A new study found that brief ER counseling significantly reduces teen drinking and related problems. After six months, counseled teens had 32% fewer drinking and driving incidents and 50% fewer alcohol-related injuries compared to those who received standard treatment.
A study by University of Illinois professor Brian Wansink found that 70% of unused items were purchased for a specific reason in mind, while 20% were deemed inconvenient. To reduce clutter and save money, experts suggest actively planning new uses for products and donating unused items to food kitchens.
The Red Cross has identified new 'cruel weapons' such as sound beams, sticky foam, capture nets, and microwaves that can cause severe injuries. The organization's SIrUS Project aims to outlaw these weapons by defining superfluous injury and unnecessary suffering based on scientific data.
Abgenix's Phase I/II clinical trial with ABX-IL8 showed dose-dependent improvement in multiple measures of disease, including PASI and BSA. The study achieved a >25% improvement in PASI score for 58% of patients, compared to placebo.
Researchers found that subjects with intellectually skilled professions, such as engineering or teaching, had 17% more synapses than those with less education. This suggests that professional training may lead to the formation of new synaptic connections between neurons.
Biologists warn that genetically modified fish carrying the human growth hormone gene could turn Darwinian evolution upside down and lead to population decline. A single transgenic individual can cause a population to dwindle and eventually become extinct due to the rapid spread of the 'Trojan gene'.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University found that a tumor suppressor gene, Rb2/p130, can halt rapid cell growth and prevent smooth muscle cells from building up in arteries. This gene may be used as an adjunct to angioplasty to treat clogged coronary arteries and reduce the risk of restenosis.
A new study published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings suggests that people with mild heart valve disease who took fenfluramine and phentermine may experience improved heart health after stopping the diet drugs. The research, led by Dr. Donald Hensrud, found that heart valve damage in individuals with mild disease may not be permanent.
Researchers found that the heart's fluctuations in beats are strongly correlated with sleep, showing a fractal pattern on both short and long timescales. This suggests a hitherto unsuspected role for sleep in regulating the heartbeat.
The new circular configuration increases the conversion ratio without adding volume or weight, advancing the field of piezoelectric transformers. The devices use a lead, zirconium, titanium ceramic doped with manganese and cerium, providing increased efficiency and higher conversion ratios.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American Psychoanalytic Association suggests that psychoanalytic psychotherapy can be an effective treatment for psychiatric conditions when implemented over a longer period. The research found a positive incremental effect up to 32 months of treatment, with increased session frequency hav...
The new I-O Weblog offers a platform for APT's experts to share their knowledge and experiences in industrial and organizational psychology. Monthly blog topics will explore key issues such as credibility, talent management, and emerging trends in the field.
Research at UCSF found that MRI can provide more information on fetal abnormalities than ultrasound, leading to changes in treatment plans and improved outcomes. In two cases, MRI-based diagnosis led to treatments that saved the children's lives.
Scientists found that pituitary adenylyl cyclase-activating peptide (PACAP) works in concert with glutamate to adjust the body's internal clock. Bright light at night triggers the release of both molecules, which convey information about light properties to the brain.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) has announced a new national education and prevention initiative to combat the growing use of club drugs. The initiative includes $54 million in research funding and a multi-media public education strategy to alert teens, young adults, and others about the dangers of Ecstasy, GHB, and Rohypnol.
The Comprehensive Cancer Center at Wake Forest University has been approved to participate in a national breast cancer study evaluating the effects of sentinel node biopsy versus standard axillary dissection. The trial aims to determine if removing only the sentinel node impacts cancer control and survival.
A study suggests a link between chromosome 13 and autism, with another region on chromosome 7 also showing promise. The research, published in the American Journal of Medical Genetics, involved 75 families with at least two autistic children.
A 20-year study found that consuming high amounts of sodium increases the risk of cardiovascular disease mortality in overweight individuals. The study also showed an increased risk of stroke death from higher sodium intake among overweight adults. Overall, reducing sodium consumption is recommended to reduce cardiovascular disease risks.
Researchers at UD's Bartol Institute are using a new parallel computing facility to simulate coronal heating, a phenomenon that affects satellites and life on Earth. The simulations provide insights into the fundamental nature of space physics and plasma properties.
Long-term studies show people with low levels of blood cholesterol, blood pressure, and cigarette use experience lower death rates from heart attack and stroke. The estimated greater life expectancy for low-risk versus others ranged from 5.8 years to 9.5 years.
