A systematic review in The Lancet estimates that six people would need to be detained for a year to prevent one violent act, raising concerns about the accuracy of forecasting dangerousness. Critics warn that this approach threatens to assume an Orwellian air, with psychiatry becoming increasingly coercive.
A population-based study in Western Australia suggests that folate and iron supplementation during pregnancy may reduce the risk of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia by up to 60%. The protective effect was found to vary little with time of first use or duration of supplementation.
The survey found that women are strong, knowledgeable, and pragmatic in the face of terrorist threats, with concerns focused on economic vulnerability and health care. Women's mental health is also impacted by the fear of terrorism and bio-terrorist attacks, with many reporting anxiety, difficulty sleeping, and lack of energy.
Researchers found dramatic erosion of frosty layers on Mars' south pole, suggesting global climate change. The Martian snow is dense and ice-like, and its seasonal cycle affects the planet's long-term climate and atmosphere.
UC Davis researchers have captured the critical information needed to reproduce actual sounds as each listener perceives them. By analyzing changes in sound waves as they bounce off surfaces and ears, the team has developed personalized software and hardware for spatially accurate sound reproduction.
Government-mandated folic acid fortification has improved red blood cell folate levels by more than expected, benefiting women of childbearing age and other populations. This increase is also linked to reduced homocysteine levels, a risk factor for vascular disease, heart attacks, strokes, and certain cancers.
Researchers have discovered that male orangutans engage in homosexual behavior in the wild, a phenomenon previously only observed among captive animals. This finding highlights the complexity of primate social behavior and challenges existing assumptions about great ape sexuality.
A biomedical engineer has developed a 'sonic flashlight' that combines ultrasound images with the patient's natural appearance, enabling doctors to guide procedures without looking away. This technology could improve hand-eye coordination and reduce learning curves for radiologists.
A study found that recreational boating can transport zebra mussels via entangled aquatic weeds, engine cooling systems, and live wells. The risk of spread to new water bodies is significant due to the high volume of transient boat traffic.
A study published in Science found no new neurons in the neocortex of adult monkeys, contradicting previous reports. Researchers used advanced imaging techniques to analyze thousands of cells and conclude that mechanisms other than neurogenesis may be needed to understand brain function.
Researchers developed a superoxide dismutase (SOD) mimetic that substantially reduced cartilage and bone erosion, as well as chronic inflammation, in a standard animal model. The SOD mimetic also significantly reduced elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-1β.
A new study suggests that tiny aerosols from human-produced pollution can weaken the global hydrological cycle, affecting water availability and quality. The research, published in Science, reveals that these particles can limit sunlight reaching the ocean, leading to reduced rainfall over polluted regions.
Scientists discover that the Math1 gene triggers the differentiation of three types of intestinal cells from stem cells, including goblet, enteroendocrine, and Paneth cells. This finding provides significant insights into the regulatory control of intestinal stem cells and their role in disease treatment.
The US government is investing in bioterrorism research through seven new initiatives, aiming to develop vaccines and treatments for diseases like anthrax and smallpox. The initiatives will also support basic research and partnerships between academia, industry, and government.
A new malaria vaccine, RTS,S/AS02, has demonstrated significant protection against natural P. falciparum infection in a randomised trial. The vaccine showed an overall efficacy of 34% after three doses, with increased effectiveness seen when a fourth dose was administered a year later.
A study of 250 primary-care patients found that infections like glandular fever can trigger chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), while mood disorders are predicted by factors such as psychiatric history and social adversity. Early physical activity may help prevent or treat CFS after infectious mononucleosis.
A Canadian study found that only 11% of critically ill patients in ICUs have explicit directives guiding resuscitation. The study identified factors associated with DNR directives, including age and patient condition.
The UNC-Chapel Hill Gene Therapy Center will use the funds to translate basic research knowledge into safe human clinical trials, with a focus on cystic fibrosis and hemophilia. The center aims to provide new treatments for diseases caused by single-gene defects.
A study found that mothers who perceive their small babies as difficult are less involved and responsive, leading to lower developmental test scores. However, infants born small for gestational age show a stronger link between early temperament and parental behavior, emphasizing the importance of sensitive interaction.
Fewer than half the physicians surveyed thought early detection would reduce mortality rates. Routine screening was often offered due to perceived standard of care or fear of malpractice lawsuits.
A six-person research team, led by physicist David Awschalom, demonstrates continuous electrical tunability of spin coherence in semiconductor nanostructures. This breakthrough enables the creation of spin gates that can manipulate electron spin direction and speed.
