Healthcare costs increased 7.2% in 2000, with hospital spending accounting for nearly half of the overall increase. Prescription drug spending slowed to 14.5%, while physician services saw a 4.8% increase.
Researchers have developed a method to 'censor' self-specific B cells, which can help treat autoimmune diseases. This approach may lead to more effective treatments for conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.
A secreted mitochondrial peptide regulates vascular tone by acting on the endothelial nitric oxide synthase, leading to increased NO production and vasodilation. This peptide also modulates the activity of other key enzymes involved in vascular relaxation.
A new study from Massachusetts General Hospital found that medication pamidronate prevented bone loss in men with prostate cancer who received androgen-deprivation therapy. The study showed significant differences in bone mineral density between the treatment and control groups.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a 'Self-Aiming Camera' that uses a simulated neural network to analyze sensory input, process it, and make decisions in real-time. The camera can learn and improve its abilities over time, enabling discrimination between targets such as humans and vehicles.
A global map of asteroid 433 Eros reveals that nearly half of the largest rocks were ejected from a single crater, Shoemaker. The rocks were likely created by a meteorite collision about a billion years ago.
Advanced Ceramics Research (ACR) Inc., a Naval research-funded company, has partnered with the Tohono O'odham Native American Nation to establish a high-tech manufacturing facility. The joint venture aims to produce eco-friendly composite products, including Aquacore, a water-soluble polymer matrix composite.
Researchers suggest deploying vibration-sensitive acoustic sensors on Europa's surface to probe the interior structure and search for signs of life. Massive ice fractures generate unusual cracking sounds that could penetrate the thick ice layer and propagate through the underlying ocean.
The US Department of Defense has awarded the University of South Florida $4 million to develop a statewide public health system capable of responding to bioterrorism threats. The project aims to create a surveillance system that can detect and track both naturally occurring infectious diseases and potential bioterrorist attacks.
A study by Boston College chemists shows that water plays a crucial role in protein function, enabling enzymes to adapt to extreme conditions. The findings have positive ramifications for designing more stable proteins, such as medicinals and laundry detergent enzymes.
Researchers are developing a compact machine called AMPDXA to precision measure tissue mass, bone density and geometry. This instrument will aid in preventing weakened bones and fractures for astronauts returning to Earth or landing on another planet.
Chris Kincaid of the University of Rhode Island's Graduate School of Oceanography has received a $143,000 NSF grant to study subduction zones and their impact on volcanic arcs and seismicity. The project aims to develop 3D models of subduction using laboratory apparatus, enhancing our understanding of mantle dynamics.
Purdue University researchers have developed a method to stabilize the surface of porous silicon, enabling its use in creating new types of drug-delivery systems and biological sensors. By functionalizing the surface with specific chemicals, scientists can tailor the material's response to specific chemical environments or cues.
The aging inmate population in Pennsylvania's prisons requires increased long-term care services due to growing numbers of inmates needing daily living assistance. The study found that nearly 24% of inmates 65 years and older need assistance, and the cost of care can reach up to $70,000 per person per year.
The National Science Foundation has awarded $156 million to 229 information technology research projects across the US. These large-scale projects will focus on developing software and IT services that support scientists and engineers in making groundbreaking discoveries.
Scientists discovered that Alzheimer's and Parkinson's proteins interact to accelerate disease progression, causing cognitive and motor function destruction. The study found that Abeta, a metabolic breakdown product of hAPP, enhances the accumulation of hSYN in brain cells.
A study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that nearly one third of eligible injection drug users never received antiretroviral treatment. Methadone addiction treatment, health insurance, and regular access to care were associated with increased HAART use among men.
Researchers at Brookhaven National Laboratory discovered that coxsackievirus forms pairs on the surface of human cells, increasing the likelihood of infection. The study reveals hidden binding sites on the virus that evade the immune system, making it hard to defeat.
The University of Michigan School of Nursing is introducing a new concentration in care for frail and elderly patients, addressing the complex needs of this vulnerable population. Students will explore the holistic effects of frailty on physical, psychological, and social aspects of quality of life.
A recent study by UCSF researchers reveals a significant shortage of dentists in California's rural and underserved communities. The study found that two-thirds of communities without dentists are rural and at least 20% of California communities face a dentist shortage, exacerbating oral health disparities.
