Researchers at Yale and Alexion discovered harmful complement activation in patients with acute coronary syndrome, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease. The study found that activated complement levels increased by up to 70% in ACS patients' hearts, compared to 16% in stable angina patients.
The NEAR spacecraft has obtained the first ever laser range returns from an asteroid and the first ever X-ray detection of an asteroid. High-resolution images show chains of craters, numerous boulders, and long ridges on the surface of asteroid Eros.
A Duke University Medical Center study found that depressed heart failure patients are at a higher risk of dying and experience more cardiovascular complications. The research proposes a mechanism by which depression harms the heart, including diminished heart rate variability and stickier platelets that increase blood clotting
A study found that acutely ill asthmatics have a low pH level in their expired air, which normalizes with glucocorticoid treatment. This discovery may lead to novel therapies aimed at restoring the natural pH balance of the airway.
A statewide project led by UNC Chapel Hill aims to understand how North Carolina counties have implemented the state's Work First Program. The study will gather information from county officials and analyze interviews with key stakeholders, providing insights into the evolving relationships between states and their counties.
A new study found that women taking lower-dose birth control pills experienced fewer side effects, such as bloating and breast tenderness, compared to those taking traditional 35 mcg pills. The study also showed that these lower-dose pills provided equally good contraceptive protection.
A new study from the University of California, San Francisco, suggests that stimulating blood vessel growth with VEGF may help repair stubbornly non-healing fractures. Researchers found that injecting VEGF into broken mouse legs promoted bone growth and increased expression of genes necessary for osteoblast formation.
Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center found that levels of two blood factors associated with heart disease risk vary during a woman's menstrual cycle. Levels of PAI-1 decreased steadily as the cycle progressed, while vWF peaked at days 2 and 23, potentially increasing heart attack risk for postmenopausal women.
Researchers found that using smaller mechanical breaths reduces deaths from acute lung injury and acute respiratory distress syndrome. The study showed a 22% decrease in mortality rates, giving acutely inflamed lungs a better chance of healing.
Alexandre Chorin, a renowned mathematician, is working on a new method of optimal prediction that could contribute to solving the turbulence problem. His work incorporates contributions from collaborators and aims to tackle the complex multi-dimensional problem that defies current computing power.
Researchers have confirmed a new, genetically distinct species of Pfiesteria that thrives in waters with high levels of nitrogen, posing risks to fish and potentially human health. The discovery brings the total number of toxic Pfiesteria species to two, shedding light on their life cycles and behaviors.
Researchers found that Pin1 depletion allows cell division despite DNA damage, suggesting drugs inhibiting Pin1 could trigger cancer cells to divide and die even with lethal damage. This approach may spare normal cells from uncontrolled division.
Researchers have identified a protein, Chk2, that activates the tumor suppressor gene p53 to prevent damaged DNA from causing cancer. In Chk2-deficient cells, the brakes on proliferation are released, allowing cancerous cell growth.
Current data shows that nursing homes with low nurse staff levels have a greater incidence of health problems among older adults. The authors recommend minimum staffing standards to improve care, including higher registered nurse-to-resident ratios and additional education and training.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have identified a molecular switch, the protein p21, that controls the development and proliferation of hematopoietic stem cells. The discovery may solve a major limitation to using these stem cells in transplants and gene therapies.
Researchers modeled US ecosystem carbon budget using state-of-the-art data and models, finding small uptake of carbon despite high emissions. The results suggest that ecosystems in the US store carbon, but not enough to balance fossil fuel use, making other regions important for climate change mitigation.
A recent study published in Science reveals that urban and industrial air pollution can suppress rainfall and snowfall by creating clouds with abnormally small water droplets. This phenomenon occurs when pollution particles act as 'seeding' sites, preventing cloud moisture from condensing into raindrops and ice crystals.
The 100th meeting of the American Society for Microbiology brought together experts in the field to share groundbreaking research on various microbiological topics. Key findings included significant progress in understanding microbial mechanisms and developing new diagnostic tools.
A study led by Colorado State University scientists reveals that human-caused global changes, such as land-use change and nitrogen deposition, are expected to drive biodiversity loss between now and 2100. The research identifies five primary drivers of global change and assesses their impact on terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems.
A new diode laser technique developed by MGH dermatologist Eliot Battle successfully removes excessive hair from individuals with darker ethnic skin. The longer-wavelength laser light and slower pulse delivery reduce damage to the surrounding skin, enabling patients with darker skin tones to tolerate higher energy dosages.
