A UI study examining hazing on college campuses found that 6.7% of surveyed Cornell students participated in hazing, while nearly twice as many reported being hazed. The study suggests a gap between students' and universities' definitions of hazing, highlighting the need for education and prevention efforts.
Researchers at the University of Iowa have discovered a link between Saturn's radio emissions and its bright auroras. The findings indicate that strong radio emissions from Saturn's aurora are similar to those on Earth, suggesting a connection between the two.
Medical students learn to make difficult decisions with uncertainty, but also need to articulate their reasons. A new training approach helps doctors reason ethically and balance patient autonomy with societal obligations.
Researchers found evidence of meiosis in Giardia intestinalis, a unicellular protist parasite, suggesting that eukaryotes have been capable of sex for a long time. The discovery provides insight into the evolution of sexual reproduction in eukaryotic cells.
A new study reveals that the amygdala actively directs gaze to eye region to process fear cues, enabling individuals with damaged amygdalae to recognize fear in facial expressions. Researchers suggest training patients to always look at eyes may rescue impaired fear recognition.
Researchers have discovered Cassini findings on Saturn's rings, dust impacts, and radio rotation rate variations. The study found that Saturn's lightning is one million times stronger than Earth's, with some signals linked to storm systems.
The Iowa report found that nearly one in eight children were without health insurance at some point in 2000, with 90,000 children uninsured annually. The study also revealed that many eligible children were not enrolled in Medicaid or hawk-i programs due to inadequate enrollment.
Neurology researchers have identified an area in the prefrontal cortex that controls collecting behavior, revealing a potential link to hoarding disorders. Damage to this region can lead to abnormal hoarding behavior, interfering with daily life and causing individuals to resist discarding collected items.
Two studies found that physicians who cared for more terminally ill patients were less likely to support assisted suicide, but more supportive of terminal sedation. Attending religious services also appeared to increase opposition to assisted suicide. The findings suggest a complex relationship between medical ethics and personal beliefs.
Researchers at the University of Iowa found that bacteria in biofilms rapidly diversify, providing a form of biological insurance against adverse conditions. This diversity increases the bacteria's capabilities and may contribute to the difficulty in eradicating chronic infections caused by biofilms.
A University of Iowa study found that internet prescriptions increase the likelihood of families using quality health information online. The prescriptions provide a list of recommended websites and tips for evaluating online health resources.
The study provides new insights into Epstein-Barr virus and its role in autoimmune diseases such as lupus, arthritis, and multiple sclerosis. Researchers found that the virus causes abnormal survival and activation of B cells, leading to excess auto-antibodies.
Researchers found that patients cared for by hospitalists had a one-day shorter length of stay and a 10 percent reduction in hospital costs compared to non-hospitalist physicians. Hospitalization costs for hospitalist patients were also lower, with an average savings of $917.
Scientists used gene therapy to deliver RNA that silenced the disease-causing SCA1 gene in mice with spinocerebellar ataxia 1, preventing neurodegeneration. The approach also protected brain cells from destruction and prevented protein clump buildup.
Scientists identify LARGE protein as a key player in restoring alpha-dystroglycan function, which is critical for normal muscle function. The discovery may lead to new treatments for muscular dystrophies and other muscle diseases.
A study published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association found that teens eating lean beef maintained higher levels of iron and lower LDL cholesterol. The researchers also aimed to establish healthy eating habits among young adults, as they are more likely to pass them down to their own children.
The study found that one in five women seeking treatment desired multiples over having a singleton, while fewer knew about the increased risk of cerebral palsy and infant death for twins. Infertile couples view twins as a 'bonus' to quickly build their families, but this increases risks such as preterm delivery.
The UI Hematopoietic Stem Cell Bank provides cord blood stem cells for advancing gene therapy and treating conditions like Parkinson's disease. Nearly 20 mothers have donated their child's umbilical cord blood, supporting scientific and medical advances.
Researchers found that a gene variation associated with schizophrenia may have an evolutionary advantage, promoting human survival. The HOPA12pb polymorphism is more common in men and may be involved in resistance to infection and infant survival.
A study suggests that viral infections like RSV can increase the expression of Toll-4 receptors on airway cells, leading to a heightened response to endotoxin exposure and potentially causing asthma exacerbations. This increased sensitivity could also make airways more responsive to other environmental exposures.
A University of Iowa study suggests that blocking the action of a certain protein involved in inflammation might be beneficial for organ transplantation, heart attacks, and possibly stroke. The study found that selective inhibition of this protein can prevent tissue damage caused by ischemia/reperfusion injury.
A three-year grant supports a study to prevent organ rejection in recipients by developing new white blood cells compatible with donated organs. The average survival rate for grafts is approximately 90% within the first year, but less than 50% after 10 years.
Researchers at the University of Iowa have identified a new mode of action for tamoxifen, an anti-estrogen medication used to treat breast cancer. Tamoxifen turns on the tumor suppressor gene maspin, which inhibits tumor invasion and metastasis in normal breast cells.
A study by University of Iowa researchers reveals that the cystic fibrosis protein CFTR can function as an adenylate kinase enzyme, controlling channel opening without consuming energy. This discovery has broad implications for understanding ABC transporters and their role in genetic diseases.
A study published in Pediatrics found that training physicians to use computer resources significantly reduces the time spent seeking answers and increases their usage. The study also showed that resources should be tailored to address pediatricians' specific clinical questions.
