A mandatory influenza vaccination policy improved the vaccination rate among 26,000 employees at a large health care system from 54% to 98%. The study found that medical and religious exemptions were granted to 411 employees, with eight terminated for non-compliance.
A Tel Aviv University study suggests that early intervention may be able to prevent schizophrenia in those at high risk. The researchers found that administering drugs to rats during adolescence prevented the development of schizophrenia-like symptoms and brain deterioration.
Researchers at UCLA have made a breakthrough in identifying the earliest signs of Alzheimer's disease using brain imaging techniques. By tracking subtle changes in brain structure over time, they were able to predict a brain's progression to Alzheimer's disease, allowing for potential early interventions.
Scientists have discovered a molecule that determines which T cells become memory cells just days after a viral infection starts. This finding could lead to more effective vaccines for diseases like HIV/AIDS and cancer.
Researchers at Hospital for Special Surgery used a novel technique involving transplanted bone and cartilage to treat an 18-year-old man's severe femoral head fracture. The patient successfully recovered from the surgery and delayed his need for a total hip replacement, avoiding multiple revision surgeries.
Research from Psychological Science found that attachment styles can affect how individuals remember relationship events, with anxious and avoidant individuals recalling experiences based on their needs and goals. The study's results suggest that attachment styles influence how we interpret memories of interactions with our partners.
Research found that individuals with schizophrenia are more likely to be victims of crime and have poorer mental health. The study also estimated a significant economic impact of legal involvement on patients, with direct costs ranging from $1429 per patient per year.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have successfully converted mouse skin cells directly into functional nerve cells using just three genes. This breakthrough finding could revolutionize human stem cell therapy and change our understanding of cellular specialization.
Scientists at Carnegie Mellon University's Language Technologies Institute have released spoken and textual data on Haitian Creole to support the development of translation tools. The data will aid relief workers, doctors, and nurses on the earthquake-ravaged island.
Romesh C. Batra, a Virginia Tech professor of engineering science and mechanics, has been awarded the Virginia Outstanding Faculty Award for his exceptional teaching and research efforts. He is renowned for his work on material failure and has received numerous awards, including the Alexander von Humboldt Award.
Patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) have a higher overall mortality rate compared to the general population. The study found that cardiovascular disease and extra-hepatic malignancies were the primary causes of death among NAFLD patients.
Researchers found that inhibiting sestrin protein improves lung elasticity and gas exchange in mice with emphysema. This suggests a new therapeutic approach to alleviate critical symptoms associated with COPD.
The US liquid detergent market reached $3.1 billion in sales in 2009, driven by innovative eco-friendly products containing natural ingredients. Manufacturers are now offering specialty cleaners that reduce energy or water consumption, combining detergents with fabric softener and static reducers into single sheet-like products.
The rotavirus vaccine has been shown to prevent severe diarrhoea in African children, with a 61.2% reduction in incidence. The vaccine's efficacy was lower in Malawi compared to South Africa, but it still demonstrated significant impact in reducing mortality rates.
Researchers at JBEI developed an Escherichia coli bacteria strain to produce biodiesel fuel and other chemicals directly from plant biomass, overcoming the limitations of traditional biofuel production. The microbes can efficiently convert biomass into fuels with minimal chemical modifications.
A University of Colorado at Boulder undergraduate-designed communications satellite, Hermes, has been chosen to launch into orbit in November as part of NASA's Educational Launch of Nanosatellite initiative. The satellite will test a high data-rate communication system, improving capabilities for tiny satellites.
Researchers found evidence that fat tissue contains functional hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells, which can regenerate and develop into various cell types. The study suggests that adipose tissue may be a valuable alternative source of these cells, potentially replacing bone marrow transplantation in the future.
A study published in Springer's journal Sex Roles found that how a woman negotiates condom use influences her perception by others. Women who highlight their sexuality through condom use are judged more harshly than those who simply refuse or discuss concerns about sexually transmitted infections.
A recent special edition of Ocean Engineering analyzes Hurricane Katrina's impact and provides lessons learned from an IPET study conducted between 2005-2006. The study assessed the performance of flood protection systems in affected coastal areas.
Research found that social factors contribute to vulnerability to alcohol use and abuse in older adults. Higher income, social activity level, and friend approval are linked to excessive drinking, while older men may be more susceptible to social influences on drinking.
