A survey of over 3000 Gulf War veterans revealed that lower ranks were significantly more likely to report psychological and physical ill health, with privates being 20% more likely than non-commissioned officers. Discharge from military service was also linked to a higher risk of reported ill health.
Researchers have identified two Bifidobacterium strains that exhibit potent antimicrobial properties, protecting the intestinal tract from lethal infection with salmonella. These strains, CA1 and F9, decrease bacterial numbers, prevent entry into cells, and work in concert with gut lining enzymes to produce a barrier against infection.
A new study revealed that seasonal temperature changes, specifically colder winters, contributed to the Eocene/Oligocene mass extinction. Researchers analyzed otoliths from fish that survived the event, discovering a 4-degree Celsius drop in winter temperatures.
A UCSF study found that group appointments can improve the delivery of care to chronically ill patients, particularly low-income women. The pilot program included 90-minute sessions with a family physician and nurse practitioner team, resulting in increased patient engagement and better health outcomes.
A new program, 'Health Works After the Flood,' aims to address post-flood stress and potential domestic violence among blue-collar working women. The initiative builds on a previous project and will provide training and support to local communities to minimize domestic violence at home and in the workplace.
The 9th International Coral Reef Symposium in Bali, Indonesia brings together experts to discuss the state of global coral reefs and potential solutions to address mass coral bleaching and die-offs. The conference highlights new insights into mystery diseases killing coral reefs and breakthroughs in Marine Protected Areas.
Researchers used a new technique to analyze fossilized otoliths, revealing seasonal temperature records that led to the discovery of colder winters as the cause of the Eocene/Oligocene boundary mass extinction. This finding sheds light on the global-scale problem and provides new insights into climate change's impact on evolution and e...
Researchers at Brown University have developed a new way to sequence DNA that is faster and more efficient than current methods. By inserting gaps into DNA probes, they can extract substantially more information about the DNA, allowing for the sequencing of tens of thousands of bases.
The meeting aims to facilitate moving drug addiction research into clinical practice, with discussions on using research in real-life settings and forging partnerships. Presentations will cover topics such as the effects of drugs on the brain, gender issues in treatment, and innovations in medication development.
A significant number of patients use the internet as a source of medical information, with over 25% using it in the last year. Physicians should initiate dialogue early on concerning where patients should look for accurate, comprehensive and understandable online health information.
A new obesity treatment program has resulted in sustained weight loss for six years by developing two fundamental internal skills: self-nurturing and effective limit setting. Participants lost an average of 13 pounds in the first 12 weeks and continued to lose weight after treatment ended.
The National Science Board will convene an open session on October 19, 2020, at the National Science Foundation. The agenda includes swearing-in of new members, review of minutes from August 2000, and discussion of NSF planning issues such as the Mathematics Initiative and stipends.
The Fogarty International Center is funding five initial awards and three planning grants to support training programs in research ethics, teaching, and clinical trial design in developing countries. The program aims to enhance international bioethics guidelines and practices.
A study by researchers compared colonoscopy to fecal occult blood tests (FOBT) and sigmoidoscopy in screening for colorectal cancer. The findings show that colonoscopy is the most cost-effective option, reducing death rates at relatively low costs by removing precancerous polyps and detecting cancer at early stages.
A study found that 57,000 Canadian families struggle with hunger due to lack of funds for food. Parents often sacrifice their health to provide for their children, highlighting the need for improved social safety nets.
Researchers found that pramipexole, a dopamine agonist, reduces debilitating complications in Parkinson's patients. However, it may not control disease symptoms as well as levodopa, which carries more side effects.
A review of patients treated with NIPPV found mortality rates were 28.6% higher in the clinical setting compared to randomized trials. The authors recommend developing practice guidelines to optimize NIPPV use. Dr. Sheldon Magder comments on the limitations of relying heavily on randomized trial findings in clinical settings.
A mathematical model suggests that one-time colonoscopy at age 55 can significantly reduce colorectal cancer mortality. The study found that this strategy is cost-effective and can achieve up to 50% reduction in CRC mortality, depending on compliance.
The environment plays a significant role in cancer development, with occupational factors and environmental pollution attributed to 5-7% of cancer deaths. Dr. Richard Clapp reviews the relationship between environmental exposure and cancer, emphasizing the importance of cancer prevention and physician screening for hazardous exposures.
