A new study suggests that increased solar activity can lead to an increase in cloud cover over the United States, particularly during times of high solar maximum. The jet stream plays a crucial role in linking solar variability with cloudiness, precipitation, and storm formation in the US.
Patients undergoing endoscopic surgery for Crohn's disease experienced reduced hospital stays, quicker return to regular diets, and lower narcotics use compared to open procedures. The study also found significant cost savings of nearly $3,400.
A study of over 44,000 children found a significant link between DDT exposure and preterm birth. Higher maternal DDE concentrations were associated with an increased risk of preterm births and babies born small for gestational age.
A study in Calicut, India found no instances of misuse or diversion of oral morphine over 2 years. The research shows that opioids can be dispensed safely for home use with proper controls in place, overcoming regulatory barriers.
Researchers at the University of Florida have developed a new radiation-targeting system that uses advanced imaging and optic guidance techniques to precisely target tumors. The system, now commercially available, aims to minimize damage to surrounding healthy tissues and potentially improve cure rates.
Researchers found that survival rates for primary eye cancer treatments are essentially the same, with a five-year survival rate of 82% for both radiation therapy and eye removal. The study's findings expand the capability of doctors to provide accurate diagnoses and state-of-the-art treatments.
Researchers used SAGE technique to identify 2016 genes active exclusively in dauer, a non-reproductive, long-lived form of C. elegans. Chromosome stability and structure are linked to dauer biology, with tts-1 gene playing a crucial role.
Gladstone researchers identified a key protein on cells that can be targeted to block Ebola and Marburg virus entry. This finding offers new hope for developing treatments against these deadly viruses.
Researchers have isolated a new version of a herpesvirus that kills cancer cells but spares normal tissue, dramatically reducing prostate cancer tumors in mice. The new virus contains an extra genetic mutation that enables more robust reproduction and prevents the cell from mounting a response to stop viral replication.
Researchers found that warmer temperatures will allow the Asian tiger mosquito to breed faster and potentially spread farther north, possibly surviving year-round in areas where winter freezes now kill it off. The study also suggests that global warming may alter the distribution of other mosquito species, with potentially severe conse...
Scientists have identified small blood vessels as a key target of radiation therapy, allowing for higher doses with minimal side effects. The discovery could lead to improved treatment options for cancers treated with abdominal radiation therapy.
A unique experiment studying chemical activity in human brains while experiencing sustained pain revealed long-suspected connections between pain-dampening changes in brain chemistry and sensory/emotional responses. The findings may help researchers better understand prolonged pain and find more effective ways to relieve it.
A recent study by Ohio State University found that survival rates are similar for patients with choroidal melanoma who undergo radiation therapy or have their affected eye removed. The study, which involved 1,317 patients, showed that both treatment options result in high five-year survival rates.
A large-scale study evaluated community-based treatment programs for adolescents, finding significant reductions in drug use and improved mental health outcomes. The study also identified the importance of minimum length of stay in treatment for optimal results.
The University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute has received a $12 million grant to examine innovative detection and treatment strategies for patients with early- to late-stage lung cancer. The grant will focus on improving survival outcomes and quality of life through the use of newest diagnostic tools and latest treatments.
A new University of Michigan study confirms that the utilization of prescription drugs, especially newly introduced ones, is the biggest reason for double-digit increases in overall prescription drug costs. Managed care insurance plans saw a 35% jump in prescription costs due to their members' rush on existing and new drugs.
Research finds that fathers' alcohol abuse and depression are associated with emotional and behavioral problems in children, including anxiety and depression. The study also highlights the importance of considering maternal depression when evaluating the effects of paternal alcohol abuse.
Two fatal cases of haemorrhagic fever associated with yellow fever 17DD substrain vaccine were reported in Brazil, highlighting the need to review the vaccine's safety. The cases led Philippe Marianneau and colleagues from Institut Pasteur to emphasize the importance of investigating mechanisms of attenuation of yellow-fever virus.
A recent study published in The Lancet found a link between DDT use in the US and an increase in premature births in the 1960s. Researchers analyzed stored blood serum from thousands of mothers, revealing elevated levels of DDT's breakdown product, DDE, in mothers of pre-term infants.
The lab is developing new catalysts to optimize chemical reactivity and selectivity, while exploring electric charge transfer at the nanoscale to create more efficient energy-conversion devices. These studies could lead to advances in solar-to-electricity conversion and molecular electronics for faster computer circuits.
