Research suggests that stress can alter key biochemical markers in the body, weakening the immune response and increasing susceptibility to infections. Stress may also lessen vaccine effectiveness and confound studies of certain illnesses.
A recent study found that restricting children's access to foods they want may lead to over-indulgence when they are free to make their own choices. Children took larger portions and ate more than normal when the restricted food was made available again.
A nationwide study found that young baby boomers build wealth slowly and steadily, increasing their net wealth by $2,394 each year. By the time they reach their 30s, 87% of participants have accumulated at least some wealth, with median assets growing from a low of $1,500 to a high of approximately $50,000.
Researchers identified a possible new tumor-suppressor gene that plays a role in colon cancer and may predict response to new cancer therapy. The gene produces a protein important for fat cell maturity and metabolism, and its mutations may make tumors more susceptible to the antidiabetes drug troglitazone.
A UK researcher has partnered with R.J. Reynolds to develop nicotine-based drugs targeting Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, chronic pain, obesity, and depression. The partnership has resulted in several potential drug candidates being evaluated for clinical trials.
A study by Ohio State University found that 57% of homeless children aged 8-12 experience symptoms of depression, with boys being particularly at risk. The researchers also found that these children face extreme poverty, which can have detrimental effects on their cognitive and emotional health.
A recent study found that low-fat diets combined with moderate exercise resulted in not only desired weight loss but also significant loss of bone mineral density. Women who participated in the study lost an average of 7 pounds, but also experienced twice as much bone loss as those who didn't modify their diets or exercise patterns.
UK researchers found that stroke patients with left hemisphere damage are perceived more negatively due to language problems, while those with right hemisphere damage exhibit nonverbal communicative deficits. Educating caregivers about these effects can help ease communication problems.
UCSF researchers suggest hospitalists should establish relationships of trust with patients and PCPs to ensure confidentiality, shared medical decision-making, and patient autonomy. Hospitalists can improve end-of-life care by discussing patients' preferences with PCPs and developing skills in addressing these issues.
A new computer model suggests that more frequent mammogram screenings can dramatically reduce breast cancer deaths. The study found that prompt annual screening could result in a 51% reduction in breast cancer deaths, with twice-yearly screenings potentially cutting death rates by as much as 80%.
A landmark study shows ReQuip reduces dyskinesia risk by 15-fold compared to L-dopa, with comparable symptom control and lower required doses. The treatment has improved patient outcomes and reduced CNS adverse experiences.
Driver fatigue is a leading threat to road safety, with at least 100,000 crashes and 1,500 fatalities attributed to it annually. New research from Washington University in St. Louis suggests that fatigued drivers become increasingly susceptible to accidents long before they fall asleep at the wheel.
A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Washington found that nearly half of college students reported experiencing unwanted sexual contact or coercion. The study revealed that men were just as likely as women to report being victims of unwanted sexual contact, and those who experienced it showed similar symptoms o...
Biologists at Washington University in St. Louis have discovered that lower estrogen levels allow cytokines to bind to bone cell surfaces, leading to bone destruction. Estrogen replacement therapy may be able to prevent this by increasing decoy receptor proteins, which inhibit cytokine binding.
A twin study found that genetic factors contribute more to women's depression, even in mild cases. The research suggests that genes, not family environment, are the primary cause of depression in women.
Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine suggest that obesity drugs can improve long-term weight loss results when used in conjunction with lifestyle changes. Patients who have already made significant progress through behavioral programs may still benefit from medication to maintain their weight loss.
Scientists at Max Planck Institute break Abbe's diffraction limit in focusing light microscopes using two laser beams and stimulated emission. The new microscope achieves sub-Abbe resolution, enabling imaging of intact transparent specimens in three dimensions.
Researchers found that psychological stress increases cortisol levels, which can slow down the delivery of cytokines to wounds, leading to slower healing times. This study provides a new insight into how stress affects physiologic changes within the body and may have serious consequences for patients recovering from surgery.
Researchers found that new high-efficiency filter materials can lead to uneven contaminant distribution and reduced efficiency when used in devices with high airflow rates. Manufacturers of vacuum cleaners and other air-filtering devices can improve performance by running products at lower speeds or increasing filter size.