A new study found that longer commutes by automobile are associated with decreased cardiorespiratory fitness, increased weight, and other indicators of metabolic risk. Commuting distances greater than 10 miles were linked to high blood pressure.
A study by Keith Hawton and colleagues found a significant reduction in co-proxamol-related poisonings after its UK withdrawal in 2005. Deaths involving other analgesics remained stable despite increased prescribing, suggesting the removal of co-proxamol had major benefits on suicide rates.
Patients with unipolar Major Depressive Disorder achieved significant improvements in depression symptoms and quality of life after five weeks of NeuroStar TMS therapy. The treatment resulted in a 30.5% increase in patients reporting no problems with performing usual activities.
Researchers have developed a potent new drug called Lys05 that kills tumor cells in mouse models by clogging their recycling system. This approach has shown promise as a single-agent anti-tumor therapy with minimal toxicity to healthy cells.
A new study by the University of Minnesota researchers found that APHIS failed to recognize environmental impacts and made legal errors in regulating genetically engineered crops. The agency's regulatory decisions have faced criticism, leading to litigation delays in the development of new GE crops.
A study of 2,588 Finnish schizophrenic patients found that antidepressive treatment reduced mortality risk by 43%, whereas bensodiazepine use increased the risk of early death and suicide by 91%. The researchers also found no association between taking multiple antipsychotics and increased mortality.
Researchers from the University of Otago have provided radiocarbon dates for unusual jar and log coffin interments in southern Cambodia's Cardamom Mountains. The findings reveal that the enigmatic burial rituals were practiced from at least 1395AD to 1650AD, coinciding with the decline and fall of the powerful Kingdom of Angkor.
The Office of Naval Research is developing a solid-state laser weapon prototype with multi-mission capabilities. The program aims to provide Sailors with a non-lethal defense against small boat threats and aerial targets.
Gene Signal's aganirsen shows promise in treating wet age-related macular degeneration and ischemic retinopathy by inhibiting neovascular growth. Clinical studies are scheduled to begin during the second quarter of 2012.
Positive results from animal models and initial clinical trial results show promise for retinal gene therapy to treat inherited diseases. Researchers have developed efficient and safe viral delivery systems to introduce therapeutic genes into photoreceptor cells.
Researchers found that the 2009 H1N1 pandemic vaccine triggers antibodies protecting against many influenza viruses, including deadly avian H5N1 strain. This discovery could lead to universal flu vaccines eliminating seasonal vaccination needs.
Research funded by the Wellcome Trust suggests that prosthetic lower limbs and robots' legs could be made more efficient by making them less human-like. The study found that people walking normally, women in high heels, and ostriches produce similar forces on the ground due to their unique gait patterns.
A new study published in JAMA found that the CKD-EPI equation for calculating GFR is a more accurate predictor of kidney disease risk compared to the MDRD Study equation. The study suggests that switching to the CKD-EPI equation could lead to better assessment of patient future risk and improved treatment of kidney disease.
Researchers used lithography to create achiral particles that spontaneously formed chiral super-structures with distinct orientations. Entropy played a key role in the emergence of chirality, contradicting traditional views on disorder and order. The discovery sheds new light on the physical origins of molecular handedness.
Customers are using laptops, phones, and coffee cups to shield themselves from others in cafes, decreasing space turnover and discouraging other patrons. Cafes and coffee shops must now design space to accommodate different customers' needs and consider the impact of personal technology on face-to-face interactions.
Research reveals female athletes performed worse on visual memory tests and reported more symptoms post-concussion. Younger athletes, particularly high school athletes, took longer to recover than collegiate athletes.
Researchers at KIT have successfully manufactured a pentamode metamaterial, also known as a metafluid, which exhibits unique mechanical properties. The material's behavior is determined by varying parameters, allowing it to mimic the properties of water and other substances.
Funding for non-custodial alternatives, community service, and legal representation are essential to reduce overcrowding and HIV/TB transmission. African governments have a responsibility to address life-threatening prison conditions contrary to international law.
A recent study published in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery found that hand and wrist injuries account for a significant number of annual emergency department visits in the US. The study estimated that the total cost of these injuries is substantial, with over $2 billion spent on healthcare costs and lost productivity each year.
Researchers found that men chaired committees awarded prizes to males over 95% of the time, despite women making up 21% of nomination pools. Women-only awards can mask disparities, but having women on committees increased their chances of winning.
