Researchers at UCSF have identified a new chemical pathway in the brain involved in regulating mood, which may improve treatment for depression. The study found that popular antidepressants like Prozac and Zoloft increase the synthesis of a key neurosteroid, potentially providing a new target for mood-regulating drugs.
A cholesterol-lowering drug, pravastatin, has been shown to reduce stroke risk by 20% in patients with heart disease or high cholesterol. The study pooled data from three clinical trials involving over 19,700 participants and found a significant reduction in stroke rate, particularly among those with coronary heart disease.
Researchers have found that memory uses separate pathways for various types of information, including visual and sensory inputs. This is achieved through the hippocampal memory system, which receives signals from different areas of the brain.
The Chandra X-ray Observatory has been selected as one of the top 100 'Best of What's New' items by Popular Science magazine, highlighting its significant contributions to X-ray astronomy. The observatory is already sending back impressive images that are aiding in understanding exploding stars, black holes, and other celestial phenomena.
The NTP Center for the Evaluation of Risks to Human Reproduction will convene an Expert Panel to review seven phthalate esters. The meeting aims to complete integrated evaluation documents and draft summary statements on the chemicals' developmental and reproductive toxicity.
A new scoring system used in treadmill testing has been found to improve the accuracy of diagnosing heart disease, with 77% accuracy overall compared to 69% for expert cardiologists. This method is more accurate than expensive diagnostic equipment and can provide a second opinion for physicians.
African-American adolescent boys who received emotional support during conflict situations had higher blood pressure reactivity than those with problem-solving or no support. Emotional support may be perceived as negative by these adolescents, leading to increased cardiovascular reactivity.
A new study reveals that social network characteristics and healthcare provider recommendations significantly influence women's breast cancer screening practices. The research found that women who perceive regular mammography as common among their peers are more likely to get screened regularly.
A new study found that heart disease begins to develop in childhood, with well-developed plaque deposits present in one in six teenagers. The study used ultrasound to examine the arteries of recently-transplanted hearts from people who were free of known heart disease.
A new study by UCSF researchers found that participants in a therapeutic community-based treatment program made positive changes in drug injection use and high-risk sex. The longer the time spent in treatment, the less likelihood of engaging in high-risk behaviors such as needle sharing.
A study of 292 breast cancer survivors found that involvement in decision-making about follow-up tests improved physical and emotional health, but did not affect post-cancer survival rates. Leading cancer experts recommend mammography and clinical breast exams instead.
A study by Hennepin County Medical Center found that cocaine users are at a higher risk of developing aneurysms in their heart arteries, with 30% of participants showing the condition. The study suggests that cocaine use causes blood vessel damage and accelerates atherosclerosis, leading to increased cardiovascular health problems.
A study by American Academy of Neurology finds that 'chasing the dragon' heroin use can produce a progressive brain disorder leading to permanent damage and death. Antioxidant therapy shows promise in treating the condition, but its effectiveness is uncertain.
A recent study of 4,462 male U.S. Army veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) found a higher rate of heart disorders, including past heart attacks, compared to other veteran subjects. The study's results suggest that long-term severe psychological distress may cause coronary heart disease.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have developed a new treatment strategy for heart attacks, which combines clot-dissolving drugs with angioplasty to improve patient outcomes. The 'facilitated angioplasty' approach shows promising results, with higher success rates and reduced bleeding compared to traditional treatments.
Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories' Z machine create temperatures rivaling the Sun's to study iron in black holes and neutron stars. The experiments help astronomers interpret images from the Chandra X-ray observatory, shedding light on the universe's evolution and eventual expiration.
Researchers found striking variations in heart disease rates across the US, with states with high cigarette smoking rates and lower educational levels having higher mortality rates. Lifestyle factors are believed to contribute significantly to early death from heart disease, particularly in male baby boomers.
A genetic abnormality in triglyceride regulation has been found to be common among Asian Indians, placing them at increased risk of heart disease. The study, which analyzed DNA from 100 people, suggests that this abnormality prevents blood fats from being broken down effectively.
A new household activities scale appears to be a better measure of quality of life scores for older women with heart disease. The scale assesses daily tasks such as housekeeping, cooking, and laundry that are relevant to their lives.
A large study of over 9,000 heart patients found that obesity is associated with a younger onset of heart disease, longer illness duration, and reduced life expectancy. The researchers also discovered that obese patients tend to have more severe health conditions, such as high blood pressure and diabetes.
