A study found that breast-feeding mothers are more likely to display aggression when threatened, with lower blood pressure levels. This increased courage is believed to be linked to the reduction of stress response in these women.
Researchers developed a novel computational framework to predict the effects of medications on cardiac rhythms. The tool helps screen anti-arrhythmia medications early in the drug-development pipeline and guides physicians in prescribing interventions.
NASA's TRMM satellite detected isolated areas of heavy rainfall within Tropical Depression 8E before it organized. The depression is forecast to bring heavy rainfall and 4-6 inches of precipitation to coastal sections of Mexico's Guerrero, Michoacan, and Colima states
A new study published in the Journal of Zoology found that the Tasmanian tiger's weak jaws made it unlikely to catch large prey like sheep. The research suggests that its inability to kill large prey may have hastened its extinction, highlighting the vulnerability of large predators with specialized diets.
A new study reveals that millions of dollars are raised annually for breast cancer research and prevention programs through revenue-generating initiatives. States with higher breast cancer death rates are more likely to offer specialty license plates, which generate significant revenue.
Scientists at UCSF have identified a crucial chemical that the malaria parasite produces internally, allowing it to survive in human blood. This insight provides a powerful tool for discovering and designing new treatments.
In exploring the formation of disaster-response agencies after 9/11, a researcher finds that most new nonprofits ceased operation within two years. However, those with stronger ties to families of victims endured past two years. The expert's research also highlights the importance of collaboration and leveraging resources.
The green anole lizard's genome has been fully sequenced, offering clues about vertebrate evolution and the origins of human genes. The study also provides insights into how lizards adapted to different islands and evolved diverse communities.
A world-first viral therapy trial has shown promising results, with 87% of patients experiencing viral replication in their tumours and tumour-selective expression of a foreign gene after intravenous delivery. The treatment was well-tolerated, with mild flu-like symptoms as the most common side effect.
A new study reveals Homo erectus used advanced Acheulian tools in East Africa at 1.8 million years ago, 300,000 years earlier than previously thought. The discovery sheds light on the origins of sophisticated tool-making technology and raises questions about human migration and climate change.
Researchers found that low-risk patients aged 60 or older with small tumors and low-grade disease have mortality rates comparable to the general population. These patients may not benefit from adjuvant therapy, contradicting previous recommendations for almost all patients with hormone-responsive disease.
A recent study found that postmenopausal women who smoke have higher androgen and estrogen levels than non-smoking women. Smoking cessation appears to reverse this effect, suggesting a potential mechanism by which tobacco smoke influences chronic disease risk through hormonal mechanisms.
A team of Indiana University researchers has discovered that promiscuous female birds have higher reproductive success due to a genetic 'trade-up', resulting in more offspring. By studying dark-eyed juncos, the study found that females who mate outside their social pair have twice as many grandchildren than those who remain truly monog...
A study by UC Davis researchers suggests that forest trees can tap into nitrogen in rocks, increasing their growth and ability to pull carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. This discovery could significantly affect how rapidly the earth will warm in the future.
A new, eco-friendly flame retardant made from layers of positively and negatively charged polymers has been developed to protect cotton fabrics. The coating, dubbed 'nano intumescent,' significantly reduces the flammability of cotton and can even prevent ignition when exposed to direct flames.
Researchers have devised a novel strategy for developing rapid, inexpensive diagnostic tests for microbial infections by identifying soluble microbial antigens. The InMAD system successfully identified antigens for biothreats Burkholderia pseudomallei and Francisella tularensis.
Analysis by Indiana University School of Medicine researchers resulted in changes to American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines for diagnosing and treating initial urinary tract infections in infants and toddlers. The new guidelines argue against exposing young children to painful radiologic tests and prescribing prophylactic antibiotic...
Researchers recommend low-salt diets, exercise, and weight loss as primary treatments for hypertension. Alternative options like Coenzyme Q10, potassium supplements, and devices like RESPeRATE and Zona Plus may also be effective in managing blood pressure.
Japan has seen a recent decline in mortality rates for adult men and women, falling behind countries like Sweden, Italy, and Australia. The main explanations for this trend include high tobacco consumption, rising body mass index, and increasing suicide rates.
Scientists have created new tests to identify the source of emerging designer drugs, such as 'bath salts' and synthetic cannabinoids. The tests use isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) to trace the production of these substances, which can cause euphoria, paranoia, and hallucinations.
The Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) satellite has compiled rainfall total maps for Hurricane Irene, showing the eastern US was hit with extreme rainfall. The heaviest rainfalls were recorded in North Carolina and northeastern states, causing widespread flooding and damage.
A study by the CDC found that rotavirus vaccination in infants reduces hospitalizations for severe diarrhea in older children and adults. The study, published in The Journal of Infectious Diseases, shows that vaccinating infants can indirectly prevent serious disease in unvaccinated groups.
A new study conducted by Duke University Medical Center researchers found that inserting intra-aortic balloon pumps prior to angioplasty in patients with acute myocardial infarction does not reduce the scope of heart muscle damage, also known as infarct size. The study's findings were published online and presented at the European Soci...
Rasmussen Encephalitis is a rare neurological disease causing seizures, cognitive deficits and paralysis of half the body. Researchers at UCLA aim to narrow down the cause(s) of the disease using animal models and collaboration between experts in brain immunology and neuropathology.
A study using mobile phone positioning data tracks population movements after disasters, providing more accurate estimates than ad hoc methods. The method can be used for close to real-time monitoring of population movements during outbreaks, leading to better allocation of relief supplies.
New life-detection tools up to 1,000 times more sensitive than previous instruments are being used to search for evidence of life on Mars. Researchers are also searching the planet's atmosphere for signs of methane, which could indicate biological activity.
A randomized multicentre open-label study found that 24-month duration of dual therapy is no better than six months in preventing adverse cardiac events, but significantly increases the risk of bleeding and transfusion. The study challenges current guideline recommendations.
A new study found that anxious-solitary children differ significantly from other withdrawn children and non-withdrawn peers in terms of their relationships with peers. These children are more emotionally sensitive and less likely to have friends, which can lead to increased victimization.
Astronomers found a small, half-Jupiter-sized planet with a diameter of 60,000 kilometres orbiting an extremely dense pulsar, suggesting a unique formation process. The discovery reveals the possibility of a diamond-like structure in the planet's core due to its incredibly high density.
Researchers investigated the dynamics of virus populations in the human gut during dietary changes, finding that viral populations became more similar over time. The study provided new insights into the 'gut virome' and its response to diet, shedding light on potential health consequences.
A large-scale meteorological event, an abnormal Rossby wave, sparked extreme heat in Russia and unusual downstream wind patterns that shifted rainfall in the Indian monsoon region, fueling heavy flooding in Pakistan. The study analyzed satellite data to show the connection between the two events.
A Concordia University study found that fathers who actively engage with their children can positively influence their development, leading to fewer behavior problems and higher intellectual abilities. The study also highlighted the importance of mothers and other caregivers in child-rearing.
The Bern-Rotterdam cohort study found a 67% risk reduction in very late stent thrombosis for patients treated with everolimus-eluting stents compared to early generation drug-eluting stents. This is an important advance in the safety of drug-eluting stents.
Researchers created a Facebook application called PiggyDemic to simulate viral interactions and gather data on how viruses spread among populations. The app can predict patterns of infection, seasonal outbreaks, and the impact of human interaction on viral dynamics.
Research finds that women are less likely than men to use suicide methods that disfigure the face or head. Men are nearly twice as likely as women to have used such methods, suggesting a potential gap in understanding and prevention strategies for gender-specific risk factors.
A novel alloy has been developed that can produce hydrogen fuel from sunlight using photoelectrochemical water splitting. The GaN-Sb alloy, made of inexpensive materials, functions as a catalyst in the process and can be reused indefinitely. This discovery could potentially have profound implications for the future of solar energy.
A study by Al-Biltagi and Hemila found that vitamin C supplementation increased FEV1 levels by 37% in younger children with no mold exposure, while the benefit was smaller in older children. Vitamin C showed greatest benefit in mild asthma symptoms.
A recent study by researchers at the University of California, Berkeley's School of Public Health found that exposure to flame retardants during pregnancy is associated with lower birth weight. The study, led by Kim Harley, found a significant correlation between PBDE levels in mothers' blood and baby weights, with a 115-gram decrease ...
The Lancet Series proposes human-security based reforms to maintain Japan's universal health coverage. Local governments must take more responsibility for healthcare resources and funding, while consolidated institutions will improve physician quality and provide opportunities for domestic and global health experts to interact.
The CRISP AMI trial found that intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation does not reduce infarct size in patients with ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) without cardiac shock. The study showed no significant difference in infarct size between the groups, but IABC was associated with lower mortality rates.
