The University of Pittsburgh is conducting a study on transplant patients who have been off immunosuppressive drugs for up to 6.6 years, aiming to identify potential tests for transplant tolerance. The study may lead to breakthroughs in understanding and managing autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis.
The DIRECT programme aims to establish whether candesartan cilexetil can prevent and treat diabetic retinopathy. The trial will investigate the effect of RAS blockade on diabetic patients with and without retinopathy.
A study of 24 postmenopausal women found no significant differences in resting metabolic rate (RMR) between those who lost weight and a control group. Despite average weight loss of 13 kg, the subjects regained an average of 10.9 kg after energy balance was restored.
A new brain imaging study found that people with schizophrenia exhibit distinct brain changes at the earliest stages of the illness, potentially identifying warning signs and preventing development. The research suggests a role for brain imaging in pinpointing early signs and may lead to preventive psychiatry.
The American Federation for Aging Research (AFAR) has launched Infoaging.org, a new website offering easy access to authoritative research on aging. The site aims to provide credible information on various aspects of aging, addressing the need for reliable health information among graying baby boomers.
Research suggests a genetic link between dopamine D4 receptor gene polymorphism and attachment disorganization in infants, with extensive disorganized behavior observed in up to 80% of high-risk infants. The study's findings imply a genetic susceptibility to the collapse of organized attachment under stress.
Post-menopausal women who consume moderate amounts of alcohol (2-4 drinks per week) have significantly higher bone mineral density than those who do not drink. The study found that lower levels of parathyroid hormone and increased estrogen levels were associated with the positive effect on bone health.
A large randomized trial evaluating a compound intended to boost the immune response of HIV patients showed no effect on slowing disease progression. The study, led by UCSF and Harvard researchers, defied the sponsor's attempt to block publication, affirming the University's right to publish unfavorable or neutral research findings.
A new study by University of California, San Francisco researchers highlights the need for clear guidelines to manage potential conflicts of interest in academic research. The study found that nearly eight percent of UCSF scientists reported financial ties to industry sponsors in 1999, with complex relationships being seen as problematic.
The NIH-NSF Ecology of Infectious Diseases initiative aims to understand ecological relationships between human-induced environmental changes and infectious disease emergence. The research projects will study the effects of habitat destruction, biological invasion, and pollution on disease risks in humans and animals.
A Cornell University study reveals a significant decline in employment among working-age Americans with disabilities, with most experiencing a loss of economic ground despite receiving higher Social Security disability payments. The researchers argue that new national policies are needed to reintegrate young people with disabilities in...
The paper attributes the decline in homicide since the early 1990s to changes in drug markets, police response to gun carrying by young males, and economic expansion. Fewer handguns were used in homicides, especially among juveniles and young adults.
A six-month group exercise program with supervised aerobic exercise and relaxation training reduced depression in obese women by half. The study found no significant weight loss, highlighting the need for long-term behavioral changes.
Jan Lohmann and Thomas Bosch report a discovery of the novel peptide HEADY, which acts as a potent inducer of head formation in lower metazoans. Grafting experiments show that HEADY induces a secondary head in Hydra tissue, revealing its role as a developmental switch for axis specification.
Short-term travelers to high-risk areas are at risk of getting typhoid fever, particularly those visiting India and Pakistan. The CDC recommends vaccination for travelers who have prolonged exposure to contaminated food and drink.
War has a profound impact on the environment and human health, causing widespread destruction of infrastructures, displacement of populations, and ongoing presence of radioactivity and toxins. Medical personnel working in conflicts must recognize and document sexual violence, provide necessary care, and advocate for justice to prevent ...
Researchers like Dr. Melanie Mormile are exploring the possibility of finding ancient bacteria on Mars, which could provide evidence for life on the planet. By dating salt-loving bacteria on Earth, scientists aim to confirm whether similar organisms can survive for hundreds of millions of years.
Research suggests that compounds in chocolate, such as tetrahydro-beta-carbolines, may contribute to chocolate cravings. These compounds are also found in wine, beer, and liquor, but no connection has been established with compulsive drinking.
Rutgers University has five faculty members recognized as fellows of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) for their outstanding research and achievements in various fields. Jolie Cizewski, Joan Ehrenfeld, Doina Ganea, Paul Kantor, and Thomas Rudel were cited by AAAS for their contributions to physics, ecology,...
