A significant proportion of elderly people in the UK experience poor hearing, with around a quarter failing a whispered voice test. The study highlights challenges in improving detection and management of reduced hearing, as well as increasing ownership and use of hearing aids.
The Dynamic Brain Atlas project utilizes Grid technology to create customized brain atlases from hundreds of images. This allows radiologists to identify subtle brain abnormalities and improve diagnoses for psychiatric conditions and dementias.
Researchers have discovered that the old drug sirolimus can also protect blood vessels of transplanted hearts, preventing chronic rejection. The study found that sirolimus can stop proliferation of smooth-muscle cells, which build up scar tissue and block oxygen supply to the heart.
Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have discovered that single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCN) emit a loud pop and then ignite when exposed to a conventional photographic flash. This phenomenon, known as the photo-acoustic effect, has been observed for decades but not previously associated with carbon nanotubes.
Young women with anorexia nervosa exhibit varying reactions to bone density results, with some finding motivation for recovery later in their course. The timing of the measurement seemed to be a key factor in these responses.
Researchers found that humans can acquire immunity to hepatitis C virus, reducing the risk of persistent infection and its complications like liver cirrhosis and cancer. The study's findings add to growing evidence that vaccines could be used to protect against hepatitis C.
Elderly individuals with untreated systolic hypertension are three times more likely to experience adverse cardiovascular events than those with normal blood pressure. Early treatment for high blood pressure significantly reduces cardiovascular risk, particularly among those free of detectable disease at study entry.
The study found that high-intensity physical training significantly improved cardiovascular fitness profiles and reduced abdominal fat in obese adolescents. Moderate-intensity physical training had less impact on these outcomes.
The New Focus Student Awards recognize groundbreaking research by six finalists, including Seth Aubin's work on francium trapping, E. Staffan Björlin's vertical-cavity semiconductor optical amplifiers, and Michael J. Escuti's switchable mesoscale lattices in liquid crystal polymer dispersions.
Researchers discovered that calcification of breast blood vessels is associated with an increased risk of stroke. Women with diabetes, older age, and low educational background are at higher risk. Mammograms might one day be used to better determine a woman's cardiovascular risk.
Emerging Generation IV machines will provide significant improvements in reactor design, economics, safety, and waste minimization. Advanced designs include high-temperature reactors that can produce hot water for communities or desalination energy.
Researchers at USF Center for Aging and Brain Repair investigate whether stem cells from human umbilical cord blood can reverse age-related declines in learning and memory. The 5-year study aims to determine the effectiveness of these cells in treating neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.
The University of Maryland Medical Center has successfully reduced barriers to kidney transplantation for African-Americans, cutting the median waiting time from 1,335 days to 681 days. The comprehensive program includes patient education and living donation efforts, leading to better graft survival rates.
A new study challenges the Hispanic paradox, finding that U.S.-born Mexican Americans have higher rates of heart disease deaths than non-Hispanic whites. Researchers also found that Mexico-born Hispanics were not significantly different in mortality risk.
The Optical Society of America honored its 2002 award winners, recognizing their significant contributions to various fields of optics. Notably, James P. Gordon received the Frederic Ives Medal for his seminal work on quantum electronics, while Emil Wolf was awarded the Esther Hoffman Beller Award for his influential educational work.
New research adds to evidence that acetaminophen may prevent colon cancer in lab animals. The study found that pretreating animals with acetaminophen significantly protected them against cellular changes indicative of colon cancer. However, more animal research is needed before humans can be studied in clinical trials.
A study of 246 women with eating disorders found that those with anorexia nervosa were 57 times more likely to commit suicide. Women with bulimia nervosa were also at risk, particularly those with depression and anorexic symptoms.
Declining physical activity levels are strongly associated with increasing obesity rates. A 15-year study found that higher intensity physical activity was inversely related to obesity, suggesting a physically active lifestyle can help prevent weight gain.
Men and women who smoked cigarettes had a significantly increased risk of heart attack, with female smokers facing an 80% greater risk than their peers. This contradicts the initial assumption that leanness is cardio-protective, highlighting the need for further research.
Researchers at MIT have developed a biodegradable smart suture that can change shape in response to temperature changes, potentially solving medical implant challenges. The new material has shown promise for creating temporary shapes in confined spaces, such as those associated with minimally invasive surgery.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center investigated the impact of taste and smell deficits on cancer patients' weight loss and nutritional status. Adding flavor-enhancing powders derived from foods like cheese, bacon, garlic, and fruits showed promise in improving appetite and immune function.
