Researchers manipulate a schizophrenia susceptibility gene in fetal mice to unravel the link between prenatal brain development and adult cognition. The study finds that transient reduction of the Disrupted-in-Schozophrenia-1 gene leads to aberrant changes in adult animals, including perturbation of specific dopaminergic brain pathways.
Researchers, led by Dr. Robert C. Bray, will investigate the role of neuropeptides in ligament and tendon healing. The study aims to improve patient care through enhanced understanding of chronic injury repair.
This Special Issue of Business Horizons addresses critical issues in US healthcare, including rising costs, quality, and accessibility. The issue features research on topics such as consumerism, information technology, lean-manufacturing concepts, and patient-centered medical homes to improve healthcare delivery and management.
Researchers have determined the relationship between brain waves and attention using a brain-computer interface device. High-frequency beta oscillations are linked to anticipation of oncoming information, while slower delta oscillations act as an internal metronome to fine-tune attention.
A study by Collinge & Associates found that 14-minute massage sessions by family members significantly reduced stress and anxiety scores in advanced cancer patients. The research also showed improvements in fatigue, depression, and nausea, with effects comparable to professional massage therapy.
A study found that single men, particularly those in unhappy marriages, had a 64% higher risk of fatal stroke compared to married men. The research, based on data from 1963, also suggested that even successful marriages may not protect against stroke.
Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center successfully used mouse embryonic stem cells to replace diseased retinal cells and restore sight in a mouse model of retinitis pigmentosa. The study showed promising results, with one-fourth of the mice regaining vision after receiving the stem cells.
Researchers at NJIT have developed a safe and sustainable alternative to BPA in consumer products. The new epoxy resin is derived from corn starch and offers a renewable resource with estrogenic properties similar to BPA.
A report from Germany's Expert Commission on Research and Innovation recommends boosting the country's innovation engine by focusing on electric cars and the smart grid. The commission advises prioritizing government spending and increasing private investment in research and development.
A Texas-based consortium has launched a biotherapeutic manufacturing initiative, Project GreenVax, to produce vaccines for infectious diseases like influenza at a fraction of current time. The project utilizes tobacco plants and could provide vaccine protection to citizens worldwide that cannot currently afford them.
Mammals that spend most of their time in trees have longer lifespans than those on the ground, according to a new study. The researchers found that arboreality reduces extrinsic mortality, leading to longer lifespans.
Research suggests that frequent fires can promote forest composition and structure more consistent with historical conditions. This approach to land management may help save money and improve forest health.
A recent study by Queen's University Belfast found that hares are eighteen times more abundant in areas managed by the Irish Coursing Club than similar sites in the wider countryside. This suggests that active population management positively increases hare abundance.
The study found that dementia incidence rates increase exponentially with age in both men and women past age 90. Researchers estimate that the number of Americans aged 90 and older will reach 8.7 million by 2050, making dementia a significant public health concern.
A new theory suggests that higher intelligence is associated with novel social values and preferences in human evolution. More intelligent individuals are more likely to adopt liberal political ideology, atheism, and preference for sexual exclusivity. However, intelligence does not correlate with evolutionarily old preferences and values.
Researchers at UCLA found a biochemical link between misery and death, as well as a genetic variation that blocks this link. They discovered that individuals with the rare IL6 gene variant were less susceptible to death due to inflammation-related mortality causes under adverse social-environmental conditions.
Dendritic cells produce higher levels of α-defensins 1-3, associated with slower HIV disease progression and potential therapeutic implications. The findings open a new line of investigation for treating HIV/AIDS.
A new non-neurotoxic treatment for head lice has been found to be safe and effective in children from six months of age and up, with an average treatment success rate of 91.2% after one week. The treatment, benzyl alcohol lotion 5% (Ulesfia), works by suffocating lice, a method previously attempted with household items.
University of Florida engineers develop a nearly perfect hydrophobic interface by reproducing spider hairs on flat plastic surfaces. The surface repels hot and cold water, pick up dirt, and has potential applications in food packaging, windows, solar cells, and boat hulls.
A genetic link between schizophrenia and autism is being studied by analyzing behavior in mice with a schizophrenia-linked mutation. Researchers hope to understand the effectiveness of antipsychotic drugs and potentially develop more targeted treatments.
A 2-year field study found that peppermint yields and oil content are higher in Mississippi compared to other regions. Delaying the first harvest until late July promotes accumulation of menthol, a key oil ingredient.
