People with mental illnesses like depression and anxiety are heavy smokers, but their doctors fear asking them to quit due to concerns about worsening symptoms. However, tobacco addiction specialist Brian Hitsman says this is a myth, and treating tobacco use and dependence can improve patients' overall health.
Researchers at UCSB have developed a novel drug delivery system that uses nanoparticles and laser exposure to deliver siRNA into cancer cells, providing temporal and spatial control over gene expression. The technique has potential applications in delivering multiple drugs against diverse biological targets.
A study published in The Lancet found that vaccination against bacterial infections, such as Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae type b, can substantially improve survival rates in African children with sickle-cell anaemia. The researchers also found that these bacteria are the same cause of infection in both developed ...
Research suggests that living close to noisy roads increases the risk of developing hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. The study found modest exposure effects at lower noise levels, but more marked effects among younger and middle-aged populations.
A study by MassGeneral Hospital for Children reveals that newborn seizures often do not produce visible convulsions due to the brain's immature response to GABA. Treatment with a new medication, bumetanide, successfully suppressed seizure activity in both cortical and subcortical regions.
Researchers at the University of Arizona are working on a novel, non-invasive lung test to measure airway fluid composition in cystic fibrosis patients. The study aims to compare the accuracy of this test with the invasive bronchoalveolar lavage procedure.
The Xavier University of Louisiana and New York University have received a $3 million grant from the National Science Foundation to develop a materials science research core at Xavier and an undergraduate materials science educational program. Undergraduate students will be exposed to research laboratories as early as their freshman ye...
Researchers at UCLA have found a surprise energy transfer mechanism from the solar wind to the Earth's magnetosphere, which could improve spacecraft safety and reliability. This discovery contradicts long-held assumptions about the control of energy transfer rate.
Scientists have identified powerful antiviral compounds in the roots of Ferula assa-foetida, a plant used during the Spanish influenza pandemic. The sesquiterpene coumarins found in the plant showed greater potency against H1N1 flu virus than a prescription antiviral drug.
Research highlights striking differences in national prevention policies and cardiovascular mortality rates across EU countries, with Hungary and Greece showing highest rates. The study also found noticeable disparities in risk factor prevalence and CHD prevention policies among the 16 participating countries.
A new NIST prototype method detects and measures elusive hazards such as concealed explosives and toxins using a technique called headspace analysis. The method is sensitive enough to measure amounts of target materials that constitute as little as 0.0000002 percent of a sample.
A survey found that most businesses are unprepared to handle the impact of a widespread H1N1 outbreak, with only 27% believing they could maintain operations for two weeks with half their workforce absent. Only 35% offer paid leave for family members, and even fewer would allow time off if schools/daycares closed.
Researchers at UC Santa Cruz are working on a new approach to AIDS vaccine development using novel HIV protein structures and broadly neutralizing antibodies to combat the virus' high variability. The $3.5 million NIH grant will support studies exploring these promising findings and potentially lead to more effective vaccines.
Researchers used 'barcoded' yeast mutants to identify novel biological processes and potential drug targets in response to nitrogen-containing bisphosphonate (N-BP) cancer drugs. These findings may open up opportunities for the development of new compounds with antitumor activity.
New research shows that dopamine reinforces drug-associated memories, driving and perpetuating addiction. The study found that nicotine induces synaptic potentiation, which correlates with the mice learning to prefer a place associated with the nicotine dose.
Salt-loving algae can be grown on marginal lands with brackish water, producing biofuels 10-30 times more than terrestrial crops. Their growth is non-seasonal, making them suitable for recycling atmospheric carbon dioxide.
A recent study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases reveals key laboratory and clinical features of human P. knowlesi infections, confirming the potentially deadly nature of the disease. The research found that P. knowlesi malaria can cause a wide spectrum of disease, including breathing difficulties and kidney problems.
Researchers at MIT have cracked the code of cement's molecular structure, finding it to be a hybrid with characteristics of both crystalline and amorphous structures. This discovery could lead to the development of more durable and environmentally friendly concrete.
Pediatric researchers at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia will investigate the most beneficial method of using antibiotics to treat urinary tract infections (UTIs) in children. The goal is to determine if a shorter treatment period can reduce drug resistance while effectively treating UTIs.
