Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that artificially intensifying the heart's pumping action, known as aortic counterpulsation, showed modest but significant benefits for the sickest heart attack patients. The technique, combined with clot-busting drugs, reduced six-month mortality rates by 4% compared to treatment alone.
Researchers at Penn State and the University of Miami studied two fault lines in Baja California to understand how strain is partitioned between them. The team found that the Agua Blanco fault has little earthquake activity, while the San Miguel fault has most of the earthquakes.
A new non-invasive skin test can measure cholesterol levels in just three minutes, potentially offering a simple way to assess risk of heart disease. The test found that those with the highest skin cholesterol levels also had the greatest number of diseased arteries.
Researchers have found that transmyocardial revascularization (TMR) laser surgery can provide long-term relief from angina by creating channels for blood flow through the heart. The procedure has been shown to reduce chest pain in 60% of patients for at least five years, with some experiencing relief for up to eight years after treatment.
A UCSF study finds that eptifibatide helps preserve microvasculature and blood flow into the heart muscle, improving oxygen supply to patients undergoing angioplasty. The drug improves large artery blood flow by 39% and microvascular blood flow by 84%, potentially reducing irreversible heart injury.
A new blood marker, MIRF (Myocardial Ischemia Rating Function), has been found to be highly correlated with the incidence and severity of coronary artery disease. Combining this marker with age and gender can enhance disease predictability, allowing for a simple screening test.
A study found that earlier recognition of a child's prognosis by both parents and physicians can lead to stronger emphasis on treatment aimed at lessening suffering. The study also revealed that high-quality palliative care is more likely when both parties recognize the child's prognosis.
A survey conducted by Dr. Maria Silveira found that many patients and families in Oregon are unaware of their basic rights regarding end-of-life care. The results suggest a need for healthcare providers to actively educate patients about their options, including refusal of treatment, withdrawal of care, assisted suicide, and euthanasia.
Research on fossil Teleoceras teeth suggests a semi-aquatic lifestyle for the ancient rhinoceros, mirroring that of modern hippos. The study's findings indicate low variability in oxygen isotope compositions among aquatic mammals, contrasting with higher variability in land animals.
Researchers found that smokers with a past history of alcoholism have increased nicotine self-administration and rewarding effects, suggesting a link between the two addictive behaviors. The study suggests that medications to block nicotine dependence and counseling may be effective in helping these individuals quit smoking.
A study by American Heart Association finds that consuming heavy meals may trigger heart attacks, increasing risk by about four times within two hours. The research suggests that eating a large meal can lead to temporary rises in blood pressure and heart rate, potentially causing heart attacks or strokes.
A recent study found that men are twice as likely to develop Parkinson's disease compared to women. The risk of developing the disease increases with age for both men and women. Researchers are still unsure why Parkinson's is more common in men, but one theory suggests that estrogen may protect women from the disease.
A University of Maryland study found that high cholesterol hinders the effectiveness of aspirin in reducing platelet aggregation and preventing heart attacks. The study showed that 60% of patients with high cholesterol levels above 220mg/dL remained at increased risk despite taking daily aspirin doses.
Researchers have discovered a genetic biomarker that can be detected in tumor tissue and patient blood, helping doctors diagnose esophageal cancer more accurately. The biomarker, an altered APC gene, has been found in 92% of patients with esophageal adenocarcinoma and 50% of those with squamous cell carcinoma.
Family physicians face barriers to discussing resuscitation orders with patients, including personal discomfort and fear of damaging relationships. Despite being ideally situated for these discussions, recognizing these barriers is necessary to improve communication and self-awareness.
PUNCH provides a worldwide 'computational grid' allowing users to run programs remotely over the Internet, saving money for engineering students. The system can automatically find resources, including supercomputers, to complete jobs, making it a prototype for a large-scale infrastructure.
A team of geologists found evidence of powerful Ordovician earthquakes that caused widespread damage across the eastern United States, stretching from Kentucky to New York. The earthquakes likely had a magnitude of 7-9 and were triggered by the collision of North America with a volcanic island chain.
Researchers at Cornell University have found that releasing an early army of beneficial Trichogramma ostriniae wasps can halve European corn borer damage. The study suggests that growers only need to release around 30,000 wasps per acre and that subsequent releases may not be necessary.
A speech-language pathologist is presenting a successful program that helps male-to-female transgender clients acquire a more feminine-sounding voice. The one-year intensive therapy focuses on practical skills like speech rate, intonation, and non-verbal communication to improve the client's overall perception as a woman.
