Researchers found that large volcanic eruptions, like the 1991 Pinatubo eruption, can temporarily cool the Earth and reduce plant growth due to increased aerosols in the atmosphere. This 'greener greenhouse' effect is partly caused by reduced sunlight and carbon dioxide emissions.
Scientists have identified a crucial protein called DE-cadherin-mediated cell adhesion, or 'cell glue', which enables stem cells to locate their niche and receive essential instructions for survival. The discovery sheds light on the importance of microenvironment in determining stem cell fate.
Asthma airway remodeling begins in childhood and continues into adulthood, affecting lung function and increasing the risk of respiratory complications. A new study found that 7.4% of children with asthma developed structural abnormalities in their airways at age 18, a rate similar to adults with asthma.
Researchers found a link between abnormal retinal blood vessels and cognitive decline, potentially providing an early warning system for dementia. Low vitamin C levels in the blood were also associated with increased stroke risk, particularly among hypertensive men.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that percutaneous vertebroplasty can be performed safely without venography in most cases. The study showed that 205 consecutive procedures without venography resulted in no major complications or cement leakage, with over 80% of patients experiencing major pain relief.
A genetic polymorphism in the PON1 gene has been found to significantly increase stroke risk in young adults by a factor of 4.10 compared to those without the abnormality. The presence of this genetic abnormality also interacts with other risk factors, such as smoking and high blood pressure, to multiply stroke risk.
Recent Smart Start studies show significant improvement in child-care quality, with more classrooms rated 'good' to 'excellent' and nationally accredited centers increasing. The report also highlights the positive impact on children's health outcomes, including increased vaccinations and developmental screenings.
Researchers at UF found that combining therapies with mild electrical stimulation and motion training to both arms improved motor recovery in people with chronic weakness and partial paralysis. Participants regained significantly more motion, reaction times, and sustained muscle contractions.
A Stanford team has discovered a permanent signal that controls the growth of axons in neurons, which can lead to paralysis. This finding suggests that age is not the key to an axon's inability to regenerate, but rather an outside signal from retinal cells.
A large-scale study in Scotland found that breastfeeding is associated with a reduced risk of childhood obesity, persisting even after adjusting for socioeconomic factors. The relative reduction in risk was 30% when obesity was defined as the 98th percentile or higher for BMI.
A randomized trial found that virtual outreach services, where patients and GPs attend a video conference with specialists, resulted in more follow-up appointments (52%) and fewer tests ordered compared to standard outpatient referrals. Patients expressed greater satisfaction with virtual outreach consultations.
The IU Pediatrics Training Program, funded by a $2.5 million Anne E. Dyson Foundation grant, focuses on patient advocacy and community-based care. Pediatric residents will work with families served by organizations such as the Hispanic Education Center and Julian Center to improve their health outcomes.
Researchers at Temple University discovered that the Rb2 gene's lack of expression could be an early indicator of prostate cancer. A study found lower expression levels of Rb2 in prostate tissue as it progresses from normal to cancerous, suggesting its potential use as a diagnostic marker.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center discovered a gene linked to male infertility in mice, which may also be associated with human infertility. The study found that the miwi gene plays an essential role in sperm production and its deficiency can lead to complete sterility in mice.
Researchers found that KNOX1 genes are expressed in all plants with complex leaves, such as tomatoes and ferns. The study revealed that some simple-leaved plants, like maize, have previously grown complex leaves but evolved to have simpler ones.
New measurements show that Greenland ice sheet flow speeds up from 31.3 cm/day in winter to a peak of 40 cm/day in summer, correlated with surface melting timing and intensity. The observed process may have contributed to the demise of past ice sheets and could impact sea level rise.
Global Aerospace Corporation wins NASA award to develop DARE system, which uses autonomous balloons to explore planetary atmospheres and surfaces from atmospheric altitudes. The system can deploy micro probes to study the atmosphere, surface, and subsurface, offering high-resolution imaging and direct measurements.
Researchers found that diverse plant communities are more effective at excluding invasive weeds due to complete utilization of space and limited resources. This implies that biodiversity can also provide local resistance to invasions.
A Princeton-led study found that 62% of marine iguanas on a Galapagos island died within a year after an oil spill. The researchers believe that beneficial microorganisms in the iguana's guts were killed by the oil, leading to their deaths.
Researchers at Stanford University have discovered that giant loops of hot, electrified gas linked to sunspots near the equator may cause polar reversals. The findings help predict violent solar flares and eruptions that interfere with Earth's communications.
