A study found that when doctors spend at least 10 minutes with patients, inquire about immunizations before exams, have four staff members, and hold down waiting room time, over 90% of patients are properly vaccinated. Critical path analysis revealed the full sequence of events was more powerful than individual activities.
Researchers at New York Medical College are exploring bacterial antibiotic resistance in salmon aquaculture and developing new diagnostic tests for Lyme disease. The studies aim to improve understanding of the diseases and test new methods for prevention and control.
A study published in JAMA found a significant link between delirium in ICU patients and increased mortality rates. The researchers also highlighted the economic burden of treating delirium in ICUs, estimating costs ranging from $4 billion to over $20 billion nationwide.
A study of Pentagon personnel found that nearly 21 percent experienced mental health symptoms, including generalized anxiety and depression, following the 9/11 attacks. The researchers also discovered that a significant portion of those at high risk for mental health problems sought counseling after the attack.
No-till farming reduces carbon emissions by retaining humus in the soil, preventing erosion and promoting healthy crop production. By adopting no-till practices, farmers can sequester up to 300 million tons of soil carbon annually, potentially delaying the need for fossil fuels.
Researchers developed a new method to speed up the search for genes involved in complex medical conditions. By substituting one chromosome at a time, they can detect gene locations with greater accuracy and efficiency. This breakthrough has the potential to accelerate the discovery of disease-causing genes and lead to new treatments.
The American Physiological Society awarded 55 minority travel fellowships to facilitate participation of underrepresented students in EB 2004, attracting over 11,000 scientists annually. The fellowships, supported by NIDDK and NIGMS grants, provide funds for transportation, meals, lodging, and meeting registration.
Atom-scale images reveal the preferred location of atoms in silicon nitride ceramic, matching theoretical calculations. This breakthrough enables researchers to predict and manipulate material structure, leading to tougher and stronger ceramic materials for advanced applications.
A new study provides support for the ancient origin of the MT visual center in primates, suggesting it evolved early in primate evolution. The researchers used optical imaging to analyze the brain structure of a small nocturnal primate called the galago and found similarities with monkey brains.
Pre-teens and middle school students are the best targets for smoking prevention programs. The study found that nearly half of teens aged 11-18 have tried smoking at least once, with most being early experimenters who smoked fewer than 25 cigarettes in their lifetime.
Musicians may experience skin problems due to prolonged contact with instruments, particularly those using rosin, nickel, or other materials. Changing instrument components or adjusting playing positions can help alleviate these conditions.
Robotic Carbon Explorers tracked fertilized waters with over four-fold plankton growth, contrary to expectations that lack of silicates would limit growth. The study suggests a significant role for iron in fixing carbon dioxide in the ocean.
The team aims to maximize biodiversity on the site, addressing issues of re-introduction of native plants and animals, habitat fragmentation, and invasive species control. The park will be built by August 2008 for the Games' enjoyment and education, complementing Beijing's cultural sites.
Researchers at NCAR/University of Colorado Denver aim to create a system that sends real-time maps and predictions of wildfires to frontline firefighters. The team will use supercomputers, satellite and sensor monitoring, and meteorology to develop tools to warn firefighters about wildfire behavior.
A study found that HIV-positive US military personnel who received a smallpox vaccine between 2002-2003 showed no negative effects. The researchers suggest exempting HIV-infected individuals from vaccination during outbreaks, but consider weakened vaccines for immunocompromised people in the future.
Researchers have identified SSX-2, a promising target for cancer vaccines, and found that patients mount their own immunological responses against cancer cells expressing the protein. A new early-phase clinical trial is underway to assess the safety and efficacy of an SSX-2-based vaccine.
Researchers at the University of North Carolina identified the role of the K1 gene in tumor cell growth and metastasis, potentially leading to new treatment options. The study found that the K1 gene initiates cancerous processes by up-regulating growth factors and breaking down supporting tissue.
Researchers at MIT have developed a technique that uses focused microwave energy to kill early-stage breast cancer cells, reducing the need for additional surgery. The treatment has shown promising results, with women experiencing a 43% reduction in cancer cells found close to surgical margins.
Researchers have identified two specific brain areas activated when people make mental state judgments, shedding light on the neural basis of everyday theory of mind. This finding may help develop interventions for individuals with autism who struggle with social skills and mental state decoding.
A new study found that sacral nerve stimulation significantly reduces the number of weekly episodes of incontinence, from 16 to 3-2 per week after one-two years. The technique also shows an improvement in quality-of-life scores and is a safe option for patients with intact or repaired anal sphincters.
