Brown University has been awarded a four-year, $11.5-million grant to conduct research on hazardous waste and develop tools to remove it. The project aims to identify health threats posed by contaminated sites and create safe remediation devices.
Researchers at NIST developed an X-ray technique to analyze high-intensity gas discharge lamps, revealing the spatial distribution of mercury atoms. This understanding improves lamp design and energy efficiency, saving $10 billion annually in U.S. electricity consumption.
A study of 474 older adults found no association between mercury exposure and adverse neurobehavioral effects. The research suggests that low blood mercury levels may not pose a concern for this vulnerable population, requiring further studies to confirm the findings.
Researchers found that mercury levels were not consistently associated with adverse performance on a broad range of tests, except for improved performance on motor speed and eye-hand coordination tests. The study suggests that the aging population may be more sensitive to toxic chemicals.
Older adults with mild hypertension did not experience significant reductions in blood pressure through exercise alone, according to a new study. However, those who lost fat and gained muscle showed more substantial benefits.
The National Science Board has awarded Cornell University a $70 million contract to manage the Arecibo Observatory until March 31, 2010. This renewal will enable further scientific research capabilities at the observatory, with plans to develop new instruments and expand user access.
The Department of Energy (DOE) has awarded $12 million to the Center for Advanced Separation Technologies (CAST) at Virginia Tech to develop advanced separation technologies for efficient coal cleaning. The project aims to reduce sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions, and mercury content, while increasing domestic energy production.
Scientists have detected high levels of silver contamination in North Pacific waters, linked to atmospheric emissions from Asia. The findings suggest that silver could be used as a tracer element for tracking the fate of industrial emissions, with implications for understanding pollution patterns.
A new study by UC researchers identifies the Slc39a8 gene as a key player in transporting toxic heavy metals like cadmium, which can cause tissue death and damage. The discovery has significant implications for understanding how nonessential heavy metals contribute to cancer and other diseases.
Astronomers have discovered the smallest extra-solar planet to date, orbiting a pulsar in a planetary system resembling our own inner solar system. The new planet is estimated to be one-fifth the mass of Pluto and has an orbit approximately six times larger than its third planet.
Scientists developed a high-pressure photoelectron spectroscopy system to study chemical underpinnings of everyday catalytic, biological, and ecological phenomena. They found that negatively charged ions concentrate at the surface of salt grains as they dissolve in water.
Researchers discovered three distinct scattering patterns as alky-thiol density increased, indicating different degrees of molecular order. The tilted phase exhibits crystalline patterns despite the disordered liquid nature of the underlying mercury.
Syphilis symptoms and treatments are alluded to in Shakespeare's plays and poems, with Dr. John Ross suggesting mercury poisoning may have contributed to the Bard's death
The Huygens probe will parachute onto Titan's surface on January 14, studying its thick atmosphere and clouds with six science experiments. DISR will take images of the surface for over two hours, creating panoramic views of the ground and horizon.
Scientists at the University of Nevada discovered that plants absorb mercury from the atmosphere through their leaves, releasing it back into the environment. This finding has significant global implications for mercury controls and highlights the need for a collaborative effort to mitigate mercury pollution.
A study found that 20% of Ayurvedic herbal medicine products sold in Boston-area stores contained lead, mercury, and/or arsenic, exceeding regulatory standards. The products were often recommended for children, raising public health concerns.
The Life Sciences Research Office review of scientific literature concludes that dental amalgam does not cause serious adverse health consequences, except in rare cases of allergic reactions. The study's findings contradict claims that mercury release from dental amalgam leads to various health issues.
A study of 1,148 hypertensive patients with type 2 diabetes found that tight blood pressure control reduced the incidence of diabetic retinopathy and visual loss by 47% over seven years. The researchers discovered a lower risk of microaneurysms and blindness in the tight BP control group compared to those with less stringent policies.
Researchers from the Collaborative Mercury Research Network (COMERN) are conducting a unique experiment to test whether old-fashioned tea can prevent mercury absorption. In this study, participants will eat local Lake Winnipeg fish with or without black tea for three days, and provide blood samples to track mercury levels.
Studies examining prehypertension reveal a significant increase in heart disease and stroke risks among affected individuals. Prehypertension is associated with unfavorable levels of other major cardiovascular disease risk factors and contributes to a substantial burden on the healthcare system.
Crestor demonstrates improved lipid profiles and lower LDL-C targets than atorvastatin, achieving higher patient success rates with fewer doses. Crestor also shows effectiveness in reducing apolipoprotein B levels and improving the Apo B:Apo A-I ratio.
