Less than 1 in 10 injecting drug users globally are covered by effective HIV prevention interventions, with most relying on a combination of needle and syringe programs, opioid substitution therapy, and antiretroviral therapy. Scaling up these combined approaches is crucial to reduce HIV transmission among IDUs.
The CAPRISA 004 trial results demonstrate the effectiveness of a 1% tenofovir gel in reducing a woman's risk of HIV transmission. This breakthrough provides a tool for women to take control of their health and protect themselves from HIV infection.
A randomized, double-blind study found that mothers who consumed probiotic milk during and after pregnancy had a 40% lower incidence of eczema in their children. The study suggests that the probiotic bacteria may have prevented the development of eczema, with less severe cases in children who did develop eczema.
Experts conclude that inadequate provision of opioid substitution therapy, needle exchange programs, and antiretroviral treatment, along with laws prohibiting OST, are all contributing to the spread of HIV among people who use drugs. Scaling up combination HIV prevention interventions is shown to be effective in curbing the epidemic.
A new study found that getting angry may actually hurt one's cause in negotiations with East Asians, unlike in negotiations with European Americans. Cultural norms about expressing anger play a critical role in shaping reactions to emotional displays.
A study published by the American Psychological Association found that people with insecure attachments in relationships may be at higher risk for cardiovascular problems. Those with anxious attachments were particularly associated with a range of health conditions, including chronic pain and cardiovascular diseases. The researchers al...
Researchers identify genes causing sterility in yeast hybrids, shedding light on reproductive isolation mechanisms. A genetic mismatch between nucleus and mitochondria is found to be a common cause of sterility in yeasts.
Tropical Storm Chanthu is forecasted to make a landfall south of Hong Kong due to dry air and increased wind shear. Infrared imagery shows strong convection from northeast to southwest, but missing on the west side of the storm.
Researchers found that administering antibiotics during the liver stage of malaria infection generates strong protective immunity in mice. The treatment prevents malaria parasites from infecting red blood cells and builds long-term immunity against subsequent infections.
A review of research linking musical training to learning highlights the neural connections made during musical training also prime the brain for other aspects of human communication. Music training enhances neuroplasticity and enables the nervous system to provide stable patterns for meaningful learning.
A four-year survey confirms the presence of ticks carrying Lyme disease in Cook, Lake, DuPage, and Piatt Counties, with higher numbers found along the Des Plaines River corridor. The study highlights the importance of preventive measures to avoid tick bites.
Astronomers propose a new method for detecting extraterrestrial life by analyzing signals from advanced civilizations. The Benford beacons concept suggests that alien signals would not be continuously broadcast but rather pulsed and narrowly directed, potentially making them more detectable.
A study published in Environmental Health Perspectives found a link between polyfluoroalkyl chemicals (PFCs) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children. The researchers analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and found increased odds of ADHD in children with higher serum PFC levels.
Researchers at Duke University have demonstrated a robot's ability to locate and sample lesions in simulated human organs without human assistance. The robot uses artificial intelligence to process real-time data from ultrasound scans and perform tasks such as biopsies.
Researchers at the Mayo Clinic have developed an image-processing algorithm that can reduce the amount of radiation used in perfusion CT scanning, a technology used for diagnosing stroke, cancer, and possibly heart disease. The new adaptive algorithm compares multiple scans and effectively reduces image noise while preserving iodine si...
A study by researchers at INRS–Institut Armand-Frappier and McGill University found that men with a history of asthma or eczema had a lower risk of developing lung and stomach cancers. The study analyzed data from 3,300 men diagnosed with cancer between 1979 and 1986.
A recent study found that consumers strongly relate to underdog brands, identifying with their stories of struggle and perseverance. The authors' experiments showed that brand biographies highlighting external disadvantage and passion for overcoming adversity drive purchase interest.
Injecting drug users can achieve excellent virological outcomes with ART, reducing infectivity and HIV transmission. Decriminalization and law reform are crucial to overcome systemic barriers and promote equitable access to treatment.
Researchers at NC State University developed a new methodology that combines multiple general climate forecast models to improve the accuracy of winter precipitation and temperature forecasts. The tool is valuable for government officials, providing key information for predicting energy consumption and water availability.
Paleoanthropologist Pat Shipman suggests that humans' ability to nurture other animal species contributed to the development of language and tool-making, ultimately leading to domestication. This 'animal connection' allowed early humans to develop a system of communication and observation, which became increasingly advantageous over time.
