A leading forensic toxicologist suggests that cocaine abuse may be behind some deaths in custody, rather than police brutality. The expert's neurochemical test detects a unique brain signature associated with excited delirium (ED), which can cause sudden death due to cardiac arrest.
Researchers found that interventions with peers grouped together often worsen adolescent problem behavior, leading to increased delinquency and substance abuse. Training adolescents to give up destructive behaviors seems ineffective when several group members have a tendency toward these behaviors.
Historically black colleges and universities are partnering with high-tech research-intensive universities for $1 million environmental health grants. The program, called ARCH, aims to strengthen research capabilities at minority-serving institutions, enabling them to conduct competitive research in environmental health sciences.
A report on a June 15 earthquake in Mexico highlights the need for enforcing special seismic design standards for critical buildings like schools, hospitals, and fire stations. The study found that these buildings are often constructed with heavier materials than recommended, increasing the risk of damage during earthquakes.
Researchers found that treating small, asymptomatic, unruptured cerebral aneurysms may increase health risks and death. The study's complex analysis suggested that in some cases, aneurysm treatment is unnecessary, highlighting the need for personalized care.
Richard M. Amasino, a plant molecular biologist at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, has been awarded the 1999 Alexander von Humboldt Award for his groundbreaking research on flowering time and senescence in plants. His discoveries have significant implications for agriculture, with potential to improve crop yields and resistance.
Astronomers believe that megaflares produced by tangled magnetic fields on a star and its planet might help identify distant Sun-like stars with planetary systems. This phenomenon could provide energy for the development of life on rocky planets, making it a promising area to search for extraterrestrial life.
Research indicates the Indian Ocean has its own El Niño-like phenomenon characterized by an east-to-west oscillation of warm waters affecting other parts of the world. The study found significant warming of the western portion of the Indian Ocean in 16 out of 48 years between 1950 and 1998, but only three were active El Niño years.
Scientists have found a possible way to induce new blood vessels without gene therapy, by lowering an individual's heart rate, according to a University of Iowa Health Care study.
A new study forecasts movie performance for domestic and international markets using a Bayesian model that examines information like star quality, past film performance, and screen numbers. The model provides accurate updates as sales figures come in to help plan better marketing activities.
A UK study found that breast-feeding significantly boosts cognitive development in babies, with benefits seen as early as 6 months and sustained through 15 years of age. The study analyzed data from 20 published reports and found that breast milk provides essential nutrients required for rapid brain development.
A simple cooling system can significantly reduce fuel vapour formation in aircraft tanks, minimizing the risk of explosion. The Polarjet system cools fuel to -1°C or below, reducing hydrocarbon vapours and oxygen levels, making planes safer without expensive modifications.
A recent study highlights the dangers of communications towers for migrating birds, which mistake tower lights for the moon and collide with structures. The Cornell University meeting brought together experts to discuss solutions, including co-location rules and reduced lighting in tall buildings.