Drilled at 17,598ft above sea level in the Cordillera Blanca mountain range, the ice cores contain a number of insects and plant materials that may have originated from the Amazon Basin. The cores provide an annually resolvable record of climate conditions, allowing researchers to determine past temperatures and precipitation rates.
Family health history disclosure may not improve clinical decision making, according to researchers. Meanwhile, community-based interventions in developing countries have been shown to effectively reduce blood pressure. Early treatment of rheumatoid arthritis may also benefit from conventional DMARD therapy or biologics, but their cost...
A team of physicists has directly observed a reverse shock wave of light in a specially tailored structure known as a left-handed metamaterial. This is the first unambiguous experimental demonstration of reversed Cerenkov radiation, a phenomenon predicted over forty years ago.
According to a study, nearly half of all American children will reside in households receiving food stamps between ages 1 and 20. The analysis found that poverty and food insecurity are detrimental to a child's health, with the receipt of food stamps serving as a marker of both conditions.
Research suggests that high blood pressure and inflammatory markers are more prevalent in middle age among individuals with a family history of Alzheimer's disease. The study also found that these risk factors cluster within families, highlighting the potential for early interventions to prevent late-onset Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers at Los Alamos National Laboratory have achieved world-record energies in laser-accelerated particles, accelerating protons to 254 million miles per hour. The technique has potential applications in cancer treatment and is expected to contribute to future advances in modern cancer radiotherapy.
Researchers at the University of Maryland have created a fruit fly model to study the genetics of human diabetes. The model uses genetic approaches to delete specific genes involved in insulin production, resulting in elevated blood sugar levels and symptoms similar to human Type 1 diabetes.
The American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association release updated guidelines recommending the use of beta blockers in high-risk cardiac patients undergoing noncardiac surgery to minimize cardiac risk. The guidelines emphasize careful patient selection, dose adjustment, and monitoring throughout the perioperative period.
Researchers at Rice University have made a breakthrough in industrial-scale nanotube processing, creating a method to produce pure carbon-nanotube fibers that could lead to advances in materials science and nanoelectronics. The process uses chlorosulfonic acid as a solvent, enabling the efficient production of high-quality nanotubes.
Researchers compare DNA from museum specimens to that of living canids, revealing the Falklands wolf's closest living relative is the maned wolf. The team also finds a common ancestor at least 70,000 years ago, suggesting the wolves arrived in the islands before humans entered the New World.
A randomized study found that preventative brain radiation for nonsmall cell lung cancer patients decreased the risk of brain metastases by over 50%, but increased short and long-term memory loss. The study also showed no significant difference in overall survival between treated and untreated patients.
A recent survey found that awareness of COPD is increasing, with 68% of adults aware of the disease. However, only 44% understand that it can be treated, and many at risk remain undiagnosed due to unrecognized symptoms. The NHLBI emphasizes the importance of testing and treatment for those affected.
A package of continuing care is essential for managing dementia in LMICs, comprising diagnosis, regular needs assessments, physical health checks, and carer support. The authors highlight the importance of early detection and treatment of behavioral and psychological symptoms.
A new study from University of Bonn suggests that deep brain stimulation can significantly improve depression in half of patients, who had previously not responded to other therapies. The treatment involves implanting electrodes in the nucleus accumbens, a key area of the brain's reward system.
Researchers find that removing fruit from 'Pixie' mandarin trees reduces floral intensity of return bloom by inhibiting budbreak. Growers can investigate degrees of fruit thinning or pruning to mitigate alternate bearing, which is exacerbated by holding fruit on the tree to extend commercial harvest period.
Researchers are using two tiny insects, the predatory mite and the lady bug, to control European red mites and two-spotted spider mites in Pennsylvania apple orchards. By reducing pest mite numbers, biological control saves growers millions in integrated pest management costs.
Wildlife biologists found that the carcasses of moose killed by wolves at Isle Royale National Park create nutrient-rich hotspots in forest fertility. This discovery highlights an unexpected connection between predator-prey interactions and biochemical processes on the landscape.
A multicenter study led by the University of Pittsburgh found that inhaled nitric oxide therapy did not significantly improve long-term outcomes for premature newborns with respiratory failure. Despite early promising results, the study revealed no significant improvement in survival rates or neurological function at one year of age.
A new study by Yale University researchers reveals that learning to talk alters the way we hear speech sounds, suggesting a two-way street between sensory and motor processing. This finding has major implications for improving speech disorders such as those caused by stroke and Parkinson's disease.
