Articles tagged with Research Organizations
The program aims to encourage public housing residents to adopt healthier lifestyles and use available health services. A successful pilot study revealed that 25% of participants had high blood pressure, 65% were smokers, and over 50% were overweight.
A University of Michigan study found that men living in urban areas were 62% more likely to die than those in suburbs or rural areas. The excess mortality risk was most significant for infections and tumors, suggesting exposure to hazardous urban environments and stress.
Scientists at the University of Pittsburgh have engineered a novel gene therapy to treat Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), a genetic disorder causing progressive muscle weakening and death. The mini-gene AAV vector effectively delivers functional dystrophin protein, correcting muscle dysfunction and degeneration.
A new healthcare team model, called Virtual Integrated Practice (VIP), aims to improve the management of chronic diseases in geriatric patients. The study uses team principles from the business world and will link patients and doctors with a team of health professionals using technology such as cellular phones and the Internet.
Researchers at the University of Georgia are developing two prevention programs aimed at reducing alcohol and substance use among rural African-American children. The projects, led by Dr. Gene Brody and Dr. Velma McBride Murry, will focus on strengthening family and cognitive processes to foster competencies and deter substance abuse.
In a study on arctic ground squirrels, researchers found that females severely reduced reproduction and most died over winter when populations reached maximum capacity. This regulation helps control population growth and maintain survival rates.
A group of scientists and policymakers are convening a conference to develop a federal science policy blueprint that addresses critical national issues. The conference aims to link basic science research with vital areas of public interest, such as education, energy, and global climate change.
A new study found that individuals with a sensation-seeking personality are more sensitive to nicotine's mood-altering effects, particularly at lower doses. This increased sensitivity may be a key factor in their risk of becoming smokers.
A University of Toronto researcher found a polar lake in the Arctic has recovered significantly despite decades of sewage dumping, using diatoms as effective bio-monitors. The phosphorus levels have declined sharply since 1972, tracking the decrease in population at a former Canadian military base.
Research reveals that aggressive young children often feel rejected by their friends, school, and parents. The study challenges the assumption that aggressive kids have high self-esteem.
The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) has awarded five new grants to support research on osteogenesis imperfecta. These grants will focus on developing treatments, such as gene therapies and drug treatments, to improve diagnosis and treatment options for people with OI.
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.
Two girls with rare bone disorders Albright's hereditary osteodystrophy and progressive osseous heteroplasia showed severely depressed levels of Gs-alpha protein, suggesting a collective culprit behind the conditions. The study provides new insights into the developmental pathways controlling normal bone development.
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.
Geochemist Jeffrey Severinghaus will investigate the stability of past and future climates using a new technology for extracting air samples from ancient ice cores. His research aims to decipher how methane hydrates contribute to the atmospheric methane budget and potentially trigger catastrophic climate changes.
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.
A Carnegie Mellon University computer model performed as well as a human in managing seven tasks simultaneously and coping with frequent interruptions. The training advantages of the model are enormous, allowing operators to gain valuable experience at much less cost.
A 290-million-year-old, upright-lizard-like reptile has been found, predating the age of dinosaurs by at least 60 million years. The discovery provides strong evidence for the early evolution of herbivorous reptiles on land, suggesting that bipedalism evolved independently in different animal groups.
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.
The American Federation for Aging Research (AFAR) has launched Infoaging.org, a new website offering easy access to authoritative research on aging. The site aims to provide credible information on various aspects of aging, addressing the need for reliable health information among graying baby boomers.
Researchers found that low-level ultraviolet irradiation and refrigeration can significantly increase the antioxidant compound resveratrol in grapes, potentially leading to reduced risk of high cholesterol, heart disease, and Alzheimer's. The treatment has no known side effects and may be beneficial for other grape varieties.
Rutgers University has five faculty members recognized as fellows of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) for their outstanding research and achievements in various fields. Jolie Cizewski, Joan Ehrenfeld, Doina Ganea, Paul Kantor, and Thomas Rudel were cited by AAAS for their contributions to physics, ecology,...
A recent study found that students who effectively manage their time tend to have better grades, regardless of the number of study hours they put in. The research suggests that educators should reevaluate how they assess student efforts and consider changes to promote academic success.
New research suggests angiotensin-(1-7) levels may predict and prevent preeclampsia. The hormone helps regulate high blood pressure during normal pregnancy.
Researchers at Northwestern University are conducting six studies on the role of diet and hormones in breast cancer prevention and development, as well as innovative translational therapies.
The DFG and NSFC have established a Science Promotion Centre in Beijing to support joint research projects between Chinese and German scientists. The centre will fund the preparation and elaboration of projects, as well as finance 'Rainbow Conferences' aimed at fostering links between top researchers.
A study by University of Toronto researchers found that repeated exposure to azole drugs can lead to the development of drug-resistant yeast infections. About 75% of women between 18 and 35 will experience at least one yeast infection caused by Candida albicans, a common type of yeast fungus.
The Smoke-Free Families National Dissemination Office aims to increase cessation rates by up to 70% through counseling and strong social support. The office will disseminate current best practices and conduct research to integrate effective quitting methods into clinical settings.
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.
A study of over 46,000 individuals found that lifestyle changes can significantly impact healthcare costs. The researchers identified 10 modifiable health risks that account for 25% of total annual expenditures, with stress-related problems being the costliest factor.
A recent study by Ohio State University found that highly cynical workers are more likely to file grievances, show lower commitment, and believe good work won't be rewarded by management. Effective management can reduce worker cynicism by clearly publicizing successful changes, according to co-author John Wanous.
The Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory will use its powerful X-ray crystallography instruments to determine the three-dimensional structure of 2,000 proteins encoded by human DNA. This grant is part of a nationwide research effort to understand protein structures and functions.
The Midwest Center for Structural Genomics aims to cut the cost of determining protein structures from $100,000 to $20,000, reducing analysis time from months and years to days and hours. The center will select protein targets from various kingdoms of life to study disease-causing proteins.
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.
Researchers found that offspring of premature heart attack victims exhibit structural and functional changes in their arteries, including thicker vessel walls and reduced reactivity, even in the absence of other risk factors. This study uses high-resolution ultrasound to detect early signs of atherosclerosis at young ages.
Researchers found appreciable concentrations of triphenyl phosphate in 10 of 18 brand-new video monitors, which may be a health hazard for computer users even with adequate ventilation. The compound's levels remained high after two years of working use, highlighting the potential risks of computer work.
A study by Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center found that people who continued to smoke after undergoing balloon angioplasty and other procedures had lower quality-of-life scores compared to non-smokers and quitters. The researchers analyzed data from 1,432 patients and found a significant impact on physical and mental health measures.
A team of Penn State researchers has developed a scale to measure an individual's visioning ability, which is the capacity to summon a vivid mental image of their organization's future. The scale was validated through five survey groups and showed significant correlation with positive outlook and inspirational motivation.
Dr. Lee Hartwell has made significant contributions to our understanding of the cell cycle and its role in cancer development. His work with yeast has identified over 50 genes crucial for controlling cellular growth and division.
The NIH has awarded a $6 million per year grant to create the Women's Health Interdisciplinary Scholarship Program for Research, aiming to increase quality research in women's health. The program will provide salary support, coursework, and mentoring to junior faculty-clinical researchers.
A $10 million-per-year project allows researchers worldwide to collaborate on studying cell signaling, with the goal of developing a 'virtual cell' for testing new drugs. The Alliance for Cellular Signaling (AFCS) will help understand the global properties of cellular signaling, leading to breakthroughs in medical research.
A new study reveals extraverts are more sensitive to rewards in social situations, which drives their sociability. This finding has been replicated across 39 countries and challenges the notion that sociability is a core feature of extraversion.
A survey conducted by the University of Illinois found that farmers are twice as likely to continue working beyond age 65 compared to people in similar professions. The average age of farmers 65 or older was 73, with a third being 75 years old and having farmed for 46 years.
The Sequella Global Tuberculosis Foundation invites researchers worldwide to apply for $50,000 grants to develop effective vaccines for human tuberculosis. The program aims to spur innovation and encourage new approaches to vaccine development.
Researchers at the University of Alberta have developed a novel drug delivery system that targets bones directly, potentially treating osteoporosis more effectively. The system uses growth factors to stimulate bone cells and retains the drug in the targeted area, reducing side effects.
A study finds that multinationals that adopt stringent global environmental standards in developing countries outperform those using laxer standards, averaging a $10.4 billion higher market value. The researchers suggest that firms that prioritize eco-efficient production systems may see increased productivity and profitability.
A team of researchers has completed the genome sequence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, the largest bacterium sequenced so far. The findings may lead to innovative therapies for patients with cystic fibrosis and those who develop severe infections.
Baltimore researchers will develop a new type of measles vaccine protecting infants younger than 9 months old, reducing global suffering and death rate from measles. A DNA vaccine approach using genetic material of the virus will be tested in humans to determine its effectiveness.
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.
New research highlights pesticides, agricultural runoff, and animal by-products as major contributors to the Chesapeake Bay's ecological issues. Scientists examine the impact of endocrine disrupters, copper-based pesticides, and atmospheric ammonia emissions from swine farms on marine life.
Researchers have found that electrolyzed water is a deadly combination for bacteria, but great for consumers, killing bacteria on fresh produce and reducing bacteria up to a million-fold. The acidity and oxidation-reduction properties of the water contribute to its effectiveness in sanitizing food surfaces.
Researchers have created nanodecoy cells that can bind to viruses with sialic acid receptors, preventing them from infecting actual cells. This decoy approach could be used as a drug or on mucosal surfaces to defend against biological warfare agents, and has shown promising results in laboratory testing.
A new $100,000 prize has been established at UC San Diego to honor human cognition pioneer David Rumelhart. The prize will recognize significant contributions in the field of human cognition and be awarded biennially.
Researchers have discovered that naturally occurring microorganisms can reduce the severity of scab disease, a fungal disease costing US farmers over $3 billion annually. The approach, known as microbial spray, increases naturally occurring bacteria in crops close to harvesting time, reducing the need for chemical fungicides.
Researchers at the University of Florida have developed a new treatment method using carbon dioxide to eliminate bacteria from fresh fruit juice, preserving its flavor and appearance. The process is as effective as heat pasteurization in reducing pathogens, but without the undesirable taste change.
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.
Canadian researchers developed a method to steer proteins to bone, where they can accumulate and help build bone mass. Additional research is needed to determine the effectiveness of these proteins in growing bone tissue.
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.
Swager's innovative use of active plastics has led to the development of a highly sensitive plastic landmine detector, outperforming even trained dogs. His research also focuses on creating molecular wires with conductive molecules and insulation.
Jonathan Ellman, a professor of chemistry at UC Berkeley, will receive the 2000 Arthur C. Cope Scholar Award for his groundbreaking work in combinatorial chemistry, which enables the rapid design and testing of large families of molecules with potential therapeutic applications.