A new study by researchers at the University of California, Davis, and Emory University found that human movement is a crucial factor in understanding disease transmission for mosquito-borne diseases like dengue. The study used satellite-based GPS and culturally-sensitive interviews to track individual human movement, revealing how fin...
Research suggests that stress can damage our immune system, leading to weaker responses to vaccines, increased risk of infections, and delayed wound healing. Chronic stress may also accelerate the aging process, increasing the risk of age-related diseases such as Alzheimer's and Type II diabetes.
A study found that people who share personal information with salespeople, such as birthdays or birthplaces, tend to have better attitudes towards the service and purchase intentions. Conversely, those who isolate themselves from others are less responsive to shared similarities.
Researchers at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem discovered a promising approach to treat Alzheimer's disease in individuals with a mutated gene that accelerates disease progression. They found that the mutated enzyme protein damages its protective tail, leading to increased risk and rapid disease progression.
Research on proton therapy, including proton CT, aims to improve effectiveness and reduce costs. Protons deposit more energy inside cancerous tissue than neighboring healthy tissue, making them a targeted treatment option. New technologies, such as laser-driven acceleration, are being explored to make proton therapy more accessible.
A new global subsidy, Affordable Medicines Facility–malaria (AMFm), will be rolled out in 2009 to address poor access to artemisinin combination therapies for malaria. The authors argue that the AMFm should focus on quality patient care by funding fixed dose combinations and rapid diagnostic tests.
Researchers at UNC School of Medicine have found an efficient way to deliver a corrected gene to lung cells, restoring normal function in tissue models. This breakthrough could lead to improved treatment options for cystic fibrosis patients.
The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) is developing drought-tolerant rice to help farmers cope with water shortages affecting 15-20 million hectares of irrigated rice. Genetically modified rice may also play a role in boosting production and improving grain quality during postharvest
A new study by Ana Valenzuela, Barbara Mellers, and Judi Strebel found that Westerner consumers are more receptive to unexpected promotional gifts than their East Asian counterparts. East Asians tend to view surprises as indicative of bad fortune, leading to a different emotional response.
The study found that invasive yellowjacket wasps kill or scavenge prey from 14 different taxonomic orders, including reptiles and birds, by analyzing DNA from food bits returned to nests. Nearby populations of caterpillars and spiders rebounded after nest removals.
Macaque monkeys learned to control a robotic device using brain signals and formed stable motor memories, demonstrating stability, rapid recall, and resistance to interference. This breakthrough could lead to more natural neuroprosthetic devices for physically disabled individuals.
Mathematical models help simulate plausible scenarios, develop control strategies, and identify areas for research. The H1N1 virus could become more severe in the fall, with small seasonal variations driving large annual surges in disease transmission.
Researchers at the University of Liverpool have developed a 'cloak' that can control surface waves, reducing damage from earthquakes. The technology involves concentric rings of plastic that deflect waves away from protected areas, offering potential protection for densely populated regions.
Early product stereotypes develop in children as young as five years old and change over time, with more flexibility seen from third to fifth grade.
Researchers at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center have identified a master regulator gene for early embryonic development of the pancreas and other organs. The study reveals that Sox17 acts like a toggle or binary switch, instructing cells to become either pancreatic or part of the biliary system.
Researchers have developed a novel biosensor using carbon nanotubes and aptamers to detect Salmonella typhi bacteria at concentrations as low as one bacterium in 5 mL. The technique enables fast, simple, and precise detection of micro-organisms.
Researchers at University of North Carolina have discovered a new approach to delivering a corrected CF gene to lung cells using parainfluenza virus, which could potentially cure cystic fibrosis lung disease. The method has shown promise in laboratory models and may pave the way for future clinical trials.
A team led by University of Oregon archaeologist Douglas J. Kennett found shock-synthesized hexagonal diamonds in 12,900-year-old sediments on the Northern Channel Islands. The discovery suggests a significant cosmic impact during Clovis time and matches the extinction of multiple species.
A report in Archives of Surgery found that most women surgeons (82.5%) would choose their career again, citing lifestyle implications such as high patient acuity and irregular work hours. Women were also more likely to value part-time work options and child care benefits.
The Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council has awarded 16 fellowships to UK researchers, including the first-ever Diamond Fellowship. Professor So Iwata from Imperial College London will study human cell membrane transporters using high-quality x-rays produced by the Diamond Light Source.
