A new software program developed by UCLA radiologists and Siemens Medical Solutions allows experts to operate MRI machines remotely via the Internet. The quality of remote scans was found to be superior to onsite scans performed by less experienced technologists, offering options for regions with limited medical staff and expertise.
Researchers at Columbia University Medical Center found that elevated inflammatory biomarkers, such as Lp-PLA2 and hs-CRP, are associated with increased risk of recurrent stroke and mortality after a first stroke. The study's findings may lead to the use of prophylactic treatments to reduce stroke risk in people with elevated biomarkers.
Researchers found a significant association between the GAD1 gene and the development of alcoholism in Han Taiwanese men. The study suggests that defects in GABA synthesis may contribute to increased alcohol consumption, leading to dependence. Further exploration of GABA's role in alcoholism may lead to new treatment strategies.
Researchers found that freezing and delaying embryo transfer reduces severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome and its life-threatening consequences, resulting in better overall outcomes. The study analyzed medical records of 1,002 patients who underwent IVF between 2000 and 2004.
A recent discovery in Syria has uncovered an ancient mortuary complex containing human and animal remains, gold, and silver treasures. The site, dated to the third millennium B.C., suggests a royal cemetery with signs of ritual sacrifice, including infant and animal remains.
A new research project will investigate how prenatal and childhood environmental factors affect mental well-being, including exposure to maternal stress during pregnancy and childhood separation from parents.
New measurements reveal that traditional cook stoves produce twice as much smoke particles as previously thought, leading to a significant impact on global climate change. The researchers found that these dark particles have a climate warming effect due to their ability to absorb solar energy and heat the atmosphere.
The study found that virtual colonoscopy can detect polyps and cancers, but also reveals findings outside the colon that require additional testing, adding significant costs
Researchers found a reduction in total hippocampus volume among adult male veterans with a history of heavy drinking, suggesting injury to the brain structure. The study's results may explain some memory impairment and cognitive deficits observed in chronic alcoholics.
Researchers discovered a decrease in neuron density in the orbitofrontal cortex among alcoholics, which may lead to decision-making and emotional behavioral issues. The findings suggest that continued alcohol abuse results in irreversible neuronal loss, emphasizing the importance of stopping alcohol consumption.
A recent study by Dartmouth researchers found that individuals with a specific genetic variation in their ODC gene are more likely to benefit from aspirin use in preventing colon cancer. These individuals were 23% less likely to develop new adenomas and 49% less likely to develop more advanced lesions.
A study of 578 children and adolescents with developmental disabilities found that behavioral and emotional problems persisted into young adulthood. The prevalence of psychopathology decreased over time, but severity remained similar across mild to severe disability levels.
A team of researchers has developed a new method for targeting malignant brain tumors by inducing cancerous cells to commit suicide. The technique uses a molecule containing long, double-stranded RNA attached to epidermal growth factor (EGF) and delivered selectively to cells with high EGF receptors.
A Lehigh University scientist is working to achieve a resolution of a single DNA base using force spectroscopy and chemistry. The goal is to develop a low-cost tabletop setup for use in general biology or hospital laboratories.
A recent study published in Western Journal of Nursing Research found that about 30% of binges occur at restaurants, contradicting the perception that binge eating takes place in private. Restaurant eating habits contribute to the development of obesity, as large portion sizes and frequent dining out can lead to excessive calorie intake.
A recent study found that victims of childhood abuse tend to transfer their feelings towards their abusive parent to new people, leading to negative reactions. This 'transference' can affect adult relationships and highlight the importance of understanding the long-term impact of childhood trauma.
Researchers found that some viruses, like the human polyomavirus JCV, may be evolving at higher rates than previously assumed. The virus is traditionally used as a genetic marker for human migration and evolution, but its reliability has been called into question by this new study.
Researchers found that non-white patients, Medicaid recipients, and uninsured individuals were less likely to receive care at high-volume hospitals for certain procedures. The study highlights the need to address disparities in patient access to improve surgical quality of care.
Researchers at the University of Alaska Fairbanks are studying religiosity in northern Russia over the last two decades to understand how people deal with rapid social change. The project, led by Patty Gray, will explore the role of religion and spirituality in this context.
Researchers at Brown University use a kitchen table physics experiment to study supersolid helium, finding evidence of its behavior in 3 out of 13 trials. The team suggests that a layer of superfluid helium only a single molecule thick forms at grain boundaries, creating a path for movement through the solid.
Researchers at the Mayo Clinic have developed a novel method to digitally capture and analyze colonoscopy video files, extracting objective quality metrics. The study also found adalimumab effective in inducing remission in patients with moderate to severe Crohn's disease.
Researchers at the University of Washington developed an implantable electronic chip that induces brain changes in monkeys lasting more than a week. The device strengthens weak connections in the motor cortex, which may have potential in rehabilitating patients with brain injuries or paralysis.
Researchers used emus to decipher dinosaur tracks at the Red Gulch Dinosaur Tracksite in Wyoming. The birds' behavior revealed that dinosaurs likely stopped and observed their environment while walking, resolving a mysterious 'crossing over' track pattern.
A study by Sheffield Hallam University found that middle class residents impose their tastes on the housing field, while working-class residents are limited to poorer areas. The 'tyranny of suburbia' is characterized by the dominance of middle class suburbanites, who are able to move up the housing chain through their economic means.
The University of Arizona has received a $3.5 million grant from the National Science Foundation to improve advanced math education and train more professionals. The VIGRE program will vertically integrate mathematics training, increasing collaborations between students and faculty across different levels of training.
