The United States Distance Learning Association honored WebCampus with the prestigious award for its exceptional online distance learning practices. With over 14,000 students from 44 states and 42 countries, WebCampus has established itself as a leader in the industry.
Scientists have detected polarized glow in Northern Lights, revealing clues to the composition of Earth's upper atmosphere and magnetic field configuration. The phenomenon also offers a way to determine magnetic field configurations on other planets.
Scientists have identified a region on human chromosome 1 that contributes to elevated blood triglyceride levels, increasing the risk of atherosclerosis and heart disease. Three genes, angiopoietin-like 3, leptin receptor, and sterol carrier protein 2, are promising candidates for further study.
A study at Vanderbilt University establishes a direct link between cochlea curvature and low-frequency hearing limit, providing new insights into the evolution of hearing. The research found that spiral-shaped cochleae are exclusive to mammals and have a significant effect on hearing ranges.
A study from Temple University found that sensory integration therapy significantly reduced autistic mannerisms in children, leading to improved behavior and learning outcomes. The treatment enabled children to better regulate their responses to sensations and situations, making self-care and classroom activities more manageable.
A study by UC Irvine researchers found that a majority of participants did not realize their treatment preferences had changed over time, leading to false memories. The study highlights the need for ongoing dialogue among individuals, families, and physicians about end-of-life treatment options.
Researchers at ETH Zurich identify a unique invasion strategy used by the vaccinia virus, exploiting cellular waste disposal mechanisms and evading immune response. The discovery sheds light on a new mechanism of action for this virus, which could inform the development of new antiviral agents.
A study found that micronutrient supplementation reduced TB recurrence rates in patients undergoing chemotherapy. The study showed a 45% overall reduction and a 63% decrease for HIV-infected patients.
A new study from Wake Forest University School of Medicine found that workers with increased work flexibility reported fewer sickness absences and improved job commitment. This suggests that implementing flexible work arrangements can contribute to better health outcomes and productivity for employees.
Researchers found a connection between an immune protein and glucose levels, offering a new avenue for treating diabetics who don't respond to traditional insulin-based treatments. The protein, defensin HNP-1, inhibits glucose-producing genes and reduces blood sugar levels in both normal mice and diabetic rats.
Research found that users on Yahoo Answers use the platform to exchange advice and opinions, as well as technical expertise. The study analyzed one month of activity on the site, finding that questions seeking factual answers received fewer replies, while those requesting common-sense advice and opinion garnered longer answer threads.
A team of researchers led by Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute's Robert J. Linhardt uncovered the source of deadly heparin contamination, a complex carbohydrate named oversulfated chondroitin sulfate. They are now developing stronger monitoring systems and exploring synthetic alternatives to ensure patient safety.
Researchers have identified a small molecule that can reversibly activate the human epithelial sodium channel (ENaC), leading to increased sodium flow and improved salt balance. This breakthrough opens avenues for developing drugs to treat conditions like hypertension, neonatal pulmonary edema, and renal salt wasting disorders.
Biomonitoring utilizes bioindicators to detect pollutant accumulation and provides real-time trend monitoring. This approach is particularly suitable for environments where technological monitoring is impossible or too costly.
Research suggests common viruses, such as human papillomavirus (HPV) and measles virus, may play a role in lung cancer development, particularly in smokers. Studies have found that five out of 22 non-small-cell lung cancer samples were positive for HPV.
Researchers discovered that many individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) possess rich pragmatic abilities, particularly in literal talk, challenging the notion of their limited communication skills.
Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles could significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions if powered by low-carbon electricity. According to Carnegie Mellon researchers, life cycle greenhouse gas emissions from plug-in hybrids are about one-third less than traditional gasoline-powered cars.
Researchers discovered a new technique to visualize the electronic structure of pigment-protein complexes, enabling better understanding of how plants transfer energy. This breakthrough could lead to designing future experiments to study individual energy relaxation pathways in photosynthesis.
Researchers have developed a test to accurately distinguish between squamous and non-squamous forms of non-small-cell lung cancer based on microRNA levels. This method can improve diagnosis and treatment guide for patients with the disease.
A new online database provides a comprehensive list of somatic EGFR mutations, allowing clinicians to make more robust decisions about treatment options for non-small-cell lung cancer patients. The database includes data from thousands of patients and offers improved treatment outcomes for those receiving tyrosine kinase inhibitors.
