The latest child mortality figures show a 27% decrease in global mortality rates for children under five since 1990. Despite progress in some low-income countries, many are not on track to meet the target of reducing child mortality by two-thirds between 1990 and 2015.
A genetic mutation in the Prion Protein Gene is linked to mad cow disease, according to a new study by Kansas State University researcher Juergen A. Richt. The mutation affects less than 1 in 2,000 cattle and can be combated through selective breeding and culling of genetically affected animals.
A Stanford study found that computer models used to identify breast cancer mutations in white women were less accurate for Asian women. The researchers sequenced the genes of 200 Asian-American women and compared them to the models' predictions, finding that both programs performed poorly in predicting the presence of mutations. This u...
Scientists have identified a direct role for the missing protein CFTR in cystic fibrosis, allowing it to recognize and clear lung-damaging bacteria. This breakthrough could lead to new treatments and prolong the lives of patients, who currently face a high risk of death before their 35th birthday due to chronic lung infections.
University of Michigan physicists played a key role in detecting the Omega b baryon, an exotic relative of the proton. This discovery provides insight into the strong force and matter's formation in the universe.
A new study by Peter K. Swart suggests that carbonate platform records are not reliable for tracking the global carbon cycle over the past 10 million years. This finding challenges widely-held ideas about CO2 levels during specific periods of Earth's geological history.
Bob Atkins, a Rutgers College of Nursing assistant professor, has been awarded the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation's Nurse Faculty Scholar Award to collect data on high school-aged youth living in Camden, NJ. The three-year grant aims to reduce health disparities and improve understanding of adolescent health behaviors.
Researchers used five emission scenarios to predict future carbon dioxide levels. If coal emissions are phased out by 2050, all scenarios result in levels below the 450 parts per million threshold, potentially avoiding 'dangerous' climate change. The study suggests reducing coal emissions is essential.
Despite medical progress, infective endocarditis death rates are rising again, driven by antibiotic-resistant bacteria and degenerative heart valve disease. Early surgery can save lives but requires expert care and precise timing.
The brightest gamma-ray burst, GRB 080319B, provided a wealth of information on how stars explode. The team discovered that the jet directed towards Earth contained an ultra-fast component just 0.4 degrees across.
A landmark study conducted at The University of Western Ontario found that arthroscopic surgery provides no additional therapeutic value for patients with moderate osteoarthritis of the knee. Physical therapy and medication proved equally effective in reducing joint pain and improving function.
A study found a link between a chromosomal aberration at 1q21.1 and various developmental disorders in children, including mental retardation, growth issues, seizures, autism, and heart defects. The researchers suggest that the aberration may contribute to subtle disorders in carriers who appear unaffected.
The new adhesive sheds dirt particles with each use, unlike traditional sticky tapes that attract dust. After 30 simulated steps, the adhesive recovered one-third of its original adhesion strength, showing promise for future robot development.
The new book, Soil Science: Step-by-Step Field Analysis, offers clear guidance on improved soil management techniques. The soft-cover guide covers topics such as site evaluation, surveying techniques, and measuring soil pH, making it an essential resource for professionals in the field.
A study found no benefit of arthroscopic surgery for osteoarthritis, but an expert argues it has a place in specific cases. Arthroscopy is valuable for patients with co-existing knee injuries, such as meniscal tears or loose cartilage.
A pilot study found that Yakult(R) altered intestinal fermentation patterns, reducing symptoms of small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). Probiotic treatment reversed ERBHAL in 64% of patients, improving symptoms.
A gamma-ray burst was detected as the brightest optical and infrared event ever recorded, visible to the naked eye from Earth despite its vast distance of 7.5 billion light years. The explosion occurred in a massive star 7.5 billion years ago and sent a pencil-beam of intense light on a direct collision course for Earth.
Researchers found significant geological stress increase on three major fault systems in China's Sichuan province after the May 12, 2008 Wenchuan earthquake. The stress brought nearby faults closer to failure and increased the probability of another major earthquake in the region.
The article discusses the nature of the terrorist threat against the US and other nations, with a focus on Islamist extremist terrorism. The panel of experts provides recommendations for the next president to combat terrorism, including strategies for fighting al-Qaeda and its franchises.
A Penn State bioethicist and Georgetown University law professor argue that the US Army continues to involve physicians in interrogations despite professional medical associations' adoption of restrictive policies. The Army's Behavioral Science Consultation Memo attempts to justify physician participation in interrogations.