Researchers argue that development involves a complex system in which genes and environmental factors constantly interact. They support evolution but reject simplistic notions of innate traits and behaviors. Instead, they propose a developmental systems theory that acknowledges the interplay between genes and environment.
Researchers from the Helmholtz Center for Infection Research found that Beta-Interferon facilitates faster immune reactions against microbial and viral threats by regulating antigen presentation. Low levels of Beta-Interferon before infection can lead to a stronger immune response, known as priming.
Researchers identified a novel strategy to inhibit the hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway, which is involved in various physiological processes but also stimulates cancer development. By activating the liver X receptor (LXR), they were able to block tumor cell growth and prevent cancer formation in animal studies.
A review of past epidemics suggests that early and prolonged school closure can reduce the number of cases at the peak of a flu pandemic, but has limited impact on total cases. School closures are associated with significant social and economic costs, including disruption to healthcare systems and key services.
Research found that African Americans with HIV who have a genetic variation and low white blood cell count have slower disease progression rates. This study suggests a unique survival advantage for African Americans with HIV if they possess both a DARC variation and leukopenia.
Researchers at UC Berkeley and TGen found a gene variant, rs6457327, associated with nearly twice the risk of developing follicular lymphoma, a cancer of the body's disease-fighting network. The presence of the G allele was protective against the disease, while the A allele increased risk.
Researchers found that infants can match angry snarl sounds to photos of aggressive dogs, while matching friendly yap sounds to welcoming body language. This study contributes to our understanding of how babies learn rapidly, recognizing emotions in their social world.
A new Canadian study reveals that cardiovascular disease is on the rise in younger Canadians, with increased rates of hypertension, diabetes, and obesity. The study found that people of lower socioeconomic status are disproportionately affected, facing greater health risks and burdening healthcare resources.
Researchers at Yale University School of Medicine and the University of California Davis have discovered a protein, PRCP, that regulates appetite suppression by breaking down alpha-MSH in mice. Administration of PRCP inhibitors reduced food intake in both normal and obese mice.
Researchers at Yale University have made a groundbreaking discovery that reducing levels of an enzyme in the brain decreases appetites and increases energy levels. The study found that blocking this enzyme leads to weight loss and a decreased risk of type 2 diabetes in mice, providing new hope for treating metabolic disorders.
A new study by Queen Mary University of London reveals that young men living at home with their parents are more violent than those who live independently. These men, making up only 4% of the UK's male population, are responsible for 16% of all violent injuries in the last five years.
The University of Miami will create a high-tech seawater laboratory with $15 million in stimulus funds to study hurricane impacts on structures and ecosystems. The facility, set to be completed by summer 2012, will enable scientists to develop advanced sensor technology and models to improve construction standards and practices.
A team of researchers has identified a protein that breaks down an appetite-suppressing peptide, leading to reduced food intake in mice. Mice lacking the protein were leaner and less likely to become obese on high-fat diets.
Researchers at MIT create a quantum memory that heralds successful storage of light beams in ultra-cold atom gases, enabling scalable quantum networking. In Brazil, scientists control the formation of quantum turbulence in an ultra-cold atom gas using magnetic fields.
Experts debate whether financial ties between doctors and drug companies can be a corrupting influence. Emma D'Arcy argues for 'authentic alliances' with transparent interactions, while Ray Moynihan calls for complete disentanglement to prevent pharmaceutical industry distortion of medical practice.
Researchers discovered that uterine stromal cells increase estrogen production through the enzyme aromatase, supporting decidualization and blood vessel growth. Progesterone supplementation is necessary for successful pregnancy, highlighting the benefits of local estrogen production.
Researchers propose a simple redesign of public buses to enhance cooling airflow through wide vents and adjustable roof designs. This design improvement increases the comfort zone of the bus from 11% to over 50%, benefiting all passengers.
Two genes, AEG-1 and LSF, contribute to chemotherapy resistance in liver cancer treatment. The study found that over-expression of AEG-1 increases resistance to 5-fluorouracil, a commonly used chemotherapeutic drug.
Researchers at UC Irvine have found that neural stem cells can rescue memory in mice with advanced Alzheimer's disease by secreting a protein called BDNF, which creates new neural connections. This study provides hope for a potential treatment for the leading cause of elderly dementia.
A recent study found that transplanted neurons develop disease-like pathology in Huntington's patients, raising concerns about the therapeutic potential of cell transplantation therapy. The research suggests new mechanisms involved in the development of the disease and offers a new direction for developing novel therapeutic strategies.
