Despite increased OTC sales, smoking cessation aid effectiveness has decreased, particularly among light smokers who are less responsive to these products. Researchers recommend using NRTs in combination with behavioral counseling to overcome barriers to quitting.
Researchers use satellite data to identify geographic areas at risk of terrorist threats, tracking changes in chemical and power plants, utility lines, and population density. The technology has potential for detecting airborne agents and supporting homeland security initiatives.
The Amazon forest, a significant carbon sink, may be slowing global climate change. A new monitoring team, RAINFOR, aims to study the impact of environmental changes on Amazonian forests. The project will analyze data from multiple sites across the basin to better understand productivity and dynamics.
A recent study found that individuals who were always slim or participated in varsity athletics had a higher risk of developing ALS and other motor neuron diseases. The researchers suggest that vigorous physical activity may contribute to the development of these conditions, but further studies are needed to confirm this association.
A boy with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and severe combined immune deficiency (SCID) had bone marrow donor cells present in his muscle fibers 13 years after a transplant. Mesenchymal stem cells from the donor's bone marrow may be continuing to produce muscle cells, potentially reducing disease severity.
A recent survey of homebuyers in Raleigh and Wake County found that the Internet has had a limited impact on housing search patterns, with half of respondents using it. However, those who used the Internet visited more houses in person than non-users, possibly due to younger age or higher energy levels.
The EU referendum focuses on economic issues, with both pro-euro and anti-euro groups campaigning on this aspect. Key findings suggest that the process may fail to promote a full and frank debate if only central issues are addressed.
Researchers present findings on how improved food access affects diets, ethnic inequalities in health, and the impact of capitalism on Eastern Europe. They also explore the relationship between economics and happiness, highlighting surprising statistics about marriage and divorce.
The field of operations research has a significant impact on the development of medical and telecom innovations, with 24,637 patents referencing optimization techniques between 1996-2001. The study highlights the use of simulation and queue management as critical components in inventions.
Researchers present findings on Antarctic lake temperature changes, krill distribution under ice, and potential impacts on marine ecosystems. Climate-related changes in krill populations could trigger major ecosystem collapses.
A study of 52 patients found no clinically significant cognitive decline after CABG surgery, contrary to previous reports. The researchers attributed the lack of decline to general medical care and reduced vascular risk factors.
A recent study found that regular consumption of raw garlic can prevent oxidative stress and tissue damage in rats. The results suggest that garlic has potential to save lives of patients undergoing heart surgery by protecting against ischemic-reperfusion injury.
Young people are more likely to engage in online political activity, with 30% aged 15-24 participating online compared to 10% offline. Internet users are also more likely to contact political figures and engage in discussions. However, most political organisations struggle to use the internet creatively to reach new constituencies.
The USGS will create maps and data to assess aquatic biodiversity in the Great Lakes region, which supports over 30 communities of unique plants and animals. The goal is to protect habitats and preserve species richness through conservation efforts across 49 states.
Researchers found that native plants outcompete exotic species when provided with seeds, but their low seed availability is likely due to historical grazing and drought. This discovery suggests that providing seeds may be enough to restore native species in many areas.
Researchers have developed a gene therapy approach to treat mucopolysaccharidosis VII, a disorder affecting multiple organ systems, in dogs. The treatment involves four intravenous injections of a retroviral vector expressing canine beta-glucuronidase, resulting in normal enzyme activity and near-normal mobility in treated dogs.
A new report rejects the outdated Food Guide Pyramid, instead recommending a balanced approach to fats, carbohydrates, sugars, fiber, and protein. The report emphasizes the importance of balancing energy output with food intake, particularly among sedentary Americans.
A recent study published in Child Development found that black children in single-parent households do as well as those in two-parent homes in terms of math scores and delinquency. The study suggests that policies promoting marriage may have little effect on black children, unlike white children
Recent research shows that alternate tobacco products are gaining popularity among youth, with over 8% of teens reporting use in the last month. Exposure to other smokers and depression significantly increase the likelihood of alternate tobacco product use, regardless of demographic factors.
Researchers have developed fully biodegradable composites made from soybean protein and plant-based fibers, which could replace plastic parts in various applications. These green composites provide excellent insulation and are low in cost, biodegradable, and replenishable on a yearly basis.
