Research found high self-reported asthma rates in NYC children living near Ground Zero, with 50% increase in new cases following the 2001 attacks. Exposure to urban ambient pollution and toxins released by the WTC plume may contribute to the persistently high asthma incidence.
A new tool, developed at North Carolina State University, allows researchers to visually represent DNA sequences and identify minute genetic variations. This enables the detection of genetic patterns that can lead to diseases such as cancer and Huntington's disease.
Delivery of antibiotics via nanoparticles has shown promise in treating pulmonary infections. Treated mice had a significant survival advantage, decreased lung bacterial burden, and spread compared to control mice. The once-daily dosing regimen increased compliance, offering a potential means to improve patient outcomes.
Participatory Sensing enables individuals to identify, measure, and address problems such as air pollution and ecosystem damage using mobile phones. This platform presents scenarios for improving environmental protection and personal healthcare, leveraging the widespread access of mobile devices.
A pooled analysis of two studies found significant improvements in pulmonary function, dyspnea, and rescue medication use when Perforomist Inhalation Solution was added to maintenance tiotropium. Patient satisfaction also increased with twice-daily Perforomist Inhalation Solution compared to ipratropium/albuterol metered-dose inhaler.
The new children's book, Polar Eyes, explores Antarctica's diverse science program through Tanya Patrick's journey. The book features hands-on activities, quizzes, and odd facts to engage young minds, including the penguins' dance destination.
A research team led by Andrew Barron at Rice University identified specific molecules that can block the spread of HIV-1 PR by attaching themselves to its binding pocket. They used computer simulations to narrow down a collection of fullerenes and found two promising candidates.
Researchers at UCLA have discovered a link between a variant of the CACNA1G gene and increased autism risk in boys. The study found that nearly 40% of the population carry the common variant, which increases the correlation to autism spectrum disorder.
A new study found that obese mothers may be responsible for an increased risk of asthma in their children. Maternal obesity was associated with a 65% higher risk of developing asthma symptoms in offspring, regardless of other factors such as birth weight and BMI.
A research review found that instilling the value of education and linking school work to future goals is key to boosting grades in middle school students. Parental involvement in conveying academic importance, relating educational goals to occupational aspirations, and discussing learning strategies had a positive impact on achievement.
Researchers successfully engineer MSCs to deliver cancer-killing protein TRAIL, destroying tumor cells while sparing normal cells. In mouse models, the genetically modified stem cells reduced breast and lung cancer growth by up to 80%.
Scientists at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have discovered a new method to treat the flu by targeting two critical parts of the virus, hemagglutinin (H) and neuraminidase (N). This approach has shown strong binding potential to both H and N, offering hope for future flu drugs.
Scientists have developed a new dating technique using fire and water to determine the age of ceramic artifacts up to 2,000 years old. The 'rehydroxylation dating' method relies on the reaction between fired clay ceramics and atmospheric moisture, which causes weight gain over time.
Researchers found that wild spider monkeys regulate their daily protein intake similarly to humans, with a focus on maintaining a consistent level regardless of seasonal food availability. This pattern is linked to the development of obesity in humans and may have evolutionary origins dating back far older than previously thought.
Researchers found that brain oscillation frequency is determined by GABA concentration in the visual cortex. Higher GABA levels result in higher frequency or note, potentially leading to new treatment options for conditions like epilepsy and schizophrenia.
Research found black Americans are nearly twice as likely to develop acute lung injury compared to white Americans, with a higher burden of immune-compromising conditions and greater severity of illness at admission. Despite this, in-hospital mortality rates among patients with ALI did not vary meaningfully by race.
Researchers identify glucose as the primary sugar fueling Salmonella's survival during infection. This breakthrough could lead to vaccine strains and protective immune responses against other disease-causing bacteria, including superbugs.
A University of Haifa research team has been awarded a European Union grant to investigate the role of synaptic proteins in neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders. The project aims to create disease models using deliberate damage to protein function, with potential implications for understanding autism and schizophrenia.
A new study found that flu vaccines are no more effective in preventing hospitalizations in children with asthma than in those without the condition. The research suggests that vaccination may actually increase the risk of hospitalization among asthmatic children.
Researchers used the MACRO model to simulate the transport of three PPCPs and a strongly sorbing dye, finding that non-equilibrium sorption in macropores significantly impacted solute transport. The updated version of the model showed better fits to measured data, but limitations were found in accounting for all relevant processes.
