual cue that helps patients take the next step towards regaining mobility, offering hope for those struggling with this debilitating symptom.
A new study by UC San Francisco health policy researchers found that patient characteristics and clinical practices significantly impact hospital resource use for liver transplantation. The study suggests guidelines to standardize resource use may lower costs, while findings highlight the need to reduce variations in practice patterns.
The sundial is designed to track the passage of hours and seasons on Mars, with calibration targets to adjust camera brightness and tint. The instrument carries a message from Earth to future Martian explorers, wishing them a safe journey and joy of discovery.
Researchers are enrolling physically active and sedentary individuals with spinal cord injuries to investigate the benefits of aerobic exercise on lipid profiles, glucose tolerance, independence, and quality of life. The study aims to develop a structured exercise program for SCI patients.
Scientists have discovered hundreds of migratory bird bones in the Bluefish Caves, indicating a diverse avian fauna. The findings contradict earlier ideas that the region was a marginal habitat, suggesting an environmental richness supporting multiple feeding niches.
The Pan American Health Organization will launch a collaborative effort to eradicate measles from the Americas, building on progress made since 1994. The region has seen significant reductions in measles cases, but efforts must be redoubled to prevent importations and improve surveillance.
NASA gave astronauts melatonin to improve sleep, but found no benefit; instead, electrodes seemed to help them relax and sleep better. Astronauts' duties likely cause insomnia, and monitoring equipment helps them see sleep as part of their mission.
Researchers found that WIC participants had lower infant death rates related to pregnancy and delivery. Additionally, Medicaid participation reduced the risk of infant mortality due to external causes like infectious diseases and accidents. The study also highlighted disparities in access to healthcare among low-income families.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have found the source of migraine pain to be changes within the meninges, the protective tissue layers covering the brain. The study uses SPECT scans to link abnormalities in the meninges with the site of pain.
Patients with secondary progressive multiple sclerosis treated with Novantrone experienced a sustained reduction in their number of attacks and delay in disability progression compared to those treated with placebo. The treatment resulted in generally manageable side effects and a smaller number of relapses in the third year.
A recent clinical trial found that fetal dopamine cell implants improved movement control in younger Parkinson's patients, but had no significant impact on older patients or daily activities. PET brain scans revealed increased dopamine activity in those who received the implants, but also showed more severe adverse experiences.
Terminally ill patients in Oregon are more likely to receive care that aligns with their advance directives, resulting in higher patient satisfaction and reduced hospital deaths. The state's low in-hospital death rate can be attributed to its extensive resources for in-home hospice care and adult foster care.
The PVC industry is expected to see significant growth in the developed world, thanks to innovation and advancements in technology. New studies have found that phthalates have little or no effect on human health, providing a safer alternative for manufacturers. The conference also explored ways to improve the industry's image and provi...
A study found a significant increase in advertising for calcium channel blockers and ACE inhibitors, paralleling a trend away from beta blockers and diuretics. The authors suggest that pharmaceutical marketing efforts may have contributed to this shift, despite scientific evidence favoring the older drugs.
A new study at Johns Hopkins and the University of Maryland provides a tool for physicians to evaluate an epilepsy patient's risk of having an accident while driving. The study found that four illness-related characteristics can predict accidents, including the length of time between seizures.
Researchers at Colorado State University are exploring a promising new technique for treating osteoarthritis in horses, which may also benefit humans. The 'microfracture' procedure involves creating small holes in the bone to stimulate cartilage growth, and has shown positive results in long-term studies on horses.
Smokers who abstain from cigarettes experience increased cravings but show improved reasoning skills upon resuming smoking. The study found that abstinence impairs certain mental tasks, such as letter search, while leaving others unchanged.
A new study published in UB's School of Health Related Professions found that female collegiate soccer players performed longer at a higher intensity on a diet composed of 35% fat than on lower-fat diets. The women showed no increase in weight, body fat, or blood pressure despite consuming a higher amount of fat.
Researchers at National Jewish Health found cases of chronic beryllium disease in two people exposed to 2 percent beryllium copper alloy, a product used in toasters, bicycles, and electronics. Chronic beryllium disease is caused by inhaling beryllium dust into the lungs, leading to lung scarring and oxygen transfer issues.
