Studies link early life risk factors to dementia onset and suicidal tendencies in older adults. Drivers Rehabilitation Programs may improve elderly driver safety. Most doctors fail to recognize early signs of Alzheimer's and cognitive impairment in their patients.
Researchers found that older men's sperm contain more disease-causing genetic mutations, which surprisingly increase the chances of fertilization. The mutations may confer a competitive advantage to the sperm, contributing to the increased incidence of rare genetic diseases in children born to older fathers.
A study examined whether limited-field radiation therapy could be an effective alternative to whole-breast radiation therapy for patients at low risk of recurrence. The results showed no significant difference in local recurrence rates or overall survival between the two groups after five years of follow-up.
Research suggests that obesity increases breast cancer risk in postmenopausal women by raising serum estrogen levels. The study analyzed blood samples from over 1,600 women and found a significant link between obesity and increased estrogen levels, highlighting the importance of controlling this modifiable risk factor.
The ADOPT-A trial demonstrates the effectiveness of the AF Suppression algorithm in reducing symptomatic atrial fibrillation (AF) burden. The study found a significant 25% reduction in symptomatic AF episodes in patients using the algorithm compared to those with standard pacemaker indications.
A study by UT Southwestern Medical Center found that obesity is associated with acute mountain sickness in high-altitude destinations. Obese individuals are more susceptible to symptoms such as headache, nausea, and fatigue, highlighting the importance of gradual ascent and medication for preventive measures.
Researchers found that patients with smoking-related cancers had shorter telomeres than those without cancer, and that short telomeres were associated with a greater cancer risk. Smoking status significantly influenced the effect of short telomeres on cancer risk.
Researchers found prolonged fever-induced seizures increase brain's production of endocannabinoids, leading to long-term modifications in neural receptors linked to them. This can result in an increased susceptibility to seizures until adulthood.
Purdue University's David Ertmer created an interactive website to monitor early speech development in children with hearing impairments. The site provides audio examples of baby jargon, such as babbling and squealing, to help parents recognize progress in their child's speech development.
A randomized, controlled study involving medical marijuana found no harmful changes in HIV virus levels or immune system function in patients with HIV. Participants experienced weight gain, but no change in their undetectable status.
Researchers have successfully differentiated adult bone marrow stem cells into functional dopamine-producing cells, similar to those found in embryonic and neural stem cells. This breakthrough holds promise for developing new treatments for Parkinson's disease.
Researchers use CD technology to detect biological interactions by exploiting errors in digital data. They attach molecules to a CD surface, allowing proteins to bind and introduce errors in the reading process.
The study estimates that the national prevalence of Alzheimer's disease will increase significantly by 2050, with 60% of cases projected to affect people 85 and older. This is due to declining death rates after age 65, allowing more people to survive to older ages where the risk of AD is highest.
A live but weakened virus is being tested as a potential West Nile virus vaccine, with promising results showing high levels of protective antibodies in monkeys. The vaccine has been shown to be effective in preventing the disease-causing virus while triggering a strong immune response.
Seed Stage Associates LLC will provide education, assistance, training and advice to establish tech transfer offices, while aiding established offices in evaluation, marketing and licensing of new technologies. The company will leverage resources of western North Carolina schools for collaboration.
A global analysis reveals that 44% of the Earth's land surface consists of 24 wilderness areas, but they are occupied by only 3% of the world's population. These high-biodiversity wilderness areas face significant threats from human activities, and conservation efforts are necessary to protect them.
Researchers at Purdue University have captured the clearest image yet of the T4 virus's docking bay, a complex structure that allows it to infect its host. This breakthrough could lead to new strategies for stopping viral infections and developing novel antibiotics.
Researchers have found small, soluble aggregated proteins called ADDLs in the brains of individuals with Alzheimer's disease, up to 70 times more than in normal individuals. These proteins may be reversibly blocking memory function, providing a potential target for new therapeutic drugs.
The Mayo Clinic Proceedings has released an early review of West Nile virus to aid clinicians and the public. The review, written by Priya Sampathkumar, M.D., provides the most current information on the disease's epidemiology, virology, transmission, management, and prevention in humans and animals.
A new study finds that family-friendly policies do not reinforce traditional division of household labor, contrary to previous theories. In fact, some women report using policies to alleviate stress and resentment, while others find them liberating by encouraging husbands' involvement in home-based tasks.
A study by a UC assistant professor of sociology found that African Americans are twice as likely to prefer African American doctors and nurses if they or a family member experienced unfair treatment. The study analyzed national phone survey data collected by the Kaiser Family Foundation in 1999.
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory has developed a culvert test bed to assess hydraulic conditions and fish behavior in various culvert designs. The system enables controlled experiments to address ESA issues and inform improved stream crossing designs, benefiting the well-being of fish runs in Washington State.
