A new device allows physicians to monitor patients and control exam table movement safely behind a lead plastic shield, reducing radiation exposure by 90% to the head, arms, and legs. This technique preserves physicians' ability to perform procedures without heavy lead gowns, extending their career longevity.
Researchers found that female túngara frogs are attracted to males producing complex 'whine chuck' calls. By surgically removing fibrous masses in the males' larynx, scientists discovered a unique connection between these structures and call complexity.
A new study reveals a 3.5% weakening of the Walker circulation since the mid-1800s, with potential for another 10% reduction by 2100 due to human activities. The slowdown may intensify and impact El Niño events and marine productivity in tropical oceans.
A team of researchers has mapped the key root-development pathway in Arabidopsis using an advanced genomic technique, revealing eight direct targets and numerous indirectly affected genes. The study provides new insights into plant development and function, shedding light on the complex regulatory network governing root growth.
Research reveals that girls' interest in politics is sparked by conversations with family members about female candidates. The study finds that this exposure helps girls envision themselves as participants in politics.
A recent study published in AIDS Education and Prevention found that few HIV-positive gay men regret sharing their diagnosis with friends and family. In fact, only 4.2% of participants reported regret after disclosing their status to at least one social network member.
A study by Professor Ussher reveals that societal expectations of femininity and the 'monstrous feminine' can lead to self-policing practices, causing distress in premenstrual phase. Women in lesbian relationships reported less distress, suggesting a need for women-centred psychological interventions.
The Asia-Pacific region is facing challenges in pandemic preparedness, with some countries lacking comprehensive operational guidance manuals. However, countries like Hong Kong, Australia, and New Zealand have developed robust plans to respond to pandemic influenza, drawing from their experience with SARS.
Researchers at WWU are studying the impact of harbor seals on rockfish populations in northern Puget Sound. The five-year grant will provide baseline data on harbor seal numbers and diets, shedding light on the effect of these marine mammals on the region's fish populations.
Researchers at the Salk Institute have clarified the response pathway to steroid hormone brassinolide, a key element in plant growth. The study reveals that BES1 is activated in the nucleus after BIN2 inhibition, leading to gene activation and promoting plant growth.
A team of researchers has successfully frozen and preserved genetically enhanced pig embryos, enabling their transportation across the country and worldwide. The breakthrough procedure removes lipids from unfertilized eggs before fertilizing them with muscle cells containing modified genetic material.
A recent study suggests the ozone layer is recovering, but it's unclear if it will reach pre-1980 levels. The recovery is attributed to the Montreal Protocol's ban on chlorine pollutants, but natural factors like warming temperatures and greenhouse gases may impact its stability.
An Emory study found that estrogen affects the selectivity of gene expression in response to song and beeps. Hormone-treated female white-throated sparrows responded with mating moves to seductive male songs but ignored synthetic beeps, while untreated females showed no reaction.
Fenretinide has been shown to reduce the risk of second breast cancers in young women, particularly those under 40. The study found a 38% reduction in second breast cancers in pre-menopausal women and halved the risk for women under 40.
Researchers found that mutant mice displayed major abnormalities in social interactions, including reduced interest in new mice and impaired nest-forming behavior. The mice also showed hyperactivity, anxiety-like behaviors, seizures, and decreased learning, all characteristic of autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Researchers found that early myocardial enhancement defects on cardiac multidetector CT scans can predict future heart muscle viability in heart attack patients. The study's main conclusion is that these defects are valuable predictors of future myocardial viability.
Researchers used functional magnetic resonance imaging to study how brain regions involved in reward processing interact with memory. They found that cues to high-reward scenes activated both the mesolimbic region and the hippocampus, leading to better memory performance for high-value scenes.
Sovacool's research explores the reasons behind the slow adoption of distributed generation technologies, including social and technical factors. He interviewed over 60 influential energy experts to understand the obstacles to widespread use of DG/renewable energy systems.
Researchers from Yale University found that capuchin monkeys display similar economic biases to humans, including a preference for bonuses over losses. The study suggests that loss-aversion may be an innate feature of economic choice.
Researchers Montasir Abbas and Y. H. Percival Zhang received the Powe award to develop models for optimizing traffic signal timing to reduce vehicle emissions. They will also explore ways to improve ethanol production processes using enzymes that break down cellulose into biofuel.
