A randomized controlled trial found that peer support significantly increased breast-feeding rates among primiparous women. At 4, 8, and 12 weeks postpartum, mothers in the peer-support group had higher breast-feeding rates than those in regular care, with 92.4% vs. 83.9%, 84.8% vs. 75.0%, and 81.1% vs. 66.9%, respectively.
Researchers identify potential link between serotonin-enhancing drugs and increased risk of cerebrovascular syndrome (stroke). The study suggests that caution should be exercised when combining medications that contain serotonin enhancers, particularly in patients presenting with sudden-onset headaches.
Astronomers have produced a new spectral atlas of massive, hot O-type stars in the Magellanic Clouds. The atlas provides detailed information on the stars' temperatures and life cycles, helping researchers analyze these critical engines driving galaxy evolution.
Rice University researchers have developed a new technique to calculate the distance of gamma-ray bursts, enabling scientists to learn more about the early universe's formation and evolution. The method uses changes in color to determine the cooling rate of high-energy pulses in these cosmic events.
A study of 1,507 people with diabetes found that 71% are aware of their high blood pressure and 57% take medication, yet control rates remain inadequate. Effective treatment strategies are needed to address the disparities in blood pressure control among people with diabetes.
Scientists have identified a genetic marker that points to Mexico as the origin of domesticated squash, contradicting previous theories. The study used mitochondrial DNA genetic markers to analyze the relationships between wild and domesticated Cucurbita pepo populations.
Researchers found a genetic association between IL-1 receptor antagonist and ADHD, suggesting immune system involvement in childhood susceptibility. The study suggests that altered IL-1 activity may contribute to ADHD's dopaminergic reactivity.
A study shows that deoxygenating ballast water can prevent the introduction of non-native aquatic species, which are responsible for significant environmental problems. This technique also reduces ship corrosion costs, estimated to save nearly $100,000 per year.
Researchers have found that herbs are a rich source of healthy antioxidants, outperforming fruits and vegetables. Oregano has the highest antioxidant activity, with some herbs containing more than 3 times the activity of apples or other popular fruits.
Research finds a genetic basis for behavior in infancy, linking attachment disorganization to dopamine D4 receptor gene polymorphisms. The study identifies specific variants that enhance the risk of disorganized attachment, supporting the role of DRD4 as a genetic susceptibility factor.
A researcher at Medical College of Georgia has identified three genetic flaws on chromosomes in patients with the most common type of Alzheimer's disease. Dr. Poduslo's study suggests that late-onset Alzheimer's is linked to multiple genes and may be subdivided into specific categories, leading to improved diagnosis and treatment options.
A comprehensive survey of brain death diagnosis in adults worldwide reveals significant variations in procedures, including differences in required physicians, observation time, and confirmatory tests. These discrepancies may be due to collective decisions by task forces or cultural attitudes, highlighting the need for standardization.
A University of Maine professor has developed a classification system to help weather forecasters and the public understand the likely impacts of winter storms. The system assigns an intensity index and category score based on air pressure and forward speed, providing insights into storm strength and duration.
A study found that nearly half of Latino men have never had a recommended digital rectal exam for prostate and colorectal cancer. Factors associated with the procedure included doctors discussing it, having health insurance, and English skills among Mexican Americans and Puerto Ricans.
Researchers have discovered a microbe that can break down polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), a toxic substance released into the environment for over 70 years. The breakthrough could lead to the development of bioremediation technologies to tackle the pollutants.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that hyper-oxygen transmissible contact lenses reduce bacterial binding and promote tear exchange, leading to decreased bacterial growth. The study suggests these new lens materials will be a breakthrough in reducing the risk of eye infections.
Researchers at Fox Chase Cancer Center have discovered that the drug Oltipraz can inhibit tumor growth by blocking blood vessel formation, while also increasing protective detoxification enzymes in the body. This dual mechanism of action may make Oltipraz a promising agent for both cancer prevention and treatment.
The CONTOUR spacecraft, launched on July 1, 2002, will capture high-resolution photos of a comet's nucleus and analyze its composition. With a unique dust shield designed to protect it from comet particles, the spacecraft aims to provide insights into comets' origins and evolution.
Research by UCLA chemists suggests that too much Coenzyme Q can be harmful to adult worms, extending their life span. The study, published in the journal Science, found that lower amounts of Coenzyme Q significantly extended the life span of Caenorhabditis elegans worms.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University are testing BufferGel, a vaginal gel that reinforces natural vaginal acidity to kill sperm and germs. The trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of BufferGel in reducing pregnancy risk when combined with a diaphragm.
