Researchers developed a hybrid approach to improve microelectronics production, combining lithography and self-assembling materials to achieve nanoscale dimensions. This technology could lead to faster, more powerful devices with increased data capacity, while reducing manufacturing costs.
Scientists have observed a rare phenomenon in the insect world where a female Zeus bug allows a male to ride on her back, feeding on protein-rich wax produced by the female. This unusual behavior, known as 'female-led mating,' has sparked curiosity among researchers and provides new insights into the evolution of mating behaviors.
Scientists at the University of California - Berkeley have developed a synthetic motor that is smaller than biological motors and can be controlled externally. The motor uses electrostatic manipulation and has potential applications in optical switching, microwave oscillators, and microfluidic devices.
A study by Kenneth Schmidt found that Illinois raccoon populations coincide with declines in low-nesting songbirds, with over 70% of these species dropping from the state's bird list. Raccoon habitat expansion and loss of top carnivores contribute to this decline.
A UCLA study reveals a significant shortage of surgeons is looming due to an aging population. The study finds that surgeries performed on older adults will have the highest increase in demand by 2020, with ophthalmology leading the way.
Researchers found that juvenile and adult amphibians retain contaminants like selenium and strontium through metamorphosis, transferring them into terrestrial food webs. The study highlights the importance of understanding contaminant transfer in aquatic-terrestrial ecosystems.
Researchers have discovered that the history of community assembly is a key predictor of future biodiversity and ecosystem productivity. The study used microorganisms to manipulate productivity and found that the sequence of species arrival from a regional pool of colonists had a large effect on the productivity-diversity relationship.
Using neurofeedback, students at London's Royal College of Music showed significant improvements in their musical performance across various areas. The most promising results came from the alpha/theta training protocol, improving performances by up to 17%.
A Johns Hopkins team has discovered a protein that stimulates axon growth, contradicting the traditional view of semaphorins as only repelling axons. Semaphorin-7a promotes axon growth by interacting with integrins on nerves and other cell types.
Researchers at McGill University have identified a receptor protein on fat cells that stimulates lipid storage when stimulated. Dr. Katherine Cianflone's team found that disrupting the ASP-C5L2 complex may help slow down fat production, which could be a potential key to treating obesity.
A study led by Constantine Lyketsos found that sertraline hydrochloride significantly improved the quality of life and reduced functional decline in Alzheimer's patients with depression. The treatment showed a positive influence on 84% of participants, while only 35% in the placebo group experienced improvements.
Researchers found that boaters' perception of social pressure is the most important factor in following speed limits to protect manatees. Media campaigns and clear signage are recommended to increase compliance with regulations.
A Cornell University study reveals that Pavlovian sexual conditioning, a process where external cues trigger anticipation of mating, significantly improves reproductive success in Japanese quail. The researchers found that breeding animals in familiar environments led to twice as many fertilized eggs compared to unfamiliar ones.
The US team won a total of four medals, including two bronze and one silver each for Wei-Han Liu and Eric Brown. Benjamin Kaduk, Frances Hocutt also received two silvers respectively. The Chinese team earned the top spot with four gold medals.
Research by West and Salm reveals that factors such as local upwellings of cold water and diverse coral populations can protect coral reefs from bleaching. Additionally, corals emerging at low tides may be more tolerant of heat stress, with examples seen in Palau's Rock Islands.
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison developed mathematical models to understand the effects of gene flow from crops to wild plants. The models show that crop genes can rapidly take over wild populations, leading to genetic changes, population decline and loss of natural traits.
Hospice nurses reported that patients who hastened death by refusing food and fluids were ready to die, saw no meaning in living, and had poor quality of life. These patients died within 15 days after stopping food and fluids, with a median score of 8 for the quality of their deaths.
The story of low-tech erasers begins in the 1560s with graphite sticks and evolves into crude pencils. In 1839, Charles Goodyear developed the vulcanization process to cure rubber, increasing strength, stability, and elasticity. This innovation enabled mass production of pencil erasers.
Researchers found a positive emotional style was linked with greater resistance to developing a common cold and decreases in clinical colds, while a negative emotional style had no effect on getting sick. Inflammation chemicals may link the positive emotional style with illness.
A recent University of Pittsburgh study found that women with bacterial vaginosis (BV) are nearly twice as likely to get herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). The study, which involved over 1,200 sexually active women, suggests that more comprehensive screening and treatment could reduce susceptibility to HSV-2.
