A new study found that lack of physical fitness is a significant factor in sports injuries among women, with female trainees experiencing twice as many injuries as men. The research also showed that women can improve their fitness levels rapidly and reduce injury risk through modified training programs.
Researchers aim to uncover molecular signatures of cancer initiation using gene expression profiles. They will compare genes in hereditary colon, breast, and kidney cancers with normal tissues to identify altered genes and target potential chemopreventive agents.
A study found that nearly 40% of people with access to walking trails used them, and over 55% of trail walkers increased their walking since beginning. Women were more than twice as likely as men to report increased activity due to trail use, while lower-income groups also saw a significant increase in physical activity.
The study found that public walking trails can increase exercise levels among adults, particularly women and those from lower socioeconomic groups. More than half of users reported increased walking since starting to use the trails.
A recent study of Army recruits revealed that smokers were 1.5 times more likely than nonsmokers to suffer fractures, sprains, and other physical injuries during an eight-week basic training program. The researchers also found that risk of injury increased for both women and men who smoked.
New research refutes claims that U.S. forests and vegetation are 'sequestering' enough carbon to offset fossil fuel emissions, suggesting at least 70-90% of emissions stay in atmosphere or be sequestered elsewhere. The study's findings have important implications for the role of the U.S. in combating global warming.
Researchers develop a new method for labeling cell surfaces with azide markers, which can target cancer therapy, medical implants, and viral-mediated gene transfer. The Staudinger ligation technique uses an electron-hungry carbohydrate trap to prevent instability in water, enabling stable amide bonds.
Researchers found that treated sleep apnea patients experienced no auto accidents over two years. A new biochemical marker for acute lung injury has been discovered, correlating with damage to epithelial cells in the lungs. This discovery may lead to future blood tests for the deadly condition.
Researchers have discovered retinal stem cells in adult mice, cows, and humans, which can proliferate and differentiate into new neurons when removed from the eye. The study suggests that these cells may be harnessed to regenerate and restore vision in damaged eyes.
A survey of 95 individuals with a parent or sibling diagnosed with colon cancer found strong interest in genetic testing for susceptibility to the disease. However, many fail to follow recommended screening guidelines, highlighting the need for targeted educational efforts and interventions.
Researchers found a strong link between westerly winds in the Pacific and hurricane formation in the Gulf of Mexico. The Madden-Julian Oscillation repeats every 30 to 60 days and correlates with increased hurricane activity four times more likely, giving officials advance warning.
A study found that volunteers' community activities, such as bingo nights and promotions, significantly increased mammography use among rural residents. The approach also led to increases in mammography among uninsured women and those without female physicians.
Research analyzing births in Malta and Western Europe from 1890 to 1995 found a strong association between lower birth rates for boys and colder climates. The study suggests that warmer climates favor the birth of boys, possibly due to temperature affecting fertility and sex ratios at birth.
Researchers found that biodiesel fuel reduced carbon monoxide and particulate matter emissions by 12-14% and 25%, respectively. The lower oxygen content of biodiesel also helped reduce hydrocarbon emissions.
Young women in Scotland are four times more likely to have a heart attack than those in the South of England, but survive at almost twice the rate. Ambulance response time may play a significant role in differences in mortality rates across UK regions.
A large US-based study found a distinct association between low-frequency electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure and increased suicide risk among electric utility workers. The study, published in Occupational and Environmental Medicine, suggests that EMF exposure may contribute to depression and suicidal behavior, particularly among youn...
A Saint Louis University School of Medicine Center for Vaccine Development study will focus on the effectiveness of diluted doses of Dryvax, a smallpox vaccine. The goal is to increase the available stock by up to 100 fold, which could improve the nation's ability to protect citizens in the event of a bioterrorism attack.
Scientists identify a feature common to the immune systems of long-term nonprogressors that enables them to resist disease. The discovery links HLA B*5701 gene to immune resistance in HIV-infected individuals, offering new insights into mechanisms of immune defense.
Research suggests that prolonged exposure to low-frequency electromagnetic fields may increase the risk of suicide. The study found a significant association between electromagnetic field exposure and death from suicide, particularly among those with high levels of exposure.
A study by Cornell University economists finds that stricter high school graduation requirements can result in a 3-7% increase in dropout rates, affecting 26,000 to 65,000 students nationwide. Higher course graduation requirements are associated with higher attrition rates, dropout rates, and individual probabilities of dropping out.
