Research finds that after-school program participation significantly improves reading achievement and motivates students. Highly engaged program staff also boosts motivation, highlighting the importance of engaging content and activities to foster long-term academic improvements in disadvantaged children.
Researchers at Georgia Tech have developed two augmented reality systems to improve communication between automated inspection systems and workers who trim birds on processing lines. The systems use location-tracked displays or laser scanners to project graphical instructions, providing advance warning of workload and reducing errors.
Researchers at U of MN successfully reversed memory loss in mice with dementia, using a transgene to halt disease progression and even increase tangles. This breakthrough study suggests that reversing effects of memory loss may be possible in humans.
A new 24-item scale measures the continuum of alcohol problems in college students, providing excellent distributional properties and retaining meaningful variance. The scale is brief, efficient, and suitable for self-assessment, surveillance, and treatment-needs change measure.
Research on the genetics of alcohol use has identified polymorphisms in ADH and ALDH enzymes that may explain individual differences in alcohol metabolism, as well as chromosomal regions linked to suicidal behavior, conduct disorder symptoms, and alcohol dependence. Additionally, serotonin receptor variations have been found to play a ...
The genome sequences of Trypanosoma brucei, Trypanosoma cruzi, and Leishmania major have been completed, providing a blueprint for developing new drugs. The shared core of genes among the three parasites offers potential targets for a class of drugs that can target all three diseases.
A recent study has found that abdominal injuries in children under 14 are twice as likely to be caused by abuse as road-traffic accidents. The researchers analyzed data from over 180 injured children and found that small-bowel injuries are more common in abused children, especially those under five.
Researchers at NIST found a significant difference between white light interferometric microscopes and phase shifting interferometers in measuring surface roughness, with discrepancies peaking at 100 nanometers. The study evaluated five instruments from three vendors and compared them to stylus profiling instruments.
Researchers have identified 34 mutations resulting in embryonic lethality, attributing it to defects in cellular proliferation, gastrulation, and other developmental processes. The study predicts that between 13.7% and 19% of all mouse genes are necessary for embryonic viability.
The Australasian Kidney Trials Network will focus on new and innovative clinical research to provide better treatments and outcomes for patients. The network aims to address the growing health issue of chronic kidney disease affecting one in seven Australian adults.
A new clinical trial has shown that the oral treatment RBX may reduce the risk of moderate vision loss caused by macular edema in patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. The study, led by Joslin Diabetes Center, evaluated the safety and effect of RBX on retinopathy progression and visual loss.
Researchers have identified gene sequences involved in the host-parasite relationship and parasite metabolism, providing potential vaccine candidates. The sequencing of trypanosome genomes has significant challenges due to repetitive sequences but promises to advance tropical medicine by helping develop new drugs against these diseases.
Researchers found that intermittent IL-2 administration induces high CD4 and CD8 cell proliferation followed by prolonged CD4 cell survival. This effect helps explain the preferential increase of CD4 cells in patients treated with IL-2 therapy.
A study found that boys with supportive parents are less likely to engage in violent behavior after witnessing violence, while girls with high levels of social understanding are also at risk. Interventions focusing on improving the parent-adolescent relationship and teaching social understanding may reduce violence in both boys and girls.
Researchers found that NIPA levels act as a switch to regulate cell division by degrading cyclin B1 during the 'resting' phase. Blocking NIPA causes premature cell division, leading to unhealthy daughter cells. The study sheds light on the role of SCFNIPA in controlling mitosis.
A recent study has shown that buccal midazolam is more effective and faster-acting than rectal diazepam in treating seizures in children. The research, published in The Lancet, found that buccal midazolam was successful in 61% of episodes compared to 27% for rectal diazepam.
The Kentucky Geological Survey is involved in global climate change research, studying opportunities to sequester carbon in the Midwest and Southeast regions. The survey will continue to examine subsurface formations for carbon storage and investigate coal seams along the Virginia-Kentucky border.
Parents affect adolescents' substance use behaviors by influencing their images of typical smokers and drinkers, as well as their willingness to try substances. Strong parenting, especially in high-risk neighborhoods, has a positive impact on reducing substance use among teens.
Researchers found that heterotrimeric G proteins regulate cell division orientation, influencing brain size. Impairing Gβγ signaling leads to overproduction of neurons, potentially contributing to inherited disorders like microcephaly or macrocephaly.
A study by Christine Gieseke and Prue Talbot found that cigarette smoke significantly reduces the transport of hamster eggs through the oviduct. The researchers exposed cumulus-coated eggs to six types of cigarette smoke, resulting in a 40-55% increase in adhesion to the infundibulum and a 20-35% decrease in egg transportation rates.
