Visits to retail medical clinics increased four-fold from 2007 to 2009, with a significant increase in younger patients seeking convenient care. The proportion of visits for preventive care, including vaccinations, rose to over 47% by 2009.
A massive international survey of tobacco use in 3 billion individuals reveals the ongoing threat of tobacco, with industry manipulation and government complicity hindering effective control. The study emphasizes the need for increased resources to implement tobacco control strategies and counter pro-tobacco forces.
The 2012 Marine Climate Change in Australia Report Card reveals climate change is altering the country's marine ecosystems. Key findings indicate warming sea temperatures are influencing species distribution and foraging patterns of seabirds.
Researchers at ORNL have developed a new carbon cycling model that accounts for microbes' role in releasing CO2 from the ground, improving scientists' understanding of future climate change. The MEND model simulates carbon cycle processes and estimates parameters based on comprehensive literature review.
A new study finds that the frequency of extreme shifts in the South Pacific rain band will almost double in the next 100 years, resulting in increased floods and droughts. The warming atmosphere and oceans will also intensify these events, causing massive droughts, severe food shortages, and coral reef mortality.
In uncertain environments, organisms use molecular processes to make guesses about the future, according to a study. Genetic identical individuals exhibit variation in stress responses due to random decisions, which is beneficial as it reduces metabolic costs without compromising overall benefits.
Researchers found that three earthworm species can remove up to 75% of heavy metals from waste, producing rich compost without accumulating toxins in crops. The worms' digestive system facilitates the separation of metal ions, allowing for safe disposal of organic waste.
Scientists study electron strahl, a stream of high-energy electrons from the sun, using five years of data. They found that widths vary, with some being much wider than expected, indicating an unknown scattering mechanism.
A recent study published in Functional Ecology forecasts that tropical cold-blooded organisms are less likely to go extinct due to climate change. The researchers found that the 'hotter is better' theory suggests species adapted to warmer environments may evolve faster and be more resilient.
A study published in PLoS ONE found a significant association between high levels of urinary BPA and severe coronary artery disease. The research team analyzed data from 591 patients and found that those with severe CAD had higher levels of urinary BPA, suggesting a potential link between the chemical and heart disease.
Recent studies from the Norwegian Institute of Public Health reveal that long-term methadone treatment can affect nerve cells in the brain, leading to changes in cognitive functioning. However, a separate study found no alteration in the formation of new nerve cells, providing some relief for methadone patients.
Duke scientists discovered that genetic material in red blood cells can alter parasite activity via novel gene regulation mechanisms. This finding could lead to greater understanding of host-parasite interaction and eventually develop into a new malaria therapy.
A recent study of the Old Order Amish population found associations between certain bacterial species and metabolic syndrome, suggesting potential targets for medication, diet or lifestyle changes. The researchers identified specific species but not full gut communities linked to metabolic syndrome traits.
Scientists develop substances targeting bacteria virulence factors to prevent UTI development and emergence of resistant microbes. A low dose reduced bacteria in the bladder by almost 10,000 times.
MIT researchers have developed RNA-delivering nanoparticles that allow for rapid screening of new drug targets in mice. These nanoparticles target the ID4 protein, shrinking ovarian tumors in their first mouse study. The technology has the potential to relieve a significant bottleneck in cancer-drug development.
A study published in Restorative Neurology and Neuroscience found that a therapy combining exercise with the neurovascular protective agent GSNO improved recovery from stroke in a rat model. Exercise alone did not significantly reduce infarct volume, but combined with GSNO, it provided greater functional improvement.
Research reveals that individuals who exhibit spiteful behavior are consistent in their actions over time, imposing maximum harm on others. The study, conducted by Erik Kimbrough and Philipp Reiss, used an artificial auction market scenario to test the frequency and extent of spiteful behavior among 48 student participants.
A recent study by Queen Mary University of London found that chimpanzees and bonobos do not possess a sense of fairness like humans. In ultimatum games, the apes consistently chose to steal food without considering their partner's outcomes.
A study published in Biology of Reproduction found that consuming 75 grams of walnuts per day enhances sperm vitality, motility, and morphology in healthy young men. The walnut diet also reduced chromosomal abnormalities in sperm.
Research reveals obstructive sleep apnea affects 50% of women aged 20-80 years, with links to age, obesity, and hypertension. Severe cases are also prevalent among obese women over 55.
