A study by Penn State researchers found that websites with search and interaction history can be just as engaging as chatbots or human helpers. By leveraging browsing history, businesses can create a sense of contingency, making users feel like they're having a conversation.
Researchers at University of Leeds and Hebei Medical University found that Substance P reduces sensations of pain in peripheral nervous system but triggers pain in central nervous system. This discovery could lead to new methods for pain control with limited side effects.
Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago have developed a solar cell that captures CO2 and sunlight to produce hydrocarbon fuel. The 'artificial leaf' technology solves two crucial problems simultaneously by converting atmospheric carbon dioxide into fuel, making it a game-changer for energy production.
Rice University scientists detect thermal boundary that hinders ultracold experiments, requiring clever measurement techniques to overcome. The researchers found that cooling substrates reduced temperature increases, but thermal boundary resistance remained a major issue.
A study of over 2,400 women with newly diagnosed breast cancer found that online communication is used to enhance decision making and care support, but barriers exist across age, race, and education levels.
Researchers propose that women in Zika-affected countries can safely conceive during the 'trough' of low mosquito activity, reducing the risk of birth defects. This approach could prevent thousands of cases per year, especially in Brazil and Puerto Rico.
A French study suggests a slight hiring bias in favor of women for science teaching positions, contradicting previous notions of bias against women. Researchers found that female applicants received higher grades than males in more male-dominated fields, with biases ranging from 3 to 10 percentile ranks.
Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania have shown that early exposure to the human IDUA protein increased immune tolerance, allowing for widespread expression of the enzyme and resolution of brain lesions. The study informs the planning of first-in-human trials for MPS I treatment.
Researchers identified a mechanism of action for selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors that explains their delayed effectiveness in treating depression. The study found that SSRIs accumulate in lipid rafts and reduce levels of signal molecules, contributing to the delay in symptom reduction.
Researchers have identified a genetic basis for songbirds' migratory routes, linking them to a small cluster of genes governing behavior. The study found that differences in migration patterns help maintain the diversity of songbirds.
Historical rates and patterns of tropical deforestation around the globe were used to estimate carbon emissions and species losses over time. Current emissions and extinctions are mostly tied to past actions.
The project aims to further accelerate progress toward the SunShot goals through research and development of novel solar collectors using reflective surfaces to concentrate sunlight. Giant Leap Technologies will develop capillary optics to replace expensive mechanical sun trackers with low-cost digital-glass for solar thermal and photo...
A study has identified D-amino acids as potential biomarkers for predicting chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression. Elevated levels of D-Serine and D-Asparagine in CKD patients are associated with a higher risk of end-stage kidney disease, highlighting the potential for improved treatment and novel therapy options.
Tropical Storm Frank weakened to a tropical storm on July 28, 2016, with winds decreasing from hurricane strength. NASA's RapidScat instrument observed sustained winds of near 30 meters per second north of the center.
Valley fever, caused by Coccidioides immitis and Coccidioides posadasii, affects over 150,000 people annually. Early diagnosis is crucial to prevent unnecessary tests and treatment, reducing the impact of complications. Pregnant women, immunocompromised individuals, and those with diabetes are at high risk for severe outcomes.
A team of researchers discovered the oldest evidence for cancer and bony tumors in human fossils, dating back 1.7 million years. The findings push back the origins of these diseases from recent times to deep prehistory.
A new study suggests that couples' division of paid and unpaid labor is associated with the risk of divorce, even after adjusting for financial resources. Wives' ability to support themselves financially in the event of a divorce does not determine marital stability.
Researchers found that unorganized and semi-organized groups use Twitter to develop stances toward organizations during crises. The study suggests that PR professionals can diagnose different publics' attitudes using Contingency Theory, allowing them to craft messages for specific audiences.
A study found that applying mulching materials after soil remediation and reseeding can restore perennial ryegrass in 6 weeks after diesel and hydraulic fluid spills. The combination of peat pellets, mulching, and remediation with humic amendment resulted in the best turfgrass green density.
Research by Queen Mary University of London found that private sector contracts in Scotland led to a decrease in NHS provision and an increase in age-related and socioeconomic treatment inequalities. Patients aged 85 years and over, as well as those living in the most deprived areas, were disproportionately affected.
