A North Carolina State University-developed machine allows researchers to test and refine technologies in a realistic surgical environment, saving time and money. The 'dynamic heart system' enables researchers to conduct 'proof of concept' evaluations before testing on live animals, making the development process more efficient.
Scientists develop catalytic process to convert phenolic components of bio-oil directly into cycloalkanes and methanol. The 'one-pot' reaction uses palladium metal on a carbon support and phosphoric acid as a proton source.
A new system developed by Prof. Abraham Katzir can detect contaminants in water supply in real time, providing early warning to authorities. The system uses special fibers that can distinguish between pure and contaminated water using the invisible infrared spectrum.
A new study in the Journal of Consumer Research found that drawing consumers' attention to opportunity costs leads to different purchasing decisions. By explicitly naming opportunity costs, consumers become more price sensitive and tend to choose cheaper options.
A study investigated the link between high ferritin levels and steatosis in a non-obese cohort of non-alcoholic patients, finding hyperferritinemia as a surrogate marker of advanced liver disease. The research suggests that high ferritin levels are associated with low platelet count, steatosis and clinical relevance.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that women who take folic acid supplements for at least one year before becoming pregnant are less likely to have premature babies. The research suggests a significant reduction in very early and early preterm deliveries, with a 70% decrease in the most high-risk category.
Researchers found that confined spaces lead to greater variety seeking, as people diversify their choices. In crowded stores, customers tend to choose unfamiliar and unique brands.
Researchers propose a new system to warn of impending pandemics by monitoring subtle signals in human behavior, such as increased flu-related medication purchases. This approach aims to overcome the traditional challenge of knowing when events leading to pandemics begin, allowing for proactive measures to be taken.
A University of Missouri researcher found that a quality care improvement program saved nursing homes $6 million over three years. The program improved care quality for residents, reducing medical problems and costs for facilities.
Indonesian zebu cattle have a unique origin with banteng (Bos javanicus) as part of their ancestry, adapted to tropical climates. The study shows that many famous 'racing bulls' from Madura descended from banteng cows.
The American College of Radiology has reaffirmed its support for clinical patient management by vascular and interventional radiologists. These specialists provide minimally invasive treatment options with less risk, pain, and recovery time compared to open surgery. With this extension, interventional radiologists are formalizing their...
The Lancet has partnered with Elsevier to launch a new H1N1 Flu Resource Centre, aggregating infectious disease and public health information from across its content. The centre provides timely and accurate information on the prevention, detection, diagnosis, and treatment of the influenza A H1N1 virus.
A UCLA study found that meditation increases gray matter in areas of the brain regulating emotions, leading to improved emotional stability and mindful behavior. Long-term meditators showed significantly larger volumes in regions such as the hippocampus and orbito-frontal cortex.
Scientists have discovered that p90RSK plays a critical role in activating hepatic stellate cells, which produce excessive collagen leading to liver fibrosis. Downregulating p90RSK inhibits HSC proliferation and collagen expression, providing a new therapeutic target for treating liver fibrosis.
A study published in JAMA found that men with systolic chronic heart failure who have low or high levels of estradiol have an increased risk of death compared to those with moderate levels. The study, conducted on 501 men, showed that both low and high concentrations of circulating estradiol are significant predictors of a poor prognosis.
A study found that children's hospitals have varying policies on organ donation after cardiac death (DCD), with differences in declaring death criteria and withdrawing life-sustaining treatment locations. The researchers analyzed 73 approved policies from 105 responding hospitals, revealing notable variation among institutions.
A case study reports a patient with chronic diarrhea responding to lansoprazole withdrawal, highlighting the drug's potential link to collagenous colitis. Withdrawal of lansoprazole promptly resolved both colonoscopic and histological abnormalities.
The NPs-NPR-B/pGC-cGMP signal pathway is up-regulated in diabetic rats, leading to potentiated relaxation and increased cGMP production in gastric smooth muscle. This suggests a potential role of the CNP-(NPR-B)-pGC-cGMP pathway in the pathogenesis of diabetic gastroparesis.
A review of phase I clinical trial designs and the association between lymphovascular invasion and breast cancer recurrence, highlighting the need for new methods to expedite drug development and improve patient outcomes.
A new study found that high-achieving schoolchildren, even from poor families, are less likely to smoke. This suggests that improved education for children from disadvantaged backgrounds could be an effective intervention in reducing smoking prevalence and addressing social inequality.