A new book documents dramatic recent changes in southeast's ancient soils formed over about 70 million years and how human use transformed them over the last two centuries. Soils were altered when primeval woodlands were turned into cotton fields, eventually regrowing as pine forests.
A study found that managed care coverage improves the quality of care for children with asthma, reducing the likelihood of unnecessary emergency department visits. Children in managed care plans were more likely to see their primary care physicians before visiting the ER, leading to more appropriate treatment.
Researchers found protein Nrd1 helps RNA polymerase II recognize 'stop sign' for certain genes. This mechanism may help understand HIV's hijacking process and fundamental mechanisms of regulating gene expression in yeast.
The ERS 11th Annual Congress presents first hard evidence on the dangers of passive smoking in adults, highlighting a significant link between exposure and asthma development. Women are particularly at risk due to greater exposure at home and workplace.
Physicists at Texas A&M University and the University of Texas at Austin are working on more accurate PET scanners, improving detection of tumors and other abnormalities in human organs. The new design enhances image quality and sharpness by detecting gamma rays' radial positions.
Researchers have found a possible link between viral infections and a treatable form of ALS. Six patients with HIV developed symptoms of motor neuron disease after anti-HIV treatment, suggesting that the AIDS virus can cause a variant of classic ALS.
The use of asbestos continues to pose a significant health risk, particularly in developing and industrialized countries. According to recent data, millions of people worldwide continue to suffer daily exposure to asbestos, leading to an alarming increase in asbestos-related cancers.
Joseph R. Webster receives American Chemical Society's Industrial Innovation Award for improving thermoplastic polyester processing and stabilization, enhancing product durability and UV resistance. He also develops environmentally friendly pigment technology to color thermoplastics without chromium premetallized dyes.
Scientists at UCLA and NIMH detected a spreading wave of gray matter loss in schizophrenic patients, which engulfed the brain over five years, leading to worse symptoms. The study's findings may aid early detection and treatment, as well as inform future medication development.
Scientists at UIC found that increasing FoxM1B gene expression restored liver cell growth rates and division activity in aged mice, potentially treating aging-related diseases such as cancer and Alzheimer's. This breakthrough could lead to new therapies for the elderly using gene therapy.
A Rutgers computer research team is developing a genetic linkage map that may help scientists identify the DNA differences predisposing people to complex diseases. The map will analyze data from over 2,000 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) to track genes contributing to disease.
Researchers at the Mayo Clinic found a possible link between estrogen and reduced risk of Parkinson's disease. The study reviewed medical records of female patients with Parkinson's disease to examine the association with menopause type, age, and postmenopausal hormone therapy.
Dr. Brian L Bray's innovative approach enables mass production of T-20, a 36-amino acid peptide blocking HIV entry. The process opens up new possibilities for peptides as therapeutics and may treat millions of Americans with HIV.
A new study finds that veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder have more medical problems and make at least 30% more health visits than those without PTSD. The researchers suggest that PTSD is a risk factor for physical disorders, affecting overall physical health and susceptibility to disease.
Dougherty and DeBord developed a new process for producing di-t-octylhydroquinone (DOH) using two catalysts, resulting in good quality yields over short reaction times. The process also reduces the need for solvents, which can be recovered and recycled.
A study found that depression is associated with self-reported hypertension, but this relationship does not exist when blood pressure is measured clinically. Lifestyle factors such as obesity, sedentary lifestyles, and stress are more strongly linked to high blood pressure.
A team of researchers at Sealed Air Corporation has developed a new packaging film called OS1000 that can remove trace amounts of oxygen from the interior of hermetically sealed packages. This innovation improves the shelf life and quality of packaged food products, reducing oxidation and spoilage.
The University of Washington has received grants for two genomic research centers, led by Deirdre Meldrum and Maynard Olson, respectively. These centers aim to develop new research tools and approaches to understand the human genome, with potential applications in disease diagnosis and treatment.
A series of studies suggests honey is a viable carbohydrate option for endurance athletes due to its low glycemic index and positive metabolic response. Honey has been shown to improve power and speed in exercise, making it an attractive natural energy boost.
Researchers at Ohio State University developed a method to seal tiny plastic parts in medical devices, improving the flow of medicine and fluids through these devices. The technique, called resin-gas injection assisted bonding, alters the surface characteristics of the plastic to suit different medical applications.
