A growing number of researchers in the U.S. and abroad are critical of a government-funded report that found no correlation between meditation and improved health. The report's analytical strategy was deemed haphazard and ad hoc, and relevant studies were excluded from the findings.
A study by UC Irvine found that girls in juvenile detention centers face unique psychological issues, including twice as much aggression as boys and high levels of alcohol and drug use. The researchers suggest that training staff to recognize these issues could help improve the situation.
Scientists generate most energetic terahertz pulses ever produced, allowing for the observation of cross-phase modulation and opening up new possibilities for materials research and light source technologies. The breakthrough could lead to innovations in fields such as biological molecule imaging and homeland security.
Researchers found that plastic morphometric characters are associated with branch level and fixed traits with colony level in Stylophora pistillata corals. This adaptive plasticity allows the formation of species-specific architecture through variable developmental routes.
A Johns Hopkins study found that many Baltimore inner-city homes lack essential safety devices, putting infants and toddlers at risk of fires, falls, and poisoning. The study highlights the need for improved home safety measures, including stair-blocking gates, fire detectors, and medication storage, to protect young children.
A nationwide study found that use of pulmonary artery catheters in US hospitals decreased by 65% between 1993 and 2004, likely due to evidence showing no reduction in mortality for critically ill patients. The decline was most prominent for heart attack diagnoses, with a 81% decrease.
A new study using Chandra finds that younger, more distant galaxy clusters contain far more actively growing supermassive black holes than older, nearby ones. This rapid growth allows these black holes to thrive and influence their host galaxies.
Researchers found that guilt initially drives withdrawal motivation but transforms into approach motivation when an opportunity for reparation presents itself. Participants who received negative feedback on racist responses showed increased guilt and approached anti-racist behaviors.
Researchers found that combining radiation therapy and microsurgery can significantly increase the body's ability to repair damaged spinal cords, leading to permanent recovery. The treatment, which involves draining excess fluids and eliminating damaging cells, showed a nearly two-fold improvement in wound healing compared to untreated...
Studies of coral reefs, rocky intertidal areas, and sea grass beds suggest that depletion of top-level consumers is a key driver of ecosystem changes. The authors' findings have major implications for coastal ecosystem management, as reducing nutrient levels may not restore habitats.
A genetic metabolic defect in the liver can lead to obesity in some individuals, a study published in Metabolism reveals. The defect impairs the body's ability to burn fat, leading to increased hunger and overeating.
Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology have discovered a phenomenon that allows measurement of mechanical motion in nanostructures using the AC Josephson effect. The technique enables the identification and characterization of structural and mechanical properties of nanoparticles, including those of biological interest.
A new study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that prostate cancer patients treated by experienced surgeons have a lower risk of recurrence five years after surgery. The study analyzed data from over 7,700 patients and found that surgeons with more experience had better outcomes, with nearly 70% fewer recu...
A new study published in Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research found that brief motivational interviews are still effective 15 months after initiation for college students sent to alcohol counseling. In-person interventions showed better long-term results than written feedback.
The report outlines practical approaches toward ecosystem-based fishery management, citing the success of Alaska and North Pacific fisheries. The Marine Conservation Alliance recommends 13 best practices to ensure sustainable fishing practices while preserving ecosystem health.
Researchers have made a breakthrough in understanding memory by capturing the physical substrate of newly encoded memories. The study shows that synaptic connections change shape when rats learn to navigate a new environment, and this change is essential for stable memory formation.
A randomized controlled trial involving 1,042 nursing home residents found that wearing an energy-absorbing hip protector did not significantly reduce the incidence of hip fractures. The study's results confirm the growing evidence that current hip protectors are not effective in preventing hip fractures among this population.
A new study found that prenatal alcohol exposure is associated with altered responses in frontal-striatal areas of the brain, leading to cognitive and behavioral deficits. The research also suggests a link between prenatal alcohol exposure and an increased risk of substance-use disorders.
Researchers estimate that less than half of household infections could be prevented with current antiviral drugs, highlighting the need for continuous monitoring. The study provides a method for detecting emerging secondary human-to-human transmission using easily collected data.
High-risk patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy show reduced risk of sudden cardiac death with an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator. The study analyzed data from 506 patients and found that ICD interventions were effective in preventing life-threatening arrhythmias.
