A recent study published in the American Heart Association rapid access journal report found that frequent exposure to secondhand smoke among 13-year-olds is associated with increased blood vessel wall thickness and functioning problems. This increases the risk of future blood vessel hardening and other heart disease factors.
A large 'red tide' is expected in the New England region this spring, posing a threat to the local shellfish industry. The prediction is based on a higher-than-usual abundance of cysts from the toxic alga Alexandrium fundyense on the seafloor.
A new study from Michigan Medicine found that freezing breast tumors using cryoablation kills the cancer and generates an immune response that helps stop its spread, leading to improved survival rates. The rapid freezing technique appears to be more effective than slower techniques in killing metastases and improving survival.
Scientists discover a disused SCUBA tank filled with air in 1968, extending the longest record of greenhouse gases in the Southern Hemisphere. The find uses archived data to analyze propellants, refrigerants and aluminium smelter emissions not widely used in Melbourne at that time.
A Virginia Tech study found that women are more affected by air pollution during marathons due to their smaller tracheas, which can cause irritation. Higher levels of particulate matter in the air were associated with slower running times for women compared to men, who showed no significant impact.
A pilot study found that a college course focused on social issues related to food resulted in healthier diets than traditional health-focused courses. Students who took the 'Food and Society' course reported an improvement in their healthful eating diet score, increased vegetable consumption, and decreased high-fat dairy consumption.
Scientists have developed a new model using sea squirts to test anti-Alzheimer's drugs, which could lead to breakthroughs in disease treatment. The study found that dosing sea squirt tadpoles with a mutant protein resulted in aggressive plaque development and behavioral defects, which were reversed by an experimental drug.
A new tool has been developed to analyze and manage a wide range of ecological services in agricultural ecosystems. Ecosystems that maximize agriculture tend to have fewer hidden ecosystem services, such as water purification and climate moderation, compared to more diverse landscapes.
A large study of nearly 6,000 Wisconsin women found that bisphosphonate drug use for more than two years was associated with a nearly 40% reduction in breast cancer risk. The protective effect was observed only among non-obese women.
A study of Medicare data found that elderly ICU patients who survive hospital discharge have a high rate of death in the following years, particularly those receiving mechanical ventilation. Discharge to skilled care facilities also increases long-term mortality.
A research team has revised estimates of glacier melt in Alaska, finding that glaciers contribute about one-third less to sea-level rise than previously estimated. The new calculations put the rate of melting at around .0047 inches per year, down from the original estimate of .0067 inches.
A study led by Markus H. Schafer found that people's subjective age has a stronger influence on cognitive abilities during older adulthood than their chronological age. Those who felt young for their age were more likely to have greater confidence about their cognitive abilities a decade later.
A Purdue University study reveals that high humidity in bathrooms and kitchens can cause vitamins and health supplements to lose their potency. Storing products in dry conditions, below their deliquescence relative humidities, can help maintain their effectiveness.
A study found that individuals with a low ankle-brachial index (ABI) did not significantly reduce their risk of cardiovascular or cerebrovascular events with aspirin use. Alternative therapies, such as statins or more potent antiplatelet agents, may be considered for these high-risk patients.
A new study published in Biological Psychiatry suggests that the lateral prefrontal cortex (LPFC) is a brain region that helps people control their emotional reactions to negative facial expressions from their romantic partners. The LPFC activity was found to predict self-regulation after an interpersonal conflict in daily life.
The European Journal of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics will be published by Springer starting in 2010, covering aspects of drug delivery and bioavailability. The journal focuses on pharmacokinetics, drug metabolism, and drug development, publishing original articles and conference proceedings.
Research by National Jewish Health faculty presents promising findings on vitamin D's effectiveness in boosting corticosteroid efficacy for asthma treatment. Additionally, early results show oral immunotherapy with egg-white solid to be effective in desensitizing children with egg allergy.
A team of climate researchers analyzed geochemical and pollen data from lake sediments in Central and Eastern Europe, discovering a short warming event at the end of the last interglacial period. This finding suggests that such short warm periods may be common during transitions between glacial epochs.
Researchers found barnacle communities flourish in vertical-upwelling zones with strong currents, contradicting previous theories. The study's findings suggest that barnacles latch onto rock walls due to constant bouncing against rocky surfaces, ultimately leading to the formation of thriving crustacean populations.
A new University of Illinois study shows that soluble fiber can strengthen the immune system and reduce inflammation. The research found that mice fed soluble fiber were less sick and recovered faster from illness compared to those fed insoluble fiber.
