A new technology has been developed to identify pregnant women at risk of developing preeclampsia, a leading cause of maternal and neonatal deaths worldwide. The technology employs a panel of biomarkers found in the placenta and could lead to earlier detection and targeted intervention.
A recent clinical trial sponsored by NIH found that alfuzosin, a commonly prescribed drug for chronic prostatitis, did not significantly reduce symptoms in newly diagnosed men. The study showed no significant differences between the treatment and placebo groups in terms of symptom improvement.
Dr. James M. Hill has been awarded the distinction of American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Fellow for his contributions to understanding viral and bacterial keratitis. He is being honored for developing excellent animal models and unique drug delivery systems, as well as identifying a specific human gene as a risk...
Canada-U.S. biophysicists develop a novel method to detect movement of single proteins controlling ion exchange between cells and environment. The new technique allows scientists to measure one single ion channel at a time and investigate how different parts inside the ion channels communicate.
Researchers found that testing two inflammation biomarkers, Lp-PLA2 and hs-CRP, improved the prediction of ischemic stroke in patients. Adding both biomarkers to traditional risk factors provided the most accurate picture of stroke risk.
A study found that individuals diagnosed with panic attacks or disorder have a significantly increased risk of developing coronary heart disease and suffering a heart attack, particularly among those under 50 years old. However, the research also showed that people with panic disorders face a reduced risk of dying from heart conditions.
Researchers found that when we see an object, multiple motor programs are involuntarily activated, competing for control. The brain uses a common mechanism to filter out irrelevant information, allowing us to execute precise movements.
A CSU team report highlights the potential of science faculty specializing in education to improve science teaching. The study found that 47% of 'science faculty with education specialties' (SFES) transitioned into the role from traditional positions, while 53% were hired specifically for the SFES role.
The Nonhydrostatic ICosahedral Atmospheric Model (NICAM) successfully simulated the lifecycles of two real tropical cyclones. The model's realistic representation of clouds and atmospheric conditions allowed it to reproduce the birth, path, and evolution of the observed cyclones.
Researchers at Harvard University developed a highly sensitive microscopy technique based on stimulated Raman scattering, allowing for real-time tracking of metabolites and drugs in living cells. This technology has the potential to revolutionize metabolic studies of omega-3 fatty acids and understand their processing in the human body.
Wake Forest University chemistry professors Mark Welker and Dilip Kondepudi were elected as 2008 AAAS Fellows for their significant contributions to the fields of non-equilibrium chemistry and organometallic chemistry. The recognition highlights their scientifically distinguished efforts to advance science.
Researchers found that most respondents reported improved mood after a good cry, but some felt worse or no improvement. Criers who received social support experienced the most significant improvements in mood. The study highlights the complexities of crying behavior and its physical and emotional effects.
A four-minute animated movie created by University of Calgary's Barry Sanders explains the nature of quantum computing, its power and underlying science. The animation uses state-of-the-art techniques to convey quantum concepts in an accurate and exciting way.
Michigan State University has licensed technology that enables plants to use atmospheric nitrogen, resulting in significant growth and yield improvements of up to 90 percent. The microbial fertilizers are cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and have been shown to increase plant resistance to disease.
Researchers at Columbia University Medical Center discovered a chemical that counters the negative impact of leptin on drug-eluting stents used in diabetic patients. This finding could lead to improved outcomes for diabetics who receive stents.
Researchers argue that geoengineering solutions to climate change are unrealistic due to the complexity of the Earth's climate system. The concept of injecting particles into the stratosphere to reduce global warming is highly uncertain and requires massive infrastructure investments.
A recent study found that older antidepressants targeting both serotonin and norepinephrine are more effective in treating depression in people with Parkinson's disease. This is a significant finding, as depression affects up to 50% of individuals with the condition.
Climate change may lead to a significant impact on water supplies, with changes in groundwater recharge potentially exceeding those in precipitation. The research focused on a semi-arid region near Lubbock, Texas, finding that timing and duration of rainfall events play a crucial role in determining the effects.
Researchers investigate the effect of high blood sugar on the immune system in hopes of improving islet cell transplant success rates. High blood glucose levels can temporarily shift the balance between effector and regulatory T cells, giving advantage to regulatory cells that suppress attacks.
