A new study from Concordia University and the University of Montreal found that preteens surrounded by smokers are more likely to develop symptoms of nicotine dependence. The study, which surveyed 327 sixth or seventh graders, also found that tweens who observe smoking in others are more likely to start smoking themselves.
A study by Waltham Centre for Pet Nutrition found that cats fed a hydrated diet had a slower rate of weight gain and were more physically active. This breakthrough has important implications for developing feeding strategies to modulate weight gain in cats.
Researchers at Purdue University have sequenced the genome of Mycosphaerella graminicola, a devastating wheat pathogen. The study revealed that the fungus has fewer genes related to producing enzymes that break down plant cell walls, suggesting it may evade detection by plant defenses.
A new study by Penn State researchers found that cancer survivors in the US spend an average of $9,300 per year on medical expenses, significantly more than those who have never had cancer. The study also revealed gender and demographic disparities in healthcare spending among cancer survivors.
A new study by NIH researchers reveals the interaction between telomeres and a toxic protein called progerin that triggers both premature aging syndrome and normal cellular aging. Shortened telomeres lead to increased production of progerin, causing cell damage and activation of programmed aging.
Researchers found that Aurora A was up-regulated and activated in epithelial cells lining PKD patient kidneys, binding to and phosphorylating polycystin-2. Inhibition of Aurora A boosted intracellular calcium levels, suggesting it may be a viable therapeutic target for boosting polycystin-2 activity in certain patients.
A Rutgers study finds that factors such as ecological degradation and trust in energy facilities play a significant role in shaping public preferences for coal and nuclear energy. The research suggests that a one-size-fits-all approach to energy policy is unlikely to succeed, highlighting the need for a comprehensive strategy addressin...
A new study has identified PI3Kinase gamma as a crucial protein in tumor growth and inflammation. Disrupting this enzyme prevents tumor cells from attracting immune cells, slowing down tumor development and metastasis.
A study at The University of Nottingham found that group therapy sessions can reduce anxiety and depression in MS patients, improving their quality of life. The treatment reduced costs for the NHS by almost £470 per patient, with savings also seen in GP visits and outpatient hospital costs.
Researchers used a brain scan to assess amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in adults with Down syndrome, revealing higher levels in all brain regions compared to healthy controls. The study found significant associations between increased age and higher binding values in specific brain areas.
A recent study presented at the American Society of Echocardiography conference supports the safety profile of GE Healthcare's diagnostic heart ultrasound contrast agent Optison. The study data confirm that Optison is safe for use in patients with certain medical conditions, providing further assurance of its efficacy and safety.
A review article suggests a shift towards more conservative medication-prescribing practices, considering alternative interventions and weighing risks against benefits. The authors outline seven principles for conservative prescribing, including strategic decision-making and patient-centered care.
The HORIZONS-AMI trial found that bivalirudin reduces all-cause mortality and cardiac mortality by 18% compared to heparin plus a GP IIb/IIIa inhibitor. Drug-eluting stents also show lower rates of ischemia-driven target lesion revascularization with equivalent safety.
Scientists at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have developed a new algorithm called CREST to identify chromosomal aberrations in tumors, which are likely to advance our understanding of cancer. Using CREST, researchers found 89 new structural differences in cancer genomes and 50 new variations in melanoma cells.
Researchers discovered that on average, thirty mutations are transmitted from each parent to their child, revising previous estimations and revolutionizing the timescale used to calculate generations separating humans from other species. This finding has important implications for research tying specific genetic mutations to diseases.
A study found that ambulance diversion, a practice to reduce overcrowding, may increase mortality for patients with acute myocardial infarction. Patients exposed to 12 or more hours of diversion had higher mortality rates at 30-day, 90-day, 9-month, and 1-year follow-ups.
A survey of European and US anaesthesiologists found that only 35% monitor cardiac output during high-risk surgery, leading to postoperative complications. The authors call for increased awareness and implementation of guidelines for cardiac output monitoring.
A recent study published in JAMA found that bariatric surgery among older, severely obese patients is not associated with reduced mortality. The study examined the long-term survival of high-risk patients who underwent bariatric surgery and compared them to nonsurgical controls.
Researchers found that humans receive approximately 60 new mutations from their parents, with varying rates coming from the mother and father. The study provides a direct measure of new mutations and reveals surprising differences in mutation rates between families.
Researchers at UCL have demonstrated the first electrically driven quantum dot laser grown directly on a silicon substrate with a suitable wavelength for telecommunications. This breakthrough enables efficient light sources in silicon, a crucial material for future silicon photonics.
