Future orbiting X-ray telescopes will detect iron emissions in accretion disks around giant black holes, confirming their spin rates. This new telescope system could reveal the variability of X-ray emissions and test Einstein's theories on general relativity.
A study by University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill found that US adolescents are physically inactive due to limited access to school physical education programs and community recreation centers. High-crime neighborhoods also contribute to a sedentary lifestyle, increasing the risk of obesity and poor health.
A UCSD researcher has been awarded a grant to study the incidence and impact of microsatellite instability on colon cancer in African-Americans. The research aims to understand why African-Americans have a higher death rate from colorectal cancer despite lower incidence rates.
A Phase I study of aerosolized administration of tgAAV-CF showed efficient gene transfer throughout the upper airways of patients with mild CF lung disease. No neutralizing antibodies were detected, suggesting a good safety profile for further development.
Scientists at Purdue University have developed a simple and quick method to assess environmental cleanup efforts using genetics. The technique detects genes that reveal the presence of an enzyme produced by pollution-busting bacteria, allowing for real-time monitoring of soil cleanup progress.
The proposed food label changes could lead to a reduction in heart disease deaths, with estimated annual savings of $25 billion to $59 billion in healthcare costs. Manufacturers are expected to reformulate products in response to consumer demand for lower trans fat foods.
Astronomers have directly detected a new type of stellar flare on the binary system HR 1099, challenging current models and providing insight into flare physics. The flares were observed in a narrow temperature range of gas on the star, distinct from the hot gas that emits X-rays.
Researchers identified two natural human antibodies that restored myelin sheath and promoted nervous system repair in mice with demyelinating diseases. The discovery holds promise for developing new treatments for conditions like multiple sclerosis.
A new OHSU study shows 54% of family members reported moderate or severe pain for dying patients in the last week of life, a sharp increase from 1997. Researchers attribute possible explanations to changes in pain treatment options and physician prescribing practices.
Researchers found that men who ate two servings of high-fiber cereal per day made spontaneous changes to their diets, reducing fat intake and increasing fiber consumption. The study suggests that high-fiber cereal can be an easy way for Americans to improve their diet and reduce their risk of heart disease.
A study by Cornell University researchers suggests that prenatal cocaine exposure may cause lasting attention dysfunction in children, impacting their ability to focus despite distractions. The findings support the potential long-term effects of cocaine use during pregnancy on children's cognitive development.
Targeted Genetics Corporation has shown promise in its AAV gene therapy program for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), reducing ankle and hind paw swelling in preclinical studies. The treatment uses a recombinant TNFR:Fc fusion protein, which antagonizes the function of TNF-a, a key component of the inflammatory response.
The MIT robot significantly improved patients' recovery of arm movement in a clinical trial involving 56 stroke victims. The robot provided adjustable levels of guidance and assistance to facilitate patients' arm movements, resulting in twice as high scores on tests measuring increased movement.
A University of Maryland School of Medicine researcher analyzed 23 clinical studies involving prayer, non-contact therapeutic touch, and other unconventional spiritual interventions. The studies showed a positive impact on patients in 57% of cases, with benefits including less pain and faster recovery times.
The European Society of Human Reproduction & Embryology conference in Bologna, Italy, presented groundbreaking research on preimplantation diagnosis, cancer risk factors, and assisted reproductive techniques. The event also explored new technologies, such as keyhole surgery and laser-assisted IVF.
Researchers have identified a sequence of amino acids found in fibronectin that accelerates healing of hard-to-treat skin wounds in obese, diabetic mice. The substance completely healed skin puncture wounds in eight days, compared to 20-42 days in untreated diabetic mice.
A meta-analysis of 42 studies found that regular church attendance and public religious involvement are associated with a 29% higher survival rate. Private religious involvement also shows some benefits, but the effects appear to be partially due to social support and health behaviors.
A study found that fiber supplements containing psyllium can lower harmful cholesterol by up to 5%, reducing the risk of heart attack by 10-15%. The treatment is considered a viable alternative to cholesterol-lowering medications, especially for those who have difficulty tolerating statins.
A new study reveals that reprogrammed adult neural stem cells can differentiate into various cell types, including heart, liver, muscle, and intestine cells. This breakthrough adds to the growing evidence suggesting that adult stem cells may be more versatile than previously thought.
