A new method suggests that trees and large plants led to an increase in atmospheric oxygen over 300 million years ago. This period saw higher concentrations of oxygen lasting for 100 million years, significantly higher than current levels of 21 percent.
Researchers found that specific tastes can be produced by temperature stimulation, just as certain chemicals can evoke only certain taste qualities. Thermal taste is different on different parts of the tongue, with sweetness perceived on the tip, sourness on the side, and bitterness in the back.
A large case-control study of nearly 1,000 Connecticut women found no significant association between PCBs or DDE exposure and breast cancer risk. The research suggests that previous studies on the topic have been inconclusive due to small sample sizes and lack of consideration for modifying factors.
A Yale study found that patients with mental illnesses are significantly less likely to undergo cardiovascular procedures, including angioplasty and coronary bypass surgery, compared to those without mental disorders. This disparity was not explained by the severity of cardiac illness or regional differences.
Researchers at Yale University have identified a gene and protein responsible for stopping axon regrowth in the brain and spinal cord after nervous system injury. This discovery offers hope for reversing the failure of functional recovery in many brain and spinal injuries, including human spinal cord injury.
Researchers at Yale have discovered new insights into the development of polycystic kidney disease (PKD), a life-threatening genetic disorder affecting millions. The study reveals crucial information about the PKD2 gene's role in normal development and its impact when mutated.
A new study by Yale researchers reveals a significant difference in patient satisfaction between those with chronic illnesses and healthier individuals under managed care. The study, which analyzed data from over 16,000 employees, found that chronically ill patients are twice as likely to report dissatisfaction with their care.
A US trade and aid embargo against Cuba has contributed to significant public health problems, according to Yale Medical School professor Michele Barry. The embargo has led to epidemics of blindness due to nutrient scarcity, infants ingesting lye instead of soap, and outbreaks of Guillain-Barre syndrome caused by contaminated water.
A Yale researcher has recalculated the number of near-Earth asteroids, estimating fewer than initially thought, with a smaller potential impact risk. The study found that only 500 to 1,000 such asteroids exist, each carrying a 0.5% chance of colliding with Earth in the next million years.
A Yale researcher has discovered up to 70 new and very distant RR Lyrae stars in the Milky Way that can provide valuable clues about the galaxy's history and composition. The stars are thought to be among the oldest in the galaxy, with ages of over 12 billion years.
A new study from Yale University reveals that interferon-gamma protein causes hardening of arteries, rather than prevents it. The research used an animal model to show that the protein leads to muscle cell growth and lesions in artery walls.
Researchers at Yale University have developed a non-invasive procedure using Doppler ultrasound to detect fetal anemia, which can save up to $50 million annually. The new method is more accurate than traditional invasive tests and does not pose any risk to the mother or fetus.
A retrospective study published in Cancer journal shows an inverse correlation between the number of lymph nodes and 5-year survival rates. Patients with 20 or more tumor-free lymph nodes had a 4.33 times greater relative risk of dying from metastatic breast cancer, compared to those with fewer than 20.
A Yale child psychiatrist has supported the results of an autism treatment study that found a popular drug to be ineffective in controlling autistic symptoms. The study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, looked at the effect of secretin on 56 children with autism and similar disorders and found no improvement.
Researchers at Yale Cancer Center identified two mechanisms to inhibit the Survivin gene's protective function, which can lead to cancer cell death. The study used molecular antagonists and showed promise in preclinical studies, paving the way for potential therapeutic applications.
A Yale study reveals that postmenopausal women's ovaries are often removed during hysterectomy due to geographical location and surgeon experience, sparking concerns about informed consent. The research highlights significant variation in oophorectomy rates across different areas of the state and among surgeons with varying caseloads.
Researchers at Yale University have successfully characterized the function of yeast genes, providing new insights into how human cells work. The study's findings could lead to better understanding and treatment of diseases like cancer.
The Ethel F. Donaghue Women's Health Investigator Program at Yale has awarded six faculty members grants to study novel approaches in women's health. Researchers will investigate gene therapy for ovarian cancer, dietary protein prevention of osteoporosis, and light therapy for depression during pregnancy.
A Yale research team has successfully turned supercritical carbon dioxide into a gel form, which could be used to extract oil from the ground instead of water. The new process is less expensive and more environmentally friendly than traditional methods.
Yale scientists have created reversible electronic switches at the molecular level, which could lead to significant advancements in computing technology. The switches are comparable to or exceed conventional electronic devices and offer a potential solution to the limitations of shrinking circuit size.
Yale researchers have created a new method to record electrical activities within living cells, providing insights into degenerative neurological diseases like Parkinson's. The technique, which allows scientists to study inaccessible parts of cells, has already led to findings on how neurons learn and remember.
A six-year randomized study of 5,059 U.S. veterans found that taking one aspirin a day after a heart attack is as effective as combining it with an anti-clotting drug in reducing post-heart attack risk. The study recommends solo aspirin use due to its cost-effectiveness and lack of need for monitoring.
Yale researchers have found that Lonesome George, the last remaining male Galapagos tortoise, has close genetic affinities to subspecies on islands farthest from his home. The study suggests that these distant island tortoises may be a suitable mate for George, increasing the chances of successful breeding.
