A study found that eliminating affirmative action would lead to a significant decline in acceptance rates for African American and Hispanic students at elite universities. Acceptance rates for these groups would fall by almost two-thirds and one-half, respectively. In contrast, white students' acceptance rates would rise by only 0.5 pe...
Researchers found that soy-based meal replacements led to greater weight loss and improved cholesterol levels compared to milk-based alternatives. Additionally, soy intake was shown to reduce serum glucose values, suggesting a role in maintaining overall health and slowing diabetes development.
A new project provides a comprehensive map of the rat spinal cord, allowing for seamless navigation between rat and human cords to test hypotheses and relate data. The study will also create a 3D stereotaxic space for experimental and clinical observations.
The US needs more effective treatments for active TB and latent TB infection, with a focus on improving diagnostic tools and directly observed therapy. Effective treatment of active TB requires at least six months of multi-drug therapy, while improved diagnostics and treatments are needed for latent TB infection.
Researchers have discovered a bacterium that can generate electricity from fuel sources, providing a potential solution for sustainable energy. This unique capability makes the bacterium useful for reclamation of wastewaters and removal of waste, with potential applications in future microbial fuel cell designs.
African-American patients have a higher rate of increased heart weight, or left-ventricular hypertrophy, than whites regardless of their differences in body fat and overall body composition. Elevated blood pressure is the best indicator of why African-Americans in the study had a higher rate of left-ventricular hypertrophy.
A 1994-2003 study analyzed TB cases among homeless and non-homeless persons to identify overlapping risk factors. The study found a higher proportion of TB cases associated with homelessness in western and southern states, with most affected males aged 30-59.
A twin study published in the Royal Society journal examines the genetic influences on female orgasmic function, suggesting a significant heritability component. The research highlights the complex interplay of biological and environmental factors contributing to individual differences in female orgasmic function.
Researchers at Georgia Tech have developed a device that can analyze proteins much faster, more gently, and at a lower cost. This innovation could significantly shorten drug development time and bring down the overall cost of protein analysis technology.
Researchers identified a link between chromosomes 7 and 21 and autism susceptibility, with new evidence suggesting chromosome 21 plays a role in the condition. This finding may help explain the increased prevalence of autism among children with Down syndrome.
A study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology found that CT scans significantly reduced the need for appendectomies from 20% to 3% at an urban hospital. The technology's accuracy in imaging the appendix and detecting mimic conditions led to a dramatic decrease in unnecessary surgeries.
A study by Virginia Tech researchers found that high hydrostatic pressure can effectively inactivate the Hepatitis A virus in oysters, reducing the risk of foodborne illness. This breakthrough has significant implications for oyster processing and distribution, as well as consumer safety.
The Interactive Virtual Intelligent System for Scientific Inquiry in a Biology Learning Environment (INVISSIBLE) will engage students in three scenarios that simulate authentic scientific inquiry experiences. Students will analyze evidence, build hypotheses, and solve crimes to learn different approaches to the scientific method.
Researchers found that adding shampoo detergent, cetavlon, to varnish creates a self-sterilizing surface. The coating kills microbes within seconds of application and remains effective for up to 5 months.
California continues to experience cases of multi-drug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB), which requires prolonged treatment and poses significant public health risks. The majority of MDR-TB cases are foreign-born, highlighting the need for international TB control measures.
Researchers have found that mitochondria function as oxygen sensors, producing reactive oxygen species in response to low oxygen conditions. However, a dual-mode mechanism involving the enzyme PHD emerges when oxygen levels are extremely low, suggesting a new strategy for enhancing the body's natural protective response.
A study found that parthenogenetic Bynoe's geckos, a hybrid species, can reproduce without sex and outperform their sexual counterparts in endurance tests. The geckos' 'clonal' way of reproducing allows them to be genetically identical to their mother, and research suggests they are super tough and robust.
A new study overturns decades-old theory, suggesting that gene mutation rates can affect fixation rates in species. The research found that faster mutations are more likely to be accepted by genes, leading to a shift in the understanding of natural selection.
The studies demonstrated that rhIGF-1 administration causes a prompt increase in blood IGFBP-3 levels in patients with IGF-1 deficiency. The findings suggest that IGFBP-3 is recruited into the bloodstream or IGF-1 is stabilized by binding to IGFBP-3, which may help guide optimal dosing of rhIGF-1.
