A team of MSU researchers found inconsistencies in China's certification and traceability systems, which can affect the quality and safety of imported goods. The experts recommend increased government oversight, training for producers and distributors, and improving labelling practices to ensure compliance with international standards
The Million Book Project has completed the digitization of over 1.5 million books, ranging from Mark Twain to Confucius, and made them available through a single web portal. The collection includes rare and orphan books in multiple languages, with the goal of making all published works accessible worldwide.
Researchers used PET/CT to diagnose and stage inflammatory breast cancer, detecting disease earlier than traditional methods. The study achieved a 95% accuracy rate in identifying cancerous areas and involved 41 women with the aggressive form of breast cancer.
A recent study has found that progesterone has limited benefits for mice with Alzheimer's symptoms, but inhibits some of estrogen's beneficial effects when taken together. The study suggests that the constant daily dosage of progesterone may be antagonizing its potential benefits.
A team of researchers has discovered a tumor-suppressor gene called Par-4 that kills cancer cells but not normal cells. The mice born with this gene live longer and have no toxic side effects, making it a potentially therapeutic application for treating cancer without harming patients.
Scientists investigate Hanford's vadose zone to understand contaminant migration and develop remediation solutions. They find complex pathways for nuclear waste travel, affecting composition and speed, impacting the environment and people downstream.
A University of Michigan study reveals that watching violent TV and playing video games significantly increases the risk of aggressive behavior in both children and adults. The research, conducted over half a century, highlights the detrimental effect of media violence on public health.
The CSIRO report found that biodiesel produced from used cooking oil can reduce emissions by up to 87%, while palm oil sourced from pre-1990 plantations can achieve an 80% emission reduction. This could lead to improved air quality and reduced health risks.
A clinical model predicting hip fracture risk in postmenopausal women was developed based on 11 clinical factors. The model was validated using data from the Women's Health Initiative and showed accuracy in stratifying risk among various ethnic backgrounds.
A study found that glucose-insulin-potassium (GIK) infusion therapy after a heart attack increased the risk of heart failure and death in the first 3 days. The therapy had no effect on 30-day or 6-month outcomes.
NIST nanowires have high Q factors, indicating stable vibrations, making them suitable as oscillators in nano-electromechanical systems. The wires' flat surfaces and material properties reduce noise and increase heat capacity.
Primary care physicians should prioritize identifying dementia red flags over routine screenings for individuals without symptoms, according to a commentary published in JAMA. Dementia red flags include medication issues, multiple hospitalizations, and agitation, which can help identify high-risk patients who require diagnostic testing.
PET imaging enhances lung cancer staging by providing complementary information on biochemical processes, accurately differentiating between benign and malignant tumors as small as 1 centimeter. The study also found PET to be more effective for mediastinal staging in non-small cell lung cancer.
Scientists found that 61% of hospital samples tested positive for ESBL-producing bacteria, which can break down common antibiotics. The spread of these strains has significant economic and health consequences, including longer treatment times and increased costs.
Researchers at UC Davis identified a cellular pathway involving microRNA miR-125b that contributes to the progression of prostate cancer. The discovery provides a potential target for reducing cancer deaths among American men.
A Canadian study reveals tobacco marketers are targeting teens near high schools by marketing in retail shops, often located near schools with high smoking prevalence. The study found that these stores offered lower prices, more promotions, and fewer health warnings, creating an environment that promotes student smoking.
A study published in Journal of Consumer Research found that men are more likely to enjoy melodramatic films if they know it's fictional. High-empathy individuals tend to dislike fact-based stories, while those with low empathy can appreciate fiction.
Computer simulation predicts Voyager 2 will reach major milestone in space, crossing the 'termination shock' one more time in mid-2008. The spacecraft's expected crossing of the spherical shell marks a significant event in its journey into interstellar space.
A new method to convert low-value glycerol from biodiesel production into a hydrogen-rich gas offers a promising solution for the transportation sector. The process, developed by Dr. Valerie Dupont and her team at the University of Leeds, produces a high-value product in demand for fertilisers, food production, and chemical plants.
Researchers at NIST create a stable superfluid flow in an ultracold atomic gas using laser light and magnetic fields. This breakthrough may lead to precise navigation gyroscopes and deeper physics insights.
