A new Implantable Pulse Generator (IPG) device has been developed to help patients with paralyzed vocal folds breathe on their own. The device was recently implanted in a Missouri woman, who was able to have her tracheotomy tube removed after 18 months of successful ventilation.
A new study published in Health Psychology contradicts long-held notions about the connection between breast cancer and psychological factors. The researchers found modest associations with certain psychosocial factors, but emphasized that biology remains the primary factor in breast cancer development.
A new clinical trial confirms zaleplon's safety and tolerability for the long-term treatment of insomnia, lasting up to 12 months. The medication showed no withdrawal symptoms upon discontinuation, making it a good option for chronic insomnia sufferers.
A recent study found that only 11% of young adults use condoms solely for AIDS prevention, while 41% use them exclusively for pregnancy prevention. The majority (48%) use condoms for both purposes, indicating a pragmatic approach to risk reduction.
A nursing intervention program involving weekly telephone calls with nurses improves cancer patients' ability to manage symptoms, communicate concerns, and advocate for their own care. The program also benefits family caregivers, reducing time spent on managing side effects and improving quality of life.
A study by Rockefeller and Aaron Diamond researchers found that about one in six patients with the AIDS virus carried a strain resistant to at least one drug. The researchers recommend exploring the prevalence of this resistance and considering therapy structured around HIV-resistance testing to improve treatment effectiveness.
A study published in the Journal of Comparative Neurology found that moderate fetal alcohol exposure can cause the corpus callosum to be larger than normal, contradicting previous research. This could have significant implications for our understanding of fetal alcohol syndrome and its effects on brain development.
A study by Ohio State University researchers found that Washington D.C. is the most internet-accessible city in the United States, with high-ranking cities in the West and Northeast performing well. Cities with more connections to commercial-Internet backbones were rated as more accessible.
A trio of Temple University computer scientists develop a framework to provide wide-ranging IT education to non-computer science majors. The project aims to change attitudes toward technology and foster second-level courses across various disciplines.
Researchers found physicians who provided validation and confirmed patients' worth had a positive impact on those abused. Validation messages, such as 'battering is wrong', helped women realize the seriousness of their situation and move toward safety.
A meta-analysis of 37 cardiac rehabilitation studies shows significant positive effects on blood pressure, cholesterol and physical exercise. Rehabilitation programs can help patients change risk behaviors and improve their quality of life.
Research shows that moderate levels of worry about breast cancer motivate women to get screened, but high levels may inhibit use. Educational programs that focus on raising worry and fear alone may not be effective without an action plan.
A new study found that adolescents' beliefs about refraining from sex, positive views on abstinence, and self-efficacy significantly influence whether they delay or rush into their first sexual experience. The research also revealed a strong association between early first intercourse and parental education levels.
The American Psychiatric Association's 1999 Fall Components Meeting tackled significant psychiatric topics such as Psychiatric Aspects on Violence, Psychiatric Dimensions of Disasters, and Addiction Psychiatry. The meeting brought together over 1,000 leading psychiatric experts to discuss these critical issues.
A study of 232 rheumatology patients found nearly half used alternative treatments and discussed them with physicians, highlighting the need for physician inquiry. Additionally, a single dose of azithromycin prevents syphilis in exposed individuals, while flu vaccinations benefit HIV-infected patients.
Fire ant attacks have been reported in US healthcare facilities and homes, resulting in severe medical complications, including death. The medical complications of fire ant stings can range from mild irritation to death from a generalized allergic reaction, depending on the number of stings and the physical condition of the victim.
A study of 318 men found that high levels of stress and low social support are associated with higher levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in the blood, a marker for prostate cancer. The research suggests that psychosocial factors may promote prostate disease through direct physiological pathways.
A study by the Georgia Institute of Technology found that the cost of applying for air emissions permits under new national regulations is lower than industry estimates. The survey of 500 U.S. manufacturers revealed that companies spent an average of $113 per employee to apply for permits, with total estimated costs of approximately $1...
Researchers at the University at Buffalo have found that melatonin speeds up bone formation and increases production of bone matrix proteins, suggesting a potential link to osteoporosis prevention. The study used mouse and rat cells to demonstrate the role of melatonin in promoting bone growth.
Researchers at University of Michigan have developed a new isotope-separation process using an ultrapowerful laser system that can deliver up to 1000 times more power than the entire electrical generating capability of the US. This technique provides a futuristic alternative to bulky methods and opens possibilities for preparing medica...
