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.
Researchers successfully converted muscle stem cells into cells showing properties of neurons through the use of an artificial gene. This breakthrough suggests that stem cells may be 'flexible' and able to develop into different cell types, paving the way for potential neuroregeneration techniques.
The Howard Hughes Medical Institute is providing 80 scientists with five-year grants to conduct basic biomedical research in their own countries. This initiative aims to combat emerging and established infectious diseases, such as malaria and tuberculosis, and support the development of scientific capacity in regions hit by brain drain.
Researchers at Imperial College London have discovered a key to tackling obesity in humans by studying the thermal regulation system of newborn lambs. The study found that a molecular switch controls the transformation of brown fat into normal white fat, and that activating this switch could potentially lead to new weight loss techniques.
The Proteomics Shared Resource at OHSU enables faster and more precise protein identification, processing up to 180 samples in six hours. The lab's advanced technology, including a robotic arm and mass spectrometer, helps researchers analyze proteins and identify their composition.
Jonathan I. Lunine, a renowned planetary scientist, will testify before the President's Commission on Implementation of U.S. Space Exploration Policy about detecting other Earths around nearby stars. He suggests developing medium-sized optical and infrared space telescopes, the Terrestrial Planet Finder, which could discover habitable ...
A longitudinal study found that early childhood sleep problems predicted substance abuse during adolescence, with around half of children experiencing sleep issues also starting to use substances at an early age. Researchers hope that identifying and treating sleep problems early on may help prevent later substance-use problems.
A study by Texas A&M University reveals Houston's air quality is severely impacted due to industrial emissions and auto exhaust, posing a significant health risk to its 5 million residents. The city must take steps to curb its air pollution problems, including alternative energy sources and more efficient transportation.
A meta-analysis of 14 randomised controlled trials found no significant differences between the failure rates of oral and intravenous rehydration therapies. The researchers conclude that further studies are not warranted, as oral rehydration is less traumatic, simple to administer, and associated with lower hospital admission rates.
Researchers found that older adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who continued to exercise regularly maintained improved cognitive, psychological, and physical function over a year, while those who stopped exercising experienced significant declines.
Scientists studying stickleback fish discovered that small changes in gene regulation can lead to rapid skeletal changes without disrupting essential genes. The researchers identified a single region on the chromosome responsible for most of the changes in spine and pelvic morphology, pointing to the key role of the Pitx1 gene.
A new study published in Urology found that men taking AVODART for four years experienced a significant reduction in urinary symptoms and prostate volume, with an average symptom improvement of 6.1 points on the AUA-SI. Long-term treatment also resulted in low incidence of drug-related side effects.
A Stanford study on threespine stickleback fish found that a single gene, Pitx1, is responsible for the loss of hind fins in two distinct populations. The researchers discovered that mutations in this gene can alter limb development without killing the animal.
Young female chimpanzees learned to fish for termites at 31 months, while young males began playing and swinging around at 58 months. Females also copied their mothers' fishing techniques more closely, reflecting their adult sex roles.
Research on young female bowerbirds suggests that they are attracted to blue decorations in the males' bowers, rather than intense courtship displays. This finding has implications for understanding mate selection and could aid wildlife conservation.
A long-term family study found that toddlers with sleep problems are at a higher risk of becoming teens who smoke, drink or do drugs. The study suggests that early sleep problems may be a predictor for later adolescent substance use.
A survey of 32 popular English-language websites found that many promoted unproven therapies and some were even dangerous, while others provided valuable and reliable information. The researchers recommend a seal of approval scheme for complementary and alternative websites to minimize harm.
A new climate model, LDEO5, has been developed by scientists at Columbia University that accurately predicted every major change in the tropical Pacific Ocean temperature over the past 150 years. The model suggests that ENSO is largely driven by internal relationships between ocean temperature and tropical winds.
Researchers have identified two distinct patterns of gene activity that correlate with patient outcomes in intermediate-risk AML. The findings could lead to more personalized treatment approaches for patients with this type of cancer.
A recent USGS review of scientific literature reveals increased reports of disease outbreaks in turtles, corals, mollusks, mammals, and urchins since 1970. However, no significant trends were detected for seagrasses, decapods, or sharks/rays, with even a decrease in disease reports among fish.
Researchers Eric van Sprang and Henk-Jan Ramaker developed a new control method for managing chemical reactions. The method takes into account the relationships between various process parameters, reducing the need for multiple univariate control charts and improving early detection of process disruptions.
Early study results show that women with small uterine fibroids may be at increased risk of miscarriage, with smaller fibroids more associated with pregnancy loss. The research aims to investigate the influence of fibroids on pregnancy outcomes and will enroll an additional 3,300 ethnically diverse women.
