A new study found that primary care clinics serving low-income populations maintained their traditional market share of Medi-Cal patients despite a decline in total Medi-Cal beneficiaries. However, these clinics still face significant financial challenges due to cost control measures under managed care.
A new study by doctors at the University of Washington found that there was a complication in one out of every 476 circumcisions. The study suggests that for some parents, the risks may outweigh the benefits of circumcision. However, the vast majority of children will gain no medical benefit or suffer no complications as a result of ci...
Researchers will investigate how people understand genetic research and consent processes, analyzing telephone interviews with investigators and review boards. The goal is to clarify how benefits are described and understood in gene transfer studies.
A study published in the Journal of Biogeography analyzed over 184,000 mammal bones and teeth from Homestead Cave in Utah, revealing how climate change affected small mammal populations. The findings suggest that arid-loving kangaroo rats thrived during warmer conditions, while others became extinct or disappeared.
Scientists at Brookhaven National Laboratory create a range of metallic tags to label proteins and molecules, enabling the study of molecular structures and behavior. These tags also facilitate the tracking of antibodies and drugs within cells, potentially leading to breakthroughs in disease diagnosis and treatment.
Kathryn S. Brown has won the prestigious Evert Clark/Seth Payne Award for her outstanding contributions as a young science journalist. The judges commended her for presenting complex scientific topics in an engaging and accessible manner, as well as her stylish writing.
Researchers studied a c. elegans worm with a genetic mutation affecting its feeding behavior and discovered that it altered the potassium channel EXP-2, leading to muscle relaxation and reduced food intake. This study provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms controlling behavior in humans.
Researchers at Purdue University are designing a new generation of automated warships that can reduce naval crews by half and continue to fight with minimal maintenance. The ships will feature advanced electric power and propulsion systems, enabling automatic rerouting of power around damaged zones.
Researchers created a new barium hexaaluminate (BHA) catalyst that allows for low-temperature combustion and high-temperature thermal stability, reducing pollutants from natural gas power plants. The catalyst can withstand temperatures up to 1300°C and has been shown to be stable in the presence of water vapor and other poisons.
A team of MIT researchers has successfully created an atom amplifier, increasing the intensity of a beam of atoms while maintaining their precise quantum mechanical wave formation. This achievement completes the laser analogy and has significant implications for precision sensors in navigation, geological exploration, and atomic clocks.
Quantum Magnetics Inc. is adapting nuclear quadrupole resonance technology for landmine detection in a portable detector for U.S. marines and a vehicle-mounted system for the U.S. Army. The technology was originally developed for explosives and narcotics detection, with successful demonstrations at airport operations.
Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center have discovered a potent new substance, canstatin, that inhibits the growth of tumors by blocking the formation and growth of new blood vessels. The naturally occurring protein is effective in both prostate and renal cancer models.
Scientists have documented reversible bone shrinkage in Galapagos iguanas during El Niño years. The reptiles adapt by shrinking to reach an optimal body size for survival, with significant increases in survival rate and efficiency. Researchers now seek the underlying mechanisms behind this remarkable adaptation.
The series features Harbor Branch scientists presenting their latest research on topics such as the Indian River Lagoon, bioluminescence in deep-sea animals, coral reef ecosystems, and more. A portion of the funds raised will also support internships and scholarships for graduate students pursuing ocean sciences careers.
The University of Chicago is set to receive a new laboratory complex, the Interdisciplinary Research Building, thanks to a $131.5 million investment from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. The 375,000-gross-square-feet building will bring together researchers from various fields, enhancing collaboration and idea-sharing.
Researchers at Yale University have developed a non-invasive procedure using Doppler ultrasound to detect fetal anemia, which can save up to $50 million annually. The new method is more accurate than traditional invasive tests and does not pose any risk to the mother or fetus.
The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) honored science writers who tackled complex topics with clarity and coherence. AAAS Science Journalism Awards recognized four award-winning journalists for their outstanding work in large newspaper category winner George Johnson and magazine co-winners Robert Kunzig.
Researchers at Georgia Tech Research Institute developed a Computer-Aided Design Support System to minimize human errors in traffic management center design. The CADSS provides interactive tools, including guidelines, case studies and report generation, to consider human factors in the design process.
NASA has awarded $22 million in grants to 65 researchers to explore the effects of microgravity on materials science. The research will be conducted both on Earth and in space, with a focus on understanding fundamental physical and chemical processes.