Researchers have discovered a method for producing silicon-based chemicals from sand, rice hull ash, and antifreeze, reducing the need for expensive high-temperature processing and toxic by-products. The new process enables the creation of novel compounds with potential pharmacological activity, such as wound healing and hair growth.
A study found no significant difference in reducing maternal weight gain and gestational diabetes among Cree women, suggesting cultural factors and intervention intensity as contributing factors. Culturally appropriate modifications to interventions are proposed to reduce the risk of diabetes in pregnancy among this population.
The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) has awarded five new grants to support research on osteogenesis imperfecta. These grants will focus on developing treatments, such as gene therapies and drug treatments, to improve diagnosis and treatment options for people with OI.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that dosing errors in clot-buster drugs may not be the primary cause of adverse outcomes. The study analyzed data from the ASSENT-2 trial and found that patients who received incorrect doses had similar mortality rates to those receiving the correct dose, suggesting confounding issues.
Researchers found that individuals with high anxiety sensitivity exhibit increased fear of anxiety and experience reduced anxiety symptoms when drinking. This study suggests that high AS individuals may drink excessively to cope with anxiety, leading to a higher risk of alcohol abuse.
University of Michigan professor Rodney Ewing argues that the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's method for assessing the Yucca Mountain site's safety is flawed due to large uncertainties. He proposes a more comprehensive approach by evaluating independent barriers, such as canisters and rock layers, to ensure the site's long-term safety.
A new study found that premenopausal women are more vulnerable to sudden, serious heart disease during their menstrual cycle when estrogen levels are at their lowest. The research also identified other health risks that worsen the odds for heart disease in young women.
Researchers found that young birds can recognize and prefer learning the songs of their own subspecies over other types. The study also revealed that birds have a more finely detailed sense of song than previously thought. After tutoring, two-thirds of the birds chose to sing their own subspecies' song.
Researchers at Yale have discovered that the Golgi apparatus is an independent organelle that exists independently of the endoplasmic reticulum. This finding gives researchers a better understanding of cell division and uncontrolled cell division in cancer.
A team of geologists proposes a new model for the collision and rifting of ancient continents, contradicting a previous theory. The revised model suggests that land masses were broken apart into smaller terrains that attached over time, rather than undergoing a massive collision.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that African-Americans are 30% more likely to die from diastolic heart failure than their white counterparts. The study controlled for various factors such as age, gender, and disease severity, but the disparity persisted, suggesting a combination of genetic and treatment differences.
Individuals undergoing non-emergency angioplasty in facilities without surgical backup are twice as likely to die and 20% more likely to require bypass surgery. The study suggests that the procedure can be safely performed with a backup team for emergency cases, but not for non-emergency procedures.
A new study found that managed care organizations (MCOs) are moving towards instituting quality improvement programs, but may face significant barriers, including a lack of clear consensus among stakeholders and the desire for price over quality. MCO administrators believe that price alone drives most decisions to purchase healthcare.
Researchers used computer simulations to analyze the Chicxulub impact crater, revealing that it may have behaved like a fluid during its formation. This finding could help explain the complex internal structures observed in the crater and shed light on the environmental effects of large-impact craters.
A study of nearly three million fitness club members found a small but definite increase in risk of exercise-related fatal heart attacks or strokes among sporadic exercisers. Regular exercise is recommended to lower this risk, particularly for those with cardiovascular disease.
Researchers found that pre-menopausal levels of LDL cholesterol and cardiovascular risk factors were predictive of post-menopausal coronary artery calcium deposits. Women who developed coronary calcium were significantly heavier with higher body mass index and larger waists.
A new UCLA study reveals an inverse relationship between depression and strong ties to the African American community, independent of demographic and health factors. Women with strong ethnic identity experienced lower levels of depression and less excess weight.
Gary Leal, a professor of chemical engineering at the University of California, Santa Barbara, has been awarded the Society of Rheology's 2000 Bingham Medal. His research on polymeric liquids, liquid crystalline polymers, and suspensions/emulsions has significantly advanced the field of rheology.
A new study by UC Berkeley researchers reveals that premature birth and low birthweight significantly exacerbate asthma symptoms in children when exposed to smog. Children born prematurely or with low birthweight are more likely to experience severe wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath on days with high air pollution levels.
Two studies found that women with the four risk factors had five times the risk of death as men, and children with metabolic syndrome risk factors were more likely to be obese. Researchers emphasize the need to prevent obesity in young people to reverse alarming trends in heart disease.
Researchers found that African-American Medicare patients received implantable defibrillator devices at one-third the rate of whites and women at less than half the rate of men. The disparity is significant, with defibrillators proven to be superior to existing medical treatments for severe cardiac arrhythmias.