A new study using satellite observations and high-resolution images found that brief changes in soil moisture can affect storm generation in the Sahel region of West Africa. This could lead to improved predictive modeling for crops, which are crucial for the people affected by droughts in the area.
A new study links heart attack death rates to ambulance diversion, revealing that overtaxed emergency rooms lead to worse patient outcomes. For every 100 patients with acute myocardial infarction, there are three potentially avoidable deaths when ambulances are diverted for long periods.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital developed a living laser device using a single GFP-expressing cell, which can produce hundreds of pulses of laser light. The cellular device refocuses the light and induces emission of laser light at lower energy levels than required for solution-based devices.
A novel device, Sonomat, monitors snoring and sleep-disordered breathing using a mattress overlay with embedded sensors. The study found that MAS devices reduced AHI and RMI in moderate and severe OSA patients.
Patients with OSA experience high rates of OAT therapy compliance, as measured by objective means and subjective estimates. The study found excellent agreement between subjective and objective compliance measures for patients undergoing OAT treatment.
A new study found that the sex differences in the brains of songbirds vary according to their social status. Contrary to previous assumptions, dominant males' larger brain areas controlling song behaviour do not explain their dominance. Instead, gene activity and neural connections play a more significant role
A new study found that combining a mandibular advancement splint with positive airway pressure therapy significantly improves treatment outcomes for patients with severe obstructive sleep apnea. The study showed a mean AHI of 2.6 events per hour with combined therapy, compared to 4.4 events per hour with CPAP alone.
A new study reveals that patients implanted with the HeartMate II left ventricular assist device (LVAD) are at a higher risk of internal bleeding than those who received an earlier model. The research found nearly 22% of patients experienced gastrointestinal bleeding, while eight percent suffered from major adverse neurological events.
Children with enlarged tonsils and adenoids who wore an oral appliance for six months experienced favorable craniofacial growth, increased pharyngeal dimensions, and improved breathing and snoring during sleep. The treatment also normalized respiratory function and sleep quality, reducing the incidence of obstructive sleep apnea.
A combination of hypnosis and local anaesthesia during surgery has been found to reduce hospital stays and opioid drug use, improving patient comfort and aid healing. The technique has been successfully used in breast cancer and thyroidectomy procedures, with benefits extending to healthcare systems.
A study by CSIRO Australia found that the frequency of extreme storm surge events generated by Adriatic Sea tempests could fall by about 30 percent by 2100. This reduction in extreme events may have beneficial consequences for the conservation of Venice, a World Heritage-listed city built on 117 small islands.
Researchers at Oregon State University have successfully prototyped a new energy technology that captures and uses low-to-medium grade waste heat from various sources. The system achieved an impressive 80% conversion efficiency in turning wasted heat into cooling capability, outperforming current approaches.
Researchers have created a 3-D movie of brain activity while an individual loses consciousness, revealing a change in electrical activity and communication between brain cells. The findings support a hypothesis that consciousness is formed by neural assemblies, which work efficiently together or not, depending on sensory stimulations.
Girls with ADHD symptoms are more predictive of adverse substance use outcomes, including alcohol abuse and dependence. Parents' reports of inattentiveness in daughters at age 11-12 can predict illicit drug use across adolescence.
A new analysis found mortality from all causes to be higher in patients with chronic hepatitis C infection. The study, published in Clinical Infectious Diseases, compared mortality rates among 9,378 adults with and without hepatitis C and found a two-fold increased risk of death from both liver- and non-liver related causes.
A UGA study examines discussions in over 200,000 participants across 35 newsgroups and finds that popular posters attract most replies, with content sourced from traditional media and blogs.
System 94L is making slow progress in a north-northeasterly direction, bringing clouds to eastern Cuba and the Bahamas. A 60% chance of showers and thunderstorms is forecast for the Bahamas as the low approaches, with a northeasterly track expected over the weekend.
The National Toxicology Program has added eight substances to the HHS Report on Carcinogens, identifying chemicals that may increase cancer risk. These include formaldehyde, a known human carcinogen linked to nasal and other cancers, and captafol, a fungicide with limited evidence of lung cancer.
A study presents a linear relationship between carbohydrate craving and sleep deprivation among high school seniors, finding excessive daytime sleepiness increases carb cravings. The research also reveals a higher rate of depression and stronger cravings for carbohydrates in students with severe sleep deprivation.
The new guidelines provide evidence-based recommendations for optimal care of patients with hyperthyroidism, including treatment options and patient management strategies. The guidelines are a comprehensive update to previous versions and highlight the latest scientific literature and expert experience.