Researchers at Pitt School of Medicine identify mechanism by which bioscaffolds influence cellular behavior, promoting tissue repair and reconstruction. The study reveals the presence of nanovesicles in bioscaffolds, which enable cellular communication and facilitate regenerative processes.
A team of researchers led by Andreas Velten is working on a camera technology that uses scattered-light photons to capture scenes outside human line of sight. The project aims to push the limitations of this technique over four years, with potential applications in medical imaging, disaster relief, and space exploration.
A joint article by Dr Melissa Trimingham and Professor Nicola Shaughnessy presents pioneering research using drama with autistic children, demonstrating how 'intermediality' unlocks languages used by autistic children. The study aims to help families through teaching new play skills using drama and puppetry.
A new study found that preterm infants with acute kidney injury (AKI) have higher levels of certain proteins in their urine compared to healthy infants. This could lead to better diagnostics and treatment for AKI in newborns, which is a common complication in premature infants and can predict poor clinical outcomes.
Researchers from around the world collaborated on an open-source drug-discovery project, identifying compounds to treat malaria, other parasites, and even cancer. The successful trial has sparked over a dozen new drug-development projects, bridging the gap between academia and industry.
Researchers identified ACSL3 as essential for mutant KRAS gene activity in lung cancer cells, leading to cell death when suppressed. The study provides a critical role for fatty acids in lung cancer and meets an urgent need for targeted therapies.
Researchers found that the expression of specific genes and DNA methylation patterns, such as IFG2 and reduced aberrant methylation, are better indicators of iPS cell differentiation to hematopoietic cells. This discovery suggests a more efficient method for producing high-quality blood cells through reprogramming.
Researchers have uncovered two novel virulence mechanisms employed by Leishmania parasites to circumvent the host's antimicrobial defenses. GP63 and CPB proteases play a central role in these processes, allowing the parasite to manipulate host cell membrane fusion machinery and evade phagocytosis.
Researchers at Indiana University School of Medicine found that the body's immune response system malfunctions during severe bacterial infections, leading to permanent damage to blood-producing cells. This discovery provides a new target for protecting the immune system during major infections.
Geographers from UC Santa Barbara's Climate Hazards Group will help African scientists predict food deficits using remote sensing tools and climate data. The new project aims to provide early warning systems for severe hunger, giving policymakers four months of advanced notice to allocate resources.
A study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that India's official statistics significantly underreport pedestrian and motorcycle deaths, suggesting a much higher number than reported. The researchers recommend using police reports instead of government data for research and policy decisions.
Researchers at UVA Health System have discovered a critical role of M-CSF in battling pneumonia. Without this cytokine, infected mice experience severe outcomes, including increased bacterial loads and organ failure.
A new study published in the Journal of Consumer Research found that compromise is less likely to occur when two men make decisions together, whereas it's a common practice among female-female and mixed-gender pairs. Men tend to prefer extreme options to prove their masculinity, while women act more pragmatically and choose the middle ...
Male cuttlefish exhibit a hierarchy of threat displays to signal aggressive intent, with frontal and shovel displays predicting subsequent lateral displays. These displays allow rivals to determine the opponent's level of aggression, enabling tactical decisions about contest escalation or withdrawal.
The TAILOR-PCI Study aims to determine whether prescribing antiplatelet therapy based on a patient's CYP2C19 genotype can prevent heart attack, stroke, and cardiovascular death. The study, which began in 2013, plans to enroll 5,270 patients and investigate the effects of genomics on treatment outcomes.
Researchers at the John Innes Centre have identified a previously unidentified step in plant flowering initiation, linking an important gene to protein regulators. This breakthrough uncovers how plants 'remember' low-temperature conditions to control flowering timing.
A new study by Oregon State University researchers has found that teens who smoke daily report significantly higher levels of health complaints than their nonsmoking peers. The study also reveals a widening gap in health complaints between smoking and nonsmoking teens, with girls reporting more health issues than boys.
Researchers found that tomatoes can detect a parasitic vine's peptide, triggering an immune response and increased resistance. This discovery could lead to new strategies for mitigating crop losses caused by parasitic plants worldwide.
