Research reveals that Americans are increasingly seeking support through self-help groups, with those affected by embarrassing conditions showing higher participation rates. The study found that cities like Chicago had the highest levels of support groups, while rare and debilitating conditions were more likely to utilize online forums.
A new study reveals that female birds in tropical regions have fewer babies per nesting attempt than those in moderate, northern climates. Researchers found that clutch sizes were smaller for species with higher predation rates, but the data didn't fit the Skutch theory, suggesting other factors may be at play.
Scientists discover a new way cells can relay messages to affect gene activity through a protein-processing program that dismantles proteins into fragments acting as messengers. The study reveals a fragment of the developmental protein Notch serves as a messenger determining a cell's fate, influencing gene activity and cell behavior.
Researchers from the University of Toronto have developed a new class of magnetically tunable, shaped ceramics. By adjusting temperature in a pyrolysis chamber, they can create ferromagnetic nanoclusters and tune the material's magnetism. This breakthrough has potential applications in data storage, anti-static coatings, and other fields.
A signaling protein acts as a 'messenger of death' to execute apoptosis, a process regulating cell numbers and connections. The discovery could offer targets for drugs preventing cell death related to heart attacks, strokes, or Alzheimer's disease.
A study found that women with unstable angina had significantly higher neopterin levels, indicating worsening of the condition. High neopterin levels were also seen in women with stable angina experiencing acute exacerbations, suggesting a potential marker for disease progression.
Researchers developed Diffraction Enhanced Imaging (DEI), a new X-ray imaging method that produces significantly better pictures of breast tissue than conventional X-rays. The technology has shown superior tumor visibility in six out of seven specimens, and further work aims to make it clinically portable.
A genetic defect in the norepinephrine transporter has been identified as a key player in orthostatic intolerance, a condition that causes racing hearts, nausea, and dizziness. The discovery may lead to new understanding of blood pressure control and treatment strategies for this common clinical problem.
Researchers have found that individuals with schizophrenia have significantly lower levels of reelin in their brains, suggesting a potential molecular origin for the condition. The discovery has important implications for treatment and may lead to new therapeutic strategies.
The article criticizes the Children Act for shifting protection towards rehabilitation, making it harder to intervene in cases of severe abuse. The authors argue that the Act has led to a reluctance among social workers to take action, resulting in more children being left vulnerable.
Researchers discovered that the PTTG1 gene is highly expressed in colorectal tumors, pre-cancerous polyps, and invasive cancer. The gene appears to play an early role in cancer development, acting as a marker for malignant activity.
Research suggests that urea from urban and agricultural runoff may trigger or sustain harmful algal blooms found off California's coast. The study found that a specific type of algae, Lingulodinium polyedrum, prefers urea over other nutrients.
Researchers at NIAID's Rocky Mountain Laboratories have identified a new class of compounds that slow the development of prion diseases in mice. The compounds, which include drugs used in cancer therapy, block the conversion of normal prion protein to an altered form, delaying disease progression. If successful in humans, this treatmen...
Researchers at Harvard Medical School have coaxed high-level neurons in adult zebra finches to be replaced by their own endogenous precursor cells, demonstrating the potential for brain repair and regeneration.
Researchers at UMass have made a major step forward in nanoscopic pattern transfer, creating precise designs on polymer films without the use of chemicals. The breakthrough has implications for producing smaller integrated circuits, magnetic storage, and on-chip sensors.
Archaeologists have found that Roman wall painting declined in quality after Emperor Nero took power, as evidenced by the Domus Aurea complex. The imperial apartments were decorated with marble, while courtiers' rooms had less marble and more paintings.
Research finds a familial link between eating disorders and an increased risk of developing anorexia nervosa, with a shared genetic predisposition also contributing to co-occurrence with major depression. The studies suggest a common inherited risk factor for the disorders.
A recent NICHD study found that antibiotic treatment for bacterial vaginosis was ineffective in preventing premature birth. The study, which treated over 1,900 pregnant women, showed no significant reduction in preterm births among those receiving metronidazole treatment.
The Geophysical Fluid Flow Cell experiment simulated Earth's climate, the Sun's atmosphere, and other planets' atmospheres in microgravity. Scientists created models of fluid flows in planetary atmospheres using a nickel-coated steel ball, silicone oil, and artificial gravity.
