A new study examines the implications of internet forum manipulation on policy decisions, R&D investments, and consumer trust. Strategic manipulation of online forums can have significant effects on both consumers and firms, highlighting the need for investments in technologies that discourage online manipulation.
A new study found that 30% of nations have not prioritized either vaccine nor drugs, while 49% prioritize antiviral drugs and 62% prioritize flu vaccines. The allocation decisions vary across countries, with healthcare workers consistently ranked top, but a wide variation in choosing next in line.
The Medtronic Straightshot M4 Microdebrider and Hospira's Symbiq Infusion System have won the 2006 User-Centered Product Design Award for their focus on functional obviousness, ease of operation, and creativity. The winning designs demonstrate user-centered approaches to human factors and industrial design.
A Phase 1 study of CERE-120, a gene therapy product, demonstrated significant symptom reduction in patients with advanced Parkinson's disease, reducing UPDRS motor 'off' scores by approximately 40%. The treatment also showed promising results in improving 'on' time and reducing 'off' time.
A recent study suggests that prompt surveillance and containment of victims would be sufficient to thwart an epidemic in the event of a large bioterrorist US smallpox attack. Researchers found that mass pre-vaccination of the general population may not be necessary, as the benefits of vaccination are outweighed by potential side effects.
A study by ANU researchers highlights the vital role of GPs in containing pandemics, but notes regulatory and funding hurdles. The team's findings emphasize the need for collaborative practices to prepare for influenza outbreaks.
Researchers observed atomic decay patterns to establish the existence of element 118, producing previously unknown isotopes. The discovery brings the total number of new elements discovered by the Livermore-Dubna collaboration to five.
A web-based survey found that a substantial proportion of surgeons, residents, and medical students are interested in part-time training options with flexible schedules. The study aims to attract and retain female surgeons, who face lifestyle concerns and limited work-life balance.
Researchers developed a model to understand emergency manager decision-making and found that improved data from CASA radars can aid in the design of better training and visualizations. The study aims to enhance emergency management decisions about severe weather.
Researchers developed a DNA-based computer that can diagnose West Nile Virus and bird flu faster and more accurately. The technology has the potential to be used in instruments to diagnose and treat cancer, diabetes, and other diseases.
The Australian National University has secured $13.5 million in funding for its medical research initiatives, tackling key areas like cancer treatment and mental health policy. This funding boost reinforces ANU's reputation as a global leader in healthcare research.
A new study found that patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) reported greater global improvements in symptoms and less bloating after taking rifaximin, an antibiotic. The randomized, double-blind study demonstrated a sustained benefit of an antibiotic for IBS symptoms even after treatment was stopped.
A recent study assesses the effectiveness of available technologies for detecting nuclear devices at ports, highlighting significant vulnerabilities in current security measures. The authors propose an 11-layer security system and estimate a detection rate of 90% would require substantial investments.
Patients who received social support during and after a major intensive-care intervention showed reduced symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Better-perceived social support was associated with improved mental health, including lower levels of anxiety and better quality of life.
A study found that feeding babies alcoholic milk may protect against some food allergies. Kefir's friendly bacteria block the pathway involved in allergic responses, reducing IgE levels and activating cells responsible for histamine release. The research suggests kefir could be a promising tool in preventing allergies.
Juvenile hamsters on low doses of fluoxetine exhibit longer and more intense attacks compared to adults. The study suggests that brain maturity during puberty affects drug response, leading researchers to investigate potential negative effects on developing nervous systems.
A new analysis of over 5 million hospital discharges found a significant increase in kidney damage after coronary artery bypass surgery, but a decrease in mortality rate. The study suggests that current prevention strategies may not be effective and more research is needed to identify susceptible patients and effective treatments.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins have shown that transplanting human stem cells into spinal cords of rats bred to duplicate Lou Gehrig's disease delays the start of nerve cell damage typical of the disease and slightly prolongs life. The transplanted stem cells develop into nerve cells that make substantial connections with existing nerves.
A recent ESRC study found that community regeneration professionals' commitment and resilience are deeply rooted in their early life experiences. The study highlights the importance of community development activities in regeneration areas and the need for policy makers and managers to grasp the distinction between capacities and skills.
Researchers identified IRF6 as a key gene causing cleft lip and palate disorders. The team also discovered that targeting this gene during pregnancy could lead to normal skin cell development.
