Dr. Holford's research focuses on applying statistical methods to public health and medicine, analyzing disease trends and developing strategies for controlling cancer. He was recognized as a fellow of the ASA, one of only 0.33% of members elected each year.
A survey of parents found that nearly all who used the internet for information about their child's surgery also made medical decisions based on this information. Most parents reported finding the internet information understandable and helpful, with 67% citing it as an influence on treatment decisions.
University of California, Irvine researchers will evaluate alternative materials and recycling programs to reduce the environmental impact of e-waste, including cell phones. The interdisciplinary team aims to create a comprehensive model to protect public health and the environment from hazardous chemicals in electronic waste.
Climate change could increase crop yields and improve livestock farming in Scotland, but the impact depends on the extent of CAP reform. Regional variations in climate change effects were found, with lowland south-west Scotland likely to benefit most from increased farm income.
A new study by Christof Westenfelder's team found that stem cells improve kidney function and reduce tissue injury in acute renal failure. The benefits are primarily mediated by paracrine mechanisms, not differentiation, and are induced by the release of growth factors and cytokines.
A recent study found that diabetics who underwent ankle fracture surgery had significantly longer hospital stays and higher mortality rates compared to non-diabetic patients. The researchers estimated that diabetic patients experienced an additional day of hospitalization and costs approximately 20% higher.
Asymmetric cell division occurs perpendicular to the basal layer, resulting in one daughter cell naturally displaced out of the basal layer. This process controls skin differentiation and has implications for understanding skin diseases and cancer.
The National Science Foundation has awarded $36 million to support two new research centers focused on securing the nation's cyberspace and critical infrastructure. The Cyber Trust initiative aims to develop trustworthy computing systems, improve electronic voting systems, and create a secure cyberinfrastructure for the power grid.
A randomized controlled trial found that high-protection sunscreen did not influence the duration of sunbathing. In fact, the study discovered that people tend to self-regulate their sun protection with sunscreens by adapting the amount of sunscreen used based on its SPF level.
A study of 12 normal-weight individuals found that their eating behavior did not compensate for overeating, despite gaining weight. Instead, they maintained their usual eating patterns when returning to their normal environment.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center have successfully treated animals with muscular dystrophy using a miniature gene and new systemic approach, demonstrating significant improvements in muscle function and longevity. The treatment involves delivering a mini-agrin gene via adeno-associated virus vectors, restoring...
The NSF-funded ACCURATE center brings together experts to tackle the challenges of integrating technology into the voting process. Researchers will focus on building more reliable software and hardware, as well as exploring human factors and usability issues in e-voting systems.
A recent study found that certain drugs, such as sulfonylureas and acetaminophen, may counteract nitroglycerin's effects, increasing cardiovascular risk. The researchers discovered that a specific mitochondrial enzyme, aldehyde dehydrogenase, is crucial for nitroglycerin action.
A recent study found that about half of protected species are no longer declining in numbers. The research highlights the importance of considering agency administration and funding in evaluating the success of conservation efforts under the Endangered Species Act.
According to a JAMA Network study, US states with age restrictions on indoor tanning have higher compliance rates among minors. States like Illinois and Wisconsin saw significant reductions in noncompliance among 15-year-olds, whereas others like Texas had lower compliance rates.
A study of 372 community-dwelling older patients found that those receiving high-quality care had better survival rates than those without it. The research created a quality-of-care score based on 236 process-of-care measures, with survival improving steadily as the score increased.
Researchers have developed a paper battery that harnesses the power of urine to test for diseases, providing a cheap and efficient solution for healthcare diagnostics. The device can be integrated into biochip systems, enabling people to monitor their health at home without relying on external power sources.
Researchers used genetic data and computer simulations to reveal that moon jellyfish migration post-dates European global shipping and trade. The study found that up to 23% of marine species in international harbors are non-indigenous, posing threats to ecosystems and causing billions of dollars in damage.
A study from Ohio State University's Comprehensive Cancer Center discovered a set of microRNAs that can distinguish between normal and cancerous breast tissue. The findings suggest that microRNA expression is correlated with breast cancer's hormone status, metastatic potential, and proliferative rate.
Study finds that repetitive tanning behavior may be linked to a kind of addiction, similar to alcoholism or drug dependency. Researchers identified UVL tanning dependence in 53% of beachgoers, suggesting why educational interventions have been unsuccessful.
