A recent study found that infant mortality for black and white infants born at minority-serving hospitals is significantly higher than at non-minority hospitals. The study suggests that these hospitals may provide lower quality care to very low-birthweight infants.
Brandeis will develop a program in quantitative biology to understand biological functions. The university will hire a new faculty member and provide funding for courses, seminars, and instrumentation.
A recent study found that heavy drinking declined with age, although the drop was slower among men and smokers compared to women and non-smokers. The study also revealed that those who got married or quit smoking during follow-ups reduced their heavy drinking. Regular moderate drinking is likely beneficial for cardiovascular health.
A study published in Health Psychology found that individuals who experience larger increases in cholesterol levels due to stress are more likely to have high 'bad' cholesterol later on. The researchers identified a significant association between acute lipid stress responses and fasting lipid levels three years later.
A study found significant differences in genetic effects between Chinese and non-Chinese studies on gene-disease associations. The researchers identified 161 Chinese studies on 12 topics, but only 20 were indexed in PubMed. This bias may lead to skewed evidence depending on language and publication sources.
A team of researchers discovered that dark energy behaves similarly to Einstein's cosmological constant with a precision of 10%, contradicting several theoretical predictions. The study uses innovative camera technology and observations from multiple telescopes worldwide.
The study explores how immigrant families tell stories that reflect their country of origin and cultural identity. American-born children of newer immigrants are more likely to maintain ties with their family's country of origin, reflecting a shift towards cultural pluralism in the US.
Researchers from Purdue University and Kyoto University have discovered a plant gene that helps explain why human cells reject chemotherapy drugs. The gene, related to multi-drug resistant proteins in humans, moves a plant growth hormone into cells, suggesting a new approach to reducing drug dosages for cancer patients.
A survey found that nearly half of people with diabetes are not using aspirin as prescribed, despite its proven benefits in reducing heart attack and stroke risk. The study highlights the need for better communication between healthcare professionals and patients, particularly those with diabetes who are at higher risk.
Researchers at UF have discovered a population of stem cells with characteristics of adult and embryonic stem cells in cultures derived from bone tumor biopsies. These findings suggest that osteosarcoma, a common bone malignancy in children, may be linked to primitive stem cells.
A study of 83,585 and 73,418 women found that longer breastfeeding durations were associated with a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes, with risks decreasing by 15% and 14% per additional year of lactation. The findings suggest that maternal lactation may play a role in reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes in young and middle-aged women.
More than one-third of the US population lives in 'probable' and 'possible' adopter regions that have pledged to reduce emissions. These areas contribute up to half of the US gross domestic product, equivalent to 16.9% of global GDP. However, compliance will be a challenge due to lack of enforcement mechanisms.
A study found that 60% of healthcare providers, parents, and childcare workers knew the national guidelines for common childhood ailments only 60% of the time. Temporary exclusions are designed to prevent disease spread, but inconsistent application can lead to contentious issues between parents and caregivers.
A study found that individuals with the shortest delays had a greater probability of experiencing the largest number of symptoms, including sweating, which may prompt them to seek treatment early. Those with longer delays had moderate probability of experiencing chest pain and shortness of breath
Two studies by Cornell professor David Levitsky found that women who weighed themselves daily using the Tissue Monitoring System (TMS) gained less weight than those in a control group. Additionally, women who received lessons on estimating portion sizes in all-you-can-eat dining halls also showed no significant weight gain.
A comprehensive genetic analysis of snakes, lizards, and other scaly reptiles has revealed surprising relationships among the animals. The study places primitive-looking iguanian lizards at the top of the tree, near advanced lineages like snakes and monitor lizards.
A new joint neuroscience doctoral training program will be established at New Jersey Institute of Technology, Rutgers-Newark and UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School. The program aims to bring together interdisciplinary approaches to study nerve and brain function, with a focus on addressing complex challenges in the neurosciences.
A systematic review of randomized controlled trials and meta-analysis found that melatonin reduced the risk of death at one year by 34%. Melatonin was also shown to have a beneficial effect on sleep patterns in patients. The researchers urge caution in interpreting the clinical usefulness of large doses of melatonin.
A study of people with fibromyalgia found those with greater hour-to-hour and day-to-day variability in their pain levels were more likely to respond to placebos. The researchers used electronic diaries to track participants' pain levels, which proved more accurate than previous methods.
The joint doctoral program aims to develop curriculum, laboratory courses, and advanced training in computational biology, bioimage informatics, and structural biology. The program will provide students with interdisciplinary research opportunities and training.
Researchers found that megestrol acetate reduced weight loss and improved quality of life in patients with lung cancer and head and neck cancers undergoing radiation treatment. The study showed significant weight gain in the group receiving megestrol acetate compared to those on a placebo.
Researchers discovered AKT paradoxically blocks cancer cell motility and invasion abilities, preventing cancer spread. The study's findings suggest targeting AKT may increase cells' properties of motility and invasiveness.
Researchers found a higher rate of pelvic fractures in women who received pelvic irradiation for cancer compared to those who did not. The study, which included 6,428 women aged 65 years and older, showed a significant increase in fracture risk for all three types of cancer diagnoses.
A study analyzing follow-up data from the SYNERGY trial found that enoxaparin and unfractionated heparin had similar death or nonfatal MI rates at six months, but mortality at one year was similar. Patients with high-risk ACS features remain at risk for continued adverse cardiac morbidity and mortality.
Researchers used MRI to study canine cranial nerves, enabling earlier disease recognition and imaging of nerve nuclei. The study sheds light on the challenges of identifying small nerves using conventional imaging modalities.
The Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) is providing $10 million in grants to 12 US universities to develop innovative graduate education programs. The programs aim to produce scientists with knowledge and skills to conduct research at the intersection of biomedical, physical, and computational sciences.
A new study has identified a key regulator of spindle orientation in mammals, essential for neural development. The discovery sheds light on the complex process of neural stem cell division and its impact on brain structure and function.
The study used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to detect an increase in blood flow to the prefrontal cortex in individuals subjected to stress. The results showed that the effects of stress are more persistent than previously thought, remaining even when the stressor was removed.
Engineers use new anechoic wind tunnel to study and reduce airframe noise caused by plane wings, flaps, and landing gear. The $400,000 facility helps address increasing noise-related problems with growing air travel worldwide.
Researchers have determined the structure of pre-fibril assemblies, smaller assemblies that may be toxic culprits in Alzheimer's disease. The findings provide a new clue to understanding how these molecules interact and may lead to designing molecules that prevent misfolding proteins.
The Florida State University magnet lab has collaborated with Keithley Instruments to develop a more accurate system for measuring extremely small currents and voltages. The new AC and DC Precision Current Source with Nanovoltmeter will help engineers create breakthrough consumer products and medical devices.
The study found that ischemia triggers NMDA receptors, which activate CaMKII, enhancing ASIC1a's sensitivity to acid. This increased sensitivity causes calcium overload leading to neuronal death. Drugs inhibiting NMDAR or CaMKII prevented this damage.
Researchers found that women who underwent radiation therapy for anal and rectal cancer had nearly double the rate of fractures compared to those without radiation therapy. The study also found that most fractures (90%) were hip fractures, highlighting the need for preventive measures.
Researchers examine how laughter evolved over 7 million years, from promoting community play in apes to humans using it for social control and ridicule