Researchers observed statistically significant amounts of tritium above background in cavitation experiments, suggesting the possibility of nuclear reactions. The findings are based on a collaboration that used high-energy neutrons to create bubbles in liquid, which can result in light emissions and potentially nuclear reactions.
Researchers at Cardiff University have created a cost-effective, realistic surgical trainer using technology typically used in industry. The trainer will be used to perfect key-hole surgery techniques on artificial bodies before being used on real patients.
A nationwide study found long-term exposure to air pollution with high concentrations of tiny particles increases the risk of dying from lung cancer and heart disease. Fine particulate matter levels comparable to second-hand smoke pose significant health risks in polluted cities.
Two new studies published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute suggest that frequent tomato product consumption may reduce prostate cancer risk. Additionally, researchers found a possible role for the Ras gene in neuroblastoma regression and increased levels of GRP growth factor in head and neck cancers.
A study found that high-volume mammography readers in the US detected fewer cancers than their British counterparts, despite meeting lower annual standards. The research suggests re-engineering US screening programs to improve efficiency and quality without increasing interventions.
A recent study found racial and ethnic disparities in the receipt of cancer treatments, with white patients often receiving more aggressive therapy than minority groups. The study analyzed data from 87 studies and found consistent differences in therapy, including less frequent surgery for lung and colorectal cancers among minorities.
A UCSF study found that radiologists who interpreted a high volume of mammograms were more accurate in detecting cancer. High volume readers had higher sensitivity and accuracy rates compared to low volume readers, suggesting that fewer biopsies are needed to find cancers.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is associated with a 3.9% reduction in workforce participation rates, particularly among those with moderate to severe disease. Additionally, sleep-disordered breathing in mildly obese men is linked to glucose intolerance and insulin resistance.
A NASA study reveals strong relationships between El Niño episodes and changes in Antarctic sea ice cover, indicating a connection between the Southern Oscillation and global climate. The findings suggest that El Niño affects regional ice distributions, with notable associations observed in the Amundsen, Bellingshausen, and Weddell Seas.
Researchers at UMass are developing new materials from recycled tires, including a solid rubber object that retains 50-90% of its original strength and elasticity. Another material combines asphalt and recycled tires to create an asphalt alternative that withstands high temperatures and remains flexible in low temperatures.
Researchers at Stanford University used neutron scattering to study the magnetic properties of insulators with random impurities, discovering a novel model magnet. The introduction of nonmagnetic impurities disrupts long-range magnetic order, leading to unprecedented quantum fluctuations.
A management science study finds public research has a significant impact on industrial R&D, with the pharmaceutical industry being a major beneficiary. The study reveals that public research contributes to both innovation and project completion, with materials science and computer science fields having the most widespread impact.
Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute used ultrasonic waves to create small cavitation bubbles that could potentially lead to nuclear fusion. The team observed evidence of tritium and sonoluminescence light flashes, which may indicate the fusion of deuterium atoms in the highly compressed bubbles.
A 'volcanic ozone hole' is likely to occur over the Arctic within the next 30 years due to high volcanic activity coinciding with cold winters. This could lead to a significant increase in springtime ozone loss over the Arctic, threatening more populated areas.
A recent study by Children's Hospital of Philadelphia found that children inside compact extended cab pickup trucks are nearly five times more likely to suffer injuries during a crash. The research highlights the unique hazards posed by these vehicles, including side-facing jump seats and insufficient padding.
A recent study found that 51% of pregnant minority women experienced depression, with levels similar between African-American and Hispanic groups. The research highlights the need for healthcare providers to identify and address social support issues in these vulnerable populations.
Researchers at UC Riverside have received a $100,000 grant from the Department of Energy to investigate ways to improve the performance of hydrogen engines. The project aims to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions, which are considered a criteria pollutant, and explore alternative methods for measuring low-level emissions.
A Mayo Clinic study reveals a shift in heart disease burden from men to women and older adults. Heart attack rates decreased among younger men but increased among women over 80, while survival rates remained unchanged for those over 75.
A Cornell University study found that workers using proper ergonomic products and trained in their use experience a significant decline in musculoskeletal problems. The study, which involved coordinating ergonomic interventions with training, showed improvements in nearly half of the participants.
The study found a significant increase in bicycle helmet use from 36% to 84%, resulting in a decrease in head injuries among cyclists. However, another commentator suggests that legislation alone may not be sufficient to promote safe cycling and recommends combining it with other strategies such as bike paths.