A team of astronomers has confirmed a key aspect of Einstein's general theory of relativity by measuring the precise orbit of a pulsar. The study used sophisticated instruments to record over 50,000 Gigabytes of data and demonstrated the predicted delay in radio pulses traveling through curved space-time.
A team of researchers at Michigan Technological University has identified a gene responsible for producing syringyl lignin, a unique type of lignin found in hardwood trees. This discovery provides new insights into the evolution of angiosperms and their mechanical advantages over gymnosperms.
Researchers developed an Intrakine blockade to block a specific chemokine receptor, leading to reduced inflammation and modulated immune responses in various disease models. This breakthrough could provide new therapeutic avenues for treating conditions like asthma, autoimmune diseases, and cancer.
Researchers found that antacids significantly increased the survival rate of Vibrio vulnificus, a bacteria commonly contracted through eating raw oysters. Banning antibiotics in Denmark has also led to significant decreases in resistance rates among food animals.
Scientists found that weakening cell death signal and blocking engulfment increases cell survival rates, with some cells surviving outright. This finding suggests modulating engulfment machinery could be an effective therapy for neurodegenerative diseases, stroke, and cancer.
A new study by University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill found that 27.5% of active, licensed North Carolina physicians graduated from UNC, while others trained in foreign medical schools, particularly from India and more likely to practice in rural areas.
A study by UCSD researchers reveals that chronic kidney rejection is caused by the recipient's own cells' normal reaction to a wound, specifically mesenchymal cells colonizing the transplant site. This finding opens up new possibilities for developing methods to block scar-causing cells and mitigate or prevent kidney rejection.
Jefferson researchers successfully introduced 90 billion copies of a healthy gene into the brains of three children with Canavan disease. The goal is to increase enzyme production and reduce toxic compound buildup, potentially improving brain development and function.
Women with chronic constipation exhibit reduced rectal blood flow, indicative of altered nerve function. This association is also seen with symptoms of anxiety, depression, and feelings of 'unfemininity',
A Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health study found that depression is a common issue among single mothers receiving welfare, with 40% reporting symptoms of clinical depression. Despite this, few receive mental health treatment, which may prevent them from gaining employment and becoming independent.
A recent study found that female great white sharks tend to stay in a particular region, while males disperse widely across ocean basins. This discovery has significant conservation implications for managing the species' populations and breeding grounds.
A new study found that living in poorer neighborhoods increases the likelihood of developing coronary heart disease, with a 70-90% higher risk for whites and 30-50% for blacks. The study controlled for individual factors but still showed a significant link between neighborhood quality and heart disease risk.
Scientists at University of Michigan developed a new approach to date shallow faults, essential for understanding the evolution of Earth's crust and fault processes. The technique provides precise ages within a couple of million years, narrowing down previous estimates that spanned many million years.
Researchers found that after stopping cocaine use, individuals become more sensitive to drug-associated environmental cues, leading to increased cravings and a higher risk of relapse. The study suggests that treatment programs must consider this persistence of craving beyond the acute withdrawal phase.
A comprehensive study of flamingo genes reveals a shocking family tree, with the elegant flamingo's closest relative being the squat grebe. The study's findings suggest that physical features like long legs and webbed feet evolved repeatedly in aquatic bird species, contradicting traditional classification systems.
A new study challenges long-held beliefs that humans evolved from chimpanzee-like ancestors into upright beings and thrived in tropical grasslands. Soil analysis reveals that early humans preferred humid forest environments, contrary to expectations.
A unique study on lizard populations reveals that the presence of a top predator can make prey populations more vulnerable to catastrophic events. The researchers found that on islands without predators, mice populations rebounded quickly after a natural disaster, whereas those with predators struggled to recover and some became extinct.
Researchers find unique vent systems on seafloor mountain Atlantis Massif, formed by heat generated when seawater reacts with mantle rocks. The Lost City Field may be common, potentially upending previous estimates of hydrothermal venting and life on the seafloor.
Early atherogenesis is characterized by the infiltration of lymphocytes into atherosclerotic plaques. Lymphocytes contribute to the development and progression of atherosclerosis through various mechanisms, including inflammation and immune response activation.
Researchers found that 71% of women experienced ovarian function loss and rapid bone loss after six months of chemotherapy, leading to significant bone loss by the end of one year. The study suggests that earlier intervention with calcium, vitamin D, weight-bearing exercise, and counseling may help prevent bone loss in these patients.
