Researchers from the University of Cincinnati found a significant correlation between negative religious coping mechanisms and higher rates of depressive symptoms among primary-care residents. The study suggests that addressing spiritual needs may help mitigate the effects of training-related stress on mental health.
Researchers from UT Dallas' NanoTech Institute have developed two types of artificial muscles that convert chemical energy into mechanical energy, addressing limitations of traditional battery-powered robots. The breakthroughs could lead to advancements in autonomous humanoid robots, prosthetic limbs and exoskeletons.
The Digital Fish Library project will create a high-resolution online catalog of fishes, enabling researchers and the public to digitally probe and dissect specimens. The project aims to develop new methods for data analysis and visualization to penetrate through soft body tissue and provide 3-D images of physiological structures.
A new discovery links the nuclear membrane with dosage compensation in fruit flies, potentially shedding light on human X-chromosome balance. Researchers hope this finding will lead to a better understanding of how cells produce equal quantities of proteins between sexes.
At the March APS Meeting, NSLS student-researchers presented their innovative studies on biomineralization. Michael DiBiccari's x-ray analysis revealed identical atomic structures between biosilica and synthetic silica, while Samantha Palmaccio discovered that protein fibers enhance the strength of calcium carbonate minerals over time....
A new special issue of Yale's Journal of Industrial Ecology examines the practical application and framework of eco-efficiency. Researchers used data envelopment analysis and maximum abatement cost method to quantify environmental impact, demonstrating progress in understanding the economy-environment tradeoff.
Scientists are sounding the alarm on the dangers of animal movement in spreading diseases, citing examples such as avian 'flu and diseases of pets through international travel. They call for improved communication and regular screening of animals before movement to prevent disease spread.
A research team led by Edwin R. Chapman identified the cellular receptor for botulinum neurotoxin A as SV2, a protein on actively recycling synaptic vesicles. This finding offers new insights into how the toxin shuts down nerve cells with deadly efficiency.
Researchers at Virginia Tech are developing a 'PAWS: Pet Care Awareness System' to improve the lives of seniors and their pets. The system aims to provide a seamless, virtually intuitive interface for veterinarians, physicians, and family members to access pet health information.
The World Health Organization has launched a new stop TB strategy, which builds on the current DOTS control strategy and includes six components to address TB, HIV co-infections, and multi-drug resistant TB. The strategy aims to help achieve the 2015 Partnership's targets and eliminate TB by 2015.
Researchers found combining atorvastatin with glatiramer acetate significantly improved treatment outcomes for multiple sclerosis. The study showed a synergistic effect between the two medications, leading to better control of CNS autoimmunity.
Researchers are testing rituximab to see if it can prevent the immune system from attacking the pancreas, a key component of insulin production. The study aims to reduce long-term complications associated with type 1 diabetes, such as heart disease and kidney damage.
A new study by Georgia Tech researchers confirms the link between rising sea surface temperatures and increasing hurricane strength. Sea surface temperatures are found to be the dominant influence on global and North Atlantic hurricanes, with no significant trend in wind shear or other factors over the past 35 years.
Researchers have discovered a material that exhibits similar energy scales and gaps to high-temperature superconductors despite being a non-superconductor. The finding is a new wrinkle in the ongoing quest to understand the mechanism of electron pairing, which remains a key mystery.
A study analyzing newspaper articles on neurologic diseases reveals 21% stigmatizing language and 20% medical errors or exaggerations, affecting public understanding and health care coverage. Researchers call for more mindful reporting to improve patient attitudes and overall health outcomes.
A new study describes the structure of an H5 protein from a highly pathogenic strain of H5N1 avian influenza virus, comparing it to other pandemic influenza A viruses. The research also discusses a potential route for H5N1 to mutate and acquire human specificity.
Discontinuing Plavix in patients with recently-placed stents can lead to clot formation and serious complications. Patients should discuss benefits and risks of anti-clotting medication with their healthcare provider and avoid stopping the medication on their own.
A new study by the University of Colorado at Boulder suggests that Saturn's ring spokes may become visible again by July due to changes in the planet's orbit and tilt. The spokes, which are up to 6,000 miles long, were first spotted 26 years ago but disappeared shortly after the Cassini spacecraft arrived in 2004.
Researchers found that combining immune modulating drugs can greatly reduce MS disease severity, with less myelin loss and CNS inflammation. The combination therapy utilized lower doses of each drug and promoted the secretion of anti-inflammatory molecules IL-10.
A study of 3,828 older women diagnosed with stage I or II breast cancer found that mammography rates were significantly higher among those receiving shared care, which included primary care physicians and specialists. The study suggests that this approach can lead to better quality care for breast cancer survivors.
