Researchers argue that online retailers focus too much on site hits and not enough on customer behavior patterns. By analyzing these patterns, retailers can identify frequent shoppers and target their marketing efforts more effectively to increase sales.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School Medicine have discovered that the transforming growth factor-beta protein stimulates the development of sclerosis in the kidneys, leading to renal failure in diabetic mice. By neutralizing this protein, the study suggests that kidney disease in diabetes can be prevented.
A computer simulation, known as a cyberkid, was used to study how children's problem-solving behavior changes across ages. The study found that 7-year-olds' thinking improves in strategy selection as they grow towards adulthood.
A new study suggests that proteins alphav-beta3 and leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) may serve as biomarkers for identifying women with endometriosis-related infertility. The research found a marked reduction in embryo implantation in mice injected with peritoneal fluid from infertile women with endometriosis.
A new study of 332 US manufacturing companies found that international joint ventures and multinational operations increase downside risk, contradicting common business wisdom. Domestic joint ventures also failed to reduce financial risks.
A new study by Stanford University researchers finds that global aquaculture production has more than doubled in the past 15 years, but it also adds to the world's supply of fish. However, the growing demand for carnivorous species like salmon and shrimp threatens the sustainability of ocean fisheries.
Researchers identified a working 'inhibitory synapse' between brain neurons and hair cells in the cochlea, suggesting a feedback mechanism that wires ears and brain for hearing. This discovery moves researchers closer to understanding human and mammalian hearing development.
Teenage girls with lactose intolerance can consume dairy products daily without discomfort, as they adapt to increased consumption over three weeks. The study's findings suggest that slowly adding dairy to the diet can help alleviate bloating and gas, while still meeting calcium needs.
Researchers solved the 'nug30' problem, a test of computer capabilities that challenged computer scientists for 32 years, by designing an efficient algorithm and leveraging high-performance computing resources. The solution demonstrates advancements in combinatorial optimization problems and their applications in real-world fields.
The structure of E. coli intimin-receptor complex shows how the bacterium attaches to intestinal cells, using a protein-protein complex with rigid arms and attaching hands. This finding could lead to new drug designs to thwart infection.
A new study from Ohio State University reveals that trade agreements between countries can significantly reduce the likelihood of military conflicts. Countries belonging to the same preferential trade arrangements (PTAs) were 30-45% less likely to become involved in military disputes, compared to those without such agreements.
Expansion of methadone programs would reduce the spread of HIV to the general population, resulting in significant health benefits. The study estimated that expansion of methadone treatment capacity would cost between $8,200 and $10,900 for every quality-adjusted life year gained.
Researchers use 18th-century formula to reconcile DNA study discrepancies and create more consistent picture of evolution's history. By considering all possible evolutionary trees, Bayesian mathematics allows for a more accurate understanding of the evolutionary history of life.
A study by researchers at Johns Hopkins and two other academic medical centers found that large fluctuations in eye pressure during the day or over consecutive days are associated with greater risk of vision loss. Glaucoma patients who experienced low fluctuations in pressure had a lower risk of further vision loss compared to those wi...
A three-year study of 351 people from Sweden aged 80 and over reveals that psychoactive medications have negative effects on cognitive performance. The results show that individuals taking these medications experience lower performance scores and a more severe decline in cognitive function compared to those not on medication.
Researchers have designed a molecule that selectively inhibits gelatinase enzymes, which help tumors grow and spread. This discovery may lead to new treatments for breast and prostate cancers, as well as other types of cancer and inflammations.
The National Science Foundation has awarded a $1.1 million research grant to the University of Alaska Museum to create the Arctic Archival Observatory, the first NSF-funded observatory of its kind in the U.S. The grant will enhance hands-on opportunities for graduate students and improve access to museum holdings.
Scientists at NIH and Whitehead Institute have grown malaria parasites in fruit flies, creating a model for studying parasite development in insects. The new model has identified a part of the insect immune system that naturally attacks malaria parasites.
Pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) is improving fertility outcomes for couples with genetic conditions, drastically reducing miscarriages and birth defects in older mothers. PGD can detect aneuploidy and translocations, allowing only healthy embryos to be transferred.
Researchers analyze three whale species to assess their recovery status and develop novel approaches to understanding decline. The study highlights the difficulties in determining when a population has recovered, emphasizing the need for data-driven conservation policy.
