Research found three birth variables strongly linked to adult obesity in African Americans: first-born status, female sex, and maternal prepregnancy body mass index. These factors account for 12% of the risk for obesity.
A new study at the University of North Carolina finds that men infected with HIV who use denial strategies to cope with the disease threat progress more rapidly to AIDS. Higher average blood levels of cortisol are also associated with faster progression.
Researchers at UC Irvine have discovered a protein called calsenilin that can offset calcium imbalances in brain cells, which contribute to the development of early-onset familial Alzheimer's disease. This finding may lead to pharmaceutical therapies and preventive measures to halt the progression of this neurological disorder.
A UK study found that men's age significantly impacts conception rates, with the probability of conceiving within 12 months doubling from around 8% at under 25 to 15% at over 35. The study also revealed a decline in male fecundity associated with increasing paternal age.
Postmenopausal women who took n-3 fatty acid-enriched supplements experienced a 26% reduction in serum triglycerides, while those not taking HRT saw a 36% decrease. This suggests that fish-oil therapy may benefit postmenopausal women regardless of hormone replacement therapy use.
A study found that prescribing sterile needles is ethical and clinically appropriate for injection drug users. Smoking daily can lead to impaired fasting glucose and type 2 diabetes. Long-term use of drugs promoting gastroesophageal reflux also increases the risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma.
A new screening test combining blood and ultrasound exams can identify over 90% of Down syndrome cases in the first trimester of pregnancy. The test, Ultrascreen, has the advantage of detecting more cases earlier than traditional tests.
A survey by Virginia Tech found that 54% of citizens agree that not enough is spent on elementary and secondary public schools, while 64% support using the lottery to fund education. In contrast, 79% believe public schools do a good job teaching math and science.
A six-month exercise program improved self-esteem in older adults through both stretching/toning and aerobic exercise. The stretching/toning group showed greater increases in overall physical self-worth and self-esteem related to body image, physical condition, and strength.
A study found that women with low-fat diets had 19% lower fractional calcium absorption rates than those with high-fat diets. The authors propose that fat may increase calcium absorption by slowing transit time through the intestines.
Researchers at Northwestern University are developing novel architectural and compiler concepts to reduce energy consumption in specific military applications by a factor of 100 times. This technology will also benefit civilian applications, enabling longer battery life and increased functionality in portable devices.
The NASA-developed Data Matrix symbol technology offers high-capacity marking in a small space, with applications in various industries such as automotive and electronics. The technology enables permanent identification of parts and products, even when protected by coatings or other obstacles.
A study by Emory University researchers found that women who experienced childhood abuse have elevated hormonal responses to stress, which may contribute to greater vulnerability to depression and anxiety disorders in adulthood. The study suggests that early-life trauma plays a major role in the development of mood and anxiety disorders.