A recent study published in JAMA found that a combination of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and antidepressant medication is effective in treating adolescent obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The study, conducted at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, involved 112 children aged 7-17 who were randomly assigned to r...
A new study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology found that intra-abdominal fat is a significant predictor of heart attack risk. Researchers discovered that as people age, fat tends to accumulate in the abdomen more than other areas, increasing the risk of heart attacks.
A new analysis has found a link between breastfeeding and lower risks of both acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and acute myeloblastic leukemia (AML) in children. The study suggests that even short-term breastfeeding may be protective, particularly during the first few months.
Research reveals that adult dyslexics can improve visual and auditory reading skills through intensive training, accompanied by increased brain activity in specific regions.
Researchers have found that a protein in brain waves is disrupted by chronic alcohol use, leading to sleep problems. This suggests new medications may improve sleep in chronic alcohol users and enhance addiction treatment outcomes.
Researchers found that physical inactivity leads to higher medical costs, with heart disease being the most expensive outcome. The study estimated $83.6 million in medical expenditures related to physical inactivity among 1.5 million adult members of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota.
Researchers at Wright State University have discovered a way to convert zinc oxide, commonly used in baby powder, into a light-emitting source. This breakthrough has the potential to replace traditional lighting with a more efficient and cost-effective option, resulting in significant power savings of up to $12 billion per year.
The NIH has awarded $68 million to 1,407 new student loan repayment contracts in Fiscal Year 2004. These programs provide up to $35,000 of qualified educational debt repayment for health professionals pursuing careers in clinical, pediatric, contraception and infertility, or health disparities research.
A new system will be tested at Denver International Airport to detect freezing drizzle and prevent engine damage. The system can identify the hazard more accurately than visual observation, which often goes undetected due to small droplet size.
A new study suggests that cruise ship living could be an attractive option for seniors who enjoy travel and require some assistance with daily activities. The research found that cruise ship living results in higher quality care over a 20-year period, despite being $2,000 more expensive than traditional assisted living facilities.
Paratek Pharmaceuticals has demonstrated disease protection in preclinical studies using non-antibacterial tetracycline compounds, which have no detectable antibacterial activity. These compounds show efficacy comparable to minocycline in reducing limb paralysis in the EAE model of MS.
A new microbial fuel cell technology can produce up to 72 watts per square meter, generating electricity from organic matter. The device has the potential to power small wastewater treatment plants and treat waste from animal farms and food processing industries.
Regular exercise improves physical and psychological well-being among people with spinal cord injuries, as well as older adults and nursing home residents. Exercise also promotes stability and ease of movement for lower-limb amputees, while correcting visual impairments can improve rehabilitation effectiveness.
Clemson University receives a $600,000 NSF grant to support biomaterials research and the growth of an advanced materials industry cluster. The grant aims to facilitate technology transfer between academia and private industry, promoting economic development in South Carolina.
Dolphin brains are significantly larger than expected for their body size, with some species having brain sizes comparable to those of modern humans. This study suggests that cetaceans may possess cognitive abilities similar to those of great apes, challenging traditional views of human exceptionalism.
A team is using technology to monitor and analyze patients' daily activities, providing a more accurate picture of their condition. The study compares traditional methods with high-tech devices, aiming to develop better ways to support those with dementia.
The U.Va. Health System's new TomoTherapy system provides precise radiation therapy with 3-D imaging, reducing high-dose exposure to healthy tissue and potential side effects for cancer patients. The technology also enables faster treatment times and improved accuracy in targeting tumors.
Researchers develop a new method that embeds data in ultra-short pulses of laser light, shaped via fractal modulation as wavelets, to improve communication reliability. The system achieves higher average bit rates than conventional optical wireless links and ensures on-the-fly operation without significant electronic processing.
A new Italian study found that women with endometriosis have a significantly higher prevalence of migraine, but no link to attack frequency or pain intensity. The study also suggests that investigating headaches in women with endometriosis is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Researchers discovered that brain activity in the hippocampus, a key learning center, correlates with improved memory performance after sleep. Spatial memories were found to be strengthened during slow wave sleep, suggesting that sleep plays a crucial role in consolidating recent memory traces.
The NIH awards $1 million for research on Diamond Blackfan anemia, a genetic blood disorder linked to increased risk of adult cancers and birth defects. Researchers will broaden the DBA Registry of North America to gain insight into cancer susceptibility and develop new approaches for examining the origins of this disease.
