A nationwide study in China found that 55.6% of men and 15% of women are current drinkers, with frequent binge drinking among males and women averaging 5.6 and 2.4 binges per year, respectively. Cultural factors, such as social pressure and entrenched customs, contribute to the problem.
A Loyola University Health System study found that 35% of retired NFL players had scores suggesting possible mild cognitive impairment (MCI), which can be a precursor to Alzheimer's disease. The average age of the players was 61, and their impairments were highly similar to those exhibited by patients with MCI.
The UCSF Clinical and Translational Science Institute has received $112 million to expand its work, making it the country's second-largest clinical and translational science institute. The funding validates the success of CTSI in creating a framework for scientists to collaborate on promising research.
A recent trial found that sertraline and mirtazapine, commonly prescribed antidepressants for dementia patients with depression, provide no benefit but increase side effects. The study suggests that clinicians should reframe their approach to treating depression in Alzheimer's disease, considering alternative treatments.
Researchers developed maltodextrin-based imaging probes that can detect bacterial infections in animals with high sensitivity and specificity. These probes distinguish bacterial infections from other inflammatory conditions, such as cancer, and can detect as few as one million viable bacteria cells.
Boston Medical Center has received a grant to expand its HIV/AIDS clinic and provide more comprehensive case management services. The new facility will enable collaboration between infectious diseases and primary care departments, improving the quality of care for patients with HIV/AIDS.
A new study published by NYU School of Medicine researchers has found that exposure to secondhand smoke nearly doubles the risk of hearing loss among adolescents. The study found that teenagers exposed to smoke performed worse across every sound frequency tested, especially mid-to-high frequencies important for understanding speech.
Researchers analyzed 772 tweets related to dental pain and found that 83% were general statements about toothache, with 44% reporting visiting the dentist and 43% taking medication. The study suggests using social media platforms like Twitter for collecting public health data.
A new study published in Psychological Science found that the opportunity to exercise control through choices activates the brain's reward areas. This suggests that choice may be an adaptive behavior, as it recruits reward-related brain circuitry. The research highlights the importance of perceived control in psychological well-being a...
A new study from the University of Pittsburgh found that medically treated GERD patients with mild or no symptoms are at a higher risk for developing esophageal cancer. The research suggests that even asymptomatic patients may benefit from Barrett's esophagus screening to prevent cancerous transformation.
A new analysis of a clinical trial found that an experimental drug, torcetrapib, can improve blood sugar control in people with type 2 diabetes who are taking cholesterol-lowering drugs. The study showed that torcetrapib increased levels of 'good' cholesterol and improved glucose measurements.
A study found that acculturation is positively associated with sunscreen use and negatively associated with the use of long-sleeved shirts and pants. Education level combined with acculturation mediated these associations, suggesting social networks have a significant influence on sun-safe behaviors.
A team of researchers has identified the MYLIP protein as a potential new target for lowering LDL cholesterol levels. The study found that the N342S polymorphism is associated with high total cholesterol and increased LDL receptor degradation in humans.
A $1.2 million NSF grant will support research on gene instability in maize, enabling scientists to make precise genetic modifications and improve crop yields. The project aims to understand the molecular mechanisms controlling gene expression in plants.
A large-scale study reveals that patients in Africa receiving cART for HIV can expect a near-normal lifespan, with females living longer than males. Early initiation of treatment is associated with longer life expectancy, highlighting the need for continued investment in HIV programming.
A randomized trial found that manual breast milk expression was more effective in improving breastfeeding rates than using a breast pump, especially in the first two months. Manual expression also led to higher comfort levels and more frequent breastfeeding among mothers.
Researchers at the University of Western Ontario identified two key genes, PU.1 and Spi-B, that appear essential in preventing B cell ALL, the most common form of ALL in children. The study found these genes function as unanticipated 'tumor suppressor' genes that prevent leukemia.
A recent study found that adolescents exposed to secondhand smoke are at a higher risk of hearing loss, with over 80% of participants unaware they had impairment. The study suggests that SHS could be considered a risk factor for hearing loss, highlighting the need for close monitoring and education among exposed adolescents.
A new study by Santa Clara University's Center for Science, Technology, and Society explores the current investment methods and profit expectations of 45 'impact investors' who invest in social-entrepreneur ventures worldwide. The study aims to create a more coordinated system for such startups.
A surgeon's behavior in the operating room affects patient outcomes, healthcare costs, medical errors, and staff-satisfaction. Civility in the surgical suite can lead to fewer post-operative deaths and complications, improved clinical outcomes, and reduced medical errors.
