A study of 44 North Carolina farmworkers found that 65 occurrences of green tobacco sickness, including nausea and dizziness, were reported over a 10-week period. The researchers believe the actual prevalence may be higher due to non-participating workers.
A brief non-confrontational intervention program significantly reduced alcohol-related problems among high-risk college-age drinkers, with 43% of participants dropping out of the high-risk category. The program showed long-lasting effects over four years.
Researchers discovered a link between plant hormone auxin and stress response, mediated by the BIG protein. The study also found that IP3 acts as a second messenger in plant cell signaling.
The Southern Highlands region of Tanzania is facing significant biodiversity loss due to widespread harvesting of African orchids. The Wildlife Conservation Society is working to establish a national park in the region to protect the area's floral significance and prevent further depletion of the species.
Researchers at the University of Florida found that undercharged air conditioners use more electricity, leading to increased energy bills. They estimate that consumers can recover the cost of charging their systems in three months by simply topping off the charge.
Research found that heavy rainfall precedes most waterborne disease outbreaks in the US, with extreme precipitation levels increasing outbreak risk. The study analyzed data from 1948-1994 and found a significant association between precipitation and waterborne disease outbreaks.
Researchers have developed a mouse model that can be infected with the hepatitis C virus, allowing them to test new therapies and study viral replication. This breakthrough could lead to the development of a cure for the disease, which affects an estimated 175 million people worldwide.
A new movie from NASA's Near Earth Asteroid Rendezvous (NEAR) mission showcases the final moments of the NEAR Shoemaker spacecraft's yearlong orbit at asteroid 433 Eros. The minute-long video, produced by imaging team member Mark Robinson, offers a close-up view of the asteroid's varied terrain and features.
A clinical study of 800 people with Long QT Syndrome found that an individual's own characteristics and electrocardiogram findings are the major determinants of risk for sudden death. This challenges the long-held assumption that family history plays a role in determining the risk.
Researchers used genetic tools to create mouse models of gliomas, revealing that the timing of PDGF expression can determine glioma characteristics. These findings suggest that drugs promoting glial cell differentiation may be effective for low-grade gliomas.
A UCSF study of 1219 women found that 44.3% opposed mandatory reporting of domestic violence, with those who were young, non-white, and non-English speakers more likely to oppose it. The study suggests policy makers consider developing IPV reporting policies that balance patient autonomy with protection from abuse.
A longitudinal study of Bosnian refugees found that those who experienced mass violence and torture continue to suffer from depression and posttraumatic stress disorder. The study highlights the importance of long-term mental health initiatives for recovery efforts, especially for elderly and disabled individuals.
Researchers examine how personality, culture, and group dynamics influence behavior and health outcomes in isolated environments. They also investigate the risks of space radiation exposure on astronauts' bodies, aiming to identify traits that maximize crew functioning and reduce individual and group problems.
Researchers have developed a mouse model that replicates the clinical features of type 2 diabetes, enabling studies on pathogenesis and testing of new therapies. The strain of mice, generated by selectively mutating an insulin-like receptor in muscle cells, fully recapitulates the disease's progression.