Researchers studied 140 infants with mild bilirubin levels and found no significant differences in IQ, behavior, or neurological diagnoses compared to control group. The study suggests proper treatment can prevent long-term neurological issues, providing reassurance for parents.
Researchers found that inhibiting myosin light chain kinase with ML-7 induces cell suicide in breast and prostate cancer cells. Combination with etoposide treatment reduces tumor growth by 88.5% and 79.1%, offering new target for cancer therapies.
A new treatment using ultrasound-guided injections of hyperosmolar dextrose has shown promising results in treating chronic tendon pain. The study found that 43 out of 53 tendons were successfully treated, allowing patients to return to their normal pre-injury activities.
A new type of medication, varenicline, is being developed to target the neurobiological mechanism of nicotine dependence. Trials have shown promising results, with short-term and long-term quit rates significantly higher than those achieved with existing medications or placebos.
Biologists observed sea slug navigation, feeding, mating, and egg-laying behavior, shedding light on its complex nervous system. The study confirms that many wild behaviors are similar to laboratory observations, providing new insights into sensory systems and neural controls.
Researchers identified a gene mutation linked to autism, revealing physical abnormalities in the brain that mimic some cases of autism. The study found altered nerve cell structure and function, potentially leading to sensory overload.
FELICS, a unique electronic infrastructure project funded by the European Union, offers unrestricted access to prominent biological databases. This initiative provides critical support for BRENDA and CheBI, facilitating navigation of the biological knowledge space for scientists.
The study found no differences in visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, or perception of stray light between the two types of LASIK. Bladeless LASIK showed greater corneal backscatter initially, but patients perceived no difference in vision after three months.
A study found a 3.5% slowdown in the Walker circulation, which drives trade winds and ocean currents. This could lead to a decrease in wind-forced ocean flow by up to 20% by 2100, impacting marine life and fishing regions.
Researchers analyze 31 pure agave tequilas and 25 mixed-tequila samples using ion and gas chromatography, identifying distinct chemical profiles. A new screening test using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy may be used to identify fake tequilas.
Using coronal reformats reduces the time spent interpreting CT scans by half a minute per case, leading to improved work efficiency and detection of additional findings. This technology offers relevant clinical information at no extra cost or radiation exposure.
A newly discovered enzyme in the brain, CPT1c, plays a crucial role in managing hunger and satiety. Mice lacking this gene eat less but gain more weight on high-fat diets due to their brain's inability to regulate energy balance.
A study on side-blotched lizards found that cooperating males pass on their genes through a trait known as the 'greenbeard,' despite personal costs. The researchers identified three throat colors and behaviors that follow 'rock-paper-scissors' cycles, showcasing how cooperation can be beneficial in evolutionary terms.
The Biodesign Institute developed a mobile, rapid assessment device to respond to potential bioterror threats using automated miniaturized lab-on-a-chip cartridges. A portable biodosimetry system was also designed for identifying radiation exposure in 'dirty bomb' victims.
A recent MUHC study found that Vioxx-related heart attacks can happen as early as two weeks after starting the medication. The risk of cardiovascular events decreases with longer duration of use and returns to normal after one month of stopping the drug.
The study found that elderly individuals unable to complete the quarter-mile walk had a significantly higher risk of disability and death. Those who completed the test had a three-to-four fold higher risk of death compared to those in the fastest 25 percent of walk time.
A new international study led by Dr. Myron S. Cohen at the University of North Carolina Health Care is investigating the early biology of HIV infection to develop an effective vaccine. The study, known as CHAVI-001, aims to identify people with HIV in its earliest stages and track their health to determine the transmission pairs.
A new study suggests that lixivaptan, a drug blocking vasopressin, is as effective as diuretics in reducing fluid retention in patients with congestive heart failure while also retaining proper sodium levels. The drug may offer an alternative treatment for heart failure patients and help clarify the role of vasopressin in water retention.
Researchers found that combining an anti-inflammatory with an acid-reducing drug reduces dyspepsia occurrence by 66 percent, compared to taking an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory alone. The study suggests this combination may be the preferred treatment for arthritis patients at high risk for stomach problems.
A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials found no statistically significant risk reductions from early statin therapy for total death, MI, stroke, cardiovascular death, fatal or nonfatal MI, or revascularization procedures. Serious adverse events associated with early initiation of statins are rare.
