A study in rats found that prenatal nicotine exposure leads to a decline in brain activity and loss of brain cells, worsening the effects of nicotine withdrawal. This may drive teens to self-administer nicotine, increasing the likelihood of long-term addiction.
Researchers found that administering opioid growth factor (OGF) to patients with advanced pancreatic cancer improved their quality of life and survival rates. OGF was shown to be non-toxic and did not cause common side effects associated with chemotherapy, such as hair loss or nausea.
A recent study found that environmental factors such as temperature and humidity can significantly impact LASIK surgery results. The study of 191 patients revealed that indoor humidity had the largest impact on whether enhancement surgery was required, while outdoor temperature and humidity in the weeks before surgery also played a role.
Researchers explored the potential of 7-oxo DHEA to enhance T-cell function in human lymphocytes, a key component of the immune system. The supplement may play an important role in restoring immune function in elderly individuals, improving quality of life.
Dr. Xiaodong Wang, a professor of biochemistry at UT Southwestern Medical Center, has been elected to the National Academy of Sciences for his groundbreaking research on cell death and apoptosis. His discoveries could lead to treatments for cancer and neurological diseases.
Penn State engineers developed a concept for morphing airplane wings that can reduce drag and power, varying with flight speed. The design features a small-scale compliant cellular truss structure, segmented skin, and tendon actuation, enabling efficient flight over a broader range of speeds.
A recent study by researchers at the University of Maryland found that over 8.2 million people in the US have misused prescription drugs for non-medical purposes in the past year. Problem users are often characterized by symptoms such as difficulty cutting down on use, withdrawal symptoms, or impaired cognitive function.
Researchers created a system to convert 3D CAD parts into a simplified skeletal graph, enabling easier part reuse and saving companies time and money. The new system uses complex software algorithms to convert voxels into the skeletal graph, representing the bare bones of a part's shape and features.
A randomized, controlled trial among 2163 adult smokers at eight primary care clinics found that clinicians following the AHRQ Guideline offered more assistance to those who wished to quit. This led to improved rates of smoking cessation, with test site patients reporting abstinence from smoking at higher rates than control site patients.
The US Commission on Ocean Policy released a preliminary report outlining bold and broad-reaching recommendations to reform the nation's ocean policy. The report emphasizes ecosystem-based management, strengthening science and education to inform decision-making, and enhancing regional goals and priorities.
A team of U.S. and German scientists used carbon-14 dating techniques to determine that most Arctic carbon is young and unlikely to affect the global climate balance. However, they warn that an Arctic warming trend could lead to the release of ancient carbon, enhancing the greenhouse effect and accelerating global warming.
A study by Ferreri et al. found Chlamydia psittaci DNA in 80% of ocular adnexal lymphoma samples, suggesting a potential role in the disease's development. No association was found with C. trachomatis or C. pneumoniae.
University of Michigan researchers have developed an ultra-fast laser technique that enables precise nanoscale machining. The method uses femtosecond pulses to selectively ablate features as small as 20 nanometers, making it possible to machine a wide variety of materials on the nanometer scale.
A new study warns that increased gas development in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem is putting long-distance migratory species like pronghorn antelope at risk. The authors suggest establishing protected migration corridors to safeguard these traditional migrations.
Researchers at Cornell University Institute for Health and Productivity Studies estimate that presenteeism costs companies up to 60% of total worker illness expenses. Common conditions such as allergies, headaches, and mental health problems incur significant on-the-job productivity losses.
A study by Purdue University researchers found a strong association between lawn chemical exposure and increased cancer risk in Scottish terriers. The study suggests that the genetic predisposition of this breed makes them ideal 'sentinel animals' to uncover potential carcinogenic substances.
Researchers at UC Davis suggest using transposons to introduce genes that block malaria in mosquitoes, which could spread through the population via natural selection and eventually eliminate malaria transmission.
A large international consortium has successfully annotated over 21,037 human genes using publicly available resources. The study provides a reliable systematic network of human-curated relationships between genes and their biological functions, setting the standard for analysis of gene expression and human diseases worldwide.
Researchers found two primitive protoglobulins in ancient archaea species, offering clues to the evolution of oxygen-based life. The discovery may aid in the search for future blood substitutes by understanding how transport proteins evolved to bind and release oxygen.
Research suggests that higher pre-pregnancy BMI increases the risk of developing preeclampsia sharply, even within normal BMI ranges. The study found a curvilinear relationship between BMI and preeclampsia risk, with women considered 'obese' facing a three-fold increased risk.
A study found that liver transplant recipients in small OPOs had a lower proportion of patients with high MELD scores compared to those in large OPOs. Despite this difference, patient survival rates were similar between the two groups.
Researchers at USC and NASA Ames have developed a novel transistor architecture using molecular-scale nanowire memory cells that can hold three bits of data each. The device achieves a density of 40 Gigabits per square centimeter, surpassing silicon-based memories.
Researchers are investigating the safety of heart and lung transplants for HIV-positive patients when viral infections are well-controlled. Transplant teams must balance anti-rejection drugs with anti-retroviral therapies to avoid complications.
A survey of oncologists and nurses found that while most agree to offer trial results to patients, only 62% actually do so due to concerns over potential negative effects, patient interpretation, and resource consumption. Additionally, a new study demonstrates tamoxifen's association with reduced breast density, particularly in younger...
Researchers found that body shape, rather than weight alone, plays a crucial role in determining cardiovascular risk. The study's findings suggest that individuals with large waists and narrow thighs are more likely to experience increased cardiovascular mortality, regardless of their overall weight.
USC researchers have developed a new technique using real-time MRI to capture the intricacies of human speech. The innovation allows for high-resolution movies of the vocal system, enabling better understanding of sound overlap in spoken language.
The UI Hematopoietic Stem Cell Bank provides cord blood stem cells for advancing gene therapy and treating conditions like Parkinson's disease. Nearly 20 mothers have donated their child's umbilical cord blood, supporting scientific and medical advances.
Researchers found that 83% of pediatric MS patients had evidence of a past Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection, compared to 42% of healthy control group members. The study suggests that the genetic code of EBV may play an important role in the development of multiple sclerosis.
A study found that off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCAB) had similar graft patency and clinical outcomes as conventional CABG with cardiopulmonary bypass. OPCAB also resulted in lower hospitalization costs, with a mean savings of $2,272 at discharge and $1,955 at 1 year.
The project aims to sequence Drosophila genomes to capture natural variation and develop technology for studying human genomic variation. The data will be publicly released and software developed as part of the grant will be open sourced.
The study analyzed medication use patterns in 133,624 hypertensive patients in Pennsylvania and found that switching to evidence-based antihypertensive regimens could reduce costs by nearly a quarter. Adherence to these guidelines is crucial for affordability of prescription drug benefit programs.
Researchers at UT Southwestern discovered a cooperative relationship between CD44 and VLA-4 receptors on T-cells to facilitate their migration into infected tissues. This bimolecular complex is necessary for firm adhesion, allowing T-cells to initiate immune responses in diseases like rheumatoid arthritis.