A study published in Management Science finds that system quality and perceived usefulness are key determinants of information systems (IS) success. The research suggests that developers and managers should focus on improving system quality rather than increasing user satisfaction, as this will lead to greater system use.
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.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota have created uniform porous silicon oxide nano-objects with defined sizes and structures by disassembling larger lattice-like structures. The resulting particles exhibit worm-like pores and can be easily customized by varying the colloidal crystals used as moulds.
A human trial of a DNA vaccine designed to prevent H5N1 avian influenza infection began in December 2006. The vaccine instructs human cells to make proteins that act as a vaccine against the virus, providing broad immune responses without infectious material.
A new study found that a large number of patients who receive implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) do not benefit from the device, while a simple heart-rhythm test can predict which patients will get life-saving benefit. The study suggests that using this test could spare millions of dollars in costs.
JDRF is providing up to $2 million in funding for the 'Protégé' trial of teplizumab, a proprietary MacroGenics compound that has shown promise in slowing type 1 diabetes progression. The trial aims to assess teplizumab's capacity to reduce insulin requirements and maintain normal blood sugar levels.
Researchers found that measuring alcohol consumption and depression differently, as well as examining gender, are key issues when interpreting findings on the relationship between alcohol and depression. The study showed stronger associations between depression and heavy episodic drinking for women than men.
Teens with cancer face poor survival rates due to limited clinical trial participation, lack of awareness about their risk, and delayed diagnoses. The 15-29 age group has seen no improvement in survival rates over the past 25 years.
A new study by the University of Wisconsin-Madison found that breast cancer patients who pray in online support groups experience lower levels of negative emotions and higher self-efficacy. The study analyzed message transcripts from 97 patients and discovered a positive correlation between prayer and improved mental well-being.
Class-action lawsuits can significantly slow or halt science's ability to establish links between neurological illness and environmental factors. The authors suggest policy changes to shield scientists and their research, including enhancing privacy protections for patient data.
A new study finds that reduced frontal-lobe activity and impulsivity are linked to an increased risk of developing alcoholism. The study, published in Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research, suggests that individuals with high impulsivity may be more vulnerable to excessive drinking and other disinhibitory disorders.
In semi-arid environments, trees have evolved to access moisture from bedrock fractures and quickly recover when heavy rains occur. Understanding these surface-atmosphere interactions is crucial for predicting water supplies and managing scarce resources.
A new model could give an additional 10% of waiting list patients access to organs for transplant while reducing discarded kidneys from 11-15% to 3%. The system aims to achieve a better balance between efficiency and equity in kidney transplantation.
A recent study found that children who watch more TV, eat fewer family meals, and live in less safe neighborhoods are more likely to become overweight from kindergarten on. Additionally, researchers discovered that under-reporting calorie intake can lead to inaccurate dietary patterns and weight issues among older adults.
Researchers at the University of Vermont have clarified the cellular process responsible for signaling regional blood flow changes in the brain. Astrocytes play a crucial role in communicating with blood vessels through potassium ions, leading to rapid dilation and increased local blood flow.
Research has identified five hotspots of high mercury contamination in fish and birds across eastern North America, posing a risk to human health and wildlife. The study highlights the need for stricter regulations on mercury emissions from coal-fired power stations and municipal waste incinerators to mitigate this environmental threat.
A study by Teachers College, Columbia University found that telephone outreach significantly increased the incidence of colorectal cancer screening among an urban minority population. The intervention resulted in a 27% increase in screening rates compared to those who received printed materials.
A recent study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that men with only daughters had a higher risk of prostate cancer than those with at least one son. The research suggests that genes on the Y chromosome may be involved in prostate cancer risk, and that lack of sons increases this risk by 40%.
Researchers can now observe live cells for extended periods using advanced microscopy techniques, allowing them to study complex cellular processes and identify potential avenues for disease treatment. The new protocols provide a comprehensive toolkit for scientists to visualize and analyze cell movement, growth, and function.