Scientists have proposed a new theory that combines deadly sudden catastrophes (pulses) with longer, steadier pressures on species (presses) to explain Earth's mass extinctions. The Press/Pulse theory suggests that these combined events are necessary for big extinctions to occur.
Researchers studying ancient zircon crystals and river sediments discovered the Amazon River once flowed east-to-west, reversing its current direction. The finding dates back to around 1.3-2.1 billion years ago, during the Cretaceous Period.
The American Society of Reproductive Medicine recommends limiting embryo transfers during in-vitro fertilization procedures to one, reducing the risk of complications for both mother and fetus. The goal is to decrease higher-order multiple gestations and their associated preterm birth risks.
Geologists at Rutgers University have created three hands-on demonstrations to explain how volcanoes form and evolve. These interactive activities captivate kids while providing a solid foundation for studying earth science in high school. The demos show the actual forces that caused Mt. St. Helens and Kilauea eruptions.
Researchers have found that a neurotransmitter pathway in the skin, involving substance P and its related receptor, may play a key role in temperature regulation. By blocking this pathway, they found reduced blood flow to the skin, suggesting more than one mechanism is involved in regulating body temperature.
A team of UCLA researchers has developed a new three-dimensional imaging technique that tracks the spread of Alzheimer's disease through the hippocampus. The study reveals distinct patterns of atrophy in specific brain regions, shedding light on the progression of the disease.
A special issue of Yale's Journal of Industrial Ecology highlights the most impactful products on the environment, with 70-80% of damage attributed to automobiles, air transport, food, and energy use. The research informs environmental improvement programs and policy decisions globally.
Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine identified an enzyme that degrades a key component of brain plaques characteristic of Alzheimer's disease. The enzyme, matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9), breaks down abnormally aggregated proteins known as amyloid fibrils, which are the main ingredient of brain plaques.
Research suggests that teenage brains can quickly adapt to the effects of alcohol, leading to a disconnect between behavioral and physiological responses. This may result in teenagers being less impaired by alcohol but also more likely to engage in binge drinking, which poses significant risks to brain development.
A survey of nearly 4,500 people found that 75% had experienced victimization and 64% had engaged in illegal or shady practices. The researchers argue that neo-liberal market reforms have fostered a culture of cynicism and selfishness, eroding traditional values such as the rule of law and trust in institutions.
A study found that black, Asian, and Hispanic patients, as well as uninsured individuals, are less likely to undergo complex surgery at high-volume hospitals. High-volume hospitals have been associated with better outcomes for certain procedures.
Researchers have developed a remote-control mechanism for controlling an MRI machine via the internet, resulting in superior image quality compared to traditional onsite scanning. This technology enables specialized skills in MRI to be implemented remotely, improving patient care and accessibility.
A new study by Oregon State University researchers found that cougar predation has a significant impact on the environment, leading to severe ecological damage and loss of biodiversity in Zion National Park. The 'trophic cascade' effect, where the decline of a major predator leads to changes in herbivore populations and behavior, is ev...
A new study found that even skin tone is associated with higher ratings for attractiveness and health, while uneven skin tone leads to older perceptions. The research used three-dimensional imaging and morphing software to analyze facial skin color distribution in 169 Caucasian women.
African-American women have the highest mortality rate for idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH), according to a new study. The study found that racial disparities exist in IPAH mortality and morbidity, with African-American women exhibiting the highest mortality rate when compared with all other groups.
The Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2 investigates nutrient-based factors influencing AMD progression. Dr. Yu-Guang He hopes the study will resolve the potential benefit of supplements for AMD, which affects nearly 7 million Americans.
A study of 79 patients diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and compulsive hoarding syndrome found that serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SRI) medication, paroxetine, significantly improved symptoms. Compulsive hoarding is a psychiatric disorder characterized by failure to discard objects due to anxiety and excessive clutter.
A large safety study found that the flu vaccine is not associated with an increased risk of serious conditions in young children. The study analyzed data on over 45,000 children who received the trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine between 1991 and 2003.
A new study from Harvard Medical School and Brown Medical School shows that racial disparities in care cannot be attributed to low-performing health plans. The research found that high-performing plans and low-performing plans have comparable levels of disparities in key health measures.
Researchers at MPI-CBG defined the distance between Kinesin-1 and microtubules, explaining how it avoids collisions. This finding sheds light on refined motor proteins' ability to navigate cells efficiently.
Researchers at Brown University have identified a peptide that can spur cargo transport in nerve cells, shedding light on the complex intracellular transport system inside nerve cells. The discovery could help scientists better understand nerve cell function and test possible therapies for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's.
A study of over 800 twin pairs found that premature ovarian failure was three to five times greater in twins at ages 40 and 45 compared to the general population. This finding applies to both identical and non-identical twins, with a significant association observed between twin disparities in menopausal ages.
A study published in JAMA found that black patients in Medicare managed care health plans experience poorer treatment outcomes for common conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol. The disparity in quality of care was largely attributed to within-plan disparities rather than differences across health plans.
A recent study from Brown Medical School and Harvard Medical School found significant racial disparities in Medicare managed care plans, even among high-performing plans. Blacks were more likely to have poor control of cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels compared to whites.
Researchers have developed a technique to measure precise conditions for electrically polarized ultrathin materials, revealing the ferroelectric state in next-generation memory chips and devices. The study shows that these materials can retain their properties at room temperature with thicknesses as thin as 4 nanometers.