Researchers use infrared sensors and thermal imagery to detect hot water plumes in frozen lakes, predicting power plant energy production. They also measure hot air temperature using surface temperatures of fan blades and motors.
Researchers found that tsunami survivors went through a complex process of trauma and grief, with nine chronological themes emerging from in-depth interviews. The study aimed to provide guidance for healthcare professionals to deal with traumatic events.
A study at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that a bacterial molecule must be inactivated, not just killed, for an animal to regain full health after infection. The 'signal' molecule, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), triggers the immune response and causes inflammation, but also suppresses it temporarily.
A University of Melbourne study reveals women in casual and contract jobs are up to 10 times more likely to experience unwanted sexual advances. Precarious employment has been linked to poorer mental and physical health, highlighting the need for greater protections.
Researchers have found that the neural mechanisms underlying the extinction of fear and cognitive emotion regulation are more similar than previously thought. The study used fMRI to compare brain activation patterns during these processes in humans, revealing overlap in regions such as the ventral medial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) and d...
Researchers found that individuals tend to use exploration or exploitation search modes depending on the task demands, but also exhibit a tendency to continue searching in the same way across domains. This suggests a possible link between spatial and abstract search mechanisms.
Researchers investigated DNA damage response pathway in HBV infection and replication, finding ATR-dependent activation triggered by HBV infection. The study suggests targeting specific cellular factors for inhibition or restoration of p21 expression as potential therapeutic strategies.
A study by RAND Corporation found that retail medical clinics primarily serve patients without a regular healthcare provider, with most visits for acute conditions like upper respiratory infections and sinusitis. The clinics' convenience may outweigh continuity provided by personal physicians, highlighting concerns about quality of care.
Research shows Lactobacillus bulgaricus can prevent H. pylori lipopolysaccharide-activated TLR4 pathway, reducing IL-8 production and promoting gastric epithelial cell survival. The study suggests a novel relationship between probiotics and pathogenic bacteria in regulating inflammatory responses.
A 'dodgy dossier' of faulty intelligence and tactics contributed to the failure of the war against malaria in tropical countries. Dr. Colin Sutherland explains that a one-size-fits-all approach was miscalculated, and the parasite is now at its strongest in these regions.
New research finds that adolescent brains exposed to painkillers like Oxycontin can sustain permanent changes in their reward system, making them more vulnerable to addiction later in adulthood. Adolescent mice self-administered the drug less frequently than adults, and re-exposed adult mice had higher dopamine levels.
A Florida State University researcher has discovered a molecular mechanism that gives scientists a better understanding of how evolution occurs at the molecular level. The study reveals an enzyme with two pathways dedicated to the same task, one of which is an evolutionary vestige left over from an ancient enzyme.
Scientists have developed a colour-coded bacteria system to quickly detect oil spills and pollution, providing a more environmentally friendly alternative to current methods. The technique uses harmless bacteria that can detect different chemicals and warn of spreading pollution.
Dr. Torke, an assistant professor of medicine at Indiana University School of Medicine, will conduct a large study on surrogate decision making for hospitalized older adults. The two-year, $200,000 award is sponsored by the John A. Hartford Foundation and supports physician-scientists focused on improving healthcare for older adults.
Researchers discovered that acyclovir directly suppresses HIV-1 in tissues co-infected with several herpesviruses. The activated form of acyclovir inhibits the HIV-1 reverse transcriptase, necessary for viral replication. This finding holds promise for developing new anti-HIV treatments combining acyclovir with other therapies.
The Large Hadron Collider has sent its first beam of protons around the world's most powerful particle accelerator at nearly the speed of light. Scientists believe this achievement could unlock extraordinary discoveries about the nature of the physical universe.
The study found that the level of H. pylori IgG antibodies has limited value in diagnosing active peptic ulcer disease and does not show association with gastric mucosal morphology. A negative serology test result is reliable for excluding H. pylori infection, making it useful for screening purposes.
Breakthroughs in cytogenetic technologies have enabled a new level of detail and accuracy in diagnosing complex developmental problems in children. Researchers are now using these tests to identify microdeletions and microduplications, leading to more accurate diagnoses and effective treatments.
A new marker for raised intracranial pressure has been identified using magnetic resonance imaging measurements of the optic nerve sheath. A retro-bulbar optic nerve sheath diameter above 5.82mm predicts raised ICP in 90% of cases, providing a non-invasive solution for early detection and treatment.