A recent study found that three-tier co-pay prescription programs can significantly lower payers' trend in pharmaceutical expenditures. The study, conducted by researcher Brenda Motheral and Kathi Fairman, showed no significant differences in medical costs between the two-tier and three-tier plans.
Researchers have pinpointed a genetic error in the VEGFR3 gene responsible for hereditary lymphedema, a condition affecting millions worldwide. This discovery enables genetic testing and provides a therapeutic target for inherited forms of lymphedema.
The study found that aquaculture is contributing to the depletion of fish populations worldwide through inefficient practices and habitat destruction. The authors recommend promoting ecologically sound management and sustainable production methods to reduce the pressure on wild fisheries.
Researchers have developed a remote inspection system that uses laser vibrometry and neural networks to analyze wooden crossarms from the air. The system has shown strong correlation between vibration signals and crossarm strength, reducing costs of manual inspections by up to 90%.
William Cohn, a cardiothoracic surgeon at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, has invented the Cohn Cardiac Stabilizer, allowing coronary artery bypass surgery to be performed on a beating heart. The device has advanced the state of the art and will speed patient recovery and save lives.
For couples experiencing unexplained infertility, a five-step treatment program has shown a 75% success rate in conception. The program includes careful evaluation and escalating steps such as antibiotics, intra-uterine insemination, and IVF with ICSI.
Researchers have developed a new technique that can detect explosive residues 10 times lower than existing methods, making it easier for authorities to identify the source of suspicious explosions. The technique may also help track the origin of explosives and manufacturer companies.
Researchers at Cornell University found that larger lakes have longer food chains than smaller ones, contrary to previous assumptions about energy availability. The study suggests that the size of an ecosystem, not energy levels, constrains food-chain length.
A team of Dutch doctors and scientists have found a possible link between testosterone and endometrial cancer, with high local pelvic androgen levels and increased expression of androgen receptors detected in patients. The study suggests that androgens may be a co-factor in the development of endometrial cancer.
A recent study by Dutch fertility experts suggests that women undergoing IVF treatment who have a low number of eggs retrieved are more likely to enter an early menopausal state. The research indicates a correlation between the age of menopause and the number of eggs produced, supporting one of the concepts of reproductive ageing. Howe...
A Dutch gynaecologist warns couples about the risks of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) and advises them to consider natural conception first. Nearly half of women who have not conceived after a year will conceive naturally, making informed decisions crucial before treatment.
Researchers pinpointed the time it takes for the human brain to signal fullness and identified areas involved in eating. The study used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to record activity changes in neurons, finding a connection between brain activity and traditional biochemical indicators like glucose and insulin levels.
Patients with dementia often receive inadequate medical care due to a lack of data on the safety and efficacy of treatments. Guidelines need to consider a patient's ability to comprehend, remember, and follow directions, as well as their caregiver's capacity to listen and act.
Researchers at MetaPhore Pharmaceuticals developed a new class of anti-inflammatory drugs that simulate superoxide dismutase, combating inflammation and degradation in medical implants. The treatment resulted in a dose-dependent anti-inflammatory effect, including reduced acute and chronic inflammation.
The Phase III study data demonstrated a median decrease of 38 percent in LDL-C and a mean increase of up to 18.7 percent in HDL-C with Lescol XL. This reduction is clinically meaningful for coronary heart disease patients, who carry an increased risk of cardiovascular events.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins found that using both cocaine and alcohol increases the risk of brain damage. The study showed that cocaine use can lower the amount of alcohol needed to impair cognitive abilities, while heavy drinking impairs executive functions.
A new Yale-led study reveals that negative views of aging can have a direct impact on cardiovascular health. Participants who were exposed to positive stereotypes showed significant decreases in blood pressure, while those exposed to negative stereotypes saw an increase in stress measures.
The report reveals big variations between countries, with France, Germany, and the UK carrying out more than half of all IVF treatments. Scandinavian countries and the Netherlands have the highest availability of IVF treatment, resulting in a significant number of children being born through IVF.
The trillion-dollar chemical industry showed a two percent increase in production in 1999, but sales grew faster than profits, leading to decreased profitability among leading companies. A bright spot was the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sector, which saw combined sales increase by 29 percent.
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases has launched four public-private partnerships to accelerate the development of promising HIV/AIDS vaccines. The partnerships aim to tap into the skills of both private industry and academic research centers, with a focus on developing vaccines for use around the world.
