A recent study by Duke University researchers found that moderate exercise alone can improve cholesterol levels and reduce body fat in mildly obese people, regardless of weight loss. The study showed significant improvements in cardiovascular risk factors, including a decrease in LDL cholesterol and an increase in HDL cholesterol.
A recent study by UCSF researchers has found a strong genetic link between early stage, non-invasive breast cancer cells and disease recurrences. The study suggests that second tumors are caused by residual cells left over from the primary lesion, highlighting the importance of wide surgical margins to prevent recurrence.
A Northwestern University researcher is leading a five-year, $5 million National Cancer Institute-sponsored study to improve current methods and evaluate new tests for detecting early-stage ovarian cancer. The study aims to identify novel biomarkers that can detect ovarian cancer in its early stages.
A University of Michigan professor and attorney conclude that amending the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) is necessary to protect patients' rights and physician autonomy. ERISA preempts state regulation of managed care organizations, allowing them to avoid liability for medical decisions.
Rheumatic fever, an immune system disease caused by streptococcal infection, is now believed to have killed Mozart, according to experts. The composer's symptoms and death were consistent with the disease, which was rare at the time due to lack of antibiotics.
The program will develop a curriculum for Community Health and Social Welfare Development Motivators to provide basic nursing tasks and support behavioral change in families and communities. The initiative aims to reduce stigma associated with HIV/AIDS and expand upon the work of various public and private organizations.
Scientists propose a revised four-point location model to explain how proteins discriminate between mirror-image molecules. This new understanding could significantly impact drug design, as it challenges the long-held three-point attachment model and may lead to more effective treatment strategies.
A study of genetically obese rats revealed that an overabundance of fat can collect in heart cells and cause them to die, leading to heart failure. The researchers found that a diabetes drug prevents this damage by oxidizing the fat so it burns up rather than accumulating and causing heart-cell death.
The symposium focuses on microbial evolution, genetics, and ecology, shedding light on the complexity of life and its applications in biotechnology. Key areas of research include mutation mechanisms, antibiotic resistance, and plant microbiome interactions.
A new study aims to reduce sexual behaviors that lead to HIV transmission by decreasing isolation of HIV-positive men and engaging them in primary prevention. The 'Bay Men' study, funded by the CDC, uses a support group format with social interaction to provide a safe environment for discussion and learning from each other.
Researchers suggest that a significant majority of people with type 2 diabetes derive little additional benefit from annual eye screening. Instead, every other year or even every third year screening is nearly as beneficial and more cost-effective. This finding could lead to a shift in recommendations for optimal screening intervals.
Children are at high risk for injuries from computer use due to poor posture and ergonomics. By following guidelines such as placing feet on the floor or footrests, maintaining a flat wrist angle while typing, and using adjustable workstations, schools can create safer environments for students.
Researchers captured the first direct images of how high-energy X-rays break apart proteins, revealing specific chemical bonds vulnerable to radiation. This discovery may lead to new methods for preventing radiation damage and improving diagnostic tools for protecting against radiation exposure.
Researchers identified a new treatment approach that could prevent life-threatening complications of alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency. A drug called 4-phenylbutyric acid (PBA) improved secretion of mutant protein, increasing levels by 20% to 50%. This approach may also help patients with other diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
A recent study found that nicotine increases alcohol consumption and may require simultaneous treatment for addiction. Nicotine activates the brain's nicotinic receptors, leading to dopamine release, similar to alcohol consumption.
A new study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine found that treatment rates for patients with a history of heart disease were low, but women were disproportionately under-treated. Only 12% of women with high LDL levels achieved an acceptable level, compared to 31% of men.
The Near Earth Asteroid Rendezvous (NEAR) spacecraft has captured a striking image of an asteroid featuring a heart-shaped depression. The feature, located below a large ridge on the potato-shaped asteroid, is approximately 3 miles wide and was visible from 1,609 miles away.
A recent study found that neighborhoods with higher densities of alcohol outlets have higher rates of drinking, accidents, and violence. The density of alcohol outlets in a neighborhood can shift the distribution of drinkers towards heavier drinking and more permissive norms.
Donald Saari's research on voting paradoxes and weighted voting systems has shown that simple plurality voting can produce misleading results. He suggests using the 'Borda count' system, which assigns weighted votes for each candidate, to better reflect voters' true wishes in elections.
Researchers develop Infrared Search and Track system to enhance low-altitude target detection. The new system will complement existing radars, providing improved detection in low-visibility conditions.
