A large-scale study found that participating in church-related activities increased fruit and vegetable consumption among black church members. The study involved 50 black churches and over 2,500 participants, with the most significant increases seen among frequent churchgoers.
Cancer patients who participate in regular physical exercise programs show significant improvements in physical and mental health, including enhanced stamina, muscle strength, and pain management. The studies found that exercise has a positive effect on quality of life, including functional, psychological, and emotional well-being.
A majority of Americans believe certain types of mental illnesses cause violent behavior, with over 90% linking stress as a cause. This stereotype persists despite recognition of mental illness and its causes, leading to social distance and reluctance to interact.
A team of researchers has identified a single gene that causes familial advanced sleep phase syndrome (FASPS), a rare sleep disorder. The study found that the disorder follows a simple Mendelian inheritance pattern, making it easier to find the responsible gene and potentially leading to new treatments for circadian rhythm disorders.
The new center will conduct studies and educational activities to understand the underlying mechanisms of inflammatory diseases and their relationship to oral inflammation and systemic conditions. The research aims to improve diagnosis and treatment of patients by identifying similarities between inflammatory conditions.
A recent study found that older adults with strong social connections have lower blood pressure and are less likely to develop heart disease. In contrast, those with low social support experience higher resting blood pressures, even at a younger age.
Research published in Molecular Psychiatry found St. John's Wort to have a better antidepressant effect than placebo and comparable effects to standard antidepressants. The herb's favorable side effect profile may contribute to its advantages over other medications.
A new national survey reveals evidence of stigma toward mentally ill individuals, viewing them as less competent and more violent. The study found that people with schizophrenia are viewed as more unable to manage daily affairs than those with depression.
Researchers developed a technique to visualize nerve fiber bundles in the living human brain, providing detailed maps of connections between different areas. This study may lead to improvements in brain surgery, diagnosis, and understanding of neurological diseases, such as schizophrenia.
Researchers used DNA fingerprinting to identify 16 wine-grape varieties, including Chardonnay, as the offspring of Pinot and Gouais blanc. This discovery provides valuable information for grape breeders, allowing them to preserve old varieties and develop new ones.
Smokers who switch to lower tar or nicotine cigarettes for 'health reasons' are more likely to quit smoking compared to those who continue to smoke regular cigarette brands. Researchers found that 'switchers' were less dependent on nicotine and had a higher intake of fruits and vegetables.
Patients with fibromyalgia syndrome experience significant improvements in physical condition, symptom reports, and mental state when using non-drug treatments like exercise and cognitive behavioral therapy. Non-drug techniques were found to be superior to medication alone in reducing symptoms and improving daily functioning.
Researchers found that brain trauma causes microscopic damage in the brain, leading to the formation of Alzheimer's-like plaques. The study supports previous evidence linking brain trauma to increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease later in life.
A new study found that a psychological intervention program boosted antibody levels and reduced stress hormone cortisol in women with breast cancer, leading to improved quality of life and higher chemotherapy doses.
The Lynx SAR system can produce one-foot resolution imagery at standoff distances of up to 55 kilometers, even through clouds and light rain. It can also detect moving targets and small surface penetrations, making it a significant advancement in surveillance technology.
The High Energy Transmission Grating Spectrometer has made the most precise measurements ever recorded of a star's corona, revealing new insights into stellar behavior. The instrument's success marks a major milestone for modern astronomy, enabling scientists to study the chemical composition and temperature of the corona with unpreced...
A study at Ohio State University found that parents continue to have a significant influence on their adolescents' behavior throughout the teen years. The research tracked 1,725 children for five years, revealing that the effect of friends and school grew during early adolescence, but parental influence remained steady.
A 10-year study by Dr. Morton Beiser shows that Canada's boat people were able to effectively cope with stress by temporarily suspending relationships with past traumas, thriving despite flight and exile.
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital found the gene MRP4 is responsible for drug resistance in HIV patients, leading to lower drug concentrations and increased virus replication. This discovery could lead to developing new therapies to fight HIV infection and other diseases.
A new study suggests that estrogen supplementation in postmenopausal women may slow the progression of periodontal disease, protecting their teeth. The research found that estrogen deficiency and osteopenia/osteoporosis speed oral bone loss following menopause, leading to tooth loss.
A new method uses silicon capsules with precise holes to implant healthy transplant cells, eliminating the need for immunosuppression and reducing organ transplantation.
