Scientists at Georgia Tech have developed a new instrument to measure conditions needed for particle to become a cloud droplet, improving predictions of cloud formation. The new method provides accurate predictions thousands of times faster than existing models.
A mutant gene that results in 80% less serotonin production has been identified in patients with unipolar major depression, with over 10% of cases carrying the mutation. The study suggests a potential molecular mechanism for aberrant serotonin function in neuropsychiatric disorders.
A study found that heavy drinking is associated with an increased risk of spousal abuse in male US Army soldiers, both when they are and are not drinking. The research also showed that women who live with heavy drinkers or are themselves heavy drinkers are more likely to be victims of intimate partner violence.
Ocean drilling research advances understanding of rapid climate change, including the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum. The study also explores climate triggers and effects on various scales, from tectonic uplift to human history. Additionally, new findings challenge traditional theories on volcanic regions.
A research team has found evidence of microbes living in a rock glacier for the first time, challenging previous assumptions about these environments. The discovery was made in Colorado and is similar to recent findings in Antarctica, where scientists had previously discovered life in inhospitable regions.
A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that vaginal birth after a prior cesarean delivery poses relatively low risks. However, the study also revealed that women attempting vaginal birth after a cesarean delivery may face increased complications such as uterine rupture and infant brain oxygenation issues.
Research reviews medical studies on mixed dementia and finds that treating cardiovascular risk factors like high blood pressure can be more effective in protecting brain function. This approach shows promise as a complementary strategy to memory-preserving drugs.
Researchers found that diuretics plus calcium channel blockers doubled CVD death risk compared to diuretics plus beta-blockers. Monotherapy with calcium channel blockers also increased CVD death risk by 55%.
Researchers discovered a large class of airborne particles that react with nitric acid to form calcium nitrate, altering sunlight reflection and cloud-altering properties. The newly formed particles can absorb water, scattering and absorbing sunlight, posing a new challenge for climate modelers.
A study of 124 radiologists found that the accuracy of mammographic interpretation is more closely related to characteristics such as direct feedback and training than years of experience or volume. The study suggests that increasing volume requirements may not improve performance.
A study of 129 women with high breast cancer risk found that personal history and physician advice influenced decision-making, while perception of risk and lack of information also played a role. Women were more likely to take tamoxifen if they had an abnormal biopsy or received a doctor's recommendation.
Research found that cigarette smoking accelerates brain damage in individuals with alcohol dependence, particularly in the frontal lobes. This can lead to compromised executive functions, problem-solving abilities, and emotional regulation. Chronic smoking also impairs neuronal viability and cell membranes in other brain regions.
A study found that women at high risk of breast cancer have difficulty deciding whether to take tamoxifen, with factors such as personal history, physician advice, and perception of risk playing a significant role. Anxiety and psychological distress also influence decision satisfaction.
The HMS vaccine, dl5-29, outperformed two established vaccines in animal models, demonstrating a stronger T cell response and broader antibody protection. The results suggest that dl5-29 is the most compelling new vaccine candidate for genital herpes, with potential to prevent infection and recurring disease.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a portable monitoring system to evaluate emission sources from traditional wood-burning cookstoves. The study aims to improve human health and climate modeling by characterizing emissions under various burning conditions.
Researchers drilled a complete 460-meter core through the ice to bedrock, capturing a climatological record preserved in the ice. The discovery of layers of non-volcanic pebbles and lack of ash layer contradict the current interpretation that Mount Churchill was the source of White River Ash deposits.
A study found that individuals with the G variant of the OPRM1 gene have a greater likelihood of experiencing stronger subjective feelings from alcohol and a higher risk of developing alcohol-use disorders. This genetic difference affects how the brain responds to endogenous opiates, influencing motivation and reinforcement.
A recent study found that false positive cancer screening test results can lead to substantial medical care costs, affecting both men and women. The research highlights the importance of considering not only the clinical benefits but also potential adverse effects of new screening tests.
The American Physiological Society has announced its 2005 Distinguished Lecturers, recognizing outstanding contributors and representatives in various fields of physiology. The award winners include researchers who have made significant contributions to their respective fields through original research, education, and mentorship.
A study found that 20% of Ayurvedic herbal medicine products sold in Boston-area stores contained lead, mercury, and/or arsenic, exceeding regulatory standards. The products were often recommended for children, raising public health concerns.
