Researchers have found a potential way to reduce brain damage caused by strokes using a simple blood-pressure cuff. By applying brief periods of high pressure to the arm, the goal is to prepare the brain for reduced blood flow without lasting damage.
New research reveals the mechanical properties of footpads vary predictably across animal sizes, with bigger critters requiring stiffer shoes. The study found that larger animals have softer pads on rear feet, which may help them recover energy from each step and enhance propulsion.
A study published by the American Heart Association found that stroke incidence is increasing among young adults (20-45 years) while decreasing among older adults. The average age of stroke patients dropped significantly between 1993 and 2005, with a notable increase in younger patients.
Researchers found that unexpected stimuli enhance early and late electrical potentials in the hippocampus, with a memory recall for unexpected items. The nucleus accumbens is also involved, influencing subsequent processing to promote memory encoding.
Large amplitude internal waves can reach heights of 150 meters in the South China Sea, affecting surface wave fields and observable from space. The Earth's rotation modifies these waves as they travel across the deep ocean basin, influencing their steepening process.
A new University of Colorado at Boulder study found that North American barn swallows with high levels of natural antioxidants maintain better reproductive performance, producing more offspring and guarding nests more effectively. The study tracked concentrations of carotenoids in wild birds over the breeding season.
A national survey of over 2,000 college alumni found that while smaller schools have an affinity advantage, larger institutions can also create strong brand connections. The study highlights the importance of building a sense of community among alumni, which can drive engagement and giving.
At the 2010 AAAS Annual Meeting, the Optical Society and American Physical Society sponsored a seminar on the birth, growth, and future of laser technology. The symposium showcased the impact of lasers on various fields, including medicine, energy, and national security.
A new evaluation tool helps clinicians decide whether to surgically remove or monitor asymptomatic pancreatic cysts. The tool considers overall health, age, cyst size, surgical risk, and patients' quality of life preferences.
Researchers found that toxin Paton-Valentine leukocidin does not affect MRSA-induced pneumonia. A novel inhibitor of tumor angiogenesis was discovered in the metalloprotease ADAMTS9. Additionally, Kallikrein-related peptidase 4 (KLK4) may activate protease-activated receptors promoting colon cancer development.
An abundant seed population in bottom sediments has set the stage for a significant regional bloom of toxic alga Alexandrium fundyense. A computer model developed by scientists can predict the intensity and location of blooms, but weather events cannot be forecasted months in advance.
Health care volunteers can make a disaster situation worse if they are not prepared. To optimize their response, they should seek formal training in disaster medicine and register with existing volunteer organizations. They should also consider the physical and emotional challenges of working in disaster areas and be mindful of the nee...
A modified version of cardiac rehabilitation showed promise in addressing some risk factors for stroke, including hypertension and physical inactivity, within six weeks. Participants experienced significant improvements in blood pressure and physical function, suggesting a possible post-TIA treatment to reduce stroke risk.
A Chilean hospital's early use of antiviral treatment and aggressive management improved outcomes for H1N1 patients, with virtually all receiving treatment within 48 hours. The hospital also implemented life support measures such as ECMO to further reduce severe cases and deaths.
A Queensland University of Technology researcher has discovered an old authentication system that can provide a secure way to sign in only once per internet session. The system, known as the anonymous credential system, works by revealing minimal information about the user, ensuring privacy and security.
The study found that modern films, particularly those from the action and adventure genres, exhibit a pattern called the 1/f fluctuation, which is a natural pattern of human attention. This pattern appears in music, engineering, economics, and elsewhere in nature.
Researchers discovered a magnetometer system in the upper beak of birds, composed of over 500 dendrites that encode the magnetic field information. This system helps birds create a magnetic map for spatial orientation, contradicting previous myths about iron-based magnetoreception.
Researchers at Saint Louis University have found that bitter melon extract significantly induces death in breast cancer cells and decreases their growth and spread. The study, published in Cancer Research, suggests that bitter melon extract may be a promising area of research for breast cancer treatment.
A study of six platelet function tests found that only three could predict atherothrombotic events, such as heart attack or death, with moderate accuracy. These tests were light transmittance aggregometry, VerifyNow, and Plateletworks, which were associated with high platelet reactivity at 1-year follow-up.