Participation in breast cancer support groups can help women cope and function better when their spouses are not supportive. However, for those with adequate support at home, peer-discussion groups may worsen daily functioning. The study suggests that exposure to weekly discussions may re-evaluate relationships or spur conflict at home.
AIDS patients with limited emotional support are more likely to be nonadherent to their medication regimens. Confidence and social support significantly predict medication adherence, suggesting interventions should focus on enhancing these factors.
A study conducted by researchers at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center shows that nearly 75 percent of children with severe juvenile rheumatoid arthritis respond dramatically to ENBREL (etanercept). The drug eases joint pain and swelling, enhances mobility, and improves disease activity for patients.
Experts say independent scientific panels can provide valuable insights for judges in complex cases, helping them make fair judgments. A panel of scientists advised a judge on silicone breast implants and found no evidence of a link between the implants and connective tissue diseases.
A study found that auditors and salespersons distort information to support their preferred decisions, with auditors showing less distortion than salespersons. Holding professionals accountable lowered distortion for salespersons, but not for auditors.
Three Cedars-Sinai physicians are leading a fight against women's cancers through innovative research, clinical care, and genetic screenings. Beth Karlan focuses on curing and preventing ovarian cancer, while Maren Scheuner develops personalized prevention plans for breast, endometrial, and ovarian cancers.
A large-scale study by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill found no connection between silicone breast implants and connective tissue diseases. The research, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, included data from 757 studies and analyzed 9 cohort studies, 9 case-control studies, and 2 cross-sectional studies.
A new study finds that critically injured patients who arrived at trauma centers via private transportation had similar mortality rates, hospital stays, and complications as those transported by emergency medical services (EMS). However, they tended to arrive at the center more quickly following injury, which was associated with better...
A follow-up study of ENBREL (etanercept) treatment for chronic heart failure found sustained improvement in New York Heart Association (NYHA) class and no increase in adverse events. The study involved 12 patients treated with ENBREL for nine months, showing continued tolerability of the drug.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that almost 60% of patients with low-risk heart attacks do not experience complications beyond three days. While shorter stays may save resources, the study suggests that the additional day is often unnecessary and costs hundreds of millions of dollars annually.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins describe fundamental shape of telomerase molecule in mammals and other vertebrates, identifying four common areas highly involved with the enzyme's working. This new information may prompt approaches to inhibit the enzyme, which is active in cancer cells and contributes to their continuous cell division.
A new cost analysis at Duke University Medical Center found that comprehensive heart failure teams can reduce healthcare costs by over one-third. By shifting care to outpatient visits, these teams improve the effective use of medications, particularly newer agents, leading to a 37% decrease in total treatment costs.
Researchers at Brookhaven Lab have developed a new class of environmentally friendly electrolytes for lithium-ion batteries, which will be tested in test battery cells. The new compounds are being investigated to address performance problems with existing materials.
The National Robotics Engineering Consortium (NREC) at Carnegie Mellon University is hosting Pittsburgh Robotics Day to celebrate robotics technology in western Pennsylvania. The event features exhibits and demonstrations of various robotic applications, including autonomous farming, bridge construction, and driver monitoring systems.
Research in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health found that divorced and separated men are more than twice as likely to commit suicide as married or partnered men. The study analyzed data from a long-term US research project, which included around 472,000 men and women.
A study published in Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research found that beta-endorphin levels are heritable and can predict an individual's risk of developing alcoholism. The research suggests that the hormone may be used as a biomarker to identify specific individuals at high genetic risk.
Despite evidence supporting aspirin's effectiveness in preventing future heart problems, low usage rates were found among patients with coronary artery disease. The study, published in Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association, highlights the need for optimal use of life-saving medications.
Researchers found that HPTE inhibited testosterone production in developing and adult Leydig cells, with longer treatment times causing greater inhibition. The study suggests that understanding the effects of endocrine disruptors like HPTE may lead to new molecular targets for male contraceptives.
The trial found that eptifibatide significantly reduced deaths and heart attacks by 40% within the first 48 hours of use. This represents a substantial improvement over the current standard treatment, abciximab, which costs $1,500 compared to $400 for eptifibatide.
A systematic program implementing advance directives in six Ontario, Canada nursing homes reduced hospitalizations by an average of $1,200 per patient. Satisfaction levels with care were unchanged, while mortality rates remained similar between the treatment and control groups.
