The Cardiff University team has successfully fabricated a tiny chromatographic extraction cartridge on a silicon chip, enabling easy and inexpensive mass production. The system can be integrated into rivers or factory processes to monitor mixtures flowing through it.
The National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) has won a $3.8 million NASA grant to develop the core software for an Earth System Modeling Framework. The framework will enable models to work together, assimilate observational data, and produce more realistic simulations of weather and climate.
As bodies age, B cells lose potency due to accumulation of antigen-experienced cells. These cells, which were initially effective against previous infections, become less responsive and bind weakly to new pathogens.
A team of archaeologists, led by Professor C. Brian Rose, has successfully restored the most colorful surviving example of Classical Greek antiquity - a 400-375 B.C. marble coffin with vibrant pigments. The Can sarcophagus, discovered in Turkey, boasts more preserved paint than other ancient Greek artifacts.
Researchers at Rush University Medical Center have identified the signal that instructs stem/progenitor cells to become dopamine neurons, a key step in treating Parkinson's disease. By cloning and transplanting these specific cells, the team hopes to develop new treatments for Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, and other diseases.
A study led by James W. Vaupel and Jim Oeppen found that life expectancy in developed countries is steadily increasing by three months a year, with no apparent natural limit. This has major implications for social issues such as pension and healthcare planning.
Researchers have identified 60 new genomic markers that can help distinguish between various anthrax isolates, enabling faster identification of outbreak strains and potentially deterring future biological attacks. The discovery is part of a comprehensive database project aimed at analyzing natural variation in all major pathogens.
The Hartford Geriatric Social Work Faculty Scholars Program aims to train and research specialists in geriatric social work, addressing the growing needs of an aging population. The program supports ten faculty scholars over two years, providing institutes, workshops, and research projects focused on improving healthcare outcomes.
Scientists have sequenced the whole genome of Bacillus anthracis, revealing areas of genetic variability between different isolates. The study suggests that a Florida anthrax strain is derived from the Ames strain and has not been genetically modified.
Researchers studied over 1000 pregnant women from diverse countries and found no significant link between optimal timing of conception and lower birth defect rates. The findings are reassuring for natural family planning users and those with infrequent or sporadic sexual activity.
A study published in The Lancet found that azithromycin, a commonly prescribed antibiotic, is no more effective than low-dose vitamin C in treating acute bronchitis. Patients who received azithromycin had similar improvements in quality-of-life scores as those who received vitamin C.
The study suggests that objects are recalled by uniting different brain regions, with the thalamus regulating electrical rhythms to connect these areas. This theory may help explain why some memories are clear while others are fuzzy.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Human Biology found that women who reproduce later in life have a lower chance of having their descendants survive and thrive. In contrast, women who start families earlier tend to have more lineage success. The researchers used statistical models to analyze the impact of education, i...
Researchers at Rush University Medical Center are conducting a Phase I clinical trial to test the safety and efficacy of an HIV vaccine in healthy individuals. The vaccine has shown promise in eliciting specific antiviral cellular immune responses and is generally well-tolerated.
A case study highlights the importance of early detection of testicular cancer, with a 17-year-old patient's death attributed to delayed medical advice. Medical professionals and men need to be educated to recognize testicular lumps as medical emergencies.
Keeling's 45-year curve of atmospheric carbon dioxide, known as the 'Keeling curve,' has been a crucial dataset in understanding global climate change. His work has also shown that the oceans play a significant role in modulating atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations.
A study assessing existing data on HIV/AIDS interventions found that cost-effectiveness varies greatly between interventions. Some interventions, such as selective blood safety measures and targeted condom distribution, can prevent a case of HIV/AIDS for under $11 and gain over $1 in disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) per dollar spent
A new study at Kansas State University found that people with neurotic tendencies hold onto negative emotions for longer than others, leading to poor health. In contrast, extroverts tend to maintain a positive mood for longer periods.
A study by Dr. Anne B. Newman found that people with cardiovascular disease have a 30% increased risk of dementia, primarily due to vascular dementia caused by insufficient blood flow to the brain. Preventing cardiovascular disease may be an effective measure for preventing dementia in older adults.
Researchers at Stanford University have created diabetic fruit flies by destroying insulin-producing cells, allowing them to study the development of pancreatic cells. The fly model could help understand the origin of insulin-producing cells in people with Type I diabetes.
A recent international study revealed that teenage drug abuse is significantly lower for those living with both parents and enjoying high-quality family relationships. The study found that having a strong attachment to the mother was particularly effective in preventing drug use, even in areas of high peer pressure.