Researchers at UCLA have discovered a theoretical model that can accurately predict the behavior of dense granular flows, similar to molecules in jammed materials. This breakthrough has significant implications for fields such as materials innovation, medicine, and geology, offering new avenues for understanding complex phenomena.
A new clinical trial found that MAGE-A3 ASCI reduces the risk of lung cancer relapse after surgery, similar to chemotherapy but with fewer side effects. The treatment, which boosts the immune system, showed minimal reactions at injection sites and was suitable for long-term maintenance treatment.
A new study reveals that yeast mitochondria play a crucial role in regulating cell division, with implications for treating human diseases. The research found that mitochondria can act as the 'command center' directing cell division, and that understanding this process could lead to therapeutic breakthroughs.
A two-year study is underway to collect data on ichthyoplankton in the St. Johns River, aiming to predict vulnerability to water withdrawals and environmental changes.
A Norwegian study found that mothers born in India, Sri Lanka, and Africa have a higher prevalence of hyperemesis gravidarum due to genetic factors. Mothers aged 20-24 years old and those with multiple fetuses also showed increased risk.
Researchers investigated the potential link between anesthetics and Alzheimer's disease. While desflurane alone did not increase amyloid-beta protein production, it stimulated cellular changes associated with Alzheimer's when combined with low oxygen levels.
A study of over 660 operations found that minimally invasive pancreas surgery resulted in fewer complications, shorter hospital stays, and lower blood loss compared to traditional surgery. The approach has also been shown to be viable for the surgical care of other organs.
A clinical trial evaluating sorafenib added to carboplatin/paclitaxel chemotherapy for lung cancer patients showed the combination offers no improved overall survival. Sorafenib results in worse outcomes for some patients with squamous histology.
Researchers found high levels of E-selectin, white blood cells, and low serum albumin levels are clear predictors of high risk for type 2 diabetes. The study used data from the Western New York Health Study and found that combining these markers increased identification of high-risk patients by 8%.
Researchers at Ohio State University identify two genes that regulate mosquito growth and diapause, a hibernation-like state of arrested development. By disrupting these genes, scientists can mimic hormonal shifts that initiate diapause and disrupt fat retention, pointing to separate functions for each gene.
A study published in The Lancet suggests that clinical monitoring is as effective as using CD4 count or viral load measures in advising when to switch to second-line ART. This finding has implications for resource-limited settings where access to laboratory tests may be limited.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have discovered that beta arrestins, which stop cell signals, also initiate pathways to produce new proteins in virtually all tissues. This new pathway has opened up new avenues for studying protein manufacturing and controlling biological functions.
Dr. Lin Mei has been recognized by a mental health research charity for his schizophrenia studies, which focus on altered brain cell communication. His research suggests that a balance of brain cell excitation and inhibition may be key to understanding the disease.
The Yu Lab's large-scale imaging experiments found that neurons encode specific ways to identify animals based on gender, reproductive status, and genetic background. This research sheds light on how the nervous system processes sensory information to generate meaningful perception and behavioral output.
A recent study by Brown University scientists found that higher plant diversity significantly enhances an ecosystem's productivity, capturing more carbon dioxide and reducing global warming. The researchers also discovered that the number of plant species in a natural environment has a positive correlation with ecosystem productivity.
Researchers found that lower wealth is associated with increased stroke risk up to age 65, while wealth is not a predictor of stroke beyond age 65. This study suggests that addressing the large wealth gap at age 50-64 may help reduce disparities in stroke incidence.
A recent study found that self-referring physicians account for the majority of increases in diagnostic imaging ordered for privately insured patients. This trend is driven by fee-for-service reimbursement, which incentivizes physicians to perform scans in their own offices. The use of advanced imaging technologies has raised concerns ...
Researchers at UCSF have made a groundbreaking discovery on how neurons coordinate to generate movement. Individual neurons do not fire independently across the entire duration of a motor function as previously thought but instead coordinate their activity with other neurons. The study revealed that each neuron encodes different aspec...
Researchers found that college students who learned a mathematical concept with abstract symbols were more likely to apply it in new situations, while those learning with concrete examples struggled. The study's findings question the effectiveness of using real-world examples in math education.
Researchers found that the eye uses a distinct mechanism to reset the biological clock through light detection, separate from sight. This discovery could lead to easier tests to diagnose issues with light detection, potentially helping SAD and insomnia patients.
