A three-year exercise program significantly lowered mortality rates among men who had suffered a heart attack. The study found that increased physical work capacity during the trial period was associated with reduced risk of death at every time period.
Researchers at Penn discovered that chemoembolization doubles the survival time of adult patients with colon cancer that has spread to the liver. The procedure, which delivers chemotherapy directly to tumor cells, outperforms systemic chemotherapy in managing metastasized disease.
Researchers created a wax experiment that replicates ocean floor spreading, allowing them to study millions of years of geological time. The experiments revealed the formation of microplates, tiny chunks of solid wax that roll up and rotate in a spiral shape, mirroring the Earth's natural phenomenon.
Researchers have developed new polyester materials that can retain carbon dioxide longer, leading to improved packaging and shelf life for food and drinks. Additionally, these polyesters can be used in electronic components, such as computers and automobiles, due to their environmental friendliness and recyclability.
Astronomers used numerical cosmology to study the earliest structures that formed in the universe, finding tiny star clusters containing 1,000-10,000 solar masses. These early clusters were likely the 'spark plugs' that started the formation of galaxies.
The US Navy's USS HAWKBILL is conducting a five-week scientific expedition to the Arctic Ocean as part of SCICEX 99. The mission aims to examine geophysical, chemical, and biological properties of the Arctic Ocean, including mapping its poorly-charted floor.
A new NASA study reveals Atlanta's urban heat island effect, with temperatures 10 degrees higher than surrounding areas, worsened by human land use changes. The increased heat intensifies smog levels and creates thunderstorms, which can also have beneficial effects in cleaning the atmosphere.
A new study by Brown University researchers found that teenagers with body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) experience significant impairment in social functioning, with 94% reporting difficulties. The disorder often begins before age 18, particularly at age 13, and can be treated effectively with antidepressants.
Researchers have discovered a way to describe how molecules self-assemble into cell-wall-like polymers without requiring biochemistry. This understanding could lead to the production of wood-like materials from other plant-derived molecules, such as straw, and help conserve forests.
A recent study suggests that heart attack severity is decreasing in the US, with possible reasons including increased preventive measures and better treatment for heart attacks. The analysis of the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study found a decline in both in-hospital and out-of-hospital coronary heart disease mortality.
An Australian-led team of astronomers has discovered a significant number of stray stars, potentially altering our understanding of the universe's composition. These findings suggest that there may be as many stars living in intergalactic space as those within galaxy clusters.
Researchers have created a technique to measure the electrical characteristics of individual carbon nanotubes, confirming their potential in making small circuits and computer chips. The new method enables scientists to conduct electricity without heating up, addressing a major obstacle in producing smaller electronic components.
A new sulfoxide hydrogel polymer enhances water levels in the eye while minimizing protein buildup, leading to softer lenses that are more comfortable and breathable. Clinical trials have begun for these innovative contact lenses, which could become available as early as next year.
Researchers found that chromium picolinate causes DNA breakage, potentially leading to genetic mutations and cancer. The study's findings highlight the need for further investigation into the long-term effects of chromium picolinate supplementation.
Researchers have confirmed that blue-green algae Aphanizomenon flos-aquae (AFA) significantly lowers cholesterol levels in animals. Additionally, the algae's benefits appear to be independent of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), suggesting a potential dual mechanism of action.
Researchers have developed a new method to create activated carbon products from unburned coal waste, offering a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative. The process separates the fly ash from the unburned carbon and activates it for high surface area production with yields over 70 percent.
Researchers at Cornell University have developed nanomagnets that can store data, with the potential to gather up to 100 times more information in the same space as present-day magnetic data disks. The devices are tiny bar magnets as small as 25 nanometers long and require new physics to make a system work.
Researchers have developed a new, more effective form of the medication Ritalin that produces fewer side effects and has the potential to be used in anticocaine therapy. The improved drug is made through a chiral synthesis process, which allows for smaller doses and reduced potential side effects.
A recent study by Frankfurt historian Notker Hammerstein sheds light on the DFG's record during the Weimar Republic and Third Reich, revealing a period of political conformity under National Socialism. The organization's founding ideals were largely abandoned in favor of Nazi ideology.
Researchers at IBM Almaden Research Center and University of California, Santa Cruz, have discovered novel compounds that enable precise control over polymerization reactions. This breakthrough promises to create new materials with complex molecular architectures and specific qualities.