Researchers at UW-Madison discover 2-deoxy-glucose blocks epileptic seizures in lab rats, a potential cure for up to half of all epileptic patients. The compound works by clogging cellular enzymes, allowing the body to use alternative energy sources.
Researchers at the University of Iowa identified a crucial role for IRF6 gene in skin development, which may lead to new treatments for cleft lip and palate. The study found that IRF6 regulates keratinocyte proliferation and differentiation, shedding light on this critical cell type.
Researchers found that patients with uncontrolled high blood sugar before surgery are 6.2 times more likely to develop pulmonary embolism, a life-threatening condition. Tightening glucose control can reduce this risk and hospital stays.
Researchers at Johnson & Johnson Pharmaceutical Research & Development have discovered a new molecular mechanism underlying neuropathic pain, which may lead to the development of new treatments. The research focuses on specific types of ion channels called 'pacemaker channels' that initiate constant pain signals to the brain.
Research at Brookhaven National Laboratory found that cocaine-addicted individuals have a flattened sensitivity to relative monetary rewards, making it harder to inhibit maladaptive behavior. This altered perception of reward is linked to changes in the prefrontal cortex, a brain region essential for monitoring and controlling behavior.
A study by the University of Pittsburgh found that dopamine levels remain elevated for an hour after neurons are stimulated, suggesting new mechanisms for sustained dopamine availability. This could have important implications for treating neurological disorders related to dopamine imbalance.
The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has awarded $15 million to the Earth Institute at Columbia University to advance scientific research and efforts to end poverty, disease, and hunger in Africa. The grant supports a dynamic strategy for achieving sustainable development in some of the world's poorest countries.
Researchers found that Vax2 protein shuttles between nucleus and cytoplasm in response to Sonic hedgehog signaling molecule. In its nuclear state, Vax2 represses Pax6, allowing optic nerve development. In contrast, Pax6 regulates retinal fate. This coordination is crucial for proper eye development.
Adults with autism exhibit differences in coordinated neural activity, suggesting inefficient communication between brain regions. Researchers found abnormal connectivity patterns in the left hemisphere and decreased connections between frontal lobes and rest of autistic brain.
Researchers at Duke University have devised a new way to prolong the effects of an anti-inflammatory drug, potentially making it useful for providing longer-lasting treatment for osteoarthritis. The modified drug could last for several weeks rather than just hours, offering a significant clinical gain and fewer negative side effects.
A Montana State University researcher has made significant breakthroughs in developing a live vaccine against genital herpes. The study found that mice vaccinated with a genetically-modified herpes simplex virus type 1 showed no signs of disease after exposure to the wild-type strain.
The Women's Bioethics Project has launched a new podcast series titled 'The Scientist & the Ethicist', which explores topical ethical issues related to reproductive and genetic technologies. The podcast features conversations with prominent bioethicists discussing topics such as designer babies, genetic engineering, and cloning.
Scientists found that higher levels of acetylcholine during learning correlate with more detailed memories. The discovery could have implications for treating memory-related disorders.
The study on MRI and CT imaging technology will investigate the relationships between availability, usage, patient outcomes, and health care spending. The device development study will document the regulatory and commercialization processes for new medical technologies.
Researchers develop innovative process to combine low-energy photons in sunlight into higher-energy shortwave photons, boosting solar cells' efficiency. This breakthrough could enable the use of previously lost light energy, leading to a significant increase in solar cell efficiency.
Researchers aim to develop a laser fluorometer that detects multiple target pigments, distinguishing between different types of algae in turbid coastal waters. The tool will characterize microalgal populations rapidly and easily, helping to identify potentially harmful species during red tides.
The TGN1412 trial's failure led to serious adverse events in healthy volunteers. A review of the available data revealed essential information was absent from the research file, concluding that the compound was unsuitable for administration without additional pre-clinical experiments.
A new study found that low doses of sertraline taken before the onset of menstruation may be an effective treatment for moderate-to-severe premenstrual syndrome. Researchers also tested two other dosing strategies, including daily medication throughout the menstrual cycle and symptom-onset dosing.
Georgia Tech researchers have developed a self-cleaning surface inspired by the lotus plant to improve photovoltaic arrays and micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS). The unique surface combines nano- and micron-scale structures with a waxy coating, allowing water and dirt to bead up and roll off instantly.
New research at Georgia Tech and Zoo Atlanta shows that giant pandas can discriminate between colors and various shades of gray. The study found that both pandas were able to choose the correct colored pipe in tests, indicating they have some sort of color vision.