A nationwide clinical trial found that reducing tidal volumes in mechanical ventilation can cut mortality from Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) by up to 22%. The study, involving 861 patients and coordinated at Massachusetts General Hospital, used a new technique with smaller oxygen puffs to provide breathing assistance.
A Mayo Clinic study found that blood pressure levels differ equally between day and night, potentially increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke. The researchers monitored 240 healthy people for 20 consecutive hours, revealing significant variations in blood pressure during sleep.
New research suggests that aerosol pollutants in the atmosphere are likely masking global warming. Aerosols can modify clouds, suppress precipitation, and reflect light, cooling the Earth. This effect may be as large as the warming caused by human emissions of greenhouse gases.
The conference features expert speakers discussing attitudinal healing, the importance of spirituality in maintaining good health, and navigating the confusing signals of menopause. Women can learn how to incorporate spiritual practices into their daily lives and make informed choices about their health.
Researchers at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center discovered a secondary retroviral receptor, dubbed FELIX, crucial for feline leukemia virus (FeLV) infection. This discovery may provide a window into the pathway of retroviruses like HIV and potentially lead to therapies that disable the virus.
An asteroid impact would cause catastrophic destruction and an impact winter, but a subsequent 'ultraviolet spring' could be even more devastating due to ozone depletion and acid rain. This period of intense UV radiation could lead to widespread DNA damage, mutations, cancer, and plant death.
A new archaeon, Ferroplasma acidarmanus, is found in mining sites and accelerates the production of sulfuric acid, a major environmental pollutant. The microbe's ability to thrive in acidic conditions without a cell wall defies conventional understanding.
Researchers analyzed lunar cratering data and found a sudden increase in impacts about 400 million years ago. This period corresponds to the rapid evolution of life on Earth during the Cambrian explosion.
A study of 442 women in US and India found that most could calculate their gestational ages accurately, with most errors within a clinically insignificant margin. This suggests that unsupervised medical abortion using mifepristone-misoprostol may be safe for many women.
Scientists have developed a new imaging technique using ripples on the sun's surface to probe its interior and locate hidden solar storms. This breakthrough enables forecasting of solar storms with a week's warning, potentially disrupting spacecraft and power systems.
Researchers used genomics-based approach to discover new surface proteins that behave differently and are present across multiple strains of Neisseria meningitidis. These proteins can stimulate an antibody response capable of killing the bacterium, a key property for vaccine efficacy.
A CSIRO trial found that plant sterol-enriched margarine can reduce LDL cholesterol by an average of 9.6%. The study showed that including the spread in the diet for three weeks resulted in a 10% reduction in cholesterol levels, which may lower the risk of heart disease.
Weizmann Institute scientists developed a new method to incorporate organic molecules into electronic devices, controlling their properties and predicting behavior. The approach overcomes challenges in detecting electrical properties of organic molecules, enabling a feasible way to harness their diversity.
A study led by Johns Hopkins researchers found that patients with fulminant myocarditis can fully recover from the condition within two weeks without much damage to the heart or chance of relapse. Effective treatments include medications and mechanical pumps, which can increase blood flow and assist heart function.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic have discovered a significant link between major depression and seizures in older adults. The study, published in Annals of Neurology, found that individuals with a history of major depression were six times more likely to experience a seizure after age 55.
Researchers found that fruit flies exhibit behavioral and molecular changes similar to those observed in mammals, suggesting they may be capable of sleeping. The study provides new insights into the functions of sleep and could lead to the development of new treatments for human sleep disorders.
A study by UF/Cincinnati psychiatrists found that internet addicts struggle with mental illnesses like manic depression and anxiety disorders. On average, each participant had five other major psychiatric problems.
The NHLBI halted a study on high blood pressure treatments after an independent review found that an alpha-adrenergic blocker, doxazosin, was less effective than the diuretic chlorthalidone in reducing cardiovascular disease. The study compared newer drug treatments with conventional and less costly treatment options.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University found that brain cells 'synchronize' to pay attention to a single stream of sensory information. This synchronization, like singing in a chorus, enables the brain to filter out distractions and prioritize important stimuli.
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine highlights a rare genetic disorder Ehlers-Danlos syndrome Type IV, which increases the chance of early death. The disease affects between one in 100,000 and one in 500,000 people, with most deaths following rupture of large arteries.