New studies demonstrate RISPERDAL CONSTA (risperidone) Long-Acting Treatment significantly improves clinical and functional outcomes for patients with schizophrenia. The treatment reduced rates of rehospitalization among patients, especially those with complex medical histories.
A new study found that patients with diabetes and retinopathy have a strong association with obstructive sleep apnea, suggesting a link between the two conditions. The researchers recommend that doctors and nurses consider screening for OSA in type 2 diabetes patients with retinopathy.
Doctors warn of muscle problems caused by excessive cola consumption, citing cases of hypokalaemia and paralysis. The review of patients who consumed up to nine litres of cola a day highlights the need for safer drink options and moderation.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center have cracked the mystery of a failed TB vaccine by modifying it to reduce antioxidant production, leading to stronger immune responses in mice. The modified BCG vaccine could offer improved protection against pulmonary TB and serve as a platform for other vaccines.
Research reveals patients with undiagnosed sleep apnea are more susceptible to the negative effects of sleep deprivation and moderate alcohol consumption on driving performance. OSA patients performed poorly on steering tasks and were more likely to crash compared to healthy individuals after sleep restriction or alcohol exposure.
A study published in JAMA found that substance abuse increases the risk of violent crime in individuals with schizophrenia, with a 4.4-fold increased risk for those with comorbid substance abuse. The study also suggests that current practice for violence risk assessment and management may need review.
A recent study has mapped the spread of HIV-1 subtype B across Europe, revealing that popular tourist destinations like Greece, Portugal, and Spain are major sources of infection. The research found that viruses can be transmitted through travelers, highlighting the need for targeted prevention efforts beyond national borders.
Researchers have developed a new radiotherapy technique that uses real-time images to guide the radiation beam, allowing for more accurate targeting of tumors. This approach promises to reduce damage to healthy tissue and minimize nasty side effects.
People take precautions when aware of risk and believe effective actions are available; accurate communication is key to prevent mass scares. The journal review highlights the importance of risk perception in health behavior theories.
Vanderbilt University researchers have identified a gene signature linked to reduced relapse-free survival in breast cancer patients, especially those with estrogen receptor-positive tumors. The discovery suggests that assessing TGF-β signaling may aid in determining breast cancer prognosis and guiding treatment.
Researchers at Harvard University have discovered a group of individuals known as 'super-recognizers,' who possess an extraordinary ability to recognize faces, even after years of not seeing the person. This finding suggests that face recognition may be on a spectrum, with prosopagnosics at one end and super-recognizers at the other.
A recent study published in Epidemiology found that hormone replacement therapy does not increase breast cancer risk for women with or without a family history. The research analyzed data from the Women's Health Initiative randomized trial and suggests that estrogen sensitivity may not be the causal pathway based on family history.
A computer model developed by four US national laboratories helps airport authorities screen passengers for pandemic influenza, estimating false negatives and assessing risk. The simulation suggests key factors to reduce the spread of disease, including pre-flight screening, symptom testing on arrival, and advances in diagnostics.
A new brain-scanning process developed by University of Minnesota researcher Bin He holds promise for epilepsy treatment advancements. The technique uses functional neuroimaging to identify seizure foci and aid surgeons in pinpointing the brain network affected by seizures.
A new vaginal ring has been designed to prevent both HIV transmission and unintended pregnancy, offering a non-hormonal alternative to existing methods. The device combines multiple antiviral drugs and compounds that arrest sperm motility, making it a promising solution for empowering women to protect themselves.
Researchers have pinpointed a new class of gene mutations that identify cases of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia with a high risk of relapse and death. The discovery suggests specific drugs could treat this subtype, building on previous studies hinting at kinases' role in the disease.
A Michigan scientist and ethicist argue that environmental scientists have a responsibility to advocate for environmental policy. They analyze key arguments for and against advocacy, finding that most lack soundness. The researchers conclude that more active participation by scientists in policy matters is necessary to better society.
A study found that bone marrow cell injection significantly improved myocardial perfusion and left ventricular function in patients with chronic ischemia. The treatment also showed greater improvement in exercise capacity and quality-of-life scores, suggesting potential benefits for patients with ischemic heart disease.
Researchers found that students speaking East Asian tone languages fluently scored nearly 100% on a perfect pitch test, while those who were only fairly fluent or not fluent at all performed worse. The study suggests that nurture may play a significant role in developing this rare ability.
Researchers compared TV show crimes to real homicides and found significant differences in portrayal of alcohol use, relationships, and racial representation. The study highlights the need for accurate public health messages, as media influences individual health behaviors and perceptions.