A study at a medium-sized northeastern university found that social norms campaigns did not change students' behavior, but perceptions of friends' drinking had a significant impact on their own drinking behavior. Educational efforts should focus on teaching responsible drinking habits rather than relying solely on social norms.
A study examined the ability of prisoners with mental illness to give informed consent and found that nearly all were competent but scored lower than healthy controls. The researchers suggest that extra time and effort should be spent during the consent process to ensure these individuals understand the risks and benefits.
The genome sequence of Rhodopseudomonas palustris reveals its metabolic versatility, including ability to produce hydrogen and degrade toxic compounds. The bacteria's unique genetic capabilities make it a promising candidate for biotechnology applications, such as biofuel production.
The study found that states with mandatory reporting and tracking of domestic elder abuse reports have higher investigation rates than those without. States that track reports had more investigations and nearly three times as many substantiated cases as those that don't.
Researchers found that T-type calcium channels are essential for normal nitric oxide-controlled relaxation, and their loss leads to constricted coronary arteries. The study provides insight into the role of this channel in coronary artery relaxation and may lead to new therapeutic targets.
A recent study found that only 17.7% of eligible substance abuse treatment programs provide specialized care for older adults, despite the increasing number of people over 65 in high-risk states like Iowa, Florida, and Arizona. The study highlights the need for developing strategies to manage late-life alcoholism.
The Voice Academy website, funded by a NIDCD grant, provides virtual classrooms and resources for kindergarten through high school teachers to learn about voice health and prevention. The site aims to help teachers address voice problems, such as hoarseness and fatigue, with behavioral changes and expert advice.
The study found that nearly 68% of patients who received antidepressant treatment were alive after nine years, compared to about 36% of those who received placebo. The researchers believe antidepressants may provide protective effects by improving recovery and reducing mortality in stroke patients.
A study by the University of Iowa and Michigan found that defibrillators in high-risk locations, such as hospitals and airports, are cost-effective. However, low-risk sites like schools and hotels are not economically viable options due to low usage rates.
Researchers at the University of Iowa have discovered a way to improve cancer immunotherapy by directing specific types of white blood cells to kill cancer cells. By using CpG ODN agents, doctors can gear up natural killer cells and granulocytes to work with antibodies to target cancer cells more effectively.
Researchers discovered that aggressive cancer cells form vascular-like networks, allowing for blood flow and potential nutritional exchange. This 'chameleon-like' ability raises clinical challenges in detecting aggressive tumor cells but offers new insights into targeting them more effectively.
Meth abuse has increased in the past decade, with admissions to treatment programs more than doubling in the US from 1992 to 1999. Researchers recommend a minimum of 30 days of residential treatment for meth users to regain essential thinking and decision-making skills.
A University of Iowa Health Care study found that public elementary school teachers often restrict young students' access to the bathroom, despite it being a common issue. Teachers with more experience were better equipped to recognize bladder problems and involved school nurses in addressing them.
Combining herbal supplements with regular medication without consulting a doctor can lead to adverse interactions. Patients should discuss their herbal supplement use with their primary physician to ensure safe treatment and prevent unexpected complications.
Hypochondriasis affects 4-9% of primary care outpatients, leading to insecure attachment and problems with health care satisfaction. The study suggests that childhood adversity and insecure attachment can contribute to hypochondriasis in adulthood, highlighting the need for effective treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy.
Researchers at U. Iowa identified two ion channel genes that detect low salt concentrations in fruit flies, a model organism for studying human salt-sensing mechanisms. Disrupting these genes impaired the ability of young flies to detect low salt, highlighting their role in the detection of salt.
Researchers found that a muscle protein called dystroglycan plays a crucial role in forming normal myelin sheaths, which allow nerves to transmit signals efficiently. The study suggests that disruption of this protein may contribute to various neuropathic disorders.
The MARSIS project aims to probe several miles beneath Mars' surface and study the ionosphere. Researchers hope to detect signs of liquid water, which may have shaped the planet's deep canyons.
Scientists have successfully silenced mutant genes without affecting normal gene copies using RNA interference, a promising approach for treating diseases like Machado-Joseph disease, Huntington's, and Alzheimer's. This breakthrough technique has the potential to selectively turn off disease-causing genes, preserving essential normal g...
The study identifies dysferlin as a critical protein involved in the repair process, which is faulty in two types of muscular dystrophy. Without dysferlin, muscles are unable to heal themselves, leading to progressive muscle degeneration.
Scientists create hybrid virus that can attach to lung cells' top surface, allowing healthy genes to enter and correct genetic defects associated with cystic fibrosis. The new approach increases production of viral particles, a crucial step towards preclinical studies.
Airway epithelial cells use a repair mechanism that is triggered when the cell barrier is breached, allowing messenger molecules to communicate with receptors and initiate rapid repair. This study suggests that certain diseases, such as asthma and cystic fibrosis, may impair this mechanism, leading to abnormal cellular changes.
A study involving over 500 female veterans found that workplace factors, such as superior behavior, were highly associated with the risk of sexual assault during military service. The research highlights the need for interventions and policies to increase the safety of women in the workplace.
Researchers at the University of Iowa have identified a protein that couples vacuoles to the organelle transportation system, regulating its movement and delivery. This discovery may improve understanding of embryonic development and have implications for various diseases.
Scientists at the University of Iowa have gained insight into how naphthalene dioxygenase, a bacterial enzyme, utilizes oxygen to catalyze reactions. This breakthrough has implications for developing microorganisms that can clean up toxic waste and creating novel drugs.