Researchers at OU are developing novel technologies for next-generation solar cells with potential to increase global energy capacity and reduce fossil fuel dependence. They aim to control thermal losses and harness more of the sun's energy using 'hot' carrier solar cells.
A new study published in Cell Reports explains how a blood pressure hormone system can promote obesity. The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) controls energy balance and metabolic rate, with elevated brain RAS increasing energy expenditure and weight loss, while peripheral RAS suppressing resting metabolism and increasing weight gain.
The use of virtual rocks can archive samples for destructive testing, aid peer-review, and provide access to geological materials for disabled students. Virtual explorers can also enhance learning and retention after field trips.
A new rare species of beaked whale, smaller and darker than Baird's beaked whale, has been identified with a range in the remote North Pacific Ocean. The elusive whale is about 25 feet long and rarely seen, even by Japanese whalers.
Researchers from Hebrew SeniorLife Institute for Aging Research found that women with the most severe kyphosis had the greatest declines in lung function. Hyperkyphosis restricts lung expansion and causes difficulty breathing, leading to serious health problems.
A University of British Columbia study finds that evolution accelerates the speed of plant migration in response to climate change. Plants that undergo evolution disperse seeds and migrate farther than their non-evolving counterparts, even in challenging conditions.
Researchers at University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center have identified a rare gene variant associated with familial Barrett esophagus (FBE) and esophageal cancer. The study found that this mutation disrupts normal esophageal lining maturation, increasing disease risk.
A study published in Injury Prevention found that official statistics on road traffic injuries in India are likely to be unreliable. Pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists are underrepresented while vehicle occupants are overrepresented. Researchers urge policy makers to steer clear of government stats until the problem is fixed.
Researchers at UNC School of Medicine used transcranial alternating current stimulation to target sleep spindles and strengthen memory in healthy individuals. The study found significant improvements in motor tasks but no improvement in associative word-pairing tests.
Research at the University of Illinois found that soybean meal from different growing regions in the US has no significant differences in phosphorus content. Adding microbial phytase improved phosphorus digestibility across all regions.
A new analysis of federal funding for sustainable agriculture suggests significant improvements can be made with additional investments. Researchers found that only a small percentage of USDA-funded projects focused on sustainable agriculture, highlighting the need for increased public funding.
Scientists at Newcastle University have identified a group of molecules that can be targeted to slow tumor growth in prostate cancer patients. The research found that testosterone changes these molecules, making cancer cells more likely to survive and spread.
Research by Sam Houston State University reveals that restorative justice programs are more effective in reducing recidivism rates than traditional court processing. The study found that even minimal interventions had a significant impact on reducing re-offending rates.
Kyoungchul Kong, a physicist at the University of Kansas, offers an alternative explanation for the mysterious signal detected at the Large Hadron Collider, proposing a sequence of particles with different masses. The theory suggests that the signal could be the result of a sequential cascade decay of a heavier particle into photons.
New data from NuSTAR reveals large numbers of black holes sending out high-energy X-rays, helping astronomers understand growth patterns and evolution of supermassive black holes. The study resolves 35% of the high-energy X-ray background, uncovering details about the most obscured black holes hidden in gas and dust.
The UK Lung Cancer Screening randomized controlled trial found that CT screening did not cause unnecessary anxiety, despite fear and stigma being barriers to participation. The trial recruited over 4,000 participants aged 50-75 at high risk of lung cancer, with a significant reduction in deaths for those who received screening.
Researchers at The Wistar Institute have identified a specific receptor-protein expressed on the surface of ovarian tumor cells, offering a highly targeted therapeutic target for immunotherapy. This technology uses chimeric endocrine receptor-expressing T-cells to selectively eliminate cancerous cells with minimal adverse effects.
A new study by Florida State University researcher Michael Delp suggests that Apollo astronauts are experiencing higher rates of cardiovascular problems, likely caused by their exposure to deep space radiation. The study found that 43% of deceased Apollo astronauts died from a cardiovascular problem, four to five times higher than non-...
Australian researchers have developed a new test that can predict patients' long-term response to treatment for chronic myeloid leukemia. The test assesses the levels of P-glycoprotein in patient cells and identifies those at risk of developing resistance, allowing doctors to adjust treatment strategies.