A UCLA study found that providing Head Start parents with easy-to-understand health-care guidance can lead to significant reductions in emergency room and clinic visits, resulting in cost savings for Medicaid. The study showed a 48% reduction in unnecessary ER visits and a 37.5% decrease in clinic visits for routine illnesses.
The subpolar gyre's weakening trend is attributed to heat exchanges from the ocean to the atmosphere playing a bigger role. This study, published on Science Express Web site, found Labrador Sea water warmed during the 1990s, reducing contrast with warmer southern latitudes and driving ocean circulation.
The SuperWASP facility is now operational, generating vast amounts of data to discover thousands of new planets around nearby stars. Data from the facility will lead to exciting progress in areas of astronomy, including the discovery of exoplanets and early detection of variable objects.
Polar mesospheric clouds have been found to remove nearly all meteoric iron, a process similar to the depletion of the ozone layer. Laboratory experiments and computer modeling revealed that ice particles on the surfaces of these clouds efficiently uptake iron atoms, causing a local depletion in the metal layer.
Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory have created a 3D map of diesel particles, revealing their varying shapes depending on engine speed and load. The findings provide clues to designing cleaner engines, with potential applications for reducing emissions and mitigating health problems.
A year-long study found that postmenopausal women who exercised regularly had significantly lower serum estrogen levels and a reduced risk of breast cancer. The exercise program resulted in a 16.7% reduction in free serum estradiol, a key female sex steroid.
Researchers have identified a potential DNA marker, SFRP2, that can be used to detect colorectal cancer in stool samples with high sensitivity and specificity. This breakthrough could lead to earlier detection and treatment of the disease.
Researchers have identified a novel gene linked to familial Parkinson's disease, revealing a new pathway for therapeutic treatment. The discovery places mitochondrial function at the centre of Parkinson's research, particularly in relation to oxidative stress and brain cell degeneration.
Four researchers are recognized for their work on normal lung development, RhoA's role in blood vessel disruption, and cardiovascular regulation. Their research aims to improve mortality and morbidity associated with premature birth and related conditions.
Dr. Ballard and his team will map the ship and conduct scientific analyses of its deterioration, assessing the impact of manmade factors on natural decay. They'll also study microbial research and examine the effects of tiny microbes on the ship's hull.
A team of researchers has received a $2 million NSF grant to create an advanced system that predicts wildfire behavior and progression. The system will use data from sensors, satellite monitoring, and mathematical theory to provide minute-by-minute predictions for firefighters.
Dr. Magdi Yacoub will receive the ISHLT Lifetime Achievement Award for his pioneering work in heart recovery using support devices. His approach, known as 'bridge to recovery,' has broadened the usage of heart assist devices and improved patient outcomes.
A study confirmed that alcohol intake is associated with an increased risk of gout, with beer and liquor showing a stronger link than moderate wine consumption. The Health Professionals Follow-up Study found that men who consumed more than 50 grams of alcohol daily had a 2.5 times higher risk of developing gout.
Researchers at Moss Landing Marine Laboratories have conducted an experiment that revealed iron fertilization can trigger massive phytoplankton blooms in the Southern Ocean. These blooms consume vast amounts of carbon dioxide, which is then potentially removed from the atmosphere, suggesting a potential solution to global warming.
Researchers developed a preoperative diagnostic test that uses gene expression to distinguish between benign and malignant thyroid carcinoma. The test has the potential to improve diagnosis accuracy and treatment outcomes for patients with thyroid cancer.
A new hypothesis suggests that autoimmunity is triggered by insufficient immune stimulation, leading to a decrease in T cells and an overactive expansion of the remaining population. This condition, known as lymphopenia, can cause diseases like Type 1 diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis.
A 12-year study found that drinking alcohol increases the risk of gout, with daily consumption between 30-50g increasing risk by 2.5 times. Beer consumption was linked to the strongest association, while wine showed no increased risk.
Archaeologists discovered perforated shells at Blombos Cave, dated to 75,000 years ago, which were likely strung as beads. This finding supports the theory that modern human behavior developed gradually throughout the Middle Stone Age.
The Madison/Swanson and Steamboat Lumps marine reserves in the Gulf of Mexico have been given a new life after a two-year extension. Larger fish with greater egg-producing potential were found within the protected sites than outside them, indicating the reserves are working as designed.