The Mars Descent Imager will capture a series of about 20 images of the Martian surface, from 4 miles to 30 feet altitude, using a 'nesting' technique to create a complete scale of pictures. The high-resolution images will aid in studying the layers of ice and dust covering the polar region.
A new proximity sensor developed at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory could significantly reduce risks in eye surgery by detecting the location of critical retinal tissues. The sensor alerts surgeons when the endoscope's needle approaches the retina, alleviating concerns and improving precision and safety.
A study of over 6,000 patients found that one in every 100 people misdiagnosed due to a single pathologist's report. This can lead to incorrect treatment, surgery, or chemotherapy, causing psychological trauma and financial burden.
Gavin Miller's robotic snakes replicate slithering and sidewinding motions, paving the way for advanced robotics. The designs' potential applications extend beyond toys to include planetary exploration and handling diverse terrains.
A study found that 11 female ballet dancers had osteoarthritis in their ankle joints, highlighting the risks of early onset ballet. Researchers suggest that girls should wait until they're older to start dancing on pointe and professional ballerinas should rest more between performances.
The Peabody Conservatory's 'Virtual Orchestra,' developed by Forrest Tobey, will perform an original composition and arrangements by Charles Byungkyu Kim during the 24-hour Times Square 2000 celebration. The performance will feature a blend of old and new sounds, including electronic timbres and instruments produced live in Times Square.
Dr. Kayser-Jones' groundbreaking research on dietary needs of nursing home residents has greatly influenced nursing care practices. Her work has had far-reaching effects on education, clinical practice, and health policy.
A new study by University of Washington researcher Henry Lai has found that exposure to cell phone microwaves may affect long-term memory in rats. The rats were trained to navigate a pool and recall the location of a submerged platform, with those exposed to microwaves showing impaired spatial reference mapping and learning strategies.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University have developed a blood test to detect the spread of colorectal cancer to lymph nodes by identifying the presence of a protein called GCC. This test may help doctors diagnose the disease more accurately and provide better treatment options for patients.
The National Patient Safety Foundation announced four grant winners in its 1999 Research Awards, supporting projects aimed at improving patient safety. The grants, totaling up to $100,000, will fund studies on various aspects of patient safety, including cardiac surgery and pediatric sedation.
The Hartford Institute/NOLF Award honored two nursing organizations for promoting geriatric best practices among specialty nurses. The award recognizes their efforts in disseminating geriatric knowledge through workshops, newsletters, and conferences.
Researchers found iron oxides in concrete up to an inch away from steel bars cause stress and cracking. Colored rust areas indicate metal loss from the bar, compromising its reinforcing action.
Professor Brian Alters' three-year project will partner with six nearby school boards and develop hands-on science activities for elementary and secondary teachers. The goal is to improve K-12 teaching and excite students about learning science, benefiting over 80,000 students.
Two studies published in JAMA reveal that timely treatment with t-PA improves stroke recovery if administered within three hours. Meanwhile, a new catheter-based therapy called ProUrokinase offers promise for patients who cannot receive treatment quickly enough, resulting in impressive recovery rates.
A team of UI researchers has advanced understanding of how gene therapy might effectively treat cystic fibrosis by addressing two fundamental problems: inefficient gene transfer and lack of gene persistence. They demonstrated efficient and lasting gene transfer into airway cells using a new vector from the retrovirus family, feline imm...
Researchers found that women smokers are three times more likely to have the K-ras mutation and nearly four times more likely to die from lung cancer if they have it. The study suggests a link between estrogen and the initiation of K-ras mutant cells in lung tumors.
A new study from the Society of Actuaries found no direct link between managed care plan ratings and enrollment. The researchers suggest that ratings may be valuable in refining the rating process and increasing its usage by consumers, but more research is needed.
Researchers identified three key molecular actors involved in Fragile X syndrome, including the protein FMRP, which binds to messenger RNA molecules and regulates translation. The study sheds light on the cellular mechanisms underlying the disorder, potentially leading to new treatments for other types of mental retardation.
The New York City Housing Authority will implement an integrated software and diagnostic monitoring system to optimize boiler plant operations. The program, DSOM, aims to increase reliability while reducing costs through real-time monitoring and alerts.
Dr. Showe's laboratory is conducting research on CTCL, the most common primary T-cell lymphoma of the skin, using state-of-the-art robotic systems. The goal of her work is to give clinicians and pathologists new molecular tools to identify CTCL accurately in its early stage.
