A Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health study found that low-income countries are more likely to rapidly use Global Fund grants. Countries with higher incomes or developed health systems were less likely to utilize the funds.
Researchers at UC Riverside developed a new technique using Atomic Force Microscopy to study brain proteins and measure bonding between single molecule molecules. This breakthrough allows for the rapid detection of neurotoxins with extremely small sample sizes.
A University of Pittsburgh-led study found that caregiving interventions for dementia can also prevent complicated grief and depression after the loved one's death. The study, which followed 1,222 caregivers, showed that reducing caregiver burden, treating depression, and providing supportive psychosocial interventions can help caregiv...
A single gene, BRIT1, plays a pivotal role in launching two DNA damage detection and repair pathways, suggesting its function as a previously unidentified tumor suppressor gene. The gene is under-expressed in human ovarian, breast, and prostate cancer cell lines, and its disruption leads to genomic instability.
Researchers at Montana State University are investigating the potential of producing biofuels from various straws, hays, and silages in Montana. They aim to find more efficient methods for converting biomass into sugars and fermenting them into fuel, with the goal of making these new ethanol production methods competitive.
A decade after HAART introduction, HIV/AIDS risk remains low for those starting treatment. However, a significant increase in tuberculosis (TB) cases among HAART patients has been observed since 1998, largely due to increased incidence of TB.
A study published by the University of Kentucky found that smokers with chronic pain tend to smoke at higher rates than those without pain. However, over half of these smokers are considering quitting. The research suggests that addressing smoking cessation as part of pain management could lead to improved health outcomes.
A Michigan State University study found that sixth-grade students who engaged in more vigorous physical activity performed approximately 10 percent better in core subjects like math and science. The research suggests that vigorous exercise is linked to improved academic outcomes, not just physical education participation.
Stopping HIV treatment temporarily can decrease side effects and expenses, however it might cause the disease to progress faster. Researchers discovered that interrupting treatment for certain periods of time was as effective as continuous therapy in controlling the virus.
The Heineken Workplace Programme, which provides antiretroviral treatment to employees, shows that offering HAART is feasible. By restricting treatment options, companies can manage HIV patients while prioritizing the health of their workforce.
Researchers found that regulatory T cells, which function like immune system police, learn what to protect while in the thymus and that everything they learn may not be good. The cells are diverse and able to recognize endogenous tissue and invaders, but also may not learn to recognize all endogenous tissue.
A recent study published by the American Heart Association found that severe sleep apnea significantly increases the risk of ischemic stroke in older adults. The study analyzed data from over 390 participants aged 70-100 and discovered that those with severe sleep apnea were 2.5 times more likely to experience a stroke.
A new study found that African Americans have lower adherence rates to type 2 diabetes medication compared to whites. The researchers analyzed data from over 2,700 Medicaid patients and found that black patients were 12% less likely to take their medication as prescribed.
Two University of Iowa studies examine factors that hinder or help physicians disclose medical errors. The research reveals a range of positive and negative motivations, including responsibility to patients, self, profession, and community. Understanding these factors can improve patient safety and doctor-patient relationships.
DNA damage in stroma tissue may predict breast cancer risk, according to a recent study. The researchers found that specific DNA lesions were more common in women aged 33-46, which corresponds with the rise in breast cancer incidence during this age group.
Scientists from NASA and the University of Maryland used a new tool to track possible habitats of the ivory-billed woodpecker in delta regions along the lower Mississippi River. The study aims to determine if the species is extinct or still living.
Astronomers discovered a brown dwarf in close orbit around a white dwarf, with a separation of less than 2/3 of the Sun's radius. The system formed after the red giant engulfed its companion and ejected its envelope, leaving behind a binary system.
Despite facing persistent discrimination, women paediatricians pioneered the specialty and made significant contributions to its development. Their experiences forced them to take circuitous routes into the profession, but ultimately helped create a more inclusive field.
Researchers at Harvard Medical School have identified a key protein regulating fat and cholesterol production, which may lead to more comprehensive treatments for metabolic syndrome. The study found that removing this protein's binding partner disrupts SREBP activity, resulting in reduced lipid biosynthesis.
Researchers at Cornell University found that the distribution of paired electrons in a common high-temperature superconductor was disorderly, but the distribution of phonons was also disorderly. This suggests that a similar mechanism may be responsible for high-temperature superconductivity.