A global survey found that nearly all women would trust their male partners to use a male pill, while over two-thirds of men said they would use the contraception. The study suggests a potential impact on male fertility and relationships.
The UCSF Women's Health 2000 event explores risk factors for breast cancer, including genetic predisposition and hormonal influences. The conference also delves into the unique health concerns of lesbian women, such as cervical cancer and mental health issues.
Researchers at Amsterdam University found that Stalin adhered to Marxist goals like the abolition of the state and creation of a classless society. His correspondence with Communist leaders shows a continued faith in communism and world revolution.
Researchers develop diamond micromachines using amorphous diamond, eliminating internal stresses and reducing stiction. The machines have potential applications in medical devices, such as drug-dispensing units, without generating allergic reactions.
Applause dynamics studied using physics principles reveal social self-organization and synchronization processes. Researchers found that individual clapping frequencies play a crucial role in achieving synchronization, leading to increased volume and decreased noise intensity.
Researchers found that office staff, drivers, and unloaders were exposed to similar levels of diesel exhaust due to poor ventilation. This challenges traditional risk assessments based on occupational groups, emphasizing the need for individual testing.
Researchers at NOAA's National Climate Data Center found evidence that the rate of global warming is accelerating, with recent record high temperatures surpassing expectations. The study analyzed data from 1997 to 1999 and concluded that the rate of warming since 1976 is greater than previously predicted.
A recent study by Nigel Rawson found that the time taken to approve new drugs in Canada is significantly longer than in countries like Sweden and Australia. The median drug approval time in Canada was 518 days, compared to 371 days in Sweden.
Researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital report that delivering extra copies of the SERCA2a gene to the heart muscle via gene therapy techniques alleviates diastolic dysfunction in aging rats. This study provides a potential target for therapies to prevent progression to heart failure.
Scientists at Ohio University and Russia discovered that carnosine and N-acetyl-carnosine can prevent alcohol's assault on red blood cells, allowing them to maintain their healthy shapes. The findings have implications for the development of a treatment for anemia in alcoholics.
The conference aims to advance integrated approaches to prevention, treatment, and policy issues for people with drug problems and chronic infections. Over 1,000 experts will attend to share practical strategies for implementing coordinated services.
Final-year medical students experience significant deterioration in vitality and work ability due to physical and emotional problems. The decline in health status may begin earlier than expected, highlighting the need for steps to address the issue.
Researchers have developed an oral vaccine that protects rats' brains from stroke and prevents seizures, with significant protection for at least five months after a single dose. The vaccine targets the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor, blocking it to prevent brain cell death and damage.
A recent study found that experts appointed by courts can significantly impact case outcomes, often favoring the government. The researchers propose introducing new rules to ensure parties have access to expert reports and opinions, promoting a fairer hearing.
The American Chemical Society's 219th national meeting in San Francisco will explore cutting-edge chemistry research, including new prospects for anticancer agents and the environmental impact of MTBE. The conference also addresses food safety and nutrition, as well as substances of abuse.
A new oral medication called deferiprone has been shown to have a rare side effect on white blood cells, but is considered a potential treatment option for patients with iron overload. The study found that the drug may benefit patients with thalassemia and other hemoglobin disorders who do not respond to conventional treatments.
American students struggle with science texts due to oversimplification, despite being unprepared for complex language and concepts. A proposed experiment aims to improve student preparation by introducing more challenging books, potentially leading to better SAT scores.
A study by Hal Arkes and Neal Dawson found that physicians' hindsight bias can lead to inaccurate diagnoses and biased jury verdicts. Younger, less experienced physicians are more likely to be overconfident, hindering their educational training.
Researchers found that specific tastes can be produced by temperature stimulation, just as certain chemicals can evoke only certain taste qualities. Thermal taste is different on different parts of the tongue, with sweetness perceived on the tip, sourness on the side, and bitterness in the back.
Researchers have identified three key brain areas - superior frontal, inferior parietal and superior temporal cortex - that show activity during attentional tasks. This mapping represents a crucial step towards understanding the detailed topography and function of these regions.
A recent study by Wake Forest University School of Medicine reveals that 41% of tobacco farm workers experience green tobacco sickness, characterized by headache, nausea, and dizziness. The illness is linked to acute nicotine poisoning caused by contact with wet tobacco leaves, which is rapidly absorbed through the skin.
