Researchers created a preliminary neurobehavioral profile of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) using neuropsychological data from a multisite study. The results suggest that executive functioning and spatial processing are especially sensitive to prenatal alcohol exposure, making these traits valuable in distinguishing between ch...
A new study suggests that targeted surveillance colonoscopy is cost-effective and effective in reducing colorectal cancer burden. The study recommends a 3/10 strategy of colonoscopy every three years for high-risk patients, which is more effective than no surveillance but slightly more costly.
Adolescents describe their spiritual behavior in seven categories related to personal and social development. Youth report feeling a sense of purpose, connection, and well-being as key aspects of their spirituality. The study explores how youth define and practice spirituality separate from religion.
The Canadian Medical Association Journal editorial calls for IDRC Chair Barbara McDougall's resignation due to her ties to the tobacco industry. This is seen as a conflict of interest, undermining the institution's credibility in international development.
Scientists at the Joint BioEnergy Institute have discovered a three-gene cluster from the bacterium Micrococcus luteus that enables the production of long-chain alkene hydrocarbons in E. coli. This breakthrough has significant implications for the development of renewable transportation fuels.
A recent study published in Nature Cell Biology suggests that 3D cell culture may provide more accurate information to develop drugs preventing cancer's spread. The research found that cells behave differently in 3D environments compared to traditional 2D lab dishes.
Women who experience early menopause are more than twice as likely to have a heart attack, stroke, or other cardiovascular disease event later in life. The study also found that early menopause remained a risk factor even after controlling for hormone replacement therapy and major cardiovascular risk factors.
Elsevier has launched a new pilot program called PeerChoice, which allows reviewers to choose articles they want to review based on their expertise and interest. This approach aims to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the peer review process, while maintaining high-quality reviews.
The study found that participation in the National School Lunch Program significantly increases educational opportunity and attainment, while having an insignificant effect on adult health levels. The program encouraged children to attend school more than they would have without it, based on data from the U.S. Census.
An analysis article in CMAJ raises questions about Dr. Bernard Prigent's appointment to CIHR Governing Council due to his ties to the pharmaceutical industry, which may have influenced decision-making on topics related to Pfizer Canada.
A survey of Swiss surgical residents and consultants found that the 50-hour workweek limitations negatively affected surgical training, operating time, and patient care. However, 58% of residents and 81% of consultants reported improved quality of life.
A study of over 5,000 veterans with substance use disorders found that 70% died by suicide using violent means. Those who died by overdose had more severe mental disorders, highlighting the importance of addressing substance use disorders and access to lethal means for prevention.
A 10-year study of a chimp community in Uganda found that chimpanzees violently kill individuals from neighboring groups to expand their own territory. The researchers witnessed 18 fatal attacks and found signs of three others, with the Ngogo chimpanzees expanding their territory by 22%.
A recent study of an ancient language sheds light on the mechanisms driving linguistic evolution. Researchers discovered that languages undergo a 'bumpy ride' of changes, guided by shared principles and ordered processes.
Recent research challenges previous observations of supersolid helium, proposing that the phenomenon may be caused by quantum plasticity. The study's findings have significant implications for our understanding of ultracold solid helium and its potential to exhibit counterintuitive characteristics.
Jane Dyer, director of the top-ranked nurse midwifery program at the University of Utah Health, has been inducted into the American College of Nurse Midwives. She is recognized for her leadership and commitment to providing care to underserved communities.
Gastric band slippage, a complication of adjustable gastric banding surgery, can be diagnosed using X-rays. The 'O' sign, where the band appears as an O-shaped configuration instead of its usual rectangular shape, is a key indicator.
A recent study by University of Minnesota researchers found that certain brands can influence consumers' perceptions of themselves. Using a brand with an appealing personality can rub off on consumers, even if the brand is used for only a short time.
Researchers at Harvard Medical School have created nanodevices made of DNA that can self-assemble and be programmed to move and change shape. These programmable nanodevices are highly suitable for medical applications due to their biocompatibility and biodegradability.