Researchers at The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine have unveiled the downstream processes of ion channel inactivation. Two studies show that Cav1.3 channels undergo distinct molecular endpoints during Ca2+-dependent and voltage-dependent inactivation, with a 'shield' mechanism repelling lid closure.
Researchers found that changes in traditional foods can damage their perceived quality and image. The study analyzed consumer perceptions of 'traditional' and 'innovation' across six European countries.
Engineers at UCLA have developed a rapid method to detect bacterial contamination in coastal waters, reducing testing time from days to under an hour. The new method uses magnetic beads and enzymes to analyze fecal bacteria levels in real-time, providing up-to-date data on water conditions.
UCI researchers found that learning activates neuron receptors that promote brain growth and limit memory impairment associated with aging. The study suggests that staying mentally active as we age may keep neuronal BDNF signaling at a constant rate, limiting cognitive decline.
A University of Alberta researcher has identified a way to lower the amount of fat in the blood and improve glucose metabolism. The study found that decreasing the activity of an enzyme called triacylglycerol hydrolase (TGH) can also protect against diabetes and increase physical activity.
A Temple University study found that leading early childhood education programs like Head Start face barriers to addressing childhood obesity, including lack of funding and knowledge. The researchers suggest increasing federal resources for healthy meals, staff training, and parent support to overcome these challenges.
McGill University astrophysicist Matt Dobbs has been awarded a prestigious Sloan Research Fellowship to investigate cosmic microwave background radiation and shed light on the universe's fundamental structures. The $50,000 two-year award supports Dobbs' research on the origins and evolution of the universe.
Researchers are developing a standard policy language to achieve flexible and dynamic Web security when sharing information with different agencies, countries, and organizations. This technology aims to facilitate the exchange of information between entities using different languages to express their security constraints.
Research suggests that amyloid-beta protein, a primary component of Alzheimer's plaques, is an antimicrobial peptide part of the innate immune system. A-beta inhibits the growth of certain pathogens and its accumulation may be triggered by chronic activation of the innate immune system.
The first antenna of the Australia Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder (ASKAP) telescope has received its first radio signals, paving the way for further development. The successful test demonstrates the feasibility of ASKAP's innovative design and sets a promising stage for the future telescope's scientific discoveries.
A new report by CSIRO outlines the potential of distributed energy to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Australia. Distributed energy systems can provide local generation, efficiency, and demand management, offering an immediate and cost-effective response to climate change.
A combination of Herceptin and Tykerb significantly inhibits tumor growth in gastric cancers with HER2 amplification, providing a new treatment option for tens of thousands of patients worldwide.
Research reveals that mice without an enzyme breaking down triglycerides exhibit improved metabolism with no negative effects, suggesting TGH as a promising therapeutic target. The liver compensates by synthesizing less fat and triglycerides are directed for oxidation.
A new study reveals that only half of US adults with prediabetes report trying to lose weight or exercise more, highlighting a need for increased awareness and prevention measures. The researchers also found that adults with prediabetes are more likely to be male, older, and have lower educational attainment.
Researchers at CSIRO Australia have successfully produced hand-drawn threads of artificial honeybee silk, rivalling the strength of natural silk. The breakthrough is a significant milestone towards developing biomimetic materials for various industries.
A nationwide cohort study found that cardiopulmonary resuscitation by bystanders significantly improves survival outcomes for children with cardiac arrests. The study suggests a double CPR training strategy to increase bystander participation.
Researchers found that GP referrals for gynaecological investigation were delayed for older women with suspected ovarian cancer. Women over 70 years old had a 20-week wait for referral, while those aged 75-79 years had a peak wait of 24 weeks. The discrepancy may be due to differences in data recording and GPs' motivation.
A world-renowned radiologist advocates for using ultrasound as the first-line imaging test for better diagnosis capability in evaluating acute female pelvic and lower abdominal conditions. Ultrasound is considered safer, radiation-free, and superior in diagnostic capability compared to CT scans.
A new clinical trial, PINC Trial, is testing the effectiveness of chloroquine in treating pre-invasive breast cancer. The trial aims to prevent breast cancer cells from becoming deadly by killing pre-invasive cancer cells using a novel therapy with chloroquine.
A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that LGB individuals living in states with same-sex marriage bans experienced significant increases in mood disorders, generalized anxiety disorder, and alcohol use disorders. The prevalence of any psychiatric disorder also increased among heterosexual respondents, ...
A San Francisco State University study found that eliminating sugary beverages and junk foods from schools significantly reduced the rate of overweight children among fifth-grade boys and seventh-grade students. The study showed that governmental policies can shape food behaviors and influence obesity trends in entire student populations.