Columbia researchers found that patients with thinner or thicker corneas need different IOP adjustments for effective glaucoma treatment. The study's linear correction scale significantly impacted treatment decisions, highlighting the importance of CCT in managing the condition.
The study found that central corneal thickness significantly impacts clinical management decisions for patients with glaucoma. Adjustments in therapy, including eye drops, laser therapy, and surgery, were made based on CCT measurements, affecting approximately 8-10% of patients.
Researchers at Texas A&M University found that blue marlin caught in the Gulf of Mexico contain 20-30 times the acceptable levels of mercury. The team aims to understand why mercury accumulates in pelagic fishes and how it affects human health.
Astronomers have discovered a Jupiter-sized gas giant orbiting a star located 500 light-years from Earth. The newly found world circles its star every 3.03 days at a distance of only 4 million miles, much closer and faster than Mercury in our solar system.
A study by University of Toronto researchers found high levels of mercury in sport-fish eaters' blood, particularly among Asian-Canadians. The findings emphasize the need for ongoing surveillance and education to minimize health risks from contaminated fish consumption.
The MESSENGER mission will explore Mercury's searing surface, oddball atmosphere, and bizarre magnetic field. The LASP's $8.7 million Mercury Atmospheric and Surface Composition Spectrometer will address questions about the planet's mineral composition, gas distribution, and core.
Rensselaer researchers have developed an omni-directional reflector (ODR) that enhances LED brightness, accelerating the replacement of conventional lighting. The new technology has significant implications for energy savings and reducing mercury exposure, which can cause health problems.
Research reveals high levels of toxic contaminants in New England rivers, affecting aquatic life and human health. Streams draining even small amounts of urban land show signs of degradation, while fish from rural areas accumulate higher mercury levels.
Researchers found thimerosal exposure in mice led to autism-like behaviors, including abnormal responses to environments and brain abnormalities. The study suggests a potential connection between genetic susceptibility and environmental triggers for autism, highlighting the need for further research and intervention strategies.
During next week's transit, NCAR scientist Brown will examine regions of the solar spectrum absorbed by Venus's atmosphere between 65 and 85 kilometers altitude. He will also construct wind patterns based on gases' Doppler shifts to reveal atmospheric composition and temperature.
The study found that BENICAR and Benicar HCT helped patients reach aggressive blood pressure goals, with nearly 69.3% achieving less than or equal to 130/85 mmHg after 16 weeks. Additionally, BENICAR was found to be more effective in reaching blood pressure goals compared to other ARBs like Cozaar and Diovan.
The temporary suspension of the hepatitis B vaccine at birth due to mercury concerns led to a significant decrease in first-day vaccination coverage. The study found that 11% of children born during the suspension were not vaccinated on their first day, resulting in an excess of 182,000 undervaccinated children by 19 months.
A recent study found that average blood pressure levels among American children and teenagers have increased over the past two decades. The new clinical practice guidelines will provide updated recommendations for lifestyle and drug therapies to address this trend.
A study found that caffeine consumption is associated with increased systolic blood pressure in adolescents, particularly those who consume more than 100mg of caffeine per day. The researchers suggest that high caffeine intakes may be a marker for unhealthy dietary and lifestyle practices that increase the risk of hypertension.
A new study, led by experts at the University of Rochester Medical Center, explores the effects of environmental agents and toxins on children's health. The report highlights the significant knowledge gap in understanding how environmental factors affect children compared to adults.
The PNNL team has developed a synthetic material that can absorb 99.9% of mercury from waste water, surpassing expectations and meeting regulatory limits. The technology, known as SAMMS, is tailored for specific tasks and can be adapted to target other toxins.
A new method for studying pollution history using shell remains has been developed, allowing scientists to track environmental changes without harming endangered species. By analyzing geochemical and taphonomic signatures of dead mussel shells, researchers can determine the impact of pollution on ecosystems and track population decline.
A study of 4,939 elderly patients with hypertension found that home blood pressure testing was more accurate than office tests in predicting cardiovascular events. Home blood pressure testing showed a 17.2% increased risk of cardiovascular events for each 10-mm Hg increase in systolic blood pressure.
Researchers found a strong relationship between increasing blood pressure and CVD risk in women, with even borderline elevations associated with an increased risk. The study of 5,218 female health professionals showed that for each 10 mm Hg increase in systolic blood pressure, CVD risk rose by 9 percent.
