A new computer technique has been developed to differentiate between malignant and benign calcifications on digital mammograms. The system achieved performance comparable to radiologists in classifying these calcifications, with a 79% accuracy rate in a test using one malignant case and one benign case.
Conservation efforts in Canada are threatened by growing human populations and economic development. Despite these challenges, conservation initiatives continue to focus on preserving biodiversity and ecosystem health.
Studies show humans can recognize word boundaries in complex languages through statistical analysis of sound patterns. A new test reveals people can distinguish regularity in consonant relationships and use them to divide sounds into words with great accuracy.
The US National Science Foundation's S&E Indicators 2004 report shows significant variation in state-level indicators of education, workforce, and research & development. States with strong federal and industry R&D investments tend to have more college graduates in the workforce.
In an experiment, male sand gobies were found to work harder at building nests and taking care of eggs when females were present, demonstrating 'courtship parental care'. Unaccompanied males were more likely to abandon their parental duties or even eat their own eggs.
Arthur B. Weglein, a physics professor at the University of Houston, testified before the US Congress Science Committee on the proposed ultradeep energy bill (H.R. 6). The hearing focused on the benefits of ultradeep water research and development, which could create nearly one million jobs and increase domestic oil and gas production.
A Purdue University research team has found a set of genes that may orchestrate insects' ability to fight the effects of pesticides. The study identified dozens of genes different in resistant fly lines compared to non-resistant wild-type flies, indicating that multiple genes are involved in metabolic resistance.
A multi-institutional study reveals that medical residents experience significant adverse effects from sleep loss and fatigue on their cognitive abilities, relationships with patients and staff, and daily life. The study highlights the need for more education and countermeasures to address this critical issue in resident well-being.
Researchers presented promising results of a long-term gene therapy trial in monkeys with Parkinson's disease, showing improved symptoms with reduced levodopa doses. Genetic studies identified a new risk factor for early symptom onset linked to the GST gene, emphasizing the importance of both environmental and genetic factors in PD dev...
Researchers found that Reading Recovery helped African-American and poor children reach average reading levels for first-graders in 16-20 weeks. The intervention narrowed the achievement gap along racial-ethnic and economic lines, with all students catching up to average levels.
A study of 1,325 patients revealed that CT pulmonary angiograms expose female breasts to at least 2.0 rads per breast, equivalent to 10-25 mammograms or 100-400 chest radiographs. Researchers recommend reducing radiation exposure by selecting suitable patients, using alternative imaging methods, and manipulating scan parameters.
A University of Central Florida study found that men exposed to 'supersized' muscular images in ads experience depression and dissatisfaction. Researchers hope to help people develop realistic expectations about appearance and avoid unhealthy ideals.
A recent study found that average blood pressure levels among American children and teenagers have increased over the past two decades. The new clinical practice guidelines will provide updated recommendations for lifestyle and drug therapies to address this trend.
Children with iron deficiency in infancy show persistent delays in both motor skills and cognitive abilities, even after treatment. These effects are most pronounced in children from low socioeconomic backgrounds, suggesting that addressing iron deficiency is crucial to mitigating long-term impacts on brain development.
A prospective study found that CAD significantly improves cancer detection rates, particularly for calcifications, while reducing recall rates slightly. The results indicate that CAD is an effective way to double-read mammograms without the need for a second radiologist.
The US remains top in science and engineering, but faces challenges from a shrinking native talent pool and increasing competition globally. Foreign-born workers have contributed to the country's success, but high-skill visas have declined significantly since 2001.
Photographer Jane Alden Stevens chronicles the enduring legacy of World War I through haunting black-and-white images. Her work reveals the persistence of human memory and the lasting effects of war on landscapes and people.
A subset of neural stem cells has been identified as having the ability to track malignant brain tumors called gliomas. The researchers found that astrocytic progenitors express a chemokine receptor called CXCR4, which is attracted by stromal-cell derived factor-1 (SDF-1) secreted by glioma cells.
Middle-aged inner-city African-Americans experience higher levels of depressive symptoms than the general US population, according to a new study. The research found that risk factors for increased depressive symptoms include decreasing social support and being severely underweight or obese.
Researchers found that patients taking prednisolone had significantly higher CD4+ T-cell counts after two years compared to those not taking the drug. After five years, over 10% of patients on prednisolone maintained high CD4+ T-cell counts.
