A study found that cancer patients value honesty from their oncologists about treatment outcomes, with prostate cancer patients showing a stronger preference for candor. The study also reveals that patients prefer casual clothing and informal communication styles, such as being called by their first names.
A new lung age formula more accurately calculates a smoker's 'lung age,' which researchers hope will help persuade patients to quit the habit. Pulmonary rehab programs also show promise in improving smoking cessation rates, with higher abstinence rates among participants.
Astronomers have identified the youngest neutron star ever discovered, located 11,000 light years from Earth. The star was born in a violent supernova explosion 330 years ago and features a unique carbon atmosphere just 10 centimeters thick.
The University of Oklahoma has received over $10 million in federal stimulus grants to support 33 research projects across various disciplines, including archaeology, weather, and genetics. The funding will enable OU researchers to tackle important problems with practical benefits for Oklahoma and the nation.
A team of researchers from Harvard University discovered that army ant colonies can be cooperative instead of combative when they lose their queen. The lost workers are absorbed by neighboring colonies and integrate quickly, often losing their distinct colony odor within days.
A recent study published in HortScience found that Indiana's farmers' markets have grown at twice the national rate, with factors like paying fees, customer numbers, and WIC vouchers influencing vendor participation. Cooking demonstrations also boosted customer traffic, attracting up to 200 more customers per week.
A team of researchers found that community-based education and awareness programs minimized the death toll from the recent Samoan tsunami. The study suggests that tsunami education, awareness, and evacuation exercises played a crucial role in containing the death toll, with most people evacuated after experiencing an earthquake.
A new study by Henry Ford Hospital found that a patient's socioeconomic status has no effect on their outcome following curative radiation therapy for prostate cancer. The study analyzed data from 788 patients and found that all patients, regardless of race or income, had similar survival rates and biochemical control rates.
Australian scientists have achieved world-leading oil production rates from algae grown in open saline ponds, paving the way for commercial quantities of clean biofuel. The multi-million dollar pilot plant will test the whole process on a larger scale and aims to produce biofuel at less than $1 a kilo.
Researchers at OHSU Knight Cancer Institute have found a combination of radiation therapy and chemotherapy given before prostate removal to be safe and potentially reduce cancer recurrence rates. The treatment regimen resulted in improved outcomes, with clean cancer margins and undetectable PSA levels in patients.
A new initiative aims to sequence the genomes of 10,000 vertebrates, including whales, dolphins, and porpoises, to gain better understanding of species diversity, evolution, and conservation. The project, called Genome 10K, has the potential to revolutionize our knowledge of cetaceans and inform effective conservation strategies.
Scientists developed a fast and affordable paper-based test strip that can detect minute amounts of pesticides in food and beverages. The test, which produces results in under 5 minutes, has the potential to improve pesticide testing in developing countries.
Researchers found a significant link between osteoporosis and bronchiectasis, as well as a new formula to calculate 'lung age' in smokers that may help with quitting. Low muscle mass and high body fat are also associated with poor lung function in the elderly. Additionally, vitamin B12 deficiency may be linked to chronic cough.
A study published in Geology has used InSAR to detect signs of activity in four volcanoes in Kenya's Rift Valley, showing episodic pulses of magma arriving at the crust. The findings highlight the geothermal potential of the region and pose a challenge for human hazard risk management.
Aging population faces limitations with technology due to age-related changes such as vision and hearing difficulties, motor control issues, and cognitive decline. Psychologists propose web design improvements like larger fonts, navigation aids, and instructional support to alleviate stress and improve usability.
A long-forgotten fossil skull has provided crucial clues to the early stages of tyrannosaur evolution. Proceratosaurus, an ancient ancestor of Tyrannosaurus rex, shares many features with its famous descendant, including powerful biting apparatus and a bulky skull.
Men with prostate cancer who experience PSA rise within 18 months of radiotherapy are at higher risk of developing spread and dying from their disease. The time between treatment and PSA recurrence has been shown to be a significant predictor of cancer-specific mortality.
Scientists from Tufts University have proposed a link between cholera outbreaks and fluctuating water levels in the region's three principal rivers. The researchers found two distinctive epidemic patterns associated with seasonal cycles of low river flows and floods.
Gordon is a powerful supercomputer that will use flash memory to speed solutions to critical science and societal problems overwhelmed by the growing amount of data generated by digital devices. The system will feature 245 teraflops of compute power, 256 TB of flash memory, and four petabytes of disk storage.
