Nearly a fifth of all Americans 12 years or older have hearing loss so severe that it may make communication difficult, according to a new study led by Johns Hopkins researchers and published in the Nov. 14 Archives of Internal Medicine. The findings, thought to be the first nationally representative estimate of hearing loss, suggest that many more people than previously thought are affected by this condition. Study leader Frank Lin, M.D., Ph.D., an assistant professor with dual appointments in both the Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery at the Johns Hopkins ...

Contact Michelle Geis 254-706-348-938 mgeis@burnesscommunications.com Burness Communications Additional contacts: Jonathon Rees 27-76-185-1827 Jonathon@proofcommunication.com Michael Victor 27-728-434-343 m.victor@cgiar.org Climate change in Africa's river basins could impede continent's farm transformation efforts Experts at global water forum warn climate shifts will increase water pressure on already-stressed Limpopo, Nile and Volta river basins, increase cross-border water conflicts Tshwane, South Africa -- Climate change could significantly ...

A novel study in twins found that exposure to trichloroethylene (TCE) -- a hazardous organic contaminant found in soil, groundwater, and air -- is significantly associated with increased risk of Parkinson's disease (PD). Possibility of developing this neurodegenerative disease is also linked to perchloroethylene (PERC) and carbon tetrachloride (CCI4) exposure according to the study appearing today in Annals of Neurology, a journal published by Wiley-Blackwell on behalf of the American Neurological Association and Child Neurology Society. The National Institute of Neurological ...

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common malignant brain cancer in humans. Patients with GBM have a poor prognosis because it is a highly aggressive form of cancer that is commonly resistant to current therapies. A team of researchers -- led by Bo Hu and Shi-Yuan Cheng, at the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, Pittsburgh -- has now identified a molecular pathway that drives the aggressive cancerous nature of a substantial proportion of glioblastomas; specifically, those that overexpress the protein PDGFR-alpha. This pathway could represent a new therapeutic ...

EDITOR'S PICK: Glioblastoma multiforme in the Dock Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common malignant brain cancer in humans. Patients with GBM have a poor prognosis because it is a highly aggressive form of cancer that is commonly resistant to current therapies. A team of researchers — led by Bo Hu and Shi-Yuan Cheng, at the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, Pittsburgh — has now identified a molecular pathway that drives the aggressive cancerous nature of a substantial proportion of glioblastomas; specifically, those that overexpress the protein PDGFR-alpha. ...

A new research report contributes to the increasing evidence that repeated occupational exposure to certain chemical solvents raises the risk for Parkinson's disease. Researchers analyzed the occupational histories of twins in which one of the pair developed the neurodegenerative disorder, and assessed that twin's likelihood of exposure to six chemicals previously linked to Parkinson's. Of the six chemicals investigated, researchers concluded that two common chemical solvents, trichloroethylene (TCE) and perchloroethylene (PERC), are significantly linked to development ...

Lexington Nannies, http://www.LexingtonNannies.com has partnered with Venice Family Clinic in Los Angeles to offer free childcare to cancer patients as of November 2011. Patients who need childcare while receiving treatment for chemo or other cancer related treatments will be referred to Lexington Nannies by the clinic. Brooke Barousse, the owner of Lexington Nannies, was inspired to find a way to give back after attending a fundraiser for the clinic and hearing the stories about the work they were doing. "Cancer in particular hits home in my family. I want to help ...

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- An analysis of the remains of ancient midges – tiny non-biting insects closely related to mosquitoes – opens a new window on the past with a detailed view of the surprising regional variability that accompanied climate warming during the early Holocene epoch, 10,000 to 5,500 years ago. Researchers at the University of Illinois and the University of British Columbia looked at the abundance and variety of midge larvae buried in lake sediments in Alaska. Midges are highly sensitive to summer temperatures, so changes in the abundance of different species ...

