Termites' non-reproductive offspring may have inherited their parents' throne, answering a question posed by Charles Darwin nearly 150 years ago. This new research suggests staying at home could have given these first termites an advantage to become reproducers.
Research published in the European Respiratory Journal found that 32.6% of children born to uncontrolled pregnant asthmatic mothers developed asthma themselves. The study suggests that maternal asthma during pregnancy can affect lung development and increase the likelihood of asthma in later childhood.
The US Chamber of Commerce's annual surveys have been criticized for their inaccuracies and biases, raising concerns about the reliability of their rankings. Theodore Eisenberg's analysis suggests that the surveys may be more of an advocacy tool for tort reform rather than a genuine assessment of state judiciaries.
A new computer program called EFIT-V is being used by European police departments to help witnesses remember and recognize suspects. The software generates multiple faces that evolve based on the witness' memories, increasing identifications of suspects compared to traditional methods.
Merry aims to understand how human rights indicators are created, who develops them, and their impact on governance. Her research focuses on three key indicators: human rights conventions, violence against women, and sex trafficking.
Researchers at San Francisco State University have discovered 7 new glow-in-the-dark mushroom species, including four new species and three new reports of luminescence in existing species. The discoveries, which include species from Belize to Japan, suggest that luminescence evolved at a single point and was later lost by some species.
The Forsyth Institute has received highly competitive Challenge Grants totaling over $6 million from the NIH's American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. This funding will support innovative projects addressing various oral health challenges, including inflammation and bone resorption in oral diseases.
Researchers found that a mutated FGFR4 protein is associated with advanced-stage rhabdomyosarcoma and poor survival rates. Targeting this protein may offer new treatment options for individuals with the disease.
A new study published in Canadian Medical Association Journal suggests that air pollution may trigger appendicitis in adults. The research found correlations between high levels of ozone and nitrogen dioxide and the incidence of appendicitis among different age groups and genders.
Researchers found that 66% of inner city pediatric voice clinic patients presented with hoarseness, while 77% had vocal nodules. This suggests a significant prevalence of vocal health issues in this population, highlighting the importance of laryngeal examination in all pediatric patients with vocal nodules.
Researchers found that patients with both conditions have significantly higher fatigue scores and stress levels, as well as decreased ability to cope. The study highlights the need for comprehensive care and evaluation of patients with either condition.
Researchers found that timely treatment of otitis media reduces transplantation failure in organ transplant recipients. The study reviewed 3,278 patients and showed that surgery was more effective than antibiotics or observation alone in managing chronic ear infections after transplantation.
A new research method using radiofrequency energy shows promise in treating symptoms of tonsillar hypertrophy in children, offering a safer alternative to traditional tonsillectomy surgery. The technique resulted in significant improvements in over 91% of the children who underwent treatment.
Research found a higher incidence of chronic rhinosinusitis among patients with other chronic diseases, particularly asthma. The study suggests that some chronic diseases may share common mechanisms of how they arise or progress, highlighting the need for further investigation into the relationship between CRS and other conditions.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have engineered a way to design drugs and their antidotes together, improving patient care. The new approach allows for the creation of universal antidotes for aptamers, which can reverse the action of any aptamer drug, regardless of sequence, shape, or target.
A new type of genetic change, a second copy of an entire gene, has been identified as a cause of familial chordoma, a devastating and rare form of cancer. The T (Brachyury) gene duplication was found in patients with the disease, but its exact mechanism is unknown.
Researchers have discovered 231 new genes linked to head and neck cancer, which could aid in early detection and treatment. These findings may also help monitor disease progression and patient response to therapy.
A retrospective questionnaire survey of 26 adult patients undergoing blepharoplasty found a positive impact on quality of life. The procedure improved patients' self-esteem and appearance, with most undergoing surgery to feel better about their look.
A new study reveals that 65% of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis have used alternative medicine, with women and university-educated individuals more likely to do so. However, only 43% of CAM users inform their doctor about the therapy, highlighting a need for improved communication between clinicians and patients.
Button battery ingestions are common among young children, with 62% of cases involving kids under 5. While most recover without issues, some experience long-term complications like tracheostomy dependence and vocal paralysis. Education is key to preventing these incidents.
A study of health professionals and citizens in Brazil found that the low position of the nasal root is considered most beautiful, followed by regular positioning. The research highlights the importance of understanding regional beauty standards for facial plastic surgery.
