The Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope (GLAST) is scheduled to launch on a United Launch Alliance's Delta II Heavy rocket on June 11. The launch window opens at 11:45 a.m.-1:40 p.m. EDT, pending weather conditions. GLAST will survey the universe over an energy range of 20 million electron volts to over 300 billion electron volts.
Transistors made with new material SAND prove resistant to radiation, a crucial factor for long space missions. The devices could also enable new technologies like printable electronics and transparent displays.
A Temple University researcher has developed a new method for clinical taste testing using edible strips containing five basic tastes. The strips, created by dissolving polymers in warm water and adding taste stimuli, can measure thresholds for tastants at lower levels than traditional 'sip and spit' tests.
A study published by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine found that children with Down Syndrome have more fragmented sleep and frequent awakenings compared to typically developing children. The study suggests that this may be an independent issue and may impact cognitive, behavioral, and physical growth.
The Safety Professionals Handbook is a comprehensive two-volume book featuring real-life examples and applied nature from experienced safety and health professionals. The publication covers 12 topic areas, including workers' compensation, fire prevention, and industrial hygiene.
A recent study has found that increased fat intake is associated with lower REM sleep, higher arousal and apnea-hypopnea indexes, and reduced sleep efficiency. Healthy adults who consume high amounts of fat before bed may experience negative effects on their sleep patterns.
A new mobile phone system allows young cancer patients to record and send their symptoms to medical professionals, providing valuable information on a day-to-day basis. This can transform the way young people with cancer are cared for, giving them independence and confidence in managing their symptoms.
A new study suggests that CT lung cancer screening can increase lung cancer detection by 37% and reduce mortality by 28%, but has limited impact on all-cause mortality. Quitting smoking is still the most effective way to reduce risk of death from various causes.
A recent study found that prenatal drug exposure is associated with greater sleep problems in children. Early sleep problems also predict later sleep problems, and nicotine has a unique effect on sleep patterns.
Researchers found that media reports on complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) were often inaccurate or incomplete, lacking information on side-effects and costs. The study suggests clearer communication between scientists and journalists is crucial for accurate news reports.
A new study by NCAR researchers warns that rapid sea ice loss in the Arctic could lead to accelerated land warming and permafrost thaw, posing significant risks to sensitive ecosystems and human infrastructure. The study finds that a period of abrupt sea-ice loss could initiate significant emissions of greenhouse gases from Arctic soils.
A study of 215 children found that those with bigger neck sizes are more likely to have a sleep-related breathing disorder, with predicted neck size correlating strongly with apnea-hypopnea index. This suggests that neck size should be considered in the clinical evaluation of children with snoring and apnea.
LA BioMed investigator Dr. Ronald S. Swerdloff is recognized for his 39 years of teaching and training over 130 endocrine fellows. He has made significant contributions to the field of reproductive endocrinology, inspiring a legacy of outstanding trainees.
A Phase III clinical trial found that a blood substitute was relatively safe for patients under 80 years old with moderate transfusion needs, but not suitable for those over 80 with acute health issues. The study showed promising results for the blood substitute in reducing the need for regular blood transfusions.
Researchers at Norwich BioScience Institute have detected chemical differences in genes that can lead to colorectal cancer. These findings suggest that diet and lifestyle factors may contribute to the development of cancer by altering epigenetic code in healthy tissues.
A recent study published in Conservation Letters found that many animal species need broad landscape-level conservation to survive due to ecological processes. The research identified 20% of threatened amphibians and 40% of threatened freshwater turtles relying on conservation action at a large scale.
A study of 1,956 pre-schoolers found that tooth grinding during sleep was associated with worse pre-school adjustment, including social withdrawal and behavioral issues. Parents' reports of tooth grinding may be a sensitive indicator of bruxism in young children.
A study found that certain mammography facility characteristics, such as breast imaging specialists and screening/diagnostic services, are associated with improved interpretive accuracy. The analysis of 44 facilities performed over 484,463 screenings revealed variations in cancer detection rates between locations.
Researchers from the University of São Paulo found tamoxifen to be an effective treatment against Leishmania amazonensis, one of the species causing cutaneous leishmaniasis in South America. In a rodent model, infected mice treated with tamoxifen showed significant parasite burden reduction and delayed skin ulcer development.
