A new Stanford University School Medicine study finds that nearly as many men as women experience compulsive buying disorder, which is marked by binge buying and financial hardship. The study's findings contradict the widespread belief that most compulsive buyers are women.
Researchers discovered that Ets1/2 transcription factor controls early heart formation in the sea squirt Ciona intestinalis. The signaling molecule FGF also plays a crucial role in this process.
A recent European survey of post-menopausal women with early breast cancer found that information needs are not being met, leading to low levels of patient involvement in treatment decisions. The survey revealed significant knowledge divides among patients, particularly older women and those with lower education levels.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center identified the SOX2 gene as crucial for taste bud development, revealing its role in stem cell transformation and cellular differentiation. The findings may lead to a better understanding of developmental disorders and provide insights into how stem cells operate in adults.
Australian and South African sites selected as top contenders to host the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) radio telescope, with low man-made signals a key requirement. Both countries' sites offer stable ionospheric conditions and a good view of the southern sky, ideal for detecting cosmic radio waves.
Researchers at NIST have measured the Einstein-de Haas effect in a ferromagnetic thin film, shedding light on magnetization dynamics and g-factor calculations. The study provides a proof-of-concept for using this effect to determine critical material properties for data storage and spintronics applications.
International experts issue checklists to address the interests of the world's most disadvantaged during a pandemic. The Bellagio Statement of Principles aims to improve public health planning and response with the needs of poor groups in mind.
The HLPR Chair system provides powered mobility and allows patients to move to and from beds, chairs, and toilets without assistance. It reduces caregiver and patient injuries through its lifting ability and center of gravity management.
New NIST study reveals portable radios can't withstand high-temp fires without protective gear, posing communication risks to firefighters. Radios inside pockets or gear fared better, but exposed components failed quickly.
A study conducted at the University of California, Davis found that contrast-enhanced sonography accurately depicted 91% of liver, spleen, or renal injuries, outperforming non-contrast enhanced sonography.
A new study has discovered that people with tone deafness lack white matter in the right inferior frontal gyrus, a key area for musical skills. The findings have implications for understanding normal music acquisition and diagnosing this lifelong disability.
A Georgetown University researcher warns of a growing epidemic of hookah smoking, citing equivalent toxic effects to cigarette smoking and a disproportionate impact on young women. Studies show that waterpipe tobacco smoke can penetrate deeper into the respiratory tract than cigarette smoke, increasing cancer risk.
A new study by Queen's University biologist Virginia Walker has discovered a way to isolate bacteria that can create better ice cream and artificial snow from soil in more temperate environments. The technique, called ice affinity selection, involves forming an 'ice finger' to select for bacteria that gather on the surface of ice.
A recent study found that adults infected with the common cold virus easily transferred the virus to 35% of surfaces touched, and even to an uninfected person by fingertips 18 hours after initial contamination. The virus was also found on a third of objects and surfaces in hotel rooms.
Researchers have identified a protein, STM3117, that helps Salmonella evade immune cells, allowing the bacteria to multiply inside macrophages. The discovery presents a promising target for developing new drugs, vaccines, and rapid diagnostics to combat food poisoning caused by Salmonella.
Researchers discovered that a dissolved form of manganese can keep toxic hydrogen sulfide zones in check by reacting with oxygen and hydrogen sulfide. This finding alters the understanding of manganese aqueous geochemistry and has implications for waterways like the Black Sea and Chesapeake Bay.
Researchers found that adults infected with rhinovirus, the cause of half of all colds, can contaminate hotel room objects, leaving an infectious gift for others. The study, conducted in hotel rooms, shows that viruses can survive on surfaces for at least a day.
A population-based surveillance study found that treatment with Tamiflu (oseltamivir) significantly reduced mortality from seasonal influenza in severely ill adults. The study, conducted in Ontario, Canada, showed a 71% reduction in death from influenza among treated patients.
The Iraqi public demonstrates the highest levels of intolerance to foreigners, with extraordinarily high levels of ethnic solidarity. Despite this, a majority of Iraqis (85%) believe democracy is the best form of government and their commitment seems genuine.
A new study by the American Academy of Family Physicians recommends a 39% increase in family physicians to address the growing health care needs of Americans. The report asserts that without reform, millions will struggle to access high-quality primary care.
