Researchers found that displaying aquariums in nursing homes reduced disruptive behaviors and improved eating habits among Alzheimer's patients. The tanks of brightly colored fish appeared to calm patients, increasing food consumption by up to 21 percent and decreasing behavioral issues such as wandering and aggression.
Researchers at Rockefeller University have developed a method to trigger a potent immune response in humans using mature dendritic cells, which lasts for months. The technique shows promise as a new way to fight cancers and chronic infections like HIV.
Researchers have discovered that movement of salt and liquid in and out of lung surface cells plays a central role in regulating the lungs' internal liquid coating. This finding confirms a theory of how lungs protect themselves and may suggest better ways of treating cystic fibrosis.
A follow-up study of the CATCH trial found that almost 4,000 eighth graders continued to practice healthy behaviors three years after elementary school lessons. The results suggest that schools can play a crucial role in helping youth establish habits that may prevent cardiovascular disease.
The Mangini Collection of 80,000 pages of documents chronicle R.J. Reynolds' struggle to hold onto market share as tobacco use declined, focusing on attracting young first-time smokers. The documents also reveal the company's efforts to refute findings that Joe Camel had a higher rate of recognition among schoolchildren than Mickey Mouse.
Biologists at the University at Buffalo discovered that the presence of a fertile female in the next nest can cause a male to stray, leaving his mate unguarded. The phenomenon is linked to local breeding synchrony, where multiple females lay eggs in the same area.
A new study finds that early aortic valve disease significantly increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, angina, and even death in older adults. The condition, known as aortic sclerosis, is associated with a 50% increase in risk of heart-related causes, even after adjusting for other factors.
The school will provide a comprehensive professional development program to expand problem-based learning into K-12 mathematics and science education. The program includes an intensive week-long institute for teachers, followed by bi-weekly sessions and material development.
Researchers discovered a new class of microstructured materials that self-assemble into flat, two-dimensional crystallites made from tiny plastic beads. Under the right conditions, these beads seem to defy the basic physical principle of oppositely charged objects attracting.
The Howard Hughes Medical Institute has awarded $12.7 million in grants to 35 biomedical research institutions across 25 states to support science education programs in local schools. The grants will fund innovative programs, including computer-networked DNA laboratories and mentoring programs for rural and inner-city youngsters.
A Kansas State University food microbiologist has developed a method to kill E. coli bacteria on meat using microwave and acid treatments. The approach involves dipping the meat in an 80 degrees Celsius solution of lactic acid for a few seconds, followed by short pulses of microwave treatment.
Researchers have discovered a new form of ehrlichiosis caused by Ehrlichia ewingii, previously known to infect dogs, in humans in Missouri and other states. The disease can be fatal if left untreated, causing symptoms similar to the flu, and can lead to serious liver and lung problems.
Researchers found that blocking VEGF can significantly increase the effectiveness of radiation therapy against various types of cancer. The combination of anti-VEGF and radiation resulted in greater tumor reduction and slowed re-growth, even with minimal added toxicity.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University found that damaged spinal cords can regenerate nerve fibers from transplanted adult nerve cells. The study suggests that scar tissue is the major obstacle to regeneration, and removing it may unlock a greater potential for nerve growth.