A University of Montreal study found that children from poor families are more likely to be shorter than their peers, regardless of genetic factors. The researchers concluded that economic policies should support parents with young children to ensure they have sufficient resources to cover basic needs and promote normal development.
A new urine test can detect polyomavirus nephropathy, affecting up to 9% of kidney transplant recipients, allowing for early diagnosis and treatment. The noninvasive test measures viral aggregates in the urine, offering a faster and more affordable alternative to invasive kidney biopsies.
Scientists are using slices of living human brain tissue to identify new stroke therapies by blocking anoxic depolarization, a wave of death that engulfs and engorges brain cells. The study aims to find treatments that can delay or prevent the destructive electrical activity, potentially improving treatment options for strokes.
Researchers have discovered a new method to control graphene's properties by growing it on different surfaces. The results show that the chemistry of the surface plays a key role in shaping the material's conductive properties, allowing for the creation of either metallic or semiconductor graphene.
A new study in The Financial Review finds that political variables do not improve the performance of trading rules, contradicting previous research. The study analyzed monthly U.S. data from 1953 to 2003 and used widely used statistical model-selection criteria, finding limited economic benefits from using political variables.
A multi-center clinical trial is being conducted to investigate the effect of salsalate on blood glucose levels in adults with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes. The study aims to determine if targeting inflammation can lead to an inexpensive way to treat this common form of diabetes.
A team of scientists found distinct subspecies of rabies virus in African countries, indicating limited movement between localities. With a progressive strategy, neighboring countries can work together to eliminate rabies from sub-Saharan Africa.
A team of engineers and food scientists is working on a five-year project to create gelled rocket fuels that can improve the safety, performance, and range of rockets. The gels are designed to have a consistency similar to orange marmalade and can be throttled up and down for more precise control.
A Duke University-led team of chemists has successfully grown exclusively semiconducting carbon nanotubes, paving the way for manufacturing reliable electronic nanocircuits. The achievement paves the way for high-current field-effect transistors and sensors, offering reduced heat output and higher frequency operation.
Researchers propose a new theory that galaxies formed primarily through cold gas streams, challenging the prevailing view of galactic mergers. Computer simulations suggest these streams led to efficient star formation in massive disks, driving the creation of spiral galaxies.
The Department of Homeland Security has accepted PNNL to test and evaluate commercially available radiation detectors through its new GRaDER program. This will ensure emergency responders have the best tools available to detect radiation.
The trend of barring smokers from employment is being questioned by US experts, who argue that such policies can have serious consequences for smokers' health and well-being. The authors suggest that these policies may lead to discrimination against smokers and limit their job opportunities.
A new study by UNC researchers found that postmenopausal women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) report poorer health status, worse quality of life, and physical symptoms such as back pain and memory problems compared to those without the disorder.
The NYHOPS system provided real-time information on water conditions, weather, and environmental factors to aid in the rescue of 150 passengers. This enabled officials to deploy rescue assets downstream and guide the plane to a safe location.
A team of volcanologists developed a new program to quickly and accurately predict areas at high risk for lethal hazards from volcanic eruptions. The program uses existing GIS data to create maps that outline potential surge damage, enabling decision-makers to evacuate or put people on high alert.
Researchers found that mice lacking Smad3 are acutely sensitive to bacterially-induced inflammation and cancer. Chronic inflammation stimulates cancer development.
A UCI study finds that sulfuryl fluoride stays in the atmosphere nearly 10 times longer than previously thought, with potential to trap heat near the surface. The insecticide's global warming potential surpasses carbon dioxide from 1 million vehicles annually.
Researchers describe a potential new therapeutic approach for diabetic retinopathy using ASP-440, a protease plasma kallikrein inhibitor. The study showed significant reductions in retinal vascular permeability and blood pressure in rodents, suggesting promising results for treating the condition.
Researchers discovered how invasive ants cooperate to form massive supercolonies, allowing them to expand territory and evade native enemies. The study reveals that these traits develop when populations grow and adapt to new habitats.
A team of Yale University astronomers discovered that galaxies stop forming stars before their central supermassive black holes reach their most powerful stage. The study found no bright AGN at the centers of star-forming galaxies, suggesting that the shutting-down process occurs earlier in the AGN's lifetime.
Global minimum standards for intellectual property protection under TRIPS lead to unequal pharmaceutical trade between rich and poor countries. Developing countries are not utilizing flexibilities to overcome patent barriers, leaving them vulnerable to pressure from powerful nations.
A new study reveals that most of Antarctica has been warming at a rate comparable to the rest of the world, contrary to previous findings on the East Antarctic Ice Sheet. The research used satellite data and weather station measurements to estimate temperature trends and found that West Antarctica warmed more than East Antarctica.
Scientists have discovered a strong correlation between cosmic-ray data and stratospheric temperature, allowing for the detection of major weather events such as Sudden Stratospheric Warming. This study has the potential to improve weather forecasting and climate modeling by providing a new tool for monitoring atmospheric conditions.
