Pitt researchers have developed a quick and reliable method for detecting mercury in fish and dental samples, utilizing a fluorescent substance that glows bright green when exposed to oxidized mercury. The technique can be used onsite to detect mercury in dental fillings or fish within 30-60 minutes.
A study in China has identified the first cases of human granulocytic anaplasmosis (HGA), a tick-borne infectious disease. The investigation found that transmission was likely from person to person through blood and respiratory secretion exposure, rather than tick bites.
Elevated levels of kynurenic acid in the brain have been linked to problem-solving deficits in patients with schizophrenia. The finding suggests that drugs targeting this compound could be used to treat cognitive impairments associated with the disorder.
A recent study compared two gastric bypass techniques for severe obesity, finding that proximal bypass resulted in greater weight loss and fewer complications. The distal technique had some advantages but also more drawbacks, leading the surgical team to adopt proximal bypass as their first choice.
ER/PR negative tumors associated with higher risk of poorer prognosis and limited treatment options. African-American women have higher risk due to race, socioeconomic characteristics and other tumor characteristics.
A new technique allows lab technicians to manipulate tiny quantities of liquid without contaminating them. Droplets can be made to bounce, float and move into the air using a bath of oil and vibrations.
A review of bariatric surgery among women of reproductive age suggests that rates of adverse outcomes for mothers and newborns are lower after the procedure. Lower maternal complication rates were found in women who underwent bariatric surgery compared to those who were obese, with reduced rates of gestational diabetes and preeclampsia.
Neuroscientists from the University of Washington found that stress impairs rats' ability to seek out larger rewards in a maze, lasting several days. A study using rats and muscimol to inactivate the amygdala showed that stressed rats were unable to adjust their behavior and learn from experience.
The University of Leicester is presenting at the Online Educa 2008 conference, discussing new developments in e-learning and their impact on day-to-day operations. Professor Gilly Salmon is leading a discussion on the key challenges faced by universities, including the shift from control to teachers and learners.
A team of scientists says the globe-warming carbon dioxide level has probably reached a point where world climate will change disastrously unless the level can be reduced. The CO2 needs to be reduced to around 350 parts per million to keep current warming trends from moving rapidly upward.
GUMC researchers will present several scientific findings on black women's health, including the importance of colonoscopy utilization and BRCA1/2 genetic testing. Studies reveal predictors of genetic testing among newly diagnosed breast cancer patients, highlighting the need for clinical practice to identify patients at risk.
A new report from Duke University suggests that U.S. manufacturing is poised to grow in a low-carbon economy, creating significant job opportunities in industries such as LED lighting, high-performance windows, and renewable energy. States like Pennsylvania, Ohio, and North Carolina are expected to benefit from these green jobs.
Emory University's new Human Health: Molecules to Mankind (M2M) program trains students in both laboratory and population sciences, aiming to create a comprehensive approach to understanding human health. The program partners researchers from schools of medicine, public health, and other institutions.
A North Carolina State University study has identified five risk factors associated with farm vehicle crashes on public roads, including the use of non-English speaking drivers and young farm vehicle drivers. The study suggests that a comprehensive approach, including driver licensing, training, and monitoring, could reduce the risk of...
The Rutgers Center has received a second $8 million NIMH grant to expand its research into co-occurring substance use and abuse. This expansion will allow the center to investigate new areas of mental health services issues that arise when individuals with mental illness interact with the criminal justice system.
The University of Minnesota study reveals that corporate culture is the most important factor in driving radical innovation across nations. Firms with a supportive internal structure, product champions, and incentives are more innovative than those with other characteristics.
Bed net usage has increased six-fold since 2000, but 90 million children remain unprotected, with Nigeria accounting for a quarter of all unprotected children. Free distribution of nets has led to higher coverage rates, highlighting the need for targeted funding and efforts.
The UAB Center will examine the risks and benefits of eight biologics used for autoimmune disorders, including women, children, minorities, and the disabled. The study aims to boost understanding of these drugs and guide medical professionals, manufacturers, and regulatory agencies.
Researchers at UCSF used kinase inhibitors to block and reverse type 1 diabetes in mice, showing potential for new therapeutic approach. The study found that 80% of mice with established diabetes reversed symptoms after two months of treatment.
A recent study by researchers at UC San Diego found that proper spacing of lessons can dramatically enhance learning. The study, which involved over 1,000 subjects, revealed that larger gaps between study sessions result in better recall of facts. This contradicts the common practice of cramming, which is not effective in the long haul.
A 30-year-old Colombian woman has undergone successful transplantation of a tissue-engineered airway, showing improved quality of life with normal functioning and no rejection. The graft developed its own blood supply and the patient was discharged without complications.
A study found that antibiotic treatment can cause pervasive and persistent changes to the human gut microbiota, affecting the balance of bacteria in the gut. The researchers identified over 3,300 different types of bacteria in the human distal gut and found that antibiotic treatment influenced the abundance of about a third of those taxa.
A home-based intervention improved body weight, diet quality, and physical function in older long-term cancer survivors. The RENEW trial found significant strength improvements and increased physical activity among participants.
