A new UCLA AIDS Institute study found that newly homeless youth are more likely to engage in risky sexual behavior if they lack supervision and social support. Drug use also plays a significant role in this behavior, particularly among females living in nonfamily settings.
A new study published in Arthritis Care & Research found that specific strength training exercises led to significant prolonged relief of neck muscle pain in women. In contrast, general fitness training resulted in only a small amount of pain reduction. The study suggests that supervised high-intensity dynamic strength training may be ...
The amfAR Mathilde Krim Fellowship program awards $1 million to bright young scientists working on prevention and treatment solutions for HIV/AIDS. Recipients include researchers studying HIV Tat-mediated transfer, TRIM5 modulation, biophysical studies of integrase-DNA complex, and morphogenesis of HIV-1 particles.
Research identifies variations in cancer, enabling more precise treatment; childhood cancer experience differs from adults, with teens facing stigma and discrimination.
Researchers study how butterflies dupe ants into feeding them by mimicking ant pheromones. Ants can develop resistance against this deception, which is influenced by local gene flow.
A team of researchers at Arizona State University has gained critical insights into a promising microbial fuel cell (MFC) technology using bacteria to generate electricity. The MFC can handle various water-based organic fuels, making it a viable option for wastewater treatment and energy production.
A new study by Stanford University researcher Mark Jacobson links increased levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere to increased human mortality, with up to 20,000 air-pollution-related deaths worldwide per degree Celsius. The study highlights California's particularly dire situation due to its severe air pollution, which is expecte...
A study found that home-based treatment of severe pneumonia in children with oral antibiotics is equivalent to in-hospital treatment, suggesting a revision of WHO guidelines. This finding has significant public health implications for improving access to care and reducing mortality from pneumonia.
The article profiles the nine leading US presidential candidates on their stance on critical scientific issues. Hillary Clinton proposes a $50 billion research fund for green energy, while John Edwards aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 80%.
A mathematical analysis of the diamond's microscopic structure reveals its special properties, including maximal symmetry and strong isotropic property. The K4 crystal, sharing these properties, has sparked curiosity about its potential existence in nature or synthesis.
A retrospective study found that NAC treatment in children with non-acetaminophen induced acute liver failure resulted in shorter hospital stays, higher liver recovery rates, and improved survival after transplantation. Adverse effects were minor and self-limited, supporting the safe use of NAC for this condition.
A study of over 450 children found that nearly 40% have sipped or tasted alcohol by age 10, often in family settings. Children from families where parents drink more frequently are at higher risk, but most parents unaware of their child's experience.
A new study found that levo-thyroxine treatment did not lower weight or BMI in children with acquired hypothyroidism. Most subjects gained weight, while about a third experienced short-term weight loss due to extremely severe cases of the disease.
Researchers developed a novel anticancer strategy targeting PI-3 kinases, which are crucial for cancer cell growth and survival. The compound, SF1126, showed efficacy in seven types of tumors in mice and is being tested in human clinical trials.
45% of Chicago internists report using placebos in clinical practice, viewing them as therapeutic tools with psychological and physiological benefits. The study highlights the need for recognition and discussion about placebo use and its implications.
Researchers investigated college parties, observing environments, behaviors, and blood-alcohol concentrations to identify key predictors of excessive drinking. Young women drank more heavily at themed events with sexualized themes and costumes, while students who socialized without drinking games had lower levels of consumption.
German researchers have developed a new class of inorganic ionic conductor materials with a structure analogous to the mineral argyrodite. These materials exhibit unusually high lithium mobility, which is essential for enhancing the performance of rechargeable batteries.
The analysis of noble gases in Stardust samples indicates that some particles match a special type of carbonaceous material found in meteorites and must have spent time near the sun. The study suggests an alternative mechanism for grain incorporation into comets, contradicting earlier formation theories.
Researchers found that extra copies of a particular gene can repress tumor growth, while missing a copy enhances tumor growth. Mice with three copies of the gene had fewer tumors than those with two copies, while mice with one copy developed more tumors.
An international team, including University of Oregon scientists, suggests two possible explanations for the lack of a gravitational wave signal in February's gamma ray burst from Andromeda. The findings propose either a merger event beyond Andromeda or a soft gamma-ray repeater within Andromeda as potential origins.
Researchers discovered an 'Avalon Explosion' 33 million years ago, where complex life forms diversified rapidly, and major body plans were established. The event occurred before the Cambrian Explosion and shares similarities with it.
