Research reveals that patients are more likely to ask factual questions of all healthcare professionals than challenging clinical abilities. Women and patients who feel encouraged by their doctors are more willing to ask difficult questions, suggesting improved patient safety outcomes.
Researchers used nanotechnology to target tumors in rabbits, achieving a 1,000-fold reduction in chemotherapy dose while slowing tumor growth. The nanoparticles delivered a fungal toxin called fumagillin directly to growing blood vessels, inhibiting tumor expansion.
A research team from NIST and University of Maryland successfully cooled erbium atoms to within two millionths of absolute zero using a novel trapping technique. This breakthrough enables the capture and manipulation of individual erbium atoms with unique optical properties.
Physiologists investigate nanoparticles' potential to cause diseases like atherosclerosis and kidney stones. Researchers are exploring how nanoparticles interact with cells and tissues to understand their role in these conditions.
Scientists have discovered a genetic factor linked to stress response variability, revealing why some people can better withstand stress than others. The study found that inherited variations in the neuropeptide Y gene affect the brain's anxiety-reducing mechanisms, leading to differences in emotional responses and pain tolerance.
Research conducted by Yale University psychologist Victoria Brescoll reveals that women who express anger are viewed as less capable than men. In contrast, angry men are seen as more competent and deserving of higher status. Explaining one's emotions may help mitigate this bias.
The Drexel University School of Public Health has been awarded a $14.3 million NIH grant to study risk factors and biological indicators for Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) in expectant mothers and their babies. The researchers aim to follow 1,200 mothers of children with autism and document the development of newborns through 36 months.
A study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine found that disclosing a researcher's financial interests does not deter clinical trial participants, unless it involves ownership of equity. Patients rated financial disclosures as less important than risks and benefits when making their decisions.
Harold McGee has been awarded the Grady-Stack Award for Interpreting Chemistry for the Public for his work in explaining complex scientific concepts to a general audience. His writing has appeared in numerous publications and has received several professional honors, including food writer of the year and pioneer in culinology.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a nano-engineered gel that inhibits scar tissue formation and enables spinal cord fiber regeneration. This breakthrough allows mice with spinal cord injuries to walk again after six weeks, paving the way for potential human trials.
Researchers identified two classes of small-molecule CFTR inhibitors that slowed cyst growth by over 80% and preserved kidney function. In mouse models, these inhibitors reduced cyst expansion and kidney enlargement.
A computer model developed by Penn State University and the University of Cambridge recommends tailored strategies to manage gypsy moths, focusing on medium-density infestations to reduce high-density ones. The model aims to save time and money for land managers while slowing the spread of invasive species across the US.
Peter J. McGuire, MB BCh, has been awarded the 2008-2009 Genzyme/ACMGF Clinical Genetics Fellowship in Biochemical Genetics at Mount Sinai Medical Center, New York. This fellowship supports a trainee's research and training in biochemical genetics.
The American College of Medical Genetics Foundation awarded David H. Ledbetter a $100,000 grant to promote safe and effective genetic testing and services. Ledbetter is a leading expert in molecular karyotyping and shared national databases for genetic data accumulation.
The NYU physics department is part of a $6.25 million grant to design and develop nano-magnetic materials and devices. The researchers aim to create more compact, efficient computers and cell phones with longer battery life.
A literature review found no clear evidence of benefit or harm from increased water intake in healthy individuals. However, studies suggest that people with certain diseases and athletes may benefit from increased fluid intake. No single study indicates a need to drink the recommended '8x8' amount of water daily.
Researchers find working memory retains only a few high-resolution images for a short period, similar to a high-resolution camera. This limited capacity is linked to intelligence and fluid thinking abilities.
The NIST EtherNet/IP Performance Test Tool helps manufacturers anticipate and mitigate cyclic jitters caused by machine timing irregularities. The tool provides detailed performance data under various conditions, allowing for more efficient tuning of equipment and improved production quality.
A new study warns that global CO2 emission reductions may be more challenging than thought due to underestimated technological challenges. The study suggests the IPCC is overly optimistic in assuming spontaneous technological innovations will drive emissions reductions.
