Researchers estimate that 850,000 unnecessary Caesareans are performed annually in the region, with commentators arguing that this trend reflects medical control rather than women's preference. The study suggests that public health authorities, medical associations, and healthcare professionals must work together to reduce rates.
The structure of coagulation factor Va's membrane-binding domain has been determined, revealing a barrel-like shape with three major loops. This breakthrough provides new insights into the molecular details of blood clotting and protein-membrane association, with potential implications for cell-cell interactions and genetic diseases.
Cornell University researchers have discovered a gene, called SCR, that determines a plant's ability to accept or reject its own pollen. This gene is expressed in the anther and produces pollen with a specific label that distinguishes it from self-pollen.
A Harvard study finds that racial differences in kidney transplant access cannot be explained by patient preferences, with black patients being less likely to be referred for evaluation or receive a transplant. The disparity remains even after controlling for coexisting illnesses and socioeconomic factors.
The current WTO approach to risk assessment assumes new technologies are safe until proven otherwise, but this places excessive faith in limited knowledge. In contrast, a precautionary approach requires better testing and monitoring of new products' effects on the environment and people's health.
A study published in the Journal of Nutrition found that consuming dairy products rich in conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) reduced the incidence and number of mammary tumors in pubescent rats. CLA was shown to decrease the proliferation rate of mammary terminal end bud cells by 30%.
Researchers at Cornell University have successfully built single iron carbonyl molecules using a scanning tunneling microscope. The team used the microscope to attach carbon monoxide molecules to individual iron atoms, forming new molecules with unique properties.
A study by researchers at the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development found that consuming high amounts of caffeine doubles the risk of miscarriage. Moderate caffeine consumption was not linked to an increased risk, however.
Researchers have discovered a mechanism by which the galaxy is seeded with gas to form new stars, solving a long-standing question of galactic evolution. The discovery confirms that high-velocity clouds play a key role in the chemical evolution of the galaxy by showering it with metal-poor gas.
Oregon Health Sciences University researchers have found a genetic link between vascular disease and the human cytomegalovirus (CMV), a member of the herpes family. The study suggests that CMV stimulates smooth muscle cell migration, leading to inflammation and blockage in artery walls.
A study by MGH researchers has identified a gene malfunction that appears central to the development of type 1 diabetes. The malfunction affects the Lmp2 protein, which is required for immune system cells to recognize self-proteins, leading to an autoimmune reaction.
Seattle researchers have described the structure of factor VIII, a key blood-clotting protein implicated in hemophilia A. The discovery provides a key to developing improved blood-thinning medications and clotting agents for hemophiliacs, as well as better treatments for those at risk of stroke and heart attack.
Threadsnakes have evolved a unique feeding mechanism, devouring pupae and larvae of ants at an incredible rate of three or four bites per second. This rapid-fire eating pattern may be crucial for their survival in ant-infested environments, allowing them to outsmart powerful worker ants and secure food.
A new transgenic mouse model develops damaging tau protein tangles as it ages, exhibiting clinical symptoms similar to tauopathies. The tau mouse is expected to aid in understanding the role of tau tangles in Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative diseases.
A study by Kelly M. Everard found that social reasons for participating in activities, rather than the activity itself or frequency, have a direct bearing on well-being in older adults. Activities that bring a sense of connection and enjoyment tend to enhance well-being.
Global sulfur emissions have stabilized over the past 20 years, with China leading the world in emissions due to its massive coal reserves and growing industrialization. Cleaner fuels and pollution controls have contributed to the stabilization of emissions worldwide.
A recent study published in Psychosomatic Medicine found that patients with functional dyspepsia often employ non-discriminative coping patterns, reserving action-oriented strategies for controllable events. This approach may exacerbate anxiety levels and worsen symptoms.
A study of over 5,000 individuals found that anxiety and depression may cause up to one-quarter of all chest pain cases in young adults. The research suggests that individuals with psychiatric disorders or significant symptoms are more likely to experience chest pain.
Scientists have created a genetically-engineered mouse model with human tau genes, allowing for the study of tau-containing lesions in various brain disorders. The new model shows abnormal tau filaments accumulating in nerve cells, similar to those found in Alzheimer's disease.
A recent study found that nearly all children who experienced a traumatic event exhibited acute stress symptoms, with roughly half continuing to experience post-traumatic stress symptoms after 18 months. The researchers also discovered that indirectly-exposed children were at risk of developing full-blown post-traumatic stress disorder.
