A study found that 71% of Japanese outpatients would like to make treatment decisions in collaboration with their physician. Patients prefer to involve their families in decision-making, but only allow them to support the patient's decision, not provide a third opinion.
Osteosarcoma survival rates have remained unchanged for 20 years, with only 54% of patients alive after five years. The Teenage Cancer Trust is urging more research to develop effective new treatments that prioritize patient well-being. Delays in diagnosis and non-specific symptoms make it challenging to treat the disease successfully.
Providing cough and cold care kits to patients with upper respiratory illness or acute bronchitis significantly reduces unnecessary antibiotic use. The kits contain pain relievers, decongestant, and other over-the-counter medications to treat symptoms.
The project aims to deploy a MIMO-based mobile ad hoc network that increases spectral efficiency by 20 times, providing enhanced communications capabilities for the US military. Stevens' Wireless Network Security Center is involved in the research and development of the ultra-high capacity secure communications system.
Researchers have found that hindbrain neural identities in lampreys are governed by independent mechanisms, contradicting a prevailing model. The findings suggest a convergent process where originally independent mechanisms became linked during gnathostome evolution.
The Academy of Electronic Media has received a two-year, $350,000 NSF grant to produce new Web-based materials that support electrical engineering education. The grant will also enable the development of new online tools to stimulate interest in STEM fields among students from kindergarten through high school.
Scientists found large and rapid sea-level changes during the Late Cretaceous greenhouse world, contradicting previous assumptions. The research suggests that ice sheets on Antarctica grew and decayed rapidly, significantly altering global sea levels.
Researchers at NC State University have developed a new mine-detection method that uses time reversal to locate buried objects in the ocean floor without complex modeling or arrays of sonar transmitters. The method simplifies equipment and analysis, making it more feasible for naval mine detection.
Researchers found that mothers' brain activity increased when shown pictures of their own babies compared to others, indicating involvement of the orbitofrontal cortex in maternal attachment. The study's findings suggest a link between positive emotions and maternal bonding.
A study published in the Vadose Zone Journal examines how different soil types influence Cryptosporidium parvum's transport to groundwater. The research found that sandy soils allow rapid movement of pathogens, while structured soils with large macropores have limited breakthrough.
Researchers create ultrafast stopwatch capable of measuring atomic processes with an accuracy of less than 100 attoseconds. The device uses a combination of X-ray flashes and laser light pulses to detect electrons emitted by atoms, providing insights into chemical reactions and material synthesis.
Researchers have discovered that low-dose HDAC inhibitors can prevent the production of inflammatory cytokines, reducing cell damage and improving survival rates in mice with GVHD. The study suggests that these drugs may be used to reduce the risk of death, hospitalization, and serious side effects associated with bone marrow transplants.
A new study found that multiple Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains are present in patients with active TB, contradicting the long-held theory of a single strain. Additionally, researchers developed a method to isolate and quantify airborne TB aerosols from coughs, showing promise for studying the disease's transmission.
A study of 9,307 white subjects and 2,902 black subjects found that whites and blacks responded similarly about 90% of the time to common antihypertensive drugs. This challenges traditional racial treatment differences and suggests that physicians should base drug choices on individual patient factors rather than race.
A new study published in the journal Pain found that people with depression are four times more likely to develop intense or disabling neck and low back pain. Researchers hope to uncover why these conditions are commonly linked, exploring coping methods to break a vicious cycle.
Researchers found ACR scores improved for symptom relief after 6 months with combination treatment, and remission occurred in 35% of patients compared to 16% and 13% with individual therapies. Combination therapy also showed a statistically significant improvement on joint erosion.
A new norovirus variant was identified as the cause of increased gastroenteritis outbreaks in Europe in 2002. The data collected from ten European countries showed a striking increase in norovirus outbreaks that coincided with the emergence of the new virus variant, leading to an unusual seasonal pattern.
Patients from lower socio-economic backgrounds are at a higher risk of developing postoperative MRSA infections. The study found that patients from the most deprived areas had a seven-fold higher infection rate than those from the least deprived areas.
St. Philip Neri's team won the IEEE-USA national award with their communications system, which uses antennas and titanium microchips to transmit signals via bone conduction. The system was praised for its creativity and potential to become an asset for everyone in the future.
Researchers found that short-term stress combined with exposure to low-dose chemicals causes widespread cellular damage in the brain and liver of rats. The combination also promotes cell death, damages specific brain regions, and increases reactive oxygen species, which can lead to further damage.
