A study by researchers at UCLA and RAND Corp. found that children's hospitals in California served largely unhealthy food, with only 7% of entrees rated as healthy. The average score for the 16 hospital food venues was 19.1 on a scale of 0 to 37.
Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) is an inflammatory autoimmune disease that damages optic nerves and spinal cord. Mayo Clinic researchers have identified critical steps leading to myelin destruction, which could lead to better diagnosis and treatment of the disease.
The Einstein-Montefiore site is one of only 25 federally-funded centers in the country, facilitating Phase II clinical trials for rare neurological diseases. The center aims to streamline logistics and provide research expertise, reducing study initiation time from years to months.
The Optical Society published a Focus Issue on Liquid Crystal Materials for Photonic Applications, showcasing breakthroughs in reversible phototuning of lasing frequency and polymer-stabilized blue-phase liquid crystals. These advancements have significant implications for next-generation displays and optical devices.
Researchers Richard Saltus and Richard Blakely presented examples of unique interpretations from 'non-unique' models, combining observations to narrow down theoretical solutions. This approach successfully solves important geological issues, such as detailed images of fault zones.
Researchers found that probiotic treatment increased interferon levels and reduced the number of infections in ICU patients. Probiotics also helped to shift the balance of the immune system, reducing Th2-associated factors and promoting a healthier response.
Marissa Rylander, a Virginia Tech associate professor, has received the Y.C. Fung Young Investigator Award for her novel research combining nanotechnology, laser therapy, and dynamic imaging to study tumor progression and develop cancer treatments. Her patented 'holey scaffold' device allows for minimally invasive sensing of biological...
A recent study found that a drop in carbon dioxide led to the Antarctic ice sheet's formation, with levels below 600 parts per million triggering cooling and ice sheet initiation. The team pinpointed this threshold in ancient algae samples from deep-sea cores, suggesting carbon dioxide's importance in past and future climate.
In Malawi, people with uncertain HIV status are more eager to start families than those who know their status. Researchers found that uncertainty about HIV accelerates childbearing in the country due to cultural factors and the desire for a longer life. The study used an innovative method to measure personal uncertainty, where particip...
Louis Lanzerotti, distinguished professor of physics at NJIT, has been selected as the 2011 William Bowie Medalist by the American Geophysical Union. He is being honored for his decades-long contributions to research on space plasmas and geophysics.
Researchers demonstrate longest-ever deployment of a quantum key distribution network, showing its robustness and reliability when coupled with real-time telecommunications. The SwissQuantum network ran for over 21 months, outperforming traditional encryption methods.
Satellite observations confirm a nearly 40% decline in sulfur dioxide emissions from coal power plants since 2005, with a significant reduction in acid rain and health problems. The Clean Air Interstate Rule implemented in 2005 is credited for the decline, with desulfurization devices and pollution credits contributing to the reduction.
Scientists have developed procedures to determine earthquake source information for smaller earthquakes in central and eastern North America. This improved catalog provides detailed information on faulting styles and geometry for these regions, contributing to assessing seismic hazards and constraining ground motion.
Researchers found that social support from a partner or parent can encourage patients to adhere to CPAP treatment. Innovative approaches, such as telecommunications and individualized considerations, can also improve treatment outcomes.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University identified breast cancer cell mitochondria as a key target for therapy, showing that off-patent generic drug Metformin can prevent tumor growth and chemotherapy resistance. The study's findings suggest that targeting mitochondrial metabolism could be exploited in personalized cancer medicine.
Archaeologists discovered five non-native species introduced to Carriacou between 1,000 and 1,400 years ago. The remains suggest high-status food or ritual use, with pig-like peccaries, armadillos, guinea pigs, and small rodents found on the island.
A team of researchers from Duke University Medical Center used genetic lineage tracing to study the origin of fibrotic cells in lung tissue. They found that pericytes, a previously unknown population of cells, are present in fibrotic areas and may play a role in the scarring process.
Researchers at Imperial College London have developed a way to predict the impact of climate change on animal populations, body size and genetics. By analyzing data from 15 years of wolf population trends, they created a mathematical model that can be applied to other species with similar environmental data.
Internet users often discover news while searching for unrelated information or engaging in social networking activities. Researchers found three contexts where respondents experience incidental exposure to online news: visiting news sites, checking email and social media, or conducting normal internet searches.
