Researchers have identified a gene, Irx4, that regulates the formation of heart chambers in vertebrates. The discovery provides new insights into cardiac development and opens up opportunities for discovering other genes involved in this process.
Researchers tested four types of on-hold music with 71 clients, finding that time spent waiting was generally overestimated. Alternative music emerged as a good choice, as it evoked less polarized reactions and shorter wait times.
A clinical trial testing tin-117m DTPA, a nuclear medicine compound, may provide non-sedating pain relief and treatment for advanced-stage bone cancer. The therapy has shown promising results in easing pain for over 75% of patients, with relief lasting up to a year.
A study of 1,208 young physicians found that women doctors married to other doctors worked fewer hours, earned less money, and took on more family responsibilities. In contrast, men MD2s also experienced benefits, including higher family incomes and successful spouses' careers.
The new edition explores the survival strategies of desert shrubs in resource islands, which support microclimate and soil health. Exotic plant species also invade areas of high native diversity, challenging traditional ecological theories.
Doctors at Duke University Medical Center have developed a treatment that can save most babies born with severe combined immune deficiency (SCID) by giving them a family member's bone marrow within the first 3.5 months of life. This approach has eradicated the need for toxic chemotherapy, sterile environments, and lengthy hospital stays.
A team of researchers has described a case of a patient who died from a bloodstream infection caused by a multidrug-resistant strain of Staphylococcus aureus. The study found that a combination of two commonly used antibiotics, oxacillin and vancomycin, was effective in killing the resistant bacteria.
Researchers identified a gene called Irx-4 that helps maintain the boundaries between heart chambers. The discovery opens up new avenues to understand heart chamber formation and may also shed light on the cause of certain heart defects.
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is launching a unique project to reduce tooth decay among the state's youngest children by applying fluoride varnish on their teeth starting from 9 months. Despite improvements in dental health over the past three decades, 20-25% of young children still suffer from severe tooth decay.
A recent Arizona State University study found that comet gas tails contain high concentrations of ionized carbon monoxide, contrary to previous assumptions that they were composed mostly of water. The team's discovery explains why carbon monoxide molecules are more resilient than water molecules when exposed to sunlight.
Robert W. Pitz is using advanced laser diagnostics to study gasoline burning characteristics in direct injection engines, aiming to reduce pollutants while maintaining efficiency. His research may lead to the development of next-generation engines with improved fuel economy and reduced emissions.
Computer models of Venus' changing climate system may provide insights into Earth's dynamic past and potential future. The models suggest that volcanic activity could have increased greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, leading to a cooling effect on the planet.
Researchers monitored the Soufriere Hills Volcano's cyclic eruptions to understand mechanisms behind them. They identified cyclical events nearly so well as no one before and made predictions on eruption timing and areas affected, saving lives through evacuation efforts.
Researchers identify smaller, bright sand dunes formed of sulfates possibly gypsum, while larger dark dune fields are made of grains eroded from lava flows. The winds on Mars create landforms remarkably similar to those in some deserts on Earth.
A survey of nearly 1,000 primary care providers found that those with more experience were more likely to recommend evidence-based treatments for HIV. The study suggests that patients with HIV should have access to experienced physicians who can provide high-quality care.
Researchers found that FTIs activate features of RHO by stimulating the production of an isoform with altered properties, making it possible for RHO to perform activities it could not previously perform. This understanding will lead to more effective and targeted cancer treatments.
Researchers are exposing chimps to lethal HIV strains to develop an AIDS vaccine, with some arguing that the practice is unjustified and disrespects animal life. Chimps have already been infected with deadly strains of HIV, and more may be exposed in future experiments.
A team of researchers has shown that oltipraz, a chemopreventive agent, can alter the disposition of aflatoxin in people at high risk for liver cancer. The study establishes proof of principle that chemo-preventive agents can work by changing the metabolism of environmental carcinogens.
The National Academy of Engineering has elected 80 engineers and eight foreign associates for their important contributions to engineering theory and practice. The newly elected members include innovators in fields such as algorithms, satellite technology, nuclear fuel bonding, and biotechnology.
Researchers from CU-Boulder will create a virtual sensor by combining data from two instruments orbiting NASA's Mars Global Surveyor satellite. They aim to identify the surface composition of Mars' polar ice and plot its perimeters, gaining insights into climate change on both Earth and Mars.
