A newly discovered molecular protein plays a crucial role in determining whether proteins with improperly folded structures are refolded or degraded, according to University of North Carolina researchers. This finding has significant implications for understanding heart attack, heart failure, stroke, and neurodegenerative diseases.
Astronomers have captured the clearest view of a galaxy pipeline, where material flows between two compact galaxies after a collision. The pipeline, stretching 20,000 light-years, is believed to contribute to a lack of star birth in NGC 1409, as gas flows in is too hot to form stars.
A study published by the American Academy of Neurology found that diabetes and high blood pressure can lead to cognitive decline in middle-aged people. The research, which examined 10,963 participants aged 47-70, showed a modest but statistically significant association between these conditions and cognitive abilities.
A team of researchers has discovered that queen and worker honeybees exhibit distinct gene expression profiles, with queen bees down-regulating certain genes and switching on others to support their development. This polyphenic study provides insight into the genetic processes that determine caste identity in honeybees.
A team of astronomers, including an undergraduate researcher, detect the presence of massive stellar explosions in a distant galaxy using quasar light. The discovery reveals six super bubbles formed at nearly the same time, releasing energy equivalent to 10,000 suns over their lifetimes.
A six-year study of people aged 40-70 found that those with diabetes and high blood pressure experience greater cognitive decline compared to their healthy counterparts. The study suggests controlling hypertension and diabetes before age 60 may help preserve mental abilities later in life.
Frank Shu, a renowned expert in theoretical astrophysics and star formation, received the Dannie Heinemann Prize for his groundbreaking research on various topics including spiral structure, stellar dynamics, and planetary rings. The award recognizes his significant contributions to the field of astrophysics.
Astronomers have discovered intriguing patterns of star motion and composition that suggest a remnant of a smaller galaxy consumed by the Milky Way billions of years ago. The study, part of the 2dF Old Stellar Population Survey, aims to investigate the galactic merger that formed the Milky Way's thick disk.
Astronomers have discovered over 154 rapidly moving stars towards the center of the Milky Way and its brightest neighboring galaxy. The findings are significant as these stars were previously difficult to detect due to their extreme density, allowing scientists to gain insights into the galaxy's most densely packed regions.
Yale astronomers have discovered that the area around the Milky Way contains remains of small galaxies torn apart by gravity, contradicting previous smooth distribution theories. The study found approximately 150 RR Lyrae variables with proper periods and light variations in a previously surveyed region.
The Stardust spacecraft is set to receive a gravity boost from Earth, lengthening its orbit and setting it on course for a rendezvous with comet Wild 2. The spacecraft will capture particles being boiled off the comet's surface by solar heating.
A Penn State study found that restricting foods has negative effects on children's self-esteem, particularly among overweight girls as young as 5 years old. The research suggests that parents' concern about their daughter's weight and restriction of food access can lower perceived physical and cognitive ability.
A study published in Radiology found that women who receive further testing on the same day as an abnormal screening mammogram experience significantly less stress than those who have to wait. The researchers also found that offering immediate diagnostic imaging can reduce the stress of a false positive mammogram, but would increase ov...
Researchers at CSIRO Australia have developed a new preservative treatment method using supercritical carbon dioxide, which penetrates wood more effectively than conventional techniques. This process offers environmental and economic benefits, including reduced capital costs and no residual solvent problems.
A new study by Washington University School of Medicine found that nitrous oxide is effective in sedating young children during facial suturing, reducing anxiety and pain. The method showed fewer side effects and faster recovery time compared to traditional oral pain medication.
The National Science Foundation has awarded $2.5 million to NLANR to extend technical, engineering, and traffic analysis support to high-performance networking communities. The grant supports over 170 NSF-funded High-Performance Connections sites connecting to vBNS research network backbones.
A study of 705 individuals found that cigar and pipe smokers have nearly three times the prevalence of moderate to severe periodontitis as non-smokers, with an average of four missing teeth. Smoking cessation efforts are crucial for improving periodontal health and preventing tooth loss.
A major review reveals osteoarthritis is a complex disease, but outlines new approaches to understanding, preventing, and treating the condition. The study emphasizes the importance of a healthy lifestyle, including exercise and weight management, in reducing disability and slowing disease progression.