A UC Davis bioengineer is working on a new treatment for infant skull fusion disorders, aiming to reduce the need for secondary surgeries. He aims to create a biodegradable synthetic bone matrix that promotes healthy tissue growth, addressing this condition's complex cause.
A physicist at Brookhaven National Laboratory has developed a compact and cost-effective gantry design for delivering tumor-killing particle beams, reducing weight and size by up to 100 times. This new design could make precision particle therapy available to more cancer patients worldwide.
A new study published in Developmental Psychology found that trauma experienced by mothers prior to pregnancy influences the emotional and social behavior of their offspring. The research, conducted on rats, showed varied effects on the offspring's behavior depending on the duration and intensity of pre-pregnancy stress.
A new study finds that consumers can use 'emotion gaming' to get better deals by exaggerating their anger levels. This tactic is effective when proposers believe the receivers' emotions are genuine. However, if proposers suspect a strategic display, its impact on offers disappears.
A UC Davis team plans to extend the capabilities of a powerful new imaging tool called DTEM, enabling scientists to observe and record biological processes at the molecular level. The instrument could achieve resolutions 100 times greater than currently attainable for live processes.
A meta-analysis of 17 randomized controlled trials found that pre-procedural treatment with sodium bicarbonate-based hydration is the optimal strategy to prevent contrast-induced nephropathy. Sodium bicarbonate was superior to normal saline in reducing CIN incidence, with a number needed to prevent one case being 16.
A large retrospective cohort study found that women with precancerous Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia (CIN) are at higher risk of developing invasive cervical cancer and recurrent severe CIN, especially after treatment. The study suggests the need for long-term follow-up of these patients.
Researchers create Liquid-Gradient Refractive Index (L-GRIN) lenses using water and calcium chloride, enabling precise control over light direction. These fluidic lenses can be fabricated on chips and have potential applications in optical tweezers and medical imaging.
A study by Marianne Hirsch and Leo Spitzer explores the evolution of Holocaust Studies and Memory Studies, arguing that even a witness' silence can tell a powerful story. The authors examine how oral and video testimonies have redefined listening and the role of witnesses in shaping collective memory.
A randomized trial found acupuncture to be as effective in treating chronic low back pain as usual care, with simulated and standard acupuncture showing similar benefits. The study suggests that the mind-body connection and physiological effects may play a role in the therapeutic effect of acupuncture.
A recent study found that nearly one-third of cancer research published in high-impact journals disclosed a conflict of interest, with industry funding being the most frequent type. This suggests that researchers may be biased towards positive findings, and that public funding is necessary to minimize this bias.
A recent study found that women have a more powerful innate immune system than men due to the presence of estrogen. Estrogen blocks an enzyme called Caspase-12, which prevents the inflammatory process, making women more resistant to infection.
A genetic variant in the KIFAP3 gene has been linked to a significant increase in survival time for patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The variant, found in over 1,800 individuals with ALS and nearly 2,200 unaffected controls, is associated with improved motor function and increased survival by 40-50 percent.
A study by Georgia Institute of Technology researchers suggests that swift recall, restitution, and effective crisis management can minimize harm to a company's bottom line and reputation. Companies should engage the public immediately after announcing a recall, take shared responsibility for errors, and provide easy compensation options.
Researchers found that the virus is spreading consistently with early stages of a pandemic, fatal in around 4 in 1,000 cases, and likely to cause secondary cases for every infected person. The epidemic is thought to have started in Mexico on February 15, 2009, with 23,000 people infected and 91 deaths by the end of April.
The American College of Medical Genetics emphasizes the value of residual newborn screening dried blood spots in improving child health. The statement supports the storage and use of these spots to enhance newborn screening programs nationwide, while maintaining privacy and confidentiality.
The NSF and Math Institutes have created 45 postdoctoral fellowships to support the careers of young mathematical scientists. These positions will place highly trained researchers as teachers at community colleges and universities, as well as in business and industry, providing them with opportunities to apply their training.
Researchers argue that providing free drug samples to patients is ineffective in improving access for the indigent, promotes irrational prescribing habits, and raises healthcare costs. The practice also leads to misused samples being distributed to those who cannot afford them, compromising health care quality.
Research suggests that mothers who miss signs of satiety in their infants tend to overfeed them, leading to excess weight gain. The study found that maternal sensitivity to infant signals at 3 and 6 months predicted infant weight gain from 6-12 months.
A new study identifies Cyber Millenials, affluent, health-conscious young adults living on the urban fringe, as those most likely to engage in high-risk drinking. These individuals, despite being tech-savvy and well-educated, exhibit detrimental binge drinking habits.
