A study of over 700 HMO patients found that those with an alcohol-and-other-drug dependency were more likely to be younger, male, and have greater psychiatric and family/social problems. In contrast, those with an alcohol-only dependency were more likely to be older, female, and college educated.
A study found that heavy drinkers were twice as likely to report work-related injuries, but most of this association was explained by working in dangerous occupations or holding jobs requiring a high school education or less. Further analysis revealed no significant association once these factors were considered.
Researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center found that 78% of patients with IBS had excessive bacteria in the small intestine. Treatment with antibiotics reduced symptoms in most patients, suggesting a strong association between SIBO and IBS.
A study published in Neurology found that long-term scuba diving has no effect on brain function or structure. The researchers tested 24 professional divers and 24 non-divers and found no significant differences in cognitive function or brain imaging.
A study by University of Toronto researchers found no rape charges involving drinks laced with club drugs on two Ontario campuses. The focus on date rape drugs distracts from real problems that lead to sexual assaults involving alcohol.
A survey of black and white managers found that black managers report a slower rate of promotion and less psychosocial support than their white counterparts. The study suggests that organizations may be underutilizing qualified African-American employees, leading to resentment, boredom, stress, and turnover.
The Max Planck Society awarded twelve scientists with the Research Award for International Cooperation in 2000, recognizing outstanding scientific achievements. The prize goes to four foreign award winners and eight German researchers across five disciplines, facilitating collaboration and new discoveries.
Women are twice as likely to experience migraine without aura during the first two days of their menstrual cycle. The study also found a higher risk of migraine in the two days before menstruation begins and a lower risk around ovulation.
A study published by Indiana University School of Medicine found that men and women process language in different ways, with men using only the left side of their brain. The research may have implications for understanding how men and women recover from stroke and brain tumors, as well as improving imaging technologies.
Patients in managed-care plans were less likely to receive coronary angiography following a heart attack compared to those with traditional fee-for-service coverage. This procedure is highly recommended for improving treatment options and reducing the risk of a second heart attack.
A recent study found that men are twice as likely to develop Parkinson's disease compared to women. The risk of developing the disease increases with age for both men and women. Researchers are still unsure why Parkinson's is more common in men, but one theory suggests that estrogen may protect women from the disease.
Researchers found that smokers with a past history of alcoholism have increased nicotine self-administration and rewarding effects, suggesting a link between the two addictive behaviors. The study suggests that medications to block nicotine dependence and counseling may be effective in helping these individuals quit smoking.
Researchers have found that transmyocardial revascularization (TMR) laser surgery can provide long-term relief from angina by creating channels for blood flow through the heart. The procedure has been shown to reduce chest pain in 60% of patients for at least five years, with some experiencing relief for up to eight years after treatment.
James R. Stewart, a pioneer in scuba diving, was inducted into the NAUI Hall of Honor for his invaluable work on developing training procedures and data collecting techniques. He is recognized as an expert on interactions between divers and marine environments.
A fragment of a brain growth protein has been isolated that nurtures brain cells, potentially preventing loss of brain function caused by Alzheimer's disease. The fragment acts through mechanisms similar to its larger parent protein and has shown promise in maintaining nerve cell health.
The study found that comprehensive community prevention programs can reduce alcohol-related traffic crashes, injuries from crashes, and assaults by up to 43% and 51%. The intervention communities experienced substantial reductions in self-reported alcohol consumption and heavy drinking.
Scientists at UNC-CH are studying the effects of hazardous waste on human health and environment. They are developing new strategies for cleaning up Superfund sites, including techniques to measure oxidative stress and understand genetic traits that make individuals more susceptible.
Researchers at UNC-CH have found a strong correlation between men's preference for sweet tastes and whether their twin brothers liked sweets too. The study suggests that genes may be linked to the urge to drink alcohol.
A seven-university team led by Brown University aims to add light waves to microchips, creating a superchip that could replace electronic microchips and enable faster personal computers and Internet connections.
Researchers at UT Southwestern will advance genomic research on heart disorders to identify genes contributing to the condition and develop individualized drug therapies. The project will also provide free access to genome information and training for other scientists, complementing existing studies on heart disease prevention.
