A study of 24,690 British children found a dose-related association between maternal antibiotic exposure during pregnancy and increased risk of asthma, eczema, and hay fever. Another study on Alaskan sled dogs suggests that 'ski asthma' may be a model for exercise-induced airway injury in humans.
A study by Cardiff University found that the British public is strong on opinions about scientific issues like climate change and biotechnology but weak on actual knowledge. The survey revealed that people's trust in sources like scientists and media outlets is low, suggesting a need for more effective communication strategies.
Using a unique land-based population research technique, Dr. Vaughan improved the accuracy of bighorn sheep counts in the Grand Canyon by analyzing lamb-to-ewe ratios and survival rates. The innovative method allows for helicopter counts while minimizing disruptions to wildlife habitats.
A new study by Penn scientists has found that women's brains have a larger volume of orbital frontal cortex, a region involved in modulating aggression, compared to men. This difference may contribute to the perception of women being less aggressive than men.
Researchers create DNA nanostructures up to 1,000 times smaller than commercial microarrays using the nanografting technique. This breakthrough enables the study of thousands of genes in a cell simultaneously.
Researchers have developed a method to distinguish between human pollution and natural atmospheric particles using MODIS satellite data. This breakthrough allows for more precise quantification of the role of human aerosols in Earth's weather and climate systems.
Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute created large symmetrical crystals with five-fold crystallographic symmetry using boron carbide. These crystals are rare in nature due to the strain caused by their growth, but may have potential as a hard material for engineering applications.
Young children believe negative traits can be changed, which may help them stay motivated to learn new skills. However, as they grow older, this level of optimism fades and they become more pessimistic about their ability to change.
A study published in JAMA found that continuous care from nurses did not significantly reduce caesarean delivery rates. However, the majority of women preferred this type of care, highlighting the need for widespread changes to hospital practices and caregivers' attitudes.
Researchers develop novel approach to treat thalassemias by blocking aberrant RNA splicing. The new virus effectively repairs existing RNA, restoring correct hemoglobin production and offering a lifeline for patients.
A study found that African American parents of young children prioritize racial pride and self-esteem over promoting mistrust or bias. Home environments rich in Afrocentric culture positively impact cognitive development. Racial socialization is a key component of parenting, influencing child outcomes.
A researcher has reviewed over 350 clinical studies to find evidence-based therapies for stroke prevention, highlighting the underutilization of anti-coagulation therapy in high-risk patients. The study aims to make this evidence accessible to clinicians to improve healthcare outcomes.
The discovery of a companion planet to Tau1 Gruis star with a relatively long-period orbit and mass similar to Jupiter sheds new light on the formation of giant planets. Researchers found that most giant planets likely form at Jupiter-like distances from their host stars.
Researchers found an unusually high incidence of depressive symptoms among affluent girls compared to national averages. Substance use was also common among both boys and girls, with a connection between distress levels and substance use identified.
A Toronto-based researcher has developed a system that uses acoustic signals to locate and orient devices, mimicking the navigation abilities of blind people. The technology could lead to improved communication devices such as cell phones or hand-held computers within five to ten years.
A study published in the Journal of Marketing Research found that ad repetition can be confusing for consumers. Students who were mentally engaged with ads performed better at matching product names and slogans than those who were not, suggesting a positive effect of mental engagement on memory.
Researchers studied Candida albicans in the presence of fluconazole and found changes in hundreds of genes. The altered genes displayed three distinct patterns that can be targeted with companion drugs, delaying or preventing drug resistance.
A study by Tiffany Yip and Andrew J. Fuligni found that adolescents' sense of ethnicity increased with participation in ethnic activities, such as speaking Chinese or eating Chinese food. The researchers also discovered a stronger connection between feeling Chinese and positive feelings in boys compared to girls.
Researchers developed a computer model of blood flow in the aorta, identifying areas prone to disturbed flows that could lead to atherosclerosis. The model uses CAT scan images and predicts where oscillating flows may cause damage, allowing doctors to assess heart disease risk.
A study found that vitamin E supplements did not slow the progression of atherosclerosis in healthy individuals, despite reducing oxidized LDL cholesterol levels. The research suggests that antioxidant therapy may be beneficial for specific groups, such as younger individuals or those with high-risk profiles.