Researchers at NIST have proposed a mathematical solution to enable calibration of temperature in microfluidic systems for accurate measurements. The new equations can correct errors introduced by changing reference temperatures, benefiting applications like DNA amplification and chemical analysis.
New studies reveal dry years getting drier in Pacific Northwest, explore rainfall-humidity relationship, and analyze ancient solar cycles using radioactive tracers. These findings highlight the impact of climate change and solar activity on Earth's water cycle and atmosphere.
The US has reached a critical point on obesity, with 72 million adults affected. Health reform that directly addresses obesity is crucial to saving lives and reducing healthcare costs.
52% of small business employees are uninsured or underinsured due to high premium costs and lack of transparency. Health reform provisions could alleviate these issues, providing standard benefits, eliminating lifetime maximums, and controlling premium costs.
Researchers at University of California - Irvine found that brain activity during an event is comparable to the first experience, even if specifics are forgotten. This discovery may shed light on memories of traumatic events and provide insight into memory loss with age.
Researchers found geckos' severed tails exhibit complex movement patterns to distract predators, potentially leading to new insights into spinal injury recovery. The study's findings suggest central pattern generators can function without a brain or nervous system.
Researchers at UAB are investigating genetic factors that contribute to suicidal behavior, focusing on the role of serotonin 2C and ADAR proteins. The study aims to develop diagnostic tests that can identify individuals at high risk of suicide and tailor therapies accordingly.
A study found that working parents who have better work conditions are more likely to prepare home-cooked meals, eat with their family, and keep healthy food at work. Long hours and irregular schedules can lead to feelings of time scarcity, fatigue, and strain, affecting parents' ability to plan and prepare meals.
A new study led by Queen's University aims to clarify Canadian exercise guidelines, which suggest 20-30 minutes of vigorous activity or 45-60 minutes of walking for health benefits. The research will investigate the specific type, amount, pattern, and intensity of exercise needed to achieve optimal results.
Researchers at Penn State have found that machines are unable to recognize distorted images like humans can. This limitation may be overcome in the future as computer programs harness large volumes of online data for knowledge generation and automatic recognition.
A new educational program using the Medicine Wheel Model for Nutrition has shown promise in changing dietary patterns and improving glycemic control in an American Indian population. The study found significant weight loss and decreased body mass index in participants who received nutrition lessons based on traditional Northern Plains ...
A new study by University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers suggests that many mainstream scientists regularly work with journalists, contradicting the common perception that they are out of touch. The study found that senior researchers tend to interact most frequently with reporters.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine found that nicotine strengthens neuronal connections in the brain, creating memory associations between environmental cues and smoking behavior. This process is thought to underlie why former smokers often experience strong cravings when exposed to triggers such as bars or meals with friends.
A team of biologists found that a rare species of algae proliferated in corals during a period of high sea surface temperatures in the Caribbean Ocean. The results suggest that this species may save some corals from bleaching, but its long-term impact on coral health is uncertain.
Researchers at Berkeley Lab developed a technique to boost the electrical conductivity of nanorod crystals by 100,000 times using gold contacts. This method preserves the intrinsic semiconductor character of the starting nanocrystal, making it ideal for solar cells and energy production.
Research discovered a conflict between worker bees and the queen, with some workers reproducing and living up to three times longer than non-reproducing workers. This leads to a 'reproductive class war' where individual benefits come at the cost of the colony.
Researchers found that bone lead levels were associated with a higher risk of death from all causes and cardiovascular disease. The study suggests that bone lead may be a better biomarker for cumulative exposure to lead, leading to important public health implications.
Researchers have sequenced the genome of Phytophthora infestans, the cause of the Irish potato famine, to aid in its control and development of chemical-free methods. The pathogen's unique genetic traits, including repetitive DNA sequences, play a key role in its virulence and adaptability.
Researchers at UC Riverside will advance their work on sequencing the barley genome and breeding new barley varieties with a two-year $1 million grant. They aim to sequence all barley genes and make information available to the public, with potential benefits for farmers, markets, and consumers.
Research indicates that family mealtimes can have numerous benefits for teens and children, including reduced substance abuse, improved vocabulary growth, and healthier eating habits. Fiese urges cities to support zoning laws, low-interest loan programs, and food labeling initiatives to make healthy food choices accessible to all.