Chromatin immunoprecipitation and DNA microarray studies reveal that the dosage compensation complex primarily targets coding sequences on the X chromosome. This finding raises important questions about the mechanisms underlying dosage compensation's selectivity.
Researchers have found that combining Lipitor with Glatiramer acetate can prevent or diminish paralysis in mice with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, a model disease closely resembling MS. The study demonstrates the potential of this combination therapy for treating central nervous system autoimmunity.
Researchers found that low-intensity electrical stimulation increased the uptake of doxorubicin in cancer cells, causing them to die even at low concentrations. This novel strategy could bypass multidrug resistance and enhance the efficacy of existing chemotherapeutic treatments.
Researchers at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health have developed a rapid and highly sensitive diagnostic test for pathogens responsible for disease outbreaks. The new test, known as MassTag PCR, can simultaneously identify multiple agents and reduce the time needed for differential diagnosis.
A study published in Ambulatory Pediatrics found that only 64% of parents with asthmatic children have complete no-smoking rules at home and car. Most caregivers reported being asked about smoke exposure by healthcare providers, but few were offered resources to help quit smoking.
A team from Penn State University and the University of Southampton has developed a new way to combine semiconductor devices with microstructured optical fibers. The resulting ability to generate and manipulate signals inside optical fibers could have applications in fields such as medicine, computing, and remote sensing devices.
Researchers at Purdue University have developed a fast chemical-analysis tool called desorption electrospray ionization (DESI) that can detect cancer, explosives and biomarkers. The technology has numerous promising uses in fields such as airport security, medical diagnostics and disease detection.
Scientists studied magma chamber pressure changes following a massive lava-dome collapse on Montserrat, finding an unprecedented increase in pressure. Another study revealed a simplified model of rock fracture dissolution, which predicts a power-law distribution of channel lengths. Additionally, researchers explored aerosol transport a...
A University of Calgary bioengineering team has successfully grown insulin-producing cells in a lab, which could lead to the production of human tissue for transplantation. The breakthrough brings the team one step closer to addressing the serious condition that requires multiple daily insulin injections.
Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology have demonstrated a novel communications network design providing dual wired/wireless transmission, significantly faster than current networks. The new architecture would reduce costs and improve services for conference centers, airports, and homes.
Denial of joint-replacement surgery to obese patients has been a policy in some UK primary-care trusts due to financial pressures. Medical professionals argue that obesity is not a valid reason for denying care to patients, as all individuals deserve equal treatment and attention.
A team of researchers has identified how botulinum toxin, commonly known as botox, enters and affects neurons. The study reveals that the toxin binds to a protein called SV2, allowing it to gain entry into nerve cells.
A life-threatening complication of the Atkins diet was reported in a case study, highlighting the risk of ketoacidosis. Low-carbohydrate diets are associated with various side effects, including ketosis, constipation, and fatigue, according to experts.
Scientists have new evidence for the 'inflation' scenario that describes the universe's sudden growth from submicroscopic to astronomical size in its first trillionth of a second. The WMAP satellite data show a faint polarization signal, which was weaker than expected, but still supports the inflation prediction.
Scientists developed research mice with ABCA1 gene mutations to study good cholesterol formation in the liver and intestines. They found that the liver produces 70-80% of HDL, while the intestines produce 20-30%, shedding new light on heart disease prevention.
The Aldo Leopold Leadership Program provides mid-career academic scientists with critical skills to communicate effectively with decision makers and the media. The fellowship program, founded in 1998, aims to improve policymaking through sound information conveyed clearly and accurately.
The European Science Foundation's Forward Look aims to develop a research strategy for higher education, examining its relationship with social and economic change. The study will also explore the need for equal opportunities and social justice in higher education.
A randomized trial in Nepal found that community-DOTS and family member DOTS were effective in meeting international TB control targets. The study suggests that these strategies can be used in other challenging regions where direct observation by health workers is not feasible.
Physicists at JILA have developed a highly sensitive tool for real-time analysis of atoms and molecules, offering unprecedented capabilities in chemistry laboratories, environmental monitoring, security, and medical offices. The technology uses an ultrafast laser-based frequency comb to precisely measure light absorption signatures, en...
A study by Ohio State University researchers discovered a set of 17 miRNAs turned off during normal megakaryocyte differentiation, creating a molecular signature for healthy platelets. In contrast, 10 miRNAs were found to be turned on in acute megakaryoblastic leukemia cells, suggesting a potential target for new therapies.