The median salary for chemists has increased to $86,900, with bachelor's degrees earning $67,200 and Ph.D.'s earning $96,000. The chemistry workforce is becoming more diverse, with female graduates receiving a higher percentage of B.S. chemistry degrees.
A new radiation technique called intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) significantly reduces painful skin burns in women with breast cancer. IMRT controls the intensity of each beam to spare nearby healthy tissue, minimizing radiation exposure and side effects.
Researchers found significant variation between individuals with depression and healthy women, particularly in the mu-opioid system involved in stress and emotions. The study suggests that these differences may predict treatment response, highlighting the need for personalized approaches to depression treatment.
A study found that children with higher intelligence at age 6 were less likely to develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) by age 17, even if they experienced traumatic events. Children with anxiety disorders and conduct problems at age 6 were more likely to develop PTSD.
Researchers discovered that present-day organisms use trace metals derived from ancient changes in ocean chemistry. Protein structures revealed a major influence of geochemistry on life, leading to diversification and complexity. The study links biology and geology, shedding light on co-evolutionary processes.
A review of Clostridium sordellii infections suggests that the connection between mifepristone and misoprostol in medically induced abortions is unclear. Despite four reported deaths, nearly 2 million European women have used mifepristone without C. sordellii infections. Further research is needed to identify factors that predispose to...
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School Medicine have successfully tested a new gene therapy vector that inhibits HIV replication. The treatment, called VRX496, has shown promising results in reducing viral loads and improving immune function in patients with chronic HIV infection.
A Swedish study found that steroid users were twice as likely to be convicted of weapons offenses and one and a half times more likely to be convicted of fraud. In contrast, there was no association between steroid use and violent crimes or property crimes.
The MIT and Cambridge University team has designed a silent aircraft that can carry 215 passengers, predicted to achieve 124 passenger-miles per gallon, almost 25% more than current aircraft. The proposed plane features an integrated flying wing design, eliminating flaps and embedding engines in the fuselage.
Researchers have identified characteristic changes in cerebrospinal fluid that may serve as biomarkers for psychosis, including schizophrenia. These findings suggest a potential new approach to understanding and treating these conditions.
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital use MRI to track muscle damage from radiation therapy in children with soft tissue cancer. The study reveals that changes in muscle images can predict the amount of long-term damage that radiation may cause, enabling clinicians to design better treatment plans.
Researchers developed radioimmunotherapy to target and kill HIV-infected cells using antibodies. By injecting radioactive antibodies into mice with deficient immune systems, the treatment successfully reduced HIV-infected cell numbers and showed promise for eradicating the virus.
Researchers found that aged mice experiencing weekly light-cycle shifts had significantly higher death rates than those on a normal daylight schedule. The study suggests that disruption of circadian rhythms can impact well-being and physiology in older animals.
A University of Alberta researcher found that people understand the dangers of bad habits but struggle to change due to factors like social norms and human defiance. The study suggests that risk communicators need to look beyond knowledge of risks to address underlying issues, such as poverty and unemployment.
A study found that one-third of Ugandan adolescents use the internet for health-related information, while another third would go online to learn about HIV/AIDS if it were free. The findings suggest initiatives improving online access and tailored content for young people could make a difference in Africa.
Researchers at Yerkes National Primate Research Center use MRI to capture images of the retina's elusive layers, revealing layer-specific changes in retinitis pigmentosa. This breakthrough technology has potential for early diagnosis and treatment of serious eye diseases.
Researchers found that maintenance treatment with escitalopram reduced recurrent depression in patients with major depressive disorder by 38%. Long-term use of the medication also showed safety and tolerance.
Researchers have exonerated Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL) as the primary virulence factor for community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) disease. The study found that CA-MRSA strains are equally effective at destroying human white blood cells with or without PVL present.
A nationwide study found that motor vehicle crashes and rider behavior are the leading causes of nonfatal school bus-related injuries in the US. Children aged 10-14 suffered the most injuries, accounting for 42% of total incidents.
A long-term study of Costa Rican children found that iron deficiency in infancy was linked to lower cognitive test scores at age 19. The gap in cognitive scores between iron-deficient and non-iron deficient teens widened to 25 points by age 19, with a wider disparity in lower socioeconomic levels.
Research highlights low self-esteem and social exclusion as major problems for ventilator-dependent children, who often create their own lifestyles and have a good quality of life despite health issues. Greater support is needed to address their aspirations and achieve good quality of life experiences.
A study led by Rush University Medical Center found the Perspecta Spatial 3D system enhances radiation treatment planning by providing a better understanding of tumor location and size. The device generates true 3D imagery, allowing for more efficient and natural visualization of anatomical and dose data.