Researchers analyze Martian flood channels, estimate Mercury's crust depth and simulate earthquake dynamics. New data also reveals details on sprites and interstellar hydrogen shadows.
The study found that patients who used home blood pressure monitoring were more likely to stop taking antihypertensive drugs and had lower costs, but also had less BP control. Self-measurement helped identify white-coat hypertension, supporting a step-wise strategy for evaluating blood pressure.
A recent study provides new hope for understanding autoimmune diseases like pemphigus foliaceus by identifying an inexpensive blood test that can detect antibodies and intervene to halt disease progression. Environmental factors, including mercury exposure, ultraviolet radiation, and female hormones, are also being investigated as pote...
Dr. Offit reviews scientific evidence on vaccine safety, finding no link between vaccines and weakened immune systems, allergic or autoimmune diseases, or mercury injury. The Vaccine Education Center provides up-to-date science-based information on vaccines and preventable diseases.
Researchers found that exposure to thimerosal, a vaccine preservative, can interrupt growth factor signaling and cause adverse effects on methylation reactions. This can lead to disorders such as autism and ADHD in infants and children.
MESSENGER, NASA's first Mercury orbiter mission, is set to begin prelaunch tests at Goddard Space Flight Center. The spacecraft will undergo environmental testing and shake-and-bake tests to prepare it for its May 2004 launch and a yearlong study of Mercury.
The NY Academy of Sciences' Harbor Consortium recommends minimizing mercury emissions from coal combustion to reduce pollution in the New York/New Jersey harbor watershed. The group cites a direct link between atmospheric releases and mercury levels in fish, emphasizing the need for a national and international commitment.
A review of scientific data found that gelatin proteins and egg proteins can cause severe hypersensitivity reactions in children with allergies. However, the quantities of other substances in vaccines are too small to demonstrate any documented reactions.
A recent study found no change in methylmercury levels in yellowfin tuna over a 27-year period, suggesting that high mercury levels in these fish may not be caused by pollution. The research suggests that natural sources, such as hydrothermal vents and deep ocean sediments, could be responsible for the mercury accumulation.
Researchers used endothelial progenitor cells from bone marrow to repair damaged blood vessels in rats with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), reducing systolic pressure and improving microcirculation. The study suggests a regenerative approach that could lead to a new clinical therapy for this devastating disease.
Researchers found BMAA in increasingly higher concentrations in the food chain of Chamorro people on Guam, potentially linking their diet to neurodegenerative diseases like ALS-PDC. Biomagnification of BMAA was also detected in Canadian patients with similar conditions.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that systolic blood pressure is the strongest indicator of increased mortality risk. Systolic pressure was more closely associated with an increased risk of death compared to diastolic and pulse pressure, especially among older adults.
PNNL scientists create a device that detects sarin and other nerve agents using infrared spectrometry. They also mimic the mineralization process to produce replicas with pores and channels, which could increase industrial yields. Additionally, researchers use midge genomes to identify pollutants in water and develop an integrated mode...
A study of 115 stroke patients found that lowering blood pressure within the first 24 hours can lead to poorer outcomes. Blood pressure drops significantly in this period, reducing brain tissue flow and causing more damage.
A recent NHLBI study found that hostility and impatience are associated with a higher risk of developing high blood pressure. The study, which followed over 3,000 young adults for 15 years, found that those who exhibited higher levels of time urgency and hostility had an increased risk of developing hypertension.
The University of Minnesota has received a grant to sequence the complete genome of Arthrobacter aurescens, a soil bacterium that can break down environmental pollutants. The project aims to gain tools, such as genes and enzymes, to clean up contaminated environments.
A large cohort study found that individuals with low birthweight had higher systolic blood pressure at 36 years of age, which was sustained by age 53. People from manual social classes also showed increased systolic and diastolic blood pressure over time. The findings highlight the importance of weight control throughout life to preven...
Researchers found that Canadian forest fires can cause large pulses in atmospheric mercury levels, affecting regions like the northeastern US. The study estimated annual emissions from Canadian forests and worldwide boreal forest fires, suggesting a significant impact on mercury levels.
The STELLAR and MERCURY I studies show CRESTOR significantly improves key apolipoprotein and lipid ratios, including Apo B, Apo A-I, and the Apo B:Apo A-I ratio, in patients with hypercholesterolaemia. These findings support CRESTOR's benefits in reducing cardiovascular disease risk.
Studies found that people with high-normal blood pressure already have signs of target organ damage and are at increased risk for cardiovascular death. Potassium intake was also shown to reduce the size of a stroke in an animal study.