A $1.7 million NIH-funded study found that bed rest in high-risk pregnancies is associated with weight loss, increased risk of fetal growth restriction, backache, joint soreness, headaches, muscle loss, and depression. The study suggests that prescribed antepartum bed rest may be more harmful than helpful.
Laws regulating short hospital stays in the US led to an average increase of 16 days in postpartum care for privately insured women. Hospital charges also rose by $200 per patient. The effects varied across states, with some seeing significant improvements in maternal health outcomes.
Terahertz (THz) frequencies have potential applications in medicine, remote sensing, imaging, and satellite communications. Lehigh researcher Yujie J. Ding has developed a compact THz radiation source that can generate coherent waves with high output powers, enabling new diagnostic tools and monitoring technologies.
A study by Dr Moira Inghilleri highlights the complexities of interpreter roles in asylum applications, highlighting varying approaches and inconsistent demands. This can lead to substantial confusion about interpreters' roles, affecting asylum outcomes.
Researchers have discovered that protein cdk6 inhibits breast cancer cell growth, suggesting a promising avenue for diagnosis and treatment. Cdk6 levels were found to be significantly lower in breast cancer cells compared to normal cells, with increased expression of cdk6 linked to suppressed cell growth.
Research finds blue collar workers are more apt to smoke and struggle with quitting due to low socioeconomic status. Successful quitters tend to come from wealthier backgrounds, suggesting targeted on-the-job programs can help.
The gift will establish a comprehensive center utilizing information technology to connect basic research and biological systems analysis. This will enable scientists to build on recent scientific developments, gain insights into biological function in health and diseases.
The new robotic procedure uses remote control technology to perform the surgery, reducing recovery time and scarring. Women who have undergone the procedure have shown no signs of recurrence, making it a promising alternative to traditional full surgery.
The new center will integrate basic molecular and cellular research with advanced imaging technologies and computational science to understand complex biological systems. This collaboration aims to develop computer models of entire cells, revolutionizing drug development and reducing costs.
A 10-week study found that consuming plant sterol-fortified orange juice lowered total and LDL cholesterol levels by 7.2% and 12.4%, respectively. The researchers suggest this could be a healthy and appealing option for individuals with mildly elevated cholesterol.
Researchers are studying how the heart changes its energy source from fat to glucose in end-stage heart failure, which may improve pumping function and treatment outcomes. The new program aims to bridge the gap between basic genetic data and clinical trials for heart failure patients.
Studies investigate relationships between energy expenditure, lean muscle mass, and upper-body strength in persons with SCI. Researchers also explore potential treatments for bowel movement issues, respiratory problems, and pain management.
Research by Ostfeld and Holt found that mobile predators like foxes, coyotes, and falcons effectively suppress rodent numbers, reducing disease transmission to humans. In contrast, specialized predators like weasels cause periodic population booms, promoting the spread of rodent-borne pathogens.
Researchers at EMBL have discovered a novel protein-protein connection involved in the tight control of cell proliferation and differentiation in medaka embryos. The study reveals that the protein SIX3 clamps onto GEMININ to regulate cell division, allowing tissues to grow to their proper size.
Schering-Plough scientists identified NPC1L1 as a critical protein in the intestinal cholesterol absorption pathway. The discovery provides new insights into how the body regulates cholesterol levels and suggests that Zetia, a cholesterol absorption inhibitor, works by interacting with NPC1L1.
Researchers at Oregon State University and EPA developed a new approach to predict disease spread based on climate change and ecological changes. The system uses loop analysis and vectorial capacity formula to estimate the growth rate of diseases, providing valuable insights for public health officials.
A new protein called VLA-1 enables the immune system to develop peripheral immunity by anchoring virus-killing cells to tissues in the lungs. This allows for an instant strike against flu viruses, potentially delivering a better defense against deadly strains like avian flu.
Domestic tomato varieties in the US are now producing anthocyanin-containing fruit, offering a boost to nutritional value. The discovery opens doors for developing more nutrient-rich tomato varieties, benefiting both home gardeners and the food industry.
The Connexions Project is a revolutionary approach to scholarly content, offering a single platform where educators can post, use, and modify knowledge freely. With over 1,600 educational modules available, Connexions enables instructors to supplement or replace textbooks with interactive simulations and multimedia.
The SORCE satellite has tracked exceptionally high levels of solar activity, including the third most powerful solar flare ever observed in X-rays. This comprehensive dataset will help scientists better understand the mechanisms of solar spectral-irradiance variability and their possible climatic impacts.