Researchers in New Zealand tracked the health of 1,000 children from birth to age 26, revealing that attachment loss, pockets, and bleeding gums are common signs of periodontal disease. The study emphasizes the need for regular dental screenings and proper oral hygiene practices to prevent chronic periodontal disease.
The NIH and NIOSH are collaborating on a $33 million, five-year study to investigate how social and physical environmental factors impact the health of racial and ethnic minorities. The research aims to understand the underlying causes of disparities in health outcomes.
Researchers identified 168 young stars in the Orion star forming complex, about half the mass of the sun. The discovery provides important constraints for theories on how fast planetary systems can form, suggesting solar-like stars can form planets in around 10 million years.
A Yale study found that retinal hemorrhaging caused by birth can clear up within two to four weeks, but prolonged cases may indicate child abuse. The study's results have implications for evaluating suspected cases of child abuse and may assist legal teams in preparing a more precise defense or prosecution.
A study of over 90,000 US adolescents found that those who took public virginity pledges delayed having sex by an average of 18 months compared to non-pledgers. The pledge's effectiveness depends on the social environment and age group of the teens, with younger students in open schools experiencing a significant delay.
Scientists found that switching on the genes for GAP-43 and CAP-23 induces neurons to grow elongated nerve fibers, characteristic of regenerating nerves. This breakthrough suggests genetic therapy or drugs activating just a handful of genes might be enough to induce regeneration in humans with spinal cord injuries.
A study funded by the ESRC highlights the potential of cultural industries to boost regeneration in British cities. The report shows that these industries have played a key role in rejuvenating city centers and fringe districts.
A recent NHLBI study found that reducing sodium intake, combined with either a typical U.S. diet or the DASH diet, substantially lowered blood pressure in persons with high blood pressure and those at higher than optimal blood pressure levels. The DASH-Sodium study found that lower sodium intake resulted in lower blood pressures for bo...
A national survey of 321 dentists found that most never screened for domestic violence, despite visible signs. Education on intervention increased likelihood of screening and responding appropriately. The study recommends standardized training and the AVDR model for dentists to recognize and respond to signs of abuse.
A study finds that retail financial services companies are driving electronic channel adoption primarily for cost savings and competitive advantage. While customers may want 'convenience' and 'anytime banking', research suggests this is largely a marketing strategy to enroll customers through advertising and differential pricing.
A recent study published in the Journal of Wildlife Management reveals that bison do not favor using groomed roads for traveling, contrary to a long-held assumption. In fact, most bison travel less than 1 kilometer on groomed terrain and instead follow natural corridors and streambanks.
Emmett Bennett Jr, a renowned scholar and UC alumnus, has been awarded the Gold Medal for Distinquished Archaeological Achievement by the Archaeological Institute of America. His groundbreaking work on Linear B script led to its decipherment, revolutionizing the study of ancient Greek writing systems.
The Hubble-X image reveals a nearly circular bright cloud at the core of a star-forming region in NGC 6822. The cloud contains thousands of newly formed stars and is many times brighter and larger than the Orion Nebula in our Milky Way galaxy.
A study published in Journal of the American Medical Association found that fludrocortisone had little effect on symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome. The researchers tested isolating fludrocortisone as a treatment and found no significant improvement compared to a placebo.
A large clinical trial found that tamoxifen does not increase cardiovascular risk in healthy women or those with coronary heart disease. Women who received tamoxifen had the same rate of cardiovascular events as those receiving a placebo, regardless of prior heart problems.
Local Gypsy minority self-governments drive local development efforts, improving socio-economic conditions and strengthening intracommunity social ties. These initiatives benefit not only Roma but also other ethnic Hungarians, fostering a more pluralistic, democratic society.
Researchers at Ohio State University have created a new way to map ocean currents using a single video camera with special software, comparing favorably to expensive electronic sensors. This method could help scientists better understand erosion and develop effective management strategies.
Research at Ohio State University found that having a same-sex friend present during a stressful event can increase cholesterol levels in women, countering previous studies on the benefits of social support. The study involved 40 healthy college-aged women who gave a speech with and without a friend.
