A recent study assesses the effectiveness of available technologies for detecting nuclear devices at ports, highlighting significant vulnerabilities in current security measures. The authors propose an 11-layer security system and estimate a detection rate of 90% would require substantial investments.
Patients who received social support during and after a major intensive-care intervention showed reduced symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Better-perceived social support was associated with improved mental health, including lower levels of anxiety and better quality of life.
A study found that feeding babies alcoholic milk may protect against some food allergies. Kefir's friendly bacteria block the pathway involved in allergic responses, reducing IgE levels and activating cells responsible for histamine release. The research suggests kefir could be a promising tool in preventing allergies.
Juvenile hamsters on low doses of fluoxetine exhibit longer and more intense attacks compared to adults. The study suggests that brain maturity during puberty affects drug response, leading researchers to investigate potential negative effects on developing nervous systems.
A new analysis of over 5 million hospital discharges found a significant increase in kidney damage after coronary artery bypass surgery, but a decrease in mortality rate. The study suggests that current prevention strategies may not be effective and more research is needed to identify susceptible patients and effective treatments.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins have shown that transplanting human stem cells into spinal cords of rats bred to duplicate Lou Gehrig's disease delays the start of nerve cell damage typical of the disease and slightly prolongs life. The transplanted stem cells develop into nerve cells that make substantial connections with existing nerves.
A recent ESRC study found that community regeneration professionals' commitment and resilience are deeply rooted in their early life experiences. The study highlights the importance of community development activities in regeneration areas and the need for policy makers and managers to grasp the distinction between capacities and skills.
Researchers identified IRF6 as a key gene causing cleft lip and palate disorders. The team also discovered that targeting this gene during pregnancy could lead to normal skin cell development.
Researchers at UW-Madison discover 2-deoxy-glucose blocks epileptic seizures in lab rats, a potential cure for up to half of all epileptic patients. The compound works by clogging cellular enzymes, allowing the body to use alternative energy sources.
Researchers at the University of Iowa identified a crucial role for IRF6 gene in skin development, which may lead to new treatments for cleft lip and palate. The study found that IRF6 regulates keratinocyte proliferation and differentiation, shedding light on this critical cell type.
Researchers found that patients with uncontrolled high blood sugar before surgery are 6.2 times more likely to develop pulmonary embolism, a life-threatening condition. Tightening glucose control can reduce this risk and hospital stays.
Researchers at Johnson & Johnson Pharmaceutical Research & Development have discovered a new molecular mechanism underlying neuropathic pain, which may lead to the development of new treatments. The research focuses on specific types of ion channels called 'pacemaker channels' that initiate constant pain signals to the brain.
Research at Brookhaven National Laboratory found that cocaine-addicted individuals have a flattened sensitivity to relative monetary rewards, making it harder to inhibit maladaptive behavior. This altered perception of reward is linked to changes in the prefrontal cortex, a brain region essential for monitoring and controlling behavior.
A study by the University of Pittsburgh found that dopamine levels remain elevated for an hour after neurons are stimulated, suggesting new mechanisms for sustained dopamine availability. This could have important implications for treating neurological disorders related to dopamine imbalance.