Scientists studying amphibian decline are exploring the role of pathogens like iridovirus and chytrid fungus in causing mass extinctions. The project, funded by a $3 million grant, aims to develop an integrative approach combining expertise from various fields.
Researchers aim to optimize internet traffic flow by allocating available capacity fairly among competing packets of information. A new algorithm developed could be applied to various networks, including telephone systems and power grids.
A recent study published in Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research found that short-term alcoholics demonstrate the same brain damage as long-term alcoholics. The study suggests that there may be separate vulnerabilities to developing an alcohol dependency and brain damage, and that recovery from brain damage can take time.
A new thermoelectric material has been discovered with the potential to significantly improve cooling efficiency in electronic systems. The material can drop temperatures by as low as 100 degrees when stimulated with an electrical current.
Researchers found that adolescent alcohol dependence was associated with impaired memory function, particularly in verbal and nonverbal retention. Heavy drinking over time also linked to poor visuospatial functioning and retrieval of verbal and nonverbal information.
Recent progress in mental retardation research has identified seven X-linked genes whose mutations cause non-specific MR, with most participating in intracellular signaling and the hippocampus. These findings may illuminate not only the causes of mental retardation but also the workings of the healthy human brain.
A new anti-angiogenesis drug delivered as a nose drop has shown promising results in treating AIDS-related Kaposi's Sarcoma. The study found a major response rate of 36% among patients, with some experiencing complete remission and others experiencing stabilization or regression of their disease for several weeks after stopping treatment.
A recent study found that heavy drinking during adolescence can cause significant damage to thinking abilities, particularly information recall. The researchers also discovered a link between withdrawal experiences and poorer neuropsychological functioning in adolescents.
UC San Diego bioengineers discover that blocking powerful pancreatic digestive enzymes in the intestine can prevent shock and multiple organ failure in experimental animals. This breakthrough provides clues into cellular mechanisms leading to shock and may lead to therapies to prevent and treat ischemic shock.
The international Consensus Conference Committee outlines treatment options for DCIS to determine the appropriate treatment for each patient. The committee recommends treating women with DCIS with breast conservation through lumpectomy or lumpectomy along with radiation therapy, while mastectomy may still be an option.
Scientists at Naval Research Laboratory created a two-sided power transistor using commercial silicon wafers, increasing efficiency by up to 5-10 times. The optimized transistor can operate at high frequencies and voltages, ideal for naval applications such as propulsion and communications systems.
Researchers have developed a new way to monitor brain damage in stroke patients, which could increase the number of eligible patients for clot-breaking treatments. The test combines cognitive assessments with MRI scans to identify patients with salvageable brain tissue.
Adding nurse practitioners to acute stroke teams can significantly decrease complications, leading to reduced hospital stays, fewer deaths, and improved patient recovery. This approach also helps lower the risk of urinary tract infections, pneumonia, and deep vein thrombosis.
Two studies found that nearly 40% of rural East Texas stroke patients arrived too late to receive tissue plasminogen activator (TPA), a treatment that can reverse stroke effects. The delay was often due to lack of knowledge about calling 911 or in-hospital delays.
Emergency room physicians demonstrate similar door-to-needle time and outcomes as neurologists in treating acute stroke patients. The study's results show that ER physicians can safely administer clot-busting treatments within minutes of a patient's arrival.
Scientists have discovered a protein that accumulates at the front end of a cell, enabling it to 'sense' its way to a target. This finding brings researchers closer to understanding chemotaxis, a process crucial for inflammation, disease fighting, and wound healing.
Researchers have discovered a naturally occurring animal model of subretinal neovascularization, a component of age-related macular degeneration in humans. The Bst mouse develops abnormal blood vessel growth beneath the retina, similar to human ARMD, providing insights into disease mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets.
A study found that 37% of kindergarten to fourth-grade children experience sleep-related problems, including bedtime resistance and daytime sleepiness. Pediatricians are not adequately screening school-age patients, and the results underscore the importance of understanding the consequences of disordered sleep on children's daily lives.
The NASA space shuttle Endeavour will gather information key to the University of Hawaii's research on the aftermath of volcanic eruptions. The mission aims to provide more extensive topographic data on volcanoes, including Mount Pinatubo, using advanced radar interferometry.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that higher PSA levels are associated with faster prostate growth, allowing doctors to predict and potentially slow growth through treatment. This study provides critical information for planning a treatment, emphasizing the importance of annual PSA tests for men over age 50.