Patients with brain tumors treated with WBRT plus SRS experience significant decline in learning and memory function compared to those receiving SRS alone. The study concludes that SRS alone combined with close clinical monitoring is the preferred treatment strategy for patients newly diagnosed with one to three brain metastases.
Researchers investigated the effects of curcumin on head and neck squamous cell carcinoma growths in response to nicotine. Curcumin was found to block the nicotine from activating cancer-causing cells.
Researchers found radiofrequency ablation to be effective in reducing primary snoring symptoms, with a significant improvement after two treatment sessions. The procedure showed low postoperative complication rates and high patient satisfaction rates, offering a minimally invasive option for treating snoring.
Researchers at Duke University discovered that some bacteria exhibit bistability, allowing individual cells to respond differently to external commands. This phenomenon enhances the efficiency of synthetic circuits, which could produce proteins, chemicals, or deliver targeted drugs.
Research reveals that obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients often have additional gastrointestinal (GI) tract conditions. A study of 42 adult OSA patients found pathological GI findings in 83.3% of cases, with hiatus hernia being the most common condition.
Researchers found that Tai Chi improved patients' vestibular symptoms through relaxation-based coordination. A study of 21 patients reported subjective improvements in their balance confidence scale and dynamic gait index survey scores.
Scientists have created a new approach to studying bacterial swimming, using optical traps, microfluidic chambers and fluorescence to track Escherichia coli movement. The method allows researchers to trap bacteria and modify their environment without hindering movement, providing insights into the mechanics of bacterial swimming.
A study presented at the AAO-HNSF Annual Meeting found that photodynamic therapy is effective in treating certain types of head and neck cancers. The treatment, which combines medications with a specific light therapy, can achieve organ preservation and cancer cure for superficially spread but not deeply infiltrated cancers.
Researchers found that graphite exhibits permanent magnetic behavior due to interlayer coupling of grain boundary regions, forming 2D networks. This discovery opens up new possibilities for spintronics and biosensor applications in carbon-based materials.
The new White Paper reveals an estimated 13 million babies worldwide were born preterm in 2005, with one million deaths attributed to preterm birth. Premature births face serious lifelong health risks and contribute significantly to global healthcare costs.
A UNC study found that the GSK-3 gene plays a crucial role in regulating the balance between neural stem cell proliferation and differentiation. Deleting this gene led to an overabundance of proliferating stem cells, resulting in fewer mature neurons. This discovery has implications for treating neuropsychiatric disorders.
A new study uses magnetoencephalography (MEG) to detect the site of perception of tinnitus in the brain, allowing physicians to target specific areas with treatments. The imaging technique reveals activity in both hemispheres of the brain for patients with bilateral tinnitus, providing hope for future interventional strategies.
A new comprehensive survey of White House Fellows, a group of over 600 prominent leaders, reveals significant differences between America's leadership cohort and the general public. The study found greater confidence in institutions like the Supreme Court and scientific community, but less confidence in education and organized labor.
The University Hospitals Case Medical Center has been awarded the 2009 Quality Leadership Award from the University HealthSystem Consortium, recognizing its excellence in delivering high-quality care. The award is given to teaching hospitals that demonstrate exceptional performance using six domains of care.
Aydogan Ozcan's lab has developed a prototype cell phone diagnostic unit using Lensless Ultra-wide-field Cell Monitoring Array platform (LUCAS) to detect diseases like HIV and malaria. LUCAS can identify and count microparticles virtually instantaneously, revolutionizing mobile health care.
A new report calls for reform of clinical psychology training programs and accreditation system to ensure mental health clinicians use evidence-based treatments. Cognitive-behavioral therapy has been shown to be effective for PTSD with fewer side effects, yet many psychologists do not use it.
NASA's AIRS instrument captured icy clouds of Super Typhoon Melor, revealing powerful thunderstorms and wind speeds reaching 132mph. Residents are warned of damaging winds extending hundreds of miles from the storm's center.
A study by Emory University sociologist Dennis Condron found that racial segregation in schools is a strong factor in learning disparities between black and white children. The study revealed that black students' reading and math skills fall behind those of their white peers due to school segregation.
A Virginia Commonwealth University study identified a key gene regulating ovarian follicle development in mice, which may help understand human fertility issues. Female mice lacking the Smad-3 gene showed reduced ability to respond to FSH stimulation, leading to infertility.