Researchers found that telomerase blocks a biochemical cascade of reactions called apoptosis, which causes nerve cell self-destruction. High levels of telomerase display remarkable resistance to damage or death in experimental models of Alzheimer's disease or stroke.
Researchers have identified over 2,000 genes active in blood stem cells, shedding light on how they replenish themselves and potentially inform treatments for diseases like leukemias. The discovery offers a powerful tool for understanding blood cell production and development.
Scientists at the University of Georgia discovered that Borrelia burgdorferi, the Lyme disease bacterium, can survive without iron. This finding may lead to new ways to prevent and control the disorder, as the bacterium's unique strategy could be used to limit its occurrence and severity.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed an automated optical film-thickness measurement technique that is both inexpensive and nonintrusive. The technique uses light reflection to measure film thickness with an accuracy of one-hundredth of a millimeter.
A study by UCSF researchers found evidence of faulty DNA repair in some infertile men, similar to those with certain cancers. The study suggests that defective DNA repair may be a reason for male infertility and potentially increase the risk of offspring infertility and cancer.
A Yale study reveals that training low-income parents and inner city daycare teachers to engage three-to five-year-olds in make believe play can significantly strengthen children's skills for succeeding in school. This play-based approach enhances vocabulary, language usage, counting, fine motor control, and social/emotional growth.
Compton Gamma Ray Observatory's Burst And Transient Source Experiment (BATSE) discovered nearly 30 new exotic astrophysical objects and phenomena, rewriting astronomy textbooks. The instrument also contributed to 10 scientific prizes and 18 Ph.Ds.
Historical case of Eva Peron's secret surgery highlights the ongoing challenges of balancing medical care with social and political implications, according to Dr. Barron H. Lerner. Despite apparent openness in modern times, many confidential details remain hidden from public scrutiny.
Researchers discovered how brain fills in missing information to help us perceive objects, even when they're partially blocked. This process allows for consistency and continuity in our visual world, enabling us to recognize shapes and objects accurately.
A study by Kermyt Anderson found that stepfathers invest significant amounts of money and time in their stepchildren. Despite initial assumptions portraying stepfathers negatively, the research suggests they gain mating benefits and opportunities for lifetime reproductive success.
Researchers at Northwestern University found that adult memories of childhood events and relationships are no more accurate than chance, contradicting the idea that memory is a continuous tape. The study's findings have important implications for psychiatrists and mental health professionals who rely on patient reports.
Compressing coronary angiograms for delivery over telephone or computer lines can lead to diagnostic errors, according to researchers. Image quality is progressively lost with increasing compression, making it difficult for clinicians to detect subtle diagnostic features.
Researchers will discuss potential anti-cancer properties of selenium in broccoli and analyze human exposure to toxic chemicals through hair analysis. The meeting will also focus on the ongoing contamination of the Great Lakes by toxaphene, a pesticide banned in 1986.
A study found that the plasmin system, which regulates blood clots, may also play a role in Alzheimer's disease. The researchers suggest that destroying amyloid-beta protein deposits with tPA could be a potential treatment for the disease. Further research is needed to confirm this model and explore its effectiveness.
Researchers have found no evidence of gradual dinosaur extinction but rather a catastrophic event. Scientists also explore the formation of the Hawaiian volcanic Island of Hilo Ridge, which challenges previous theories on its origin.
Researchers found a significant increase in lobular breast cancer among postmenopausal women taking combined hormone-replacement therapy. The study reported a 2.6-fold increase in incidence among those who took the therapy for six months or more.
Scientists at the University of Illinois found that piezoelectric ceramics' properties decrease as they become thinner, affecting their performance in microelectromechanical systems. To optimize thin-film structures, researchers must understand the factors influencing material properties.
The Columbia University Asthma Coalition aims to improve asthma care among high-risk populations through a three-pronged approach. Researchers will implement culturally appropriate programs, increase public awareness, and form partnerships with primary care providers to ensure implementation of National Asthma Education and Prevention ...
Researchers discovered a direct link between apoE and cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA), a leading cause of bleeding strokes in the elderly. Decreasing apoE expression may inhibit CAA buildup, lowering the risk for cerebral hemorrhage.
Crystals grown in space may produce better semiconductor materials due to reduced gravity effects. The 'detached growth' process, performed on the space shuttle, has produced pencil-thin crystals with uniform distributions.