Researchers at UGA have discovered a species-specific cell-wall carbohydrate in B. anthracis, making it an important target for diagnostic tests and potential vaccine additives. The molecule's unique structure could help develop new vaccines and diagnostics to combat anthrax.
The efficacy of AVELOX in treating complicated intra-abdominal infections was highlighted at ICAAC. The study showed that once-daily AVELOX monotherapy was as effective as combination therapy, with overall clinical cure rates of 80.9% and comparable duration of therapy.
The Living While Black index combines economic, social, and health factors to assess the quality of life for African Americans. Religiosity serves as a buffer, reducing the impact of stressors. Economic factors like poverty rates and business sales negatively affect quality of life.
A study found that patients who exercised prior to hip and knee replacement required significantly less inpatient rehabilitation, walking more than 50 feet at discharge. The exercise program improved lower-extremity muscle strength and function before and after surgery.
A new study published in Arthritis Care & Research found that weight training did not improve knee strength in patients with osteoarthritis, but may slow progression of joint space narrowing on X-rays. Patients who participated in strength training showed less joint space narrowing than those in a range-of-motion regimen.
Duke University researchers developed a computer model to predict the effectiveness of various microbicidal recipes in destroying HIV before it reaches body tissues. The study found that a thin coating of microbicide delivered to the vagina can significantly reduce HIV transmission.
Researchers analyzed nine trials involving 693 patients and found that treatment with calcium-channel blockers or alpha blockers increased the chances of passing urinary stones by 65%, making these medications an effective alternative to surgery.
A large collaborative effort has made publicly available genetic data for Parkinson's research, providing new opportunities for future studies. The data includes genotypes from hundred of patients and healthy controls, which may help identify common genetic variability that results in minor and moderate risk for disease.
Government laboratories can quickly analyze radioactive samples but with variable accuracy and quality control procedures. The NIST tests found that measurement capability is generally accurate within 30% of the expected value.
A McGill University study found no difference in time for men and women to reach peak arousal, contrary to previous assumptions. The use of thermal imaging technology allows for minimally invasive measurement of sexual arousal rates.
Women under 45 who have both ovaries removed are at higher risk of death from hormone-related cancers and neurological diseases. The risk increases with age, suggesting that oestrogen may be protective at younger ages but less important after menopause.
A University of Rochester study found that African Americans and Latinos are more likely to over-report their last preventive screening test, potentially harming their health. The research highlights the need for accurate tracking of ethnic disparities in healthcare.
A University of Colorado study found that winds in the polar upper stratospheric vortex led to record amounts of ozone-destroying nitrogen oxide gases in March 2006. This could have unanticipated climate consequences due to the destruction of ozone, which heats up the stratosphere.
A study published in The Lancet found that weight gain during the interpregnancy period is strongly associated with major maternal and perinatal complications. Women who gained 3 or more BMI units were at increased risk of stillbirth, large-for-gestational-age births, and caesarean delivery.
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have discovered a new compound that inhibits angiogenesis, a process essential for tumor growth. The compound, called NK-B, works by preventing the production of vascular endothelial growth factor and reducing receptor molecules that respond to VEGF.
The National Science Foundation has renewed and increased funding for the National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis (NCEAS) at UC Santa Barbara. The center will receive $18.4-million over five years, with an additional $2.6-million to advance research on managing complex ecological information.
Rural India sees a shift from infectious to chronic diseases as the leading cause of death. Cardiovascular disease and injuries now account for over 50% of deaths in rural areas.
Researchers discovered that parasitic plants like Cuscuta pentagona sense and respond to volatile chemicals emitted by potential host plants. They found that dodder seedlings grew towards tomato plants in a specific direction, indicating a directed growth response.
A study by University of Virginia professor Angeline Lillard found that Montessori students excel in reading, math, executive function, and social skills. They showed greater creativity, emotional positivity, and community involvement compared to traditional school peers.
A new University of Florida study finds that live oaks are dying off as they are crowded and overshadowed by the encroachment of taller trees, threatening their survival. The study's co-authors mapped crown densities in Alachua County, Florida, revealing that sweet gum, black cherry, and magnolia are among the culprits.
A recent study found that nearly one in five stroke survivors suffer from depression, with only 22% of those taking antidepressants being effective. Researchers hope to increase identification and treatment by educating physicians, patients, and families about the risk of depression after stroke.