Researchers have created a new colloidial fluid model that mimics the behavior of glasses, including common window glass and sugars like honey. The improved model uses soft particles to delay solidification, resulting in a more glass-like behavior.
The EMBO Young Investigators Programme identifies top European young life scientists, offering academic and financial help to set up independent research labs. The selected 17 young group leaders work in nine countries, with an average age of 36 and four women, and will benefit from various activities including mentorship and networking.
Researchers have detected distinct molecular disparities between induced pluripotent stem cells and their parental cells, including differences in epigenetic signatures. These findings provide new insights into the fundamental nature of stem cells and may inform therapeutic applications.
Researchers in Belgium successfully differentiated human embryonic stem cells (hESC) into major cell types of lung epithelial tissue using an air-liquid interface. The technique could provide an alternative to lung transplants for patients with chronic pulmonary disease and cystic fibrosis.
The Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Singapore joins an international effort to sequence the genomes of 10,000 species, enabling comparisons between animal and human genomes. This will help scientists understand evolutionary changes and predict responses to climate change, pollution, and disease.
Researchers found that scheduling irrigation according to daily water use (DWU) substantially reduced irrigation application compared to control methods, while maintaining or improving plant growth. The study categorized woody ornamental plants into low, moderate, and high water users, allowing for more efficient watering strategies.
Research at CHEST 2009 found that patients who have undergone a liver transplant are at an increased risk for developing cardiovascular risk factors, including hypertension, diabetes, and coronary artery disease. Additionally, Asian Indians experience heart attacks at an earlier age than Caucasians, suggesting potential disparities in ...
According to new research, background images in charts and graphs can actually enhance one's ability to read them. When presented against a contrasting background, design elements such as rectangles or circles make the graph pop out, allowing viewers to focus on individual components more effectively.
Researchers tested 'Thermal Blue' and 'Dura Blue' hybrids for optimal seeding rates, seed timing, and mowing height requirements. Both hybrids showed promise in the transition zone, with 'Thermal Blue' performing well in seeding trials and requiring frequent mowing.
A study by Boston Children's Hospital researchers suggests three optimal scenarios for school closures: single-day absentee rate of 5%, consecutive days of 4% or more absenteeism, and three consecutive days of 3% or more. Scenario #2 is preferred for its balance between sensitivity and specificity.
Pediatric physicians tend to pragmatically consider religion and spirituality in family decision-making and end-of-life situations, but view them as barriers when they conflict with medical decisions. The study found that pediatricians often welcome patients' religious beliefs when medicine has failed or all options are exhausted.
Researchers at Florida Atlantic University's Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute develop novel seeding techniques to produce beaded and non-beaded cultured pearls from the queen conch. The breakthrough enables more efficient and environmentally sustainable culturing of this commercially threatened species.
Scientists support abiotic synthesis of methane, a main ingredient in natural gas, through chemical reactions. The study suggests that extreme conditions deep below Earth's surface can lead to hydrocarbon formation.
A study found that children's networks show 76% more food commercials per hour compared to other networks, featuring unhealthy foods like sugary cereals and fast food. The ads are often targeting Hispanic viewers, who are facing an increasing obesity rate.
Researchers developed a dynamic tool, Trellis Tension Monitor (TTM), to estimate grape yields in trellised crops. The system detects weight change on trellised grapevines, enabling growers to create more efficient timetables for grape-picking operations.
A study found that teen girls diagnosed with pelvic inflammatory disease who watched a short educational video were three times more likely to discuss their condition with partners and ensure partner treatment. Despite this, adherence to medication and follow-up remained poor, highlighting the need for in-depth counseling.
A study found that left- and right-handed individuals have distinct body maps in the brain, influencing how they perceive their physical bodies. Left-handers estimated both arms as equal length, while right-handers consistently perceived their right arm as longer.
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) has renewed a five-year, $56 million contract to study asthma in children living in lower-income, inner-city environments. The Inner-City Asthma Consortium (ICAC) will evaluate promising new therapies to reduce asthma severity and prevent disease.
Scientists have observed the emergence of a new adaptation strategy in bacteria Pseudomonas fluorescens, where variable offspring can survive in different environments. This bet-hedging strategy allows for species survival under rapidly changing environmental conditions.
A study found that on-demand chest radiographs for mechanically ventilated patients resulted in a third fewer radiographs without compromising patient care. The on-demand strategy was associated with significant cost savings and decreased radiation exposure.