A study by Mayo Clinic researchers reveals a possible cause of sudden deaths among men using Viagra, highlighting the need for safe use guidelines. The interaction between Viagra and nitrates can reduce blood flow through critically narrowed coronary arteries, leading to a life-threatening drop in oxygen supply.
James R. Stewart, a pioneer in scuba diving, was inducted into the NAUI Hall of Honor for his invaluable work on developing training procedures and data collecting techniques. He is recognized as an expert on interactions between divers and marine environments.
A German research team found that people who inherit two copies of the GNB3 825T allele gene have a high risk of obesity if they do not engage in regular physical activity. Exercising for two hours or more a week appears to block the genetic tendency, highlighting the importance of lifestyle in preventing obesity-related diseases.
Researchers compare a large imprinted region in the human genome with its counterpart in the mouse genome, identifying crucial genetic elements that control gene activity. The study provides the first global view of an entire imprinted region in any genome, shedding light on mechanisms of genomic imprinting.
Involuting mammary glands undergo two stages of apoptosis, with the first wave triggered by Fas binding to its ligand FasL. Mutant animals lacking Fas or FasL experience delayed epithelial cell death.
Researchers used MRI to show that statin drugs remove fat from atherosclerotic lesions, reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Statins may detect patients at risk for cardiovascular disease, identify treatment options, and monitor treatment effectiveness.
Scientists at University of Maryland Biotechnology Institute discover ubiquilin controls levels of proteins central to early development of Alzheimer's disease. The molecule increases presenilin levels in cells, a key step in understanding the disease.
Researchers have identified a link between obesity, digestive system malfunctions, and excessive alcohol production in the liver. Feeding obese mice antibiotics significantly reduced alcohol production, suggesting a potential treatment strategy using oral antibiotics or yogurt to constrain intestinal bacterial overgrowth.
Researchers at OHSU are conducting a four-year study to determine whether ginkgo biloba can delay or prevent the early stages of Alzheimer's disease in people 85 years and older. The study aims to recruit 200 subjects who do not display signs of mental impairment and will use written, verbal, and MRI tests to assess cognitive function.
Researchers found that fen-phen use can cause abnormal thickening of heart valve leaflets, possibly due to increased production of TBF-beta-1. Serotonin and tryptophan may play a role in this process.
The University of Michigan has thoroughly investigated the book 'Darkness in El Dorado' by Patrick Tierney and found that major claims are false. The university confirms that Dr. Neel's medical care was humane and medically appropriate, and the measles outbreak occurred before his arrival.
A new Mayo Clinic study suggests that coffee drinkers may have less than half the risk of developing Parkinson's disease compared to non-coffee drinkers. The study found that individuals who consumed four or more cups of coffee per day had an average age of onset eight years older for the disease.
USGS researchers link Mercury levels in Lake Tulane to global climate changes, while also analyzing African dust's role in affecting coral health. Additionally, scientists explore the Chesapeake Bay bolide's crater formation and its structural implications.
OHSU researchers successfully used bone marrow stem cells to repair liver damage in mice with genetic disease Tyrosinemia. The study shows that hematopoietic stem cells are required for liver cell regeneration, offering hope for new therapies using stem cells.
A study found that a combination of statin and niacin can reduce the risk of hospitalization for chest pain or heart attacks by 70% among patients at high risk. The treatment also showed promise in reversing arterial buildup in these patients, with angiograms revealing decreased plaque buildup in most participants.
Researchers at Georgia Tech, HP Labs, and UCLA receive the Feynman Prize in Nanotechnology for their work on building devices with atomic precision. The team, led by Uzi Landman and R. Stanley Williams, successfully created a molecular switch, a key step towards building entire memory chips at the nanoscale.
Renowned botanist Peter H. Raven is among the 12 scientists to receive the prestigious National Medal of Science. He has made significant contributions to plant systematics and evolution, introducing the concept of coevolution and preserving biodiversity worldwide.
Researchers suggest that mountain-front reservoirs store water, smoothing out seasonal fluctuations and leaving only long-term cycles. This process is influenced by the fluctuating position of the water table relative to stream levels.
A study found that 28% of fitness clubs in Ohio failed to conduct pre-entry screenings for cardiovascular problems, while 17% reported heart attacks or sudden deaths. Gyms must implement recommended screening practices and emergency response plans to ensure member safety.
Researchers identify gC1qR as a binding partner for Hepatitis C core protein, allowing the virus to evade immune response and persist in the body. The interaction between gC1qR and core protein may provide new targets for developing therapies to combat chronic hepatitis C.