The Johns Hopkins-led ACCURATE center will investigate electronic voting technology, public policy issues, and human behavior in the context of e-voting, seeking to improve the integrity and trustworthiness of the US electoral process. The center's research aims to develop technical standards for secure and accessible e-voting systems.
A recent study by Dr. Brian Adams found that 85% of NCAA soccer players and cross-country runners did not use sunscreen during practice, despite being at high risk for sun-related skin cancer. The American Cancer Society estimates that most cases of nonmelanoma skin cancer diagnosed yearly in the US are sun-related.
A study found that HPV16/18 vaccine effectiveness varies significantly across regions, with higher rates in Europe and North America compared to sub-Saharan Africa.
Researchers at Michigan Medicine have found that over half of patients with rapidly progressing hearing loss had antibodies against IESCA, a protein in the inner ear. The study suggests a direct test for antibodies could predict which patients will regain hearing with steroid treatment.
A new study from the Mayo Clinic found that smokers with a history of alcoholism can quit smoking using customized nicotine replacement therapy. The study, which adjusted nicotine patch dosages based on serum cotinine levels, resulted in a tobacco abstinence rate of 51 percent.
Researchers have created a novel method to propagate mouse brain stem cells, which can either multiply without differentiating or become normal brain cells at the flip of a genetic switch. The technique combines epidermal growth factor and fibroblast growth factor to promote cell growth, enabling scientists to study basic properties an...
Researchers found that matriptase, a cell surface enzyme, triggers the formation of tumor cells and promotes rapid cell division. The study suggests that targeting matriptase could be an effective way to treat various types of cancer.
A UCLA professor has been awarded a major DOE grant to develop algorithms that can solve complex plasma physics problems, which could lead to breakthroughs in controlled fusion reactors and clean energy. The research is part of the Office of Science's "Multiscale Mathematics" program.
Researchers found a new way to distinguish virus-induced asthma from allergen-caused disease, highlighting increased IL-10 gene expression in viral infections. The study also showed benefits of inhaled corticosteroids for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients.
Researchers found that disadvantaged individuals tend to prioritize being friendly and dressing nicely during doctor visits. The study aims to advance understanding of patients' everyday strategies for getting quality healthcare.
Disaster research presented at the American Sociological Association Centennial Meeting challenges the common perception that minorities are disproportionately affected by disasters. The study finds patterns in human behavior and societal organization that mirror these disasters, highlighting that disaster is a normal part of life.
A recent study by a UC sociologist examines how audiences have shaped the evolution of capital punishment. The research highlights four areas where audiences have influenced contemporary conflicts in the death penalty: pain and technology, procedures and professionals, publicity and public access, and witness and psychological closure.
Neural stem cells in the subventricular zone of the forebrain give rise to malignant astrocytoma in genetically engineered mice. The study challenges current dogma that tumors arise from glial cells throughout the brain.
A recent study by the University of Manchester found that children raised by two religious parents are more likely to reject the church, but not necessarily due to a lack of faith. The report argues that institutional religion has a 'half-life' of one generation and that individual differences in faith play a significant role.
Researchers developed a large brain tumor model and tested a genetically engineered virus delivering two proteins to the brain. The findings show that combined RAdTK and RAdFlt3L gene therapy eliminated glioblastoma multiforme in lab rats, increasing survival rates significantly.
A study published in PLoS Medicine found that insulin resistance, a key factor in type 2 diabetes, develops early in life and is linked to weight gain. The researchers studied children of diabetic parents and found that insulin-resistant individuals have impaired energy production in muscle cells, leading to weight maintenance problems.
A study at Bristol Zoo Garden and Paignton Zoo Environmental Park found that zoos can inspire children to engage with animals through non-traditional forms of education. However, the research also revealed challenges in conveying scientific and environmental messages, highlighting the need for zoos to adapt their approaches.
A study by Rutgers University researchers found that combining TPA, a compound from the croton plant, with all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) effectively inhibits growth of pancreatic cancer cells. The combination also showed increased apoptosis and reduced mitosis in tumors.
The risk of major cardiovascular problems was significantly lower among patients treated by high-volume doctors performing over 90 procedures per year compared to low-volume doctors. However, there was no difference in death rates before leaving the hospital between high- and low-volume physicians.
The study found that movies like 'Lord of the Rings III' appeal to people's emotions and are more enjoyable for those with limited control over their lives. It also showed a cross-cultural appeal, particularly among women who saw it as a spiritual journey.