Aperiodic materials exhibit unusual behavior during phase transitions, which could have significant implications for research and technology. Studying these systems helps better understand symmetry breaking in aperiodic materials.
Researchers used rats bred to be heavy drinkers and administered an anti-Aldh2 antisense gene, reducing consumption by half for a month. The study suggests gene therapy could be a promising approach for treating alcoholism, particularly in individuals with genetic mutations protecting them from the risk of developing the condition.
Researchers at UVA discovered that applying a moderate static magnetic field after an inflammatory injury can significantly reduce swelling. The study suggests that magnets could be used as an alternative to ice packs and compression for everyday sprains and bruises, with potential benefits for worker productivity and quality of life.
The UN voted to abolish the death penalty globally, with 125 countries already having done so. In the US, 126 death-row inmates have been exonerated due to DNA evidence, raising concerns about the fairness of the practice.
Neuroscientists identified a novel mechanism for long-term learning, revealing how NMDA receptors weaken synapses and impair further learning. The discovery sheds light on the molecular mechanisms underlying learning and memory, potentially leading to a better understanding of Alzheimer's disease.
A study found that nearly half of hospitals lack a system to track which patients have a catheter, and three-quarters lack a system to monitor catheter removal. Less than 10% use an approach proven to reduce UTI rates and decrease catheter time.
A RAND Corporation report finds that the financial services industry has become increasingly complex, with broker-dealers and investment advisers becoming more inter-related and difficult to distinguish for individual investors. The study suggests that this complexity is due in part to the blurring of boundaries between these two types...
Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology are developing shape-memory polymers for biomedical applications, including cardiovascular stents and neural probes. These polymers can change shape upon heating, making them attractive for implantation in the body.
The Journal of Natural Gas Science and Engineering aims to cover the fields of natural gas exploration, production, processing and transmission. The journal will provide a niche in the economy, technology and integration of disparate disciplines.
Researchers aim to identify effective ways to disseminate research-based treatments and foster dialogue between treatment providers and innovators. The grants will examine barriers to adoption of promising practices and support partnerships between treatment organizations and states.
A Duke University-led study found that North Atlantic Ocean surface waters warmed from 1950 to 2000 due to natural wind patterns called the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), not human-caused global warming. The subpolar regions cooled while subtropical and tropical waters warmed
Researchers found tholins in the disk of red dust around HR 4796A, a eight-million-year-old star with planets forming. The presence of these complex molecules suggests that basic building blocks of life may be common in planetary systems.
Using neuroimaging, researchers at Harvard University tested extrasensory perception (ESP) and found no evidence for its existence. Despite participants' reports of unexplained knowledge, brain scans showed no difference in response to ESP and non-ESP stimuli.
Research from the Early Breast Cancer Trialists' Collaborative Group (EBCTCG) found that chemotherapy safely reduced recurrence, breast cancer mortality, and death from any cause in women with hormone-resistant breast cancer. The study showed a 10-year risk reduction of 25% in younger women and 39% in women aged 50-69 years.
A study found that bright light therapy can ease symptoms of bipolar depression in some patients, with optimal response observed at midday. Six out of nine women treated achieved full recovery from depressive symptoms, highlighting the potential of light therapy as an augmentation strategy for improving treatment response.
Researchers identified four polymorphisms in the dopamine transporter gene associated with an altered risk of withdrawal seizures in alcohol-dependent patients. These findings may help identify patients at high risk and prevent seizures more efficiently.
Scientists propose that plate tectonics may have halted or slowed down in the distant past and could do so again due to changes in ocean basin closure. This idea challenges current models and may explain differences in igneous rock formation and continental evolution.
A new study published by Temple University found that adding a brisk walking routine can reduce psychological symptoms like anxiety, stress and depression in postmenopausal women. The research suggests moderate-paced exercise can help maintain mental health throughout the menopausal transition.
A University of Georgia study reveals that most TV prescription drug ads fail to provide a fair balance of information, especially when it comes to the risk of side effects. The researchers found that only 2.2% of ads disclosed side effects in both voice-over and text form.
A new study by Zah et al. reveals striking differences in the environmental costs of different biofuels, with fuels from U.S. corn, Brazilian soy, and Malaysian palm oil found to be worse than fossil fuels. The best alternatives include biofuels from residual products.