A new study by researchers finds that Native American lands are disproportionately located near extremely dangerous military sites contaminated with unexploded ordnance. The research, published in the American Sociological Review, examines the role of militarism in environmental inequalities affecting Native Americans.
Fishermen in North Sea face severe economic consequences from discarding unwanted fish and marine life back into the ocean. The study proposes restricting access to certain areas and adapting fishing gear to reduce discards, with allocated incentives for compliant fishermen.
Researchers found that heat can alter drug dosage and appearance, putting patients with respiratory conditions at risk. The study advises patients to inspect mail-order medications before consumption and avoid exposing them to extreme temperatures.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has released a new software program that judges the quality of scanned fingerprints. The software assigns a quality level ranging from 1 for high-quality prints to 5 for unusable prints, helping ensure accurate matches.
Researchers found that a defect in RGS4 gene may cause schizophrenia-like symptoms, such as difficulty filtering out unimportant sensory information. The study uses mouse brain nerve cell circuitry to better understand the cause of schizophrenia.
Yerkes researchers are presenting a variety of new data at the Society for Neuroscience Meeting, demonstrating advances in understanding brain function and behavior. Key findings include insights into how evolution has shaped human cellular systems, stress response mechanisms, and the role of vasopressin in social recognition.
Patients undergoing percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs) without cardiac surgery backup are at a higher risk of death, with a 29% increased mortality rate compared to those with surgical backup. PCIs performed for reasons other than acute myocardial infarction treatment also carry a higher risk of adverse outcomes.
Scientists at Vanderbilt University have discovered that low-intensity infrared laser light can spark specific nerves to life, exciting a leg or even individual toes without touching the nerve cells. The technique offers greater precision and accuracy than conventional electrical stimulation.
Researchers found that babies who enthusiastically imitate their parents tend to develop a sense of right and wrong earlier, up to two-and-a-half years later. Children who imitated their mothers were more likely to follow rules and show guilt when breaking them.
The GENEPI project aims to predict radiotherapy efficacy and side effects based on genetic, physical, and patient-related factors. It will establish a pan-European database on radiation-related morbidity, enabling researchers to investigate factors influencing individual responses to radiotherapy.
Researchers have discovered a link between sulfate and arsenic levels in groundwater, suggesting that adding sulfate can effectively sequester arsenic. This method could provide a simple yet reliable field test to identify safe drinking water from contaminated sources.
Researchers discover marijuana-like compounds can slow disease progression in ALS patients and protect brain cells from Parkinson's damage. THC and cannabidiol treatments delay disease progression by seven days and extend survival by six days in mouse models.
Dr. Lancaster's presentation at the IGCS conference used microarray analysis to predict response to platinum-based chemotherapy for advanced stage epithelial ovarian cancers. The study aimed to individualize therapy for patients with advanced ovarian cancer, showcasing Moffitt's expertise in gynecologic cancer research.
Researchers at Medical College of Georgia have found that an enzyme called focal adhesion kinase plays a crucial role in guiding axons across the midline of the spinal cord during development. This discovery provides new insights into normal nervous system development and offers potential targets for treating spinal cord injuries.
Researchers Sean Carroll and Jennifer Chen suggest infinite entropy, rather than finite, resolves the universe's low entropy, allowing for an eternal cycle of inflation and increasing entropy. This approach resolves a long-standing puzzle in physics, explaining why time flows in only one direction.
The Florida Institute of Technology has launched a hydrogen fuel cell research center with a focus on developing new mainstream energy sources. The center, which brings together faculty from various colleges, aims to pool expertise and solve complex problems in the field.
A nationwide study found that only 36% of teenagers achieved moderate to vigorous physical activity weekly, and only 4.4% maintained this level into adulthood. This decline in physical activity contributes to the rising burden of obesity and related health issues in the US.
Combination therapy of radiotherapy and cetuximab significantly improves loco-regional control, median survival, and overall survival rates in patients with loco-regionally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx, hypopharynx, or larynx. The treatment also showed minimal enhancement of toxicity compared to radiotherapy alone.
Researchers create new methods to record brain activity, including collecting signals from hundreds of thousands of brain cells and using electrodes that don't penetrate the brain. These advancements bring the field closer to prosthetic devices controlled by thought, improving performance and reducing risks.
