Researchers discovered that releasing reservoir water to recharge natural aquifers can help cities survive droughts with full production from municipal wells. This technique may become crucial for areas experiencing reduced inflow due to changing water uses or climate change, such as the city of Las Vegas, NM, and parts of California.
A transfusion-free surgical program for Jehovah's Witness patients undergoing liver transplantation has significantly reduced the overall use of blood products for non-Jehovah's Witnesses. The program's implementation led to lower mean number of intraoperative PRBC and FFP transfusions, as well as decreased procedure cost.
The MIT researcher's design allows for the installation of huge offshore wind turbines in deeper waters, reducing public opposition and increasing electricity production. The floating platforms can be assembled onshore, towed out to sea, and adjusted to stabilize the turbines, resulting in cost savings and improved efficiency.
A new formula developed by doctors at the University of Rochester Medical Center reduces farsightedness among LASIK patients, making it more likely to get vision right the first time. The formula takes into account various imperfections in the eye that were not previously known to exist.
Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center have discovered that carbon monoxide can reverse symptoms of pulmonary arterial hypertension by arresting smooth muscle cell growth and inducing apoptosis. The gas works with nitric oxide to target problematic cells, offering a potential new therapy for the debilitating condition.
A study by Baylor College of Medicine found that early identification and treatment of hearing loss in children with bacterial meningitis can minimize its impact on social interactions. Children suffering from the Streptococcus form of meningitis were more likely to experience hearing loss.
The study reveals that the introduction of tributyltin as a biocide in boat paint led to a sudden loss of aquatic vegetation from most Norfolk Broads lakes. The ecosystem remains shattered despite efforts to restore it.
Researchers discovered that fruit flies missing the Gr66a protein consume caffeine as if it were not bitter due to their inability to detect its taste. This finding sheds light on how animals perceive bitterness and has implications for understanding caffeine-induced behavior in other organisms, including humans.
Researchers found that more people with AIDS died from common causes in 2004 compared to 1999. A survey of gay men revealed a significant gap between self-identified straight men who have sex with men and their actual behavior.
A defective protein transport pathway in zebrafish has been linked to severe skeletal deformities and craniofacial defects. The discovery provides a new animal model for studying the rare human syndrome CLSD, which shares strikingly similar defects.
Researchers found that short-term application of topical corticosteroids followed by maintenance treatment with a less potent agent can effectively manage intertriginous psoriasis. The study also showed that 0.1 percent betamethasone was more effective than 1 percent pimecrolimus in reducing symptoms.
A study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology found that helical high-resolution multi-detector CT (MDCT) is more effective than conventional high-resolution CT in detecting bronchiectasis. The new technique can identify abnormal airways with greater accuracy, but at a higher radiation dose.
A study published in Current Biology found that the brain's premotor cortex displays the same activity pattern when subjects watch an action as when they hear a verbal description of the same action. This suggests a strong mental link between talk and action.
A study of 71 mother-child pairs found that low maternal education, unfamiliar foods, and younger child age predict more prompting from the mother. Conversely, obese mothers tend to have children who comply with food prompts less frequently, suggesting a need for tailored eating behaviors.
Researchers found an association between low blood lead levels and increased risk of death from cardiovascular disease and stroke. Blood lead levels as low as 2 μg/dL were linked to higher risks of death from these causes, affecting all groups studied.
A Florida Institute of Technology professor has earned a $177,000 grant over three years to investigate the historic carbon balance of Andean vegetation and soils. The researchers will use fossil pollen and charcoal evidence from lake sediments to reconstruct past changes in vegetation and determine fire.
The University of Arizona has been awarded a $3.3 million grant from the National Science Foundation to increase women's participation in science and engineering careers. The five-year project aims to address subtle discrimination that hinders women's advancement in these fields.
Researchers from IDIBAPS and Queensland University discovered that caveolin-1 and lipid droplets are essential for liver regeneration. The protein allows hepatocytes to accumulate energetic reserves and start the genetic machinery for division. Without it, mice are unable to regenerate their liver tissue.
A study at the University of Chicago Medical Center found that short or poor quality sleep is associated with reduced control of blood-sugar levels in African Americans with diabetes. The research suggests that improving sleep duration and quality may be an inexpensive way to improve health outcomes for patients with type 2 diabetes.
Researchers have deepened understanding of mirror neurons' role in empathy, social behavior, and language acquisition. The studies found that mirror neurons play a key role in mental re-enactment of actions when linguistic descriptions are conceptually processed.