A recent study highlights the significant impact of stress on refugee health, revealing that psychological factors such as anxiety, depression, and financial worries contribute to physical illness and mental health issues. The study found that only 6% of refugees suffered from PTSD, suggesting that a medical diagnosis may not fully cap...
Researchers at the University at Buffalo have found that a combination of fish oil and vitamin E reduces inflammation-inducing cytokines in mice with rheumatoid arthritis. This study suggests that these nutrients may delay symptoms and improve function for patients with this disease.
Researchers induced human adult stem cells to develop into various tissues, including bone, cartilage, and muscle, when transplanted into fetal sheep. The transplanted cells persisted for over a year without rejection, suggesting potential for tissue repair and regeneration.
A Phase III study found that Aslera improved bone mineral density in female lupus patients by 1.8% compared to a loss of 1.8%, with greater increases observed in postmenopausal patients. This suggests that Aslera may be effective in preventing osteoporosis and fractures in women with SLE.
The hospital won a national award for its innovative communication techniques, including posters, email, website, and media publicity. The Young Investigator Award program stressed the importance of communicating research to the public, recognizing the achievements of younger researchers.
A Phase III study found that Aslera significantly improved disease activity and symptoms in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a chronic autoimmune disease. The treatment also showed benefits for bone mineral density, particularly in women on steroids.
Researchers found that low-level ultraviolet irradiation and refrigeration can significantly increase the antioxidant compound resveratrol in grapes, potentially leading to reduced risk of high cholesterol, heart disease, and Alzheimer's. The treatment has no known side effects and may be beneficial for other grape varieties.
Researchers have identified a genetic cause for immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN), the most common form of glomerulonephritis worldwide. The gene, located on chromosome 6, is linked to the disease in about 60% of families studied.
The National Drug Abuse Treatment Clinical Trials Network has expanded to include 11 regional research centers and nearly 70 community-based treatment programs. The five newly funded centers will receive $11 million over five years, bringing the total funding for all 11 components to $121 million.
GL701 significantly reduced lupus flares, with 18% of patients experiencing flares compared to 34% on placebo. The study also showed improved quality of life and reduced adverse events.
A tiny gallium arsenide bar has been developed that can bend infrared beams with minimal loss of light, opening possibilities for more efficient lasers and photonic computing. The device uses a two-dimensional photonic crystal structure with strategically placed holes to filter out unwanted wavelengths.
A recent study found that treatments like levomethadyl acetate (LAAM) and buprenorphine were more effective in treating heroin addiction than low-dose methadone. The study showed significant reductions in heroin use for patients on LAAM, buprenorphine, or high-dose methadone.
Randomized trials demonstrate the effectiveness of mammography programs in reducing breast cancer mortality. The studies showed that recall rates after first and subsequent screens were 9.5% and 4.6%, respectively. Additionally, organized breast cancer screening programs can provide more comprehensive monitoring for at-risk populations.
A new study finds that black men are 33% more likely to develop hip osteoarthritis than white men, while black women are twice as likely to develop the condition. Weight disparities account for comparable differences in women.
Researchers found that ELF-EMF significantly reduced the development of mouse pre-antral follicles, a crucial step for successful reproduction. Exposure to 33Hz or 50Hz frequencies impaired follicle development, with only around a third and half of exposed follicles developing antral cavities compared to controls.
Biomedical engineers at Johns Hopkins University use a laser device to view microscopic movement and detect stutter-step motions in Listeria tails. This contradicts the widely held belief that filaments grow and push in a smooth continuous motion, suggesting a new mechanism for bacterial locomotion.
The conference will feature presentations by renowned neurologists and Epilepsy experts, including Dr. Paul Mullin and Dr. Moise Danielpour, discussing the latest anticonvulsants and epilepsy surgery options.
The American Society for Tropical Medicine and Hygiene has warned of an emerging dengue fever crisis in South Texas. The region's high population density and abundance of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are fueling increased disease transmission, with risks including epidemic dengue hemorrhagic fever and death.
A University of Iowa study found that individuals who test negative for Huntington disease often experience doubts and guilt rather than relief. They struggle to redefine their goals and purpose in life after learning they don't carry the gene mutation.
The US is facing a shortage of antiparasitic drugs due to low market demand, making treatment options scarce for diseases like schistosomiasis and liver fluke infections. The CDC has stepped in to distribute remaining stocks, but more support is needed to ensure availability.
A systematic strategy to improve primary care for domestic violence victims showed promise, with clinicians reporting increased effectiveness and reduced fears. The study found a 14% increase in inquiries about domestic violence and a 30% increase in diagnoses, paving the way for cost-effective system changes.