Researchers found calcium citrate absorbed 22-27% better than calcium carbonate, effective in preventing bone loss and stabilizing bone density. The studies confirmed the benefits of calcium citrate in maintaining bone health in early menopause.
Women with mild to moderately severe depression exhibit altered immune systems due to lower levels of physical activity, according to a recent study. The researchers found that physical activity accounted for up to 63% of the differences in specific immune functions between depressed and non-depressed women.
New research suggests that depression may not play a significant role in increasing the risk of sudden cardiac death after an acute heart attack. The study found that increased social contact with family and friends during the time of the heart attack may actually heighten the risk, while participation in pleasurable activities lowers it.
Research finds that road dust kicked up by traffic can be a source of airborne allergens, including pollen, animal dander, and molds. Residential areas with roadside vegetation are more affected than industrial locations.
A study of over 6,600 Indian men found that 17% reported physical abuse, 22% sexual abuse, and 7% used force while abusing. Abused women were more likely to experience unplanned pregnancies, especially with abusive partners who used force. The research highlights the link between wife abuse and various health issues.
Research from The Netherlands reveals that individuals with high work overcommitment scores may be predisposed to cardiovascular disease due to an impaired natural blood clot-dissolving system. This association suggests a potential physical mechanism behind the observed link between work-related stress and heart disease.
Research reveals that boys are more vulnerable to stress and lower self-esteem when it comes to dating, particularly if they feel pressured into relationships. Girls, on the other hand, tend to have intimacy skills and handle breakups better than boys.
Scientists create mouse model to track immature T cells' transformation into specialized killer T cells capable of destroying infected or cancerous cells. The research aims to understand how the immune system thwarts T cell functionality in diseases like HIV and cancer.
A new study by Canadian scientists found that highly stressed patients with ischemic heart disease do not respond as well to medications for their condition. Higher levels of stress resulted in lower effectiveness of treatment, with more highly stressed patients experiencing a greater reduction in episodes of angina.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have shown that neurotrophin signaling is essential for maintaining normal synapse health. The study used a novel gene therapy technique to block neurotrophin activity and demonstrated the disassembly of synapses in adult mice, highlighting the potential therapeutic benef...
The center aims to understand how changes in the brain cause pathological anxiety states and seek clues from basic research that could lead to new treatments. It will conduct research with model species and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) of human subjects to shed light on why particular treatments are effective.
A University of Toronto study found that teenagers who engage in binge eating are more likely to experience poor mental health and substance abuse, with purging behaviors increasing the risk of drug use. The research highlights the need for school-based programs targeting both eating disorders and substance use issues.
A recent study published in Spine highlights the importance of properly securing the trunk during ambulance transport to prevent further injuries. The research found that up to 25% of cervical spine injuries occur or are aggravated during emergency transport, with 40% resulting in neurological damage.
Neurobiologists identified an alcohol-sensitive potassium channel that enhances neurotransmitter action, producing profound physiological effects in the central nervous system. The discovery has significant implications for understanding alcohol addiction and may influence neuron communication.
A recent study found that poorly controlled type 2 diabetic patients are more likely to develop severe periodontal disease, with elevated serum triglycerides contributing to the issue. Reducing cholesterol and serum triglyceride levels through diet and exercise may help improve quality of life and oral health in diabetics.
A new Greek study suggests that high consumption of olive oil and cooked vegetables may protect against rheumatoid arthritis. The study found a lower risk of developing RA among those who ate the highest amount of cooked vegetables, with a 75% lesser risk compared to those in the lowest category.
A study found that green tea extract increases thermogenesis and overall energy expenditure, promoting fat burning. The supplement's catechin polyphenols and caffeine content showed a synergistic interaction, which boosted metabolic rates.
A molecule family known as CSPGs is found to form a barrier that prevents nerve fiber connections from growing after spinal cord injury. Researchers at the University of Florida Brain Institute suggest that this could be a key factor contributing to the failure of adult mammals to regenerate their spinal cords.
Cplant Cluster, a self-made supercomputer at Sandia National Laboratories, solves benchmark problems at 232.6 billion operations per second with its 580-node assembly. The system's scalability and ability to work together make it useful for complex applications.
Researchers Hu et al. found little distinction among saturated fatty acids on cardiovascular risk, and combining with less harmful ones in food sources reduced risk significantly when replaced by monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats.
