A new study by Howard Hughes Medical Institute researchers suggests that bacterial overgrowth, rather than stomach acidity, may be a major cause of stomach ulcers. The study found that proton pump inhibitors can actually promote the growth of other types of bacteria, including Lactobacillus and Staphylococcus.
Researchers have developed a new genetic technique that can deliver a knockout blow to the Asthma Virus by targeting its RNA. The technique, called post-translational gene silencing, uses specific siRNA molecules to block viral protein production and suppress virus replication.
Researchers found that women form hierarchies among themselves in a more democratic style, waiting to establish relationships before forming structures. This challenges the notion that women are uncomfortable with hierarchical environments and instead highlights their ability to gather power slowly and carefully.
A study found that alcohol consumption during the third trimester of pregnancy alters thyroid function in both mothers and fetuses, which could lead to brain defects. The researchers used sheep as a model and administered varying doses of alcohol to pregnant ewes, resulting in altered thyroid hormone levels in both mother and fetus.
Biologists at UCSD observed a protein gradient in developing fruit fly embryos that triggers division into nervous system and epidermis. The findings confirm Alan Turing's hypothesis from the 1950s, providing insights into embryonic development.
Recent divorce can trigger emotional problem-solving during dreaming, according to Rush University Medical Center study. Volunteers who saw ex-spouse in dreams as weak or negative reported improvement after waking.
The Howard Hughes Medical Institute has awarded $16.25 million in new grants to 43 outstanding biomedical researchers from Canada and five Latin American countries. The recipients are investigating various biomedical topics, including parasitic diseases and cancer.
A study published in Manufacturing & Service Operations Management found that e-customer loyalty is driven by ease of return, timeliness of delivery, web site navigation, product availability, price, and product information. These factors have a significant impact on customer satisfaction and loyalty.
Astronauts experience orthostatic intolerance after space flight, characterized by lightheadedness and dizziness. UT Southwestern researchers found that heart shrinking and becoming stiff is the primary cause, contrary to previous research suggesting a malfunction of the sympathetic nervous system.
A study found that Chinese-Americans take in less nicotine per cigarette and metabolize it more slowly than whites and Latinos, possibly explaining lower lung cancer rates. This correlation suggests slow nicotine metabolism may contribute to reduced nicotine intake, a factor linked to lower lung cancer incidence.
Researchers have developed a new method to detect potential tropical cyclones using satellite data, allowing for earlier warning times of up to 40 hours. This technique uses wind speed data from the SeaWinds scatterometer on NASA's QuikSCAT satellite to identify areas of rotating winds.
A study in Annals of Internal Medicine finds that accurate profiling of physician care depends on study design, and that most quality initiatives fail to adjust for patient characteristics. Additionally, researchers estimate that colonoscopy is a cost-effective strategy for investigating rectal bleeding in young people
A team of UCLA and Finnish scientists has identified a genetic mutation outside the lactose intolerance gene, found in 196 adults from African, Asian, and European descent. The researchers believe this variant is the original form of the gene that mutated to tolerate milk products when humans adopted dairy farming.
Patient participation is limited in teleconsultations due to restricted talk time and lack of opportunity for patients to ask questions or assert their opinions. However, incorporating partnership-building methods like asking for patient's opinion can increase patient involvement and improve diagnosis, treatment, and health improvement.
A new study by University of Michigan researchers finds that JCAHO hospital accreditation does not correlate with patient outcomes, highlighting the need to review the current system for ensuring quality in US hospitals. The study also suggests that the JCAHO system prioritizes structural measures over newer performance metrics.
Researchers found that regular use of aspirin cuts coronary heart disease risk by 28% in people at heightened risk. Doctors should discuss pros and cons with patients to determine individualized decision, considering age, habits, and medical histories.
A new NASA-funded study shows that global warming in recent decades has been caused by carbon dioxide, with other greenhouse gases including methane, tropospheric ozone, and black carbon. The growth of emissions has slowed over the past 20 years, primarily due to the phase-out of ozone-depleting gases.
A study by the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that safety counseling coupled with convenient access to reduced-cost products increased parents' safety practices. The combination of pediatric counseling and visits to a children's safety center was successful in increasing safety practices, while home visiting prog...
Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have developed a new terahertz imaging technique that allows for faster and more detailed imaging of biological tissue. The technique uses single pulses of terahertz radiation to produce high-resolution images with the potential to automate diagnostic analysis.