A prospective study of 10,786 Italian women found a 40% lower risk of breast cancer in premenopausal women with the C-2 estrogen metabolism pathway, which produces less active by-products. Lifestyle changes such as physical activity and a low-fat diet high in cruciferous vegetables may shift estrogen metabolism from high-risk to low-risk.
A Yale University study found that premature infants have smaller brains than full-term babies, with significant differences in brain volume and cortical regions. The study's findings suggest a link between prematurity, brain development, and cognitive outcomes.
Researchers developed a new technique that can target aerosol particles to smaller, harder-to-reach airways in the lungs of people with cystic fibrosis. The method uses fine particles and varying inhalation rates to direct the spray to different areas of the lungs.
A new study reveals nearly 12 million American women aged 15-44 are uninsured, with ethnic minorities facing greater gaps in coverage. State disparities also exist, with some states having up to 30% of women without insurance.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have shed light on the process of hereditary retinal degeneration, revealing that the death of rod cells ultimately leads to the demise of cone cells. This chain of events is an elegant demonstration of how the body compensates when one of its functions is compromised.
The team designed a unique mathematical system for analyzing genetic data based on a computer algorithm that clusters information into relevant categories. The algorithm mimics unassisted learning, categorizing tissue samples into separate clusters according to their gene expression profiles.
Children with severe asthma are at risk of bone loss due to inadequate dietary calcium. Taking a daily calcium supplement can help prevent this condition. Researchers found that only 5-10% of children at the study site were taking a calcium supplement, highlighting the need for increased awareness and supplementation.
A cross-sectional study found that only 35% of elderly patients with delirium were diagnosed in the emergency department, highlighting the need for improved detection methods. The study emphasizes the importance of developing better tools to identify delirium in ER settings.
A definitive study led by John Kirkwood at the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute found that high-dose interferon alfa 2b extends both overall survival and relapse-free survival in surgically treated high-risk melanoma patients. This regimen significantly outperforms a comparison vaccine, GMK, in terms of survival impact.
The Smoke-Free Families National Dissemination Office aims to increase cessation rates by up to 70% through counseling and strong social support. The office will disseminate current best practices and conduct research to integrate effective quitting methods into clinical settings.
A University of Pittsburgh study found laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery to be a safe and effective procedure for significant weight loss in morbidly obese individuals. The study showed a low rate of complications, short hospital stay, and rapid recovery.
Rockefeller University's centennial symposium marks a historic achievement in chemistry, recognizing research in nucleic acids and proteins as a National Historic Chemical Landmark. The university has ties to 21 Nobel laureates, including Bruce Merrifield and Paul Greengard.
Women taking tamoxifen for breast cancer prevention don't need regular uterine biopsies to detect early endometrial cancer. Abnormal vaginal bleeding is a more effective indicator of the rare but curable condition.
Researchers found that 6-beta naltrexol, a metabolite of naltrexone, can reduce alcohol drinking in rats. The study suggests that 6-beta naltrexol is a potential new medication for treating alcohol dependence.
The current medical research protocols are out of step with evidence-based medicine and new technology developments, suggests an analysis in the Journal of Medical Ethics. Patients taking part in research deserve the same safety and regulation standards as public transport passengers, yet often receive inadequate care.
A study in Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research examines gender-specific reasons for treatment retention in private substance abuse treatment programs. Women's staying power is linked to being unemployed, married, and having higher incomes, while men's staying power is related to receiving employer pressure and having a goal to...
Researchers at the National Institute on Drug Abuse found that squirrel monkeys will self-administer intravenous injections of THC, a psychoactive compound in marijuana, in doses comparable to those used by humans. This study suggests that marijuana has similar abuse potential as other addictive substances like cocaine and heroin.
A study in mice found that genetic background influences blood-pressure response to acute alcohol exposure, with some strains experiencing increased blood pressure and others not. The findings suggest a predisposition to greater increases in blood pressure with alcohol consumption, potentially leading to hypertension.
New research found that 13 of 50 people with primary pulmonary hypertension shared a genetic defect in the BMPR-II gene, similar to those with familial forms. This discovery has important implications for treatment and future therapies focused on altered cell signals.
Researchers used frog extracts to study DNA replication in Bloom's Syndrome, finding the protein essential for this process. This discovery may lead to new treatments for human cancer, as the protein is likely to have the same function in humans.
A clinical trial of Mylotarg found disease remission in 34% of patients under 60 and 26% of those over 60, with a median overall survival of 5.9 months. No significant differences were seen in adverse events between age groups.
