Researchers discovered that teens have similar numbers of unprotected sex acts with both casual and main partners, despite using condoms more often with casual partners. This highlights the importance of targeting adolescents' attitudes towards casual sexual partners in HIV intervention programs.
A recent study published in Science found that the number of tree species consumed by rainforest insects is comparable to those in temperate forests. The research, led by University of Minnesota plant biologist George Weiblen, rejects the notion that tropical insects are picky eaters who prefer fewer host plants.
Astronomers are using supercomputers to study the energy levels of high-temperature atoms in space, which hold the key to understanding black holes. The new calculations reduce error rates by a few percent, providing more accurate data for X-ray telescope observations.
Recent studies suggest that protein S14 plays a critical role in driving fat metabolism in breast cancer cells, making it a promising new target for cancer treatment. The protein is required for the activation of genes involved in fat production, and its removal can lead to cancer cell death.
Researchers found a daily dose of 150mg bicalutamide reduced disease progression risk by 44% and overall death risk by 35% compared to radiotherapy alone. This non-castration-based therapy shows similar survival rates, potentially improving quality of life for patients unwilling to undergo castration.
The SAM walker, developed from NASA's cable-compliant technology, aids spinal cord and traumatic brain injury patients in standing and walking. It reduces pressure on legs and allows patients to strengthen their lower body muscles, helping them regain mobility and independence.
The study found a significant decrease in the age-adjusted HSV-2 seroprevalence from 17.0% in 1999-2004 to 21.0% in 1988-1994, with decreases especially concentrated among persons aged 14 to 19 years. The prevalence of genital herpes caused by HSV-1 may be increasing.
A new study published in Annals of Neurology found that Mexican-Americans are more likely to suffer another stroke in the first two years after living through one, and have a significantly higher risk of dying from it. The researchers emphasize the importance of secondary prevention measures for this population.
A randomized trial shows that subcutaneous unfractionated heparin is as effective and safe as low-molecular-weight heparin in treating venous thromboembolism. The study found comparable rates of recurrent thromboembolism and major bleeding between the two groups.
Researchers at Cornell University have developed microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) using carbon fibers, which can bend and vibrate billions of times without breaking. The new display technology has the potential to be incredibly cheap and small enough to be built into cell phones.
Georgia Institute of Technology researchers are exploring the potential of LCP for high-frequency radio applications, antennas, and circuit boards in space. The material's unique structure provides excellent electrical performance, heat resistance, flexibility, and strength, making it a promising candidate for NASA applications.
Three cancer researchers, Asif R. Harsolia, Sandeep S. Hunjan, and Ping Zhang, have won the ASTRO Poster Recognition Award for their exceptional contributions to radiation oncology. Their work demonstrated top-notch science presented at ASTRO's Annual Meeting.
Researchers have identified a gene, TREK-1, linked to depression, breeding mice without this gene showed resistance to the condition. A potential new treatment could be developed based on this discovery.
A new study found inadequate scientific evidence on the best strategies to prevent pressure ulcers, a common condition affecting people with impaired mobility. Researchers suggest more rigorous evaluation is needed for interventions such as repositioning, support surfaces, and skin moisturizing.
Researchers conducted a retrospective study of 31 Dutch SCADD patients and their relatives to describe genetic, biochemical, and clinical characteristics. The study found a birth prevalence of at least 1:50,000, with developmental delay, epilepsy, and hypoglycemia being common symptoms.
A new study found that exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in children may lower the effectiveness of vaccines against tetanus and diphtheria. PCB contamination was associated with decreased antibody responses to vaccinations at both 18 months and 7 years old.
A Purdue University study found the Wabash River population of shovelnose sturgeon to be stable, but with concerns over low young fish numbers and potential for population decline. The research informs size and catch limits on the fish set to begin next summer.
A new imaging procedure using intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) provides real-time monitoring of the esophagus during ablation, reducing the risk of esophageal injury. The study involved 152 patients who underwent left atrial ablation for AF and found that ICE could detect lesions on the posterior wall of the heart's left atrium.
The Finnish government prioritized economic and foreign policy goals over addressing wartime emotional trauma, leading to a prolonged recovery period. The post-war era saw ongoing challenges, including reintegrating veterans and supporting affected groups, which were only partially addressed.
Researchers at UNC Health Care have found a way to treat pemphigus vulgaris without shutting off the immune system. They used a known compound to turn off signals that trigger skin damage, preventing blistering and other signs of the disease.
