A study of 266 teens with acne found that they would trade significant time and money for freedom from the condition. Teens were willing to pay up to $275 to never have acne, while parents were willing to pay $250 for their child's acne-free life.
Researchers found unprecedented levels of fluvalinate and coumaphos in beeswax, while pollen and bees showed lower levels of other pesticides. A new method using gamma radiation reduced acaricide load in beeswax by 50%. The study highlights the need for monitoring pesticide interactions and potential links to Colony Collapse Disorder.
A team of urologists has successfully used robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery to repair abnormal openings between the bladder and vagina, known as fistulas. The procedure resulted in less blood loss and faster recovery times compared to traditional abdominal surgery, offering a promising alternative for women with this condition.
Iron-TAMLs, a type of environmentally friendly catalyst, have been shown to be highly effective in reducing and cleaning up pollutants. The catalysts convert harmful substances into less toxic ones when paired with hydrogen peroxide, making them a promising alternative to existing industrial practices.
Researchers at Stanford University have developed a method to get around one of the most common forms of resistance, thereby opening up some resistant diseases to the reinvigorated fury of medications. The method uses an arginine-rich transporter to deliver potent medication inside a resistant cell.
Researchers found that human embryonic stem cells can trigger an immune response in mice, which could limit their effectiveness for human therapy. The immune system recognizes and rejects the cells, but common antirejection medications may help mitigate this response.
A new UNC study finds that families with disabled children, regardless of income level, experience significant challenges with food, housing, and health issues. The study suggests expanding eligibility standards for federal programs to assist these families, including increasing income limits for food stamps and housing assistance.
A study published in PLOS Biology found that magpies exhibit self-recognition in a mirror test, recognizing their own image as themselves. This discovery indicates that non-mammalian species can engage in self-recognition behavior, challenging the assumption that advanced cognition is exclusive to mammals.
Researchers discovered a new mechanism for cell fate determination in yeast cells, showing how the daughter cell becomes dramatically different from its mother. The Ace2 gene regulator is trapped in the daughter nucleus, turning on genes that make it distinct.
A team of researchers has developed a computational model that challenges entrenched ideas about enzyme catalysis, proposing a method for designing custom-designed enzymes. The 'lock and key' model is replaced by an electrical attraction theory, suggesting a perfect physical fit between catalyst and substrate is not necessary.
Researchers found that chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan helps repair injured spinal cord tissue, promoting motor function recovery during the acute phase. The study also highlights its role in microglia/macrophage activation, a crucial step in the healing process.
Despite being an important part of TB control efforts, children are underrepresented in TB drug development. Key findings include: Children make up 20% of new TB cases and are at high risk of severe TB forms. The lack of child involvement is due to barriers such as diagnostic challenges, side effect concerns, and regulatory requirements.
Cells from menstrual blood, known as endometrial regenerative cells (ERCs), have been shown to restore blood flow in a mouse model with advanced peripheral artery disease. This breakthrough discovery holds promise for the treatment of critical limb ischemia, which causes approximately 150,000 amputations per year.
The University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health has received a $10 million grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to create computer simulations of epidemics, evaluating new vaccine technologies and modes of delivery. The project will focus on diseases affecting millions of people globally.
A new NASA study reveals that Saharan dry air and dust likely contributed to the quieter-than-expected 2007 hurricane season. The research found a correlation between the extent of dry air and dust in the North Atlantic and lower sea surface temperatures, atmospheric stability, and reduced hurricane formation.
Platelet activation plays a key role in the development of cerebral malaria by triggering an immune response and obstructing blood vessels in the brain. Researchers found that treating mice with aspirin or Plavix improved survival rates when administered soon after infection.
A study in Bangladesh found that treating children with severe pneumonia at local, first-level facilities instead of hospitals resulted in higher proportions being treated correctly. The modified guidelines allowed for local treatment with referral to hospital only for the most severe cases.
Mosquitoes avoid DEET because of its bad smell, which is detected by specific neurons on their antennae. The study corrects long-standing erroneous dogma about DEET's mode of action, providing new insights into the development of more effective repellents.
Scientists at Johns Hopkins University found that two brain areas handle complex rules: the prefrontal cortex controls rule changes and parietal cortex controls number switches. This discovery may lead to enhanced understanding of mental illnesses with impaired rule-changing abilities.
