Airline safety expert Arnold I. Barnett says flying with major carriers on the same route doesn't significantly reduce risk. The death-risk statistic for US domestic jet carriers is 1 in 7 million, and frequent flyers face minimal cumulative risk.
Researchers at USC have created a machine system that recognizes spoken words better than humans, with potential benefits for Navy sonar and improving interaction between man and computer. The system may eventually enable voice control of computers, help the deaf, and aid air traffic controllers in noisy environments.
Recent research reveals a master regulator protein that prevents DNA replication at the wrong time in the cell cycle, ensuring each progeny cell has the correct number of gene-bearing chromosomes. This discovery could lead to new design principles for operating autonomous devices.
The University of Washington's HIT Lab has developed Shared Space, a technology that combines virtual reality with the physical world. Users can see digital images and interact with others and the environment simultaneously, enabling natural collaboration.
The American Geophysical Union has established a new journalism award to recognize the work of science writers covering news stories. The David Perlman Award will honor writers who produce high-quality news stories in various media outlets.
A new study published in the International Journal of Psychiatry in Medicine found that depressed mood is significantly related to increased mortality risk among people with congestive heart failure. Patients with severe depression were four times more likely to die within two years than those without depression.
A recent study by Reg A. Williams highlights the significant economic impact of depression in the workplace, citing an estimated total cost of up to $44 billion. The study also identifies key risk factors for depression, including stress, negative changes in personal life, and difficulties in interpersonal relationships.
Acoustical technology developed at CU-Boulder uses high-frequency pulses to detect fouling deposits on membranes, allowing for more efficient purification of drinking water. The technique has the potential to reduce chemicals needed and improve membrane performance in applications such as seawater desalination.
UCSD researchers successfully integrated electronic neuron within a group of biological neurons, demonstrating the potential for restoring brain function. The key finding was the simplification of mathematical algorithms, allowing for a radical reduction in variables to control a neuron's overall function.
Researchers will use marine microorganisms to discover new chemical compounds with anticancer properties, acting through non-traditional mechanisms. The study aims to identify novel agents that can accelerate the drug development process and improve treatment options for cancer patients.
The American Heart Association has prepared 16 news releases and 32 news tips for the 72nd Scientific Sessions. Logistical information includes room locations, telephone numbers, hours of operation, and name badge requirements. Reporters can access news conferences, media availabilities, and exhibitions at specific times.
Dr. Bruce D. Walker delivers a lecture on immune-mediated control of HIV infection, highlighting the Wistar/Philadelphia FIGHT Collaborative Project. The project combines basic immunotherapy with community-based research involving over 4,000 individuals living with HIV/AIDS.
A recent study of first-year medical students found that female students are more patient-centered in their approach to medicine, prioritizing equal partnerships and shared decision-making. This patient-centered attitude is also associated with a greater desire to practice in community and primary care settings.
A recent study reveals that long-term nerve damage in diabetic rats can be reversed by treatment with an insulin-like protein. The protein may prevent or alleviate certain nerve complications associated with diabetes, such as irregular blood pressure control and digestive issues. Researchers are hopeful about the potential therapeutic ...
The four-part PBS series 'Intimate Strangers: Unseen Life on Earth' delves into the importance of microbes in sustaining human life and driving chemistry of life. Dr. Frederic Pfaender, a UNC-CH microbiologist, advocates for watching the series to learn something and enjoy the experience.
A recent study found that insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) can reverse nerve damage in diabetic rats, with 80% fewer swollen nerve endings observed. The protein may compensate for the loss of a healthy factor or be a nourishing agent itself.
A recent University of Iowa Health Care study calls into question the reliability of a classification system used to evaluate treatment outcomes in children with Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease. The Stulberg Classification System, developed in 1981, predicts long-term patient outcomes but has poor reliability among surgeons.
A newly discovered gene in the pituitary gland is found to be activated by estrogen, leading to cell proliferation and tumor development. Researchers have identified this link between estrogen and pituitary tumor growth, which may lead to improved cancer diagnosis, assessment, and treatment.
Researchers from Mount Sinai Hospital and University of Toronto have discovered that Alzheimer's disease proteins also play a crucial role in mammalian development. The study used mice lacking PS1 and PS2 genes to investigate their normal function, finding that these proteins are essential for brain development.
Researchers have identified key factors contributing to the gender difference in depressive symptoms, including lower mastery over life areas and chronic strain. Women are more likely to get caught in a cycle of despair and passivity due to these interactions.
