A recent study found that nicotine increases alcohol consumption and may require simultaneous treatment for addiction. Nicotine activates the brain's nicotinic receptors, leading to dopamine release, similar to alcohol consumption.
A new study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine found that treatment rates for patients with a history of heart disease were low, but women were disproportionately under-treated. Only 12% of women with high LDL levels achieved an acceptable level, compared to 31% of men.
The Near Earth Asteroid Rendezvous (NEAR) spacecraft has captured a striking image of an asteroid featuring a heart-shaped depression. The feature, located below a large ridge on the potato-shaped asteroid, is approximately 3 miles wide and was visible from 1,609 miles away.
A recent study found that neighborhoods with higher densities of alcohol outlets have higher rates of drinking, accidents, and violence. The density of alcohol outlets in a neighborhood can shift the distribution of drinkers towards heavier drinking and more permissive norms.
Donald Saari's research on voting paradoxes and weighted voting systems has shown that simple plurality voting can produce misleading results. He suggests using the 'Borda count' system, which assigns weighted votes for each candidate, to better reflect voters' true wishes in elections.
Researchers develop Infrared Search and Track system to enhance low-altitude target detection. The new system will complement existing radars, providing improved detection in low-visibility conditions.
Scientists studying amphibian decline are exploring the role of pathogens like iridovirus and chytrid fungus in causing mass extinctions. The project, funded by a $3 million grant, aims to develop an integrative approach combining expertise from various fields.
Researchers aim to optimize internet traffic flow by allocating available capacity fairly among competing packets of information. A new algorithm developed could be applied to various networks, including telephone systems and power grids.
A recent study published in Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research found that short-term alcoholics demonstrate the same brain damage as long-term alcoholics. The study suggests that there may be separate vulnerabilities to developing an alcohol dependency and brain damage, and that recovery from brain damage can take time.
A new thermoelectric material has been discovered with the potential to significantly improve cooling efficiency in electronic systems. The material can drop temperatures by as low as 100 degrees when stimulated with an electrical current.
Researchers found that adolescent alcohol dependence was associated with impaired memory function, particularly in verbal and nonverbal retention. Heavy drinking over time also linked to poor visuospatial functioning and retrieval of verbal and nonverbal information.
Recent progress in mental retardation research has identified seven X-linked genes whose mutations cause non-specific MR, with most participating in intracellular signaling and the hippocampus. These findings may illuminate not only the causes of mental retardation but also the workings of the healthy human brain.
A new anti-angiogenesis drug delivered as a nose drop has shown promising results in treating AIDS-related Kaposi's Sarcoma. The study found a major response rate of 36% among patients, with some experiencing complete remission and others experiencing stabilization or regression of their disease for several weeks after stopping treatment.
A recent study found that heavy drinking during adolescence can cause significant damage to thinking abilities, particularly information recall. The researchers also discovered a link between withdrawal experiences and poorer neuropsychological functioning in adolescents.
UC San Diego bioengineers discover that blocking powerful pancreatic digestive enzymes in the intestine can prevent shock and multiple organ failure in experimental animals. This breakthrough provides clues into cellular mechanisms leading to shock and may lead to therapies to prevent and treat ischemic shock.
The international Consensus Conference Committee outlines treatment options for DCIS to determine the appropriate treatment for each patient. The committee recommends treating women with DCIS with breast conservation through lumpectomy or lumpectomy along with radiation therapy, while mastectomy may still be an option.
Scientists at Naval Research Laboratory created a two-sided power transistor using commercial silicon wafers, increasing efficiency by up to 5-10 times. The optimized transistor can operate at high frequencies and voltages, ideal for naval applications such as propulsion and communications systems.