A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that genetic testing using breast cells can accurately predict breast cancer risk. The Gail model, a computer-based predictor, was correlated with DNA deletions and precancerous changes in cells, suggesting an individualized approach to risk assessment.
Dr. Katherine High, a leading gene therapy researcher, has been chosen by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute for her groundbreaking work on treating hemophilia B. Her research holds promise for delivering therapeutic genes directly into patients' cells to improve blood clotting and quality of life.
Researchers have discovered that electrons in conducting-insulating materials interact strongly when excited, allowing them to move between planes and exhibit metal-like behavior. The critical temperature for this change ranges from -100 to -300 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on the material.
The Ohio University team, dubbed the 'Robobcats,' has developed soccer-playing robots that employ artificial intelligence to devise play strategies. The technology also has practical applications in disaster response and space exploration.
Researchers found that acute stress symptoms were common among injured children and their parents, with nearly four-fifths experiencing at least one significant symptom. Pediatricians should support distressed parents to help them cope with traumatic injuries.
A study by Duke University Medical Center researcher Haifan Lin discovered that 63 percent of men with the overactive form of the hiwi gene are at risk of developing seminoma, a type of testicular cancer. The hiwi gene is highly correlated to seminoma, and its overexpression can lead to an increased risk of testicular cancer.
The study found significant variations in cancer prevalence across European countries, with high rates in Sweden, Switzerland, and Germany, and low rates in Poland, Estonia, Slovakia, and Slovenia. The research team suggests that cancer prevalence is closely linked to economic development and survival rates.
Researchers at Ohio State University found that methamphetamine exposure can dramatically increase the replication of lentiviruses like FIV and HIV in astrocyte cells, a type of nerve cell. This could lead to new insights into how these viruses spread in the brain and may impact dementia treatment.
UT Southwestern researchers have developed two blood tests that can predict central nervous system infection in infants born to mothers with syphilis. These tests, which detect neonatal antibodies and DNA of the syphilis organism, were found to be effective in identifying all cases of CNS infection in a study of 148 infants.
Researchers found that cord blood cells improved neurological function in rats with traumatic brain injury, suggesting a new approach for treating this condition. The cells helped promote brain self-repair by stimulating trophic factors and cytokines, which led to better movement, balance, and reflex responses.
A study of 906 individuals between 40-49 years old found no cancer cases despite low-risk profiles. Age is identified as a good predictor of colorectal cancer risk, with 7% of cancers occurring in individuals under age 50.
The ASU School of Social Work has received a $1.6 million grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to strengthen and expand social work research on drug use. The consortium, led by Flavio Francisco Marsiglia, will focus on historical cultures of the Southwest and community-based needs assessments.
Two studies found high discordance between local laboratory tests and central testing facilities, raising concerns about patient eligibility for trastuzumab trials. These discrepancies could lead to unnecessary costs and cardiotoxicity. Trials have since modified their criteria to require central laboratory testing to confirm HER2 status.
Researchers found that most articles reporting new treatment results only used the most favorable statistic. Only 18 out of 359 articles reported 'absolute-risk reduction', and none reported 'number needed to treat'. Complete reporting is crucial for informed patient decisions.
Kodali and Nivens have developed a series of commercial lubricants, Agri-Pure 500, made from modified vegetable oils that overcome gelation and degradation issues. The oils can be used in environmentally sensitive areas and as base oils for hydraulic fluid and crankcase oil.
A new report by Dartmouth and VA researchers has introduced simple, low-tech risk charts that place cancer mortality in context. These charts show the 10-year chance of dying from various causes, such as heart disease, stroke, or breast cancer, side-by-side for men and women of different ages and smoking statuses.
Climate change is projected to increase extreme weather events, displacing millions and fueling conflict in low-lying countries. Biogeographical redistribution of pathogens and organisms via globalization poses a growing threat to global security.
Researchers at Stanford University Medical Center have identified genes needed by cancerous liver cells but ignored or used at different levels by normal liver cells. This discovery could lead to more effective treatments and screening tests for liver cancer in Asian populations, who are 10 times more likely to develop the disease due ...
Researchers observed supernova remnants in two neighboring galaxies, providing new insight into gas shocked by blast waves and material structure between stars. The findings expand our understanding of a star's long-term evolution and how elements are redistributed into interstellar space.
