Researchers measured pollutants from secondhand smoke near bars and restaurants with indoor smoking bans, finding a rise in pollutants associated with an increase in smokers. The study suggests that secondhand smoke is present in these outdoor zones, potentially creating unhealthy environments for non-smokers.
The journal Contemporary Islam: Dynamics of Muslim Life discusses the impact of the internet on Islamophobia, including the spread of anti-Islamic opinions and the use of new technologies to combat it. The first issue explores topics such as re-imagining Islam through recent global events and personal autonomy of women in Morocco.
A subset of endometrial cancers has been found to have previously unrecognized alterations in the FGFR2 gene, resulting in uncontrolled cell division. This discovery could accelerate the development of new treatments for endometrial cancer by targeting drugs already in clinical trials.
Researchers found that pre-operative CT scans in patients experiencing acute appendicitis symptoms may delay surgery, increasing the risk of appendix rupture. Colonoscopies are recommended over flexible sigmoidoscopy for detecting advanced neoplastic lesions, with notable racial disparities observed.
Researchers develop a synthetic enzymatic pathway to convert polysaccharides into hydrogen, achieving high storage capacity and efficiency. The new process has the potential to release hydrogen from water and carbohydrates at low temperatures and atmospheric pressure.
AZoJono has introduced a revenue share scheme that pays authors and peer reviewers up to $500 and $100-$500 respectively. This open-access model has led to high-quality Nanotech science being disseminated globally, with over 350,000 monthly visitor sessions.
Researchers are developing new electronics to accurately measure subatomic particles, potentially detecting cancer at an earlier stage. Improved Positron Emission Tomography (PET) technology could lead to better diagnoses and more accurate tumor detection.
A new study by Research Australia found that carrying passengers increases the likelihood of a crash by 60% compared to using a mobile phone while driving. The risk is lower than mobile phone use but higher due to the prevalence of passenger transport.
A new study found that a child's finger length can predict their performance in numeracy and literacy tests. The researchers discovered that a higher digit ratio, indicating greater prenatal testosterone exposure, is associated with stronger numeracy skills. In contrast, a lower digit ratio is linked to higher literacy scores for girls.
Most teens do not experience depression after first-time sex, but young girls and early-sex boys/girls in uncommitted relationships are at risk. The study suggests focusing on vulnerable teens rather than promoting a one-size-fits-all approach to sex education.
A new study of 914 children with mild to moderate asthma found that consistent inhaled steroid use was associated with a 20% lower likelihood of well-controlled asthma. The study suggests genetic factors may play a role in non-response to steroids, highlighting the need for personalized treatment approaches.
A recent Geisinger Health System study reveals a clear connection between combat veterans' mixed handedness and the likelihood of developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The research found that extreme mixed handedness increased PTSD risk by nearly five times.
A six-month study demonstrated that bifeprunox maintained stability and displayed a favorable weight and lipid profile compared to placebo in patients with schizophrenia. The treatment also showed promising results in reducing the risk of deterioration over time.
A new procedure using concentrated radio waves has been found to be safe and effective in treating abnormal cell growth in the esophagus, a precursor to cancer. The treatment, called radiofrequency ablation, destroys abnormal cells with fewer side effects than current methods.
Researchers are investigating the best time to start hormone therapy, its impact on cognition and mood, and the most beneficial form of estrogen. The $3.4 million KEEPS study aims to clarify the safety and effectiveness of hormone therapy in perimenopausal women.
Researchers used embryonic stem cells to investigate how some tumours migrate to other parts of the body, making treatment more difficult. They found that a crucial change in cell behavior, known as epithelial-mesenchymal transition, allows cancer cells to move and spread.
A study found that diagnostic tests for malaria are often underused in Zambia, resulting in patients being prescribed antimalarial medications despite negative test results. The use of rapid antigen-detection diagnostic tests (RDTs) is proposed as a cost-effective approach to reduce overtreatment.
Researchers found antifolate therapies, including sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine and chlorproguanil-dapsone, effective in clearing P vivax parasites by day 14. The treatments were well-tolerated and may be used as an alternative to chloroquine in cases where species-specific diagnosis is unavailable.
Researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine found fungi can harness ionizing radiation to produce food and spur growth, recalculating Earth's energy balance. This discovery could provide a sustainable food source for long-duration space missions or planetary colonization.
