Lorrie Shepard, a prominent education researcher, advocates for a fundamental change in how student learning is assessed. She argues that high-stakes testing negatively affects teachers' morale and students' motivation, and suggests that classroom assessment should be part of the entire learning process.
Studies found dementia patients had significantly longer hospital stays than those without the condition, translating to higher costs. Early detection of dementia is crucial in reducing treatment costs and improving patient outcomes.
Scientists have successfully cloned calves from old cells, showing a return to a more youthful state and longer lifespan. The study's findings could lead to effective cloning methods in medicine and agriculture.
Researchers created a laboratory test to accelerate concrete aging three times over, allowing them to predict how concrete will weather over hundreds of years. The tests also revealed significant loss of frictional performance in artificially aged cement paste under triaxial stress.
Research confirms association between African-American ethnicity, long-term alcohol dependence, and increased risk for infectious diseases. African-American alcoholics show greatest decline in natural-killer cell activity, indicating compromised immune system.
A recent University of Toronto study found that new immigrants to Canada are significantly worse off financially than earlier generations of newcomers. The study attributes this trend to the rising level of education in native-born Canadians, making it difficult for new immigrants to compete for jobs. As a result, the income gap betwee...
Researchers have found that most of the interstellar dust particles consist of 3-dimensionally cross-linked organic macro-molecules, called polymeric-heterocyclic-aromates. These molecules have been detected in five impact mass spectrometer samples from NASA's STARDUST spacecraft.
Researchers at ONR have developed a new wavelet technique that reveals objects in satellite images using highly sophisticated neural network technology. The technique uses a smart sensing capability modeled on the human visual system, surveying the scene with two sensors to compare and contrast data.
Researchers have identified a new strain of antibiotic-resistant salmonella bacteria in the US, prompting concerns over effective treatment options. The bacteria, which is resistant to cephalosporins, has been linked to outbreaks in poultry and other foods, posing a significant threat to public health.
More than 1,500 original research studies on urologic diseases will be presented at the meeting, including prostate cancer, male and female sexual dysfunction, incontinence, and kidney stone disease. Key findings include data on prostate cancer costs, PSA screening, and outcomes after radical prostatectomy.
The BOOMERANG experiment found a flat universe by analyzing cosmic microwave background radiation data. The team used the NERSC supercomputer to process the large dataset and derive fundamental cosmic parameters with high accuracy.
A chemoprevention regimen containing myoinositol and dexamethasone has been shown to effectively prevent lung tumors in male mice exposed to cigarette smoke. The regimen worked when given daily during exposure or after the mice had returned to clean air, reducing tumor incidence by nearly 40%.
A study found that infant rats nursed by intoxicated mothers exhibit greater distress and aversion to alcohol, suggesting the mother's altered behavior is what causes their reaction. The researchers also suggest that early learning about alcohol is based on sensory experiences and context.
Research shows younger children focus on observing angry behavior, while older kids understand parents' internal goals and behaviors. Parents should adapt their approach to explain conflicts and resolutions to suit their child's age.
Aging South Dakota windbreaks are in need of renovation, posing increased risk to agriculture from wind damage. Well-developed forested riparian areas reduce nitrogen in groundwater by up to 100% and surface runoff by up to 98%.
A study by Heaney et al. found that calcium absorption from soy milk is three-quarters of that from cow's milk. The researchers recommend increasing soy milk fortification to match calcium absorption levels of cow's milk.
Michael Czech, Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of Massachusetts Medical School, is being honored with the CIIT Founders' Award for his groundbreaking research on insulin's molecular action. He will speak on 'Fat as an Endocrine Organ: Target for Environmental Toxins' at the award ceremony.
A national leukemia research consortium will be established to study chronic lymphocytic leukemia in a new way, bringing together top scientists from different disciplines. The consortium aims to generate new insights and novel ways of attacking the disease, with the ultimate goal of curing CLL.
A recent study found that physician recommendations and media messages significantly influenced caregivers' decisions to place infants on their backs for sleep. Between 1994 and 1998, the percentage of white infants sleeping on their backs increased from 27% to 58%, while black infant back sleep rates rose from 17% to 31%. The study su...
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University have discovered a new connection between the FHIT gene and hereditary colorectal cancer. The study suggests that the FHIT gene plays a crucial role in preventing carcinogen-caused tumors, and its loss may contribute to the development of HNPCC-like disease.
