Researchers found that a vitamin supplement with folic acid, B-6, and B-12 reduced homocysteine levels and improved biochemical markers in the blood of 27 patients who had suffered a stroke. The study suggests that lowering homocysteine may have multiple biological effects on endothelial cells.
A study found that pravastatin significantly reduced the risk of stroke or ministroke in heart attack survivors by 32% compared to those who received a placebo. The medication also lowered the risk of either strokes or transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) by 27%.
Researchers used computer simulations and high-resolution observations to understand how stars form when galaxies collide. Clumping in gas on a large scale triggers bursts of star formation.
The study found significant variations in stroke diagnostic tests, therapies, and patient outcomes among academic medical centers. Researchers aim to devise constructive ways to improve and standardize medical care by exploring the association between practices and desired outcomes.
A new study recalculates stroke incidence in the US, estimating approximately 731,100 first and recurrent strokes annually. The study found a 200,000-stroke increase over previous estimates, with higher rates among African Americans.
Researchers found that a specific gene variant, e4, is linked to higher risk of intracerebral hemorrhages (ICH), a severe form of stroke, in African Americans. The study also revealed that these strokes occur at an earlier age in African Americans compared to whites.
Research finds that areas with trees and grass support creative forms of play and encourage adult supervision, leading to improved child development.
Scientists say Western corn rootworms are changing behavior, laying eggs in soybean fields instead of corn, due to crop rotation failure. The beetles' adaptation poses a significant threat to corn crops in the Midwest, potentially costing $100 million per year to control.
Researchers have developed molecular sensors that can detect specific proteins in blood plasma or other biological fluids with high accuracy. The sensors could also be used to construct an environmental detector, giving new insights into cell functioning and promoting medical diagnostics.
A study of 574 Americans and 250 Canadians found that only a small fraction received appropriate depression treatment, with more Canadians receiving mental health services due to comprehensive national coverage. Patient attitudes, such as perception of need for help and fear of cost, also played a significant role in the disparity.
A study by University of Illinois researchers found that urban residents perceive trees as enhancing safety and desirability in public housing areas. Residents preferred lush green spaces with trees over barren areas, indicating a desire for natural environments that promote feelings of care and investment.
Researchers at TSRI uncover a natural mechanism that regulates angiogenesis, a process involved in cancer growth. A recombinant protein fragment, PEX, is developed to block angiogenesis and tumor growth in an experimental model, offering a potentially novel therapeutic approach.
Researchers use a non-invasive method to visualize genetic activity in living cells, shedding light on chromosome movements and folding. The technique has provided evidence of chromosomal fibers folding and unfolding during natural events.
New research reveals that dads tend to exaggerate their parental involvement, but moms have a better understanding of their husbands' true efforts. The study found that identity theory doesn't explain men's parenting behaviors, highlighting the need for mechanisms to support communication between partners.
Researchers predict a significant rise in stroke cases in the US, with 1 million Americans expected to experience their first-ever stroke each year by 2050. This surge is largely attributed to an aging population, which will drive an increase of 167% among men and 140% among women.
A study published in Stroke: A Journal of the American Heart Association estimates that at least 731,000 first-ever and recurrent strokes occur each year in the US, which is 40% higher than previously stated figures. The study's findings suggest that stroke affects a more diverse population than previously thought.
A Johns Hopkins physician cured a 74-year-old woman's long-standing malaria case using a novel test developed by his collaborators. The patient had symptoms for up to 70 years, including severe headaches and cyclical fevers.
Acute stroke teams are becoming increasingly common, with over half costing $5,000 per year or less. The teams, led by neurologists or neurosurgeons, have been shown to improve the use of hyperacute therapies and treat strokes more effectively.
A nationwide survey found that 91% of major stroke programs have acute stroke teams, with most costing less than $10,000 per year to operate. The teams are led by attending neurologists and/or neurosurgeons, and can respond to calls within 10 minutes.
The Donaghue Foundation has awarded Yale a five-year, $6.5 million grant to enhance its leadership role in women's health research. The program aims to support original and interdisciplinary research projects that address understudied aspects of women's health.
A new study by UNC-CH researchers finds that Black workers in North Carolina face a 50% higher job fatality rate than white workers, despite similar job types. Direct personal discrimination at the worksite is a possible explanation for this excess risk.