A recent study found that marijuana smoking increases the risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) among current cigarette smokers, particularly those over 40. The study also revealed that adding marijuana smoking to cigarette smoking boosts the odds of respiratory symptoms by a significant margin.
A study by University of Cincinnati researcher David Hom found that treating skin wounds with a concentrated topical gel of the patient's own blood platelets resulted in faster healing. The gel showed a statistically significant increased wound closure compared to antibiotic ointment, with some sites closing up to two days earlier.
A new study by the University of Michigan School of Public Health suggests that chain-owned nursing homes face a dilemma between administrative and clinical standards. The research found that excessive emphasis on corporate standardization can hurt patient care, while a balance is needed to optimize resident outcomes. The study's autho...
A study of over 500 women who survived breast cancer found that maintaining vigorous exercise levels significantly improved everyday functioning and reduced symptoms, while those who started exercising after diagnosis saw a positive impact on their quality of life
Researchers have developed a method to discern most genetic activity of a tumor from radiology scans, enabling personalized medicine and non-invasive diagnosis. This approach could revolutionize cancer treatment by providing unique characteristics of each patient's disease.
A study of 149 patients with low-grade gliomas found that temozolomide reduced tumor size in 53% and stabilized it in 37%, while increasing it in 10%. Genetic testing revealed that missing the 1p/19q gene was associated with better treatment outcomes.
Researchers successfully awakened vision cells in blind mice using gene therapy, restoring their visual abilities. The breakthrough has implications for treating common blinding diseases like age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy.
A study found that men with chronic gum disease were at higher risk for tongue cancer, regardless of smoking status. Periodontitis was significantly associated with an increased risk of tongue cancer in a study of 51 white men.
Researchers have created conditions similar to those inside the Earth to study its inner workings. The study provides new insights into the planet's materials and processes under high pressure, revealing surprising findings about the D'' layer near the core.
A Finnish study found that persistent smokers are at a higher risk of developing depressive symptoms compared to never smokers. In contrast, those who successfully quit smoking tend to experience elevated depressive symptoms in the short term, but this risk declines over time.
Researchers have developed a device that can map magnetic fields at an unprecedented level of precision, detecting even the smallest magnetic fields with great accuracy. The breakthrough uses ultra-cold Bose-Einstein condensates to create a highly sensitive magnetometer.
Research highlights age-related risks for colon cancer patients undergoing surgery; obesity linked to increased polyp prevalence in women. Racial disparities also affect liver cancer treatment, with African Americans less likely to receive surgical therapy.
Researchers found that Bifantis delayed the onset of artificially induced arthritis and resulted in less severe arthritic symptoms. In a second study, Bifantis increased the numbers of immune cells controlling the response to harmful pathogens like Salmonella, limiting inflammation.
Researchers have developed an electronic nose that can detect the presence of asthma by analyzing volatile organic compounds in exhaled breath. The device was able to identify asthmatic patients, but showed less accuracy in determining disease severity.
A study found that soldiers in Iraq contracted multi-drug resistant Acinetobacter infections primarily from environmental contamination of field hospitals. ABC bacteria were also detected on skin samples but not soil, suggesting transmission occurred within healthcare facilities. The authors conclude maintaining infection control is es...
Dr. Steven S. Gross receives the 2007 National Institutes of Health (NIH) Method to Extend Research in Time (MERIT) Award for his work on nitric oxide and its role in vascular complications of diabetes. The $2.5 million grant will support research into potential pharmaceutical targets.
Researchers at Harvard University have developed tiny implantable biocomputers that can precisely scan cellular activity, enabling targeted therapies for diseased cells. The devices, constructed from DNA, RNA, and proteins, could revolutionize medicine by directing treatments to specific cells or tissues.
A Queensland University of Technology research project has received a funding boost for developing technology to purify unclean water supplies. The project aims to revolutionize water purification using novel nanomaterials, demonstrating enhanced efficacy against toxic materials.
A new UCLA study used fMRI to capture detailed pictures of the human brain's response to inhaling pure oxygen. The researchers found that adding carbon dioxide to the gas mix calms the hypothalamus and slows the release of dangerous chemicals, preventing lasting damage.
A nationwide study compared two surgical procedures for urinary stress incontinence, finding the fascial sling procedure significantly more effective than the Burch colposuspension technique. The SISTEr trial involved 655 women and found overall success rates of 47% for the sling procedure versus 38% for the Burch procedure.