Researchers found that older adults' inability to suppress unwanted information leads to increased prejudicial thoughts. Despite efforts to overcome biases, older adults tend to hold stereotypical views on intelligence and race.
A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that high vitamin K intake was associated with lower incidence of hip fractures in elderly participants, while no correlation was found with bone mineral density or apo-E genotype. Researchers analyzed data from the Framingham Heart Study and discovered a significant...
A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that black women who lost weight through dieting had a significantly lower energy expenditure than white women. The researchers suggest that differences in body composition, including denser bones and more lean tissue in the limbs, may contribute to this disparity.
Researchers at UNC-CH develop new technique to measure electronic properties of single-walled carbon nanotubes using C-13 nuclear magnetic resonance. The study finds that the mass ratios of metallic and semiconducting tubes can be controlled, enabling the production of materials with tunable structures.
The American Psychoanalytic Association's 89th Annual meeting will address a wide range of clinical and societal issues. A public forum on addressing violent youth will be held on May 12, moderated by John Callaway and featuring experts from the University of Pennsylvania and Yale Child Study Center.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University found that neurons in adult monkey brains grow and form new connections in somatosensory areas after amputation or spinal cord injury, suggesting a link to phantom limb syndrome. This discovery may lead to treatment options for phantom limb pain and potentially repair severed spinal cord injuries.
UMass researchers are creating a software called Tinkerplots to help middle-school students understand statistics and data analysis, enabling everyday decision making. Prototypes are being tested in two area schools, with the goal of widespread availability in 2003.
A study published in Urology suggests that patients treated with radiation therapy for prostate cancer have a high chance of being disease-free after four years, with minimal risk of recurrence. Patients with favorable prognoses also show a lower risk of treatment failure sooner than those with less favorable prognoses.
The Long-Range Research Initiative (LRI) aims to advance chemical industry's research, with $100 million committed over 5 years in 10 areas. Drs. James S. Bus and Carol J. Henry will discuss LRI status and future directions.
A Yale study shows irregular fetal heartbeats are a sign of serious problems in only one to two percent of affected fetuses, not warranting immediate treatment. The review of 5,566 fetal echocardiograms confirms that most fetuses with irregular heartbeats do not need medication.
The American Geophysical Union has made the Spring Meeting abstracts and session information available online. Reporters can search for papers of interest using parameters such as scientist name, institution, geographic location, and topic. Press conferences are also being organized to cover significant scientific news.
A University of Toronto study reveals that wealthier and more educated Canadians are 40% more likely to see a specialist, but do not receive more intensive care. Despite the disparity, 77% of Canadians report at least one primary care visit per year.
The conference addresses early prevention and intervention efforts for children at risk of violent behavior. It presents state-of-the-art research on innovative programs to treat and prevent violence.
A study by Ashima K. Kant and colleagues found that women who followed a dietary pattern rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy, and lean meats had a 30% lower risk of all-cause mortality compared to those with the lowest intake level.
Researchers propose a novel design strategy to reduce interference in compact electronic circuits, enabling engineers to predict performance before building prototypes. The method takes into account two key factors: overlapping wires and current direction.
A recent study found that children of divorce are more likely to develop a lingering mistrust of their fathers, regardless of the child's age at which it occurs. However, maintaining good relationships with both parents after divorce can mitigate this effect and promote trust in later life.
Researchers found that modulating the cholinergic system significantly impacts schizophrenia symptoms, with potential therapeutic benefits for positive and negative symptoms. The study challenges decades-long dominance of the dopaminergic system in schizophrenia research.
A recent study found that nearly 20% of smokers who attempted to quit in California used smoking cessation aids, including self-help materials, counseling, and nicotine replacement therapy. The use of these aids increased the odds of success in quitting, with 15% of those who sought assistance abstaining from cigarettes for 12 months.
Researchers have located 67 gene regions in hypertensive rats that are also linked to high blood pressure in humans. This study uses a genome-wide approach to pinpoint the exact genes involved in human hypertension, accelerating the search for potential treatments.
A new liposuction method using multiple tiny incisions and a syringe offers more precise fat removal with lower risk of adverse events. The technique facilitates consistent and even fat removal, allowing for accurate measurement of fat volume.