Research finds that mothers with unwanted births experience depression, unhappiness, and lower quality relationships with their children. These effects persist throughout the children's lives, impacting all family members.
A new study found that workplace substance use has significant negative consequences for employees, including morale problems, increased injury risk, and poor communication. The researchers developed a team-oriented training to help work groups address co-worker substance use and promote employee well-being.
A study by Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center found that early discharge for full-term, Medicaid newborns in Ohio did not result in increased rehospitalization rates. In fact, rehospitalizations decreased 23% due to better post-discharge coordination of care.
Scientists at UNC Chapel Hill study found that a protein called adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) helps destroy another protein, beta catenin, which can lead to cell proliferation and tumor formation if disrupted. Understanding this pathway may help block tumor development in humans.
A new study found Smart Start programs significantly improve North Carolina children's thinking and language skills compared to non-participating children. The program's effectiveness was linked to direct classroom quality assistance, while other types of support had little impact on school readiness.
A study of over 7,000 people found that job complexity affects substance use, with those in complex jobs using more substances and those in simpler jobs using less. The researchers suggest assessing workers' cognitive abilities and reassigning or restructuring jobs to match their skills.
A University of Iowa-led study found that women with Stage I breast cancer who did not receive axillary node dissections had significantly worse 10-year survival rates compared to those who underwent the procedure. The analysis suggests that many women with early-stage disease are not receiving this crucial treatment, which may impact ...
Researchers at INEEL are developing a method to trap strontium-90 in calcite crystal, effectively removing it from groundwater. By stimulating naturally occurring bacteria to hydrolyze urea, they aim to increase the pH and facilitate mineral formation.
A new Cornell University study suggests that without democratic population-control practices and resource-management policies, the world's 2 billion people will face a difficult life by 2100. The report predicts an optimal population of 2 billion, with a standard of living about half that of the United States in the 1990s.
A study found that adolescents emulate their parents' overall health-risk lifestyle and adopt specific behaviors. Parents' health-risk behaviors are linked to their children's adoption of similar habits.
The discovery of a new tomb at Teotihuacan's Pyramid of the Moon has provided critical evidence for reconstructing the city's 2,000-year-old history. The tomb contains human skeletons, animal bones, and offerings that differ from previous discoveries, suggesting a significant cultural shift between two phases of pyramid construction.
Scientists have pinpointed a protein called plethodontid receptivity factor (PRF) that directly influences female receptivity in salamanders, shortening the courtship time by 15%,. This discovery highlights the importance of pheromones in survival and provides insights into the evolution and mechanism of action of these complex chemicals.
Researchers found that aged varnish molecules contribute to the typical yellow discoloration of old-master paintings. The study suggests that larger molecules in the varnish layer are harder to dissolve during restoration processes.
Researchers find geochemical signature in iron indicative of life, allowing for tracing of microbial populations across time and space. The technique could help resolve disputes about past life on Mars and provide insight into the evolution of life on Earth.
A new material featuring 'buckyball shards' has shown promise for chemical separations, suggesting a cheaper method for generating enriched oxygen and nitrogen. The material could be useful for the biotechnology industry to concentrate proteins in watery broths.
The US dietary supplement market is projected to reach $14 billion in 2000, with most supplements being unregulated. Dr. Steven H. Zeisel proposes creating a special 'nutraceuticals' category for regulated supplements that deliver concentrated forms of bioactive agents beyond food levels.
Researchers have identified a genetic mutation associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer in African-American and Latino men, with a five times greater risk compared to those without the mutation. The mutation affects the enzyme steroid 5a-reductase, leading to increased production of dihydrotestosterone, a potent form of tes...
Researchers at Wistar Institute find parallels between PRD1 and human adenovirus coat protein structures, suggesting an evolutionary relationship. The discovery may lead to new research areas and therapies.
Sulindac has been shown to cause the regression of benign colon polyps, helping prevent colon cancer development. The drug inhibits cancer cell growth by promoting programmed cell death and preventing NF-kB activation.
Researchers have developed a new pain observation scale called APocis, allowing healthcare professionals to accurately assess pain levels in young children. The scale records seven types of behavior related to pain, enabling doctors and nurses to determine the level of medication needed for effective pain management.
Two newly identified metabolites of the gasoline additive MTBE have been found in human urine samples. These findings suggest that humans are exposed to MTBE and its byproducts through inhalation, and that further research is needed to understand their impact on human health.
