Researchers at NIST discovered a new technique to measure key structural properties of nanoscale metal-oxide films using terahertz spectroscopy. The method allows for the detection of amorphous and crystalline structures in these films, which are crucial for predicting device performance.
Regular exercise has been shown to improve markers of heart disease in post-CABG patients, event-free survival rate in coronary patients compared to stent angioplasty, and endothelial function in heart failure patients. The benefits were seen regardless of age, with improvements in physical capacity, lipids, inflammation, and endotheli...
The European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP) has awarded €11 million to the MiP Consortium to investigate new approaches to prevent and treat malaria in pregnancy. Researchers aim to develop more effective interventions that can prevent up to 50 million women at risk every year, saving lives and reducing ma...
A 30-year follow-up study found that smoking significantly increases the risk of death and cardiovascular disease, with heavy smokers facing a substantial increase in mortality rates. The study, which included over 54,000 participants, highlights the long-term impact of smoking on health and longevity.
A UNICEF-funded study found that sexual violence against female children in Africa is linked to a higher risk of lifetime STD contraction, pregnancy complications, miscarriage, and depression. The study suggests that prevention strategies should focus on men who perpetrate sexual violence against girls.
Researchers at NIST conducted experiments on wind-driven fires in high-rise buildings, finding that conditions can quickly spread smoke, heat, and gases through hallways and stairwells. Techniques such as blocking windows with fire-resistant materials and using 'floor below nozzle' systems showed promise in reducing hazardous conditions.
A recent study by NIST and USDA found that trees shading west and south sides of houses decrease summer electricity use, with fast-growing trees providing more benefit. London plane trees can reduce carbon emissions from electricity by up to 31% over 100 years.
Scientists at Caltech develop method to detect entanglement shared among multiple parts of an optical system, using the uncertainty principle. They demonstrate detection of entanglement in a W state with only a small number of measurements.
Researchers found a new frog species, Huia cavitympanum, with eardrums recessed in the skull, allowing it to detect and produce high-frequency ultrasounds. The frogs use both audible and ultrasonic calls for communication, which may have implications for improving human hearing aids.
A 25-year study found that 3/4 of Iceland's CHD mortality decrease was due to reduced cholesterol, smoking, and blood pressure levels, highlighting the importance of comprehensive strategies promoting tobacco control and healthy diets. Population trends showed worsening diabetes and obesity rates.
The Lancet Editorial highlights the balanced media coverage of the H1N1 outbreak, noting its relative morbidity and mortality. The article also commends health authorities for their measured responses to the crisis, preparing them for a potentially more devastating pandemic.
A new study found that job loss can lead to an increased risk of developing new health problems, such as hypertension, heart disease, and diabetes, even after finding a new job. Job churning, or high rates of job loss with low unemployment, also has negative health consequences for workers.
Researchers found that sending tailored nutrition materials through mail can significantly improve dietary habits, especially among less educated consumers. The study showed greater increases in vegetable and fruit consumption and reductions in fat intake among those receiving personalized guidance.
Researchers found that bacteria in mosquito's gut inhibit infection with Plasmodium falciparum, the malaria parasite. The study suggests that the microbial flora of mosquitoes stimulates immune activity protecting them from malaria infection.
A new study suggests that US obesity has been largely driven by increased energy intake, rather than reduced physical activity. The research found that if Americans had only consumed their recommended daily calorie intake, they would have gained approximately 10.8 kg less weight.
A novel PFO closure system has been found to be safe and effective at 90 days, with 89% of patients achieving complete or clinical closure. The FlatStent EF system is designed to reduce the risk of blood clots and other complications associated with current PFO closure systems.
Two Boston College physicists will lead a multi-university project to develop solid-state materials that transfer solar energy to electricity, with funding from the US Department of Energy. The project aims to reduce the cost of solar electricity generation and increase energy efficiency.
Dr. Gail Demmler-Harrison, a renowned pediatric virologist, received the Thomas Hazinski Award for her exceptional service to the Society for Pediatric Research. She has advanced the study of pediatric diseases through her dedicated work in laboratories and with patients.
A high-pressure form of ammonia borane has been discovered, which can store around 30 weight percent hydrogen by improving the hydrogen content of the material by roughly 50 percent. The new compound could potentially stabilize at or near ambient conditions with a large amount of hydrogen content.
A new dark energy model proposes a cosmological phase transition, where the universe 'froze' about 11.5 billion years ago, causing it to expand at an ever-increasing rate. This theory attributes dark energy to a field dubbed quintessence, which acts as an antigravity agent and is spread uniformly throughout space.