Researchers found that island ecosystems have eight to nine times the biodiversity of continental ecosystems. The study highlights the importance of protecting these unique habitats to preserve rare and endemic species.
A study of 13,877 people found that just over 11% had been diagnosed with heart disease before displaying symptoms. The majority of diabetic patients were not diagnosed until they became symptomatic, highlighting the need for improved screening and education to reduce heart disease before symptoms occur.
A Commonwealth Fund study finds that seven of 10 working-age women in the US have no health insurance coverage or inadequate coverage, leading to medical bill and debt problems. Women are more likely to experience financial burdens from health care costs, with 52% reporting difficulties accessing needed care.
A new study published in American Journal of Hematology finds that iron chelation therapy is not a reliable predictor of patient survival. Instead, degree of anemia and need for red blood cell transfusion at diagnosis are stronger predictors.
A Swedish study found that women who followed the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet had a lower risk of heart failure. The study analyzed data from 36,019 women and found that those with higher DASH scores had half the rate of heart failure compared to those with lower scores.
Climate change, fishing, and commercial shipping are major threats to the ocean off the US West Coast, with every spot affected by 10-15 human activities annually. A new study provides critical information for evaluating where certain activities can continue with little effect on the oceans.
Lyncean Technologies will develop the Clinical High Resolution Imaging System (CHRIS) using the Compact Light Source's unique x-ray beam. The system aims to detect fine structures in soft tissue for cancer detection and other clinical applications.
Research found that lower levels of alpha-beta peptide 1-42, tau, and phosphorylated tau 181 in cerebrospinal fluid are associated with a faster rate of cognitive decline among individuals with mild dementia. The study suggests that these biomarkers may be useful as entry criteria for clinical trials of disease-modifying therapies.
A £1.1m grant will lead the development of a Field Applicable Screening Tool (FAST) kit to detect insecticide resistance in mosquitoes, crucial for effective malaria control in sub-Saharan Africa. The project aims to identify genes that render mosquitoes resistant to key insecticides.
Researchers at the University of Copenhagen discovered that North Sea oil-bearing layers resemble a sponge, with tiny pores and gaps where oil 'hides' and can only be pressed out by injecting water. The chalk particles should repel oil, but the surface coating on the pores allows it to stick.
A new study from Henry Ford Hospital found that radical prostatectomy significantly increases long-term survival for men under 50 with prostate cancer. The procedure improved cancer-specific and overall survival rates compared to radiotherapy or watchful waiting, making it the recommended treatment option for younger patients.
A six-month study found that Power Plate exercise aided in significant weight loss (11% body weight) and reduced visceral fat compared to diet and conventional fitness alone. Regular Power Plate exercise also outperformed dieting with low-impact results.
Researchers found nearly one in 12 people reported increased alcohol consumption, with similar rates for drugs and cigarettes. The study suggests a potential behavioral health effect of man-made disasters like terrorism on substance misuse.
Researchers Adams and Pierce tested a controversial hypothesis that solar activity causes global warming by reducing cloudiness. They found changes in atmospheric ions and particle formation resulting from variations in the sun and cosmic rays were too small to affect climate, laying the hypothesis to rest.
The conference highlighted the critical role of shipping in the global economy, with Rear Admiral Richard Gurnon emphasizing that paying ransoms to pirates is doomed to fail. The event also explored innovative technologies to protect cargo ships and discuss how maritime security affects U.S. economic security.
A study found that exposure to small branded promotional items influenced medical students' unconscious attitudes toward marketed products. Students at schools with stricter marketing policies showed less favorable attitudes, while those at more lenient schools responded more favorably. The study suggests institutional policies can imp...
A randomized clinical trial found that real and simulated acupuncture were more effective than usual care in reducing chronic low back pain. Participants who received acupuncture experienced a clinically meaningful improvement in their level of functioning, compared to those receiving usual care.
Researchers at the University of Queensland discovered that a traditional kava extract is an effective treatment option for chronic anxiety and depression. The study found significant reductions in anxiety levels among participants taking kava tablets, with improvements also seen in depression.
Chronic smoking impairs brain blood flow recovery after long-term heavy drinking, according to a new study. Brain perfusion in frontal and parietal cortices improved with abstinence, but smokers showed significantly less recovery, particularly in the frontal lobes.
A study by Oregon State University researchers found a pattern of distrust among physicians and midwives, with doctors believing hospital births are the only safe option. The study also revealed that assisted homebirths do not contribute to lower-than-average health outcomes, but rather successful outcomes for mothers and infants.