A University of Minnesota physicist analyzed comet Wild-2 dust, finding it formed close to the infant sun and bombarded by intense radiation before being flung out. The discovery sheds light on the solar system's early stages and potential impact on Earth's atmosphere.
Scientists have discovered that sound waves can trigger earthquakes in a laboratory setting, inducing aftershocks long after the initial quake. This finding has significant implications for understanding earthquake behavior and may provide clues to catastrophic events in other granular media.
The University of Washington is launching a groundbreaking study to prevent autism symptoms in high-risk infants. Led by Annette Estes, researchers will assess and intervene with 200 Seattle-area infants who have an older sibling diagnosed with autism, aiming to identify early risk factors and intervene before symptoms appear.
Researchers use a foot-long model in a quiet wind tunnel to study airflow over the X-51A vehicle, focusing on turbulent flow into the engine's combustor and smooth airflow over the upper surface. The findings will aid in designing vehicles that can fly at hypersonic speeds, reducing friction and heat generated during flight.
A recent study found that northern ecosystems lose more carbon than they gain from warmer autumn temperatures, offsetting up to 90% of spring's increased carbon uptake. This reduction in carbon sequestration capacity is attributed to increased soil decomposition and decreased carbon uptake during autumn.
Brown University has been named a Center of Excellence in Geriatric Medicine and Training, receiving a three-year $450,000 grant award from the John A. Hartford Foundation to train geriatrics junior faculty and fellows. The funding aims to address the growing shortage of geriatricians across the US, with 26,000 expected by 2030.
Cold Spring Harbor Protocols features methods to observe protein dynamics, including inserting lac operator sequences into mammalian cells and performing immunohistochemistry in whole mouse embryos. These techniques allow researchers to examine chromatin structure and protein activity during replication and transcription.
A coalition of 17 scientific organizations emphasizes the importance of teaching evolution in schools, citing a national survey that shows public support for evolution over creationism. The organizations argue that science education is fundamental to understanding natural phenomena and promoting critical thinking.
A Carnegie Mellon study identifies specific brain regions activated by familiar objects, such as tools and dwellings. The researchers used machine learning algorithms to extract patterns from brain activation scans, revealing that different brains exhibit common patterns for representing the same object.
Research found that 30% of patients with ventricular arrhythmia received life-saving defibrillation more than two minutes after cardiac arrest, leading to significantly lower survival rates. Hospital characteristics, such as small size and lack of continuous monitoring, were associated with delayed defibrillation.
Two new studies found that treating Hepatitis C with peginterferon and ribavirin for shorter durations can yield similar success rates to longer treatments, with cost savings and reduced risk of serious side effects. Patients' HCV-RNA levels after 4 weeks may be an important factor in determining the best treatment length.
A study published in PLOS Biology reveals that multiple Arp2/3 regulatory proteins play distinct roles in regulating actin networks, which are crucial for cellular processes such as cell migration and intracellular transport. The research provides new insights into the coordination of protein activities to generate complex actin networks.
A research study in Kenya and the US found that an HIV isolate contains mutations making it vulnerable to the immune system. This could lead to effective AIDS vaccines to combat new infections estimated at 2.5 million annually worldwide. The study proposes a vaccine strategy based on envelope protein modifications.
A Johns Hopkins study finds activating a specific protein on immune cells can reduce allergic reactions and asthma attacks. By targeting this protein, researchers hope to develop new treatments for allergies.
Researchers develop novel viral vector delivery system to alert immune system against cancer cells, bypassing the tumor's immune-suppressive mechanisms. The approach has potential for treating persistent infections and cancers.
A study led by UAB researchers found that blocking interleukin 17 (IL-17) slows disease-causing B cell actions in autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. This discovery highlights IL-17's role in shaping B cells' ability to create more antibodies.
A new analysis found that US drug companies spent $57.5 billion on promotional activities in 2004, compared to $31.5 billion on industrial pharmaceutical research and development. The study confirms the public image of a marketing-driven industry and argues for transforming the industry towards more research and less promotion.
Researchers found that vitamin D2 is equally effective as vitamin D3 in maintaining 25-hydroxyvitamin D status, especially in people with vitamin D deficiency. The study showed similar increases in serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels for both vitamin D2 and D3.
A new brain mapping technique has refined scientists' understanding of language organization within the human cortex, identifying new regions involved in speech production, reading, and naming. The technique allows for safer tumor removal and better outcomes for patients with language-related difficulties.