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The effects of discrimination could last a lifetime

A new study finds that everyday discrimination against pregnant women of color may contribute to low birth weight babies. Women who experienced more discrimination reported higher levels of depressive symptoms, leading to babies with lower birth weights. The study suggests reducing discrimination could eliminate health disparities in b...

SourceSpringer Science+Business Media·JournalAnnals of Behavioral Medicine·DateAug 27, 2012

Quantum computing, no cooling required

Researchers at Harvard University have successfully created room-temperature quantum bits that can store information for nearly two seconds. This achievement is a significant step towards building a functional quantum computer and opens up new possibilities for various applications such as quantum cash and secure communications.

SourceHarvard University·JournalScience·DateJul 3, 2012

Artificial hips find some sports wearing

Patients who engage in high-impact sports like football and skiing experience better function and quality-of-life scores than those with lower activity levels. However, this comes at the cost of reduced durability of hip implants, with a 15-year follow-up showing an 80% implant survivorship rate compared to 94% for low-activity patients.

SourceSpringer·JournalClinical Orthopaedics and Related Research·DateApr 26, 2012

Gene regulator in brain's executive hub tracked across lifespan -- NIH study

A new NIH study reveals that certain genes implicated in schizophrenia and autism show increased regulatory activity during a critical period of development, influenced by environmental factors. This discovery highlights the importance of epigenetic mechanisms like DNA methylation in shaping brain function and behavior.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Mental Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateFeb 2, 2012

Hopkins scientists turn on fountain of youth in yeast

Researchers at Johns Hopkins have successfully manipulated yeast life span by removing and restoring a protein function related to aging. By restoring this function, the organism's life span is dramatically extended. The discovery reveals molecular components of an aging pathway that appears related to one regulating longevity in humans.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalCell·DateNov 23, 2011

The body's power stations can affect aging

A group of mitochondrial proteins, known as MTC proteins, has been identified by researchers at the University of Gothenburg as playing a crucial role in regulating the aging process. The study found that these proteins help to stabilize the genome and remove damaged proteins, leading to increased lifespan.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalMolecular Cell·DateMay 9, 2011

Peripheral venous catheters pose infection risk

A new study from Rhode Island Hospital estimates that over 1 in 10 catheter-related bloodstream infections due to Staph aureus in hospitalized adults are caused by infected peripheral venous catheters. The study highlights the substantial medical burden of complications from these infections.

SourceLifespan·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateMay 3, 2011

A more definitive test for a common sexually transmitted infection

A study from Rhode Island Hospital found a new test for Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) to be more accurate, detecting 100% true positives with no false positives. The test was found to be prevalent in women aged 36-45 and 51-60, indicating the need for routine screening for this common sexually transmitted infection.

SourceLifespan·JournalJournal of Clinical Microbiology·DateMar 8, 2011

How long do stem cells live?

Researchers created a computer program that predicts the lifespan of hematopoietic stem cells, finding that each cell has a set amount of time for self-renewal. This understanding can improve the safety and efficacy of bone marrow transplants and potentially lead to breakthroughs in regenerative medicine.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 1, 2011

Why drunk drivers may get behind the wheel

A new study explores the impact of alcohol intoxication on reasoning and problem-solving abilities. Researchers found that executive functions don't recover as quickly as subjective feelings of drunkenness, explaining why many individuals feel they can drive after drinking.

SourceLifespan·JournalExperimental and Clinical Psychopharmacology·DateAug 17, 2010

Women in their 50s more prone to PTSD than men

Research found that women are more prone to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) than men, with the highest risk peaking at age 51-55. The study suggests that increased lifespan may contribute to this difference, as individuals have more years to experience traumatic events and their consequences.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalAnnals of General Psychiatry·DateJul 20, 2010

Ovarian transplantation restores fertility to old mice and also lengthens their lives

Scientists have discovered that ovarian transplants from young mice can restore fertility and increase lifespan in aging female mice. The procedure, which has been performed with limited success in women so far, may also have a rejuvenating effect on their behavior. Researchers believe that similar procedures could be used to preserve ...

The sweet smell of aging

Researchers identified carbon dioxide as an odorant that alters physiology and affects aging in fruit flies. Flies incapable of smelling CO2 live longer and are resistant to stress. This finding suggests a potential link between sensory perception and aging, with implications for human health.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateApr 20, 2010

Why humans outlive apes

A study published in PNAS suggests that humans' unique genetic adaptation to meat-rich diets has increased lifespan but also made us more susceptible to diseases of aging such as cancer, heart disease, and dementia. ApoE4 carriers have higher rates of early onset coronary heart disease and Alzheimer's disease.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 25, 2010