A new CT technique has reduced radiation exposure to abdominal CT scans in children by an average of 60%, while maintaining acceptable image quality. The study found that modulating the tube current based on body symmetry resulted in a significant dose reduction, with overall reductions ranging from 14% to 82%.
Researchers found patients with NAFLD had an increased risk of heart disease, particularly among women. Elevated ALT activity in the absence of viral hepatitis or excessive alcohol consumption is most commonly due to NAFLD and associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease.
A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that sentinel lymph node biopsy resulted in better arm function, improved quality of life, and faster recovery times compared to standard axillary lymph node dissection. Women who underwent sentinel lymph node biopsy had a low recurrence rate and equivalent surviva...
A quarter of patients who suffered a heart attack while taking Vioxx did so within the first two weeks of use, new research shows. The study found that cardiovascular risk returns to normal within one month of stopping the drug.
Research suggests that pregnant women with periodontitis have higher CRP levels, which may contribute to preeclampsia and preterm delivery. The study's findings support previous research linking periodontal disease and inflammation with adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Researchers found that in mice, proteins Rb and p107 compensate for each other in retinal progenitor cells, preventing deregulated proliferation that leads to retinoblastoma. In contrast, humans lack these compensatory mechanisms due to the main protein RB1, leading to retinoblastoma.
A recent study comparing the health of middle-aged Americans and English counterparts found that Americans reported significantly higher levels of diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease. The research suggests that differences in healthcare systems, social programs, and economic factors may contribute to these disparities.
This study found that pediatric liver transplant patients develop chronic hepatitis, characterized by increasing fibrosis and autoantibody production. Regular monitoring of autoantibodies is necessary for early detection.
Researchers are studying salamanders and MRL mice to identify the types of cells, molecular signals, genes, and cellular scaffolding required for regenerative cell growth. They hope to develop a blueprint for regenerative growth, which could help overcome the formation of scar tissue in humans.
A study found that incarcerated women are 14 times more likely to start using birth control when it's offered in prison. This suggests that easy access to contraceptives can empower women and prevent high-risk pregnancies. Despite this, barriers remain, including lack of insurance and housing after release.
A new study analyzed data from 3,193 stage III colon cancer patients and found that 78.2% completed adjuvant chemotherapy treatment. Incomplete treatment was linked to physical frailty, treatment complications, and lack of social support.
A study comparing health outcomes in US and English citizens reveals that Americans are much sicker than their English counterparts. The SES-health gradient appears equally strong in both self-reports and biological measures of health.
Scientists studied earthquakes and tsunamis in the Bering Sea coastline, including magnitude 7.7 quakes, to understand the tectonic history of Kamchatka. The research suggests that Kamchatka sits atop a smaller plate called the Okhotsk block, which is being deformed by convergence zones of tectonic plates.
Martin Harmer, a renowned expert in nanotechnology research, has been awarded the Humboldt Award for his groundbreaking work on electronic ceramics. He will collaborate with top researchers from Germany to develop novel transparent materials and nanomaterials with multi-functional properties.
The study aims to improve the ability to observe and simulate monsoons over North America. Researchers gathered extensive atmospheric, oceanic, and land surface observations in the core region of the North American monsoon, providing insights into warm-season convective processes.
A recent study found that COX-2 and LXA4 play a crucial role in the resolution of acid-induced lung injury. The cellular inflammatory regulators were shown to induce proliferation of basal airway epithelial cells and reduce inflammation, promoting restoration of the damaged layer of cells.
The American Physiological Society has named Steed, a doctoral student, its first K-12 Minority Outreach Fellow. She will visit classrooms to share her career path and model for minority students what they can achieve in biomedical research. The fellowship aims to encourage pre-college minority students to consider careers in science.
The Warner Robins Air Logistics CTR won the 2006 Franz Edelman Award for its application of Critical Chain in reducing flow days for the C-5 aircraft line, resulting in significant revenue gains. The award recognizes the center's innovative use of Operations Research to optimize repair and overhaul processes.
Researchers found that mothers who perceived their neighborhoods as safer had a lower body mass index (BMI) and were less likely to be obese. Socioeconomic factors, such as education level and income, also played a role in neighborhood safety and obesity.
The US National Science Foundation recognized 100 exceptional middle and high school teachers with the 2005 Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. These educators are praised for their focus on student learning, creative approaches to teaching, and ability to make complex concepts relevant to everyday life.