Lawrence Schulman proposes a new scientific spin on science fiction, suggesting the possibility of reverse arrow systems where broken eggs re-form and timeline runs backwards. He uses statistical computer modeling to show that such systems could exist in regions with dark matter.
Researchers at Wayne State University have designed two novel antibiotics to combat antibiotic resistance. The 'self-destructive' antibiotic breaks down in the presence of light, while the 'self-regenerating' antibiotic remains effective against resistant bacteria by releasing its active form after encountering resistance enzymes.
Researchers discovered that mouse embryos have an organizational structure in the inner cell mass, predicting spatial patterning later on. This finding provides a new understanding of how mammals develop their bodies and may lead to advances in regulating embryonic stem cell differentiation.
Researchers found clinic-based methods effective in improving health behavior for highly-motivated individuals, but room for improvement exists with 'one-size-fits-all' approaches. Promising trends include advances in addiction treatment and individualized health strategies.
Researchers found that popular youth cigarette brands were more likely to be advertised in magazines with high youth readerships, despite claims of targeting young adults. The study's findings suggest a persistent pattern of advertising to underage youths.
Researchers found that smokers who engage in physical activity during the day tend to gain more weight after quitting, as their bodies burn fewer calories previously taken up by smoking. This study suggests that increasing physical activity levels may help smokers manage weight gain after cessation.
A clinical study found that adefovir reduced viral load by an average of 60% in patients, but also caused kidney problems in about 60% of those taking the drug beyond 24 weeks. The drug is useful as an additional medication for building effective treatment combinations, but should be used with close monitoring.
Research reveals that women experience greater relief from withdrawal symptoms after smoking compared to men. Smaller and shorter puffs by women may lead to less nicotine intake, making treatment more complex for female smokers.
The nation won't meet its 15% smoking prevalence goal for 2000, with over 25% of US adults currently smoking. Effective strategies like cognitive behavioral therapies have been developed, but more work is needed to reach low-income and minority populations.
A survey of South Carolina high schools found that suspending smokers may increase truancy and poor academic achievement. Tobacco education curricula are rarely employed, with only six percent of principals using cessation programs for students caught smoking.
A 500mg daily vitamin C supplement reduced systolic, diastolic, and mean blood pressures by approximately 9% in hypertensive patients. Vitamin C's antioxidant properties may help protect nitric oxide levels and maintain healthy blood pressure.
The U.S. is missing effective nationwide programs against HIV/AIDS, with the U.S. lagging behind countries like Switzerland and Thailand in implementing nationwide programs. Experts call for a national system of sexually transmitted disease protection to address this public health threat.
Research finds that drug treatment programs are scarce and getting scarcer, with state-of-the-art programs working best, but access shrinking under managed care. The number of treatment options and opportunities is dwindling, leaving the mentally ill and those abusing multiple substances without new treatment options.
Sixty percent of U.S. adults are thought to be inactive or underactive, increasing their risk for heart disease. Individual and community efforts to encourage physical activity, such as cognitive-behavioral programs and worksite health promotion, are needed to address this issue.
A recent study reveals that alcohol abuse costs society an estimated $250 billion per year in healthcare expenditures. The researchers emphasize the importance of early identification, case management, and organized systems of care to address this public health issue.
Researchers establish direct link between prions causing mad cow disease and new-variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease in humans, challenging the species barrier theory. The study used transgenic mice to demonstrate that the strain of prion responsible for mad cow disease also causes new-variant CJD.
Researchers have deciphered part of the cellular events underlying apoptosis, providing insights into cancer pathologies and potential cures. The cooperation between c-Abl and p73 leads to cell death, highlighting their roles in safeguarding the cell against DNA damage.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University successfully used a free-electron laser to remove a sugar-cube-sized amount of tissue from a brain tumor. The operation took place using infrared light tuned precisely at 6.45 microns, which works well due to its absorption by water and protein molecules.
A small study of 20 smokers found no statistically significant differences in heartburn incidences between days of wearing different nicotine patches. The researchers controlled for diet and confirmed cigarette abstention, ruling out the possibility of heartburn caused by smoking withdrawal.