A study of Yellowstone wolves has improved predictions of how these animals will respond to environmental changes. The research used a new model to compare data on wolf characteristics to environmental conditions, revealing that changes in mean environment conditions impact wolf population size more than variability.
Researchers found that for younger white children, language plays a dominant role in defining a person's identity, often surpassing race. In contrast, older white and African American children prioritize racial identity. This study sheds light on the development of social categorization in young children.
Researchers at the University of Seville have developed a technique to identify beer origins using chemical patterns, distinguishing between German, Spanish and Portuguese beers with high accuracy. The model is based on variables such as aluminium, iron, and polyphenol content, providing valuable insights for the food industry.
The 'Seena I' clinical trial aims to find a cure for pancreatic cancer by attacking all components of the tumor. The trials are supervised by the Pancreatic Cancer Research Team and involve four clinical sites across the nation.
A new report highlights the global impact of medical misdiagnosis, revealing over a million people diagnosed with TB develop an incurable but manageable fungal infection. Chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA) can progress slowly and may lie undetected for years until symptoms appear.
A mutation on the surface of human red blood cells provides protection against malaria caused by Plasmodium vivax. Research found that the parasite binds less easily to cells expressing a specific variant of the Duffy blood group antigen, reducing the risk of infection.
A recent study found that atmospheric carbon dioxide levels plummeted by 40% before and during the formation of Antarctica's ice sheet 34 million years ago. This confirms the power of CO2 to dramatically alter global climate, with significant falls in the greenhouse gas resulting in global cooling.
A study by Indiana University researchers found that playing violent video games for a week can lead to changes in the brain's frontal regions associated with emotion and aggressive behavior. The study, which followed 28 healthy adult males, showed reduced activation in these areas after one week of gameplay.
The new spectral imager will enable scientists to expand research in medical imaging, detecting explosives, and studying metamaterials. It will also be used to analyze materials, detect pathogens, and inspect pharmaceutical products.
A study published in Liver Transplantation reveals that liver transplant candidates prioritize 'best quality' organs over those with a higher risk of failure. The study found that patients prefer to have an equal or dominant role in deciding organ acceptance, and presenting organ quality as 'average quality' can increase risk tolerance.
Recent studies have uncovered significant limitations in liver cancer screening for patients with cirrhosis, emphasizing the need for enhanced diagnostic procedures. Most patients with cirrhosis prefer surveillance over non-screening, and ultrasonographic screening at different intervals did not improve detection of small liver cancers.
A recent study published in Developmental Cell suggests that the reach of parental control in embryonic development may be longer than thought. The research found evidence that genetic marks from sperm can be passed on to embryos, influencing gene expression later in development.
Researchers have developed a new tumor-targeting compound called PU-H71 that can reveal the complete set of aberrant signaling pathways driving cancers in individual patients. This breakthrough method uses the compound to identify abnormal proteins bound to heat shock protein 90, which are crucial for cancer cell growth and survival.
A new study found that adding a small amount of dip to vegetables helps bitter-sensitive children eat more. Researchers found that offering low-fat dips increased broccoli consumption by 80% among bitter-sensitive children.
The study reveals co-activating events in the MAPK and PI3K/AKT pathways, leading to targeted treatments with significant patient benefits. Physicians steered patients into tailored treatment plans based on sequencing data, resulting in improved outcomes.
A new study by the American Sociological Association found that health disparities among young US adults have grown substantially since 1980. The study suggests that as younger generations grow older and replace previous cohorts, the gap between healthy and unhealthy individuals will continue to widen.
A new study by Duke University and Georgia Tech researchers found that energy efficiency and renewable energy can work together to meet projected growth in the South. The study debunks six common myths about clean energy, including those that claim it cannot meet demand or will increase electricity rates.
A new study highlights the perspectives of 20 Israeli women soldiers who've served in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, introducing new themes into women's discourse of protest. The research shows that military service can be a source of symbolic capital for women to legitimize criticism of the military and its actions.
Research reveals a growing health disparity among US young adults born since 1980, peaking at middle age before declining in old age. The study attributes the widening gap to factors like income inequality, obesity crisis, and digital divide, which are expected to worsen as younger generations replace older cohorts.
Researchers found that infants' cortisol levels remain stable upon waking and after naps, unlike adults. This discovery may influence how infants handle stress and react to care from their mothers later in life.