A new Kaiser Permanente study suggests a possible link between breast cancer incidence and postmenopausal hormone therapy (HT) use, but concludes that the association is complex and influenced by various factors, including mammography screening rates. Long-term HT may slightly increase breast cancer risk, particularly in younger women.
A new study reveals that blocking NMDA receptors leads to an increase in AMPA activity, which is crucial for ketamine's rapid antidepressant effects. This finding suggests that targeting AMPA directly may lead to the development of faster-acting antidepressants with fewer side effects.
Aging hematopoietic stem cells decline in function due to increased inflammatory response and decreased chromatin remodeling, leading to epigenetic dysregulation. Despite this decline, overall blood production remains stable.
In a study published in PLOS Biology, researchers discovered parietal neurons that respond with increasing activity as the number of items in a display is varied, suggesting an accumulator neuron role. This finding supports computer models separating summing and numerical identification processes.
The new engine technology can improve fuel economy by several miles per gallon, cutting oil demand in the US by a million barrels a day. The mode-switching capability could appear in production models within a few years.
Researchers found that adherence to TB treatment is influenced by structural factors such as poverty and gender discrimination, highlighting the need for tailored support systems. A separate study on ventilatory control reveals evidence of central plasticity in humans, providing insight into the complexities of human physiology.
A national initiative designed to improve heart-failure patient care in hospitals resulted in significant gains, including increased adherence to key quality-of-care performance measures and reduced hospital stays. The initiative also led to favorable trends for in-hospital and post-discharge mortality rates.
A new study from Cornell University found that exposure to smoking-cessation product ads increases the likelihood of quitting, even without purchasing products. The study suggests that 'spillover effects' from advertising may play a significant role in this phenomenon.
A recent study by McMaster University shows that sperm banking can preserve fertility in adolescents and young adult males with cancer. The study found a 36% success rate using intrauterine insemination and a 50% success rate using in vitro fertilization.
A meta-analysis of previous studies finds that both unfractionated and low-molecular-weight heparin are effective in preventing blood clots in hospitalized patients. Venous thromboembolism is a major cause of complications and death, with most cases occurring outside the hospital.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a new type of laser that can emit over 700 milli-Watts of continuous output power, a factor of two increase from competing technology. The Quantum Cascade Laser has a 10-18% wall-plug efficiency, making it suitable for widespread deployment and low-cost production.
A new teaching method uses SimMan simulation technology to teach basic science concepts, with 98% of students rating the correlation as 'very good' or 'outstanding'. Students engaged actively through guided group discussions and interactive simulations.
Three clinical trials in Africa found that adult male circumcision reduced HIV transmission by 51-60%. However, the impact on US populations is uncertain due to differing modes of transmission and circumcision prevalence. The CDC suggests considering circumcision as an additional prevention measure for high-risk men.
Research suggests that older adults with poor health literacy have a higher risk of mortality compared to those with adequate literacy. The study found that individuals with lower education levels had poorer health outcomes, including increased rates of cardiovascular disease deaths.
Researchers at the University at Buffalo have found that copper absorption increases when iron levels decrease, suggesting a crucial role for copper in maintaining iron homeostasis. The study aims to understand the molecular mechanisms behind this relationship and its implications for human health.
A US anti-prostitution pledge restricts funding for HIV programs that support decriminalization or legalization of sex work, hindering global HIV control efforts. Empowering sex workers through organization and unionization can be an effective HIV prevention strategy.
Researchers found that mutations in PPARγ lead to poor milk quality, causing health issues in nursing pups. Ingestion of toxic milk sets off an inflammatory response, disrupting hair growth and leading to baldness.
Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have made a breakthrough in graphene's conductive properties, demonstrating that length and width impact conduction. This finding could enable mass production of metallic graphene for use in computer chips, replacing copper as primary interconnect material.
Researchers at the University of Sheffield found that pterosaurs were not adapted for 'skimming', contrary to previous studies. Instead, they likely used conventional feeding methods. The study's findings provide new insight into the lifestyle of these prehistoric flying reptiles.
A study published in Neurology found that people who spent more time in the sun as children may have a lower risk of developing multiple sclerosis. The study involved 79 pairs of identical twins and found that the twin with MS spent less time in the sun as a child, leading to a reduced risk of 25-57% depending on the activity.