Researchers found a genetic variation in the LRRK2 gene that reduces the risk of Parkinson's disease by nearly 20% in many populations. The study also identified different variants of the same gene that increase Parkinson's risk in Caucasians and Asians, providing evidence for multiple genetic risks contributing to the disease.
The study found a very high hospitalization rate during pregnancy, with 338 patients hospitalized (26% of all pregnancies) and 203 cardiac cases. Maternal death occurred in 13 patients (1%) and fetal death in 59 cases (4.5%). The authors suggest that further analysis and larger numbers are needed to identify the underlying causes of hi...
The study reveals that detailing is an effective long-term marketing tool, while sampling has a stronger short-term effect on physician behavior. The researchers' framework provides implications for customer management and maximizing long-run profitability.
A study by Brown University researchers found that college freshmen often struggle with sleep quality due to factors like roommates, dorm noise, and academic stress. However, a campuswide media campaign was able to help nearly 10% of students improve their sleep habits, leading to better grades, mood, and overall health.
The reappearance of measles is linked to unfounded fears about a link between the measles shot and autism, says Dr. Gregory Poland. Despite over 20 studies finding no connection between MMR vaccine and autism, some parents have turned against childhood vaccination.
Researchers found that a dysfunctional co-signaling system between glutamate and dopamine in the brain increases cravings for both natural substances like sugar and abused drugs. This can lead to addiction, as the brain becomes hypersensitive to rewards.
Despite a private sector dominated fee-for-service system, Japan successfully contains healthcare costs at 8% of GDP, largely due to uniform fee schedules. Key challenges include mismatched patient expectations with service supply, need for quality primary care improvement and restructuring the current fee payment schedule.
Biologists at USC discovered major declines in the availability of an enzyme, known as the Lon protease, as human cells grow older. The finding may help explain why humans lose energy with age and could point medicine toward new diets or pharmaceuticals to slow the aging process.
Researchers at Stevens Institute of Technology are developing innovative anti-corrosion materials with superhydrophobic properties to repel water and prevent corrosion. The grant will support the study of nanoscale wetting dynamics on these surfaces using an environmental scanning electron microscope.
A recent study found a clear tendency toward favoring items located in the middle of a row, regardless of direction. This 'center-stage effect' may influence choice in various settings, including shopping and surveys.
A longitudinal study of low-income families found that mother-son relationships change over time, affecting boys' behavior in adolescence. Mothers with good relationships and fewer conflicts had sons with lower delinquent behavior and stronger friendships.
The Asian longhorned beetle has already spread to nearby forests in Worcester, Mass., posing a threat to the region's forests. The beetle disproportionately attacks large maple trees, including red and sugar maples, which are vital to New England's iconic landscape.
Drs. Peter Cadieux and Hassan Razvi have been awarded a $566,000 grant as part of a $2.2 million initiative to explore novel coatings that significantly reduce bacterial adherence to urinary tract stents and catheters. The research aims to improve prevention and treatment of urinary device-associated infections.
The EXAMINATION trial found a non-significant trend towards benefit with Xience-V stent, resulting in a lower rate of new revascularisations and significantly lower rates of definite and probable stent thrombosis at one-year follow-up.
A new analysis of the GRAVITAS trial found that achieving low platelet reactivity is associated with a reduced incidence of cardiovascular death, heart attack, and stent thrombosis. Patients who achieved this level of platelet reactivity had approximately half the risk of these events compared to those with high reactivity.
A phase II dose-finding study found that darexaban, a Factor Xa inhibitor, increased bleeding risks by two to four-fold in patients with acute coronary syndrome. The trial explored the safety and optimal dosing regimen of darexaban in secondary prevention of ischaemic vascular events.
Despite having one of the best health systems in the world, Japan's development assistance for health budget is only 2% of its foreign aid budget. The country must take center stage in global health to help other countries. Japan has the potential to make substantial contributions to global health by sharing its expertise and increasin...
The September issue of GSA Today focuses on the Upper Midwest's geology, introducing the Mid-Continent Rift System and its evolution. The articles also emphasize the role of geologists in sustainable resource use and long-term resilience.
A study found that rural areas have a higher risk of dengue fever due to higher mosquito populations, while urban areas contribute significantly despite fewer cases. Improving water supply and vector control can increase the efficiency of control efforts.
A UBC study found that parents' stress during their child's early years can leave lasting marks on their genes, affecting behavior and health in adolescence. Higher stress levels reported by mothers and fathers correlated with specific DNA methylation sites, including those involved in insulin production and brain development.