Chemical oceanographers at the University of Rhode Island used naturally occurring radium to estimate ground water input to coastal systems. The study found that ground water was a significant source of radium in Rhode Island salt ponds.
Researchers at the University of Illinois found a statistical correlation between weak polar vortices and severe cold outbreaks. The study proposes a dynamical mechanism where stratospheric forcing stimulates pre-existing modes of variability in the troposphere.
Researchers found that asthmatic children from urban environments are not using preventive medications and devices correctly, and are not adhering to NHLBI guidelines during asthma flare-ups. This is particularly concerning given the high risk of developing asthma in African American children.
The WTC's design had several vulnerabilities that made it susceptible to collapse, including flimsy floor trusses and weak connections in the tube frame system. The impact of the jetliners shattered support columns, causing partial collapse and triggering a fire that exacerbated the damage
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a simple protein test to detect telomerase activity in cancerous cells of dogs and cats. The test has shown promising results in diagnosing malignant tumors in pets, with high accuracy rates compared to traditional diagnostic methods.
UT Southwestern researchers say automated external defibrillators (AEDs) can be used by anyone with minimal training, and are becoming increasingly widespread. Studies have shown that early defibrillation can dramatically improve survival rates for cardiac arrest victims.
A panel of experts recommends focusing on remission as the goal for treating depression and anxiety, rather than just partial improvement. This aims for virtual elimination of symptoms and restoration of psychosocial and occupational functioning.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have identified key factors affecting phosphorus runoff and developed management strategies to minimize its impact on lakes and streams. The team suggests adopting no-till soil conservation practices, injecting liquid manure and fertilizer into the soil just below the surface.
Undertreated asthma has a significant impact on women's lives, affecting their physical activities, relationships, and overall well-being. Many women report poorly controlled symptoms, anxiety, and worry about their condition.
Archaeologists have found a fragment of a French wine bottle made around the time of the American Revolution, confirming the existence of an old French site in Peoria, Illinois. The discovery resolves a decades-long debate over the village's location and sheds light on the life of Louis Chatellereau, a French farmer and fur trader.
A study by Northwestern University researchers found that men who smoke are more likely to experience erectile dysfunction due to the negative effects of smoking on blood vessels. The prevalence of erectile dysfunction in former smokers was similar to that of never-smokers, highlighting the long-term risks of tobacco use.
Researchers suggest a structured intermittent therapy approach, where patients receive daily doses of HAART for seven days, followed by seven days off the medication. This regimen has shown significant reductions in certain side effects, including cholesterol and triglyceride levels, without compromising treatment efficacy.
The discovery of the Jaragua Sphaero, a lizard measuring about three quarters of an inch from snout to tail, highlights the Caribbean's unique species diversity. Rapid population growth, agricultural practices, and lack of access to data contribute to the region's biodiversity loss.
A new study found that eliminating gatekeepers in health maintenance organizations (HMOs) does not necessarily increase costs. In contrast to traditional HMOs, point-of-service plans with open physician panels showed comparable spending on medical care expenditures, including physician services, hospital services, and prescription drugs.
A new study aims to determine the effectiveness of drug therapy, psychotherapy, or a combination in treating major depression in teenagers. The study, administered by Northwestern University Medical School, will enroll participants between 12-17 years old with clinician-diagnosed depression.
Scientists at Uppsala University have identified a gene that regulates mast cell survival upon allergic activation, providing hope for a novel therapy to treat allergies. Inhibition of this gene, A1, leads to the death of mast cells, decreasing their numbers and alleviating allergic symptoms.
Researchers found that groundwater in aquifers is generally older than expected based on flow velocity, due to mixing between aquitards and aquifers. This discovery has significant implications for estimating water supply yields and predicting contaminant migration rates.
Researchers have identified a molecule, GCNF, that restricts mouse cells' potency. This discovery may allow for the creation of embryonic stem cells without sacrificing embryos, opening up new avenues for research.
The newly discovered species, Sphaerodactylus ariasae, is the smallest of all 23,000 species of reptiles, birds, and mammals. The tiny lizard can curl up on a dime or stretch out on a quarter, measuring only 16mm long.
Researchers measured aerosols in clean marine conditions and under polluted conditions, revealing large concentrations of particulate material including mineral dust. The findings will help reduce uncertainties in global climate models and develop better policies.