A study found that 39 out of 147 research presentations received prominent newspaper coverage, despite being preliminary findings. The publications record for these presentations was almost identical to the overall publication rate, highlighting the need for scientists to emphasize limitations when interviewed by media.
Harden McConnell, a renowned Stanford University chemist, has been awarded the 2002 Welch Award for his pioneering discoveries about cell membranes. His work has provided new insights into how the body regulates cholesterol and activates its immune system.
A study by University of Virginia researchers reveals that journals and authors are protected by various measures, including court rulings, state shield laws, and constitutional provisions. This protection helps prevent corporate power and pressure from tainting peer review.
A new approach to designing smart structures has been developed, using embedded systems with microprocessors and sensors. The system allows for scalability without increasing weight, power consumption, or cost, making it a promising solution for industries such as aerospace and automotive.
Researchers discover that metals like iron are essential for the synthesis of a biological matrix in ocean mussels. This finding could lead to the development of powerful adhesives and antifouling coatings.
Research suggests that preeclampsia may decrease the risk of preterm delivery when a woman smokes, but negative effects persist even without clinical preeclampsia. Abnormal implantation of the fertilized egg in the uterus may also continue to affect pregnancy outcomes.
Research suggests a link between mild vitamin C deficiency and increased blood vessel stiffness in pregnant rats, potentially exacerbating preeclampsia risk. Pregnant women with a history of preeclampsia face an elevated chance of developing the disorder again in subsequent pregnancies.
Breast cancer researchers found that registry data accuracy is higher for hospital-based services than ambulatory services, suggesting registries can improve cancer care quality. Additionally, a study suggests blocking growth factor receptors may suppress regional metastases but not distant lung metastases.
Researchers found that 6-month-old hearing infants consistently preferred American Sign Language to pantomime. The infants spent more time looking at ASL than pantomime, even when given the freedom to look elsewhere. This study expands on previous findings of infants' sensitivity to spoken language and may indicate a universal preferen...
Recent medical press releases have been found to often exaggerate results, fail to acknowledge study limitations, and lack transparency. The authors suggest that journals can improve the quality of press releases through enhanced editorial oversight and standardized presentation formats.
A retrospective study of 21,232 farmers in Xuanwei, China found that switching from unvented to vented stoves resulted in a 41% reduction in lung cancer risk for men and 46% for women. Indoor air pollution levels decreased by 65% with the new stove installations.
Spending on prescription drugs grew by 16.9% in 2001, with 56.8% of the increase attributed to higher prices and use of more expensive medications. The average wholesale price rose by $85.42 to $592.05. In contrast, the company forecasts a 15.9% annual spending growth rate for 2002, driven by new generics and moderation in utilization.
Scientists found that climate change from greenhouse gases may greatly slow ozone recovery due to increased water vapor and temperature changes in the upper atmosphere. Ozone levels are expected to reach their lowest point by around 2006, according to NASA research.
Researchers at Rutgers University have created a new approach to increase protein content in corn without using genetically modified organisms (GMOs). The discovery has the potential to improve nutritional health in Third World countries where corn is a staple food.
Scientists discover nitric oxide's active regulatory role in responding to tissue oxygen needs, enabling red blood cells to regulate blood flow. The findings explain why certain treatments fail or lead to adverse effects, offering new avenues for treating disorders such as sickle cell disease and pulmonary hypertension.
Researchers found that rats depleted of salt show unusual growth of brain cells, with a 30-35% increase in neuron length and branching. This suggests an ability for neurons to make more connections.
A recent study by Ohio State University researchers found that semiconductor companies can improve their technological performance through outsourcing, but only under specific circumstances. The study identified critical characteristics of the end-product and production process that predict successful outsourcing outcomes.
Scientists have solved the long-standing riddle of how nitroglycerin works by discovering an enzyme called mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenase (mALDH) that breaks down the drug. The team found that mALDH causes nitric oxide to be released from nitroglycerin, leading to tolerance in patients.
Researchers analyzed care in US, Australia, Canada, and UK to find similar survival rates for low-birth-weight babies. The US spent more on neonatal intensive care but less on reproductive and prenatal care.
Researchers developed a test to predict which patients with locally advanced breast cancer are likely to respond to chemotherapy, and found it was accurate 100% of the time. The test used radiotracer uptake and washout rates to identify patients who would benefit from specific drugs to boost their response.
A new radiosurgery protocol using the Gamma Knife is being tested to eliminate epileptic seizures in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy. The treatment has shown promising results, with up to 95% effectiveness and significant improvement in quality of life.