Researchers discussed various molecular pathways that lead to cancer, including cellular senescence and oncogenic signaling. The symposium addressed the role of genetic instability and signaling pathways in cancer progression.
A simple blood test identified patients who benefited markedly from glycoprotein IIb/IIIa platelet inhibitor drugs, showing a 50% improvement in risk of death and second heart attack. Patients with high troponin T levels were found to be at increased risk and benefit most from these drugs.
Research found that frequent family dinners lead to better diet quality in adolescents, including more fruits and veggies, and fewer unhealthy foods. Health professionals can support this trend by encouraging family meals as a way to improve the dietary habits of older children and adolescents.
A new study of 309 older women found that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) did not slow the progression of heart disease. HRT lowered cholesterol, but this benefit did not translate to a measurable impact on artery narrowing.
Researchers found that MK-801 blocks the sensitizing effects of alcohol, making it a potential treatment for addiction. Behavioral sensitization is a phenomenon where repeated exposure to alcohol increases its rewarding effects, leading to overconsumption and addiction.
Researchers found that aberrant cytosine methylation and chromatin condensation can silence maspin gene expression, allowing tumors to grow and spread. The discovery provides critical information on the regulatory mechanisms of maspin, paving the way for potential cancer therapies.
Researchers found high ambient solar radiation associated with a 2.5-fold increased risk of cortical cataracts and a 4.0-fold increased risk of mixed cataracts. Simple preventive strategies like avoiding exposure at mid-day may help reduce cataract prevalence, the study concludes.
Researchers found that aggressive treatment strategies, such as re-administration of clot-busters and emergency revascularization procedures, can reduce mortality rates almost threefold. However, many patients continue to receive conservative therapy despite these newer therapies being available.
The VHA initiative has dramatically improved stroke treatment times, reducing hospital CT scan interpretation from 219 to 115 minutes. This significant reduction in time has enabled more patients to receive tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) within the three-hour window, improving patient outcomes.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center used a modified cold virus to deliver a nitric oxide-producing gene to key liver cells in rats, reversing portal hypertension. This approach may eventually prove feasible for humans suffering from liver cirrhosis.
Researchers found that an experimental pain drug, kappa-opioid, provides effective pain relief to female rats, but has no effect on males. The study suggests a fundamental difference in brain responses between genders, which may lead to the development of more effective and non-addictive pain treatments for women.
The Association of American Geographers will hold its 96th annual meeting in Pittsburgh, April 4-8, 2000, featuring research presentations on topics such as war atrocities, urban heat islands, and divorce decisions. The event is expected to draw over 3,800 geographers.
Researchers at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia have demonstrated that computer crash simulation software can successfully predict the likelihood and severity of injuries to children from airbag activation. The study found that airbags pose a significant risk to restrained children, particularly in high-severity crashes.
A study found that metallothionein levels increase in the brain in response to alcohol consumption, suggesting a potential protective role. Higher MT levels may explain different levels of alcohol-related toxicity in individuals.
A study by the Center for Advancing Health found that approximately 40% of the US population takes at least one vitamin or mineral supplement. The most commonly reported ingredients are vitamin C, B12, and E, but participants also used over 300 nonvitamin products posing serious health risks.
A clinical trial revealed that regular aspirin was as effective as sibrafiban in preventing blood clots, while high-dose sibrafiban showed increased risk of death and second heart attacks. Aspirin's minimal risks make it a hard-to-beat option.
A Duke study found that physicians' personal beliefs about treating patients with diabetes didn't change despite being informed of an evidence-based treatment guideline. The study suggests a widespread problem in medicine where doctors rely on their own experience rather than new data.
Researchers present study showing implanted chemotherapy pump significantly increases survival rates for patients with liver metastases from colorectal cancer. The pump distributes chemotherapy directly to the liver, resulting in reduced recurrence and improved outcomes.
Researchers have identified a genetic link between intersex goats and a rare human disorder causing excess eyelid growth and premature ovarian failure. The study found that the gene region responsible for intersex goats' hornlessness is similar to the human disorder Blepharophimosis Ptosis Epicanthus inversus syndrome.
The National Science Board will hold an open session on March 15-16 to discuss key issues including budget and long-range planning. The meeting will provide an opportunity for reporters to engage in discussions with the NSB Chair and NSF Director.