The US Department of Homeland Security's Science and Technology Directorate has established five Regional Visualization and Analytics Centers to improve homeland security. Four universities will focus on developing techniques, tools, and collaboration to analyze large multimedia databases and extract relevant information.
A new study by Queen's University psychologist Dr. Flanagan and international team reveals that humans use sensory cancellation to filter out self-motions, reducing touch perception. This mechanism is crucial for distinguishing between internal and external stimuli, and may underlie certain delusions in schizophrenia.
Researchers found HPV DNA testing to be a cost-effective strategy for women with ASCUS, detecting more precancer cases than immediate colposcopy. The approach was also less costly, making it economically viable.
Fecal incontinence affects 7.2% of US women aged 30-90, often accompanied by urinary incontinence and other medical conditions like diabetes or major depression. Treatment options include diet changes, medications, surgery, and biofeedback exercises.
A study by PNNL found that China's air pollution has caused a decrease in cloud cover over the past 50 years, resulting in more frequent clear skies and reduced surface heat from sunshine. The likely culprit is a nine-fold increase in fossil fuel emissions, which have entrenched China in a foggy haze.
A new urine test, BladderChek, detected nearly all recurrences of bladder cancers with a higher accuracy rate than conventional tests. The test, used in conjunction with a diagnostic scope, detected 99 percent of recurring bladder cancers.
A new point-of-care test has been shown to detect recurrent bladder cancer more effectively than traditional lab tests. The NMP22 assay detected 49.5% of recurrences, while urine cytology detected only 12.2%, resulting in a significantly higher detection rate when used with cystoscopy.
Researchers have discovered that Alzheimer's disease is caused by abnormal cell division in neurons, which starts months before amyloid plaques form. The study suggests that another cellular problem triggers the disease process after abnormal cell cycling begins.
Researchers found that specific single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the IGF1 gene were linked to an increased risk of prostate cancer, accounting for 10% of cases. The study's findings suggest a biologic effect across different ethnic groups.
A recent poll suggests that over half of the British public would accept new nuclear power stations to combat climate change, but most prefer renewable energy sources and energy efficiency. The survey highlights a need for balance in energy policy, with 63% supporting a mix of nuclear and renewables.
Researchers create conditional mouse model to study CBFB-SMMHC, a fusion protein linked to 12% of human AML cases. The model shows that CBFB-SMMHC induces abnormal preleukemic blood cell progenitors, leading to AML development in adult mice.
A non-invasive urine test, NMP22, can detect recurrent bladder cancer more effectively than traditional cytology methods. This assay detected 99% of malignancies when combined with cystoscopy, improving patient surveillance and outcomes. Cystoscopy alone identified only 91.3% of cancers.
NIST develops a simulation program to analyze and optimize supply chain performance for small firms. The model identifies potential bottlenecks and enables data-driven decision-making to mitigate risks and reduce costs.
A NIST simulation program demonstrates that electron scattering from surfaces and grain boundaries becomes interdependent at critical nanoscale dimensions, affecting circuit speed and electrical measurements. This finding has significant implications for the development of thin, narrow metal lines in nanodevices.
Researchers create novel approach to tackle phase-change process, calculating critical point properties for the first time. The simulation findings match predictions and experimental results, including microgravity measurements on the Space Shuttle.
A study found that delaying surgery for men with asymptomatic inguinal hernias has similar outcomes to surgical repair, with lower risk of post-operative complications. Watchful waiting can be a viable alternative for these patients.
A national survey found that 40% of American workers, or approximately 47 million people, experience psychological aggression at work. Publicly by customers, clients, or patients, with lesser amounts from coworkers or supervisors. This widespread issue poses significant consequences for individuals and organizations.
Scientists identified a gene TPS10 that produces a specific scent attracting parasitic wasps to damaged corn plants. The wasps needed an initial exposure to both the scent and the caterpillar to react properly.
A global study reveals that plants in highly diverse ecosystems, such as South American and Southeast Asian jungles, suffer lower pollination rates and reduced reproductive success. This could push certain plant species towards extinction.
A sex-specific meta-analysis of aspirin therapy found that it reduced cardiovascular events by 12% in women and 14% in men. However, it increased the risk of major bleeding events in both sexes. The study suggests that aspirin should be considered for primary prevention in both men and women with preexisting cardiovascular disease.