A new study suggests that the US may soon experience an increase in hepatitis C-related carcinoma cases due to a time difference in the spread of the virus. The study found that the incidence of hepatitis C is similar in Japan and the US, but the incidence of related heptacellular carcinoma (HCC) is eight times higher in Japan.
A new low-fat sterol ester spread can lower LDL cholesterol levels by 5-10% and may reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke. The study found that consuming 1-2 grams of the substance per day had similar cholesterol-lowering effects, making it a promising non-drug option for heart disease prevention.
A large-scale study found that chewing tobacco users are more likely to develop dental caries, especially on the root surfaces of their teeth. The researchers suggest that high sugar content in chewing tobacco and its use pattern may contribute to tooth decay.
Researchers found that men with low HDL levels had nearly twice the mortality rate as those with higher levels after coronary bypass surgery. High HDL levels also helped clear bad cholesterol from the blood and protected against heart disease.
Koehler's project focuses on the adsorption of trace atmospheric gases on soot under simulated conditions. Her research aims to understand how soot derived from jet fuel affects the chemical balance of the atmosphere, with potential implications for sulfur dioxide conversion to sulfuric acid.
Yale researchers have found that Lonesome George, the last remaining male Galapagos tortoise, has close genetic affinities to subspecies on islands farthest from his home. The study suggests that these distant island tortoises may be a suitable mate for George, increasing the chances of successful breeding.
A new household activities scale appears to be a better measure of quality of life scores for older women with heart disease. The scale assesses daily tasks such as cooking, laundry, and grocery shopping, providing a more accurate reflection of physical activity limitations.
The TIMED spacecraft, designed and built by Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, will undergo final environmental testing at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center before its May 18 launch. The mission aims to study the sun's influence on Earth's Mesosphere and Lower Thermosphere/Ionosphere region.
Research suggests that men with high HDL cholesterol levels after coronary bypass surgery live longer and experience fewer cardiac events. High levels of HDL cholesterol may be more significant than LDL in predicting long-term outcomes for patients undergoing heart surgery.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University used electric fields to detach and move bubbles in microgravity, overcoming a major challenge for space cooling systems. The experiment, conducted on a NASA jet, provided valuable insights into the unusual behavior of bubbles in zero gravity.
A study published by the NIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development found a modest link between infant and toddler care hours and maternal sensitivity. The quality of child care was also linked to maternal sensitivity, with better care associated with higher levels of maternal sensitivity.
A University at Buffalo study found that pet dog or cat owners experienced significantly reduced cardiovascular measures during stressful situations compared to non-pet owners. The study showed that having a pet helped to stabilize heart rate and blood pressure in response to mental stress.
Researchers found that African-American patients with chronic hepatitis C infection have a lower sustained response to antiviral therapy compared to Caucasians. Additionally, anti-HCV testing in infants may not be reliable until they are two years old, and the deletion of ALT testing has removed an important screening tool for liver di...
A new study reveals that a specific gene variant, apoE-4, is linked to an increased risk of heart disease, even in individuals with normal cholesterol levels. The research, conducted on 731 healthy adults, found that those carrying the apoE-4 gene had a higher incidence of coronary events compared to non-carriers.
A Duke University Medical Center study found that elderly patients aged 75 and older who received angioplasty or bypass surgery lived significantly longer than those treated conservatively with medicines only. The study suggests that aggressive therapies may be beneficial for the very elderly, challenging traditional treatment guidelines.
A study found that people with pets experienced half the increase in blood pressure under stress compared to those without pets. The researchers used medication to control high blood pressure and tested the effects of pets on stress reactivity.
New research from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill found that mothers and children in longer childcare hours were less attuned to each other. However, the study also revealed that better quality care had a positive effect on mother-child relationships.
Researchers found that patients who received the gene therapy had less than half of the failures of those without the treatment, with improved vein wall adaptation and reduced blockage rates. The study suggests a new treatment approach to vastly improve bypass surgery success rates.
A new study published in Developmental Psychology found that children who spend more time in nonmaternal care have somewhat less positive interactions with their mothers. The study also showed that higher-quality child care is associated with increased maternal sensitivity and a stronger mother-child bond.
A study by Virginia Tech found that workplace financial education positively impacts worker money behaviors and attitudes. After participating in a program, employees reported better health, improved confidence in managing finances, and increased savings.