Researchers have successfully bred flood-tolerant California rice by introducing submergence tolerance genes into the crop. This breakthrough allows rice plants to survive short-term floods, benefiting rice farmers globally.
A study led by McMaster University found that subcutaneous injections of unfractionated heparin can work as well as low-molecular weight heparin in treating venous thromboembolism, reducing hospitalization costs. This new treatment approach allows for outpatient care and may save patients up to $675 compared to traditional treatments.
A recent outbreak of corneal infection Fusarium keratitis is associated with the use of a specific contact lens solution, ReNu with MoistureLoc. The study found that users of this product were 20 times more likely to develop the infection compared to non-users.
A study of 5,615 child patients found that age, race, cause of kidney failure, and residual function were associated with short stature. Over one-third of children with kidney disease met the criteria for short stature.
A team of researchers at UC Berkeley created synthetic micro-fibers inspired by geckos' remarkable hairs, which can hold a quarter to a glass slide inclined at an 80-degree angle. The fibers have high friction but low adhesion, making them suitable for applications such as shoe soles and car tires.
Larry J. Shuman, a professor at the University of Pittsburgh School of Engineering, has been recognized as a Fellow of the American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE). He was awarded this distinction after making outstanding contributions to engineering education and technology. Shuman's research focuses on improving the engineer...
A study of over 6,000 teenage school pupils found that one in ten girls engage in deliberate self-harm each year. The research revealed that girls are more likely to self-harm than boys and that self-cutting is a common form of self-harm reported by teenagers.
Scientists at the University of York have discovered a critical element in the mode of action of DNase colicins, which kill cells by destroying their DNA. Understanding this mechanism could lead to the development of new, targeted antibiotics.
A new strain of mice has been developed to mimic chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), a common and incurable form of cancer. The TCL-1 transgenic mouse shares molecular features with human CLL and responds to drugs, making it a valuable tool for developing new treatments.
A study examining stroke recurrence in Mexican Americans found they have a higher risk of recurrent strokes compared to non-Hispanic whites. This increased risk is associated with a higher mortality rate, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to improve outcomes.
The Yale Center of Excellence in Genomic Science will receive a five-year, $18 million grant from the National Human Genome Research Institute. The team aims to refine technologies for analyzing gene regulation and exploring inflammation, with potential applications in understanding diseases like heart disease, arthritis, and allergies.
A University of Florida study reveals that cigarette smoke can turn normal breast cells cancerous by blocking their ability to repair themselves. Cells with damaged DNA may accumulate mutations and lead to tumor formation if they survive long enough to divide.
Researchers successfully delivered a gene encoding a bioengineered cell-surface protein to heart muscle cells of pigs, mimicking the combined action of several proteins involved in maintaining a normal heartbeat. The study shows promise for replacing electronic pacemakers with a more permanent and reliable biological alternative.
A high-fiber diet helps keep the gut healthy by increasing mucus production in gut cells. The new research reveals that roughage damages cell membranes, triggering a natural repair response that exudes lubricating mucus, easing digestion and reducing discomfort.
Researchers have developed a computer-controlled system to analyze animal behavior, allowing for rapid and efficient drug screening. The Forsyth Automated Training Apparatus enables automated control of the environment, recording animal reactions to stimuli, and providing valuable insights into cognitive abilities.
The study reveals that water molecules trapped inside RNA enzymes form hydrogen bonds with other water molecules or parts of the molecule, creating a domino effect that modifies the structure elsewhere. This network-like behavior is essential for the enzyme's activity.
Finnish soldiers rarely sought compensation for psychological war injuries due to a culture of shame. Researcher Ville Kivimäki's study reveals that restrictive war psychiatry created a reality where traumatic experiences were stigmatized, limiting veterans' ability to express their traumas.
The National Human Genome Research Institute has awarded $54 million to three Centers of Excellence in Genomic Science over five years. These grants will support innovative research projects at the University of Washington, Yale University, and California Institute of Technology.
Researchers conducted experiments on 200 people, finding that snap judgments about faces are formed rapidly, often before rational thought can influence the reaction. The study suggests that our intuitions about attraction and trust are among the fastest and most intuitive judgments we make.
Researchers at USC/Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center discovered a new biological marker in tumors that can indicate whether a woman's breast cancer will respond to chemotherapy. Women with high levels of GRP78 protein in their tumors are more likely to have cancer recurrence, but may benefit from additional taxane treatment.
