A randomized controlled trial in Senegal shows that an intervention program with improved communication and community involvement significantly increased cure rates (88% vs 76%) and reduced default rates by nearly 60%. The program also decreased the time to defaulting from treatment.
A University of Florida-led study has determined that Titanis walleri, a prehistoric 'terror bird,' arrived in North America from South America 2 million years before the land bridge formed. The team used geochemical analysis to revise the ages of terror bird fossils, finding they were 5 million years old.
A new study by Oregon State University and the EPA found that over 600 rivers in the western US have widespread mercury contamination in fish. Piscivorous fish like bass and walleye show significantly higher levels of mercury than non-piscivore species like trout.
Researchers have discovered that spinal cord neurons show irregular firing patterns during network activity, similar to the cerebral cortex. This finding enables exploration of how spinal cords generate movements, shedding light on the complex system controlling human motion.
A new study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found that inhaled corticosteroids are the most effective initial daily therapy for children with mild to moderate persistent asthma. The study also showed no significant adverse growth effects among any of the medicines studied.
A study found that older men and women have a similar and substantial risk of subsequent fracture after an initial low-trauma fracture. This highlights the importance of preventive treatment, as virtually all low-trauma fractures indicate increased risk of subsequent osteoporotic fracture, particularly in the next 5-10 years.
A major 20-year study has cast doubt on the assumption that orthodontic treatment improves psychological well-being. The study found that orthodontic treatment had little positive impact on participants' psychological health and quality of life in adulthood, contradicting widespread beliefs among dentists.
A team of Canadian researchers discovered a distinct dopamine signalling complex in the brain, which may have a significant role in understanding and treating schizophrenia. This novel target involves two different types of dopamine receptors that only create brain signals when both are stimulated at the same time.
A Brown University study finds that a single protein plays a major role in the spread of deadly prion diseases by fragmenting clusters of infectious proteins. This process could be slowed or inhibited with a drug, potentially slowing progression of diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's as well.
Dartmouth researchers found that North America's prevailing winds in the mid-latitudes once blew from the east, not the west. This change was influenced by a growing and intensifying northern circumpolar vortex, resulting in shifting temperature and precipitation patterns.
A team of researchers from Yale University and other institutions have discovered two 56-million-year-old fossils, including the most primitive primate skeleton ever described. The study reconstructs the base of the primate family tree, providing evidence that plesiadapiforms are the most primitive primates.
The International Harmonization Project has developed new guidelines for assessing lymphoma treatment, providing uniform criteria for clinical trials and interpreting response to treatment. The revised guidelines incorporate PET scans and immunohistochemistry, allowing for more accurate assessment of tumor viability.
A new oral corticosteroid therapy has significantly reduced deaths from gastrointestinal graft-vs.-host disease (GVHD) in stem-cell transplant patients. The treatment, which includes a reformulated version of beclomethasone dipropionate, kept GVHD in remission and allowed patients to taper off high-dose prednisone therapy.
A new study conducted by the University of Texas at Austin found that children's age and family dynamics play a significant role in shaping weekend leisure activity choices. The study reveals that children whose fathers have a higher education level are more likely to engage in active recreation, while those from single-parent househol...
A recent study published in PLOS ONE found that antiretroviral resistance testing significantly improves life expectancy and quality of life for HIV patients. The study also revealed cost savings for society, including reduced healthcare costs and increased productivity.
Researchers developed a novel virus culture system that enables sustained replication and production of HCV particles in nontransformed hepatocytes. This breakthrough allows for better understanding of HCV differences between strains and may improve treatment strategies.
Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center found that young cancer survivors are at risk of developing unhealthy behaviors, including smoking, lack of exercise, and inadequate sun protection. The study suggests that these behaviors can increase the risk of cancer recurrence and chronic disease in adulthood.
UCSB is part of a $12.5M DARPA-funded consortium researching robust uncertainty management in large networks with complex dynamics. The project aims to develop techniques for predicting the consequences of events like power grid blackouts and improving decision-making under uncertainty.
Researchers successfully control rotation of axel-mounted molecular wheel, marking major breakthrough in creating molecular machines. The achievement opens up new possibilities for technological advancements and understanding at the molecular scale.
Scientists discovered that bony fish duplicated their yolk-producing genes, allowing eggs to fill with water and float. This post-R3 lineage-specific gene duplication enabled hydration of maturing eggs, driving the evolution and success of marine teleosts in the oceanic environment.
