A new study by RAND Corporation finds that restricting fast-food chain restaurants in South Los Angeles may not address the main reasons for high obesity rates. The region's dense small food stores and high-calorie snack availability contribute more to residents' diets than fast-food establishments.
Research found racial differences in individual behaviors do not fully explain marked disparities in HIV infection prevalence. Social factors such as exposure to the virus through racially segregated mixing patterns and poverty contribute to these differences. The US response to the epidemic has failed to control the spread of HIV amon...
Researchers found a strong correlation between a genetic mutation of anti-oxidant enzymes and age-related hearing loss, with patients exhibiting the mutation being three times more likely to develop ARHL. The study also revealed no association between the NAT2 gene and ARHL.
Area-wide traffic calming schemes have been shown to be effective in reducing traffic-related injuries and deaths in high-income countries. However, more research is required to determine their effectiveness in low- and middle-income countries, where the situation is expected to worsen over the next decade.
A study of 8-year-old children whose mothers ate large amounts of liquorice when pregnant found they performed worse in cognitive tests and had poor attention spans. The researchers linked this to the glycyrrhizin in liquorice, which may impair the placenta and allow stress hormones to cross to the baby.
The new study aims to identify more accurate HDL biomarkers that can predict cardiovascular disease risk. The research team will examine blood samples from individuals to uncover the key role of 'good cholesterol' (HDL) in preventing heart disease.
The NIDCR launched the FaceBase Consortium to systematically compile biological instructions for constructing the middle region of the human face and define genetics underlying developmental disorders. A comprehensive database will be created to enable scientists to mine information and accelerate research.
A new polymer has been developed that can deliver genetic cargo into cells and track its movement using luminescence and magnetic resonance imaging. This breakthrough could lead to more specific and targeted treatments for diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular disease.
The University of Washington's Automobili Lamborghini Advanced Composite Structures Laboratory focuses on short-term industry-driven testing of new materials in real-world scenarios like bird strikes, lightning, and crashes. The lab aims to advance carbon fiber composite technologies for high-performance industries.
The NIST Small Business Information Security: The Fundamentals guide provides 10 necessary steps for small business security, including installing firewalls and backing up business data. By following these steps, small businesses can reduce their vulnerability to cyber threats and protect sensitive information.
A new study published in The Lancet found that early treatment with glatiramer acetate can reduce the risk of progressing to 'full-blown' multiple sclerosis by almost half. The medication also showed efficacy in reducing MRI measures of disease activity and cumulative number of new lesions.
Researchers from BUSM found that the 940nm wavelength laser is more effective in treating facial telangiectasias due to its superior penetration of the dermis and slower heating of vessels. This results in less pain and side effects compared to the 532nm wavelength.
A recent study by researchers found that only people who engage in vigorous outdoor sports, like hiking and backpacking, tend to become supporters of mainline conservation groups. The typical backpacker gave $200 to $300 per year after a dozen-year lag. In contrast, casual woodland tourists do not support these causes.
A new research center exploring deep brain stimulation for OCD has been established at the University of Rochester Medical Center, thanks to a $10.5 million award from the National Institute of Mental Health. The center will link over 50 researchers studying how DBS affects people with OCD.
Researchers analyzed a fossilized tracksite in southern Africa, discovering how early dinosaurs adjusted their movements to cope with slippery and sloping terrain. The study provides insight into the later evolution of the group, highlighting differences in walking styles between ornithischians and theropods.
Nearly all oropharyngeal cancer patients develop obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) after primary surgery and radiation/chemotherapy. The study found that 93% of patients with free flap reconstruction had OSA, while only one-third of those treated with radiation/chemotherapy had moderate or severe OSA.
A new MSU program aims to increase interest in STEM courses by providing mentorship, course counseling, and college preparation resources. The three-year initiative also includes a research component to improve understanding of educational requirements for various career paths.