A recent study found that patients with severe periodontal disease incur higher overall health care expenses compared to those with no periodontal disease. Treating periodontal diseases early on using simple non-surgical techniques can help restore a healthy mouth and potentially lower total health care costs.
Cases of lymphogranuloma venereum have surged in the UK, primarily affecting men who have sex with men, with many also infected with HIV. Experts are urging caution on new diagnostic tests that require careful validation before widespread use.
The use of RFID devices in patients raises benefits such as improved patient safety and expediting access to medical records. However, risks include potential unintended consequences, including loss of privacy and accessibility issues, as well as misuse by law enforcement or other malicious actors.
A new program called COGENT, developed at the University of Alberta, has been shown to improve reading and other cognitive skills in grade three students. In a one-year study, 73% of participants made significant gains in reading ability.
A University of Georgia study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that obesity may be bad for bone health in young women. The research used advanced three-dimensional bone scans on 115 women aged 18-19 and found that obese participants had weaker bones by 8-9% compared to those with normal body fat.
Researchers found that vaccinating half of a population can reduce cholera cases by 89% in unvaccinated individuals and 93% overall. Mass vaccination is a viable strategy to control endemic cholera outbreaks.
Researchers have identified lung injury in nonsmokers exposed to secondhand cigarette smoke using a special type of magnetic resonance imaging. The study found structural changes in the lungs similar to those found in smokers, suggesting early signs of emphysema or chronic bronchitis.
A new MUHC study found that informing patients about their cardiovascular risk and receiving ongoing feedback from their doctor leads to greater drops in lipid levels. Patients with higher risk profiles experienced a greater impact on their risk profile, highlighting the importance of communicating calculated cardiovascular risk.
A study published in CANCER found that non-white women with metastatic breast cancer experience poorer pain control, with a higher risk of severe pain. The researchers also found that inactive performance status and previous radiation treatment were associated with greater pain.
A study by Rafael Reuveny examines the impact of climate change on population migration and conflict. He advocates for a five-step approach to minimize climate change-induced migration and violent conflict in receiving areas.
Researchers at Kent State University investigate middle-school students' ability to judge their own learning, finding that overconfidence is a major issue. To address this, the team develops a 'study buddy' tool that combines accurate monitoring with effective schedules of learning.
Discussing coronary risk profiles with physicians can improve cholesterol management and treatment adherence. Patients who receive their risk profile have smaller reductions in LDL levels and are more likely to reach lipid targets.
The Shale Hills Critical Zone Observatory will investigate how soils form from bedrock, affecting water movement and groundwater flow. Researchers will conduct field experiments and implement high-performance computers to predict weathering rates and model the impact of forest regolith on local water resources.
Researchers examined the effectiveness of cholinesterase inhibitors in delaying the onset of Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. The study found no significant reduction in the rate of progression from mild cognitive impairment to dementia, suggesting that these drugs may not be beneficial for patients with MCI.
A mutation in RNA polymerase III enzyme disrupts organ growth in zebrafish, with specific tissues like the intestine being severely affected. The study provides hope for a therapeutic application against cancer by targeting the enzyme's role in protein production.
Researchers suggest that internationally licensed, killed whole-cell cholera vaccines may be highly effective in controlling endemic cholera when given via mass immunization. Vaccinating just 30% of the population every two years could achieve a 76% overall reduction rate.
Researchers at Université Laval discovered that a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids protects the brain against Parkinson's disease. The study found that mice fed an omega-3 rich diet were immune to the toxic compound MPTP, which causes damage to dopamine-producing neurons.
A team of researchers at UCLA has modeled the structure of the largest cellular particle ever crystallized, proposing ways to engineer vaults for targeted drug delivery. The proposed atomic structure consists of a barrel-shaped shell with 96 identical protein chains, offering a human-friendly nanocontainer for therapeutic applications.
A comprehensive genetic analysis suggests that the ancestors of Native Americans originated from a single source in east Asia, with a unique genetic variant widespread across both continents. The study's findings support the land bridge theory and hint at evidence for coastal migration to South America.
Multicenter trials show CT angiography highly accurate in detecting coronary artery disease with sensitivity of 85% and specificity of 90%. The noninvasive exam was equal in accuracy to invasive angiography in identifying patients to be referred for angioplasty or bypass surgery.
