A dairy study funded by the American Jersey Cattle Club Research Foundation investigates how breed and conformation affect cow longevity. Dr. Pablo Pinedo aims to compare the productive life of Jerseys, Holsteins, and their crosses in multi-breed herds.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University and AT&T found that a vibrating steering wheel reduces driver distraction by 4-9% compared to traditional GPS systems. The study suggests personalizing sensory feedback based on age may improve driver performance and safety.
The rate of workplace deaths in Michigan remained steady in 2011, with the construction industry having the most deaths at 24. However, new research reveals a vast underreporting of workplace burns, with 1,461 work-related burns reported, more than three times the number reported by employers.
The Lancet Series on Adolescent Health highlights the worsening health status of adolescents worldwide, who face new challenges such as social media. The authors emphasize the need for improved adolescent health, considering factors like poverty, education, and digital media.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic have identified a single gene, MMP-10, that promotes the development and spread of lung cancer. This discovery suggests that targeting this gene may be an effective way to treat non-small cell lung cancer.
The center section of NASA's James Webb Space Telescope has been completed, marking a significant milestone in the telescope's hardware development. The backplane will support the telescope's mirrors, instruments, and thermal control systems during its mission.
A review of previous studies found that Botox injections are associated with a small to modest benefit for patients with chronic migraine and chronic daily headaches, but not for episodic migraines or tension-type headaches. The treatment was linked to improved frequency of chronic conditions, such as headache reduction from 19.5 to 17.2.
The Lancet comments urge major investments in adolescent health, with a focus on preventive interventions. The authors argue that adolescence is critical for global health goals and that investing in the second decade of life will determine economic success and quality of life.
Prevention programmes in adolescents are vital to prevent problems in adolescence and into adulthood. Successful policies include providing minors with free contraception, raising taxes on alcohol, and graduated licensing policies.
A study of over 72,000 VLBW infants found better outcomes in hospitals with recognition for nursing excellence, including lower rates of hospital infection, death at 7-days, and severe intraventricular hemorrhage. The researchers suggest that higher-quality neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and obstetric care may contribute to these ...
Researchers developed a novel method to distinguish sea-level fingerprints from various processes, allowing for more accurate estimation of individual ice sheets' contributions to rising global sea levels. The new approach may help estimate the current rate of sea level rise and rates of ice sheet melting simultaneously.
Fibronectin play a crucial role in wound healing and embryonic development, but its role in disease progression is not well understood. Researchers have identified molecular probes that can selectively attach to fibronectin fibers under different strain states, enabling the detection of strain events in both culture and living tissues.
Structural changes to improve access to education and employment are crucial for improving adolescent health, with studies showing completion of secondary school provides great benefits. Education also improves survival rates, reduces injury mortality, and lowers HIV prevalence among adolescents.
Researchers found that larger, younger, and more fertile females increase the chances of successful fertilization for males. Monogamous behavior, where males mate with one female, is favored in early morning mating, while bigynous males opt for second mates if they cannot secure a first mate.
Cardiac device infective endocarditis (CDIE) is a serious complication with high in-hospital and 1-year mortality rates, especially if valve involvement occurs. Coexisting valve infection and heart failure were also common complications.
Oded Netzer, a Columbia Business School professor, has received the 2012 George S. Eccles Research Award for his groundbreaking research on quantitative methods to understand customer preferences. His work focuses on dynamic segmentation and a marketing framework to move customers toward deeper relationships with firms.
The Lancet emphasizes the importance of measuring adolescent health and behavior, setting goals for healthy development, and implementing preventive interventions. By prioritizing adolescent health, policymakers can harness young people's energy, innovation, and productivity to drive progress.
Research highlights the impact of inadequate sleep on pilots' cognitive performance, mood, and piloting skills. The author proposes fatigue prediction models, sleep hygiene education, and wearable technologies to mitigate the risks of pilot fatigue.
Countries with limited health research capacity are mainly small islands and politically isolated nations, according to international experts. Establishing national health research strategies is crucial for public health systems to function and thrive.
Scientists from the University of Bonn found over 60 new paramyxovirus species in bats and rodents, revealing that bats are the original hosts of these viruses. The study suggests that bats may be a reservoir for dangerous viruses, making it challenging to eradicate them.