A study found that vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) increases blood flow in thalamic areas of the brain, leading to improved seizure control. VNS was shown to reduce seizures by up to 91% in patients with partial epilepsy.
Researchers found that a modern human-like growth period in humans is a relatively recent evolutionary acquisition, arising around 120,000 years ago. The analysis of fossil teeth suggests that the prolonged growth and development seen in humans today is not as old as previously thought.
The StarLight network provides high-speed connectivity for researchers worldwide, enabling real-time collaboration on complex projects. With speeds of up to 10 gigabits per second, StarLight supports cutting-edge applications such as virtual reality presentations and data mining.
Researchers found that brain structures associated with rewarding experiences are also activated by painful stimuli, leading to a better understanding of pain's emotional component. This study may lead to the development of new approaches to diagnosing and treating chronic pain.
A study found significant disparities in HIV/AIDS treatment among minority Medicaid recipients, with African Americans waiting longer to start life-saving treatments and Hispanics being less likely to stay on them. The researchers suggest that improved care strategies and supportive services are needed to address these disparities.
Research suggests that Alzheimer's disease may be caused by defects in a protein's role as an attachment point for a molecular motor that transports packets of protein within nerve cells. The study found that the missing protein, APP, and other proteins stay mainly in the cell body when it is absent, stalling normal cargo transport.
Researchers at UMass challenged a 60-year-old theory on polymer crystallization, finding that lengthy polymers never achieve total crystallinity due to reaching equilibrium. This breakthrough may lead to better control of material flexibility and shed light on the protein-folding problem.
Dr. Scott Cameron, a renowned pediatric oncologist and molecular biologist, will lead research on cell growth and cancer at UT Southwestern Medical Center. The Children's Cancer Fund provided a $525,000 grant to support his four-year research program.
Researchers have identified amyloid precursor protein (APP) as a key player in the molecular transportation system of the brain. The protein's cellular trafficking function is linked to the formation of harmful plaque deposits called amyloid beta, which are characteristic of Alzheimer's disease.
A study published in Nature magazine found that ignoring leap year can lead to a 10% statistical bias in predicting the arrival of spring, with trends being overestimated. The researcher emphasizes the importance of using accurate data to predict climate change and highlights the need for corrections.
Researchers discovered that garlic supplements decreased saquinavir levels by up to 51% in healthy volunteers. This suggests that patients taking saquinavir should avoid using garlic supplements to prevent interactions.
Researchers from the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory have detected a dark matter object in the Milky Way using microlensing light data and spectroscopy. The team measured the mass, distance, and velocity of the MACHO, a small star with a mass between 5% and 10% of the sun's mass at a distance of 600 light-years.
Valsartan has been shown to improve symptoms and outcomes in patients with heart failure, reducing morbidity by 13.2% and hospitalizations by 27.5%. The study also found significant improvements in quality of life and ejection fraction.
Cornell students developed a web-based software and database to track bacterial strain characteristics and visualize molecular subtypes, allowing researchers to quickly analyze outbreaks and epidemics. The new tool reduces manual comparisons from days to minutes, aiding scientists in tracking virulent bacteria.
Researchers found that genetic mutations in people with chronic pancreas inflammation are associated with an increased risk of pancreatitis. The study identified specific mutations in the CF and PSTI genes, which can lead to a 900-fold increase in pancreatitis risk for those with two mutations.
Researchers have detected a massive compact halo object, or MACHO, using gravitational microlensing event data from the Hubble Space Telescope and European Southern Observatory's Very Large Telescope. The object is estimated to be 5-10% the mass of the sun and is thought to comprise up to 50% of the Milky Way's dark matter content.
The UCSB researchers have developed a cross-protective Salmonella vaccine using the DNA adenine methylase technology, which is also being explored for use in other bacterial and viral pathogens. This breakthrough offers significant potential for combating biowarfare agents and could render current vaccines obsolete.
A team of astronomers has directly observed a Dark Matter object, confirming the theory that it consists of small, faint stars in galaxies like our Milky Way. The detection was made using the Hubble Space Telescope and the European Southern Observatory's Very Large Telescope.
Researchers suggest that subglacial lakes in Antarctica may support unique microbial life forms. The lakes' extreme conditions could provide insights into the origins of life on Earth. Scientists are now planning international cooperation to explore these hidden ecosystems.
