A new study by Pamela Paxton found that organizations with strong connections to the larger community promote democracy, while isolated groups have a negative impact. Countries with more of these connected groups tend to score higher on measures of democracy.
The NASA spacecraft TIMED observes the global reaction of the upper atmosphere to solar activity, helping scientists understand why some solar events have significant geospace impact. Preliminary data from TIMED will be featured at the Spring 2002 American Geophysical Union meeting, May 31, in Washington, D.C.
A new study from Ohio State University found that students in racially diverse schools are more likely to form segregated friendships. The research suggests that schools can promote cross-racial friendships by encouraging extracurricular activities that bring together students of different races.
A new study suggests that global warming could lead to a shift in forest growth patterns, with temperate regions like North America potentially losing market share to subtropical regions. As temperatures rise, softwood species may migrate north and take over hardwood forests, leading to economic losses for growers.
Scientists have developed new methods to characterize diamonds, allowing them to link the stones' properties to their mine of origin. This study aims to shed light on plate tectonics, the Earth's formation, and processes deep in the Earth.
Women with irregular periods are at increased risk of developing osteoporosis later in life, according to a recent study. The research found that nearly all women with premature ovarian failure reported changes in their menstrual cycle, highlighting the importance of early evaluation and treatment.
Alzheimer's disease prevalence is projected to double by 2050 due to a growing population of older adults. A new report suggests that even with significant treatment breakthroughs, the burden on healthcare systems will increase threefold.
Scientists will study the properties of materials in low-gravity conditions to improve industry's high-tech products. Bubbles trapped in solid samples can cause internal cracks, diminishing a material's strength.
A stress detector has been developed to continuously monitor hydrocortisone levels in saliva, allowing for real-time stress evaluation. The device could aid military troops, pilots, and emergency personnel in maintaining combat readiness and making informed decisions.
A study published in the American Journal of Public Health found that tobacco industry youth anti-smoking programs were designed to serve the industry's political aims, rather than reducing smoking rates. The programs aimed to gather information on youth behavior and attitudes to inform marketing strategies.
Researchers have found that people with depression have a persistent biological abnormality in their serotonin systems, even when not depressed. The study, published in Neuropsychopharmacology, suggests depression reflects a genetic trait and may require longer medication use.
A new study by Columbia University Irving Medical Center reveals significant differences in PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) and PSAD (Prostate-Specific Antigen Density) test measurements between Caucasian and Hispanic men. The study found that while PSAD can accurately predict cancer risk in Caucasians, it is less effective in Hispanic...
A 12-month study of 430 overweight men and women showed a significant weight loss of 11.6 kg with Xenical, with improvements in blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and waist circumference. The results demonstrate the efficacy of Xenical in a real-life clinical practice setting.
Researchers found that a weevil released to control Canada thistle in the US instead harms a native thistle species, Tracy's thistle. The weevil reduced seed production by two-thirds in infested stands, with no impact on non-native thistles.
A CWRU study of 1,000 retirees aged 75+ found that regular exercise and not smoking significantly correlated with increased lifespan. Exercise was also shown to improve physical function and mental health, such as reduced depression and increased exuberance for life.
Combination therapy of finasteride and doxazosin significantly reduces BPH progression, urinary retention, and invasive treatments. Finasteride reduces prostate size, providing long-lasting symptom relief.
A new prediction index uses satellite-based data to identify signs of El Niño development in the winter, providing a 6-9 month lead-time. The study found high values that preceded five strongest El Niños, and predicts the next event to begin between July and October 2002.
A new study by UB researchers provides the first scientific proof that handwriting is unique to each individual, setting a significant standard for handwriting analysis in forensic applications. The team's software system can distinguish with 96% confidence whether two documents were written by the same person or different people.
A new implantable device has been designed to deliver anti-psychotic medication for up to a year, potentially relieving patients of psychosis and social instability. The device, made of biodegradable polymers, is surgically implanted under the skin and releases medication into the bloodstream at a specific rate.
Wild meat harvesting is a major threat to threatened species, with big mammals and conspicuous birds being most at risk. Conservation biologists and organizations must work together to address poverty and unmanaged wildlife use to mitigate overhunting.
Experts will address common misconceptions about radiation and provide guidance on planning and preparation for terrorist acts involving radioactive materials. The seminar aims to educate nuclear medicine professionals and alleviate fears among non-nuclear medical staff.