Researchers recommend a five-step approach to diagnose and manage insomnia in older adults, which may lead to reduced sleep disturbances and improved health outcomes. The steps include detection, elaboration, medical or psychiatric emergency assessment, further evaluation, and intervention with lifestyle or medication changes.
A recent study by the University of Cardiff's Economic & Social Research Council found that fast turnaround times on car carriers lead to a decline in seafarers' lives, causing fatigue, social isolation, and limited free time. The research highlights the need for better working conditions and labor protections for crew members.
A UK-led project measured public services performance and found significant differences in education sector output compared to the US. The research also highlighted a lack of correlation between healthcare expenditure and outcomes across the EU, but found links between system organization and disease outcomes at a micro level.
Research involving human stem cells in nonhuman primate brains may be necessary and effective, but oversight boards must consider six key factors to ensure ethics are maintained. The number of human cells used and animal brain size are among the factors considered.
The study reveals that overexpression of Pkn protein leads to a cell shape defect. The findings suggest that this mechanism is widely conserved among gram-positive bacteria, with related signaling molecules present in multiple species.
Researchers have discovered a cullin-dependent E3 ligase as a crucial component of the Clr4 methyltransferase complex, controlling histone methylation and heterochromatin assembly. The study suggests that polyubiquitylation of regulatory proteins may play a key role in regulating these processes.
A new UF study suggests that mitochondrial mutations leading to programmed cell death could be a central mechanism driving aging in mammals. The research finds no correlation between oxidative stress and increased mortality, contradicting the previously believed 'vicious cycle' theory of aging.
Researchers at UGA have conducted the first global survey of protein expression in Trypanosoma cruzi, a parasite that causes Chagas disease. The study identified patterns of protein expression across the parasite's four lifecycle stages, providing new criteria for selecting vaccine targets and potential drug candidates.
Researchers at Yale University have identified unique infrared laser spectrum signatures for free protons associated with one to three water molecules. The study reveals that the proton's vibrations are driven by changes in its hydration environment, leading to significant shifts in spectral signatures.
Researchers have developed a biologically accurate computer simulation of synaptic function, indicating that the synapse may behave like a shotgun firing buckshot-like bursts of neurotransmitter to reach receptors arrayed beyond known receiving sites. The new data suggest an alternative mode of neurotransmission called ectopic release.
Research discovers T-cell 'traffic control' system that prevents autoimmune disease and rejection of transplanted organs, promising new treatment for multiple sclerosis and transplant rejection. The system is controlled by a fat-like compound called S1P, which can be blocked with experimental drugs to prevent excessive T cell activity.
Research by King's College London and City University found that shared environments, including prenatal factors and socialization effects, contribute significantly to gender-role behavior in early childhood. The study suggests that environmental influences are more important in shaping behavior than genetic factors during this age group.
A recent study found that foreign-born Asian American and Pacific Island women are significantly less likely to receive breast-conserving surgery than non-Hispanic white women, despite similar demographic and tumor characteristics. Language barriers and cultural factors may contribute to these disparities.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University have identified a DNA polymorphism that interferes with the binding of antiarrhythmic drugs to a specific ion channel in the heart. This structural change allows for variable drug access to its target site, leading to increased drug resistance in some individuals.
A new study from the University of Washington suggests that parent training is the most effective tool in dealing with conduct disorder. The research found that interventions used for boys with similar problems can also be effective for girls, and that programs targeting parents, children, and teachers yield the best results.
A study by the NICHD Early Child Care Research Network found that children from families experiencing poverty at any age during early childhood did not perform as well as those who were never poor. The quality of home environments also dropped over time if families became poor after the child was 4.
The sequencing of three deadly parasite genomes has revealed a core of 6,200 genes in common among the parasites, providing new targets for drug development. This discovery also highlights the potential for designing targeted vaccines and improved diagnostics for each parasite.
The University of California, Santa Barbara, has been awarded a $12.5 million grant to develop nanoscale systems for early diagnosis and treatment of vascular diseases. Led by Professor Craig Hawker, the team will use nanoparticles as carriers for diagnostic systems and therapeutic agents.
A study by researchers at Penn State and Washington state universities found that relying on others outside the family for information is associated with parents being less knowledgeable about their child. In contrast, parents in relational groups were more likely to be informed and had teens engaging in less risky behavior.
