Researchers at Georgia Tech are testing the Next Generation Warning Decision Support System (NG-WDSS) to improve tornado forecasting and warning times. The system uses advanced image processing, artificial intelligence, and other algorithms to provide more efficient and effective warnings for severe thunderstorms and flash floods.
Researchers at UCSF have identified a transcription factor, human Cdc5 (hCdc5), that regulates the cell cycle and may help stimulate heart muscle cell repair after damage. The discovery could lead to new treatments for children with heart abnormalities and potentially benefit 900,000 American adults affected by heart attacks each year.
A new UCSF study reveals that Latina women with short interpregnancy intervals are at higher risk of premature birth compared to white women. The research highlights the importance of waiting 18 months or longer between pregnancies to ensure optimal baby health.
UT Southwestern Medical Center is conducting a three-month study to test the efficacy of St. John's Wort in treating major depression. Participants will be given either St. John's Wort, sertraline, or a placebo and monitored by physicians to understand its effectiveness.
A five-year plan aims for 95% vaccination coverage across countries, with $8 million allocated to strengthen surveillance, improve communications, and evaluate activities. Countries at risk have been targeted for special efforts to prevent outbreaks.
Researchers found that suppressing natural fires harms Northern Idaho ground squirrels, isolating them into shrinking groups where non-native plants overtake fire-resistant seed-laden grasses. The biologists propose two solutions: restoring habitat and reintroducing controlled fires to restore native vegetational structure.
The American Geophysical Union Spring Meeting 1999 featured various scientific sessions and press conferences, including briefings on Mars Global Surveyor results, Yucca Mountain nuclear waste storage, and the South China Sea Monsoon Experiment. The event took place from June 1-4 at Boston's Hynes Convention Center.
A recent study has uncovered the role of a gene in regulating vitamin D levels, shedding light on the causes of rare forms of rickets. The research suggests that production of active vitamin D hormone by the kidneys is essential for normal bone health and growth in children, particularly those with kidney failure or aging.
Researchers investigated a 1992 outbreak of viral meningitis in a child care center, finding that handwashing reduced the risk of infection. Changing diapers was a key factor, with women who changed more diapers being at higher risk, while men were less likely to get infected if they washed their hands after changing diapers.
The study found that the percentage of American Indian/Alaska Native children with asthma symptoms is similar to that of all US children. The authors highlight the need for updated research due to increasing rates of asthma prevalence and severity in the country, which are strongly associated with poverty.
This issue of Public Health Reports features articles on occupational pesticide poisoning, an outbreak of Echovirus 30 infections among child care center staff and parents, and the prevalence of asthma among American Indian and Alaska Native children. The journal also includes viewpoints on Medicaid managed care and public health data,...
USGS scientists will present findings on prehistoric earthquakes, seismic hazards, and the structure of the Seattle basin. The presentations will provide insights into the probabilities for future earthquakes in the Seattle area and the current seismic hazards of the Pacific Northwest.
Researchers have successfully delivered beta-endorphin genes into the sheath of tissue surrounding the spinal cord, reducing hyperalgesic pain sensation in animal models. The study's simplified approach and selective therapeutic effect suggest potential applications for treating various spinal cord and brain disorders.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that teenagers with chronic diseases such as cystic fibrosis benefit from an online platform, Hopkins Teen Central. The site provides a virtual support group where teens can connect with each other and share their experiences, leading to increased perceptions of having friends with CF.
Sandia National Laboratories and University of Montana researchers are training bees to detect buried landmines by tracking their behavior and analyzing pollen samples. The goal is to create a reliable and inexpensive method for detecting mines, which could help protect thousands of acres of uncharted land and prevent injuries.
Researchers develop lasershot peening to enhance material tensile strength and crack resistance, crucial for turbine blades. The surface engineering technique significantly improves fatigue resistance without damaging the material.
A new study by researchers at University at Buffalo found that babies born with a congenital growth hormone deficiency are of normal length at birth. The study suggests that growth hormone deficiency does not affect fetal growth, and that persistence of hypoglycemia and jaundice are clues for evaluation of pituitary hormones. Replacing...
Nitec's electroless nickel plating technology has been used to create a highly polished mirror with excellent optical performance. The technique, which ensures an even deposit of the coating, has achieved enormous cost savings in the restoration project.
A University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill study found that over 500,000 children are prescribed antidepressants each year, despite a lack of research supporting their use in youngsters. The survey also revealed that 72% of physicians have prescribed SSRIs for patients under 18, but only 8% reported adequate training.
Scientists have used seismic reflection profiling to reveal an ancient river valley one mile wide and 250 feet deep beneath Portland, Ore. The study suggests that earthquakes ruptured the surface in the past 15,000 years and that two suspected fault zones are active.
A team of UCSF scientists has identified a key role for the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) in regulating palate closure during fetal development. Disruption of EGFR function is linked to the formation of cleft palates, which occur when the palate fails to properly fuse.
A new material, Hi-Por, is being considered as a replacement for refractory ceramic fibers due to its heat resistance and fiber-free nature. It has already been used in the nuclear industry due to its greater resistance to nuclear radiation.