Researchers at Ohio State University have successfully created protein-like molecules using dendrimers, which can perform tasks such as delivering medicine to tumors and acting as catalysts for chemical reactions. The molecules are designed to open and close on cue, allowing them to respond to stimuli like light.
A study found that leptin treatment reduced appetite and increased feelings of fullness in obese men. However, the participants did not experience significant weight loss, suggesting that reduced appetite may not be representative of overall food intake.
A large study of male physicians found that high calcium intake, particularly from dairy products, was associated with a 30-34% increased risk of prostate cancer. The authors suggest that this may be due to the suppression of vitamin D production, which is thought to protect against prostate cancer.
Higher quality childcare is linked to improved cognitive and socio-emotional skills in children, including better math skills and fewer behavior problems. Research suggests that policies promoting high-quality childcare can have lasting benefits for school readiness and success.
A recent study found that young children who watched educational TV programs regularly scored higher on academic tests than those who didn't. However, excessive entertainment program watching had a negative effect on test scores. The researchers suggest that educational programming can provide lasting benefits for children of all ages.
Researchers found that monarch larvae are more likely to be exposed to toxic corn pollen when pollen is shed during peak larval activity. In Ontario, 62% of larvae were exposed to toxic pollen, while in Iowa, the figure was 15%. The study suggests that agricultural habitats like cornfields are crucial for monarchs.
The study uses DNA microarray analysis to predict estrogen receptor status and lymph node involvement in breast tumors. This technique holds promise for improved clinical diagnosis and treatment strategies, potentially obviating the need for extensive surgery.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that women with good diets tend to eat more fruits and a greater variety of foods. The researchers also discovered a strong association between healthy eating indexes and socioeconomic status, suggesting that access to resources can influence dietary choices.
Researchers at the University of Michigan developed a new technique combining coherent nonlinear optical spectroscopy and near-field microscopy to detect quantum coherence in extended structures. This breakthrough enables sub-wavelength resolution, bringing nanotechnology closer to sophisticated devices.
Researchers at UC Davis's Advanced Highway Maintenance and Construction Technology (AHMCT) center are developing high-tech machines to improve safety in highway construction zones. The center has created innovative solutions such as automated debris removal vehicles, crack sealers, and traffic cone-laying robots.
A study found that parenting skills and children's IQs improved when low-income families left welfare behind. However, the benefits were limited to those who moved out of poverty, suggesting that current welfare reform mandates prioritize moving families off welfare without addressing underlying poverty issues.
SLAP-130 protein plays a crucial role in bridging chemical pathways to activate T cells, generating an immune response. This discovery may lead to new treatments for cancers and autoimmune disorders by learning how to control T cell activation.
This study found that physical activity has a significant effect on body weight and BMI in school-aged boys, but not girls. The researchers suggest that other factors, such as energy or fat consumption, may be more important determinants of weight in girls.
Dr. Linda M. Hanagan's innovative approach uses active control systems to dampen vibrations in existing buildings, reducing costs and time required compared to traditional stiffening or thickening methods. The system can be applied quickly, often taking less than a week to fix the problem.
The study found that older Inuits had higher concentrations of n-3 fatty acids, which were associated with increased HDL cholesterol and reduced triacylglycerols. The Inuit diet is rich in saturated fat, but the authors suggest that n-3 fatty acids may change LDL cholesterol composition.
Researchers discovered that the Nf1 gene serves two major purposes: preventing tumor growth and regulating the body's rest-activity cycle. In its absence, the body is unable to keep time, highlighting a crucial role of Nf1 in maintaining circadian rhythm.
A study found that invasive management improves quality of life and reduces major adverse cardiac events in elderly patients with CAD. Patients aged 75 or older with chronic angina benefit from revascularisation procedures.
Researchers observed high numbers of corn rootworm beetles near corn edges in prairie remnants, with 10 times more at the edge than at a distance. The beetles damage sunflowers, potentially reducing seed set and affecting pollinator visitation.
A recent study found that prescribed burns in eastern U.S. deciduous forests can decline ground-nesting bird species by over 80% due to reduced leaf litter and shrubs. However, two bird species increased in response to the burns, suggesting that fire may improve their foraging habitat.
A new study found that patients with periodontal disease have higher levels of C-reactive protein, a marker of inflammation associated with cardiovascular risks. The study suggests a possible link between oral bacteria and heart disease, emphasizing the importance of maintaining good gum health.