Researchers aim to expand traditional testing to include creative and practical abilities, enabling students to capitalize on natural strengths and achieve higher levels of success. The new grant will test triarchic instruction in rural, suburban, and urban settings across the country.
A Yale research team has developed a molecular memory that can store information, outlasting conventional silicon memory by approximately one million times. The discovery uses self-assembly method to fabricate the molecular memory, which could lead to significant reductions in cost and improvements in electronics.
Yale researchers have developed an improved ELISA test to detect ehrlichiosis, a newly discovered tick-borne disease. The new test is more reliable and efficient than the old one, allowing for better surveillance of the disease in affected areas.
A recent Yale Cancer Center study reveals that many experienced cancer genetic counselors would pursue genetic testing for BRCA or HNPCC mutations despite concerns about discrimination. However, the majority would not bill insurance companies or use aliases, and would only share test results with physicians.
Researchers identify Notch signaling pathway involved in switching from brain cell growth to stability, which could lead to new treatments for neurological disorders. The study provides a clue on how the transition from growth to stability occurs in the brain.
The five-year grant will fund five major research projects, including studies on animal models, brain imaging techniques, and clinical trials. The goal is to improve tobacco addiction treatment by understanding why current treatments fail and developing new behavioral and drug treatments.
The Yale Cancer Center will conduct a clinical trial of a new compound, indole 3 carbinol, to suppress HPV infections and prevent cervical cancer. A $1.3 million grant from the NCI will fund the study in 200 participants with chronic HPV infections.
A Yale study suggests that breast cancer patients with BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes are at higher risk of late relapses after treatment. Women with these mutations respond well to initial therapy but may develop second tumors years later.
Researchers at Yale University have found that healthy bullfrog tadpoles can distinguish the odors given off by infected animals and keep their distance. This ability may be widespread among animals, enabling them to avoid diseases and reducing the spread of infection.
Researchers aim to uncover principles of coordinated group motion and apply them to designing autonomous underwater or airborne robots. They will create a database recording fish school movements and test robotic versions of biological models.
A major study of 45,000 Medicare beneficiaries 65 years old or older found that only half received beta-blockers after heart attacks, despite the medication's proven benefit in reducing mortality. This underprescription highlights an opportunity for improvement in caring for elderly patients who are at high risk of another heart attack.
Researchers at Yale University are using computer simulations to design more effective pharmaceuticals by optimizing chemical binding to target proteins. This approach has the potential to improve treatment outcomes for diseases such as dementia, diabetes, and spinal cord injuries.
A Yale University study confirms that UV-B radiation from the sun causes high rates of mortality and deformity in certain frog and amphibian species. Shielded embryos had significantly lower deformities and mortality rates compared to unshielded ones.
A new Yale University study estimates the lifetime economic cost of each person to society, taking into account global warming and other factors. The study suggests that the shadow price of a person comes out to about 30% of per capita Gross Domestic Product.
Industrial ecology focuses on sustainable development, encouraging recycling, reuse, and upcycling. Graedel advocates for dematerialization, reduced energy intensity, and mining residue recovery to minimize environmental impact.
Carpooling expert Dorothy Singer offers practical advice on how to create a safe and enjoyable experience for children. Key tips include planning games, explaining rules, and prioritizing safety above all.
A national survey by MTV and Yale University finds that nearly 9 out of 10 young people (87%) believe they are invulnerable to getting the AIDS virus, despite high-risk behaviors such as unprotected sex. The study highlights a need for accurate health information and education, particularly among marginalized groups.
Researchers at Yale have successfully measured an electric current flowing through a single organic molecule, a crucial step towards creating smaller, faster, and cheaper computers. The feat could lead to the development of billions of transistors on a single chip, replacing traditional silicon-based semiconductors.
A Yale University robot is modeled after bat and dolphin echolocation behavior, exploiting sensor mobility and rotating ears to pinpoint objects. The robot can detect and identify various objects, such as coins and ball bearings, with high accuracy and ease.
Yale University has granted an exclusive license to ArQule Inc. for the development of patent-pending discoveries that could help fight various diseases, including AIDS and emphysema. The Yale chemists' method allows rapid synthesis of alpha-ketoamide-based compounds, which have shown potential in blocking key enzymes called proteases.
A twin study by Yale University psychologist J. Steven Reznick found that environment plays a greater role in how many words a child understands than genetic factors. The study also showed that language comprehension rather than spoken language at ages 14 and 20 months predicts intelligence test scores at 24 months.
A team of scientists led by Jennifer Doudna solved the 3D structure of a large portion of an RNA enzyme, revealing its ability to trigger cell activity and potentially provide the first method for genetic reproduction. This breakthrough could help design new drugs to fight lethal viruses and repair genetic errors.
The Next Generation Project aims to refloat the US environmental policy debate with fresh thinking and new directions. A comprehensive compendium of ideas will be released at a workshop in Yale Law School, contributing to this fall's state and federal election campaigns.
Scientists at Yale University found that seasonal temperature trends have been arriving earlier each year since the turn of the century, contradicting predictions by two leading computer models. Regional patterns and variations in temperature changes were also discovered, highlighting limitations in current climate modeling.