A Mayo Clinic study finds that less radical surgery for kidney cancer is equally effective to radical alternative and less likely to cause failure in the second kidney. Long-term survival rates between the two procedures were identical, but patients undergoing less radical surgery had a lower risk of developing renal failure.
A study found that heavy drinkers were twice as likely to report work-related injuries, but most of this association was explained by working in dangerous occupations or holding jobs requiring a high school education or less. Further analysis revealed no significant association once these factors were considered.
Researchers at UMass developed a new technique for creating densely packed arrays of magnetic nanowires using self-assembling polymer scaffolds and electrodeposition. This technology has great potential in magnetic data storage and could be used to fabricate other array devices with nanoscale dimensions.
Researchers at UC Irvine have created a new method for producing metal nanowires with desired conductivity, strength, and length. The step-edge decoration process allows for the growth of long, uniform wires needed for emerging nanotechnologies like diodes and transistors.
Researchers found that wasabi's isothiocyanates can inhibit the growth of Streptococcus mutans bacteria, which cause dental caries. This effect comes from wasabi's ability to interfere with sucrose-dependent cell adherence. Wasabi has been implicated in various health benefits due to its antimicrobial properties.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have developed a tele-immersion technique that uses digital cameras, tracking gear, and polarized glasses to create a three-dimensional 'telepresence' experience. This allows participants from different locations to feel as if they're in the same room, enabling new possibilities for remote ...
Children rated cartoon cigarette warnings significantly more believable than plain text, regardless of the message. Cartoon tobacco warning labels may be an effective way to reach children and adolescents, who are at increased risk of becoming regular smokers.
Venlafaxine has been shown to alleviate hot flashes in postmenopausal women, including those with breast cancer, by reducing symptoms by 61%. The study found that a daily dose of 37.5-75mg was optimal for effect, with mild improvements in quality of life and no significant impact on libido.
A study of over 700 HMO patients found that those with an alcohol-and-other-drug dependency were more likely to be younger, male, and have greater psychiatric and family/social problems. In contrast, those with an alcohol-only dependency were more likely to be older, female, and college educated.
The University of Michigan has been awarded $47.8 million in grants from the Michigan Life Sciences Corridor, with U-M scientists leading 24 research proposals approved for funding. The funds will support life sciences research and economic development throughout the state.
A French BSE epidemic is believed to have infected at least 1,200 cattle since 1987, with around 100 animals slaughtered for human consumption in 2000. The risk of BSE entering the food chain from British beef has been reduced, but late-stage infected animals are likely to have been slaughtered for meat.
Researchers at NC State University have developed a new process for creating superhydrophobic polymer surfaces that are longer-lasting and more environmentally friendly. By increasing the surface area of a flexible material before attaching coating molecules, they can achieve superior water resistance and durability without using solve...
A new platinum-based cancer drug, BBR3464, has shown promising activity against ovarian cancer that is resistant to cisplatin. The drug, developed by Nicholas Farrell and his team, has been found to be significantly more potent than cisplatin and may offer new hope for the treatment of this devastating disease.
The Indiana Genomics Initiative, backed by a $105 million grant from Lilly Endowment, aims to advance educational opportunities, genomics, and bioinformatics research. The project will create a world-class biomedical enterprise at IU, capitalizing on existing resources and expertise in informatics.
Researchers used gene array technology to analyze brain gene expression in human alcoholism, identifying extensive reprogramming of the frontal cortex. This study provides insight into the molecular neurocircuitry altered by chronic alcohol abuse, shedding light on tolerance, dependence, and neurotoxicity.
A Princeton scientist created a computer model of a mouse brain that can recognize spoken words, challenging conventional views on sensory perception. The model uses sensitive timing of electrical signals to perform calculations, potentially leading to faster and more sophisticated brain functions.
A single gene mutation extends fruitfly lifespan by doubling it from 37 days to 69-71 days while maintaining high functioning and fertility. The Indy gene is associated with altered metabolism and energy utilization, pointing to potential benefits for human lifespan through genetic modification.