Researchers found that delaying surgery for men with hernias that don't cause discomfort can be a safe option. Patients who underwent surgical repair showed significant improvement in performing everyday activities compared to those who waited.
The USDA and DOE are coordinating plant and microbial genomics research to address national agriculture and energy challenges. The DOE Joint Genome Institute will sequence the soybean genome, which is of particular interest due to its role in producing biodiesel.
The Purdue-IUSM team will focus on three areas: intelligence analysis, emergency planning, and healthcare monitoring. They aim to create a comprehensive picture of information for decision-makers using advanced visualization tools.
Researchers have developed a portable device that uses Doppler ultrasound to find veins quickly and accurately. The device is composed of two parts: a reusable unit with signal processing components and a disposable coupler box with a reflector and needle guide.
Leading NIAID researchers explore the complex relationship between influenza viruses and the human immune system. They explain how antigenic drift and shift impact vaccine development, highlighting potential vulnerabilities to flu pandemics.
Researchers identified Staufen2 as essential for maintaining synapses in nerve cells. The absence of Staufen2 leads to impaired signal transmission and altered synapse structure, suggesting mRNA transport is crucial for their maintenance.
Researchers will develop methods to derive and exploit information from diverse data forms, link this information with stored knowledge and analytical reasoning practices, and provide cognitive readiness support. The Penn State team will also apply a cognitive science approach to understanding visual tool usage, enhancing the role of t...
The University of Liverpool's 'Professor Fluffy' programme is a nationwide initiative to encourage children in low-participation areas to consider university. The project uses interactive lessons and teaching aids to introduce young students to higher education, with the goal of increasing UK university participation.
Researchers found that bexarotene reduced tumor burden by almost 50% and inhibited malignant tumor progression by about 50% in mice. The study suggests bexarotene is a potentially viable lung cancer prevention candidate.
Researchers found that the temperature of a person who has consumed a beverage can affect the accuracy of oral electronic thermometers. The study suggests that parents should wait for at least 30 minutes to take their child's temperature after consumption.
Researchers found a link between CCR5 mutation and increased risk of severe West Nile virus infection. Individuals with this mutation had higher rates of symptomatic cases, highlighting potential implications for HIV treatment.
The National Institutes of Health is testing avian influenza vaccines to prevent a possible pandemic. Saint Louis University School of Medicine is conducting a research study using a killed flu virus vaccine in children ages 2-9.
Researchers developed effective methods to remove arsenic from drinking water using zero-valent iron and granular titanium dioxide adsorbent. The studies demonstrated that high DO content and low solution pH increase iron corrosion, while TiO2 adsorbent is very effective for removing arsenic in groundwater.
A new energy-saving method has been developed to reduce the cooling-related demand for electricity in small office buildings. The approach involves running air conditioning at cooler-than-normal settings in the morning and then raising the thermostat to warmer settings in the afternoon, resulting in a 25-30% reduction in peak electrica...
The NIST Special Publication 800-21-1 provides guidelines for implementing cryptography in the federal government. The publication aims to improve IT security and facilitate FISMA compliance among federal agencies, ensuring protection of sensitive information and systems.
Research on women with HIV found that those infected with both HIV and high-risk HPV were at greatest risk of developing cervical cancer precursors. A study on postmenopausal women found sex hormone levels to be not associated with breast cancer risk, while another study suggested that BRCA2 mutation carriers had a fourfold increased i...
Treena Arinzeh, a NJIT engineer, has received two new grants to develop stem cell therapies for spinal cord and cartilage injuries. Her research aims to regenerate nerve tissue and promote bone growth using nano-scaffolds.
Researchers have identified a growth control flaw in some aggressive breast cancers, linked to overactive cyclin D1 and CDK4 kinase. The finding could pave the way for new therapies targeting this deadly subtype of breast cancer.
The UC San Diego-Venter Institute partnership aims to create a community resource for metagenomic data, facilitating advances in marine microbial ecology and evolutionary biology. The project will develop a novel cyberinfrastructure to store, analyze, and draw conclusions from large-scale microbial genomic sequence data.
A study published by University of California, San Diego researchers suggests that climate change may be a key factor in the evolution of larger body size in certain animal species. The study found that deep-sea ostracodes increased in size as global ocean temperatures cooled over 40 million years.