A team of scientists has discovered a general trend in the behavior of metal hydrides ScH3, YH3, and LaH3, finding that superconducting states are strongest when materials are weakest. The researchers also found differences between the three metal hydrides, with a secondary superconducting phase present in YH3 but absent in ScH3 and LaH3.
Researchers identify color patterns in dinosaur feathers, revealing that they originated for display purposes before becoming useful for flight and insulation.
Scientists found that barefoot runners avoid heel-striking by landing on the middle or front of their foot, reducing impact collisions. This approach requires different muscle engagement, which must be transitioned to for those accustomed to wearing shoes.
Researchers confirm accuracy of transient elastography for diagnosing nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and excluding advanced fibrosis. The study found TE to be superior to other non-invasive tests in detecting advanced fibrosis, with the potential to spare two-thirds of NAFLD patients from liver biopsies.
A study published in Psychological Science found that directed prayer can spark forgiveness in both the person praying and their wronged partner. Praying for a close friend also increased selfless concern, which boosted forgiveness. The researchers believe prayer shifts attention from the self back to others, allowing resentments to fade.
A study found that prenatal alcohol exposure can alter the brain's developing pain regulatory system, causing a blunted response to painful events in newborns. Infants exposed to heavy prenatal alcohol had decreased physiological responses and lower stress hormone cortisol levels compared to those with little or no exposure.
A new study found that parents who allow their teenagers to drink at home may increase the risk of alcohol-related problems, including trouble in school and fights with peers. The researchers suggest that prohibiting drinking altogether is a better approach to reducing the risk of heavy drinking and problem drinking in adolescence.
A new study by Nationwide Children's Hospital found that sexual minority youth are bullied two to three times more often than heterosexual youth. This increased vulnerability to bullying is associated with a range of physical and mental health issues, including suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
A new study by Brown University researchers suggests that increasing insurance co-payments for routine doctor visits may actually make care more expensive. Patients with higher co-payments cut back on their doctor visits but ultimately require more expensive hospital care due to worsening illnesses.
A study led by Dr. David Granville identified Granzyme B as a protein-degrading enzyme abundant in AAAs, which can be targeted to slow progression and improve survival. This discovery may lead to the development of pharmaceuticals to treat aneurysms without surgery.
Researchers are working with commercial fishermen to track monkfish migration patterns using electronic tags implanted under the skin. The study aims to improve understanding of the fish's biology and behavior, including its age and growth rate, as well as its interaction with ocean currents and tides.
Researchers found distinct neurophysiological patterns in ADHD symptoms between children with and without prenatal alcohol exposure, suggesting different underlying processes. The study's findings may provide new insights into the effects of prenatal alcohol exposure on ADHD treatment.
Greg Morgan, an Associate Professor at Stevens Institute of Technology, received the Derek Price/Rod Webster Prize for his paper on Rosalind Franklin's research on tobacco mosaic virus. The paper offers a new interpretation of scientific cooperation and competition in molecular biology.
A recent survey found a significant decrease in Americans' concerns and trust in climate change. Only 57% believe global warming is happening, and 47% attribute it to human activities. Meanwhile, public trust in institutions and leaders has eroded, with distrust towards scientists, politicians, and the media on the rise
The viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus (VHSV) has been detected in fish from Lake Superior, Paradise, and Skanee in Michigan, and St. Louis Bay and Superior Bay in Wisconsin. The presence of the virus in all Great Lakes poses a significant threat to New York's $1.4 billion annual sport-fishing industry.
Climate experts propose international research and field-testing on solar-radiation management (SRM) to limit climate change impacts. SRM could offset this century's predicted global average temperature rise more than 100 times cheaper than cutting emissions.
Research has identified plant growth promoters and inhibitors in smoke following fires. The discovery of a plant growth inhibitor in smoke may block the action of the stimulator, preventing seed germination.
A new tool called PEG-POD significantly increases gene delivery to retinal cells, outperforming existing carriers and DNA alone. This breakthrough may help develop therapies for conditions like retinitis pigmentosa and age-related macular degeneration.
A team of researchers used new mathematical tools to reveal major shifts in the structure of scientific research, tracking changes in neuroscience from an interdisciplinary specialty to a full-fledged scholarly discipline. The analysis resulted in striking images demonstrating the evolution of the field over time.
The GOES-P spacecraft is proceeding through final checks before its launch on March 1. The Imager, Sounder and Solar X-Ray Imager have completed cleaning and inspections, while optical port covers are being installed as the last mechanism to be deployed in orbit.
