The prevalence of cerebral palsy in premature babies has decreased significantly since the 1980s, thanks to improved neonatal care. According to a study published in The Lancet, the incidence rate dropped from 60.6 per 1000 live births in 1980 to 39.5 in 1996.
A new study published in The Journal of Infectious Diseases found that more people were at risk of anthrax infection after the 2001 attack on Sen. Tom Daschle's office than previously known. Prompt intervention with antibiotics and vaccination appeared to be highly effective against the disease, with no deaths resulting from the act.
As pharmacogenomics adoption advances, physicians are at risk of lawsuits for not recommending genetic tests before prescribing drugs that may harm patients with genetic vulnerabilities. Experts predict an increase in liability risks, citing scientific uncertainty, social concerns, and economic costs as hurdles.
Researchers at US DOE's Ames Laboratory have developed a material with a negative refractive index for visible light, marking a significant advance in the field of metamaterials. The silver-based mesh-like material has a refractive index of -0.6 at the red end of the visible spectrum.
Researchers at MGH Cancer Center identified a novel gene mutation associated with Wilms tumor in 30% of cases. The mutated gene, WTX, is located on the sex-determining X chromosome and plays a key role in embryonic kidney development.
Giving women with HER2-receptor positive breast cancer Herceptin for one year after standard chemotherapy improves their survival. The study found a significant overall survival benefit in the drug group compared to the control group.
The federal government needs a master plan for identifying and reducing potential risks in nanotechnology. The Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies chief scientist recommends investing $100 million over two years in targeted risk research to lay a strong, science-based foundation for safe nanotechnology.
A landmark study found that inpatient length of stay for youth with mental illness decreased by over 60% between 1990 and 2000, despite increases in illness severity and self-harm. The average length of hospitalization for youth undergoing mental health treatment declined from 12.2 days to 4.5 days during this period.
A new study by Purdue University researchers found statistically significant differences in the severity of injuries suffered in accidents involving men and women drivers, as well as drivers within three age groups. The study used mathematical models to calculate various probabilities using data from one-vehicle accidents in Indiana.
Research reveals that warmer waters cause a deficiency in oxygen uptake and distribution, limiting fish populations. This study investigates the effect of water temperature on eelpout (Zoarces viviparus) physiology, showing a direct link between oxygen limitation and population density changes.
Repetitive motion speeds nanoparticle uptake through the skin, according to a study by researchers at Rice University. The team found that flexing the skin increases nanoparticle penetration and depth, with more buckyballs taken up after 24 hours.
A Mayo Clinic study shows that incorporating physical activity into video games can significantly increase energy expenditure, especially for obese children. The results suggest that more video and computer games with activity requirements could be a potential approach to reversing the obesity trend among kids.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has awarded nearly $11.5 million to fund Science Education Partnership Awards (SEPA) across the US. These projects aim to promote health literacy and encourage students to pursue careers in the health sciences through hands-on, inquiry-based activities.
A recent study by University of Missouri-Columbia professor Daniel Vinson found that patients who reported feeling sleepy were less likely to be injured. This contradicts the commonly accepted theory that sleep deprivation increases injury risk, suggesting a possible link between daytime sleepiness and reduced physical activity.
A team of scientists developed a method to determine the influence of past volcanic eruptions on climate and the chemistry of the upper atmosphere. The chemical fingerprint of fallout from past eruptions reveals how high the volcanic material reached and what chemical reactions occurred while it was in the atmosphere.
A study published in Science reveals that the transition from an ice age to a greenhouse climate occurred in a series of sharp swings between cold and hot conditions over millions of years. The research, led by Isabel Montanez, shows that atmospheric carbon dioxide levels swung wildly, with a pattern of increasing CO2 and temperatures ...
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have discovered a tiny piece of genetic code, miR-29b, that moves far away from the cell's protein-making machinery. This finding reveals that microRNAs contain hidden elements that control their behavior in cells, opening up new possibilities for gene regulation and cancer research.
Limited trials on obesity drugs have failed to show major reductions in related morbidity and mortality. The authors call for longer trial durations to ensure the development of safe and effective treatments.
A study found that liver transplant patients with a history of obesity, impaired fasting glucose, and hepatitis C infection are at increased risk of developing new-onset diabetes mellitus. The risk factors also include the use of certain immunosuppressants and cardiovascular risk factors.
A new study found that Black Caribbean immigrants in the US experience poorer mental health as they stay longer, with higher rates of mood and anxiety disorders among men and lower rates among women compared to African Americans. Third-generation immigrants had the highest disorder rates.
A groundbreaking case study reveals that congenitally blind individuals can acquire visual function and skills even after extended periods of blindness during childhood. The findings challenge the widely-held 'critical period' theory, suggesting the brain's ability to relearn and adapt remains flexible throughout life.
Philosopher Philip Kitcher receives $10,000 cash award and designates first 'Prometheus Laureate', honoring lifetime research contributions to expanding philosophical frontiers in science.
A pre-hatching prototype vaccine virus providing immunity against infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) has been developed by scientists at the Institute for Animal Health and Intervet UK. The vaccine can be delivered to chicks still in their egg using robotic 'vaccinators' and has shown protection rates of up to 100 percent.
A UGA study finds that social workers are at risk of experiencing post-traumatic stress due to repeated exposure to trauma victim stories. The study, which surveyed nearly 300 social workers, found that 15% met the diagnostic criteria for PTSD within a week. The researchers recommend education and support measures to minimize this risk.
Over 200 million disadvantaged children under 5 are at risk of poor cognitive development due to factors like poverty, inadequate healthcare, and malnutrition. Interventions such as parental education, play-based programs, and improved diets can have lasting benefits on IQ and educational performance.