A new study suggests that exercise can reduce alcohol intake in humans by stimulating brain reward pathways and regulating circadian rhythms. Exercise may provide a beneficial alternative to reducing alcohol consumption, with the 'lazier' hamsters having a greater craving for alcohol when restricted from exercising.
The National Science Foundation (NSF) is funding a semester-long program on geometric, combinational, and computational group theory at the Centre de Recherches Mathmatiques in Montreal. Researchers will work together to discuss perspectives for advancing the field and disseminate knowledge among an international community of experts.
A recent NIH-supported study has discovered a novel pathway that may lead to the development of new treatments for high blood pressure. By increasing certain proteins in mouse blood vessels, researchers were able to relax the vessels and lower blood pressure, reducing damage to the kidneys compared to normal mice.
A large medical center implemented an imaging algorithm to reduce cumulative radiation exposure and CT scans for patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhages. The study showed a 25.6% decrease in mean number of CT examinations per patient and a 12.1% overall reduction in cumulative radiation exposure.
A new study found that massed learning, where consumers try products repeatedly, leads to a good mental model and increased willingness to pay. This approach is particularly effective for new products, as it determines how much they are used after purchase.
Researchers are analyzing five cancers in dogs, including histiocytic sarcomas, to identify genetic changes and potential treatments for humans. The study aims to develop targeted therapies by analyzing the gene makeup of purebred dogs with specific breeds being affected by certain types of cancer.
Patients with diabetes admitted for acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) experience longer hospital stays and are at an increased risk of death. High blood sugar may cause more severe infections due to impaired immune responses, leading to a trend towards longer hospital stays for patients with diabetes.
Children with special health care needs are at higher risk of developing oral disease. Poor diets, frequent use of sugary syrups, and inadequate oral hygiene can exacerbate the issue.
A study by Dr. Regina Sullivan and colleagues reveals that abusive mothering in rat pups leads to disrupted social behavior and increased engagement of the amygdala, a region involved in regulating stress and emotion. The findings provide insights into the neurobiological origins of psychopathology stemming from abuse.
Underwater gliders are being tested for tracking tagged fish in Alaska, providing a new method for scientists. The technology allows researchers to follow the movements of tagged fish over long distances and gather oceanographic information simultaneously.
The 2009 Journal Citation Reports reveals a surge in Impact Factors for Cell Press journals, with Cell Stem Cell and Cell Host and Microbe leading the charge. Cancer Cell also continues to grow, while Molecular Cell sees an impressive 13% increase, demonstrating the growing importance of these publications in the scientific community.
The NHLBI is funding nine research grants to examine the effects of red blood cell storage time on patient outcomes. A large clinical trial, RECESS, will compare heart surgery patients' outcomes based on stored red blood cells' age.
The University of Utah has received a $2.4 million, four-year grant to track the growth of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) in Utah 8-year-olds. The grant is part of a nationwide effort to better understand the increasing prevalence of ASDs, which affect about one out of every 110 American children.
A large clinical study found Omega-3 supplementation to be effective in improving depression symptoms among patients with unipolar depression unaccompanied by anxiety. The study used high-quality EPA supplements and demonstrated efficacy comparable to conventional antidepressant treatments.
A multi-institutional team has sequenced the human body louse genome, revealing its unique characteristics and potential applications in understanding lice-borne diseases. The tiny parasite's pared-down genetic profile makes it an attractive organism for studying resistance to insecticides.
Menopausal hormone therapy may offer significant benefits to some women, particularly those starting treatment a short time after menopause. The Endocrine Society's new statement suggests that MHT can lead to a 30-40% decrease in mortality and a 90% reduction of menopausal symptoms.
A study published in the European Journal of Public Health found that nearly 10% of Madrid women experience gender-related violence, with significant differences by age and socioeconomic factors. The study highlights the need for preventive intervention and social support to protect vulnerable women.