Researchers have found that antibiotic treatment can induce the transmission of C. difficile by creating a 'supershedder state' in mice, where they shed high levels of spores even without symptoms. This suggests widening infection control measures to include all patients receiving antibiotics could be necessary.
GeoChip, developed by OU researchers, analyzes microbial functions and has been selected for the 2009 R&D 100 Award. The award recognizes innovative technologies with promising commercial potential.
A €3 million EU grant will support an international research project on hospital quality and safety in European countries. The study, starting in 2010, aims to explore the relationships between organisational and cultural characteristics of hospitals and their impact on clinical effectiveness, patient safety, and experience.
Researchers found cardiovascular disease is increasing in adults under 50 and those of lower socioeconomic status in Canada. Untreated cardiovascular disease can lead to heart failure, coronary artery disease, and death, making it the most common cause of hospitalization in North America.
A two-year case study tracked the origins and placement of one family's objects, showing that families consider the downstream consequences of introducing new products or services. The study suggests that families should be conscious about which activities or objects are important to preserve, especially during times of change.
Researchers found that HIV-positive patients who underwent susceptibility testing had lower mortality rates. Internet-based self-management programs improved asthma control and lung function in adult patients, but not quality of life or asthma attacks. Restricting artificial trans fat in restaurants led to healthier fatty acid profiles...
Researchers successfully used induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells to treat heart damage caused by infarction. The treatment restored heart muscle performance, stopped progression of structural damage, and regenerated tissue at the site of heart damage.
Research suggests that starting antiretroviral therapy at a CD4 count of 350 is highly cost-effective. This approach may reduce morbidity, mortality, and improve long-term survival for patients in South Africa.
A recent study published in Archives of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery found that babies with mild facial nerve paralysis caused by forceps during birth generally recover fully within 24 days. In most cases, no treatment was necessary or required.
Researchers found that three genes affect dopamine function in the brain, predicting approach and avoidance behaviors, as well as exploratory decision-making. These findings may help shape future treatments for conditions like Parkinson's disease.
Researchers found that tamoxifen kills yeast cells and prevents them from causing disease by breaking apart and dying fungus cells. The drug has potential as an effective treatment against serious fungal infections, particularly in immune-compromised patients, offering a new arsenal to help critically ill patients.
Researchers found that consumers perceive unfamiliar products as expensive when surrounded by high-end options, while ignoring their own car expertise. Conversely, novice consumers believe cheap cars are more expensive when seen near affordable ones.
A team of researchers refuted a popular hypothesis about the failure of the Merck STEP HIV vaccine study by finding no correlation between pre-existing neutralizing antibodies and increased susceptibility to infection. The study analyzed blood samples from participants with varying degrees of pre-existing immunity to Ad5 and found that...
Scientists from British Antarctic Survey and University of Durham describe a new 3D map created from radar measurements, revealing features in the landscape beneath a vast river of ice. The study provides insight into how ice streams behave and how they might change in the future.
A study by Kaiser Permanente researchers found no racial disparities in the risk of AIDS and death among HIV-infected patients, with Hispanics experiencing better outcomes. Despite lower adherence rates, Hispanics had a statistically significant survival benefit compared to whites and blacks.
A new study suggests that tapping into our other senses, such as smell and texture, can increase consumers' taste perceptions. In experiments, participants who viewed ads appealing to multiple senses rated the overall taste of a product higher than those who viewed single-sense ads.
A study published in Pediatrics found that prenatal exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) can lower children's full-scale and verbal IQ scores. The study suggests that reducing air pollution exposure, particularly in urban areas, could have a positive impact on educationally meaningful IQ decreases.
A study found that adenotonsillectomy improves sleep and behavior in children with breathing problems during sleep, but these benefits are not maintained in the long term. The procedure showed positive effects for up to 2.5 years after surgery, but improvements started to fade over time.
Scientists are exploring the potential benefits of hydrogen sulphide in pregnancy, particularly its role in relaxing the uterus and initiating term labour. Research has shown that the gas may have anti-inflammatory properties, which could provide insight into conditions like pre-eclampsia.
Researchers found that adolescents with low social support levels reported higher levels of depression after a suicide bombing in Israel. Social support was a protective factor against depression, with happier adolescents better able to cope with terrorism-related stress.