The International Red Cross has adopted a cholera prevention program developed by Hebrew University students, which was effective in preventing and managing the disease in displaced persons camps. The program aims to increase safe drinking water sources, promote awareness, and improve surveillance and reporting of cholera cases.
Scientists have identified a crucial protein called Lnk that regulates the growth of stem cells in the bone marrow. The findings may aid in improving the success of bone marrow transplants and developing better treatments for blood disorders such as aplastic anemia and severe combined immunodeficiency disorders.
Rice University's Connexions is making a popular elementary statistics textbook available free for fall classes, reducing costs for over 700 students. The book has been used in California community college courses accepted for transfer credit by the University of California.
Research shows air pollution damages heart and blood vessels, leading to increased rates of hospitalization for cardiac illness and even death. Exposure to ultrafine pollutants triggers an inflammatory response that can cause arrhythmias and speed the progression of atherosclerosis.
Dr. Edwin Monuki will study choroid plexus epithelial cells, which produce cerebrospinal fluid to promote normal nervous system health and function. Success in generating these cells could lead to clinical therapies and screens for new drugs for neurological disorders.
California officials have identified 18 cases of extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (XDR TB) between 1993 and 2006. The state has also seen a rising trend of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR TB) cases, with XDR TB being resistant to multiple classes of antibiotics.
Researchers at the University of California, San Diego, have discovered that flesh-eating bacteria can survive and spread in the body by degrading a key immune defense molecule. By inactivating this molecule, white blood cells become slower and weaker, allowing infections to spread out of control.
Researchers have successfully selected two sites for a pioneering seafloor laboratory off Washington and Oregon, thanks to the help of Sentry, an autonomous underwater vehicle. The lab will explore the ocean's ability to absorb greenhouse gases and study seafloor stresses that cause earthquakes and tsunamis.
The Declaration of Istanbul condemns unethical practices in organ donation and transplantation, urging governments to safeguard patient safety and prevent organ trafficking. The document promotes deceased organ donation and living donor protection.
A US study found numerous errors in the testing process at family medicine clinics, with adverse consequences more common for minority patients. The research highlights the need for office-by-office improvements to mitigate these errors and reduce harm.
A new study reveals that a history of sexually transmitted disease increases the risk of sexual dysfunction in older adults. The study found that physical health and mental health are significant factors contributing to sexual problems in both men and women, with certain demographics experiencing specific challenges.
A team of researchers has developed a technique to examine tiny protein molecules called peptides on the surface of a gold nanoparticle, offering promise for designing and manufacturing novel materials at the nanoscale. This breakthrough allows for the creation of complex nanomachines and potentially new medical applications.
The American Society for Radiation Oncology has named 30 individuals as its 2008 Fellows, honoring their significant contributions to radiation oncology. The recipients have demonstrated excellence in research, patient care, education, and leadership, making them outstanding professionals in the field.
A new USC study found that overweight Hispanic children are at significant risk for pre-diabetes, with persistent pre-diabetes during growth associated with progression towards type 2 diabetes. The study highlights the importance of regular monitoring of these children to detect potential risks early.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found a rare case of an individual with HIV who remains symptom-free without treatment, attributed to the strength of their immune system. The study's findings offer hope for vaccine development and understanding of how immune cells can effectively halt disease progression.
Recent H9N2 viruses can transmit to ferrets in direct contact, but aerosol transmission is not observed. A single amino acid residue at the receptor-binding site plays a major role in transmission. The study suggests that establishment and prevalence of H9N2 viruses in poultry pose a significant threat to humans.
Researchers at the University of Chicago Medical Center found that targeted radiation therapy can eradicate all signs of disease in up to 21% of patients with stage-IV cancer who have only a few sites of metastasis. The treatment was well-tolerated, with limited side effects, and showed promising results in controlling tumor growth.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that miR-126 is essential for creating new vessels in developing embryos and repair of injured blood vessels. However, its role in maintaining established vascular systems is unclear.
A new study suggests that global warming may lead to fewer hurricanes forming, but those that do could intensify. The research uses more accurate computer models to simulate hurricane formation and finds that warmer ocean temperatures suppress formation rather than encouraging it.
A study led by M. D. Anderson Cancer Center found that risk assessment can help determine the probability of breast cancer recurrence, allowing clinicians to make informed decisions about extended therapy. The research analyzed data from 2,838 women diagnosed with Stage I-III breast cancers and treated with adjuvant systemic therapy.
