A European seal plague outbreak may claim up to 10,000 harbor seals in 2002, with mortality rates varying from 15-58 percent among regions. The virus is spread through coughing and is thought to have been introduced by migrating harp seals.
Researchers have identified a genetic mutation that causes acute fatty liver of pregnancy, a rare and potentially life-threatening condition. Screening newborns can detect the disease early, allowing for treatment and preventing deaths.
Eli Claiborne, a principal consulting research and development scientist, has developed a fully biodegradable vegetable oil called BIOTEMP to reduce environmental harm from transformers. Many US companies now use commercial transformers containing the new fluid, which also has potential for larger applications.
A study of 75 patients found that postponing care for those with non-serious illnesses had comparable health outcomes to immediate care. Additionally, a new combination therapy for arthritis patients showed promise in reducing joint symptoms and improving function.
The HEED program aims to bridge disciplinary interests in global health, economics, and environment. It will support research on the complex linkages between these factors and inform healthcare strategies in low- and middle-income countries.
A research team from Purdue University and the University of British Columbia has identified a bottleneck in the degradation of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), a persistent and hazardous industrial chemical. By breeding bacteria to overcome this hurdle, the team hopes to develop an environmentally friendly solution for cleansing the ...
A new UIC study sheds light on the relationship between early sexual development and childhood obesity, revealing an opposite link for boys and girls. Early maturation is associated with increased height but not weight gain in boys, while early maturity in girls is linked to both increased height and weight.
A small region in the frontal lobe is selectively activated when an individual intends to make a particular action. This finding helps explain why individuals with frontal lobe damage often have problems making decisions and act impulsively.
Researchers designed a DNA vaccine that stimulates the immune system to recognize and attack proliferating blood vessels in tumors, depriving them of oxygen and nutrients. The vaccine has shown promise in preventing effective angiogenesis and inhibiting tumor growth, offering potential for novel cancer therapies.
A study by American Chemical Society researchers identified a novel type of antioxidant called pronyl-lysine in bread crust, which is eight times more abundant than in the crumb. This compound is likely to be more effective when bread is broken down into smaller pieces and baked, such as in stuffing.
Researchers have identified a genetic basis for aggression and anger, with the vasopressin 1b receptor playing a key role. The study found that mice without this receptor exhibit reduced aggression and impaired social recognition, suggesting potential therapeutic targets for treating aggressive behavior.
Researchers have discovered a new structure in the human brain linked to learning and memory, called the marginal division (MrD). This pan-shaped structure, composed of spindle-shaped neurons, plays a key role in linking other memory-related structures.
Research on domestic rams reveals marked brain differences among those preferring same-sex and opposite-sex partners. The preoptic hypothalamus shows distinct variations in neurons involved in sexual behavior, shedding light on the biological basis of mate choice.
The new guidelines identify five major areas of concern: insulin resistance, lipid metabolism, lactic acid disorders, bone disease, and abnormal body fat distribution. These metabolic complications may increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and potentially fatal lactic acidosis.
A study found that patients with less severe drug problems at the start of treatment achieved better outcomes, regardless of treatment type or duration. Patients who remained in treatment had improved results compared to those who relapsed.
Researchers found a significant association between cocaine use and coronary calcium in a study of 139 adults. The study suggests that cocaine may play a role in the development of subclinical atherosclerosis, highlighting the importance of strategies to reduce drug abuse and prevent cardiovascular disease.
Researchers found that early bilingual exposure fosters a dual-language child's brain development, leading to full proficiency in both languages. Late exposure to a second language may hinder mastery if accompanied by restricted input.
A study found that bupropion significantly reduced withdrawal symptoms and increased abstention rates from smoking. The medication also decreased negative mood in participants, which was more strongly related to relapse.
Effective strategies for quitting smoking exist, and clinicians can use evidence-based approaches to promote treatment of nicotine dependence, including patient assurance, low-tar cigarettes, FDA-approved medications, and awareness about adolescent nicotine use.
Research reported in this supplement describes how marijuana affects nearly every organ system, including cognitive function, heart rate, and respiratory health. The findings add to evidence that marijuana use is linked to various health hazards.
A recent study has found that gut bacteria interact with the intestine to regulate blood supply, with Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron stimulating blood vessel development. The research suggests a key developmental program shared by intestinal bacteria and their host is essential for healthy development.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute have developed a new treatment for Gaucher disease by using small molecules to partially correct the genetic defect that underlies most cases of the disease. The therapy targets the most common mutation and could be more convenient and less costly than current enzyme replacement therapy.
Researchers have found that ceramic-to-ceramic hip implants are more durable than metal-on-polyethylene replacements, with a 4,000-fold increase in durability. A large-scale clinical trial showed no postoperative bearing fractures or particles flaking off, indicating potential benefits for younger patients.
Researchers have developed a new technology using firefly light to monitor herpes infections in mice, allowing for repeated tracking over time without sacrificing animals. This non-invasive method enables the investigation of viral populations and immune system influences.
A new study published in PNAS found that the stomach-dwelling H. pylori bacterium has been present in humans for at least 11,000 years, with genetic variations consistent with Asian migration to the New World. The research provides strong evidence supporting the theory that migrating Asians introduced the bacteria to South America.
A study by Oregon Health & Science University found that computer prescriptions significantly reduced errors in the prescribing process. The system improved legibility and accuracy, resulting in a 0.8% error rate compared to 2.3%, saving time for pharmacists and improving patient safety.
A study by University of Washington psychologists reveals infants' ability to gaze follow is crucial for learning language and understanding emotions, with open eyes leading to longer attention and more vocalization. By 14 months, infants become sensitive to potential obstacles and can initiate pointing and babbling towards objects.