Scientists at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have discovered that normal stem cells can give rise to tumors in mature solid tissues, including the intestine. The study identifies Prominin1 as a molecular marker for normal stem cells, which can act as the source of cancerous tumors.
Research focuses on transport phenomena in heterogeneous media, exploring anomalous transport and its role in hydrogeology. The study highlights the importance of concentration tails in assessing radioactive waste disposal reliability.
A study published in Personal Relationships reveals that women prioritize men who are recognized by peers for their skills and achievements, rather than those who use coercive tactics to subordinate rivals. In long-term relationships, women's preferences for prestige increase, contradicting common dating advice.
Professor Gary S. Lynn, a prominent scholar in technology innovation, has received the 2009 Research Publication Award from the International Association for Management of Technology (IAMOT). His work has been recognized for its high-impact and academically rigorous research on technology-based entrepreneurship.
A study of 25,287 patients found that death rates were lower among those receiving peritoneal dialysis at day 90, but this effect varied depending on age and health. The results indicate that certain patient characteristics should be factored into decisions on dialysis treatment.
A team of University of Pennsylvania physicists creates a simple system to study and control geometric frustration using micron-sized spheres in water. They found that the lattice deforms to relieve frustration as the material becomes more strongly frustrated.
A study by University of Washington researchers found that two-thirds of women who donated eggs reported satisfaction with the process, but 16% experienced physical symptoms and 20% had lasting psychological effects. Women's motivations for donation varied, with some citing altruism and others financial concerns.
Researchers warn that ocean acidification could have far-reaching effects on marine ecosystems, impacting phytoplankton and the food chain. The increased acidity may also affect developmental processes and populations of various organisms.
Research suggests that brief hesitations in conversation can increase anxiety in interracial interactions. In a study, participants experienced heightened anxiety when having conversations with someone of a different racial background after being delayed by just one second. This delay was undetectable to the participants.
A recent study published in Psychological Science found that individuals with a higher sense of power experienced less compassion and distress when confronted with another's suffering. High-power individuals' autonomic emotion regulation increased, buffering against their partner's distress.
Scientists at the University of California, Berkeley have developed a method to genetically modify microalgae to produce hydrogen and hydrocarbons instead of sugar molecules. This modification allows for more efficient use of sunlight in the photosynthesis process, making it a potential alternative to traditional biofuels.
New studies suggest that male circumcision can lower the risk of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, particularly high-risk subtypes associated with cervical, penile, and other cancers. Circumcised men are about half as likely to have HPV as uncircumcised men, according to research published in The Journal of Infectious Diseases.
Satellites like TOPEX/Poseidon can supplement USGS ground measurements with little to no cost, offering detailed flood data. The Ohio State software uses an algorithm to differentiate between water and snow cover, enabling precise measurements of flooded regions.
A team of astrophysicists has discovered that hydrogen is concentrated in permanently shaded lunar craters, which could indicate the presence of ice. This finding is significant for future human exploration of the moon and could provide a water source for establishing a manned base.
A leading British researcher predicts a boom in stem cell drug testing under Obama's administration, offering a viable alternative to animal-based heart cell tests. The UK has already established a special public-private research program to harness the potential of human embryonic stem cells for safer medicine.
Researchers found evidence of increased greenhouse gases in ancient ice core records, suggesting that human influence on climate started with large-scale agriculture and deforestation. The study challenges the traditional view that the Industrial Revolution marked the beginning of human-induced climate change.
A recent study by the University of Alberta found that individuals with sarcopenic obesity, a condition characterized by low lean muscle mass, had significantly reduced survival rates and poorer physical function compared to those with only obesity. This suggests that body composition may play a crucial role in cancer treatment outcomes.
A new study explores ways to target the compensation provided by free emission allowances under a CO2 cap and trade policy. Granting limited allowances can help compensate firms that benefit from the program, but may be costly to administer. The researchers suggest using targeted compensation methods to reduce costs.
Research published in American Sociological Review reveals a significant increase in income inequality among US families with children since 1975. The study found that family type and education level played key roles in shaping income disparities, with single-parent families without working mothers exhibiting the greatest inequality.
A device patented by an Indiana University researcher would have alerted a kidnapped senior's closest friends and family to the crime within moments. The Portal Monitor connects home doorbell sensors to porch cameras, forwarding headshot images to pre-selected contacts via cell phones.
