Researchers discovered that mice with the highest metabolic rate lived 36% longer than those with lower rates, potentially adding an extra 27 years to human lifespan. The most metabolically active mice contained factors that made their metabolism less efficient but reduced toxic by-products called oxygen free radicals.
A survey of 73 social workers in the Carolinas found that over a quarter reported similar comments from patient family members. The study suggests that hospice patients considering hastening death may differ from typical patients, with higher rates of cancer. Social workers can provide assessment and intervention to address these needs.
Researchers at Penn State found lags between the changes in forces and strength in laboratory simulations, with delays ranging from seconds to weeks after initial earthquakes. The study suggests a competition between compaction and dilation of granules in gouge zones contributes to delayed fault movements.
A recent analysis of lung cancer screening studies found that CT scans do not save lives and may even be counterproductive. The study's authors estimated that between 4.1 and 5.5 patients per thousand would die of lung cancer after screening, similar to the mortality rate without screening.
Researchers found that women with breast tumors retaining the Stat5 protein biomarker have a highly favorable prognosis and may be cured by surgery alone. The study suggests that detection of this marker could lead to improved individualized therapy, including more careful follow-up and aggressive treatment for high-risk patients.
A Clemson researcher has received a grant from the Komen Foundation to further study the combination of a mutated prolactin receptor antagonist (PRL antagonist) and Herceptin, a breast cancer drug. The goal is to develop an effective treatment for aggressive subtypes of breast cancer.
Astronomers using the European AVO Virtual Observatory have discovered a whole population of obscured, powerful supermassive black holes in the GOODS survey fields. The team found thirty objects, which they believe were underestimated by a factor of two to five.
A recent study published in Science has found that tropical vegetation changes lagged local tropical climate shifts by 25 to 50 years. This contradicts previous research suggesting a high-latitude trigger for abrupt climate shifts. The researchers used sediment cores from the Cariaco Basin in Venezuela to make their findings.