A study of 6,727 middle school students found that tobacco use and experimentation are prevalent in schools, particularly among children with asthma. The research highlights the importance of educating parents and children on the dangers of tobacco exposure and its adverse effects on respiratory health.
The Gene Expression Nervous System Atlas (GENSAT) project has mapped gene activity in the mouse nervous system, providing insights into brain development and function. The data will facilitate investigations into neurological and psychiatric drugs, as well as advance our understanding of human development and disease.
The New York Academy of Sciences has launched a new website, eBriefings, which provides user-friendly access to top science and health issues. The platform features eBriefings on autism, adolescent brain development, and neuroethical challenges in cognitive enhancement and learning.
A Danish study of over 56,000 births found that women trying to conceive for over a year were at increased risk of preterm delivery, term babies with low birthweight, and Caesarean section. The study also found significant associations between infertility and adverse birth outcomes in both treated and untreated infertile women.
Researchers found that a comprehensive healthcare team approach improved hypertension control among 309 African American young men. The intervention showed positive outcomes, including decreased smoking and unhealthy lifestyle behaviors.
Researchers have developed a new drug, ximelagatran, that is absorbed quickly and has no food or drug interactions, making it easier to manage than warfarin. The study found that the new drug was significantly superior to warfarin in preventing blood clots, with fewer side effects.
The Gene Expression Nervous System Atlas (GENSAT) provides a comprehensive map of gene expression in the central nervous system. Researchers can use this tool to explore molecular machinery and chart functional circuitry of the brain and spinal cord, leading to better understanding of neurological disorders.
A recent study from Thomas Jefferson University found that middle school students in poorer performing Philadelphia schools had a higher prevalence of undiagnosed asthma. The researchers screened over 6,700 students and found that those in Edison-managed schools had more severe cases of the disease.
The GenSAT project offers a fully public, searchable database of gene expression in central nervous system cell types for individual genes. Researchers can analyze up to five genes per week using the Gensat platform.
The NCCAM-funded Developmental Centers for Research on Complementary and Alternative Medicine aim to increase the quality and quantity of CAM research, promote expertise, and foster partnerships between CAM and conventional institutions. The first two centers focus on chiropractic manipulation and acupuncture, respectively.
Researchers on the Old English Dictionary project found a heavy preponderance of 'for' compounds and the phrase 'to be on fire,' which originated in an Old English quotation. The study highlights the importance of understanding language as a conveyor of culture, revealing insights into social, political, and intellectual institutions.
Researchers have found that pomegranate fruit extract and grape polyphenol resveratrol exhibit anti-skin tumor effects by inhibiting cancer-promoting pathways. These findings suggest potential benefits for skin cancer prevention and treatment.
Patients with a history of coronary disease are at high risk of experiencing acute coronary events, including unstable angina and heart attacks, after aspirin withdrawal. Aspirin therapy is essential in reducing the risk of developing acute blockage in coronary arteries.
A study by the Lister Fertility Clinic in London found that women who participated in an egg-sharing program did not have a lower chance of getting pregnant or having a live birth compared to those who didn't participate. The researchers also found no evidence of increased risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome among donors.
The American College of Chest Physicians has established a new Distinguished Scholar program, supporting the development of an original educational project on thrombosis and patient care. Dr. Morris will explore pulmonary care in his project, creating new knowledge to advance best practices.
The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) has established two new research centers to investigate the underlying mechanisms and potential benefits of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). The first two Centers of Excellence, funded with $5.9 million and $5.8 million grants, will focus on studying ac...
The FDNY Tobacco Cessation Program, a free, multi-modal approach, shows a 10-fold increase in quit rates compared to previous studies. At 6 months, 39% of participants were tobacco-free, with the program's success attributed to its combination nicotine replacement therapy and behavior-stress support.
The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCAM) has awarded planning grants to 12 international centers for research on complementary and alternative medicine. These partnerships will allow researchers to conduct studies in unique environments and potentially lead to significant advances in global health. The grant...
A recent study found that people who underwent lung cancer screening were motivated to quit smoking. The study suggests that cancer screening may present an opportunity for health-care providers to offer smoking cessation resources.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have discovered a molecular mechanism that allows neurons to adjust their sensitivity to stimulation, a process known as homeostatic plasticity. This discovery provides long-sought clues to how neurons protect themselves during stroke, epilepsy, and spinal cord injury.
A team-based intervention program improved blood pressure control rates among hypertensive African-American men, with 44% of participants achieving control compared to 17% at baseline. The study dispels the myth that underserved African-Americans are hard to include in clinical trials.
A study by Professor Mary Kooy found that book clubs facilitated relational learning and knowledge sharing among high school teachers. The novice group used books to relate to common problems, while the more experienced group shared experiences and expanded their knowledge through discussions.
A study using CT scans of two pterosaur skulls reveals key structures responsible for flight control and prey spotting were specialized and enlarged, revising views on vision, flight, and the brain's evolution. The research found significant differences between the vestibular apparatus and flocculus in the two species.
Researchers have uncovered detailed insights into the brains of ancient flying reptiles, revealing a larger flocculus that enabled them to process sensory data from their wings. The study suggests that this neural center played a crucial role in the pterosaurs' ability to fly and hunt, allowing them to become highly adapted predators.
The University of Toronto has developed technology using laser-sensitive dyes to foil document fraud, providing high data encryption and relatively low-cost production. This innovative approach could offer a speedy alternative to current security checks, enabling authorities to verify documents more efficiently.
A study of premature infants found that human milk, fortified in-hospital, was comparable to nutrient-enriched formula for growth and development. The study tracked the progress of 463 premature infants under four pounds at birth, showing better visual acuity outcomes with human milk.
Researchers found that isolated patients were twice as likely to experience adverse events during hospitalization and did not receive adequate supportive care. Isolation is a highly effective measure for infection control, but hospitals need to address its drawbacks, including delayed responses to patient calls.
A new study reveals a significant increase in Arctic summer melt season length, threatening polar bears' survival and global climate stability. The research uses radar data from European and American satellites to measure changes in Arctic sea ice thickness, shedding light on the impact of global warming.
Researchers have created a new mouse model of Alzheimer's disease to study the effects of toxic protein p25 on brain degeneration. The model, developed by Harvard Medical School scientists, shows high levels of p25 accumulation leading to neuronal death and tau pathology after just 12 weeks.
A new handheld sensing device, called the 'dog-on-a-chip,' can detect cocaine in real-time, reducing time between seizures and lab analysis. The device uses monoclonal antibodies to differentiate between similar molecules, providing an advantage over canine sniffers.
Astronomers detect near-infrared flares from hot gas falling into the black hole, revealing its rapid rotation and chaotic environment. The findings provide unprecedented information about what happens just outside the event horizon.