A study explores the diversity of Muslims in Europe, highlighting their inability to form coherent political fronts due to decentralized Islamic structure and ethnic differences. The research suggests that Islam is not a unifying focal point for Western Europeans.
Researchers have identified a single gene mutation that predisposes individuals to herpes simplex encephalitis, an infectious disease that can cause mental retardation and death. A new treatment strategy involving type I interferon may accelerate recovery and limit brain damage.
A study published in Nature found that the reconstructed 1918 influenza virus induces a potent immune system response in mice, yet fails to prevent severe lung disease and death. Researchers hope to understand the trajectory of this infection and develop targeted therapies for other viral infections.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a new patterning method called Dip-Pen Nanolithography (DPN), which allows for the simultaneous creation of 55,000 identical nanoscale patterns on substrates. This breakthrough enables mass production of nanoscale patterns, paving the way for miniaturized gene chips and electronics.
A study by the University of Alberta links paternal airborne exposure to organic solvents used in painting, thinning and cleaning to increased risk of low birth weight and congenital birth defects. Workers exposed to these chemicals were up to six times more likely to father malformed babies.
The National High Magnetic Field Laboratory will receive a $11.7-million grant to build an innovative magnet that can generate extremely high magnetic fields using less power than traditional magnets. The new magnet will enable unique experiments in nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) to study proteins, nucleic acids, and other molecules.
Studies highlight the impact of Medicaid program reductions, including increased coverage loss and unmet healthcare needs, as well as the influence of insurance status on physician decision-making. Undiagnosed diabetes is also found to have detrimental consequences, including increased rates of nephropathy and neuropathy.
A mathematic formula has been developed to predict a woman's risk of osteoporotic fracture, accurately identifying 75% of fractures two years after initial measurements were taken. The equation takes into account various risk factors beyond bone mineral density, allowing physicians to tailor treatment strategies to prevent fractures.
A new study found that specific, informative strategies are more effective than fear-based methods in changing people's intentions and behavior. The research identified the most frequently used strategies as prompting practice, setting goals, and generating self-talk.
Two studies developed clinical models, PREMM1,2 and MMRpro, to predict the presence of mutations in MLH1 and MSH2 genes associated with Lynch syndrome. The models accurately estimated genetic risk for colorectal cancer, providing a timely tool for identifying and counseling families at risk.
Researchers found a positive association between periodontal disease and coronary heart disease, particularly in individuals under 60 with significant alveolar bone loss. The study suggests that chronic infections and inflammatory responses from periodontal disease may contribute to the development of atherosclerosis.
A new analysis technique identifies cellular damage in the brain, allowing for earlier diagnosis and intervention of Alzheimer's disease. The study found increased water content in white-matter areas and brain atrophy in patients with mild cognitive impairment.
Scientists from LANL, NIST and Albion College generated and transmitted secret quantum keys over 184.6 km of fiber-optic cable, setting a new record distance for quantum key distribution. The team used innovative sensors to detect single photons, improving the security of quantum encryption and paving the way for practical applications.
The NASA Scanning Radar Altimeter (SRA) captured detailed information on wave behavior in hurricanes, helping improve sea height forecasts. Ocean wave height responds rapidly to changes in a storm's wind speed, but the overall wave field is also driven by storm size and forward motion.
Researchers at MIT have developed a platform that enables sustained, coordinated, autonomous flight with multiple UAVs, achieving complex tasks such as persistent surveillance. The test platform consists of networked mini-UAVs that can be commanded by a single operator and operate without piloting skills.
Scientists have documented unprecedented warmth in the Arctic Ocean, with recent surges of warm water from the North Atlantic Ocean continuing to pulse into the region. This increase in warm water could lead to a warmer state in the Arctic Ocean, affecting global climate patterns.
A study found that many patients have difficulty interpreting and applying serving sizes on food labels, particularly those with poor literacy and numeracy skills. This can make it hard for patients to follow a good diet, highlighting the need for healthcare providers and the FDA to improve communication and label design.
A recent study of medical audit data found that community mammography screening results surpassed performance recommendations nationwide. The study, which analyzed over 1.1 million women's screening exams, revealed a cancer detection rate of 4.8 per 1,000 women.
A study found that inducing fast thinking can lead to feelings of happiness, energy, creativity, power, and grandiosity. The speed of cognitive processing was as important as the content of thoughts in determining mood. Researchers suggest simple manipulations of thought speed could improve mood and self-esteem.