Researchers successfully synthesized element 118 by firing Calcium ions into a Californium target, producing a record-setting atom that decayed rapidly. The discovery confirms previous claims made in 2006 and ends controversy surrounding the element's existence.
Diabetic patients using cutting-edge technologies like insulin pumps and blood glucose monitoring devices experience better disease management with reduced daily pain. However, the lack of strong scientific evidence and insufficient patient-education resources hinder their widespread adoption.
A groundbreaking FSU-led study calculates that phytoplankton generates about five times the annual total power consumption of humans, investing around one percent in mechanical energy. The findings suggest that the marine biosphere's mixing patterns may equal climate control, with potential implications for global climate regulation.
Scientists have begun a clinical safety trial in Africa to test the first vaccine to prevent HIV transmission from mothers to children through breastfeeding. The ALVAC-HIV vaccine, which has shown promise in monkeys and adult studies, aims to develop immunity in infants, preventing up to 8,000 infections per year in Uganda's children.
Scientists at Northwestern University have created a novel carbon nanotube-based nanoelectromechanical switch that exhibits bistability based on current tunneling. The device has the potential to revolutionize memory chips and electronic sensing devices.
Yale University and NFCR have established a research center to design and discover new anti-cancer drug treatments. The center will focus on developing beta-peptide inhibitors that can target abnormal protein-protein interactions, which are often present in cancer cells.
Researchers found that fluoxetine stimulates new bone formation under normal conditions and reverses total bone loss triggered by inflammation. The study suggests a link between serotonin reuptake inhibitors and improved bone health.
African trial finds amodiaquine a safe and effective treatment for malaria in pregnant women, overcoming resistance to chloroquine and SP. The study suggests amodiaquine alone or in combination with sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine as an effective option for malaria treatment until artesunate-based therapy is deemed safe.
The NSF-funded scholarship program will support four cohorts of SIS graduate students in the SAIS track, aiming to address the growing need for IA professionals. Graduates will be qualified to manage large networks and infrastructures, with a focus on diversity and underrepresented groups.
A recent study published in The Lancet reveals that over 78 million Asians are living in extreme poverty due to out-of-pocket healthcare payments. This is 2.7% higher than previously estimated poverty rates, with the burden of healthcare payments being highest in Vietnam and lowest in Malaysia.
A recent study by Indiana University researchers found that up to 14% of targeted internet users respond to phishing attacks, revealing a much higher success rate than previously reported. Simulated phishing tactics were used to elicit online information from eBay customers, highlighting the need for increased awareness and vigilance.
A pioneering study has found that people with lower or declining cognitive ability are at greater risk of falling. The research, which followed over 500 participants aged 70 over eight years, identified women and multiple fallers as being more likely to experience falls.
HCA-Vision allows researchers to reliably measure significant features of cells' appearance as they change in response to drugs, biochemicals or diseases like dementia. The software enables significant speed improvements over manual tracing methods, accelerating brain research.
Scientists found that the bacterium Carsonella ruddii has the fewest genes of any cell, with only 182 protein-coding genes in its tiny genome. This discovery provides new insights into bacterial evolution and suggests that some genes may have been transferred to the insect's genome.
Research by Markus Neuhäuser and Sven Krackow found that the number and age of existing siblings significantly influence Down Syndrome risk. The study suggests that older mothers with a larger gap between pregnancies are more likely to have children with developmental defects.
Research finds stroke incidence decreasing in Perth by 43%, largely due to prevention strategies and reduced risk factors like hypertension and smoking. The study suggests successful implementation of healthy lifestyles is contributing to the decline.
University of Michigan researchers successfully assembled nanoparticles into free-floating sheets using cadmium telluride crystals, a material used in solar cells. The discovery establishes a key connection between proteins and nanoparticles, enabling the development of novel materials for drug delivery, energy, and more.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have made a breakthrough discovery about how T cells become active or inactive. They found that small fatty acids called diacylglycerols (DAGs) play a critical role in this process, and that enzymes called diacylglycerol kinases can make T cells tolerant to foreign substa...
The NIH is launching a new round of competition for the Pioneer Award, which supports creative scientists tackling major biomedical challenges. The award provides $2.5 million in funding over five years and aims to stimulate innovative research directions.
Researchers have discovered a way to sort through large numbers of bacterial gene sequences by testing them in caterpillars, allowing pinpointing of virulence genes. The new technique, Rapid Virulence Annotation (RVA), is helping bridge the knowledge gap in post-genomic era.