Applying reflective films to orchard floors increases fruit size and color, leading to increased profits for apple growers. The use of these films can result in a 26% increase in fruit picked at first harvest, meeting European Union grade standards.
Researchers used portable 3D laser scanners to capture and preserve a 110-million-year-old fossilized dinosaur footprint, providing valuable data for scientific research and education. The preserved track will be made available for download, allowing others to study and analyze the specimen.
Researchers found that men with lower cholesterol levels had a 59% lower risk of developing high-grade prostate cancers, which tend to grow and spread rapidly. The study suggests that targeting cholesterol metabolism may be one route to treating and preventing the disease.
Researchers at NIST have developed a method to quantify extremely low levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), a molecule that indicates cardiovascular disease risk. The new certified reference material will improve the accuracy of clinical laboratory tests for CRP, enabling more precise detection of individuals at high risk of heart attack.
Researchers present findings on zinc deficiency's role in allergic asthma, air pollution's significant health risk for patients with chronic lung diseases, and electrical stimulation as a potential bronchodilation treatment. Studies also explore the reduction of daily steroids in children with asthma and the association between high-do...
A Monash University study found that rates of gastroenteritis were similar between households with treated and untreated rainwater. The results confirm there is a low risk of illness from drinking rainwater, making it safe for activities like showering and bathing.
A new study suggests that PET imaging before radiation therapy should not be used to determine areas that may benefit from higher doses of radiation. Researchers found that activity patterns in some patients changed completely after treatment, making it unreliable as a predictor.
Researchers have mapped the large-scale distributions of dissolved organic nitrogen and phosphorus over the Atlantic Ocean, finding that these nutrients dominate surface waters and play a crucial role in export production. The study suggests that nutrient-poor regions, like subtropical gyres, rely on these nutrients to sustain life.
The American Dietetic Association supports exclusive breastfeeding for optimal nutrition and health protection during the first six months of life. Breastfeeding also offers numerous benefits for mothers, including reduced risk of chronic diseases and improved bone density.
Researchers have discovered that saturated fatty acids can 'anger' the immune system by hijacking Toll-like receptor 4 (Tlr4) on blood cells, leading to chronic inflammation. This interaction may be the key to understanding obesity-related metabolic consequences, and a new class of insulin sensitizers is being explored.
Researchers found that first responders exposed to caustic dust and toxic pollutants after the 2001 World Trade Center attacks are twice as likely to have asthma. The study of 20,843 responders reveals a significant risk for this population.
TRMM satellite analyzed Typhoon Mirinae's rainfall, showing totals over 200 mm in the Philippines and 275 mm in Vietnam. The typhoon dropped heavy rain north of its path, causing flooding and disasters.
TD97W is tracking south-southwesterly through Tabaco City, Ligao, Oas, and Naga City into the Ragay Gulf, bringing rains to Kalibo, Roxas City, and San Jose de Buenavista. The storm's convection has waned, and it is dissipating due to a lack of thunderstorm formation.
Scientists at Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics create tiny laser-scanning microscope images brain cells in awake and moving animals, eliminating the need for electrodes. This breakthrough allows researchers to study how the brain generates an internal representation of the outside world.
Researchers identified 78 homegrown health biotechnology companies producing innovative products for all neglected diseases, including the Big 3. A proposed 'Global Health Accellerator' service aims to connect these firms with expertise and funding to reach additional villages worldwide.
Research found that handling African violets with gloved hands resulted in lower damage ratings and better plant quality. In contrast, plants brushed with bare hands to which lotion had been applied showed decreased plant size and quality. The study suggests that 'hands off' is the best approach for healthier African violet care.
A new report by NIST demonstrates that iris recognition algorithms can maintain their accuracy and interoperability with compact images, affirming their potential for large-scale identity management applications. The study's results show that two compression standards, JPEG2000 and PNG format, performed well in preserving image quality.
Research from the University of Gothenburg reveals that preschool children actively challenge and redefine traditional gender structures. Despite teachers' biases, children often share play and learning activities, show concern for each other's well-being, and reformulate possibilities through child-led initiatives.
The book 'Organic Farming: The Ecological System' brings together farmer experience and scientific research to understand the role of organics in modern agriculture. It presents current research and development in organic farming, highlighting its potential to revitalize rural landscapes and communities.
Research led by Ohio State University found that aggressive prostate cancers have small, irregular blood vessels, while slow-growing tumors have more normal-appearing vessels. This study suggests using tumor blood vessel architecture to guide therapy and potentially improve long-term survival for patients.