A University of Alberta study reveals that consuming natural trans vaccenic acid (VA) can lower cholesterol levels and improve metabolic health. Results show significant reductions in total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglyceride levels, suggesting a potential benefit to using diets with enhanced VA.
Scientists identified the MMADHC gene responsible for a rare genetic disorder, isolated and combined homocystinuria and methylmalonic aciduria. The research provides clues to how vitamin B12 works in the body and offers earlier diagnosis and treatment options for the serious disease.
Researchers found that poor neighborhoods with high concentrations of African Americans had significantly more off-premise alcohol outlets and lower prices for 40-ounce bottles of malt liquor. Malt liquor is a concern due to its association with heavy drinking and public safety issues, particularly among inner-city youth.
A large-scale study has found a specific gene variant that increases the risk of lung cancer. The researchers also discovered a connection between this gene and nicotine dependence, as well as smoking behavior.
Researchers propose that bdelloid rotifers' efficient DNA repair capacity and whole-genome duplication enable them to thrive without sex. Their extraordinary resistance to radiation and ability to survive desiccation suggest that their DNA repair mechanism may provide the benefits of sex.
Researchers found that erotic images stimulated a positive emotional response, increasing activation in the nucleus accumbens and leading to bigger financial risks. The study's findings have implications for effective emotional appeals in various fields, including finance and marketing.
A large study of six grade students found that early intervention is imperative to prevent teen alcohol abuse. The researchers identified several key factors, including parental influences, peer influences, environment, and involvement in sports and other activities.
Researchers warn that modern agriculture can lead to major disruptions of the world's water flows, particularly in the world's poorest regions. Ecosystem flips can have significant and sometimes devastating effects on human well-being, as global populations suddenly lose resources they are dependent on.
A broad-based global partnership will focus on developing improved rust-resistant wheat varieties to protect resource-poor farmers and consumers from catastrophic crop losses in vulnerable regions, particularly India and Africa. The project aims to combat the emergence of deadly new variants of stem rust that can spread quickly.
Emory University geneticist Madhuri R. Hegde was honored with the 2008 Signature Genomic Laboratories Travel Award for her scientific merit and selected presentation at the 2008 ACMG Annual Clinical Genetics Meeting. The award recognizes outstanding young researchers in medical genetics and covers travel costs to future meetings.
A recent study found that female veterinarians are twice as likely to miscarry due to exposure to anaesthetic gases and pesticides. Researchers call for clearer advice on reproductive risks for young female vets planning to become pregnant.
Researchers found that lactic acid bacteria in Feta cheese can kill off dangerous food-poisoning bacteria like Listeria. The unique taste of local cheeses is mainly due to the enterococcal bacteria they contain, which have natural anti-bacterial properties.
A daily dose of caffeine has been shown to protect the blood-brain barrier from damage caused by high cholesterol, a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease. Caffeine maintains tight junction protein expression, preventing unwanted molecule entry into the central nervous system.
Gabor A. Somorjai has been recognized with the 2008 Priestley Medal for his pioneering work in surface science and catalysis, driving significant advancements in materials science and nanoscience. His research has led to thousands of publications over 40 years.
A newly found fish in Indonesian waters has sparked excitement among scientists due to its unique appearance and possible connection to an unknown family. The fish, resembling a glass sculpture, can burrow into crevices with its soft and pliable body, and its eyes appear to be directed forward.
Researchers found that a geological province previously thought to prevent giant earthquakes broke through, potentially increasing the risk of more severe quakes like those occurring in Cascadia Subduction Zone. This discovery could have significant implications for earthquake preparedness and response worldwide.
The American Association for Dental Research (AADR) presented numerous prestigious awards and recognitions to distinguished scientists, researchers, and students in oral health research. The AADR Distinguished Scientist Award was presented to Kenneth M. Yamada, while the Jack Hein Public Service Award went to Joan Steen Wilentz.
Climate change affects indigenous people through increased diseases, droughts, and extreme weather events. They face displacement, human rights violations, and loss of land and resources due to biofuel production and renewable energy projects.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have developed a new environmental impact model to help Canada reduce its carbon dioxide emissions. The model identifies farming and power generation as the largest sources of Canadian emissions per dollar output, emphasizing the need for alternative fuels and solutions to combat global warming.