Researchers used fMRI to map changes in brain activity after volunteers received a placebo, showing the prefrontal cortex is activated in response to pain relief. The study provides new insights into the brain's pain pathways and may lead to new therapies for chronic or acute pain.
A new vaccine has shown significant improvement in 5-year progression-free survival rates for patients with renal cancer, with a 77% rate in the vaccinated group compared to 68% in the control group. The well-tolerated treatment was associated with only 12 adverse events.
Researchers found a moderate link between celiac disease and schizophrenia, with individuals having celiac disease three times more likely to develop the condition. A gluten-free diet may be beneficial for those genetically prone to celiac disease but undiagnosed, according to lead author Dr. William W. Eaton.
The UK is leading a European mission to explore comets, which are ancient bodies offering clues to the Universe's secrets. The Rosetta spacecraft will deploy a lander to study the comet's surface, analyzing its composition and search for signs of life.
The MILES IGERT program aims to develop antioxidant delivery systems, novel biocompatible synthetic polymer delivery systems, and natural and synthetic macromolecular antioxidants. Researchers are exploring controlled release of antioxidants by polymeric films and investigating the biomedical implications of oxidation processes.
A UCL study found that empathy for pain involves the affective but not sensory components of pain, and is triggered by the perception of a loved one's pain. The researchers discovered specific brain regions are activated when observing another person in pain, highlighting the emotional representation of internal bodily states.
Researchers suggest meteorites may have delivered essential elements and asymmetry that led to the development of specific protein and sugar structures on Earth. This theory could provide a plausible explanation for how non-life became ordered and specific chemistry.
Researchers mapped rat brain activity, finding that cells in sensory borders share information from multiple senses. The discovery may explain how individuals adapt to sensory loss and improve their remaining senses.
Researchers emphasize the need for adequate surveillance and pandemic planning to prevent further avian influenza outbreaks. The development of a vaccine against the H5N1 virus is crucial to mitigate this risk.
A researcher at the University of Rhode Island is studying small hydromedusae in Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island, to understand their impact on plankton communities. The study aims to quantify the feeding ecology and behavior of these jellyfish and its effects on coastal ecosystems.
Scientists at Boston Children's Hospital discovered that Sir2 regulates a group of proteins known as FOXO transcription factors, which confer stress resistance by detoxifying free radicals. This interaction may help reverse age-related disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease and cancer.
A research team at the University of Michigan and the University of Texas describes how a resourceful bacterium developed an entirely new way to make disulfide bonds. This breakthrough could have significant implications for disease states like Alzheimer's and cystic fibrosis, as well as biotech applications.
Researchers at UCSF have identified a new source of adult stem cells in the human brain, potentially leading to breakthroughs in neuroregeneration and glioma treatment. The study found that astrocytes in the subventricular zone can function as neural stem cells, producing fresh neurons and oligodendrocytes.
In a study of 30 students, researchers found that phone fibbing is more likely than other forms of communication, with participants lying on average 1.6 times per day. The study suggests that real-time media boosts the opportunity for deception due to the lack of nonverbal cues.
A new study by Stevens Institute of Technology researchers Drs. Patricia Holahan and Ann Mooney reveals that constructive conflict can mutate into destructive conflict if not managed properly. The study found that trusting team members, displaying supportive communication norms, and freely sharing information reduce the risk of destruc...
Scientists Y-Z Yue and C.Austen Angell challenge the accepted temperature for water's glass transition, proposing that it crystallizes before softening. This discovery offers a new understanding of water's phases, revealing that glassy water can remain solid at higher temperatures.
Researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital found that cancer cells can compress both blood and lymphatic vessels within tumors. This compression limits the delivery of anticancer drugs to tumor cells. New strategies for improving cancer treatment may be developed by normalizing distorted blood supply within tumors.
Researchers found that a specific gene, lin-48, helps Caenorhabditis elegans survive high-salt environments, giving it a key advantage over its relatives. This genetic difference may hold insights into how organ systems in more complex animals evolved.
A study by Cardiff University predicts a current annual shortfall of UK ex-seafarers as much as 112. This shortage could lead to higher wage bills for shipping companies, reduced quality of employment, and less incentive to train cadets. The shipping industry has traditionally supplied skilled labor to shore-based industries.