The 'energy gap' concept suggests that small behavior changes, such as eating 100 less calories per day, are effective in preventing further weight gain. This approach must be included in public health strategies and policies to address obesity.
A recent nationwide study found that hot tub-related injuries have more than doubled over the last 18 years, with slips and falls being the most common cause. The study also highlights the need for special attention to be given to the pediatric population due to the severity of hot tub-related injuries.
A long-term follow-up study found that Mexico's Oportunidades program conferred health benefits on children, particularly those whose mothers had no formal education. The additional 18 months of inclusion in the program reduced socioemotional problems and improved child growth, especially for those with mothers who were less educated.
Research by Michigan State University's Barbara Luke found that obese women are 28% less likely to become pregnant and have a successful pregnancy. Women who are overweight also face a 14% lower chance of a successful pregnancy. The study analyzed nearly 50,000 women using assisted reproductive technology.
Engineering students at UC San Diego helped streamline the application process for federal Clean Renewable Energy Bonds, securing $154 million for 192 solar projects. The students developed an analytical tool to calculate energy output and payback time, allowing applications to be completed in 10 minutes.
A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons found that laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (Lap band) surgery improves the health of morbidly obese adolescents. The procedure led to significant weight loss and reduced the risk of developing insulin resistance, a key indicator of obesity-related illnesses.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University have received $3.9 million in Challenge grant funds to tackle specific scientific and health research challenges in biomedical and behavioral sciences. Drs. Flemming Forsberg, Laura N. Gitlin, Maurizio Pacifici, and Scott Waldman will study portal venous pressure, depression treatment, Heredit...
A recent study identifies stable and variable traits in garlic cultivars, providing guidelines for farmers and new options for consumers. The research suggests that bulb size, color, and elemental composition are site-dependent and highly variable, offering promise for savvy consumers seeking locally grown garlic varieties.
A University of Adelaide study found a link between late pregnancy folic acid supplements and increased risk of asthma in children. The study suggests that the timing of supplementation is crucial in minimizing potential adverse effects.
A new theory proposes a method to determine fair CEO compensation using information theory and statistical thermodynamics. The ratio of CEO pay to the lowest employee salary has increased significantly in recent years, with US CEOs averaging around 344-to-1, raising questions about market efficiency.
A new study found that caffeine from coffee interferes with sleep in night-shift workers and worsens its effects as people age. The study suggests that reducing coffee consumption can help improve daytime recovery sleep.
The study found that hospitalization and death from H1N1 can occur at any age, with severe cases reported in 30% of hospitalized patients over 50. The median age of all cases was 27 years, and underlying conditions such as obesity, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia were common among severe cases.
A new study by Purdue University researchers suggests that local and regional strategies such as creating green spaces and buffer zones in urban areas could help address climate change. The study found that greener land cover contributes to cooler temperatures, while any other change leads to warmer temperatures.
A recent study found that laser etching does not facilitate decay in laser-labeled grapefruit and can even reduce water loss. The technology provides a safe alternative to adhesive sticker labeling, maintaining high fruit quality during storage.
Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a way to protect against rootkits by hijacking hooks in operating systems. By moving hooks to a centralized location, they can be protected using hardware-based memory protection, making it harder for malware to subvert them.
New research reveals that statin therapy significantly reduces the risk of developing venous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients with atherosclerosis. Patients on higher doses of statins had the lowest likelihood of developing VTE, suggesting a dose-related response.
A new study found that a shorter, five-week course of hypofractionated radiation is as effective as standard radiation therapy in reducing prostate cancer recurrence. The treatment delivered higher doses of radiation in fewer sessions, resulting in no significant difference in cancer recurrence or side effects between the two groups.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute successfully treated pain in patients with advanced cancer using stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS). The study found that SRS was a safe and effective treatment for patients with bone metastases, offering faster onset of pain relief and longer survival rates compared to conventi...
A study at Rush University Medical Center found that advanced equipment can largely spare the hippocampus and limbic circuit from cranial radiation, minimizing memory lapses and other cognitive effects. The researchers plan to start a clinical trial to determine the new procedure's effectiveness in preventing or treating brain metastases.
Researchers found that sprinters have significantly shorter lever arms in their ankles compared to non-sprinters. This allows muscles to produce greater force without sacrificing speed. The study suggests that a unique foot structure is essential for sprinting success, with longer toes providing an additional advantage.
