Researchers discovered that mammalian support cells can proliferate when an enzyme inhibitor is absent, paving the way for potential hair-cell regeneration. This breakthrough offers hope for restoring hearing in humans and other mammals who suffer from noise-induced hearing loss.
A nationwide survey of internists found that up to 50% of physicians in managed care settings failed to prescribe recommended services, while 39% in fee-for-service settings did so. Financial incentives led to a decrease in ordering tests and referrals.
A $500,000 grant will support research to develop methods for estimating the productivity of Pacific salmon stocks and improving pre-season forecasting. The goal is to help managers choose appropriate target numbers of spawners in response to changing environmental conditions.
A new report reveals that many heroin overdose deaths can be prevented with prompt medical attention and treatment. The study highlights the effectiveness of methadone maintenance programs in reducing overdose-related deaths. By increasing access to these programs, the US can combat its heroin epidemic.
A study by UC San Francisco researchers found that adolescent smokers incur more severe DNA damage than adult smokers, which can increase the risk of lung cancer. The study, published in Journal of the National Cancer Institute, suggests that smoking during adolescence may produce physiologic changes leading to persistent DNA damage.
A recent survey by Cornell University's Program on Employment and Disability found that companies' health, life, and disability insurance costs rarely rise due to hiring employees with disabilities. However, attitudinal stereotypes about people with disabilities persist in the workplace, leading to fewer job offers and firings. Many HR...
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have identified two compounds, gamma-tocotrienol and beta-ionone, that suppress the growth of three types of human cancer cells. These isoprenoids, found in cereal grains and fruits/vegetables, work by interfering with cell division and disrupting cholesterol synthesis.
A new study has found that Adderall lasts longer than Ritalin in treating ADHD symptoms, and is at least as effective. The trial involved 25 children who took part in an eight-week program and showed significant improvements in social behavior and academic performance with both medications.
The Pediatric Brain Tumor Consortium, sponsored by the National Cancer Institute, aims to speed the development of innovative treatments for children with brain tumors. The consortium brings together experts from eight institutions to conceive, develop and carry out pilot studies and early trials of promising new therapies.
A new study found that residential dust control measures are not effective in reducing blood lead levels in children. Despite parents' best efforts, lead contamination remains a significant concern, and experts call for stricter housing standards to protect children.
Researchers have developed a new method to inlay copper wires in semiconductor wafers, promising faster integrated circuits. The 'ion-assisted trench filling' technique can produce thinner, more uniform layers of metals and fill narrower trenches with higher depth-to-width aspect ratios.
A new study suggests that consumers who strategically ration their vice purchases, such as buying cigarettes in small packs, end up paying a premium for self-control. This can lead to increased profits for tobacco and other industries. Researchers found that virtue consumers buy larger quantities even with shallow quantity discounts.
The 90th Annual Meeting of American Association for Cancer Research will showcase groundbreaking research in translational cancer research, including anti-angiogenesis agents, cancer vaccines, gene therapy, and molecular targeted therapy. The meeting will feature over 5,000 abstracts and 200 invited presentations from leading experts.
Researchers identified a mechanism by which cytosine substitution can occur in non-dividing cells, leading to the production of mutant proteins. This process has significant implications for understanding age-related cell death, neurodegenerative diseases, and malignant transformation.
Researchers analyze patterns in animal aggregations, such as schooling fish and flocking birds, to understand how they behave in trying conditions. This knowledge can inform predictions about group behavior under various scenarios, including the impact of climate change on fish populations.
Researchers at the University of Chicago have discovered that yeast can form an interconnected system where one organelle gives rise to another through outgrowths of its own membrane. This finding sheds light on disorders such as Menkes disease and polycystic kidney disease, which are caused by defects in Golgi function.
Scientists find that telomerase enzyme contributes to chromosome stability beyond telomere length, offering a new target for extending cell life span and combating cancer. The discovery suggests a novel approach to manipulating the enzyme for therapeutic purposes.
Researchers have discovered two distinct rock types at the base of the mantle, which are moving laterally and interacting with the liquid iron outer core. This finding has significant implications for plate tectonics and our understanding of the Earth's geological history.
