Research reveals a gap between national and local elites' views on EU membership. Local officials and business people feel the accession process is irrelevant to them, posing challenges for implementing agreed conditions of EU membership.
A study found that delaying chemotherapy until disease progression was equivalent to immediate treatment in overall survival and specific survival rates. Patients aged over 70 had a higher chance of not requiring chemotherapy after 10 years.
A study examines ethnic differences among adolescents who engage in drinking after driving (DD) and riding with drinking drivers (RWDD), finding a distinct need to direct prevention efforts toward Latino youth. RWDD is identified as even more dangerous than DD for adolescents.
Researchers study women's midlife health, focusing on intra abdominal fat and its impact on heart disease risk. The WISH project examines the mediating role of stress on cardiovascular risk among post menopausal women.
The rat vector hypothesis suggests that rats may have spread SARS in the Amoy Gardens apartment block. Epidemiological case-control studies could be undertaken to identify behavioural risk factors and possible mechanisms for rat-to-man infections. This hypothesis is a strong possibility that needs to be further explored.
A recent study found that diabetes prevalence increased globally between 1993 and 1999. However, mortality rates from diabetes decreased by 3% during this period. The researchers suggest that earlier treatment and improved healthcare may contribute to the decline in mortality rates.
Historical coral reef research reveals that most world reefs were degraded by overfishing and pollution even before grandparents' birth. Top carnivores and grazers are the first to disappear when humans enter the picture.
Scientists have discovered that 'warm' glaciers can use supercooling to trap and transport silt, providing new insights into glacier dynamics. The process involves the formation of 'frazil ice,' which picks up particles from the surrounding water, creating layers of clean and dirty ice.
A new record of nitrous oxide concentration variations reveals that both land and ocean bacteria contributed equally to atmospheric emissions during glacial periods. This finding contradicts the long-held theory of oceanic storage being responsible for low atmospheric carbon dioxide levels.
Researchers at Virginia Tech have developed a high-power semiconductor switch called the Emitter Turn-off (ETO) Thyristor, suitable for fast and dynamic voltage support in the nation's congested power grid. The ETO switch offers fast switching speed, rugged turn-off capacity, and voltage control, reducing energy storage elements and size.
Hirschsprung's disease is caused by mutations in genes expressed in neural crest stem cells that impair their ability to form a normal intestinal nervous system. The study identifies Ret and other genes involved in the disease, offering new insights into its causes.
Researchers found that recovering alcoholics experience persistent sleep disruptions for many months after quitting drinking, with problems with sleep onset being worse than sleep maintenance. Many former alcoholics reported pre-existing sleep problems that predated their alcohol dependence.
A recent study tested pentosan polysulfate sodium and hydroxyzine hydrochloride on patients with interstitial cystitis, a debilitating condition affecting millions. The trial found that neither drug provided statistically significant relief for patients, but gained valuable information for future clinical trials.
A study of 43,000 Indian men found that smoking increases mortality rates from tuberculosis (TB) by four times compared to non-smokers. The researchers also discovered that about a quarter of smokers die prematurely at ages 25-69, losing an average of 20 years of life expectancy.
A recent study found an association between the DdeI polymorphism of the DRD1 gene and sensation seeking among alcoholic males. The research suggests that genetic factors, such as this specific dopamine receptor gene, may play a role in understanding the complex disorder of alcoholism.
Researchers at Rockefeller University have developed a mathematical equation that combines generalized arousal with specific forms of arousal, such as sex and hunger. The study found that genetic changes in mice lacking estrogen receptors can influence overall arousal, providing new insights into the neural mechanisms underlying arousal.
Researchers have discovered a modifier gene, Scnm1, that affects the severity of neurological diseases in mice and is also present in humans. The study found that when the genetic code for this gene is transcribed, it can produce non-functional protein that alters the physical effects of inherited diseases.
Researchers at TSRI introduce a revolutionary method to add unnatural amino acids to the genetic code of Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast. This allows for unprecedented control over protein structure and function, enabling new insights into biological processes and potential therapeutic applications.
A group of researchers found a strong correlation between the ages of branching points and morphological variation in four lizard groups. The study challenges the general assumption that each lineage's history is unique.
Researchers at Purdue University have developed a new method to separate proteins in the gas phase, allowing for faster analysis and enabling the study of hundreds of proteins simultaneously. The technique uses a mass spectrometer to collect ions onto different locations on a chip's surface, producing highly pure protein samples.
Researchers discover key mechanism underlying Hirschsprung disease by identifying genes that control neural crest stem cell migration. The findings may lead to potential correction of the disease through transplantation of neural stem cells.
Scientists have discovered two key proteins, XCAP-E and XCAP-D2, that remain apart at a critical time before condensation occurs in frog oocytes. These findings may help study chromosome physiology, particularly the functional aspects of these proteins.
Researchers found that coral reef declines followed the same pattern globally, starting with large predators and herbivores, followed by smaller animals and finally sea grasses. The study provides a yardstick for conservation efforts, offering hope for restoring ecosystems with strong management decisions.
A study found that 47% of faculty IRB members who are also researchers served as consultants to industry within three years. This may raise concerns about conflicts of interest and scientific behavior.
Tufts physicists built a crucial $300,000 optical switchyard for the Main Injector Neutrino Oscillation Search project, helping to understand the deepest structures of matter. The data from this experiment will be fundamental to physicists and astronomers seeking to comprehend the universe's building blocks.
A major study in India found that smoking causes half the tuberculosis deaths among men, with most cases linked to respiratory disease. The research highlights the deadly risks of tobacco use and emphasizes the need for proper treatment and prevention measures.
A study found that individuals with lower educational attainment experienced poorer drinking outcomes following alcohol treatment, including a shorter time to relapse. The researchers suggest that future studies address issues related to matching patients to optimal treatments.
A team of researchers discovered a new microbe, Strain 121, that can survive and thrive in extremely hot temperatures, with growth possible up to 121 degrees Celsius. The discovery opens up possibilities for understanding life on a hot early Earth and the potential for life in extraterrestrial environments.
A recent study reveals a long-term decline of coral reef ecosystems globally, dating back to before 1900, with declines in large animals and architectural species. Overfishing is identified as the primary driver of this decline, with synergistic effects from land-derived pollution in some areas.
Meth abuse has increased in the past decade, with admissions to treatment programs more than doubling in the US from 1992 to 1999. Researchers recommend a minimum of 30 days of residential treatment for meth users to regain essential thinking and decision-making skills.
Researchers discover genetic connection between hair and hair channels, finding that GATA-3 is crucial for hair channel development. Without this protein, mice grew short and stubby coats, highlighting the importance of the hair channel for proper hair growth.
Researchers at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center found that Zemplar, a drug mimicking vitamin D hormone, sensitizes cancer cells to radiation therapy without harming normal cells. The combination reduced radiation dose by 2.4 times while maintaining treatment efficacy.
A new grant of US$41 million from the Global Fund will support HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention in South Africa over 2 years. Generic antiretrovirals will be developed and produced locally, offering affordable access to life-saving medications.