A new study estimates that 6.9 million US adults have arthritis-attributable work limitation (AAWL), with 1 in 20 working age adults reporting AAWL, and 1 in 3 among those with arthritis. Adults with AAWL have poor physical health and function, including high body mass index, joint pain, and frequent doctor's office visits.
Researchers have developed a simple and scalable assembly to integrate carbon nanotube structures on silicon chips, improving thermal management without increasing device weight. The cooling performance is comparable to that of copper, a significant advantage in miniaturized electronics.
A symposium explores the evolution of low energy nuclear reactions, with researchers presenting findings that suggest these phenomena have evolved and are supported by repeatable experimental data. Evidence includes excess heat generation, documented nuclear reaction products, and detection of high-energy atomic particles.
New research from Johns Hopkins University suggests that children who experience frequent transitions in their living situation are more likely to act out and have behavioral problems. The study found a persistent association between family instability and white children's behavior problems, but no such link for black children.
A recent study published in The Lancet found that eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) supplementation reduced major coronary events by 19% in Japanese hypercholesterolaemic patients taking statins. This significant reduction also translated to a lower incidence of non-fatal myocardial infarction, unstable angina, and coronary revascularisation.
A new ocean model at MIT captures the diversity of underwater forests, simulating the growth and population patterns of microscopic plants that produce half the oxygen we breathe. The model's approach reflects natural selection, allowing for a more accurate representation of real-world ecosystems.
Justin Barone's research focuses on creating biodegradable plastics from agricultural byproducts like poultry feathers. He has developed polymers with improved strength, water resistance, and longevity by modifying keratin amino acid structures and using natural additives.
Researchers, Lucille Sanzero Eller and Elise Lev, are developing a targeted intervention to address physical and psychological symptoms in men with prostate cancer. The study aims to improve quality of life by reducing symptoms such as urinary and bowel incontinence and depression.
A team of astronomers has assembled the most complete picture yet of a pair of asteroids orbiting each other, thanks to combined observations from professionals and amateurs. The asteroid 90 Antiope is depicted as two slightly egg-shaped rubble piles locked in orbit, with uncertainties remaining from previous studies.
A study by the University of Virginia found that only a small percentage of elementary school classrooms provide high-quality instruction, leading to mediocre student outcomes. High-quality teaching involves active learning environments, teacher-student interaction, and emotional support, but is often lacking in US schools.
A new, nanoporous ceramic filter developed by Lehigh University engineers could make dialysis sessions more efficient and shorter. The filter promises to double the amount of toxins removed during dialysis and increase glomular filtration rate (GFR), leading to improved mortality rates and quality of life for patients.
The partnership aims to promote high-quality scientific knowledge across disciplinary boundaries, addressing key questions on climate change and polar science. The journal will cover topics such as glacier mass balance, sea ice interactions, and palaeoclimate reconstruction.
Air crew who work repeated long haul routes are at risk of menstrual cycle problems, transient psychotic disorders, and major affective disorders due to the effects of jet lag. The symptoms can last for several days and include disrupted sleep patterns, mood changes, and gastrointestinal difficulties.
Researchers at Gladstone Institute of Cardiovascular Disease identified a critical genetic factor, microRNA miR-1-2, that regulates heart form and function. The study found that deletion of this microRNA causes defects in heart growth, function, and electrical conduction, potentially leading to new treatments for cardiovascular diseases.
A study published in The Lancet found that exclusive breastfeeding can significantly reduce the risk of HIV transmission from mother to child under six months. Infants who received formula milk or solids were nearly twice as likely to be infected, highlighting the importance of breast milk protection.
Excluding consumers from promotions can actually increase their interest in a product, as they perceive others as more savvy buyers. In experiments conducted by Duke University's Fuqua School of Business, researchers found that naive consumers are attracted to products with freebies not available to them, leading them to believe that e...
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a flexible, metallic fabric composed of small rings and links. The fabric's unique properties make it suitable for developing smart fabrics and wearable electronic devices. Funding from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency supported this groundbreaking research.
Researchers identified a candidate gene called DARC that may underlie differences in bone density between African-Americans and Caucasians. The study found that the DARC gene negatively regulates bone density in mice, and inhibiting its function could lead to therapies for osteoporosis.
Researchers from the University of Alaska Fairbanks have discovered a correlation between lightning and volcanic eruptions. The study, published in Science journal, used electromagnetic lightning detectors to capture electrical activity during Mount Augustine's 2006 eruption, providing new insights into volcanic behavior.
Researchers directly derived air-sea momentum exchange from ocean current observations under Hurricane Ivan, confirming the trend that momentum transfer decreases at high wind speeds. The findings improve storm surge modeling and have significant implications for ocean circulation and numerical model accuracy.
