A new national survey found that public support for nanotechnology increases when informed of its risks alongside benefits. However, discussing risks decreased support among those who had never heard of nanotechnology before the survey.
A new study suggests that declining Social Security benefits are a leading cause of older men staying in the workforce. The study found that between 25 and 50 percent of the increase in labor force participation among men aged 55-69 can be explained by declining benefits.
A new study reveals racial disparities in emergency department documentation of sexual histories for adolescent girls, with black teens more likely to have their history documented than white teens despite higher STI incidence rates. This finding highlights the need for standardized care and attention to racial disparities in healthcare.
A study found that alcohol abuse elevated specific genes in the nucleus accumbens, while nicotine blunted this effect. The research also identified a set of genes crucial for cell structure regulation, which were altered by both alcohol and nicotine abuse.
A Spanish study led by researchers shows that regular physical activity during adolescence can reduce the impact of a mutated FTO gene on weight and body fat. The study suggests that even modest amounts of exercise, such as one hour per day, can counteract genetic predispositions to obesity.
Researchers at the University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center have discovered a key molecular mechanism behind breast tumor cell spread. The finding focuses on Snail's interaction with LSD1 enzyme, which regulates DNA structure and shuts down E-cadherin gene expression, leading to metastasis.
A new study from Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute found that high doses of antioxidant nutritional supplements can induce stem cell genetic abnormalities, potentially leading to cancer. Researchers discovered this danger zone when seeking a way to multiply human cardiac stem cells.
A study found that genetic variations in the ADH1B enzyme are associated with reduced rates of alcohol dependence and increased sedation. Individuals with this variant tend to drink less and experience a different response to alcohol, which may help protect against heavy drinking and its consequences.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic are testing new endoscopic optics to detect precancerous polyps and micrometastasis. The pCLE system shows the highest accuracy yet in detecting small polyps, with a specificity of 100%. This technology has the potential to perform virtual biopsies, reducing unnecessary procedures.
Researchers uncover evidence of closed channel water pressure predating European arrival in Palenque. The Piedras Bolas Aqueduct is a spring-fed conduit with engineered water pressure that controlled flooding and preserved urban space.
Researchers have made significant advancements in diagnosing and treating Barrett's esophagus and inflammatory bowel disease. A new study found that endoscopic radiofrequency ablation can effectively eliminate the condition in most instances, with five-year durability outcomes showing 46 of 50 patients remained free of disease.
A study of 723 adolescents found that shorter sleep duration was related to higher BMI, with stronger associations in boys and middle school students. The research suggests that inadequate sleep may be a risk factor for childhood obesity.
Dr. Fumin Zhang, a Georgia Tech Savannah professor, has received the 2010 Young Investigator Award from The Office of Naval Research for his research on unmanned robots and mobile sensor networks in oceanography and robotics/control engineering.
A team of researchers at Karolinska Institutet has discovered a crucial role for NKT cells in regulating B cell activation and preventing autoimmunity. This finding provides new insights into the mechanisms underlying autoimmune diseases, such as MS and rheumatoid arthritis.
Researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center found that mexiletine is effective in alleviating myotonia, a central symptom of myotonic dystrophy. The medication reduces muscle stiffness and relaxation time by 38-59% in patients with the condition.
A University of Florida engineer has developed a nickel-sized imaging device that uses organic light-emitting diode technology for night vision. The device is lightweight and inexpensive, making it a possible add-on to cell phone cameras or eyeglasses.
A study found that older children hospitalized with pandemic H1N1 influenza had more severe medical conditions than those with seasonal influenza. Vaccination is crucial for this age group and those with pre-existing conditions to prevent hospitalization.
Researchers have discovered a way to create superhydrophobic surfaces based on water ferns, which could reduce friction and save up to 1% of global fuel consumption. The coating is made possible by the unique properties of the plant's hairs, which are hydrophobic but also have hydrophilic tips that 'staple' water in place.
Vancouver Island has an unusually high rate of Cryptococcus infection, a rare but deadly disease caused by inhaling toxic fungus from fir trees. Researchers at the University of Calgary have found that a class of approved therapeutic drugs could prevent brain infection by stopping the fungus from crossing the blood-brain barrier.
Researchers at ARS Dale Bumpers National Rice Research Center have identified a genetic region qShB9-2 that controls sheath blight in rice. They also developed a standardized screening technique to detect the disease in seedlings, accelerating the process of identifying resistant germplasm.