Two new planets have been discovered by astronomers, both extremely close to their stars and estimated to be around 3,272 degrees Fahrenheit. The discovery is made possible by the transit method, which detects slight dimming of starlight as planets pass in front of their stars.
The Enabling Grids for E-sciencE (EGEE) project maintains a global Grid infrastructure that sustains over 1 million jobs per month, with clusters of PCs executing calculations worldwide. The EGEE project involves 91 institutional partners and produces a production-quality Grid middleware distribution called gLite.
The University of New Hampshire's Space Science Center will design and build the Energetic Heavy Ion Sensor (EHIS) for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) third-generation weather satellites. The instrument will monitor energetic particles in space, helping refine computer models to predict space weather events.
Scientists have created a family of novel molecules called suitanes, which consist of two or more interlocked units. The researchers successfully synthesized the simplest representative of this class of compounds, a suit[2]ane, using computer simulations and self-organization processes.
Scientists at the University of Kentucky are testing a lotion that stimulates melanin production, reducing UV damage and increasing skin protection. The treatment has promising results, offering an alternative to traditional sunless tanning products and tanning beds.
Research suggests that HIV RNA levels have limited value in predicting CD4 cell count decrease and may not be a reliable marker for disease progression. The study found that only 4-6% of the rate of CD4 cell decline can be explained by presenting plasma HIV RNA level.
Researchers developed an online questionnaire to predict an individual's chances of harboring mutations in genes linked to colon cancer. The tool is based on a five-year study of nearly 2,000 patients and can help healthcare providers identify at-risk patients for early screening.
A pilot study by Yale School of Nursing and Child Study Center found that Parent Management Training (PMT) successfully controlled moderate to severe levels of oppositional behavior in children with TS, leading to a 51% decline in disruptive behavior. The results showed significant improvement compared to the control group.
The new initiative, led by Yale University, Marsh, and Ceres, aims to educate top corporate leaders about the financial, legal, and business implications of climate change. The training program will provide insights into how companies can navigate the transformations required in their businesses due to climate change.
The study found that only 4-6% of a patient's CD4 cell loss rate can be explained by their presenting viral load, shifting the paradigm in predicting disease progression. The results suggest more complex scenarios of disease progression and hint at indirect processes through which HIV induces immune system damage.
A solar flare can cause GPS signal degradation, affecting navigation systems like those used in planes and cars. Researchers discovered this effect when a graduate student accidentally detected the impact on a receiver at Arecibo Observatory.
Experiments by Piotr Winkielman and colleagues suggest that judgments of attractiveness are influenced by the ease with which our minds process stimuli. Prototypical images are rated as more beautiful or appealing because they fall into the average of what we've seen, making them simple for our brains to recognize quickly. The research...
Researchers at Iowa State University are working with Frontline BioEnergy to develop a renewable alternative to natural gas in ethanol production. The new technology uses partial combustion of biomass to produce producer gas, which can replace natural gas in plant heaters and be upgraded into high-value fuels.
A new study reveals that coral reefs in Aceh, Indonesia, can survive devastating events like tsunamis, economic crises, and civil wars if effectively managed. Managed reefs showed significantly higher coral cover than open-access areas.
The article describes mathematical techniques used to assist cranio-maxillofacial surgeons in predicting surgical outcomes. The techniques involve modeling and solving partial differential equations to create a virtual lab for testing operative strategies.
A new prediction model, MMRpro, assesses a person's probability of carrying a particular defect in mismatch repair genes, which predisposes families to colorectal cancer. The study found that MMRpro outperformed existing assessment tools in identifying mutation carriers and predicting colon cancer risk.
A 24-week multi-center, placebo-controlled phase III trial demonstrated Contrave's superiority in weight loss compared to placebo. Patients taking Contrave experienced an average excess of 7% weight loss from baseline, while those on the placebo saw only 1% weight loss.
A Yale University study reveals that high levels of testosterone can lead to programmed cell death in nerve cells, associated with conditions like Alzheimer's disease. Elevated testosterone also triggers behavioral changes such as hyperexcitability and suicidal tendencies.
A study in Vietnam found that targeted oral azithromycin treatment increased re-infection rates of trachoma and Chlamydia trachomatis infection. The SAFE strategy, which includes antibiotics, has been criticized for its potential ineffectiveness in long-term control.
Preliminary research suggests that famotidine, a heartburn medication, can help decrease the effects of chronic heart failure by blocking a chemical reaction that damages diseased hearts. However, more testing is required to verify the results, including dosage and safety issues.
A Kent State University study develops a web-based intervention to alleviate depression in caregivers and stroke survivors through peer and professional support. The innovative program aims to improve the psychological well-being of both individuals concurrently.
