Research suggests a significant increase in childhood autism prevalence in the UK, affecting approximately 1% of the child population. The study found that children with autism constitute 39 per 10,000 and 77 per 10,000 in South London, indicating a much higher prevalence than previously estimated.
Researchers from Michigan State University have uncovered a key bacterial protein that disables plant defense proteins, allowing bacteria to invade and destroy crops. This discovery has the potential to inform novel disease control strategies, particularly for human bacterial pathogens.
Youth-rated movies contain more images of cigarette smoking than R-rated films, with 75% of 2004 youth-rated films depicting smoking. Smoking on screen has decreased over time, but its depiction in youth-rated films remains a concern for public health.
The US Chemistry Olympiad team, comprising students from New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and North Dakota, won three silver medals and one bronze medal at the International Chemistry Olympiad. The team's victory is a testament to their scientific prowess and innovative ideas.
Scientists at NASA have found that aerosol particles in air pollution can prevent clouds from forming, while lighter particles can help them form. This discovery could improve climate predictions and understanding of the Earth's climate system.
A study published in Science found that Albertosaurus survived for two years with low mortality rates, but death rates increased after reaching teenage years. The research provides insight into the life patterns of tyrannosaurs and challenges previous theories about their behavior.
Sharon Witonsky, a clinician and researcher at Virginia Tech, has received the Pfizer Award for her work on EPM, a neurologic disease that affects horses. Her research aims to discover the mechanism of Sarcocystis neurona's effects on horses and develop more effective diagnostic tests and vaccines.
Researchers have created nanoscale resonators, called nanostrings, with the highest quality factor so far obtained at room temperature. These devices can be used to detect and identify biological molecules and replace bulky quartz crystals in radio-frequency circuits.
Research finds that reducing child-to-caregiver ratios from five to three improves emotional support, structure, and instruction in childcare settings. This leads to better behavior and well-being in children, particularly infants.
Studies found that people with autism have reduced connections and coordination between brain areas, leading to difficulties in problem-solving and communication. The research provides evidence for a new theory that views autism as a failure of brain regions to communicate with each other.
Research published in Heart reveals high humidity increases heart attack deaths among the elderly in Athens. Average monthly humidity was the single most important factor influencing average monthly death rates from heart attack in those over 70.
Researchers found Pycnogenol to be more effective than Daflon in reducing leg swelling, walking pain, and skin alterations. The study showed a significant reduction in ankle swellings and edema scores with Pycnogenol supplementation.
The Program in Systems Immunology and Infectious Disease Modeling (PSIIM) aims to understand complex biochemical networks regulating interactions between pathogens and human cells. The program employs Simmune software to simulate biological systems, enabling scientists to predict how drugs affect cell behavior and develop new treatments.
Researchers have developed a new model explaining how spiders 'fly' or parachute into new territory on single strands of silk. The model shows how the spider's silk moulds to turbulent air flows, carrying them unpredictable distances. This breakthrough could alleviate pesticide use and improve ecosystem balance.
A study published in Appetite magazine found that people who like sweets tend to eat more fruit, while those who prefer fruits tend to eat more sweets. The research analyzed data from over 770 individuals and suggests that understanding food preferences can inform strategies to increase fruit consumption.
A new study finds that women who work long hours are more prone to eating high-fat, high-sugar snacks, exercising less, and consuming more caffeine. Meanwhile, men tend to experience no negative effects from working longer hours on their exercise habits, caffeine intake, or smoking.
Researchers found that people with autism have lower brain synchronization and rely heavily on visualization to process information. The studies suggest that these differences are related to the brain's cabling and connectivity problems.
Apolipoprotein E (apoE) may play a role in age-related macular degeneration, despite its link to Alzheimer's disease. The study aims to understand why apoE-4 correlates with reduced incidence of macular degeneration.
A new treatment plan involving behavior modification and pharmaceutical treatment has shown marked improvement in nearly half of patients with medically unexplained symptoms. The treatment also emphasizes improved communication between patient and doctor, highlighting the importance of the doctor-patient relationship.
A Mayo Clinic study found that older people and those with chronic illnesses have the highest rates of end-of-life intensive care unit (ICU) use. The study also found that expanding alternative health care settings, such as nursing homes or hospice care, might be a more cost-effective way to fund end-of-life care.
