Researchers have made a breakthrough discovery about the development of rod and cone photoreceptors, the light-sensitive cells in the retina that initiate vision. The study found that the retinal protein Nrl acts as a 'molecular switch,' signaling cells to develop into rods rather than cones.
Researchers analyzed sound waves from the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory to map the temperature and flow structure beneath sunspots. The study revealed fast-moving streams of hot plasma converging into a gigantic vortex that penetrates the solar surface.
Researchers found that PP-188 reduced crisis time by nine hours and crisis duration by 16 hours in patients taking hydroxyurea. In children under 15, the reduction was even more significant at 21 hours.
Researchers found that compound PP188 shortened crisis duration, particularly in patients taking hydroxyurea and children. The study showed a significant reduction in pain disappearance within a week for those treated with PP188 compared to placebo.
A two-year study of postmenopausal monkeys found tibolone improved bone mineral density while reducing cardiovascular risks compared to estrogen-based treatments. However, it may offer advantages in breast and uterine safety over other options.
Researchers found evidence of advanced stone tool technology and symbolic thinking in Africa, challenging the long-held assumption that modern human behavior emerged later. The discovery of 28 bone tools at Blombos Cave suggests that 'behavioral modernity' first evolved in Africa around 35,000 years ago.
Researchers studied coral outbreaks off the island of Curacao, finding high concentrations of metals and human pathogens near major oil refineries. The team suggests that environmental stresses caused by pollution may be weakening corals' resistance to bacterial infection.
Researchers found that CD4 cells help mediate damage during ischemia, and two specific molecules, CD28 and IFN-gamma, were identified as participating in the injury process. This challenges current ideas of T cell function and may lead to new treatments for conditions like strokes and heart attacks.
A Mayo Clinic study found that prophylactic mastectomy reduced the risk of breast cancer in women with BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations by 89.5% to 100%. The study followed 26 high-risk women for 13.4 years without developing breast cancer, despite predicted risks of 6-9 cases.
A new database using Geographic Information System (GIS) allows geologists to interpret large amounts of data more easily. The system enables scientists to query and analyze data over a large area in various ways, leading to new insights into the tectonic history of regions. This advancement in science helps understand the Earth's regi...
Researchers at the Max Planck Institute developed a theory to explain lexical selection and form encoding in spoken word production. The theory proposes two major processing components: lexical selection and form encoding, which can be completed within two-thirds of a second.
Researchers found that prostate cancer patients who underwent seed implantation (brachytherapy) experienced more urinary, sexual, and bowel problems compared to those treated with high-quality conformal external-beam radiation. The procedure's invasive nature may contribute to the higher side effects.
A UC Davis study found that surgical consultations were faster and more accurate than CT scans and ultrasounds in diagnosing appendicitis. Surgeons determined diagnosis within 10 hours, while patients waited 13-19 hours for CT or ultrasound results.
A recent study by NASA researchers analyzed global weather stations and satellite observations to identify minimal local human influence. They found larger warming at urban stations on average, but used rural stations to adjust the records for a more accurate climate change measure.
Researchers found that aspirin does not reduce costs and increase life expectancy for colorectal cancer prevention. Regular screening tests remain highly effective and cost-effective, even for patients taking aspirin for other reasons.
A new study is testing a diluted form of the traditional smallpox vaccine, aiming to increase available doses. Participants will receive either the full or reduced dose and be monitored for signs of successful vaccination.
Researchers found that human umbilical cord blood cells improved motor and sensory abilities in rats after stroke, even when administered a week after onset. The study suggests these cells may be used to treat early stroke and other traumatic brain injuries through less invasive IV administration.
The USGS reports that 45 million residents live in hurricane-prone areas, with population growth doubling since the 1960s. Coastal erosion is expected to result in 1,500 homes lost per year, with approximately 87,000 at risk within 60 years.
Researchers at UCSD suggest that naturally occurring molecules called beta-synucleins (b-synucleins) may inhibit the excessive accumulation of Lewy bodies, which are characteristic of Parkinson's disease. In mice studies, b-synuclein was shown to block the formation of these abnormal deposits.
Researchers have found unprecedented sea-level rise along the coasts of Maine and Nova Scotia, with rates of 30-60 cm since 1750. The finding suggests a two-step increase in sea level, caused by natural climatic warming followed by human-induced climate change.
