A University of Wisconsin-Madison study reveals a genetic basis for why high-carb diets lead to weight gain. The SCD-1 gene in the liver is responsible for synthesizing fatty acids, and when this gene is active, mice on high-carb diets store excess energy as fat.
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis are developing microbial fuel cell kits and educational materials to teach high school students about science and engineering. The technology can efficiently convert dilute organic waste streams into electricity, making it a promising alternative for waste-to-energy conversion.
A University of Washington study finds that the prices of lower-calorie foods have risen nearly 20% in two years, while energy-dense foods remain stable or drop in price. This disparity may make it difficult for consumers to maintain a healthy diet.
Achieving a 2% annual reduction in mortality rates due to chronic diseases could prevent 36 million deaths by 2015. The authors urge key players, including governments, industries, and NGOs, to prioritize policies and programs to tackle chronic diseases, such as tobacco control, diet modification, and physical activity promotion.
The Lancet report highlights the need for donors to invest in chronic disease prevention and treatment. The authors argue that evidence is not dichotomous, but rather a continuum that should trigger action under certain conditions. Policymakers must evaluate the level of evidence required before intervening.
A study of 25,647 adult liver transplant candidates found that obesity alone should not exclude patients from transplantation. Patients with high BMIs experience a significant survival benefit from liver transplantation and have similar rates of mortality after transplant compared to patients with normal BMI.
Researchers found that avian polyomaviruses spread through an 'upwards vertical' route, from offspring to parents via nestling faeces, highlighting a previously unnoticed cost of parental care. This study may open new research agendas on the evolution of virulence and coevolution of vectors, viruses, and hosts in the wild.
A study led by Purdue University predicts a significant increase in severe storms in the US, with areas like Atlanta and New York seeing more than double the chances of severe thunderstorms by the end of the century. The research used climate models to examine favorable conditions for storm formation.
Researchers found popular holiday toys emit sounds at decibel levels of 100 or more, equivalent to a power saw or subway train, posing a risk of permanent hearing damage. Parents are advised to provide guidance on safe toy use and volume control on personal media devices.
A new study in The Lancet Chronic Diseases Series concludes that various interventions, including tobacco control, salt reduction, and multidrug regimens, are cost-effective and should be scaled up globally. These measures have been shown to lead to substantial reductions in cardiovascular disease mortality.
The Gates Foundation has launched a $13 million program to support the careers of at least 360 African women in agricultural research. The initiative aims to address the 'leaky pipeline' of women in sub-Saharan Africa, with goals including increasing women's participation in research teams and leadership roles.
A study published in Pediatrics found that children with peanut allergies are being exposed to peanuts at younger ages than recommended. The median age of first exposure and reaction dropped from 22-24 months to 14-18 months over the last decade, suggesting a potential conflict between guidelines and real-world practices.
A study found that adults over 60 with higher cardiorespiratory fitness lived longer than unfit adults, independent of body fat levels. Higher fitness levels were inversely related to all-cause death in both normal-weight and overweight BMI subgroups.
A new study in Journal of Consumer Research found that optimistic thinking about future goals can lead to detrimental decisions, such as overindulging in unhealthy snacks. In contrast, focusing on commitment to a goal results in more consistent actions with its attainment.
A recent study published in PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases found that health education regarding the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of dengue fever is inadequate in Cambodia. The study suggests that these educational programs are accorded low priority, leading to poor resource allocation and lack of effective messaging.
By inefficiently powering mouse muscles, researchers found increased metabolic rates reduced vascular disease, obesity, and cancer, with no impact on the aging process itself. This approach may provide a novel strategy to address age-related diseases without slowing down aging.
A study found that common treatments for acute sinusitis, including antibiotics and topical steroids, were not more effective than placebo in altering symptom severity, duration, or natural history. Topical steroids were likely to be effective in patients with less severe symptoms at presentation.
Scientists have developed a DNA-based therapy that can switch off antibiotic resistance in bacteria by delivering a short stretch of DNA as a decoy. This technology has the potential to slash the development time of new drugs and could give fresh patent life to existing antibiotics.
A Florida State University professor is developing a new approach to help smokers with anxiety disorders quit. The study focuses on reducing anxiety sensitivity, which is a risk factor for developing anxiety problems.
Cancer Prevention Research is the world's first peer-reviewed scientific journal dedicated exclusively to cancer prevention. The journal will cover various disciplines, including molecular biology, medical oncology, and nutritional science, with an emphasis on linking preclinical and clinical research.