New research found that tropical insects have shifted their habitats by an average of 67 meters over the past 42 years due to climate change, posing a major threat to global biodiversity. The study, published in PNAS, provides evidence for the impacts of climate change on these crucial species.
A topical treatment using RNA interference (RNAi) has been shown to effectively prevent herpes virus transmission in mice, disabling key genes necessary for the virus's replication and host cell infection. The treatment can be applied up to a week before or after exposure, making it a promising approach for preventing sexually transmit...
A study published in Cortex found that reducing attentional resources enhances memory accuracy in confabulating patients. By dividing their attention between tasks, these patients showed significantly reduced false-memory levels.
A recent study by the University of Leeds found that China's agricultural stability is fragile and vulnerability to drought has increased with urbanization. The country's reliance on low-quality land for high-profit crops poses a significant threat to global food supply, particularly for developing nations.
A recent UC Davis study found that smoking is linked to over 70% of cancer death burden among Massachusetts men in 2003, surpassing previous estimates. The study suggests that increased tobacco control efforts could save more lives and improve health outcomes.
A new study from Queen Mary University of London found that oral steroids are not effective in treating preschool children with virus-induced wheezing. The study monitored 700 children and found no significant difference in hospital stay time between those treated with prednisolone and those given a placebo.
Researchers at PTB have developed a single electron pump that injects precisely spun electrons into a semiconductor structure. This breakthrough enables the manipulation of individual spins for information processing, with potential advantages in speed and energy efficiency.
A recent study found that female patients are less frequently treated with evidence-based treatments for heart failure, including ACE inhibitors and beta-blockers. However, the gender of the physician plays a significant role in adherence to treatment recommendations, with male physicians prescribing more complete treatment for female ...
A study found that participants cooperated more often when playing for a higher numeric reward, such as 300 cents, rather than an equivalent economic value. This challenge traditional assumptions about decision-making and has implications for fields like politics and finance.
Researchers studied embryonic chickens' hearts to identify key proteins involved in regulating heartbeat control. Understanding these components can help develop better therapies for human heart abnormalities such as hypertension and congestive heart failure.
A new MIT study found that schizophrenia is linked to an overactive 'default mode' brain system involved in self-reflection. This hyperactive system causes patients to have an exaggerated focus on themselves, leading to cognitive and psychological symptoms.
A new formula estimates glomerular filtration rate (GFR) using demographic variables and biochemical markers, providing a valuable tool for pediatricians to monitor kidney function. The equation was found to be comparable with more complicated tests and superior to other recently published equations.
A 9-month-old breast-fed infant was diagnosed with rickets caused by vitamin D deficiency after presenting with seizures and a bulging soft spot. The case study published in the New England Journal of Medicine highlights the importance of considering nutritional deficiencies in infants, particularly those who are solely breast-fed.
Researchers at Michigan State University have successfully lured lovesick lampreys to traps using a synthetic chemical version of the pheromones used by males to attract females. The pheromone, called 3kPZS, is potent and only requires tiny concentrations to be effective.
A new study found that marginalized groups fare worse in the aftermath of natural disasters and experience greater terrorism-related fears. Researchers discovered that these groups tend to overestimate the threat of terrorism and make more behavioral changes based on those fears.
The Lancet Series on Trade and Health explores how trade affects population health, highlighting policy coherence challenges. Governance of trade and health is weighted towards international trade law, with WTO's strong dispute resolution procedure, which WHO lacks.
A new study found that people who experience social rejection tend to see others' actions as hostile and behave hurtfully. Those in control groups did not react in the same way, suggesting emotional response may not play a role in aggression.
A new three-year project aims to improve infant feeding practices and prevent childhood obesity by promoting responsive feeding styles and portion control. The study, funded by the US Department of Agriculture, will work with over 1,000 mothers of infants from birth to 4 months old.
A recent study published in BMC Medicine found that individuals with high trust in mass media tend to be healthier. Young, married, and highly-educated women reported the highest levels of health, while those in Turkmenistan had the lowest opinion of their own wellbeing.
The study proposes a theoretical model of the brain's coordination dynamics and applies a novel 4D colorimetric method to human neurophysiological data. It reveals that both integration and segregation occur in the brain, essential for its normal function.
Researchers explore alternative anatomical sites for islet transplantation, including the pancreas, to improve engraftment potential and patient safety. Bioartificial pancreas engineering and encapsulation technologies are also being developed to overcome challenges in current transplantation methods.
Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology is the most influential journal in clinical medicine, publishing research applicable to practicing physicians. It received its first impact factor of 5.465 in 2008, ranking 8th out of 50 gastroenterology journals.
A study by researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine found a topical microbicide using RNA interference to protect against genital herpes infection for up to a week. The microbicide combines two siRNAs to offer both immediate and sustained protection, providing hope for a cost-effective therapy in developing countries.