Researchers found that a combination of vitamins A, C, and E and magnesium effectively prevented permanent noise-induced hearing loss in guinea pigs. The study's lead author suggests that similar nutritional bars could provide adequate daily protection for people exposed to loud noises, such as soldiers or concertgoers.
Research published in Tobacco Control found that smokers took almost 11 extra days off sick compared to non-smokers, accounting for 43% of all sick leave. Despite adjusting for health and socioeconomic factors, the difference remained below eight days.
A new asthma inhaler propellant is safe and effective, but its higher cost will significantly impact consumers and healthcare systems. The switch from chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) to hydrofluoroalkane (HFA) propellant may lead to increased costs for patients with prescription benefit plans, as well as co-pays.
A study of 224 children aged 7-10 found exercise had a significant impact on body fat for boys and girls, but in different ways. Boys were more physically fit, with increased hard exercise linked to reduced weight, while girls benefited from moderate exercise.
A new study from Columbia University Medical Center suggests that too much memory can be detrimental to cognitive function. The research, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, found that suppressing neurogenesis in the hippocampus improves working memory. This implies that a balance between memory growth and...
A University of Manchester engineer has pioneered a way to make single-layered planar plastic transistors and diodes using fast and simple printing techniques. This could lead to the production of information displays that can be rolled up, intelligent tickets for public transport systems, and electronic stamps for letters and packages.
A comprehensive tree of mammalian evolution puts major diversifications well after dinosaur die-off, casting doubt on their impact. The team constructed a complete evolutionary tree using molecular data and fossil evidence, finding that diversification didn't take off until the Eocene epoch, about 56 to 34 million years ago.
Researchers at Rutgers University have developed a new theory that explains the physical and chemical properties of plutonium, which can help create safer and more versatile nuclear materials. The study finds that valence electrons in solid plutonium metal fluctuate among different orbitals on a short time scale.
A study published in Arthritis & Rheumatism found that arthritis pain is processed in brain areas associated with emotions and fear. The medial pain system, including the cingulate cortex and amygdala, was activated during arthritic pain, suggesting a stronger emotional impact than experimental pain.
Lynn Simpson, a clinical associate professor at the University of Houston College of Pharmacy, has received the American Pharmacists Association-Academy of Student Pharmacists' Outstanding Chapter Advisor Award. She was recognized for her spirit and impact on students, who have held regional or national leadership posts in APhA-ASP.
Romanovsky will establish a network of permafrost observatories in North America and Russia to measure temperatures and monitor permafrost changes. The project aims to create a standardized system for monitoring permafrost and measuring temperatures, similar to Alaska's existing data set.
Researchers have mapped nucleosome structures on a genome-wide scale, revealing an intimate relationship between DNA sequences and gene regulation. The study pinpointed critical gateways for transcription, showing how nucleosomes control gene function across the entire genome.
A new study has found that the ancestors of modern mammals did not quickly evolve and spread to fill empty niches following the mass extinctions of dinosaurs. Instead, diversification rates dropped and stayed low for 40 million years, with modern mammal orders emerging around 50-55 million years ago.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic have found that cryoablation is an effective treatment option for patients who are not good candidates for surgery due to size or location of the tumor. The procedure involves freezing the tumor with argon gas, resulting in short-term success in over 90% of selected patients.
A study of 5,500 women found that smokers had shorter careers, lower pay, and more disciplinary actions than non-smokers. Smokers were also more likely to be discharged for medical or behavioral reasons.
The Structural Genomics Consortium has determined the 3D structure of PARP3, a protein of significant relevance to diseases such as cancer, inflammation, and metabolic disorders. The available data can accelerate early-phase drug development projects and contribute to a better understanding of disease mechanisms.
The device developed by PNNL scientists provides a fully automated prototype process monitor with microwave-assisted sample pretreatment and flexible chemical separations capabilities. It enables fast analysis of alpha- and beta-emitting radionuclides in liquid solutions, providing near real-time feedback on process performance.
A NASA study suggests that tiny dust particles may have contributed to the relatively calm 2006 Atlantic hurricane season by cooling ocean waters. The research found that Saharan dust concentrations played a major role in shaping the season, potentially even initiating pre-existing conditions due to El Niño.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine found that chromosomal microarray analysis is remarkably sensitive in detecting abnormalities in individual chromosomes, identifying the source of problems in many cases. The technique improved detection rates by up to 12% compared to traditional methods.
A study led by Dr. Diana Perkins identified lower levels of microRNAs in the brains of adults with schizophrenia compared to healthy individuals. The research suggests that altered expression of microRNAs may be involved in the development of schizophrenia, potentially related to disordered synaptic plasticity.
