Children who slept with a night light on before age 2 are at significantly higher risk of developing myopia, with 34% affected compared to 10% who slept in darkness. Eliminating nighttime lighting exposure during early childhood may affect the development of this common form of refractive error.
University of Cincinnati engineer Peter Smirniotis has received a $270,000 NATO Science for Peace grant to collaborate with Russian scientists on degrading toxic chemical weapons. The project aims to minimize environmental harm and potentially lead to a marketable product that can help Russia boost its economy.
A USC study suggests that radiation therapy is not necessary for DCIS patients with margin widths of 10mm or more, and may even be counterproductive due to side effects and costs. Patients with narrower margins may benefit from postoperative radiation therapy.
A case-control study found that frail elderly who received assistive devices and home adaptations had higher levels of independence at the end of a 18-month study. The treatment group spent significantly less on health care, with average costs $14,173 per person compared to $31,610 in the control group.
The Inner Space/Outer Space II Symposium will explore questions of the hour in particle astrophysics, including the origins of the universe and dark matter. The four-day agenda includes presentations on Extra Dimensions, the Accelerating Universe, and Beyond the Standard Models.
University of Hawaii scientists have developed a new method for producing transgenic mammals by injecting DNA into eggs using mouse sperm. The technique, called Honolulu transgenesis, has shown success in producing green mice with a jellyfish 'green gene'.
Researchers have created living nerve cell colonies on silicon chips that can be used to study the brain's functions and potentially develop new prosthetic devices. The colonies, grown from rat hippocampal neurons, can live for extended periods and communicate with each other through a matrix of electrodes.
Researchers analyzed fossilized emu eggshells to create a continuous vegetation record from the Australian interior extending back 65,000 years. The evidence suggests human activity led to dramatic changes in vegetation and rainfall patterns, supporting the burning hypothesis.
A team led by Penn State's Ken Tamminga is using a new approach to regenerate the Nine Mile Run area in Pittsburgh, highlighting the potential of resilient species like Ailanthus and African dung beetles. The project aims to enhance biodiversity and reintroduce native species to create a more sustainable ecosystem.