Researchers found that neighborhoods with higher socioeconomic status have more diverse bird populations, while lower-income areas tend to have fewer birds. The study analyzed data from 15 Phoenix-area community parks and suggests that socioeconomic factors play a significant role in shaping the local bird population.
Researchers at UCSD School of Medicine discovered that C-reactive protein (CRP) binds to oxidized LDL, suggesting a potential trigger for the development of atherosclerosis. The study highlights CRP's role in recognizing phosphocholine on oxidized LDL and apoptotic cells.
New internet-based banks are posing a significant threat to traditional banks and building societies by offering cheaper prices, better choices, and targeted products. The established financial institutions must overhaul their strategies to maintain competitiveness in the lucrative market.
A new report recommends early mental health interventions to reduce mass violence trauma, but notes some interventions may cause unintended harm. The report emphasizes the need for trained professionals and voluntary participation in sessions.
Woodpecker finches rely on tool use to extract food from bark and tree-holes in scarce environments, outperforming conventional foraging techniques. This unique adaptation allows them to acquire larger, high-energy prey.
Researchers discovered tetrathiomolybdate (TM) inhibits tumor angiogenesis by reducing copper levels and blocking NFkB signaling pathway. TM suppressed tumor growth in mice with aggressive breast cancer, prevented blood vessel formation, and induced disease-free survival.
Studies of 39 adults born with genital ambiguity found that most were satisfied with their assigned sex and had good physical and sociological outcomes. The research suggests that families and doctors should consider individual needs when making decisions about gender assignment.
Researchers have made significant strides in artificial liver technology, with 20 patients using the albumin dialysis approach in a phase I trial. The system has shown promise in reducing blood toxins and reversing coma and shock, offering hope to those waiting for liver transplants.
The Iturralde Crater Expedition 2002 aims to determine if the site was created by a meteor impact. The team will analyze rocks, soil, and magnetic properties to confirm or rule out an impact origin. They will also examine the area's vegetation structure and drainage patterns.
A study by Johnstone and Bshary found that the threat of leaving by clients can prevent cleaners from exploiting them. In asymmetric interactions, this 'partner control' model matches existing data on cleaner and client behavior.
Researchers have found a link between flexible joints and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), with 60% of CFS patients exhibiting joint hypermobility. This discovery may provide insight into the development of CFS symptoms, which appear in early childhood.
The University of Maryland Biotechnology Institute has licensed its DNA Bactofection technology to Microscience, enabling the delivery of DNA vaccines for viral diseases and cancers. Microscience will use the technology to develop a range of DNA vaccines, including those for typhoid, travellers' diarrhea, and hepatitis B virus infection.
Researchers have developed a new technique to record visual evoked brain activity in human fetuses, using magnetoencephalography (MEG). Four out of ten fetuses showed brain responses to visual stimuli, paving the way for further studies on neurological development.
A breakthrough in genetic engineering has enabled scientists to transform loblolly pine trees with improved drought tolerance and disease resistance. The study demonstrates the use of a shoot-based transformation method, which can accelerate the improvement of this important species.
A new vaccine has been shown to prevent stroke in rats by reducing inflammation in blood vessels. The study found that the vaccine reduced ischemic strokes by 16 times and prevented hemorrhagic strokes altogether.
Experts say preparing for natural disasters can also help mitigate the impact of terrorist attacks, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive approaches to risk management. Communities must consider all potential risks and develop disaster plans that address various types of hazards.
A study published in The Lancet found that single-session psychological debriefing after traumatic events is ineffective and may even do more harm than good. The research suggests that formal therapy like critical incident stress debriefing can prevent people from seeking natural family or social support systems.
A shortage of geriatric doctors and nurses poses a significant challenge to the aging population in the US. With only 9,000 geriatric doctors currently available out of 20,000 needed, the authors suggest that students in health professional education programs should have required content in caring for older adults.
A new study confirms that cat exposure increases the risk of persistent wheezing and asthma in children whose mothers have asthma. In contrast, exposure to cats is protective for children without a family history of asthma, reducing the risk of wheezing by 40%.
Researchers found that at least a third of neurons in the prefrontal cortex vary their activity with the number of dots seen, indicating they tune to quantity. The study suggests that individual cells specialize as they adapt to experience and participate in multiple networks.