A survey found that only 40% of adults are confident in getting the H1N1 vaccine for themselves. Concerns about side effects, risk of illness, and vaccine safety top the list among those unsure or opposed to vaccination. The public's interest in the vaccine may increase if an outbreak becomes severe.
Researchers found that NEDD9 protein is required for aggressive breast cancer growth, and its absence limits the appearance of metastatic breast cancer. The study suggests that NEDD9 could serve as a biomarker for aggressive forms of breast cancer.
Researchers found that devout Christians and nonbelievers use the same brain regions to judge the truth of religious and nonreligious propositions. The study also found increased activity in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (VMPFC) when contrasting belief and disbelief, regardless of content.
A two-year study of 100 untrained adult women reveals that playing soccer improves maximal oxygen uptake, muscle mass, and physical performance compared to running. The study also shows that soccer's fixed time and place make it easier for women to stick to their training than running.
A new analysis by MIT researchers reveals that even moderate carbon-reduction policies can substantially lower the risk of future climate change. To avoid a 2 degree Celsius temperature increase, global emissions reductions are required now to provide a good chance of stabilizing the climate.
Researchers aim to create a microbicide-releasing vaginal ring that protects women for weeks, targeting HIV infection at two different steps in its life cycle.
Researchers observed magnetic behavior in an atomic gas, cooled to near absolute zero, and found it became ferromagnetic when repulsive forces were increased. The discovery may change textbooks on magnetism, showing that a gas of fermions can exhibit magnetic properties without a crystalline structure.
Researchers will use DNA sequencing and profiling technologies to create an atlas of gene expression during key periods of development. The findings aim to provide insights into the origins of mental disorders such as autism and schizophrenia.
A new study suggests that high aspirin dosing levels during the 1918-1919 influenza pandemic may have contributed to increased mortality. Autopsy reports from 1918 support this theory, as they show signs consistent with aspirin toxicity and viral causes of death.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University found that Merkel cells, responsible for touch perception, originate from the skin, contradicting previous speculation. The study's results provide significant insights into the development and function of Merkel cells, which may hold implications for understanding Merkel cell carcinoma.
A new study published in JBJS found that teenagers and young adults are more likely to need subsequent knee surgery after ACL reconstruction. The study analyzed over 70,000 patients and found that those under 20 years old had an 82% increased risk for additional ACL surgery.
A team of researchers found that some microscopic marine organisms recovered within a century after the mass extinction, contradicting previous estimates of millions of years. This discovery suggests that the atmosphere cleared quickly, allowing ecosystems to recover from the impact's effects.
The University of Oklahoma Center for Analysis and Prediction of Storms has been awarded three separate grants worth nearly $3 million to enhance severe weather prediction, improve wildfire management and predict tropical cyclones. The grants will focus on next-generation supercomputing, improved model resolution and advanced data assi...
Typhoon Parma is expected to make landfall in the northeastern province of Isabela, causing heavy rains and mudslides. The storm's powerful winds will also slam Luzon with rain over the next two days, exacerbating existing flooded conditions.
Researchers used ancient volcanic rocks to determine Earth's magnetic field was structured like today's two-pole model, resolving a long-standing debate. This finding may lead to better understanding of historical continental movement and its impact on climate.
Experts outline steps for federal, state, and local governments to reduce the $2 billion healthcare burden from alcohol, drugs, and tobacco use and abuse. Research roadmap covers treatment of drug and alcohol use disorders, preventing drug abuse, and policies to achieve a smoke-free society.
Dr. Marina Dermastia and colleagues discovered similarities between maize and teosinte kernel development, overturning previous assumptions about domestication. The team found traits like programmed cell death, sugar flow control, and endoreduplication that are common to both crops, suggesting they evolved independently.
A three-year research study is examining how freshwater marsh ecosystems react to global environmental change. The study will focus on the formation of marshes and their sensitivity to changes in water levels, biodiversity, and sediment deposition, with results aimed at preventing unintended destruction and restoring degraded marshes.
Using synthetic evolution, researchers created a simple state-dependent model for sodium channels that provides accurate behavior on short time scales and out to several seconds. This breakthrough helps scientists understand the important details about how the brain works.
The University of Washington has received $25 million to launch the Northwest Genomics Center, a new large-scale genomics center focused on medical sequencing. The center will explore genetic connections to heart, lung, and blood diseases, with a goal of understanding disease susceptibility and resistance.