A new treatment has been discovered for restless legs syndrome (RLS) that improves sleep. Pregabalin, a commonly used epilepsy and anxiety medication, was found to be effective in reducing RLS symptoms by nearly two-thirds of participants. The study showed significant improvements in deep sleep stages compared to those taking a placebo.
Researchers found that optimal levels of LDL, HDL, triglycerides, and blood pressure significantly reduce the risk of another stroke. People who reached optimal levels in all four risk factors were 65% less likely to have another stroke.
A new RAND Corporation study found that school-based drug education programs can have a long-term positive impact on sexual behavior in addition to curbing substance abuse. Young adults who received the training were less likely to engage in risky sexual behavior five to seven years later.
Scientists use DNA barcoding to identify mosquito species spreading lymphatic filariasis, a disease causing permanent disability worldwide. The technique reveals menace species habitats and range, aiding understanding of environmental factors influencing their breeding.
A study of 1,373 men found that light long-term alcohol consumption, especially wine, was associated with a lower risk of dying from cardiovascular disease and death from all causes. Moderate wine consumption was linked to an extended life expectancy of around five years in men.
Researchers found that oxytocin increased positive communication behavior in relation to negative behavior, reducing salivary cortisol levels. The study evaluated real-time natural couple behavior in the laboratory, providing new insights into the effects of social interaction on mental health.
Dr. Kathie Olsen, a neuroscience expert, offers 5 tips for program officers to advance their ideas: exposure, management support, persistence, relationships matter, and program value. ONR's efforts to host distinguished lecturers aim to promote collaboration and innovation.
A Phase IIa clinical trial shows that ADX10059, a negative mGluR5 allosteric modulator, significantly improves pain-free status and pain improvement in patients with acute migraine attacks. The study's findings support the potential of targeting mGluR5 signaling for migraine prevention.
A new study found that sex-typed characteristics, such as kindness and independence, develop differently in girls and boys, with girls exhibiting higher levels of expressive traits and interest in 'feminine' activities, while boys show higher levels of instrumental traits and interest in 'masculine' activities.
A study of breast cancer risk factors in young women suggests that risk assessment and prevention should start much earlier in life. The study found a link between breast tissue composition in young women and the risk of breast cancer in middle age and older.
A new technology developed at the University of Cincinnati enables full-color electronic paper with excellent brightness, color saturation, and video speed. The Electrofluidic Display Technology (EFD) has the potential to transform e-readers into mainstream products, such as Amazon Kindle, and create high-tech jobs in southwest Ohio.
Researchers at UCLA developed a novel camera that captures images at 6 million frames per second, overcoming conventional camera limitations. The camera's optical image amplification enables continuous real-time imaging of rapid phenomena in physics, chemistry, and biology.
Contrary to recent hypothesis, geologists argue that chevrons are not evidence of megatsunamis caused by asteroids or comets. Instead, they propose that similar formations can be explained by wind-blown deposits, supported by the presence of volcanic ash in similar locations.
A mother-daughter study found that breast water percentage in younger women is linked to increased breast cancer risk in middle age and older. The research suggests using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for early detection could aid in prevention methods.
Scientists at the University of California, Berkeley and Los Alamos National Laboratory have developed a comprehensive numerical study of gene therapy. The research sheds light on the key factors that determine the success of dendrimers as gene delivery vehicles, including the charges of the dendrimers and their target cell membranes.
Researchers developed an animal model for sciatica, a painful nerve condition characterized by numbness, pain, and leg difficulties. The study found that immune system activation contributes to symptoms, with elevated IL-17 levels linked to physical symptoms.
A study published in Northwest Science has verified the origins of a California wolverine through genetic analysis. The animal, photographed in 2008, is most closely related to Rocky Mountain populations and shares unique genetic characteristics with other North American wolverines.
The Lignocellulose Center aims to increase knowledge of plant cell walls and improve fuel conversion methods. Researchers will explore the physical structure of lignocellulose and its role in producing biorenewable energy.
Researchers at Ohio State University have designed a new control system software that can adapt to changing conditions during a flight, enabling experimental aircraft to fly faster than sound. The system performed flawlessly in computer simulations of flight maneuvers, guiding the jet along its trajectory and keeping it stable.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet discovered tufted bacteria can attach to premature babies' skin, causing infection. The bacteria's unique hair-like structures facilitate adhesion, while LL37 antimicrobial peptide helps inhibit growth.