A study found that overusing medications containing barbiturates or narcotics can lead to more frequent migraine attacks. The use of these medications was associated with an increased risk of transformed migraine headaches, a form of migraine characterized by 15 or more days of headache per month.
A study by UC Irvine researchers reveals a significant increase in hospital admissions for asthma, bronchitis, and other respiratory disorders during Southern California wildfires. Heavy smoke conditions were associated with a 34% rise in asthma admissions and a 67% surge in acute bronchitis admissions.
Researchers found a new gene, PRICKLE1, linked to a specific type of epilepsy. The study involved international collaboration and led to the development of animal models to investigate its role in the disease.
The new guide provides standardized guidelines for collecting data from wild primates, aiming to identify infection patterns and prevent epidemics. By integrating research from various disciplines, the study seeks to reduce the risk of pathogens jumping from animals to humans and vice-versa.
A study published in Neurosurgery found that routine testing with cerebral angiography following endovascular treatment of brain aneurysms carries a very low risk of complication. The test was shown to have a complication rate of 0.43 percent, with only one major and permanent complication occurring.
Researchers found that home-based diet and exercise interventions improved physical functioning in older, long-term cancer survivors. Participants in the intervention group demonstrated significant improvements in their diet and exercise behaviors, as well as measures of basic and advanced lower extremity functioning.
A large clinical trial found that ginkgo biloba has no effect on the onset of dementia or development of Alzheimer's disease. The study tested 120 milligrams of ginkgo twice daily versus placebo in 3,069 participants and showed that it had no impact on cognitive decline or mortality.
Obese women who undergo weight loss surgery before becoming pregnant have a lower risk of pregnancy-related health problems. Their children are also less likely to be born with complications such as premature birth, low birth weight, or excessive birth weight.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have devised a new way to track the location and survival of specially modified cancer-killing cells in living patients for months and years. The technique uses a reporter gene that is expressed throughout a cell's lifetime, providing repeated snapshots of the cells' status.
The NWO and KNAW have launched a new research programme, the Joint Scientific Thematic Research Programme (JSTP), with Chinese counterparts. The programme aims to concentrate on different themes every year, with the first call for proposals set to be published in early 2009.
A new study confirms that exercise can reverse the age-related decline in neural stem cells in the hippocampus of mouse brains. Exercise restores a brain chemical promoting new stem cell production and maturation.
A meta-analysis published by the American Association for Cancer Research found that individuals with HIV have a higher risk of non-AIDS cancers compared to the general population. The risk is significantly higher for men than women, and incidence rates are similar between those with AIDS and without.
A study published in Clinical Oncology found that funding decisions for cancer patients with exceptional circumstances are influenced by their location rather than their health needs. This has led to a postcode lottery, where some patients receive funding while others do not, despite similar circumstances.
A nontoxic nanoparticle can enter cells, dissolve harmlessly, and release therapeutic drugs or fluorescent dyes. This delivery system has shown promise for treating cancer and vascular diseases.
A recent study found that individuals with lower socioeconomic status are more likely to be diagnosed with late-stage colorectal cancer, leading to poorer survival rates. The research highlights the importance of removing barriers to healthcare services, including screening tests and treatment for colorectal cancer.
A new five-year, $1 million NIH grant will help ASU researchers determine the effects of carpal tunnel syndrome on hand dexterity. The study aims to quantify the impact of CTS on grasping and hand control, providing valuable insights into the effectiveness of surgical intervention and physical rehabilitation.
Researchers found that Western women prefer men with facial scars for short-term relationships, but equally value both scarred and un-scarred faces for long-term relationships. Men perceive women with and without facial scars as equally attractive for both types of relationship.
Researchers found no radioactive signals in recent ice core samples from the Naimona'nyi glacier, suggesting that it has not accumulated new ice since 1944 and posing a threat to water supplies for half a billion people in Asia. The absence of these signals makes it challenging to date the ice cores and extract climate history.
A meta-analysis of 15 randomized controlled trials found that bevacizumab increases the risk of venous thromboembolism by 33% compared to controls. The risk is highest for patients with colorectal cancer, with an incidence rate of 19.1%.
Researchers at Ames Laboratory are developing nanocoatings to reduce friction and extend tool life, leading to a 31 trillion BTU annual energy savings by 2030. The coatings have shown exceptional hardness and can be applied to various industrial applications, including pumps and cutting tools.
A large multicenter trial led by the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine found that Ginkgo biloba extract did not reduce the risk of dementia or Alzheimer's disease in either healthy elderly individuals or those with mild cognitive impairment. The study, which involved over 3,000 participants, also showed no impact on coronary ...
Researchers found that calorie restriction and exercise can modify pathways leading to mTOR, a molecule involved in cell growth. Calorie restriction showed more global effects on cell signaling, suggesting it may produce a more potent anti-cancer effect.
A study published by the American Association for Cancer Research found that cruciferous vegetables like broccoli may lower lung cancer risk in smokers. The study showed a significant protective effect, with risks ranging from 20% to 55% depending on the type and duration of smoking.
A randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial found no significant difference in the rate of dementia among participants using Ginkgo biloba or a placebo. The study, which included over 1,500 elderly volunteers, also showed that Ginkgo biloba had no effect on the progression to dementia in individuals with mild cognitive impairment.
Scientists have made precise measurements of a key phenomenon in solar cells, shedding light on fundamental processes and paving the way for more efficient designs. The findings provide a crucial understanding of charge separation in chain-like structures.
A team of astronomers discovered a new planet closely orbiting the giant star HD 102272, nearly six times the mass of Jupiter. The planet's location near the star raises questions about how aging stars influence nearby planets.
A recent study found that Latina women are 5.6 times more likely to express regret over their breast cancer treatment compared to white women. The researchers discovered that despite similar treatment, Latinas reported higher dissatisfaction and a desire for more culturally tailored information.
A Kansas State University study found that educating nursing home staff about residents' sexual needs can lead to a significant shift in attitudes, allowing for more privacy and intimacy. The researchers also highlighted concerns around HIV transmission, family dynamics, and the impact of Alzheimer's on consent.
A new study reveals a link between alcohol-industry sponsorship and hazardous drinking among sportspeople, with those receiving free or discounted booze reporting higher levels of binge drinking. The research suggests that severing links with the alcohol industry is crucial to promote the health and well-being of athletes.
A team of researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory has discovered 13 new tumor-suppressor genes in liver cancer, which can help improve diagnosis and treatment. The study used a powerful genetic screen to validate the functional contributions of these genes in living animals.
Archaeologists discovered an 800-pound basalt stele at Zincirli, a major Iron Age site in southeastern Turkey. The stele features an incised image of the man Kuttamuwa and provides written evidence that people believed the soul was separate from the body.
A national panel of experts, led by MSU's Suzanne Wilson, outlined ways to improve teacher quality and reduce turnover at low-income schools. The report recommends creating better working conditions, strong leadership, and effective mentoring and professional development to keep teachers in the profession.
The American Journal of Preventive Medicine special issue on climate change highlights the impact on human health, with experts emphasizing a need to communicate accurate information and take action. The papers examine various aspects of climate change, including heat waves, vectorborne diseases, waterborne diseases, and air quality.
A Texas A&M University anthropologist has discovered a group of long-lost primates, the pygmy tarsiers, in Indonesia. The creatures, weighing less than 2 ounces, possess distinctive features such as claws instead of nails.
A new study from Case Western Reserve University reveals that retirement patterns for dual-income married couples are complex, with men more likely to move directly into retirement. The research found 41 work/retirement transition patterns for husbands and 49 patterns for wives, highlighting the need for additional considerations in pl...
Research by the American Psychological Association found that living in a state with anti-GLBT legislation leads to increased minority stress and psychological distress among lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals. Social support from communities and allies played a crucial role in mitigating these effects.
A program called Project Early Awareness teaches high school girls about breast health and self-exams, resulting in a 39% increase in comfort with performing a self-exam and a 69% increase in correct answers to breast cancer questions. The goal is for breast self-exams to become routine among young women.
Researchers found that teens engaging in risky behaviors like sex, smoking, and drinking are more likely to use crystal meth. In high-risk youth, family history of alcohol abuse, psychiatric treatment, and juvenile detention were associated with methamphetamine use.
Researchers found that male mice that lived with a female partner before and after a stroke had a much higher survival rate compared to those mice that lived alone. Socially housed mice suffered significantly less brain damage, with reduced inflammation and increased levels of anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-6.
Researchers at Purdue University have developed a new membrane technology that separates oil from water, achieving 98% separation efficiency. The filter works by attracting water while repelling oil, making it suitable for environmental cleanup and industrial applications.
Rutgers University has developed a new cranberry hybrid called Crimson Queen, which helps growers increase production and improve fruit quality. The hybrid meets growing year-round demand for juices, fruit drinks, and "craisins", reducing the need for herbicides and pesticides.
Researchers found that social networking sites intensify the ability to present oneself in a positive light, allowing users to explore different aspects of their personality. This can lead to increased individualism and narcissism as users sculpt their profiles.
A study published in JAMA Network found an association between male birth defects and certain genetic mutations, including Klinefelter syndrome and INSL3 receptor gene mutations. The research suggests a higher risk of infertility and testicular cancer in men with cryptorchidism, highlighting the importance of genetic testing.
A new study using high-resolution CT scans found that adolescents with mild anorexia exhibit abnormal bone structure, even before significant bone mineral density decreases. The researchers suggest that traditional methods like DXA may not accurately reflect true bone health in these patients.
Researchers found that rats and humans with disrupted attention share similar patterns of behavior in a feature binding task, suggesting acetylcholine is necessary for this process. The study has important clinical implications, potentially leading to improved therapies for disorders like Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers found that déjà vu experiences are associated with a sense of familiarity, even when the source is unknown. The study suggests that specific aspects of current situations can trigger feelings of familiarity, leading to Déjà vu experiences.