Scientists at Rice University have created a new test that can detect glycoprotein immunoglobulin G in whole blood with high sensitivity and speed. The innovation uses gold nanoshells to overcome challenges in existing immunoassays, enabling doctors to make quicker diagnoses without the need for time-consuming sample preparation.
Researchers at Rice University have developed a new chemical process, pyrolytic fluorination, that yields short carbon nanotubes with predictable lengths. The technique involves attaching fluorine atoms to the nanotubes and then heating them to cut the tubes into segments ranging from 20-300 nanometers.
Researchers found no benefit to regular screenings for women without risk factors after a hysterectomy. The cost of screenings per year of life saved can be up to $12 million, highlighting the need for more targeted screening strategies.
A study found that athletes who experienced amnesia and confusion after a concussion were at risk of long-term neurocognitive deficits. Researchers recommend thorough evaluation and neuropsychological testing before returning to play.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that a vegetarian diet high in fibre, nuts, and plant sterols can lower LDL cholesterol levels by nearly 29%, comparable to the effects of a standard cholesterol-reducing drug. The findings suggest an evolutionary adaptation to a
Researchers at UCSD have identified a molecule called GAIP interacting protein N terminus (GIPN) that plays a key role in degrading G proteins, which regulate various cellular activities. The discovery has implications for the pharmaceutical industry and highlights the importance of the ubiquitin system in protein turnover.
A new vacuum technology has been developed to control insects in solid wood packaging materials, providing an alternative to current methods. The system creates a low-oxygen environment that eliminates insects in several hours to days.
Researchers at Rice University developed fluoronanotubes with unique chemical properties, allowing for easier manipulation and dispersal in various materials. This breakthrough enables the creation of new materials and applications, including advanced composites, sensor technology, and molecular electronics.
A team of Australian researchers has received a five-year grant from the National Institute of Child Health and Development to investigate how environmental stress affects embryonic development. The study aims to understand the long-term health implications for children conceived during poor maternal health or adverse lifestyle choices.
The US Army has awarded a $1 million grant to Virginia Tech researcher Thomas J. Inzana to develop a vaccine and diagnostic test for tularemia, also known as 'rabbit fever'. The goal is to create an effective vaccine that can stimulate the production of proteins that stimulate T-cells of the cellular immune system.
Researchers track freshwater discharge from Arctic Ocean to North Atlantic, measuring ocean currents, temperature, and salinity. The study, funded by $2 million NSF grant, aims to understand the crucial role of Arctic freshwater in controlling Earth's climate.
Researchers studied carotid artery thickness in 1,662 men and women with a family history of premature coronary heart disease. The study found that those with at least one parent who had a heart attack before age 60 had thicker artery walls, associated with increased risk of heart attack or stroke.
A new UCLA study suggests that coronary heart disease may be accelerated in younger HIV-infected people. The research found that the rate of coronary heart disease in young HIV-positive men and women was significantly higher than in their HIV-negative counterparts.
A study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that higher deductibles, longer waiting periods, and carve-out benefits can lead to lower employee return-to-work rates. Additionally, employees with carve-out benefits plans tend to retire sooner rather than return to work.
Researchers at UIC College of Medicine identified 57 genes involved in cell proliferation, including some not previously known to play a role in cancer cell growth. The study found that certain fragments inhibited the multiplication of breast cancer cells by shutting down genes necessary for cell growth.
Researchers propose alternative testing methods, such as heat-denatured p24 antigen tests and flow cytometric quantitation of CD4 T-cells, to measure progress in the war against HIV/AIDS. These affordable alternatives provide an indication of treatment response and help public health officials assess the effectiveness of their efforts.
A mandated food additive to combat high fetal development risks may inadvertently harm seniors due to low levels of vitamin B-12. The condition, which affects nearly half of US deaths annually, has been linked to cardiovascular diseases and mental confusion in some cases.
A new study investigates the relationship between pain and selected medications, using genotyping to predict clinical outcomes and adjust drug therapy. By analyzing plasma concentrations of analgesics metabolized by CYP2D6, researchers aim to improve pain management therapy and reduce adverse effects.
RHESSI observations show that microflares, tiny explosive events on the sun, provide a significant portion of heat in the corona. The satellite's findings suggest that microflares could be key to understanding solar flares and coronal mass ejections, which affect Earth's space weather.
A new study shows that a derivative of green algae Chlorella pyrenoidosa improves the body's immune response to influenza vaccines. The study found significant increases in antibody responses after supplementation with two different doses of the extract, with no adverse effects reported.
