Researchers propose a new model for understanding deep-water oil spills, emphasizing the importance of retaining most oil at depth and questioning dispersant efficacy. The study highlights gaps in scientific understanding and argues for increased research funding to better prepare society for future spills.
A new report highlights significant gaps in public awareness regarding the cardiovascular risks of tobacco use and secondhand smoke. Half of all Chinese smokers and one-third of Indian and Vietnamese smokers are unaware that smoking causes heart disease, with even higher rates among non-smokers.
Researchers investigated non-emergent musculoskeletal injuries in soldiers returning from combat, finding that nearly 19% required orthopaedic consultations. Another study estimated the incidence of symptomatic venous thromboembolism after elective knee arthroscopy, revealing a relatively low risk for complications.
A study by Lund University researchers reveals that meat-eating is linked to the timing of weaning in mammals, which may have contributed to human population expansion globally. The study found that carnivorous species, including humans, have shorter breast-feeding periods than herbivores and omnivores.
A recent study found that mild winters can be detrimental to certain butterfly species due to their higher metabolic rates and limited ability to conserve energy. However, some caterpillars adapted to warmer winters showed improved resilience by lowering their metabolic sensitivity.
A new analysis of NHANES data shows that school-aged children consumed less than 1% of their daily caloric intake from white potatoes, while adults averaged around 3-4% of total calories. White potatoes are packed with essential nutrients, including potassium and dietary fiber.
Researchers analyze Hinode and SOHO data to show the north pole's magnetic field is weakening faster than predicted, while the south pole's polarity remains unchanged. The findings suggest an imminent solar maximum, potentially occurring before 2013, with significant implications for solar activity and space weather forecasts.
Three large studies from India, China, and the Middle East expose a consistent pattern of inadequate treatment for women with acute coronary syndrome (ACS), resulting in poorer outcomes. Women tend to be admitted later, have more comorbid disease, and receive less aggressive treatment than men.
The March of Dimes Foundation has awarded UTMB assistant professor Muge Kuyumcu-Martinez a two-year $150,000 grant to support her research on congenital heart defects. The award will enable her to study the protein kinase C pathway and its interactions with genes using cell-culture and transgenic mouse experiments.
The Society for Experimental Biology and Medicine (SEBM) has awarded ten young investigators for their groundbreaking research in the field of biomedical sciences. The awardees include Jie Xie and Zachary Berwick from Indiana University, who investigated human adipose-derived stem cells and coronary microvascular dysfunction respectively.
A new study at the World Congress of Cardiology found that women with diagnosed heart disease are more likely to give birth to female babies. The study, which reviewed 200 pregnant women with cardiac disease, found that 75% of their children were female.
Global gene expression analysis reveals distinct molecular differences between perivascular and subcutaneous fat tissues. Perivascular fat tissue is highly inflamed in humans with coronary artery diseases, suggesting it as a key player in disease formation.
A new study presented at the World Congress of Cardiology found that high normal blood pressure becomes less of a risk factor for incident cardiovascular disease and coronary heart disease with age. The study showed similar risks for diagnosed high blood pressure across all age groups.
Researchers found a common protein target among severe malaria strains, which can be blocked by antibodies to prevent rosette formation and severe illness. The discovery may inform the development of new treatments or vaccines against life-threatening cases of malaria.
Satellite data indicates that System 99P is likely to continue struggling due to weak organization and dry air. Despite sufficient moisture available for tropical cyclone development, the system's low-level circulation remains weak.
A study by Regenstrief and IU found that screening for cognitive impairment in hospitals does not improve patient outcomes. The study suggests that a more nuanced approach to addressing the issue is needed.
A study published in Nature Communications reveals the progressive decline of function in cortical circuits due to Alzheimer's disease. Researchers observed correlations between beta-amyloid increases and dysfunctional developments in individual neurons, neuronal circuits, sensory cognition, and behavior.
The IceCube Neutrino Observatory has provided significant new insights into the production of cosmic rays, contradicting 15 years of predictions. The study found no neutrinos from gamma-ray bursts, forcing a re-evaluation of theories on high-energy cosmic ray production.
Researchers found that images of the left side of the face are rated as more pleasant than those of the right side, possibly due to increased emotion intensity. The study also showed a strong preference for left-sided portraits in real-life photographs and confirmation from pupil size measurements.
A study of 434,190 individuals in Taiwan found that exercise can help smokers quit and reduce the risk of heart attack. Regular physical activity increased life expectancy by 3.7 years among smokers.