A cross-disciplinary team at the University of Maryland has designed molecular containers that can hold drug molecules and increase their solubility up to nearly 3000 times. The discovery opens possibilities for rehabilitating drug candidates and improving successful drugs with better solubility.
Researchers have found that sex-linked chromosomes, particularly the W chromosome in female chickens, play a vital role in predicting fertility. The study's results support the idea that these chromosomes are unlikely to become extinct due to their importance in survival.
The Science Media Centre, London, has been awarded the 2012 ECNP Media Award for its outstanding contributions to destigmatising brain disorders. The centre's work highlights the connection between scientific research and public awareness, making complex issues more accessible to a wide audience.
Researchers have identified significant differences in how diabetes affects Asian populations, including unique markers for type 1 diabetes diagnosis. The study highlights the need for culturally sensitive care, tailored treatment guidelines, and expanded education programs.
The TDRS-4 satellite completed its nearly 23-year operational life support and successfully executed end-of-mission de-orbit and decommissioning activities. The satellite's retirement was necessitated by the loss of a battery and reduced storage capacity.
A RAND Corporation study found that taking probiotics can significantly reduce the risk of developing diarrhea caused by antibiotics. The study, which pooled data from over 100 research studies, showed a 42% lower risk of antibiotic-associated diarrhea with probiotic use.
The updated consensus statement provides guidance on setting up, operating, and maintaining high-quality cardiac catheterization laboratories. Modern cath labs now incorporate minimally invasive techniques for congenital heart defects and valvular heart disease, as well as developing hybrid labs with surgical features.
A Brazilian law change enabled banks to sell repossessed cars quickly, encouraging them to offer better terms and increasing lending to riskier borrowers. The 'democratization of credit' resulted in more consumers buying newer, more expensive cars.
Researchers found that sildenafil improved echocardiographic measures of heart function in children and young adults with single ventricle heart disease palliation. The study suggests a potential advance in managing patients with these types of heart defects.
Researchers warn of the risks of MXE, a dissociative drug similar to ketamine, as it spreads quickly online and is often sold as a legal alternative. The study highlights the need for greater international collaboration to address the issue of easily accessible psychoactive drugs.
A large observational study found that pre-pregnancy obesity was associated with a three-point drop in reading scores and a two-point reduction in math scores among children aged 5-7 years. Maternal prepregnancy weight also had a negative impact on fetal brain development.
A new risk prediction equation has been developed to predict death and end-stage renal disease in patients with impaired kidney function. The CKD-EPI equation provides more accurate classification of individuals at risk, leading to better prevention and management of kidney disease-related outcomes.
Researchers have gained new understanding of how our sense of hearing works, finding a key link between touch and sound. The study reveals that specific proteins play a vital role in detecting high-frequency sounds and has implications for future research into hearing and touch.
A new study by Ohio State University finds that higher income inequality in the US leads to increased mortality rates over time. The research suggests that income inequality starts affecting mortality rates 5 years later and peaks after 7 years.
Researchers from Max Planck Institute decoded genes for extreme body size in mice, revealing 67 loci and new genes regulating energy balance, metabolic processes, and growth. The study's findings suggest that artificial selection can parallel natural selection to alter similar genes, shedding light on the genetic basis of complex traits.
A new essay examines what constitutes 'life' and the probability of discovering new life forms. Professor Gerald Joyce argues that a truly new life form would arise through chemistry, not biology, and that humans long for intelligent life in the universe.
Researchers have successfully boosted the fluorescent efficiency of ultra-small quantum dots to as high as 45%, making them suitable for special lighting applications. This improvement translates to a higher luminous efficiency of about 40 lumens/watt, outperforming existing LEDs and incandescent bulbs.
University of Guelph researchers found the location and effect of abnormal heart proteins that can cause cardiac failure. They discovered three variants affecting heart contractions and three others impacting stability and efficiency, paving the way for targeted therapies.
A University of Georgia study analyzed over 46,000 fossils from 52 sites, revealing that abundant species did not necessarily persist longer than less abundant ones outside of the Ordovician extinction event. Instead, rarer genera were more likely to be present longer in the fossil record.
Researchers from Brazil and Korea used human immature dental pulp stem cells to create induced pluripotent stem cells, showing promising characteristics for therapeutic applications. The studies suggest that dental stem cells may be a valuable alternative source for regenerative medicine, including tooth regeneration and repair.