A new study published in Archives of General Psychiatry found that earlier diagnosis and treatment of schizophrenia significantly improves patient outcomes. Patients treated early tended to be younger, less symptomatic, and more responsive to treatment than those not receiving early detection programs.
A new imaging technique uses quantum dots to detect faulty genes in DNA, offering improved detection of breast cancer patients who would benefit from specific drug therapy. The method provides signals that are 200-1,100% more intense than conventional tags, reducing uncertainty in the FISH test.
The Pacific leatherback turtle's population has declined by 97% since 1982, with fewer than 3,000 females remaining. A two-pronged approach is needed to save the species, including stronger protections for nesting beaches and safer fishing practices.
Researchers have discovered that carbon isotopic compositions in IDPs are different from those on Earth and in other parts of the Solar System, indicating it was formed in molecular clouds before the formation of the Solar System. The findings help understand the Solar System's formation and the origin of organic matter on Earth.
Researchers analyze Martian flood channels, estimate Mercury's crust depth and simulate earthquake dynamics. New data also reveals details on sprites and interstellar hydrogen shadows.
Researchers used immersion lithography to create circuit lines and features at least as small as 45nm using 193nm equipment. This breakthrough allows manufacturers to create more powerful chips while extending the life of their current fabrication equipment.
A new study found that the birth control patch had a higher percentage of perfect dosing cycles (88.7%) compared to oral contraceptives (79.2%). This led to better contraceptive efficacy and reduced risk of unplanned pregnancy. The results suggest that the patch may be a more convenient and simple option for women using birth control.
NIST develops standardized emergency response software and proposes industry-government collaboration to enhance interoperability. The proposed Electronic Emergency Response Framework will provide decision-makers with easily accessible modeling and simulation tools.
A new map developed by the Wildlife Conservation Society predicts wolf attacks in Wisconsin and Minnesota based on road density, farm size, deer availability, and other factors. The maps identify high-risk townships with moderate to high risk of wolf attacks, which are clustered along the edge of the wolf population.
Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology have developed seamless circular 'nanorings' made of piezoelectric zinc oxide. These structures can be used to test electrical and mechanical coupling at the nanoscale and offer unique properties for fabricating nanoscale electromechanical systems.
A team of researchers discovered two new dinosaur species in Antarctica, one a carnivorous theropod and the other a sauropod. The theropod's primitive characteristics suggest it may have thrived in Antarctica due to its unique environment.
The new 'Understanding Evolution' Web site offers a one-stop-shop for science teachers, providing practical examples and strategies for teaching evolution. The site features Evolution 101, a primer on evolutionary theory, as well as discussions on the nature of science and the history of evolutionary thought.
The University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine is conducting a smoking cessation study that will provide participants with medication and individual counseling. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old, in good health, and motivated to quit smoking, and are expected to participate for nearly one full year.
Astronomers have discovered the nearest and youngest star with a visible disk of dust that may be a nursery for planets. The dim red dwarf star AU Mic is about half the mass of the sun but only 12 million years old, and its dusty debris disk stretches around 210 astronomical units from the central star.
New research from NIST confirms that smoke alarms offer enough time to save lives in most cases, even with a three-minute warning. The study found that the placement of smoke alarms and closed bedroom doors can increase survival chances, but also noted the limitations of ionization and photoelectric alarms in detecting false alarms.
Researchers have taken advantage of a newly mounted laser guide star system at UC's Lick Observatory to obtain sharp, twinkle-free images of the faint dusty disks of distant massive stars. The images show that these stars form in the same way as solar-type stars inside a swirling spherical cloud.
Scientists have developed a new genomics tool that enables the efficient mapping of genome binding sites for transcription factors in human organs. This technology has been used to study the role of transcription factor HNF4 in type 2 diabetes, revealing its association with about half of all genes needed to make the pancreas and liver.
The Bridging the Rift Center will house the world's first databank of information about all living systems, gathering genetic sequences, ecological data, and global positioning information to quantify and characterize life. This groundbreaking facility aims to advance our understanding of coevolution, ecology, and DNA relationships.
Researchers discover IGF-1R inhibition significantly impacts tumor cell growth and sensitivity to chemotherapy, highlighting its potential as an anticancer therapeutic. Two selective inhibitors of IGF-1R are identified with potent antitumor activity against multiple myeloma and other hematological malignancies.