A Mayo Clinic study discovered a relationship between vertebroplasty and the development of new fractures, with patients' risk for new fractures in adjacent vertebrae being 4.62 times higher than nonadjacent vertebral fractures. The researchers recommend patients considering vertebroplasty be aware of potential long-term risks.
According to recent data from the Canadian Medical Association Journal, the prevalence of class I, II and III obesity in Canada has decreased among children and adolescents. The study found a significant decline in obesity rates from 2000 to 2017, with notable improvements seen in urban areas.
Researchers found that watching comedy films increased brachial artery blood flow in 19 out of 20 participants, while sad movies reduced it. The impact was equivalent to a bout of aerobic exercise or starting statin treatment.
Patients receiving emergency angioplasty at highly specialized hospitals have lower risk of death and faster treatment compared to those at less specialized institutions. This study found that hospitals with higher rates of emergency angioplasties perform better, despite the number of procedures not being a key factor in patient survival.
Exposure to household insecticides and garden pesticides during childhood is associated with a higher risk of developing acute leukemia. The study found that mothers who used insecticides while pregnant or after birth nearly doubled their child's risk, while exposure to garden insecticides increased the risk by more than doubling.
A six-year study of 1,740 Group Health members found that regular exercise reduced the risk of developing dementia by 30-40%. Exercise may improve brain function by boosting blood flow to areas used for memory, according to lead investigator Eric B. Larson.
Researchers reviewed 35 patients taking glucocorticoids for chronic skin diseases. The study found that only 20% were taking bisphosphonates, a medication proven to prevent glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis. The authors recommend prescribing bisphosphonates concomitantly with corticosteroid therapy in certain cases.
A study of 1,200 facial plastic surgery patients found no correlation between longer anesthesia duration and increased complications. The authors conclude that regulatory bodies need data-driven guidelines to avoid over-regulation.
The study reveals that the transcription factor protein C/EBPb is necessary for decidualization and successful pregnancy in mice. In humans, its presence may become a vital gene marker for predicting uterine readiness for implantation. This breakthrough could potentially alleviate shortcomings in in vitro fertilization.
Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories are developing strategies to make lithium-ion batteries more tolerant to abusive conditions, with the goal of increasing their lifespan and reducing costs. The team's work could pave the way for the widespread adoption of hybrid electric vehicles powered by lithium-ion batteries.
A large cohort study found that sulfonylurea drugs increase the risk of mortality and cardiac events in patients with type 2 diabetes. The study suggests that sulfonylureas should be used only as a third-line treatment option, due to their potential to harm heart muscle.
A study found that households with higher incomes are more likely to seek specialist care than those with lower incomes, leading to a pro-rich bias in doctor utilization. Despite this, general practitioner care tends to be distributed fairly equally across income groups.
Researchers at Whitehead Institute have concluded that cloned and fertilization-derived stem cells are indistinguishable, with similar gene-expression profiles. This breakthrough paves the way for individualized cellular therapies for treating certain disorders.
A study of 76 men found that those taking impotency drugs like Viagra and Cialis were more likely to develop optic nerve damage. Patients with pre-existing heart disease or high blood pressure also showed a higher risk.
A Norwegian missile torpedo boat operated high-frequency transmitters, increasing the risk of birth defects in its employees' children. The study found a significant association between exposure to these transmitters and an increased risk of congenital anomalies.
Researchers have identified a key gene involved in Meckel-Gruber syndrome type 3 (MKS3), a rare form of polycystic kidney disease. The discovery provides a breakthrough in understanding the disorder and developing new therapies.
A new study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that regular exercise reduces the risk of dementia and Alzheimer's disease by 30 to 40 percent. The study, which followed 1,750 adults aged 65 and older for six years, showed that exercising three or more times a week significantly reduced the risk of developing dementia.
Researchers identified a compound in cocoa responsible for improving blood flow and cardiovascular function. The flavanol (-)epicatechin was shown to relax blood vessels and increase nitric oxide levels, leading to improved heart health.
A study of 9059 breast cancer patients found that older women had less complete medical records, larger tumors, and fewer lymph nodes examined. As a result, they received less effective treatments, such as radiotherapy and chemotherapy, compared to younger patients.
A large prospective study found that exercise reduces dementia risk by 30-40% in older adults. The study also highlights the importance of monitoring physician performance and addressing disparities in healthcare outcomes.