Mass transportation ranks 10th with a positive score of +40.8, up from 2002. Education remains top priority, followed by health care. Support for infrastructure spending increases following the Minneapolis bridge collapse in 2007. The General Social Survey found growing public support for mass transit and infrastructure spending.
Scientists at Stanford University School of Medicine have devised a new biological marker to monitor mitochondrial disorders, which cause organ failure, seizures, and premature death. The discovery enables researchers to hunt for treatments and helps physicians check patients' status before health crises erupt.
A new study found that multiracial students felt more engaged at school and experienced lower stress levels compared to their single-race counterparts. The research suggests a positive link between embracing a multiracial identity and improved social and personal well-being.
The Society for Public Health Education (SOPHE) and U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have published a special issue of Health Promotion Practice on evaluating sexual violence prevention programs. Four CDC-supported empowerment evaluation programs are highlighted, demonstrating the effectiveness of putting program s...
Researchers have found that ethylene stabilizes a protein called EIN2, allowing it to pass on ethylene's message. This discovery is an important step towards understanding the role of ethylene in plant growth and development, with potential applications for improving agriculture and preventing crop losses.
The National Science Foundation has awarded a five-year, $1.24 million grant to the University of Arizona to fund a research center investigating new clean-water technologies. The Water and Environmental Technology Center will develop 'smart' water technologies, including sensors at individual households capable of detecting contaminants.
A new study reveals that music involvement has a positive effect on academic performance, especially during high school years. Socioeconomic status and ethnicity also impact music participation rates, with higher socioeconomic groups and Whites more likely to participate.
Dr. Wenbo Zhi, a postdoctoral fellow at the Medical College of Georgia, has received a two-year fellowship to study biomarkers associated with type 1 diabetes. He aims to identify protein biomarkers that can improve diagnosis and treatment using proteomic techniques.
The American Pain Society and American Academy of Pain Medicine have published comprehensive clinical practice guidelines to assist clinicians in prescribing potent opioid pain medications for patients with chronic non-cancer pain. The guidelines emphasize the importance of monitoring patients on chronic opioid therapy to weigh benefit...
Patients with relapsed follicular lymphoma who continue on maintenance rituximab therapy after chemotherapy have better overall survival than those without treatment. Rituximab maintenance therapy was associated with a 40% improvement in overall survival relative to observation or retreatment.
A new mouse study has identified a genetic component to empathy, showing that certain mouse strains can learn to associate another's distress with a cue. The findings have implications for understanding social interaction deficits in humans and may lead to important discoveries about psychosocial disorders. The researchers hope to deco...
A new American Heart Association journal issue highlights unique risk factors among women and gender disparities in stroke care. Researchers found that women were less likely to receive perfect care, had a lower discharge rate, and received less aggressive treatment than men.
A study by the Wildlife Conservation Society found that middle-class communities in Eastern Africa have lower fish levels due to increased motorized fishing vessels and decreased cultural restrictions. In contrast, wealthy communities have healthier fish populations due to diversified economies and technological advancements.
Researchers identified a distinct brain atrophy pattern in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) that predicts a higher risk of progressing to Alzheimer's disease. This pattern involves widespread cortical atrophy in areas beyond memory centers, indicating potential decline in cognitive function.
Researchers have discovered new findings on Mars, including evidence of ancient water on the planet. Floods in tropical regions can lead to substantial amounts of sediment staying near shore for months, potentially harming coral reefs. Additionally, scientists have studied ancient soils and rocks from New Mexico, revealing insights int...
A review and meta-analysis found that maternal obesity is associated with a significantly increased risk of congenital anomalies, including spina bifida, cardiovascular anomalies, and cleft palate. The absolute risk of these anomalies is estimated to be 0.47-0.61 per 1,000 births higher in obese women than in women of recommended BMI.
Scientists at Caltech have discovered self-regulating molecular 'transformers' that control the delivery of proteins to their correct locations within cells. The research could lead to novel treatments for diseases resulting from flaws in protein delivery and the development of new types of antibiotics.
Researchers at Indiana University found that women use more non-standard language in texting, such as abbreviations and emoticons, to convey enthusiasm and individuality. In contrast, men tend to use standard language to achieve upward mobility and be perceived as polite.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute identify a mutation in the Mbtps1 gene that increases susceptibility to inflammatory bowel disease. The study reveals how the mutated gene disrupts the unfolded protein response, leading to cellular stress and inflammation.