Researchers at Oregon State University have developed a new technique to visualize and measure superoxide in animal cells, offering a breakthrough in understanding degenerative diseases such as Lou Gehrig's Disease, heart disease, diabetes, and aging. The discovery could significantly speed up research on these conditions.
A new metagenomic study of activated sludge wastewater treatment processes reveals key players and mechanisms behind the process. The researchers were able to obtain a nearly complete genetic blueprint for Accumulibacter phosphatis, a bacterial species essential for removing excess phosphorus from wastewater.
A systematic review of 13 clinical trials found that early, intensive statin therapy reduced cardiovascular death, unstable angina, and revascularization. The benefits were sustained for two years, with slightly less than a 20% reduction in adverse coronary events.
A large study found that Japanese adults with diabetes have a higher risk of developing certain types of cancer, including liver, kidney, and pancreatic cancers. Men with diabetes had a significantly higher risk of cancer than men without diabetes.
A new curriculum is being developed to teach data literacy to 7th grade students, focusing on water use and quality in the Middle East. The program will also test an instructional model called Preparation for Future Learning (PFL) to enhance learning outcomes.
A recent study found that African American smokers who prefer menthol cigarettes are less likely to quit smoking compared to non-menthol smokers. Despite the potential for menthol to increase harm, the study suggests that switching from menthol to non-menthol cigarettes may facilitate smoking cessation and reduce health disparities.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine report a significant increase in MRSA muscle infections in children, highlighting the need for awareness and proper treatment. The study found that more than 75% of community-acquired staphylococcal infections are now resistant to commonly used antibiotics.
Brain researchers in Göttingen have created a genetic animal model for autism, showing that neuroligins ensure signal transmission between nerve cells. The study reveals that autistic patients often lack mature synapses due to mutations in the genes carrying building instructions for proteins in the neuroligin family.
The National Science Foundation has awarded Cornell a $3.3 million grant to increase the percentage of women faculty members in science and engineering departments over the next five years. The goal is to reach 20% women faculty by 2011, with an ultimate objective of having one-third of science and engineering faculty be women by 2015.
Researchers found that investor relations professionals give less information to analysts with unfavorable stock recommendations, hindering their ability to forecast earnings accurately. The study suggests that Regulation Fair Disclosure has reduced exclusionary tactics against analysts who issue negative reports.
A study found that less than one-third of gastric cancer patients had adequate lymph node assessments, leading to compromised survival. Median survival in regions with the highest ALNA rate was 33 months, while in regions with the lowest rate it was only 17 months.
A study found that physicians prescribed new medications without adequately explaining key information, including side effects and dosing instructions. Patients who receive complete instructions are more likely to adhere to treatment plans.
The Open Science Grid Consortium has received a five-year, $30 million award from the National Science Foundation and Department of Energy's Office of Science to operate and expand its computing environment. The OSG enables scientists to share and analyze petabytes of data from around the world.
The CDF collaboration at Fermilab has discovered the rapid transitions between matter and antimatter in the B-sub-s meson, confirming predictions by the Standard Model. The oscillation rate of 3 trillion per second sheds light on the universe's fundamental nature, challenging existing models of supersymmetry.
African-American women with advanced/recurrent endometrial cancer had worse disease presentation and lower survival rates compared to Caucasian women. After controlling for clinical features and treatment, African-Americans survived significantly fewer months, suggesting socioeconomic and cultural factors may influence disease outcome.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison is leading a five-year, $30 million program to operate and expand the Open Science Grid, tapping into thousands of processors distributed across more than 30 universities and federal research laboratories. The project aims to lower the barrier to individual scientists using advanced computing.
Researchers used carnivorous pitcher plant food webs to study habitat loss effects on species abundance. Trophic interactions, such as predator-prey relationships, dominated abundance predictions, unlike previous modeling frameworks that relied on habitat contraction or keystone species effects.
Researchers found that 58% of older hospital patients had problems eating, with difficulties opening food, using cutlery, and finding comfortable eating positions. The study highlights the need for greater support, fewer interruptions, and more sensitive care at mealtimes to prevent malnutrition and promote healthy recovery.
Researchers at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center have identified a new molecular pathway that helps breast cancer cells survive. The pathway involves estrogen, BCA3 protein, and SIRT1, and has potential as a target for chemotherapy enhancement.
The journal features articles on integrative cancer therapies combining conventional and alternative medicine. It has generated significant media attention and will receive its first Impact Factor in 2008 Journal Citation Reports.