Researchers estimate that by mid-century, up to 16 million Americans will have Alzheimer's disease, with significant increases in prevalence among the oldest age group. Increasing funding for research is critical to prevent the disease or delay its onset and avoid devastating economic costs.
A team of researchers from the Illinois State Water Survey and University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign found that frequent droughts, lightning strikes, and fires are critical factors for the plains. Long-term data gathered since 1890 suggests that these extremes are key issues in addressing global climate change.
Researchers at Purdue University have developed a new tool using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) to accurately determine bone mineral density in hens. The study found that more calcium resulted in greater bone mineral density and stronger bones, leading to potential improvements in egg production.
Research reveals that obese individuals are more likely to develop symptoms of acute mountain sickness at high altitudes, with lower blood oxygen levels. In contrast, smoking marijuana or taking synthetic cannabinoids in HIV patients did not affect key treatment indicators, according to a new study. A no-fault medical malpractice syste...
Black students fall further behind White students in both math and reading, with disparities traced to different learning rates, not school differences. Low-income children also lag behind middle-class peers in math and reading during kindergarten and summer before first grade.
The sequenced genome of Pseudomonas syringae provides a blueprint for understanding its virulence and pathogenesis, shedding light on the complex mechanisms behind bacterial disease
A study found that children with severe attention problems in childhood are more likely to develop substance abuse issues, particularly alcohol and marijuana problems. The researchers suggest that early identification and treatment of ADHD can help prevent these issues by targeting the root cause of inattention symptoms.
A study found that teenagers with severe childhood ADHD are more likely to experience substance use problems, including alcohol and marijuana use. The researchers also discovered that the severity of inattention symptoms in childhood ADHD is a strong predictor of early substance abuse.
Researchers discovered that repeated vaccinations provide short-term immunity boosts but do not sustain higher protection levels. Long-term antibody immunity can last throughout a person's lifetime, while T-cell immunity declines slowly over time.
Element 110, darmstadtium, has been named by the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry after its discovery in Darmstadt, Germany. The element was synthesized through a fusion-evaporation experiment using a 62Ni beam on an isotopically enriched 208Pb target.
A sociologist has developed a 10-category scale to measure disasters and terrorism events, helping researchers and practitioners distinguish between appropriate mitigating efforts. The scale assesses the degree of social disruption resulting from an actual or potential disaster, with categories ranging from everyday emergencies to anni...
Researchers have identified a small subset of dendritic cells that can suppress T-cell responses, potentially treating tumors and autoimmune diseases. Experimental immunosuppressive agents are being explored for their ability to target this subset, offering new hope for patients with transplanted organs and autoimmune conditions.
Finnish investigators found that higher levels of physical activity were associated with a slower rate of decline in pulmonary function with aging. The study, which followed middle-age men over 25 years, suggests that regular exercise can delay the onset of age-related lung function decline.
Researchers found that Cripto overexpression inhibits Activin signaling, leading to increased tumor cell growth. Antibody blockade of Cripto suppresses tumor cell growth in xenograft models, suggesting a central role for Cripto in tumorigenesis.
The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) accepts applications for several research fellowships to support salary and benefits for postdoctoral and clinical fellows. The deadline is Wednesday, October 15, 2003, and awards are open to researchers worldwide.
The AACR-Gertrude B. Elion Cancer Research Award supports meritorious basic, translational, or clinical cancer research by a tenure-track scientist at an academic institution worldwide. Five Career Development Awards will be granted in 2004 to support research in various areas of cancer research.
The sequencing of Pseudomonas syringae genome will help scientists understand how bacteria adapt to host organisms, enabling the development of new therapies. The genome also reveals commonalities between plant and animal pathogens.
A Mayo Clinic study found that middle-aged and older adults who engage in regular aerobic exercise can maintain increased insulin sensitivity for up to four days after their last workout. However, this effect is not seen in those over 40, highlighting the importance of frequent exercise for preventing or treating Type 2 diabetes.
A second gene, zinc metalloproteinase (ZMPSTE24), has been identified as a cause of the rare skeletal disorder mandibuloacral dysplasia (MAD). Mutations in this gene may also lead to premature aging, generalized loss of body fat and early death.
Many low-income Medicare beneficiaries will struggle with high drug costs despite new proposals in Congress. Beneficiaries living on $10,000-$20,000 annually face significant financial hardship due to limited coverage and increased out-of-pocket expenses.
Regularly scheduled use of inhaled beta-agonists can result in airway hyperresponsiveness and prolonged asthmatic attacks, according to recent studies. Researchers suggest that targeting phospholipase C-beta may offer a new treatment approach for asthma patients.
Asthma patients treated with bronchodilating beta-agonist medications may develop increased sensitivity to airway constriction, experience exacerbation of their condition. Researchers suggest that therapeutics targeting phospholipase C-beta may have substantial benefit in the treatment of asthma.
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.