A Michigan State University study found that providing home pregnancy tests to women who have unprotected sex can increase their vigilance about potential pregnancy and lead to better prenatal care. The intervention resulted in women suspecting they might be pregnant almost twice as often and having a pregnancy test more frequently.
Targeted muscle reinnervation (TMR) appears to enable improved control of prosthetic arms for patients with arm amputations. The study, published in JAMA, found that TMR patients achieved high motion selection and completion rates, similar to those of control participants.
A University of Georgia study found that involved and supportive parenting can completely override the effects of a genetic risk factor for substance abuse. The research, published in the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, suggests that high levels of parental involvement can protect against substance use.
A new study found that clinicians override over 90% of drug interaction and allergy alerts, highlighting the need for improved decision support systems to enhance patient safety. The researchers recommend reclassifying alert severity, providing an option to suppress alerts, and customizing them for a clinician's specialty.
A new study finds that oil and gas production in the Barnett Shale area can contribute significantly to smog formation in Dallas-Fort Worth, with emissions comparable to those from all cars and trucks. The study also highlights the potential for cost-effective control strategies to reduce emissions.
Researchers found that individuals with short serotonin transporter gene and 7-repeat allele of the DRD4 gene invest more in risky investments. The study suggests that genetics play a role in predicting financial risk-taking, but experience and upbringing also contribute to investor behavior.
Two large clinical trials found that IL-2 immunotherapy increases CD4+ T cell counts in HIV-infected individuals on antiretroviral therapy, but fails to reduce the risk of opportunistic diseases or death. The treatment's efficacy was not linked to better health outcomes.
Researchers at University of Toronto's Bloorview hospital use infrared light brain imaging to predict drink preferences with high accuracy. The technique could lead to portable devices for children with disabilities to control their environment.
The journal has published a special anniversary issue featuring key articles on multiculturalism, environmentalism, and the impact of media technologies. Podcasts were also produced to stimulate discussion on topics such as electronic games and multi-racial television.
A simple, inexpensive method to strengthen buildings with partial-height walls has been developed, showing that replacing windows with ordinary masonry bricks can improve the structure's strength and stiffness by up to six times. The researchers used a three-story building in their study, which was subjected to forces simulating strong...
Astronomers detect frequent X-ray and gamma-ray flares from a soft-gamma-ray repeater, a rare type of neutron star. The object has erupted with over 100 flares in 20 minutes, releasing more energy than the sun does in 20 years.
A computer-based training program improved brain processing speed and accuracy, leading to double the improvement in certain aspects of memory compared to a control group. The study suggests that aging adults may be able to make better-informed decisions about ways to improve memory by focusing on improving brain processing speed.
Researchers at University of Wisconsin-Madison developed a two-step method to convert cellulose in raw biomass into a promising biofuel. The new process simultaneously bypasses lignin and produces a high yield, making it a promising alternative to fossil fuels.
A new method uses circulating tumour cells to monitor disease status and predict survival in patients with advanced prostate cancer. Changes in CTC number before and after treatment are strongly associated with risk, making it a more predictive biomarker than PSA.
A breakthrough discovery by Washington University researchers has identified a technology that reduces infection by the Rice Tungro Disease virus, causing significant economic losses in agriculture. The technology involves transgenic rice plants that overexpress specific proteins, providing improved resistance to the virus.
Researchers discovered that many processed and fast foods contain phosphorus additives, which can be just as dangerous for patients with advanced kidney disease as naturally high-phosphorus foods. Studies found that avoiding these additives significantly lowers phosphorus levels among patients.
A study published in PLOS Genetics has found that the genetic adaptation rgy plays a crucial role in allowing the deep-sea bacterium Nautilia profundicola to survive rapid temperature fluctuations. The bacteria's genome also revealed genes necessary for growth and sensing environmental conditions.
A new study at Queensland University of Technology identified the origin and identity of tiny, potentially hazardous particles emitted from common laser printers. The research found that these ultrafine particles form from vapours produced when toner is fused to paper, posing a risk to human health.
Researchers have generated altered immune cells that target mesothelin, a protein highly expressed on cancer cells, shrinking and sometimes eradicating large tumors in mice. The approach shows promise for immunotherapies against certain tumors.
A study of 15 coordinated care programs for Medicare beneficiaries found that only two resulted in reduced hospital admissions, with none generating net savings. The programs aimed to improve care and reduce costs for patients with chronic illnesses, but their effectiveness was limited.