A new study found that a specific gene stimulates an activity-boosting enzyme in the brain's visual processing centers of honeybees, leading to changes in foraging behavior. The gene's impact on foraging is similar to its effects in other species, suggesting a crucial role in understanding how genes influence behavior.
Researchers have identified gamma-delta T cells as a crucial component of the immune system in wound repair. These cells recognize an antigen released by keratinocytes during injury and produce growth factors that help proliferate epithelial cells, leading to wound closure.
A Dutch study found that heavy tea drinking was associated with a significantly lower risk of heart attack, particularly when combined with a healthy diet and lifestyle. The study suggested that flavonoids in black tea may help prevent excess vascular damage from ischemic heart disease.
Researchers discovered that manganese can significantly lower HIV's reverse transcriptase enzyme activity. By targeting the manganese transporter, scientists may develop a new class of anti-retroviral drugs to stop HIV replication.
Scientists conducted a study on genetic markers in families with multiple members diagnosed with schizophrenia, finding potential associations on chromosome 1q. However, these genes are thought to influence only a small proportion of patients, highlighting the complexity of unraveling complex diseases.
A recent study by University of Toronto professor Cecilia Reynolds found that women are underrepresented in school leadership positions and often face limited opportunities for advancement. Women who do become principals are frequently assigned to challenging schools, perpetuating gender imbalances in the education system.
A study published in Gastroenterology reveals the top gastrointestinal and liver diseases causing financial burden, with GERD being the most expensive at $9.3 billion annually. The study estimates a total of $36 billion in direct costs and $22.8 billion in indirect costs, affecting millions of Americans.
Researchers have made significant discoveries about the molecular mechanisms underlying addiction, memory formation, and brain plasticity. A key molecule called AP1 has been found to play a crucial role in controlling synaptic changes, which are more extensive than previously thought and resemble those induced by real experience.
Researchers found a link between non-traditional jobs and social roles with increased coronary heart disease and death. Men who identified as househusbands had an 82% higher 10-year death rate compared to working men.
A study analyzing US commercials aired during children's shows found a surge in fast-food portion sizes since the 1970s. Researchers suggest this could contribute to childhood obesity and heart disease if combined with decreased physical activity.
Researchers investigated ten alcohol-based gels and four hand rinses, concluding they were less effective than a reference disinfectant within 30 seconds. The introduction of these gel formulations in hospitals could lead to increased risk of cross-transmission due to shorter application times.
Carbon nanotubes have been shown to exhibit exceptional mechanical properties, enabling the creation of high-speed electronic devices. The breakthrough could lead to the development of hand-held DNA detectors, superfast optical detectors, and computer chip speeds faster than current Pentium processors.
Researchers analyzed participants' CETP genes to find genetic markers for heart disease. They discovered a pattern of gene variations called haplotype, which showed a significant association with the person's response to statin therapy.
A preliminary study at the University of Toronto found that green roofs were better at protecting roof membranes from extreme temperatures than conventional roofs. Green roofs also reduced storm water run-off and kept summer temperatures inside structures lower due to vegetation cooling effect.
Researchers estimated that New Guinea's plant community is dominated by clusters of closely related plant species, which are fed upon by a greater number of insects. This discovery leads to revised estimates of total world species numbers, with the range being between 4.8 million and 6 million.
Researchers found that 46.7% of coronary heart disease patients were firstborn, with lower rates of cigarette smoking and similar risk factors compared to younger siblings. The study suggests primogeniture as an independent predisposing determinant of CHD, which should be taken into account when assessing global patient risk.
A study of 122 men and women who suffered out-of-hospital cardiac arrests found that women were more likely to report psychological stressors as triggers before their arrest, while men were more likely to report physical exertion. The study suggests that emotional triggers may play a role in sudden cardiac death for women.
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force emphasizes the importance of personalized advice from doctors to motivate patients to change unhealthy behaviors. Effective methods include engaging patients in self-management practices and shared decision-making, prioritizing patient autonomy and choice.
A study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that teen habitual smokers who believed they could quit anytime had a higher risk of progressing to established smoking. Teenagers who were highly receptive to tobacco advertising also had a higher risk, with 70% more likely to have progressed to established smoking.