Researchers genetically engineered adult neural stem cells to express anti-inflammatory molecule IL-10, improving functional and pathological recovery from multiple sclerosis. These modified cells induced immunomodulation, nerve cell repair, and production of the nerve cell protective sheath.
A new tropical cyclone has formed in the Philippine Sea, with NASA's Aqua satellite confirming its presence. The system is expected to impact the Philippines, prompting public storm warnings and warnings from local authorities.
Researchers found two independent pathways contributing to feeling one's own heartbeat, contrary to prior assertions. The study used a rare neurological patient and healthy comparison participants to confirm the existence of these pathways, which could have implications for emotion and self-awareness.
Researchers at Imperial College London are conducting a new trial with patients and healthy volunteers to test the digital 'plaster', a disposable device that monitors vital signs in real-time. The technology has the potential to free up doctors' time, improve patient health, and enable early detection of complications.
The American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM) has developed new guidelines for radiation dose delivery and reporting in brachytherapy procedures. The task force aims to provide consistent and reproducible dosimetric information, improving treatment accuracy and patient outcomes.
Researchers shed light on electron beam formation by attributing it to the evolution of the plasma bubble shape and nonlinear laser pulse evolution. The discovery is attributed to fine details in 3D simulations, offering a robust mechanism for self-injection and monoenergetic bunch formation.
A new generation of high-energy lasers has been developed to study fast ignition and high energy density physics. Using the OMEGA EP laser, researchers have demonstrated strong laser-matter coupling with intense 2.1kJ, 15ps laser pulses, enabling significant laser powers to be produced.
Increasing power in RFP fusion device leads to self-organized helical plasma with improved trapping and hotter temperatures. The helical state is spontaneously chosen by the plasma, improving magnetic confinement and renewing fusion prospects.
Arthur Nienhuis, M.D., of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, received the 2009 ASH Mentor Award for his dedication to mentoring trainees and colleagues. His expertise in bone marrow transplantation and gene therapy paved the way for many advances in hematological disorders.
Research shows women exiting welfare have similar marriage rates to those without welfare. The temporary disincentive to marry while receiving benefits may be reduced by allowing spouses' earnings not affect eligibility. Researchers observed over 3,000 women and debunked long-standing debates on the impact of poverty on family values.
Research shows that patients with chronic illnesses who lose hope for a cure experience better quality of life than those holding onto hope. Without hope, patients adapt to their condition and focus on living in the present.
A Kaiser Permanente study found that aggressively managing patients at risk for osteoporosis can reduce the hip fracture rate by 25%. The study, which followed 650,000 men and women over 50 years old, found a 38% drop in hip fractures and prevented 970 hip fractures in 2007.
A global collaborative effort has produced a first draft of the pig genome, offering insights into breeding practices, disease resistance and human health. The sequencing project involved an international team of scientists and provided a 98% complete sequence that will allow researchers to pinpoint genes useful for pork production.
Scientists confirm volcanic processes in Ethiopian rift are similar to those at world's oceans, suggesting a new sea is forming. The rift tore open along its entire 35-mile length in just days, with magma pushing up through the middle and beginning to 'unzip' it.
A recent study published in the Journal of Rheumatology has found a clear link between smoking and skin problems in people with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The study, led by Dr. Christian A Pineau, reveals that smokers are at higher risk for skin damage, including permanent hair loss and scarring from skin inflammation.
Non-African-American patients experience restless legs syndrome (RLS) four times more often than African-Americans. Among Caucasians, nearly 2 out of 5 women have RLS, which is the highest incidence among all groups.
Researchers at the University of Warwick have identified central obesity, high blood pressure, and high blood sugar as the most dangerous combination of health factors for developing metabolic syndrome. This combination can increase the risk of heart attack by doubling it and mortality rates by three times.
Researchers at the University of Bonn have identified a previously unknown gene in fruit flies that controls fat metabolism. The gene, called 'schlank', is structurally similar to genes found in humans and may play a role in energy metabolism. Introducing mouse Lass genes into mutant flies showed promise for new obesity treatments.
A randomized clinical trial of five different smoking cessation therapies found that a nicotine patch plus a nicotine lozenge was the most effective combination in helping smokers quit. The combination resulted in higher success rates and longer periods of abstinence from smoking compared to other treatments.
Researchers found ultra-primitive material with higher abundances of presolar grains, indicating a diverse processing of materials in different comets. This discovery allows for comparison of cosmic processes on a microscopic scale four-and-a-half billion years ago.