A recent study found that a diet rich in monounsaturated fats, particularly from sources like peanut butter and olive oil, can lower cardiovascular risk by up to 20.6%. This contradicts conventional wisdom that low-fat diets are best for heart health.
Weizmann Institute researchers find a family of amino acid analogues that effectively regulate glucose levels in diabetic laboratory animals. The new compounds have greater antidiabetic potency than vanadium alone, offering a promising treatment option for type II diabetes.
Adults without private health insurance are 35% more likely to die than those with insurance between 1986 and 1995. The study found income and education reduce mortality risk by purchasing health insurance and acquiring necessary knowledge, respectively.
For the first time, researchers have produced three-dimensional images of Alzheimer's disease plaques. The milestone was made possible by combining high-resolution magnetic resonance microscopy with powerful computers. The technique allows for non-invasive detection and study of plaque development in human and animal brain tissue.
A recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science found significant differences in physical appearance and reproductive maturity among skinks living at forest edges compared to those in isolated populations. The research suggests that natural selection, rather than geographic isolation, plays a key role in ...
A new study of people aged 70-80 reveals significant voice quality differences between older adults and younger peers. Researchers recommend an acoustical test to accurately monitor potential voice disorders, as conventional tests may lead to misdiagnosis.
Scientists have relieved pain in rats by dispatching molecular 'smart bombs' to selectively destroy certain nerve cells in the spinal cord, targeting faulty signaling by a small group of neurons. This approach targets just those nerve cells that send pain messages to the brain without causing side effects like morphine or surgery.
A new hearing test called wide-band reflectance could improve diagnosis of middle ear infections and other hearing disorders. The test uses softer sounds to trigger a middle ear reaction, allowing doctors to make a diagnosis without exposing patients to intense noise.
A University of Michigan study found that older Americans with depressive symptoms are at a higher risk of developing new diseases within two years, comparable to those who smoke. Physical limitations and multiple symptoms of depression also significantly increase the likelihood of developing new disease.
Researchers at Rice University have created a reversible molecular computer switch, which can represent ones and zeros in digital computing. The switch is made of molecules that are one million times smaller than traditional silicon-based transistors, promising continued minitaturization and increased computing power.
Behavioral and social factors contribute to nine out of ten leading causes of death in the US. A recent report by the Center for Advancing Health found that NIH spent only 9% of its research training funds on behavioral and social sciences, highlighting a need for increased funding and opportunities.
The Medical Event Reporting System for Transfusion Medicine aims to stop blood-transfusion errors before they happen. Researchers will analyze near misses to identify lessons that can prevent the next headline.
UT Southwestern Medical Center investigators have developed a rare case of familial filicide in which twin sisters tried to kill their own children. A new classification system, identifying 16 subtypes of filicide, aims to aid understanding and strategies for prevention.
Marshall engineers reported a peak of 1,700 Leonids meteors per hour, confirming the accuracy of computer models used to predict meteor showers. The joint operation center worked well, with representatives from NASA, U.S. Air Force and University of Western Ontario collaborating to ensure safe satellite operations.
The 1999 Fall Meeting featured press conferences on climate change, solar activity, and Mars exploration, as well as new discoveries in India and Antarctica. A digital library for Earth science education was also unveiled, providing rapid access to high-quality information.
Researchers are testing a new treatment for intracerebral hemorrhage with intraventricular extension, a rare form of stroke that affects younger people and African-Americans. The study aims to reduce mortality rates by using small doses of tissue plasminogen activator (TPA), a clot-buster commonly used in heart attacks and many strokes.
Researchers at TIGR have completed the genetic sequence of Deinococcus radiodurans, a bacteria that can withstand extreme environmental conditions. The study reveals its unique genome composition and large redundancy of repair functions, which may contribute to its exceptional radiation resistance.
The University of California, San Francisco is part of a national study evaluating medications that duplicate glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate for treating knee osteoarthritis. The four-year trial aims to assess efficacy, safety, and side effects in over 1,000 patients.
Researchers used a computer climate model to find that vegetation interactions significantly drive the Sahel region's drought. The study suggests that natural vegetation causes enhanced drying, leading to cooler climates and reduced rainfall.
Researchers discovered strong evidence of a 55.5 million-year-old global warming event linked to a massive methane release. The 'latest Paleocene thermal maximum' led to the extinction or disappearance of deep-sea species and changed ecosystems. Further research is needed to understand this phenomenon.