A new study finds that undergraduate women who join a sorority are more likely to experience self-objectification, higher levels of bulimic attitudes, and increased body shame. Sorority membership may exacerbate pre-existing problematic attitudes and behaviors.
Researchers found that estrogen inhibits MLK3, a protein that causes normal cell death, leading to uncontrolled growth of cancer cells and resistance to chemotherapy. This discovery could lead to new cancer-fighting drugs.
A recent study from UT Southwestern Medical Center found that combination therapy yielded better results than individual drugs in treating enlarged prostate. The treatment, which combined dutasteride and tamsulosin, reduced the risk of BPH progression by 25% and PSA levels by 50%.
Researchers at University of Missouri found that exercising during weight regain maintains improvements in metabolic health and disease risk. The study, led by Tom R. Thomas, indicates that exercise can counter negative effects of weight regain on conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Patients hospitalized with pneumonia who develop acute kidney injury are more likely to die after discharge than those whose kidneys remain healthy. The study also found a strong relationship between AKI and levels of inflammatory biomarkers.
A standard ICD test is associated with significant thought-processing problems that improve for most patients after one year. The study found that more than one-third of participants experienced cognitive decline, mainly affecting attention and memory.
A new study published in Oxford Economic Papers reveals that ethnic minorities in Britain are better educated than their white peers, but face lower employment probabilities. The research shows significant wage disparities between British-born ethnic minority individuals and their white peers, particularly for men.
Researchers at HZI have discovered a new adjuvant, c-di-IMP, that enhances immune responses and provides long-lasting protection. The molecule has been shown to stimulate important effector mechanisms in mice, making it a promising candidate for improving existing vaccines.
Astronomers using NASA's Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope found that less than a third of gamma-ray emission arises from black-hole-powered jets. The study suggests that alternative explanations, such as particle acceleration in normal star-forming galaxies and dark matter, may be responsible for the extragalactic gamma-ray background.
Only 25 US states have enacted legislation covering cancer clinical trial costs, with varying requirements for scientific and ethical review. The study highlights the need for closer communication between lawmakers and oncology experts to improve research and patient care.
A study of 269,717 new hemodialysis patients found that dialysis centers using larger doses of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) in patients with low hematocrit levels had lower mortality rates. Conversely, centers using more frequent iron dosing in higher hematocrit ranges showed increased mortality risk.
Researchers found that higher-energy milk from heavier mothers with previous pregnancies led to more confident, active, and curious infants. In contrast, lower-energy milk was associated with less confident and less active infants when separated from their mother.
A review of over three decades of studies suggests that insulin therapy may increase cancer risk, particularly in those with type 2 diabetes. The study's findings also highlight the potential benefits of metformin treatment in reducing cancer incidence.
A study of corporate executives found that only 68% took their cholesterol-lowering medication as prescribed. Executives who took statins were twice as likely to meet their cholesterol goals and achieved better outcomes than those who didn't take the medication, even sporadically.
David A. Dillard has received the 2010 Award for Excellence in Adhesion Science from the Adhesion Society, credited with exceptional insight and research on bonded systems. His work focuses on developing test methods, analysis procedures, and durability studies for adhesive joints under various environmental conditions.
The James Webb Space Telescope has successfully polished its first primary mirror segment to meet the required prescription at operational cryogenic temperatures. This achievement sets the stage for a successful polishing process for the remaining 18 flight mirror segments.
A recent study by Wake Forest University School of Medicine found that both too little and excessive sleep can be hazardous to health, especially for young minority women. Short sleep duration of five hours or less per night was associated with large increases in visceral fat around organs.
A study found that people in positive moods are more likely to follow cues and stereotypes when evaluating trustworthiness. This occurs because happy individuals are less motivated to process information, leading them to rely on pre-existing expectations rather than new data.
Researchers found that men and women who drank four or more cups of coffee daily had an 18% lower risk of hospitalization for heart rhythm disturbances. The study involved 130,054 participants and showed consistent results among different ethnic groups, smokers, and nonsmokers.
A recent study published by the American Heart Association found that children with insomnia and shorter sleep duration have impaired modulation of heart rhythm during sleep. This impairment can lead to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease in young children, highlighting the importance of healthy bedtime habits for their overall...
A new study found that increasing dosage or adding asthma drugs to low-dose inhaled corticosteroids improves asthma control in 98% of children. LABA shows the highest response rate, but individual patients require personalized treatment due to factors like Asthma Control Test score, eczema, and ethnicity.
A long-acting beta-agonist (LABA) is the most effective step-up treatment for children with poorly controlled asthma, according to a new study. The study found that children responded differently to different treatments, with African-Americans equally likely to respond best to LABA or corticosteroid step-up.