A Tel Aviv University researcher recommends new guidelines for accessing biobanked children's DNA, emphasizing the need for safeguards against privacy risks and potential future discrimination. The approach aims to balance societal benefits with individual privacy rights.
A new Cochrane Systematic Review found that dynamic exercise programs improve aerobic capacity and muscle strength in RA patients. The study recommends routine practice of aerobic capacity training combined with muscle strength training as a standard treatment for RA.
A new technology using Superconducting Quantum Interference Device (SQUID) enhances the ability to detect leukemia cells in bone marrow, increasing sensitivity by at least 10-fold. This improves minimal residual disease measurements and will determine more precisely the effect of chemotherapy.
Researchers at Northwestern University discovered a potent new chemotherapy cocktail that inhibits breast cancer cell invasion by half. The mix of dasatinib and doxorubicin targets the Src kinase enzyme, believed to play a key role in breast cancer metastasis.
The study found that uncertainty regarding clinical effectiveness is a key issue in coverage decisions. The agencies make recommendations consistent with evidence on effectiveness and cost-effectiveness but other factors often play important roles.
A new coastland map produced by Durham University scientists charts the post Ice-Age tilt of the UK and Ireland, revealing areas at high risk of sea-level rises. The map helps local authorities target resources to areas where sea level rises will be greatest, saving money on defenses.
Researchers at MDC Berlin-Buch show that DNA methylation regulates the development of blood cells from hematopoietic stem cells, with implications for cancer. The study found that manipulating DNA methylation levels can control the formation of specific blood cell lineages.
A study found that genetic variation of the CYP2D6 enzyme is associated with clinical outcomes for women treated with tamoxifen. Women with reduced or absent CYP2D6 function had higher breast cancer event rates and poorer survival rates compared to those with extensive metabolism.
Researchers explored how gene flow between cultivated sorghum and its weedy relatives impacts crop yields and diversity. Farmers in northern Cameroon actively limit gene flow through practices like eradicating weeds, but some unintentional practices still favor genetic exchange.
Researchers at McGill University Health Centre discovered a key molecule, GP63 protease, that neutralizes macrophages' defences and hinders the body's innate inflammatory immune response. The study provides a promising approach to treating leishmania as well as other infectious diseases.
Researchers from North Carolina State University have developed a computer model to help colonoscopy facilities manage patient volume, physician staffing, and equipment usage. The model predicts optimal patient capacity and time spent in wait rooms, enabling efficiency gains and lower costs.
The article outlines seven key areas for improving spiritual care, including Spiritual Care Models and Training/Certification. The guidelines provide practical recommendations for implementing spiritual care in palliative care settings.
Despite a slight recovery in summer Arctic sea ice in 2009, the extent remains below previous years and on a trend leading to ice-free Arctic summers. Younger, thinner ice accounts for most of the cover, leaving it vulnerable to melt in coming summers.
Researchers found that combining herbal medicines with lifestyle changes can normalize blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of developing full-blown diabetes. The study of 16 clinical trials involving 1,391 participants showed a significant benefit in those who received herbal formulations.
Two studies suggest the nuclear envelope's permeability barrier reopens briefly after mitosis, allowing large proteins to enter the nucleus by passive diffusion. This dynamic process has important implications for cellular compartmentalization and genetic material regulation.
New research suggests that dirty stars with a high abundance of elements like iron and oxygen are more likely to host planets. The study's findings support the idea that the composition of a star reflects its disk, leading to an increased number of exoplanets around such stars.
Researchers mapped sand dune activity across northern China and found unexpectedly high levels of mobility and change between 8,000 to 11,500 years ago, a time period generally thought to have a wetter climate. The result suggests that common assumptions about the effects of future climate changes may be incorrect.
A recent Cochrane Systematic Review found no evidence that B-vitamin supplements can prevent heart attack, stroke, or death from cardiovascular disease. The review of 24,210 people showed that these supplements have no effect on the incidence of cardiovascular disease.