Researchers found that regular treadmill exercise with parents can help children with Down Syndrome walk three and a half months sooner than those without therapy. This early mobility improves independence and reduces stress for parents.
Researchers are using spatial statistics to analyze cases of renal failure and leukemia in Texas. They found that the distribution of renal failure cases is consistent with random phenomena, but may have underlying hotspots for cancer cases.
The study found that PET scans changed treatment for 63% of patients with recurrent lung cancer, with a significant impact on patient care and well-being. For newly diagnosed patients, PET results led to changes in staging and treatment planning, impacting 42% of cases.
Researchers propose innovative forecasting techniques using futures markets and alternative polling approaches to predict presidential election outcomes. The methods aim to improve accuracy and stability in predicting the popular vote and electoral college votes.
Researchers are using a technique called fluid inclusion micro thermometry to determine the formation temperature of quartz cement in 300-million-year-old sandstones. The study aims to understand the thermal history of these ancient rocks and its implications for understanding oil and gas formation.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center have identified cyclin B1 as a promising new tumor antigen for cancer vaccine development. The study found that cyclin B1 is over-expressed in breast and lung cancer cells, making it an attractive target for immunotherapy.
Researchers found that aspirin is not cost-effective addition to national strategy for reducing death from colorectal cancer. Screening methods, such as flexible sigmoidoscopy and yearly fecal occult blood testing, remain highly effective and cost-efficient options.
According to the report, refugee children are at risk of contracting and dying from measles due to disrupted public health infrastructure and childhood malnutrition. The researchers recommend that all refugee children under 5 years old should receive a measles shot immediately upon entering a camp.
Low levels of estrogen hormones in water may be responsible for the feminization of wild fish, according to a recent study. Researchers found that very low concentrations of estrogenic compounds released from sewage treatment plants were causing intersex and altered sex ratios in aquarium fish.
A survey of practice nurses found that 85% are underestimating the prevalence of insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes patients. This lack of awareness can lead to inadequate treatment and education, highlighting the need for increased understanding of insulin resistance as a fundamental cause of type 2 diabetes.
Researchers at UCLA's Jonsson Cancer Center have discovered the PTEN gene's role in regulating brain stem cells, finding that its absence disrupts normal growth and proliferation. The study suggests that PTEN is a critical regulator of brain stem cell behavior, which may contribute to tumor formation.
Paul Roman will investigate how scientific orientations and attitudes impact treatment centers and therapeutic communities, with a focus on retention and resource attraction. His research aims to improve substance abuse treatment systems' quality and stability in dynamic environments.
Research suggests that seawalls may have no significant long-term effect on beach behavior, despite causing active erosion during storms. Geologists consider factors such as sediment transport rates and beach erosion to determine net long-term erosion.
The NIH is funding three new synchrotron beamlines at Argonne National Laboratory to aid in the structural study of biological molecules. These facilities will be used to analyze protein structures that can help develop targeted cancer treatments.
A survey found that nearly two-thirds of GPs are unaware that insulin resistance is present in 92% of people with type 2 diabetes. This lack of understanding can lead to suboptimal treatment, as insulin resistance improves glycaemic control and reduces cardiovascular complications.
Two reports on HBV infection shed light on the effectiveness of vaccination programs in reducing the disease rate and carrier state. A study found that 70% of carriers recovered within ten years after treatment, while a nationwide vaccination program for adults is crucial to prevent further transmission.
A geologist is helping to revive the 'layer cake' model of stratigraphy by tracing major events from Ontario and New York into Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky using advanced techniques. These methods allow for high-resolution recognition of events and tracking of small-scale events over large areas.
A two-year study is examining how safety net organizations in Michigan adapt to the current environment, focusing on survival strategies and policies. Researchers aim to understand what works and doesn't work, as well as provide recommendations to improve healthcare services for vulnerable populations.
Neutrinos may fly out first in powerful gamma-ray bursts, carrying details of the universe's first stars. Scientists believe neutrino bursts can help detect massive star collapses and dark gamma-ray dark collapses.
A new analysis of 62 studies found that men and women agree on the seriousness of sexual coercion and propositions, but disagree on less extreme behaviors like sex-stereotyped jokes and repeated date requests. The study suggests that gender differences in perceptions of harassment may be influenced by socialization and value systems.
A new study by UCLA researchers has created images showing how an individual's genes affect their brain structure and intelligence. The findings, published in Nature Neuroscience, reveal that genetic differences can significantly impact brain regions controlling language and reading skills.