A study from Carnegie Mellon, Stanford, and MIT used fMRI to determine brain activity when considering product purchases and predicting buying behavior. The results suggest that consumers trade off immediate pleasure for delayed pain of spending money, explaining overspending on credit cards.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have developed a hybrid molecule that combines a sugar with a short-chain fatty acid to kill cancer cells in lab tests. The molecule triggers cellular suicide and orchestrates the expression of genes responsible for halting uncontrolled growth.
A study by Cornell and US Military Academy researchers found that waste and drinking water treatments, including UV radiation and bacterial digesters, can eliminate avian flu viruses. H5N2, a low-pathogenic virus similar to deadly H5N1, was inactivated at levels within industry standards.
Research at Yale University reveals estrogen regulates brain energy metabolism similarly to leptin, leading to a promising avenue for addressing obesity in those resistant to leptin. The study's findings suggest that estrogen may suppress appetite using independent pathways from leptin, making it a potential target for weight management.
A University of Georgia study finds that rapid detection and aggressive education can dramatically reduce the size of emerging infectious disease outbreaks. The model developed by John Drake takes into account factors like information speed and public dissemination to predict outbreak sizes.
Uric acid may promote early intervention against chemical damage to neurons following spinal cord injury or stroke. The compound can stimulate astroglial cells to produce transporter proteins that carry harmful compounds away from damaged neurons.
A new study finds significant ethnic differences in treatment use for alcohol problems among whites, blacks, and Hispanics. The majority of services are provided in settings like hospitals and medical clinics, but financial and logistical barriers hinder access for minorities.
A study found that individuals with a G allele of the mu-opioid receptor gene crave alcohol more than those with the A allele. This genetic marker may be related to how much a person craves alcohol in high-risk situations, potentially affecting treatment options.
A team of physicists and neuroscientists has discovered a bottleneck in the brain's blood supply, specifically in penetrating arterioles, which makes it vulnerable to strokes. This finding may explain the origin of gray matter damage detected in brain scans, especially among the elderly.
Research from Northwestern University found that primary care physicians rarely address sleep problems in elderly patients, with 70% experiencing at least one sleep complaint. Treating sleep disorders can improve quality of life and overall health, with options including meditation, exercise, and bright light therapy.
A study found that herpes simplex virus, which causes cold sores, may be more active in the brains of people with the ApoE-4 gene variant, a known risk factor for Alzheimer's disease. The research suggests that ApoE-4 may alter the balance between the HSV life cycle forms, potentially increasing the risk of Alzheimer's.
Neuroscientists at Duke University mapped neural activations for focused attention, shedding light on brain regions and timing involved. The study may aid clinicians addressing attention-related problems in conditions like schizophrenia and ADHD.
A new study found that 61% of chronic hepatitis C patients treated with Interferon developed asymptomatic retinopathy, including retinal hemorrhage and cotton-wool spots. The condition was associated with increased blood velocity and endothelial dysfunction, highlighting the importance of monitoring patients during treatment.
A genetic mutation in a single amino acid change in the beta1-adrenergic receptor affects its response to certain beta blockers. The Arg389 variant of the receptor is more sensitive to carvedilol, leading to reduced cAMP signaling and potentially poorer treatment outcomes for black patients.
Competitive surfers experience a relatively low risk of injury, but more than double the risk in large waves or over hard bottoms. Common injuries include sprains and strains to the knees.
Recent research suggests that regular statin use is not linked to lower colorectal cancer risk, while folate intake does not appear to impact breast cancer risk. However, monitoring of thyroid function may be necessary for patients taking the medication sunitinib, which can cause fatigue and hypothyroidism.
A study found that four out of five hospital performance measures for heart failure were not linked to improved patient outcomes. The measures, developed by the American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association, include discharge instructions and evaluation of left ventricular systolic function.