A Harvard study finds that regular vigorous exercise lowers leptin levels in both normal-weight and overweight men, which may reduce the risk of heart disease. Men who were more physically active had lower leptin levels, regardless of their weight or diet.
A new population of non-native Asian swamp eels has been found in south Florida, near the eastern border of Everglades National Park. The eels' genetic differences from previously discovered populations suggest a separate introduction and raise concerns about their potential to disrupt native species and food webs.
Researchers found that high cholesterol levels did not indicate serious blockage of coronary arteries in patients who underwent bypass surgery. Elevated oxysterol levels were present in those with blocked arteries, highlighting the need for further heart disease screenings.
Hanif Sherali, a Virginia Tech professor, has been elected to the National Academy of Engineering for his significant contributions to engineering system design. He is recognized for his invention of the Reformulation-Linearization Technique, which has been applied to various complex real-world problems.
Researchers found that the artifacts at Cahokia were made from Missouri flint clay deposits, indicating a local production process. This new evidence suggests that the Cahokia society focused on a local rather than long-distance acquisition process for their ceremonial objects.
A new test using a urine sample and written survey can help doctors identify adolescents who smoke cigarettes, allowing for early intervention. The test also identifies 'experimenters' - young people who smoke occasionally but haven't committed to the habit full-time.
Researchers at the University of Illinois are developing interactive, three-dimensional displays to visualize the complex data associated with the power system network. These tools aim to facilitate informed, fast decision-making in electricity markets, where congestion can affect thousands of elements and power transfers.
Researchers discovered that HIV attaches to immature immune cells called dendritic cells on mucosal surfaces, allowing it to infect the rest of the immune system. A specific dendritic cell receptor called DC-SIGN is identified as the key entry point for the virus.
A University of Illinois researcher has shed light on the formation of silica-rich glasses in xenoliths by studying the chemical interaction between sodium and mantle rocks. The study reveals that sodium diffusion can significantly alter magma composition, leading to anomalous mineral ratios found beneath mid-ocean ridges.
A study by Wake Forest University researchers found that the longer heart surgery takes, the more tiny particles of fat enter the bloodstream and circulate to the brain, blocking tiny blood vessels. This can cause brain deficits that may be permanent in ten to thirty percent of affected patients.
Researchers found that field refuges made of non-Bt plants can prevent insects from developing resistance to Bt-engineered crops. The study demonstrated the importance of carefully managing insects within these refuges to ensure their effectiveness.
Wayne Purcell, an agricultural economist, and Y.A. Liu, a chemical engineering professor, have received the Virginia Outstanding Faculty Award for their contributions to education, research, and community service. They are among 11 faculty members recognized for their impact on the state's agriculture industry.
Feline infectious anemia has been identified as caused by Haemobartenella felis, a previously suspected but now confirmed mycoplasma organism. The discovery of this tiny parasite provides hope for developing a diagnostic tool and potentially a vaccine to combat the disease.
The Transcendental Meditation (TM) program was shown to decrease atherosclerosis and risk of heart attack and stroke in hypertensive African Americans. The study found that TM practitioners had a significant reduction in carotid intima-media thickness, comparable to lipid-lowering medications and intensive lifestyle modification programs.
Researchers at Ohio State University have developed a new technique to improve the accuracy of genetic testing for cancer and inherited diseases. The method separates human chromosomes and allows for independent analysis of each copy, detecting key mutations that were previously missed.
A Boston study found that marijuana smoke increases the risk of a heart attack by nearly five-fold within the first hour, but the effect decreases rapidly over time. The study used a multicenter design and included 3,882 patients who survived heart attacks.
Leading American sociologists offer practical solutions to pressing social problems like genocide, homelessness, and poverty. They suggest changes to cherished institutions and grade their performance based on solid research.
Scientists have developed a method to convert bulk silicon into ultra-small, nano-sized particles with potential uses in low-power electronics, nonvolatile memories, and optical displays. These nanoparticles can also form the basis for novel semiconductor lasers and serve as fluorescent markers for biologically sensitive materials.
The Mars Global Surveyor's Thermal Emission Spectrometer has mapped the mineral composition of Mars' surface, revealing a primarily volcanic surface with distinct differences between southern and northern hemispheres. The survey provides valuable insights into Martian geology and may help explain changes in the planet's interior.
The program aims to control the raccoon rabies epidemic by delivering oral vaccines through baits. The goal is to protect citizens and companion animals from exposure to the deadly virus.
Scientists find that cryptochrome, a blue-light photoreceptor, may play a role in processing visual clues from the magnetic field and staying on course. The discovery was made using chemical experiments and computational modeling.
Researchers found that children whose parents scored high on dietary restraint or disinhibition had greater increases in body fat over time. Parents' impulsive eating habits also had a strong effect on their child's body fat level.