Research suggests a genetic polymorphism in neuropeptide Y may decrease risk of Type I and II alcoholism, a surprise finding that challenges previous expectations. The study, published in Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research, found the Pro(7) substitution to be associated with lower rates of alcohol dependence.
Researchers found that maternal temperatures only slightly increased after epidural anesthesia, regardless of patient size or length of anesthesia. Epidural fever was experienced by 25 patients, but the risk was not correlated with body mass index or surface area.
A new analysis found that self-esteem among college students has risen significantly over the past 25 years, yet there is no clear correlation with positive societal changes. Researchers question whether the self-esteem movement has actually done more harm than good.
A study found that a person's neighborhood alcohol-outlet density is a significant risk factor for certain injuries, including sprains and bruises. The research suggests that programs and policies aimed at reducing alcohol-related problems should consider the role of neighborhood alcohol outlets.
A study by UC Berkeley researchers found that a specific type of soy protein called lunasin can prevent the development of skin tumors in mice. The high dose group showed a 70% lower incidence of tumors compared to the control group, with fewer tumors per mouse and a two-week delay in appearance.
A two-year study found that first-year medical students who received visual training on detailed artworks improved their observational skills by 10 percent. This improvement enabled them to make correct diagnoses without relying on costly blood tests and x-rays.
Purdue University engineers used genetic algorithms to design innovative constellations of satellites orbiting the Earth, reducing blackout times by 90 minutes. The algorithm discovered unconventional designs with non-equal spaced satellites, offering better performance and surprising aerospace experts.
The study explores the sanctioned and unsanctioned use of stimulants among Canadian adolescents. It highlights concerns about parental and peer involvement in prescription stimulant use, as well as the risks associated with long-term use.
A study by Cornell University researchers found that only 19% of single employees used Medical FSAs, while 33% of those with dependents participated. Higher education significantly boosted FSA participation among singles and families alike. Tax rates were also predictive of participation.
Researchers found that gamma-delta T cells play a crucial role in local immunity and can kill tumor cells by expressing NKG2d protein. In contrast, alpha-beta T cells surprisingly promote skin cancer development and progression in models of skin cancer.
The NHGRI awarded Yale University a $15 million grant to develop new genomic approaches and understand the regulation of hundreds or thousands of genes. The team aims to elucidate the functions of unknown DNA regions in the human genome.
A study of 2,437 HIV-infected adults found that patients with case managers had fewer unmet needs and higher use of HIV medications. Screening for hereditary colorectal cancer has been shown to work and may be cost-effective, particularly for relatives of affected individuals.
Researchers at Ohio State University have developed a new DNA-based vaccine approach that successfully immunizes mice against anthrax. The vaccine uses combinations of two gene products produced by the bacteria responsible for causing anthrax, resulting in strong immune responses.
A 250-participant study found that exercise programs reduced the risk of disability in older adults with knee osteoarthritis. The results suggest that physical exercise can play a crucial role in maintaining independence and reducing disabilities as people age.
Researchers have found that certain types of iron are naturally good at fixing nitrogen from the air, a process essential for life on Earth. This discovery could lead to more efficient and eco-friendly fertilizers, reducing the industry's environmental impact.
A four-year project led by Virginia Tech aims to investigate the social and economic effects of agricultural biotechnologies. The study will examine the distributional effects of early adopters versus late adopters, as well as the impact on producers and consumers.
A clinical trial found acupuncture to be as effective as the commonly used medication ondansetron in reducing postoperative nausea and vomiting. Additionally, women who received acupuncture reported lower levels of moderate to severe pain after breast surgery, a surprising discovery that opens up new possibilities for pain management.
Five Yale researchers will continue their brain disorder research with a combined $100,000 in funding, totaling $3.9 million among 40 honored recipients. This support aims to discover causes and treatments for mental illness.
A study of Mexican American women who report physical or sexual assault finds a strong relationship between alcohol abuse disorders and past victimization. This association remains even after controlling for other factors, suggesting that trauma may be part of the clinical picture in the present.
A North Carolina State University graduate student has discovered a nearly hatched dinosaur embryo in a well-preserved dinosaur egg unearthed over 30 years ago in Alabama. The discovery, made by James Lamb, is the first of its kind in the eastern United States and provides new insights into dinosaurs' diets and climate.