The LaserNet Fines instrument uses algorithms based on neural networking to analyze particulate matter, making accurate predictions with 97% accuracy. This technology has immense potential for improving the Navy's safety and readiness while reducing costs in multiple industries, including railroad, trucking, and construction.
Researchers have discovered a significant link between low birth weight and mitochondrial DNA passed from mothers to offspring. This finding suggests that genetics play a substantial role in determining birth weight, and may also contribute to adult illnesses such as diabetes and heart disease.
A 2-year study found that high-dose interferon beta-1b significantly reduced relapse rates and new brain lesions in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis compared to interferon beta-1a. The treatment also showed a strong association between MS and type-1 diabetes in the Sardinian population.
Researchers found that losing species initially leads to reduced productivity, highlighting the importance of biodiversity in complex ecosystems. The study used a larger food web system, revealing a more dramatic effect than previously thought.
A study found that women with a history of heart attack were 2.7 times more likely to have impaired cochlear function than those without, highlighting a potential link between CVD and age-related hearing loss. The research used a new technology to test cochlear function in over 1,600 participants aged 52-97.
A new study estimates 3.7 to 5.9 million insects worldwide, down from Erwin's initial estimate of 30 million. The research suggests that specialist herbivores are rare, and genera rather than species are the preferred unit for biodiversity calculations.
A new study found that tiredness, frustration, and fatigue can increase the risk of heart attacks. Researchers analyzed data from over 12,000 participants, aged 45-64, to determine if psychological factors such as anger, vital exhaustion, and chronic fatigue could predict long-term heart attack risk.
A study found narcolepsy prevalence is higher in men and peaks in the 20s, with 36% of cases lacking cataplexy. The disorder affects over 100,000 Americans, with 14 new cases developing annually in a one-million population.
The RDCC facilitates collaboration between researchers to develop new diagnostic tests and innovative therapies. Researchers aim to translate scientific discoveries into patient treatment within five years.
MIT scientists develop polymer fibers with a 'perfect mirror' structure, enabling reflection of light across various wavelengths and potential applications in optical textiles. The breakthrough utilizes dielectric materials to control the fiber's optical properties.
A recent study found that people previously infected with HCV are 12 times less likely to develop persistent infection than those infected for the first time. This suggests that immunity can be acquired to protect against viral persistence, making vaccines a potential solution to reduce medical consequences of HCV infection.
A study by the University of California, San Diego Cancer Center found that the percentage of smoke-free workplaces increased from 35% to over 93%, while nearly half of adult smokers lived in smoke-free homes. The study highlights the effectiveness of clean air legislation and education in reducing exposure to secondhand smoke.
Researchers aim to mimic bat echolocation using synthetic aperture sonar, allowing for more accurate detection of submarines and mines. By duplicating bats' ability to differentiate between echoes, naval sonars can identify objects separated by the width of a human hair.
A new oral medication, valganciclovir, has been shown to be as effective as traditional intravenous treatment for CMV retinitis in AIDS patients. The pill form reduces the need for permanent catheters and improves patient convenience.
Researchers found salamanders with unusual, asymmetrical spots in a pond on an Ithaca golf course, suggesting environmental stress. The study compared 60-year-old samples with contemporary ones, showing a significant change in spot symmetry.
Chronic alcohol abuse can lead to life-threatening lung disease due to glutathione depletion. Glutathione depletion leaves the lungs vulnerable to injury when a serious illness such as sepsis or pneumonia occurs. Effective therapies for preventing and treating chronic alcohol abuse-related lung damage are still being designed.
Researchers at UCR's CE-CERT are developing a way to convert wet waste, such as sewage sludge and grass clippings, into synthetic diesel fuel and electricity. The process has the potential to produce up to 26 barrels of fuel and 34 megawatt-hours of electricity per day.
A Virginia Tech study found that obesity, heavy alcohol consumption, and age are strongly associated with hypertension in both men and women over 40. Losing weight can reduce the risk of hypertension, particularly for African-American women, who are at a greater risk due to their body mass index and lifestyle factors.
Researchers have found that MMP enzymes recruit circulating inflammatory cells to form atherosclerotic plaques, which can lead to acute cardiovascular events. The study also reveals the complex roles of MMP enzymes in remodeling the extracellular matrix, suggesting new therapeutic strategies to limit plaque growth.
A new study found that young adults do not change their health behaviors when a close family member suffers a heart attack or stroke. Despite this, researchers note that these events can signal increased personal risk for cardiovascular disease.