Research analyzing births in Malta and Western Europe from 1890 to 1995 found a strong association between lower birth rates for boys and colder climates. The study suggests that warmer climates favor the birth of boys, possibly due to temperature affecting fertility and sex ratios at birth.
Researchers found that biodiesel fuel reduced carbon monoxide and particulate matter emissions by 12-14% and 25%, respectively. The lower oxygen content of biodiesel also helped reduce hydrocarbon emissions.
Young women in Scotland are four times more likely to have a heart attack than those in the South of England, but survive at almost twice the rate. Ambulance response time may play a significant role in differences in mortality rates across UK regions.
A large US-based study found a distinct association between low-frequency electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure and increased suicide risk among electric utility workers. The study, published in Occupational and Environmental Medicine, suggests that EMF exposure may contribute to depression and suicidal behavior, particularly among youn...
A Saint Louis University School of Medicine Center for Vaccine Development study will focus on the effectiveness of diluted doses of Dryvax, a smallpox vaccine. The goal is to increase the available stock by up to 100 fold, which could improve the nation's ability to protect citizens in the event of a bioterrorism attack.
Scientists identify a feature common to the immune systems of long-term nonprogressors that enables them to resist disease. The discovery links HLA B*5701 gene to immune resistance in HIV-infected individuals, offering new insights into mechanisms of immune defense.
Research suggests that prolonged exposure to low-frequency electromagnetic fields may increase the risk of suicide. The study found a significant association between electromagnetic field exposure and death from suicide, particularly among those with high levels of exposure.
A study by Cornell University economists finds that stricter high school graduation requirements can result in a 3-7% increase in dropout rates, affecting 26,000 to 65,000 students nationwide. Higher course graduation requirements are associated with higher attrition rates, dropout rates, and individual probabilities of dropping out.
Participation in breast cancer support groups can help women cope and function better when their spouses are not supportive. However, for those with adequate support at home, peer-discussion groups may worsen daily functioning. The study suggests that exposure to weekly discussions may re-evaluate relationships or spur conflict at home.
AIDS patients with limited emotional support are more likely to be nonadherent to their medication regimens. Confidence and social support significantly predict medication adherence, suggesting interventions should focus on enhancing these factors.
A study conducted by researchers at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center shows that nearly 75 percent of children with severe juvenile rheumatoid arthritis respond dramatically to ENBREL (etanercept). The drug eases joint pain and swelling, enhances mobility, and improves disease activity for patients.
Experts say independent scientific panels can provide valuable insights for judges in complex cases, helping them make fair judgments. A panel of scientists advised a judge on silicone breast implants and found no evidence of a link between the implants and connective tissue diseases.
A study found that auditors and salespersons distort information to support their preferred decisions, with auditors showing less distortion than salespersons. Holding professionals accountable lowered distortion for salespersons, but not for auditors.
Three Cedars-Sinai physicians are leading a fight against women's cancers through innovative research, clinical care, and genetic screenings. Beth Karlan focuses on curing and preventing ovarian cancer, while Maren Scheuner develops personalized prevention plans for breast, endometrial, and ovarian cancers.
A large-scale study by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill found no connection between silicone breast implants and connective tissue diseases. The research, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, included data from 757 studies and analyzed 9 cohort studies, 9 case-control studies, and 2 cross-sectional studies.
A new study finds that critically injured patients who arrived at trauma centers via private transportation had similar mortality rates, hospital stays, and complications as those transported by emergency medical services (EMS). However, they tended to arrive at the center more quickly following injury, which was associated with better...
A follow-up study of ENBREL (etanercept) treatment for chronic heart failure found sustained improvement in New York Heart Association (NYHA) class and no increase in adverse events. The study involved 12 patients treated with ENBREL for nine months, showing continued tolerability of the drug.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that almost 60% of patients with low-risk heart attacks do not experience complications beyond three days. While shorter stays may save resources, the study suggests that the additional day is often unnecessary and costs hundreds of millions of dollars annually.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins describe fundamental shape of telomerase molecule in mammals and other vertebrates, identifying four common areas highly involved with the enzyme's working. This new information may prompt approaches to inhibit the enzyme, which is active in cancer cells and contributes to their continuous cell division.
A new cost analysis at Duke University Medical Center found that comprehensive heart failure teams can reduce healthcare costs by over one-third. By shifting care to outpatient visits, these teams improve the effective use of medications, particularly newer agents, leading to a 37% decrease in total treatment costs.
Researchers at Brookhaven Lab have developed a new class of environmentally friendly electrolytes for lithium-ion batteries, which will be tested in test battery cells. The new compounds are being investigated to address performance problems with existing materials.
The National Robotics Engineering Consortium (NREC) at Carnegie Mellon University is hosting Pittsburgh Robotics Day to celebrate robotics technology in western Pennsylvania. The event features exhibits and demonstrations of various robotic applications, including autonomous farming, bridge construction, and driver monitoring systems.
Research in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health found that divorced and separated men are more than twice as likely to commit suicide as married or partnered men. The study analyzed data from a long-term US research project, which included around 472,000 men and women.