Researchers at USC created a machine system that recognizes spoken words better than humans, with the ability to distinguish words in vast amounts of random noise. The novel neural network architecture mimics the biological system's temporal dimension, allowing it to process information structured in time.
Researchers found that plasma exchange and IVIG relieve neuropsychiatric symptoms in children with tics and obsessive-compulsive disorder, with symptom improvements lasting up to a year. The study suggests these treatments may be effective for a subgroup of children with strep-triggered disorders, but not all cases.
Researchers have discovered that myosin VI moves backwards on actin filaments, toward the minus end, challenging current understanding of protein movement. This finding has significant implications for our understanding of cellular assembly and maintenance, particularly in structures with single-orientation actin filaments.
Researchers identified a new role of fibroblasts in cancer development, showing that epithelial cells engage in a molecular dialogue with surrounding fibroblasts to progress towards cancer. This finding could lead to new diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets.
Researchers discovered that higher brain centers act as training wheels for the lower brain by providing input to adapt to damaged sensory pathways. This feedback loop enables the lower brain to reorganize and form new neural pathways.
Scientists have identified a biochemical link between ancient bacteria and modern mammalian hemoglobins, revealing that nematode worms use their strong hemoglobin to destroy oxygen. This unique function may also inspire the development of new cancer therapies by starving tumors of oxygen.
Researchers have identified the gene responsible for Rett syndrome, a condition that gradually robs girls of their language, mental functioning, and ability to interact with others. The discovery has immediate implications for diagnosis and treatment.
A clinical trial at UNC is testing the effectiveness of LY353381, a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM), for treating ovarian and endometrial cancers. The drug has minimal side effects compared to traditional chemotherapy.
Surgeons have successfully performed two operations using a new LED-based probe to treat brain cancer, with promising results. The treatment, called Photodynamic Therapy, involves activating light-sensitive drugs with long wavelengths of light, destroying tumors while sparing surrounding tissues.
Leaders from around the world will present and debate on various issues including trade reform, intellectual property rights and access to care and health services. The conference aims to explore practical solutions to bridge the gap between those who have access to healthcare and those who do not.
The Oregon Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Neurological Disorders (ORCCAMIND) has been established at OHSU with a $7.8 million NIH grant. Initial research projects focus on herbal medicines, yoga, and other alternative therapies for Alzheimer's disease and multiple sclerosis.
A new study found that nearly a quarter of community health centers rely on foreign-trained physicians, who are often willing to accept lower salaries. If these doctors were no longer available, up to 57% of positions for foreign-trained doctors and almost 16% of all staff positions could go unfilled.
Researchers have identified a region on rat chromosome 4 containing genes strongly affecting emotionality-related behavior, which only affects female rats. This discovery may provide insights into the biological mechanisms underlying emotional disorders in women.
The new guidelines chart the rapid evolution of bypass surgery techniques and provide a framework for physicians to evaluate risks and benefits with their patients. The report categorizes heart patients into groups that predict how well bypass will work for them based on various factors.
The Indiana University Cancer Center has been designated as an NCI-recognized clinical cancer center, bolstering its $33.3 million annual funding for cancer research projects. The grant enhances collaboration between researchers and physicians to target clinical problems and apply findings to new patient treatments.
A University of Toronto study shows that nearly a third of young men in Ontario drink excessively, putting their health at risk. The study found that 30% of men under 45 and 25% overall exceed daily and weekly drinking guidelines.
A new research method reveals that information can be stored on the surface of neurons with very high spatial density, similar to a CD-ROM. The method allows precise control over neurotransmitter release and discovered that modifications are highly restricted, enabling single synapses to store information separately.
A genetically-engineered mouse model helps researchers better understand how folic acid protects against neural tube defects and cleft lip/palate by explaining the transport of folic acid within cells. The study may also shed light on why Hispanic women don't seem to benefit from taking folic acid supplements.
Depression affects not only individuals but also their intimate relationships. This guide provides valuable coping strategies to maintain connections during depression. It answers questions from patients and partners, offering expertise from seven authorities on managing depression-related intimacy problems.
Mete Sozen, a structural engineer from Purdue University, has proposed a simplified alternative engineering method for designing earthquake-resistant buildings in Turkey. The five-page method is simpler than the current 75-page code and could be more easily understood and applied by engineers.
