A recent study published in Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research found that moderate alcohol consumption can decrease production and circulating levels of fibrinogen by up to 20 percent, thereby decreasing harmful clotting. This reduction may lower the risk of heart attack and coronary artery disease.
A Penn State meteorologist suggests that tilt is the key to understanding both the Faint Young Sun problem and the Snowball Earth problem, proposing a solution where the Earth's axis is tilted at 70 degrees. This theory could potentially explain why the Earth was warmer in the early Precambrian despite a weaker sun.
UB scientists discovered that soft spots on volcanoes can collapse and trigger devastating mudflows that can travel up to 80 miles. The research highlights the danger of older volcanoes with hydrothermal fluids, which change rock structure and make them more vulnerable to collapse.
Recent findings suggest that neurosteroids play a major role in alcohol's effects on the brain by increasing GABA function. Neurosteroids interact with neurotransmitter receptors to alter neurotransmission, producing their effects in a millisecond time frame.
A recent study found that younger people are both drinking and developing alcohol problems at an earlier age. Those who develop alcoholism early in life have greater social and legal problems. The study also showed a strong association between early use of substances and later-in-life alcohol-use disorders, depression, and multiple hea...
A study found that modifiable health risks such as physical inactivity, obesity, and smoking are significantly related to higher health care charges. Researchers report substantial excess medical care charges related to these behaviors.
A new method for crafting medical implants from an antibacterial polymer could prevent thousands of patients from dying of hospital-acquired infections. The technology slowly releases an antibiotic to keep bacteria from establishing a foothold, making it ideal for catheters and permanent implants.
Researchers developed a model that relates seismic velocity differences to properties of the mantle, shedding light on mantle evolution and its impact on plate movement, volcanism, and earthquakes. The study suggests temperatures high enough to cause melting in some regions, potentially explaining volcanic activity.
Scientists used NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory to capture a rare glimpse of X-radiation from the early phases of a supernova. The observations revealed that the supernova shed a relatively small amount of matter before it exploded, compared to other supernovae.
Elderly caregiving spouses who report experiencing strain are at a 63% higher risk of death than noncaregivers. Caregivers with prevalent disease are particularly vulnerable to mortality, with a 33% risk of dying within four years.
Two studies published in December 1999 found that green tea consumption can trigger biochemical mechanisms affecting human health. The studies suggest that increasing green tea intake can increase energy utilization, thermogenesis, and fat oxidation, while also protecting cells from oxidative damage.
Lawrence Krauss, a prominent astrophysicist, has won the AAAS Public Understanding of Science and Technology Award for his efforts to improve communication between scientists and the public. His work aims to promote scientific literacy and critical thinking, particularly in addressing creationism in public schools.
Researchers in Taiwan discovered a rare individual with two copies of the genetic mutation that protects against alcoholism. This finding challenges the long-held assumption that individuals with this mutation are immune to developing alcohol disorders.
A University of Michigan-led research team is launching a two-year study to examine whether prisoners of war experience 'post-traumatic growth' after their traumatic experiences. The study aims to determine if POWs develop positive changes in self-perception, interpersonal relationships, and philosophy of life compared to control groups.
A new study found that 16% of insured individuals who use inhaled beta-agonists for short-term asthma relief overuse their medication, while 63% who use inhaled corticosteroids for long-term relief underuse them. The study also revealed a gender bias, with women more likely to underuse and men more likely to overuse.
A new study found that a sharp decrease in solar wind density caused Earth's magnetosphere to balloon to more than 100 times its normal volume, reaching nearly to the moon. The event, dubbed "The Day the Solar Wind Ran Out of Gas," was rare and only seen a few times since satellites began measuring solar wind 35 years ago.
A study found that antidepressant use increased with age, particularly among women, suggesting improvements in detection and treatment of mental health disorders. Women were 70% more likely to use antidepressants than men, regardless of age.
NASA scientists presented new findings on ozonesonde data, glaciers, Mars impact features, Landsat-7 mission performance, tropical landscapes, and more. The results include insights into ozone layer changes, ice stream movements, and buried impact basins on Mars.
Researchers found that genetically modified Bt corn releases the insecticidal toxin into the soil through its roots, posing a risk to beneficial insects. The toxin was shown to retain its insecticidal activity for 234 days and can affect soil communities in unknown ways.
A study by UMass researcher Robert S. Feldman found that convincing lying is associated with good social skills, particularly among older adolescents and those with high social competence. This suggests that being a better liar can make someone more popular, but only when controlling nonverbal behavior.