Researchers find that inhibition of eNOS or PI3K provides total protection against anaphylactic shock. The study reveals a new mechanism underlying the condition, with eNOS-derived NO playing a crucial role.
Research based on 9,000 children suggests that breastfed babies are less anxious than bottle-fed babies when faced with parental divorce or separation. The findings hold true regardless of other factors, but the authors note that breastfeeding may be a marker for other maternal or parental factors contributing to stress resilience.
Sandia researchers found that rough hydrophobic surfaces exhibit longer-range attractive forces, which may help explain protein folding and the self-cleaning 'Lotus effect'. By inserting rough surfaces into experiments, they slowed down the reaction to measure the attraction and observe its origin, a cavitation bridge between the subme...
The study found that CAD increased cancer detection by 13.3% in screening-detected cancers and 14.2% for ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS).CAD also improved recall rates and reduced false negatives, with the greatest impact on symptomatic patients.
Researchers at Ohio State University discovered that the protein CD86 on B lymphocytes increases antibody production when interacting with T cells. This finding could lead to new treatments for pneumonia, HIV/AIDS, and autoimmune diseases.
A University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine study found that gout is an independent risk factor for myocardial infarction (heart attack) in men with no previous history of coronary artery disease. Gouty arthritis was associated with modest elevations in blood pressure, age, and body mass index.
A recent study published in Arthritis Research & Therapy reveals a strong genetic link between hereditary knee bone marrow lesions and osteoarthritis. The research, conducted on 115 siblings from 48 families, found that the prevalence of these lesions was significantly influenced by genetics.
Researchers from the University of British Columbia successfully produced proteins with new mechanical properties through DNA shuffling of two titin domains. The study reveals that different arrangements of protein segments can significantly impact mechanical stability, challenging previous assumptions.
A team of researchers has developed a simple technique to predict the late risk of dementia based on midlife risk factors, including systolic blood pressure, body mass index, and cholesterol levels. The risk score predicts dementia well, particularly in individuals with high age, low education, and obesity.
A study found that UK recommendations on paracetamol availability are not being followed, with many pharmacies and outlets selling more than 16 tablets at a time. The researchers discovered that almost half of patients who visited the emergency department for paracetamol poisoning had deliberately bought the medication for an overdose.
The US Department of Energy is launching two new Bioenergy Research Centers to accelerate basic research on the development of cellulosic ethanol and other biofuels. The centers will focus on systems biology research on microbes and plants, with the goal of harnessing nature's own mechanisms for producing energy from sunlight.
Researchers discovered that specialized skin cells direct embryonic patterning and wound healing by sending vital location cues to their neighbors. This finding has implications for regenerating certain parts of the body and understanding metastatic cancer.
Dick Kerr, Senior Writer at Science, receives GSA's highest public service award for his work in enhancing earth sciences understanding. With over 1200 science-news articles written, Kerr has made significant contributions to geoscience education and dialogue.
A team of researchers at the California Institute of Technology has identified a specific region in the brain responsible for processing risk and reward, known as the 'gambling circuitry'. This discovery could help understand abnormal risk-taking behavior in disorders such as addiction and bipolar disorder.
The latest issue of Cold Spring Harbor Protocols highlights over 50 new RNA interference methods for researchers to study gene functions in model organisms. These protocols provide detailed guidelines for handling embryonic stem cells, visualizing programmed cell death, and preparing cells for microscopic imaging.
Researchers found that novelty activates brain's midbrain region, regulating motivation and dopamine release. Combining new facts with familiar information improves memory recall, even after a delay.
New research from Ohio State University finds that severe heat waves are particularly deadly in neighborhoods without businesses to draw older people out of their apartments. The study analyzed data from the 1995 Chicago heat wave and found higher-than-average mortality rates in areas with run-down, liquor-focused businesses.
The Commonwealth Fund Commission recommends implementing major quality and safety improvements, expanding information technology, and increasing public reporting on quality and costs. The report aims to establish more organized systems of care to improve value and provide reliable comparison of results among providers.
Research found that smoking significantly increased the odds of developing rheumatoid arthritis in older Caucasian women without a genetic risk factor. The study, which included 115 postmenopausal women, revealed that tobacco smoke exposure doubled the risk of disease development.
A recent study published in Policy Sciences examines the ethnic differences in job quality among US forest workers. The research reveals that Hispanic workers face more onerous jobs with fewer benefits, including less job security and no health insurance compared to white workers.