A study by University of Alberta researcher Donna Wilson found that the number of people dying in hospitals has decreased dramatically over the past few decades. She hopes to see only 40% of deaths occur in hospitals, which could reduce wait lists and free up beds for those who need life-saving treatment or surgery.
Researcher Joseph Redden's study found that recalling past variety can accelerate recovery from satiation, a problem affecting retailers and consumers. Participants who recalled music categories showed significant improvement in enjoying their favorite song after experiencing satiation.
The International Diabetes Federation, World Heart Federation, and UICC are urging the international community to address the growing epidemic of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), responsible for 35 million deaths each year. NCDs, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, and chronic respiratory diseases, pose a significant t...
Lin Ma's project aims to understand turbulent combustion using advanced laser diagnostics, contributing to energy security and environmental sustainability. The research will improve the efficiency of devices such as engines, boilers, and power plants.
Promotional tests may deter top applicants, causing anxiety and negatively impacting job performance, according to a study by the University of Toronto's Rotman School. The research found that fairness perceptions were not linked to exam results, but rather with candidates' willingness to recommend the process.
Researchers found that non-smokers who reported childhood exposure to ETS were more likely to have CT patterns indicating early emphysema. Childhood ETS exposure may be associated with detectable differences in lung structure and early emphysema later in life, even among non-smokers.
A Medical College of Georgia nurse researcher has received a two-year, $147,000 grant from the National Institute on Drug Abuse to investigate cocaine-related renal disease in African-Americans. The study aims to identify early signs of renal disease and develop targeted treatments for patients with cocaine addiction.
Integrative body-mind training (IBMT) alters blood flow and electrical activity in the brain, breathing quality, and even skin conductance, allowing for a state of relaxation, calmness, and reduced stress. IBMT improves connection between central nervous system structures and promotes integration of brain and body.
Scientists identify distinct subsets of pain-sensing neurons responsible for detecting heat and mechanical pain, challenging conventional wisdom that the brain disentangles these sensations. The study's findings have potential implications for understanding and treating conditions like diabetic neuropathy.
A real-time risk management system will be available globally after a Queensland company was awarded a license to commercialise the CSIRO technology. Nexsys allows underground coal mines to interrogate vast amounts of digital information from various sensors and systems, providing real-time risk management and decision support.
A study found that tamsulosin exposure is associated with an increased risk of serious postoperative ophthalmic adverse events, including retinal detachment and lost lens. Patients prescribed tamsulosin before cataract surgery had a 2.3 times higher risk of complications compared to those not taking the medication.
Researchers found that some corals can adapt to higher temperatures by hosting heat-resistant symbionts, potentially helping them survive global warming. The discovery suggests that with time, many corals may be able to match hotter environments.
An international collaboration has made identifying crucial proteins in diseases easier through improved protein analysis. The study, published in Nature Methods, reveals potential bottlenecks in current analysis techniques and highlights the importance of accurate reporting.
Researchers at Medical College of Georgia have identified a critical protein called erbin that regulates insulation in the peripheral nervous system. Impaired myelin formation is linked to neurological and psychiatric diseases, while erbin's role in cancer therapy provides a potential new site for targeted treatment.
Higher levels of cardiorespiratory fitness are associated with a lower risk of all-cause death and coronary heart disease and cardiovascular disease. A meta-analysis suggests that even a minimal level of CRF, above 7.9 METs, can provide significant prevention for these conditions.
The Society of Interventional Radiology Foundation has awarded over $2 million in grant funding since its inception, including $191,000 to 13 researchers. The grants support research training, seed grants, and academic development funding.
A randomized controlled trial of an e-mail intervention program found that employees who received tailored messages were more physically active, eating more fruits and vegetables, and reducing saturated fats and trans fats. The changes had a lasting effect four months after the intervention ended.
New estimates suggest latent TB infection screening should focus on high-risk populations, rather than the entire general population. Targeted screening efforts can effectively control tuberculosis, according to a study by Massachusetts General Hospital researchers.
Research synthesizes phylogenetic knowledge to understand species interactions and ecosystems, highlighting evolutionary processes as key drivers of biodiversity. The study provides a comprehensive framework for community ecology, essential for managing and restoring Earth's flora and fauna.
Scientists have successfully converted cellulose from plants directly into the building block HMF in one step, bypassing an earlier sugar-forming step. The single-step process generates a high yield of HMF and allows the use of raw cellulose as feed material.