A new study reveals that exercise can help reduce cigarette cravings by changing the way the brain processes information. Researchers used fMRI scans to investigate how physical activity affects brain activity among smokers, finding a significant reduction in cravings after exercise.
At WPI, a new initiative 'The Connected Lab' enables biology students to share lab results in real-time, enhancing teaching and student achievement. Students can analyze each other's data and produce multimedia content to prepare for class or as a resource.
Alison Marsden's Y-Graft computer models can optimize Fontan procedures, predicting patient outcomes and exercise tolerance. The technology enables zero-risk testing of new surgery designs before patients undergo surgery.
Researchers found that mice missing the AT1A protein lived significantly longer due to reduced oxidative damage and increased cell survival genes. The study suggests that antagonizing this receptor may also promote human longevity.
A study mapping epigenetic marks in three oncogenic viruses found that viral genomes become progressively methylated in patients who developed cancer. This modification may help viruses evade the immune system and is a promising target for new prevention, diagnosis, and treatment methods.
Researchers have identified a network of genes that control tooth number and patterning in cichlids, shedding light on the evolutionary origins of teeth. This discovery has significant implications for understanding tooth development and regeneration, potentially leading to new treatments for dental diseases.
A study published in Archives of Internal Medicine found that multivitamin use was not associated with an increased risk of breast, colorectal, or cardiovascular diseases in postmenopausal women. No significant associations were found between multivitamin use and cancer or cardiovascular disease mortality rates.
Primary care physicians working in clinics with a high proportion of minority patients report less access to resources and higher levels of burnout. These challenges contribute to the complexities of providing quality care to complex, underserved patient populations.
Researchers discovered that Oncostatin M improves interferon's antiviral effect, increasing immune response to viruses. This combination may be useful for treating chronic viral hepatitis and other tumors that don't respond to conventional therapy.
Biologist Professor H. Allen Orr has been awarded the Darwin-Wallace Medal for his groundbreaking research on speciation and reproductive isolation between species. His work has significantly advanced our understanding of evolution, particularly in the context of gene function and dominance theory.
Researchers discovered that iron spewed out of hydrothermal vents remains protected and usable by ocean organisms due to a complex matrix of carbon compounds. This finding challenges current paradigms about the iron cycle and opens up new research directions.
A new study by University of California, Berkeley biologists reveals that many common salamander species have plummeted in Central America, contradicting previous attributions to habitat destruction and pesticides. Instead, researchers believe global warming is driving these species to higher elevations where habitats become inhospitable.
Researchers developed a new 3-D microscope to visualize cells, which could improve early cancer detection. The technique bridges the gap between research and clinical practices, allowing for more accurate diagnoses.
Scientists at Fermilab will present talks on the proposed Project X accelerator, the latest Higgs search results from the Tevatron collider experiments, and an update on the search for dark matter using a bubble chamber. The conference features expert discussions on high-intensity accelerators and their applications in particle physics.
Researchers have found a way to increase sensitivity of solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (SSNMR) by doping samples with paramagnetic copper-acid solution, reducing the waiting period from up to three seconds to 20 times.
Population immunity to measles was insufficient to interrupt transmission three years after a mass vaccination campaign in Zambia. Repeated mass vaccination campaigns are necessary to achieve high routine vaccine coverage and reduce measles deaths and illness.
Researchers at Rice University have created hybrid carbon nanotube metal oxide arrays as electrode material that may improve the performance of lithium-ion batteries. The new design could lead to longer-lasting electric cars and gadgets, as well as enhanced capabilities for electrochemical capacitors and fuel cells.
Researchers found that clinics serving higher proportions of minority patients tend to have more challenging work environments and organizational characteristics. This can lead to unfavorable patient and physician outcomes, including lower job satisfaction, increased stress, and burnout.
A study found that smokers are more likely to quit for their pet's health than their own. Secondhand tobacco smoke poses a significant risk to pets, causing various health issues.
Researchers developed a 50-gene set to identify the four known types of breast cancer, allowing for personalized treatment. The test was found to be highly sensitive and predictive for chemotherapy response, particularly for poor-prognosis tumor types.
A study by researchers at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center found that frequent and/or long-term marijuana use is associated with a 70% increased risk of testicular cancer. The risk was particularly elevated among men who used marijuana at least weekly and/or had long-term exposure to the substance beginning in adolescence.