A large clinical trial, ALLHAT, has stopped part of its study due to Cardura being less effective at lowering blood pressure and preventing heart failure. The study compared Cardura with a diuretic, finding those taking Cardura had more serious hypertension complications
A University of Colorado study identified deposits of beta amyloid in the brains of wild, aging landlocked salmon, sparking new ideas about human aging and Alzheimer's disease. The study found that while brain regions responsible for memory and navigation were affected, other areas continued to function normally.
NASA is launching a new effort to develop a safer and cheaper reusable launch vehicle system, relying on commercial industry to meet NASA's science and exploration goals. The agency aims to reduce risk and technical challenges by partnering with industry partners.
A University of Maryland School of Medicine study found that mass treatment campaigns for schistosomiasis in Egypt led to a significant transmission of hepatitis C. The campaign used reusable needles and syringes, which were later replaced with disposable ones.
Scientists developed a theoretical model of food web organization based on two simple rules, revealing deep similarities between diverse ecosystems. The 'niche model' accurately predicts 12 characteristics of food webs, surpassing the cascade model's predictions.
A new study published in Nature found no association between nighttime lighting and the development of nearsightedness in children. The study surveyed over 1,200 children and found that parents' eye sight and genetics played a more significant role in causing myopia.
The NYU Division of Nursing has partnered with the Hugoton Foundation to launch a new Faculty/Staff Nurse Research Fellowship, providing $100,000 in funding for two teams of nurse researchers. The fellowship aims to study pressing clinical practice issues, including pressure ulcers and maternal/child health.
A study of medical students, residents, and physician teachers found that women are more likely to be single and childless, and spend twice as much time on household chores. The optimal time for parenthood is after training completion, which has repercussions for the healthcare system.
A new UCSF study found that bone density loss during osteoporosis treatment is often a sign of regular medication adherence, not a failure of the medication. Women who lost bone density in the first year may actually gain it back with continued treatment.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that longer-term methadone maintenance therapy significantly surpasses short-term detoxification and psychosocial counseling. The study revealed higher treatment retention rates and lower heroin use rates among participants in the MMT group compared to those...
A new rapid and reliable method for detecting tuberculosis has been developed, using the microscopic observation broth-drug susceptibility assay (MODS). The test is inexpensive and sensitive enough to be used in the field by health officers in developing countries.
A study found that 24% of elderly individuals experienced recurring dizziness, with factors like anxiety, depression, and taking five or more medications contributing to the issue. Two last-resort options for end-of-life suffering are discussed: terminal sedation and voluntary refusal of food and fluids.
A study by Yale researchers found that 24% of elderly people experience recurring dizziness, which may be caused by multiple problems. The condition, referred to as a geriatric syndrome, can be effectively treated by identifying and addressing contributing factors.
A UCSF study compared methadone maintenance with a 180-day detoxification program and found that methadone maintenance resulted in lower heroin use rates and fewer drug-related HIV risk behaviors. The study suggests that pharmacological tools are needed to combat heroin addiction.
A new University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill study confirms that Thoroughbred horse racing is also a sport of serious injuries. Researchers found 6,545 injuries among 2,700 licensed jockeys over a four-year period, with most head injuries resulting from being thrown or struck by the horse's head.
A recent study published in Obstetrics and Gynecology found that 92% of women experienced a decrease in symptoms after hysterectomy, leading to improved quality of life. The surgery provided significant relief from painful symptoms such as pelvic pain, urinary incontinence, and fatigue.
Nursing home residents with low nurse staffing have higher incidence of health problems, including urinary catheter use, skin care, and malnutrition. Experts recommend increased staffing, education, and training to improve quality care.
The Isle Royale wolf population has rebounded after years of decline, with five new pups added to the total count. The Middle Pack now controls most of the island's area, increasing access to moose for food. Meanwhile, the East Pack maintains control over the eastern end of the island.
A new method suggests that trees and large plants led to an increase in atmospheric oxygen over 300 million years ago. This period saw higher concentrations of oxygen lasting for 100 million years, significantly higher than current levels of 21 percent.
A study found that only 15% of women in prison had undergone cervical cancer screening, despite 75% being willing to receive it. Short stays and urgent medical needs contribute to this disparity. Improved medical care could reduce the burden of ill health later on.