A study of over 700 patients undergoing coronary procedures found that distant prayer did not improve clinical outcomes, but patients receiving music therapy had less emotional distress and slightly lower mortality rates.
Scientists at JILA developed a method to study RNA dynamics, revealing the 'stickiness' between specific loops and sequences that stabilize folding. This information is crucial for understanding RNA structure and its effects on function.
Researchers found that increasing water vapor levels caused less damage to mirrors, possibly due to increased ambient hydrocarbon levels. Introducing methanol mitigates water-induced damage, paving the way for accelerated testing and broader illumination capabilities.
A new NIST-developed instrument uses infrared laser light to accurately measure silicon wafer thickness, enabling precise nanoscale dimension measurements. The Improved Infrared Interferometer can produce detailed spatial maps of differences in thickness with high repeatability.
Scientists have sequenced the genomes of three parasites responsible for sleeping sickness, Chagas disease, and leishmaniasis, providing critical information for drug and vaccine development. The research identified core genes that could serve as targets for effective drugs against all three parasites.
A recent study by George Y. Bizer found that individuals who report 'opposition' to a candidate show less attitude change than those who state 'support'. The study suggests that opposition can strengthen one's opinion, making it more difficult to change.
A new study reveals that predatory dinosaurs, such as T. rex, had a more complex air sac system similar to that in modern birds. The findings suggest that these ancient beasts may have been warm-blooded creatures, with a pulmonary machinery for enhanced gas exchange.
Researchers at Purdue University have confirmed findings by Rusi Taleyarkhan, using a tabletop device to produce nuclear fusion reactions through the use of ultrasound. The experiment produced neutrons in the range of 2.5 MeV and tritium, providing evidence for thermonuclear fusion.
A new study reveals that emergency physicians' fear of lawsuits fuels defensive medicine, resulting in unnecessary hospital admissions and increased healthcare costs. The research found that high-fear physicians are more likely to admit low-risk patients and order excessive tests.
Researchers have developed a new gene identification method using the Sleeping Beauty transposon technology, which inserts itself into or between genes and can activate or inactivate their function. This method allows for more efficient and accurate identification of cancer-causing genes compared to traditional methods.
A new study published in Catheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions found that drug-eluting stents are a safe treatment for heart attack patients, provoking no increase in complications. The stents prevented arterial renarrowing by 90% and reduced the need for repeat procedures.
Researchers at European Molecular Biology Laboratory discovered that actin fibres are necessary to help microtubules transport chromosomes during cell division. In a study using starfish oocytes, the team found that actin networks gather chromosomes together before they can be pulled by microtubules.
Researchers identified a key protein, coracle (4.1), that links receptors to cytoskeleton in nerve cells, enabling efficient neurotransmission. This discovery could help understand neurological diseases and develop drugs to manipulate problematic proteins.
A trial involving 731 patients found that treatment with erlotinib resulted in longer survival compared to a placebo, with patients on erlotinib surviving an average of 6.7 months versus 4.7 months. Erlotinib was also well-tolerated and improved physical function, quality of life, and symptoms.
The Massachusetts legislature is considering mandatory minimum nurse staffing ratios, with recent research highlighting the importance of nursing staff in improving patient outcomes. The proposed legislation aims to increase the supply of nurses and track patient outcomes, amidst a growing nursing shortage in the state.
Researchers found that preschool children's reaction to unwanted gifts predicts their ability to control reactive behavior and develop socially appropriate expressive behavior. This skill is crucial for future social success.
Research by Prado shows that Viagra affects plant pollen tube behavior, blocking re-orientation in response to NO. NO may serve as a safeguard mechanism to prevent dual fertilization in plants.
Researchers discover Aspergillus fumigatus has genes required for sexual reproduction, affecting disease control and potential antifungal drug resistance. The fungus's common presence in compost heaps may be a hotbed of fungal sex.
A study published by Yale researchers found that 17 members of a family carried a specific mutation in the sodium channel Nav1.7 gene, which is associated with intense burning pain in the hands and feet triggered by heat and exercise. The discovery suggests the possibility of rational therapies targeting this affected channel.
Researchers at OHSU developed a portable device that uses audio cues to assist individuals with balance disorders, such as those caused by vestibular loss or Parkinson's disease. The device has shown significant improvement in reducing sway area and increasing time spent within the safe zone during early testing.
A recent study published in The Journal of Clinical Pharmacology found that use of over-the-counter (OTC) topical progesterone results in significant drug exposure through skin absorption, comparable to prescribed oral progesterone products. The study revealed similar rates of adverse effects among women taking both types of progesterone.