A recent study has genetically linked Lou Gehrig's disease in humans to a similar disease in dogs called degenerative myelopathy. The researchers discovered that dogs with this disease have the same genetic mutation as humans with ALS, paving the way for using them as animal models to help identify therapeutic interventions.
The article explores the growing trend of health tourism and global healthcare trade, highlighting the benefits and concerns surrounding cross-border e-health services, private healthcare abroad, foreign direct investment in healthcare, and migration of healthcare professionals. Key findings include the increasing demand for low-cost m...
Postgraduate students from UAB and UPC will conduct an experiment in microgravity to investigate the behavior of cells involved in drug assimilation. The research aims to improve medical treatments for astronauts and better understand drug mechanisms, with potential applications in diseases like cancer and AIDS.
The University of Southern California will be the central clearing house for a national project to collect and integrate biomedical data, facilitating access to physicians and researchers. BIRNCC aims to create a nationwide computer network that accelerates collaborative biomedical research and translates basic science into treatments.
The Lancet Series on Trade and Health highlights the need for health professionals to engage in trade debates due to their impact on global health. The series proposes reforming trade regimes to enhance health outcomes, including compulsory licensing of essential medicines in resource-poor countries.
A recent study found that long-term exposure to marijuana can negatively affect human male fertility by increasing anandamide levels. Additionally, two papers investigate the effects of delayed fatherhood in mice, revealing abnormalities in offspring's behavior and reproductive fitness.
Researchers have found that certain measles virus vaccine strain derivatives can effectively infect, replicate in and kill prostate cancer cells. This type of treatment, called virotherapy, shows promise as a potential cure for locally advanced or metastatic prostate cancer.
Researchers at Rice University, Texas Children's Hospital, and The Methodist Hospital Research Institute will investigate the mysteries of tuberculosis, breast cancer, and childhood cancer. They plan to develop novel treatments using lasers for deaf patients and create an auditory prosthetic superior to existing cochlear implants.
The Lancet Series on Trade and Health emphasizes the need for stronger evidence to link trade and health outcomes. Building capacity to analyze these links and ensuring public health representation in negotiations are crucial. The series advocates for policy responses to mitigate negative effects and optimize health benefits.
Researchers discovered that evolutionary changes produced improvements in molecules generating electrical signals in nerves between 550 and 400 million years ago. These innovations contributed to the evolutionary success and diversity of vertebrate animals. The study also found that the same electrical signaling molecules are an effect...
The study suggests that trade liberalization can exacerbate poverty, income inequality, and economic insecurity, leading to poorer health outcomes. The authors highlight the importance of social protection policies to mitigate these negative effects on public health.
A recent study by Brigham Young University and Harvard School of Public Health found that reducing air pollution in the US increases life expectancy by nearly three years, with cleaner air contributing up to five months of that increase.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center have discovered a new molecular mechanism that increases the risk of arrhythmias. They found that calcium-sensitizing drugs can cause arrhythmias by making heart muscle cells more prone to irregular rhythms.
Solarmer Energy Inc. is working on a new plastic solar cell technology that achieves 8% efficiency and has a lifetime of at least three years. The invention, PTB1, converts sunlight into electricity using a semiconducting material with a thickness of just 100 nanometers.
A new study by UC Berkeley and Harvard researchers finds that the hottest day of the year has shifted nearly two days earlier, with summer temperatures warming more than winter. The shift is related to changes in atmospheric circulation patterns and may be caused by human activity contributing to climate change.
The new mechanical design accommodates extreme bending and straining without reduction in electronic performance, enabling applications such as smart surgical gloves and eye cameras. The design uses semiconductor nanomaterials to offer high stretchability and twistability, making it suitable for various complex shapes.
The Systems Engineering Research Center (SERC) will support the development, integration, and testing of complex defense systems. Penn State's Applied Research Lab, College of Information Sciences and Technology, and Great Valley School of Graduate Professional Studies are involved in the center.
A new University of Delaware research study is exploring the emergence of Vibrio parahaemolyticus, a leading cause of seafood-borne illness worldwide. The study aims to determine the pathogen's virulence genes and develop an agent to treat contaminated oysters.
The AIAA Foundation recognized three students as 'best paper' winners for their research on spacecraft angular velocity, high-efficiency thrusters, and autonomous robotics. The award winners received cash prizes and commemorative certificates.
A study by the University of Leicester found that premature babies are exposed to potentially harmful excipients in liquid medicines, including ethanol, sorbitol, and Ponceau 4R. The researchers emphasize the need for more research on these chemicals and their effects on infants.
A University of Pittsburgh research team designed a propulsion system harnessing natural surface tension to propel small boats and robots. The technique uses an electric pulse to destabilize surface tension, causing the craft to move via the water's natural pull.
The authors argue that global health governance weaknesses hinder effective representation of public health interests in WTO decisions. To address this, they suggest strengthening WHO's influence through training and policy coherence on trade agreements.