Dan Savage, 25, survived testicular cancer at 20, gaining more confidence and starting his own art studio. He worries about losing regular medical checks after five years in remission, feeling the need for continued health monitoring.
A unique drug combination, Lisofylline and Islet Neogenesis Associated Protein peptide, has shown promising results in reversing Type 1 diabetes in diabetic mice. The study found that the combination led to a remission rate of 70% in mice with high blood glucose levels.
Researchers found that RA patients are nearly eight times more likely to have periodontal disease than healthy controls. The study suggests that impaired oral hygiene is only part of the connection and that other systemic inflammatory disorders may play a role.
Women were more likely than men to approach gender-matched brochures and retain information from them. The study found significant gender differences in exposure to the intervention, including women reading more brochures and retaining more information.
A recent study found a positive correlation between total energy intake and awakenings during sleep, as well as apnea-hypopnea index. Healthy adults who consume high amounts of calories before bedtime may experience increased sleep fragmentation, which can disrupt their overall health.
A Phase 3 study demonstrated significant improvements in signs and symptoms, physical function, and disease activity in RA patients who received golimumab after being previously treated with anti-TNF agents. The study showed sustained improvements through six months.
A study by RAND Corporation found that adolescents who made virginity pledges were less likely to engage in sexual activity than similar youth who did not make a pledge. The study suggests that virginity pledges may be appropriate as one component of an overall sex education effort.
A study found that bright lighting reduced cognitive deterioration by 5% and improved functional limitations by 53%. Melatonin also improved sleep and reduced depressive symptoms. The combination of light and melatonin had a positive effect on mood, while individual use of melatonin was associated with adverse effects.
A study published in JAMA found that St. John's wort did not improve ADHD symptoms in children and adolescents. The trial involved 54 participants who received either St. John's wort or a placebo for eight weeks, with no significant differences in symptom improvement.
The Gerontological Society of America has selected twenty recipients for the 2008 Hartford Doctoral Fellows Pre-Dissertation Award. The awardees will receive funding and attend workshops to develop their research skills at the GSA's Annual Scientific Meeting.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American Dental Association found that pregnant women can receive safe dental treatment between 13-21 weeks gestation. The research showed no significant increase in adverse outcomes from periodontal treatment and essential dental care during this time frame.
A novel small molecule inhibitor reduced both endogenous and drug-induced resistance to chemotherapy in a mouse model of melanoma. Low melatonin levels are associated with an increased risk of breast cancer in postmenopausal women, according to a prospective case-control study.
A study published by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine found that children who consistently get enough sleep perform better on an auditory attention task. Brain responses recorded from children with low sleep variability were better able to discriminate between frequent and infrequent tones.
Researchers found that individuals with tune deafness, an auditory processing disorder, can detect incorrect notes without conscious awareness. This discovery may help scientists study consciousness using genetic research tools.
A recent survey of pediatric hospitals reveals a lack of universally applied standards for administering radiopharmaceutical doses to children. Experts recommend establishing guidelines that balance high-quality image resolution with low radiation exposure, taking into account each child's unique profile.
Scientists at the Salk Institute discovered that eliminating a third light sensor called melanopsin leaves mammals' circadian clocks blind to light but preserves perfect vision. This finding may lead to new treatments for jet lag, insomnia, and depression by resetting the body's biological clock.
A recent study found that women with delayed sleep phase syndrome are more likely to experience irregular menstrual cycles and premenstrual symptoms. The research suggests that circadian misalignment may play a role in these menstrual irregularities. Further investigation is needed to confirm these findings.
A new family tree of all British birds provides clues about which species might be endangered next, with declining populations clustered together on the same branches. The study found a link between closely related birds and chances of population decline, but also noted that geographical area inhabited by species is not a key factor.
A study of returning war veterans with post-deployment adjustment disorders found they experienced severe insomnia-like symptoms, including nightmares and disrupted sleep. The findings highlight the need for sleep-focused assessments and treatments for this new group of combat-exposed military veterans.
A large European study found that smoking, obesity, and occupational noise are risk factors for age-related hearing loss. In contrast, moderate alcohol consumption was seen to have a protective effect. The study involved 4083 participants and confirmed the importance of avoiding excessive noise exposure.