A new ASIR technique reduces CT colonography radiation dose by 50% without compromising image quality, improving patient safety. The study found no significant differences in image quality between standard and low-dose images using ASIR.
The importance of full reproductive and sexual health rights cannot be overstated when it comes to achieving international health goals aimed at improving maternal health. Access to family planning resources, including contraception and abortion, is vital for women's empowerment and control over their lives.
A BGU professor developed a software program that can identify language indicative of writer's psychological state, serving as a screening tool for depression. The program showed a 78% correlation with clinical psychologists' reviews, and could potentially be used to screen would-be suicides.
A new study reveals that oral micronized progesterone relieves hot flashes and night sweats in postmenopausal women, with a 56% improvement rate. The natural hormone form offers an effective alternative to estrogen for those who cannot or prefer not to use it.
Researchers examine how consumers think about money and time, finding that accounting periods affect tracking of temporal costs. The study reveals people are more likely to return to an event if they spent time on it during the same accounting period, not when spending money.
A team of researchers at the University of Alberta developed a longer-lasting plastic solar cell by applying a polymer coating to an electrode. The coating helped prevent chemical leaching, allowing the solar cell to operate for up to 500 hours and then continue working for another seven months.
The US Department of Defense has awarded over $1 million to a team of researchers at the University of Western Ontario to develop an antibody treatment for spinal cord injuries. The therapy targets inflammation caused by CD11d protein, which can limit damage and improve recovery rates.
A new study found that puberty is related to sleep problems and later bedtimes, associated with increased alcohol use in early adolescence. Puberty-dependent sleep regulation is an important factor explaining alcohol use in this age group.
Despite increased scrutiny, many clinicians continue to hold positive attitudes towards gifts and marketing interactions with pharmaceutical and device companies. A survey found that surgeons and trainees tend to have more positive attitudes, while pediatricians generally hold less favorable views.
A new study found that young women with a genetic predisposition to substance use are more likely to choose friends who also use substances, increasing their environment and genetic inclination. This correlation suggests that peer selection has a genetic basis, modifying an individual's likelihood of associating with drug-using peers.
A new study finds women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have higher bisphenol A (BPA) blood levels, associated with increased male hormones and reproductive problems. The study suggests that women with PCOS should limit their exposure to BPA due to its potential adverse effects on hormone balance.
UCI chemists develop synthetic antibodies that block bee venom by encasing melittin, a peptide causing cells to rupture. These 'plastic antibodies' offer a promising alternative to natural antibodies for treating medical conditions, with potential applications in fighting deadly toxins and pathogens.
A new study in Journal of Consumer Research explores how consumers' style of goal pursuit influences their search for information and consideration sets. Promotion-focused consumers tend to consider larger numbers of alternatives before making final choices than prevention-focused consumers.
A recent study led by the University of Colorado at Boulder found that upgrading a wastewater treatment plant in Colorado has mitigated the problem of male fish becoming feminized due to chemical contaminants. The team observed no effects on male sex characteristics after 28 days of exposure to effluent water, contradicting previous fi...
A new study indicates that babies born vaginally have bacterial communities resembling their mother's vaginal bacteria, while C-section newborns have common skin bacterial communities. This finding has potential implications for infant health as they grow and develop.
Researchers have found that a tiny alien insect pest called cycad aulacaspis scale (CAS) can hide in hard-to-reach areas of native cycad plants, allowing it to evade natural enemies. The study's findings suggest the need for a new biological control organism that can target CAS in its secret hiding places.
Researchers have detected subatomic particles, known as geoneutrinos, which could help understand the Earth's internal heat and its impact on geological events like earthquakes and volcanoes. The discovery has significant implications for predicting such events in the future.
Researchers found that Smurf1 is elevated in animal models of PAH and can degrade BMP receptors, leading to excessive growth of vascular cells. This suggests Smurf1 may be an attractive therapeutic target to block disease progression.