The University of Toronto team has developed a novel, waterless toilet design that uses a sand filter and UV-ray disinfecting chamber to process liquid waste and incinerate solid waste. The design is sustainable, easy to use, and can be repaired by people with limited resources and training.
A statewide analysis of Minnesota's freshwater bodies reveals widespread presence of personal care product antimicrobial ingredients triclosan and triclocarban. These chemicals persist for decades and contaminate human blood, urine, and breast milk.
A new database reveals that landslides kill ten times more people than previously thought, with 32,300 fatalities documented between 2004 and 2010. The Durham Fatal Landslide Database identifies areas most at risk, enabling policymakers to prioritize action to manage hazards and lessen human population risks.
The Ocean Health Index assesses the benefits to people of healthy oceans, combining ecological, social, economic, and political conditions. It scores countries globally, ranging from 36 to 86, with densely populated nations like Germany and uninhabited islands leading the way.
Researchers created the Caloric Calculator to help policymakers and others assess the impact of health policy choices on childhood obesity. The tool shows that certain interventions, such as increasing physical activity or restricting screen time, can make a significant difference in reducing obesity rates.
A study by Baylor College of Medicine researchers has identified cytarabine as the most effective and least toxic chemotherapy treatment for adult Langerhans cell histiocytosis patients. The study, published in PLOS ONE, reviewed health records for 58 adults with the disease and compared the effectiveness of three chemotherapy treatments.
The Phoenix Cluster, discovered by the NSF's South Pole Telescope, is creating stars at an unprecedented rate of 20 times faster than in other clusters. The cluster's central galaxy and super-massive black hole are undergoing unsustainable growth, adding mass quickly before it becomes unsustainable.
A new study by San Francisco State University researchers found that asymmetrical forceps in male earwigs provide a competitive advantage, allowing them to dominate smaller males. In contrast, larger males with symmetrical forceps were unable to overcome smaller males with more asymmetric forceps.
Tropical Storm Hector continues to weaken, while Tropical Depression 7's remnants move over Central America. Hector's small circulation is spinning off Mexico's western coast, with the remnants of TD7 producing showers and thunderstorms across parts of Central America and Mexico.
The study found that the absence or downregulation of the LRP1B gene is associated with chemoresistance in high-grade serous ovarian cancer. Additionally, tumors that initially responded to chemotherapy but later became resistant evolved further than those that were resistant from the outset.
Scientists at Berkeley Lab and UC Berkeley have made the first direct observations of distinctly quantum optical effects - amplification and squeezing - in an optomechanical system. The findings point toward low-power quantum optical devices and enhanced detection of gravitational waves.
The Bureau of Reclamation has awarded $1.2 million to 12 applied science projects in the Desert and Southern Rockies Landscape Conservation Cooperatives, with a focus on addressing climate change and improving water management. The funding will be matched by federal agencies and partners, providing over $3.5 million for these projects.
Researchers found that immunologically active components called human milk oligosaccharides (HMO) may protect infants from HIV transmission. HMO act as prebiotics, inhibit pathogens from binding, and exhibit anti-inflammatory activity.
A NOAA-led study reveals that high levels of background noise from ships have reduced the ability of critically endangered North Atlantic right whales to communicate with each other by about two-thirds. The study found that right whales now find themselves living in a world full of acoustic smog, making it difficult for them to gather ...
Researchers demonstrate that bacteria can form antibiotic-resistant clumps in a short time, even in a flowing liquid such as the blood, leading to severe infections. These clumps persist even when two different types of antibiotics are added, suggesting that sticking together protects the floating bacteria from the drugs' effects.
A study published in the American Journal of Human Biology found that children spending more than three-quarters of their time sedentary have up to nine times poorer motor coordination than their active peers. Physical activity alone is not enough to overcome the negative effects of sedentary behavior on basic motor skills.
Researchers discovered that fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF2) can increase the number of glial cells, supporting neurons and promoting proper neuronal function. This study presents a fundamental new mechanism for treating depression by targeting glial cell growth.
Kansas State University researchers have made significant discoveries in cancer research by studying animal health. They found SCID pigs with severe combined immunodeficiency and discovered the connection between human cancer and pig diseases. This collaboration has huge potential for improving surgeries, drug development, and bone mar...
A new experimental immune-based therapy has more than doubled median survival of patients diagnosed with the most aggressive malignant brain tumor. The vaccine targets six antigens involved in glioblastoma cell development and shows promise in attacking cancer stem cells.