TB is a serious global health issue that affects vulnerable populations, requiring improved screening, treatment, and quality of care. The JAMA editorial highlights the need for better funding and initiatives to combat TB and ultimately eradicate it worldwide.
A new study by Dartmouth researchers suggests that methane on Mars can be produced from non-living sources, including the mineral olivine. The findings provide a plausible explanation for a warmer and wetter early Mars, with abundant liquid water present on the surface.
Loyola researchers found higher levels of BNP in patients with restrictive cardiomyopathy than constrictive pericarditis, enabling quicker diagnosis and treatment. This discovery may improve patient outcomes for the millions of Americans affected by congestive heart failure.
A study based on US National Comorbidity Survey Replication data found that 26.2% of adults in the US had a mental disorder, with anxiety disorders being the most prevalent. Severity levels showed 22.3% as serious, 37.3% as moderate, and 40.4% as mild.
A study comparing New York and Michigan angioplasty data shows major differences in patient selection. Despite this, the researchers found no difference in overall death risk when adjusting for underlying health conditions.
A study found that children of disabled parents are 65% less likely to receive recommended immunizations by age two. Support services for parents with disabilities can improve the entire family's health outcomes. The study aims to raise awareness and stimulate change in healthcare access.
Researchers at UF found that a metered-dose albuterol inhaler with a holding chamber works as well as traditional nebulizer treatment, causing fewer side effects in children. A policy implemented at Shands at UF medical center increased use of the new method by 53% and gave hope for wider adoption.
Researchers found that cranberry juice inhibited the attachment of intestinal viruses to red blood cells and infected host cells. The study suggests a potential antiviral effect of cranberry juice on selected intestinal animal viral disease-producing agents, but human trials are needed to confirm its benefits.
A landmark study reveals that mental illnesses are the chronic diseases of young people in the US, affecting 26% of the population. The study found that long delays in treatment and untreated disorders can lead to school failure, teenage childbearing, unstable employment, and marital instability.
The Johannesburg Sustainable Development Summit identified halving water deprivation by 2015 as a priority; today, 300 million Africans lack access to drinking water. Investments in science and technology are seen as key solutions.
The release of pig genomic sequences has significant implications for biomedical research, production, food safety, and animal health. The data reveals genetic similarities between pigs and humans, which may lead to improved models for medical testing and drug development.
Researchers created rat pups with subtle cortical malformations and found that they developed temporal lobe epilepsy after experiencing prolonged fever-related seizures. The study suggests that early identification of children with atypical febrile seizures could lead to neuroprotective treatments to prevent later epilepsy.
A new study found that healthy individuals carrying a specific variant of the dopamine transporter gene have significantly higher levels of dopamine transporter in their brains. The results suggest that this variation may influence concentrations of extracellular dopamine and are relevant to conditions such as substance abuse, tobacco ...
Researchers found that MRSA bacteria can survive on hospital surfaces like bed linen, keyboard covers, and acrylic fingernails for extended periods. The study emphasizes the importance of regular hand washing and environmental disinfection in healthcare settings.
A new dosing approach for growth hormone based on serum levels of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) shows improved height increases in children with growth hormone deficiency or short stature. The study found that increasing IGF-I levels resulted in significant gains in height, particularly in those receiving higher doses.
A new clinical return-to-work rule developed by Dionne et al. improves the prediction of successful outcomes for patients with back pain. However, C. Maher suggests that further research is required to determine its effectiveness in guiding treatment decisions.
Researchers successfully introduced a gene that blocks joint inflammation, reducing IL-1 and IL-6 production. The study's nine patients showed no clinical side effects after five years, paving the way for new gene-based therapies.
Researchers found that vitamin B12 deficiency was common among patients referred to vascular disease prevention clinics. Creatinine levels were also found to be a strong predictor of homocysteine levels, similar to vitamin B12 levels.
A new study reveals that pathogens play a significant role in shaping the evolution of human's most diverse genes, specifically those encoding Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) proteins. High HLA diversity is found to correlate with high pathogen diversity, particularly for certain types of HLA genes.
New research reveals that nitrogen oxide emissions from soil are much greater than expected, totaling over 40 million metric tons annually, and surpassing fossil fuel combustion by up to 70%
A study of 13,601 US adolescents found that perceived weight was a significant risk factor for suicidal ideation and attempts, regardless of actual body mass index (BMI). Perceived underweight or overweight status increased the likelihood of suicidal thoughts and attempts among students.