Frank S. Quinn, a professor of mathematics at Virginia Tech, has been recognized as an AAAS fellow for his contributions to low-dimensional topology. He is the first person to prove the 4-dimensional annulus conjecture, a theoretical work that aims to understand mathematical structures and potentially connect with high-energy physics.
An interactive computer game can save lives by teaching potential heart attack victims to react swiftly at the first sign of a heart attack. The HEART-SENSE Game, developed by Barry G. Silverman and John Holmes, uses virtual personas and quizzes to educate users about early warning signs and the importance of calling 911.
A new study finds that black men are 33% more likely to develop hip osteoarthritis than white men, while black women are twice as likely to develop the condition. Weight disparities account for comparable differences in women.
Research suggests that compounds in chocolate, such as tetrahydro-beta-carbolines, may contribute to chocolate cravings. These compounds are also found in wine, beer, and liquor, but no connection has been established with compulsive drinking.
A study found that at least 25% of Eco-Challenge participants developed leptospirosis after returning home. The CDC reports that swimming in the river was the only independently significant risk factor for infection. Travelers should investigate location risks to minimize infectious disease exposure.
Robert C. Gallo and Luc Montagnier receive Spain's top science award for their groundbreaking work on the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of HIV/AIDS. The Prince of Asturias Award recognizes their originality and relevance to the scientific community.
The book, Women Becoming Mathematicians, examines how women in mathematics developed their identity from childhood to retirement. The author interviewed 36 female mathematicians who earned Ph.D.s between 1940-1959 and analyzed historical documents.
Researchers at Northwestern University are analyzing DNA samples from families with children born with spina bifida to identify genetic traits and risk factors. The study aims to predict the likelihood of having a child with the condition, giving parents power to make informed decisions.
A UCSF study found that group appointments can improve the delivery of care to chronically ill patients, particularly low-income women. The pilot program included 90-minute sessions with a family physician and nurse practitioner team, resulting in increased patient engagement and better health outcomes.
A Yale University study found that premature infants have smaller brains than full-term babies, with significant differences in brain volume and cortical regions. The study's findings suggest a link between prematurity, brain development, and cognitive outcomes.
The Fogarty International Center is funding five initial awards and three planning grants to support training programs in research ethics, teaching, and clinical trial design in developing countries. The program aims to enhance international bioethics guidelines and practices.
The Laboratory for Research on the Structure of Matter (LRSM) at Penn has received a $17 million NSF grant to continue its cutting-edge materials research. This investment will support innovative projects developing materials with unique properties, including synthetic proteins, carbon fibers, and electronic materials.
A study by Cornell labor experts found that global capital mobility and ineffective labor laws create a climate where employers threaten to close plants or move investments to avoid unionization. This leads to increased job insecurity and no real wage gains for workers, despite the longest economic boom in US history.
A new study aims to improve adolescent girls' fitness levels and reduce their risk of obesity. The Trial of Activity in Adolescent Girls (TAAG) project will test whether structured physical activity programs can increase fitness and prevent decline, with a focus on underrepresented groups.
China and Chile are now linked to U.S. universities through the STAR TAP global network, enabling high-speed data exchange for international collaborations. The connection enhances China's participation in next-generation Internet research and supports Chile's astronomical projects.
The Bio-X program awarded nearly $3 million in grants to Stanford faculty for innovative biological projects, including a method to rapidly synthesize patient-specific vaccines and an interdisciplinary course on human pathophysiology. The grants aim to promote interdepartmental bioscience research and education in biology, medicine, co...
Researchers at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center discovered a way to protect ovaries from radiation and chemotherapy damage by 'knocking out' a particular gene. A compound called sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) has been shown to preserve ovarian function, allowing mice to continue producing eggs.
African-American women are more likely to relapse into postpartum smoking due to various factors such as ethnicity, maternal weight gain, and stress. Women with higher levels of stressful events are nearly twice as likely to relapse compared to those with no stressful events.
Scientists have identified a portion of the HIV genome that remains unaffected by mutations, providing a potential therapeutic target for preventing viral spread. By blocking this site, researchers believe they can inhibit viral replication and develop a new treatment approach.
The Alliance For Cellular Signaling will map thousands of molecular interactions in cells using a collaborative approach. Researchers will publish data on the Internet immediately, enabling free access to enhance medical treatment discoveries.