A new study from Ohio State University found that nearly a quarter of LASIK patients experience nighttime vision problems, including halos, starbursts, and glare. These symptoms may persist long after the eye heals and are linked to factors such as having had the surgery repeated or having flatter corneas at the outset.
A University of Houston researcher developed a biodegradation test to ensure synthetic-based drilling fluids are environmentally safe. The EPA guideline reduces pollution by seven million pounds annually, saving operating costs without economic impacts.
A strong patient-physician relationship is crucial to obtaining needed health services, the study found. Primary care systems that prioritize accessibility, coordination, and comprehensive care can lead to stronger relationships between patients and physicians, ultimately improving health outcomes.
A research team led by William Laurance found that Amazonian forest destruction rates have risen sharply since 1995, contrary to the Brazilian government's claims. Deforestation has increased due to infrastructure projects and expanding logging and mining industries.
The USPSTF recommends discussing aspirin therapy with adult patients at increased risk of coronary heart disease, such as those with unfavorable cholesterol levels, smoking, or hypertension. Aspirin may help prevent heart attacks in these individuals, but its benefits and harms should be carefully weighed.
A recent study found that having two copies of a less-common version of the klotho gene is linked to a shorter lifespan in infants, while one copy may be associated with a longer life in older adults. The researchers also discovered that the variant is relatively common across different ethnic populations.
A team led by Tom Murphy will use laser ranging and a large telescope to measure the moon's distance from Earth with accuracy of a millimeter. The project will also test Einstein's equivalence principle and the strength of gravitational interaction, providing insights into gravity's nature.
Research finds that women who suppress their anger experience more intense feelings of anger and disgust than men. This 'rebound effect' suggests that suppressing emotions may not be an effective strategy for managing anger.
Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have developed a method for detecting unknown microorganisms in human tissue, leveraging DNA sequencing data. The technique, called computational subtraction, has shown promise in identifying novel infectious agents in mysterious chronic diseases.
Researchers at NSF Longterm Ecological Research in Antarctica found a cooling trend on the continent, contradicting global warming expectations. The study indicates that most of the continent is cooling, posing challenges to climate models and potentially affecting unique ecosystems.
A study of 820 female college students found depression and alexithymia more strongly associated with disordered eating than childhood abuse and neglect. Researchers suggest interventions addressing adaptive coping mechanisms for depression may help individuals with disordered eating behaviors.
A study found that only 24% of antibiotics prescribed for women's urinary tract infections are the recommended drug, down from 48% in 1990. The alternative medications are no more effective and cost 11-40 times as much. This trend appears to result from non-clinical forces such as pharmaceutical promotions and sub-specialty culture.
A national survey of 787 physicians found that 40% encourage sicker patients to avoid capitated managed care plans and 23% encourage healthier patients to join them. This practice, known as risk selection, raises legal, ethical, and policy issues.
A recent study of over 2,000 patients found that good communication is crucial for building trust with physicians. Patients who experience poor communication or feel left out of medical decisions are more likely to consider changing their primary care provider.
A study found that comprehensive care and access to staff members are key factors in successful patient-physician relationships for lower-income women. These features can lead to higher trust, compassion, and communication ratings among patients.
A study found significant cultural differences in depression attitudes between Protestants and Jews, particularly among Jewish men who were less likely to use alcohol as an escape from depression. The research also revealed gender differences in attitudes towards alcohol and suicide.
A simple blood test can identify millions of patients with previously undetected diabetes, according to a new study. The test, HgA1c, accurately indicates blood sugar levels over the previous two to three months and detects at least 75 percent of cases of diabetes.
The new center will focus on developing solutions to the two major threats to honeybees, including parasitic mites and Africanized honeybees. It aims to create mite-resistant stocks of honeybees using molecular technologies and traditional breeding methods.
Researchers found that soil geology plays a significant role in the Congo River Basin's response to drought. The basin's varied geology, including ferruginous cuirassed peneplain, sandy soils, and porous aquifers, affects discharge reduction rates during droughts.
Researchers studied right whales' feeding grounds, finding they use prior experience, environmental cues, and tactile clues to locate dense zooplankton patches. This understanding may help address the decline of North Atlantic right whale populations by revealing key mechanisms for their survival.
Contrary to previous research, a new study by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill found that U.S. girls hardly surpass U.S. boys in mathematical ability. The study analyzed data from elementary school through high school and found no significant gender differences until late high school, when the gap was only 1.5 percent.