Researchers have discovered a way to harness nature's own tool, photosynthesis, to produce hydrogen gas from sunlight and water, offering a promising alternative fuel source.
A study by Catherine C. Eckel and Rick K. Wilson found that when people observe a high-status individual, such as a celebrity, they are more likely to choose a cooperative strategy with a better outcome. However, the influence of the celebrity is limited to choosing a good product or one of two equally good products.
The American Urological Association has released new policy guidelines for prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing, recommending a biopsy to confirm diagnosis when PSA levels are high or abnormal digital rectal examinations are performed. The guidelines also emphasize the importance of individualized decision-making and periodic testin...
A NASA study reveals that urbanization can reduce annual photosynthetic productivity in some areas by up to 20 days. However, research also shows that human activity can increase productivity in resource-limited regions through land transformation.
A 10,000-year-old buried spruce forest has provided evidence of the effects of environment on vegetation at the Pleistocene/Holocene boundary. The unique preservation allows researchers to study tree growth patterns and climate change impacts in unprecedented detail.
The internet has the potential to transform education through improved metadata and online resources, making it more accessible and effective for learners worldwide. Robby Robson, an expert in education reform, suggests that trusted repositories using metadata could steer students towards relevant information and courses.
A study using cognitive task analysis aims to develop more effective computer systems in healthcare by understanding human decision-making processes. The analysis focuses on skills, strategies, and problems of physicians dealing with complex decision situations.
Research suggests that expert physicians use data-driven heuristics for routine problems, while hypothesis-driven strategies are employed for complex cases. These strategies are error-prone, with serious consequences for inadequate knowledge, and hinder efficient decision making.
Integrated Regional Assessment framework considers human activities, climate change impacts, economic responses, and social implications to inform local decisions. The approach aims to mitigate problems and create jobs in regions heavily dependent on coal production.
Despite computers and the Internet's potential to revolutionize information access for people with disabilities, progress has been slow due to a lack of investment from governments and industries. However, advancements in technology, such as accessible software programs and tactile graphics, hold promise for improving accessibility.
Two studies found that heavy smoking is linked to increased craving for illicit drugs, including cocaine and heroin. Researchers suggest that smoking cessation programs should be offered as part of other drug treatment programs to combat this trend.
A study by Jeffrey Mogil, a professor of psychology and neuroscience at the University of Illinois, reveals that genetic differences play a significant role in pain response. The research found that involved genes are different in males and females, leading to varying responses to pain and analgesics.
A Cornell psychologist has challenged the idea of universal music experiences across cultures by finding a Western bias in the explanation. Research suggests that expectations play a crucial role in our emotional response to music, and that this may be specific to Western musical backgrounds. The study's findings have implications for ...
The boom in global trade poses a significant threat to the US ecosystem, resulting in $136 billion in annual losses from invasive species. Invasive insects, plant pathogens, and weeds are entering the country through nursery stock, cargo containers, and imports, causing widespread damage to crops, forests, and native wildlife.
The solar system's ultimate fate is predicted to be a collapse of the sun into a white dwarf, incinerating the Earth and inner planets in the process. However, a close encounter with a passing star may rescue life by hurling the Earth out of the solar system.
A NY pilot study is pushing the Human Genome Project towards developing promising drug targets for disease. The initiative uses recent advances in computational biology to quickly analyze and categorize proteins, focusing on those that cause or treat diseases.
A three-dimensional computer simulation of the geodynamo was achieved in 1995, revealing how Earth's magnetic field is generated. The model shows that the magnetic field reverses polarity every few hundred thousand years due to nonlinear, chaotic behavior.
The Earth's oceans are predicted to evaporate within 1 billion years as the sun's temperature increases, leading to a waterless planet. The process is driven by the sun's increasing brightness, which will eventually cause water to evaporate into space.
Water vapor and clouds cause difficulties in atmospheric models due to their lumpy nature and turbulent motion, making it a 'messy problem' for modeling. Researchers aim to develop new approaches to represent these phenomena in numerical form.
Research funded by NIDA explores how craving tobacco increases urge to use illicit drugs. Studies found that smokers who use illegal drugs have a harder time quitting their drug habit than nonsmokers.