A study by Duke University Medical Center has shown that blocking a key enzyme pathway can prevent the onset of heart failure. The researchers found that blocking ß-adrenergic receptor kinase (ßARK) after a heart attack preserves heart function, providing a promising new avenue for treating and preventing heart failure.
New York State-based study finds that removing financial barriers through vaccine-financing reforms reduces scattered care and underimmunization among disadvantaged children. The reforms appear effective in keeping children in their primary care medical homes.
Researchers at Michigan Tech are transferring altered genes into fungi to facilitate nutrient flow through tree roots, helping trees grow faster and live healthier lives. The fungus provides a protective coating around the tree's roots, preventing insect pests and diseases from attacking.
Researchers found that an anti-smoking media campaign in Massachusetts increased awareness of the dangers of light cigarettes and decreased beliefs that they pose a lower risk to public health. The study suggests targeted advertising can correct misinformation about smoking.
A new study by University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill researchers shows a simple breath test can distinguish between patients who metabolize chemotherapy drugs normally and those who require lower doses for safety. The technique, which measures exhaled carbon dioxide, has promising advantages in reducing toxicity in patients.
Twelve international groups compared their computer programs' power to predict gene elements within a Drosophila DNA region. Many programs detected genes with 95% accuracy, while others struggled with precise gene boundaries and promoter predictions. The project established standards for future improvements.
Researchers present findings on the geological evolution of the North American Cordillera, including the Cascadia subduction zone's impact on earthquake hazards. They also explore tectonic movement and its implications for densely populated areas in the Pacific Northwest.
The Galileo spacecraft has captured the highest-resolution images yet of three of Jupiter's four innermost moons, revealing surface features as small as 2 kilometers across. The images show a bright surface feature on Amalthea named Ida, a streak of bright material about 50 kilometers in length.
A University of Washington study found that over half of farmworker children in Douglas and Chelan counties, Washington state, exceeded federal safety levels for pesticides. The study suggests that regulators need to reassess exposure standards for these chemicals.
Research suggests that violent video games can increase aggressive thoughts, feelings, and behavior in individuals, particularly young men who are habitually aggressive. The interactive nature of these games may be more harmful than exposure to violent television and movies, as they require players to identify with the aggressor.
A new violence prevention program, LIFT, has been shown to reduce aggressive behavior in elementary school children by 90% after a single year. The program includes parents, teachers, and peers in monitoring and managing environments to create a safer experience for all students.
Renowned author and futurist Ben Bova will deliver a keynote address at NASA's second 'Turning Goals into Reality' conference, exploring the future of air and space transportation technology. The conference, held May 18-19 at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center, aims to spotlight aerospace accomplishments by NASA and industry partners.
Researchers have discovered a dinosaur fossil with a four-chambered heart, similar to those of birds and mammals. The discovery suggests that the dinosaur was warm-blooded, with a high metabolism, and may have had a more complex circulatory system than previously thought.
Researchers found a five-fold increased risk of OCD in first-degree relatives of patients, supporting the hereditary nature of the condition. The study used diverse patient populations and blinded diagnosing researchers to minimize bias.
A new study found that general hospitals provide varying levels of wellness services to their communities. While many hospitals offer health screenings, social work services, and nutrition programs, others provide limited or no services. The study suggests that hospital sizes and affiliations impact the availability of these services.
Men who live with their biological children are more involved in community organizations and connected to family members through phone calls and visits. They also take the good provider role seriously and invest more hours in work and career than non-fathers and fathers of adult children.
Researchers have created a mutant strain of Mycobacterium tuberculosis that fails to establish a lethal chronic infection in mice. Targeting the pcaA gene, which codes for an enzyme essential for virulence, may lead to breakthroughs in TB treatment.
A new study published in The Milbank Quarterly found that employers play a significant role in shaping workers' decisions about health plans. Sixty-six percent of employees rely on their employers for health plan information and use this information to make informed choices.
A pilot program at Sandia National Laboratories aims to close the time gap between disease outbreak identification and terrorist origin. The system will use color-coded maps and database information to quickly characterize and differentiate disease outbreaks from natural occurrences.
The Howard Hughes Medical Institute will award $16.25 million in new grants to support research by outstanding scientists in six countries, including Canada and five Latin American nations. The grants will be awarded competitively and range from $50,000 to $90,000 annually.