A study published in The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that combining CAM therapies like acupuncture, chiropractic, and massage with conventional care significantly improves outcomes for patients with lower back pain. This integrated approach shows promise as a multidisciplinary team-based model of care.
Researchers at Harvard's Wyss Institute have developed a microfluidic device that can capture and culture rare circulating tumor cells from blood, providing insights into patient-specific drug sensitivity and cancer progression. The technology has the potential to become a valuable tool for cancer diagnosis and personalized treatment.
Michael Young, a lung transplant recipient, credits his new lungs for giving him the joy of breathing again. His remarkable survival story highlights UT Southwestern's exceptional Lung Transplant Program, with an 86% one-year and 75% three-year survival rate.
A new study found that children who experienced violence in their young lives have shorter telomeres, a sign of accelerated aging. This can increase the risk of chronic diseases and poor survival rates. The research suggests a link between cumulative childhood stress and telomere maintenance.
A randomized controlled trial found that targeted text messages increased influenza vaccination coverage among low-income, urban children and adolescents. The study showed a higher proportion of vaccinated individuals in the intervention group, with 93.9% receiving vaccines outside of Saturday clinics compared to 97.2% in usual care.
The survey found that a majority of Harris County residents (56%) believe a well-developed mass transit system is very important for the future success of the Houston area. Additionally, perspectives on the local economy have improved, with 48% of respondents rating job opportunities as excellent or good, but personal financial situati...
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that immediate induction of labor does not significantly improve pregnancy outcomes for women with preterm prelabor rupture of membranes. Instead, expectant management is recommended to reduce the risk of maternal infection and neonatal sepsis.
Scientists have discovered strange half-mile-sized objects leaving glittering trails behind them as they punch through parts of Saturn's F ring. These 'mini-jets' fill in a missing link in our understanding of the curious behavior of the F ring, showing that smaller snowballs can survive and strike through the ring on their own.
The study found that overactivation of RANK signalling pathway promotes tumour stem cells, increasing tumour growth and metastasis in human breast epithelial cells. High levels of RANK protein are associated with poor prognosis tumours and basal type tumours.
A family life study reveals that transitional events such as school transition, relationship changes, and home moves can trigger eating disorders in young people. Participants reported feeling lonely, unsupported, and lacking emotional support during these transitions, leading to the development of conditions like anorexia and bulimia.
A Johns Hopkins study reveals wide variation in blood transfusion use during surgery, with frequent unnecessary transfusions. Researchers suggest that patients only need a transfusion if their hemoglobin levels fall below seven or eight grams per deciliter.
A study confirms that prostate cancer screening is widely ignored in men aged 75 or older, defying 2008 guidelines. Nearly half of men in this age group continue to receive screenings, highlighting the need for selective screening.
A new study by Dr. Chaim Bell at St. Michael's Hospital has revealed huge variations in the charges ophthalmologists impose on specialty lenses used in cataract surgery. Most surgeons charge less than the maximum recommended rate, while others charge significantly more, potentially representing predatory pricing.
Researchers found that anti-depressants have negative health effects on developmental problems in infants, sexual stimulation and function, digestive issues, and abnormal bleeding in elderly patients. The benefits of most anti-depressants compare poorly to the risks, including premature death in elderly patients.
A new project led by University of Michigan math professor Daniel Forger aims to understand how the brain's daily clock controls mood in humans and animals. The study uses mathematical modeling and experiments involving mice to examine the relationship between abnormal circadian rhythms and bipolar disorder.
Scientists have developed a new imaging method that combines PET and CT scanning to identify patients at high risk of a heart attack. The technique, which targets active calcification in coronary arteries, shows promise in improving heart attack prediction and reducing mortality rates.
GW researchers are evaluating innovative methods to assess the immune response to vaccines with a novel Toll-like Receptor (TLR)-4 agonist adjuvant. They will use new antibody profiling techniques to determine the quality of the humoral immune response in humans.
Economists create new framework for examining developing economies by analyzing Thai villages. Preliminary findings show highly integrated capital markets across villages, with households relying on informal borrowing and gifts to finance opportunities.
Researchers at UCSD School of Medicine identified G protein-coupled receptors as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for chronic lymphocytic leukemia. The expression of specific GPCRs, such as VIPR1, is linked to disease stage and prognosis.
Community health plans have broken down silos of care to coordinate among providers and directly engage with patients, leading to successful transitions. The Avalere report highlights five practices that facilitate care transition programs, including using data to tailor programs to patients' needs.