As people age, a protein called TNF helps to destroy diseased cells but also causes the immune system to degenerate. Researchers found that older adults' immune cells became more sensitive to TNF, leading to increased cell death and weakening of the immune system.
A study by Massachusetts General Hospital found that those who lost Medicaid coverage reported significant difficulties in accessing healthcare services, including delayed or foregone care due to cost concerns. Only a small percentage could afford insurance on their own, highlighting the need for more affordable options.
Researchers found that court reports prepared by probation officers consistently depict black and white juvenile offenders differently, resulting in tougher sentencing recommendations for blacks. The study highlights the role of unconscious racial stereotyping in the justice system.
Researchers have localized a new gene, SCA10, associated with a rare form of inherited ataxia that also causes seizures in 20% of family members. The finding may shed light on the pathogenesis of epilepsy.
A lack of testing on children means doctors must prescribe 'off label', leaving them with uncertainty about the outcome. This also leads to liability for healthcare authorities rather than pharmaceutical companies.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that doctors missed diagnosing abusive head trauma in young children up to 31.2% of the time. The study highlighted the importance of considering non-specific signs of abuse and performing mindful exams, particularly if a child's face is bruised.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University discovered that infants as young as 6 months old begin to comprehend the sound patterns behind words like 'Mama' and 'Dada', forming a lexicon linked to socially significant people. This finding marks a significant milestone in understanding human language development.
Despite the Asian recession, US firms remain in a strong position due to their dominance of knowledge processing and increasing return markets. However, the authors warn that if American firms fail to adapt, they risk losing market share to Asian companies, who are emerging as a formidable new elite.
A decade of anti-smoking campaigns in California show that aggressive ad campaigns exposing the tobacco industry's hypocrisy are key to success, while support from health advocacy groups is crucial for their effectiveness. The campaigns led to rapid drops in cigarette smoking in the state.
A transitional care model improved the health of hospitalized elderly patients with common medical and surgical problems, reducing hospital readmissions and post-discharge health service costs. The study found that only 20% of intervention group patients were rehospitalized compared to 37% of controls.
Computer simulations reveal a tension-activated switch mechanism that regulates fibronectin's cell-binding function, similar to untying a shoelace. The researchers' findings provide new insight into how nature may use molecular mechanics to control biological activity.
A new candidate vaccine targets multiple stages of the malaria parasite's life cycle, inducing a high level of antibodies that block invasion into liver cells and inhibit growth. The multicomponent vaccine offers potential for improved protection against different parasite strains.
Researchers found that urine tests can detect asymptomatic STDs in adolescent girls, leading to earlier treatment and prevention of serious complications like PID. This could expand screening to more teens, particularly boys, and reduce costs compared to traditional pelvic exams.
Physicist Janet Conrad is building an underground vat to trap oscillating neutrinos and observe their transformation into another type. The experiment aims to prove that neutrinos have mass, a discovery that has already shaken the physics world.
Researchers discover the structure of a key compound enabling the bacterium's deadly mechanism and create molecules that block its effects in mice. The study provides a novel way to combat Staphylococcus aureus infections without killing the bacteria, potentially addressing antibiotic resistance.
Researchers created a protein-like model that unfolded and refolded itself to reveal common features among folding pathways. The study provides new clues to understanding how proteins achieve their stable structures quickly and reliably.
A new scientific study investigated whether olestra-based potato and corn chips cause unpleasant symptoms, finding no significant difference between the two groups. Participants reported an average of one more day with more frequent bowel movements in the olestra group, but this effect was not substantial.
A recent study found that 54% of single women entering Medicaid receive assistance for less than one year, with only 15% staying for five years. The researchers suggest that policy makers develop a stable source of coverage for former welfare recipients and shift the cost among women, employers, and Medicaid as their incomes and employ...
A low-protein diet can safely delay dialysis treatment for up to a year in patients with severe chronic renal failure. The diet, rich in fruits and vegetables, provides essential nutrients without side effects.
Neuroscientists at Johns Hopkins discover that nerve signals can originate from nerves not directly injured, leading to abnormal activity in nearby nerves. The study provides a basis for targeting the skin and suggests effective therapy options for neuropathic pain syndromes.