Porous silicon, a light-emitting material, can now be stabilized using a developed process at Purdue University. This allows for the creation of faster, smaller computers and new types of sensing devices. The treatment enables the manipulation of light-emitting properties to respond to certain chemicals or conditions.
A research team at MGH and Shriners has developed an objective system to estimate the probability of death in burn patients. The system, based on three risk factors, can help physicians, patients, and family members make decisions about care.
Researchers at the Brain Attack Team (BAT) are developing Tele-BAT, a system that enables remote evaluation of stroke patients via video, cellular telephone, and computer technology. This allows for faster diagnosis and treatment, as it can provide valuable information to emergency rooms before patients arrive.
A new virtual tape measure (VTM) prototype enhances microsurgical precision by providing accurate measurements in real-time, overcoming the limitations of traditional operating microscopes. The VTM uses stereo-video images and computer graphics to enable surgeons to make precise calculations throughout operations.
Professors Michael Sela and Ruth Arnon have made significant contributions to the field of immunology with their development of synthetic vaccines and peptides. Their work has led to safer and more effective treatments for infectious diseases and autoimmune disorders.
Peripheral neuropathy affects sensation, causing instability and increased fall risk; preventive steps like support, education, regular eye exams, right shoes, exercise, and practice balancing on one foot can help prevent falls.
A University of Florida study found that women who exercised at home lost more weight and maintained their progress longer than those in a group exercise program. The home-based workout group averaged over 25 pounds of weight loss, compared to 15 pounds for the group exercisers.
A study investigated the understanding of common food label quantifier terms among consumers, revealing significant discrepancies between their perceptions and FDA regulations. Consumers tended to overestimate the amounts of components affected by these terms.
A team of researchers at the University of Washington has discovered that dissolved organic matter in oceans can form polymer gels, which provide an unexpected mechanism for removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. This process could potentially play a significant role in mitigating the greenhouse effect.
A team of scientists discovered a way to create protein-based catalysts using enzymes from the Pompeii worm, which can survive temperatures up to 176 degrees Fahrenheit. The discovery could lead to breakthroughs in pharmaceutical production, paper, food, and other industries.
Researchers have identified a protein in viper venom that blocks the spread of tumors in laboratory mice. The study may lead to the development of new cancer-fighting drugs. Scientists are now working on understanding the molecular structure of the protein, eristostatin, which could help unlock its potential as a therapeutic agent.
A recent study found that people with advanced degrees are more likely to experience tension headaches, particularly women with graduate school educations. The study surveyed over 13,000 people in Baltimore County, Md., and found that 38.3% met criteria for episodic tension-type headaches (ETTH) in the last year, with rates declining a...
A research physician at NIAID successfully treated a 74-year-old woman with the longest known malaria infection on record, using an extremely sensitive genetic test. The patient had been infected for decades and was mistakenly diagnosed with lymphoma earlier in her life.
A study of 80,082 female nurses over 14 years found increased folate and vitamin B-6 intake to be predictive of reduced coronary heart disease risk. The researchers suggest that lower blood homocysteine levels may account for the protection offered by these vitamins.
Researchers found that an immunosuppressive drug commonly used to prevent kidney transplant rejection also improved patients with severe symptoms of kidney disease. The treatment reduced protein leaks and alleviated fluid retention, correcting high cholesterol levels without the negative side effects of steroids.
Dr. Frederick O. Mueller has been named the winner of the Dr. Ernst Jokl Sports Medicine Award for his groundbreaking work in collecting information on catastrophic sports injuries and deaths. His statistics led to rule changes that have saved dozens of lives a year in the US, making football a much safer sport.
Millions of street children worldwide face numerous health risks due to lack of basic nutrition, sanitation, and water supplies. UNICEF official Ximena de la Barra identifies successful programs that involve child-to-child outreach, community engagement, and planning to address these issues.
The symposium examined how changing social roles, affirmative action, and technology have created opportunities for women scientists. Women have taken a more prominent role in AAAS governance, with four female presidents elected since 1990.
A new clinical approach combining echocardiograms with troponin T levels significantly increases diagnostic accuracy for chest pain, predicting hospital admissions and cardiac events. This method has the potential to reduce unnecessary hospitalizations and improve patient outcomes.
Researchers have developed a new diagnostic technique to measure T cell proliferation rates in AIDS patients, revealing that the body's capacity to form new cells is key to T cell counts. The technique allows for personalized treatment optimization and real-time disease monitoring.