Researchers have found that mice with a knocked-out Hoxb8 gene exhibit excessive grooming behavior, creating bald spots and skin wounds. This discovery suggests that Hox genes may regulate behavior in the adult brain, offering potential insights into human obsessive-compulsive disorders.
Researchers analyzed daily weather and mortality data for 11 eastern US cities, finding that mortality risk increased with temperature extremes. Cities in the North were more sensitive to heat, while Southern cities were more vulnerable to cold temperatures.
A study found that the MDR1 gene variation is associated with immune recovery after HIV treatment. The polymorphism MDR1 3435C/T predicts improved CD4-cell count recovery. This suggests P-glycoprotein plays a crucial role in antiretroviral drug absorption.
Researchers at UC Davis have identified a crucial role for sitosterol in starting the process of making cellulose. The study reveals how plant cells spin cotton fibers, providing valuable insights into the textile industry's most valuable crop.
Scientists challenge textbook example of natural selection eliminating variation from closely linked genes; Chromosome 4 has multiple regions with varying levels of recombination. High levels of genetic diversity are found on this previously thought 'non-recombining' chromosome.
A study suggests that H pylori eradication can reduce the risk of peptic ulcers in patients taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). The research found that 90% of patients who underwent H pylori eradication had a significantly lower risk of developing ulcers compared to those on placebo.
Researchers discover tumstatin protein inhibits angiogenesis by targeting a specific integrin molecule, preventing the growth of new blood vessels in tumors. The study provides new insights into the mechanism behind tumstatin's anti-angiogenic effects, paving the way for the development of more effective cancer drugs.
A protein in an insect's antenna picks up chemical signals called pheromones and changes its shape to eject them onto sensitive nerve endings. This discovery could lead to the development of insecticides that prevent insects from detecting other chemical signals, essential for their survival.
The Idaho National Laboratory has identified a promising alternative to waste incineration, known as the "Silver II" method. This process chemically oxidizes molecules at low temperatures and produces no dioxins or low-emission polyaromatic hydrocarbons.
A new study reveals that parrot plumage contains fluorescent pigments that signal sex appeal, attracting mates. Researchers found that applying sunscreen reduced the birds' fluorescence, resulting in a decreased sexual preference.
A longitudinal study of 1791 Brazilian women found that persistent HPV infections increased the risk of squamous intraepithelial lesions (SIL) by 10.2 times compared to those without infection. Women with persistent type 16 or 18 HPV infections had a strong correlation with SIL incidence.
The new section aims to explain the relevance of new research in genetics and molecular biology to practising clinicians. Key findings include associations between genetic sequences and disease, as well as the potential of proteomic analysis to further our understanding.
Scientists have successfully created a crystal of atoms and observed a quantum phase transition, shedding light on fundamental problems in solid-state physics, quantum optics, and atomic physics. By increasing the strength of a microscopic lattice, researchers induced a transition from a superfluid phase to an insulating Mott phase.
Researchers have found that encapsulating molecules within carbon nanotubes can dramatically modify their electronic properties. This discovery could lead to the design of single-molecule-based devices and hybrid nanostructures with tailored electronic functions.
The TIGER experiment is making a groundbreaking second loop around the South Pole to study the origin of cosmic rays. By examining abundance ratios of neighboring elements, scientists aim to determine whether atoms were accelerated individually or as dust grains, and gain insights into supernovas.
Researchers from the University of Missouri-Columbia and Immerge BioTherapeutics Inc. have successfully cloned a miniature swine with a gene knocked out of its DNA. This achievement moves closer to making animal-to-human organ transplantation a reality, offering hope to over 75,000 Americans waiting for organs.
A NASA-funded study is investigating the effects of reduced sleep on astronauts in space, with a focus on finding optimal combinations of anchor sleep and daily naps. The research aims to mitigate cognitive impairments, improve reaction times, and enhance overall well-being among space travelers.
A Japanese study found that front-seat passengers are nearly five times more likely to die in car crashes if rear-seat passengers do not wear seat belts. The researchers estimate that up to 80% of deaths of belted front-seat occupants could be prevented with rear seatbelt use.
A French study found that intravenous immunoglobulin improved platelet counts in adults with AITP. The study also showed that oral steroids and placebo had similar efficacy rates. The researchers suggest judicious observation for patients without severe bleeding and recommend specific immune-based therapies.