Researchers found less gray matter in select brain regions of chronic cocaine users compared to controls. This decrease may contribute to behaviors such as impulsive decision-making and risk-taking. Understanding these effects can help develop strategies to reverse and restore normal brain function.
Research finds significant cognitive impairments in crack-dependent and crack-and-alcohol-dependent individuals after 6 weeks and 6 months of abstinence. The largest effects were found in executive function and spatial processing assessments.
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Investigator Awards program funds research initiatives addressing cultural influences on pain management, the right to healthcare, and the impact of regulation on human subjects. The newly funded projects will provide fresh insights to inform health policy.
Researchers used PET scans to measure changes in dopamine during food and neutral stimulation. Food stimulation increased dopamine in the dorsal striatum but not in the ventral striatum, suggesting a role in food motivation beyond reward effects.
Researchers at the University of Rhode Island have developed a novel treatment using thiourea and thyroxine to synchronize the settlement and growth of summer flounder. This method reduces cannibalism and increases the profitability of flounder aquaculture, saving culturists time and effort in fish grouping.
A genetic model found that hatchery salmon can develop 'captive traits' and introduce them to wild populations, decreasing their survival rate. Conservation efforts, such as conserving or restoring habitats, may be effective in preventing this shift.
Research found that a warm polar winter made it easier for ozone to accumulate in the Arctic stratosphere, as warmer air prevented the formation of polar stratospheric clouds. This prevented the breakdown of ozone molecules, leading to higher levels of ozone in the lower stratosphere.
Chemical engineers have developed a novel process to grow crops of nanowires, which could lead to improved design of advanced military and space gear, fuel cells, sensors and solar devices. The process uses pools or thin films of low-melting metals like gallium to create the nanowires.
Researchers from the University of Colorado Boulder have found that ozone-gobbling chlorine free radicals produced by CFC breakdown are more concentrated at high latitudes than previously believed. This discovery has significant implications for understanding ozone trends and their connection to climate change.
Researchers found that naltrexone increased the antiviral activity of AZT and indinavir when added to cell cultures containing these drugs. Naltrexone targets infected cells rather than the virus itself, a novel approach to HIV treatment.
Researchers aim to better understand West Africa's climate trends and model potential impacts on the region's water resources, agriculture, and energy sector. The study's findings could help inform regional plans for adapting to climate change and ensure the long-term sustainability of hydroelectric power.
The FLAMBE project utilizes geostationary satellites to detect and monitor forest fires every half-hour, providing early warnings of haze events. The system also estimates burned areas, smoke fluxes, and radiative impacts, complementing NASA's Terra satellite products for improved global climate understanding.
Following the 9/11 attacks, a study found that nearly one-third of respondents increased their use of alcohol, marijuana, or cigarettes, with the largest increase in alcohol consumption. The study also found that people experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression were more likely to engage in substance abuse.
A study by Kevin Lafferty and Leah Gerber found that non-otter diseases, such as parasitic worms and toxoplasmosis, are contributing to the decline of California sea otter populations. Improving waste disposal and reducing human exposure to these diseases may help protect the otters.
A study published in The Lancet found that telemedicine can reduce unnecessary follow-up tests and improve patient satisfaction. Patients who received virtual outreach consultations had a higher rate of offered follow-up appointments than those who received standard outpatient referrals.
Researchers discovered a set of 511 genes that distinguish four groups of patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), including those with symptoms and cancer. The findings suggest a potential link between BPH and prostate cancer, as well as a genetic 'field effect' in individuals with prostate cancer.
A study by the American Academy of Neurology found that individuals with depression are more likely to develop Parkinson's disease than those without depression. The researchers suggest that low levels of serotonin in the brain may contribute to both depression and Parkinson's disease, increasing the risk of developing the latter.
A Canadian debate over for-profit hospitals has been informed by a study showing these facilities have significantly higher mortality rates compared to non-profit hospitals. The analysis of 38 million patients found that the profit motive leads to reduced staffing and limited care, resulting in increased mortality.
Scientists create protein SPICE to study variola's role in immune system, with potential to reduce side effects from vaccination. By understanding the virus's pathogenesis, researchers hope to develop new therapies and prevent bioterrorism.