Researchers at The Miriam Hospital are developing a new vaccination delivery strategy for teens, aiming to prevent Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) and other sexually transmitted diseases. The Boston Celtics Shamrock Foundation has provided $25,000 in funding to explore effective vaccine distribution methods among high-risk adolescents.
Up to two-thirds of women experience incontinence, which can interfere with daily activities and lead to physical health problems. Most cases can be diagnosed through office evaluation without further tests or referrals, offering relief to up to 90% of patients.
Researchers found that dried plums have high antioxidant capacity and can effectively prevent oxidation of fatty acids in meat products like sausages and roast beef. The plum puree can also enhance flavor and reduce laxative concerns when used in moderation.
Researchers suggest lamivudine as a PREP candidate due to its relative safety and ease of use. Randomized clinical trials are needed to evaluate its efficacy in preventing new HIV infections.
Mathematicians Brams, Jones, and Klamler describe a new method for cutting a cake called SP (Surplus Procedure), which ensures both parties feel they get approximately 65% of what they want. The article discusses potential uses of this method in dispute resolution and land division, and highlights its strategy-proof nature.
Researchers identify Caveolin-3 gene as key to understanding electrical imbalance in heart rhythm disorder, long QT syndrome. The mutation of this gene can trigger arrhythmia and increase risk of sudden cardiac death, highlighting the need for new treatment targets.
Researchers developed a formula that takes into account various risk factors, including age, cancer size and grade, and treatment options. The new computer tool helps doctors evaluate the potential benefit of additional radiation therapy for patients with early stage breast cancer.
A study published in Pediatrics reveals a significant increase in children's abdominal obesity, with boys experiencing a 65% rise and girls a 70% increase between 1988 and 2004. This growing trend poses serious health risks, including cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome.
A new study found that women with disabilities are less likely to undergo breast-conserving surgery after a breast cancer diagnosis. In contrast, older adults with three or more chronic diseases may not benefit from colorectal cancer screening due to shortened life expectancy.
The Kennedy Krieger Institute is establishing a Learning Disabilities Research Center to examine the causes of reading disorders in children grades three through eight. The center aims to improve literacy by developing effective educational interventions.
Researchers at UC Davis and colleagues discovered that green plants contain a bacterial toxin called lipid A, which is also found in Gram-negative bacteria. The presence of this toxin in plants challenges current knowledge about plant biology and evolution.
A randomized study found that intravenous chemoradiation was as effective as intra-arterial treatment for patients with inoperable head and neck cancer. The study compared the two treatments in 240 patients, both of which were able to control cancer growth.
A new FSU study reveals that individuals with high anxiety sensitivity are more likely to develop a clinical case of anxiety or panic disorder. This link was established through a two-year follow-up study involving 404 young adults, indicating anxiety sensitivity as a risk factor for anxiety disorders.
A Phase I study of novel gene therapy VRX496 for HIV treatment found five patients experienced decreases in viral load and stable or increased CD4 T cell counts after receiving the treatment. The trial also demonstrated the treatment's potential to restore normal immune function against other infections.
Two studies show that land surface evaporation increased during the second half of the 20th century. Researchers also found a more stable geomagnetic field with greater symmetry, while a third study analyzed the October 2005 Pakistan earthquake and found shallow slip with structural control.
A national survey found that 80.4% of participants supported comprehensive sex education programs, while 39% believed abstinence-only programs were effective. The study also revealed strong support for condom instruction among most respondents, regardless of political affiliation or religious behavior.
A new study provides a reliable way to diagnose cerebral malaria in children through changes to the retina. This discovery could greatly reduce child mortality rates from this major childhood killer.
A new study suggests that early Earth haze could have provided a substantial source of organic material useful for emerging life on the planet. The researchers found that hazy conditions could have produced a similar organic haze over a wide range of methane and carbon dioxide concentrations.
Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have developed two new techniques to attach carbon nanotubes to metal surfaces, overcoming key hurdles to using them in computer chips, displays, and sensors. The techniques use either high-temperature chemical vapor deposition or a low-temperature contact printing method, allowing for st...
A new mechanism has been discovered linking chemical emissions from ocean phytoplankton to increased cloud cover, which could impact global climate models. The study found that airborne particles produced by oxidation of the chemical isoprene may contribute to a doubling of cloud droplet concentrations.
Researchers at UCI identified natural compounds that block autoimmune T-cell activity, potentially developing new treatments for type-1 diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis. The study found the compounds suppressed autoimmune T-cell function without affecting other immune cells.
The study found that men with aggressive locally advanced prostate cancer who received additional hormones lived longer, with a 31.9% increase in survival compared to those without further hormone therapy. The benefits also extended to men with less aggressive cancers, with improved disease-free and disease-specific survival rates.