Researchers found that cocaine increases blood pressure by stimulating the heart to cause rapid heartbeat and increased cardiac output. This elevation can lead to damage of vital organs such as the heart, brain, and kidney. The study's findings may lead to new treatment strategies for cocaine-induced blood pressure elevation.
A new study by Ohio State University researchers found that states with larger proportions of African Americans are more likely to have the death penalty. Economic inequality within a state also plays a significant role in determining its likelihood of having capital punishment.
Researchers discovered the CASQ2 gene mutation responsible for PVT (Pericardial Ventricular Dysfunction), a fatal heart condition. The study found that the mutation impairs calcium ion release, leading to heart failure.
A new water mold fungus, Sudden Oak Death, is killing oaks in California and poses a threat to Eastern US forests. The fungus can spread through plant transportation or infected mud, and has already killed over 100,000 trees.
Researchers at University of Houston develop new direct molecular sensing technology for rapid genetic information sequencing, potentially saving lives in bioterrorism attacks. The technology could also enable personalized medicine by tailoring treatments to an individual's unique genetic makeup.
The American College of Physicians has updated its guidelines to ensure physicians maintain independence in patient care. The new advice urges individual physicians to avoid industry relationships that may compromise objectivity.
Tiny, super-hot bubbles created by acoustic cavitation may be producing nuclear fusion, according to researchers. The experiment produced stable bubbles that could expand to nearly a millimeter before collapsing, and detected higher levels of tritium and neutrons.
Using optical tweezers, researchers have observed the dynamic structure of individual nucleosomes for the first time. They found that DNA in these units can be released from histones through a three-stage process, allowing enzymes like RNA polymerase to access genetic information.
A study published in Estuarine, Coastal, and Shelf Science found that restored salt marshes provide similar energy resources to undisturbed sites. The research team compared the diets of mummichog fish in both habitats and found no significant differences.
Acupuncture has been shown to be effective in treating vomiting after chemotherapy or surgery, as well as nausea associated with pregnancy. However, its effectiveness in treating chronic pain, back pain, and headache is still a topic of debate, with conflicting results from clinical trials.
A study published in Pediatrics found that infants with spina bifida are more likely to require a shunt after newborn surgery, with 81% of cases requiring shunting. The study also showed a correlation between the level of the spinal defect and functional level, with lower levels being less likely to require shunts.
Researchers from the University of Warwick, Leicester, and Edinburgh are developing a nanotechnology-based electronic nose that mimics human olfactory sensors. The device aims to improve the sensitivity and processing power of existing electronic noses, allowing for real-time monitoring of environmental pollutants and food safety.
Researchers have developed a hybrid vaccine that protects mice from West Nile virus infection by combining weakened dengue and West Nile viruses. The vaccine stimulates strong immune responses and has shown to be effective in mice, paving the way for human trials.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota have successfully transplanted stem cells into laboratory animals with stroke, restoring brain function. The study demonstrates that bone marrow-derived stem cells can differentiate into neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendroglia, offering hope for future clinical trials.
A study of 1,185 seriously ill patients found that 60% expressed a preference for comfort care but 35% believed they received aggressive treatment. Patients who received inconsistent care had significantly higher medical costs and lower survival rates.
A new study has found that fluticasone steroid nasal spray is more effective in reducing symptoms and inflammation of seasonal allergies compared to a combination of antihistamines. The treatment had minimal side effects, with the researchers preferring it due to its effect on inflammation.
A new five-dimension scale assesses consumers' perceptions of Internet retail service quality, highlighting factors such as performance, information, security, sensation, and access. The scale helps online retailers identify areas for improvement to increase customer satisfaction and drive sales.
A new study reveals a strong link between children's sleep problems and behavioral issues like hyperactivity and inattention. The research, published in the journal Pediatrics, found that children who snore often are nearly twice as likely to have attention and hyperactivity problems.
Evidence suggests PSA screening may not significantly reduce prostate cancer mortality rates. Large-scale randomized controlled trials are necessary to confirm these findings and provide clarity on the effectiveness of PSA screening at a population level.
A study of 115 residents found that 76% suffered from burnout, with half being depressed and nine percent misusing alcohol. Residents with heavy education-related debts were more likely to moonlight and experience depression.
Researchers at Cornell University have developed a novel X-ray camera capable of capturing microsecond images of events hidden to optical cameras. The camera successfully imaged shock waves generated by high-pressure fuel sprays, providing new insights into the distribution and atomization of diesel fuel.
Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology have developed a gallium-based synthesis method to produce large bundles of aligned silica nanowires. The nanowires can form unusual structures resembling cones, cherries, carrots, and comets, with potential applications as optical splitters in nanometer-scale photonic systems.
A glycolipid called a-GalCer enhances long-lasting CTL mediated immunity against malaria in mouse models. It interacts with NKT cells to bridge innate and adaptive immunity.
A new study from the University of Michigan reveals how a duplicated gene in leaf-eating monkeys has evolved to improve digestion efficiency. The researchers found that the duplicated gene allows the monkeys to better cope with an acidic environment, suggesting a key adaptation to their unusual diet.
A new study by Samuel Gosling and colleagues found that people can accurately assess certain personality traits based on office and bedroom environments, particularly openness and conscientiousness. The researchers used personal items, decorating style, neatness, and organization as cues to evaluate personalities.
Researchers demonstrate that Ebola and Marburg viruses rely on lipid rafts in the cell membrane to gain entry and assemble. This finding opens up potential therapeutic avenues against these deadly pathogens.
Christy Comeaux, a Johns Hopkins University undergraduate, is studying the genetics of fruit flies to understand human organ development. She has made key discoveries about how genes work in humans and how cells position themselves within organs.
A new clinical study by Johns Hopkins researchers shows that an experimental immunotherapy for severe ragweed allergy dramatically reduces allergic symptoms, such as runny noses, sneezing, and itchy eyes. The treatment nearly eliminates the need for relief medications and is substantially safer than conventional allergy shots.
A new technique uses cognitive testing to locate vital brain vessels, allowing for safer embolization procedures. In a study of 14 patients, 12 showed no significant neurological damage after targeted vessel treatment, while 2 required alternative approaches.
A study of 984 Chinese children found that about half continued their high-fat diet six years later, highlighting the importance of early diet in preventing chronic diseases. Socioeconomic factors such as family income and education level also played a significant role in shaping dietary patterns.
A study of over 1,500 children found that risk-taking behaviors, rebelliousness, and delinquency are common factors in smoking among all ethnic groups. Good relationships with parents, however, provide a protective effect against smoking across ethnicities.
Pamela Douglas, a Johns Hopkins University senior, is analyzing DNA from children suffering from Rhizomelic Chondrodysplasia Punctata, a devastating disease that causes stunted limbs and mental retardation. Her work may yield clues to the development of a treatment for this rare but fatal disorder.
A study by Brookhaven National Laboratory found that individual variation in dopamine release affects Ritalin's efficacy in treating attention/hyperactivity disorder. The study suggests that patients with low dopamine cell activity may not respond to the drug, even if it blocks dopamine transporters.
Researchers David Jiles and John Snyder will focus on mechanisms of clean, multi-element film growth and structuring of films at the atomistic to nano-length scale. Thin-films could replace semiconductor technology for nonvolatile computer RAM, boosting data storage capacity by 10-50 times.
A study of 228 lung cancer patients aged 65+ found that severe symptoms and social functioning are strong predictors of depression. Patients who had not received radiation therapy within 40 days were also more depressed, highlighting the importance of symptom management in older cancer patients.
Researchers found that folic acid deficiency led to decreased neurons and increased homocysteine levels, causing DNA damage in the hippocampus. Adequate folate intake helped repair this damage, suggesting a possible cause-effect relationship between folic acid and Alzheimer's disease prevention
Researchers found that HIV protein Vpr halts infected T cells from dividing, allowing the virus to replicate efficiently. The study uses a new laboratory technique to detect infected cells, providing a potential window into patient outcomes and treatment options.
A recent study by Dr Eirini Flouri and Ann Buchanan found that involved fathers are associated with improved academic motivation, reduced psychological distress, and better life outcomes for children. The research, based on 17,000 UK-born children, highlights the importance of father involvement in childhood and adolescence.
A recent study reveals that Staphylococcus aureus, a leading cause of hospital-borne infections, is part of a few massive superbug families. These bacteria have spread globally and can be tracked through unique genetic fingerprints, suggesting new targets for disease-fighting drugs.
Researchers at the University of Sydney found that cancer patients' informational and emotional needs are often not detected or addressed by oncologists. Despite this, patients' satisfaction with consultations and anxiety levels remain unaffected, highlighting the importance of doctors actively encouraging emotional disclosure.