A genetic defect in the alpha-1 antitrypsin gene is associated with a threefold increased risk of developing sporadic colorectal cancer. Carriers who smoke have a significantly higher risk of developing this type of cancer compared to non-smokers.
Scientists have discovered that ancient underground fractures in Ohio soil can contaminate water supplies quickly, posing a threat to the state's groundwater. Research suggests that these fractures allow contaminated water to bypass purification and travel through the soil, potentially endangering water sources.
Scientists aim to develop novel optical imaging technique to capture detailed images of large numbers of brain neurons. The project, led by Leif H. Finkel, brings together experts in bioengineering, neuroscience and physics to overcome limitations of current techniques, enabling study of neural network activity changes with learning.
Researchers found that half of patients admitted to hospital with life-threatening symptoms of heart failure had diastolic heart failure, a previously under-studied disorder. The study emphasizes the need for further research into treatment options for this common form of heart failure.
A new study found that women are more likely to exercise if they have social support from family, while men need the support of friends. The study also revealed that students who believe in their ability to participate in exercise regularly tend to be more active.
A new program at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill aims to eliminate health disparities between blacks and whites. Researchers will focus on prostate cancer, high blood pressure, and sexually transmitted diseases, with a goal of finding ways to reverse the effects of racial disparities.
A Yale researcher found that brain activity is consistently present in the background, contradicting cognitive theories. The study highlights the need for a more holistic approach to understanding brain function and bridging the gap between psychiatric and neuroscientific views.
The article highlights the need to shift from aggressive treatment to palliative care in hospitals and healthcare facilities, improving quality of life for dying patients. Strategies can be implemented to reduce suffering by involving a multidimensional approach to care.
A study confirms that preventive occupational therapy can aid older persons in staying healthier and more independent. The research found that participants who received individualized treatment by an occupational therapist sustained 90% of therapeutic improvements after six months of non-intervention.
A new study by NC State University professor Dr. John L. Hubisz found significant errors in widely used middle school physical science textbooks, including incorrect statements about Newton's first law of motion and the equator's location. The study also criticized textbook layout, exercises, and the lack of clear authors.
Scientists have found a link between the combination of two widely used agricultural pesticides and Parkinson's disease in mice. The study, led by Deborah Cory-Slechta, suggests that everyday environmental factors may play a role in the development of the disease.
A new study suggests that scenario-based counseling can help patients seek hospital care sooner after a heart attack, potentially improving survival rates. The intervention teaches patients to recognize the diversity of symptoms and address emotional responses to a heart attack threat.
The American Geophysical Union has named Robert C. Cowen its award for sustained achievement in science journalism, recognizing his 50-year career as a science writer and editor at The Christian Science Monitor. The award honors Cowen's contribution to the public understanding of science.
A study found that weight loss lowered high-normal blood pressure in overweight adults, but only a small percentage maintained substantial weight loss over three years. Another study discovered that scuba diving increases the risk of brain lesions due to decompression illnesses and heart abnormalities.
A new study published in JAMA found that steroid hormone drug fludrocortisone does not alleviate symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), particularly neurally mediated hypotension (NMH). Researchers recommend further testing of other drugs or drug combinations to benefit CFS patients with NMH.
At the American Astronomical Society meeting, NSF highlighted recent breakthroughs in adaptive optics, revealing a solar-system-sized disk around a massive protostar. The NOAO Deep Wide-Field Survey also captured 300,000 faint galaxies over a vast area, creating the first three-dimensional map of the universe.
A Johns Hopkins Children's Center study failed to link autistic children's sensory fixation to brain damage, contradicting long-held theories. The study found that the cerebellum's balance regulation function operates normally in high-functioning autistic children.
Researchers at University of Wisconsin-Madison have identified the genetic basis of Alexander disease, a rare and devastating childhood brain disorder. The discovery confirms mutations in the GFAP gene as the cause, leading to an abnormal protein buildup that damages the nervous system.
A new study found that deaf children who receive cochlear implants at a young age have better speech recognition skills than those who wait longer. The research suggests that early implantation is crucial for language development and can improve communication skills in children with hearing impairments.