Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital successfully used gene therapy to improve survival rates and energetic state of the heart in a rat model with heart failure. The study suggests a potential new treatment option for patients with cardiovascular diseases.
A Mayo Clinic study found that long-term medication use helps smokers who stop avoid relapse and gain less weight. The study, which involved 784 participants, showed that those taking the antidepressant bupropion were more likely to stay smoke-free than those on a placebo.
Researchers at Purdue University link economic growth to annual hard frosts, finding that temperate areas have historically had less disease and better agricultural productivity. Frost enables the build-up of organic matter in fertile topsoil, allowing for richer agricultural success.
Researchers analyzed data from 1973-1995 to find a significant rise in very low birthweight following Prime Minister Olof Palme's murder and ferry Estonia disaster. The study suggests that communal bereavement can affect public health, even if the event is rare or less visible.
The American College of Physicians announces new standards for manuscript submission, emphasizing author disclosure of sponsor involvement. These revised guidelines, developed by the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors, aim to prevent pharmaceutical companies from controlling study data and results.
A research team at the University of Ulster and Queen's University of Belfast has developed a mobile intelligent agent that finds the most reliable internet connection at the best price. The tool will negotiate quality connections in real-time, transparently and instantly.
A low-dose nicotine patch was found to be effective in controlling the severity and frequency of motor tics in children with Tourette's syndrome. The study showed that patients with active nicotine patches did better than those with control patches, even when receiving reduced doses of haloperidol.
A team of researchers discovered a new type of carbon nanotube that is approximately 40 percent stronger than other nanotubes made using the same number of atoms. This breakthrough was achieved through supercomputer simulations at the San Diego Supercomputer Center and the University of Michigan.
Researchers at Newcastle University have discovered a purple potato variety that shows promise in resisting the devastating potato blight disease. The variety, grown commercially without using chemicals, could significantly impact the supply of organically-grown potatoes, improving availability and reducing costs for farmers.
A new study by O.R. researchers found that the value of the dollar significantly impacts a company's decision on whether to export or invest in foreign production facilities. In depreciated currencies, strong exports favor the choice of ownership structure, while appreciated currencies favor investments in overseas production.
The University of Ulster will launch a 'green' power research centre with a £600,000 grant from the UK-based Science Research Investment Fund. The centre will focus on cutting-edge research into renewable energy sources such as wind, photovoltaics, and small hydro schemes.