A recent study published in The Lancet suggests that prenatal and postnatal exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls is associated with lower mental and motor development scores in infants. Conversely, a stimulating home environment can counteract this adverse effect.
A science reviewer strongly criticizes Bjørn Lomborg's book, arguing that it gives little recognition to modern environmental professionals and fails to make the connection between new policies and environmental advances. The reviewer highlights the importance of economic incentives, such as those contained within the Kyoto Protocol, i...
Recent studies on Mars' Elysium and Amazonis Planitia regions reveal regionally extensive lava eruptions from the same vent system as water. The findings suggest that these volcanic and hydrologic events are both young and related in origins, potentially indicating ongoing volcanic activity.
A study found that a new immunization regimen requiring up to four injections at one visit does not decrease vaccination rates despite increasing the risk of adverse reactions. The authors credit parental acceptance and safer vaccine versions for the sustained coverage levels.
Researchers at Ohio State University have identified potential metal deposits in Saudi Arabia's western Shield area using GIS software. The analysis of over 2,100 known occurrences of gold, silver, copper, and other metals revealed large quantities of lower-grade metal, ideal for open-pit mining.
Researchers have developed a new liver cancer treatment using electrolysis, which destroys tumors and surrounding tissue with minimal impact on healthy liver cells. The technique has shown promising results in an ongoing trial, with eight out of ten patients showing no evidence of residual tumor.
The researchers are studying the otolith - the ear bone of the bluefin tuna - to see why its numbers have been dwindling for 25 years. By analyzing the layering of the otolith, they can determine the age of the fish and its nursery areas.
The Framingham Heart Study is entering a new phase by recruiting its third generation of participants to explore factors that promote the development of cardiovascular and other diseases. The study aims to identify genes contributing to good health and develop new imaging tests for early-stage coronary atherosclerosis.
Researchers at Jefferson Medical College have demonstrated in the laboratory that prostratin can stimulate two main hiding areas in patients with HIV infection who are taking HAART, leading to death of the virus from anti-viral drugs. The work shows promise for a new second-generation approach to eradicate HIV from the body.
Geologists have found no evidence of impact-induced volcanism on other heavily-impacted planets in our solar system, according to new research by Jay Melosh. The study also provides a theoretical analysis of the conditions created by a large impact on Earth, contradicting a widely-held idea.
A recent study conducted at Massachusetts General Hospital found that men expend effort to view attractive female faces, even when they're not part of a social stimulus. The research also shows that areas of the brain previously linked to rewards like food and money respond to facial beauty, but not to attractive male faces.
Researchers discovered that parasitic worms develop normally into adults when in contact with specific immune cells in their host's liver, producing fewer eggs if disconnected. This adaptation allows the worms to thrive by exploiting their host's immune response.
A new study reveals that cranberries are the top antioxidant in fruits, while fresh berries and white wine can reduce heart disease risk. Cooking techniques like covering food with foil and using lower-protein ingredients can also help achieve a golden brown color and reduced browning.
A study by Virginia Tech researchers may lead to more effective methods for cleaning up gasoline spills, which can contaminate groundwater. The research focuses on the role of iron reduction and methanogenesis in bioremediation, aiming to improve modeling and cleanup efficiency.
Researchers have identified mutant enzymes with improved detoxifying properties against chemical warfare agents and agricultural insecticides. By modifying amino acids, the team has created faster-detoxifying enzymes that can efficiently degrade these compounds.
A recent discovery of buried impact craters on Mars indicates that the planet's northern lowlands formed very early in its history, possibly as a result of a shallow ocean. This finding provides crucial insights into the origin of Mars' crustal dichotomy and challenges traditional theories about the planet's geological evolution.
Researchers found that future SIDS victims showed more frequent airway obstruction during sleep tests, with less decrease in obstructive sleep apnea as they aged. Additionally, siblings of smokers with COPD had a high probability of airflow obstruction. The study also confirmed the effectiveness of anti-IgE monoclonal antibody treatmen...
The American Physiological Society has awarded over $160,000 to nine minority students pursuing PhDs in physiology. The one-year Porter Physiology Fellowships aim to increase underrepresented minority participation in the physiological sciences.
A recent study by Ohio State University researchers found that palivizumab adherence is key to keeping babies virus-free. Among the surveyed families, those with higher perceptions of protection from palivizumab were more likely to adhere to the monthly dosing schedule. Conversely, children whose families had difficulty accessing healt...
Researchers found that topiramate, an anticonvulsant drug, can block nicotine-triggered changes in brain chemistry. The study suggests that topiramate has potential for treating nicotine addiction by reducing the neurochemical activity associated with pleasure and reward.
Research by astrobiologist Jack Farmer highlights the significance of microbial ecosystems found in hydrothermal environments, which could be cradles for life on other planets. Discoveries of new forms of life on Earth thrive in extreme environments broaden possibilities for similar life to exist elsewhere.
A survey of 310 pregnant women in Zambia found that 74% prefer targeted therapy with resources available, while 60% support mass drug administration if only half the population is targeted. The results suggest that most women would prioritize access to nevirapine over testing.
Researchers are developing computer simulations of human visual processing to help individuals with low-vision disorders. The technology aims to process images in ways that compensate for defects, such as macular degeneration and glaucoma.
A study found that HIV-1 shedding in female genital secretions is common, with 57% of women having RNA present. High plasma RNA concentrations are the best predictor for risk of transmission. Women on antiretroviral therapy may still be at risk of transmitting the virus to their partners or babies.
A massive sand delta, over 325 feet thick and nearly 22 miles wide, was found in ancient shorelines of South Florida. This discovery suggests a river system significantly larger than present-day Florida once flowed through the state.
Astronomers discover that asteroid 1929 Kollaa was once part of the larger asteroid 4 Vesta, which is believed to be the source of meteorites found on Earth. This finding helps scientists build a geologic map of the asteroid belt and understand forces that have acted on asteroids in the past.
Researchers have developed a new sensor that improves the sensitivity and reliability of current prototypes for landmine detection. The sensor uses specially designed disposable fluorescent polymer beads that can be easily replaced, reducing degradation and retraining problems.
Researchers developed a simple risk index using age, heart rate, and systolic blood pressure to predict mortality risk in STEMI patients. The index revealed a strong and independent predictor of mortality risk, with a 20-fold gradient of increasing mortality.
Researchers propose that early animal life evolved to thrive in unique Cambrian environments with microbial mats. This new perspective suggests alternative evolutionary explanations for the development of strange morphologies, such as those seen in helicoplacoids, the earliest known echinoderms.
A study published in The Lancet found that HIV-positive women can shed the virus in their genital tracts even when their blood levels are low, posing a risk of transmission to others. The researchers analyzed samples from 311 HIV-positive women and found that about a third had HIV-1 shedding in their genital region.
Researchers developed a prognostic model for patients with prostate cancer who have returned after surgery, identifying risk factors that predict treatment success. PET scans also showed promise in assessing lung cancer patients' response to radiation therapy.