Feldmann and Maini discovered tumor necrosis factor-alpha as an effective therapeutic target for rheumatoid arthritis and other chronic inflammatory conditions. Their research led to the development of several anti-TNF drugs, transforming treatment for people diagnosed with chronic inflammatory conditions.
Researchers have identified the genomic origins of Saccharomyces pastorianus, a hybrid yeast used in lager brewing. The study reveals two independent origins of today's extant S. pastorianus strains, suggesting that each group derived its Saccharomyces cerevisiae portion from distinct ale yeasts.
Researchers developed a simplified clinical score to predict active bleeding in UGIB patients. The study showed that early or delayed urgent endoscopy can be differentiated according to the score, allowing effective treatment of high-risk patients.
The NIH has awarded $9 million to launch the first Senator Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Cooperative Research Center (MD CRC) focusing on facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD). The center will collaborate with patients, researchers, and pharmaceutical companies to study causes and potential treatments.
Researchers at UT Health Science Center aim to identify genetic clues to scleroderma by studying the genes of 1,500 patients and 3,000 controls. The goal is to develop better treatments and improve symptoms for those affected by this chronic disease.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine discovered that lager beers originated from an unlikely pairing between two species of yeast, including the long-used ale yeast. The study found that the hybridization event occurred twice, with each partner bringing unique advantages to the match.
Researchers have developed a drug-inducible system to generate human induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells with high efficiency. The new method requires less time than previous approaches and shows promise for development of cell therapies.
Researchers at the University of Utah have identified two early steps in adult stem cell differentiation using DNA 'tattoos' on planarian cells. The study found 259 genes associated with stem cells and their daughters, shedding light on how multipotent stem cells take differentiation decisions.
A UC Davis researcher is studying more than 1,500 audio cassette tapes of Osama bin Laden to understand his intellectual development in the years leading up to the 9/11 attacks. The tapes provide unprecedented insight into debates among bin Laden's allies and critics, as well as his evolution from a Muslim reformer to a radical leader.
Research suggests that brain immaturity, specifically in the dentate gyrus region, may contribute to schizophrenia. This underdeveloped area affects working memory and mood regulation., The findings imply a potential biomarker for diagnosing and treating schizophrenia.
Researchers have developed new therapies targeting out-of-control growth circuits in cancer cells, leading to improved survival rates. Advances in understanding head and neck cancer have also allowed doctors to better preserve organ function and increase early detection strategies.
Researchers used lab-based experimental ecosystems to model relationship between nutrients and biodiversity, finding that precise relationship depends on species present. The study's results show that low levels of nutrients can lead to high levels of biodiversity.
Researchers have identified a critical protein called connexin 43 that is essential for the growth of new blood vessels supporting the development of embryos. Without this protein, embryo implantation may fail, with important implications for early pregnancy loss and female infertility.
Researchers propose that Eta Carinae's historic 1843 outburst was a fast blast wave similar to a supernova, but less energetic. This discovery challenges current theories and may indicate supermassive stars undergo periodic explosions before their final supernova.
A new study published in Health Affairs found that private equity investments in nursing homes have not significantly worsened quality of care. In fact, some aspects of care improved after the transactions, including aide staffing and resident outcomes.
A new analysis suggests that old growth forests, often considered irrelevant to climate change mitigation, may account for up to 10% of global net carbon uptake. These forests continue to absorb carbon dioxide and store it in woody tissues, storing more than they release for centuries.
The NIH will award $4.6 million to expand its network of global health education programs at 12 new campuses in the US, China, and Mexico. These programs aim to raise awareness of global health among academics and support the development of new curricula and degree programs.
Researchers found that oral bacteria can cause platelets to clot in blood vessels, blocking blood flow and leading to heart attacks. Studies demonstrated that certain proteins on the bacteria play a crucial role in this process, highlighting the need for new treatments and vaccines.
A new blood analysis technique identified markers that could improve treatment and save lives for patients having a heart attack. By analyzing hundreds of molecular markers, doctors can confirm the presence of a heart attack within minutes, allowing for rapid treatment.
Engineers at Lehigh University have developed a laser-based technology to detect coal ash buildup in power plants, allowing operators to make rapid adjustments. This innovation uses artificial intelligence to predict ash fusion temperatures and prevent costly downtime.
A new study published in Pediatrics found that mothers' stress levels contribute to their children's likelihood of being overweight, even in food-secure households. The study analyzed data from over 800 children and found that young children were most affected by household stress.