Brain signs of schizophrenia found in babies with larger brains and lateral ventricles in high-risk group, differing from girls in the study. Early detection could lead to new approaches to prevent or treat the disease.
Researchers discovered a complex network of cell proteins that work together, suggesting medicines should target groups rather than individual proteins. This study, published in Science, has the potential to develop more effective treatments for illnesses.
A study found that individuals with a tendency to suppress anger are more likely to exhibit violent behavior when intoxicated. Researchers analyzed self-reported data from over 3,000 young people in Norway and discovered a significant association between suppressed anger and increased violence.
A two-year field study found that compost filter socks reduced sediment concentration by 49% in runoff from tilled fields, but had no effect on no-till fields. The filter socks also decreased herbicide alachlor and glyphosate concentrations by 18% and 5%, respectively.
A study found that ear tubes do not increase the risk of complications in children with cochlear implants. The authors suggest that ear tube management does not adversely affect outcomes in pediatric ears. The study included 78 ears from 62 children, with no cases of meningitis or removal of cochlear implants due to infection.
Computer simulations reveal how ocean stirring and mixing create filamentary structures in plankton patches, resisting dispersal. The research, supported by the Natural Environmental Research Council and the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, provides new insights into plankton patchiness.
A recent study found that religiosity during adolescence can moderate genetic effects on problem alcohol use, but not in young adulthood. The research suggests that adolescents raised with strong religious values are less likely to develop problems with alcohol use, even in the presence of a genetic predisposition.
A new study found that pregnant women with higher blood levels of a common flame retardant had altered thyroid hormone levels, which could impact fetal growth and brain development. The study linked exposure to these chemicals to decreased TSH levels and an increased risk of subclinical hyperthyroidism.
A 13-year study found a higher incidence rate of serious liver disease in adults with newly diagnosed diabetes compared to non-diabetic controls. The study suggests that insulin resistance and fatty load in the liver may contribute to liver disease in people with diabetes.
The project has released pilot data on human genetic variation from 2,500 people worldwide. Researchers have discovered that rare variations account for much of the burden of disease in the human population.
Resveratrol supplementation has been shown to decrease energy intake by 13% and increase resting metabolic rate by 29% in mouse lemurs. The study demonstrates the compound's potential effects on obesity therapies, providing novel information on its impact on energy metabolism.
Two University of Arizona studies find that loneliness is a matter of perception and can be linked to poor health. Stress serves a crucial function for lonely individuals, who tend to have fewer close connections and manage daily stressors poorly.
Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists collaborated with New Mexico State University (NMSU) researchers to study locoweed poisoning in US livestock. The team developed grazing management guidelines to minimize losses, recommending restrictions on locoweed access during critical periods.
A new study found that early modern humans didn't need tools or cooking to process hard foods; instead, they may have lost ability to eat tough items like tubers or leaves. Modern humans have efficient bites using less-powerful jaw muscles, contrary to previous suggestions about a weaker bite in favor of a larger brain.
Researchers found that improving soil structure was a significant variable contributing to positive potato yield. Supplementing traditional soil sampling with spectral measurement provided detailed insights into how the potato crop interacts with its environment.
A new study reveals that lead exposure damages brain function by disrupting the normal formation of synapses and altering the levels of key proteins involved in neurotransmitter release. The research provides a comprehensive mechanism for how lead ions impair brain development and function throughout life.
Researchers found that tanning is a response to varying levels of ultraviolet radiation, particularly in middle and high latitudes. This adaptation helps protect humans from harmful effects of sunlight, including vitamin D deficiency and folate destruction.
Researchers analyzed bacterial populations in the noses and throats of seven healthy adults using two culture-independent methods. They found distinct differences between nasal and throat bacteria, with some groups more prevalent in one area than the other.
A new study in the Journal of Consumer Research found that high-end consumers often spend lavishly on products with subtle brand signals to avoid confusion and maintain exclusivity. The authors analyzed handbags and sunglasses, revealing a higher percentage of branded products among mid-range prices compared to luxury categories.