Researchers have developed a technique to isolate bacteria that interact with ice, leading to the discovery of species with properties such as Ice Recrystallisation Inhibition (IRI) and temperature-modifying abilities. These findings hold potential for applications in industries like snow-making and waste-water purification.
A study conducted at the University of Messina found that high-resolution CT can accurately diagnose medial tibial stress syndrome, also known as shin splints, in distance runners. The study evaluated 41 subjects and found CT abnormalities in all painful tibiae of patients with shin splints.
A comprehensive study of 2,128 individuals found that openness to surgery and higher education level significantly influenced the likelihood of undergoing joint replacement surgery. Education was a key factor in increasing willingness to consider TJA, regardless of socioeconomic status or disability.
Astronomers used VISIR instrument to map infrared disc around young, massive star HD 97048, finding it at least 12 times larger than Neptune's orbit. The disc is flared and contains a large amount of gas, potentially hosting planetary embryos.
The Heart Rhythm Society has published final recommendations for pacemaker and ICD performance, emphasizing greater transparency and patient safety. The guidelines include specific guidance for physicians, manufacturers, FDA officials, and Congress to prevent adverse events due to device malfunctions.
A three-step prompting procedure, implemented consistently, significantly improves preschool child compliance. Instructors using the method report improved results when following a consistent approach, with children responding to instructions more effectively.
Scientists at Lehigh University are studying single-walled CNTs wrapped with single-stranded DNA to improve sorting and placement. The DNA-CNT hybrid has proven effective in dispersion and holds promise for aiding in the critical task of placing tubes on substrates.
A study by Hans-Werner Sinn suggests that Germany's export boom is causing structural changes away from labor-intensive sectors towards capital-intensive export sectors, leading to high value-added exports but declining jobs. The country needs fundamental reforms to make its labor market more flexible.
A new gene expression-based chemical genomic approach has identified potent inhibitors of androgen receptor signaling, including celastrol and gedunin, which may overcome prostate cancer treatment resistance. Additionally, rapamycin has been found to potentially reverse glucocorticoid resistance in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
Scientists recorded digitally-tagged narwhal vocalizations, revealing individually-distinctive pulsed/tonal signals and whistles. The findings suggest that these sounds may facilitate individual recognition or reunion with more distant group members.
Researchers found radiofrequency ablation effective in achieving local control in selected patients with advanced ovarian cancer. The procedure resulted in complete necrosis in five of six patients, with no evidence of recurrence after treatment.
An international team, led by UCLA's Roel Ophoff, is conducting a four-year study on schizophrenia that will analyze the human genome of approximately 850 Dutch patients and 750 control subjects to pinpoint related genes. This approach aims to separate false clues from true genetic variants associated with the disorder.
A Yale University study reveals leptin's powerful effect on the brain's reward center, impacting appetite regulation. The hormone suppresses dopamine neurons in the ventral tegmental area, linked to behaviors like obesity, drug addiction, and impulsivity.
Researchers from Oxford University have identified a 'vicious triangle' in the way central government assesses performance and need, leading to a Catch-22 situation for public service providers. This contradictory regime governs local authorities, causing confusion and inconsistent funding outcomes.
A study published in BMC Health Services Research reveals ethnic disparities in preventive screening procedures are larger when estimated using Medicare claims, with the exception of PSA testing. Despite adjusting for various factors, minorities tend to report higher rates of receiving preventive procedures without a submitted claim.
Over 3 million women in poor countries have unrepaired vesicovaginal fistulas, with 130,000 new cases developing annually in African nations. Specialist fistula repair centers are urgently needed to address this devastating complication of pregnancy.
Scientists have successfully mapped the chemical composition of lipid membranes at the nanoscale, shedding light on their dynamic behavior and structural organization. This breakthrough uses Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (SIMS) to analyze membrane components, offering new insights into cell function and vulnerability to viruses.
Researchers have developed a way to image cell membranes with record resolution, shedding light on their chemical composition and organization. This breakthrough allows for high-sensitivity analysis of biological samples on a nanoscale, providing new insights into cellular function and behavior.
Researchers at USC Viterbi School of Engineering have developed a method to use entangled photons as part of the message stream, allowing for the use of highly efficient turbo codes. This breakthrough enables quantum computing systems to operate close to theoretical limits of efficiency.