A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that monkeys' brains sort computer clip art pictures into categories for recall, such as people, buildings, flowers, and animals. This process could lead to ways to improve memory in humans by reducing detail and categorizing information.
Researchers found that smoke from forest fires delays cloud release, preventing moderate rain and causing thunderstorms instead. High-altitude clouds produce large hailstones on the Amazon rainforest floor.
A NIST scientist has demonstrated efficient production of single photons at the highest temperatures reported for a photon source. The advance is a step toward practical, ultrasecure quantum communications and useful for certain types of metrology.
Researchers at University of Utah developed switch-like valves made from organic materials, increasing electrical current flow by 40%. The innovation paves the way for new electronic devices, including computer chips and sensors.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have established a pediatric pharmacology research center to study drug therapies in infants and children. The center aims to address the challenges of conducting pharmacological studies in pediatric patients, who process drugs differently than adults.
A new tool, CHIP-CE, assesses child health from their own perspective, predicting future healthcare use. The questionnaire is designed for ages 6-11 and has been shown to be reliable and valid in diverse areas of the US.
Researchers have discovered a new family of Atlantic corals using DNA analysis, revealing that about one-third of Atlantic corals are closely related but distinct from Pacific corals. This finding requires reevaluation of conservation priorities for threatened coral species in the Atlantic Ocean.
A study led by Massachusetts General Hospital found that infliximab can heal and reduce the recurrence of fistulas in Crohn's disease patients. The treatment, which targets tumor necrosis factor, showed significant benefits in closing fistulas and improving quality of life.
Researchers found that pulmonary hypertension, a complication of sickle cell disease, causes significant mortality in adults. A study of 195 patients revealed that up to 40% of those with the condition developed high blood pressure in their lungs, leading to premature death.
Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have identified a protein, TRIM5-alpha, that blocks HIV replication in monkey cells. This discovery opens new avenues for intervening in early HIV infection and provides critical insights into viral uncoating, a little understood step in the viral lifecycle.
Researchers at Carnegie Institution grow synthetic brilliant cut single-crystal diamonds with ultrahigh pressures, breaking measuring equipment. The crystals are up to 50% harder than conventional diamonds, offering a breakthrough in materials science.
A groundbreaking study reveals a previously undetected divergence between Pacific and Atlantic corals, finding that about one-third of Atlantic corals constitute their own unique family. This discovery highlights the need to reconsider current conservation efforts due to the severe threats faced by this distinct group.
Researchers question current disease treatment theory, suggesting new treatments targeting neutrophil leukocytes instead. The study's findings could lead to a re-evaluation of antioxidant therapies and a shift in medical practice.
Researchers from Imperial College London and CNRS-Inserm-Strasbourg University have developed a technique to capture the protein-making factory, or ribosome, in action using cryo-electron microscopy. This will help scientists understand how many antibiotics interfere with the final steps of protein synthesis.
Researchers have identified TRIM5-alpha as a natural blocker of the HIV-1 virus, which could lead to new strategies for preventing infection that causes AIDS. The protein is found in human cells but is less effective than the monkey version, and its potency may vary among individuals.
A new study found that carbohydrate intake has a limited positive impact on muscle protein synthesis after resistance exercise, but not enough to achieve the desired effect. Muscle protein breakdown decreased and net balance improved in the carbohydrate group compared to the placebo group.
Researchers found adolescents exhibit lower activation in brain regions motivating behavior toward rewards, but similar responses to obtaining gains. The study resolves debates about adolescent reward processing and may explain why many young people struggle with long-term goals.
A study published in Ecology Letters reveals that aquatic ecosystems process carbon through the basal levels of their food chain significantly faster than terrestrial ecosystems. This means aquatic ecosystems are less capable of retaining carbon, especially under high CO2 conditions.
Scientists successfully transplanted embryonic pig pancreas cells into rats with diabetes, halting the disease without immune suppression drugs. The breakthrough could lead to a new treatment option for humans, bypassing challenges associated with human insulin-producing cells.
Researchers found that isoprene emitted by forest vegetation forms hygroscopic compounds affecting cloud formation, rainfall, and climate. The discovery demonstrates a link between isoprene emissions and water-soluble fine particles.
Researchers at Purdue University have precisely determined the energies needed to twist a molecule called tryptamine, which is closely related to serotonin and melatonin. This breakthrough could provide new insights into protein folding and lead to new approaches to develop computer memory devices.