Researchers at Brookhaven National Laboratory have discovered that copper nanoparticles can replace expensive gold catalysts to improve hydrogen production efficiency. The new material exhibits almost identical reactivity and significantly lower costs.
Researchers at UC San Diego discovered that iron oxide nanoparticles can be toxic to nerve cells and interfere with their signal-transmitting extensions. The nanoparticles were initially investigated as a possible way to manipulate nerve cells remotely with magnetic force.
A small percentage of CF patients with a rare genetic stop mutation responded positively to gentamicin treatment, suggesting potential targeted treatments for the disease. Gentamicin reversed stop codons and restored the CFTR protein, improving respiration in affected patients.
Scientists at Johns Hopkins have identified genetic culprits triggering a fatal lung disease. Mutations in telomerase genes were found in 8% of patients with inherited idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), leading to short telomeres and cell death.
Researchers at Yale and Wesleyan Universities have found that the sensitivity of Earth's climate to changes in carbon dioxide has been consistent for 420 million years. The study confirms that each doubling of atmospheric CO2 translates to an average global temperature increase of about 3° Celsius.
The MIT team has visualized a complex network of two types of curves formed by two distinct groups of particles. The first type of curve attracts other fluid particles, while the second type repels them. This discovery may lead to better understanding of turbulent mixing and aid in designing more efficient vehicles.
The Virginia Tech chemistry research group has developed a new molecular complex that harnesses solar energy to produce hydrogen from water. The supramolecule combines three parts: a light absorber, an electron reservoir, and a catalyst to split water into hydrogen.
A new study reveals that the mass extinction event that wiped out dinosaurs did not prompt the rapid diversification of modern mammal species. Instead, these early mammals evolved and radiated around 10 million years after the dinosaurs' demise, driven by a sudden increase in global temperature.
A recent study published in Law and Society Review reveals that pro bono work is influenced more by institutional factors than personal goodwill. The research found significant variations in attitudes towards pro bono work among lawyers in different practice settings, including small firms, large firms, solo practices, and in-house cou...
Researchers found that popularity lists for baby names, music, and dog breeds change at a steady rate, regardless of population size. The study suggests that innovation drives fashion change, with a small proportion of innovators influencing the majority through random copying.
An international study by the University of Bonn found that MRI can detect up to 30 cancers in the opposite breast of women with recent unilateral breast cancer diagnoses. The study's results show a 99.6% confidence level that no breast cancer is present if an MRI scan is normal, making preventive mastectomy unnecessary.
A multi-center study found that MRI screening detected cancer in the opposite breast in 30% of women with recent breast cancer diagnosis. The cancers were missed by previous mammography and clinical exam. The authors recommend MRI screening for high-risk populations, but emphasize its expense and limited ability to detect calcifications.
A new study suggests that balancing omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acid intake can reduce the risk of clinical depression and certain inflammatory diseases. Participants with higher levels of omega-6 and symptoms of depression had elevated markers of inflammation.
Scientists have identified a natural mechanism by which tumors and viruses evade the immune response, leading to the development of new cancer therapies. By inhibiting an enzyme called IDO, researchers hope to restore the immune system's ability to target cancer cells. Early clinical trials are underway to test this approach.
Women in their 70s who engage in moderate physical activity may reduce their risk of developing frequent arthritis symptoms. The study found that increasing exercise to 2 ½ hours per week can further decrease the likelihood of these symptoms appearing.
Experts warn of uncertainty over sea-level rise due to rapidly changing Antarctic Ice Sheet, particularly in the Amundsen Sea Embayment. Thinning ice shelves and increased melting are contributing to faster flow, potentially leading to 'runaway' thinning and several feet of sea-level rise over centuries.
A newly identified immunosuppressive protein, decoy receptor 3 (DcR3), is expressed in rheumatoid synovial fibroblasts and protects them from apoptosis. DcR3's expression is increased by TNFα, contributing to the excessive growth of synovial tissue in RA.
Breakthroughs in environmental science and technology are showcased in the ACS News Service Weekly PressPac. Researchers have discovered a sugar-based solution to reduce chromium toxicity in industrial waste, while gold and silver nanoparticles offer an antidote to fuel cell poisoning. Meanwhile, scientists in protective clothing techn...
Researchers studied 366 participants with bipolar disorder, finding that adding antidepressants to mood stabilizers did not improve outcomes or trigger manic episodes. The study suggests careful management of mood stabilizer medications may be a reasonable alternative to adding antidepressants.
Biosite has identified a combination of three biomarkers that performed better in assessing risk of sepsis progression. The sepsis biomarker panel may aid in the rapid assessment of patients presenting to the emergency department with signs and symptoms of sepsis.