A study by Peter Leeson and Russell Sobel found that each $100 of FEMA-provided disaster relief increases the average state's corruption by nearly 102 percent. Notably, hurricane-prone states with high FEMA allocations have more corruption convictions per capita.
Mayo Clinic researchers found that endoxifen, a tamoxifen metabolite, degrades estrogen receptors and inhibits the growth of breast cancer cells. The study suggests that an agent mimicking endoxifen might be a more effective treatment than tamoxifen.
Researchers have made groundbreaking measurements of rare tin, cadmium, and indium nuclei, refining theoretical models about element creation in the cosmos. The discovery of Tin-100, a 'holy grail' of experimental nuclear physics, marks a major breakthrough in understanding nuclear stability.
According to the study, one in three UK adults (32.1% of men, 33.1% of women) will be obese by 2012, with a significant increase in obesity prevalence among low-income groups. The findings also highlight the economic burden of obesity, with an estimated £7.4 billion annual cost to the English economy.
The ECOG E4A03 study found that Revlimid plus low-dose dexamethasone improved three-year overall survival rates to 75% in the intent-to-treat population. Continuous therapy also achieved a 91% overall response rate with a high complete response and very good partial response rate.
Phase II trials demonstrate significant activity of pomalidomide in MM and myelofibrosis, with disease improvement or stabilization in 76% of patients. Pomalidomide also shows promise in patients who previously did not respond to REVLIMID therapy.
Researchers used functional MRI to scan subjects making decisions about punishments, finding activity in key brain regions tracked punishment magnitude. Activity in the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex played a key role in deciding punishment based on criminal responsibility.
Researchers at the University of Georgia have demonstrated that RNA interference can be used as a tool in vaccine development, reducing virus replication and disease pathogenesis while inducing immunity. The study shows promise for a new approach to combatting viral diseases like RSV.
A new study finds that women who present themselves as confident and ambitious are viewed as highly competent but also lacking social skills. In contrast, modest female candidates are viewed as well-liked but less competent, while male candidates with similar traits are more likely to be hired.
A chemist at the University of Chicago has developed a new method to predict many-electron chemistry using only two electrons, allowing for faster and more accurate chemical reaction predictions. This breakthrough could lead to significant advances in fields such as atmospheric ozone depletion, greenhouse gas reduction, and drug design.
Researchers successfully blocked PD-1, boosting anti-viral killer cells and antibody response, reducing plasma viral load and prolonging survival of SIV-infected rhesus macaque monkeys. The therapy showed improved function of T cells in the blood and gut, increasing antibody production against SIV.
Researchers have developed a new theory that explains the behavior of molecules in plastics, leading to more precise and cost-effective production of specialty plastics. This breakthrough could have applications in fields like engineering, nanotechnology, renewable energy, and medicine.
A new study by Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center reveals that magnets in children's toys can cause extensive medical complications worldwide. Most children who swallow multiple magnets do not receive timely treatment, leading to severe problems and even death.
Researchers investigate relationship between diabetes treatment and disordered eating behaviors in children with diabetes. They hope to find a different treatment approach that helps patients gain control over their eating behaviors and treatment without adopting maladaptive weight management strategies.
A meta-analysis found that rosiglitazone and pioglitazone increase the risk of fractures in women, particularly those taking these medications for extended periods. The study involved 13,715 diabetes patients and estimated that high-risk women on thiazolidinediones face a one-in-21 chance of fracture per year.
A study of 404,654 people found that those diagnosed with panic attacks were more likely to develop coronary heart disease (CHD) and suffer a heart attack, particularly in younger individuals. However, the risk of dying from CHD was reduced among all age groups who had been diagnosed with panic attacks.
CSHL researchers have found that changes in small RNA patterns enable transposons to re-activate in continuously dividing cells, leading to genomic instability and potential disease consequences. The team's study implicates RNA interference in epigenetic chromatin changes that occur in immortalized cells.
The report finds that climate change is the primary threat to coral reefs worldwide, with bleaching and acidification expected to cause significant declines. However, some reefs have shown recovery, particularly those in protected areas or with minimal human impact.
Decreasing FKBP12 gene activity in mice disrupted neuron-to-neuron communication, leading to enhanced long-term potentiation and repetitive behaviors. The study provides insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder and obsessive-compulsive disease.
A new study explores the lived experience of Rwandan women who were raped during the 1994 genocide, highlighting themes unique to these survivors. The research reveals a loss of dignity, identity, and hope for the future, as well as social isolation and stigma surrounding rape and its aftermath.
