A new UCSF study has analyzed data from 1.5 million births to Mexican-born Latinas, U.S.-born Latinas, and U.S.-born White women, revealing lower rates of tobacco use and medical complications among Mexican-born Latina women.
Research found that psychologically abused women experienced higher rates of disability, chronic pain, and other physical health issues compared to non-abused women. The study also highlighted the need for effective clinical- and community-based interventions to address intimate partner violence in women's lives.
A study by University of Pittsburgh surgeons found that liver cancer patients wait nearly a year for transplants, allowing tumors to grow too large to be cured. Modifying the policy could improve survival rates for Stage IV patients with four or more nodules less than 3 cm.
Two Hopkins studies confirm prenatal exposure to normal male hormones dictates male gender identity in genetically male children born with cloacal exstrophy. Most reassigned as females later reassign themselves back to males, exhibiting strong male behaviors and attitudes.
A new study from Michigan Medicine found that three-quarters of US states cover alternative therapies like chiropractic care and hypnosis for low-income children through Medicaid. The study suggests that more research is needed on the quality of care and outcomes of these treatments, particularly when combined with conventional medicine.
Visitors to NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center will enjoy live performances by country, rock, pop, and gospel artists while exploring rocket firings, space exhibits, and facility tours. The event also features appearances by NASA astronauts and real space flight hardware.
Researchers at Cornell University have developed a nanofabricated device that can separate DNA fragments by length in as little as 15-30 minutes, compared to the traditional method which takes 12-24 hours. The device uses alternating deep and shallow sections to propel DNA strands through it, allowing for faster separation and analysis.
A new study documents the increase in Ritalin-type stimulant drugs and Prozac-type antidepressants prescribed to children, raising concerns about diagnosis and treatment. Thirty percent of children on SSRIs also took stimulants, highlighting the need for further research on safety and effectiveness.
A team of researchers has discovered two nearly complete fossil skulls from the Dmanisi site in Georgia, which may represent the first hominid species to migrate out of Africa. The fossils show clear signs of African ancestry and are dated to around 1.7 million years old.
Future wireless devices may use multiple antennas to outperform single-antenna versions, reducing interference and increasing reception accuracy. This technology could enable three times as many users to operate within the same frequency band.
A new study contradicts the long-held assumption that the Helicobacter pylori bacterium has been with humans forever. Researchers analyzed DNA from over 500 strains from five continents and found that strains from Peru resemble those from Spain, not those from eastern Asia.
Student engineers at Johns Hopkins University designed a low-tech, affordable childproofing device for handguns that can be defeated by adults but not young children. The device automatically switches the gun back to safe mode when it leaves an adult's hand, providing passive protection.
Researchers found evidence of El Niño-like climate changes in New England during the Ice Age, revealing a strong three-to-five-year cycle of activity. This finding provides new insights into El Niño's persistence under different climate conditions.
Researchers have found nearly complete fossil cranium and skullcap in Dmanisi, Georgia, dating back to 1.7 million years ago. The discovery suggests early human species may have left Africa earlier than previously thought, with the possibility that they were driven by appetite for more protein.
A new Penn State study reveals that restrictive feeding practices can pass eating problems from mother to daughter as early as five years old, increasing the risk of childhood overweight. Mothers who control their own weight tend to use more restrictive feeding practices, which can actually promote patterns of intake influenced by pala...
A molecular-level malfunction in patients with heart failure can be repaired with existing treatments, suggesting a new approach to treating the root cause of the disease. The research reveals that a malfunctioning calcium channel is responsible for the defect, and beta blockers may prevent or reverse its development.
Researchers discovered that low nitric oxide levels in mouse newborns with hypoplastic lungs hinder the proper development of blood vessels, leading to persistent pulmonary hypertension and respiratory distress. The study aims to identify genes affecting lung development and function.
The Chandra X-ray Observatory has imaged the full impact of Supernova 1987A for the first time, revealing a shock wave smashing into the outer parts of a ring at 4,500 km/s. The gas behind the shock wave has a temperature of ten million degrees Celsius.
A new study reveals that even in countries with universal healthcare, there are significant restrictions on prescription drug accessibility for the elderly. The research found that countries like Australia, Canada, and the UK have varying levels of outpatient pharmaceutical plans, but often come with high costs.
The Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center is proud to announce that five of its researchers have been selected as Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) investigators. Drs. David Baker, Philip Green, and Michael Shadlen from the University of Washington, and Drs. Leonid Kruglyak and Cecilia Moens from the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Resear...