Researchers found that genes, rather than blood pressure or age, significantly impact heart function and the risk of developing diastolic heart failure. The study suggests that an individual's genetic makeup may be programmed from birth, determining their future heart health.
Researchers developed a non-invasive method to generate a genetic fingerprint of fertile men's sperm cells, identified around 3000 individual mRNAs, and suggest it could help diagnose idiopathic infertility and reveal paternal influences on fetal development.
UC researchers have confirmed that coast redwood and Douglas fir are susceptible to Phytophthora ramorum, the pathogen causing Sudden Oak Death. The disease has already killed tens of thousands of oaks and tanoaks along California's northern coast.
A Stanford study found that a single adult stem cell could only repopulate blood and immune cells in mice, casting doubt on its ability to form all adult tissues. The research suggests that embryonic stem cells remain the most promising option for tissue formation.
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have identified a gene called early flowering 4 (ELF4) that regulates when plants flower and maintains their daily rhythmic activity. The discovery may aid agriculture by optimizing vegetative growth and timing of flowering and seed production.
A new device called SARA has been developed to detect fetal brain activity using magnetoencephalography (MEG) and light stimulation. The study found that 4 of 10 fetuses had measurable brain responses to light pulses, with the response time decreasing with increasing gestational age.
Researchers aim to create partial vision for the blind using 1,000 MEMs electrodes attached to the retina. The system, backed by a $9 million grant, promises to enable basic household chores and reading, but not driving.
A study of 270 patients found that bladder cancer recurrence rates increased with each episode, with the average time to second and third recurrences decreasing by 15 and 13 months respectively. Patients whose original tumors tested positive for the Ki-67 marker were at higher risk for first recurrence.
The Truthsayer system uses digital signatures to guarantee the accuracy and authenticity of online information. This approach makes it challenging for hackers to alter information without being detected, thus reducing the need for high-level security measures.
DuPont scientists have developed an innovative process for converting hydrocarbons to fluorocarbons without generating waste, producing water as a byproduct. The alternate synthesis process uses principles of inorganic chemistry to produce fluorinated aromatics in environmentally and economically efficient manners.
The Association of American Medical Colleges and colleagues argue that attaining greater diversity in the health care workforce is crucial for advancing cultural competency among providers. Addressing disparities in primary, secondary, and undergraduate education can help increase access to high-quality health services for minorities.
BioCoRE enables real-time collaboration among scientists from diverse disciplines, leveraging shared project spaces and advanced computational tools. The virtual environment bridges geographical boundaries, facilitating cross-disciplinary collaboration and accelerated research progress.
A recent study has revealed a significant decrease in leisure-time physical activity among black girls (56%) and white girls (31%) aged 16-17. Lower parental education levels and higher body mass indexes were found to predict activity decline in both racial groups, while pregnancy was associated with activity declines only in black girls.
A study published in the American Journal of Pathology found that uncircumcised men are more susceptible to HIV due to high concentrations of target cells in their foreskin tissue. This tissue contains higher densities of CD4+ T cells, macropahges and Langerhans' Cells than in circumcised individuals or cervical tissue.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have developed a method to create a class of drugs with controllable effects, allowing for the creation of matching antidotes. The new approach uses aptamers, which are compounds made of nucleic acid that bind directly to target proteins, to inhibit protein activity.
A study found that nearly all patients with cancer reported improved well-being from using alternative therapies, but used these therapies primarily for general health, not as a substitute for conventional medicine. Cancer patients who were female, college-educated, or younger were more likely to use alternative treatments.
Kelley, a Cornell professor, has been capturing images of the Earth's upper atmosphere over Greece as part of a Fulbright program research project. He aims to find clear evidence for waves traveling through atmospheric layers and their effect on radar.
A study by University of Minnesota researchers found that teens who feel close to their mothers are less likely to start having sex. The study also suggests that parents' awareness of their teens' sex lives is frequently inaccurate.
Researchers discovered an enzyme called Hck that plays a role in activating macrophages, which form part of the immune system in the lungs. The team found that altering the enzyme led to progressive lung disease in mice, mimicking human COPD symptoms, including mucus accumulation and scarring.
Andrei Linde has been recognized with the Dirac Medal for his pioneering work in inflationary cosmology, which posits that the universe underwent a rapid expansion. His theory has already had notable observational successes and has become a paradigm for fundamental studies in cosmology.