Local experts urge a $300 million increase in Ryan White/CARE Act funding to ensure stable medical care and treatment for newly diagnosed patients. HIV infection can be managed as a chronic disease with access to services and new anti-AIDS drugs.
Researchers developed a conflict early warning system to predict instability in countries like Afghanistan and Pakistan. The tool uses numerical scores based on civil contention, state repression, and violence to indicate a country's stability.
A study finds that alcohol consumption is associated with unsafe sex among injection drug users, leading to increased HIV transmission risk. The research suggests that addressing alcohol use and disorders in this population is crucial for preventing the spread of HIV.
Research shows waves in southern California and the North Pacific have increased in size and intensity over the past half century due to stronger wind and storm activity. The approach direction of winter ocean swells has rotated from northwesterly to westerly, reducing natural sheltering effects and increasing direct impacts on the coast.
A recent study published in Journal of Nutrition found that human intestinal cells with excess iron are more susceptible to bacterial infection. The researchers suggest that fortifying foods with high doses of iron may be causing other health problems and recommend a revision of the standard policy of iron fortification.
Researchers have determined the function of the Hairless protein, revealing its role in regulating gene expression dependent on the thyroid hormone receptor. The discovery provides molecular insight into congenital hair loss disorders and represents a stepping stone for designing therapeutic agents.
Researchers have identified a key molecular cue regulating zygotic genome activation in green algae Chlamydomonas. The abnormal expression of the mt+ gamete-specific gene gsp1 induces zygote development without fertilization. This finding opens up new avenues for understanding zygotic genome activation in higher organisms.
New findings show that Actonel therapy can reduce clinical vertebral fractures in postmenopausal women as early as six months. The data suggests that treatment with Actonel can stop the fracture cascade and improve bone health.
A Yale University study found that community activism and social capital directly impact the delivery of mental health services to homeless people. Community residents with high levels of trust and cooperation are more likely to be housed in stable settings.
Researchers at Brookhaven Lab and DuPont have developed a new class of catalysts that can accelerate the removal of oxygen from plant-derived compounds, converting them into alcohols for industrial use. The goal is to produce 25% of DuPont's revenues in 2010 from renewable raw materials.
A Yale gastroenterologist has received a $1 million grant to study infectious diseases in developing countries. The grant will support collaborative research on improved oral rehydration solutions for diarrheal diseases, which are common causes of death among children worldwide.
A study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry found significant gender-related differences in the characteristics of male and female gamblers who called a helpline. Female gamblers were more likely to report non-strategic, less interpersonal forms of gambling and receiving mental health treatment.
A nationwide clinical trial found that a dietary supplement of antioxidants and zinc significantly reduces the risk of advanced age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and its associated vision loss. The supplements reduced the risk of AMD progression by 19% in those with intermediate AMD.
A study of 754 older adults found that 76.6% reported restricted activity and women had higher rates than men. The research highlights the need for preventive interventions to improve health and functional status in older women.
Hopkins researchers found that parkin, aS and synphilin interact, with mutations disturbing this interaction leading to Lewy body formation and nerve cell death. Understanding these interactions may help identify targets for new treatments.
Researchers have found a new antimalarial drug combination to be effective in treating falciparum malaria, the most severe form of the disease. In a study conducted in Tanzania, 93% of children were cleared of parasites after treatment with chlorproguanil-dapsone, compared to just 39% on standard pyrimethamine-sulfadoxine.
Research suggests that the FVL mutation may have advantages for fetal implantation, resulting in higher success rates for fertility treatments. Women with the mutation experience improved receptivity to fertilized eggs, leading to increased pregnancy rates.
The AAAS jobs survey shows a 7% increase in median salaries for U.S. life scientists between May 2000 and May 2001, with real average weekly earnings outperforming raises for many other jobs. However, women earn nearly one-third less than men, with significant gaps in non-academic settings.
Research found that older girls with ADHD often internalize their feelings and exhibit social problems, anxiety, and depression. Higher verbal IQ scores were unexpectedly associated with ADHD symptoms in girls, differing from previous research on boys.
Researchers discovered that baby sea turtles can detect regional magnetic fields and respond with directed movements to stay on course. The turtles' navigational system allows them to migrate across the 8,000-mile Atlantic Ocean and back using the Earth's magnetic field as a guide.