Researchers at NYU School of Medicine have found that elevated levels of phosphorylated tau231 may predict future memory decline and loss of brain gray matter in healthy adults. High levels of P-tau231 are associated with reductions in medial temporal lobe gray matter, suggesting its potential as a diagnostic tool for Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers at Georgia Tech have designed a class of molecules with the right properties for all-optical signal processing. These materials could enable low-power, high-speed optical switching and computing, potentially transmitting data at speeds up to 2,000 gigabits-per-second.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that a gene mutation in mice leads to learning problems and obsessive behaviors. The study suggests a potential way to treat repetitive behaviors in humans using a specific drug targeting nerve function abnormalities.
Tropical cyclone 17P has weakened and is now a fading depression due to moderate to strong westerly vertical wind shear. The storm's organization and ability to produce thunderstorms are limited by the wind shear, leading to its expected dissipation in the next few days.
Researchers have developed a new, completely natural alternative to using antibiotics in animal feed. The activated clay product Amadeite adsorbs mycotoxins, reducing the risk of disease and improving livestock productivity.
A new study suggests that annual combined screening with both mammography and breast MRI can improve life expectancy in women with increased breast cancer risk. This approach detects early-stage cancers more effectively and provides the greatest relative mortality reduction.
The University of Cincinnati researchers will investigate ways ILD appears in patient groups with autoimmune diseases and develop more efficient diagnosis and treatment methods. The study aims to identify specific biomarkers and medical records characteristics that predict the best treatment outcomes for ILD patients.
Mayo Clinic researchers have developed a novel approach for sequencing RNA to study cancer tumors, revealing alterations in gene expression driven by chromosomal regions of gain and loss. This technology allows for detailed analysis of the transcriptome, enabling better understanding of individualized medicine and potential therapeutic...
A new study suggests that recreational drugs like ecstasy and cocaine can affect users' memory functions, including prospective memory. The researchers found that ecstasy/polydrug users showed memory deficits in both lab-based and self-reported measurements of their prospective memory.
The Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences has selected six papers for the 2009 Cozzarelli Prize, acknowledging originality and scientific excellence across physical and mathematical sciences, biological sciences, engineering, biomedical sciences, behavioral and social sciences, and applied biological sciences. The award recog...
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University discovered that certain nanomaterials can move in regions called grain boundaries, leading to changes in their strength and plasticity. This finding has implications for the fabrication of microdevices and integrated circuits, as it may alter the materials' lifespan and performance.
Researchers at Brown University have observed a quantum-level phenomenon where electrons form odd, fluctuating magnetic waves in superconducting materials. These waves are promoted by superconductivity and disappear when more magnetic energy is applied.
Researchers estimate that waste in Spain could generate between 8.13 and 20.95 TWh of electricity, reducing the need for fossil fuels and lowering greenhouse gas emissions. The most cost-effective option is incineration of solid urban waste, which could offset its environmental costs.
A team of paleontologists has discovered a new dinosaur species, Abydosaurus, with four intact skulls found in eastern Utah. The discovery provides clues about how the largest land animals ate their food and offers insights into the evolution of sauropod teeth.
A study found that individuals who had colonoscopies performed by non-gastroenterologists, such as general surgeons or internists, were at a higher risk of developing subsequent colorectal cancer. In contrast, gastroenterologists were more proficient at colonoscopy and had a reduced incidence of CRC.
Researchers at UTHealth have demonstrated that transplanting genetically modified adult stem cells into an injured spinal cord can help restore electrical pathways associated with movement. The new cells, called oligodendrocyte precursor cells, facilitate remyelination and increase behavioral recovery.
Researchers found that the IGF1 gene variant responsible for small size in dogs is closely related to that found in Middle Eastern wolves, supporting an ancient origin. The study also suggests that smaller body size may have been desirable in densely populated agricultural societies where dogs lived indoors or in confined spaces.
Researchers found that depression is associated with spikes in cortisol levels for both boys and girls after stress tests. However, higher cortisol reactions to stress are only linked to obesity in girls. Early treatment of depression could help reduce stress and control obesity in this demographic.
A recent study published in Human Reproduction found that women who conceive through IVF or ICSI have a significantly higher risk of stillbirth compared to those who conceive spontaneously. The study analyzed data from over 20,000 singleton pregnancies and found a four-fold increased risk of stillbirths among women who had IVF/ICSI.
A study at Rush University Medical Center found that belief in a concerned God improves response to medical treatment for clinical depression. Participants who scored high on the Religious Well-Being Scale were 75% more likely to experience an improvement with medication.
Lorrie Cranor, a Carnegie Mellon professor, will address concerns about the invasive nature of location-sharing technologies and lack of accessibility to privacy controls. Her team's study found that many location-based services have no privacy policies posted on their websites.
