The association between weight and causes of death can vary considerably, with obesity associated with a significantly increased mortality from cardiovascular disease, underweight associated with increased mortality from primarily non-cancer, non-CVD causes, and overweight associated with increased mortality from diabetes and kidney disease combined, but with reduced mortality from other non-cancer non-CVD causes of death, according to a new study.
The radar system on ESA's Mars Express has uncovered new details about some of the most mysterious deposits on Mars: The Medusae Fossae Formation. It has given the first direct measurement of the depth and electrical properties of these materials, providing new clues about their origin.
Our brains, unlike the skin covering our bodies, do notwrinkle and sag as we age. But new studies show that our brains do change structurally and functionally in ways that may underlie the memory and thinking impairments that can limit independence and quality of life for senior citizens. Neuroscientists have recently discovered that the region of the brain that stores episodic memories -- those for specific events and their context -- was less engaged in older people, particularly those who have a common variant of a particular gene. Researchers also have determined that senior citizens who suspect that their sense of direction is declining are astute observers of a newly discovered age-related mental change.
Researchers have developed an important new technique to study one of the most common causes of premature birth and prenatal mortality. The method uses a powerful X-ray beam to examine tiny structures within the protective sac -- amniotic membrane -- which surrounds the developing baby.
Studying a mouse model of age-related macular degeneration, the leading cause of blindness in older Americans, scientists have found age is key in determining whether damaging blood vessels will form beneath the retina and contribute to vision loss.
Research in Zanzibar, Tanzania has found a remarkable fall in the number of children dying from malaria. Within a three-year period (2002 to 2005), malaria deaths among the islands'children dropped to a quarter of the previous level and overall child deaths to half.
The antidepressant fluoxetine combined with cognitive behavioral therapy appears as effective for treating depression among teens who also have substance use disorders as among those without substance abuse problems, according to a new report.
A new class of brain cells -- mirror neurons -- are active both when people perform an action and when they watch it being performed. Some scientists speculate that a mirror system in people forms the basis for social behavior, for our ability to imitate, acquire language, and show empathy and understanding. It also may have played a role in the evolution of speech. Mirror neurons were so named because, by firing both when an animal acts and when it simply watches the same action, they were thought to "mirror"movement, as though the observer itself were acting.
Recent discoveries in the field of neuroimmunology, which studies the interaction between the immune and nervous systems, are offering promising new leads for the treatment of many devastating neurological disorders, from Alzheimer's disease to stroke. New research suggests that reducing the expression of an immune system protein in the brain may help repair neurons damaged by spinal cord injury and other trauma.
Reseachers have demonstrated that Target Region Amplification Polymorphism, or TRAP, is an effective method for preserving the important genetic diversity of ornamental flower collections.
A new seven-city study on the impact of new CPR techniques supports the widespread use of the American Heart Association's new 2005 CPR guidelines. Resuscitation science can seem esoteric to the public until it hits home when a loved one, colleague or neighbor experiences cardiac arrest. Survival rates are only five percent for those who experience a sudden cardiac arrest outside the hospital, a shockingly low national average.
Scientists recently conducted trials of four grades of pumice to determine the most effective particle size for growing ornamental plants and vegetables in soilless conditions. Pumice, an inert mineral of volcanic origin, has been used for centuries as a growing medium. Readily available in many countries including Italy, Greece, Israel and Iceland, pumice is relatively inexpensive and can be disposed of without harming the environment.
Among children of mothers with low education levels, those who receive regular care from other adults during preschool years may be less likely to have problems with physical aggression, according to a new article.
Mothers around the world are armed with anti-bacterial gels, sprays and baby blankets, diligently protecting their children from nasty forms of bacteria. But recent research shows that society's anti-bacterial and anti-infection crusade makes children and adults more likely to develop asthma and allergies -- and perhaps even mental illnesses. Dr. Gerald Callahan, who studies bacteria and infectious diseases at Colorado State University, argues that all living things on earth must have infections to thrive, and society's challenge is to sort the good infections from the bad infections.