Researchers have decoded the genome of Desulfovibrio vulgaris, a microbe responsible for microbially-influenced corrosion. The analysis provides insights into the microbe's capacity and flexibility to reduce metals, potentially leading to new methods for preventing corrosion and remediating metallic pollutants.
Women are more likely to develop lung cancer, with longer survival rates compared to men. Estrogen signaling and hormonal factors may play a role in these differences.
A study published in JAMA found that computed tomographic colonography (CTC) had lower sensitivity rates compared to conventional colonoscopy for detecting colorectal tumors, raising concerns about its readiness for widespread clinical use.
A new online tool provides personalized 10-year survival predictions for prostate cancer patients, taking into account age, race, co-morbidities, and treatment type. The model also highlights the significant impact of co-morbidities on long-term survival rates.
The report 'INVENTION: Enhancing inventiveness for quality of life, competitiveness and sustainability' highlights the critical roles of invention and inventiveness in society. The National Science Foundation, along with the Lemelson-MIT Program, has examined the factors that drive invention.
Researchers discovered that gene BMI1 is essential for the multiplication of stem cells in the cerebellum, leading to an enormous growth of these cells. Overexpression of BMI1 was found in 8 of 12 medulloblastomas investigated, suggesting its contribution to brain tumour development.
A new analysis of 4,657 patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery found that discontinuing beta blockers and ACE inhibitors can lead to abnormal accelerations in heart pumping known as atrial fibrillation. However, these medications also appear to offer protection against the condition. The study identified a risk index that c...
A new study aims to determine if abciximab can improve function in patients with ischemic strokes up to six hours after onset. The treatment, which prevents blood platelets from forming clots, could provide a new approach for treating patients who wake up from sleep with a stroke.
A new study by UC Berkeley finds that renewable energy generates more jobs per megawatt installed than the fossil fuel-based sector, with potential benefits for all states. Investing in renewables could create up to 240,000 new jobs by 2020, while reducing trade deficits and reestablishing US leadership in energy technology.
Researchers develop a method to identify biologically significant cancer subtypes using gene expression data and patient clinical history, showing it's a powerful predictor of patient survival. The approach reduces the chances of including unrelated genes, increasing the probability of identifying clinically relevant subsets of genes.
Scientists have engineered a vaccine vector that targets mucosal surfaces, which are entry points for many pathogens. The hybrid vector combines features of adenovirus and reovirus to repel viruses like HIV-1 and infectious bioweapons.
Researchers at Duke University have discovered signs of superfluid hydrodynamics in a degenerate gas of lithium-6 fermionic atoms. The findings suggest that these atoms can exhibit behavior characteristic of a fermionic superfluid, providing new insights for studying high-temperature superconductivity.
Researchers have demonstrated that adipose-derived cells can engraft and differentiate into cardiac myocytes, offering new hope for treating heart disease. The study's findings are consistent with previous research and are being further explored by MacroPore Biosurgery.
Researchers warn of the potential for human infection due to the highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza strain, which has already been responsible for 32 laboratory-confirmed cases and 22 deaths. General precautions such as thorough hand washing and disinfection can help prevent transmission.
Blank's research challenges initial findings on cyanobacteria age, pinning emergence to 2.3 billion years ago using genetic analysis. This breakthrough also sheds light on eukaryote evolution and the development of mitochondria.
Researchers Francesca O'Kane used pea proteins to study the behavior of plant proteins when heated, forming a gel that can be repeatedly heated without losing strength or flexibility. This unique structure provides insight into protein aggregation and will help predict texture changes in meat substitutes.
Research reveals that concrete floor slabs can develop vertical cracks within 14-16 minutes of fire exposure, leading to rapid weight loss. The new temperature-dependent model also finds that thick floors are more sensitive to thermal expansion than thin ones.
Women are more susceptible to lung cancer due to genetic mutations and hormonal changes, resulting in increased adenocarcinoma prevalence. Effective tobacco control measures are crucial to prevent a similar surge in lung cancer rates among women in developing countries.
Researchers at UCSB are studying cinnamon's effects on mice with diabetes, finding a compound that has insulin-like activity and may help alleviate the condition. The study aims to explore the potential of cinnamon as a natural treatment for type II diabetes, which affects over 170 million people worldwide.
Elderly individuals with white matter abnormalities and infarcts exhibited accelerated cognitive decline compared to those with fewer abnormalities. A serious increase in white matter lesions was associated with a higher risk of developing dementia and depression over a period of five years.