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.
A study reveals a mathematical model called 'hidden metric space' that explains the efficiency of complex networks, including the Internet and human language. This discovery could lead to innovative architectural changes to remove bottlenecks and optimize communication in these systems.
A study by UNC researchers found that palladin, a protein expressed mostly in invasive breast cancer cells, plays a crucial role in their ability to migrate and spread. Knocking down palladin expression reduced the ability of breast cancer cells to metastasize.
A comprehensive study on Puerto Rico's freshwater fish species has been conducted by NC State researchers, identifying key features that support native populations and distinguishing those susceptible to invasion. The study aims to inform conservation efforts and management decisions for the island's fisheries.
The MARS Observatory is a deep-sea ocean observatory that allows researchers to continuously monitor the dark world of the deep sea. It enables real-time data and video transmission from instruments installed on the seafloor.
A study found that loyal customers search for evidence a competitor brand is bad, while less loyal customers seek confirmation it's good. Researchers changed perceptions by shifting focus from dissimilarities to similarities or vice versa.
A new study by Anna Dornhaus found that individual rock ants specializing on one task are no more efficient than those performing multiple tasks. Despite concentrating their work on a specific job, specialized ants do not perform better or faster, but instead spend more hours working.
A new study reveals that positive moods increase our ability to understand the big picture and make healthier decisions. Researchers found that people in a good mood think more abstractly and adopt higher-order future goals.
A recent study found that regular physical activity can lower a woman's overall risk of cancer, but only if she gets a good night's sleep. The study, published by the American Association for Cancer Research, suggests that short duration sleep can undermine exercise's cancer prevention benefits.
A study by Professor Demetriades and colleagues suggests that government-owned banks are a safe haven for depositors when regulatory institutions are perceived as weak. The research challenges the 'political view' of state banks, arguing that privatisation can lead to financial instability and dis-intermediation.
A new study finds that antibiotics like ciprofloxacin significantly affect the diversity and abundance of health-associated bacteria in the human gut. The study reveals that even after treatment is stopped, some strains of beneficial bacteria may take up to four weeks or longer to return to pre-treatment levels.
Scientists at Max Planck Institute of Neurobiology show that new cell contacts established during learning process stay active, enabling faster learning of forgotten information. This reactivation facilitates more efficient relearning and retains ability to learn up to advanced age.
A new study reveals that Canada's supervised injection facility, Insite, saves the healthcare system millions of dollars while extending life-years by 920 over a decade. The facility's implementation reduces HIV and Hepatitis C cases, increases methadone treatment referrals, and decreases drug overdose rates.
Researchers found evidence of a mother, father, and two sons aged 8-9 and 4-5 years buried face-to-face with arms interlinked. The graves also showed signs of violent raids and injuries, indicating a tragic event in prehistoric Central Europe.
Young African-American men have higher central blood pressure and stiffer blood vessels compared to their white counterparts, indicating early signs of hypertension. Central blood pressure is a key factor in detecting the problem, suggesting that it may be developing undetected in young African-American men.
Researchers have identified a molecule, Wnt3, that plays a crucial role in creating connections between nerves and muscles. This finding offers a new possibility for developing drugs to treat MND and other neurodegenerative diseases.
Researchers analyzed 13,223 school children aged 13-14 from four locations to investigate asthma prevalence. The study found that asthma symptoms were lowest in mainland China, highest in Canada-born individuals, and varied among Hong Kong residents.
Researchers use advanced microscopy techniques to image the structure of peptidoglycan, a key component of bacterial cell walls. The study reveals that glycan strands wrap around the cell like a belt, allowing scientists to better understand how bacteria grow and respond to antibiotics.
A new study found that a psychological intervention program designed for breast cancer patients increases their chance of survival and reduces the risk of recurrence. Participants who received the program reduced their risk of dying from breast cancer by 56 percent and breast cancer recurrence by 45 percent.
New research from Washington University School of Medicine suggests that cooling the brain may prevent nerve cell death in infant mice exposed to anesthesia. The study found that hypothermia blocked neuroapoptosis and reduced low-level neuroapoptosis during brain development, potentially preventing cognitive and developmental delays.
Researchers developed an optical imaging technique called OFDI that visualizes areas of inflammation and plaque deposits in coronary arteries, improving understanding of coronary artery disease. The technique has the potential to diagnose and treat plaque before it leads to serious problems.
Mortality rates for most Canadian cancers are declining, while others are increasing, including liver and lung cancer. Research shows that at least half of all cancers are preventable, emphasizing the need for effective cancer control measures.