A recent study published in Neurology found that people with epilepsy have a significantly higher risk of drowning compared to the general population. The study, which analyzed data from over 200,000 patient-years, found that individuals with epilepsy were 15-19 times more likely to die by drowning.
Healthy teens who slept less than 6.5 hours a night were 2.5 times more likely to have elevated blood pressure compared to those who slept longer, with an average increase of 4 mm Hg in systolic blood pressure. The study also found that poor sleep efficiency was associated with higher risk of prehypertension and hypertension.
A nationwide clinical trial is underway to investigate the use of unrelated donor marrow and cord blood transplants for severe sickle cell disease. The trial, facilitated by the Blood and Marrow Transplant Clinical Trials Network, aims to extend a promising treatment option to more severely affected patients.
Researchers create thin films of helical peptides with high purity and stability using the soft-landing method. The technique allowed them to control the structure of the molecules, which is essential for developing new materials and understanding protein biology.
A new ribosome study sheds light on the oldest branches of evolutionary life, suggesting that differences in ribosomal structure between bacteria and archaea are molecular fossils of early evolution. The research confirms and extends Carl Woese's early work on finding signs of evolution in the ribosome.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a new technique to determine the atomic-scale structure of membrane proteins using solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. This breakthrough enables high-resolution structural information, which is crucial for understanding protein function.
Researchers at Ohio State University developed synthetic molecules based on curcumin to kill cancer cells and stop cell spread. The compounds show promise in treating 50% of breast and prostate cancers, with potential applications in pancreatic cancer as well.
Researchers have successfully sequenced the complete genome of a microbe that eats methylamine, a form of ammonia, using lake mud as a sample. The study showcases a new method for discovering unknown organisms and has significant implications for understanding ecological cycles and monitoring microbial population shifts.
A previously unrecognized group of air pollutants has been discovered that can cause life-threatening conditions similar to those found in tobacco smoke. Inhaling these pollutants exposes individuals to potentially lethal amounts of free radicals, with the average person inhaling 300 times more daily than from smoking one cigarette.
Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have developed a fully synthetic heparin alternative that is safer and more pure than traditional heparin. The new version uses a process called chemoenzymatic synthesis to replicate the natural biosynthesis of heparin, resulting in a higher dose and lower risk of contamination.
Researchers at Mount Sinai School of Medicine have developed a new gene silencing technology that can effectively suppress transcriptional expression of targeted genes in human cells, including those linked to various diseases. This breakthrough could pave the way for preventing diseases where gene dysfunction plays a role.
Researchers have made a breakthrough in developing a safer, fully-synthetic version of heparin, a widely used blood thinner currently produced from pig intestines. The new synthesis method uses powerful enzymes to produce the pure heparin polymer, boosting production a million times higher than previous methods.
A study published by the American Psychological Association found that people taking antidepressants drive worse than those who aren't taking such drugs. Depressed drivers on meds performed significantly poorer in a driving simulation test.
A recent survey found that over half of college students reported having at least one episode of suicidal thinking, while 15% seriously considered attempting suicide. The study suggests that interventions should be offered at multiple points, not just during crisis, to address the entire continuum of suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University developed hydrogels that promote the growth of pre-osteoblast cells, aiding bone development. These gels interact with growth factors like demineralized bone matrix, providing scaffolding for bone cell proliferation and new tissue formation.
Researchers successfully controlled an electrical current using the 'spin' within electrons, a step toward building plastic semiconductor switches. However, highly efficient organic LEDs may only convert up to 25 percent of electricity into light, contrary to earlier estimates.
Researchers develop new technology to analyze hair interactions, finding that mechanical and chemical changes cause rough feel. The study aims to optimize hair care product formulas by understanding how different components affect hair-to-hair interactions.
A new study found biracial Asian Americans are twice as likely as monoracial peers to be diagnosed with a psychological disorder. The research controlled for factors like age and stress but found no difference in life experiences.
A large genetic analysis implicates machinery involved in sodium and calcium balance in brain cells in bipolar disorder. Variation in two genes showed the strongest association with bipolar disorder.
A novel approach extracts single genomes and discerns specific microbial capabilities from mixed community sequence data. The research team characterized biochemical pathways associated with nitrogen cycling and methane utilization in Lake Washington sediments, revealing novel versions of metabolism.