A recent study found that nearly one-third of healthy, young black adolescents have an impaired renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, which regulates blood pressure. This dysfunction may lead to difficult hypertension in adulthood. Researchers hope to identify youth at risk using genetic mutations linked to hypertensive kidney disease.
A study found that vibration plate exercise, combined with a calorie-restricted diet, led to significant long-term weight loss and fat reduction. The intervention group lost an average of 10.5% body weight and 47.8 square centimeters of visceral fat, compared to the control group who gained weight.
Researchers found a surprising tendency for Northern shrimp eggs to hatch and larvae to appear near spring phytoplankton blooms, which are triggered by temperature and sunlight. This timing is strongly dependent on local bottom water temperatures, suggesting that the species has evolved to maximize larval survival.
A paper in The Lancet raises concerns about the Gates Foundation's allocation of funds, with 65% going to just 20 organizations. The authors suggest improving governance, transparency and accountability, as well as investing more in health systems and research capacity in low-income countries.
The CARILLON Mitral Contour System safely treats leaky mitral valves even in patients with moderate-to-severe heart failure. After treatment, patients experienced less shortness of breath and reported a better quality of life.
Scientists at the University of California, San Diego, have developed a new class of infrared-fluorescent proteins (IFPs) that can be expressed in mammalian cells. These proteins are suitable for whole-body imaging in small animals and may provide a prototype for future studies in animal models.
A study published in World Journal of Gastroenterology found that small colon polyps can be removed without interrupting anticoagulation therapy, resulting in an acceptable bleeding rate. The procedure was performed on 123 patients with lesions up to 1 cm in size.
A recent study reveals that honeybee populations are increasing worldwide, contrary to concerns of a 'pollination crisis'. However, the demand for crops relying on insect pollination has more than tripled over the last half century.
Basking sharks, the world's second-largest fish, migrate through tropical waters of the Atlantic Ocean during winter, defying previous notions of their habitat. This discovery highlights the need for coordinated conservation efforts to protect this threatened species.
Canada's persistent weakness in productivity growth is attributed to business strategy choices, including inadequate investment in information and communications technologies. The report highlights the need for Canadian businesses to adopt more innovative strategies to serve customers effectively.
A recent study reveals that approximately 6.3 million adults in the US with undiagnosed diabetes account for an estimated $18 billion in health care costs each year. The economic toll of undiagnosed diabetes is significantly higher than previously thought, rising to over $192 billion annually.
A new study by the Baker Institute at Rice University suggests that US and Canadian shale gas production, along with alternative natural gas supplies from Iraq and other sources, can counterbalance Russia's energy influence over Europe. The research recommends enhanced energy security measures, including natural gas storage capacity an...
A new study found that taking probiotics during pregnancy can help reduce the risk of obesity in women, particularly central obesity and body fat percentage. The study involved 256 pregnant women who received either dietary counselling alone or with daily capsules of probiotics containing Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium.
Researchers led by Dr. Robert C. Young are conducting studies to investigate the effects of medications on older adults with bipolar depression, aiming to improve treatment outcomes. The studies focus on quetiapine and lamotrigine, and will help better manage care for geriatric bipolar patients.
Researchers have developed a four-in-one agent that can detect, target, and disable tumor cells while also making them visible through MRI and microscopic imaging. The agent uses siRNAs to suppress specific genes in cancer cells, providing a new approach to targeted gene suppression in cancer treatment.
Researchers will evaluate health and monetary benefits of green, affordable housing for low-income residents, comparing data before and after moving. They expect significant improvements in respiratory, cardiovascular, neurological, and mental health outcomes.
A new molecular biology-based technique has been shown to detect potential breast cancer spread with high accuracy, speed, and specificity. The Lymphoseek molecule binds to lymph node white blood cells, allowing for targeted detection of nearby 'sentinel nodes' that are most likely to contain cancer.
A team of Penn State entomologists is searching for an insect disease that will infect mosquitoes and impair their sense of smell. By doing so, they hope to reduce the ability of infected mosquitoes to find human hosts and transmit malaria.
A $6 million initiative supports 68 community health centers in Colorado, Idaho, Massachusetts, Oregon, and Pennsylvania to become patient-centered medical homes. The goal is to improve coordinated care, access, and quality improvements for over 500,000 patients.
Researchers at Temple University discovered that women who perceive their bodies as ideal, even if they are obese or overweight, can still experience health issues. The study found that African-American and Hispanic women underestimated their current body size more often than white women.