Herbivorous fish play a vital role in maintaining the health of coral reefs by limiting algae growth. A diverse supply of these fish provides strong 'insurance' against environmental fluctuations, reducing the risk of regime shifts towards seaweed-dominated reefs.
A recent study from the Rotman School of Management found that dominant East Asians face workplace harassment and are often stereotyped as being non-dominant. The research highlights the importance of recognizing and challenging these prescriptive racial stereotypes to create a more inclusive work environment.
New estimates suggest that around 16% of all cancers worldwide are infection-related, with a significant disparity between developed and developing countries. Infection-related cancers are largely preventable, particularly those associated with human papillomaviruses, Helicobacter pylori, hepatitis B and C viruses.
A recent Stanford poll found that support for government action on global warming dropped by an average of 5 percentage points per year between 2010 and 2012, from 72% to 62%. This shift was influenced by political rhetoric and cooler-than-average weather, but not economics.
Researchers at The Wistar Institute found that a diverse array of regulatory T cells is necessary to prevent the immune system from generating tissue-specific inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis. This diversity provides a cumulative protective effect against the disease.
Researchers found a data calibration problem in the University of Alabama's temperature record, which has been cited by climate change skeptics. When corrected, the results fall in line with other records and climate models, confirming their agreement on global warming impacts.
Researchers have identified a genetic factor called a trinucleotide repeat as a strong predictor of Fuchs' dystrophy. The study found that unusually long segments of repeated DNA nucleotides in the TCF4 gene cause havoc, impacting the coding of the protein.
A new happiness model developed by a MU researcher identifies two key components: the need for new positive experiences and appreciation for what already exists. The model suggests ways to reduce the 'let down' from material purchases and helps individuals train themselves to stay at their highest possible range of happiness.
A study by Georgia Tech researcher Marshini Chetty found that bandwidth caps trigger uneasy user experiences due to invisible balances, mysterious processes, and multiple users. Users often resort to coping mechanisms like topping up accounts or visiting family members to use their internet.
The M-CHAT is a scientifically validated tool for screening children between 16 and 30 months to assess their risk for ASD. The automated version now available on the Autism Speaks website offers free online scoring and recommendations, enabling parents to identify potential issues early.
In a new analysis, rituximab shows promising results in treating chronic immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), a bleeding disorder that destroys blood cells. The treatment promotes long-term response in approximately one quarter of patients, with normalized platelet counts lasting at least five years.
A study published in Archives of General Psychiatry reveals that psychopathy is characterized by reduced grey matter volumes in key brain areas, leading to impaired empathy and moral behavior. The findings suggest a clear behavioral difference between psychopaths and non-psychopathic offenders with anti-social personality disorder.
Researchers found that high biodiversity regions are linguistically diverse, with 3,202 languages spoken in 35 hotspots and 1,622 in five wilderness areas. Linguistic loss threatens biodiversity as well, with up to 90% of languages disappearing by the end of the 21st century.
Researchers developed a new imaging device that uses photoacoustics to detect breast tumors, revealing high-contrast images of malignant tissue. The technology combines light-based system with ultrasound, providing superior targeting ability and potentially clinically useful for making breast cancer diagnoses.
Research reveals that commonly occurring large chromosomal deletions contain areas with multiple functionally linked genes whose loss confers a survival advantage on tumors. The study validated the presence of these linked genes in mouse models of human liver cancer and demonstrated their cooperative action.
Research suggests that PSA screening can reduce deaths from prostate cancer in younger, healthy men. The benefit of screening is particularly significant in men with risk factors such as black ancestry or positive family history. Screening may be discontinued for elderly men with multiple comorbidities and limited life expectancy.
Scientists at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine found that activated myofibroblasts can revert to an inactive phenotype during liver healing, suggesting a potential treatment approach for reversing fibrosis. This discovery has implications for treating not only liver but also lung and kidney fibrosis.
A new study published in The FASEB Journal suggests that Rev-Erb alpha plays a crucial role in regulating fuel use and energy homeostasis. Impairments to this gene can lead to excessive weight gain and related health problems, highlighting the importance of maintaining normal temporal organization.
Researchers found a genetic trade-off between female sexual maturation and longevity, where delayed reproduction is associated with longer life. Mice with lower IGF1 levels reached sexual maturity later and lived longer.
Researchers found that T-bet and RORα proteins enforce specific classes of memory B cells, which can produce antibodies against various infections. This discovery opens the way for developing vaccines that induce long-term immunity towards desired antibody classes.