The study found a significant decrease in child pneumonia mortality rates after introducing improved oxygen systems, with a 35% lower risk of death. The cost-effectiveness of this system was also compared to other public-health interventions, with favorable results.
The APA task force report highlights the importance of positive attitudes, racial identity, and family support in promoting resilience among African-American youth. The report identifies four key themes: active engagement, flexibility, communalism, and critical-mindedness.
Researchers found adults are more effective at identifying false reports than detecting false denials of actual events. This discovery has significant implications for forensic child abuse evaluations and highlights the importance of evaluating children's reports.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center have successfully recovered antibodies to the 1918 flu virus from elderly survivors, showcasing surprisingly long-lasting immunity. These antibodies could serve as a treatment option if another similar strain emerges in the future.
New research reveals that infection with the 1918 influenza virus granted survivors lifelong protection against the disease. Antibodies produced by these individuals proved effective in blocking the viral infection in mice.
Research shows that video games enhance cognitive and perceptual skills in children and adults, with benefits seen in classrooms, surgical procedures, and scientific thinking. Studies also reveal varied effects of game content and player behavior on learning outcomes.
The American Psychological Association has adopted a resolution supporting full equality for transgender and gender-variant individuals, calling for appropriate, nondiscriminatory treatment. The association's Task Force on Gender Identity and Gender Variance recommends further research into all aspects of gender identity and expression.
A recent study by University of California, Davis researchers found that Asian Americans with high levels of family conflict are three times more likely to attempt suicide than those without such conflicts. The risk is independent of depression and income levels.
Researchers found that hope is consistently associated with fewer symptoms of depression in patients and caregivers. Hope therapy treatment showed reduced depressive symptoms in participants who learned new hope-related skills.
Students who scored high on measures of courage, empathy and honesty were less likely to report cheating in the past or intend to cheat in the future. They also reported feeling more guilt if they cheated compared to those who rationalized their behavior.
Physicist John R. Clem developed a theory that reduces AC losses in bifilar fault-current limiters, enabling more efficient and cost-effective power grid protection. The research supports the development of commercial products by Siemens and American Superconductor.
Researchers at Montana State University's Western Transportation Institute will use automated in-car cameras to gauge the effect of Montana's driver's education modules on teen attitudes and behaviors behind the wheel. The study aims to reduce drowsy and distracted driving, particularly in rural areas.
The Toward a Revolution in COPD Health (TORCH) study found that combined salmeterol and fluticasone propionate reduced the rate of decline in lung function by 39ml/year, compared to 55ml/year in the placebo group.
Michigan State University scientists are creating a genomic database to improve biofuel crops, with a focus on cellulosic ethanol. The database will centralize information on various crops and provide data-mining tools, making it easier for researchers to access and compare genetic data.
A new study identifies three groups of cancers distinguished by early developmental signatures, shedding light on their gene expression patterns. This research provides a reference framework for interpreting smaller-scale functional studies and has implications for understanding human disease from a 'macrobiological' approach.
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine found that bariatric surgery can improve obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) symptoms, but only a few patients experienced complete resolution. Most patients continued to have moderate to severe OSA despite significant weight loss.
Researchers at the University of Texas Medical Branch have found that shutting down gastrin-releasing peptide receptors can dramatically suppress neuroblastoma tumor formation and slow its spread. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new therapies for this devastating disease.
Researchers at Rockefeller University amplify cell death signals to induce self-destruction in precancerous cells. By inactivating a protein called IAP, they found that mice without the RING domain lived twice as long as those with it, highlighting a potential breakthrough in cancer therapy.
A virus that infects potatoes has been used to develop antibodies that can bind to the amyloid beta protein, a key contributor to Alzheimer's disease. Studies in mice have shown promising results, with the development of strong antibodies that can slow disease progression and improve cognitive function.
Researchers Tao Lin and Steven J. Norris will investigate conflicting reports on the infectious nature of Southern-Tick Associated Rash Illness (STARI) in Texas. They aim to identify the causative agent using innovative approaches such as DNA amplification and high-throughput sequencing.
Carbon nanotubes' true mechanical properties have been measured by Northwestern University researchers using a novel nanoscale material testing system. The results match quantum mechanics predictions and reveal that irradiation can strengthen the structure by forming bonds between shells of the tube.