Researchers found that a prime-boost vaccine regimen can elicit broadly neutralizing antibodies in animals with pre-existing immunity, offering hope for developing vaccines giving long-lasting flu protection. The study's results suggest that a universal flu vaccine may be possible, potentially benefiting people of all ages.
A special issue of Childhood Obesity journal explores ways schools can improve food culture, practices, and nutrition standards to combat the obesity epidemic. The issue features articles on salad bars, Farm to School programs, and school lunch nutritional quality.
Mexico has made significant progress towards universal health coverage since 2004, with over 50 million uninsured citizens enrolling in public medical insurance. Key healthcare challenges remain, including disparities in state funding and access to rural areas.
A recent study published in Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research found a significant association between binge drinking among women and long-term unemployment. The study analyzed data from 13,031 Swedish residents and found that frequent binge drinking was a stronger predictor of problem drinking for women.
Scientists have invented a new approach to simulate the birth and evolution of galaxies, creating a universe with spiral galaxies like Andromeda. The new software, Arepo, uses a flexible grid geometry to match the motions of gas, stars, dark matter, and dark energy.
Scientists using the Lyman Alpha Mapping Project (LAMP) on NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter have detected helium in the tenuous atmosphere surrounding the Moon. This observation complements previous in-situ measurements and expands our understanding of the lunar atmosphere.
Astronomers have discovered a massive galaxy cluster, known as the Phoenix Cluster, that is breaking several important cosmic records. Stars are forming in this object at the highest rate ever seen in the middle of a galaxy cluster.
The US received a slightly above average score of 63 in the Ocean Health Index, which evaluates global oceans in critical aspects. Key findings include high biodiversity scores and strong coastal livelihoods, but poor food provision and pollution concerns.
Infants born to mothers who received chemotherapy during pregnancy had lower birth weights but no higher risk of birth defects or blood disorders. The study suggests that breast cancer treatment during pregnancy is possible and prioritizing full-term delivery may be crucial for minimizing risks.
Researchers from Ruhr-Universität Bochum discovered that 80 percent of Single Sign-On (SSO) systems based on SAML have huge vulnerabilities. The team used novel XML Signature Wrapping techniques to circumvent digital signatures, impersonating users and system administrators in 12 affected systems.
Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum found that acute stress increases DNA methylation of the oxytocin receptor gene, leading to excessive receptor production. This change may contribute to the development of chronic diseases such as cancer or depression.
A phase 2 clinical trial has identified a potential new class of drug that achieves clinical response and remission in certain patients with moderate-to-severe ulcerative colitis. The study, conducted at the University of California San Diego, shows oral treatment with Tofacitinib to be effective.
Researchers have developed a solid-state MASER capable of operating at room temperature, eliminating the need for extreme conditions. This breakthrough has significant implications for various fields, including medicine, where it could be used to create more sensitive medical instruments.
A new study investigates the relationship between beetle body size, horn size, and grip strength in males. The researchers found that male beetles have a stronger grip than females, likely due to their larger limb size.
A study found that urology-owned radiation oncology practices in Texas increase patients' travel distances by up to three times due to separate treatment centers. This practice model raises concerns about its impact on healthcare costs and patient care.
Researchers found that pre-test genetic counseling decreases distress in before-surgery patients, while improving informed decision-making in after-surgery patients. Both groups showed increased cancer knowledge following the counseling.
Scientists at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have identified a new class of genes, dubbed CYCLOPS, that may serve as an Achilles' heel for many forms of cancer. These genes, which are essential to all cells but have been disrupted in cancer progression, can be targeted with drug molecules to block cancer cell proliferation.
Researchers found that continuous oral contraceptive pills provide earlier relief for moderate to severe menstrual cramps, reducing symptoms by up to six months. Women taking the continuous treatment reported significant pain relief due to uninterrupted treatment, outperforming cyclic treatment in terms of pain relief timing.
Research warns that highly potent marijuana and synthetic marijuana pose a real threat to pregnant women's unborn children. These substances contain high levels of THC, which can interfere with brain development as early as two weeks after conception.
Researchers found a strong negative effect of neighbourhood income deprivation on altruistic behaviour, with wealthier areas returning 87% of letters compared to poorer areas at 37%. This suggests that those living in poor neighbourhoods are less inclined to behave altruistically toward their neighbours.
Researchers trained detection dogs to locate northern spotted owl pellets and feces, achieving a 87% detection probability compared to 59% for vocalization surveys. The cost-effective approach has potential as a complementary method for spotting owls in forests invaded by barred owls.