A University of Iowa study found that internet prescriptions increase the likelihood of families using quality health information online. The prescriptions provide a list of recommended websites and tips for evaluating online health resources.
A team of European researchers, led by Prof. Rosenthal, will collaborate with American scientists to develop and study human cells with an enhanced potential for cardiac regeneration. They aim to apply their collective understanding of adult progenitor cell biology to effective human cardiac repair.
Researchers at Indiana University and Leiden University found that tiny changes in a parrot's tongue position can significantly affect the qualities of its sounds. This discovery sheds light on the complex communication systems of birds, which are comparable to human speech.
Researchers used structured light imaging to produce a detailed 3D picture of tooth decay, allowing dentists to study the process in real-time. This technique has the potential to reveal early stages of decay and enable preventative measures.
A new planned-care method for children with asthma has been shown to reduce symptoms by 13 days per year, need for rescue medication by a third, and improve adherence to medication as prescribed. The method involves regularly scheduled visits with specially trained nurses and extra education for physicians in asthma management.
A study of 2,400 British middle-aged men found that the positive selection for a gene variant in the MMP3 gene resulted in a 43% lower incidence of coronary artery heart disease. The researchers suggest that this variation is not just harmless mutation, but rather a process contributing to population health.
A genetic variant associated with increased heart disease risk emerged rapidly in the ancient European population around 24,000 years ago. The high-expression variant is linked to a mutation hotspot in MMP-3's regulatory DNA.
Virtual colonoscopy shows significant promise for colorectal cancer screening, but practical issues must be addressed before widespread use. Issues include standardization of test performance and interpretation of results, as well as the potential need for multiple procedures to detect and remove polyps.
A study by Duke University Medical Center found that Coxsackievirus A21 can cause polio-like symptoms in genetically engineered mice, as it bypasses the usual nasal cavity route and infects muscle cells instead. The findings have significant implications for the understanding of viral behavior and potential vaccine development.
Research finds that many adolescent substance abuse treatment programs in the US are not addressing crucial components, with only 3% fulfilling four-fifths of required elements. However, individual program high scores suggest existing capacity for effective implementation.
The American College of Gastroenterology states that colonoscopy is the best and gold-standard test for colorectal cancer screening and prevention. It prevents about 80 percent of colorectal cancers from developing by removing precancerous polyps, while CT colonography has shown poor results in comparison.
Researchers found over 200 mitochondrial genetic fragments integrated into nuclear genome, potentially disrupting human health. These fragments, known as NUMTs, were more likely to insert themselves within active genes, causing disease.
Researchers found that Monk parakeets change their vocal-tract formant frequencies and amplitudes with tongue movements, suggesting a role for lingual articulation in mimicking human speech. This discovery also implies that lingual articulation may underlie the natural vocalizations of parrots.
Research shows that height does not affect friendships among students with varying heights; peers do not discriminate against short children. Shorter students were perceived to be younger, but this association diminished in later grades.
Optical colonoscopy may miss between 10-14% of polyps, highlighting the need for virtual colonoscopy. Meanwhile, a study on West Nile fever reveals more serious symptoms and longer recovery times than previously thought. Resynchronization of heart function after a heart attack can improve quality of life but is not cost-effective.
Pediatricians and family physicians surveyed by researchers from the University of Rochester Medical Center support expanding flu vaccination to healthy infants and toddlers. The study found that 58% of doctors would favor this expansion, despite citing high costs and parental concerns about vaccine safety as major barriers.
A survey of pediatricians and family physicians found that 80% of pediatricians and 69% of family physicians believed a universal influenza vaccination program for infants would be feasible. The majority also agreed that the vaccine would greatly decrease sickness during the influenza season.
A conference is being held to discuss the increasing incidence of childhood leukaemia and potential environmental factors contributing to its rise. Research has shown that unborn children are particularly sensitive to exposure to environmental agents due to placental transfer from mother to child.
A recent study published in PLOS Biology found that climate change can shape genetic diversity in mammals. Researchers analyzed fossil samples and contemporary data from two mammal species, the Montane vole and northern pocket gopher, and discovered that climate-induced habitat alterations influenced variation in genetic diversity.
Archer fish demonstrated remarkable cognitive ability to compensate for complex optical distortions and determine the absolute size of their aerial prey. By extracting underlying laws connecting spatial configuration and apparent size, they can judge target's objective size from underwater views unseen before.
A survey found that an estimated 12.8% of U.S. children had special health care needs in 2001, with significant disparities among disadvantaged groups. The study also highlighted the impact on families, including reduced employment and financial problems due to healthcare costs.
A groundbreaking study reveals a comprehensive genetic map of important tree genes, enabling scientists to unlock the secrets of tree biology. The database contains over 102,000 gene sequences from the Populus genus, allowing researchers to explore the genetic functions of trees and their responses to environmental stresses.