A new CAD system has shown promise as an adjunct to breast MRI in identifying benign lesions. The study found that the CAD system could help reduce biopsy rates by 18% if proven effective in larger studies.
Researchers at Stanford Medicine have found that fat-derived cells can effectively heal skull defects in mice, outperforming bone marrow cells. The discovery holds promise for developing new treatments for bone fractures, joint replacements, and other skeletal conditions.
A team of industrial partners, including TechSolve Inc., is working with Purdue University to create an intelligent system that improves precision-grinding processes for parts production. The 'intelligent optimization and control grinding processes' use artificial-intelligence software to learn and adapt to changing conditions.
The study found that dedicated CT technology detected lower spine fractures in 36 patients, while plain radiographs only detected them in 28. Transverse process fractures were also identified more accurately on MDCT. The benefits of using MDCT include improved patient care and cost savings.
Commercial fishing methods are causing significant damage to Fijian coral reefs. The study highlights the importance of sustainable fishing practices to protect these critical ecosystems.
The MIDAS (Mathematical Information Domain for Assessment of Substantial Threats) project will create mathematical models to study infectious disease epidemics and community responses. The project, funded by the NIH, will provide user-friendly computer modeling tools for predicting and responding to bioterror threats.
A study found significant increases in blood pressure levels among children and adolescents between 1988-1994 and 1999-2000, with systolic levels increasing by 1.4mmHg and diastolic levels by 3.3mmHg. The researchers suggest that effective primary and secondary hypertension prevention programs are needed to address this trend.
A study published by the NIH found that US adult marijuana abuse and dependence increased significantly over a decade, with notable rises among young African-American and Hispanic men. The study used the DSM-IV classification system to assess trends in marijuana use, abuse, and dependence.
A recent study reveals a drastic decline in species diversity and productivity of an ecosystem, with significant consequences for the environment. The research highlights the need for conservation efforts to mitigate these effects and preserve biodiversity.
A new study shows that mixed amphetamine salts significantly improve behavior scores compared to atomoxetine, particularly in a 12-hour analog classroom setting. Additionally, mixed amphetamine salts also improve attention and academic productivity, allowing children to complete more math problems correctly.
MDCT angiography successfully diagnosed suspected arterial injuries in 48 of 49 patients, with only one patient requiring a follow-up angiogram. The study suggests that MDCT angiography can replace traditional angiography as an initial diagnostic tool.
The study found significant improvements in mood and sexual performance, with sustained increases in lean body mass and bone mineral density over 3.5 years. Researchers observed minimal skin irritation and no major adverse effects, paving the way for testosterone gel as a safe treatment option.
Researchers have found that dental pulp cells can provide support and survival for nerve cells affected in Parkinson's disease, potentially leading to a new cell-based therapy. The study suggests that these cells produce beneficial 'neurotrophic' factors, promoting nerve cell survival.
Researchers found a novel genetic insertion associated with increased MCL-1 gene expression, leading to reduced response to chemotherapy and poorer outcomes. This discovery provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) progression.
A study found that marijuana use disorders increased significantly between 1991-1992 and 2001-2002, especially among young black and Hispanic men. The increased potency of marijuana is thought to be a contributing factor.
A study at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital found that PACS implementation led to a 39% increase in work-related relative value units (WRVU) per radiologist, indicating improved productivity. Staffing remained the same despite increased patient volume, suggesting efficient use of PACS can handle growth without adding staff.
A study found that women with core breast biopsy results showing minimal abnormal cells were still at risk of having cancer when surgical excision was performed. The study suggests that these women should undergo surgical excision to ensure accurate cancer detection.
Researchers report first clinical experience of preimplantation HLA matching, demonstrating feasibility for stem cell transplantation in siblings with bone marrow failure. The study involved nine couples with children affected by blood disorders and resulted in five healthy children who were HLA-matched to their affected siblings.
The NIAID-licensed rotavirus vaccine has been developed to combat severe diarrhea in infants and young children worldwide. The vaccine has shown promise in reducing the number of deaths caused by rotavirus infections, particularly in developing countries where access to effective treatments is limited.
A retrospective study of 249 children with ALL found that most chromosome abnormalities had little impact on prognosis, except for those involving the loss of chromosomes 7 and 9. In these cases, only 15% remained disease-free five years after treatment.