Scientists have created highly efficient infrared light-emitting diodes (LEDs) that can be used in night-vision devices, emitting a reddish-orange glow. The LEDs use a phosphorescent platinum porphyrin complex as a doping agent to improve efficiency and emit light for longer periods.
A study published in JAMA found that citalopram was superior to placebo in reducing depressive symptoms in patients with coronary artery disease. The treatment also improved perceived social support and daily function.
A study by UC Irvine scientists found that short but repeated learning sessions can slow the development of two brain lesions associated with Alzheimer's disease. The findings suggest that stimulating the mind through activities like reading or crossword puzzles may help delay and/or prevent the disease in senior citizens.
A new study conducted at NYU Medical Center found that lap band surgery is an effective procedure for combating obesity in adolescents. Patients who underwent the surgery lost approximately 50% of their excess weight within a year, with no significant complications.
Women with a history of abuse by intimate partners have significantly higher health care costs and utilization than those without such a history. The study found that annual total health care costs were 19% higher in women with a history of IPV, with increased primary care visits, specialist visits, and prescription refills.
A study by Einstein researchers found that bioterrorism alerts can measurably raise anxiety levels, which could lead to adverse health effects. The team used volunteers to compare the impact of potent and neutral messages on anxiety levels.
The Southwest Ohio STEM Secondary Teacher Academy will provide an intensive three-week summer experience, internships, and mentoring for 50 high school students. The program aims to recruit and prepare mathematics and science teachers from underrepresented groups to increase diversity in the teaching profession.
The DOE JGI has released the latest upgrade of its metagenomics data management and analysis system, IMG/M. The enhanced version provides aggregate genome data from recent studies on biological phosphorus removing sludge, human distal gut, a gutless marine worm, and obese and lean mouse gut.
A new test developed by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute scientists identifies malignant blood cells that are highly vulnerable to an experimental cancer drug. The drug works by neutralizing the Bcl-2 action, unleashing molecules that trigger suicide in the cancer cells.
Researchers found that epilepsy patients can reliably predict when they are likely to have a seizure, with 32% accuracy. Accurate predictions also indicate reduced risk of seizures, providing reassurance and improved quality of life for those with epilepsy.
Researchers have developed a novel transdermal vaccine approach that effectively clears brain-damaging plaques from a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. The vaccine works by triggering the immune system to recognize abnormal protein Ab as a foreign invader, reducing cognitive deficits and senile plaque burden.
A recent meta-analysis supports the existence of metabolic syndrome as a predictor of cardiovascular disease and death, particularly in women. The study analyzed over 37 studies and found that the constellation of conditions constituting metabolic syndrome increases heart risk compared to individual factors alone.
A Scripps Research study discovered that TRPA1 is directly activated by reactive chemicals through covalent modification of cysteine amino acids. This unique mechanism differs from other ion channels, which typically bind reversibly.
Individuals with diagnosed hypertension in the US have lower blood pressure readings and better control compared to those in five Western European countries. The study found that treatment thresholds are more aggressive in the US, resulting in higher rates of hypertension control.
A mathematical model suggests that widespread use of antiviral drugs like oseltamivir can quickly spread resistant viruses, even if they emerge rarely. Prophylaxis and treatment with oseltamivir would still delay the onset of the pandemic and reduce its total size.
A recent study found that nearly a quarter of women treated with tamoxifen for breast cancer stop taking the medication within one year, leading to concerns about treatment efficacy. The study also revealed that over one-third of women have ceased tamoxifen treatment after three and a half years.
Researchers at University at Buffalo are testing a nasal spray anesthetic and ozone delivery device to eliminate drilling and injections in dental procedures. The studies aim to improve patient comfort and reduce pain associated with dental care.
A study of 4,124 older women found that repeat bone mineral density scans offered little predictive benefit for fractures. Initial BMD measurements remained highly predictive of fracture risk, suggesting that such tests are unnecessary for healthy older women.
A study by Stanford University researchers found that aerosol particles slow down winds, reducing the availability of clean energy from wind power and leading to decreased precipitation. This can result in droughts and reduced water supplies, with potential impacts on global food security and energy systems.
Despite significant research and development, nanotechnology remains largely unknown to the general public due to a lack of critical analysis and debate in popular media. Social scientists are underrepresented in nanotechnology studies, while some activists fear its potential risks without acknowledging its benefits.