The SNMMI-TS awarded Lynne Roy, Crystal Botkin, David Campbell, Marcia Hess Smith, Deborah Gibbs, Dmitry D. Beyder, and Aaron Scott for their exceptional contributions to the field of nuclear medicine technology, including education, service, and leadership.
Researchers from the University of Missouri found a connection between menopause and decreased physical activity in postmenopausal women. The study suggests that activation of brain receptors may serve as a future treatment to improve motivation for physical activity.
A study by Harvard Medical School researchers found that implementing electronic health record (EHR) systems has no significant impact on patient outcomes, including inpatient mortality and adverse events. The study analyzed data from 17 hospitals that went live with new EHR systems within a single day.
Researchers at the University of Basel found that brief smartphone exercises can improve mood. Participants felt more alert, calm, and uplifted after using short video tutorials on their smartphones as a guide.
Researchers at MUSC aim to develop novel treatment options for thoracic aortic aneurysms by studying the cellular events leading to their formation. The $1.46 million NIH grant will focus on translating discoveries into potential therapeutics, including region-specific gene therapy and targeted pharmacologic treatments.
Sigma Xi's new initiative aims to strengthen research outreach by partnering with researchers and institutions to share their work with broader audiences. The program provides digital and print publishing platforms, content development services, and data-driven evaluation tools to help partners increase the impact of their research.
Researchers at NYU Langone Health have identified a new target for preventing Alzheimer's disease, targeting the mechanism behind neural and vascular death. The study suggests that Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors may be effective in delaying symptom onset and improving quality of life for patients.
Drexel researchers create chains of microscopic magnetic bead-based robots that can swim at impressive speeds through a microfluidic environment. The team demonstrates their ability to link and unlink the beads using a rotating magnetic field, paving the way for targeted medicine delivery and minimally invasive surgery.
Researchers recommend measures to reduce US firearm suicide rates, including targeted legislation and smart gun technology. Public education and research are also crucial in preventing firearm suicides.
Researchers at UC Santa Barbara discovered a single cell responsible for detecting food texture in fruit flies. This neuron sends signals based on the hardness of food, enabling the fly to determine whether to eat or not. The study also identified a critical protein TMC that plays a key role in mechanosensation.
A promising TB vaccine candidate, Mtb Δppe25-pe19, induces a strong and diverse immune response to all mycobacterial PE/PPE proteins, offering insights into its protective efficacy. Unlike BCG, the new strain has an intact ESX-1 transport system, allowing it to induce phagosomal rupture and provoke innate immune responses.
A large study of 350,000 cases over 15 years found no higher suicide risk in clinics with locked wards compared to those with open-door policies. The study suggests that a controlled atmosphere may actually hinder successful therapy and patient autonomy.
A University of Waterloo study found that thinking about the future helps people shift their focus away from current feelings and mitigate conflicts in romantic relationships. By envisioning their relationship a year into the future, individuals can adopt a more positive perspective and show more forgiveness.
Astrocyte calcium signaling properties studied in visual cortex to understand their role in brain function and potential involvement in multiple brain disorders. The study aims to shed light on fundamental properties of astrocytes, providing a baseline for comparing and testing their role in brain disorders.
Researchers found that music and packaging design can increase enjoyment of beer. A study involved participants tasting beer with different conditions: no label, label only, or label with matching song. Results showed those with the matching song rated the beer more enjoyable. The study suggests multisensory information influences tast...
Scientists create synthetic diacylglycerols that can be controlled by UV light, revealing new insights into cellular signaling networks. The findings enable precise regulation of metabolic processes such as insulin secretion and nerve signal transmission.
Researchers developed an enzyme-based sensor that uses sweat to detect lactate levels, indicating potential muscle fatigue, stress, and dehydration. The sensor is powered by a biofuel cell, providing a renewable power source for a sustainable wearable device.
The English bulldog's extreme physical changes, achieved through human-directed selection, have led to significant loss of genetic diversity, particularly in immune response genes. This reduced diversity makes it challenging to improve the breed's health from within its existing gene pool.
Researchers found that educating patients on hygienic practices significantly reduced the time to clearance of MRSA, similar to antibiotic treatment. Non-compliance households took 27 days to clear the bacteria, while compliant ones did so in 23 days.