Four unmanned autonomous vehicles designed by Virginia Tech engineering students using TORC Robotic Building Blocks product line will be used by the Marine Corps in Hawaii during the RIMPAC war games. The vehicles are equipped with advanced sensors, perception, planning, and control algorithms to navigate complex environments.
A new technique enables large-scale production of high-quality graphene at room temperature using a molecular wedge, resulting in undamaged graphene dispersed in water. The researchers used the graphene to build chemical sensors and ultracapacitors with high-performance applications in environmental sensing and energy storage.
A new study by The Endocrine Society reveals that chemicals remaining in Boulder Creek after wastewater treatment change the gender of fish. Native male fish were found to be feminized, with intersex individuals also present downstream of the wastewater treatment plant.
Researchers found Campylobacter jejuni and Chlamydophila psittaci in 69.1% and 52.6% of pigeons in Madrid, respectively. These bacteria can cause diarrhea in humans through aerosols, direct contact, or contaminated food and water.
The article proposes three rules for physician-journalists covering disasters, including prioritizing medical emergencies over reporting duties and seeking parental consent before featuring children on news reports. These guidelines aim to balance the dual responsibilities of physician-reporters and protect their patients from exploita...
Researchers have discovered a new group of drugs that could provide effective cancer pain relief with minimal side effects. The drugs, developed in collaboration between the Universities of Leicester and Ferrara, act on two targets simultaneously to reduce tolerance.
Two new articles analyze the current status of maternal, newborn, and child health in Africa, identifying interventions that hold the greatest potential for preventing maternal and child deaths. The studies conclude that prioritizing high-impact outreach interventions could save millions of lives and cost an estimated $1.21 per capita.
The Journal of Dental Research (JDR) has maintained its number one ranking in the 'Dentistry, Oral Surgery & Medicine' category, according to the new 2009 Five-Year Scientific Impact Factor (SIF) rankings. The JDR's SIF increased from 3.966 to 4.195, demonstrating its continued importance and relevance in the field.
NASA's Aqua and Terra satellites captured images of Tropical Storms Blas and Celia in the Eastern Pacific Ocean on June 19 and 20. The imagery revealed that Convection in Blas was waning while convection in Celia increased, indicating strengthening.
Researchers found significant changes in hearing sensitivity after exposure to MP3 player noise, suggesting potential long-term risks. The study suggests that portable media players may be harmful to young adults' hearing.
A new study conducted in animals found that early life exposure to BPA may cause long-lasting harm to testicular function. The study showed that even low levels of BPA exposure during critical developmental periods can lead to decreased testosterone secretion in male offspring.
A new study of child homicides found that fatalities are evenly distributed across all months, contradicting widespread notions of increased risk during winter holidays. Experts emphasize that prevention efforts should be a year-round priority, as common stressors on caregivers like tantrums and accidents occur throughout the year.
Research found that certain types of arousal can lead to unhealthy food choices and less-healthy decisions. Arousal interfered with the beneficial effect of positive mood on resistance to temptation, especially in situations requiring mental energy.
Rates of cancers affecting skin appendages such as sweat glands and mammary glands are rising in the US. Incidence increased by 150% between 1978-1982 and 2002-2005, with age being a key factor.
James C. Liao, UCLA professor, receives Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Award for his groundbreaking work on recycling carbon dioxide into products used in alternative transportation fuels or chemical feedstock. His technology addresses the problems hampering the development of bio-based chemicals and fuels.
Researchers announce the discovery of a 3.6 million-year-old partial skeleton, nicknamed 'Kadanuumuu', which is almost as proficient in walking on two legs as modern humans. The finding confirms advanced human-like walking occurred much earlier than previously thought.
Researchers found APC plays a crucial role in renovating the actin cytoskeleton by triggering actin assembly, offering a second way mutations in APC could lead to cancer. The study suggests APC's impact on the cytoskeleton may contribute to cancer development, especially when its actin-binding section is mutated.