African-American women are more likely to relapse into postpartum smoking due to various factors such as ethnicity, maternal weight gain, and stress. Women with higher levels of stressful events are nearly twice as likely to relapse compared to those with no stressful events.
A state-by-state analysis found that states with more extensive tobacco control policies had significantly lower youth smoking rates. Desirable legislation included enforcement of smoking age restrictions and photo ID requirements.
Scientists at Brookhaven National Laboratory are conducting a three-year study using the powerful MRI scanner to look for early signs of MS. The study aims to understand the disease process and potentially lead to more effective diagnosis and treatment.
A new field of ecology explores how humans influence urban ecosystems, raising questions about accountability and stewardship. Cities are increasingly recognized as significant ecological systems with diverse conditions, energy-intensive operations, and a substantial ecological footprint.
The world's growing demand for seafood may be met through aquaculture, but it will need significant advancements in biotechnology. Biotech is already improving aquaculture productivity, efficiency, and profitability, but more work is needed to bring fish production on par with other livestock.
Lymphoedema is a chronic condition resulting from breast cancer surgery and radiotherapy, characterized by swelling, pain, and disability. Early diagnosis and proper treatment can help alleviate symptoms, but increased awareness and education for healthcare professionals are crucial to prevent disastrous consequences.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital discovered a key link between presenilin gene mutations, altered calcium handling, and amyloid-beta42 production in Alzheimer's disease. Inhibiting a specific calcium pathway may lower A-beta42 levels, offering hope for preventing or slowing the progression of the devastating disease.
Scientists have identified a gene mutation on chromosome 22 that causes Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 10 (SCA10), a neurodegenerative disorder associated with motor incoordination and epilepsy. The discovery may lead to preventative measures by identifying ways to prevent neuron death.
A recent study by Ohio State University found that highly cynical workers are more likely to file grievances, show lower commitment, and believe good work won't be rewarded by management. Effective management can reduce worker cynicism by clearly publicizing successful changes, according to co-author John Wanous.
The US Department of Energy (DOE) has launched a 25-year research effort to improve understanding of the vadose zone, where contaminants can migrate into groundwater. The initiative aims to advance characterization, monitoring and modeling science and technology to support cleanup and long-term stewardship decisions.
Researchers at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center developed a new combination therapy of irinotecan, fluorouracil, and leucovorin that nearly doubled the tumor response rate and improved overall survival for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. The study showed significant benefits with no increased incidence of serious side...
A new study finds that intense weight training exercises can increase strength in older men, similar to those in their 20s. Researchers also observed improvements in muscle tone, aerobic capacity, and cholesterol profiles.
A study by University of Pennsylvania researchers reveals that infants' skulls are significantly weaker than adults', with one-eighth the strength, making them more susceptible to head injuries. The findings have broad implications for product design and safety standards in areas such as children's bicycle helmets and car seats.
A University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill study found that regular gardening, walking, and swimming can lead to a 5-10% reduction in average monthly Medicare expenditures. Making homes safer through simple changes also resulted in significant cost savings.
A new study by Ohio State University researchers found that judges from elite colleges are 30% more likely to rule against unions in labor law cases. Female Republican judges were also more likely to support unions than their male counterparts.
Researchers discovered that misfolded yeast prion proteins can alter protein synthesis and unveil silent genes, generating novel traits. By ignoring natural genetic stop signals, yeast may gain advantageous properties such as increased antibiotic resistance.
Scientists have discovered that activation of NF-kappa B prevents expression of a key regulatory protein called MyoD from replenishing muscle tissue. This finding has significant implications for treating cachexia, a syndrome that kills an estimated one third of cancer patients.
The American Chemical Society has awarded 35 Project SEED college scholarships to high school graduates from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. The scholarships are for up to $5,000 and support students who complete a chemistry course and work at a science institute under the auspices of Project SEED.
A novel liposuction treatment has been developed to treat chronic lymphoedema in breast cancer patients, reducing arm swelling by up to 98% and improving mobility and pain levels. The treatment involves removing fatty tissue and accumulated lymph via small incisions along the arm.
Researchers predict personalized breast cancer treatments using genetic profiles, with potential annual reduction of recurrence risks. Up to 100,000 genes in each cell are being studied for predictive value, leading to a future of tailored therapies.
Research finds high levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in lakes and reservoirs around six metropolitan areas, posing a bigger threat to aquatic life than other contaminants. PAHs from traffic do not accumulate in animals and are unlikely to affect human health.
Demographer John Wilmoth's analysis of Swedish national death records from 1861 reveals the oldest ages at death for men and women have been rising, with the average maximum age increasing from 101 to 108 years. This trend challenges existing theories that human life span has a fixed biological limit.
The year 2000 marks a significant turning point in cancer research, driven by advances in genetic knowledge and increased international cooperation. This collaboration enables large-scale trials to be conducted more quickly, leading to potential breakthroughs in cancer prevention and treatment.
A study found that physician encouragement and accurate information about colorectal cancer risks increased women's willingness to undergo screening. Women who were urged by their physicians to be screened had a substantially higher rate of recent screening, with 64% participating in the previous two years.
Researchers found genes tailored to specific environments, shared among organisms living in the same ecological niche. The discovery could help understand how cells adapt to extreme conditions.
Researchers found that early antiviral treatment primes the immune system to suppress viral levels without drugs, achieving temporary suppression in several months. Five patients remained off treatment for up to 11 months, maintaining low viral levels.
Researchers at the University of Chicago found that prions enable yeast to acquire multiple genetic changes simultaneously, leading to novel characteristics and growth properties. This discovery has broad implications for understanding evolutionary processes and how organisms respond to environmental fluctuations.
A study of 3,500 STD clinic visitors found that counseling helped replace misconceptions with effective strategies for STD protection. Over 15 million new cases of STDs occur annually, and common misconceptions include douching, urinating after sex, and washing genitals after sex.
The Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) will create a searchable database of species, facilitating the digitization and sharing of biodiversity data. This initiative addresses the lack of accessibility to biodiversity information in developing countries and aims to support scientific research and conservation efforts.