Researchers found that current use of all acid-suppressive drugs was associated with a 27% increase in the risk of pneumonia, particularly among those using proton pump inhibitors or H2-receptor antagonist drugs. The study highlights the need for rational prescribing practices to minimize potential complications.
A study of 24,411 US child appendectomies found racial disparities in rupture rates, with Asian and black children at higher risk. The rate improved with hospital volume, but health insurance status also played a significant role in appendix rupture likelihood.
A new study found that younger children primarily process words based on phonology, sound, whereas older children and adults process words based on semantics, meaning. Researchers tested the language processing abilities of children aged five, eight, and 11 using a rhyme-based experiment.
Increased investment in radiotherapy can significantly improve cure rates for European cancer patients. In the UK and Netherlands, calls for increased funding led to substantial improvements. However, under- utilization of radiotherapy is common in many EU countries due to inadequate infrastructure and staffing.
The NIST real-time audiotape imaging system uses a customized magnetic sensor array to detect and map microscopic magnetic fields on tapes as they are played. This enables the creation of images that correlate sounds with magnetic marks on tape, aiding in the determination of authenticity.
A randomised clinical trial found that post-operative radiotherapy significantly improved biological and clinical progression-free survival in men with high-risk prostate cancer. The study showed a clear benefit in terms of biological progression-free survival for men who received radiotherapy treatment in addition to surgery.
Dr. John Deaton, a renowned human factors specialist, has developedVECTOR, an interactive video game to teach cultural skills for U.S. peacekeepers. The game simulates real-life scenarios, enabling trainees to learn appropriate behavior in diverse situations.
A randomized controlled trial found that patients treated with cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) alone or in combination with medication showed a substantially higher probability of improvement. The combined treatment proved more effective than CBT alone and sertraline alone in treating children and adolescents with OCD.
A team of LSU professors aims to create a computer-based, virtual testing system for construction materials, reducing the need for physical specimens and improving durability. The goal is to decrease life-cycle costs and enhance current practice in mix design.
Researchers at Pitt University successfully reversed peripheral neuropathy in diabetic mice using gene therapy based on HSV vectors, delivering neurotrophic factors to affected neurons. The approach restores lost nerve endings and prevents progression of neuropathy, with promising results for potential human treatment.
The Global Technology Confidence Index fell back to its lowest level for a year, with Japan and Europe experiencing significant downturns. In contrast, China's business confidence index showed an upward trend, indicating a surge in sales growth.
Researchers developed a neural prosthesis allowing a monkey to grasp and hold food using only its brain. The prosthetic arm is controlled by an algorithm that intercepts signals from the motor cortex, allowing the monkey to learn through biofeedback and refine its movements.
A study of 354 elderly patients found that 59% experienced cognitive decline immediately after surgery, with declines persisting three months later. The study suggests that early improvement followed by later decline is a common pattern in postoperative cognitive function.
A Texas A&M University team has discovered that ancient Egyptians used tar from natural oil seeps in the Middle East for preservation and mummification. The researchers found that tar acted as a watersealer, preventing moisture from penetrating the wrappings and destroying the body.
Researchers found that injecting antibodies directly into the brain of mice slowed down plaque growth by up to two months without adverse side effects. This modified passive immunization method may offer a safer treatment option for Alzheimer's, providing a window for other treatments to prevent new plaque formation.
The book provides detailed explanations of procedures used to manage and minimize environmental impacts of aggregate mining, processing, and transportation. It also highlights successful reclamation projects that convert mined areas into beneficial uses such as recreation areas and natural habitats.
A new clinical trial has found that high skin sterol levels are associated with an increased risk of heart disease in patients with coronary artery disease. The study, published by IMI International Medical Innovations, used a prospective registry to examine the relationship between skin sterol and cardiovascular risk factors.
A team of researchers from the University of Arizona used fMRI to investigate how brains recognize faces and retrieve associated names. They found that specific areas, including the medial prefrontal cortex, showed activation during 'feeling-of-knowing' states, suggesting additional processes aid in recalling accurate memories.
The LigAmp test detects single nucleotide differences in cancer and HIV, improving diagnosis and monitoring. Researchers have identified potential mutations for early cancer detection and drug resistance in HIV patients.
Researchers found that Brazilian communities in coastal areas and the Amazon region have taboos on consuming certain fish species, especially predatory ones. These prohibitions are likely biologically adaptive, suggesting a link to toxic accumulation and health concerns.