A UK study found that individuals who completed an intensive, very low calorie diet (VLCD) program maintained a significant weight loss of 23% or more for over five years. This is higher than the general rate of weight loss with modest programs, which averages 9%.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University successfully removed a golf-ball sized tumor from a patient's brain using a precise infrared beam of light. The operation marks the first time a free electron laser has been used in a clinical setting, paving the way for potentially more precise and effective brain tumor removals.
Scientists discover that people prefer certain smells when sniffed through one nostril over the other. The left nostril is more accurate for identifying odours, while the right nostril enhances pleasantness perception. This finding fits with brain processing theories and may lead to further research on smell perception.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University will use the grant to identify a genetic link in colon cancer development and screen more families with high risk. The study aims to uncover common genetic mutations that make individuals vulnerable to adenomatous polyps.
Researchers found that 10% of HIV-infected individuals experience severe liver toxicity while taking antiretroviral drugs, with ritonavir being the worst offender. Doctors should monitor liver enzyme levels to ensure safe treatment.
Researchers used molecular probes to identify a toxic diatom linked to the deaths of over 400 California sea lions. The DNA probe tests detected a short but significant bloom in Pseudo-nitzschia australis, allowing researchers to connect the sea lion deaths to the bloom.
Researchers found that expectant fathers' hormones fluctuate during pregnancy, mimicking their partners' changes. Testosterone levels dropped significantly after birth, and lower levels were associated with increased paternal behavior.
The NIH conference aims to develop a framework for independent research on medical implants retrieved after surgery or at autopsy. The conference seeks to address the challenges and opportunities in collecting and analyzing data on implant performance, with a focus on improving public understanding and policy-making.
A study published in Urology found that men with prostate cancer are more likely to remain continent and potent after surgery performed by highly experienced surgeons. The study's potency and continency rates were the highest ever reported, with up to 93% of patients reporting continency and 65% reporting potency.
A study by Johns Hopkins researchers found that videotaping surgeries can improve outcomes in radical prostatectomy. The study, which involved 62 patients, showed that minor differences in surgical techniques can have a major impact on results. Surgeons who perform successful procedures should review the footage to identify key factors.
A skills-based program can significantly increase a student's confidence in refusing an offer to smoke and their expectation that peers will accept the decision. However, it had little effect on objectively evaluating favorable images of smoking.
A new study at Oregon State University found that low levels of nitrate and nitrite in water can kill some species of amphibians, especially during their larval stages. The study suggests that water quality criteria set by the EPA may not guarantee the survival of all protected and endangered amphibian species.
A new study reveals that phytoplankton quality, rather than quantity, is a critical factor in supporting thriving fish populations and clear water in lake ecosystems. Phytoplankton with high concentrations of omega-3 fatty acids support higher zooplankton growth rates, leading to positive effects on both ends of the food chain.
Researchers found that calculations taking longer than 26 months on current hardware are not worth starting. Instead, delaying until a more powerful computer is available can save time and resources. This strategy allows for optimal use of limited budgets for computers.
Researchers have found that PR39 promotes angiogenesis by blocking the degradation of a key transcription factor, HIF-1alpha. The newly formed vessels were fully functional in mice studies, offering a promising tool for treating coronary artery disease and peripheral vascular disease.
Researchers at the University of Washington discovered that HIV alters gene function in cells within three days of infection, affecting T-cell signaling and immune system functions. The study used cDNA microarray technology to examine gene expression levels and may lead to new treatments for the disease.
A new software game is being launched to address the lack of computer educational activities for girls, particularly those from underrepresented groups. The game, 'The Adventures of Josie True,' features a colorful and multiethnic educational playground that introduces historical characters in their own historically accurate milieu.
A retrospective study published in Cancer journal shows an inverse correlation between the number of lymph nodes and 5-year survival rates. Patients with 20 or more tumor-free lymph nodes had a 4.33 times greater relative risk of dying from metastatic breast cancer, compared to those with fewer than 20.
The Annals of Internal Medicine's Millennium Issue explores various facets of time, including its impact on physician time management and patient care. The issue delves into alternative views of time, highlighting the need for a more holistic approach to medicine.
A new study found that pallidotomy surgery, a procedure to reduce tremors in Parkinson's sufferers, also improves speech volume in some patients. Seven out of 12 patients with mild speech problems showed significant improvements following the surgery.
