The study found that immigrants living in the US for over 15 years have a higher BMI and obesity rate compared to those living less than 1 year. Early clinician intervention on diet and physical activity may help prevent weight gain and obesity-related chronic illnesses among immigrant populations.
A new NASA tool called Giovanni allows high school and college students to access and analyze satellite-derived ocean color data, providing insights into ocean biology. The tool uses chlorophyll patterns to study phytoplankton growth and its connection to El Nino/La Nina events.
A pioneering North Sea fisheries management plan proposes recognizing fishermen's role in protecting the marine ecosystem. The plan, developed by Newcastle University scientists, aims to promote sustainable fishing practices and involve fishermen in decision-making.
The new AEM will enable researchers to gain new insights into the interrelationships between atomic arrangement and material properties. It will support projects in fuel cell research, magnetic nanostructures, smart coatings, semiconductor quantum dots and biomedical research.
Aura is providing unprecedented spatial resolution to monitor global pollution production and transport, offering new insights into climate changes and the recovery of the Earth's protective stratospheric ozone layer. The satellite's instruments study tropospheric chemistry and provide daily global monitoring of air pollution.
UT Southwestern researchers developed a gene-based vaccine to stimulate immune systems against amyloid protein, reducing plaque buildup and cognitive loss in mice. The study aims to create a safe and effective Alzheimer's vaccine that can prevent or slow disease progression.
Dwarf mistletoe has an extreme water-pump seed ejection system that fires seeds up to 20 meters. This discovery could aid disease control by targeting the unique characteristics of dwarf mistletoe reproduction.
Researchers found that infectious prions can survive digestive juices and cross the human intestinal barrier by linking with ferritin, an iron-storing protein. This breakthrough discovery provides insight into the mechanisms of prion transmission and may lead to the development of methods to block prion uptake.
A study of 646 breast cancer survivors in Quebec found that only slightly more women were unemployed at the end of three years compared to a similar group without cancer. Most women who stopped working did so voluntarily, and negative events like firings were rare in both groups.
A study found that immigrants to the US are at higher risk of obesity due to acculturation and limited access to healthcare. As they spend more time in the country, their body mass index increases, suggesting a threshold effect.
International study shows select improvements in US math and science performance, particularly among minority students. Fourth-grade students showed no change, while eighth-grade students made notable progress, especially in algebra and science.
Scientists have discovered a way to manage angiogenesis by stimulating monocytes with GM-CSF, which produces soluble receptors that inhibit the formation of new blood vessels. The approach could provide a new therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment.
Researchers have discovered cellular changes in animal retinas that occur in human retinal detachments, implying experimental therapies could be effective. Oxygen therapy has been shown to reduce cellular damage and improve outcomes in animals, and further studies suggest it may also benefit humans.
Researchers found that a diet-restricted group of mice showed a 50% reduction in beta-amyloid plaques, a substance linked to memory loss and Alzheimer's disease. The study, conducted with collaborators at the University of South Florida, used mice with human genes altered for early onset hereditary Alzheimer's.
A Stanford study found that infusing bone marrow cells from a donor mouse into laboratory mice before chemotherapy can significantly improve their ability to fight infections and survive. This new approach boosts neutrophil production, reducing the risk of neutropenia-related complications.
Researchers at MIT used nanotechnology to study how malaria affects human blood cells, revealing new insights into the disease's impact. The study could lead to better treatments for malaria and other diseases by understanding how parasites affect cell behavior and function.
Researchers at the University of Georgia are developing a stem cell-based drug assay to identify promising treatments for Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), a group of inherited diseases that destroy nerves necessary for voluntary muscle movement. The goal is to accelerate development of safe and effective treatments by late 2007.
The thermohaline circulation plays a vital role in maintaining current climate patterns. A shutdown could lead to regional climate change and extreme weather events in eastern North America and western Europe.
Researchers have developed a new mouse model of Leber congenital amaurosis, a rare form of childhood blindness. The model, which lacks the AIPL1 gene, closely mimics the inherited human disease and shows severe retinal degeneration starting around two weeks of life.
Scientists are using NASA's ICESat satellite to measure the height of dynamic features such as ice sheets, glaciers, forests, and clouds. The satellite's laser instruments provide unprecedented accuracy in measuring changes in elevation, including accelerated glacier movement in Antarctica and thinner ice on West Antarctic ice sheet.
Scientists have found significant acceleration in the world's fastest glacier, Jakobshavn Isbrae, which nearly doubled its discharge of ice between 1997 and 2003. Meanwhile, Arctic sea ice has been declining at an alarming rate, with some areas experiencing 9.2% per decade decline.
In a groundbreaking study, researchers confirmed that wild capuchin monkeys in northeastern Brazil routinely crack open palm nuts using heavy stones. The behavior was previously observed only in chimpanzees and other primates. This finding expands our understanding of tool use among non-human primates.
A Purdue University scientist has discovered that gamma-tocopherol, a form of vitamin E found in plant seeds, can inhibit the growth of prostate and lung cancer cells without harming healthy cells. The study suggests that supplementing with mixed forms of vitamin E may enhance its anticancer effects.
The Florida State University-led project aims to improve the nation's electric delivery system by identifying vulnerabilities and exploring new technologies, including superconducting materials. The initiative will also focus on making the grid more reliable and less susceptible to power outages caused by events like terrorism.
A new blood test can accurately diagnose neuromyelitis optica (NMO), a debilitating inflammatory disease that destroys the protective myelin sheath around the optic nerve and spinal cord. Early diagnosis with this biomarker enables optimal therapies to be started sooner, potentially lessening the impact of the disease.
Researchers have found that variations in the SLAM/CD2 gene cluster may contribute to autoimmune disease SLE in mice. The study suggests that altered members of this family may be responsible for abnormal lymphocyte responses.
New research suggests a link between galanin and alcohol consumption, as well as its effects on food intake. Galanin was found to increase voluntary alcohol intake in rodents, but not food intake. A galanin receptor antagonist also reduced alcohol drinking, suggesting a potential role for these compounds in treating alcohol dependence.
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.