A new study reveals that up to 44% of adults believe in the concept of 'immanent justice,' where bad behavior leads to severe illnesses. The study, conducted by Ohio State University researchers, found that language plays a significant role in shaping beliefs on this topic.
Xie George Xu's 3D virtual man, VIP-Man, simulates radiation's effect on the skin, lens of the eye, optic nerve, and bone marrow with high accuracy. The model will enable accurate treatment planning for diseases requiring radiation therapy, revolutionizing radiation dosimetry in biomedical sciences and engineering.
Scientists discovered that microorganisms in basalt rock can reduce toxic hexavalent chromium to less toxic forms, especially in the presence of volatile organic compounds. The researchers found that certain bacteria, such as Arthrobacter oxydans, play a key role in this process.
Researchers at Denver's Eleanor Roosevelt Institute have identified a gene linked to obesity in mice, which also plays a role in humans. The study suggests that targeting this gene could lead to effective weight control and potentially even help with diseases like Down syndrome and epilepsy.
Researchers found that methylation of estrogen receptor genes may be linked to atherosclerosis and increased risk of heart disease in women. The study suggests that a genetic shutdown may contribute to the perplexing results of hormone replacement therapy on heart disease.
Research shows that childhood cancer survivors have lower marriage rates than the general population, but with varying rates depending on sex and race. Males are equally likely to marry as their non-survivor counterparts, while females are less likely.
A new medication nalmefene has been found to reduce the risk of relapse in alcohol-dependent individuals. In a 12-week clinical trial, patients who received nalmefene were 2.4 times less likely to relapse than those who received a placebo.
The UCSF Center for Health and Community will conduct four studies over five years, examining couples' decisions on assisted reproductive technologies, psychological effects, economic costs, and medical outcomes. The research aims to inform patients, physicians, and policymakers about infertility treatment options.
Researchers at UC San Francisco found that activated pain nerve fibers dampen the inflammatory response's first line of attack, preventing chronic diseases. The study suggests that pain acts as a negative feedback control of inflammation, which can help prevent chronic inflammatory diseases.
Researchers at The Jackson Laboratory have identified a chromosomal region that interacts with the tub mutation to prevent deafness in the tubby mouse model. The region, known as moth1, maps to mouse Chromosome 2 and was found to protect C57BL/6J mice from hearing loss.
Researchers found aggressive cancer cells generate their own vascular networks, potentially changing how cancers are treated. The discovery may lead to new non-invasive imaging tests and targeted therapies.
A study of heart attack patients in Latin America and North America found that those in Latin America received fewer diagnostic procedures and treatments, leading to higher mortality rates. The research highlights the need for further studies on practice patterns and outcomes in Latin America.
According to Bruce W. Tuckman, frequent quizzes can significantly improve students' grades by reducing procrastination and increasing motivation. Students with low GPAs who received weekly quizzes outperformed their peers by an average of 4-24% on midterm and final exam grades.
Researchers at the University of Massachusetts have created a switchable adhesive coating that relies on temperature changes to control its stickiness. This technology has potential applications in self-cleaning tennis racquets and golf club grips, improving performance and durability.
Scientists have developed a new 'Knockout' mouse model that closely mimics the human kidney disorder IgA nephropathy, providing a promising lead for treatment. The researchers found that supplying deficient mice with uteroglobin prevented the disorder from occurring, mirroring human cases.
UT Southwestern researchers have identified a severe enzyme deficiency responsible for some Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) cases. The SCHAD enzyme deficiency affects an infant's ability to break down fatty acids, leading to a brain energy crisis and potentially fatal coma.
The Johns Hopkins Center for Craniofacial Development and Disorders will investigate the genetic causes of oral clefting, craniosynostosis, and other craniofacial malformations. Researchers will also study the interactions between children with craniofacial disorders and those whose skulls developed normally.
Researchers have identified four new limonoids in Spanish cedar leaves that repel a specific insect pest, potentially helping protect endangered primary forests. Selecting seedlings with high concentrations of these substances may aid plantation-raised Spanish cedars and reduce the need for synthetic insecticides.
A team of NYU/U.Rochester researchers found evidence that viewing any image for as little as 0.5 seconds causes an after-affect on visual neurons. This rapid adaptation helps the brain distinguish subtle differences in visual patterns, a critical component of normal visual perception.
A team of scientists has discovered a new primate genus, Equatorius, which helps reshape the complex evolutionary tree around the time when the ancestor to humans and great apes arose. The research reveals that one species, Kenyapithecus wickeri, is more closely related to this ancestor than previously thought.