A study of 2,929 individuals aged 65+ found that hospitalization for acute or critical illness was associated with lower cognitive scores and higher dementia risk. Noncritical illness hospitalizations had a 40% higher risk of dementia compared to never-hospitalized participants.
Researchers have found a new oncogenic signaling pathway by which arsenic may lead to adverse health effects, including bladder cancer. High levels of arsenic exposure are associated with high levels of Hedgehog activity, supporting the link between arsenic and increased cancer risk.
A recent Institute of Medicine report reveals 3.5-5.3 million people in the US have chronic HBV or HCV infections. Efforts to control these diseases are hindered by lack of knowledge among healthcare providers and the public, resulting in 15,000 deaths from liver cancer or related diseases annually.
The Emergent Behaviors of Integrated Cellular Systems (EBICS) Center will investigate the interactions of cell clusters and create biological modules that can be combined for different capabilities. The center aims to advance research and education, particularly in involving underrepresented groups.
A new study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine found that prednisolone therapy does not provide clinical benefits for patients with mild to moderate community-acquired pneumonia. Instead, it may lead to a higher rate of late failures and recurrence of symptoms after withdrawal.
The University of Southern California has been awarded a $25 million National Science Foundation grant to establish the Center for Dark Energy Biosphere Investigations. The center will explore the sub-seafloor biosphere in three main field projects at North Pond, Juan de Fuca and South Pacific Gyre.
The Pea Aphid's genome sequence provides valuable tools for understanding aphid biology, speciation, and ecological interactions. The sequencing also sheds light on the relationship between aphids and plant viruses, revealing surprising gaps in the insect immune system.
The Integrated Space Weather Analysis (iSWA) system offers a unique level of customization and flexibility for NASA satellite operators and citizen scientists. It provides real-time data on past, present, and future space weather conditions, enabling personalized 'quick looks' at space-weather information.
Researchers have identified 60 small RNA particles (sRNAs) in Helicobacter pylori, a surprising finding given the pathogen's previously thought lack of sRNAs. The discovery could provide new insights into gene regulation and potentially lead to the development of a vaccine against H. pylori.
Researchers are analyzing sediment and water samples from four distinct environments, including cold-dry Antarctica, to test a hypothesis about the planet's past climate. The team hopes to find 'markers' or indicators unique to erosion in this type of climate.
A new study published in Radiology shows that an imaging exam using the latest generation of CT technology exposes patients to up to 91% less radiation than standard helical CT scanning. The new volume scanner can image the entire heart in one piece, eliminating artifacts and reducing radiation exposure.
Average physician hours per week declined steadily between 1976 and 2008, with notable decreases in resident physicians' hours following the imposition of work-hour limits in 2003. The decline in work hours was associated with lower physician fees, particularly in metropolitan areas.
Researchers have developed a new technique using photoacoustics to locate cancer cells in lymph nodes, enabling doctors to make more accurate diagnoses. This technology could help reduce the time and effort required for pathologists to determine if melanoma has spread to the lymphatic system.
Researchers have identified five SIBLING proteins that can predict oral cancer development in premalignant lesions. The study found that certain SIBLINGs, such as dentin sialophosphoprotein, increase the risk of oral cancer fourfold, while others, like bone sialoprotein, significantly decrease it.
A randomized trial compared two resuscitation protocols targeting lactate clearance versus central venous oxygen saturation in patients with severe sepsis, showing similar short-term survival rates. The study supports the use of lactate measurements as a safe and efficacious alternative to traditional methods.
The March of Dimes has awarded $2.6 million to six scientists studying the causes of preterm birth, with a focus on predicting and preventing premature labor. The funding aims to improve baby health by understanding genetics, environment, and vitamin D's role in preventing preterm birth.
The sequencing of the pea aphid genome uncovers extensive collaboration between the insect and its bacterial symbiont. This study has significant implications for understanding aphid biology and its impact on food supply and pesticide use.
Researchers found that bitter melon extract significantly decreased proliferation and induced death in breast cancer cells. The study suggests that this extract may become a chemopreventive agent against breast cancer, but additional studies are needed to confirm its efficacy.
Researchers at the Mayo Clinic have found that PKC-iota is over-produced in pancreatic cancer and is linked to poor patient survival. Genetically inhibiting PKC-iota led to a significant decrease in pancreatic tumor growth and spread in laboratory animals.
A resurrected national physical activity initiative in Canada has found that a 'sticky' brand fostered over thirty successful years can contribute to its success. Researchers surveyed 268 Canadian organizations involved in physical activity and health promotion, finding that educational organizations had greater capacity to implement i...