Astronomers have discovered a second supersized black hole at the heart of the unusual nearby galaxy Markarian 739. The study used NASA's Swift satellite and Chandra X-ray Observatory to find the hidden AGN, which is one of the nearest and clearest cases of a binary AGN. The dual black holes are separated by only 11,000 light-years.
Researchers have sequenced two isolates from an E. coli outbreak, providing valuable genomic information to aid in understanding the origins of highly pathogenic strains. The genome annotations reveal unique islands and proteins that may hold clues to virulence or intervention strategies for the new strains.
U-M researchers found that attacking specific microRNA molecules can reduce deaths from sepsis. The approach also holds promise for other inflammatory diseases like juvenile rheumatoid arthritis and graft-vs.-host disease.
A study found that poor sleep hygiene in high school is associated with lower grades in college, but shifts towards a morning chronotype can improve academic performance. Students who are 'evening types' initially struggle, but adapt and show significant improvement by the senior year.
A study of 1,811 pairs of twins found that shorter sleep durations were associated with increased expression of genes related to obesity, while longer sleep durations were linked to decreased body mass index. This suggests that genetic influences on body weight may be suppressed by adequate sleep duration.
Research by Brown University economists finds that daily polling data responds to returns from primary victories, with early voters having a disproportionate impact on candidate momentum. This can lead to candidates spending more resources in early states, potentially altering the nomination outcome.
A study found that Iraq and Afghanistan veterans who visited a VA integrated care clinic were more likely to undergo initial mental health and social work evaluations than those visiting standard clinics. The integrated care model increased the rate of initial mental health evaluations, especially for women veterans, younger veterans, ...
Researchers at Brookhaven National Laboratory found that thin layers of copper-oxide materials exhibit wild electron spin fluctuations, a hallmark of quantum spin liquids. This discovery may be crucial to understanding high-temperature superconductivity.
NASA satellite imagery shows Adrian's eye despite overcast clouds, revealing strong thunderstorms and a minimum central pressure of 948 millibars. The storm is expected to stay at sea but will stir up rough surf along the southwestern coast of Mexico.
A study finds that sleepiness in college students leads to counterfactual thinking, including thoughts of how others could have done better. Sleepy individuals are also more likely to engage in displaced aggression and plan revenge.
A study found that weekend sleep fails to reverse performance decline after a workweek of restricted sleep, but women may fare better. Women showed less subjective sleepiness and performance deterioration during sleep restriction, as well as greater improvements after recovery.
Research suggests that analyzing breathing sounds while awake can accurately predict obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) severity. Breathing patterns and pharyngeal pressure play a significant role in OSA diagnosis, making sound analysis a viable diagnostic tool.
Proactive telephone counseling helps increase long-term smoking cessation, with a positive effect on both point prevalence and prolonged abstinence. The study suggests that active recruitment methods do not significantly impact quit rates, contrary to previous assumptions.
A study found that non-invasive ventilation used as a weaning technique can shorten intubation time and reduce the risk of post-extubation acute respiratory failure. Additionally, NIV used as a rescue therapy significantly reduces the risk of reintubation and death in patients with chronic hypercapnic respiratory failure.
Researchers investigated problem-solving abilities and innovative capacities of kea and New Caledonian crow. The studies revealed that both species employ various tools to achieve food rewards, with the kea mastering compact object tools and the crow using elongated objects like sticks to probe for grubs.
NASA's Landsat 5 satellite captured an image of the long damage track created by a Massachusetts tornado on June 1, 2011. The satellite also provided an earlier image from 2010 for comparison, enabling clearer visualization of the tornado's eastward track.
Tropical Storm Sarika is bringing heavy rainfall to the South China Sea, with satellite imagery showing strongest thunderstorms south of the storm's center. Infrared satellite imagery reveals a fully exposed low-level circulation center, weakening the storm's circulation.
Researchers found that studying both types of stem cells has become more common, with a growing proportion of papers combining adult and embryonic stem cells. This means that banning either type of research could harm the field overall. The study suggests that federal funding for one area could negatively impact the other.
Johns Hopkins researchers have discovered a direct link between MCM proteins and the oxygen-sensing HIF-1 protein. The study found that MCM proteins mediate crosstalk between cell division machinery and environmental factors, controlling cell growth based on oxygen availability.
The Academy of Natural Sciences will host two science career days for 800 6th-8th grade students and their teachers, providing hands-on learning experiences with local scientists. The event aims to showcase various STEM career opportunities and help teachers integrate math and science into their curriculum.