Researchers are creating a library of realistic 3D models of patients to improve radiation dose accuracy, enabling safer and more effective treatment. This project aims to bring about a paradigm change in radiation protection by facilitating image processing and simulation.
Researchers aim to investigate whether starting hormone therapy early can prevent atherosclerosis and heart attacks. The KEEPS trial, led by Yale University, seeks healthy women aged 42-58 for a double-blind study exploring the effects of early menopausal hormone therapy.
Researchers successfully tested a new coast-to-coast, 10-Gigabit per second Ethernet cyber backplane connecting NASA's Goddard center to UCSD. The system enabled complex scientific analysis and visualization of large data sets remotely.
Mutations in genes NF1, c-RET, SDH, and VHL interfere with apoptosis, allowing cancerous cells to evade developmental cell death. This can lead to increased risk of pheochromocytoma and other pediatric tumors.
The Internet enables organizations to function as virtual shelters without physical locations, allowing for pre-screening and coordination of adoption events. Descriptive online ads educate potential owners about endearing traits, while interactive messages narrow the selection process.
A Canadian Medical Association Journal study found that salivary cotinine levels, a measure of second-hand smoke exposure, are linked to an increased likelihood of smoking in adolescence. The research suggests that early childhood exposure may be a key factor in the development of nicotine-seeking behavior.
Researchers found insulin resistance can be detected 20 years before diabetes symptoms appear in lean, healthy young adults. Mitochondria's energy-producing function is significantly impaired, leading to a decreased ability to burn sugars and fats efficiently.
Research found that coral and rock reefs offshore played a key role in shaping the severity of tsunami inundation. Healthy coral reefs in the Maldives islands may have contributed to their narrow escape from destruction.
A study found no significant association between waiting period and pre- and postoperative mortality and morbidity for patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting. However, the authors emphasize that the acceptable rate of adverse events for a managed waiting strategy remains undetermined.
A new University of Cincinnati study reveals that white individuals' general racial attitudes towards people of other races affect their preferences for seeing a doctor of the same or different race. In contrast, African Americans are more likely to prefer a same-race doctor due to perceptions of white apathy and poor past medical care...
Researchers found that HIF-1 inhibition impacts tumor biology differently depending on the local environment, with proximal cells less affected. This study suggests optimizing HIF-1 blockade to maximize effects on vasculature and minimize effects on distal tumor cells.
Researchers found that activated Stat5 levels in prostate cancer cells predict disease progression and survival rates. Patients with high levels of activated Stat5 had a 15-year progression-free survival rate of 46% compared to 62% without activated Stat5.
Researchers have developed a method to create densely packed carbon nanotube carpets with an artificial gecko foot-like grip, 200 times stronger than natural geckos. This breakthrough enables the development of dry adhesives for microelectronics, robotics, and other fields.
Researchers found that emotional ads were more effective than informational ads in persuading both highly and non-skeptical consumers. Skeptical consumers responded better to emotional appeals, which bypassed their skepticism filters.
Research suggests that babies are more flexible in perceiving musical rhythms than adults, which may be due to their developing brains being less biased by cultural norms. By 12 months old, however, infants' abilities to detect rhythmic patterns in foreign music decrease significantly.
A study by Carnegie Mellon University found that nutritional interventions and educational programs can significantly improve the quality of life for cancer survivors. Women who received either intervention were less likely to be depressed and more optimistic about their health than those with no intervention.
A new database, The Canary Database, tracks animal diseases linked to human health threats, such as mercury poisoning and West Nile Virus infection. The project aims to improve human health decision-making by analyzing animal sentinel data.
Researchers report on the first 10 patients to undergo totally robotic laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery, achieving comparable surgical times and complication rates with a short learning curve. The study suggests that robotic technology is feasible and safe for this procedure, potentially offering a superior alternative.
A new robotic technique in weight-loss surgery, developed by Stanford Medicine, offers several advantages over traditional methods. The da Vinci robotic surgical system provides improved visualization and precise maneuvers, reducing surgical time by approximately 30 minutes compared to conventional laparoscopic procedures.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have developed a way to reduce phytate levels in animal feed, making it more nutritious. By understanding the biochemical pathway of phytate synthesis in plants, they were able to create low-phytate strains of feed grains that could improve nutrition and reduce environmental pollution.
A Yale University study will examine dietary calcium insufficiency in inner city infants, highlighting the alarming trends of decreased calcium intake over the past 30 years. The research aims to establish guidelines for calcium in infants below age three and predict a 10-20% prevalence of abnormal biomarkers.