A study found that top hospitals in the US are falling short in stroke prevention, with 40% of patients not receiving necessary clot-preventing medications. The study, which analyzed data from 961 patients, also showed that certain groups, such as older adults and those with major heart disease, were more likely to receive treatment.
A study conducted by the University of Southern California found that reducing co-payments for substance abuse treatment following detoxification increases participation rates. Almost 79% of managed care patients received follow-up treatment, with lower co-payments associated with higher participation.
A recent study published in the Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics found that 37% of school-aged children experience at least one sleep-related problem. The researchers collected data from children, parents, and teachers to highlight the importance of screening for sleep disturbances in this age group.
A study found that nearly 18% of people screened had significant blockages in their carotid arteries, which can lead to a stroke. Those with two or more risk factors, such as age over 65 or high cholesterol, are significantly more likely to have a blockage.
A study using fMRI scans found that sleep-deprived subjects displayed increased activity in the prefrontal cortex, while verbal learning tasks activated the parietal lobes, which showed better memory performance. The brain's compensation for sleep deprivation varies depending on the cognitive task.
Researchers identified distinct regions in the DNA where random genetic changes are more likely to benefit or harm an organism, suggesting a potential way to analyze genetic information from humans and other species. The study's findings could aid in understanding how life developed various proteins.
According to a new study, stroke incidence in the US may be rising, affecting over 1.2 million people annually. Researchers found that stroke numbers have remained stable for 15 years, suggesting previously reported figures may be too low.
Scientists at Berkeley Lab's PEEM2 microscope created the first high-resolution images of antiferromagnetic domain structures in lanthanum iron oxide. The findings hold promise for fabricating improved magnetic devices, such as read heads in computer hard-disk drives.
Researchers at Brookhaven Lab are developing a noninvasive blood monitor for PET imaging that can measure glucose metabolism in the blood without puncturing an artery. The device uses a patented detector and has the potential to significantly improve cancer diagnosis and treatment, as well as other diseases.
The National Research Council will assemble a committee of experts to consider how undergraduates can gain knowledge and skills needed for research careers in the rapidly changing biomedical sciences. The committee will produce a report with recommendations, along with case studies and a review of best practices.
Researchers at UC Irvine have developed a method to study the function of genes necessary for limb regeneration in salamanders, a finding that may provide key information for treating ailments like spinal cord injury and deep wounds. By understanding the process of regeneration, researchers may find new approaches and therapies for rep...
The Chinese alligator is critically endangered with fewer than 150 remaining in the wild. Conservationists believe that restoring populations through habitat improvements and captive breeding can help stage a comeback for this culturally significant species.
A new study by Queen's University researchers reveals that extreme water shortages occurred naturally in Eastern Africa over the past 1,100 years. The research warns of potential devastating impacts of future climate changes on global water supplies and food security.
Researchers at UMass have created a miniature UMass logo using nanotechnology, with potential applications in creating smaller electronic devices and increasing magnetic storage. This breakthrough is part of a larger push to develop new technologies through the study of nature's own self-assembling molecular structures.
The AAPS Workshop on Bioanalytical Methods Validation (BMV) for Macromolecules aims to determine industry standards and validation considerations for quantitative macromolecule-detecting technologies. The workshop will develop a report on bioanalytical validation criteria and standardization of terminology.
A recent study found that nearly one-third of patients with suspected stroke symptoms were not properly diagnosed or treated by their primary care physicians. The researchers emphasize the need for urgent evaluation and prevention measures to reduce stroke risk, as these early symptoms can predict future events.
Researchers at Oregon Stroke Center have successfully treated five stroke patients with laser clot-busting, achieving complete vessel re-opening in some cases. The study aims to examine the safety of the technique and explore its potential as a next wave of acute stroke treatment.
Astronomers discovered that Jupiter's massive thunderstorms closely resemble clusters of thunderstorms on Earth, but develop from the planet's core heat rather than solar heat. These mesoscale convective complexes drive Jupiter's weather system and produce huge quantities of rain.
Researchers at Queen's University have made a groundbreaking discovery about the cause of sudden heart failure after open-heart surgery. They found that a specific protein called troponin I is damaged, leading to cardiac stunning. This new understanding could lead to new ways of preventing and treating this specific heart problem.
Respiratory problems caused by workplace exposure affect various jobs, including farming, seafood industry, food processing, and manufacturing. Employers can take simple technological fixes to reduce worker risks.