A team led by David Page has discovered the first mutation on the Y chromosome linked to male infertility. The finding may lead to the development of treatments and male contraceptives.
A Virginia Tech study finds rural single female-headed households face significant barriers to entering the workforce due to lack of transportation and public services. The study suggests these areas will be disproportionately affected in an economic downturn.
Researchers found that chronic alcohol abuse in late adulthood damages Purkinje neurons by reducing message traffic between neurons, but the damage is mostly reversible. The study also suggests a connection between alcohol-induced brain changes and abnormal movements seen in alcoholics, such as unsteady gait and tremors.
Researchers developed a treatment using embryonic stem cells that improves rat spinal cord injury recovery. The treatment, involving nerve cell precursors, promotes substantial improvements in locomotion when instituted after the injury process is complete.
Six new planets have been discovered orbiting nearby stars, bringing the total number of known planets outside our solar system to 28. The newly discovered planets are located within the habitable zones of their stars and have temperatures suitable for liquid water to exist in one case.
A Yale study reveals that postmenopausal women's ovaries are often removed during hysterectomy due to geographical location and surgeon experience, sparking concerns about informed consent. The research highlights significant variation in oophorectomy rates across different areas of the state and among surgeons with varying caseloads.
Dr. Julie R. Korenberg's comprehensive map integrates three ways of looking at the human genome, marking critical points with fluorescent signposts for rapid translation of clinical problems into genome-based solutions. The guide has significant practical applications in cancer treatment and genetic diagnosis.
Researchers at Yale University have successfully characterized the function of yeast genes, providing new insights into how human cells work. The study's findings could lead to better understanding and treatment of diseases like cancer.
The Ethel F. Donaghue Women's Health Investigator Program at Yale has awarded six faculty members grants to study novel approaches in women's health. Researchers will investigate gene therapy for ovarian cancer, dietary protein prevention of osteoporosis, and light therapy for depression during pregnancy.
A clinical trial using a robot to aid in therapy for stroke patients showed significant improvements in short- and long-term recovery of arm movement. The robot provides quantitative data on forces and movements, increasing the productivity of human therapists while maintaining its role as a complementary tool.
The UCSF AIDS Research Institute is hosting a symposium to discuss strategies for preventing the second HIV epidemic. Experts will cover topics such as vaccine development, drug resistance, and post-exposure prevention.
Researchers at Max-Planck-Gesellschaft have solved the three-dimensional structure of fumarate reductase dimer using X-ray crystallography. The enzyme plays a crucial role in anaerobic bacterial metabolism, and its structure reveals an electron transfer pathway from haem groups to FAD and then to fumarate reduction site.
A team of CU-Boulder researchers is conducting the largest field campaign ever to assess ozone concentrations and chemical changes in the Arctic stratosphere. They will use various instruments, including satellites, aircraft, balloons, and ground-based instruments, to study the effects of climate change on ozone depletion.
Researchers have developed a new method to explore autoimmune mechanisms in chronic Lyme disease, which could lead to better diagnosis and treatment. The technique identifies specific bits of the Lyme agent that trigger an immune response against the body's own cells.
Researchers created a transgenic rat model with human CETP to study atherosclerosis. The study showed that elevated CETP contributes to the development of atherosclerosis, supporting the use of an antibody-based vaccine to raise HDL cholesterol levels.
A University of Pittsburgh study has found that depressive symptoms are a significant risk factor for coronary heart disease among people with Type 1 diabetes. The study's results also suggest that blood sugar levels do not strongly predict the likelihood of this complication.
A new five-year research study will investigate the economic consequences of cancer survival on patients' work and health insurance. The study will follow a large sample of cancer survivors over time, comparing their experiences with those without cancer.
A new study of 663 children with elevated cholesterol levels found no adverse psychological effects after three years on a cholesterol-lowering diet. The Dietary Intervention Study in Children (DISC) looked at the effect and safety of a low-fat diet, and showed that it is safe for children with high blood cholesterol.
A nurse telephone consultation service can handle as many nighttime primary care calls as evening or weekend services, report researchers. The study found that handling calls alone did not increase patients attending daytime surgeries in the following days.
A study found that pacifiers have a better analgesic effect than sweet solutions, but combining sucrose solution with pacifier sucking provides the best pain relief. The researchers suggest sensory dominance and enhanced coping mechanisms may be involved in pacifier-induced pain relief.