Researchers have confirmed a link between Trichomonas vaginalis and an increased risk of prostate cancer. The study found that men infected with T. vaginalis were more likely to develop extraprostatic prostate cancer and cancer that is likely to progress to bony metastases or prostate cancer-specific death.
A team of researchers at Washington University in St. Louis has discovered that individual cells isolated from the biological clock can keep a 24-hour rhythm, but they are unreliable on their own. The cells must communicate with each other to establish a coherent daily cycle.
Healthcare organizations can benefit from a new framework of recommendations created by researchers to ensure safe and effective use of electronic health records. The guidelines, which cover key aspects such as hardware and software, content, user interface, personnel, work flow, organizational characteristics, state and federal rules,...
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found a significant link between depression and early-stage chronic kidney disease, with 57 out of 272 participants identified as depressed. The study suggests that depression screening should be considered for patients in the early stages of chronic kidney disease.
Scientists have developed a technique to understand how cell signals pass from the membrane into the cell, triggering complex biological processes. This breakthrough will help create better drugs and faster delivery times, providing new insights into human biology.
A new study by North Carolina State University found that parenthood tends to make mothers more liberal and fathers more conservative on social welfare issues. Women with children at home tend to hold more progressive views on healthcare and education, while men with kids are more likely to adopt conservative stances.
Researchers found that mulched maple and oak leaves significantly reduced common dandelion populations by up to 80% with two applications. The study also showed increased spring green-up rates, indicating a potential for improved lawn health.
Researchers found that elderly individuals have a slower response time when identifying faces, with one component of the brain's reaction being less sensitive to faces. This suggests that age-related decline affects face processing abilities.
Researchers are studying skin's complex structure to create products that appeal to consumers, with a focus on lipid bilayers and ceramide molecules. The goal is to develop ingredients that improve skin's strength, elasticity, and overall feeling.
Researchers led by Thorp and Phadke will advance synchrophasor technologies to improve the US power grid's security and reliability. They aim to reduce false trips and cascading blackouts using high-speed, real-time synchronized measurement devices.
A new biosensor developed by researchers at Rovira i Virgili University can detect extremely low levels of Salmonella typhi, the bacteria that causes typhoid fever, immediately and reliably. The technique uses carbon nanotubes and synthetic DNA fragments to activate an electric signal when they link up with the pathogen.
The UK's first dual-fuel diesel-biomethane powered bus will significantly reduce pollutant and greenhouse gas emissions. The innovative technology, developed in collaboration with the University of East Anglia and leading bus operators, aims to be rolled out across the country and further afield.
A new study by Loyola University Health System researchers highlights the limitations of hospital report cards, particularly in neurosurgery. The mortality index used in these reports fails to account for factors such as patient mix, complex cases, and treatment of lower-risk elective versus high-risk non-elective cases.
Researchers found female crickets store more sperm from unrelated males and choose the best father for their offspring. This study challenges common behaviors among insect species and sheds light on the complex mating strategies in the insect world.
A team from University of Washington has created a working electronic circuit that runs entirely off the power generated by trees, producing an output voltage of 1.1 volts and consuming just 10 nanowatts of power during operation.
Rice University bioengineer Michael Deem has developed a technique to predict the efficacy of H1N1 vaccines by estimating antigenic distance between flu strains. This method assigns a numerical value to the similarity between epitope regions, allowing researchers to refine cell-based approaches and shorten vaccine production time.
New research suggests that daycare attendance in early childhood doubles respiratory problems, but does not prevent later asthma and allergies. Children who started daycare early were more likely to experience wheezing in the first year of life, but this effect reversed by age eight.
Researchers found that large real increases for some food items were balanced by big falls for others, but variations existed between stores and locations. Some healthy items like fruit and vegetables became increasingly expensive, while others like apples and bananas got cheaper.
A Tel Aviv University study suggests that men's bodies have become 'reproductive antagonists', producing aggressive sperm to compete with women's bodies, which defend against them. This evolutionary arms race may be contributing to high rates of unexplained infertility.
Researchers evaluate composted dairy manure as a substitute for peat in container plant propagation, showing promising results. The study demonstrates that cowpeat-based substrates have physical and chemical properties similar to commercial peat substrates and support healthy root growth.
Researchers discover gecko tails have intricate movement patterns after shedding, including flips up to 3cm in height. The isolated tail serves as a vehicle for studying spinal cord function and nerve-muscle coordination.