The CDC recommends testing C-reactive protein levels in patients with intermediate risk of cardiovascular disease, and in those with acute coronary syndromes or stable coronary disease. The guidelines also emphasize the importance of standardizing laboratory test results to accurately measure hsCRP levels.
Researchers highlight the growing concern of male osteoporosis, emphasizing genetic predispositions and secondary risk factors such as alcohol consumption and malnutrition. Dr. Rosen recommends early bone density testing for men over 55 with unexplained height loss or fracture history to identify potential treatment options.
The US is struggling with chronic poverty, slow economic growth, and insecure access to healthcare, ranking 27th globally. Africa is in dire straits, with many countries facing concentrated poverty, weak institutions, and repeated economic failure.
The authors conclude that bodychecking should be banned in hockey until players are at least age 17 or 18 years old due to increased concussion and injury risks. Most physical growth occurs during this period, making it a critical time for protecting young athletes.
A novel coronavirus has been confirmed as the primary causal agent of SARS, according to a study. The virus was found to infect the lower respiratory tract, leading to severe lung damage and disease symptoms. The discovery was made through laboratory studies of patients and experimental infections in macaques.
Researchers used banded water snakes to compare traditional testing methods with nonlethal samples, finding promise in laser ablation for conservation-minded eco-toxicological studies. The study was conducted at SREL on the Savannah River Site, partially funded by a grant from DOE.
Lab Tests Online offers a comprehensive resource for patients seeking information on lab tests, including explanations of test results and personalized responses from clinical laboratory scientists. The site also integrates with other reputable sources like NIH's Medline Plus.
Animal studies found major malformations in the epididymis, a leading deformity caused by antiandrogen chemicals disrupting fetal reproductive development. Exposures to DBP and linuron during critical windows of in utero development can lead to infertility and testicular atrophy.
Early detection and treatment of allergies can prevent serious complications and modify the progression of pediatric allergies. A specific IgE blood test can accurately diagnose atopy and guide treatment, including avoidance therapy and medication.
A recent study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal investigated the effects of a Chlorella-derived dietary supplement on immune function and influenza vaccination. The results showed no significant increase in antibody response to the flu vaccine overall, although some increase was seen in participants aged 50 to 55.
A study by the American Academy of Neurology found that black children, particularly boys, have a higher risk of stroke compared to their white counterparts. The annual stroke incidence rate among children was 2.3 strokes per 100,000, with ischemic stroke accounting for 51% of cases.
Astronomers have discovered four massive stellar clusters with stars as massive as 120 solar masses in the Milky Way's W49 molecular cloud. This reveals the true sources of enormous energy powering a giant HII region, solving decades of speculation.
The completed genomic sequence of Fusarium graminearum, a fungus causing widespread damage to wheat and barley crops, offers a roadmap for developing new control methods. Researchers will focus on understanding gene function to unravel mechanisms to combat this devastating pathogen.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University successfully redesigned software for the FUSE satellite's gyroscopes, enabling precise control and reducing reliance on faulty components. The new system has shown improved performance, even surpassing traditional methods in certain situations.
A new test method aims to predict which early-stage cancer patients are at high risk for relapse, allowing for more precise treatment decisions. By analyzing apoptosis proteins in patient tumors, researchers hope to identify molecular and genetic signatures that indicate the likelihood of cancer recurrence.
Researchers have identified new serum biomarkers for ovarian cancer, which may be used in conjunction with existing methods such as CA125 marker and ultrasound to improve diagnosis. These newly discovered markers show promise in detecting the disease at an early stage, leading to better treatment outcomes.
A three-week training program based on National Reading Panel principles improved brain activation patterns and reading performance in children with dyslexia. Dyslexic children showed significant improvements after the program, demonstrating that instruction can strengthen existing brain circuits rather than rewiring them.
The growing trend of consumer ordering lab tests is driven by convenience and a desire for control over healthcare. Key findings include that middle-aged or younger groups are most interested in DAT, with income brackets, health status, and insurance playing significant roles in adoption.
A new bead-array test can identify the 25 most common cystic fibrosis mutations in just 15 seconds, enabling potential parents to make informed decisions about conception and treatment options. The test requires only genomic DNA from a patient and uses a single reaction to screen for all 31 CF mutations.
A study found that HIV treatment costs increased significantly between 1995 and 2001, driven by the use of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Despite this, overall medical care costs remained relatively stable during the same period.