A 100,000-year-old Neanderthal from Belgium showed faster tooth growth, suggesting more advanced dental development. This pattern is intermediate between early human ancestors and living people, indicating a recent condition unique to our species.
Recent research at Kansas State University found that cattle fed distiller's grain have an increased prevalence of E. coli 0157, posing a health risk to humans through undercooked meat and contaminated produce.
Researchers discovered that fruit flies experience irreversible damage to their respiratory systems when exposed to brief bursts of oxygen after being starved of oxygen. This model provides a low-cost alternative for studying reperfusion injury, potentially leading to faster progress in mitigating its effects on humans.
A new hypothesis suggests that life emerged in the confined spaces between mica layers in ancient oceans. This model provides a more plausible explanation than existing prebiotic and 'pizza' hypotheses, explaining how early biomolecules formed and evolved.
Research by Albert Bandura highlights how disguising environmentally harmful practices can have a negative impact on the environment and quality of life. He argues that we must switch on our environmental conscience to save the world from ecological degradation.
A study published in Journal of Consumer Research found that people who watch movies together synchronize their emotional responses, leading to a shared experience. This social influence affects participants' evaluations, making them like the movie more when they're in sync with others.
Asking consumers to choose a favorite item from several options increases the likelihood of purchase, according to new research. This phenomenon, known as the 'preference' mindset, activates the consumer's decision-making process and encourages them to make a purchase.
The American College of Physicians emphasizes the need for a more efficient and equitable healthcare system. Internists advocate for a focus on patient-centered care and recommend various strategies to achieve this goal. One such approach is implementing pay-for-performance programs that prioritize patient well-being over profit motives.
Researchers at Harvard University have developed a compact and portable Quantum Cascade Laser sensor for fast detection of chemicals with broad tuning capabilities, enabling ultra-sensitive chemical sensing and revolutionizing applications in homeland security, medical diagnostics, and environmental sensing.
Scientists have identified genetic differences that predict the effectiveness of antipsychotic drugs for patients with schizophrenia, Parkinson's disease, and drug addiction. These markers may enable doctors to match patients with the most suitable therapy, improving treatment outcomes.
A Cornell researcher has developed a system that generates power for nanoscale robots based on the energy-producing mechanism of sperm cells. The technology could enable longer-lasting and task-regulated nanomedical devices, including nanoscale pumps for targeted drug delivery.
A new HIV estimate for India, based on population-based data from the National Family Health Survey, has been revised downward to 2.5 million people living with HIV/AIDS. This reduction is attributed to a flawed estimation method used previously, which overestimated the burden of HIV in India.
Researchers re-engineered imatinib to specifically target gastrointestinal stromal tumor and reduce cardiotoxic side effects. The new drug, WBZ-4, was found to be equally effective against gastrointestinal cancer while significantly reducing the risk of heart failure in animal tests.
Researchers identified a role for OX40 in TSLP-induced allergic reactions, finding that blocking its interaction reduced allergic responses in mice and monkeys with asthma. The study suggests OX40-OX40L interactions as a promising therapeutic target for treating allergic diseases.
A recent study published in Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine found no significant association between hepatitis B vaccination and the development of multiple sclerosis in children. The research involved 143 children who developed MS before age 16, with no increased risk of MS detected within three years of vaccination.
Child mental health experts have developed guidelines for treating preschoolers with psychiatric medications, recommending family-focused psychotherapy as the first line of treatment. The guidelines emphasize careful assessment and monitoring to minimize medication risks in young children.
A recent study by University at Buffalo biologists provides the most complete picture to date of the complex biological mechanisms of bacterial viruses infected with Shiga toxin. The research reveals that toxins like Shiga are used by bacteria to become mobile and can lead to more effective treatments for humans infected with it.
Researchers aim to develop an instrument that can reveal crucial data about the nature and origin of cosmic rays. Cerenkov radiation, emitted when particles travel faster than light through the atmosphere, holds key to understanding these enigmatic particles.
A recent study by Mayo Clinic found that relatives of patients with Parkinson's disease are at increased risk for developing depression and anxiety disorders. The risk is particularly elevated in families where the patient develops Parkinson's before age 75.
Researchers found that reducing FoxP2 levels impaired zebra finch song development, showing a critical role for the gene in vocal learning. This similarity with humans suggests shared molecular substrates for vocal learning across species.