Researchers genetically altered mice adrenoceptor 2C expression to study stress response. The results showed differential behavioral responses in treated vs. untreated mice, as well as changes in plasma corticosterone levels and brain dopamine/serotonin content. This study highlights the importance of single-gene mutations in respondin...
A study by Dr. Elizabeth Goodman found a significant association between socioeconomic status and depressive symptoms, obesity, and poorer ratings of overall health among teenagers. The research examined data from over 15,000 surveys and found that lower socioeconomic status was linked to higher rates of these chronic illnesses.
A recent study found that nearly half of people with type 2 diabetes stop taking their oral anti-diabetic drugs (OADs), leading to a higher risk of complications such as blindness, amputation, and cardiovascular problems. The study revealed that individuals who discontinued treatment were almost three times more likely to die than thos...
Researchers at University College London have developed a novel approach to determine the melting temperature of iron at high pressures, allowing them to estimate the Earth's core temperature. This breakthrough has significant implications for understanding earthquakes, volcanoes, and the Earth's magnetic field.
The American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists has premiered an online database of the abstracts to be presented at the upcoming annual meeting. The database includes all invited and contributed paper abstracts, with a unique personal itinerary feature allowing attendees to plan their meetings.
A new watershed model, GISWA, can help predict the effects of forest practices on watersheds and wildlife habitat. The model simulates hydrologic conditions at thousands of locations within a single watershed to provide a detailed representation of water movement.
Researchers found that transmyocardial laser revascularization (TMR) improves angina by at least 2 classes in 72% of patients, while also increasing myocardial perfusion by 20%. TMR safely and effectively improved heart function over a 12-month period, driving its use with difficult bypass and angioplasty procedures.
A common intestinal parasite has rewritten the understanding of hemoglobin's evolution and role in nature. The parasite reveals that hemoglobin evolved primarily to handle nitric oxide rather than oxygen.
A robotic caterpillar, Moccasin II, has been developed to navigate through gas, water, and sewerage pipes in buildings damaged by earthquakes or explosions. The robot can successfully navigate multiple 90-degree bends and is equipped with lights, a video camera, and microphones to detect survivors.
New research in Conservation Biology found that fragmented rainforests can lose biodiversity for a century. The study, led by Thomas Brooks, suggests that conserving the most-recently isolated fragments will save the greatest number of species from extinction.
Biologists at Cornell University and Max Planck Institute found that Daphnia crustaceans can evolve quickly to cope with polluted water. The study showed that these tiny crustaceans adapted to handle less nutritious food, becoming a natural control for toxic cyanobacteria in Lake Constance.
Researchers found that women with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations have a 40% risk of local recurrence and developing new tumors, making breast-conserving therapy less optimal. The study suggests that mastectomy may be a more suitable treatment option for these women to reduce the risk of recurrent disease.
Researchers propose hormonal function change led to unique larval stage innovation, allowing population explosion among insect groups. Insects with complete metamorphosis have diverse habitats and food sources due to the lack of competition between juveniles and adults.
Researchers will collect snow samples from Illimani and Sajama mountains to understand the impact of El Nino and La Nina on precipitation patterns. The team's goal is to analyze climate conditions over the past two years using sophisticated chemical analyses of snow samples.
The study found elevated levels of DDE and mercury in bald eagle eggs on Kiska Island, but not on other islands. Seabirds are thought to be the major source of contamination due to their diet rich in fish from contaminated water.
A study by Anthony Ricciardi and Joseph Rasmussen reveals freshwater species are dying out five times faster than terrestrial species. At this rate, many at-risk species will disappear within the next century, with non-native species and dams identified as major threats.
A new device called the chaos mirror is invented to improve infrared networking technology in crowded offices. It uses a box enclosing seven highly reflective surfaces to split narrow incoming beams into a widely spread array of reflected beams, vastly increasing the chances of beam finding its target.
A new device measures macular pigment to study its correlation with macular degeneration, the leading cause of blindness. The portable device uses LEDs and takes about 10 minutes to measure a patient's macular pigment levels.
Researchers found moose pregnancy rates fell from 90% in 1966 to 75% today, indicating limited food availability. The abundance of willows limits the number of moose, not wolves and grizzly bears, according to the study.