Researchers have developed an algorithm that can match any tumor cells with the most effective anti-cancer treatments, predicting clinical responses and identifying new compounds. This 'coexpression extrapolation (COXEN) system' has been successfully tested on bladder cancer cell lines and shows promise for other types of cancer.
People with writer's cramp have reduced grey matter in specific brain regions, including the cerebellum and sensorimotor cortex. The study suggests that these changes may be a result of sustained repetitive movement, or an adaptation to the condition.
Researchers found adult leukemia survivors are less active than the general population, with those who received cranial radiotherapy showing the lowest levels of physical activity. This decreased physical activity increases the risk of obesity, cardiovascular disease, and mortality in these patients.
A new study from the University of Texas at Austin found obese girls are half as likely to attend college as non-obese girls. The study attributes this disparity to mental health and behavioral issues such as increased risk of suicide, substance abuse, and negative self-image.
A new study published in CANCER found that newer drug therapies, particularly aromatase inhibitors, have improved the survival of women with metastatic breast cancer. Survival rates increased by approximately 30% as these drugs became more widely used between 1991 and 2001.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine are developing a novel approach to treat both congestive heart failure and major depression. The study aims to compare the impact of blended care management programs with traditional programs on various outcomes.
A University of Delaware-led team achieved a record-breaking combined solar cell efficiency of 42.8 percent from sunlight, surpassing the current record of 40.7 percent. The innovative technology incorporates spectral splitting optics with high-performance crystalline silicon solar cells.
A new study published in CANCER journal found that group therapy does not prolong the lives of women with metastatic breast cancer. However, women with estrogen receptor-negative tumors showed a survival benefit from group therapy.
Researchers at U of M create Portmanteau Inhibitors, merging antiviral agents into one drug to reduce cost and toxicity. The new approach is less likely to develop resistance from the virus and shows promise in improving treatment outcomes for AIDS patients.
Gambel's white-crowned sparrows use testosterone to trigger seasonal growth of brain regions responsible for song production. The study found that deafened birds still grew larger song control areas as large as hearing birds, but sang less often.
Internal medicine faculty report that reduced resident duty hours worsen aspects of patient care, education, and professionalism, while improving residents' well-being. Key clinical faculty also express concerns about increased workload, burnout, and decreased autonomy for residents.
A Stanford University School of Medicine researcher led by David Spiegel showed that support groups improved quality of life for participants with metastatic breast cancer, but didn't extend overall survival. However, a subgroup of patients with an aggressive form of breast cancer did experience a survival benefit from the therapy.
A team of Cornell researchers has identified a previously unknown gene in fruit flies that appears to have been created from scratch around 13 million years ago. The new gene, called hydra, is functional and likely plays a role in late-stage sperm cell development.
A recent study found ethnic differences in neonatal mortality and morbidity rates, with South Asian infants facing significantly higher risks. Small for gestational age was a significant factor only among Caucasian infants, while premature birth was a risk across all ethnic groups.
A quarter of NYC adult New Yorkers have elevated blood mercury levels, with higher rates among Asian women and those consuming more fish. Pregnant and breastfeeding women, as well as young children, are advised to limit or avoid high-mercury fish to minimize health risks.
The National Bumblebee Nest Survey found that gardens contain the highest densities of bumblebee nests, with 36 nests per hectare. This suggests that gardens provide an important habitat for bumblebees, particularly in comparison to other countryside habitats.
Scientists have developed a new type of flexible plastic film that combines natural and manmade optical effects, producing a color-changing effect that depends less on viewing angle. The films are made from arrays of spheres stacked in three dimensions, which scatter light and produce intensely colored colors.
The complete mitochondrial genome of the mastodon has been sequenced, increasing the age limit for paleogenomic analyses by almost a complete glacial cycle. The study reveals that mammoths are more closely related to Asian than African elephants, with divergence times similar to those of humans, chimpanzees, and gorillas.
New research finds that cold-blooded Antarctic marine animals, such as the limpet, cannot efficiently grow or increase growth rates in warmer water. This suggests they may struggle to cope with predicted temperature increases, potentially affecting biodiversity.
A recent study suggests that adult male circumcision could help prevent HIV transmission in the US, particularly among heterosexual couples. However, the effectiveness of circumcision in reducing HIV risk among men who have sex with men (MSM) is uncertain due to limited data and potential biases.