A Northwestern University study shows that short-term exposure to social and physical activity improves cognitive performance and subjective sleep quality in older adults. The 14-day program included 90 minutes of daily activity, resulting in a 4-6% improvement in cognitive function.
Researchers found that reducing insulin-like molecules in fruit fly brains increases the intoxicating effect of alcohol, mimicking human vulnerabilities. Insulin regulates behavior and may be crucial in determining response to addictive drugs, offering potential therapy for alcoholism.
A Mount Sinai School of Medicine study identifies the shared precursor cell, called the hemangioblast, in early mouse embryos. This finding provides strong proof for the existence of a common origin for vascular cells and hematopoietic cells.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have identified a gene family involved in determining the potential for acquiring lupus, a debilitating autoimmune disease that affects more than one million Americans. The study found that genetic susceptibility to lupus results from an imbalance between genes that increase and suppress th...
Researchers found sharks can detect geomagnetic field changes, which may aid navigation. This discovery builds upon previous studies on bird navigation.
A NASA study reveals that planting trees on marginal agricultural lands can sequester significant amounts of carbon dioxide, potentially offsetting one-fifth of the US's annual fossil fuel emissions. Additionally, research suggests that insect outbreaks linked to droughts and heat waves may contribute to increased greenhouse gas levels.
An observational study found no increased risk of late-stage breast cancer for women screened every 2 years, except for those in their 40s. Annual screening may also not benefit women with dense breasts.
According to a new study by Caroline Hoxby of Harvard University, charter school students are more likely to be proficient in reading and math on state exams. For schools with at least 40% public funding, students perform particularly well. Charter schools in disadvantaged areas also show a significant advantage.
The NIAID human clinical vaccine trial tests an experimental vaccine composed of a small circular piece of DNA encoding the viral spike protein. The trial aims to assess the vaccine's safety and immune-stimulating effects in people, with results expected to inform future vaccine development.
A new method has been developed to remove MTBE, a carcinogenic pollutant, from water using a titanium dioxide catalyst. The catalyst causes MTBE to react with dissolved oxygen, producing harmless carbon dioxide.
UCR researchers Ludwig Bartels and team advance nanoscale electronics development by controlling chemical reactions one molecule at a time. They use an STM to guide individual molecules through step-by-step reactions, enabling fine-tuning of reactivity and optimizing atomic-scale construction of complex molecules.
A study by Saint Louis University found that pro-tobacco contributions speak louder to Democrats, but Republicans receive more money from the industry. The relationship between contributions and votes was three times stronger for Democrats than Republicans.
Researchers at Oregon State University have confirmed the results of an earlier study that found vitamin C involved in DNA-damaging compounds. The new findings reveal how vitamin C reacts with and neutralizes toxic byproducts of human fat metabolism, providing a protective role against genetic damage and inflammation.
Researchers developed a broad-based vaccination for Lyme disease by targeting white-footed mice, which play a key role in spreading the disease. The study found that vaccinating these mice reduced nymphal infection prevalence by 16% and had potential implications for preventing other vector-borne diseases.
A study found that exposure to anger, negative emotions, or sudden changes in body position can increase the risk of stroke by up to 14 times within two hours. The study examined 200 people with ischemic strokes and found a link between these triggers and stroke, potentially offering new avenues for prevention and intervention.
A study found that prostate cancer patients receiving androgen deprivation therapy were at high risk of osteoporosis, yet few received prevention or treatment. Only primary care physicians were aggressive in managing osteoporosis risk.
A study employing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) confirms long-held suspicions about the complexity of language processing in the brain. Researchers identified a new language area, dubbed Geschwind's territory, which connects to classical language areas via a separate route, shedding light on the evolutionary origins of language.
The study found that PET/CT imaging was effective in detecting new malignancy and precisely localizing disease extent in patients with suspected occult recurrent cancer. The imaging modality provided valuable information for treatment planning, potentially avoiding further invasive procedures.
A partnership between OneWorld Health, University of California - Berkeley, and Amyris Biotechnologies aims to produce an inexpensive antimalarial drug using synthetic biology. The goal is to reduce the cost of treatment to under $1 per adult course, making it more accessible to millions in developing countries.
Researchers propose a novel approach to battling Lyme disease by vaccinating mice, which can reduce the number of infected ticks that transmit the disease. The study shows an overall 16% reduction in nymphal infection prevalence after immunizing mice, highlighting the potential of this method to combat Lyme disease.