Golf cart-related injuries have increased by over 130% between 1990 and 2006, with falls being the most common cause. The study highlights the need for stricter regulations and safety measures to prevent these types of injuries, particularly among children.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine tested a high-dose regimen of cyclophosphamide on nine MS patients, showing a 40% reduction in disability scores and an 87% improvement in physical and mental function. The 'HiCy' treatment appears to clear out the immune system and allow nerve cells to repair themselves.
The updated charts show a person's risk of dying from a given cause within the next 10 years, taking into account their age, sex, and smoking status. The charts provide two key elements: the magnitude of the risk and context to help people understand where to focus risk reduction efforts.
The European Union's Emissions Trading System has operated well despite its hasty adoption, showing that economic effects are not large. The system allows for banking and borrowing of allowances, making it work more efficiently.
A randomized controlled trial found that raloxifene reduced the risk of invasive ER-positive breast cancer by 44% in postmenopausal women. The drug did not affect non-invasive cancers or those with osteoporosis without high breast cancer risk.
A recent study found that while US cigarette smoking has declined, non-cigarette tobacco product sales have increased, offsetting the decline. The main reason for this shift is price, with lower federal and state taxes on non-cigarette products making them more affordable.
Research suggests that extended driving at night can impair an individual's driving performance and increase the risk of accidents. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends getting between seven and eight hours of nightly sleep to ensure safe driving.
Researchers at U of M have discovered a gene, Girk4, associated with adult-onset obesity in mice. The gene's disruption leads to increased food intake and energy expenditure in the hypothalamus, mirroring human obesity patterns.
A study by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine found that MLB teams with a greater circadian advantage tend to win more games. The researchers analyzed data from over 24,000 games and discovered that the winning percentage increased when teams held a larger time zone difference.
A new national study examines the rising number of golf cart-related injuries, finding a 132% increase over 17 years. The majority of these injuries occurred at sports and recreational facilities, but those on the street were more likely to result in concussions and hospitalizations.
In a study published in PLOS ONE, capuchin monkeys were found to reason about symbols in economic choices, showing a preference for items A and C over B, both with tokens and actual foods. This suggests that these animals can comprehend and use symbols, although their symbolic competence may differ from that of humans.
Researchers found that tennis players perform better in tasks requiring temporal processing, such as speed discrimination and detecting motion. However, the effects were small, suggesting that these skills are also used in daily life. Training these basic perceptual tasks may lead to improved tennis performance.
Researchers found that three-month-old infants are sensitive to emotional signals referring to objects in the world. Their brain activity shows heightened attention toward new objects when an adult expresses fear or neutral facial expressions towards them.
A new study by the University of Washington found that natural scenes can reduce heart rate and decrease stress faster than technological representations. When participants spent more time looking at a natural scene through a window, their heart rates decreased faster, whereas this effect was not observed when watching a similar scene ...
A new study by Imperial College London found that people with IBS have a higher number of TRPV1 nerve fibers, which can cause abdominal pain and bloating. The study suggests that blocking this receptor could lead to new therapies for treating IBS symptoms.
Researchers at the University of Montreal have established the cause of hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathy type II, a severe disorder characterized by loss of sensation in limbs. The WNK1/HSN2 isoform has been identified as the underlying gene mutation, allowing for the development of animal models and potential pain treatments.
Research suggests that OSA patients cared for by accredited sleep centers and certified sleep medicine specialists receive better education than those cared for by non-accredited centers and non-certified physicians. This leads to improved diagnosis and treatment outcomes for the condition.
A new study by the Commonwealth Fund estimates that 25.2 million adults in the US are underinsured, facing high out-of-pocket medical expenses and financial stress. This number has increased by 60% since 2003, with middle and higher-income families hit hardest.
The cost of cancer care for elderly patients in the US increased significantly between 1991 and 2002 due to rising costs of radiation therapy and chemotherapy. The average cost per patient for lung, colorectal, and breast cancers rose substantially during this period.
Researchers used the Advanced Light Source to study graphene's properties and found that electrons strongly interact with each other. The discovery sheds light on graphene's potential applications in electronic devices.
A new study found that prompt initiation of chemoprophylaxis within five days of detecting an influenza outbreak significantly reduces the duration and severity of outbreaks in long-term care facilities. This approach leads to fewer cases (6.2 vs. 10.5 per 100 residents) and deaths (0.45 vs. 3.3 per 100 ill residents).