A new pneumococcal vaccine has been shown to significantly reduce the incidence of pneumonia and invasive disease in children in Soweto, South Africa. The vaccine, which includes two additional strains of pneumococcus prevalent in developing countries, reduced pneumonia by over 20% and invasive disease by 50-80%.
A total of 825 patients with primary open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension showed significant improvements in intraocular pressure after switching to XALATAN. The study found that 83% of patients experienced a reduction in IOP due to inadequate control, and 90% of those who switched due to adverse events maintained IOP control.
Researchers successfully recovered a mooring from the seafloor near the North Pole, retrieving 3,500 pounds of instruments and equipment. The mooring was in place for a full year, eight times longer than the previous record, providing valuable data on the Arctic Ocean's climate and water conditions.
A proposed flood protection system for Venice, known as MOSE, is facing criticism over its potential to prevent flooding and harm the lagoon's ecosystem. Environmentalists warn that keeping the gates closed could disrupt the natural water flow, leading to toxic substance buildup and damaging the delicate ecosystem.
A lightweight imaging cap is being developed to assess brain function in space and on Earth. The device utilizes diffuse optical tomography (DOT) to record brain activity through near-infrared light, with potential applications for diagnosing brain disorders such as strokes and seizures.
A study found XALACOM to be more effective than Cosopt in reducing intraocular pressure by 1.00 mmHg, with fewer reported eye pain and irritation. XALACOM was also well-tolerated systemically, with no taste disturbances reported.
Rutgers psychologist Gallistel has been elected to the National Academy of Sciences, recognizing his research excellence and contributions to cognitive science. He is credited with introducing the idea that animals can think computationally, enabling them to navigate their world and anticipate events.
A study of 271 patients with pheochromocytomas found that 24% carried one or more genetic mutations, including those in the VHL and RET genes. These mutations were associated with earlier symptom onset, multiple tumors, and specific tumor profiles.
A new formula of Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) has been developed through USAID-supported research, reducing the need for intravenous fluids by 33%. This improvement is expected to lower hospitalization rates, secondary infections, and healthcare costs, ultimately saving millions of lives.
Researchers at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences have developed a new treatment for common warts, which was successful in 74 percent of patients in a pilot study. The treatment involves injecting approved skin test antigens into a wart to stimulate the body's immune response and destroy the virus.
A new study suggests that smaller aneurysms are often safer left untreated, with potential benefits including reduced risk of complications and cost savings. The research found nearly 98% survival rate among patients undergoing AAA surgery at participating VA hospitals.
Hemorrhagic fever viruses, such as Ebola and Marburg, pose significant threats due to their high mortality rates and lack of effective treatments. The report recommends improving diagnostic capacity, developing rapid tests, and researching new antiviral medications to counter these threats.
NASA's new Microgravity Science Glovebox will enhance the Space Station's science capabilities by providing a facility for safely working with fluids, flames, particles, and fumes. The glovebox supports low-cost, small investigations from multiple disciplines, including materials science and biotechnology.
A recent review article reveals that horseshoe crabs have an impressive survival rate of 7.5% after undergoing biomedical bleeding, suggesting their 350 million-year-long survival is remarkable. The research also provides new information on the habitat, migration patterns, and nursery grounds of horseshoe crabs.
Geologists have made several significant discoveries in Utah and Wyoming, including a one-ton plant-eating carnivore with bizarre claws and skin impressions of a duck-billed dinosaur. The finds include new species of dinosaurs, such as horned ceratopsians and giant crocodiles, which provide valuable insights into the paleoecological st...
Researchers found that while Medicaid kids use the ER for non-urgent care more frequently than expected, a shift to managed care has actually reduced these instances. The studies also revealed that nearly half of parents' decisions to visit the ER were logical, based on their child's condition and available resources.
Historical evidence suggests that smallpox vaccination poses significant risks to certain populations, including children under one year old and those with compromised immune systems. Researchers estimate that 25% of the US population would need to be excluded from a vaccination campaign due to high-risk factors.
The technique uses optical coherence imaging to take real-time video of the insides of tumors, revealing their internal structure. This allows for interactive viewing of living tissues, such as tumors, and enables scientists to study how they behave in real time.
Researchers found that women at high and elevated risk of ovarian cancer are less likely to get screened than those at lower risk. Most women overestimate their risk, with only 11% correctly estimating it.