Researchers have defined the atomic structure of astrovirus, which causes juvenile diarrhea, identifying potential targets for vaccine development and antiviral drugs. The study may help block the virus before it becomes infectious and reduce the risk of dehydration in children.
Researchers shared findings on new treatments, predicting treatment outcomes, and patient quality of life issues. A phase II study of carfilzomib showed significant responses in patients with relapsed multiple myeloma.
The Irving Institute for Clinical and Translational Research at Columbia University Medical Center has received $38.9 million in renewed funding from the National Institutes of Health. The institute, which aims to bridge the gap between laboratory research and medical practice, will use the grant to expand its work over the next five y...
Scientists discover six new species of Eucalantica micro-moths in Central America, revealing a higher diversity and wider distribution than previously thought. The discoveries highlight the vast underexplored biodiversity of life on Earth, with only 20% of extant species described.
Researchers found that adult day care centers alleviate caregiver stress and improve dementia patient behavior, sleep quality. The study showed significant reductions in caregiver stress and behavioral problems when dementia patients attended daycare, compared to staying home.
Scientists gathered oil and gas from the Deepwater Horizon wellhead for the first time, revealing how pollution is partitioned and transported in the Gulf of Mexico. A new molecular model shows that light hydrocarbons dissolve or form hydrates at depths, potentially causing damage to seafloor life far from the original spill.
Research suggests that venom-targeted proteins evolve rapidly in mammals that eat snakes, implying a defensive role for venom. This finding contradicts the traditional view that venom evolves as a feeding adaptation.
Physicist Mayly Sanchez is working on developing photodetectors for a proposed neutrino water Cherenkov detector, aiming to improve physics capabilities and detect neutrinos more efficiently. The goal is to contribute to the $900 million Long Baseline Neutrino Experiment.
University of Pennsylvania researchers have identified a brain-based explanation for how memories become linked, revealing that contextual associations are retained across time scales. The study uses precise brain activity data from epilepsy patients to pinpoint the region of the brain responsible for episodic memory.
Researchers analyze structure and physiology of trees as they grow, revealing how older, larger trees respond to environmental changes like CO2 levels and drought. The study sheds light on how these changes affect tree species distributions as the climate shifts.
Researchers at the University of Bologna have found that carbon nanotubes can penetrate cell membranes more easily when inserted at a flat angle, reducing damage and improving efficiency. The study's results suggest that these tiny 'molecular syringes' could be used as probes to test for substances and processes beyond cell membranes.
The European Science Foundation has endorsed the European Code of Conduct for Research Integrity, which sets out principles for self-regulation of the research community. The code aims to promote trust between science, society, and policymakers by establishing a culture of best practice in research integrity.
A new study found that hyperactivation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) amplifies Huntington's disease by promoting neuronal death and reducing cell survival. The findings suggest that AMPK could be a therapeutic target for the treatment of HD.
A simple survey can help identify Americans at risk of developing depression or PTSD after injury. The screening tool has nearly 100% accuracy in negative results and could facilitate early diagnosis and targeted mental health resources.
Researchers found that testing every new colon cancer patient for Lynch syndrome can reduce cancer deaths at a reasonable cost. Testing multiple family members after the initial diagnosis is crucial to spreading the benefit across more relatives, according to the study.
Researchers have developed a copper-catalyzed click chemistry reaction that is safe for use in living organisms, achieving effective labeling of glycans within 3-5 minutes. The new formulation offers improved target specificity and can be used for enriching glycoproteins for identification.
Scientists at UNC are developing new treatments to prevent sexual transmission of HIV, building on significant progress made in measures to prevent infection. The project aims to explore candidate drugs and experimental compounds that can be tested in humanized BLT mice.
Tropical Storm Bret formed in the northwestern Bahamas on July 17, strengthened into a tropical storm by July 18, and continued to intensify. The GOES-13 satellite recorded the storm's development, providing a video of its birth and strengthening process.
A study found that preschool-age children who played a self-regulation game improved math and early literacy scores. The game, which emphasizes careful listening and following instructions, was effective in countries with stronger self-regulation than the US.
Researchers found that a model with dynamic information about social interactions was as effective as a more complex model, challenging the assumption that increased complexity leads to better predictions. The study used data from over 30,000 social contacts recorded at a conference, revealing that simpler models can still produce accu...
A 50-year study found that high neuroticism and low conscientiousness are associated with weight gain and loss, while impulsivity is the strongest predictor of obesity. Individuals with impulsive personalities tend to struggle with self-control and may be more prone to binge eating and poor lifestyle choices.