A large-scale national trial led by Duke University Medical Center researchers found that exercising reduced the risk of death and non-fatal heart attacks in heart attack patients who were depressed or socially isolated. The study followed 2,078 patients and compared their outcomes to those who did not exercise.
A nationwide sample of children with asthma found that 13% of parents still smoke, triggering year-round symptoms. Pediatricians should counsel parents on quitting to improve their children's health.
Researchers at UCLA successfully deliver gene therapy agents directly into tumor cells with minimal complications, improving effectiveness and reducing side effects of existing treatments. The study demonstrates the feasibility and safety of CT-guided injection for gene therapy delivery.
The US task force recommends targeted screening of healthy women over 70 with mammography and Pap tests, as there is limited evidence to support universal screening for lung cancer. Meanwhile, a study reveals that managing drug care for older adults requires improvement, with failures in educating patients on medication use and underus...
Between 1988 and 2000, New York State's HIV prevalence among childbearing women decreased steadily, with a 49% decrease in NYC and a 24% decline statewide. This decline was largely attributed to the widespread use of highly active antiretroviral therapy and targeted efforts aimed at minority populations.
MRI is a safe imaging option for pregnant patients, as it uses magnetic fields and radiofrequency pulses instead of ionizing radiation. The study found MRI accurately depicted several disease processes, including appendicitis and uterine fibroids.
The Case CFAR, located in the Midwest, has been renewed with an $8 million NIH award for a five-year period. This renewal recognizes the center's strong AIDS research program and its collaboration with local and international institutions.
Researchers found that intact eye movements are necessary for reflexive attention development. Voluntary orientation works even with impaired eyesight.
A study published in Journal of Biology reveals that young dolphins adopt an ideal position to get a 'free ride' in their mother's slipstream, reducing energy required for swimming. This drafting phenomenon helps the calf stay with its mother, but can be disrupted by fishing vessels, potentially impacting dolphin populations.
A clinical trial of 370 patients found that Pfizer's VFEND was as effective as the two-drug standard of amphotericin B and fluconazole in treating Candidemia. The treatment successfully cleared Candida from the blood, with a response rate of 41% at 12 weeks.
A recent study of 413 pediatric knee MRI exams found that bone bruises in adolescents frequently occur without accompanying injuries to the menisci, ligaments, or cartilage. This discovery could lead to more conservative treatment approaches and reduced anxiety for patients and families.
A study found that adopting the 12-step philosophy and behaviors significantly enhanced drug counseling outcomes for cocaine addiction. Changing beliefs about addiction was more highly correlated with reduced drug use than adopting the 12-step philosophy.
Researchers have identified a new protein target for a universal childhood malaria vaccine, which causes infected red blood cells to stick inside blood vessels. This protein is expressed on the surface of red blood cells during severe childhood malaria but not during adult infections, making it an ideal candidate for vaccination.
The NIST quantum key distribution system generates a verifiably secret key at a rate of 1 million bits per second, about 100 times faster than previously reported systems. The system uses time-stamping and high-speed observations to identify photons from the sender among multiple photons from other sources.
The study found that school-based provision of inhaled corticosteroids resulted in fewer missed days of school and more symptom-free days for urban children. However, the program had limited effectiveness among those exposed to secondhand smoke in their homes.
A new clinical syndrome has been discovered that leads to severe osteoarthritis, characterized by cartilage breakdown and the presence of specific FRZB gene mutations. The study sheds light on the genetic mechanisms underlying this complex disease, with potential implications for treatment and prevention.
A study of over 1,900 mothers and their infants found that frequent spanking was a risk factor for behavior problems in white, non-Hispanic children. The researchers suggest that the broader family context surrounding spanking may influence its effects on children.
A new study by Mount Sinai researchers found that exposure to WTC dust increased the risk of respiratory symptoms, including cough, wheeze, and shortness of breath. Pregnant women who were near the disaster site experienced a two-fold increase in small for gestational age infants.
Researchers at Dartmouth Medical School have developed a new breast imaging technique using electrical impedance, microwave imaging, and near-infrared spectroscopy. The method can identify specific breast characteristics that differ in normal and diseased tissue, potentially leading to early detection of breast cancer.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center have discovered a molecular mechanism that enhances the ability of stem cells to fight disease. By blocking the function of p18, a molecule critical for cell cycle control, scientists found improved long-term engraftment of stem cells in bone marrow tissue.