A school-based intervention reduced post-traumatic stress symptoms and maintained hope among Indonesian children exposed to political violence, but did not address other mental health issues. The program showed moderate success for girls, with no impact on boys.
Researchers found that cyclic compression of muscles after intense exercise reduced swelling and muscle damage in a study using animals. The massaged muscles recovered an estimated 60% of strength and had fewer damaged muscle fibers compared to rested muscles.
Researchers from UC San Diego have developed a new method to generate high-quality textures for 3D video games using noise, resulting in reduced memory usage and improved image quality. The approach eliminates traditional methods of hand-painting images, offering a cost-effective solution for game developers.
A study published in JAMA found that Liberian fighters who experienced sexual violence had worse mental health outcomes than non-combatants and other former combatants. The research revealed higher rates of depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and thoughts of suicide among those who were exposed to sexual violence.
A recent study published in Diabetes Care found that losing weight soon after a type 2 diabetes diagnosis can lead to better blood pressure and blood sugar control. The study followed over 2,500 adults with type 2 diabetes for four years and showed that those who lost weight were up to twice as likely to achieve their targets.
A new study suggests that Burmese pythons will not be able to find suitable habitats outside of South Florida, despite initial predictions by the USGS. The researchers used advanced climate models to predict the potential distribution of the snakes in the US and found that they are limited to the vicinity of the Everglades.
A combination of S-1 and irinotecan appears to offer a promising alternative to standard treatment for advanced non-small cell lung cancer, with similar response rates and progression-free survival. The experimental therapy resulted in less severe side effects compared to platinum-based chemotherapy regimens.
A recent study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases reveals that adverse reactions to antibiotics cause an estimated 142,000 emergency department visits per year in the United States. The majority of these reactions are allergic, with over 80% being related to penicillins and other antibiotics.
Researchers discovered medulloblastomas arise from granule cells and only if they are fully committed. They also found protein Olig2 influences cancer cell formation and multiplication. This knowledge could lead to targeted therapies for childhood brain tumors.
The western Amazon, home to the most biodiverse rainforest left on Earth, is at risk from oil and gas projects. Over 180 blocks cover nearly 688,000 km2, overlapping with protected areas and indigenous territories. The study highlights the need for regional Strategic Environmental Assessments and indigenous rights protection.
A randomized trial found that radical prostatectomy reduces prostate cancer death rates, with benefits lasting beyond 10 years. However, the applicability of these results to modern prostate cancer patients is unclear due to the widespread use of PSA screening.
A novel data analysis method has been developed that extracts representative spatial filters for each individual subject, reducing the need for calibration before every session. This approach may pave the way for practical daily use of brain-computer interfacing technology for both patients and healthy users.
A recent study by The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center at the University of Texas at Austin found significant variations in green roof performance across six manufacturers. Green roofs were found to cool buildings' interiors by up to 21% and capture rainwater during downpours, but differences varied greatly among products.
The growing demand for long-term care services is straining the workforce, with workers lacking support in pay and work relationships. The studies found that recruitment and retention are industry-wide problems, but also discovered that older people can play a role in addressing these issues.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge have discovered that disrupting or erasing memories associated with drug use during recall can prevent relapse in recovering drug abusers. By blocking a brain chemical receptor important to learning and memory, scientists reduced drug-seeking behaviors in rats for up to four weeks.
A new PET study reveals a direct correlation between hereditary personality traits, particularly reward dependency, and brain chemistry. Individuals with high reward dependence have higher opiate receptor binding in the ventral striatum, associated with increased cravings and addictive behavior.
Researchers from UC Berkeley argue that devastating declines of amphibians worldwide signal a biodiversity disaster. The study highlights the impact of chytridiomycosis, habitat constriction, and pollution on frog populations, contributing to a sixth mass extinction event.
Researchers investigated physiological methods used by well-trained runners to control exercise intensity and avoid exhaustion. They found that heart rate response scales with race distance, indicating athletes actively manage their body's increasing strain.
A new nano vaccine for hepatitis B has been developed to address the drawbacks of current vaccines, which require refrigeration and can cause side effects. The vaccine uses a needle-free nasal delivery method and has been shown to be effective in producing strong immune responses in animal studies.
The American Society of Hematology honors Clara D. Bloomfield, Kenneth Anderson, and Robert Kyle for their significant contributions to the understanding of hematologic diseases. Drs. Bloomfield and Anderson will be recognized for their work on acute myelogenous leukemia and multiple myeloma, respectively.