The NaPANIL project demonstrated the potential of nanoimprinting lithography to create low-cost optical components with various applications. The project showcased three main demonstrators: an OLED Head-Up Display, a Functional Light Directional Element, and a Planar Diffactive Optical Element.
Researchers found that early treatment can significantly improve outcomes for a rare and often undiagnosed form of encephalitis. The study analyzed 565 cases of Anti-NMDA Receptor Encephalitis and determined that second-line therapy improves outcomes compared to repeating treatments or no additional treatments.
A new study from Hong Kong reveals that smokefree legislation has led to a decrease in total smokers, but hard-to-quit 'hardcore' smokers have increased. The number of hardcore smokers grew from 23.8% to 29.4% among males and 10.6% to 16.3% among females between 2005 and 2008.
The American College of Physicians recommends testing a premium support program on a demonstration project basis to ensure patient access to care. The College also suggests policies to reform payment and delivery systems to reduce costs and maintain access to affordable care for beneficiaries.
A recent study found that short-term treatment with omega-3 fatty acids improves arterial stiffness and moderates the negative effects of smoking on vascular elastic properties in smokers. The cardioprotective effects of omega-3 fatty acids are attributed to their anti-inflammatory and anti-atherosclerotic properties.
Researchers at the University of Warwick discovered the precise mechanism by which spindle checkpoint proteins bind chromosomes. This breakthrough understanding could lead to the development of more selective and effective cancer drugs, potentially reducing debilitating side effects.
The Indian Heart Watch study reveals alarming levels of lifestyle and biological risk factors driving India's CVD epidemic. The country faces a growing CVD crisis due to high prevalence of obesity, smoking, and physical inactivity.
A new study reveals that the pattern of gene regulation in plant pathogens is shaped by their past environments, not just their genetic makeup. This finding has significant implications for disease control and may require a new approach to regulating microbial activity.
Researchers have identified a novel genetic mechanism underlying idiopathic CD4 lymphopenia, an immunodeficiency characterized by low levels of CD4 T cells. The mutation affects Unc119's ability to activate T cells and reduce Lck signaling, leading to impaired T cell proliferation.
Researchers at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center found cochlear implantation provides robust and long-term hearing restoration for patients with advanced otosclerosis. The study used newer surgical techniques to minimize complications, demonstrating an effective treatment option for this challenging group of patients.
The university's organic farm will be expanded from four acres to nearly 30 acres with the new investment, providing a leading platform for organic teaching and research. This $5 million donation by alumni and natural foods pioneers Chuck and Louanna Eggert will greatly enhance WSU's role in promoting sustainable agriculture nationwide.
Consuming sugar-sweetened and low-calorie sodas is associated with a higher risk of stroke, while decaffeinated coffee may reduce the risk. Higher soda consumption also leads to high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and lower physical activity rates.
Lloyd L. Anderson and Holly A. LaVoie receive SEBM's 2012 Distinguished Scientist Award for their groundbreaking contributions to biomedicine. The awards ceremony will take place on April 22nd in San Diego, honoring these pioneering scientists.
Researchers identified 22 new genes linked to autism and neurodevelopmental disorders, revealing the genetic code can be disrupted at distinct sites without causing significant loss of genetic material.
A team led by Martin Friedlander at Scripps Research Institute has received a $10.2 million grant to develop a new treatment strategy for diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, and other vision disorders. The approach targets a strand of micro-RNA that promotes abnormal blood vessel growth.
Researchers have created a new conceptual model for understanding deep-water oil spills, emphasizing the importance of mid-water and deep ocean impacts. The study highlights major gaps in scientific understanding and calls for further investigation into long-term effects.
The Society for Experimental Biology and Medicine (SEBM) recognizes the best papers published in 2011, with winners awarded in Clinical/Preclinical and Translational Research, Experimental Biology, and Interdisciplinary Research. The Interdisciplinary Research Award honors Nobel Laureate Dr. Alan MacDiamid.
Khan Academy and 23andMe are collaborating to educate people about genetics and the Human Genome Project. The partnership provides free educational resources, including video series and interactive tools, to help individuals understand their own genetic information.
The Center for Wireless Communications and Signal Processing Research at NJIT featured presentations on the latest technology in MIMO radar, optical-OFDM, and other fields. The event highlighted six doctoral students' research, including Spatial Compressive Sensing in MIMO Radar with Random Arrays.
Researchers are developing a new traffic modeling system that incorporates individual human behavior traits to forecast transportation needs. The VASTO model simulates habitual patterns with real-time reactions and will allow planners to see what would happen if traffic is rerouted or construction is proposed.