Researchers found that brain dopamine function returns to normal three months after quitting smoking, indicating chronic smoking may cause smoking-related deficits. This suggests the possibility of treatments targeting dopamine systems in smokers.
A study recommends planting lachenalias in November, December, January, or February to produce healthy compact plants. Soaking bulbs in flurprimidol at a concentration of 30 mg·L-1 can also enhance plant appearance and marketing quality.
Researchers at Georgia Tech discovered a genetic mutation in C. elegans that led to prioritization of adult survival over reproduction, revealing insights into life history trade-offs and their regulation. The study's findings have implications for understanding human genetics, particularly the NURF-1 gene involved in reproduction.
Researchers at University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute found that tumor sampling techniques used with new breast cancer tests may lead to underestimation of risk. The study suggests that refining the sampling process is crucial to ensure accurate treatment plans for patients with more aggressive tumors.
A recent study found that the overall incidence of type 2 diabetes has stabilised over recent years, while mortality rates have declined, suggesting that increased prevalence may be attributed to longer survival. The findings suggest significant differences based on gender, age, and socioeconomic status.
Researchers at Carnegie Institution have produced a new class of materials blending hydrogen with sodium, which could advance superconductivity and be used for hydrogen-fuel cell storage. The discovery confirms theoretical predictions and opens up possibilities for metallic high-temperature superconductors.
Neuropathic pain is a common complication of spinal cord injuries, affecting every person differently. The new guidelines recommend screening and diagnosis, treatment models, and care approaches to manage pain and ensure patients can fully benefit from rehabilitation.
Research reveals a significant association between visual health and social determinants of general health, including education, socio-economic status, and ethnicity. The study found that even mild vision impairment can have a substantial impact on daily life, increasing the risk of unemployment and mental health issues.
A nationwide study of over 18,000 crime victims found that reporting initial experiences to police reduces the likelihood of future victimization. The researchers suggest increased awareness and services for victims after reporting contribute to this effect.
UAB researchers have discovered that levodopa induces widespread DNA methylation changes in brain cells that contribute to the development and maintenance of levodopa-induced dyskinesia. Modulating global DNA methylation may be a novel therapeutic target to prevent or reverse this condition.
Researchers found that in pristine remote coral reefs, sharks outnumber their prey at local scales due to spawning aggregations delivering fish directly to them. Conservation efforts may need to prioritize protection of these aggregations alongside shark fishing bans to maintain shark populations.
A new drug therapy has been developed that targets pancreatic cancer cells by reducing their antioxidant levels, mimicking the suppression of NRF2. This approach has shown promise in preclinical studies and could provide a novel treatment option for this devastating disease.
Researchers have reconstructed the feeding habits of ancient elephants in China over the last two million years using tooth wear analysis. Sinomastodon and Stegodon coexisted before Sinomastodon's extinction, while Elephas showed a more catholic feeding habit incorporating both grazing and browsing.
Scientists discovered protected areas contain 15% more individuals and 11% more species than unprotected sites. Better management can double protection effectiveness.
Researchers identified three key brain regions involved in hypnosis, including decreased activity in the dorsal anterior cingulate and increased connections between the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and the insula. These changes may help understand how hypnosis affects perception and body control.
Rapid evolution enables plants to disperse more efficiently in disrupted environments, spreading up to three times farther than non-evolving counterparts. In patchy landscapes, evolving populations exhibit greater heights, facilitating seed dispersal.
Researchers at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz discovered a direct correlation between temperature-dependent generation of spin currents and atomic composition of interfaces. The study's findings contribute to the development of magnon spintronics, enabling efficient energy transport in magnetic materials.
Researchers found that PGLYRPs can inhibit chlamydia infections by targeting the bacteria's stress response system. The study confirmed that PGLYRP solutions reduced the number of chlamydial inclusions by 10 times, and improved understanding of potential antichlamydial drug targets.
A team of scientists developed a new approach to visualize oxygen in tissue, using optoacoustic methods and a novel algorithm that corrects for light propagation effects. This non-invasive imaging method achieves high accuracy and resolution, enabling the study of various medical conditions such as tumor growth and metabolism.