Research at the AAO-HNSF Annual Meeting & OTO EXPO found that convertible drivers are exposed to high sound levels, with noise above 85Db causing permanent hearing loss. Raising car windows can significantly reduce exposure levels.
Willard Boyle shares Nobel Prize for co-invention of charged-couple device (CCD) with George E. Smith and Charles K. Kao. The CCD is a semiconductor circuit capable of sensing light and images, key technology behind digital photography.
The new NIST database on gas hydrates provides a comprehensive collection of data on the properties of these naturally occurring crystalline materials, which are a potential energy resource and may affect the Earth's climate. The database contains over 12,000 individual data points for 150 compounds and 400 different chemical systems.
Clemson University researchers are developing mathematical models to improve resolution in Diffuse Optical Tomography (DOT) for detecting smaller breast cancers. The method uses infrared and visible light to create high-resolution images without radiation, eliminating false positives and negatives.
Researchers find human activities like power plants emit harmful particles that speed up blue haze formation, affecting cloud formations and global climate. Blue haze can also exacerbate breathing problems for people with asthma or emphysema.
A phase 2 study found that adding imatinib mesylate to regular chemotherapy increased three-year survival rates for children with Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph+ ALL) from 30-35% to 87%. The drug was well-tolerated and showed no significant side effects.
A randomized trial found that milk protein lactoferrin supplementation alone or in combination with a probiotic reduced the incidence of late-onset sepsis in very low birth-weight infants. The supplement exhibited antimicrobial activity and was well-tolerated, making it a promising prevention strategy.
A Cochrane review found limited benefits of TENS for osteoarthritis pain and physical disability. Only small trials with poor quality data were available, casting doubt on the effectiveness of this treatment approach.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that applying a second brain protein, Reelin, can prevent excess beta-amyloid from silencing nerves and potentially fighting Alzheimer's disease. The study suggests a promising new tactic against the devastating illness.
Researchers found promising results for rapid viral diagnosis tests, reducing use of antibiotics and other blood tests in children with respiratory symptoms. Larger trials are needed to confirm the finding and evaluate cost-effectiveness.
Research at the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Annual Meeting found that electrosurgical units, lasers, and light cords are common igniters of operating room fires. The study, which surveyed 349 otolaryngologists, revealed that nearly 80% of fires occurred when supplemental oxygen was being used.
Researchers studied tree stomatal density, guard cell length, and water use efficiency in 27 trees over a century. They found stomatal density declined while guard cell length increased, but intrinsic water use efficiency remained unchanged.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have sequenced the genome of a biofuels yeast that thrives on turning sugar cane into ethanol. The findings could lead to more efficient biofuel production and aid research into converting cellulose from non-food crops like switchgrass into biofuel.
A study found Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (Map) in various wildlife and domestic ruminants, suggesting transmission between species. The bacteria causes severe diarrhea in ruminants and has been linked to Crohn's disease in humans.
A study by Purdue University researchers found that athletes who perform well perceive their targets as larger, while those who struggle see them as smaller. This effect is observed even when the actual optical information remains constant.
Researchers analyzed literature to find that aerosol particles interact with clouds in a complex way, affecting precipitation patterns. They suggest focusing on specific cloud systems and rethinking aerosol research to better understand the dust particles' role in climate change.
The NSF's Expeditions in Computing program supports research that promises significant advances in computing while yielding great benefit to society. The new projects focus on energy-efficient computers, customizable domain-specific computing, and robotic 'bees' for search and rescue operations.
A new study found that South Asians are more likely to develop insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes due to their body composition, specifically higher total body fat and lower muscle mass. Researchers measured insulin levels in four ethnic groups and discovered a strong association between body fat distribution and diabetes risk.
Scientists have recorded the first observations of albatrosses feeding alongside marine mammals at sea. The miniature digital camera attached to four black-browed albatrosses shows them foraging in groups while collecting food for their chicks, and provides the first observation of an albatross feeding with a killer whale.