A recent study by Washington University in St. Louis researchers attributes increased flood levels on the Missouri and Mississippi rivers to the placement of thousands of wing dams, built by the US Army Corps of Engineers in the 1930s and '40s. The structures impede water flow during floods, causing water levels to rise.
Research at Hope School found that animal-assisted therapy improved mobility, communication, compliance, and attention span in severely disabled children. The study suggested that a team effort among administrators, teachers, and staff is necessary for effective therapeutic interventions.
A randomized controlled trial found that unopposed estrogen therapy reduced atherosclerosis progression by .0017 millimeters per year in postmenopausal women. The study also showed that cholesterol-lowering drugs had a similar effect when combined with estrogen, suggesting potential benefits for cardiovascular health in women at risk.
Researchers have discovered a genetically distinct form of leukemia that affects infants in their first year, characterized by abnormal gene activity and stuck cell development. The 'Mixed Lineage Leukemia' may be treatable with designer drugs targeting its specific weak points.
Researchers found that people with back injuries use many unnecessary muscles to compensate for hurt areas, increasing twisting and compressive forces on the spine. A new rehabilitation strategy that emphasizes learning to use back muscles naturally could reduce the likelihood of repeat injuries.
The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) has been selected by NASA to develop the first mission to explore Pluto and the Kuiper Belt region. The New Horizons: Shedding Light on Frontier Worlds mission will use a team of scientists and engineers from various institutions to design, build, and operate the spacecraft.
A study found that dopamine transporter levels improved in methamphetamine abusers after prolonged abstinence, suggesting potential for recovery. However, cognitive and motor function did not show significant improvement, highlighting the need for further research.
Recent studies show that methamphetamine acts on the same brain mechanisms as cocaine and alcohol, disrupting dopamine receptors and glucose metabolism. Researchers found damage to brain cells may recover after prolonged abstinence from the drug.
Researchers found that delaying spinal cord injury treatment until the initial changes have stabilized can improve regrowth of injured neurons and axons. This combination therapy with fetal tissue transplants and nerve growth factors shows promise for treating severe spinal cord trauma.
Researchers led by Robert E. Braun analyzed gene expression after adenovirus delivery using both in vitro and in vivo studies. The study found no infection of reproductive stem cells, supporting the safety of adenovector use in cardiovascular therapy.
A new study finds that methamphetamine abusers have fewer dopamine receptors, leading to reduced motivation and drive. The study suggests that the drug's high dopamine release overactivates the brain's reward system, making it hard for addicts to resist.
A recent study found that 10 million Americans meet criteria for serious mental illness, with 62.8% receiving no stable treatment from a professional. Psychological barriers such as lack of confidence in treatment and stigma play a significant role in preventing individuals from seeking help.
Researchers found that brains of blind-from-birth individuals exhibited unique activation patterns when reading Braille, suggesting a distinct mental imagery related to language. The study suggests that early visual experience may hinder brain plasticity in certain areas.
A new study led by Barbara Bregman found that delaying treatment for spinal cord injuries can lead to increased regrowth of nerve cell fibers. The addition of neurotrophins was key to this effect, with rats experiencing significant improvement in motor function.
Researchers used a powerful computing cluster to simulate moon motions over 1 billion years, discovering that the sun's gravity pulls smaller moons from their orbits. The study reveals how giant planets capture and shape the orbits of tiny moons, shedding light on Jupiter's unusual satellite system.
Research reveals Amazon forest fragments are more susceptible to extinction due to overhunting, increased airborne pollutants, and heightened fire risks. Climate change may further exacerbate these effects, threatening biodiversity in fragmented landscapes.
Researchers have found a new, hidden piece of the influenza virus that may kill immune system cells. This protein was discovered by accident while studying
UT Southwestern Medical Center has been awarded $3.6 million in funding to support 19 research projects across various disciplines. The largest grant will go towards developing a cancer-detecting blood test, which has already shown promising results in clinical trials.
A study by Professor Melissa DelBello found that quetiapine added to divalproex reduced psychotic symptoms in significantly more patients than divalproex alone. The quetiapine combination group also showed improved outcomes without treatment-emergent extrapyramidal symptoms.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University developed a computer model showing that familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) may begin when adult stem cells in the colon go out of control. The model suggests that an increase in stem cells triggers colon cancer, indicating that cancer may be a stem cell disorder.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a method to create triangular nanoprisms in large quantities, which can be used as new diagnostic labels for detecting biological weapons and diseases. The nanoparticles' unique optical properties make them a promising building block for detection science.
