Reagan's presidency is assessed under eight headings of public concern: welfare state, taxation, national security, the presidency, personnel, party politics, political leadership, and the person. Despite his impact on tax rates and national security, Reagan's legacy is complicated by concerns over big government and executive power.
A belief in luck was not sufficient to entice consumers to a lucky draw over other sales strategies, according to researchers Gerard Prendergast and Edmund Thompson. Consumers who personally feel lucky are more likely to participate in lucky draws.
A novel protein marker identifies rare adult liver stem cells whose ability to regenerate injured liver tissue has the potential for cell-replacement therapy. The finding offers significant implications for treating chronic liver disease in the future.
Purdue University researchers are working on a new technique called MAGIC to identify gene combinations that increase disease resistance and stress tolerance in crops. By analyzing the genetic diversity of maize, they aim to engineer plants that can withstand most diseases and improve crop yields.
A nationwide study on the interactions of genes, environment and lifestyle has received widespread public support, with 84% of respondents in favor and 60% willing to participate. The study's findings suggest that factors such as individual research results and compensation play a significant role in increasing willingness to participate.
A retrospective study found that gender matching in heart transplantation leads to improved short- and long-term survival rates. Male recipients receiving hearts from male donors had a 61% cumulative chance for survival, while female recipients of female donor hearts had a 25% drop in 30-day death rate.
A new study led by Duke University researchers found that restored wetlands have decreased soil bacterial diversity, but this decrease represents a return to biological health. The composition of these populations can reflect the status of wetland functioning and serve as an indicator of restoration success.
Research highlights increased risk of post-MI death among African-American patients with acute myocardial infarction and previously treated depression. Persistent depressive symptoms at the time of MI hospitalization may indicate a more severe or recurrent condition.
Researchers found that adding a visual or auditory signal can increase the perception of an electrical stimulus, even if it's not initially detected. Multisensory integration plays a crucial role in this process, modifying peripheral systems to enhance our understanding of the world.
Researchers from the University of Leicester and Cambridge have solved the mystery of how soft tissues in 500-million-year-old fossils were preserved. The team found that deep heating transformed delicate organic tissues into mineral-rich sites, revealing intricate details such as gills, guts, and eyes.
A study published in Human Reproduction found that placebo acupuncture resulted in a significantly higher overall pregnancy rate (55.1%) compared to real acupuncture (43.8%) in patients undergoing IVF. The researchers suggest that placebo acupuncture may have a real effect, contrary to its inert control status.
Researchers at Medical University of South Carolina present a new theory that may lead to effective heart failure treatments by identifying the role of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in the disease. The study suggests that MMPs, similar to those found in cancerous tumors, contribute to the progression of heart failure, leading to the...
Research at Ohio State University found women sexually harassed most often in work groups with a nearly equal mix of males and females. Women in these situations were more likely to experience taunting, patronizing, and predatory behaviors.
Dr. Mariano Belluscio, a graduate research scientist at Rutgers University, has been awarded the Pew Latin American Fellows Program in Biomedical Sciences. He explores neural activity patterns in memory and planning, shedding light on fundamental mechanisms of brain function.
A recent study published in The Lancet found that the MRKAd5 HIV-1 gag/pol/nef vaccine failed to provide any protection against HIV infection. However, immune responses mounted by T-cell-based vaccines alone may not be sufficient to protect against HIV infection or disease.
Breast cancer cells closer to blood vessels are more aggressive and directed in their invasiveness, according to a new study. The research provides detail on how cancer cells invade surrounding tissue and reach blood vessels, offering insights into early stages of metastasis.
A comprehensive study reveals that Chinese Americans face a 'glass ceiling', with lower occupational stature and success compared to their efforts. Despite high education levels, they earn less than White counterparts in certain fields, highlighting the need for tailored support.
A new highly sensitive infrared spectrometer has been developed using nonlinear optics, offering 100 times higher sensitivity than current commercial devices. The device eliminates the need for cryogenic cooling, making it practical for various industrial applications.
Researchers from Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute will share findings on regenerating heart tissue using stem cells, a mutant gene therapy strategy to protect against heart disease, women's rapid onset of heart disease, and the effectiveness of new medication prasugrel in preventing ischemic complications.
The launch of BioMed Central's Genome Medicine journal marks a significant milestone in the field of personalized medicine. The journal will focus on the latest technologies and findings impacting human health and disease, covering topics such as genomics, epigenetics, and computational approaches to disease management.