A new technique called ductoscopy allows surgeons to directly visualize and remove abnormal tissue in the milk ducts, sparing normal breast tissue. This procedure has shown a high success rate in identifying and treating breast cancer, particularly in women with pathologic nipple discharge.
Researchers at Purdue University have developed a simple alternative to complex mathematical models for analyzing car designs. The new technique can pinpoint design flaws more accurately and diagnose problems within days, compared to months, by using vibration measurements.
Researchers found that depression is influenced by additive genetic effects on temperament dimensions, which interact with individual environmental experiences. People predisposed to harm avoidance or high reward dependence are more likely to develop depression.
Research by Young and Oswald finds that share prices rise by 2 percent on average when companies announce a buyback, indicating that UK investors view buybacks as value-creating transactions. However, the motives behind these actions are complex and may include maximizing executive compensation rather than creating shareholder value.
Researchers found that the average economic cost of residential treatment was $4,912, while the average benefit was $21,329. This suggests a net benefit of $16,418, supporting the economic value of residential addiction treatment.
Research found that chronic stress impairs immune function, particularly glucocorticoid sensitivity in parents of children with cancer. Social support mitigated some immunologic consequences, suggesting a novel mechanism for psychological stress's influence on inflammation.
A new non-calcium phosphate binder, lanthanum carbonate (Fosrenol), has shown a reduction in mortality and cardiac death among kidney patients on hemodialysis compared to conventional phosphate binders. The study involved 647 patients who received Fosrenol therapy for two years.
The US Navy is funding a diverse range of international science programs to address key security challenges. These programs focus on developing advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, underwater swimmer detectors, and blast-resistant structures to support anti-terrorism and force protection efforts.
Lantern carbonate has been shown to reduce high phosphate levels and calcium levels in the blood, reducing the risk of calcification of the coronary arteries. The study also found that lanthanum carbonate is well-tolerated and associated with a lower incidence of serious adverse events.
The Arctic and oceans hold mega-tons of methane hydrate, a cleanest and most abundant energy source. However, extracting and transporting it is challenging due to its gas form and expansion issues, as well as geo-political considerations and potential environmental impacts.
A University of Pittsburgh study found no overall increase in cancer deaths among TMI residents between 1979 and 1998. However, a slight increase in lymphatic and hematopoietic cancers was observed in women, related to everyday background radiation exposure.
NASA's space station has successfully grown its first commercial farming experiment - soybeans grown in microgravity. The experiment, conducted by DuPont, aims to accelerate crop development and improve crop yields.
A $3.3 million NIH-funded grant will test whether changing the afternoon environment can increase physical activity, improve diets, and reduce body fat in third-graders.
A genetic variant in the CYP2B6 gene has been found to impact smoking cessation success. Researchers discovered that smokers with a decreased activity variant of this gene were more likely to relapse during treatment. The study also suggests that bupropion may be more effective for female smokers, particularly those with the polymorphism.
A recent study published in Psychosomatics found that HIV-positive patients who perceive their illness as a 'punishment' experience lower self-esteem and increased depression. The research highlights the need for addressing psychosocial issues, such as punishment beliefs about HIV, on self-care and medical outcomes.
A study published in Psychosomatics found that American college students are more likely to develop body image concerns and be preoccupied with their appearance than German counterparts. The data suggests an association between poor body image and low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
A recent study found that only a small proportion of individuals produce large numbers of offspring that survive, threatening the genetic diversity of marine fish populations. With millions of fish remaining, even a few hundred capable breeders can be insufficient to sustain genetic variability.
New theory explains why circumstellar Keplerian disks are stable around Be stars, contradicting previous model's predictions. The Magnetically Torqued Disk model suggests a narrow range of star types can form detectable disks.
Researchers found a significant increase in Delta FosB protein in the striatum of adolescent mice following chronic exposure to psychostimulants. This adaptation may contribute to increased sensitivity to addiction and therapeutic use of these medications in adolescents.
Researchers will use infrared spectroscopy to identify mutant genes affecting plant cell wall architecture in Arabidopsis and maize. The goal is to determine the function of all genes involved in plant cell walls, potentially leading to improvements in food-derived health benefits and product durability.
Researchers have developed a new diagnostic tool using PET scans to detect Alzheimer's disease more accurately. By analyzing brain activity, the scans can identify changes that occur before patients themselves may recognize problems.
Howie Choset's snakebot technology can navigate through three-dimensional terrains with enhanced flexibility and 'reach' ability. The robot's hyper-redundant mechanisms enable it to thread through tightly packed spaces without disturbing the surrounding areas.
A recent study found that depression one month after coronary artery bypass surgery is a significant risk factor for continued cardiac problems. The research suggests that evaluating patients for depression after surgery and providing treatment may enhance long-term outcomes.
A study found that White Americans' fruit and vegetable consumption rose by 11 percent when a supermarket was nearby, whereas black Americans showed a smaller increase. The research highlights the importance of environmental factors in shaping dietary habits.
A study of 156 spouses of people with lung cancer found that those using moderate levels of religious coping had lower depressive symptoms. High levels of religious coping were linked to higher depression scores, suggesting a complex relationship between the two.
Researchers have found that delta opioid peptide may help protect brain cells from the ravages of Parkinson's disease by inducing a state of suspended animation. The compound was shown to reduce brain damage and neurological deficits in animal models of stroke, suggesting potential benefits for patients.
A clinical trial using fMRI found that secretin activates the amygdala, a brain region involved in social integration and implicated in autism. The study suggests that secretin may have a role in modulating certain social behaviors in humans.
Research suggests that tobacco smoke exposure can transform follicular lymphoma into an aggressive large cell lymphoma with poor prognosis. Genetic mutations in the p53 tumor suppressor gene and microsatellite instability may play a role in this process.