Prelox, a patented blend of Pycnogenol and L-Arginine, shows significant improvement in men with ED after just one day, increasing nitric oxide production for enhanced blood flow. The study achieved almost 100% increase in orgasmic function, sexual desire, and overall satisfaction.
Researchers have discovered a new compound, sLRP1-alpha, that attenuates neuropathic pain in rodents. The study found that sLRP1-alpha reduces inflammation and inhibits pain signals in the nervous system.
A study suggests that honey is more effective than over-the-counter cough medicines in relieving children's coughs and improving sleep during colds. Honey was found to yield the greatest improvement compared to no treatment or dextromethorphan, an over-the-counter medication commonly used for children's coughs.
Citizens can generate accurate geographic information using Web 2.0 technologies, offering valuable insights into local activities and unreported events. Volunteered geographic information has the potential to revolutionize geographic information systems.
A new aerosol launches an immune response in the lungs to wipe out lethal infections, including bacterial and fungal infections. The treatment showed an 83% survival rate against pneumococcal pneumonia in mice treated with the aerosol before exposure.
Leon Schwartz, a veteran member and visiting professor at Yeshiva University's Sy Syms School of Business, has been awarded the INFORMS Fellow Award for his exceptional accomplishments in operations research. The New York Chapter's Moving Spirit Award was also presented to him for his dedicated service to the chapter over 20 years.
Researchers found that treating patients with psychiatric disorders for hepatitis C yields a sustained viral response without increased risk of side effects. The study suggests using a multidisciplinary team and anti-depressant agents can lessen depressive reactions during treatment.
Researchers at the Salk Institute have created a new chimeric mouse model that can test how drugs affect the liver. The model involves transplanting human hepatocytes into immunodeficient mice, allowing for a natural environment to study drug metabolism and toxicity.
Scientific reports predict that global agriculture may decline in some regions due to unconsidered complications from climate change. The authors suggest that temperature rises may lead to crop losses, disease outbreaks, and decreased livestock productivity.
A novel study by Jianguo Liu and Eunice Yu at Michigan State University found that divorce rates globally are on the rise, leading to more households with fewer people, increased resource consumption, and environmental degradation. In contrast, cohabitation can reduce urban sprawl and soften the environmental hit.
Researchers developed an HIV prevention program for adolescent runaways using a Strengths-Based Case Management model. The program focused on the youth's strengths and future goals, empowering them to realize their potential and preventing health risks.
A study found that buckwheat honey provided better relief of nighttime cough and sleep difficulty in children than no treatment or dextromethorphan, a common cough suppressant. The study showed honey reduced the severity, frequency, and bothersome nature of nighttime cough from upper respiratory infections.
New research by University of Illinois at Chicago chemists identifies intermediate step in amyloid plaque formation as a toxic culprit. Tiny spheres averaging 20 nanometers assemble into sheet-like structures comparable to fibrils, making them more than 10 times poisonous.
A literature review found that well-designed seminars, role-playing, and focused curricula can influence medical students' and residents' attitudes towards pharmaceutical companies. Medical schools can reduce the impact of industry influence by implementing policies to limit contact with company representatives.
Researchers have identified two proteins controlling the pause in meiotic division, with Matrimony preventing Polo kinase from working until sufficient levels are reached. This work may lead to new treatments for infertility and cancer, as Polo kinase is strongly expressed in tumor cells.
Scientists at NRL generate and detect a pure spin current in silicon, allowing control over the spin orientation. This enables the development of devices that rely on electron spin rather than charge, promising higher performance with reduced power consumption.
The university aims to improve teacher education in math and science with the new grant, building on the successful UTeach model from The University of Texas at Austin. More than 70 students are certified annually through UTeach, with over 90% immediately going on to teach.
Professor Craig W. Kirkwood is awarded the 2007 Frank Ramsey Medal for his significant contributions to decision analysis methodology, applications, and education. The medal honors his work on models of preferences involving multiple objectives, group decision analysis, and computer programs to facilitate learning.
Researchers at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center discovered that hydrogen sulfide increases the life span of nematode worms by 70 percent and makes them more tolerant to heat. The compound is believed to regulate a gene called SIR-2.1, which influences life span in many organisms.
Scientists at the Feinstein Institute have identified nine genetic markers that can increase a person's risk for schizophrenia. The study used a new mathematical approach to analyze genetic information, providing evidence of a recessive inheritance pattern. This discovery could lead to improved diagnosis and treatment options.