Research by Weijia Xing and colleagues reveals that most SARS epidemiological articles were submitted after the epidemic had ended, with only a small percentage published during the outbreak. The study suggests that journals alone are not sufficient to address delays in publishing epidemiological research on emerging infectious diseases.
A new study by RAND Corporation suggests that pay-for-performance programs could worsen medical disparities, particularly in communities with lower-income and minority populations. The study found that practices serving these communities would receive lower payments under typical pay-for-performance programs.
The Polygala balansae, a thorny bush up to 1.5m high, has only one population in Spain, found on 1,920m2 Mediterranean scrubland. It is threatened by habitat fragmentation, human settlement, and biological problems due to low reproductive individuals.
Researchers found that a subset of cells in flies express sex-specific genes, while others remain identical in males and females. This discovery has profound implications for our understanding of sex differences in the animal kingdom and may have relevance to human biology as well.
Researchers predict a significant increase in cardiovascular disease events and deaths in China between 2010 and 2030, driven by demographic changes and rising risk factors. Dramatically reducing smoking and controlling elevated blood pressure could prevent up to 5.7 million deaths by 2030.
A recent trial in Ghana found that vitamin A supplementation did not reduce maternal mortality, contradicting previous findings from a Nepalese trial. The study showed similar rates of pregnancy-related and all-cause female mortality between the intervention and control groups.
Researchers propose a multi-faceted approach to avoid exceeding the 2-degree C temperature threshold, including reducing methane, hydrofluorocarbons, and other greenhouse gases. They advocate for aggressive simultaneous pursuit of strategies to stabilize CO2 concentrations and implement warming-neutral pollution laws.
Researchers confirm a link between pancreatic cancer and inflammatory bowel disease, finding that EUS is as effective as surgery in treating pancreatic pseudocysts. Additionally, studies suggest that intra-abdominal fat can predict survival in pancreatic cancer patients, while new technology shows promise for improved surgical procedures.
A new study published in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery found that statin use post-operative reduces the need for revision surgery after total hip replacement. Statins have been associated with improved bone metabolism, anti-inflammatory effects, and prognosis after infections, which may improve THR outcomes.
Joseph W. Sanger, T. Vidhya Persaud, and Richard B. Marchase received the highest honors from the American Association for Anatomy for their unique contributions to anatomical sciences. The awards recognize exceptional service and meritorious achievements in education, research, and scientific advancements.
Research by Juan Oliva found that HIV-positive individuals are less likely to find work than their male counterparts, with women facing a significant disadvantage, and factors such as health, education level and type of transmission playing a role in employment status.
Researchers at UCLA have imaged a virus structure at an atomic resolution of 3.3 angstroms using cryo-electron microscopy, allowing them to study the virus's functionality in its native environment. This breakthrough demonstrates the potential of Cryo-EM for producing high-resolution images of biological samples.
Researchers at UCSF have created a transgenic mouse model that displays the earliest signs of Parkinson's disease, including constipation and gastrointestinal problems. The model is significant as it validates a theory suggesting the neurological component of Parkinson's is a late-stage effect of a larger systemic problem.
A study suggests that preoperative breast MRI can reduce local breast cancer recurrences at follow-up, particularly in young patients with dense breast tissue. The study found that patients who received a contrast-enhanced MRI prior to surgery had significantly fewer local recurrence cases.
MIT researchers have developed a new tool for rapid DNA damage analysis, combining the comet assay's versatility with high-capacity platforms. The technology enables automated readout and can be used to test potential cancer drugs and detect environmental toxin effects.
A comprehensive study found that every additional hour of TV exposure among toddlers corresponded to a future decrease in classroom engagement and success at math. High levels of TV consumption during early childhood can lead to future unhealthy habits, including increased victimization by classmates and higher body mass index.
A recent study by American Academy of Pediatrics found that parents administering medication to children with chronic conditions often make mistakes. The researchers visited the homes of 83 children and reviewed 544 medications, discovering 128 errors, including those that could injure the child.
Researchers at Fraunhofer Institute use selective laser melting to create serial parts out of metal powder, producing high-quality components with improved safety standards. The process reduces manufacturing cycle times by up to 40% and has the potential to decrease material costs by 50%.
A new study suggests that magnetic stimulation therapy produced significant antidepressant effects in a subgroup of treatment-resistant patients, with remission rates of 14% compared to 5%. The treatment has few side effects and may be an effective alternative for those who don't respond to current medications.
A recent study discovered that a protein produced by T cells reduces inflammatory proteins hindering learning, improving navigation in mice trained to find their way through a water maze. Mice lacking this protein suffered from learning disabilities, which could be reversed with IL-4–producing T cells.