A study by Ohio State University researchers found that people moving to the suburbs are more concerned about school-related issues like safety and academics, whereas those staying in cities prioritize factors such as neighborhood racial diversity, affordability, and family connections. This shift in priorities has implications for urb...
Researchers at Cornell University have developed a technique to grow pure, defect-free single crystals of almost any material on any substrate by bonding thin films at a misaligned angle. The new method has the potential to revolutionize electronics manufacturing by overcoming current limitations.
A study of California physicians reveals mixed support for the state's law requiring suspected domestic violence cases to be reported to authorities. The majority believe the law creates barriers to care and violates patient confidentiality, which could deter victims from seeking help or jeopardize their safety.
A study of 899 home-based workers in nine states found that nearly 59% were male, with the average worker being 44 years old and married. Home-based businesses generated $19.7 billion in annual income, contributing 3% to total personal income.
The new technology allows manufacturers to produce complex shapes out of high-strength and high-performance metals and alloys. Metal injection moulded parts are finding use in various industries, including office equipment, industrial machines, medical appliances, and household goods.
Researchers create microscopic patterns on surfaces using microcontact printing, then build up layers of a polymer material over the pattern. The technique enables complex pattern creation and automation of the patterning process.
Four studies reveal how childhood characteristics and memory complaints can forecast adult schizophrenia, Alzheimer's disease, and treatment response. Researchers warn caution when using past data to predict the future.
Researchers developed a new technique to visualize the three-dimensional internal structure of objects using sonic imaging. This method stacks planar ultrasound images and provides detailed analysis without physically cutting open the part.
Beta catenin disrupts cell regulation by synthesizing cyclin D1, allowing cells to proliferate out of control. The finding offers a potential new target for drug therapy in colon and other cancers.
Researchers developed a new welding technique combining infrared sensors and predictive modeling to create the best seam possible. This approach promises to save the Navy up to $10 million per year at Ingalls shipyard alone, reducing the need for costly corrections.
Researchers successfully repaired severed nerve fibers using a novel approach that can restore electrical signals through the damaged area within minutes. The technique has potential to aid in human spinal cord injury repairs and could lead to recovery of lost functions.
A palm-sized ultrasound scanner can provide images of internal organs and detect sites of internal bleeding, assisting medics in treating battle victims according to injury severity. Prototype devices are currently under evaluation in civilian and military hospitals.
Researchers at De Montfort University discovered a porous version of silicon with potential for biocompatibility, allowing for the transmission of signals between mechanical devices and human tissue. This breakthrough could lead to innovative applications in sensing and prosthetics.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University found that stimulating environments can help prevent neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. Rats living in enriched surroundings showed 45% less brain cell death compared to those in basic conditions.
A new method, Epithelial Aggregate Separation and Isolation (EASI), enables rapid and simple isolation of purified epithelial cell populations from tumors. This advance will facilitate molecular studies on tumors and their precursor lesions.
A study found that thickening of the aorta at its attachment to the heart increases the risk of stroke and death. Researchers identified moderate and severe atherosclerosis as major risk factors, with higher mortality rates among patients with more advanced disease.
The new wavelet technique for computer noise removal from and compression of side-scan sonar images significantly reduces the number of undetected mines by at least 50%. Statistical classification combined with wavelet-based filtering dramatically decreases the number of false alarms, improving the system's detection capability.
Research suggests that children who grow up in smoking households experience small but lasting negative effects on their health, including higher blood pressure and heart rate. The study found that even though the children were not exposed to tobacco smoke at home, they still had higher baseline rates, putting them at risk for hyperten...
Researchers at Osiris Therapeutics confirmed the existence and capability of human adult stem cells to form multiple normal human tissues. These cells can undergo substantial expansion and differentiation into bone, cartilage, or fat, forming healthy connective tissue.
Researchers found that students taking a new type of civics education class were less likely to take extreme positions against democracy and the free market, but also showed lower commitment to these values. This unexpected outcome suggests that such programs may have unintended effects on students' attitudes towards democracy.
Researchers at the University of Michigan discovered that folic acid effectively lowers homocysteine levels in blood plasma, reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. The study found that folic acid supplementation can also benefit people with normal MTHFR enzymes by protecting them against heat-induced enzyme inactivation.