The USGS conducts a continent-wide bird survey using over 2,500 skilled amateur birders and professional biologists. The organization also monitors water quality at abandoned mines, assesses woodcock survival, and launches the Frogwatch USA program to engage scientists and the public in amphibian conservation.
Research on limonoids, compounds in citrus peels, indicates potential anticancer activities, inhibiting human breast cancer cell proliferation and reducing LDL cholesterol levels. Field tests also demonstrate insect pest management prospects for these compounds.
Researchers at Cornell University have created a nanoharp to study the physics of very small vibrating systems. The device consists of silicon rods suspended above a substrate and measures vibrations using laser light, detecting frequencies up to 380 MHz.
Scientists have developed cotton fabrics with built-in pesticide detoxifiers that can be cleaned and reactivated by washing with bleach. The treatment reduces pesticide levels in garments to harmless fragments within minutes, offering a comfortable and protective solution for agricultural workers and gardeners.
A new finish for cotton fabric has been developed using citric acid and maleic acid, offering superior durable press performance and good laundering durability. The cost-effective method is a formaldehyde replacement and is now under commercial development.
Researchers at the University of Rochester discovered that Alzheimer's patients suffer from motion blindness, a condition where they struggle to interpret visual cues, leading to disorientation. This can be a significant factor in their daily lives, including driving and navigating familiar environments. The study's findings may lead t...
The 'Demystifying Cancer' program brings together medical professionals, researchers, and experts to provide accurate information about cancer. Participants will learn about current therapies, clinical trials, and how to navigate the Internet for reliable information.
Ulrike Becker and Wolfgang Glasser's research on fluorine-containing cellulose esters reveals a way to change adsorption in fibers, improving cigarette filter performance. The study also advances the understanding of cotton's structure.
A Canadian study found that university-educated white-collar women experience significant increases in blood pressure due to office stress and large family responsibilities. The research revealed a persistent effect of these factors on blood pressure throughout the day, evening, and night.
A recent study found that women's social support is more effective than men's in reducing both men's and women's blood pressure under stress. The researchers discovered that female listeners provided a modest systolic blood pressure increase of 25mmHg, while male listeners caused an average increase of 32mmHg.
Researchers found that stressed caregivers caring for Alzheimer's patients have impaired immune function, including reduced lymphocyte production and elevated stress hormone levels. This vulnerability can lead to increased illness duration and severity.
A French medical researcher claims that moderate caffeine consumption does not lead to addiction, but rather increases alertness and energy. However, high doses of caffeine can trigger functional activity in the brain's reward system, leading to potential negative effects such as anxiety and depression.
Researchers discovered that Mexican women who saw a PMS video experienced severe symptoms, including moderate and severe pain, after viewing the videotape. The study suggests that being aware of the syndrome may exacerbate premenstrual stress syndrome in women with higher levels of education.
Researchers at University at Buffalo discovered that aerosol clusters can amplify chemical reactions, creating carcinogenic by-products from benign reagents. The study may provide a better understanding of how air pollution forms and inform regulation strategies.
Scientists Nori Yamaguchi and Harry Gibson have developed a reversible process to form supramolecular polymers, which can be used to create fibers or transport target molecules. The polymers are formed through hydrogen bonding and can be undone at the molecular level using heat or pH.
Researchers have developed a new MRI technology that uses xenon gas to generate high-resolution images of the heart and lungs in living laboratory rats. The system detects signals from polarized xenon molecules, allowing for direct measurement of blood flow through organs.
A University of Iowa study found that patients with schizophrenia who had frequent social interaction lived on average 25 percent longer than those with little or no interaction. The researchers also discovered that married patients lived somewhat longer than unmarried patients.
Researchers have identified three compounds that can stimulate new bone growth in animals, including synthetic chemicals and a natural product. These small molecule compounds are relatively inexpensive, stable, and can be easily modified or formulated, potentially leading to the first osteoporosis treatment to stimulate new bone growth.
A systematic bird survey of the Phoenix metropolitan area has been ongoing since 1998, with over 150 species sighted. The database is a valuable resource for scientists studying urban landscape structure and its impact on avian populations.
Researchers found that psychological stress increases levels of IL-6, a cytokine linked to immune system response, making the body more susceptible to developing infection and symptoms of respiratory illness.
The American Chemical Society (ACS) has introduced ASAP Alerts, a new online service that sends e-mail notifications of newly available Articles ASAP from each of its 27 Web editions of journals. Subscribers and non-subscribers can sign up for daily or weekly notifications, with access to full-text articles within minutes.