Researchers found that each whole word is processed by its own set of neurons in the brain's left visual cortex. This discovery may provide insights into reading disorders and inform the development of new treatments.
Research published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health found that repeatedly going to work when ill increases the chances of taking long-term sick leave. Workers who did this at least half a dozen times were more likely to take extended absences, even after accounting for other risk factors.
The Department of Energy has established a new Energy Frontier Research Center at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory to study catalysis for solar energy and fuel cells. The center will be led by chemist Morris Bullock and will focus on grand challenges in converting electrical energy into chemical bonds and back again.
A Phase IIa clinical trial suggests that targeting glutamate receptor mGluR5 with ADX10059 may prevent migraine attacks before they start. The study found that patients taking ADX10059 were more likely to be pain-free two hours after treatment than those receiving a placebo.
Patients who received three infusions of TYSABRI reported significant improvements in general and disease-specific measurements of quality of life (QoL) and cognitive function. Cognitive functioning was assessed by Medical Outcomes Study Cognitive Functioning Scale, with higher scores indicating improved cognition.
The US Department of Homeland Security has successfully tested new camera prototypes in a simulated bomb attack, with 14 out of 16 surviving without image degradation. The cameras were designed to be rugged and affordable for use in mass transit venues, where full surveillance systems are not feasible.
Researchers at UCSF have developed a novel therapy using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) that blocks the abnormal brain waves believed to cause migraine aura. The study found that TMS therapy is effective in treating migraine sufferers who cannot tolerate medication, offering a potential new treatment option.
A study found that young children think about gender in a way similar to how they think about species differences. They tend to believe that certain behaviors are innate and not influenced by environment. As children grow older, they begin to understand the role of environment in shaping gender-related behaviors.
New calculations suggest hundreds of massive rogue black holes are left over from the early universe, potentially wandering the Milky Way's outer reaches. These relics could provide clues about galaxy formation history and the formation of black holes in the early universe.
The study found that children with autism rely on a region of the brain for conscious movement, while typically developing peers use a region for automating motor tasks. Decreased connectivity between brain regions involved in motor planning and execution was also observed.
A new urine screening test has shown promise in predicting coronary artery disease by identifying specific protein patterns associated with the condition. The test uses proteome analysis to detect collagen fragments found on the surface of atherosclerotic plaques, achieving an accuracy rate of 84%.
A new multi-million-dollar Energy Frontier Research Center announced by the White House will focus on understanding gas-liquid interactions at solid surfaces. This research has potential applications in developing more efficient batteries, solar and electrical energy conversion into fuel, improved fuel cells, and enhanced corrosion res...
A study of 971 patients found VAP accounted for almost half of nosocomial infections, with a crude mortality rate of 35%. Anticipative antimicrobial therapy may be a potential intervention to avoid VAP in mechanically ventilated patients.
Researchers developed a mathematical model predicting optimal time for loading and unloading cryoprotectants, which reduces egg size shifts and improves fertilization chances. Using sugars like trehalose, these staged drugs can help preserve eggs at subzero temperatures, enabling easier transportation and potential transplantation.
A recent survey conducted by a University of Missouri professor reveals that the U.S. public supports several voting reforms, including early voting and photo identification requirements. Americans expressed strong approval for these measures, with less support for vote by mail and election day registration.
Intel was awarded the 2009 INFORMS Prize for its extensive use of operations research to drive significant value and competitive advantage throughout its business. The prize recognized Intel's ability to apply O.R. techniques across various functions, resulting in over $2 billion in improved decision-making.
A study coordinated by Duke University Medical Center found that adding the anti-viral drug telaprevir to standard therapy can shorten treatment duration by 50% and improve cure rates by 50%. The new combination therapy showed a sustained viral response rate of 67% in patients with genotype 1 hepatitis C.
HP's innovative use of operations research tools, including Complexity ROI Calculator and Revenue Coverage Optimization, led to significant bottom line savings and improved customer satisfaction. The company's approach has resulted in hundreds of millions of dollars in cost savings and a more streamlined product offering.
Researchers at Columbia University Medical Center found that dopamine, a calcium channel, and alpha-synuclein act together to kill brain cells in Parkinson's disease. The discovery gives hope for saving neurons and stopping the progression of the disease by targeting just one of the three factors.
The University of Texas at Austin is receiving $30 million in funding from the US Department of Energy to develop innovative nanomaterials for solar energy and batteries, as well as study the movement of greenhouse gases in geological systems. This funding will support research into new paradigms for achieving U.S. energy security.