A study analyzing Saskatchewan's pertussis incidence between 1995-2005 found lower rates among children with whole-cell pertussis or a combination of whole-cell and acellular pertussis vaccines. The findings contradict recent reports, suggesting reconsidering the optimal immunization strategy against pertussis.
Dr. Stephen S. Hecht is recognized for over three decades of research on tobacco carcinogenesis, identifying nicotine's role in lung cancer formation. His work has led to the development of biomarkers for exposure to tobacco smoke and informed public policies on smoking restriction.
A new study at Ohio University sheds light on the structural materials that form the horn's characteristic shape, explaining its curved tip. The team discovered dark patches made of calcium and melanin in the middle, which harden the core and protect it from sun damage.
The Protein Structure Initiative (PSI) has established a materials repository and knowledgebase to share resources with the scientific community. The PSI-Materials Repository will store and ship clones of proteins, while the Knowledgebase will provide access to structural information and experimental details.
Household transmission accounted for 20% of SARS cases in Toronto. Risk factors included prolonged illness duration, poor hand hygiene, and inadequate respiratory protection.
Researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine successfully targeted and destroyed HIV-infected cells in mice using radioimmunotherapy. The treatment aims to eliminate the virus-infected cells that make infections chronic, potentially leading to a cure for HIV-infected patients.
A study found that 92% of ear infection cases were caused by bacteria, while 70% were caused by viruses. Viruses can impair antibiotic efficacy, leading to partial effectiveness in treating AOM.
Scientists at Harvard University have developed a computer model that can fully map and predict how small proteins fold into three-dimensional shapes. The model tracks protein folding for up to 10 microseconds, significantly longer than previous methods.
A study found that radiation after surgery and chemotherapy improves overall survival in non-small cell lung cancer patients with lymph node involvement. Patients who received radiation lived almost two years longer than those without radiation.
Connexions, a revolutionary open-source publishing platform, has received a third-phase $1.7 million grant to become more self-sustaining through new revenue streams, including book sales and licensing its platform to companies for corporate training.
A chemical-free device invented by University of Utah biologists eradicates head lice infestations on children by killing eggs and lice, a promising cure for the condition. The LouseBuster uses hot air to dry out lice and nits, making it an effective alternative to traditional chemical treatments.
Researchers found that higher doses of 74-82 Gray radiation significantly reduce the risk of prostate cancer spreading to other parts of the body, even 8-10 years after treatment. Treatment centers using IMRT or 3D conformal radiation therapy with high doses can prevent cancer spread.
A new study by Children's Hospital of Philadelphia reports that hospital costs for influenza-related admissions in children are significantly higher than previously thought, with costs ranging from $7,000 to $40,000. The study supports the economic case for annual flu vaccinations, especially for high-risk conditions.
Researchers at Purdue University found that considering all interactions among temperature, radiation, precipitation, and land use can aid humans in preparing for extreme shifts in weather patterns. They discovered that a lack of precipitation will have the most dramatic effect on living conditions in the future.
Researchers analyzed ocean water samples from four regions, identifying over 91% new DNA sequences not present in existing databases. The study found that regional differences in geography and environment select for distinct viral communities.
Research finds childhood traumatic events and emotional instability are associated with CFS, which affects daily activities and interferes with rest. Higher overall trauma scores increase the risk of CFS by 3-8 times, with emotional neglect and sexual abuse during childhood linked to worse symptoms.
A group of advocacy organizations recommends educating health professionals about decision-making, evidence evaluation, and responsible promotion practices. They aim to reduce the influence of pharmaceutical marketing on healthcare outcomes.
Researchers at Wake Forest University School of Medicine have identified changes in brain chemistry associated with post-cancer radiation-induced dementia. They found that whole-brain radiation causes changes in glutamate receptors, which may lead to cognitive deficits.
Two studies on mice found that smoking delays cartilage formation and MCL repair, leading to impaired wound healing. The delay occurs early in the healing process, but may have long-term effects.
Researchers at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh have identified interleukin-23 (IL-23) as the key molecule causing destructive lung inflammation in cystic fibrosis patients. This discovery provides a specific target for developing new therapies to improve quality of life for these patients.
A study on pigeon homing found that birds flying in pairs take more efficient routes home than alone, suggesting navigational benefits. The researchers discovered that compromise and leadership emerge from simple forces acting on the pigeons' behavior, resolving conflicts between individual preferences.
A study found that women with disabilities are less likely to receive standard breast-conserving surgery and radiation therapy after diagnosis. Despite this, they have a 29% higher risk of dying from breast cancer, indicating the need for more accessible and equitable treatment options.