A new study published in Age and Ageing found that timely acute care immediately after a stroke can significantly reduce the level of disability in survivors, as well as the need for long-term care. The study estimated the total cost of stroke and TIA in Ireland to be €500-€816 million in 2007.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have invented a new type of electronic switch that performs logic functions within a single molecule. The discovery could enable smaller, faster and more energy-efficient electronics.
A portable, self-sustaining wastewater treatment system is being developed to reduce the cost of water and fuel for military bases on or near the front lines. The integrated system uses solar power, biological conversion processes, and nano-filtration to break down wastewater and produce methane fuel and drinking water.
The use of Creative Commons 'non-commercial' licenses is a major barrier to reusing biodiversity information, hindering conservation and climate change research. The ambiguity between 'non-for-profit' and 'non-commercial' restrictions imposes significant risks on organizations, limiting the sharing of valuable information.
A new TB vaccine candidate has entered Phase I clinical trials in South Africa to assess its safety and immunogenicity in latently infected adults. The vaccine, SSI H56-IC31, has shown efficacy in pre-clinical studies and holds promise for preventing active TB disease in a vast population.
A major national initiative aims to create scientific guidelines for safe farming, packing, and storing of fresh produce. The UMD-led project will analyze data from over 200,000 tests to measure pathogen presence in produce, irrigation waters, fertilizers, and transport facilities.
A new study reveals that working mothers spend more time multitasking (48.3 hours/week) compared to working fathers (38.9 hours/week). However, the quality of their multitasking experience is significantly different, with working mothers reporting negative emotions and stress when multitasking at home or in public.
A study of over 60,000 individual fig flowers found that male pollinator fig wasps work together to chew escape tunnels for their females, increasing escape rates. In contrast, non-pollinating parasitic fig wasps, which are driven by aggression, fail to cooperate and have lower success rates.
A study found that only 21% of surveyed medical students could identify correct hand hygiene indications, highlighting a significant gap in knowledge. Medical students believed their own compliance would be higher than nurses', despite data showing the opposite.
Scientists at Stanford University subject rocks to hellish conditions to combat global warming by studying the storage of carbon dioxide in geologic formations. They have obtained critical data about the large-scale underground storage of carbon dioxide, including reduced leakage risk and increased permeability.
A study found that green tea flavonoid EGCG inhibits the entry of hepatitis C virus into liver cells, suggesting a potential antiviral strategy to prevent reinfection following liver transplantation. The researchers investigated the effect of EGCG on HCV in preventing attachment and spread within liver cells.
A Swedish study found that antioxidant-rich diets, particularly those high in fruits and vegetables, lower stroke risk in women with and without a history of cardiovascular disease. The study's findings suggest that increasing consumption of such foods may help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, key factors in stroke development.
A Massachusetts General Hospital study found that about 5% of glioblastomas contain extra copies of two or three key genes, which may explain the limited success of targeted therapies. The research team identified mosaic subpopulations of cells within tumors, each with its own unique genetic mutations and functions.
Male mice have lower catalase activity, leading to higher oxidative stress and increased susceptibility to UVB-induced skin damage. Women may have natural antioxidant protection that reduces their risk of developing skin cancer.
Scleroderma is a chronic autoimmune disease affecting 300,000 US citizens, causing skin thickening and internal organ damage. Researchers at Northwestern will identify biomarkers using proteomics to develop targeted therapies.
A new study has identified the most effective ways to assess progression in Huntington's disease, which could speed up the development of disease-modifying drugs. The findings suggest that measures derived from brain imaging techniques are the most effective at detecting disease progression over time.
The appearance of oxygen in the atmosphere likely occurred through a series of starts and stops over hundreds of millions of years, according to a new study. Oxygen levels gradually rose from 2,500 million years ago, eventually reaching about 1 percent of today's atmospheric level.
University of Missouri researchers say exercise is beneficial for breast cancer survivors and patients with lymphedema, outweighing risks. Patients at risk can exercise without increasing the risk of developing lymphedema, according to a new literature review.
A study by Michigan State University researchers found that 90% of participants would reroute a runaway boxcar onto tracks with only one person, overriding the moral rule not to kill. The experiment explored how people come to their moral judgments and whether behavior follows suit.
Researchers developed a new TB vaccine H56 that reduces clinical disease and prevents reactivation of latent infection when combined with BCG, a current but ineffective vaccine. This breakthrough could lead to improved protection against TB.