Research reveals that individuals coping with HIV/AIDS exhibit diverse information-seeking behaviors, from avoiding information to seeking out multiple sources. Understanding these complexities is crucial in developing effective treatment programs, as uncertainty can be a natural part of life for some individuals.
A new study predicts that anal Pap smear screening every two to three years would detect pre-cancerous lesions among high-risk HIV-negative men and allow for early treatment of anal cancer. The analysis suggests that this simple procedure could save lives at a cost comparable to annual mammography.
Researchers have made the first direct observations of magnetic reconnection, a switch that allows energy to be transferred between solar wind and Earth. The phenomenon is responsible for aurora borealis, aurora australis, and occasional radio and satellite disruptions.
Researchers propose a 10-year effort to understand Arabidopsis genes and their interactions. The goal is to build a complete "wiring diagram" of the plant's biological pathways and create a 'clickable plant' for interactive exploration.
A collaborative study found that media coverage of new medications tends to exaggerate their benefits, ignore their risks, and fail to disclose their costs. Only 40% of news stories citing experts with financial ties to the drug being studied disclosed this potential conflict of interest.
The FDA has approved a new cancer treatment using microscopic glass beads that deliver localized radiation to liver tumors. The treatment involves injecting radioactive glass beads into the liver, where they kill malignant cells with minimal side effects.
Researchers from Penn University School of Medicine investigated the safety of Viagra in men with severe coronary artery disease. The study revealed no direct adverse cardiovascular effects from Viagra use, but a small beneficial effect on coronary blood flow reserve was observed.
Researchers at University of Michigan and Swiss Federal Institute of Technology propose alternative theory on Earth's formation. They found that tungsten isotopic compositions of Earth do not match those of enstatite chondrites, supporting the idea that planets received materials from broad regions of the solar system.
Researchers at University at Buffalo develop a system that allows physicians to store information about their touch during an exam using virtual reality. This data can be accessed by other physicians, enhancing clinical palpation and enabling more accurate diagnoses.
A recent study by Dr. Mani Subramani and Eric A. Walden found that Internet firms can earn almost double the profits of brick-and-mortar firms through partnerships. This is due to their ability to form strong relationships with partners, increasing investment and output value.
Researchers studied ancient sediment samples to understand Antarctica's past environmental changes and their impact on global climate. The findings suggest a complex relationship between ocean circulation patterns and ice sheet stability, contradicting previous desert-like conditions in the region.
Researchers discovered that large female spiders in colonies compete for space by building their webs earlier, using a capitalist technique to pre-empt areas. This strategy allows them to secure private space for egg-laying and reduces conflicts with smaller spiders.
Researchers at the University of Kentucky have discovered a new potential target for compounds that may treat or prevent Alzheimer's disease. The receptor RAGE interacts with amyloid fibrils, accelerating fibril formation and inducing cellular dysfunction.
Scientists from the Weizmann Institute of Science have shown that frequent observations do not freeze motion, but rather increase it. This contradicts Zeno's paradox, which suggested that repeated glimpses could stop an object in place.
Researchers suggest using ultrasound and audible sound waves to measure eye fluid pressure. This could enable glaucoma patients to monitor changes in pressure, taking medication accordingly.
A study published in The Quarterly Review of Biology suggests that morning sickness serves a beneficial function, shielding the mother and fetus from harmful foods and chemicals. Women who experience morning sickness are less likely to miscarry than those who do not, and their aversion to certain foods peaks during the first trimester.
A team of Boston University astronomers has captured new ground-based photos of Mercury's surface, revealing details similar to those on the Moon. The images, taken in August 1998, show bright craters and dark lunar mare-like markings, providing insights into Mercury's geology.
The NEAR Shoemaker mission suggests asteroid Eros is a primordial relic from the solar system's formation, with an elemental composition similar to chondritic meteorites. Studying Eros could help scientists understand how rocky planets evolved.
TacMedCS is a tactical medical coordination system designed to expedite assessment, treatment, and transport of injured personnel. The system uses radio-frequency tags to store and transmit medical information, freeing up time for corpsmen to treat more patients.
A new study found that a high glycemic load diet, which includes foods like rice and potatoes, increases the risk of coronary heart disease in US women. Women with higher glycemic load were 1.57 times more likely to have CVD than those with lower glycemic load.
A recent study published in the Journal of Periodontology found that smoking is responsible for more than half of periodontal disease cases among adults in the US. Quitting smoking can gradually erase the harmful effects on periodontal health.