Researchers found distinct differences in brain activity between responders and non-responders to fluoxetine, with widespread chain of events kicking in across multiple brain regions over time. The study identified critical brain areas that appear to be 'switches' controlling the direction of treatment response.
A study published in Cancer Research reveals that a gene called RhoC GTPase contributes to the development of an aggressive and deadly form of breast cancer. The research found that overexpression of this gene in normal cells leads to rapid tumor growth, invasion, and metastasis.
A study by the NIH found that ACE inhibitors and beta blockers significantly reduced kidney failure risk compared to calcium channel blockers. High blood pressure management has improved stroke and heart disease risks, but kidney failure remains a concern for African Americans.
Two studies found that common screening techniques for tamoxifen-induced endometrial cancer are ineffective. Tissue biopsies and transvaginal ultrasound screenings detected few abnormalities and led to unnecessary procedures. Patients should be reassured and monitored for abnormal vaginal bleeding instead.
University of Florida scientists are helping North Florida growers produce a crop in November by tricking strawberry plants into acting like spring has arrived. The process involves putting young strawberry plants in refrigerated trailers for about two weeks, making them think they've been through the required winter chilling period.
Researchers at Cornell University have developed a new imaging technique called ion microscopy, which offers high sensitivity for detecting isotopes of elements. This technique promises to open new avenues of cancer research by localizing anticancer drugs inside tumor cells.
Researchers have identified regulatory cells that govern the behavior of stem cells in Drosophila, revealing a specialized cellular environment known as a niche. The niche environment provides support needed for stem cell self-renewal, and its characteristics may offer insights into human stem cell regulation.
A fragile, charcoal-like meteorite that plummeted onto a frozen Canadian lake last January may represent the most primitive solar system material yet studied. Analysis of its mineral composition and oxygen and carbon isotopes suggests it could be part of a new class of carbonaceous chondrites, more primitive than any found previously.
Researchers identified gene locations involved in fat deposition and diabetes risk, with effects influenced by a mother's weight. Mice with genetic predisposition for diabesity were less obese if nursed by a lean foster mother, hinting at the role of maternal environment in triggering obesity and diabetes.
Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have created a 'map' of the wild emmer wheat genome, revealing hundreds of unique DNA sequences on 14 chromosomes. This new understanding will aid in breeding better wheat crops and shed light on the evolution of wheat.
The Johns Hopkins Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine is working on identifying genes involved in 10 heart and lung diseases. The researchers will use DNA microarray technology to examine tissue samples from 10 patient populations.
A new study by Cornell University found that dual-earner couples tend to follow traditional gender roles, with husbands' careers given priority. This 'neotraditional' model helps couples manage work and family demands, but may have negative consequences for women's job security and advancement opportunities.
Researchers will present and discuss new PET clinical uses, including cancer diagnosis and management, and comparison with CT for staging melanoma. The briefing also explores PET imaging agent Fluorocholine and its applications.
A team of scientists from the University of Illinois at Chicago has discovered a molecular motor called myosin-1 in the nucleus, where it powers the assembly line that forges RNA messages off DNA templates. This finding offers insight into the DNA transcription process and may lead to new ways to treat cancers and other diseases.
Phase I clinical trials show CCI-779's potential as a cancer treatment, inhibiting tumor growth with minimal side effects. The drug targets the mTOR pathway, which may selectively arrest the development of certain cancer cells.
The Near Earth Asteroid Rendezvous (NEAR) mission has successfully executed the first of three orbital correction maneuvers to bring its spacecraft closer to asteroid Eros. The spacecraft will make a gradual pass within 4 miles of the asteroid's surface, gathering high-resolution images and data on the asteroid's structure.
The Digital Childhood conference explores how interactive technologies influence child development, aiming to promote healthy growth and development. Experts in cognitive, social, and emotional child development will discuss the benefits and risks of technology engagement for children.
A study by the NIH/NHLBI confirms inhaled corticosteroids provide superior asthma control in children with mild to moderate asthma. However, growth rate was slightly reduced in the first year, but this effect was short-term and temporary.
Scientists at Rutgers University have found that humans have significantly altered the global carbon cycle over the past 200 years, leading to a rapid increase in atmospheric CO2 levels. The study's authors caution that governments must adopt new technologies to mitigate this trend and prevent unforeseen consequences for the Earth system.
A study by the Childhood Asthma Management Program Research Group found that inhaled steroids are a safe and effective treatment option for mild asthma, reducing hospitalizations and urgent care visits. The medication also showed no significant long-term adverse effects on growth or development.