Researchers at Rockefeller University found that zebra finches use infant-like strategies to learn their song, with two distinct approaches: repetition and motif. These findings suggest a remarkable parallel between vocal learning in birds and human language acquisition.
Researchers at the Earth Institute explore drivers of hunger and infant mortality, develop improved radiocarbon dating techniques, and examine Arctic soot impacts on climate. They also use regional models to assess potential for extreme climate change.
Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory witness continuous structural change in glass under pressure, contradicting long-held theories. They also observe a dense, disordered octahedral structure for the first time, with internal angles deviating from perfect geometry.
A study found that stereotype-vulnerable black participants predicted their abilities less accurately and experienced fluctuating self-efficacy, highlighting the fragility of academic perceptions. This uncertainty can lead to unrealistic optimism and decreased motivation in the face of prejudice.
The Leducq International Network Against Thrombosis aims to encourage idea exchange between institutions researching thrombosis in vascular disease. The five-year grant will support faculty and students exchanging research time and technology.
A recent study identified lemons and lilac as among the top 10 smells that can predict Alzheimer's Disease. The study analyzed smell identification test results from patients with Alzheimer's disease and healthy elderly subjects, revealing a strong link between the inability to identify specific odors and the development of the disease.
A recent study suggests that Akt3 protein is key to melanoma's resistance to chemotherapy, promoting tumor cell survival and development in 43-60% of non-inherited melanomas. Lowering Akt3 activity can reduce tumor-creating potential and make cancer cells more susceptible to signals inducing apoptosis.
A team of MIT researchers has successfully created a patch of heart tissue that displays characteristics of mature cardiac tissue, including regular contractions. The innovation involves seeding cells onto a biodegradable scaffold and applying electrical signals to mimic natural heart rhythms.
Experts recommend improving government reimbursement rates, increasing staffing levels, and providing better training for nursing home staff. Family members share stories of inadequate care, including unneeded tests and treatments, but also praise compassionate gestures from attentive aides.
A six-year review of DETROL LA data found significant symptom reduction for overactive bladder patients, including improved quality of life measures. The medication was associated with a low frequency of side effects, particularly dry mouth.
The Hudson's Bay Company's pursuit of profits led to ecological stress, habitat destruction, and the decline of beaver populations. The company's focus on fur trading also introduced European farming methods and crops, altering the Northwest landscape and human population dynamics.
A $9.7 million grant led by Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center aims to create reliable and inexpensive blood tests for early cancer detection. The collaboration involves institutions worldwide, with a focus on identifying serum biomarkers and protein patterns to detect disease at an early stage.
Researchers found that broken ends of yeast chromosomes remain associated even after cell division, leading to genomic instability. The association was dependent on the molecular DNA repair machinery, which helps resist pulling forces of the mitotic spindle.
Researchers at Georgia Tech have developed a new approach to creating lightweight organic solar cells using pentacene, converting sunlight into electricity with high efficiency. The cells' flexibility and minimal weight make them suitable for powering various devices, from RFID tags to electronic devices.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center propose a new theory explaining the rapid evolution of species and their physical variations. They found that tandem repeat sequences in genetic code can lead to significant morphological changes, driving evolutionary changes and variability in appearance among individual members of a species.
Permafrost thawing poses significant challenges to the Tibetan train route, as predicted climate change and construction activity can cause soil melting. Crushed rock insulation helps mitigate this effect by minimizing heat intake and promoting cooling over time.
A new reduced-intensity stem cell transplant regimen has shown superior results in pediatric patients, allowing early recovery of immune function and nearly eliminating transplant rejection. The procedure, which uses a shorter and lower-dose treatment of Campath-1H, also reduces the incidence and severity of graft vs. host disease.
Researchers found that mice lacking integrin have impaired rod cell uptake, but can still collect debris; a protein trigger is needed to initiate digestion. Synchronizing timing scavenging may be key to maintaining proper cellular function and preventing age-related blindness.
A three-year study found that rigid gas permeable contact lenses slowed the progression of myopia by nearly 30 percent in nearsighted children. The study, which included over 100 children aged 8-11, showed that RGP lenses altered the shape of the cornea and reduced 'corneal steepening', a condition associated with nearsightedness.
Researchers have discovered a new gene, 15-PGDH, that acts as an antagonist to control the enzyme COX-2, a major early event in human colon tumors. The study found that 15-PGDH is directly controlled and activated by TGF-beta, and its presence can suppress COX-2 activity, potentially leading to tumor development without it.