A review of evidence shows widespread abuse of human rights among people who use drugs, increasing risk of HIV infection. Rights-based responses have had good results in implementing harm reduction services and involving people in policy development.
Research found that women are more prone to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) than men, with the highest risk peaking at age 51-55. The study suggests that increased lifespan may contribute to this difference, as individuals have more years to experience traumatic events and their consequences.
Researchers found that beach umbrellas intercept direct sunlight but allow diffused ultraviolet radiation to pass through, with canvas having high absorption capacity. The study aims to improve understanding of skin cancer epidemiology and provide guidelines for UV protection.
Researchers are testing Lexiscan, a pharmacologic stress agent, in a multicenter clinical trial to reduce inflammation in sickle cell disease. The trial aims to improve symptoms such as pain and breathing problems, which can be fatal.
Myths about HIV/AIDS in people who use drugs are addressed by Dr. Steffanie Strathdee and Professor Chris Beyrer, who present evidence countering common misconceptions, such as non-compliance with treatment and increased risk of infection from needle sharing.
Researchers have developed a new method to accurately synchronize clocks by leveraging both GPS and the Internet. This technique uses a common-view disciplined oscillator (CVDO) to set clocks within 10 nanoseconds of a reference clock, providing unparalleled accuracy in complex systems such as computers, telecommunications, and more.
Researchers at Yale University have discovered a genetic marker that can help predict ovarian cancer risk. The KRAS-variant was found in 25% of all ovarian cancer patients and 61% of those with a family history of breast and ovarian cancer, suggesting it may be a new marker for high-risk families.
A study by McMaster University researchers found that overweight and obese women have a 30% greater risk of induced preterm birth before 37 weeks, increasing to 70% for very obese women. This higher risk is associated with serious health problems for the baby, especially when born earlier than 32 weeks.
Researchers have discovered that bone cells' spindly extensions can sense mechanical stimulation, signaling the release of bone-growth factors. This breakthrough could lead to therapies for osteoporosis and bone loss associated with aging.
A study by the University of Michigan Health System found that female physicians are more supportive than male physicians when it comes to honoring patient requests for a doctor of the same gender or background. The study also showed that racial and ethnic minorities, particularly Muslim patients, are more likely to have their requests...
A new study found that people tend to trust advice from advisors with disclosed conflicts of interest more than those without, leading to overestimation of property values. Despite the risks, transparency is still desirable when implemented correctly.
Researchers have identified key genetic mutations causing Behçet's disease, a vascular condition leading to severe ulcers and skin lesions. The study found three genes associated with the disease, paving the way for new treatments.
A global survey of people living with HIV/AIDS found a significant gap in patient-physician dialogue, with discussions often lacking on chronic illnesses, treatment side effects, and co-morbid conditions. Co-morbidities like cardiovascular disease, high cholesterol, and hepatitis C are prevalent among PLWHA.
Positive family relationships and religious affiliation can counteract risk factors associated with drug use, including addicted family members, exposure to violence, and deviant peers. This study suggests that intervention programs should focus on creating supportive family environments.
Meghan Baker, a J.D./M.S.W. dual degree student at the University of Houston, has been recognized as Social Work Student of the Year by the National Association of Social Workers Texas Chapter. Her commitment to social justice and service work promotes equality for marginalized communities.
A new study reveals that consistent year-round temperatures in the tropics, rather than higher temperatures or more sunlight, are key to its stunning biodiversity. The research suggests that the world is likely less diverse today than it was tens of millions of years ago, when the entire Earth had consistent year-round temperatures.
Women respond equally to naltrexone as a treatment for alcohol dependence, with similar outcomes on various outcome measures. The study found that women initiate substance use at an earlier age than men, but progress more rapidly to severe consequences.
A study found that consumers are overconfident in their learning abilities for new tasks and tend to underestimate the time required to master them. This leads to a higher willingness to pay for products before trying them, as they anticipate needing more time to learn.
Research categorizes meditation into three types: focused attention (beta/gamma activity), open monitoring (theta activity), and automatic self-transcending (alpha1 activity). Different techniques produce distinct results, and lumping them together can lead to inaccurate interpretations.
A study found that the gender of both the alcoholic parent and child influences psychopathology in children, with female parent-female child pairings showing the strongest effect. The findings suggest a significant positive relationship between parental alcoholism and increased risk of psychiatric illnesses in adult children.