In a groundbreaking finding, researchers discovered that chimpanzees in the Ebo forest, Cameroon, utilize stone hammers to access nutrient-rich seeds. This behavior was previously thought to be restricted by geographical boundaries and challenges the long-held cultural spread model of tool use among chimpanzees.
The Comprehensive Assessment reveals that one-third of the world's population lives in areas where water is either over-used or cannot be accessed due to lack of infrastructure. The study calls for radical changes in water management to address the growing water crisis.
Researchers from the Université de Montréal have identified a defect in the immune response to HIV and found a way to correct it. The team successfully stimulated a protein that prevents the virus from making immune system cells dysfunctional, opening new prospects for therapeutic strategies.
A new study suggests that constant lighting in NICUs can disrupt the development of premature babies' biological clocks. Researchers found that newborn mice exposed to constant light were unable to maintain coherent rhythms and had difficulty establishing a regular activity cycle.
A parent-based intervention program promotes sun-safe behaviors in children, especially when parents and children have a high-quality relationship. The program is most effective in families with a high-quality parent-child relationship, high level of compliance, and low negative communication.
Researchers at LIAI have identified Borrelia burgdorferi's glycolipid as an immune system trigger for fighting Lyme disease. This discovery could lead to the development of a new vaccine against the tick-borne disorder.
Researchers report first case of total suppression of male killing in a butterfly, revealing genetic conflict between elements promoting life and death. Breeding experiments show that counteracting elements can spread quickly through the population, potentially leading to widespread disappearance of male-killing bacteria.
The new ACC/AHA/ESC Guidelines outline recommendations for the evaluation and treatment of patients with ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death, addressing inconsistencies in previous guidelines. The guidelines provide individualized management based on symptom burden and severity of underlying heart disease.
A team of researchers finds that the skeletal remains of LB1, previously claimed to be a new species, actually belong to the ancestors of modern human pygmies. The study reveals microcephaly and growth abnormalities, which were initially misinterpreted as evidence of a new species.
A Yale University study found that anxious children experience more painful and complicated recoveries after surgery, with increased pain and analgesic consumption. The researchers hope to develop strategies to reduce pre-surgical anxiety and improve outcomes for children undergoing elective surgeries.
Researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center developed new objective criteria to enhance the reliability of PET scans in detecting breast cancer metastasis. The criteria use a standardized uptake value (SUV) threshold of 2.3, which was found to accurately diagnose lymph node involvement with 100% specificity and positive predictive value.
The Institute for Multi-dimensional Air Quality Studies has developed an ozone forecaster to increase public awareness and help Texas manage air quality. The system provides detailed forecasts, including hourly data from air pollution monitors, to assist individuals with respiratory problems.
Climate change is contributing to the release of mercury stored in northern wetlands, which can become toxic in food chains. Wildfires are unleashing this mercury at levels up to 15 times greater than previously calculated.
A recent study found that a moderate dose of alcohol consumed by young women an hour before bed is associated with increased sleep intensity. The study also showed a decrease in rapid eye movement (REM) sleep and a slight increase in deep sleep, as well as signs of increased sleep intensity during non-REM sleep.
Researchers from U of Penn found that IL-27 inhibits immune system cells responsible for various inflammatory-related diseases. Restoring IL-27's abilities may halt inflammation and treat autoimmune diseases.
Researchers found that bumble bees can adjust their behavior to estimate elapsed durations, crucial for decision-making tasks like feeding and communication. This ability is rare in the animal kingdom, previously known only in humans and other vertebrates.
Dr. Ray Larsen is working on understanding protein communication in bacteria, particularly the outer membrane's defensive barrier. His research aims to develop drugs that can break this barrier, rendering bacteria susceptible to human defenses and certain antibiotics.
Children with childhood obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) exhibit lower full-scale IQ scores and impaired executive function. The study suggests OSA may lead to permanent cognitive changes if left untreated.
A parent-based intervention program encourages sun-safe behaviors and discourages tanning among children with high-quality relationships between parents and children. Family variables such as compliance and monitoring levels also impact the effectiveness of the program.
Research reveals that brief morning exposure to bright white light significantly boosts alertness and modulates brain responses in areas involved in attention and non-visual cognitive processes. The effects are highly dynamic, dissipating within minutes.