Researchers found evidence that the mantle flows in a direction ahead of recent changes in plate motion, suggesting it may be responsible for past and current changes. The study also explored magma supply under mid-ocean ridges, finding larger volumes at segment ends than previously thought.
Researchers developed a micro-scale twisted optics technique to store more information in light, enabling faster data transmission. The method uses angled light and strategically placed germanium layers to guide waves unidirectionally through a micro-ring.
A study found that women with Medicaid or Medicare had lower odds of receiving breast reconstruction compared to those with private insurance. Distance to the nearest plastic surgeon also predicted lower rates of reconstruction. The researchers highlight additional barriers to access beyond socioeconomic class, age, and race.
Researchers have found a way to detect ovarian cancer early using a protein test, providing new hope for patients. An enzyme called SIK2 has been identified as key in making ovarian cancer more deadly, offering a potential new treatment target.
The Combating Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria Biopharmaceutical Accelerator (CARB-X) brings together industry, philanthropy, government, and academia to rejuvenate the antimicrobial pipeline. The partnership aims to deliver a growing portfolio of new antibiotics, diagnostics, and vaccines to tackle untreatable bacterial infections.
A new study published in Nature Communications shows that CO2 can be securely stored underground for at least 100,000 years, much longer than the 10,000 years required to avoid climate impacts. This finding has significant implications for carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology.
A new study published in Scientific Reports found that mineral dust from the Middle East can strengthen the Indian Summer Monsoon by heating the atmosphere. This heat absorption affects monsoon rainfall, with more efficient-absorbing dust linked to increased rainfall.
A new 15-year study of 145000 patient cases found that locked wards do not reduce the risk of suicide attempts or unauthorized absence from hospital. In contrast, patients treated on open wards are less likely to attempt suicide and have a lower likelihood of absconding.
A study published in Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology found that preterm infants with acute kidney injury have distinct protein profiles in their urine compared to those with healthy kidneys. This discovery could help physicians diagnose kidney health in newborns and improve treatment outcomes.
Scientists have identified a rare genetic alteration in the MSH3 gene that is associated with a new form of hereditary colon cancer. The discovery has significant implications for diagnosis and treatment, as it offers a clear diagnosis for some cases of polyposis and allows for targeted surveillance and prevention.
A study found that recruiting minorities and poor people to participate in genetic research is challenging, even with the internet. Despite high rates of online access, groups with lower education levels, income, or African-American status had lower engagement rates.
Researchers studied the Carmel Formation's ability to store carbon dioxide, finding it provides a barrier-forming zone that traps CO2. The team used computer modeling and drilling to determine the formation's effectiveness in long-term storage.
A study at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center reveals protein ZMYND8's ability to block metastasis-linked gene expression in prostate cancer. ZMYND8 cooperates with histone mark eraser JARID1D to suppress metastasis-linked genes.
A study from Michigan Medicine found that women who engaged on social media after a breast cancer diagnosis expressed more deliberation about their treatment decision and more satisfaction with the path they chose. However, the researchers also identified significant barriers to social media use among certain groups of patients.
A new light-based communication tool can carry data in a swift, circular motion, potentially solving an approaching data bottleneck. The optics advancement could become a central component of next generation computers designed to handle society's growing demand for information sharing.
Scientists found that butterflies have an innate preference for specific leaf shapes and can learn to overcome this preference through experience. This learning ability promotes the evolution of plant biodiversity by favoring rare leaf shapes.
Researchers have identified two proteins that safeguard skin stem cells, which are essential for skin renewal and regeneration. The study reveals that without these proteins, skin stem cells collapse and disappear from the tissue.
Researchers have identified a new genetic syndrome tied to defects in protein transport, causing craniofacial abnormalities and developmental delays. The study found that mutations in the ARCN1 gene disrupt normal protein trafficking, leading to intellectual disability and bone development issues.
A new gene therapy approach successfully delivered a therapeutic gene to the brains of treated mice, restored enzyme function, and extended survival. The treatment holds promise for developing similar therapies for humans and targeting additional brain disorders.
The American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics has released an updated position statement on noninvasive prenatal screening for detection of fetal aneuploidy. The guidelines provide recommendations for obstetric care providers and patients regarding the use of noninvasive prenatal screening (NIPS) in prenatal practice.