Researchers at Allelix Biopharmaceuticals Inc. have successfully cloned the GLP-2 receptor, which plays a crucial role in intestinal growth and nutrient absorption. The discovery provides valuable information on the specificity and action of GLP-2, a potential therapy for gastrointestinal disorders such as short bowel syndrome.
The Society of Actuaries has published a monograph on managed care in a time of transition, featuring insights from 21 experts on the topic. The research project explored managed care issues from different stakeholder perspectives, including consumers, health plan sponsors, and healthcare providers.
A study published in Annals of Internal Medicine suggests that high levels of serum estradiol and testosterone are associated with a three-fold increased risk of developing breast cancer. Researchers hope this information will help clinicians identify high-risk women who may benefit from chemoprevention.
The University at Buffalo's Center for Hearing and Deafness has received a $5.7 million grant to study acquired hearing loss, affecting 28 million people in the US. The center will investigate four projects on peripheral and central auditory system function.
Researchers successfully modified adenovirus, a common cold virus, to carry corrective genes to defective cells. The modified virus persisted for over two months in mice, overcoming a major barrier to widespread use of adenovirus as a genetic delivery vehicle.
Researchers have developed a new class of porous materials, called nanobubblepack, with ordered crystal-like arrangements of ultra-small spherical spaces. They can produce these materials in a range of pore sizes and fill them with various substances.
A large clinical trial in Uganda found that despite reductions in STDs, HIV incidence was not reduced by mass treatment. The study suggests that STDs increase the risk of HIV infections at an individual level.
A study by Gregory Encina Billikopf found that farmworkers generally have positive attitudes towards their employment, with many rating their jobs as excellent and valuing respect and fair treatment from supervisors. Workers also appreciate being treated like 'working people' and receiving acknowledgement for their successes.
A common surfactant, sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), has been shown to inactivate sexually transmitted viruses including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and human papillomaviruses (HPVs). The discovery provides a major step towards developing a practical, non-toxic, and inexpensive product to protect women from HPV infection.
A study found that adults with major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia were more likely to experience early parental loss than healthy individuals. Early loss before age 9 had a stronger impact on psychopathology in adulthood.
Researchers have found a copper ion plays a crucial role in helping plants detect minuscule concentrations of ethylene, a hormone that triggers ripening and aging. The discovery confirms a long-standing hypothesis about protein receptors and their interaction with transition metals.
A recent gene study published in Science magazine contradicts decades of research suggesting that birds are the closest relatives of reptile groups. Turtles have been found to be the closest living relatives of crocodilians, according to the analysis of 24 nuclear genes and 9 DNA segments from reptile cells.
Pediatric researcher Holly A. Ruff warns against applying large-group study findings to explain individual behavior, citing limitations in IQ testing and the complexity of vulnerability/resilience. Vulnerable children from disadvantaged backgrounds may face additional risk factors such as poor nutrition and lack of protective factors.
A US study by University of Washington social demographers finds that joblessness is the key predictor of violent death among working-age Americans in Chicago. The research analyzed census data and vital records, revealing a strong link between economic disadvantage and mortality rates.
A new MIT software has significantly improved the accuracy of a robotic system used in cancer treatment, reducing errors from 7-8mm to under 1/3mm. This breakthrough technology has potential applications beyond cancer therapy, including inspection and repair work in nuclear power facilities.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have developed an algorithm that enables computers to filter out unwanted material and locate land mines in surveillance images with a high degree of accuracy. The system uses size and shape restrictions, as well as optical frequencies, to distinguish between mines and other objects.
For the first time, researchers have analyzed polar stratospheric cloud particles using a developed instrument. The results show water-rich particles with high H2O/nitric acid ratios, challenging previous assumptions about PSC composition.
A large study has identified a microscopic change in breast tissue that may double the risk of breast cancer in some women. Radial scars were found in nearly 100 out of 1,400 women with benign breast biopsies, doubling their risk of breast cancer independently of other tissue abnormalities.
A team of researchers has devised a way to track Antarctic Weddell seals as they hunt using a small video system and data logger attached to their backs. The equipment enables the researchers to compute the three-dimensional path of individual dives, allowing for major advancements in understanding underwater behavior.
Scientists have found that deformation can bypass the sound barrier in materials, leading to supersonic dislocations. These findings challenge conventional wisdom and open up new avenues for understanding high-speed deformation in engineering materials.