Researchers at the University of Illinois developed MultiSeq, a free software that analyzes sequence and structure data to investigate changes in proteins and nucleic acids. This allows scientists to gain insight into fundamental questions like the origin of life and develop resistance to antibiotics.
Patients with end-stage renal disease have a significantly shorter life expectancy after ICD implantation, highlighting the need for continued research on prevention and treatment strategies. The study calls into question the survival benefit of ICDs in patients with kidney disease who meet current implant indications.
Researchers at Iowa State University are working on a project to improve the performance of thin-film solar cells by 40-50% using non-crystalline silicon wafers. The discovery could result in several patents and give companies like PowerFilm Inc. a significant advantage in the market.
Research from the University of North Carolina finds that low adrenomedullin hormone levels may cause preeclampsia and other pregnancy complications. Pregnant mice with reduced adrenomedullin levels had smaller litter sizes, overcrowded embryo spacing, and poor fetal growth.
A new study found that moderate consumption of Cabernet Sauvignon reduces AD-type â-amyloid neuropathology and memory deterioration in mice. The findings support epidemiological evidence suggesting moderate wine consumption may help prevent Alzheimer's clinical dementia.
Researchers analyzed temperature and salinity data from sensors along the Southern California coast to detect changes in water quality. They found that fluctuations in sensor data correlate with changes in water quality, allowing for near real-time detection methods.
Functional rhinoplasty techniques improve nasal airway function by addressing septal deviation, valve collapse and turbinate hypertrophy. Surgical procedures significantly reduce patient scores indicating improved nasal obstruction severity, with similar rates of improvement seen across different techniques.
A new study published in PLOS Pathogens suggests that doxycycline can reduce the pathology of lymphatic filariasis by targeting Wolbachia bancrofti. The treatment shows promise as an ameliorating option for individuals with adult worms, potentially providing relief from debilitating swelling and genital areas.
Researchers at Northwestern University have found that hematopoietic stem cells can transform into a wide variety of tissue types, not just blood cells. Additionally, the elasticity of a stem cell's environment plays a major role in determining its growth, with softer environments producing nerve-like cells and more rigid environments ...
A recent analysis found that over 17% of adults in the US reported trouble sleeping or insomnia, with 4.5% using complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) to treat their condition. The most common types of CAM used were biologically based therapies and mind-body therapies.
A specific taste receptor, Gr66a, has been identified as responsible for the detection of caffeine's bitter taste in fruit flies. The receptor plays a crucial role in mediating caffeine's perception and is also involved in the processing of other methylxanthines.
Researchers at MIT have identified a class of chemical molecules that preserve the metallic properties of carbon nanotubes, enabling them to be assembled and manipulated without losing conductivity. This breakthrough has potential applications in detectors, sensors, and optoelectronics.
Researchers at UCSD School of Medicine have reconstructed the signaling pathways that regulate activation of glycoprotein IIb-IIIa, a critical receptor in platelet function. The study provides a powerful tool for studying therapeutic targets and developing new antithrombotic drugs.
Research reveals that a specific receptor gene's variation affects perception of bitter compounds in plants, such as glucosinolates found in broccoli. This study supports the idea that evolution shaped human taste preferences to avoid thyroid-inhibiting compounds.
A global study has shown a clear association between kidney cancer incidence rates and proximity to the equator, suggesting that UVB exposure triggers vitamin D production. Countries near the equator have lower kidney cancer rates, while those farther away have higher rates, indicating a potential protective effect of sunlight exposure.
Stevens Professor K.P. Subbalakshmi receives a NSF Cyber Trust Program grant to develop secure low-power wireless technology through error-resilient encryption and power-adaptive design.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic found that the protein p120 catenin can both suppress and promote metastasis, depending on its interaction with cadherin proteins. The study suggests that a future designer drug could block the beginning of metastasis or stop it once it starts.
Researchers identified risk factors associated with hearing loss in children with bacterial meningitis, including Streptococcus pneumoniae meningitis. Length of hospitalization, seizures, and cerebrospinal fluid protein levels were significant predictors for hearing loss.
Individuals with sleep-related breathing disorders are significantly more likely to develop depression, especially those with moderate or worse disorders. The study found a dose-response association between sleep-related breathing disorder and depression, suggesting a causal link between the conditions.
A computer model of the stomach revealed a narrow path, dubbed the Magenstrasse, where food exits rapidly and particles are processed differently. This discovery may explain observed high variability in drug initiation time and have important implications for drug delivery and digestion.