A new Harvard Medical School study found that only 14% of patients treated for three common mental illnesses received adequate care. African-Americans and those without insurance coverage are less likely to receive satisfactory mental health care.
David Wetzel's new technique uses infrared microspectroscopy to analyze small specimens without grinding or staining, revealing localized chemical content and spatial resolution. The technology has increasing applications in biological and other research, including rare blood disorders and hit-and-run cases.
A study published in Nature found that individuals with aphasia, who experience language loss after a stroke or brain damage, possess an exceptional ability to detect deception. They were able to identify lies cued by facial expressions alone with high accuracy, outperforming other groups.
The JDF Center aims to develop new gene therapy techniques to increase islet cell supply for transplantation and protect transplanted cells from immune system attack. The center will focus on making islet cell transplants viable for young patients with Type 1 Diabetes.
Research suggests that high levels of environmental endotoxin in homes with sensitive children may drive the immune system to produce cytokines that inhibit processes leading to asthma. Conversely, homes with children who are not sensitized to common allergens have significantly higher endotoxin levels.
Researchers found that a synthetic protein resembling the herpes simplex virus mimics beta-amyloid, a toxic agent in Alzheimer's patients. This connection could lead to the development of vaccines or drugs to prevent or treat Alzheimer's disease.
A study published in The New England Journal of Medicine found that a high-fiber diet can lower blood glucose levels and decrease insulin levels in patients with type II diabetes. Patients who consumed 50 grams of fiber per day showed a 10% reduction in glucose levels, compared to the recommended 24 grams of fiber per day.
The international panel established recommendations for drug resistance testing in treating HIV failure and pregnant women. This guidance aims to optimize the use of these tests in designing effective drug therapies.
Researchers found that even mild to moderate sleep apnea significantly increases the risk of hypertension, with graver levels associated with higher likelihood. The study used data from the Wisconsin Sleep Cohort Study and found a substantial risk of hypertension in those with mild to moderate sleep apnea.
A team of biologists at UCSD identified three genes that produce the 'double flower' abnormality, which is prized for its attractiveness. Normal flowers consist of four rings or whorls; when these genes are mutated, petals, stamens and carpels are converted into sepals, resulting in a double-flower character.
A recent UT Southwestern Medical Center study found that 20% of women with lower urinary-tract symptoms, including incontinence, had undiagnosed bladder obstructions. The researchers used urodynamics testing to identify the subset of women who would benefit from more specialized treatment.
The ACS Central Regional Meeting will feature over 600 research papers on various topics, including environmental science, food science, and diversity in the workplace. Notable speakers include experts from major brewing companies and a professor emeritus receiving a prestigious award for his invention of the first chemical sensor.
Scientists have discovered that single-isotope silicon can conduct heat more efficiently than natural silicon, with a 60% improvement in thermal conductivity at room temperature. This enhancement is attributed to the suppression of phonon scattering caused by fluctuations in atomic masses, resulting in improved heat transfer rates.
A study found high levels of dust mite and cockroach allergens in U.S. homes, linked to asthma symptoms. In Canada, almost six in ten asthmatics lack effective control of their condition, despite feeling well-managed, according to recent research.
The symposium will focus on practical information to implement change, improve health care delivery, and reduce errors. Key topics include cultural obstacles, innovations in technology, and strategies for moving beyond blame-based safety policies.
The meeting featured key findings on pediatric transplantation, mandatory liver sharing benefits, new tests predicting rejection, and advancements in immunosuppression. Researchers discovered a test that can predict organ rejection days or weeks before symptoms appear, reducing valuable treatment time.
Researchers at Northwestern University have successfully cloned a gene called Prestin, which codes for a protein that plays a critical role in the functioning of outer hair cells. The discovery could hold promise for treating hearing disorders and developing new biocompatible motors for nanotechnology applications.
Researchers have developed a novel diagnostic technique to directly detect prions in the cerebrospinal fluid, which is easily accessible for diagnostic purposes. This breakthrough method uses dual-color scanning for intensely fluorescent targets to identify single prion particles with high sensitivity.
A study of 589 10-year-olds found that those exposed to tobacco in the womb were more likely to experiment with tobacco. Peer tobacco use, child delinquency, maternal depression, and child depression were also significant predictors of tobacco experimentation.
The MAXIMA experiment provides evidence for a flat universe, inflation, and a cosmological constant. The study confirms predictions made before the experiment, supporting the standard cosmology.