Researchers found a set of neurons in the supplementary eye field that react when an individual realizes they made a mistake, shedding light on self-control and cognitive processes. This discovery has implications for understanding schizophrenia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and psychopathic behavior.
A new study by UCSF researchers found that California's tobacco control program prevented an estimated 33,300 heart-disease deaths during its first nine years. The program also associated with a significant reduction in cigarette consumption, but budget cuts and changes weakened the effort in the mid-1990s.
According to a University of Michigan study, teen cigarette smoking rates have declined significantly since the '90s. The Monitoring the Future survey found that 8th-12th graders showed statistically significant declines in current and daily smoking measures.
This year's Monitoring the Future study found a significant rise in ecstasy use among American adolescents, with proportions increasing by 50-100% across all grade levels. In contrast, inhalants, LSD, and crystal methamphetamine use have declined substantially since their peak levels in the mid-1990s.
Scientists have found that 'raining' electrons from Earth's magnetosphere destroy ozone in the upper atmosphere, creating a new aspect of natural ozone destruction. The degree of electron precipitation is directly related to the 11-year solar cycle.
A heat-sensitive liposome has been shown to triple the amount of an anti-cancer drug delivered to tumors in mice compared to other liposome-based methods. The liposome releases its cargo rapidly and effectively, increasing the functional concentration of the drug in the tumor.
A study by Jonathan B. Losos and Dolph Schluter found that the diversity of lizard species on larger Caribbean islands is primarily due to evolutionary processes, rather than colonization and extinction. The researchers used the Caribbean lizard phylogeny to estimate the number of immigration and speciation events on the islands.
The University of Washington has established a $35.5 million center for mind, brain and learning to conduct innovative research on early brain and behavioral development. The center, in partnership with Talaris Research Institute, will focus on five major themes: brain plasticity, brain-behavior links, nature-nurture, computer vs. biol...
Scientists at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center presented new findings on lower dust absorption of sunlight, Arctic stratospheric temperature control and the impact of a large solar proton event on the atmosphere. The studies aim to improve climate modeling and understanding of climate change.
Two new research studies have shown significant promise for reducing joint damage in rheumatoid arthritis, with a combination of infliximab and methotrexate halting progression and improving symptoms in patients. Etanercept also demonstrates efficacy in slowing joint damage and decreasing symptoms.
A new study published by the American Psychological Association found that older adults who feel they have control over valued roles tend to adopt healthier behaviors and live longer. The study suggests that maintaining a sense of control over the most important role can help prevent premature death.
The Sequella Global Tuberculosis Foundation has awarded $500,000 in grants to nine researchers working on innovative tuberculosis vaccines. The grants will fund projects using novel adjuvants, delivery mechanisms, and immunological approaches.
A new analysis found that population growth affects coastal ecosystems in a particularly damaging way, threatening endangered species. The study used data from the US Forest Service and climate data to identify areas most at risk.
Two new meta-analytic studies involving thousands of children and college students show that anxiety has increased substantially since the 1950s. Anxiety is associated with low social connectedness and high environmental threat, including media coverage and increasing individualism.
Researchers found that individuals with alcoholism exhibited prolonged reaction times and distraction in response to unexpected stimuli. Early onset of heavy drinking during adolescence was also linked to increased distractibility. The study suggests a determinable neurophysiological basis for distractibility in alcoholics.
Researchers can detect regional groundwater flow paths in the Eastern Snake River Plain aquifer using radiogenic isotope ratios. By analyzing variations in strontium-87 and strontium-86, they identified faster and slower flow zones aligned with sediment-filled valleys.
A study published in Archives of Internal Medicine found that unhappy marriages increase blood pressure in people with mild hypertension, while good marriages are protective. Participants who experienced marital discord had a statistically significant thickening of the heart's left ventricle after three years.
Richard S. Kornbluth, a UCSD professor, has received a grant to study a novel method for stimulating the immune system against TB microbes. His research aims to treat latent TB, preventing it from becoming deadly.