Researchers found that repeatedly exposing people to positive images of stigmatized groups, such as African Americans and the elderly, can alter their nonconscious attitudes towards those groups. This strategy may help reduce prejudices and improve social welfare.
Carl Picconatto, a chemist from Wisconsin, has been named a congressional fellow by the American Chemical Society to work in Rep. Connie Morella's office on science and technology issues. He previously interned at the National Academy of Sciences and holds degrees from Columbia University and the University of Notre Dame.
A team of scientists has successfully guided human embryonic stem cells to become precursor brain cells in a laboratory dish. Transplanted into baby mice, these cells further differentiated into neurons and astrocytes, paving the way for potential treatments of Parkinson's disease and spinal cord injuries.
Research found giant pandas have moderate genetic diversity compared to other carnivores, with some populations showing signs of isolation. To ensure the species' survival, conservation efforts focus on restoring gene flow among populations through natural corridors and ecological restoration.
Researchers investigated the influence of gender on upper airway structure and function, finding no gender differences in resistance and Pcrit. These findings contradict previous assumptions and suggest a possible explanation for the male predominance of OSA, potentially related to neurochemical control or other factors.
A new study suggests that smaller hospitals can perform heart bypass surgeries with similar outcomes to high-volume hospitals for low-risk patients. Moderate- and high-risk patients, however, should still seek major medical centers with high-bypass volumes to minimize mortality risk.
USGS scientists Jon Keeley and C.J. Fotheringham argue that natural fire regimes in chaparral ecosystems are not characterized by frequent small fires, but rather by landscape-scale crown fires. They suggest that limited, strategically placed burns are more cost-effective than large-scale prescription burning.
A study by UCSF found that cancer patients often prefer to experience pain over the side effects of opioid analgesics. Effective pain management requires repeated assessment and adjustments in dosage, according to experts.
Researchers discover widespread hybridization between introduced rusty crayfish and native species, altering ecosystems and leading to population displacement. The study highlights the significant impact of non-native species invasions on biodiversity.
Researchers question the efficacy of prescribed burning in reducing large, intense forest fires. They argue that this technique is not suitable for closed-canopy forests and shrublands where natural fires are more frequent and severe. This approach can also have negative ecological consequences.
Richard Sachleben, a Massachusetts chemist, has been named a congressional fellow by the American Chemical Society. He will work on energy technology and infrastructure safety issues for the Energy Subcommittee of the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Science.
A NASA review highlights known and potential gender differences in physiological responses to spaceflight, including cardiovascular and exercise physiology, barophysiology, and pharmacotherapeutics. The review also addresses reproductive issues such as menstrual function and endometriosis in space.
Researchers at UC Berkeley and Stanford University discovered how lobsters sniff their way around a watery world by flicking antennules into contact with chemosensory hairs sensitive to chemicals. This motion captures detailed maps of swirling odors, suggesting that small differences in odor concentration are preserved.
Research found that over 34% of ventilated patients are sexually active, with better lung function and younger age being key factors. Meanwhile, a study in Ethiopia linked home kerosene use to increased allergy risk, while another study showed nearly 40% of COPD exacerbations are caused by respiratory viruses.
A study found that UK family doctors under-report suspected adverse drug reactions, with only 9% of events reported to the CSM. However, serious events were five times more likely to be reported than non-serious ones.
Scientists from UCSD's Divisions of Biology and Physical Sciences have observed the formation of permanent nerve connections that store short- and long-term memories. By visualizing the rods and filaments of actin, they discovered that these changes occur after repeated stimulation, mimicking human memory consolidation.
A new UCSF study found that many cancer patients are not taking around-the-clock and as-needed pain medicines as prescribed by their physicians. This results in inadequate pain relief, with only 29.2% of patients receiving both long-acting and short-acting opioids.
The survey found rising numbers of heterosexual partners, concurrent relationships, and STI cases, with women experiencing more significant increases. Early age at first intercourse was linked to higher pregnancy rates and lower condom use.
A randomized trial of 17,000 patients from 46 countries shows that bivalirudin reduces the risk of recurrent heart attack by 30% compared to heparin. The study also found no significant increase in severe bleeding or intracerebral bleeding in patients given bivalirudin.