New research predicts that up to half of African primate species could go extinct within decades due to habitat loss. The study suggests an 'extinction debt' has been incurred as a result of widespread deforestation in Africa.
Researchers found that patients who previously received hormone therapy with tamoxifen, had no prior chemotherapy, and had limited metastases were more likely to live longer after high-dose chemotherapy with transplant. This study suggests that closely monitoring high-risk patients can improve treatment outcomes.
Ernie Croot, a graduate of Centre College, solved the problem, showing there will always be some way to find one of these special sets. The solution has connections with deep questions in theoretical computer science.
A Wake Forest University study found that soy high in isoflavones can dramatically lower LDL cholesterol levels by up to 10% and total cholesterol by up to 9%. The study also showed a dose-response relationship between isoflavone content and cholesterol-lowering effects.
Scientists created a new mouse strain with a genetic deletion that affects stress hormones and behavior. The mice exhibit anxiety-like behavior consistently, not just in response to external stimuli, offering insights into the role of CRH-binding protein in depression and anxiety disorders.
A team of researchers has identified several chemical compounds that can prevent HIV from fusing with human cells, a crucial step in the viral infection process. By targeting the gp41 protein, these compounds may provide a new avenue for treating HIV and potentially other viruses.
Researchers at Duke University discovered that cancer gene c-Abl triggers the internal framework of cells, building nerve cells and aiding movement. Altering levels of growth factors and Src protein revealed c-Abl's normal function.
Researchers at the UK College of Medicine are developing a technology to deliver drugs directly into brain tissue to treat Parkinson's disease. The team plans to use a modified Medtronic pump to deliver GDNF, a protein that has shown promise in protecting dopaminergic neurons in preclinical studies.
Researchers have successfully engineered cardiac tissue, a crucial step towards repairing damaged heart tissue and testing new drugs. The team characterized the tissues' structural and electrical properties, identifying key parameters for growth and development.
A pan-European study found that type 2 diabetes in Europe is a significant healthcare burden, with total costs exceeding €29 billion and average individual costs more than double those of the general population. Preventing long-term complications through urgent action is crucial to reducing these costs.
New data confirm Relenza's effectiveness in targeting viral replication and reducing complications in patients with influenza B. High concentrations of the drug in the lungs also reduce the risk of resistance development.
Research highlights potential causes of autoimmune diseases, including prenatal exposure to environmental chemicals and certain dietary factors. Studies also explore links between ultraviolet radiation, stress, and exposure to heavy metals.
Researchers found that rosiglitazone treatment improved glycaemic control and reduced risk factors for coronary heart disease in patients with type 2 diabetes. The medication also showed promise in reducing protein excretion and triglycerides, while improving lipid profiles.
A study of 46 Internet sites selling prescription drugs found that only five revealed their locations, while nine sites sold medications without a physician's prescription. The researchers also found that online doctor consultations cost more than in-person visits, and some popular drugs were sold at higher prices online.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse has launched a $55 million clinical trials network to rapidly test promising treatments for drug addiction. The network, which will consist of 20-30 regional research centers, aims to bridge the gap between research and practice by partnering with community-based treatment programs.
Rosiglitazone reduces insulin resistance by 33% and improves pancreatic function in individuals with type 2 diabetes. The treatment also reduces insulin levels in the blood, potentially alleviating the need for regular insulin injections.
A study has identified perchlorate in fertilizers, a chemical compound suspected of adverse health effects. The findings suggest that fertilizers could be a source for perchlorate accumulation in the food chain, posing risks to human health and ecosystems.
Researchers at MGH discovered TGF-beta-1 inhibits blood vessel growth associated with metastatic gallbladder cancer. The study's results may lead to anti-angiogenesis agents for cancer treatment.
A groundbreaking study reveals differences in the human brain's neural architecture compared to apes and monkeys. Researchers found a uniquely human feature in the magnocellular pathway of the primary visual cortex, which may help understand diseases like dyslexia.
Studies suggest that involving individuals with diabetes in their care can improve quality of life and reduce complications. The results highlight the importance of patient education and empowering patients to make informed treatment choices.
A study by Harvard Medical School found that elderly patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) covered by non-profit health maintenance organizations (HMOs) received higher use of lifesaving therapy and emergency transportation compared to those with fee-for-service insurance. HMOs improved access to timely urgent care, particula...