Researchers developed a new class of anti-inflammatory drugs with fewer side effects than aspirin, targeting the later stage of arachidonic acid biosynthesis. These dual mPGES-1/5-LO-Inhibitors effectively target both prostaglandins and leukotrienes, promising more effective results for inflammatory reactions.
A study published in JASN found that even mild increases in serum phosphorus levels are associated with cardiovascular events in people with moderate chronic kidney disease. Vascular calcification, detected by CT scans, was more common in patients with higher phosphorus levels, increasing the risk of coronary artery calcification.
Scientists analyze brain structure and find PHLPP enzyme silences vital cell-survival protein, leaving vulnerable cells susceptible to damage. The discovery could lead to solutions for age-related memory loss and provide insights into the mechanisms of Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers found that a magnitude 9.2 Indian Ocean earthquake triggered non-volcanic tremor at the Parkfield region of the San Andreas fault, approximately 125 miles away. This low-stress event sheds new light on seismic phenomenon and its potential role in releasing stress within an earthquake-producing fault.
Long-term use of diabetes medications like rosiglitazone and pioglitazone increases the risk of bone fractures in women with type 2 diabetes, according to a new study. The risk is doubled compared to men, highlighting the need for alternative treatment options.
Astronomers have discovered carbon dioxide on a Jupiter-sized planet orbiting another star, HD 189733b. The detection is significant as it could be a sign of biological activity, and further studies will focus on characterizing the planet's atmosphere to determine its habitability.
The Global Situational Awareness Tool (GSAT) assesses environmental and health concerns for deployed US forces in Afghanistan and other areas. The system combines malaria prevalence predictions with meteorological and environmental factors to inform decision-making.
Type 1 diabetes and celiac disease share common genetic mechanisms, including autoimmunity-related tissue damage and intolerance to dietary antigens, the study found. Researchers identified seven chromosome regions shared between the two diseases, suggesting a potential link in environmental triggers as well.
The study, which analyzed socio-economic data from 14,000 households in 27 tropical countries, found that healthy coral reefs are crucial for communities' livelihoods and food security. Despite decades-old recommendations, effective implementation of these recommendations is still a challenge in many parts of the world.
A recent study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that long-term use of thiazolidinediones (TZDs) doubles the risk of fractures in women with type 2 diabetes. The study, which analyzed data from 10 previously completed trials, showed a consistent decline in bone mineral density in women exposed to TZD therapy.
Shashank Priya has received a three-year grant to develop high-sensitivity resonant magnetic field sensors using magnetoelectric thin films. The technology has the potential to enhance performance of communication devices such as GPS systems.
A Northwestern University team developed partial-wave spectroscopy (PWS) to detect subtle abnormal changes in human colon cancer cells. The technique can identify cell nanoarchitecture and detect changes before conventional microscopy can.
Researchers at the University of Georgia discovered that natural selection on gene function is driving the evolution of LTR retrotransposons in plant genomes. The study found strong purifying selection across all gene regions, but rare episodes of positive selection and adaptation to host genomes.
The project makes available the original serial parts of Dickens' 15 novels, including Oliver Twist and A Tale of Two Cities, through the Web. The digitized works are expected to increase awareness for Dickens' mastery of the serial form and his impact on mass-market publication.
A growing number of older adults are expected to be diagnosed with and live longer with cancer due to the aging baby boomer population. Critical issues include prevention, screening, treatment, survivorship, and end-of-life care for older adults with cancer.
Researchers at Michigan State University discovered a new method to analyze bacterial inclusion bodies using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. This breakthrough could streamline protein-based drug manufacturing, making it quicker and more efficient.
A research team led by Purdue Professor Eric Calais has captured the first recorded event of a 'dyking' process that breaks apart tectonic plates and weaks the Earth's lithosphere. This process, previously only theorized, can lead to the formation of oceans and continents.
A preliminary study by Durham University found that struggling households in the UK have borrowed against their homes to meet basic needs like raising children. On average, these households borrowed an additional £5000 to £7500 in a given year.
A phase I clinical trial found rosiglitazone to be safe and well-tolerated in patients with FSGS, suggesting its potential as a treatment option. The study showed that serum albumin and kidney filtration rates affected the drug's activity, warranting further investigation.
A Princeton University scientist has demonstrated that sugar can be an addictive substance, with lab animals showing signs of craving and relapse. The study suggests that bingeing on sugar can lead to long-lasting effects in the brain and increased motivation for other substances of abuse.