A six-month study confirms that antibiotic choice significantly impacts long-term patient outcomes for acute infections, with gemifloxacin reducing hospitalizations and recurrences of chronic bronchitis. The study found a 30% lower rate of recurrence in patients treated with gemifloxacin compared to clarithromycin.
Children of divorced parents are more likely to drop out of middle or high school due to economic hardships, not family disruption. The resulting financial stress raises the odds of offspring dropping out to supplement the family income.
A three-year study found no evidence of toxic substances from Pfiesteria in seafood. Researchers sampled edible tissues from various fish species and discovered that only menhaden were affected, with open sores being the primary cause.
The American Academy of Neurology and the Child Neurology Society recommend EEG evaluation for children with a first nonfebrile seizure, providing insights into seizure type and potential recurrence risk. The guidelines also emphasize individualized evaluations and future research directions.
Research measures health-related quality of life among 'typical' migraine sufferers, showing a strong link between migraine and depression. Forty-seven percent of migraine sufferers experience depression, compared to 17% without migraine.
A new study from Brown University suggests that Rhode Island is a microcosm of the nation's future for end-of-life care. The state ranks sixth in nursing home deaths, adjusted for age and gender, with 20% of Americans expected to die in a nursing home by 2020.
The National Science Foundation-funded project aims to improve seismic design of buildings and infrastructure in the US. Researchers will collaborate using high-performance networking, shared databases, computer modeling, and simulation tools.
Researchers at OHSU's new Oregon Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Neurological Disorders (ORCCAMIND) are investigating the effects of yoga on healthy elders versus traditional exercise. The study aims to improve quality of life and slow aging impacts.
A recent study suggests that hospitals and healthcare organizations can make quick and efficient changes to lower back pain treatment by adopting new guidelines and strategies. The ideal approach involves extensive use of patient education and self-care, with a focus on exercise therapy over diagnostic imaging tests.
A study of older adults living alone after hospitalization found that they struggle with daily activities and are at risk of nursing home admission. Informal visits from family and friends can provide crucial support to help them recover and maintain community living.
A nationwide study of over 16,000 women found that common menopause symptoms vary across ethnic groups, socioeconomic statuses, and lifestyle habits. Symptoms such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness were more prevalent in African American and Hispanic women, while Japanese and Chinese women reported fewer symptoms.
The Virginia Tech IREN program will provide fellowships for graduate students in engineering, computer science, economics, and business, focusing on broadband wireless access, mobile internet, and network security. The program aims to make the Internet accessible globally, with the goal of revolutionizing networking.
Researchers found Sudafed to be relatively safe for divers, but Dramamine could have serious consequences on mental functioning and judgment. The studies used hyperbaric oxygen chambers to simulate pressures at different depths, revealing the effects of medications on scuba diving performance.
Researchers from the American Chemical Society report that untested preservation methods are causing polymers in old paintings to fall apart, leading to cracks, yellowing, and warping. Chemists are now using computer models and simulating effects of temperature, humidity, and time to prevent irreparable damage.
Researchers highlight pressing issues with museum plastics and space suit polymers, discussing efforts to halt deterioration. Experts also explore collaborations between chemists and curators to preserve historical artifacts for future generations.
Researchers discovered a striking similarity between proteins involved in early stages of Alzheimer's disease and mad cow disease using computer modeling. The study suggests a common molecular mechanism underlying the initiation stages of these neurodegenerative diseases, potentially leading to new preventive drug targets.
Researchers add antioxidants to plastic wrap, extending beef shelf life by two to three days. Synthetic antioxidants show significant increase, while natural antioxidants have minimal effect.
Two Connecticut chemists and their Croatian colleagues have been honored by the American Chemical Society for discovering a new and unusual kind of antibiotic. The team's work on azithromycin has led to the development of a commercially viable oral antibiotic that kills a broad spectrum of microbes, including those causing chlamydia.
Researchers found that individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) performed better on a 'false-memory' test due to their impaired ability to use context. This improvement enabled them to recognize words that had been on a word list, while non-autistic subjects struggled with false memories. The study suggests that high-functioning...
David A. Evans, an organic chemist at Harvard University, will receive the 2000 Arthur C. Cope Award for his work on developing fundamental chemistry to assemble building blocks and control molecule three-dimensionality. He hopes to improve and modify vancomycin biosynthesis to build more potent or side-effect-free analogs.