Researchers at La Jolla Institute create cellular movies showing the destruction underlying type 1 diabetes in real-time, providing new insights into disease process and potential therapeutic directions. The studies use two-photon microscope to illuminate cell processes previously extrapolated from photos or lab experiments.
Patients on liver transplant waiting lists prefer to receive high-quality donor organs, even if it means waiting longer, according to a new study. The research found that 58% of candidates would only accept organs with a risk of graft failure of 25% or less.
The new tool kit provides valuable guidance on utilizing pictures and visual supports to facilitate daily communication, social interactions, and adaptation to new situations. It has been found to decrease challenging behaviors and increase compliance and independence in families who use it.
A new study published in Psychological Science found that vaccination and hand washing can reduce bias against stigmatized groups, including immigrants and the obese. The researchers conducted three experiments, which showed that people who felt secure through these measures exhibited less prejudice towards out-groups.
Researchers found that shortening telomeres in cancer cells makes them more sensitive to radiation treatment, leading to faster cell death. The study's results may lead to safer and more effective combination therapies for pediatric brain cancers.
Erez Lieberman Aiden has developed a method for three-dimensional genome sequencing, creating the first genome-wide spatial map of the human genome. The study reveals that active and inactive genomic regions are separated inside the nucleus, suggesting an 'epigenetic mark' that regulates gene expression.
Researchers found that paper wasps can differentiate between unaltered faces faster and more accurately than geometric patterns or altered facial images. The ability to recognize individuals is crucial for colony stability in species like P. fuscatus.
Researchers discovered evidence of visual ambiguity and rivalry in an unrecognized reference frame, challenging the understanding of how our brains process visual information. The study found that object-frame rivalry is a competing process to spatial rivalry, with similar brain regions and processes involved.
New research reveals that brands perceived as partners elicit cooperative behavior, while those viewed as servants prompt competitive actions. Participants' responses were influenced by automatic social behaviors, revealing a complex relationship between cognition and consumer culture.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that Danish HIV patients with optimal treatment can live as long as the general population. The study, which has been tracking HIV patients for over 15 years, shows that patients are not as ill on diagnosis and have higher CD4 cell counts. This suggests that early treatment and better care may be con...
Researchers found that dental pulp stem cells can repair spinal cord injuries in rats, promoting hind limb function and nerve regeneration. A new vaccine combination boosted BCG's effectiveness against tuberculosis by reducing clinical disease and preventing reactivation of latent infection.
The EUROTAST project brings together young researchers to study the transatlantic slave trade's history and impact. The four-year project will explore captives' origins in Africa and physical quality of life, with a focus on interdisciplinary research and public dissemination.
According to the study, 17 percent of atheists with children attended a religious service more than once in the past year. Atheist scientists cite scientific identity, spousal influence, and desire for community as reasons for their involvement. They want their children to have choices and expose them to various religious traditions.
A neutron star spiraling into its companion star caused a unique gamma-ray burst with varying wavelengths and characteristic radii. The Helium Merger Model, developed in 1998, explained the unusual properties of the burst, which may be part of a new class of bursts.
Researchers found that ephrin proteins help satellite cells navigate and differentiate into muscle fibers. By understanding this process, they hope to develop more effective treatments for muscular dystrophy, a condition where muscles are easily damaged and patients' satellite cells lose their ability to repair.
The Manchester FLITES project aims to produce first-ever images of chemical species in aero-engine exhaust plumes using novel fibre lasers. The four-year study will focus on lowering carbon dioxide emissions, enhancing turbine-related research and development capacity.
A study published in Cell Stem Cell reveals that adjusting the levels of reprogramming factors can significantly impact the quality and fidelity of induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells. This finding explains the variability in iPS cell quality reported in recent studies, which has sparked debate about their therapeutic potential.
Researchers found that dental pulp stem cells can inhibit nerve cell death, promote nerve regeneration, and replace lost support cells in rats with severe spinal cord injuries. The study aims to translate this approach into an effective treatment for severe spinal cord injury.
Researchers have identified a new pool of stem cells in the heart with long-term expansion capacity and ability to form various cell types, including muscle, bone, and neural cells. This discovery may lay the foundation for regenerative therapies to enhance tissue repair in the heart.
Scientists at La Jolla Institute identify histamine releasing factor molecule as a promising target for developing new treatments for asthma and allergies. The discovery provides new insights on the role of HRF in promoting asthma and some allergies, including its receptor.