A randomized controlled trial found that zinc supplementation significantly reduced mortality in low-birth weight Indian children. Zinc also reduced diarrheal prevalence and pneumonia incidence in international studies.
A major new study concludes that home environment has about twice the educational impact of day care on children's school readiness. The study found that better-quality care before the school years tends to prepare children better to succeed in school later on.
National Science Board (NSB) Chairman Eamon Kelly will be available to discuss various science-related issues on April 26. The NSB, comprising industry and academia representatives, has published papers on education, research trends, and government funding.
Researchers at Rockefeller University have elucidated the wiring diagram of the accessory olfactory system, which is more complex than the main olfactory system. The findings suggest that the accessory olfactory system recognizes blends of molecules rather than individual odorant molecules.
Biologists found Thiomargarita namibiensis in sediments off Namibian coast, living up to 3/4 mm wide and storing nitrate in an 'anaerobic lung'. The bacteria can survive for three months without external supply of nutrients, playing a crucial role in oxidizing toxic sulfide.
Researchers link destruction of proteins to destruction of messenger RNA, a breakthrough that could lead to development of pharmaceuticals to control protein production.
A new spin-off company, Chirologix Pharmaceuticals Inc., will be formed to research and develop promising antibacterial agents. The company has secured a $750,000 round of financing led by the Western Technology Seed Investment Fund.
Scientists at Duke University Medical Center have developed a novel bioreactor system that mimics the fetal environment to grow blood vessels from adult pig cells. The engineered arteries functioned similarly to native vessels and withstood blood pressures, offering a promising solution for treating heart disease.
A team of researchers has discovered the largest bacteria ever known, Thiomargarita namibiensis, which stores elemental sulfur and nitrate. The finding provides firmer evidence of coupling between the sulfur and nitrogen cycles in the ocean, offering new insights into the environment's recycling processes.
A UB Study found no correlation between male consumption of Lake Ontario fish contaminated with PCBs and pesticides, and delayed conception in women. The study analyzed data from 785 women who had conceived between 1991-93, but did not find a significant link to conception delay, despite concerns about potential reproductive effects.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center have identified a critical molecular link between endothelial cells and the development of new blood vessels. This discovery could lead to more targeted treatments for heart disease and cancer with fewer side effects.
The brain resolves conflicts between senses by inventing a new reality, as demonstrated in a study using a spinning device that recreates childhood experiences. This internal modeling allows the brain to create a sensation of movement even when the body is stationary.
David Sington has won the 1999 Walter Sullivan Award for Excellence in Science Journalism, presented by the American Geophysical Union. The award recognizes his work on the eight-part television series "Earth Story," which explores fundamental processes shaping the Earth and its interaction with climate and evolution.
Researchers at the University of Washington have developed a coating process that attracts and binds specific proteins to biomaterial surfaces, promoting affinity for natural healing. The technique, which uses keyhole-like indentations and sugar molecules, has shown strong affinity for proteins in laboratory experiments.
A new study from the Wellman Laboratories of Photomedicine at Massachusetts General Hospital found that Er:YAG laser treatment is as effective as CO2 laser for wrinkle removal but with fewer side effects. Patients experienced less skin reddening and faster recovery times with Er:YAG, which requires more passes to achieve similar results.
Researchers have compiled a vast collection of gamma-ray spectra, enabling identification of radioactive materials and prediction of decay. The data includes over 315 reference spectra and more than 371 associated decay schemes.
A double-blind study at the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology shows that magnetic stimulation of the brain can ease severe depression. The treatment, known as rTMS, was found to be effective in improving depression ratings by 50%, with half of patients requiring no further treatment.
A new clinical study has found that a combination of exercise and moderate doses of male hormones can benefit men with HIV-wasting syndrome by building up lean tissue. The study showed significant increases in lean body mass and muscle strength, regardless of whether patients were undergoing treatment with HIV anti-retroviral drugs.
Scientists at the University of Hawaii have discovered a unique feature in the nervous system of plankton - myelin - which coats nerve cells and enables faster response times to stimuli. This finding has significant implications for our understanding of evolution, ocean biology, and the differences between vertebrates and invertebrates.