Research by Professor Malcolm Koo found that higher dietary fibre intake is associated with a later onset of menstruation in girls. Girls consuming over 25g of fibre per day had approximately half the risk of early menarche compared to those with less than 18g of fibre daily.
Scientists tested the founder effect model in a natural population of Silvereye birds, finding that speciation occurs gradually, not suddenly. The study challenges long-held assumptions about genetic diversity in island bird populations.
Research suggests that high homocysteine levels are related to brain atrophy, with elderly individuals experiencing greater loss of brain cells and volume. Additionally, elevated homocysteine levels have been found to be associated with a higher risk of vascular disease in both healthy and Alzheimer's patients.
A six-month intervention increasing fruit and vegetable intake lowered blood pressure and boosted antioxidant levels in UK participants. The study found a significant association between higher fruit and veg consumption and lower cardiovascular disease risk, similar to previous findings from the DASH trial.
A new bioreactor-based technique has improved stem cell cultivation, allowing for large-scale production and higher efficiency. This breakthrough could lead to significant advancements in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering.
Scientists from Johns Hopkins Medicine have discovered that sulforaphane, a compound found in broccoli, kills the bacterium Helicobacter pylori, which causes stomach cancers and ulcers. The findings suggest that dietary intake of vegetables containing sulforaphane could relieve infection and have significant public health implications.
Researchers have discovered that MRI scans can identify individuals at high risk of developing Alzheimer's disease decades in advance. The study used postmortem brain scans to show that shrinkage of the hippocampus, a key region affected by the disease, occurs early on.
A recent University of Toronto study examines the probability of male homosexuality based on fraternal birth order. The researchers found that 15% of gay men in the sample could be attributed to the fraternal birth order effect.
A systematic review of studies found private for-profit hospitals in the US had a higher risk of death compared to not-for-profit institutions. This new evidence has sparked debate about the relevance of for-profit care and the importance of a universal healthcare system with public accountability.
A study of children's friendships in Ontario schools found that kids with learning disabilities befriended each other more often than those without. However, these friendships were often one-sided, with the child with a learning disability feeling closer to their non-learning-disabled peers.
A study by Michigan Medicine researchers found that 11% of doctors are willing to misrepresent patient information to obtain HMO approval for surgery or additional procedures. The 'hassle factor' plays a significant role in this behavior, with more physicians willing to deceive if the appeal process is longer or more burdensome.
In a study, 50 patients with various voiding dysfunctions reported a 82% decrease or absence of incontinence after Botox injections. The treatment alleviated symptoms for approximately six months without long-term complications. Overactive bladder affects 17 million Americans, causing significant quality-of-life issues.
A six-week study of 246 black men found that Viagra significantly improved erections and sexual intercourse ability compared to placebo. ED was a common problem among black men, affecting 24% of those aged 40 and above. Treatment with Viagra was well-tolerated, with no serious adverse effects observed.
A nationwide study of over 1,500 Hispanic, white, and black men found that erectile dysfunction (ED) affects approximately 20% of Hispanic men, 22% of whites, and 24% of blacks. The study also revealed a strong link between ED and cardiovascular disease, as well as diabetes.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have developed a promising new therapy for urinary incontinence using muscle-derived cells. The therapy, which uses genetically engineered muscle cells to replace damaged bladder muscles, shows long-term effectiveness in improving bladder function.
Researchers followed 1,000 adults over nine years to explore the effects of health-promoting behaviors on quality and quantity of life. The study found that those who exercised regularly had a lower risk of mortality and reported greater psychological well-being, while smokers had a higher risk.
Researchers develop process that combines high-energy ball-milling with metal alloys, producing stable phosphorus ylides and unsaturated hydrocarbons without solvents. The discovery has significant implications for materials science and chemistry, offering a potential solution to disposal problems and environmental risks.
A study published in the journal Diabetes found that a ginseng berry extract completely normalized blood glucose levels, improved insulin sensitivity, lowered cholesterol levels, and decreased weight in diabetic mice. The extract also reduced appetite and increased activity levels in treated mice, leading to significant weight loss.
A recent study found that Air Force recruits are disproportionately affected by smoking, with high rates among white women and black men. The study suggests the need for culturally sensitive cessation interventions to address these disparities.
Researchers have discovered that mountain streams follow a rhythmic pattern in their step-pool sequences, dissipating energy through vertical adjustments. This finding sheds new light on the complex dynamics of high-gradient mountain streams.