Researchers at MIT have developed a new alternator design that significantly increases electrical power in future cars while also improving fuel efficiency. The technology, which uses active switches to control current flow, solves several technical problems associated with higher-voltage systems.
Researchers have determined the structure of a key protein from paramyxoviruses, which causes respiratory diseases in children and animals. The study reveals clues for effective new drugs and highlights the benefits of structural biology in guiding drug design against communicable diseases.
A University of Pennsylvania study suggests that taking ibuprofen before aspirin can inhibit the cardioprotective benefits gained from a daily aspirin regimen. The study found no competitive interaction between aspirin and Tylenol or Vioxx when taken separately.
A new Cornell University study found that surgeons performing carotid endarterectomies who got their licenses 20 or more years ago had the highest mortality rate among their patients. The study also found a relation between the mortality of endarterectomy patients and the number of times surgeons performed the procedure.
A team of top experts from the University of California will participate in the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP-6) in The Hague, Netherlands. The scientists will present a special event on global climate change issues, providing objective scientific discussions and updates.
A study found that at least 25% of Eco-Challenge participants developed leptospirosis after returning home. The CDC reports that swimming in the river was the only independently significant risk factor for infection. Travelers should investigate location risks to minimize infectious disease exposure.
A large study found nearly 12% of high school students experienced severe dating violence, with female victims more likely to report poor mental health and suicide attempts. Male perpetrators also faced negative effects, including poor physical health and dissatisfaction with life.
The Kantrowitz CardioVad System is a new category of cardiac assist device that boosts the patient's own heart while preserving independence. By taking over up to 50% of the heart's function, patients can release themselves for short periods without compromising their condition.
Researchers discovered that COMP significantly increases in the blood of people with hip or knee osteoarthritis even before X-rays reveal joint damage. Elevated levels of COMP correspond strongly with reports of joint pain and may indicate an early stage of osteoarthritis.
Research finds that rheumatoid arthritis patients experience longer hospital stays and higher total charges due to complications, with a notable impact on quality of life. The disease also results in increased healthcare utilization for general symptoms beyond musculoskeletal complaints.
Interleukin-1.com provides updated information on IL-1 role in RA, meeting a need for rheumatologists and health care professionals. The site offers resources, including a primer book and presentation materials, to enhance understanding of cytokine biology and its relevance to RA.
A Cornell University parent-education program has shown that it can triple the likelihood of parents discussing HIV risk reduction with their children. The program also significantly increases the likelihood that parents will make personal risk behavior changes and obtain HIV testing. The study, which involved 375 parents in New York C...
A University of California, San Francisco study found that the herbal supplement PC-SPES significantly reduces PSA levels in men with hormone-independent disease, providing a new treatment option. The study also shows promise for shrinking tumors and improving quality of life.
Scientists have discovered a wealth of green minerals, including olivine, on the Martian surface, indicating low levels of chemical weathering by water. This suggests that Mars has remained cold and dry for most of its geologic history, contradicting previous theories about a warm, wet past.
Researchers argue that current HIV prevention resource allocations are not consistent with trends in the spread of HIV disease. They propose a shift in focus from AIDS case-based reporting to sentinel surveillance systems, citing data showing declining HIV prevalence and incidence among heterosexuals and stable rates among MSMs.
Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories create a hopping robot that can leap up to 20 feet in the air and travel five miles on a single tank of gas. The robot's unique combustion-driven piston allows it to make corrections after each jump, making it suitable for challenging environments.
Researchers found that sleeping songbirds' neurons fire patterns identical to song production, rehearsing the neuronal activity patterns of song generation. This suggests that sleep helps birds learn songs by replaying and strengthening the pattern during undisturbed sleep.
A large study of 381 postmenopausal women found no association between high fat intake and increased estrogen levels, contrary to long-held assumptions. The researchers concluded that reducing fat intake to lower hormone levels is unlikely to be a useful strategy in preventing breast cancer.
A 300-year record of oceanic nitrogen in Alaskan lake bottoms suggests a need for flexible management policies that account for climate and lake nutrient levels. The study found population swings related to known climate changes, with the biggest decline occurring in the 20th century.
A team of Stanford geophysicists used satellite radar images to detect rising volcanoes in the Galápagos Islands, a sign that they may erupt soon. The study found four out of six volcanoes on Isabela Island had risen in size over a seven-year period.