A long duration of regular aspirin use is associated with a significant increase in pancreatic cancer risk among women. Women taking 14 or more tablets per week experience nearly an 86% increased risk, while those taking six to 13 tablets per week see a 41% higher risk.
Researchers discovered two converging pathways regulated by leptin, which modulate energy expenditure through the TRH promoter. Thyroid hormone also suppresses TRH production, integrating various signals to control energy metabolism.
The Early Treatment for Retinopathy of Prematurity (ETROP) study demonstrated that premature infants who receive early treatment have better vision outcomes compared to waiting until the traditional treatment threshold. The study also established a new risk assessment model to identify high-risk infants, reducing poor visual outcomes a...
New research suggests that macrophages are an underappreciated reservoir of virus in HIV infection. Macrophages continue to produce large amounts of an HIV-like virus even after CD4+ T cells are depleted, providing new insight on how the virus survives. This discovery may lead to new strategies for eliminating the virus from the body.
A retrospective analysis found that Risedronate reduced nonvertebral fracture risk by 69% at six months, compared to a 54% reduction in risk for patients taking Alendronate. This study suggests that Risedronate is an effective treatment option for osteoporosis prevention and treatment.
New research reveals estrogen can regress tamoxifen-resistant breast tumors by increasing apoptosis. Low levels of estradiol also inhibit tumor growth in raloxifene-resistant breast cancer cells.
IGFBP-5 promotes osteoblast function and bone formation in a manner distinct from IGF-I. The protein interacts with a receptor on osteoblasts to regulate cell growth and activity.
Two large studies followed US and British factory workers for extended periods, finding associations between formaldehyde exposure and increased risk of leukemia and lung cancer. However, the authors caution against drawing definitive conclusions about the carcinogenicity of formaldehyde in humans.
Human microvascular endothelial cells express CXCR3 receptor in response to cell cycle regulation, leading to antiproliferative effect. This mechanism provides an additional pathway for controlling angiogenesis, potentially blocking tumor growth.
A new brain imaging study found the thalamus, a key sensory filter, is smaller than normal in people with schizophrenia from its earliest stages. This may explain why individuals experience confusion during their illness due to impaired information processing and overload in certain brain regions.
The researchers designed and made a rotaxane-based nano motor powered by sunlight, which operates according to a four-stroke cycle. The system works continuously without consuming chemical fuels or generating waste.
Scientists successfully transform human mammary epithelial cells into breast cancer cells by introducing three cancer-associated genes, revealing key mechanisms underlying tumorigenesis. The study also highlights the importance of cross-talk between cancer cells and their microenvironment in metastasis.
Researchers at Rutgers University have developed a new pharmaceutical 'smart bomb' that targets cancer cells using an improved prodrug delivery system. The system uses nitroreductase as the activating trigger, guaranteeing a direct hit on cancerous cells and minimizing damage to normal cells.
A study by researchers at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center found that people who feel frustrated with dietary recommendations are more likely to eat a fat-laden diet. The study, which surveyed 1,751 adults in Washington state, also found evidence of 'nutrition backlash,' where negative feelings about diet messages lead to unhealthy ea...
A new study confirms previous findings that hair color, number of moles on the legs, and history of sunburn are risk factors for malignant melanoma. The study also found that use of sunbeds and other tanning devices is associated with an increased risk of the disease.
A study found that inactivated flu vaccine (TIV) was associated with lower health care visits and hospitalizations for pneumonia and influenza compared to the intranasal live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV) among US military personnel. TIV may be more effective than LAIV in preventing morbidity in highly immunized adult populations.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have identified an imprinted gene called PEG3 on human chromosome 19, which is linked to ovarian cancer and gliomas. This discovery sheds new light on the role of imprinting in human disease and has implications for our understanding of autism.
A study found that concerns about unknown ingredients, inconvenience, and previous side effects are major barriers to flu immunization. Addressing these concerns through outreach efforts and physician-patient interactions can increase vaccination rates in low-income populations.
A new pancreatic cancer vaccine has been found to be safe and successful in reaching immune system cells, with several patients remaining disease-free over 30 months after diagnosis. The vaccine uses lab-grown pancreatic cancer cells genetically-modified with the immune-boosting gene GM-CSF.
Researchers found that IL-7 increases in response to declining CD4+ cell counts, a hallmark of HIV disease. This cytokine stimulates the thymus and other immune tissues to produce new T-cells, potentially rebuilding the entire T-cell compartment.
A new study by University of North Carolina researchers finds that financial factors are a major contributor to the racial disparities in mammography rates among black women. The study, which controlled for other variables, found that black women who received a recommendation for mammography were more likely to have health insurance an...
A study found that PET scans are more accurate than traditional diagnostic techniques in determining how far lung cancer has spread. PET scans revealed cancer in 27 patients that had spread farther than thought, sparing them from futile attempts at aggressive therapy.