A study found that breast cancer patients' top concerns after surgery are mortality, pain, and financial burdens, not previously thought to be the primary worries. The survey involved 223 women from diverse ethnic backgrounds and highlighted the importance of addressing these issues in counseling.
A recent study found that excessively frequent breast self-examinations may reduce detection efficacy and increase false-positive findings. Women with a family history of breast cancer who examine themselves daily or weekly showed the highest levels of general anxiety.
Researchers at Stanford University have invented a quantum electron pump, a device that operates according to the laws of quantum physics. The pump uses slight changes in shape created by electrostatic forces to push electrons through it, allowing for the movement of electrons without relying on voltage differences.
A recent study published in Addictive Behaviors found that women smoking menthol cigarettes inhale more deeply, resulting in higher nicotine exposure. The study also showed that these smokers tend to take their first cigarette earlier in the day, increasing their nicotine dependence.
Research at Ohio State University found that a low-calorie diet slowed tumor growth in rats and mice with prostate cancer. The study suggested that maintaining proper energy balance may inhibit prostate cancer progression.
Researchers identified preferential transmission of alleles at the Dopamine transporter gene (DAT1), Dopamine-b-hydroxylase (DBH), and Dopamine D5 receptor (DRD5) in affected children. The findings suggest a possible genetic contribution to the disorder, with stronger transmission of associated alleles in familial cases.
Researchers at UC Davis and MIT propose a new model of Earth's mantle as two layers, reconciling conflicting evidence from seismologists and geochemists. The new model suggests that tectonic plates encounter a geological barrier in the lower mantle, preventing them from mixing with deep-mantle material.
Researchers at NIST have demonstrated that three atom waves can be mixed together to produce a fourth matter wave, similar to combining optical laser beams. This breakthrough opens a new field of non-linear atom optics, which may lead to applications in amplifying matter waves and exploring quantum behavior.
Researchers at Stanford University have developed a new way to study the chemistry of life using tiny, cell-sized containers called vesicles. These vesicles allow for the creation of minuscule chemical reactions that can mimic the conditions found inside living cells.
A team of scientists has determined that Acoela flatworms, previously thought to be part of a younger group, are actually the oldest living ancestors to all 'bilateral' animals. This finding implies that bilateral organisms began making their debut on Earth earlier than previously thought.
The MIT researchers' new model explains minute differences in magma composition by shifting densities due to iron and silicon, offset by soaring temperatures. This resolves the long-standing debate on convection in the Earth's mantle, providing a new framework for further investigations.
Scientists have discovered the molecular structure of ZAG, a protein linked to severe weight loss in cancer patients. The discovery provides crucial insights into how ZAG promotes fat breakdown, paving the way for potential treatments for clinical obesity and related conditions.
A new type of molecular cue, Slit, has been discovered that repels growing neurons and triggers them to sprout new connections in the developing nervous system. The discovery opens a promising new pathway to understanding how the brain and nervous system wires itself.
Two studies presented at the American Academy of Dermatology meeting suggest that primary care doctors often refer patients with skin problems to dermatologists, wasting time and resources. Dermatologists diagnose skin diseases more quickly than other doctors, saving money for both patients and healthcare systems.
Scientists at DuPont and the University of Delaware have created inexpensive biosensors that rapidly detect key toxins in poultry feed and environmental contaminants. The researchers used genetically engineered bacteria to create a pre-screening method for identifying potential contaminants, including aflatoxin B1.
Researchers found that patients with severe asthma who use intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) in conjunction with steroids have fewer hospitalizations for asthma attacks than those using only steroids. IVIG also reduces lung inflammation and increases steroid sensitivity, making it an effective treatment option for people with asthma.
Patients with atrial septal defects can benefit from surgical closure earlier in life to prevent future symptoms, according to researchers. The study found that surgery between ages 16 and 80 can restore normal blood circulation and prevent arrhythmia.
Dr. Jeanne Sauber will present a lecture on the earthquake hazard in Alaska, studying subduction from space, at the National Science Teachers Association convention in Boston. She will discuss direct measurements of subduction using space-based data and its implications for Alaskan plate movement.
Dr. Alex Sherriffs, a UCSF-Fresno Medical Education Program faculty member, has been recognized with the 1999 Award for Educational Excellence from the California Academy of Family Physicians Foundation. He is praised for his commitment to education and his ability to provide excellent mentorship to medical students.