Researchers create a high-speed optical system using multi-element transmitters and receivers for secure, low-interference communications in restricted areas like hospitals and aircraft. The system can transmit at gigabit per second speeds over gigahertz bands.
Parkinson's disease is more common in the Midwest and Northeast, with twice as likely to affect whites and Hispanics compared to blacks and Asians. Environmental factors, such as chemical exposure in farming and agriculture, are considered a major contributor to the disease.
A study in Brazil found that heavy alcohol use among the elderly is associated with more memory and cognitive problems than mild-to-moderate drinking, particularly among women. The study also revealed that older adults continue to drink throughout their lives.
A new study by Oregon Health & Science University found that up to 76% of participants experienced significant improvement in quality of life following endoscopic sinus surgery. The study included 302 adults with chronic rhinosinusitis and was funded by the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders.
A study published in Diabetes Care found that patients with depression are at a 36% higher risk of developing advanced micro-vascular complications, such as end-stage kidney disease or blindness. Depression is also linked to a 25% higher risk of macrovascular complications, including stroke and heart attack.
Researchers developed energy-harvesting rubber films that generate electricity from flexing and are highly efficient at converting mechanical energy to electrical energy. The material, composed of ceramic nanoribbons embedded onto silicone rubber sheets, could power pacemakers, mobile phones, and other electronic devices using breathin...
Researchers used MR spectroscopy to analyze the biochemical makeup of prostate glands and accurately identified the location of tissue confirmed to be malignant. The approach achieved an accuracy of over 90% in detecting stage II tumors and could potentially guide treatment planning.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute have discovered a potential new way to stimulate the immune system to prevent or clear a viral infection by blocking a key protein in mouse immune systems. This approach may enhance the effectiveness of human vaccines designed to prevent viral infections.
A team of scientists found that brain size evolved differently in various primate lineages, with some species experiencing decreases in brain mass despite larger body sizes. This challenges the long-held assumption that evolution always results in bigger brains.
A study published in Biological Psychiatry found that chronic insomnia is associated with smaller volumes in brain regions involved in memory formation and pleasantness evaluation. Insomnia patients have lower grey matter density in these regions, which may impact their ability to recognize optimal comfort for falling asleep.
A recent Oregon State University study found that forest fires consume only 1-3% of living trees' mass during fires, contrary to previous estimates. This reduction has significant implications for climate change mitigation strategies, with fire being a relatively minor player in greenhouse gas emissions.
Researchers at Yale University have discovered that stopping the expression of two genes Lin28 and Oct4 can reduce ovarian cancer cell growth and survival. This could lead to more effective treatments for this deadly form of cancer, which has a high recurrence rate and resistance to treatment.
A new study has uncovered a key cellular mechanism that alters brain cell function in Huntington's disease and identified a possible treatment for the disease. Researchers found that excessive NMDA receptors outside synapses lead to reduced brain cell survival signals and disruption in brain function.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati are receiving a $3.75 million grant to study tendon development and create better repairs after injury using adult stem cells. The goal is to introduce signals that mimic normal tendon development during repair, leading to more effective soft tissue repairs.
A team of scientists is tracking carbon captured by plants and grasses to develop more efficient ways to remove CO2 from the atmosphere. Bioenergy crops could reduce emissions by several million tonnes in the UK over the next decade.
A new review of scientific literature found that only a few anti-spasticity medications used for children with cerebral palsy have sufficient research backing their use. The American Academy of Neurology has released a new practice guideline on effective treatments, highlighting the need for more research on commonly used drugs.
Researchers have found a yeast called Pichia anomala that can compete with unwanted mold Aspergillus flavus for nutrients and space, reducing aflatoxin contamination in tree nuts by up to 97%. The versatile yeast may also protect other crops from various microorganisms.
The American Society for Radiation Oncology's IHE-RO program has been awarded a grant to develop interoperability standards and build test tools software. The goal is to create universal health records for cancer patients and improve communication between radiation oncology equipment.
Tropical Storm Olga has maximum sustained winds near 39 mph and is moving northwest near 4 mph. It is expected to turn north and enter the Gulf of Carpentaria, where it will strengthen before making another landfall near the Queensland border.
A new magnesium compound, MgT, has been shown to boost learning abilities, working memory, and short- and long-term memory in rats. The study suggests that maintaining normal or higher levels of magnesium may help slow age-related loss of cognitive function and prevent diseases affecting cognitive function.