A new study by Georgia Tech finds that industrializing countries in Asia are catching up with the US in technology exports, thanks to an information-based economy. The US remains the leader but faces tougher competition, particularly from China and India.
Researchers find that higher prices and perceived risks of harm lead to lower marijuana use among high school seniors, while declining risk leads to increased use. The study utilizes nationally representative data to explore the relationship between price, perceptions, and marijuana use trends.
A University of Washington survey found that national sex surveys under-represented women working as prostitutes, leading to a disparity in reported sexual partners. Factoring in the prostitutes' high number of partners explained the difference between men's and women's reports.
Researchers at UIC College of Medicine are developing a powerful new prenatal diagnostic technique to detect genetic abnormalities in fetal blood cells. The technique, using fluorescent in-situ hybridization (FISH), will identify defects in individual genes and could potentially be used by all women who wish to undergo screening.
UI researchers find that a simple sugar, xylitol, can enhance the natural defense system of the body, potentially preventing deadly bacterial infections in CF lungs. The study shows that xylitol lowers the salt concentration of the airway surface liquid, favoring antimicrobial agents and killing invading bacteria.