A systematic review identified warning signs for potential re-abuse of children, including neglect, emotional and physical abuse, and parental mental health problems. Children who experienced previous maltreatment were six times more likely to be abused again within a month.
A large study has found that parents are not to blame for late talking toddlers, as environmental and neuro-developmental factors play a greater role in language emergence. Children with siblings or family history of late talkers are at higher risk, while education, income, and mental health have no impact.
A new paint-on semiconductor device has been developed by researchers at the University of Toronto, surpassing traditional methods in terms of cost and performance. The device, created using a liquid painting process, boasts exceptional sensitivity to infrared rays and is approximately ten times more sensitive than current sensors.
Scientists at Johns Hopkins University and the University of New Mexico have forecast an increased risk of hantavirus outbreaks in the US southwest in 2006. The study used satellite imagery to analyze ecological conditions and predict disease spread, with moderate risk levels similar to those in previous years.
A recent study at the University of Southern California found that motivated students excel in Intelligent Tutoring Systems (ITS), while disengaged students surprisingly show high levels of learning-oriented behavior. The research suggests that ITS can reach struggling students through private learning opportunities, and future models ...
Researchers recreated quark-gluon plasma at RHIC, studying matter in its earliest form and gaining insights into the universe's evolution. The project also improves nuclear equipment training for young researchers, with applications in cancer radiotherapy and material analysis.
Researchers developed a brain-to-movement system called BrainGate, which enabled a paralyzed man to control objects using only his thoughts. The pilot clinical trial findings show that movement signals persist in the primary motor cortex long after a spinal cord injury, allowing for direct and successful control of external devices.
Researchers found that parasites dominated the links between species in food webs, with a significant impact on ecosystem stability. The study also revealed new patterns, including increased vulnerability of mid-trophic level animals to parasites and predators.
A recent University of Cambridge study found that managerial ability and effort play little part in securing and maintaining high-level jobs. Instead, reputation is largely determined by the team's performance and luck, which can impact job security.
A university health physicist offers radon testing as a campus community service, providing long-term testing kits to residents. The program aims to provide accurate information and reassurance to homeowners concerned about radon levels in their homes.
A study of over 3600 adults found that narrower arterioles and wider venules were associated with increased risk of coronary heart disease. The results suggest that retinal photography may be a useful non-invasive method for assessing this risk, particularly in women.
Researchers at University of California - San Diego found that mechanical stretching activates cellular protein JNK, damaging cells and contributing to atherosclerosis. This discovery may help design better treatment approaches for cardiovascular disease.
A cohort of over 138,000 adults in Denmark found that those living alone have a twofold increased risk of severe angina and heart attack. Poor education, pension, age, and social isolation are key factors contributing to this increased risk.
Researchers at MGH and Cyberkinetics have successfully linked a paralyzed patient's thoughts to electronic impulses, allowing him to control devices such as a computer cursor and prosthetic hand. The breakthrough uses the BrainGate Neural Interface System, which translates brain signals into electronic commands.
Scientists at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have isolated a novel population of multipotent adult stem cells from human hair follicles. These cells can differentiate into nerve cells, smooth muscle cells, and melanocytes, offering potential treatments for various disorders.
University of Illinois researchers found unexpected two-way communication between blood stem cells and T cells, changing their fate. This loop may lead to a strong immune response, increasing the risk of graft-versus-host disease or rejection.
A new study analyzing western hemlock distribution in North America's Pacific Coast and Rocky Mountains reveals that climate alone cannot explain species range. Spatial analysis suggests hemlock adapts better to drier summer conditions in the Rockies than coastal regions.
Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have identified a crucial signaling pathway involved in tissue growth and wound healing. The discovery provides new insights into how cells interact during tissue remodeling and may lead to novel therapeutics for diseases such as cancer and arthritis.
A study published by the American Physiological Society found that a single therapeutic dose of radiation can cause up to 39% spongy bone loss in mice, reducing their weight-bearing connections by 64%. This has significant implications for astronauts on long space missions and patients receiving radiation therapy.
Researchers developed a non-invasive Doppler ultrasonography method to detect fetal anemia in high-risk pregnancies. The study found that this new procedure is safer than traditional testing methods, which can be traumatic for the mother and carry a risk of miscarriage.