HIV-infected drug users are at a higher risk of developing co-morbidities such as viral hepatitis, tuberculosis, and mental illness. Evidence-based treatments like medication-assisted therapies can improve treatment outcomes and reduce mortality rates.
A double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled trial found that high doses of ursodeoxycholic acid failed to improve overall liver histology in patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. Only lobular inflammation showed significant improvement in certain subgroups.
A new study found that prenatal alcohol exposure has a greater impact on the attention of children born to older mothers. Children of older women are more vulnerable to the effects of prenatal alcohol exposure, with increased cognitive-behavioral deficits and physical anomalies compared to younger mothers.
The large-scale roll-out of adult male circumcision (AMC) in Orange Farm, South Africa has been successful in reducing HIV prevalence. The study's findings suggest that AMC can be a feasible short-term strategy for HIV prevention in low-income communities with high HIV prevalence.
Experts call for decriminalization of drug users, alongside a massive scale-up of opioid substitution, needle and syringe programs, and antiretroviral treatment. Current treatment programmes only reach around 10% of people who use drugs worldwide, highlighting the need for reform in justice systems and policy decision making.
A study found a rise in drinkers across all three ethnic groups, with specific challenges faced by Blacks and Hispanics. Despite increased numbers of drinkers, alcohol consumption did not rise among Blacks and Hispanics.
Researchers found that people with depression have difficulty detecting black-and-white contrast differences in their retina. The study used a pattern electroretinogram to measure retinal responses in patients with depression and healthy individuals, revealing dramatically lower contrast gain in depressed patients.
UT Southwestern researchers found blocking a specific enzyme step can halt tumor growth. The study suggests this approach may provide new therapy options for patients with end-stage prostate cancer, which has limited treatment choices.
Researchers replaced hydrogen with deuterium in fluorescent probes to increase stability and detect smaller concentrations of reactive oxygen species. The new probes showed improved detection ability and reduced degradation by air and light, making them more accurate for imaging and analysis.
The Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft is setting up six new Research Units to facilitate transregional and interdisciplinary cooperation among researchers. The new networks focus on topics such as neurophysiological processes, correlated solids, the Mamluk era, combustion processes and climate change.
A new study found that concrete thinking increases consumer confidence, especially when making choices based on clear information, whereas abstract thinking leads to decreased confidence. The researchers tested this hypothesis in various product categories, including electronics and charitable giving.
The FDA has accepted historical controls for epilepsy monotherapy studies, allowing patients to receive promising AEDs at effective doses. This design reduces the need for placebo/pseudo-placebo trials and makes the study more attractive to patients and physicians.
Researchers at Harvard University have developed a method to trap and hold tiny microparticles using a silicon-based circular resonator. This technique uses optical forces to confine particles stably for up to several minutes, enabling the potential for all-optical chip manipulation.
The new WUIDDRC aims to prevent and treat developmental disabilities in children through clinical and translational research, while also providing resources and services to families and the community. The center will focus on cerebral connectivity, genetics, and environmental influences, and collaborate with other IDDRCs in the Midwest.
A recent study found that data presented in frequency format elicits higher confidence and more accurate conclusions in consumers. In contrast, percentages appear easier for consumers to understand, but may lead to averaging errors. The results have practical implications for regulators trying to discourage smoking behavior.
Physicians who provided Guided Care reported higher levels of satisfaction with patient/family communications and knowledge of their patients' clinical characteristics. The study found significant benefits to physicians in improving chronic care, including reduced costs and improved health outcomes.
A learning collaborative approach increases access to quality PMTCT care in Eastern Rwanda by testing multiple improvement ideas simultaneously. The method strengthens health systems and engages local health workers, ultimately increasing the health value delivered to families.
Archaeologists are studying the production of large quantities of decorated ceramic vessels by the prehistoric Hohokam people without a managerial elite hierarchy. The researchers aim to understand how a egalitarian society achieved mass-production techniques.
A recent expedition to the Mid-Cayman Rise identified three unique types of hydrothermal vents, expanding our knowledge of extreme environments. The discovery provides insight into the origins and evolution of life on Earth and has implications for searching for life elsewhere in the universe.
Scientists aim to measure electron's electric dipole moment using sensitive ceramic and SQUID magnetometer. A possible imbalance in matter and antimatter could be explained by this tiny electric dipole moment.