Georgia Tech researchers develop wavelength-demultipler (WD) that can separate high-resolution wavelengths in tight confines, solving problems with combining delicate optical functions. The WD is integrated into a microchip for signal processing, communications, or sensing applications.
The Geological Society of America Distinguished Service Award recognizes exceptional contributions to the society's thriving publications program. Three 2006 awardees - Dr. Abhijit Basu, David E. Fastovsky, and Roger L. Kaesler - have expanded the program through their leadership and service.
A new system, developed by University of Florida engineers, can produce all three essentials - water, electricity, and refrigeration - from a single source. The system, which harnesses the power of gas turbines, achieves this through a heat-operated refrigeration process, making it efficient and compact.
Tiny airborne particles, similar to nanoparticles, follow a rapid and efficient pathway from the nasal cavity to various regions of the brain in rats. The study found increased gene expression signaling inflammation and cellular stress response, but it is unclear if ultrafine particle buildup causes brain damage.
Researchers have developed autonomous liquid microlenses that can adapt their focal length without external control. These smart lenses use hydrogels responding to physical, chemical or biological stimuli to enable new sensing methods in lab-on-a-chip environments and medical diagnostics.
Researchers suggest that Toxoplasma gondii, a common cat parasite, may influence human behavior and cultural aspects such as ego, money, and work. High prevalence of the parasite in certain regions is associated with higher neuroticism scores and differences in masculine sex roles.
Researchers at Columbia University will study the health effects of arsenic in groundwater, particularly in New England and South Asia. The $16.9M grant will investigate the geochemistry and exposure sources of arsenic, as well as its effects on children's health.
Taking slightly longer to smell an odor can lead to more accurate identification, a discovery that sheds light on the brain's olfactory processing. The study, published in Neuron, reveals a clear relationship between sampling time and accuracy, implications for understanding human olfaction.
The substantia nigra/ventral tegmental area (SN/VTA) is activated by unexpected stimuli, emotional arousal, or the need to respond behaviorally. Novelty enhances learning in humans, suggesting a functional loop between novelty and hippocampal function.
The study compared MDCT and digital radiography in orthopedic patients, finding that 63% were concordant, while 37% showed discordant results. MDCT was underestimation or overestimation in some cases, highlighting its potential value in bone healing evaluation.
A study found that sonographically guided injections of steroid and anesthetic can quickly alleviate symptoms in professional soccer players with posterior ankle impingement. The treatment, which uses imaging guidance to target specific areas of pain, showed promising results in a small group of athletes.
A new study found that older age is an independent risk factor for developing bleeding in the body, particularly intracranial hemorrhage in the brain. Carefully monitored warfarin therapy can be used with reasonable safety in older patients.
A new study suggests that women with endometrial cancer should be screened for inherited Lynch syndrome mutations, which are associated with a high risk of several cancers. The study found that 1.8% of newly diagnosed endometrial cancer patients have these mutations, highlighting the importance of genetic screening and early detection.
The revised guidelines recommend using risk factors for stroke to determine whether anti-clotting therapy is given to people with atrial fibrillation. Aspirin or warfarin is recommended for patients with certain risk factors, and daily aspirin therapy is suggested for those without stroke risk factors.
A Purdue University researcher has developed a molecule that can effectively combat drug-resistant strains of HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. The FDA recently approved the pill-based therapy, known as Darunavir, which is expected to be available to physicians this year.
Researchers at the University of Washington have developed a material that can operate at room temperature, allowing for the manipulation of electrons' magnetism. This breakthrough has the potential to create broad new capabilities for computers and digital devices, including reduced power consumption.
A new study by Dr. Karim Jamal found that stricter website regulations actually make users less trustworthy, while ineffective government oversight in the UK is more costly. The study's results suggest a self-regulated market approach with word-of-mouth and industry seals of approval may be a better way to protect user privacy.
A study published in the Journal of Gerontology found that higher blood pressure is associated with a decline in walking ability in older persons. The research, led by Dr. Raj Shah, suggests that controlling blood pressure may help prevent gait difficulties in older adults.
Researchers discovered that HIV's surface glycoprotein interacts with CXCR4 on uninfected CD4+ T cells, triggering autophagy. This interaction leads to the death of uninfected bystander cells, contributing to the depletion of immune system cells in AIDS patients.
The number of vCJD cases continues to decline due to BSE-infected beef consumption, but researchers explore the potential for transmission via blood transfusions and surgical operations. Key factors determining epidemic scale include instrument reuse frequency and cleaning effectiveness.