Researchers aim to understand how complex visual scenes are encoded by the brain using a new computer model. The computer will mimic nerve cell interactions and track patterns of neural spikes in real-time.
Researchers at the University of Bonn have successfully sorted atoms using laser tweezers, a crucial step towards creating a quantum computer. By precisely controlling the position of individual atoms, they can perform simple quantum calculations and pave the way for more complex computations.
Researchers have developed a system that enables people with severe paralysis to generate signals in the motor cortex of their brain, which can be detected and converted into actions. Two patients, Matthew Nagle and a 55-year-old man, successfully controlled computers and even opened prosthetic hands using only their thoughts.
Researchers are developing drugs called Allergen Delivery Inhibitors (ADIs) to stop allergens from entering the body. These ADIs promise to be significantly better than current treatments, which only ease symptoms rather than preventing allergic reactions.
Seismologists from Stanford University pinpointed the source of non-volcanic signals emanating from a Japanese fault zone, likely caused by 'silent earthquakes' that displace ground without shaking it. These events may foreshadow powerful seismic temblors and contribute to seismic hazard forecasting.
A recent study published in the European Heart Journal found that routine ECG screening for newborns can identify life-threatening genetic conditions like long QT syndrome, which can be prevented with medication. The cost-effectiveness analysis suggests that this program could save up to 27 lives per year in Italy.
Stanford University researchers developed a 3D PET/CT imaging technique that provides a visual navigation of organs, allowing for better detection and characterization of cancer. The technology has potential for presurgical visualization, guiding biopsies and identifying tumor 'hot spots', enabling more precise diagnosis and treatment.
A Stanford scientist who has lived as both male and female argues that women's underrepresentation in science is due to bias, not innate differences. He cites studies showing bias in grant applications and research evaluations, highlighting the need for a more inclusive approach.
Researchers have successfully created sperm in a laboratory using embryonic stem cells, demonstrating their viability in producing viable offspring. The study opens up new avenues for investigating mechanisms involved in sperm production and developing new treatment strategies for infertility.
Two medical researchers, Chen Ding-Shinn and Rao Zihe, have made significant contributions to understanding infectious diseases and developing a comprehensive vaccination campaign. Mathematicians Jacob Palis and C.S. Seshadri are recognized for their groundbreaking work in dynamic systems and algebraic geometry, respectively.
Scientists create 'chemically programmed antibody' by linking small molecules and antibodies, enhancing therapeutic efficacy against breast cancer metastasis. The approach has potential for treating multiple types of cancers, increasing effectiveness of existing therapies.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine used molecular imaging techniques to discover small molecule compounds that can restore normal p53 function in cancer cells, killing human tumor cells. The findings emphasize the growing role of imaging technology in individualized cancer treatments.
A study by Dahlia Remler and Sherry Glied found that Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) may not reduce healthcare spending for the lowest and biggest spenders. In fact, cost-sharing increases for mid-range spenders, while tax subsidies benefit higher-income individuals disproportionately.
Prolonged immobility in older adults can lead to functional decline within 48 hours. Simple policy changes can prevent complex problems and improve patient outcomes.
The European Molecular Biology Laboratory examines the social, economic, and ethical impact of dual-use research on society. Researchers discuss potential options to reduce the misuse of proteomics and explore the consequences of biological and medical knowledge on citizens' privacy.
A recent study published in Nature reveals that neural crest cell formation occurs earlier than previously thought, independent of tissue interactions. This breakthrough could lead to a better understanding of developmental disorders such as cleft palate and heart valve malformations.
The DOE JGI has selected over 40 projects to sequence the genomes of switchgrass, cassava, and other organisms for biofuel production. The goal is to improve biomass productivity and feedstock quality for a more sustainable energy future.
Florida State University has been awarded a $6-million grant from the federal government to conduct research on learning disabilities and dyslexia in children. The center will enable FSU researchers to conduct behavioral and genetic studies involving thousands of Florida children with dyslexia.
Researchers used a supercomputer to calculate interactions among neutrons and protons from quark and gluon properties, providing insight into how nuclear forces emerge. This breakthrough paves the way for understanding how finely tuned the universe is and could reveal essential information about carbon-based life.
A survey by ARVO found that the major factor limiting the use of human eye tissue is a lack of availability meeting stringent criteria. Researchers are exploring ways to manage the shortage, including working closely with eye banks and clarifying experimental needs.