"Dark Girls" Directors/Producers D. Channsin Berry and Bill Duke have officially announced the first leg of a ground-breaking nationwide tour playing exclusively in concert theatres; Oakland, California, November 17, 2011 and Atlanta, Georgia, November 19, 2011. The tour is being promoted by BAP Events. The directors, will conduct a 'Question and Answer' session after each screening. Berry explains, "The nature of the subject matter and the responses we have received from audiences makes it a perfect fit for this type of interactive event." Duke adds, ...

PHILADELPHIA -- Scientists are another step closer to understanding what drives tumor metastasis, as laboratory models suggest there are factors inside tumors that can slow their own growth. In a recent issue of Cancer Research, a journal of the American Association for Cancer Research, Raúl A. Ruggiero, Ph.D., a biological researcher at the division of experimental medicine at the National Academy of Medicine in Buenos Aires, Argentina, described this novel mechanism. Ruggiero and colleagues used bioanalytical methods of ion electrospray mass and tandem mass spectrometry ...

CORVALLIS, Ore. – Scientists have discovered that a gene that influences empathy, parental sensitivity and sociability is so powerful that even strangers observing 20 seconds of silent video identified people with a particular genetic variation to be more caring and trusting. In the study, 23 romantic couples were videotaped while one of the partners described a time of suffering in their lives. The other half of the couple and their physical, non-verbal reactions were the focal point of the study. Groups of complete strangers viewed the videos. The observers were asked ...

Researchers from Norway have uncovered an association between sleep problems and increased risk of fibromyalgia in women. The risk of fibromyalgia increased with severity of sleep problems, and the association was stronger among middle-aged and older women than among younger women. Results of the prospective study, based on ten years of data, appear in Arthritis & Rheumatism, a journal published by Wiley-Blackwell on behalf of the American College of Rheumatology (ACR). Experts estimate that fibromyalgia -- a chronic musculoskeletal pain syndrome -- affects more than ...

Botanolution, a boutique company specializing in organic health, beauty, and skincare products, proudly announced the opening of its online store (www.botanolution.com). The demand for natural and green products continues to grow as the support for healthy living is promoted more aggressively in today's society. However, today's skincare market is filled with products containing harmful synthetic chemicals, artificial fragrances, and dyes that can cause allergic reactions. Furthermore, most consumers today are unaware of the harsh and harmful components found in their favorite ...

EUGENE, Ore. -- (Nov. 14, 2011) -- A catastrophic landslide 22,500 years ago dammed the upper reaches of northern California's Eel River, forming a 30-mile-long lake, which has since disappeared, and leaving a living legacy found today in the genes of the region's steelhead trout, report scientists at two West Coast universities. Using remote-sensing technology known as airborne Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) and hand-held global-positioning-systems (GPS) units, a three-member research team found evidence for a late Pleistocene, landslide-dammed lake along the river, ...

Wine and Design recently held a Breast Cancer Awareness Fundraiser at its painting party studio located at 231 Bickett Boulevard in Raleigh. The event, held on October 16th in honor of Durham resident Cindy Grant, raised close to $200, which will be used to help reduce Grant's medical expenses. Grant, who is 45, was diagnosed with metastic breast cancer in May 2011. Her treatment at UNC Hospitals began with two weeks of finding a golf ball-sized tumor in her right breast. During those two weeks, Grant had a battery of tests that included a biopsy of the tumor, harvesting ...

NIH-funded trial shows that therapy with bone-marrow derived cells does not improve heart function after six months; future clinical benefits still possible. Stem cells obtained from bone marrow, known as BMCs, can be safely injected into people 2-3 weeks following a heart attack, reports a new clinical trial supported by the National, Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), part of the National Institutes of Health. However, while safe, the BMCs did not improve heart function six months after their administration. This study, called LateTIME (Transplantation In Myocardial ...