A study found that black single mothers in rural Georgia who had high self-esteem and optimism implemented good parenting practices, such as open discussions and supervision. These factors were linked to their children developing good self-regulation, which predicted performing well in school and handling social situations well.
A recent study found that youth who experience discrimination report a higher stress burden, particularly black students who face more frequent experiences with prejudice. The research also highlights the importance of strong racial identity in enhancing self-esteem for black youth.
Research studies found small but statistically significant increases in cancer risks among BRCA1 mutation carriers, including colon, liver, pancreatic, and cervical cancers. Additionally, male BRCA1 mutation carriers had a slightly elevated risk of prostate cancer.
A study of Vietnamese refugees in Australia found that most are not at risk of long-term mental illness, but those exposed to high levels of trauma have a higher risk. The research highlights the need for specialized services for this high-risk group.
The Dartmouth team is learning about breast tissue structure and behavior using magnetic resonance elastography, electrical impedance spectral imaging, microwave imaging spectroscopy, and near infrared spectral imaging. By combining these four techniques, they aim to provide a more complete picture of normal and abnormal breast tissue.
A University of Florida-led study examines the effects of wildlife corridors on plant pollination and seed dispersal. The findings suggest that corridors encourage the movement of plants and animals, improving ecosystem health. The large-scale experiment provides valuable insights into the benefits of wildlife corridors.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have discovered a rare genetic mutation in sheep that causes large, muscular bottoms without excess fat. The 'callipyge' gene is imprinted, meaning it's only active in the offspring of the affected parent, and its discovery could illuminate how muscle and fat are deposited in humans.
A California study found a significant gender gap in cardiac surgery outcomes among children, with females experiencing 51% higher mortality than males. Researchers hope to uncover the biological basis for this disparity to develop targeted interventions.
A study found that naltrexone significantly reduced relapse rates among Spanish patients with a Mediterranean drinking pattern, demonstrating its effectiveness when combined with psycho-social intervention. The results suggest that naltrexone can be a suitable treatment option for European alcohol-dependent patients.
A Johns Hopkins-led study found that delayed evaluation by a nephrologist increases mortality risk among chronic kidney disease patients. Early evaluation was associated with lower death rates, highlighting the importance of timely specialist care.
The study tracked the movement of individual cancer cells in real-time using computer automation. The research revealed similarities between breast and skin cancer strains, including oscillation and burrowing into tissue.
Research by Thomas Chen at the University of Connecticut has shown that a new growth hormone treatment can increase fish size by up to 600 percent. The treatment involves using a synthetic peptide to stimulate growth, with potential applications in reducing feed costs and increasing fish yields.
Weaves technology enables scalable network emulation, allowing for large-scale testing without requiring software rewrites. The system creates a virtual world to mimic real-world conditions, ensuring equivalence between test and actual results.
A recent study has identified a rare gene variant, ADH2*2, as a protective factor against alcohol dependence in Jewish individuals. Those with the variant gene tend to drink less frequently and experience more unpleasant reactions to alcohol.
Researchers found that patients who left hospital against medical advice were more likely to be readmitted with the same diagnosis. Brief interventions addressing underlying conditions and direct communication of reasons for continuing hospital stay may help prevent discharges.
Dr. Griffin and her team have made significant discoveries about the role of interleukin-1 in Alzheimer's disease, a progressive brain disorder. They've identified genetic variants associated with over-expression of IL-1, which can trigger inflammation and damage to neurons.
The UT Southwestern and U.T. Dallas are receiving a $8 million NIH grant to establish the first national clinical trials network for Sickle Cell Disease. The center will focus on treatment and research initiatives to improve patient outcomes.
A recent study found that Australians now spend significantly more on unproven therapies compared to prescribed pharmaceuticals, with a notable increase in the use of alternative treatments and consultations. This trend is concerning, as many alternative medicines have not been rigorously tested or proven safe.
The US Preventive Services Task Force recommends routine osteoporosis screening to reduce fracture risk in women with low bone density. The optimal frequency of testing is unclear, but intervals of two to five years are most consistent with current understanding.
A recent study published in Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research found that transit employees with heavier weekly drinking rates were more likely to experience trauma on the job. The study suggests that off-the-job drinking can have costly impacts for workers and transit agencies, highlighting the importance of considering fact...