A team of medical ethics and public health experts argue that involuntary isolation measures are justified to contain the deadly XDR-TB strain in South Africa. The forced isolation of extensively drug-resistant TB and MDR-TB infected individuals may be a proportionate response given the extreme risk posed.
A deadly, highly-contagious and drug-resistant mutant strain of tuberculosis is spreading rapidly in South Africa. The World Health Organization warns that the situation poses a potentially explosive international health crisis due to its contagious nature and the presence of millions of migrant laborers.
The University of Texas at San Antonio has received a five-year grant to promote undergraduate interdisciplinary education in mathematics and biology. The Undergraduate Mathematics and Biology Scholar program aims to educate well-rounded students familiar with both disciplines for careers in the biomedical and health-related industries.
Scientists study correlations between solar energy and global ice volume, finding inverse trends that challenge previous studies. They also investigate decomposing methane gas hydrates on the Arctic Shelf, suggesting a possible link to pingos and subsidence.
A new study proposes that two key mechanisms, trait complementarity and barriers to exploitation, explain the structure of actual networks of plants and their pollinators. The models incorporating these mechanisms better mimic real networks, suggesting a balance between specialist and generalist interactions.
Scientists at the University of York are investigating the potential uses of carbon monoxide in treating disease, particularly high blood pressure, heart disease, and cancer. The three-year study aims to develop molecules that release carbon monoxide slowly and tuneably for bioapplications.
Research ethics committees in Africa often lack adequate funding, staffing and training, leading to a focus on scientific aspects over ethical considerations. The study's findings highlight the need for national policies and international support to establish and monitor research ethics committees across the continent.
A new study reveals that viruses share common DNA replication mechanisms, with the SV40 T-ag protein facilitating DNA binding and assembly of complex proteins. This discovery sheds light on a complex process previously difficult to investigate in eukaryotes.
Scientists discovered that cells passed from mother to child during pregnancy can differentiate into functioning islet beta cells producing insulin. Higher levels of maternal DNA were found in the blood of children and young adults with Type 1 diabetes, suggesting a beneficial role for microchimerism.
Researchers found that radiation therapy significantly reduced breast cancer recurrence and tumor development in older women with early-stage disease. The study, published in CANCER journal, recommends standard therapy for women of all ages and comorbidities, including mastectomy or breast conserving surgery with radiation.
An international group of eating disorders researchers states that families do not cause anorexia nervosa, contradicting Gisele Bundchen's claim. The data suggest a strong genetic component may be the root cause of this illness.
A new study found that rapid flu tests can significantly reduce the use of antibiotics in hospitals, which is crucial in combating antibiotic resistance. The study showed that patients whose flu was confirmed early on were treated with antibiotics less often than those whose flu wasn't identified immediately.
A comprehensive MIT-led study assesses the feasibility of enhanced geothermal systems to increase US geothermal resource recovery. The report finds that heat mining can be economical in the short term and has a lower environmental impact compared to fossil fuels.
Researchers at Iowa State University have created a new type of bioplastic that can be used to make durable hog feeders. The feeders are made from a combination of corn and soybean oils, which are significantly cheaper than traditional petrochemicals.
A mathematical model predicts that international cooperation on sharing antiviral drugs is key to slowing down the spread of a bird flu pandemic. The 'reproductive number' of the virus plays a critical role in determining its potential for global spread.
Researchers at UC Irvine have developed a novel method to measure carbon dioxide levels from fossil fuels by analyzing corn samples collected from nearly 70 locations nationwide. The study found that California and the Ohio Valley had the most fossil-fuel-emitted carbon dioxide, while the Colorado region had the least.
Scientists have made a surprising connection between Alzheimer's disease and the body's arterial system. Reduced blood flow in the brain precedes cognitive decline in patients with Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers at UIC aim to develop a compound blocking mania associated with bipolar disorder, improving on dated 'mood stabilizers' like lithium and valproic acid. The goal is to create safer, more effective treatments for the mental illness affecting over 2 million Americans.
Researchers found that human circadian clocks couple to local sun time, with chronotypes becoming later in densely populated areas. City dwellers experience decreased influence of local sun time relative to rural residents.
Research ethics committees in Africa struggle with inadequate funding, staffing, and training, hindering their effectiveness. Despite these challenges, many RECs have shown promise by prioritizing ethics and having predictable funding.