Researchers have found that carrying the sickle cell gene provides partial protection against malaria, increasing to 60% in childhood before declining. The study suggests an immune component to this protection and may offer insights into developing an effective vaccine.
Astronomers observed a binary star system called RX J0806.3+1527, where the white dwarf pair has an estimated mass of one-half the sun and orbits at a rate consistent with gravitational wave predictions. The system is believed to be among the brightest sources of gravitational waves in the galaxy.
Researchers found that reducing yeast in flies' diet increased life span by over 60%, suggesting protein or fat plays a greater role in longevity than sugar. The study's findings challenge the conventional wisdom that eating less promotes longevity and provide insight into the effects of different nutrients on life span.
A comprehensive analysis of 1,721 estimates from 188 studies covering 46 countries found schizophrenia is more common in developed countries but overall less common than thought. The study revealed that immigrant populations have higher rates of the disease than native-born individuals.
Observations of SN 2003jd reveal aspherical explosion, supporting hypothesis that Type Ic supernovae can produce gamma-ray bursts. The findings also suggest that the direction-dependent shape of the oxygen line is a key indicator of an aspherical explosion.
Researchers at Rutgers University have developed a method to produce ordered arrays of particles with properties comparable to those of true single crystals. The technique involves self-assembly of nanoparticles into densely packed layers, opening up new possibilities for applications in sensing, imaging, and energy storage.
Astronomers using Spitzer Space Telescope image a new generation of stars at the heads of huge dust pillars created by galactic weather conditions. The Carina Nebula, located 10,000 light years from Earth, is visible to the human eye and contains several dozen massive stars that shape the gigantic dust pillars.
Two astronomers have used NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory to discover a shell of superheated gas around a dying star in the Milky Way galaxy. The study reveals how material ejected at two million miles per hour can heat previously ejected gas to emit X-rays, providing new insight into the persistence of such gas around dying stars.
Researchers found a significant gap in statin use among patients with high and moderate risk of heart disease. Statin therapy was underused in these groups, with fewer than half of patient visits associated with use, despite being recommended for them.
A study analyzing national surveys found that many patients at high risk of cardiovascular disease are not receiving statin treatment. The authors conclude that education is needed to improve physicians' adherence to evidence-based medicine guidelines for cardiovascular risk reduction.
Researchers developed a new fluorescent imaging technique using FRET (Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer) to track glutamate production in individual brain cells. This breakthrough technology will help better understand disease processes and construct new drugs.
A new study reveals that tobacco industry documents show companies intentionally modified products to promote female smoking by emphasizing stylishness and perceived health benefits. The analysis highlights the troubling implications for world health as tobacco companies seek to increase smoking among women in developing countries.
A new study found that long-term daily use of aspirin was associated with an increased risk of ER/PR-negative breast cancer, while long-term daily use of ibuprofen was linked to a higher risk of nonlocalized breast cancer. Regular NSAID use was not associated with breast cancer risk.
A team of researchers has made a breakthrough in creating perfect glass by monitoring the structure changes of zeolites when heated. The resulting glass is stronger and more resistant than traditional glass, with potential applications in making glass invulnerable to water and reducing breakage.
Research psychologist Michel Varkevisser found that employees with chronic sleeping complaints perform less well under controlled laboratory conditions. However, when self-reliant in boring circumstances, they can maintain high performance levels but at a long-term cost to their physical well-being.
A study published in PNAS found that prenatal exposure to diethylstilbestrol (DES) can permanently alter tissue in rats, making them more susceptible to hormone-dependent tumors. The researchers believe this phenomenon could explain why some people with inherited tumor suppressor gene defects develop cancer while others do not.