The Whitaker Foundation is funding a new biomedical engineering facility at Washington University, which will enhance research and teaching in the field. The $13 million grant will support recruiting faculty members and building the center, anticipated to become a national leader in biomedical engineering.
A study by BIODEPTH found that reducing species richness in plant communities results in decreased productivity, higher soil nitrate concentrations, and altered ecosystem processes. The findings suggest that preserving and restoring biodiversity is crucial for maintaining grassland productivity.
The American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (AAPS) has released new research on the influence of direct-to-consumer advertising (DTCA) on doctors' prescribing habits. A study found that half of physicians feel pressure to prescribe products patients have seen advertised, with 77% linking patient requests to TV advertising. Ad...
A new study published in the American Journal of Medicine challenges the notion that melatonin levels decline with age. Researchers found that healthy older adults' nighttime melatonin levels were similar to those of younger men, contradicting popular advertising claims. The study suggests that aging does not affect melatonin regulatio...
Researchers from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute have identified a protein that works closely with Brca1 to initiate DNA repair. Mutations in this trigger protein may be responsible for more instances of breast cancer than Brca1 mutations, accounting for nearly ten percent of all breast cancers.
A Cornell University study found that a vertical split keyboard lowers injury risk for carpal tunnel syndrome, with wrists in safe positions 71% and 78% of the time. The prototype keyboard design reduces strain on wrists and forearms, allowing for more efficient typing movements.
Researchers aim to expand traditional testing to include creative and practical abilities, enabling students to capitalize on natural strengths and achieve higher levels of success. The new grant will test triarchic instruction in rural, suburban, and urban settings across the country.
Scientists have found evidence that trichromatic or full color vision originated in prosimians, a group of lemurs, Bush Babies and pottos, rather than in higher primates. The new research pushes the origin of primate color vision back roughly 20 million years to about 55 million years ago.
Strepsipteran insects have eyes with larger lenses and more receptors, allowing them to sample 'chunks' of the visual field instead of points. This unique structure improves their visual capabilities and is similar to that of extinct arthropods like trilobites.
Researchers at Wake Forest University School of Medicine are testing whether an extract from the leaves of the ginkgo tree can slow memory loss, dementia, and Alzheimer's disease. The six-year clinical trial will enroll 2,000 participants and evaluate the effect of 240 milligrams of ginkgo daily on memory function.
Biological molecules move electrons through proximity alone, with redox centers no more than 14 angstroms apart. This finding simplifies the design of new biologically active molecules for drug development.
A team of botanists used DNA analysis to study the underground travels of plant roots, discovering that some species can extend their roots up to 75 feet into the ground. This research contributes to a better understanding of how plants interact with their environment and climate change.
Two groups of researchers at Colorado State University will receive funding to develop new drugs against tuberculosis, a leading bacterial killer causing 10 million new cases annually. The research teams will collaborate with pharmaceutical companies and use advanced testing infrastructure to identify potential anti-TB compounds.
Researchers at Brown University discovered that certain inhibitory neurons in the cerebral cortex use electrical synaptic connections to coordinate their activity. This allows for highly synchronized firing and synchrony similar to blinking lights.
A pair of hydrogen bonds in titin allows muscle to stretch and return to normal by regulating unfolding of protein sections. This finding is a significant step forward in understanding muscle elasticity and its role in cardiac muscular diseases.
A new analysis by University of Colorado at Boulder professor Karl Mueller indicates a high threat of large earthquake in the New Madrid seismic zone. The study gathered evidence on a pivotal 'blind-thrust' fault and found a slip rate of nearly 45 feet over 2,300 years, posing significant risks to Memphis and St. Louis.
Engineers at Ohio State University have developed a method of computer analysis that extracts valuable information from the pitches of sound coming from a car, revealing insights into engine performance and driver technique. The same technique could be applied to other complicated machinery, such as power plant turbines.
A new study of 27,050 kidney transplants found that patients with locally matched kidneys require less long-term care and incur lower costs. The average cost to Medicare was $60,436 for identical HLA markers, increasing by 34% as mismatches rose from one to six.
Researchers from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute identified a crucial lipid molecule produced by M. tuberculosis to infect lung tissue. The discovery could lead to improved vaccines and treatments for tuberculosis, which kills more people than AIDS or malaria.
A recent study published in Science found that chimpanzee subspecies are genetically mixed and more diverse than previously thought. The research suggests that the variation in the chimpanzee genome is not due to cultural differences, but rather a result of genetic variation between populations.