A national survey found that over 45% of US homes have bedding with dust mite allergen concentrations exceeding 2 micrograms per gram of dust, a level associated with allergy development. The study also revealed that 17% of household occupants reported cockroach infestations in the year prior to the study.
The NASA Marshall Open House offers a daylong space adventure with interactive exhibits, including a Space Shuttle Pavilion, magnetic levitation track and International Space Station mockup. Meet astronauts, robots and celebrities, and participate in activities like the Astronaut Moon Bounce.
A study by Cornell researchers found a close correlation between cowbird brain size and its singing ability, which attracts females. The research suggests that visual and sexual selection factors go hand-in-hand in determining mating success among male cowbirds.
A new study by Johns Hopkins researchers found that older adults with asthma are hospitalized at higher rates due to more severe symptoms and co-morbid illnesses. Earlier diagnosis and better medical care can help lower these hospital admission rates.
New research from the HOT Study reveals significant differences in the response to antihypertensive treatment between age and sex groups. Women with hypertension achieve target blood pressures more easily than men, while older patients exhibit improved blood pressure control and lower risk of adverse events.
A new study reveals that a commonly used DNA polymerase can withstand an unprecedented number of mutations without compromising its function. Researchers have identified 8,000 active mutant forms, which may have significant implications for understanding evolution, cancer research, and the development of new biotechnological applications.
A landmark survey reveals that 57% of Canadians with asthma do not have their illness adequately controlled. Many patients and physicians underestimate the severity of asthma, leading to poor control of symptoms.
A University of Washington study reveals that women who have Caesarean or assisted vaginal deliveries are at a higher risk of rehospitalization compared to those who have unassisted vaginal deliveries. The study found significant risks for complications such as uterine infection, postpartum hemorrhage, and cardio-pulmonary conditions.
A study by Cornell University researchers found that auditors tend to make more objective decisions than salespeople due to their legal liability. However, when salespeople are held accountable for their decisions, their bias is reduced. The study suggests that making decisions based on facts rather than personal biases can lead to bet...
Hot tubs can cause lung disease by dispersing bacteria through aerosolization, leading to symptoms like fever and weight loss. Removing the hot tub from the home is often the primary treatment for mild cases, while more severe cases require corticosteroids and antibiotics.
Researchers discovered toxic alkenylbenzenes in tobacco smoke, which can cause cancer and lung disease in humans. The compounds are more likely to affect health when filtered cigarettes' ventilation holes are blocked.
The Howard Hughes Medical Institute has selected 48 talented researchers to join its investigator program, including 12 in computational biology. The new recruits will contribute to biomedical advances in areas like genomics and cognitive neuroscience.
Research reveals a strong interaction between neuroticism and the serotonin transporter gene in influencing cigarette smoking behavior. Individuals with poorly expressed serotonin transporter genotypes and high levels of neuroticism face significant challenges in quitting smoking. This study suggests personalized approaches to smoking ...
The German-Japanese Consortium has successfully sequenced human chromosome 21, revealing 225 genes with implications for understanding trisomy 21 and other diseases. The findings also challenge previous estimates of the total number of human genes, suggesting a revised estimate of around 40,000.
A recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that Jewish men share a common set of genetic signatures with non-Jews from the Middle East, including Palestinians, Syrians, and Lebanese. This suggests that Jews and Arabs are more closely related to one another than to non-Jews from other areas of ...
The 108th Annual Convention will examine the role of psychology in changing healthcare environments, online therapy, and the human genome project. Keynote speakers Pete Seeger and Arthur Jensen will discuss their work on music, spirituality, and genetics.
A new imaging technique reveals disrupted microcolumns in brains affected by Alzheimer's disease and Lewy body dementia, suggesting a link between microcolumn organization and cognitive impairment. The study found that the absence of microcolumns correlates with the number of fibrillary tangles, but not senile neuritic plaques.
DoubleTwist has completed the first annotation of the human genome, revealing genes and valuable information. The analysis used Sun Enterprise supercomputers and DoubleTwist's proprietary genomic analysis software to process all available sequence data.
Researchers found associations between certain personality traits and a polymorphic region in the human AP-2beta gene. These traits include muscular tension, guilt, somatic anxiety, psychasthenia, and indirect aggression. The study suggests a novel approach to understanding the genetic basis of psychiatric disorders and personality.
A study found that elderly COPD patients who use inhaled steroids can significantly reduce their rehospitalization and death risk. Additionally, postmenopausal women are more likely to develop sleep apnea and have a severe form of the condition. Meanwhile, researchers discovered age bias in lung cancer treatment, with older patients be...