A research team has identified a massive superfamily of genes in plant pathogens that manipulate plant cells to facilitate infection. This discovery could lead to new strategies for protecting crops from devastating diseases.
The Nipah virus is a deadly brain and lung disease that spreads through contact with infected animals or contaminated food, particularly date palm sap and fruit bitten by bats. Researchers are working to identify transmission pathways and prevent further outbreaks.
Researchers from Université de Montréal found that sleep deprivation can trigger sleepwalking in predisposed individuals. The study, published in Annals of Neurology, showed that sleepwalkers who experienced one night of sleep followed by one night of wakefulness had a significant increase in behavioral episodes.
A new study by University of Utah meteorologists finds that current climate models are accurate and can be valuable tools for reversing global warming trends. The study shows that coupled models can simulate present-day climate with accuracy approaching conventional observations.
The GBIF seed money awards will provide information on over 75,000 species and 1.8 million records, as well as two software tools. The funded projects tackle major global issues such as climate change, invasive alien species, and conservation strategies.
Researchers have discovered a potential solution to store raw hydrogen in a compact and efficient manner. MOF-74, a porous crystalline powder, can adsorb more hydrogen than any unpressurized framework structure studied to date at low temperatures.
Overweight children ages 6-18 show a decreased risk of caries compared to their normal weight peers. The study suggests that diet and lifestyle factors may play a role in the unexpected finding, highlighting the need for further research to better understand the relationship between obesity and oral health.
A team of researchers has identified a molecular switch controlling multidrug resistance in fungi, which could lead to novel therapies for resistant fungal infections. The discovery was made using genetic, biochemical, and molecular approaches, and found to be similar to the regulatory switches controlling drug detoxification in humans.
Dr. Richard Stein has been awarded the Barbara Turnbull Award for Spinal Cord Research, a $50,000 prize, for his work on direct, microelectrical spinal cord stimulation. His innovative device aims to record sensory feedback from muscles and nerves in legs and hips to help paralyzed individuals walk.
A large-scale study found that men are more likely to tolerate discrimination than women, but both sexes tend to accept prejudice against poorly educated immigrants and Arab-American airplane travelers. The study also revealed a significant sex gap in tolerance levels, with men more willing to accept discrimination.
Research suggests that households with children with autism spend thousands on educational, behavioral, and healthcare expenses each year. Additionally, they miss out on household income due to the 'money in, money out' equation, resulting in a loss of $6,200 annually.
A recent study found that patients who received a discussed breast reconstruction had higher odds of undergoing the procedure. Researchers recommend improving communication between physicians and patients to reduce disparities in breast reconstruction rates.
Researchers at NIST tested two variations of fingerprint matching technology for PIV cards and found that one method, 'match-on-card', offers improved security without sacrificing speed. The technology uses the card's processor chip to verify fingerprints, eliminating the need to transmit biometric data wirelessly.
A recent study has identified two common genetic variants associated with an increased risk of lung cancer in smokers and former smokers. The variants, present in about half of the Caucasian population, were found to increase the risk by 28-81%.
The FDA's proposed guidelines would reduce oversight of off-label drug use, allowing companies to market more drugs for unapproved uses. Stanford researcher Randall Stafford criticizes this move, arguing that physician judgment is critical and that evidence-based practice should be prioritized.
Long-term mental health problems in childhood are associated with mid-life depression and anxiety in adulthood. Workplace stressors such as lack of control and low social support significantly increase the risk of these conditions.
Soil scientists have created a new mathematical model that can accurately calculate the quantities of nitrous oxide produced during wastewater treatment processes like anammox and denitrification. This breakthrough aims to improve wastewater treatment effectiveness and reduce N2O emissions, a key concern for climate protection.
A new study published in Nature argues that the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has underestimated the technological challenges of reducing CO2 emissions. The authors suggest that the IPCC's assumptions are overly optimistic, as spontaneous advances in technology will not carry most of the burden of achieving future em...
Research published in BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine suggests that the berries of Solanum villosum have potential for keeping mosquitoes at bay. The study found that S. villosum was particularly effective at eliminating Stegomyia aegypti larvae, which can spread diseases like dengue fever.