UCSF researchers found a correlation between glutamate toxicity and neurodegeneration in MS patients, suggesting a new method for tracking disease progression. The study's findings may lead to improved monitoring of treatment and the development of new therapies.
A new study found that neurons in the visual word form area of the left visual cortex prefer individual real words over pronounceable nonsense words. This discovery supports experience-driven tuning of neurons to real words and provides evidence for neural plasticity beyond lower-level representations.
A three-year study of over 200 African American teens aged 14-18 found that older teens who experienced more racial bias felt less positive about being Black. The study suggests bolstering youth's feelings about their racial group membership, especially positive views on being African American.
Scientists have developed a new tool to identify big events in human history by examining tiny genetic differences. This research, published in the journal Genetics, confirms a major decline in European populations 32,500-47,500 years ago and helps pinpoint gene mutations linked to diseases such as cancer and heart disease.
A recent study found that increased immigration-related law enforcement since 2001 unfavorably affected the labor market for low-education, male immigrants from Latin America. Their wages, employment, and hours worked fell relative to similar groups.
Scientists at the University of Edinburgh have discovered that zebrafish can produce motor neurones after spinal cord damage, offering a potential stem cell treatment for humans. Researchers are now screening small molecules to find drugs that could kick-start motor neurone regeneration.
Researchers at UMass Chan Medical School describe a potent method to deliver therapeutic siRNA molecules orally, silencing genes in mice and showing promise for treating human diseases. The method uses yeast particles as a delivery shell, targeting specific cells and achieving gene silencing with minimal immune response.
Researchers found that blocking a hormone called BAFF can prevent the development of Type 1 diabetes in mice. By depleting B cells, regulators of the immune system rise, allowing T regulatory cells to function properly and making killer T cells tolerant of insulin-producing cells.
Researchers at Scripps Research develop molecules that can evolve and compete for resources, demonstrating niche partitioning in coevolution. The study shows how different species adapt to specific food sources over time, a classic concept in Darwinian evolution.
Scientists have discovered two biomarkers that may indicate the presence of smoking-related lung injury and cardiovascular side effects of COX-2 inhibitors. Elevated levels of PGE-M and LTE4 in urine could lead to earlier detection and treatment, reducing the risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and heart problems.
The American Society of Human Genetics hosted its fourth annual DNA Day essay contest to educate students and teachers about genetic science. The contest challenged high school students to write original essays on the genetic basis of various traits, including health and disease. ASHG received over 300 submissions from around the world.
Researchers found that imiquimod cream, used with surgery, can treat lentigo maligna melanoma, a type of skin cancer. This approach may reduce the area needing surgery, manage the cancer, and minimize its recurrence. The study suggests that imiquimod could be an effective treatment option for some patients.
The University of Washington's seaglider successfully operated for six months under the ice in Davis Strait, collecting data on fresh water exiting the Arctic. The record-breaking deployment contributes to understanding climate change impacts on ocean circulation.
Scientists at Queen Mary University of London have discovered a PER:PER protein pair required for circadian clock function in fruit flies. This finding may also apply to mammals, including humans, with implications for regulating our biological clocks.
A team of astronomers has discovered the most distant object in the universe, a gamma-ray burst located approximately 13 billion light-years away. This explosive event, dubbed GRB 090423, occurred when the universe was just 630 million years old and is providing valuable insights into the early universe.
Researchers identified genetic factors affecting autism risk, including genes involved in forming and maintaining brain cell connections. These findings may lead to better diagnostic strategies for children with autism.
A study by Latha Stead found that patients with diagnosed or undiagnosed obstructive sleep apnea had a higher risk of death and poor outcomes after a stroke. The research suggests that regular screening for sleep apnea in emergency department settings could improve patient outcomes.
A new study by Ohio State University finds that most NCAA athletic trainers are not following best practice standards for managing asthma among athletes. The research suggests that a majority of programs are not adhering to national guidelines, which emphasize education, management protocols, and medical professional involvement.
Two studies identify genes that may contribute to autism, including a region of chromosome 5 associated with neuronal cell-adhesion molecules. These findings suggest a significant role for genetics in the development of autism, potentially leading to new treatments.
A Purdue University study shows that dairy promotes better bone growth and strength compared to calcium carbonate, with bones of rats fed nonfat dry milk being longer, wider, more dense and stronger. The study found a strong effect of having dairy as a calcium source followed by periods of inadequate calcium.