A recent study suggests that nitric oxide synthase inhibition may be a promising approach to treating neonatal meningitis caused by Escherichia coli K1. The research found that inhibiting inducible nitric oxide synthase enhanced phagocytosis of the bacteria, reducing pathogen load and brain damage.
Researchers identify progesterone in leaves of Common Walnut tree using advanced laboratory techniques, challenging conventional wisdom that only animals can produce the hormone. The discovery may change scientific understanding of progesterone's evolution and function in living things.
A new undersea optical communication system enables real-time video transfer and self-powered ROVs without a physical connection, reducing costs and simplifying operations. This technology complements acoustic systems, offering faster data rates of up to 20 megabits per second.
The Appalachian Information Technology Extension Service (AITES) has impacted 365 people, including young girls, by encouraging community involvement and job opportunities. The project aims to increase economic development and workforce diversity in the Appalachian region.
A new Penn study reveals that nearly 135 million Americans are over an hour away from primary stroke centers, where timely treatment is crucial. The study suggests using medical helicopters to transport patients faster and proposes lower-cost solutions such as inter-hospital referral networks and telemedical technology.
Researchers propose a real-time Internet-based surveillance model to detect emerging diseases in mass gatherings. The system integrates air traffic patterns and global disease intelligence, enabling early warning of potential outbreaks.
Researchers found that rapamycin rescued learning and memory deficits in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. The study also showed reduced brain lesions similar to those seen in human Alzheimer's patients.
Researchers at Henry Ford Hospital found that vitamin B3 increases 'good' cholesterol, which improves blood vessels and neural growth in the brain after a stroke. The study suggests niacin may be a low-cost treatment option for stroke patients.
Researchers found that barn swallows with positive antioxidant balance produced the most young, suggesting a link between antioxidant levels and reproductive success. The study, published in PLoS One, suggests that maintaining a balanced diet, exercise, and reduced stress can improve bird health and reproduction.
Patients treated based on 'time last seen normal' did just as well as those with witnessed strokes, having no more disabilities and reduced risk of bleeding in the brain. Treatment within 3 hours after last seen normal may be beneficial for patients with unwitnessed strokes.
The California Institute of Technology has received over $33 million in funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) to support a wide range of research projects. These grants will fund more than 90 jobs and contribute to breakthroughs in fields such as neuroeconomics, jet noise, and genomic sciences.
Researchers at UAB are testing a software program designed to teach children safe dog interaction behaviors. The Blue Dog software aims to reduce accidental bites from pet dogs, particularly among children ages 5-9.
A study by pediatric researchers found that children can experience recurrent strokes, with 13% of patients experiencing a recurrence within a month of their first stroke. Early recognition and treatment are crucial to prevent further recurrences and promote recovery.
The American Society of Agronomy identifies key questions and expected outcomes for achieving global food security and sustainable agriculture. The 'grand challenge' involves doubling production on existing farmland with efficient systems that prioritize resource use, biodiversity, and ecosystem health.
Researchers at Tufts University developed a novel antitoxin strategy using 'tagged binding agents' that can bind to Botulinum toxin molecules and flush them out of the system. This approach has the potential to create more efficient therapies against toxins used in bioterrorist events, snake bites, and chronic diseases.
The massive planet WASP-12b is being torn apart by the gravitational forces of its host star, resulting in a 'death march' that explains its unusually large size. The research also suggests the presence of a super-Earth in the disk around the star.
Researchers found that practicing Zen meditation can thicken certain areas of the brain, leading to lower pain sensitivity. The study suggests that meditative practices could be beneficial for managing chronic pain and age-related grey matter reductions.
Researchers at St. Michael's Hospital and Children's Hospital Boston are using real-time intelligence systems to monitor potential infectious disease threats to mass gatherings like the Olympics. The collaboration is providing actionable intelligence to help organizers prepare for and respond to emerging infectious diseases.
A team of climate scientists found that more frequent tropical cyclones in the Pliocene epoch could have led to persistent El Niño-like conditions. The study suggests that these storms may have contributed to a positive feedback cycle between tropical cyclones and upper-ocean circulation, leading to changes in atmospheric patterns.
A new technology called microscale thermophoresis allows researchers to measure interactions under close-to-native conditions, improving decision-making in drug development. The technique exploits the Soret effect to detect binding activity, providing a more reliable method for identifying potential therapeutic agents.