Researchers identified specific HBV genotypes and mutations associated with increased liver cancer risk, including genotype C and basal core promoter mutation A1762T/G1764A. A combination of doxorubicin and zoledronic acid was found to reduce tumor size substantially in a mouse model of breast cancer.
Younger service members and Reserve/National Guard personnel returning from combat are at increased risk of new-onset heavy drinking and other alcohol-related problems. Deployment with combat exposures is associated with a significant increase in rates of heavy weekly drinking, binge drinking, and alcohol-related problems.
Researchers compared online prescribing and traditional physician consultation for treating erectile dysfunction, finding that the online system outperformed in patient education and prescription appropriateness. The study concludes that a well-regulated Internet prescriber service can be comparable to traditional medical practice.
Active physical therapy for patients with acute low back pain is associated with better clinical outcomes and lower healthcare costs. Physical therapists can help reduce healthcare utilization by providing hands-on therapy and exercises to alleviate low back pain.
A study published in JAMA found that former child soldiers in Nepal experience higher rates of mental health issues, including PTSD and depression. The study compared the mental health of 141 former child soldiers with 141 never-conscripted children, and found significant differences in symptoms of depression and PTSD.
A study of married Indian women found that those who experienced physical and sexual violence from their husbands had an increased risk of HIV infection. The prevalence of HIV among abused women was approximately four times higher than non-abused women, highlighting the importance of addressing intimate partner violence in preventing H...
A new study reveals married Indian women who experience physical and sexual abuse are approximately four times more likely to become infected with HIV than those not abused. The study highlights the importance of addressing intimate partner violence in preventing HIV transmission among women in India.
Despite five years of systemic therapy, breast cancer patients remain at risk for disease recurrence. Women with hormone receptor-positive cancer have a higher risk of relapse, highlighting an unmet clinical need for new strategies to reduce this risk.
A groundbreaking study by Brown University economist Yona Rubinstein and Casey Mulligan of the University of Chicago reveals that the apparent narrowing of the gender wage gap in recent decades is due to changes in the type of women entering the workforce, not actual pay increases. The research found that growing wage inequality within...
A study by Case Western Reserve University found that caregivers of spouses with dementia report sadness, loneliness, and a lack of positive emotions. The research analyzed data from 391 caregivers and 226 non-caregivers, revealing that 25% of caregivers suffered from depression compared to 5% of non-caregivers.
A recent study predicts a fast rise in scorching days, with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius by the end of this century. Another record reveals a 1000-year history of hurricane activity in Boston, Massachusetts. Climate zones are also shifting southward in Australia due to warming sea surface temperatures.
Researchers use ruthenium as a catalyst to increase oxidant levels in infected cells, ultimately destroying cancerous cells. The study offers a promising alternative to traditional cancer treatments, which often adapt quickly to targeted drugs.
A study of 439 Latinas found elevated levels of depression among those more 'Americanized', with being single and pregnant also associated with depression. Screening during pregnancy is crucial for this population, particularly acculturated U.S.-born Latinas.
A retrospective analysis of postmenopausal women with early-stage breast cancer found that previous use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT), hormone-receptor positivity, and treatment with anastrozole versus tamoxifen were associated with joint symptoms. Obesity was also linked to increased joint symptoms in these patients.
Researchers have identified a unique molecule essential to breaking down pollutants in the atmosphere, including acid rain. This breakthrough discovery will help scientists model pollutant reactions and predict potential outcomes.
A new study reveals that transfer RNA's (tRNA) dual functions of reading the genetic blueprint and adding amino acids to proteins evolved independently. The findings suggest that these functions were acquired at different points in time, with protein synthesis preceding the refinement of the genetic code.
New research suggests that climate change may increase Middle East rainfall by up to 50% in the Euphrates-Tigris watershed, contrary to previous projections. This could alleviate agricultural challenges and reduce food shortages.
A new analysis of ice cores reveals that West Antarctica's climate is influenced by atmospheric and oceanic changes in the tropical Pacific, with dramatic year-to-year temperature swings and a century-long warming trend. The findings show the connection between global warming and periodic events like El Niño.
Researchers found that the same brain regions are activated when observing facial expressions of disgust in others and experiencing it oneself. This study suggests that reading a book can elicit emotional responses comparable to those experienced while watching a movie, thanks to the shared brain activity patterns.
Research by UK and Australian scientists suggests that humans hunted Tasmania's giant kangaroos and marsupial 'rhinos' and 'leopards' until their extinction, contrary to previous climate change theories. The findings provide the first evidence of human involvement in the mass extinction event, which took place around 41,000 years ago.