Detailed studies reveal an unusual bilayer lamellar structure in a top-performing organic photovoltaic material. This structure may contribute to the material's superior performance, offering clues for guiding the synthesis of new materials.
The new Iowa River bridge features over 100 gauges that take 100 readings a second, providing quantitative information on the bridge's performance and condition. The system also monitors security and surveillance video, with data displayed in real-time on a website.
A team of scientists proposes that early four-legged creatures used dermal bones to neutralize acid buildup from breathing carbon dioxide on land. The bones, featuring complex ridges and furrows, may have helped these ancient animals buy more time on land by storing antacids.
Two studies found that severe fibrosis increases the risk of developing atherosclerosis at an earlier period. Fatty liver disease also increases risk, with GGT levels serving as a potential biomarker for early atherosclerosis.
A new study finds that bile plays a critical role in the development of Barrett's esophagus, a precursor to rare and deadly esophageal cancer. Bile shuts off genes responsible for normal esophageal lining and turns on genes producing intestine-like tissue.
A kinesiology research team at UMass Amherst will investigate how heavy loads affect soldiers' survivability, injury likelihood, and mission performance. The study, funded by the Navy Health Research Center, will also have practical implications for firefighters and law enforcement officers.
The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) has announced its 2012 ARVO Award recipients, honoring vision researchers who have made significant contributions to the field of ophthalmology. This year's award winners include Peter Sterling, John V. Forrester, Jeffrey L. Goldberg, and Josh Wallman, who will be recogniz...
A new paper recommends cost-effective policies and programs to prevent behavior problems and conditions contributing to poor health. The initiatives have been tested in high-income countries and shown to reduce smoking, drinking, and other substance use among adolescents.
The editors of PLOS Medicine argue that disclosure policies for financial conflicts of interest in medicine may actually exacerbate the problem of bias. Studies in social science suggest that overemphasis on disclosure can leave the root issue unaddressed.
Researchers at Ames Laboratory have designed a method to evaluate different conductors for use in metamaterial structures. The team evaluated various conducting materials, including graphene and high-temperature superconductors, but found that silver and gold remain the best conductors for use in metamaterials.
Researchers at Michigan Technological University discovered that adding graphene to titanium dioxide increases conductivity, bringing 52.4% more current into the circuit in dye-sensitized solar cells.
Researchers found aged mice showed disrupted sleep behavior and weakened brain network activity in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), a brain area responsible for setting sleep-wake cycles. Individual SCN cells also exhibited more severe changes, suggesting a new understanding of aging's effects on the brain.
New research reveals that primary cilia on cells in the retina and liver can form long-lasting contacts with each other, indicating a new role for cilia in cell communication. This discovery suggests that cilia may play a key role in human genetic diseases related to ciliary dysfunction.
Researchers at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that text message reminders to parents increased the proportion of children and adolescents vaccinated against flu. The study, published in JAMA, showed a higher vaccination rate among those receiving text messages compared to traditional reminders.
The article discusses new research on dynamic earth processes, including the link between wildfires and sediment transport in coastal watersheds, as well as high-pressure metamorphism in northwest China. Additionally, studies on the Gold Hill shear zone and magma-filled fractures in the Appalachian mountain belt are also presented.
A study suggests that eating pistachios can increase beneficial bacteria in the gut, potentially supporting digestive health. Researchers found a stronger effect on gut microbiota composition in those who ate pistachios compared to almonds.
Researchers at Vetmeduni Vienna have shown that chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) and B-cell acute lymphoid leukaemia (B-ALL) arise from the same long-term haematopoietic stem cells. Understanding this finding is crucial for developing targeted therapies, as current treatments may not effectively target cancer stem cells.
The study found that robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) resulted in superior outcomes compared to open radical prostatectomy (ORP), including reduced need for blood transfusions and complications during or after surgery. RARP patients were also less likely to have prolonged hospital stays.
A study found that CT exams increased among pediatric patients with non-traumatic abdominal pain in emergency departments from 1999 to 2007, while ultrasound use remained stable. This trend is concerning due to the potential risks of radiation exposure on children.
Researchers are investigating three popular wheat varieties to understand their drought tolerance mechanisms and how they can be improved. The study aims to identify key genetic regulators of drought tolerance, which is crucial for maintaining crop yields in dryland areas affected by drought.