Researchers at UC Irvine found that stress hormones exacerbate the formation of brain lesions associated with Alzheimer's. The study suggests that managing stress and reducing certain medications prescribed for the elderly could slow down the disease progression.
The study found that children under age 5 are twice as likely to live in severe poverty, with severe poverty affecting African Americans and Hispanics disproportionately. The increasing trend has significant implications for healthcare services and long-term child outcomes.
Preterm infants with smaller occipital brain volumes are more likely to experience impaired visual function in early childhood. Thirty-five percent of the study infants had abnormal oculomotor control, including impaired saccades and binocular eye alignment, at two years of age.
Researchers have developed a device that combines a tiny camera, computer, and transparent display on glasses to improve the visual abilities of people with tunnel vision. The study shows significant improvements in object detection and reduced search time for patients.
A commercial progesterone therapy appears to prevent some premature births, with a 33% reduction in preterm birth rate for women who had a previous premature baby. The March of Dimes estimates that if all eligible women received the therapy, nearly 10,000 premature births might have been prevented.
Researchers found five proteins overexpressed and three underexpressed in response to chronic alcohol exposure, affecting programmed cell death, cholesterol balance, and signal transduction. The study suggests a progressive increase in behavior disruption with prolonged exposure, highlighting the potential for new therapeutic targets.
A Wake Forest University research team is analyzing brain changes in individuals with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder to better understand the diseases. They are comparing post-mortem brain tissue with normal tissue, focusing on the temporal lobe's structures involved in learning and memory.
Researchers found that chimpanzees can pass on cultural behaviors through a chain of individuals, with techniques learned by one generation being successfully passed on to the next. This study provides evidence for generational learning in non-human primates and highlights similarities between human and chimpanzee cultural behavior.
Researchers found a brain region that also responds to objects like cars, animals, and sculptures, challenging current face perception theories. The discovery suggests the need for a new model of how the brain recognizes faces and objects.
A study found that managers in the UK food industry prioritize consumer concerns about food safety and hygiene risks over rules and regulations. The survey of 204 individuals across various businesses revealed a high degree of confusion about state regulators and their roles, with locally-based environmental health officers perceived a...
A recent study found that Florida medical students are discouraged from pursuing obstetrics and gynecology careers due to high malpractice premiums and liability concerns. The survey results suggest a significant shortage of specialists in the field, with many students considering leaving the state to practice.
Researchers found that infant and neonatal mortality rates are higher among babies delivered by cesarean section than vaginal deliveries, even in low-risk women. The study analyzed over 5.7 million live births and nearly 12,000 infant deaths, revealing a significant increase in cesarean deliveries without medical indication.
A NASA-funded study uses satellite data to monitor forest growth and health, detecting the effects of climate change on tree species and forest composition. The MODIS dataset shows a strong link between forest productivity and the number of tree species, enabling scientists to better predict future changes.
Researchers at Université de Montréal discover that mystical experiences are mediated by several brain regions, contradicting theories of a specific 'God spot'. Fifteen cloistered nuns underwent fMRI scans while reliving mystical experiences, revealing a dozen active brain regions.
Researchers at Ohio State University have discovered how a chemotherapy drug aids an anti-cancer virus in targeting brain tumors. The study found that the drug slows immune cells' activity, allowing the virus to spread and kill more cancer cells. This may lead to new treatment options for incurable human brain tumors.
Researchers found that transfusions with blood products from recovered Spanish flu patients may reduce mortality and improve symptoms for hospitalized patients. The study suggests similar transfusions could be useful in treating victims of a bird flu pandemic, especially given the problems with existing vaccines and treatments.
Rutgers University researchers have developed a new polymer-coating process that uses pulsed laser deposition to create high-performance coatings. The method improves coating efficiency, reduces drag force, and enhances biocompatibility for sensitive areas.
Climate scientists analyzed data to determine that global warming is increasing Atlantic hurricane intensity. Additionally, the water cycle is changing, with seasonal trends shifting into spring. The study also found a connection between atmospheric tides and weather in the tropics influencing the equatorial ionosphere.
Researchers discovered a new variant in the Complement Factor H gene associated with advanced age-related macular degeneration. Combining this variant with others found additive accumulation of risk from three genes: CFH, BF, and C2. The study estimates that genotypes related to five variants explain about half the sibling risk of AMD.
A sensor package is installed on Cape Cod ferry Katama to measure water temperature, salinity, oxygen levels, and take images of plankton. The project aims to build a detailed portrait of changing water conditions in Nantucket Sound over long time scales.
A new study found that ancient birds of prey like African crowned eagles likely feasted on some of our earliest human ancestors. The researchers analyzed over 600 bones from monkey skulls, which showed puncture marks and scratches consistent with the grip of an eagle's talons.
A study found widespread damage to normal-appearing brain tissue in patients with multiple sclerosis, affecting large fractions of white and gray matter. This damage plays a larger role in disease progression than visible lesions.
Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) identifies critical brain regions prior to surgery, leading to more effective tumor removal and reduced surgical time. In 49% of cases, surgeons altered their treatment plans after fMRI findings, with no reported neurological deficits.
A survey of 1,337 individuals found that around half of self-employed pension scheme members have used their website, resulting in increased access to pension information and education. Many scheme members value their pension website, with the greatest benefit being improved confidence in making pension enquiries and decisions.
Researchers found that patient outcomes improved when treatment was based on the doctor's recommendation, with a significantly lower incidence of problems compared to alternative treatments. The study's results highlight the importance of physician judgment in making therapeutic decisions for patients with severe coronary artery disease.
A new study published in Environmental Health Perspectives found that dogs in the home can increase cough, phlegm production, and bronchitis responses in children with asthma. The researchers speculate that endotoxin from dog dander may be the cause of this increased response.
Researchers discovered that bacteria employ a bungee-like structure called fimbriae with an adhesive protein at their tip to cling to mucous membranes. The mechanical properties of these structures allow them to grip even more tightly under force, helping bacteria persist in the human body.