Physicists at Brown University used magnetic fields to manipulate gravity and study paramecium behavior in water. The study found that by altering the gravitational force, paramecia swam differently under high gravity, zero gravity, or even reverse gravity conditions.
A study of 161 African-Americans with type 2 diabetes found that poor sleep quality and quantity were associated with higher HbA1c levels, indicating poorer blood glucose control. The results suggest that optimizing sleep duration and quality may improve glucose control in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Astronomers have discovered a small brown dwarf star orbiting a Sun-like star with a planet, revealing a new class of coldest brown dwarfs called T dwarfs. The team also found another smaller brown dwarf in the same system, which may be the youngest known T dwarf, providing a snapshot of early brown-dwarf development.
A national survey of 31,044 adults found that approximately 4.5% of those with insomnia reported using complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) to treat their condition. CAM therapies were used by 65% of respondents who sought biological methods, such as herbal medicines and diet interventions.
Researchers found that bluegill sunfish larvae preferentially associate with the odor of siblings they've never encountered before. This ability provides compelling evidence for the use of kin recognition through a process in which individuals match their own physical characteristics to those of others.
A New York City analysis found that non-HIV-related deaths among people with AIDS increased by 32.8% from 1999 to 2004, with underlying causes including substance abuse and cardiovascular disease. The study suggests a shift in healthcare models to address physical and mental health needs is necessary to reduce these deaths.
Physiologic Communications is developing an implantable biosensor that can detect physiologic and chemical changes with faster accuracy than current methods. This 'living chip' has the potential to revolutionize disease monitoring by providing real-time data to physicians and enabling timely interventions.
Researchers have invented an optical on-off switch that can replace electrical wiring on airplanes with fiber optics for controlling elevators, rudders, and other flight-critical elements. This technology also has potential applications on highways as a 'weigh-in-motion' sensor for measuring the weight of fast-moving commercial trucks.
A recent survey of 4,193 New York City men found that nearly 10% of those identifying as straight reported having sex with at least one man. This group was more likely to be from minority racial or ethnic groups, foreign-born, and married. They were also less likely to get tested for HIV or use condoms during last sexual encounter.
A new study published in The Journal of Physiology shows that short bursts of intense exercise can produce similar results to traditional endurance training. This type of high-intensity interval training may be a viable option for individuals with limited time, improving muscle health and performance despite lower overall training volume.
Researchers have developed a new method to study materials under extreme conditions, revealing the evolution of high-strain-rate plasticity. The technique combines molecular dynamics simulations with experimental data from laser experiments, providing insights into metal deformation and material strength.
A new supplement provides essential information on preconception care, emphasizing the importance of women's health before pregnancy. The supplement covers topics such as folic acid supplements, vaccinations, and screening for HIV, as well as measures to avoid harmful substances like alcohol and anti-epileptic drugs.
Researchers found that bird moms alter the birth order of eggs to shield sons from mites, speeding up their growth and survival. This strategy allows both males and females to thrive despite increased mortality risk from parasites.
A new research project in China aims to develop robust scientific guidelines for safe levels of copper and nickel in Chinese soils. The project will combine data from various sources, including European Union and Australian research programs, to explain toxicity across a wide range of environments.
Researchers found that plasmaspheric drainage plumes can overload the dayside reconnection site, reducing solar wind coupling and influencing auroral activity. Climate models also predict increased carbon emissions due to rising temperatures, especially in southern regions of the US. Additionally, remote wind forcing played a role in t...
Researchers have characterized a gutless worm that relies on microbial specialists for energy production, waste handling, and transportation through marine sediments. The unique partnership involves the worm providing housing and nutrients to microbes in exchange for essential services.
Patients with allergic rhinitis experience more difficulty sleeping and sleep disorders compared to those without allergies. Allergic rhinitis affects about 20-50% of the population, contributing to snoring, breathing problems, and sleep apnea.
Researchers have found that a class of cancer drugs can restore skeletal muscle mass and prevent decline in muscular dystrophy. Treatment with histone deacetylase inhibitors like Trichostatin A improved muscle function and resistance to degeneration in dystrophic mice.
A study found that GAVI funding significantly increased childhood vaccine coverage in countries with less than 65% initial coverage, raising it to around 65%. However, countries with higher initial coverage showed no improvement. The estimated cost per child immunized was under $14, close to GAVI's original estimates.
Researchers at The Wistar Institute have determined the three-dimensional structure of a key two-molecule complex involved in long-term gene storage, primarily in non-growing cells. This discovery provides important insights into how cells protect genes that could trigger cancers and other disorders.