A newly analyzed 47-million-year-old Darwinius fossil was found to not be a human ancestor, contrary to previous claims. The fossil is now believed to be a forebearer of modern-day lemurs and lorises, according to two papers published in the Journal of Human Evolution.
The Systems Biology Markup Language (SBML) has been widely adopted by the scientific community for sharing and evaluating models of biological processes. SBML's popularity is a validation of its usefulness, with over 500 citations in an online academic database.
Research found that buying experiences boosts satisfaction over time due to selective memory and subjective nature. In contrast, material purchases lead to regret as consumers compare them to others' or missed deals.
Researchers have developed a novel, non-invasive measure called Respiratory Modulation Response (RMR) to quickly and accurately detect the presence of significant coronary artery disease. Patients with sCAD had a lower RMR compared to patients without, regardless of their risk factors or clinical history.
Researchers analyzed genomic data from African, Asian, and European populations to estimate breeding sex ratios, finding that modern humans tend towards monogamy but exhibit polygamous tendencies over evolutionary history. The study's novel method of analysis provides new insights into the genetic population structure of humans.
Researchers discover that mother's milk induces liver production of FGF21, a molecule that activates brown fat to increase body temperature. This phenomenon may have far-reaching consequences for metabolic health in adulthood.
A large-scale study by the Kaiser Permanente Division of Research found that moderate coffee drinkers had a lower risk of hospitalization for heart rhythm disturbances. The researchers followed 130,054 men and women and discovered an 18% lower risk among those who consumed four or more cups of coffee daily.
Researchers found that coastal and open-ocean fish have distinct mercury signatures, ruling out the idea that they pick up methylmercury by eating contaminated coastal fish. Instead, they suggest that mercury is deposited into the open ocean and undergoes methylation in low-oxygen microenvironments.
A study by American Heart Association found that organized physical activity is associated with better academic performance, lower body fat levels in adolescent girls, and improved overall health. The research suggests that encouraging regular physical activity can lead to healthier, happier, and smarter children.
Researchers created a risk assessment method based on race, Medicaid eligibility, and neighborhood characteristics, which identified even more high-risk children than current methods. The new approach could save taxpayers $153,000 by reducing unnecessary lead poisoning tests.
Researchers found that accidental overdose deaths from cocaine use rose significantly when ambient temperature exceeded 24 degrees Celsius. The number of cocaine-related overdose deaths continued to climb as temperatures increased, due to cocaine's effect on core body temperature and cardiovascular system.
A new study by Georgia State University professor Sean Richey found that residents of states with more government corruption have less trust in the general public. Increases in corruption before a survey were taken lead to decreases in belief that government officials and ordinary citizens are trustworthy.
A new microfluidic sorting device rapidly analyzes millions of biological reactions, allowing researchers to identify potent drugs and cleaner sources of energy. The device uses drop-based microfluidics to sort compounds in parallel at high speed.
Researchers found more-aggressive ESA treatment practices among severely anemic patients led to better outcomes, while aggressive treatment of mildly anemic patients was associated with increased mortality. The study analyzed data from 4,500 U.S. dialysis units and supported guidelines for safer ESA use in end-stage renal disease patie...
Scientists on a research vessel are trawling for prey of sperm whales in the northern Gulf of Mexico to gather data on their feeding ecology. The study will help conserve and protect these endangered large whales by understanding how they utilize their environment.
A study of 187 top sports arenas in Europe found that many do not have automated external defibrillators or medical action plans in place. The European Society of Cardiology calls for urgent action to improve safety for spectators and players, citing a lack of attention to safety procedures as the main issue.
A Purdue University study has found that nanosilver, a bactericidal agent, is toxic to fish and can cause malformations even at low concentrations. Researchers detected nanoparticles as small as 30 nanometers inside fish embryos, highlighting the need for further testing on environmental release levels.
New research at UCL suggests that moderate alcohol consumption before a traumatic event can lead to increased recall of the traumatic experience, resulting in more frequent flashbacks. In contrast, high levels of alcohol consumption may disrupt both types of memory, leading to fewer flashbacks and reduced overall memory for the event.
A new RAND Corporation study finds California's failure to meet air pollution standards costs over $193 million in hospital-based medical care from 2005-2007. Exposure to ozone and particulate pollution causes nearly 30,000 emergency room visits and hospital admissions.
The National Evolutionary Synthesis Center (NESCent) has been awarded a $25 million 5-year grant from the NSF to continue its cutting-edge research in evolutionary biology. The center plans to expand its programs and add new initiatives, including graduate fellowships and international research partnerships.