HOUSTON -- Results of a study by Baylor College of Medicine physicians underscore the important role that clinical genetic evaluation can have in the management plan of patients with retinoblastoma, a childhood cancer of the eye. The report documents the success of using a multi-disciplinary team approach to achieving the goal of providing genetic evaluation and testing of all retinoblastoma patients at Texas Children's Cancer Center over an eight-year period. Results were published in the Archives of Ophthalmology. "Integrating genetic evaluation into retinoblastoma ...

While elite female marathon runners have fewer coronary plaques than their sedentary counterparts, they developed the same plaque volume and percent stenosis when it occurs, according to study findings presented Nov. 14 at the at the American Heart Association (AHA) scientific sessions in Orlando, Fla. This differs from their counterpart elite male runners who developed significantly more plaque volume than their sedentary counterparts. Recent coronary artery studies suggest that elite male marathon runners may paradoxically have increased plaque formation. However, ...

topseos.co.uk, the independent authority on search vendors in the United Kingdom, has released their list of the best link building companies in the United Kingdom for the month of November 2011. Online Media Direct has been named the best link building company based on the results of the in-depth evaluation carried out by topseos.co.uk. Thousands of online marketing companies offering link building services were considered for the evaluation process. Link building services are evaluated using a meticulous evaluation process which aims to identify the best service providers ...

PHILADELPHIA - A recent study found no significant difference in the outcome for patients who received carotid artery stenting (CAS) at more than 30 days post-transient ischemic attack (TIA) or stroke versus those who received CAS at 30 days or less post-event. Surgical literature recommends that the removal of plaque from the carotid artery take place within 14 days of a TIA or stroke for the best outcomes. However, little is known about the optimal timing of carotid artery stenting for these patients. Nicholas J. Ruggiero, II, M.D., F.A.C.C., F.S.C.A.I., F.S.V.M., ...

PHILADELPHIA – A new study shows that carotid artery stenting (CAS) following prior same-side carotid artery revascularization is safe, effective and results in lower incidences of in-hospital death, stroke and heart attack compared to first-time CAS for carotid artery stenosis. This study received "Best of Session" recognition and will be presented in an abstract format at the American Heart Association annual meeting on November 14 at 9:30 AM in Orlando, FL. "The optimal management of carotid artery stenosis following prior revascularization is unclear in the available ...

GAO RFID Asset Tracking (www.GAORFIDAssetTracking.com) is offering this 2.45 GHz gain adjustable active RFID reader. This RFID reader is specially designed for applications where long reading distance is required and is commonly used in applications such as personnel location, logistics, warehouse management, closed loop asset tracking and high value asset tracking. This gain adjustable active RFID reader, model 217001, is equipped with an omni-directional, standard whip antenna which allows the reader to identify transponder tagged items up to 100 meters in all directions. ...

A high childhood IQ may be linked to subsequent illegal drug use, particularly among women, suggests research published online in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health. The authors base their findings on data from just under 8,000 people in the 1970 British Cohort Study, a large ongoing population based study, which looks at lifetime drug use, socioeconomic factors, and educational attainment. The IQ scores of the participants were measured at the ages of 5 and 10 years, using a validated scale, and information was gathered on self reported levels of psychological ...

Use of the contraceptive pill is associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer around the globe, finds research published in BMJ Open. Prostate cancer is the most common male cancer in the developed world and the use of the contraceptive pill has soared over the past 40 years, say the authors. The research team used data from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and the United Nations World Contraceptive Use report to pinpoint rates of prostate cancer and associated deaths and the proportion of women using common methods of contraception for ...

HAMILTON -- Voters prefer to choose candidates with lower-pitched voices, according to new findings by researchers at McMaster University. A team from the Department of Psychology, Neuroscience and Behavior found that study subjects were more inclined to vote for men with lower-pitched voices, suggesting that perceptions developed long ago may be still be influencing the way we choose leaders. "We're looking at men's low voice-pitch as a cue to dominance, which is related to leadership," says graduate student Cara Tigue, lead author of the paper, published on-line ...