The new satellite-based tools provide unprecedented insights into tropical cyclones, allowing scientists to break them down into their component parts. This 'data fusion' technique enables the development of advanced hurricane forecasting methods, such as Wavetrak, which sheds light on the origin and intensity of these storms.
Researchers have shown how the fat hormone leptin works in the brain to trigger nerve cells that control eating. Leptin activates 'anorectic' nerve cells releasing appetite-suppressing neuropeptides, while inhibiting 'orexigenic' cells that release appetite-regulatory neuropeptides.
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have identified key genes that govern critical biological tasks, revealing how a low-calorie diet slows aging. The study provides insight into the genetic basis of aging and holds promise for developing age-retarding drugs.
A study of 500 young gay men in San Francisco found that unprotected anal sex increased by a third to a half in four years. Approximately half of these cases involved partners of unknown or different HIV status.
A new hybrid of corn with more highly available phosphorus and an enzyme that helps chickens digest the mineral has been developed. Studies have shown a 41% reduction in total phosphorus levels and an 82% decrease in water-soluble phosphorus, which can help mitigate nutrient pollution in waterways.
Researchers at MIT have developed a new probe that can detect the motion of molecules in polymers as they are being stretched. This breakthrough allows for a fundamental understanding of polymer behavior, which can improve material design and mechanical properties.
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that brisk walking can reduce the risk of fatal and non-fatal heart attacks in women by 30-40%. The study analyzed data from the Nurses' Health Study, estimating one-third of coronary events among middle-aged women result from physical inactivity.
Stanford researchers used atom interferometry to measure the force of gravity on individual atoms with unprecedented accuracy. Their findings strengthen the likelihood that previous neutron interferometry experiments were incorrect, validating the power of atom interferometry as a precise measurement tool.
Physicians at Oregon Health Sciences University's Doernbecher Children's Hospital are pioneering the use of bone morphogenic protein (BMP) to grow new bone structures. Emily Lang, a 12-year-old girl with congenital deformities, is the first child to receive BMP treatment on existing bone, showing promising results.
A key study by Dr. Peter C. Molan presents the latest research on honey's effectiveness in treating wounds caused by antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria. The results show that honey dressings can rapidly clear bacteria from infected wounds, making it a potential treatment for necrotising fasciitis.
Purdue University researchers developed a Near-Infrared Raman Imaging Microscope called NIRIM, which can analyze composite materials in real time. The instrument uses laser light to fingerprint samples as they are viewed under a microscope, providing detailed chemical information.
A study funded by the NHLBI found that emergency revascularization with balloon angioplasty or coronary bypass surgery improves survival at 6 months for heart attack patients with cardiogenic shock. Patients under 75 years old experience a 57% improvement in survival.
The US Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $8.2 million to the University of Washington for a research center studying air pollution and its effects on human health. The Northwest Research Center will examine fine particles, particulate matter under 2.5 microns in size, and their association with daily health outcomes.
The University of Cincinnati researchers have created a novel microsensor for monitoring radioactive and hazardous wastes in the Hanford nuclear facility. The sensor offers three-way selectivity and high sensitivity, allowing it to detect compounds at the nanomolar level.
A new DNA vaccine has been developed to protect North American salmon and trout farms from a major disease, with successful trials showing 90% reduction in mortality. The vaccine works by introducing DNA containing the gene for one of the viral proteins, which is then taken up by cells and produces the protein to prime the immune system.
Physicians at Massachusetts General Hospital have successfully induced a state of immune tolerance in a patient, allowing her to discontinue immunosuppressive drug treatment without rejecting a transplanted kidney. The breakthrough approach, known as mixed chimerism, has the potential to revolutionize organ transplantation for thousand...
Researchers have found detectable levels of tributyltin in Gulf oysters, which can be toxic to crustaceans. Additionally, the Mississippi River has shown improvement in water quality, with a decrease in volatile organic compounds detected since 20 years ago.
Scientists have discovered that naturally occurring fatty acids can help prevent vascular inflammation, a key component in the development of atherosclerosis. The NIEHS-cloned gene produces an enzyme that makes these fatty acids, which can suppress inflammation and protect against heart disease.
Sixty experts agree that half of the world's turtle species are at risk of extinction due to human consumption. The main causes of decline are linked to ecological change, while exploitation drives 50% of threatened turtles to extinction.