Researchers at Tufts University have identified a hormone-like signaling system in the ear that helps protect against noise-induced hearing loss. The system, which mirrors the body's fight-or-flight response, works at lower intensity sounds than previously thought.
Dr. Koby Scheuer's plastic-based technology uses nano-sized grooves to filter noise from information in optical devices, making them smaller, more flexible, and powerful.
Scientists have created a new technology that converts chemical energy to fuel cells for micro-machines and sensors, saving energy and producing more power than smaller batteries. The thermopower wave devices use carbon nanotubes and are already generating attention due to their non-toxic nature.
A study suggests that breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can detect breast lesions missed on mammography and ultrasound, influencing surgical management choices. Breast MRI positively impacts patient management decisions, potentially reducing the need for re-intervention by accurately assessing tumor extent.
A study from North Carolina State University found that many parents believe their children aren't interested in sex, while viewing others' teenagers as highly sexual. This misconception contributes to stereotypes of sexual behavior that can be harmful to both parents and kids, shifting responsibility away from the child.
A study of 117,738 women aged 18-39 found that screening mammograms had poor accuracy and high recall rates for additional tests. Diagnostic mammograms performed due to symptoms had better accuracy and detection rates.
New research suggests that Charles Darwin's family was a living example of his theory on inbreeding's negative effects on offspring. The study found a positive association between child mortality and the inbreeding coefficient for Darwin's children, supporting his concerns about the risks of consanguineous marriage.
Cells use a simple principle to control protein localization, ensuring high order and avoiding chaos. By adding a lipid anchor to proteins, cells direct them to specific destinations, and then remove the anchor to prevent misdirection.
Researchers highlight underdiagnosis of pediatric hepatitis C, increased risk of inflammatory bowel disease from antibiotic use in infancy. Gastroenterologists must consider unique health needs of women and children when prescribing medication.
Researchers have developed a method to convert human induced pluripotent stem (iPS) and embryonic stem (ES) cells to a more flexible state, similar to mouse ES cells. This breakthrough could improve the efficiency of gene targeting and potentially lead to new therapeutic applications for human ES and iPS cells.
Researchers will test a combination of two hormonal gels on men's skin to suppress sperm production and prevent pregnancy. The study aims to develop a male contraceptive that would give men greater control over their reproductive choices.
The National Academies Keck FUTURES INITIATIVE has awarded $1.25 million to 13 research projects in synthetic biology, with a focus on interdisciplinary collaborations and innovative approaches. The grants will support the development of new technologies and methods for capturing diverse biological machinery from arbitrary environments.
A new model has estimated that large amounts of organic nitrogen are stored in the soil beneath fields in Nebraska and Maryland, where corn and soybean crops are grown. The study found that leaching accounted for most of the nitrogen lost from the soil, particularly in irrigated areas.
A new understanding of marine ecology has emerged, revealing that mussel populations are connected across vast distances through communication. This discovery has significant implications for the design of marine reserves and fisheries management.
Dr. Shinya Yamanaka's pioneering work on induced pluripotent stem cells eliminates need for embryonic stem cell harvesting from human embryos. The discovery has the potential to correct or repair birth defects in children, offering hope for preventions and treatments.
A new study suggests that high protein intake may increase the risk of inflammatory bowel disease, while fatty acids found in olive oil, peanut butter, and grapeseed oil may protect against ulcerative colitis. Additionally, vitamin A supplements have been shown to improve the antiviral effect of treatment drugs for chronic hepatitis C.
A study of 28 radiologists found a high prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms, including lower back pain, wrist pain, and headaches, due to inadequate workstation ergonomics. The findings highlight the importance of researching workstation design to minimize long-term implications for radiologists.
The protein tPA provides protection for nerve cells in the hippocampus by preventing death caused by reduced blood flow during stroke. Analysis of tPA's protective process reveals implications for therapeutic strategies to prevent nerve cell death.
The Journal of Nuclear Medicine published a supplement on cardiovascular molecular imaging, discussing its potential to diagnose heart diseases earlier. The publication combines various imaging techniques, such as ultrasound, MRI, and radiotracers, to improve management of cardiovascular disease.
Researchers at NASA and Purdue University have identified molecular-level features that make fluorinated compounds more efficient at trapping radiation in the atmospheric window. By spreading fluorine atoms out in a molecule's structure, these compounds can persist longer in the atmosphere, contributing to global warming.