Caltech chemists develop simple technique to visualize atomic-scale structures

Breathing technique can reduce frequency, severity of asthma attacksSMU researchers expand study that shows promiseAs the health care reform debate turns to cutting costs and improving treatment outcomes, two professors at Southern Methodist University in Dallas are expanding a study that shows promise for reducing both the expense and suffering associated with chronic asthma.

Building energy efficiency programs in Europe and AustraliaOffer important lessons for the United States, study findsThe United States can become more energy efficient and create more "green" jobs by adopting some of the strategies used by the European Union and Australia to rate and disclose the performance of commercial and government-owned buildings, according to a new RAND Corporation study issued today.

A tiny, tunable well of light, and a string theorist\'s toolboxPromising photonic devices, and theorists attempt to determine whether particle physics and string theory can be reconciledIMAGE:A novel design for a tunable source of infrared light relies on electrons fired into a tiny hole drilled through a stack of alternating gold and silica layers. Click here for more information.

Radiologists and engineers develop a modified catheter to reduce contrast material injuriesThough rare, IV contrast material administration can sometimes result in patient injury. However researchers have developed a modified catheter that may prevent such events from occurring, according to a study in the October issue of the American Journal of Roentgenology (AJR). The force of the contrast material exiting the end hole of a standard catheter is what is believed to be one of the main causes of patient injury.

Radiologists find a technique to significantly reduce patient radiation dose during CT angiographyRadiologists have discovered that prospective electrocardiogram (ECG) gating allows them to significantly reduce the patient radiation dose delivered during computed tomography (CT) angiography, a common noninvasive technique used to evaluate vascular disease, according to a study published in the October issue of the American Journal of Roentgenology (AJR).

Despite ongoing safety concerns, study finds adverse reactions from contrast agents rarely occurIodinated and Gadolinium based contrast agents, frequently used during computed tomography (CT) and MRI scans to aid in the imaging process, are associated with a very low rate of adverse effects, according to a large cohort study published in the October issue of the American Journal of Roentgenology (AJR). The study, performed at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, included a total of 456,930 contrast doses administered.

Radiological treatment method spares patients surgery and offers 89 percent cost savingsPericardial effusion, the collection of fluid around the heart, typically occurs in patients following heart surgery and is usually treated using an invasive surgical drainage technique.

Image-guided treatment for deep venous thrombosis could improve patients\' long-term outcomesDeep Venous Thrombosis (DVT) is a serious condition that involves the formation of a blood clot inside of a deep vein usually in the legs.

Despite Danger to Foreign Aid Workers, Women to the World President Travels to Kabul to Insure Women's Programs ContinueWomen to the World Founder and President Doris Aldrich reports from Kabul, Afghanistan in the aftermath of the suicide bomber attack. "Afghan women steadfastly cling to hope that the Taliban attempts to influence and disrupt the election are unsuccessful.

New genetic link between cardiac arrhythmias and thyroid dysfunction identified2 genes represent potential drug targets for both heart and endocrine diseaseNEW YORK (September 20, 2009) -- Genes previously known to be essential to the coordinated, rhythmic electrical activity of cardiac muscle -- a healthy heartbeat -- have now also been found to play a key role in thyroid hormone (TH) biosynthesis, according to Weill Cornell Medical College researchers.

World\'s river deltas sinking due to human activity, says new study led by CU-Boulder24 of world\'s 33 major deltas sinking, 85 percent have experienced severe flooding recentlyIMAGE:Deltas around the world are sinking, according to a new study led by CU-Boulder. This image of the Pearl River Delta in China taken was by NASA\'s space shuttle... Click here for more information.

UCLA scientists make paralyzed rats walk again after spinal-cord injuryUCLA researchers have discovered that a combination of drugs, electrical stimulation and regular exercise can enable paralyzed rats to walk and even run again while supporting their full weight on a treadmill. Published Nov. 20 in the online edition of Nature Neuroscience, the findings suggest that the regeneration of severed nerve fibers is not required for paraplegic rats to learn to walk again.

Scientists find that individuals in vegetative states can learnResearch gives insight into possible rehabilitation of some patientsScientists have found that some individuals in the vegetative and minimally conscious states, despite lacking the means of reporting awareness themselves, can learn and thereby demonstrate at least a partial consciousness. Their findings are reported in today\'s (20 September) online edition of Nature Neuroscience.

Scientists discover key factor in regulating placenta and fetal growthA common biological molecule is central to placental growth and could hold the key to mitigating growth restriction of babies in the wombScientists funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) have shown that a common biological protein molecule called SHP-2 is crucial for encouraging placenta growth. The research is published today in Endocrinology.

A recipe for controlling carbon nanotubesCase Western Reserve University researchers find mixing different metals in a catalyst can help determine structure, functionCLEVELAND – Nanoscopic tubes made of a lattice of carbon just a single atom deep hold promise for delivering medicines directly to a tumor, sensors so keen they detect the arrival or departure of a single electron, a replacement for costly platinum in fuel cells or as energy‐saving transistors and wires.

New blood tests promise simple, cost-effective diagnosis of gastrointestinal cancersBerlin, Germany: Promising results from two new blood tests that can aid in the early identification of patients with gastrointestinal (GI) cancers will be presented at Europe\'s largest cancer congress, ECCO 15 – ESMO 34 [1], in Berlin today (Monday September 21). The tests will make GI cancer detection simpler, cost-effective, and more acceptable to patients than current methods, the researchers say.

Internet Marketing Success Story, Matt Wadsworth, Proving There Are No Excuses Matt Wadsworth is living proof that when it comes to online success, there are no excuses. If this Internet marketing phenomenon didn't allow a little thing like being blind deter him, then there is no obstacle too big to stand in the way of anyone's journey to the top.\');">More than 20 million Americans report experiencing significant vision loss.

Autism Workshop Prevents Brutal Teasing And Social Skills DeficitsDoes your autistic child lack appropriate social skills or get brutally teased? Autism Today is sponsoring world renowned author and speaker, Dr. Jed Baker, in a one day workshop, to solve social skill deficits, stop meltdowns and show you how to prevent your child from being brutally teased. You can register for the live workshop in Edmonton, Alberta Canada or watch, via live webcast from anywhere in the world at AutismEdmonton.

Classroom behavior: Why it\'s hard to be goodBeing seen as either well behaved or naughty at school is never entirely in the hands of the individual child, this study funded by the Economic and Social Research Council shows. The research demonstrates that being good is not a simple matter. Once some children acquire poor overall reputations among teachers and other school staff, classmates and parents, it becomes difficult for them to be regarded as good.