Scientists have developed a new technique using ice-penetrating radar to study long-ago changes in West Antarctic ice streams. This allows them to look at changes much farther back in time, indicating possible fluctuations in the stability of the massive West Antarctic Ice Sheet.
The Landsat 7 spacecraft has acquired over 50,000 scenes of the Earth's surface, providing detailed images of natural disasters, unique weather patterns, and glacial changes. The satellite's data will support global change research and inform decision-making about environmental issues.
A new study suggests that a diet without vitamins A and E may help cancer patients by reducing the size of brain tumors and inducing oxidant stress in cancer cells. This could lead to improved outcomes for those undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy, as antioxidants can prevent cancer cells from self-destructing.
Researchers at Purdue University are developing a new type of environmentally friendly fuel cell that generates about 20 times more electricity per pound than car batteries. The cell produces electricity through chemical reactions between hydrogen peroxide and aluminum.
African nations can become more prosperous and politically stable by pooling their energy resources through regional electric power grids, according to Purdue University industrial engineers. Cheaper and more widely available electricity would spur industrial and economic growth in regions of southern and western Africa.
Researchers use Canadian Radarsat satellite data to uncover tributaries feeding giant ice streams, changing understanding of Antarctic ice sheet dynamics. High-resolution radar maps reveal complex patterns and fast-flowing glaciers, shedding light on the continent's past and potential sea level rise
Researchers have identified a gene called Mre11 as a critical component of the regulatory network that cells activate in response to DNA damage. This discovery explains how mutations in Mre11 can cause ataxia-telangiectasia, a genetic disorder characterized by progressive nerve and muscle loss and increased susceptibility to cancer.
A study of 700 street youth found that geographic mobility and high-risk behaviors contributed to the spread of HIV among young people. The majority of those infected were male, aged 23-25, with high levels of unprotected sex, prostitution, and intravenous drug use.
Researchers compared local and remote aerosol measurement techniques to better understand their chemistry and physics. The study used a combination of ground-based instruments and satellite lidar to analyze pollution levels and their impact on climate change.
Scientists identify key lipids essential for proper myelin sheath formation, providing new insights into myelin biology and multiple sclerosis. The discovery sheds light on the molecular mechanisms underlying nerve sheath abnormalities.
A study of over 15,000 people found that residents of the South consumed the most produce daily, while those in the Northeast had the lowest intake. African Americans and college graduates also showed higher consumption rates, highlighting the need for tailored messages to promote behavior change.
Researchers at Purdue University are developing a silicon detector, Si3, to analyze subatomic particles and test the widely accepted standard model of physics. The detector will help investigate why the universe is predominantly made of matter rather than antimatter.
A new study found that adolescent girls who engage in drastic weight-loss efforts such as dieting, appetite suppressant use, and vomiting are at greater risk for obesity. The study also revealed that exercise for weight-control purposes can lead to increased growth in relative weight.
Research finds that early socialization processes contribute to heightened vulnerability to depression among females. Women tend to focus on being liked by others, while males prioritize academic and athletic goals.
A study found that people with Alzheimer's disease were 50% more likely to have depression symptoms than those without the disease. Depression symptoms such as lack of interest and loss of energy were three times more common in those who later developed Alzheimer's.
The Colorado State University hurricane forecast team predicts a moderate 2000 season with fewer storms than recent years. This is attributed to the La Niña phenomenon weakening by next season, which should reduce its enhancing effect on hurricane formation in the Atlantic Basin.
A mouse tumor model of neurofibromatosis type 1 has been developed, allowing researchers to study the genetic lesions that lead to malignant tumor formation. The study found that mutations in both NF-1 and p53 genes accelerate tumor growth, providing a potential target for new treatments.
A historical review suggests that European dancing traditions may have roots in a neurological disorder causing dance-like movements. The Dancing Procession of Echternach, which occurs on the Tuesday following Pentecost, has been linked to the medieval disease hysteric chorea, which caused involuntary dance-like movements.
Researchers use data from the Mars Orbiter Laser Altimeter to test hypotheses of oceans on Mars, finding four types of quantitative evidence supporting an ancient ocean. The discovery has implications for understanding long-term climate change and its relevance to Earth's future.
A study published in Neurology found that high blood pressure is associated with a higher risk of severe cognitive decline, particularly in those with untreated or uncontrolled hypertension. The study suggests that controlling high blood pressure may help prevent or delay dementia.