A new study found that young and homeless drug-users are more likely to exit treatment early, with nearly a quarter exiting within 30 days. Problem users who are younger, homeless, or not currently injecting face significant barriers in traditional drug services.
A University of Houston geologist has found over 300 surface faults in Harris County, posing a risk to buildings and infrastructure. The faults could move up to 1 inch a year, causing damage over several years and potentially leading to flooding on the subsiding side.
Scientists develop novel strategy to inhibit ß-secretase enzyme in Alzheimer's disease by targeting cell membrane RAFTS. The approach demonstrates effective inhibition of amyloid peptide formation with concentrations as low as 100 nM.
Researchers have recorded the quantum Hall effect in a bulk crystal of bismuth-antimony without an external magnetic field, shedding light on unusual electron behavior. This breakthrough could lead to advances in fast quantum computing devices and new electronic technologies.
The American College of Medical Genetics has established guidelines for direct-to-consumer genetic testing to ensure informed decision-making. The recommendations include involving a knowledgeable health professional, clear information about test results, and scientific evidence-based testing protocols.
Researchers at Virginia Tech have identified Heme Detoxification Protein (HDP), which rapidly converts heme into its non-toxic counterpart hemozoin, protecting the malaria parasite from toxic damage. This finding presents a promising target for developing new malaria drugs.
To accurately track regional emissions, a global data collection network 10 times larger is needed. Scientists propose increasing the number of carbon measurement sites from 100 to 1,000 to decrease uncertainty in computer models and help quantify changes.
A bird-flu pandemic will likely be controlled through widespread vaccination, which must be broadly-protective and rapidly produced. The virus is highly pathogenic in humans, with a mortality rate over 60%. Improving diagnostic tools and treatment options are also crucial to managing the disease.
A study published in Science confirms that Tyrannosaurus rex shares common ancestry with modern-day birds, including chickens and ostriches, based on molecular analysis of ancient protein sequences. This finding provides the first molecular evidence for the evolutionary relationships of a non-avian dinosaur.
Scientists predict that a full ozone hole recovery could modify climate change in the Southern Hemisphere, causing Antarctica to warm like the rest of the world. As stratospheric ozone levels recover, atmospheric circulation patterns and air temperatures above 6 miles high could rise by up to 16 degrees Fahrenheit.
Researchers at CAMH have identified a new gene, CC2D2A, associated with a previously unknown form of intellectual disability characterized by retinitis pigmentosa. The mutation affects protein function, leading to faulty cell activity and the disorder.
New research suggests that injecting sulfate particles into the stratosphere to cool the planet would have a drastic impact on the ozone layer. The study finds that such an approach might delay the recovery of the Antarctic ozone hole by decades and cause significant ozone loss over the Arctic.
A study found that India will account for 60% of the world's heart disease burden by 2010, with a higher rate of severe cases among younger patients. The country also has a lower age at diagnosis compared to developed countries.
A national survey conducted by Kelton Research for the Arnold P. Gold Foundation found that nearly eight out of ten Americans believe doctors need better bedside manners and less than half could describe their doctor's recent conduct as attentive, communicative, or compassionate.
Research published in PLOS Genetics found that hormone-dependent and independent breast cancers originate from distinct genetic variants, suggesting separate biological pathways. This discovery could guide future research into prevention and treatments for the different cancer types.
A new study from the American Cancer Society finds racial disparities in smoking cessation treatment, with black and Hispanic smokers less likely to receive advice and aids. The study also reveals that men and those without a usual source of medical care are less likely to be screened for tobacco use and receive advice to quit.
The COPILOT study found that low-dose peginterferon alfa-2b improved disease-free survival in patients with cirrhosis and portal hypertension, especially those who stayed on treatment. In contrast, the medication was not superior to colchicine in overall patient populations.
A team of researchers analyzed 600 complete mtDNA genomes from indigenous populations across Africa to discover the early demographic history of human populations before they moved out of Africa. The study reveals that these early human populations were small and isolated for tens of thousands of years.
In a study published in PLOS Computational Biology, researchers demonstrated the application of the efficient coding principle to the sense of smell in male moths. They found that olfactory neurons process stimuli that occur most frequently, optimizing the detection of pheromone molecules.
Researchers found that restoring two small molecules in human chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells can block tumor growth and affect 70 genes involved in critical functions. These findings suggest a possible new treatment strategy for CLL.