The USPSTF recommends that physicians routinely screen women over 65 for osteoporosis, a thinning of the bones that can lead to bone fracture. Women at higher than average risk should begin screening at age 60. Early nephrologist care is associated with better outcomes for kidney disease patients, particularly those with African-Americ...
A team-based approach to care significantly reduces hospital stays and the risk of blood clots in patients with stroke. The study, published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, found a $2.1 million annual savings per 1000 patients treated.
A new study found that moderate alcohol consumption increases levels of good cholesterol, reduces inflammation, and protects against heart disease in post-menopausal women. The research suggests that drinking in moderation may be beneficial for women's heart health after menopause, similar to men.
A study of 818 fatally injured drivers found a strong association between blood alcohol content (BAC) and problem drinking. Despite this, over 40% of drivers with high BACs were not reported as problem drinkers by their spouses, highlighting the need for targeted countermeasures.
Researchers have successfully delivered the full-length dystrophin gene to mice with muscular dystrophy using stripped-down vectors, restoring normal muscle function. The breakthrough could pave the way for human clinical trials to assess the safety of this method in patients.
Researchers tracked water molecule movement on palladium surface, discovering clusters of two to six molecules exhibiting high mobility when bound together. The formation of hexamers led to stable honeycomb structures, which spread out and interacted with the substrate's lattice.
A study found that prenatal alcohol exposure can impair reaction times, particularly when processing multiple signals. Children with prenatal alcohol exposure showed slower premotor and motor reaction times, indicating difficulties in both central and peripheral processes involved in information processing and action planning.
Researchers found that women married to alcoholics are more likely to meet criteria for alcoholism themselves, use illicit drugs, and be current smokers. The study also suggests that understanding the mother's characteristics is crucial in interpreting the father's AUDs.
A novel gene therapy technique developed by Stanford researchers allows for the integration of large genes into human chromosomes, enabling continuous production of proteins. This technique has the potential to treat a variety of diseases, including Duchenne's muscular dystrophy and cystic fibrosis.
Researchers have identified a genetic link between macrophage scavenger receptor-1 (MSR1) and increased risk of prostate cancer. MSR1 mutations were found in approximately 12.5% of African American men with prostate cancer, compared to 1.8% without the disease.
The study identified specific genes regulated by Nrf2 in response to sulforaphane, a compound found in broccoli that can annihilate a broad spectrum of carcinogens. By understanding how this process works, researchers may develop new cancer preventive agents.
A research team led by Wake Forest and Johns Hopkins universities found that mutations in the MSR1 gene are associated with an increased risk of aggressive prostate cancer, particularly in African-American men. The study identified seven potentially important mutations of the MSR1 gene, including one that leads to rapid metastasis.
A recent study found that almost 33,000 pregnant women were involved in car crashes every year between 1995 and 1999. The researchers also discovered that younger women, aged 20-29, are more likely to be involved in car crashes during their peak childbearing years.
A new study has found that a second set of immune cells, known as regulatory T cells, prevent attack cells from acting against cancer. The study discovered that these regulatory T cells communicate with the attack cells via a messenger chemical called TGF-beta.
Researchers found that a single fly gene encodes two proteins with opposing actions: one inhibits the other's activity. This discovery provides insight into complex biological phenomena and may lead to novel treatments for human cancers, particularly those with overactive STAT proteins. The study highlights the importance of considerin...
Researchers have isolated a key component of cell death signals that can be targeted to prevent cancer growth. By understanding how these signals interact, scientists hope to develop new anti-cancer therapies.
Dogs on a reduced-calorie diet lived up to 13 years, while those with high-calorie diets averaged 11.2 years. The study also found that lean body conformation and dietary restriction can help prevent chronic illnesses like osteoarthritis.
Researchers conducted a Phase I clinical trial of endostatin, showing that it decreases blood flow to tumors and promotes the death of cancer cells. The study also found minor anti-tumor activity in two patients, but no long-term responses were seen.
A new generation antipsychotic quetiapine, combined with mood stabilizers, shows improved efficacy in treating manic symptoms of bipolar disorder. The study results indicate that more patients experience full resolution of manic symptoms when treated with quetiapine.
Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory are developing an ice slurry procedure to cool the blood and brain cells after cardiac arrests, with the goal of improving survival rates. The ice slurry cools the brain by 2-5 degrees Celsius quickly, giving medics more time to revive normal blood flow and brain activity.