A new policy proposal by Dartmouth economist Elizabeth Cascio aims to relieve the burden of child care costs on low-income families, particularly those with children under five. The proposed reform recommends replacing current federal child care tax policies with a new, refundable tax credit that would benefit lower-income families.
A national analysis shows that opioid abuse remains disturbingly high, with nearly 1 in 7 Americans abusing prescription opioids. Experts urge caution and education to combat the epidemic.
A study published in The Lancet Public Health found that federal drinking water regulations reduced toxic exposure and protected human health. Compliance with the EPA regulation led to a decline of 17% in levels of urinary arsenic, resulting in an estimated reduction of over 200 cases of lung and bladder cancer every year.
Geophysicist Seth Stein argues that scientifically inaccurate movies can be used to teach scientific lessons and foster skepticism. He incorporates disaster movies into his classroom lessons, training students to spot errors and seek true explanations.
A study presented at the ANESTHESIOLOGY 2017 annual meeting found that women giving birth in winter or spring are less likely to develop postpartum depression. Higher gestational age and not having anesthesia during delivery increased risk, while increased body mass index was associated with a higher risk.
Compliance with the 2006 EPA regulation on maximum arsenic levels led to a 17% decline in urinary arsenic concentrations among public water users, equivalent to an estimated reduction of over 200 cases of lung and bladder disease per year. Private well water users showed no improvements due to lack of federal regulation.
Researchers have made significant breakthroughs in understanding and combating antibiotic resistance, particularly through the development of β-lactamase inhibitors. These enzyme inhibitors have shown promise in reversing resistance to certain antibiotics, offering new hope in treating previously untreatable infections.
Researchers caution that relying solely on zircon crystals can skew timescales for geological events, potentially millions of years. The findings have implications for understanding volcanic hazards and predicting future risks.
A team of researchers successfully predicted earthquakes using machine learning techniques in a laboratory setting. By analyzing acoustic signals from faults, they identified a pattern that can be used to estimate the stress on the fault and predict when an earthquake will occur.
Administering acetaminophen during surgery may reduce the incidence of postoperative shivering, a common side effect affecting up to half of patients. Acetaminophen significantly reduced shivering severity and body temperature in patients who received it compared to those receiving a placebo.
Older patients with diabetes are at an 84% higher risk of developing postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) than those without diabetes. POCD affects 10-13% of patients after major surgery, particularly seniors, and can result in increased complications and impaired quality of life.
A study of 61 patients found that almost 75 percent experienced an improvement in their migraine intensity after a three- to seven-day course of inpatient treatment with ketamine. The drug has been shown to provide powerful pain control for patients with many painful conditions.
The study found that opioid use decreased from 1 in 4 to 1 in 12 among hip and knee replacement patients between 2006 and 2014. Multimodal therapy increased, especially in small and medium-sized hospitals, leading to reduced opioid use and improved pain management.
A single-center study compared outcomes of 222 hip fracture patients treated before and after implementing the Perioperative Surgical Home (PSH) model. PSH patients had reduced mortality rates, fewer ER visits, and higher discharge rates to home care.
A recent study has found that patients often overestimate their anticipated level of pain following surgery, which can lead to unnecessary anxiety. Patients receiving regional anesthesia, such as peripheral nerve blocks or epidurals, were more likely to overestimate their postoperative pain.
A study of 690 women found that both short and long surgical incisions for cesarean births are associated with increased pain after delivery. The authors recommend an optimal range of 12-17cm for cesarean incision length to minimize post-delivery pain.
Apixaban is a new oral anticoagulant with good bioavailability, independent of patient sex and age. The drug has a short half-life, wide therapeutic window, and low number of drug interactions, making it suitable for patients with bleeding or surgical conditions.
Researchers discovered that Mycoplasma agalactiae uses a molecular stealth mechanism to evade the immune system. The bacteria can compensate for gene inactivation through an alternative mechanism, allowing them to survive and persist in infected hosts.
A recent study by the University of Huddersfield reveals that UK SME jewellery producers are vulnerable to rogue traders due to their reliance on trust when sourcing materials. The research highlights the need for these businesses to develop policies on sustainability and sourcing to gain a competitive edge in the global marketplace.
Two ORNL-led research teams will assess the feasibility of quantum architectures in addressing big science problems and develop algorithms to harness massive power predicted by quantum computing systems. Researchers aim to create quantum computers capable of simulating phenomena at unprecedented scales and speeds.
The Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine has launched a new program to improve access to diabetes care in West Virginia, thanks to a $1.5 million grant from the Merck Foundation. The program aims to address healthcare disparities among vulnerable populations and promote health equity.
A thin organic coating created through composting improves biochar's ability to store nutrients and promote plant growth, offering an eco-friendly alternative to inorganic nitrogen fertilizers.
A study found that having a parent with an alcohol use disorder increases the risk of teenage dating violence. Researchers identified family dynamics in infancy and middle childhood as critical factors in the development of aggression and dating violence.
A new Berkeley Lab study finds that cool roofs can save up to 9% of outdoor water consumption in California counties. Widespread adoption could result in 83 million gallons of water savings daily in Los Angeles County.
Andy Tay Kah Ping, a postdoctoral researcher at Stanford University, has been awarded the inaugural MRS Bulletin Postdoctoral Publication Prize. He was recognized for his exceptional academic credentials, scientific publications, and science communication efforts.
Researchers at LSU Health will test the effectiveness of physical exercise to improve blood sugar regulation in HIV/AIDS patients who also consume alcohol. The studies aim to decrease the burden of disease in this vulnerable population and guide larger scale interventions to reduce metabolic disorders.
A large-scale study found that low physical activity and inefficient sleep patterns intensify genetic risk factors for obesity, confirming previous findings with new, more objective measurements. The study also showed a gene-activity interaction between physical activity levels and genetic variants associated with obesity.
A new satellite imaging tool has been used to track elevation changes for mountain glaciers in the US, confirming significant loss of ice over the past 60 years. The results show that cumulative ice loss at Mount Rainier is equivalent to removing a layer of ice about 25 feet thick.
The Youth Enjoy Science (YES) Program at CWRU School of Medicine aims to interest and recruit underrepresented minorities in cancer research careers. The program provides a comprehensive approach to training middle school through college undergraduates, with the goal of increasing diversity in scientific research.
Researchers have demonstrated that incoherent electrons can induce coherence in molecular systems through attachment, leading to the ejection of ions in a preferred direction. This breakthrough has significant implications for controlling chemical reactions using photons and understanding the dynamics of excited molecular negative ions.
A recent study published in Cell reveals a new mechanism in the gut microbiome that regulates pro- and anti-inflammatory cells, potentially preventing inflammatory bowel disease. The research also suggests that changes in the gut microbiome can increase the risk of other autoimmune disorders.
Researchers developed an efficient technique to compensate for position errors in a spherical near to far-field transformation for long antennas, using minimum near-field measurements. The method achieves accurate reconstructions of uniform samples from non-uniform ones, enabling the evaluation of input data needed for traditional NTFFT.
Researchers are launching a national study to understand why fewer than 30% of children with sickle cell disease receive transcranial Doppler screening, which can prevent strokes. The goal is to identify barriers and implement strategies to increase access to the life-saving test.
Researchers from Brigham and Women's Hospital and Monash University uncover the basis for T cell receptor autoreactivity to self-phospholipids, with implications for psoriasis, contact hypersensitivities, and allergies. The study highlights the physical structures that enable lipid recognition by T cells.
Tufts Medical Center joins a new initiative to advance critical emergency medicine research with the Strategies to Innovate EmeRgENcy Care Clinical Trials Network (SIREN) Network. The SIREN Network will conduct large-scale clinical trials to test new treatments in cardiology and neurology.
Research predicts increased inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) rates in developing countries as they adopt Western lifestyles and become more industrialized. IBD incidence is expected to rise dramatically, posing a global health challenge.
Global CO2 emissions have stalled for the third consecutive year, with fossil carbon dioxide emissions slowing down since 2012. Meanwhile, methane and nitrous oxide emissions continue to rise, driven by agricultural activities and industrial production in key countries like China, US, and India.
Research from Helmholtz Zentrum München reveals a new mechanism by which obesity fuels the growth of breast cancer. The enzyme ACC1 plays a central role in this process, and blocking its activity with an antibody treatment can halt this mechanism.
The five-year grant will prepare 18 master's-level scholars in AAC practices to improve services for children, teens, and young adults with complex communication needs. Scholars will develop competencies in evidence-based practices related to instruction, assessment, collaboration, and individualized support.
A new vaccine under development offers comprehensive coverage against up to 90 strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae, targeting deadly forms of the bacterium that cause pneumonia. The vaccine stimulates a strong immune response and may provide universal coverage against pneumococcal disease.