Researchers found that immunizing 50-75% of Americans aged 1-30 could save hundreds of lives compared to ring vaccination alone. The study suggests mass vaccination campaigns targeting young people may be cost-effective in preventing deaths from a potential smallpox attack.
A new study found that combining HPV and Pap tests for cervical cancer screening can detect an additional 225 cancers per 100,000 women, leading to a 59% decrease in mortality. The test is cost-effective and potentially life-saving, especially for women whose Pap test results are abnormal but inconclusive.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic have developed a 'cancer snitch' - a genetically engineered virus that can track the progress of a viral treatment within a tumor. This non-invasive approach provides valuable feedback from within the body, allowing scientists to monitor biological activity and evaluate therapeutic effectiveness.
Research reveals a significant drop in episiotomy rates from 56% to 31% between 1979 and 1997. However, the procedure remains overused, particularly among private practitioners, increasing the risk of rectal dysfunction and fecal incontinence for young mothers.
Researchers have discovered genetic mutations in dogs that mirror the genetic mutations of humans with inherited blindness, providing new insights into photoreceptor cell degeneration. The study has potential implications for treating both canine and human retinal diseases, including progressive retinitis pigmentosa.
Researchers at University of Georgia have developed a new method to sequence genomes, called Cot-based Cloning and Sequencing (CBCS), which reduces the number of clones required from 119 million to 15 million, saving $354 million in funding.
A recent study by Duke University Medical Center researchers found that toddlers and preschool children with Type I diabetes can successfully use insulin pumps with proper supervision. The study involved nine children who were treated with insulin pumps for seven to 19 months, resulting in improved blood glucose control and a significa...
GenMAPP organizes gene expression results by biological process, allowing researchers to see coordinated changes in gene expression. The program uses graphical representations of biological pathways to analyze gene expression data, providing a systems approach to interpreting biological data.
Research reveals racial disparities in asthma treatment, with black children experiencing worse symptoms and fewer medication use compared to white and Latino children. Lower income, family size, and single-parent households also contribute to poorer asthma outcomes.
A recent study published in Pediatrics found that babies with a history of colic are more likely to experience symptoms after drinking apple juice, while white grape juice has no significant impact. The research suggests that parents should choose white grape juice as the best option for their baby if they have had colic.
Scientists at Purdue University have made breakthroughs in understanding the chemistry of aluminum and sodium compounds in high-level radioactive waste. Their study documents the transformation of liquid to solid waste, shedding light on how to minimize nuclear waste volume and predict leakage.
Only 60.5% of US adults are fully protected against diphtheria and 72.3% against tetanus, with disparities among age groups and ethnicities. Reorganizing physician practices to prioritize preventive services can increase immunization rates.
A Rutgers biomedical engineering professor has discovered that cross-hand and one-hand grips can reduce eye movement during longer putts and head movement during shorter putts. The findings are part of a book exploring the physics, biomechanics, and physiology of various sports, including golf.
A UCLA study found that despite efforts to educate parents, 55% of antibiotic prescriptions for respiratory illnesses are unnecessary. The research also showed that doctors are more likely to prescribe antibiotics if they sense parent expectation, highlighting the need for better communication and culturally appropriate education.
A damaged DNA synthesis enzyme has been shown to cause progressive muscle weakening in a rare eye condition. The researchers found that the faulty enzyme makes errors ten-fold more frequently than healthy individuals, leading to accumulation of mistakes and muscle degeneration.
Research finds that babies fully breastfed for six months have a significantly lower risk of pneumonia and recurrent ear infections compared to those who are fully breastfed for only four months. The study also shows an increased protection against gastrointestinal infections with longer breastfeeding duration.
Researchers from Stanford University analyzed thousands of proteins shared by yeast and roundworms, finding that those with more interactions evolve slower. The study confirms a prediction made over 20 years ago, suggesting protein networks play a crucial role in shaping evolutionary rates.
Researchers found that fundoplication surgery, used to treat chronic heartburn, improves lung function and has a positive effect on bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS) in lung transplant patients. The procedure prevents gastric acids from splashing up the esophagus and into the lungs.
A new DNA-based technology detects bacteria in water and food in just one to three hours, outperforming current methods. The system uses unique 'fingerprints' from bacterial DNA sequences to identify strains, enabling accurate comparison and protection against terrorist contamination.
The University of Michigan's new two-year Preventive Medicine Residency aims to address a critical shortage of medical epidemiologists. Residents will gain expertise in disease surveillance, outbreak investigation, and immunization plans, with initial participants already securing jobs in the field.