A new strain of Salmonella enterica serotype choleraesuis has been isolated that is resistant to all commonly used antimicrobials, including ceftriaxone and ciprofloxacin. Constant surveillance is needed to prevent further spread of this multidrug-resistant bacterium.
The American Physiological Society awarded 12 Distinguished Lecturers in 2004, including Christine Seidman, Robin Davisson, and Kevin Fitzgerald. The awards recognize outstanding research achievements in various fields of physiology.
A Duke University Medical Center study found significant regional disparities in opioid use for back pain, with higher rates in the South and among lower-income and less-educated individuals. The study suggests that improving prescribing patterns is crucial for effective national policy.
Researchers used microarray technology to compare gene expression in healthy flies and those with brain cancer, finding significant changes in 321 genes involved in metabolism, cell proliferation, and more. The study identified a key tumor-suppressor gene mutation that causes cancerous tissue growth and metastasis in flies.
Researchers identified a strong association between gene GABRA2 and the risk of alcoholism. The study found that tiny differences in this gene are associated with both alcoholism and brainwave patterns linked to alcoholics.
Researchers found that cancer tumors reduce the release of interferon gamma and expression of perforin in CD8 T cells, disabling their ability to destroy cancer cells. However, these defects can be reversed with laboratory growth using immunological factors.
Research suggests that non-physical traits, such as personality and behavior, have a substantial impact on how people perceive physical attractiveness. Studies involving familiar and stranger participants found that non-physical traits known only to familiars had a large effect on perception of physical attractiveness.
Researchers at University at Buffalo are developing an inorganic compound called DDFPe as a potential blood substitute. The compound produces microbubbles that pick up and deliver oxygen to tissues, making it more effective than current hemoglobin-based blood substitutes.
Researchers identified four key strategies for safe and efficient shift changes, including face-to-face verbal updates, unambiguous transfer of responsibility, clear communication, and overhearing others' updates. These strategies can improve operations and prevent errors in hospitals.
Phytoplankton, tiny aquatic plants that convert carbon dioxide through photosynthesis, may play a crucial role in regulating Earth's atmosphere. A new study finds that iron fertilization can enhance the uptake of CO2 by phytoplankton, potentially making them more efficient carbon sinks.
A new study by scientists from Argonne National Laboratory and the Department of Homeland Security highlights the need for specific guidance on cleaning up after a dirty bomb attack. The current lack of common standards for safe contaminant levels could lead to delays and undermine public confidence.
Researchers discovered that the timing of short and long bright light flashes can create optical illusions by activating two parallel pathways in the brain. These pathways adapt to changes in light, suggesting a complex network for handling perception and consciousness.
The University of Houston has received a grant from the GE Foundation to create a 'math and technology pipeline' for students and teachers in underserved communities. The program aims to improve mathematics skills and technological self-efficacy, with specific goals including increasing student enrollment in advanced math courses.
Researchers found that alcohol impairs cognitive functioning even when motor functioning appears normal. The study suggests that the motor component of information processing recovers during declining blood alcohol concentrations, but the cognitive effects linger, creating a 'illusion' of sobriety.
Research reveals that college women are more likely to experience sexual and nonsexual victimization on days they drink, particularly when consuming heavily. The study found that the odds of experiencing aggression were nine times higher on heavy drinking days compared to non-drinking days.
The National Academies Keck FUTURES INITIATIVE provides seed funding to researchers to pursue new ideas and connections. The grants aim to bridge the gap between bold new ideas and federal funding programs, enabling researchers to develop a line of inquiry and compete for larger awards.
A team of researchers classifies the Park Forest meteorite as an L5 chondrite, a type of stony meteorite. The meteorite showed signs of being highly shocked due to its origin from a large asteroid collision.
A Medical College of Georgia study aims to identify specific protein markers in the blood that indicate how ovarian cancer responds to therapy. By analyzing changes in protein expression over time, researchers hope to develop a better understanding of the disease process and create more effective screening tests.
Researchers René Marois and J. Jay Todd found that the human brain's visual short-term memory has a limited storage capacity of about four objects. This is attributed to the posterior parietal cortex, which plays a key role in holding information from visual scenes.
Researchers found that combining CT and PET scans significantly enhances radiologists' abilities to precisely define tumor locations for radiation treatments. This improves the efficacy of treatment and limits side effects in non-small-cell lung cancer patients. PET-CT scanning units are now available at hundreds of hospitals nationwide.
A study found that community-based heavy drinkers have clear brain metabolite changes associated with lower brain function and are likely of behavioral significance. Brain damage is detectable even in those who function relatively well in the community.