A multicenter study published in the American Journal of Cardiology found that adding Benecol spread to a patient's diet can lower LDL-C and total cholesterol levels by 17% and 12%, respectively. The study also showed that the cholesterol-lowering effect of Benecol was evident as early as the second week of treatment.
Researchers are using lasers to aid embryonic development by precision-drilling the 'shell' of human eggs. This technique has shown improved IVF success rates and increased implantation rates, allowing embryos to embed themselves in the womb more effectively.
Researchers identified a novel subset of T-cells called CD4-CD8- double negative regulatory T cells that can regulate killer T-cells and prevent rejection of donor tissue. These cells act as a kind of decoy, binding to the same antigen as killer T-cells and being destroyed, thereby inhibiting the immune response.
Researchers have restored vision in a mouse model of Leber congenital amaurosis, a severe retinal degenerative disease. The treatment, which involves orally administering a chemical compound derived from vitamin A, has shown promising results in restoring visual function.
A new study by Dr. Laurie A. Leshin found that the crust of Mars may hold two to three times more water than scientists had previously believed. The research compares the amount of deuterium in a meteorite with the Martian atmosphere, suggesting that significant groundwater reservoirs currently exist on the planet.
Two new Phase III studies published in Neurology show that Reminyl (galantamine) significantly improves cognition, global function, and behavioral symptoms of Alzheimer's disease over a period of 12 months. The treatment also maintains activities of daily functioning for patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease.
A study of 217,000 Medicare patients found that mortality rates were significantly lower for patients whose anesthesia was directed by an anesthesiologist. The researchers found that higher nurse-to-bed ratios, larger hospital size, and direct involvement of the anesthesiologist were independently associated with better patient survival.
The Virginia Tech Transportation Institute has secured a $15 million contract from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to conduct advanced safety research. The consortium will explore human factors research using data collected on actual roadways, test facilities, and simulated driving conditions.
The American Academy of Neurology has issued guidelines to help determine whether people with Alzheimer's disease should continue driving. Drivers with Alzheimer's have a substantially increased rate of accidents and driving performance errors, posing a significant traffic safety risk.
A new study found that people with disabilities are more liberal than the general population, with a strong streak of skepticism about government. Despite this, they feel underrepresented in politics and lack power to bring about change, presenting opportunities for political growth and engagement.
The Express Scripts 1999 Drug Trend Report reveals a record 17.4 percent increase in prescription drug spending, with senior citizens facing the biggest cost increases. The average cost of a prescription rose 9.6 percent in 1999, driven by higher prices and greater drug utilization.
A study by American Academy of Neurology found that 80% of people with cluster headaches also have signs of obstructive sleep apnea, a condition that can trigger the attacks. Treatment of sleep apnea may reduce or eliminate headaches and other related problems.
Researchers found that ERT increased blood flow to areas involved in memory formation, such as the hippocampus and parahippocampal gyrus. The study suggests ERT may lower susceptibility to age-related memory problems and Alzheimer's disease.
Scientists use quantum mechanical simulations to explain silicon's fracture anisotropy, which shows cracks prefer certain crystallographic directions. The simulations reveal a key difference in bond breaking behavior between easy and difficult propagation directions.
A study published in Nature Genetics found that a reduced-calorie diet selectively lowers the activity of genes related to inflammation and free-radical damage in the aging brain. This may lead to improved cognitive function and motor skills, as well as lower risk of age-related neurological disorders.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that physical activity has a greater impact on preschoolers' weight than diet. The research, which followed 77 preschool children for four days, showed no significant correlation between energy intake and body fat percentage.
Researchers discovered that bone marrow-derived stem cells can generate mature liver cells in humans. This groundbreaking finding has the potential to revolutionize treatment options for liver damage and disease.
New research suggests that young women have a high chance of conceiving a second baby without fertility treatment. Over 98% of women who didn't conceive within three years succeeded in doing so within the next three years, according to the study, which analyzed records of over 2,300 Canadian women.
Exclusive breast-feeding for four months may lead to a short-term lag in weight gain, but does not affect long-term growth patterns. Infants who were breast-fed exclusively for at least four months had improved growth status compared to those who were never breast-fed.
Couples undergoing infertility treatment experience intense emotional highs and lows, with physical discomfort being a secondary issue. The promise of technology to control reproduction only exacerbates the problem, leading to increased distress for those who fail to conceive.