IDX1's role in regulating glucose levels and insulin sensitivity has been identified, shedding light on potential therapeutic targets. Further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms by which IDX1 influences diabetes progression.
A new report by the University of California, San Francisco, reveals that California's tobacco control program is 'stalled and adrift,' with a significant lack of funding. Despite initial optimism under Governor Gray Davis, the program has been slow to implement aggressive measures, leading to thousands of unnecessary deaths from smoking.
A UK-based study of over 17,000 people found left handers more than twice as likely to be affected by Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. The research suggests later birth may play a role in the increased risk, but the exact cause remains unknown.
A study of 500 Nicaraguan women found that two-thirds defended themselves against domestic violence and 70% left their partners. The authors suggest that better education, younger age, and no history of family violence are key predictors of faster separation from an abusive partner.
David Meaney, a 35-year-old associate professor of bioengineering, has won the prestigious Y.C. Fung Award for his groundbreaking research on injury biomechanics and axon growth. His work focuses on how brain cells respond to mechanical forces, with potential applications in bridging damaged areas of the nervous system.
The UCSF program will support senior-level nurses in executive roles with $45,000 over three years to develop key leadership competencies. The focus is on addressing complex issues in healthcare through a comprehensive leadership project and mentorship.
Exanta, a novel oral anticoagulant, has demonstrated comparable efficacy to warfarin or low molecular weight heparin in preventing blood clots. The European phase III trial showed that Exanta is effective and well-tolerated for VTE prophylaxis in orthopaedic surgery.
A new pilot study suggests that a combination of a low-fat diet and flaxseed supplement may be protective against prostate cancer. The researchers found significant decreases in cholesterol levels and testosterone, as well as lower proliferation rates and higher apoptosis rates in tumor cells among those on the diet.
A retrospective study of 681 HIV-positive patients found that Virco's VirtualPhenotype? and Antivirogram? resistance tests accurately predicted treatment outcomes. Patients receiving three or four active drugs experienced significant reductions in viral load and increases in CD4 cell counts.
A new database reveals that humans have reshaped the global landscape for centuries, leading to significant environmental degradation. The study highlights the urgent need to address the depletion of natural resources and mitigate climate change.
The Howard Hughes Medical Institute has awarded $12 million in grants to informal science education centers across the US. The funding will support collaborations between nature centers, schools, and community institutions to strengthen science literacy among children and families.
A new mathematical model developed by Cornell University researchers predicts brain development milestones in mammals, including humans. The model accurately predicted post-conception time of neural events in rats, mice, and monkeys, but revealed discrepancies for human infants and primates.
A recent survey found that herbal product users are more likely to be women and have used multivitamins or nutritional supplements; 61% of respondents reported using an herbal product in the past 12 months. Physicians should become educated about herbs to identify potential risks and engage in dialogue with patients about herb use.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that HAART suppresses viral replication and mutation, delaying the onset of AIDS. The study used genetic signatures to track HIV-1 activity in 20 participants on HAART for at least 25 months.
The study recommends that physicians specifically ask patients about herbal medication use before surgery, as many patients fail to disclose their use. Herbal medications can affect heart rate, blood clotting, and immune function, making it essential for patients to stop taking them before surgery.
A virtual-reality training tool is being developed to help astronauts learn techniques for navigating complex spacecraft and maintaining orientation in microgravity environments. The device tests users' ability to maintain spatial awareness and navigate through various modules.
A recent study found that adolescents who participated in community-based treatment programs significantly reduced drug use and criminal behavior, and improved academic performance. Longer stays in treatment were associated with better outcomes.
A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that prostaglandins are required for efficient liver regeneration. The research used mouse models to show that blocking prostaglandin synthesis impaired the liver's regenerative response, highlighting a crucial role for these molecules in liver disease.
Researchers at Virginia Tech are conducting animal trials to test a new compound against breast cancer, which strengthens the immune system. The project aims to determine the involvement of the immune system in the drug's cancer-killing ability and assess its effectiveness in treating breast cancer in humans.
A study by UB researchers found that more than half of survivors diagnosed with uncontrolled high blood pressure still had hypertension, and 46% of those with dangerously high cholesterol continued to have high levels. This highlights the need for improved secondary prevention strategies in the US population.