Researchers found that salicylate increases AMPK activity, leading to reduced liver fat and improved fat burning in obese mice. The study suggests a potential link between aspirin and preventing type 2 diabetes.
Researchers from the University of California, Berkeley, have designed a solar cell that emits light as well as absorbs it, increasing voltage and efficiency. The new design broke the efficiency record, achieving 28.3%, with potential implications for all types of solar cells.
A large-scale Danish study has found a positive link between childhood obesity and the development of liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma) in adulthood. The study monitored over 165,000 participants and found that as BMI increased during childhood, so did the risk of developing HCC.
A study of preschoolers reveals parents of both healthy-weight and overweight children are aware of dietary risk factors but undervalue physical activity. The researchers emphasize the need for pediatricians to provide tailored guidance on how to apply this knowledge in daily practice.
A new study has identified left-ventricular hyper-trabeculation as a common feature among black male athletes, with a prevalence of 6.8% compared to 0.4% in non-athletes. This finding raises concerns about the challenges of differentiating between athlete's heart and serious medical conditions in this demographic.
A recent study published at the World Congress of Cardiology found that regular exercise significantly reduces the risk of death from cardiovascular disease in individuals with high blood pressure. The study involved over 434,000 participants and revealed a significant difference in mortality risks between physically active and inactiv...
Researchers at the University of Vienna found that ravens can distinguish between familiar and unfamiliar individuals, altering their calls to reflect relationship quality. For three years or more, ravens can recall positive interactions with friends and exhibit distinct vocal patterns.
Researchers have identified a rare gene mutation in the CARD14 gene that is directly linked to plaque psoriasis, accounting for 80% of all cases. The discovery may lead to more effective treatments and sheds light on the genetic pathway underlying the condition.
Researchers found that teen drivers in states with primary enforcement laws are more likely to wear seat belts, both as drivers and passengers. The study also showed that strong seat belt laws can narrow safety disparity gaps among specific groups of teens.
A Swedish study found that consuming low-fat dairy products reduces the risk of stroke in adults. Low-fat dairy foods are rich in vitamins and minerals such as calcium, potassium, and vitamin D, which may help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of ischemic stroke.
Research published in The Journal of Hepatology found that moderate alcohol consumption can reduce the risk and severity of liver disease in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NALFD). Patients with NALFD who consume two drinks or less daily are half as likely to develop hepatitis as non-drinkers, experiencing less severe l...
Researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center found that breast cancer survivors who underwent chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy performed worse on cognitive tests than those who did not have cancer. The study's findings suggest long-term cognitive effects of these therapies need further investigation.
A study published in the Journal of Advanced Nursing found that 96% of women who attended a preconception clinic before undergoing IVF had three or more lifestyle problems. Despite this, only half of obese women lost weight and nearly a third of smokers quit after receiving advice at the clinic.
Recent clinical trials show promise for treating previously difficult to treat HCV patients, including those co-infected with HIV, and immunosuppressant-free treatment options like TMC435. New findings indicate higher SVR24 rates with addition of Boceprevir to PegIFN-α-2b and RBV.
Researchers have discovered a new and improved version of an enzyme that can detoxify deadly nerve agents, such as sarin. The PON1 variant shows 40-3,400-fold higher efficiency in metabolizing the three most toxic G-type nerve agents.
Researchers at Henry Ford Hospital conducted a retrospective review of 437 patients who underwent surgery for septal deviation. The study found that despite a higher prevalence of co-morbid mood disorders in surgical failures, there was no significant correlation between depression and nasal obstruction symptoms or treatment outcomes.
Studies reveal the significant financial cost of liver disease in Europe, with hospitalisations accounting for 50.6% of direct costs per month. Moreover, acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) has a high short-term mortality rate of 35.5%, emphasizing the need for better diagnostic criteria and treatment strategies.
The liver has been found to have a major impact on body weight regulation through its ability to influence appetite hormones in the brain. Research published in Diabetes reveals that overexpression of FBPase enzyme in the liver leads to reduced fat accumulation and decreased food intake.
Researchers examined how vaginal gel formulation affects user experience, finding specific sensations and experiences reported by women. This information can help develop better microbicides that women will use consistently, reducing the impact of HIV on vulnerable populations.
A review of 29 clinical trials found that taking an average of 500 milligrams of vitamin C daily reduced blood pressure by 3.84 millimeters of mercury in the short term. However, more research is needed to understand its implications as a treatment for high blood pressure.