Recent research shows that Americans still struggle with dietary practices, with five leading causes of death related to diet. Effective interventions are often limited to those at high risk for diet-related diseases.
A University of Maryland Medical Center study found that FK506 significantly lowers the risk of forming clots compared to cyclosporine. The research has important implications for understanding coronary disease after a transplant and improving outlook for heart transplant patients.
A nationwide study of 1,000 women found increased phytoestrogen levels associated with beneficial cholesterol levels and improved arterial function. The study suggests that consuming beans in plant form may be more effective than taking supplements, potentially reducing risk factors for heart disease in women.
A new study found that eating three servings of vegetables daily can cut a man's risk of prostate cancer nearly in half. Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cabbage have the strongest effect, decreasing risk by 41% when consumed regularly.
Researchers at the University of Florida analyzed two-year follow-up data from a multicenter pilot trial, finding that bypass surgery and angioplasty initially cost more than medication but offered better clinical outcomes. Long-term medical expenses were roughly equal for both treatment strategies.
A research group from Purdue University analyzed the interaction between poliovirus and its receptor, finding that it uses a similar site to bind as human rhinoviruses. The study provides new insights into how viruses selectively attach to receptors and may suggest ways for developing drugs to prevent illnesses caused by viral pathogens.
The NYU Center for Particulate Matter Health Research is conducting studies to identify tiny particles in polluted air that contribute to respiratory ailments, including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The center aims to establish specific chemical species responsible for mortality and morbidity associated with exposure.
A self-collected test for human papilloma virus (HPV) is as sensitive as Pap smears in detecting cancerous and pre-cancerous lesions of the cervix. The test has shown promise in increasing cervical cancer screenings in both developed and developing worlds.
A University of Pittsburgh-led research team discovered that the gene for gastrin-releasing peptide receptor is more active in women than men, leading to increased cell proliferation and lung cancer growth. Nicotine from cigarettes also stimulates this gene expression, explaining why women are at a higher risk of developing lung cancer...
A study published in Marketing Science found that a professors' model for choosing films can improve profitability by 30-120% compared to movie exhibitors' own choices. The model, which uses operations research and quantitative techniques, recommends selecting fewer 'right' movies and running them longer.
The Mouse Models of Human Cancer Consortium brings together 19 university-based research teams to share ideas, results, and reagents, aiming to develop predictive models and pre-clinical drug testing. This cooperative approach is expected to greatly improve understanding of cancer development and biomarker evaluation.
The University of Maryland Medical Center has received a $7.8 million NIH grant to conduct new research into alternative treatments for pain, including acupuncture and herbal remedies. The grant aims to find effective treatments for arthritis and fibromyalgia, which affect millions of Americans.
University of Delaware scientists, including Craig Cary, embark on the first deep-sea dive of the new century to explore extreme organisms and understand life's origins. They will collect samples of toxic chemicals, organisms, rocks, and minerals using special instruments like deep-sea sensors.
A University of Iowa researcher has found that ion channels in the kidney play a critical role in regulating blood pressure and that a hormone called vasopressin stimulates these channels to increase sodium absorption, leading to hypertension. The study provides new insights into Liddle's syndrome, a rare genetic form of hypertension.
Researchers found three distinct shedding patterns in HIV-positive men, related to viral sources and genetic strains. This discovery shifts the focus of AIDS vaccine research from blood-borne viruses to multiple strains in semen.
Researchers at University of Maryland School of Medicine identified zonulin and zot proteins in human brain that regulate the blood-brain barrier. This discovery could lead to new treatments for brain disorders such as Multiple Sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, and HIV infection.
The study shows how chromosomes are distributed unevenly during cancer cell division, leading to genetic defects and abnormal growth. The researchers also discovered a breakage-fusion-bridge cycle that can amplify gene copies contributing to cancer growth.
A UCSF study reveals that anti-smoking programs can immediately generate significant health care savings by reducing low birth weight babies and heart disease cases. The research estimates that a one percent drop in smoking rates could save up to $572 million in direct medical costs.
Researchers are using two major grants to develop a new diagnostic nomenclature for children's mental health, combining valid symptoms and rules from competing systems. The studies aim to identify clusters of co-occurring symptoms and test hypotheses regarding the syndromes of mental disorder.
A study found that glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) is critical to embryonic development, increasing the risk of prenatal and postnatal death. The deficiency also increases the incidence of birth defects in fetuses exposed to oxidative stress.