Researchers at Oregon State University have discovered a male pheromone that calms female salamanders during courtship, making them more receptive to mating. The study highlights the complex role of pheromones in animal behavior and suggests potential applications in human reproduction.
Researchers investigated how two proteins, Nodal and Pitx2, direct organ growth in mice, finding that Pitx2 plays a crucial role in determining lung leftness. The study also showed that a single transcription factor does not account for the entire left-right asymmetry in humans, highlighting the need for further research.
Researchers at the University of Washington have found that amiodarone can save lives in patients who do not respond to defibrillation, improving resuscitation rates by nearly 30% compared to standard treatments. The drug showed particular benefits for women and those treated late in the course of resuscitation.
Researchers found Yersinia pestis uses a protein called YopJ to cut off cellular communication, disrupting immune response and killing the host. Understanding this mechanism could have important implications in medicine, particularly for cancer and immune-related diseases.
The MESA facility will join Sandia's expertise in weapon design and high-speed computing to create immersive environments for designing non-nuclear components of nuclear weapons. The project aims to reduce the likelihood of malfunction, making devices more difficult to destroy on impact.
A new study from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute finds that systolic blood pressure is more accurate than diastolic pressure in identifying patients with hypertension. The study suggests that future treatment guidelines may emphasize systolic pressure, which correctly classified nearly 96% of patients.
The new process uses a terawatt laser to deliver incredible energies in femtoseconds, sorting isotopes by molecular weight. This breakthrough eliminates the need for huge electro-magnets and cross-contaminated byproducts, making it an efficient alternative to gaseous diffusion.
Sandia National Laboratories is showcasing cutting-edge MicroElectricalMechanical Systems (MEMs) innovations at the Santa Clara show. The technology has vast applications in medical treatment, anti-terrorism, and engineering systems, with potential annual market value of $100 billion by 2030.
Researchers found that organic particles increase cloud droplet formation, making clouds more reflective of sunlight. This results in a 20% increase in droplets and a 6% reduction in droplet size, leading to a 1% decrease in Earth's temperature, potentially offsetting climate warming effects
A new research study found that animals fed a blueberry extract diet showed fewer age-related motor changes and outperformed their counterparts on memory tests. The antioxidants in blueberries may help protect the body against oxidative stress, a process implicated in aging and neurodegenerative diseases.
Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories have proposed a concept for rapid-fire thermonuclear explosions to generate clean fusion energy, using recyclable transmission lines and minimizing chamber emptying. The method aims to advance the development of machines like Z accelerator for relatively cheap and clean energy.
Researchers have successfully engineered CD4+ T cells to carry a fluorescent marker, allowing for the first time the tracking of autoimmune cells in vivo. The technique enables the study of physiological processes and inflammatory diseases, opening new avenues for therapeutic approaches.
Researchers at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center found that cancer tumors acquire and retain large amounts of vitamin C. This discovery highlights the nutritional needs of tumors, similar to healthy cells. Further studies are needed to determine how tumor cells utilize vitamin C once it is acquired.
Scientists at Johns Hopkins University discovered that the brain chemical nitric oxide makes female mice more aggressive when defending their pups, while reducing aggression in male mice. The study also found that brain cells producing citrulline significantly correlated with female mouse aggressiveness.
Researchers found that six HIV-infected patients who stopped taking antiviral drugs yet continued to suppress HIV replication had strong immune responses. The study suggests that temporarily discontinuing drugs may help maintain the virus at a low level, paving the way for vaccine development.
Researchers have identified two brain chemicals, delta-FosB and GluR2, as major contributors to the addiction process. The study found that delta-FosB increases sensitivity to cocaine reward by activating genes involved in glutamate receptors, leading to compulsive behavior.
A recent study suggests that teens from low-SES neighborhoods with higher educated parents exhibit reduced blood pressure responses to stress. This finding reinforces the importance of education in mitigating health risks for adolescents.
Scientists at Vanderbilt University Medical Center have identified a new target for drugs that inhibit tumor angiogenesis. Thromboxane A2 receptor antagonists show promise in blocking endothelial cell migration and preventing blood vessel formation associated with tumors.
Clemson University engineers are deploying mobile data-acquisition platforms, called 'wind towers,' to measure wind speed and direction in the path of Hurricane Floyd. The goal is to provide accurate ground-level data to help develop design bases for hurricane-resistant homes.