The University of Oklahoma College of Engineering has received a $500k NSF grant to improve customer relationship management (CRM) and supply chain management. The research aims to increase the accuracy and speed of due date promises, resulting in significant impacts on companies' revenues, operating expenses, and customer satisfaction.
A study of 430 women with a family history of breast cancer found that anxiety about breast self-examination was the primary barrier to compliance. Only 34% performed regular breast self-exams, despite 79% getting regular mammograms and 89% getting Pap smears.
A study published in the American Journal of Public Health found that dental sealants can significantly reduce dental costs for children on Medicaid who are at high risk of dental problems. Researchers analyzed data from 15,438 North Carolina children and found that sealant treatments led to lower expenses for Medicaid in 1990 dollars,...
A nationwide survey of 2,605 adults found that those who recognize the '5-A-Day' message eat more fruits and vegetables. High consumers are aware of the health benefits, perceive fewer barriers to meeting the goal, and have a conscious effort to increase healthy eating.
Researchers at UNC will follow 1,000 newly diagnosed colon cancer patients for five years to study the impact of health literacy on patient outcomes. The study aims to improve survival rates and quality of life for patients with colon and lung cancers.
A new study suggests that promoting physical activity may have negative effects on body image and eating habits among college women. Women who participated in a physical activity program were more likely to desire being thin and experience guilt after overeating.
Researchers at Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke's Medical Center are testing two forms of behavior management to help patients with chronic heart failure manage their illness. The 18-week course and weekly tip sheets aim to teach patients how to monitor their reactions to stressful events and make lifestyle changes.
A recent study published in American Journal of Health Promotion reveals that military personnel struggle more with weight gain than tobacco use, hindering successful smoking cessation rates. Active-duty participants were four times more likely to relapse if they anticipated gaining 5-10 pounds after quitting smoking.
The Dawgstar nanosatellite will conduct scientific research on the Earth's ionosphere and perform precision formation flying experiments with two companion satellites. Students played a primary role in designing and building the compact piece of space hardware, gaining hands-on experience for future space endeavors.
This study shows that moderate drinkers have better mental and physical health compared to lifelong abstainers and former drinkers. The findings suggest that people who give up drinking due to ill health tend to be less healthy than lifelong abstainers.
A recent study found that men who believe in the effectiveness of highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART) in preventing HIV transmission are more likely to engage in unprotected sex. The study suggests that behavioral interventions targeting these men are needed to promote safe sex practices.
Imamoglu's research focuses on quantum dots and nanostructures, exploring their properties and applications in quantum information processing. He has laid out a multi-step research program to address the feasibility of quantum computing, including work on optical pulses and memory devices.
A study of nurses found that they discuss smoking cessation with patients only 50 percent of the time due to inadequate preparation. Nurses are more likely to talk to patients about smoking if treating related medical conditions or when prompted by a patient's request.
Researchers Weaver and Lobkis developed a technique to measure the vibrations of an object's interior by analyzing ambient noise. By correlating patterns in the noise, they can extract information about the object's internal structure, offering new possibilities for non-invasive inspection and monitoring.
The tobacco industry, led by Philip Morris, employed a sophisticated public relations campaign to shape scientific standards and prevent increased smoking restrictions. The 'sound science' movement was used to promote arbitrary thresholds for identifying health risk from secondhand smoke, ignoring comprehensive assessments of risk.
Researchers at UT Southwestern discovered that traumatic brain injuries trigger a rapid and prolonged regeneration of neurons in mice, with long-term effects even in distant areas. This study suggests the potential to develop new treatments using adult stem cells to enhance injured brain capabilities.
Researchers have discovered that synthetic catalytic anti-oxidants can rescue a severe neurological phenotype and enhance lifespan of mice engineered to undergo oxidative damage. Treatment with these compounds resulted in a dramatic improvement in survival rate and reversal of neurodegenerative disorders.
A new study suggests that estrogen found in soy products with high isoflavone content may stimulate human breast-cancer cells in mice. Researchers warn women with estrogen-dependent breast cancer or a predisposition to it to reduce their consumption of such soy products.
A UCLA/VA neuroscientist's review of REM sleep studies reveals that sleep is not necessary for memory formation. While sleep loss can affect concentration and performance, it does not appear to be essential for learning.