The DIAS-2 trial found desmoteplase ineffective in treating acute ischemic stroke due to low clinical response rates and higher mortality rates. The authors attribute the failure to replicate previous findings to mild strokes and imaging limitations.
In a six-month study, women doubled their fruit and vegetable intakes by following a Mediterranean diet plan with an exchange list. The plan maintained caloric and total fat intakes, leading to significant changes in their eating habits.
A new paper in Optics Express envisions a future with widespread use of LED lights, offering significant energy savings and environmental benefits. LEDs are predicted to save more than $1 trillion in energy costs over 10 years and lead to substantial reductions in carbon dioxide emissions.
A recent study published in Nature reveals that the common ancestor of all life on earth, LUCA, was not a heat-loving organism as previously thought. Instead, it thrived in a cooler microclimate, resolving a paradox about the origins of life on Earth.
Researchers at the University of Rochester have designed a gene that produces a thousand times more protein in cancer cells than in healthy cells. This new approach allows for the insertion of 'self-destruct' codes, forcing cancer cells to kill themselves while healthy cells remain unaffected.
A recent study found women with STEMI have an adjusted mortality rate almost twice as high as men, due to lower reperfusion therapy. Women are also treated less intensively in the acute phase.
A recent survey of doctors has found that most feel only confident in performing five out of seventeen procedures required by the NHS. The study suggests that guidance on acceptable standards is limited, and some procedures may be unachievable for all trainees.
Researchers discover that polyphenols in extra-virgin olive oil drastically suppress the overexpression of the cancer gene HER2 in human breast cancer cells. The findings suggest a safe platform for designing new anti-breast cancer drugs.
Public concerns about costs and promiscuity pose a barrier to cervical cancer vaccinations, according to a Yale University study. The vast majority of surveyed adults believe the risk of cervical cancer is low with the HPV vaccine, but think adolescent promiscuity will increase among vaccinated teens.
Researchers at Ohio State University are developing a computerized surveillance system that can recognize suspicious behavior, track people's movements and help find lost individuals. The system uses intelligent video cameras, geo-referencing software and algorithms to analyze and model human behavior patterns.
Researchers have created a comprehensive catalogue of tissue-specific pathologies underlying hundreds of inherited diseases, including breast cancer, Parkinson's disease, heart disease, and autism. The catalogue, available online, could help physicians and researchers develop new treatments for these conditions.
Researchers use 3D modeling to compare cranial features, concluding Homo floresiensis is a distinct species. The study suggests the 'hobbit' species may have undergone size reduction after branching off from Homo erectus.
David Baker, a UW professor, won the 2008 Raymond & Beverly Sackler International Prize in Biophysics for developing accurate computer models of protein structures using Argonne's Leadership Computing Facility. His work has led to new insights into protein functions and potential therapeutics.
A new study found that circumcision significantly reduced HIV infection risk in heterosexual African American men with known exposure. The study's findings complement previous research on adult male circumcision in Africa.
Scientists and environmental groups see biochar as a powerful tool for replenishing soils and combating global warming. Biochar can capture up to 50% of the carbon stored in biomass and establish a significant carbon sink when used as a soil amendment.
A Massachusetts General Hospital study suggests that US emergency departments are unlikely to meet projected needs with current board-certified emergency physician workforce. The study found that even with idealized projections, it would take over a decade to staff all emergency departments with certified physicians.
A study by the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center found that women with high levels of Dicer and Drosha proteins had a median survival of 11 years, while those with low levels had only 2.66 years. Low levels of Dicer are also predictive of poor outcomes in lung and breast cancer patients.
A study published in the Review of Agricultural Economics found that both fast food and table service restaurant meals are larger and have more calories than meals prepared at home. However, fast food meals tend to be smaller, resulting in fewer calories overall.
A major international study highlights the need for improved prenatal care in South-East Asian hospitals to prevent neonatal lung disease. Antenatal corticosteroid treatment before preterm birth has been shown to significantly reduce child death and disease.
Two Canadian studies found that 20% of people with mental health issues also have substance use problems, with rates highest in BC and lowest in Quebec. Improved integration of mental health and addiction services is needed to address co-occurring disorders.
WPI will support teaching and research programs in fire protection engineering with the new facility. The university is home to the world's leading graduate program in fire protection engineering.