A study found that nontechnical aspects of hospital care, such as emotional support and coordination of care, are crucial for heart attack patients' long-term health. Patients with worse hospital experiences reported poorer health at 12 months, but those with good follow-up care from outpatient providers showed similar health outcomes.
Researchers have identified a compound in myrrh that kills cancer cells in the laboratory, showing promise for breast and prostate cancer prevention and treatment. The compound, which inactivates a specific protein overproduced by cancer cells, is estimated to be 100 times less potent than conventional chemotherapy drugs.
A new UNC research project aims to investigate the connection between osteoarthritis, emotional responses, and coping strategies. The two-year study will analyze data from over 20,000 participants to identify predictors and consequences of emotional distress in people with arthritis.
A study found that seniors with limited insurance are more likely to restrict their prescription medication use. The practice was common among minority groups, the poor, and those with high out-of-pocket drug costs. This can lead to increased emergency department visits, nursing home admissions, and other health problems.
A UCSF study suggests that with effective programs, including anti-tobacco media campaigns and community-based efforts, the US can reduce its adult smoking rate from 23-26% to 15% by 2010. This goal is within reach due to successful large-scale tobacco control initiatives in states like California.
A recent study by Tsou and Collie found that predation is a dominant source of mortality in the Georges Bank fish community. The most important predators are cod, silver hake, sharks, and rays, which have replaced groundfish as the dominant fish eaters in more recent years.
Research found that autistic preschoolers have 10% larger brains than normally developing children, which may contribute to their difficulty in recognizing emotions from facial expressions. The study also suggests that early intervention programs can help rewire the brain to process faces and emotions more normally.
A new non-invasive technique using modified breast pumps to collect breast fluid samples shows promise in predicting breast cancer risk. Women with normal cells in their fluid are 30% more likely to develop cancer, while those with abnormal cells are twice as likely.
Researchers have found evidence of recent earthquakes in a deep-sea core, suggesting the Cascadia subduction zone was active as recently as 300 years ago. The discovery provides new insights into earthquake cycles and helps establish methods to trace the history of earth's active crust.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital found that a certain chemotherapy drug combination can increase the risk of lung inflammation in breast cancer patients. The study suggests doctors use extra caution when administering radiation therapy with paclitaxel, as it may lead to radiation pneumonitis in up to 14.6% of patients.
A Cornell University study found that living in housing with more green spaces boosts a child's attention capabilities and improves their mental health. The research suggests that the natural environment plays a significant role in a child's well-being, and simple interventions like preserving trees or planting new ones could have a po...
A recent study found that while booster seat use among young children increased by 74% between 1998 and 2000, most children aged 4-8 were still not using the best safety restraints. Booster seat usage peaked at age 3 but declined dramatically after age 5.
Researchers at Brookhaven Lab have identified a new approach to developing antiviral agents by targeting the protease enzyme used by adenoviruses. The three-pronged therapy approach may overcome drug resistance, as mutations affecting one site are less likely to affect others.
A Johns Hopkins study suggests that the public can effectively respond to bioterrorism attacks without panic. The researchers recommend providing timely accurate information and creating a constructive role for the public, who can adapt to situations based on available information.
Researchers are developing new rehabilitation techniques to help mild stroke patients improve their attentional control, motor skills, and response consistency. The study aims to identify specific deficits and develop targeted therapies using magnetic resonance imaging.
Researchers distinguish a new type of leukemia called mixed-lineage leukemia (MLL) that is genetically different from acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). The study used DNA microarrays to compare gene expression profiles and found clues about the origin of MLL, suggesting it is caused by arrested maturation of lymphocytes.
A new study found that Topamax significantly reduced the severity of manic symptoms in patients with bipolar disorder, with 70% experiencing improvement. The medication was well-tolerated, with no significant weight gain and fewer side effects compared to traditional treatments.
Two studies examine the link between sex hormones and coronary artery spasm, finding that estrogen levels during menstruation affect blood vessel function. Automated external defibrillators are also shown to be safe and easy to use by trained laypersons, paving the way for potential home sales.
Researchers at the University of Delaware have developed a portable detection platform that can detect chemical and biological weapons using infrared spectroscopy. The device, about the size of a large shoebox, can identify even small amounts of agents in solid, liquid or vapor phases.
Researchers have created a novel method to measure soil fertility using Mason jars, which can detect chemical fractions that feed corn plants. The Illinois N Test uses a combination of heating and titration to determine nitrogen content in the soil.