Researchers at Kansas State University are exploring the feasibility of growing algae on large platforms in ocean water to produce oil. By understanding how algae attach to surfaces and grow, they aim to create a more efficient and cost-effective system for producing biodiesel, which could help the US transition away from fossil fuels.
Researchers have discovered how critical proteins for eye lens transparency are sorted and concentrated in membrane bilayers. The study reveals that protein-lipid interactions play a key role in this process, with aquaporin clustering influencing its localization in lens cell membranes.
A study of 20,843 WTC responders found that reported asthma episodes were 8% compared to 4% in the general US population. Lifetime prevalence of asthma among responders increased from 3% to 16% between 2005 and 2007.
The Gamma Rho Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International received the Chapter Key Award for its commitment to membership recruitment, professional development, and community impact. The chapter honors the legacy of nursing leaders who founded it and strives to emulate their example in supporting nursing leadership and education.
Research from the University of Rochester Medical Center found that using common pain killers like Advil and Tylenol at the time of flu injection can blunt the vaccine's effect. The study suggests that timing and dosage of pain relievers also play a role in reducing antibody production, which is necessary for immune protection.
Researchers have identified a new molecular pathway and class of molecules that can prevent potassium buildup in the bloodstream, which can cause fatal cardiac arrest. This discovery could lead to the development of new drugs to treat hyperkalemia, a condition affecting 8% of hospitalized patients.
A recent study found that older voters may not necessarily favor Republicans in future presidential elections. Factors such as partisan leanings, candidate ages, and racial identities are thought to influence seniors' voting choices. In contrast, baby boomers entering the old age category may have different political preferences.
Researchers found that multiple sessions of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) result in less brain swelling compared to a single high-dose treatment. This innovative approach offers good tumor control with fewer side effects and less time than conventional therapy.
A PLoS ONE study suggests that hydrogen peroxide, produced by mitochondria as a by-product of oxygen combustion, may act as a signal molecule regulating daily rhythms and behavior. The research found dramatic effects on fruit fly activity levels and daily rhythms when exposed to hydrogen peroxide.
A study by Fox Chase Cancer Center researchers found that radiation therapy alone can lead to undetectable PSA levels in patients with prostate cancer. Patients with low PSA scores had less chance of biochemical failure and a higher chance of being cured compared to those with detectable PSA levels.
The Linac Coherent Light Source has embarked on pioneering research in physics, structural biology, energy science, chemistry, and more. Researchers have successfully observed atomic physics phenomena with unprecedented detail, creating stop-action movies of molecules in motion.
Researchers from American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons found shock-wave therapy equally effective as surgery for healing nonunions. The study showed that extracorporeal shock-wave therapy stimulated bone healing within six months and provided comparable outcomes to surgery even two years later.
Researchers at Penn University developed a new theory that explains the pace of evolution and determines the speed at which an organism adapts. The study predicts that some organisms, including humans, may not evolve indefinitely and that populations can accrue mutations at a constant rate even under Darwinian selection.
A new system for delivering a scar-degrading enzyme has been developed, allowing for sustained delivery and improved degradation of dense scar tissue. This enables recovery from serious central nervous system injuries by facilitating nerve growth and regeneration.
A study examined associations between antibiotic use during pregnancy and birth defects, finding that certain antibiotics like sulfonamides and nitrofurantoins may be associated with severe birth defects. Many commonly used antibiotics, such as penicillins and cephalosporins, were not linked to an increased risk of birth defects.
A study by Baylor College of Medicine found nearly 1 in 4 patients with OSA suffers from nighttime teeth grinding, especially in men and Caucasians. Untreated bruxism can lead to excessive tooth wear, jaw pain, and sleep disturbances.
The article features laboratory methods for high-throughput genotyping, including single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping and next-generation sequencing. The tandem affinity purification (TAP) procedure is also presented as a method for protein purification.
Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute discovered that T cell receptors are mechanosensors that rely on sheer mechanical force to shift between scanning and fighting modes. This fundamental understanding may lead to the development of precisely targeted therapies for cancers and infections, eliminating harsh side effects.
A common type of chronic diarrhoea, affecting one in 100 people in the UK, may be caused by a hormone deficiency. The study suggests that bile acid production is linked to decreased levels of Fibroblast Growth Factor 19 (FGF19) in people with the condition.
A Cornell University study found that nearly half of American children will eat meals paid for by food stamps at some point during childhood. This is particularly true for black children and those living in single-parent households, with 90% experiencing food stamp use.