Researchers found that odorants in spices and fragrances can trigger serotonin release, leading to gastrointestinal reactions. Sacral nerve stimulation has also shown potential for relieving symptoms of idiopathic constipation, with long-term results indicating improved bowel habits and reduced straining.
Researchers at Bigelow Laboratory have developed a new approach to studying marine microbes, allowing for the analysis of individual unicellular organisms. The method, which uses fluorescence-activated sorting and multi-locus DNA sequencing, enables the study of metabolic capabilities and identities of uncultured microbial taxa.
Research reveals a connection between erectile dysfunction and various serious health conditions, including heart disease and metabolic syndrome. Chronic treatment with sildenafil has been shown to improve endothelial function and oxidative stress, suggesting potential benefits for cardiovascular indications.
A study led by researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine found that muscle-derived stem cell injections strengthened sphincter muscles, improving bladder control and quality of life for women with stress urinary incontinence. The treatment was safe and effective, with long-term improvements observed.
A study of 666 head and neck cancer patients found that 38.1% discontinued work due to cancer and treatment, with fatigue being the leading factor. The study highlights the need for interventions to minimize disability after treatment and provide more information about employment to patients.
Researchers found that older adults with a history of excess weight in midlife or earlier had worse physical performance than those who were normal weight throughout adulthood. Maintaining healthy weight may prevent or delay physical disability as we age.
Computer scientists Steven Rudich and Alexander A. Razborov have made a significant contribution to the P vs. NP problem, a classic question in theoretical computer science that underlies the security of digital systems. Their work has implications for cryptography and electronic commerce.
A new study found that flash-heating breast milk can successfully inactivate HIV, providing a safe alternative for mothers in resource-poor communities. The technique involves heating the milk in a pan of water over a flame and retains most of its nutritional and antimicrobial properties.
A randomized trial found that brand names significantly impact patient treatment decisions, with 36% changing their choice after seeing the true name. The study suggests that decision aids can help patients navigate complex medical decisions and express their personal values.
A research team developed an engineered protein that effectively neutralizes Staphylococcus aureus toxin, preventing symptoms in rabbits and reversing illness after exposure. The protein has potential advantages over antibodies, including smaller size and faster clearance from the body.
A University of Illinois study explores how family members perceive unequal treatment by parents, revealing that siblings who share a common understanding of parental behavior tend to get along better. The research emphasizes the significance of open dialogue and active listening among family members.
Researchers found a 27% increase in GABA levels after one hour of yoga practice. Yoga has shown promise in improving symptoms associated with depression, anxiety, and epilepsy.
Researchers at MIT have discovered a direct linear pathway connecting three molecules involved in synaptic formation, shedding light on the 'pruning' of neural circuits during development. This new pathway's role in development and learning could advance our understanding of devastating developmental neurological disorders.
The TORCH study found that treatment with salmeterol/fluticasone propionate slowed the decline in lung function in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Patients treated with this combination had a slower rate of lung function decline compared to those receiving a placebo over three years.
A study found XDR-TB accounts for 8% of multi-drug-resistant cases in India, compared to 4% in the US. The disease leaves patients virtually untreatable with currently available anti-TB drugs, with a high mortality rate of 42%.
Global carbon dioxide emissions have accelerated at a three percent increase per year in the 2000s, with nearly eight billion tonnes emitted globally in 2005 compared to six billion tonnes in 1995. The growth rate is attributed to increased fossil fuel usage and less efficient burning of these fuels.
A new international study involving over 10,700 people with high blood pressure found that single-tablet combinations of drugs can bring blood pressure under control for up to 80% of US patients. The six-month treatment period saw a near-doubling of the proportion of patients achieving controlled blood pressure.
A meta-analysis suggests that half of blood-thinning drug-related complications can be prevented through improved anticoagulation control. This study highlights the importance of closely monitoring patients taking these medications to avoid serious side effects.
Researchers have discovered that consuming popcorn may lower the risk of diverticulitis by 28% in individuals with diverticular disease. A randomized clinical trial also found rosiglitazone to be an effective treatment for mild-to-moderately active ulcerative colitis.
Scientists have challenged a long-held theory about how HIV depletes white blood cells, instead proposing that the virus slowly adapts to evade the immune system. This new understanding could pave the way for new treatment approaches.
Researchers have made significant breakthroughs in stem cell treatment options, including isolation of human spermatoogonial stem cells and use of autologous adipose-derived stem cells. Studies also show promise for engineered bladder tissue and muscle-derived cell injection in treating stress urinary incontinence.