A national survey found that one in four female veterans experienced military-related sexual assault, leading to significant symptoms of depression and problems with alcohol. The study highlights the importance of addressing these issues for veterans' mental health care.
The X and Y chromosomes are thought to have originated from a pair of identical autosomes, diverging over 300 million years through four discrete stages. This divergence led to the formation of distinct sex chromosomes, with X-Y genes serving as fossils for reconstructing their evolutionary history.
National Chemistry Week highlights the importance of polymers as natural insulators, found in products like umbrellas, sunglasses, and jackets. The week also explores fascinating chemistry facts about the weather, such as the transformation of nitrogen into a more user-friendly form by lightning.
Polymers are versatile molecules made up of repeating units bonded together. During National Chemistry Week, families can participate in hands-on activities to learn about polymers' uses in everyday life, including disposable diapers and sports gear.
Researchers reconstructed the stages of sex chromosome evolution, tracing the modern X and Y chromosomes back to ordinary autosomes. The study found that these chromosomes differentiated into distinct blocks, with genes clustered together on one chromosome but scattered across the other.
Researchers have found that the ancestor of human sex chromosomes arose from an identical pair of standard chromosomes approximately 240-320 million years ago. This new evidence suggests that the first events creating sex chromosomes occurred earlier than previously thought, around 100 million years sooner.
Researchers have developed a non-invasive method to detect early signs of artery blockages using Doppler ultrasound. The technique uses voice recognition to track turbulence in blood flow, providing a safer alternative to current methods that require ionizing radiation or invasive procedures.
Renowned researchers Dr. George H. Denton, Prof. Hartmut Graßl, and Dr. Stefan Rahmstorf will address the effects of climate change on European nations. The event aims to explore possible solutions to mitigate these changes and ensure human survival.
Researchers at Harvard Medical School have identified a new class of mitosis inhibitors, including the molecule monastrol, which disrupts the mitotic spindle apparatus and arrests cell division. This discovery offers a promising lead for developing more specific and effective chemotherapies.
The report highlights the rapid spread of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) to Western Europe and North America, reaching unprecedented levels in over 100 countries. Immediate implementation of the World Health Organization's DOTS program and new resources are urgently needed to combat the growing epidemic.
Women at high risk for ovarian cancer experience depression when concerned about passing the disease to their daughters. A study found that 33% of participants were depressed during initial assessments and 38% during follow-ups, with concern for daughters being a leading source of distress.
Researchers confirm hazard posed by intraslab earthquakes in Pacific Northwest, which can cause significant damage and loss of life. A magnitude 7-7.5 intraslab earthquake could strike the region, posing a greater risk than larger offshore earthquakes.
A recent study reveals that much of the information on global pollution is flawed due to the chirality of chemicals. This asymmetry affects how toxic pollutants interact with living organisms. The study finds that some pollutants may be less harmful than thought, while environmental changes could increase or decrease their toxicity.
A recent study of Ontario family physicians and gynecologists found that over 98% of respondents prescribed hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to prevent osteoporosis, with almost 90% citing coronary artery disease as a consideration. The most significant reasons not to prescribe HRT included breast cancer concerns and strong family his...
A PricewaterhouseCoopers study suggests that consumerism, e-commerce, and genetic mapping will transform the US healthcare system. The report highlights potential disruptions, including increased competition for capital investments and a shift towards preventive care through genomics.
Researchers have found that a biochemical storm triggered by traumatic brain injury can continue for at least a month, suggesting the need for extended treatment. This discovery challenges current thinking on treatment windows and highlights the importance of understanding the complex interactions between calpains and brain tissue damage.
Researchers found that people in urban areas are more likely to live in areas with contaminated groundwater, particularly in the eastern half of the US. Untreated groundwater was four times more likely to exceed drinking-water criteria in urban areas than rural areas.
The Meharry-Vanderbilt partnership will support research and patient care initiatives targeting racial disparities in cancer incidence and deaths. The collaboration will develop a post-graduate training program, shared research resources, and funding for novel cancer research.
Researchers have successfully delivered a therapeutic gene for peripheral neuropathy using a modified herpes virus, which can produce nerve growth factor (NGF) in non-neuronal cells and enter the bloodstream. This approach may offer a long-term solution for patients with peripheral neuropathy resulting from diabetes or chemotherapy.
A University of Iowa research team found a novel approach to enhance binding between vectors and cells, making gene transfers up to 10 times more efficient. The breakthrough could lead to better methods for treating diseases like cystic fibrosis.