A study led by Dr. George Ojemann identified 105 neurons with specific responses to different stages of memory, including encoding, storage, and retrieval. The findings highlight the complexity of individual neurons' role in memory and provide insights into brain regions involved in implicit memory recall.
Researchers at Penn and Illinois have created nanoscale peapods that exhibit tunable electronic properties. By manipulating encapsulated molecules, they can engineer electron motion inside nanotubes in a predictable way.
Researchers have created a new way to calculate 'magic numbers' in sports leagues, taking into account all possible future games. The new method can be applied to multiple sports like hockey and European soccer, providing more accurate predictions of team outcomes.
Researchers have found that bacteria use an analogous integrated communications system to sense chemical signals. The discovery may lead to new vaccine strategies and the creation of surfaces that naturally repel pathogenic microbes.
A new HIV treatment potential has been discovered through protein discovery by Rutgers cell biologist, Dr. Firestein. The identified protein, HP68, plays a crucial role in the assembly of HIV capsids, and disrupting its interaction with Gag proteins may stop HIV production.
Researchers have developed a robust DNA mechanical device that can manipulate movement within individual molecule pairs without affecting others. This breakthrough paves the way for nanorobotic applications and demonstrates a new level of control over molecular-scale devices.
Researchers monitor epithelial cell plasticity to understand its potential applications in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. By analyzing individual cells, scientists can gain insights into how tissues adapt and respond to changing conditions.
Infants and adults are susceptible to bacterial meningitis-induced CNS cell death, leading to severe neurological outcomes. Researchers investigated the underlying mechanisms of this devastating condition, shedding light on potential therapeutic targets for treatment and prevention.
Researchers explored the anti-inflammatory properties of apoptotic bodies in various diseases, including IBD and osteoarthritis. They found that these bodies can modulate immune responses and reduce inflammation, offering new therapeutic targets for treating chronic inflammatory conditions.
The study, led by UC Berkeley professor James Kirchner, found that the diversification of life obeys 'speed limits' set by evolutionary processes. Biodiversity takes time to recover after an extinction due to complex ecological niche building and evolution.
A new study reveals that white sharks can range across vast stretches of the open ocean, with some migrating thousands of miles from California to Hawaii. The researchers used electronic tagging technology to track the movement and behavior of six adult white sharks, finding that they were not coastal animals as previously thought.
A new study found that risperidone, a second-generation antipsychotic medication, cuts the one-year rate of relapse for patients with schizophrenia in half compared to haloperidol. This reduction could have significant economic benefits and improve patient outcomes.
Researchers found that steroid treatment reduced sore throat pain by four hours and increased relief to twice that of placebo patients. The study also showed significant cost savings due to the pill form, which eliminates the need for a physician or nurse to administer the shot.
An ivory statuette of a lion-tamer may be part of the throne given to Apollo by King Midas, according to Dr. Keith DeVries. The statuette's style and date match Phrygian art from Turkey, supporting a strong case for its association with the king's throne.
Researchers found that children who learned ASL before puberty exhibit distinct brain activity patterns when reading sign language, while those who learn it after puberty show reduced right hemisphere activity. This study highlights the importance of early language exposure in shaping neural systems for language.
Scientists at Scripps Research Institute have discovered a fragment of the human protein TrpRS that inhibits angiogenesis, offering new hope for treatments of age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. The truncated form of TrpRS appears to be more potent than existing antiangiogenic compounds.
A new technology uses high definition thermal imaging to detect lying by measuring heat patterns on the face, which change dramatically when a person is deceptive. Clinical trials have shown an accuracy rate of 83% in detecting deception.
A new UCLA imaging study has found that placebo alters brain function in individuals with major depression, showing increased activity in the prefrontal cortex for those who responded to treatment. This discovery challenges traditional views on treatment effectiveness and may lead to the development of new medications.
Researchers have identified matrix metalloproteinases as a key player in the spread of prostate cancer to the bone, offering a new target for treatment. Additionally, a genetic marker may be useful in predicting survival rates for patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, while oral contraceptive use has been found to reduce ovarian...
A new study analyzing oral contraceptive use among women with epithelial ovarian cancer found a significant association between progestin levels and reduced risk. Women using low-progestin/high-estrogen contraceptives were more likely to develop ovarian cancer compared to those using high-progestin/high-estrogen contraceptives.
A study led by Joellen Schildkraut at Duke University Medical Center found that oral contraceptives with higher levels of progestin may be more protective against ovarian cancer than those with lower progestin potency. Higher progestin levels were associated with a significant reduction in risk, even for short periods of use.