Bilinguals prefer their first taught language for mental arithmetic activities due to skills acquired, according to Texas A&M University research. This finding has significant educational implications, particularly in areas with high concentrations of bilingual populations.
Researchers found evidence that materials produced in the sun's atmosphere are ejected directly outward, forming the solar wind. This discovery contradicts a theory suggesting these materials circulate in the sun's interior before being ejected.
DuPont has donated $100,000 to the ACS Scholars Program, supporting 10 minority students pursuing college-level study in chemistry and chemical engineering. The program aims to develop minority scientists and engineers to address demographic predictions of a workforce shortage.
The study found that both fisheries harvest squid at the same stage of life, with two main spawning periods. The data suggest that conservation efforts need to be jointly pursued for both fisheries to maintain the spawning cycle.
A recent study suggests that the rotavirus vaccine did not increase the risk of intussusception, a rare bowel blockage, in infants under 1 year old. The study found a 4-10% decline in hospitalizations for intussusception during the period when the vaccine was available.
Researchers suggest that South American caviomorph rodents colonized by African ancestors via oceanic currents, challenging paleontological ideas. Genetic analysis reveals a shared ancestry between African and South American rodent groups, diverging around 45 million years ago.
The Cornell Institute for Research on Children (CIRC) aims to bridge the gap between scientists and decision-makers. CIRC will conduct multidisciplinary research on policy-relevant questions related to children, informing better-informed decisions.
A Clemson-led group has secured a $10 million contract to develop affordable surveillance platforms called 'aerostats' that can pair advanced radar systems to track and engage cruise missiles. The project aims to provide improved early-detection, tracking, and engagement capability for the military.
Researchers at Saint Louis University School of Medicine found that small doses of botulinum toxin Type A effectively relaxed muscles involved in triggering tension headaches, resulting in reduced frequency and intensity for most patients. The injections were also easier to control symptoms.
INEEL researchers successfully cleaned over 69% of plutonium and americium from spiked, local soil using supercritical fluid extraction with carbon dioxide. The method is nondestructive, environmentally friendly, and suitable for cleaning up plutonium-contaminated soil at DOE sites.
NASA's Mars Global Surveyor and Hubble Space Telescope provide a unique view of the largest global dust storm on Mars in several decades. The storm, which has engulfed the entire planet for three months, raises questions about Mars' thin atmosphere and climate change.
Women who underwent vaginal instrumental delivery had a lower risk of serious bleeding and trauma compared to those who received caesarean section. The study supports the use of safe vaginal instrumental delivery for managing obstructed labour, especially in cases without clear evidence of disproportion.
Researchers found that brief cycles of high-dose chemotherapy produced long-term disease-free survival in more than half of adults treated for Burkitt's small non-cleaved lymphoma and leukemia. The regimen achieved an 80% complete response rate, with 52% of patients remaining in continuous remission after five years.
The National Science Foundation has established FOCUS, a Physics Frontier Center at the University of Michigan, to advance coherent control in quantum, ultrafast, and high-field physics. The center will focus on three major research components: High Field Control, Ultrafast Control, and Quantum Control.
A recent study found that Rotashield may trigger intussusception events in susceptible infants, but these risks are compensated for by a lower risk of intussusception later in infancy. The study analyzed hospital admissions of infants with intussusception in ten US states during the period when Rotashield was in use.
The University of Michigan has received a five-year, $3.7 million award from the National Science Foundation to improve opportunities for tenure-track women faculty in science and engineering fields. The project aims to address the slow increase in women faculty numbers over the past decade.
In Scotland, UK, deaths from coronary heart disease decreased between 1986 and 1995 due to reduced tobacco smoking and healthier diets. However, many people with heart attacks die before reaching hospital, with significant disparities among older adults, women, and those from disadvantaged districts.
A study by researchers at Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute exposes the potential biological impacts of deep-sea carbon sequestration on marine ecosystems. Decreased pH can lead to metabolic suppression, inhibiting growth and reproduction in sensitive organisms.
Researchers identified the PRL-3 gene, which is consistently overexpressed in metastatic liver cells from colon cancers. This enzyme codes for a tyrosine phosphatase that may play a role in colon cancer metastasis.
Bioengineers at Cornell University have created a system for transplanting clusters of brain cells, together with controlled-release microcapsules of protein, to enable cell differentiation and growth. The technique has shown promise in treating neurodegenerative diseases and spinal cord injuries.