Researchers have developed new 'green' materials derived from chlorophyll, which can be used to overcome limitations of photodynamic therapy (PDT) for treating bulky solid tumors. These materials can kill cancer cells in tissue culture and mice while minimizing side effects.
Researchers at UC Berkeley and UC San Francisco have developed a diagnostic technique that measures T-cell production rates in patients with AIDS. The study found that potent protease inhibitor treatments can increase T-cell production, suggesting new treatment options for patients.
A Dartmouth Medical School study found that low asthma hospitalization rates in New Hampshire and Vermont were encouraging news for children and their families. The study suggests that regional trends do not always parallel national trends, highlighting the importance of considering population differences and healthcare system characte...
The discipline of human factors/ergonomics aims to improve people's health, safety, and comfort through the application of human-system interface technology. Despite its potential to make a difference in quality of life, organizations often fail to recognize its value, citing added costs as a reason.
Phase II data reveals amprenavir's potent drug profile, with sustained antiviral effects seen in patients treated with two-drug combinations. The medication is currently being evaluated in pivotal Phase III clinical trials and has an expected US new drug application filing later in 1998.
Researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory have obtained a detailed picture of an alkane-activation reaction at room temperature using ultrafast spectroscopic techniques. The study sheds light on the mechanism of alkane activation, bringing scientists closer to converting alkanes into chemically useful products.
The Student Nitric Oxide Explorer (SNOE) satellite, designed and built by a team of University of Colorado at Boulder students and faculty, is set for launch on Feb. 4. The mission aims to measure nitric oxide in the upper atmosphere affecting Earth's ozone layer, x-rays from the sun, and ultraviolet light from Earth's aurora.
A study of mathematically precocious young children found that boys significantly outperformed girls in math talent, with a gender disparity present from the start. Despite being enrolled in enrichment programs to foster their abilities, math-talented girls failed to catch up with their male counterparts in the first two years of school.
A group of prominent scientists, including Harold Mooney and José Sarukhán, are launching the International Biodiversity Observation Year to address the urgent need for information about biodiversity. They propose short-term international projects to fill gaps in data and promote research on fundamental aspects of biodiversity.
The University of Maryland Medical Center has implemented a telemedicine system to assess stroke patients in real-time during ambulance rides, reducing evaluation time by up to 20 minutes. This technology enables the transmission of blood analysis, vital signs, and neurological symptoms to doctors' computer screens.
Researchers at NIAID have found that the virus rapidly rebounds to high levels when drugs are discontinued due to normal stimulatory factors present in the environment of a patient's lymph nodes. The new data suggest that these factors can activate HIV hidden in immune system cells, leading to their death and further viral spread.
Researchers at Cornell University have identified a chemical compound, anabaseine, in the secretions of ants that shows promise as a potential treatment for Alzheimer's disease. The compound stimulates nicotine receptor sites in the brains of patients and helps reduce memory loss.
Researchers at University at Buffalo and Children's Hospital have identified a critical protein involved in iron metabolism. The discovery is expected to boost understanding of iron-deficiency anemia, the most prevalent disease worldwide, and provide insights into treating hemochromatosis, an inherited iron overload disorder.
A recent study found that most common colds are caused by viruses, with rhinovirus being the primary culprit. Researchers identified 138 cases of the common cold in university students, with 105 cases linked to rhinovirus infection.
Researchers at the University of Florida found that urban development in Florida is increasing the spread of Upper Respiratory Tract Disease among gopher tortoises. The disease destroys respiratory and olfactory senses, leading to malnutrition and starvation.
The FDA panel unanimously approved a new test for detecting prostate cancer, which catches almost all cancers and reduces unnecessary biopsies. The free PSA test, measuring unbound PSA in the blood, identifies patients who could benefit from surgery or treatments, reducing cancer-free men's biopsies by 20%.
Researchers found a unique link between brain lesions, depression, and heart disease in elderly patients. Vascular depression, caused by narrowing of small blood vessels, is responsible for 30-40% of all depression in people over 65.
A lifestyle profile with low folate intakes, smoking, and high coffee consumption is associated with high plasma homocysteine levels. Folate intake, smoking status, and coffee consumption are major determinants of plasma homocysteine concentration in the general population.
Smoking in French men is associated with reduced vitamin E, C, and carotene intake, as well as altered oxidative stress indexes. This study highlights the importance of public health intervention for smokers in France.