The researchers created mouse models with benign and malignant NF1-related tumors to study the disease. The studies revealed that neurofibroma tumors invariably include cells lacking the NF1 gene, and that anti-Ras drugs might be useful in treating NF1.
Research reveals a correlation between male unemployment and lower birthweights in Norway and Sweden. The study suggests that the indirect effects of unemployment on stressed partners and community stress can lead to increased risk of preterm delivery, low infant birthweight, and subsequent infant illness.
A third of menopausal and postmenopausal women are undecided about hormone replacement therapy (HRT), with their risk levels, values, and preferences differing. HRT can reduce osteoporosis and heart disease risks but may increase uterine cancer risk.
Researchers have found evidence of bacterial life in the Antarctic ice core, suggesting that microbes can thrive in extreme environments. The discovery provides insight into potential extraterrestrial habitats and could aid in designing samplers for future missions to Europa.
Researchers identified a molecule that triggers the formation of deadly protein snarls in Alzheimer's disease. High levels of a shortened, malfunctioning version of the protein p35 in brains lead to hyperphosphorylation of tau protein, causing neurofibrillary tangles.
A new study reveals El Niño dramatically reduced carbon dioxide normally released by the equatorial Pacific Ocean, while also causing extreme biological effects. The research uses data from buoys, ships, and space instruments to monitor ocean productivity and CO2 levels.
Scientists at Johns Hopkins have discovered striking differences in the inferior parietal lobule (IPL) between men and women, which may explain well-known trends such as more men exceling in math and physics. The study found that men have a larger IPL overall and on their left side, while women have a larger right IPL.
Researchers have mapped the functional organization of the hippocampus, a critical area for short-term memory, using microelectrodes to record electrical impulses from individual neurons. The study shows that different portions of the hippocampus are active at different times depending on the type of memory function required.
A team led by MSU biologist John Priscu has discovered bacteria in an ice core from Lake Vostok, a subglacial body of water under the East Antarctic ice cap. The finding suggests that microorganisms can thrive in extreme environments, even under millions of years of isolation.
Researchers at McGill University have developed a new vaccine approach to block molecules that prevent nerve regeneration in spinal cord injuries. The technique showed significant regrowth of nerve fibers, outperforming previous methods.
A new UCSF study reveals that gay men are more likely to smoke than the general male population, with 48% of participants in the research survey smoking compared to 27% of U.S. men. The study also found correlations between smoking and HIV status, heavy drinking, and frequenting gay bars.
Researchers used global transposon mutagenesis to find the minimal set of genes required for Mycoplasma genitalium survival. The study reveals roughly a third of genes are unnecessary, and further work will explain the functions of these remaining genes.
A new study using NASA's Sea-viewing Wide Field-of-View Sensor (SeaWiFS) reveals that El Niño dramatically reduced the amount of carbon dioxide normally released into the atmosphere by the equatorial Pacific Ocean. Chlorophyll levels also plummeted during this time, followed by a massive bloom of microscopic algae.
Harvard Medical School scientists identify protein p25 as a possible trigger for Alzheimer's disease by turning brain enzyme cdk5 into a menace. The study supports one of two major hypotheses explaining the complex condition, offering a new handle on underlying molecular pathways.
Scientists have produced the first three-dimensional images of the protein complex that initiates DNA transcription, revealing critical components and their interactions. The research provides insights into how transcriptional factors work together to regulate gene expression.
Researchers found a gene, gata5, that can reprogram embryonic cells to become beating heart cells. The discovery suggests using this technique to cultivate and transplant genetically modified heart cells into people with failing hearts.
The Howard Hughes Medical Institute awards a four-year grant to expand training programs for Central and Eastern European, former Soviet Union, and Baltic scientists in specialized symposia, laboratory courses, and visiting lectureships. Over 500 participants have benefited from similar grants in Latin America.
Researchers found that having an older brother predisposes individuals to random body asymmetries, such as hand and ear width variations. The study suggests a link between the immune system's response to male fetuses, with each successive male triggering a stronger reaction.
A recent study led by Drs. Bodfish and Sandler found no significant improvement in behavior among children with autism treated with synthetic secretin, compared to a placebo. The researchers emphasized the need for further studies to determine the hormone's potential benefits and risks.
A Yale child psychiatrist has supported the results of an autism treatment study that found a popular drug to be ineffective in controlling autistic symptoms. The study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, looked at the effect of secretin on 56 children with autism and similar disorders and found no improvement.