A systematic review of 62 trials involving 7,101 women found minimally invasive synthetic suburethral sling operations to be just as effective as traditional open surgery for stress urinary incontinence. The procedures had shorter operating times and were more effective than a second type of open surgery.
Antiviral medications prescribed for Bell's palsy are no more effective than placebo, while corticosteroids offer significant benefits. The review suggests further research should focus on discovering alternative causes and treatments for the condition.
The study reveals that DNA hybridization is sensitive to sequence composition, with certain sequences binding rapidly and others through a diffusive process. Understanding this process can aid researchers in designing technologies like gene chips more effectively.
In the early 1960s, a Harvard-educated surgeon and US Air Force General proposed testing women in space due to their lighter weight, lower heart rate, and fewer reproductive system issues. A total of 19 women were enrolled, with 68% passing the tests, earning them the nickname 'Mercury 13'. The data from these women's physiological tes...
Georgia Tech's College of Computing has received a $1.4 million grant from the National Science Foundation to extend its Georgia Computes! program for two more years. The program focuses on expanding computing education across all levels in Georgia, with a special emphasis on underrepresented communities.
A team at NIST has discovered a large-scale compound that behaves like magnetic monopoles, enabling the testing of theoretical predictions about these elusive particles. The researchers created this compound by cooling a specific material to nearly absolute zero, forming spin ice crystals with balanced spins.
Researchers evaluated the effectiveness of contracting private providers and cash incentives to increase healthcare use in poor countries. Strong evidence shows positive health impacts from cash incentives, while contracting out services had relatively weak results.
The new center will leverage expertise from diverse groups to develop innovative public health information tools, improving patient care and expanding data exchange between physicians and public health agencies. Initial work focuses on newborn screening, immunization data, and public health alert delivery.
Biologic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs are effective in treating rheumatoid arthritis, but direct comparisons of their effectiveness are needed. The researchers found that all biologics were very effective, with varying degrees of improvement in symptoms and adverse effect profiles.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has introduced a novel calibration technique for entire waveforms, enabling more accurate measurements in oscilloscopes. This new method improves the characterization of diverse waveforms, particularly in high-speed devices, and offers potential cost savings in industries such a...
A study found that trunk flexibility is associated with arterial stiffness in middle-aged and older adults, suggesting a potential indicator for cardiovascular risk. Regular stretching exercises may slow age-related arterial stiffening, according to the authors.
The U.S. Department of Education has awarded Louisiana Tech University a $951,000 grant to support cyber education programs in northern Louisiana. The Cyber K-12 project aims to provide professional development opportunities for K-12 educators and increase the number of teachers with expertise in cyber education.
Researchers found that physical activity in adolescence was associated with a 36% lower risk of glioma, the most common type of brain cancer. Participants who were obese during adolescence had an increased risk of glioma, while height was linked to twice the risk.
The Arctic sea ice extent has reached its third lowest point on record, with a minimum area of 5.10 million square kilometers. The ice cover has declined by about 34 percent since satellite measurements began in the late 1970s.
Scientists have characterized the detailed structure of prions using unconventional X-ray diffraction methods. The results show significant structural differences between natural and synthetic prions, which may explain their infectious behavior.
A new study found that resveratrol improves diabetes by targeting the brain, potentially leading to orally-delivered medications. Activating sirtuins in the brain mediates resveratrol's beneficial effects, which could lead to more effective targeted diabetes treatments.
A University of Alberta researcher has discovered 70 million year old evidence of dinosaur cannibalism in southern Alberta. The jawbone of a Gorgosaurus contained a tooth from another meat-eating dinosaur, suggesting a violent encounter between two dinosaurs.
Abatacept, a new biologic drug, is effective in treating rheumatoid arthritis by blocking immune cell actions, reducing pain and swelling. The review of seven trials found significant improvements in patients' symptoms and joint health, with no progression of joint damage at 12-month follow-up