A first national campaign to scale up zinc treatment of diarrhea in Bangladesh increased awareness significantly, peaking at 90% in urban areas. However, actual usage of zinc tablets was found to be low, with only 25% of children receiving the correct 10-day course of treatment.
Researchers are developing a new imaging technique to detect tissue damage in breast cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy. Preliminary results show that the technique can identify changes in skin tissue days before severe reactions occur, potentially allowing for preventative treatment and improved patient outcomes.
Scientists at Michigan State University are developing robotic fish that use advanced materials to swim like fish and monitor water quality. The robots will carry sensors recording temperature, dissolved oxygen, pollutants, and harmful algae, providing a high spatial and temporal resolution of data.
Researchers found that patients are dissatisfied with the current system of receiving radiology test results, citing long delays and lack of detail. The study suggests that patients would prefer to have secure online access to their medical records, including detailed results, to improve their care experience.
Researchers observed the onset and stagnation of 3D magnetic reconnection in a lab experiment. The study reveals unexpected features not considered in 2D models, including asymmetric reconnection fields and forces.
Researchers re-examined 15 myths of gifted education first identified in 1982 and found that all still exist, with several new ones emerging. The study aims to stimulate critical thinking and creative research in the field by helping to 'shake loose' common myths.
The University of Delaware has received a $4.4 million grant from ARPA-E to develop stronger, more efficient permanent magnets for various industries. The project aims to identify new materials that can result in magnets twice as strong as current ones.
Long-term brain tumor survivors in childhood experience ongoing cognitive problems, with lower levels of education, employment, and income compared to siblings and other cancer survivors. Medical complications such as radiation and surgery also play a significant role in these impairments.
A study by Pitt researchers found that a free-radical scavenger, JP4-039, accelerated bone fracture healing in mice treated with the drug after radiation exposure. This could have significant implications for pediatric cancer patients vulnerable to late effects of radiation on bone growth and development.
The National Institutes of Health has awarded $67.4 million in EUREKA grants to support highly innovative research projects that promise significant scientific breakthroughs. These grants will fund research in various fields, including gene therapy for neurological diseases and the study of circadian clocks.
A randomized 10-year study found no significant differences in survival rates between women who received internal mammary chain radiation treatment and those who didn't. The study also showed that radiation treatments, even without additional IMC-RT, are still necessary for these patients.
A study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences identified a brain region that strongly reacts to emotional faces and voices. The research found that the posterior superior temporal sulcus responds supra-additively to simultaneous visual and auditory emotional stimuli.
A recent study published in Neurology reveals that nearly 42% of participants with frontotemporal dementia had some family history, while only 10% were affected by an autosomal dominant gene. The study also found that behavioral problems are more likely to be hereditary than language problems.
Scientists at MIT have discovered that tumors can arise from different types of cells in the pancreas, depending on whether they are injured or inflamed. This finding could lead to new treatments and early diagnosis methods for pancreatic cancer.
Researchers used fMRI to divide the precuneus into four distinct functional regions, finding similarities with monkey brains. This discovery confirms that higher-order association areas have complex architectures preserved across evolution.
A new study projects variable impacts of climate change on maize and bean harvests in East Africa, presenting both threats and opportunities for farmers. With adequate investment, the region can achieve food security despite predicted declines in staple crop production.
Infants born to vaccinated mothers had lower hospitalization rates for influenza, highlighting the effectiveness of flu vaccination during pregnancy. The study found that vaccinating pregnant women significantly reduced hospitalizations in infants under six months old.
Scientists at Gladstone Institute of Cardiovascular Disease and Stanford University School of Medicine are developing induced pluripotent stem cells to repair damaged heart muscle. The $10 million, 7-year project aims to identify and characterize progenitor cell lines and develop new clinical strategies for regenerative therapies.
A study of 3,128 mothers found that increased TV exposure in young children is associated with aggressive behavior. Household TV use also contributed to the risk, suggesting a link between parental environment and childhood aggression.
Researchers at Texas A&M University have found that PatA inhibits nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD), a mechanism that degrades damaged mRNA. This inhibition may lead to cancer cell apoptosis. The study also reveals the potential of a simplified derivative of PatA, DMDAPatA, as an anti-cancer agent.
Researchers found that nearly half of patients with normal SPECT scans had moderate to severe coronary artery calcification, indicating high cardiac risk. Integrating CACS testing into functional SPECT scans can identify patients at high long-term risk and improve outcomes.