The IOF Compendium documents the growing global burden of osteoporosis, with projected increases in fractures expected to pose a huge challenge on healthcare systems. The report outlines eight priority actions to stem this burden, including provision of Orthogeriatric and Fracture Liaison Services.
Researchers from National University of Singapore invented a novel converter that can harness the speed and small size of plasmons for high frequency data processing and transmission. The converter has an efficiency of over 10% and can potentially make microprocessor chips work 1,000 times faster.
Researchers found that an experimental drug stimulates alpha-7 nicotinic receptors, reducing inflammation and improving lung function in mice with chronic allergic conditions. The treatment also activated M2 macrophages, associated with tissue repair, and reduced pro-inflammatory molecules.
Researchers used multi-omics profiling to study prediabetic individuals, finding that each person has a unique molecular profile. The study aimed to develop personalized approaches to prevent diseases like diabetes by analyzing environmental stressors and lifestyle factors.
Scientists have created a first simple and standardized research tool to study protein aggregation in live cells. The tool, called yTRAP, allows researchers to quantify, manipulate, and track protein aggregates in yeast cells.
Osteocytes are identified as the major source of receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL) during orthodontic tooth movement, regulating bone remodeling and osteoclastic differentiation.
Researchers at Rice University have developed microfluidic devices to study the interaction between asphaltene and dispersants, revealing that smaller particles are more likely to stick together. The study found that dispersants can break down deposits by increasing repulsion between aggregates, creating softer asphaltenes.
A new investigation reveals that human brains are less impaired than skeletal muscles when experiencing extreme physical and mental exertion. The 'selfish brain' hypothesis suggests that the brain prioritizes its own energy needs over peripheral organs, potentially contributing to human evolution's trade-offs.
Researchers discover nearly perfect genetic transmission of the virus from a father to his son, suggesting that HSV-1 may not change much when transmitted between closely related individuals. However, transmission between unrelated hosts may provide an opportunity for greater genetic diversity and potential changes in virulence.
University of Utah researchers found that metacognition training improved general chemistry exam scores for lower-performing students. On average, these students raised their final exam scores by 4%, with the strongest improvement seen in the bottom quartile, who scored a full letter grade better.
Researchers have developed a new quantum simulation protocol to understand key properties of interacting quantum field theories. The protocol uses cold atoms as controllable quantum sensors to measure the generating functional, a fundamental concept in quantum field theory.
A study published in Palaeontology found that the Late Triassic mass extinction did not fundamentally alter marine ecosystem function. Despite significant species loss, marine ecosystems continued to operate with reduced diversity among remaining species.
The Suomi NPP satellite captured an image of Typhoon Lan with a well-formed, circular eye surrounded by powerful thunderstorms. The storm had maximum sustained winds near 100 knots and is forecast to make landfall south of Tokyo as a typhoon on Oct. 22.
Barry Simon has made significant contributions to mathematical physics, including spectral theory, phase transitions, and geometric phases. His work has deeply influenced generations of researchers through his influential books, such as 'Methods of Modern Mathematical Physics'.
A new study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine found that e-cigarettes trigger both unique and familiar immune responses in the lungs. Researchers compared sputum samples from e-cigarette users, cigarette smokers, and non-smokers, revealing significant increases in inflammatory biomarkers, oxida...
A team of scientists developed an innovative way to prevent sleeping sickness in cattle using the smell of antelopes. By mimicking the waterbuck's repellent scent, more than 80 percent of cows were spared from infection. The method is cheaper and more popular among Maasai herders than traditional treatments.
Researchers have discovered a new magnetic phase transition in a uranium-ruthenium crystal at extremely high magnetic fields. At around 21.6 Tesla, the magnetic moments of uranium atoms point alternatingly up-up-down in opposite directions, forming an uncompensated antiferromagnetic order.
New research suggests e-cigarettes can lead to lung disease, triggering increased neutrophil activation and altered mucin secretion. The study found similar biomarkers of oxidative stress and activation of innate defense mechanisms associated with lung disease in both e-cigarette and cigarette users.
A study introduced a simplified childbirth guide at Mnazi Mmoja Hospital in Zanzibar, reducing stillbirths by 33% and improving newborn health. The PartoMa guidelines, developed with local doctors and midwives, have been widely adopted and are being used to inform healthcare policies in low-income countries.
A new PSU study finds that Prozac in ocean water can cause Oregon shore crabs to exhibit risky behavior, increasing their vulnerability to predators. The research highlights the potential risks of pharmaceuticals in the environment on animal survival.