Researchers have discovered that a compound used to treat sepsis also protects vital brain cells from programmed cell death. The finding opens the possibility of creating a new compound with similar effects without increased bleeding side effects.
Scientists have discovered a synthetic chemical called cardiogenol that can selectively differentiate embryonic stem cells into beating cardiac muscle cells. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new treatments for heart disease and other degenerative conditions.
Participants discussed three options for restoring ocean health: education and regulation, investing in technologies, and accepting environmental stress. A majority favored education and regulation, while some believed a combination of all three options was the best approach.
A new guide, developed by NOAA Fisheries and Rhode Island Sea Grant, aims to increase species-specific identifications without associated mortality. The guide focuses on external characteristics and uses photographs to aid in identification, helping users distinguish among 44 highly migratory shark species.
Researchers have discovered a molecule that links drug-induced plasticity in one part of the brain to a mechanism underlying learning and memory in another. The study found that a specific protein, PSD-95, plays a crucial role in addiction and may also be involved in learning and memory.
The study found that inactivated influenza virus vaccines are effective in protecting children against the flu, reducing hospitalization rates comparable to those of elderly people. Vaccinating children can also protect adults from getting infected and save money on treatment costs.
Research reveals that same-sex couples who are happier in their relationships plan more for retirement. Lesbians tend to make financial plans with their partners, while gay men plan individually. This highlights the need for improved financial planning resources for LGBTQ+ individuals.
A UK public debate on GM food was evaluated as providing valuable lessons for future debates, but failed to engage the uncommitted public. The survey revealed that 36% opposed GM food, while 85% believed more research is needed on its health effects.
The study found that demographic factors such as age, income, and education level are not key to the adoption of electronic banking technology. Instead, people's personal attitude towards the technology plays a crucial role, regardless of their background.
Researchers found that achieving basal growth hormone levels of less than 2.5 µg/liter and glucose-suppressed GH levels of less than one µg/liter may not minimize cardiovascular risks in acromegaly patients. Instead, these patients are at increased risk for conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and osteoarthritis.
A team of Cornell University researchers has successfully converted nitrogen to ammonia in a laboratory setting, molecule by molecule, using a zirconium metal complex. The process achieves complete fixation at lower temperatures than existing industrial methods, which require high pressures.
A new study found that people with short variants of the APOB gene region have significantly lower total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in their blood. This association may contribute to a protective role of these variants in younger adults, while being detrimental to longevity in older individuals.
A blood test measuring procalcitonin levels can guide antibiotic treatment for lower respiratory tract infections, reducing unnecessary use and promoting more targeted therapy. The study found that withholding antibiotics based on procalcitonin thresholds did not compromise health outcomes in patients with viral infections.
A new study found that exposure to low-level magnetic fields can cause significant DNA damage and increase cell apoptosis in rat brain cells. The cumulative effect of duration may be as damaging as intensity, suggesting a need for further research on the risks involved.
A study found that warmer water temperatures increase shrimp predation rates on juvenile winter flounder, leading to local extinction. The warming trend may explain the failure of winter flounder stocks to recover in affected areas.
A new TB vaccine, rBCG30, is being tested in a human clinical trial to assess its safety and immune response. The vaccine, developed by Dr. Marcus Horwitz and his team at UCLA, has shown promise in preclinical trials and could potentially reduce the TB disease burden worldwide.
The study found that the chickenpox vaccine's effectiveness decreases significantly after one year, with 97% efficacy in the first year and 84% in subsequent years. The vaccine's effectiveness was lower for children under 15 months old, with a 73% efficacy rate.
Chronic HIV infection causes non-specific premature maturation of T-cells, resulting in replicative senescence and exhaustion of the immune system. This leads to an increased likelihood of opportunistic infections, making HIV so deadly.
A meta-analysis of 15 studies found that HPV testing accurately identified high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN2) or worse in 84.4% of women, while ruling out CIN2 or worse in 72.9%. HPV testing showed a sensitivity of 94.8% when using the Hybrid Capture II assay.
A 1998 Finnish outbreak was traced to contaminated iceberg lettuce grown on open fields with roe deer, which carry the Y. pseudotuberculosis pathogen. Researchers investigated and proposed prevention methods, including fenced fields and disinfection strategies.
Researchers found that adult stem cells can repair nerves, but the process is slow and scar tissue hinders healing. The study suggests that manipulating stem cells and growth factors could stimulate nerve regeneration.