A study found that over 89% of men with early prostate cancer received inappropriate therapies due to pre-existing problems. The mismatched treatments may be attributed to patients' reluctance to discuss symptoms with their physicians.
Researchers found that the N-Myc gene triggers cancer when paired with growth-promoting protein IL-3 and causes cell suicide without it. The study also shows that immortalized cells overexpressing N-Myc become more aggressive and produce fewer growth-inhibiting proteins.
Argonne is developing advanced simulation tools called SHARP to validate new nuclear technologies and reduce waste, with the goal of closing the nuclear fuel cycle and reducing proliferation risk. The lab's work aims to optimize reactor design and safety using high-speed supercomputers.
A study found that many prostate cancer patients receive treatment contraindicated by pre-existing conditions, such as urinary or bowel dysfunction. This 'mismatched' therapy can lead to worsened symptoms and outcomes.
A study of 500 consecutive children admitted to Arkansas Children's Hospital following ATV accidents found a high incidence of head, spinal, lung, and extremity injuries. Many victims suffered permanent disabilities or fatalities, highlighting the risks associated with ATV use in children.
A recent study found that electronic patient tracking systems can affect how healthcare providers communicate information and track activities, leading to inefficiencies and workarounds. The manual whiteboard-based system allowed for flexibility in tracking patients, but the computerized system lacked this flexibility, requiring provid...
A comprehensive review by CAMH researchers highlights the importance of family doctors advising patients to quit smoking, doubling quit rates. The article also provides guidance on pharmacotherapy options and non-pharmacologic methods for quitting.
Researchers have created a three-dimensional map of the yeast genome, enabling them to locate nucleosomes and predict their behavior. This breakthrough could lead to early detection of diseases like cancer by identifying genes that are actively being converted into proteins.
A survey of 1,011 women found that ethnic background influences preferences regarding breast cancer screening for early detection. Black and Hispanic women tend to prefer recall over earlier detection, while Caucasian women prioritize earlier detection.
New research findings suggest that girls may be more susceptible to their friends' drinking, while opposite-sex friends increase drinking for both genders. Genetic analyses indicate shared environmental effects across genders.
A study by Penn researchers found that transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a safe and effective treatment for patients with major depression who have tried other options without success. The non-invasive technique has minimal side effects and can be administered via the scalp, avoiding bodily side effects.
New research suggests that nicotine patches can improve attention and working memory in recovering alcoholics, particularly those who smoke. The study found that these individuals are more sensitive to the effects of nicotine, which may help explain their struggles with quitting nicotine use.
Researchers at the University of Iowa are studying risky decision-making among pre-teens, focusing on factors that contribute to risk-taking behaviors such as smoking and drinking. The three-year study aims to identify profiles of at-risk children and track how their decision-making deficits affect everyday choices.
Researchers from UF and UT Austin analyzed DNA sequences to build a family tree for plants, revealing the five major lineages of flowering plants that exist today. The diversification is believed to have been sparked by various factors, including climate change and the emergence of new traits.
A new study reveals that individuals with higher body mass index (BMI) experience greater drops in lung function after acute ozone exposure. The research found that underweight individuals have lower ozone-related drops in lung function, while overweight and obese individuals exhibit the greatest declines.
A study published in Archives of Internal Medicine found that undocumented Latinos are less likely to use healthcare services, experience poorer care outcomes, and face significant barriers to accessing care compared to US-born individuals. The findings highlight the need for targeted strategies to address healthcare disparities among ...
A new study reveals the evolutionary Tree of Life for flowering plants, with monocots and eudicots found to be more closely related than to other major lineages. The analysis of genomic data suggests a unique species called Amborella represents the earliest diverging lineage of flowering plants.
Researchers propose an entirely new model of human-centered biomes, acknowledging that humans have a significant impact on the global environment. The current system of classifying ecosystems may be misleading, and it's time to study ecosystem functioning in backyards and urban areas.
A new study by University of Bristol scientists found that red blood cell transfusions may increase the risk of heart attack or stroke in cardiac surgery patients, regardless of haemoglobin levels or age. The research suggests a three-fold increase in complications arising from lack of oxygen to key organs.
A five-year study will evaluate the performance of chest X-ray CAD in identifying hard-to-detect lung cancers, aiming to improve patient survival rates. The study, funded by the State of Ohio, will involve 9,000 test subjects and assess the software's ability to identify actionable pulmonary nodules.