A recent study by Children Now found that only 13% of educational programming for children is rated highly educational, with most shows offering limited value. The study analyzed 120 episodes across 40 program titles and found that commercial stations are failing to meet their obligation to deliver high-quality educational content.
The AAAS Science Journalism Awards honored excellence in science reporting, including a series on memory and the brain, efforts to search for life elsewhere in the cosmos, and an investigation into the effectiveness of anti-cholesterol medications. The winners received $3,000 and a plaque at the 2009 Annual Meeting.
A large waist can significantly increase mortality risk by up to 34% in men and 24% in women. The study suggests doctors should measure waistlines as part of standard health checks.
Entrepreneurs are riskier decision-makers than managers, according to a study published in Nature. The study found that entrepreneurs' 'functional impulsivity', or ability to make quick decisions under stress, is linked to brain neurochemistry and may be possible to teach or enhance with pharmaceuticals.
Researchers found that global warming may not be the primary cause of widespread amphibian declines, contradicting previous widely-held views. The study suggests alternative factors, such as a fungal infection and pesticide use, may be driving these extinctions.
A Virginia Tech chemist will share a portion of pharmaceutical royalties with Madagascar, supporting biodiversity conservation and cancer research in the country. The research, led by David G.I. Kingston, aims to find new anticancer agents from Madagascar's unique plant and animal species.
Researchers found that patients who received both intravenous thrombolysis and endovascular interventions experienced significantly lower mortality and greater improvement in neurological ability. The study suggests that combining these treatments could be a game-changer for stroke patients, especially those under 80 years old.
A new study finds that air pollution has a significant impact on heart health, with personal exposure leading to increased blood pressure and systolic blood pressure. Community-level exposure is also associated with impaired blood vessel functioning, potentially contributing to sudden heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure.
Researchers found that direct implantation of mesenchymal stem cells did not remyelinate the damaged area, but still consider MSCs a promising tool for neurological disorders due to their pre-clinical efficacy in treating stroke and MS.
A landmark clinical trial of an HIV vaccine candidate found no protection against infection, despite generating a strong immune response. The study, sponsored by Merck & Co., Inc. and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, analyzed the effects of the vaccine on study participants' immune responses and viral load.
A new study from Indiana University's Kinsey Institute explores the link between hormone levels and brain responses to masculinized versus feminized male faces. The research found that neural activation in response to face stimuli is sensitive to facial masculinization, with differences appearing strongest during the follicular phase c...
Researchers successfully tested the live broadcast of surgeries using the Internet2 network, enabling real-time video transmission to multiple locations. This technology has the potential to revolutionize medicine by reducing travel costs for physicians and enhancing patient care.
Research shows that isoflurane, a commonly used anesthetic, can induce Alzheimer's-associated changes in mouse brains, including generation of toxic amyloid-beta protein and apoptosis. The study confirms previous laboratory findings and suggests potential risks for elderly and Alzheimer's patients.
The NASA-designed Sunshield is made of a super-tough polymer-based film that can block the sun's energy while maintaining structural integrity. The telescope needs to be extremely cold to observe distant galaxies and stars in infrared light, and the Sunshield plays a crucial role in achieving this.
Researchers found that community hospitals with more experience with coronary angioplasty have lower mortality rates. The study suggests that easing restrictions on elective angioplasty could improve patient safety and survival rates.
A new technique allows for a quantitative and precise determination of plant viability during drought stress using chlorophyll fluorescence. This method is non-invasive, easy to measure, and minimizes technical expertise, making it a valuable complement to existing methods.
A study published in Psychological Science found that nostalgia can amplify perceptions of social support, counteracting feelings of loneliness. The research suggests that individuals who use nostalgia as a coping mechanism are more resilient and better equipped to handle social exclusion.
A new study reveals proposed FDA regulation fails to address migrant worker suffering, smoking prevalence, or outsourcing of leaf production. The regulation may favor big tobacco by reducing liability and sustaining global operations.
Researchers found that making comparisons, even on unrelated topics, activates a comparative mind-set that boosts willingness to buy one out of two options. This effect persists and influences decisions in subsequent situations.
Studies reveal Greenland's ice sheet is thinning due to warming temperatures, while Arctic sea ice loss increases phytoplankton growth. Meanwhile, data from Mars Express spacecraft indicates a comet-like ion tail forms when solar wind sweeps ions into the Martian atmosphere.