The Antares programme uses permanent deep-sea seismic sensors to monitor local and global earthquakes, improving risk assessment systems and studying submarine activity. The project overcomes challenges of instrument resistance and coherence between equipment and electronic systems.
Scientists developed a new bioinformatics technique to analyze key DNA regions controlling gene activity. The approach uses machine learning to predict binding site combinations and regulate genes, achieving success rates comparable to existing methods.
Researchers at Duke University found that monkeys prefer to look at video images matching the number of sounds they heard, suggesting an innate ability to represent numbers across senses. This discovery resolves a longstanding debate on whether animals possess numerical abilities tied to specific senses.
Researchers found that women with breast cancer were less likely to have two versions of the TCATA haplotype, associated with increased IL-10 expression. High levels of IL-10 may be protective against breast cancer due to its anti-angiogenic effects.
The new guidelines emphasize the importance of open communication between parents, camp officials, and medical professionals about a child's health needs. Camps are advised to provide parents with detailed information about their programs, including risks associated with certain activities, and to have staff trained in first aid and CPR.
A recent study suggests that a one-time adolescent vaccination against whooping cough could prevent 36% of projected cases while being reasonably cost-effective. The analysis considered various vaccination strategies and their impact on disease incidence, vaccine efficacy, side effects, and costs.
Researchers found that the drop in estrogen levels during menopause is linked to increased cortisol levels and abdominal fat. Estrogen replacement therapy may help prevent this rise in cortisol and delay or prevent weight issues.
A new test using Ki67 levels has been shown to predict the aggressiveness of breast cancer in early stages with high accuracy. The test correlates with tumor size, nodal status, and other parameters, providing valuable information for clinicians to make informed treatment decisions.
A study by Thomas H. Feeley found that 80% of college students want to learn more about organ donation, and 57 have signed up. However, only 11% of the total student population has done so. The researchers suggest tailoring information campaigns to address different segments of the student population.
A new study reveals that traditional models of extinction underestimate species extinction risk by ignoring a critical parameter. The researchers used water fleas as a model organism and found that incorporating density-dependent demographic stochasticity into the models accurately predicted extinction rates.
A pooled analysis of 15,000 individuals found that current drinkers had a 27% lower risk of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma compared to non-drinkers. The risk did not vary with alcohol consumption type or age of onset, but was lowest for Burkitt's lymphoma subtype.
A new survey seeks insights from leading researchers on factors driving creativity in human genetics and nanotechnology. The study aims to identify the environmental and institutional circumstances that contribute to innovative breakthroughs.
Researchers found that between 2-6% of recipient mosquitoes acquired the virus in experiments, with a single bite from an infected donor mosquito infecting two out of 87 recipient mosquitoes. This new transmission method could accelerate disease spread by bypassing the need for high viremia levels.
A study found that a chemical hibernation trigger may help protect skeletal muscles from damage caused by lack of oxygen. The researchers discovered that the plasma from hibernating woodchucks improved muscle activity after a period of hypoxia and reoxygenation.
A recent analysis found that U.S. adults could save up to $8.8 billion per year by using generic drugs instead of brand-name drugs. Additionally, a study on Gulf War veterans revealed four more common health conditions among those who served in the conflict compared to non-deployed individuals.
Researchers have developed a new processing method that significantly reduces the detectable level of major peanut allergenic proteins by as much as 70%. This method enables complete modification of allergenic proteins into non-allergenic and readily soluble proteins, benefiting individuals with peanut allergies.
The latest US mental health tracking survey shows a high prevalence of mental disorders, with most cases being mild. However, the survey also found that many cases go untreated and when treatment occurs, it often does not meet recommended guidelines.
Chronic drowsiness in teens can be a sign of an underlying sleep disorder, according to a new report. The study highlights the importance of rigorous pediatric sleep histories to diagnose potential conditions.
Research suggests high school start times deprive teens of sleep, affecting cognitive performance and mood. Students perform better in the afternoon, but early morning classes report being wearier and less alert.
Tercica has presented human and animal safety data showing no immunotoxic effects with long-term rhIGF-1 treatment. The data also demonstrate a reduction in the incidence of some endocrine cancers in animals, providing further evidence supporting the long-term safety of rhIGF-1 therapy.