The American Chemical Society's 34th Midwest Regional Meeting will feature over 200 papers on analytical chemistry for the new millennium, drawing at least 450 scientists. Colorful chemical demonstrations by Dr. Marvin Lang will also be presented.
A study on Isle Royale National Park found that wolves' increased hunting efficiency in snowy winters led to a decline in moose populations, reducing browsing pressure on balsam fir saplings. This cascade of ecological responses highlights the potential impact of apex predators' behavioral adaptations to climate change.
A Penn State researcher suggests that increasing oxygen levels may have triggered the first of three past episodes when the Earth became a giant snowball, covered from pole to pole by ice and frozen oceans. The study proposes that low methane levels and high carbon dioxide levels were responsible for the glaciation process.
The American Chemical Society's March 26-30 meeting in San Francisco will feature presentations on emerging trends in chemistry, including anticancer therapies, endocrine disruptors, and new drug delivery techniques. More than 6,000 papers are expected to be presented to the 14,000 attendees.
A recent study published in Demography found that breast-feeding duration is significantly impacted by workplace demands. Women who work full-time have the lowest breast-feeding rates, while those working part-time or with flexible schedules tend to breast-feed more frequently.
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that poorer neighbourhoods have higher mortality rates and reduced access to cardiovascular services after a heart attack. The researchers emphasize the need for targeted healthcare delivery and promotion to address these disparities.
A new animal study suggests that soy isoflavones may slow prostate cancer growth by inhibiting cell proliferation and promoting apoptosis. The study also found lower levels of insulin-like growth factor 1, a hormone that stimulates tumor growth.
Researchers found that pregnant women who received a hormone-like gel called prostaglandin E2 gave birth faster than those who received a placebo, with an average labor time of 5.6 hours versus 8.6 hours. The study suggests that this gel may help prevent the need for induced labor and reduce Caesarean sections in women at risk
A recent study by Janice Christian and Scott Wilson found that crested wheatgrass can precipitate a decline in soil quality and increase atmospheric carbon dioxide. The introduction of non-native species like crested wheatgrass may have far-reaching negative repercussions on ecosystems.
A recent study by Wake Forest University School of Medicine found a high diabetes rate among Lumbee Indians, with approximately 9% of adults in Robeson County diagnosed. The study suggests that diabetes is a major concern for the Lumbee community and highlights the need for increased healthcare awareness and prevention efforts.
Researchers found that even after highly sensitive tests detected no viable HIV, the virus quickly rebounded to substantial levels when therapy was stopped. The study suggests that eradicating HIV with current therapies is unlikely due to the presence of latent reservoirs that drugs cannot access.
Researchers have found two nearby streams of stars that appear to be debris from a single dwarf galaxy torn apart by the Milky Way's gravity about 10 billion years ago. These relic streams are part of the Milky Way's outer structure and provide insights into its formation.
The genomic sequence of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) has been completed, providing a vital tool for improved diagnosis and treatment of diseases. This information will enable researchers to understand the origin of many common diseases and identify positions of genes on this important segment of the human genome.
Researchers found that providing more oxygen during and after surgery can cut in half the number of patients experiencing nausea. This simple procedure is effective, risk-free, and inexpensive, offering a promising alternative to expensive anti-nausea medications.
Scientists have mapped the zebrafish genome using a radiation hybrid technique, allowing for matching of candidate genes with genetically mapped mutations. The map provides valuable insight into human development and has potential applications in understanding genetic diseases.
A new report by Robert H. DuRant shows a significant link between sexual experience and violent behavior in North Carolina high school males. Males who have been involved in pregnancy are more likely to engage in behaviors increasing their risk of injury or death, such as fighting, carrying a gun to school, and using illegal substances.
A new study found that male prairie voles' brains produce a compound called citrulline, which is associated with aggressive behavior in mice. However, the study suggests that this compound may not be present in monogamous male voles, which could help explain their unique mating behaviors.
A University of Michigan study found that older adults tend to use the left front side of the brain, specifically the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, when performing concurrent tasks. This is a difference from younger adults who rely more on visual cortices for task switching.
A study by Brown University researchers found that overweight women who used home exercise equipment lost significantly more weight than those without the equipment, with an average of 16.3 pounds lost compared to 8.1 pounds. The equipment also helped participants maintain a higher level of exercise throughout the study.
The CARDIA Study found that high-fiber diets are associated with lower insulin levels, weight gain, and other cardiovascular disease risk factors in healthy, young black and white adults. The study of nearly 3,000 participants over 10 years revealed a significant inverse association between fiber consumption and CVD risk factors.