Researchers from the University of Texas Medical School at Houston have discovered two new clones of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, MRSA and VREF, in Colombia. These super bugs are causing severe skin and soft tissue infections, with 20% mortality rate, and are resistant to common antibiotics.
A European study found that 24% of participants had high blood pressure, with 56% of those unaware of their condition. Less than half of aware individuals had controlled blood pressure. The study suggests a call for better hypertension management and prevention.
Freshwater pollution by phosphorus and nitrogen has significant economic impacts, including increased water treatment costs and decreased property values. According to K-State researchers, the estimated annual cost of freshwater pollution in the US is at least $4.3 billion.
A new study found that many African-American women perceive disrespect and inadequate explanations when visiting healthcare facilities, leading them to skip mammograms. The study suggests training physicians in cultural sensitivity and community-based health educators can help address these concerns.
The Gerontological Society of America (GSA) recognizes 12 individuals with prestigious awards, including Donald P. Kent Award and Robert W. Kleemeier Award, for their exceptional work in teaching, research, and service. The award recipients are honored at GSA's 61st Annual Scientific Meeting in November 2008.
Researchers found that people choose differently when given feedback in experiential choices compared to descriptive choices. The study suggests that feedback may drive individuals towards rational decision-making by treating small probabilities more objectively.
A study by University of Illinois researchers found that most commercial broadcasters offer only minimal educational programming for children, with only three hours per week required by federal legislation. Only a third of programs taught an academic lesson, and 3 percent taught a health lesson.
The US received an overall 'D' grade on the first Premature Birth Report Card, with 18 states and Puerto Rico receiving failing grades. The report highlights contributing factors and prevention opportunities, including smoking and uninsured women of childbearing age.
Researchers at University of British Columbia have developed a formula to predict the impact of climate change on Pacific salmon stocks. The study found that high temperatures push certain sockeye salmon stocks beyond their thermal window, resulting in cardiovascular failure and death.
A recent clinical trial has shown remarkable results for patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), with 7 out of 10 participants experiencing a substantial reduction in symptoms after deep cerebral stimulation. The treatment, which involves targeting the subthalamic nucleus in the brain, offers a promising alternative to tradi...
Adults with severe heart failure see an average of 23 providers annually, while those with mild and moderate heart failure see 15.9 and 18.6 providers respectively. Heart failure patients have higher medication rates, with 61 prescriptions written in a year, increasing risk of errors and adverse events.
Women who have had two or more induced abortions have a 60% reduced risk of pre-eclampsia compared to those with no history. Physical activity during pregnancy shows some protection against pre-eclampsia, particularly among women under 25 BMI.
A recent study investigated the possible association between chronic pancreatitis (CP) and liver cirrhosis (LC) in alcoholic patients. The research found an inverse correlation between pancreatic and liver function tests, suggesting that these diseases evolve differently and have distinct etiopathogeny.
Warmer climate changes and international travel are creating an ideal environment for mosquitoes to survive and thrive near airports, leading to increased risk of malaria transmission. This phenomenon, known as airport malaria, can also spread other diseases like dengue and Chikungunya fever.
Patients with moderate to severe heart failure who exercise regularly have a lower risk of hospitalization or death, according to a comprehensive study. The study found that exercise led to an 11% reduction in the risk of hospitalization or death for those in the exercise group.
Researchers will investigate new ways of developing clinical trials for Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. The study aims to improve the speed, cost-effectiveness, and relevance of treatments, benefiting patients and their carers.
A new analysis by Mayo Clinic reveals that the positive US health trend of reducing heart disease risk over the past 30 years has flattened. Women are especially affected, with no significant decline in risk from 2000 to 2014.
Researchers found that wounded plants produce jasmonates, which inhibit cell division and stunt plant growth. This discovery opens the possibility of improving crop growth through the manipulation of the jasmonate signal pathway.
A new Cornell study found a strong relationship between allergies and cancer in tissues exposed to environmental factors, such as eczema, hives, and hay fever. Allergies linked to these conditions were most strongly associated with lower rates of cancers in exposed tissues.
Researchers have developed a quadruple therapy regimen that shows promise in treating peptic ulcer disease, achieving an eradication rate of 68.8% in a study of 51 patients. The new treatment combines omeprazole, amoxicillin, clarithromycin, and furazolidone, with only 31.4% of patients experiencing adverse effects.