A Canadian scientist has made a significant breakthrough in treating intellectual disabilities by manipulating the genes of fruit flies. The research found that disrupting a specific gene called FMR1 leads to long-term memory loss, and that a class of drugs can help restore memories.
A study published in the Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic, & Neonatal Nursing reveals that poor sleep quality is closely linked to postpartum depression. Women with PPD experience worsened symptoms when their sleep quality declines.
A new partnership between nutritionists and chefs will provide Quebec daycares with healthier meal options. The three-year project aims to improve childcare centers' food preparation methods and introduce new approaches to healthy cuisine.
A study reveals a link between dysregulation of a common signaling pathway and repetitive behaviors associated with multiple neurological disorders. Deletion of FK506-binding protein is associated with enhanced mTOR signaling, synaptic plasticity, and memory deficits.
A new analysis of the AZA-001 phase III clinical trial shows that Vidaza significantly improves response rates for higher-risk MDS patients. Continued treatment with Vidaza leads to improved responses in nearly half of patients, offering hope for those who initially have a weak response.
A Canada-US study published in Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that insufficient vitamin D can cause higher body mass and shorter stature in girls during puberty. The researchers discovered a significant association between low vitamin D levels and increased abdominal fat, but no link to bone strength.
Stanford researcher Mark Z. Jacobson finds wind power to be the most promising clean energy source, offering a 99% reduction in carbon emissions and water consumption. In contrast, biofuels, nuclear power, and coal are significantly polluting, causing thousands of deaths per year.
A recent study led by Massachusetts General Hospital researchers found that hormone therapy for prostate cancer does not appear to increase the risk of death from cardiovascular disease. However, other adverse effects such as diabetes and heart disease still exist, necessitating careful treatment strategies.
A landmark analysis found that continuous treatment with Revlimid and dexamethasone improved overall survival and time to disease progression in multiple myeloma patients. Patients who continued therapy had significantly longer overall survival rates compared to those who discontinued treatment after 10 months or less.
A nationwide study found that most child deaths occur while in the hospital, with newborns being the most vulnerable group. Children without insurance had significantly higher mortality rates compared to those with insurance, with mortality rates ranging from 0.33% for children with private insurance to 0.58% for uninsured children.
Researchers have successfully transplanted de-differentiated fat (DFAT) cells into animal models, promoting functional recovery and motor function after spinal cord injury. The study suggests that DFAT cells could be a source for cell replacement therapy to treat central nervous system disorders.
Researchers have found that snowy owls spend most of winter on Arctic sea ice, where they may prey on seabirds and face potential climate change implications. The birds' long-distance migrations, tracked by satellite technology, suggest they are vulnerable to climate change.
A phase III study will evaluate Revlimid as a maintenance therapy for elderly patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. The study aims to determine progression-free survival and overall survival associated with Revlimid compared to placebo.
A study published in Human Molecular Genetics found an association between a functional variant of the serotonin receptor-type 3E gene and diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome. This correlation could lead to the development of specific medications for certain genetic mutations in patients.
Airline pilots with long-term flying experience may be exposed to cumulative DNA damage from cosmic ionising radiation. Chromosome translocation frequency was higher among pilots than faculty staff, especially those who had flown the most.
Researchers identified FKBP12, a protein regulating mTOR activity, as key to understanding autism and OCD in mice. The study found enhanced synaptic plasticity and contextual memory but also perseverative and repetitive behaviors, common in individuals with these disorders.
Researchers successfully monitored transplanted stem cells using bioluminescent imaging and iron oxide, enabling non-invasive tracking. Three different labeling methods were evaluated for their reliability in detecting transplanted mensenchymal stem cells, with DAPI labeling showing promising results.
A 10-year study found that climate change limits the amphibian's breeding habitat in high-elevation lakes, leading to population decline. The Sierra Nevada Yellow-legged frog relies on two to four years of permanent water for development, making repeated tadpole mortality from lake drying a critical threat.
Levels of drug-resistant TB in China are nearly twice the global average, with 10% resistant to first-line drugs. The prevalence varied greatly between provinces, with an average weighted mean of 9.3% among all cases.
Patients with acute myeloid leukemia who received VIDAZA had significantly increased overall survival compared to those treated with conventional care regimens. Approximately half of the AML patients treated with VIDAZA survived at least two years, compared to just 16% of those receiving conventional chemotherapy.