A study of older people living at home found that up to 1 in 6 were under-nourished and at risk of malnutrition, with women facing a higher risk than men. Depression was also identified as a significant factor increasing the risk of malnutrition, particularly among men.
Researchers found that bioelectricity produces 80% more transportation miles and double greenhouse gas offsets than ethanol, making it a more efficient alternative. The study also found that bioelectricity can help mitigate climate change by preventing or offsetting up to 10 tons of CO2 per acre
Scientists using NASA's THEMIS spacecraft have discovered the connection between 'singing' chorus waves and the generation of hiss, which helps clear killer electrons from Earth's radiation belts. The new research confirms that chorus waves can be refracted into the inner portion of the radiation belts by dense plasma near Earth.
A study found that pet therapy dogs can transfer MRSA and C. difficile to patients through contact, highlighting the need for hand sanitation procedures among both handlers and animals. The transmission of these pathogens poses a new avenue for spread, potentially impacting influenza and norovirus as well.
Researchers found that traffic light nutrition labels are more effective than percentage daily intake labels in helping consumers identify healthier foods. The study, which tested four different approaches on 790 Australians, recommended mandatory traffic light labelling regulation to improve nutrition information and promote healthier...
Researchers characterized early-stage liver reperfusion injury mechanisms using rats with varying ischemia-reperfusion periods. Key findings include cell vacuolation, bleb formation, and apoptosis induction.
A recent study suggests that exercises can improve symptoms of mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) by promoting remodeling of the upper airways. After three months, patients in the exercise group showed significant improvements in oxygen saturation levels, snoring symptoms, and quality of sleep scores.
Researchers discovered a new mechanism that affects the immune system's ability to respond to certain vaccine components. The study found that low-stability peptide:MHC class II complexes support initial T cell expansion, but competitive responses to immunodominant peptides stall the response.
Researchers from Northwestern University found no evidence that Facebook use correlates with lower academic achievement. Instead, they suggest that the impact of social networking sites on students depends on how they are used, with cultivating relationships potentially leading to positive outcomes.
A study published in Science found that biomass converted into electricity produces 81% more transportation miles and 108% more emissions offsets compared to ethanol. This means vehicles powered by electricity get further down the road, making it a more efficient solution for transportation and climate policy.
A team of scientists and engineers from Stanford, University of Florida, and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory created an n-type transistor out of graphene nanoribbon, opening the door to faster, smaller, and more versatile computer chips.
A study found that children who received more physical education time in school compensated by doing less at home, while those with less PE time made up for it by being more active at home. The researchers propose a central control mechanism similar to appetite in the brain, known as activitystat, which regulates physical activity levels.
Research reveals significant wealth-related disparities in health and life expectancy among older adults, highlighting the importance of socio-economic factors. Engaging in non-work activities like volunteering can improve mental health and well-being when individuals feel valued and rewarded.
Research suggests that Rocket 'Eruca sativa' has potent gastric anti-ulcer properties, inhibiting acid secretion and reducing ulceration. The herb's extract also replenishes mucous and sulfhydryl levels, while reducing oxidative stress markers.
A Queen's University research team challenges the common belief that massage after exercise improves circulation to the muscle and removes lactic acid. Their study reveals that massage actually impairs blood flow to the muscle after exercise, resulting in impaired removal of lactic acid.
Researchers at UC Riverside will explore the development of novel olfactory repellents to prevent mosquito-human contact and reduce malaria transmission. The project aims to identify odors that inhibit mosquitoes' ability to detect human hosts, potentially leading to effective and environmentally safe insect repellents.
Researchers have discovered that yeast cells can extend their lifespan by up to 5-fold when converted to use glycerol instead of glucose for energy, offering an alternative to caloric restriction. This metabolic switch also enhances the cells' resistance to damage and may provide insights into human aging.
A study analyzing Medicare data found that increasing preventive care measures, such as influenza vaccines and blood glucose monitoring, correlates with lower heart disease incidence in CKD patients. These measures can slow disease progression and improve overall health outcomes.
A new study from Brandeis University estimates the economic cost of dengue fever globally at $1.8 billion annually, with a significant impact on healthcare systems and societies. The research assesses direct and indirect costs, including school absenteeism, lost productivity, and unpaid caregiver time.
A study by University of Georgia researchers found a rise in homicidal poisonings, with infants being the most common victims. The majority of these cases are likely negligent homicides committed by parents or caretakers, rather than premeditated crimes.