Scientists use laser ablation to remove unwanted material from artworks, preserving masterpieces like Porta del Paradiso and Donatello's David. The technique also shows promising results in cleaning underwater artworks that could deteriorate in air.
A recent study published in Psychological Science found that taxing unhealthy foods reduces overall calories purchased, while subsidizing healthy food increases calorie intake. Mothers who received subsidies spent their savings on less healthy alternatives, whereas taxes encouraged healthier choices.
Scientists have identified 65 abnormal proteins in diabetic mice that are reversed by treatment with the ARB medication candesartan. The study, published in Journal of Proteome Research, provides new insights into the potential benefits of high blood pressure drugs in preventing and treating diabetic retinopathy.
A study found that nearly four in 10 TIA and minor stroke patients exhibit deficits in executive functions, including speed of mental processing and abstraction. Researchers emphasize the importance of using specific measures to detect cognitive impairment in these patients.
A Japanese team has developed an emotion detector for babies that can accurately classify their cries as 'normal' or in pain. The device uses a statistical analysis of audio spectra and achieved a 100% success rate in its validation tests.
A University of Iowa study measures the levels of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in sediments, water, suspended particles, and air along the Indiana Harbor and Ship Canal. The study finds that PCBs are a significant source of pollution, with annual emissions estimated at 4 kg to water and 7 kg to air.
Scientists have developed a revised model to better understand the transport of fluid constituents, which has important roles in biology, physics, and chemistry. The new model contradicts widely accepted models and provides an improved analysis of combined advection and diffusion.
Researchers identified signaling molecules linked to B cell actions and solid tumor growth, suggesting a previously used lymphoma treatment may be effective against other solid tumors. The discovery opens up new therapeutic targets and combinations of chemotherapy with immune system-modifying drugs.
A panel assesses lactose intolerance's public health burden and recommends personalized management strategies to avoid inadequate nutrition. It emphasizes the need for research to better understand the effectiveness of approaches in decreasing symptoms and improving health outcomes.
Research found that high dietary fat intake and trans fat consumption are associated with a higher incidence of ischemic stroke in post-menopausal women. The study analyzed data from 87,230 women aged 50-79 and found that those consuming the most daily fat had a 40% higher risk of clot-caused strokes.
Researchers have found that bone marrow cell transplants can improve heart function and relieve symptoms of refractory angina. Apelin, a newly described peptide, was also shown to increase significantly in patients who received the transplants, leading to improved cardiac function.
A new study published in The Lancet found that removing both pelvic and para-aortic lymph nodes significantly improves survival rates for patients with endometrial cancer who are at intermediate or high risk of cancer recurrence. The researchers concluded that this complete procedure should be recommended to these patients.
A recent NYU study empirically challenges the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders' criteria for diagnosing depression, suggesting that psychiatrists' official method to prevent false-positive diagnoses may not be effective. The study examines the Clinical Significance Criterion (CSC)...
Scientists have developed flexible, biocompatible rubber films that can harvest energy from body movements, such as breathing and walking. The material combines piezoelectric lead zirconate titanate with silicone rubber to create a super-thin film that can convert mechanical energy into electricity.
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh found that the hormone vasopressin plays a crucial role in helping animals recognize others through scent. This ability is essential for establishing strong bonds with other animals, and its failure may contribute to conditions like autism and social phobia.
Researchers found that the brain responds more strongly to a poor person receiving a financial reward than a rich person, even if the brain being studied belongs to the rich individual. This study suggests that the human brain is wired to respond to inequality, contradicting the prevailing view of human nature as solely self-interested.
A woman gave birth to two healthy girls, Aviaja and Lucca, in 2007 and 2008, respectively, after receiving fertility treatment following an ovarian transplant. The breakthrough case report supports the use of cryopreservation of ovarian tissue as a valid method for fertility preservation.
Hospitals in the US could save hundreds of millions of dollars annually by reusing medical equipment such as laparoscopic ports and cutting tools. With proper sterilization and testing, these devices can be safely reused multiple times.
Researchers found that high iodine intake during pregnancy increases the risk of thyroid dysfunction in mothers. The study's findings highlight the need to monitor iodine nutritional status before recommending supplements. Iodized salt is still essential for maintaining proper thyroid function and preventing potential health issues.
Scientists at UH found that better food from high-latitude plants may explain why animals grow bigger in cold climates. The study suggests considering ecological interactions beyond traditional physiological responses to temperature.
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.