Researchers found that readers better understood, remembered and emotionally responded to material found through searching compared to surfing. Information was also better retained when individuals conducted specific searches for information.
Researchers have developed a quantum gas microscope that allows them to observe single atoms at extremely low temperatures, exhibiting bizarre behavior. The device enables the study of novel quantum materials and simulations of condensed matter systems.
The Genome 10K Project aims to sequence the genomes of 10,000 vertebrate species to understand evolutionary changes and inform conservation efforts. The project will analyze genomic data to reveal evolutionary changes and annotate experimental findings related to specific sites of change.
A recent study published in HortScience has confirmed that a high diversity of historic apple genotypes remains in homestead orchards in the US Southwest. The research identified 144 genotypes, including 34 cultivars brought to the region by Stark Brothers Nursery and USDA agricultural experiment stations.
Research at CHEST 2009 reveals that CPAP therapy may be associated with a slight weight gain in patients, while large tonsils in children may predict sleep apnea. Oral appliances offer an effective alternate treatment for military service members, and abnormal sleep habits among ICU nurses may increase errors
Researchers found that observers can accurately judge some major personality traits from full-body photographs, especially with naturally expressive behavior. Altering one's appearance can influence how others perceive their personality, according to the study's findings.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University found that fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy is effective in controlling optic nerve sheath meningioma growth while preserving vision. The treatment resulted in a high rate of stabilized or improved visual acuity, with minimal late complications.
Researchers at Tufts University reduced breast cancer metastasis to bone by 77 percent and overall frequency of metastasis by 36 percent in a study using an experimental agent to inhibit ROCK, a protein found to be over-expressed in metastatic breast cancer.
Fewer investigators report industry connections, but companies still seek out highly productive researchers. Industry-funded scientists were more likely to report trade secrets and delayed publications, yet patenting and trade secrecy rates doubled among those without corporate sponsorship.
A review of nearly 150 papers found that tinnitus causes significant distress, with many patients told nothing can be done to alleviate symptoms. The researchers advocate for increased support, guidance, and treatment options for those affected.
A new study investigates the effects of light intensity on pecan leaves throughout the growing season. The research found that shade leaves are less effective in assimilating CO2 than sun leaves, but maintain late-season photosynthetic capacity. This discovery may help commercial growers develop new canopy and crop management practices.
Several new diagnostic methods, such as cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), are useful for diagnosing myocarditis. Endomyocardial biopsy is also used in certain cases. The study highlights the importance of these methods in improving diagnosis accuracy.
Researchers found helmet ventilation improves PaO2 in most ARF patients, low intubation rate and good tolerability. Admission to teaching hospitals increases mortality in ARF patients, study suggests factors needed to be explored.
A team of scientists used satellite and acoustic tags to study white shark migration patterns in the North Pacific, revealing a genetically distinct population that has separated from other sharks worldwide. This finding suggests the possibility of long-term population assessment and monitoring, which could help ensure their protection.
Researchers at UIC will study the relationship between tax rates on food and beverages with high sugar or fat content and individual survey data to determine if differential tax rates equate to differences in consumption and body mass index among various groups, including low-income recipients.
The American Society of Hematology recognizes Stuart H. Orkin, MD, and Arthur W. Nienhuis, MD, for their significant contributions to mentoring in hematology. Drs. Orkin and Nienhuis will receive the Mentor Award for Basic Science and Clinical Investigation, respectively.
Researchers at PMH found that HPV16-positive patients had better survival rates and could be treated with radiation alone. This discovery has implications for personalized medicine, enabling successful treatment without chemotherapy.
Flemish researchers develop a groundbreaking technology for plant breeding by leveraging epigenetics to optimize energy metabolism. This method has shown significant improvements in rapeseed yields, with potential applications in various crops and reduced water and fertilizer requirements.
A new treatment option has been discovered for patients with early-stage non-small cell lung cancer who are not candidates for surgery. Radical stereotactic radiosurgery performed with CyberKnife leads to a 100% overall survival rate in patients with good lung function, according to a recent study.
Researchers discovered a major metabolic switch in fruit flies that plays a key role in alcohol tolerance and found direct translation to humans. This discovery provides a crucial explanation of why some people tolerate alcohol better than others and offers a potential target for preventing or eliminating alcoholism.
A study found that statins can worsen symptoms in patients with diastolic heart failure, causing increased dyspnea, fatigue, and decreased exercise tolerance. However, statins still benefit patients with systolic heart failure. Researchers warn of individual patient variations in response to statin therapy.