A study published in Molecular Biology and Evolution found that non-African populations carry a piece of DNA from Neanderthals, indicating interbreeding between the two species. The genetic variation is present on the X chromosome and has been confirmed through independent analysis.
Researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine have developed a new fluorescent protein, iRFP, that allows for the non-invasive visualization of internal organs in live animals. The protein absorbs and emits light in the near-infrared spectrum, enabling clear imaging without radiation exposure or contrast agents.
KamLAND collaboration measures radioactive decay of uranium, thorium, and potassium in Earth's crust and mantle to estimate heat energy. The new estimate is precise enough to aid in refining accepted geophysical models, suggesting that radioactive decay supplies only about half the Earth's heat.
Researchers found that women who attended weekly group sessions to improve their body image lost more weight than those receiving general health information. The study showed a strong correlation between improved body image and positive changes in eating behavior, highlighting the importance of addressing body image issues in weight lo...
Scientists have developed a novel method to create ferroelectric nanostructures directly on flexible plastic substrates using thermochemical nanolithography and heated AFM tips. This breakthrough enables the production of complex structures for energy harvesting, sensors, and actuators at low temperatures.
The University of Sheffield has published an interactive version of The Acts and Monuments, a foundational source for the history of the English Reformation and late Medieval Church. The online edition provides scholars with a unique environment to access and understand the text, including searches, images, translations, and commentaries.
A study found that newer cardiac CT scanners deliver significantly less radiation than previous technology, allowing for non-invasive imaging of coronary arteries in young patients. The researchers used a combination of medication and new scanner technology to obtain excellent images without sedation or anesthesia.
Researchers have developed a platform technology for monitoring single-cell interactions in real-time using nanotechnology, allowing for unprecedented spatial and temporal resolution. This innovation has broad implications for basic science, drug discovery, and personalized medicine.
Scientists at Georgia Tech analyzed data from the March 11 Japan earthquake, finding that subsurface materials were weakened by as much as 70%, affecting how faults deliver movement to buildings and bridges. The study could improve building design and help predict effects of rare and extremely powerful events.
Researchers at NYU developed a compound that blocks signaling from a protein implicated in many types of cancer, including various developmental disorders and diseases. The compound disrupts the Sos-Ras interaction, which is crucial for stemming the production of cancer cells.
A new TB test, Xpert MTB/RIF, has been shown to be more sensitive and faster than conventional smear microscopy for diagnosing tuberculosis in children. The test detected twice as many cases among children under 15 and identified all confirmed TB cases in children with HIV.
Researchers from NYU Langone Medical Center presented new research at the 2011 Alzheimer's Association International Conference. The study found that retired NFL players are more likely to experience mild cognitive impairment than expected, suggesting a possible link between repetitive head trauma and late-life cognitive disorders. Add...
Steven J. Ruuth, a professor at Simon Fraser University, has made significant contributions to the understanding of numerical solutions for ordinary and partial differential equations. The Germund Dahlquist Prize recognizes his original work on implicit-explicit methods and strong stability of numerical schemes.
Researchers explored why charismatic leaders are perceived as visionary and successful, finding that managers can establish mystique through practice and presentation style. The study suggests that firms should scrutinize charismatic candidates to ensure transferable skills.
A new study found that nursing home residents have a fivefold increased risk of falling within two days of a new prescription for or an increased dose of non-SSRI antidepressants. The study suggests that staff should closely monitor these residents following a prescription change to prevent potential falls.
Scientists report that the world's forests store approximately 2.4 gigatons of carbon per year, with boreal forests accounting for nearly 22% of total stored carbon. A warming climate may reduce the capacity of forests to sequester carbon, highlighting the importance of understanding their role in the global carbon cycle.
A systematic analysis of informed-consent documents for U.S. government-sponsored HIV/AIDS research found that the forms were extremely long and used complex wording, hindering full understanding. Researchers recommend shortening and simplifying consent forms to improve participant comprehension.
Prof. Eran Rabani's team at Tel Aviv University successfully dopes semiconductor nanocrystals, enabling the creation of p-n junctions in solar panels, light-emitting diodes, and other devices. The method allows for controlled electronic properties, opening up possibilities for more efficient and cost-effective applications.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing found that California's nurse-to-patient ratio legislation increased registered nurse staffing without decreasing RNs. The law allowed hospitals to hire licensed practical nurses to meet staffing requirements, helping to alleviate a severe nurse shortage.