Recent Martian gullies and debris flows likely resulted from the melting of near-surface ground ice due to warming temperatures. The orientation of these features closely matches the predicted latitudinal distribution of warmest near-surface temperatures at high obliquity.
Researchers investigate genetic link between Prader-Willi syndrome and psychotic illness, finding association with a sex-specific imprinted gene on chromosome 15. The study suggests that allelic variation of this gene could be a cause of genetic vulnerability to psychotic illness in the general population.
The SMART trial aims to find a balance between aggressive HIV treatment and minimizing adverse side effects. The study will compare two distinct treatment approaches over an average of seven years, providing valuable insights into the optimal use of antiviral therapy.
Scientists have discovered gold in an ancient star located 2,500 light years from Earth, providing significant insights into the formation of elements and the age of the Milky Way galaxy. The discovery was made using the Hubble Space Telescope and Keck Telescope, revealing the presence of other elements including thorium and uranium.
A study on preterm birth found that premature infants' lungs develop under different conditions after birth, affecting lung function. Leukotriene antagonists improved treatment for moderate to severe asthma by increasing pulmonary function and reducing symptoms. A personalized oral appliance also showed significant improvement in child...
The study investigated LTF in OSA patients with hypoxic exposure using nasal CPAP. Hypoxia caused increased minute ventilation and decreased upper airway resistance, which persisted during the recovery period.
Researchers using the European Space Agency's Infrared Space Observatory have found that VY Canis Majoris' smoky shroud consists of tiny particles made up of iron whiskers and amorphous silicates. The study provides new insights into the star's massive outflow, which is driven by intense pressure from its light output.
Researchers investigated how nasal volume affects nasal air-conditioning process when subjects lie face-up. The study found that increasing nasal mucosal temperature enhances nose's warming and humidifying abilities, but lying face-up reduces this ability.
Researchers used genetic tricks with fruit flies to identify the key signal allowing stationary cells in the ovary to travel. They found a protein called Unpaired that activates these cells, which may help clarify how human cancer cells invade distant tissues.
Researchers used data from thousands of galaxies to assess theories of star formation and stellar population dynamics. The cosmic spectrum shows a predominantly greenish hue due to the large numbers of old red stars and young blue stars in the universe.
Scientists have tracked sea level changes and volumes of glacial ice using fossil corals. The study found that sea levels rose too early to be consistent with Milankovitch's orbital forcing, implying other factors can override glacial cycles.
A new study strengthens evidence that aspirin prevents heart attacks and strokes in patients with high-risk conditions like angina and diabetes. Researchers estimate an extra 40,000 lives could be saved annually if more people with these conditions receive aspirin.
Child malnutrition rates are 50% in some conflict areas, while vaccine-preventable diseases persist due to the ongoing war. Militia groups regularly direct armed raids against Dinka villages, resulting in deaths and disappearances of family members, particularly children under 5 years old.
Researchers developed a detailed hazard map for Pico de Orizaba, Mexico's highest mountain, using advanced technologies and computer simulations. The map reveals three levels of hazard based on probability, enabling local authorities to prepare for various events such as landslides, mudflows, and eruptions.
Researchers confirm rare kaon decay through 6 trillion decays, shedding light on fundamental forces and building blocks of the universe. The discovery is a significant confirmation of earlier findings and paves the way for further study of exotic aspects of the Standard Model.
Researchers have discovered abstract representations of ochre pieces in a South African cave, dating back to at least 70,000 years ago. The findings indicate that early humans were able to think abstractly and behave as modern humans earlier than previously thought.
A brain protein linked to narcolepsy helps regulate bodily sensations and modulate sensory input from the body. Hypocretin-2 was found to inhibit activity of neurons associated with pain and temperature sensation, suggesting a potential mechanism connecting wakefulness and sensory modulation.
A potent bacterial toxin called streptolysin S (SLS) plays a crucial role in producing necrotizing fasciitis, a severe infection also known as 'flesh-eating disease'. Researchers discovered that SLS is essential for both group A Streptococcus and group G Streptococcus bacteria to cause the infection.
A comprehensive UK study highlights the risk factor of high staff workload on infant mortality in intensive care units. After adjusting for initial clinical risk and illness severity, patient volume and staffing provision did not influence mortality or cerebral-damage outcomes.
A review article highlights ethnic differences in access to medical services, particularly end-of-life care, among minority groups. Cultural mistrust and lack of awareness about individual patient preferences also hinder effective care.