A new operations research model has the potential to reduce America's high mortality rate for those with End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) by as much as 20%, while also containing budget costs. The model helps dialysis centers optimize treatment and reduce financial burden.
A team of researchers at The Hospital for Sick Children has discovered two distinct types of stem cells within the blood system, short-term repopulating and long-term repopulating stem cells. These stem cells have different functions and could lead to improved cancer treatment and gene therapy outcomes.
The yips phenomenon affects over 25% of avid golfers, causing tremors and freezing while putting, with possible physical and psychological causes identified. Researchers hope to find relief through collaboration with the LPGA and testing beta blockers in a new study.
Researchers have shown that smoking more than triples the risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer. The study found that current smokers were three times more likely to develop the cancer compared to former smokers.
A study by Jean Twenge found that young adults are experiencing high levels of anxiety due to social problems and isolation. The research suggests that trait anxiety can lead to increased mortality rates from conditions such as asthma and coronary heart disease.
A recent NHLBI study found that inhaled corticosteroids do not significantly slow the progression of COPD, a disease affecting approximately 16 million Americans. However, patients treated with inhaled corticosteroids did experience fewer respiratory symptoms and improved lung sensitivity.
Researchers have identified a region in the right prefrontal cortex that can rapidly distinguish emotional information from visual stimuli. This finding suggests that neurons in this area can modulate visual information processing and may play a crucial role in responding to potentially threatening or dangerous stimuli.
Recent studies by Max Planck researchers found that presenting statistical information in 'natural frequencies' rather than probabilities improves experts' ability to reach correct conclusions. This method makes it easier for people to understand risk, leading to increased accuracy in medical diagnoses and criminal verdicts.
The program combines classroom instruction with investigative learning experiences at St. Louis science institutions to develop engaging biology curriculum for middle and secondary students. Eight topic areas will be covered, including genetics, animal behavior, and human impact on ecosystems.
A new study establishes a link between gastroesophageal reflux and allergies, including environmental allergens like pollens and molds. The discovery could lead to new treatments for children with eosinophilic esophagitis and adults with refractory reflux.
Researchers found that boosting nerve growth factor (NGF) in genetically engineered mice enabled them to learn new tasks more quickly. The study reveals a novel way to direct brain wiring, highlighting the dynamic nature of the brain's neural connections and its ability to reorganize in response to experience.
A study found that children with personal exemptions from immunization are 22.2 times more likely to acquire measles and 5.9 times more likely to acquire pertussis than vaccinated children. Exemptions also increase community risk, particularly in schools with outbreaks.
A new study published in Neurology found that selegiline, a drug used to treat Parkinson's disease, does not increase the risk of death for patients taking levodopa. The study compared the death rates of 97 patients with Parkinson's who received selegiline treatment with those of 902 people without the disease.
Researchers identified enlarged pituitary glands in patients with intracranial hypotension syndrome, a condition characterized by headaches that worsen when sitting up. The condition can be diagnosed through low spinal cord fluid pressure readings and treated with conventional therapies such as bed rest, hydration, and corticosteroids.
Scientists at Johns Hopkins have engineered a new type of cell that can develop into various tissues, overcoming drawbacks that limited hPSCs for disease therapy. The embryoid body derived cells (EBDs) reproduce readily and are easily maintained, eliminating the need for fetal tissues.
Current diagnostic criteria for diabetes are based on morning measurements, but patients tested in the afternoon may have higher fasting plasma glucose levels, leading to incorrect diagnoses. The study suggests that applying current criteria to afternoon patients could miss up to half of undiagnosed cases.
Researchers found that frontotemporal dementia patients shifted from disliking classical music to appreciating Italian pop, and another patient discovered a taste for pop music after losing interest in her children. The study suggests that novelty-seeking behavior may play a role in these changes.
A new national collaborative network for advanced earthquake engineering research and experimentation is being developed, enabling engineers to pool their experience and perform experiments and simulations on a larger scale. The network will also improve the design of infrastructure to withstand earthquakes and tsunamis.
A recent study published in Neurology has imaged language areas of the brain during recovery from stroke, providing insights into normal language processes and potential therapy optimizations. Researchers found that areas on the right side of the brain contribute to language recovery after left-side damage.
Researchers at Emory University found that temporal lobectomy significantly reduces complex partial seizures in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) who cannot be controlled by medication. However, the procedure is less effective in reducing generalized tonic-clonic seizures, also known as grand mal seizures.
Scientists at Mayo Clinic have identified a region on chromosome 10 as a potential contributor to late-onset Alzheimer's disease, affecting amyloid β protein processing. Researchers hope to discover the associated gene and potentially identify individuals at risk before they develop the disease.
Researchers made significant breakthroughs in genome sequencing, decoding the script of life in various organisms. These advances have profound implications for society and human health.
A study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that two major US dietary patterns, prudent and Western, result in distinct health risks. The prudent diet was associated with a favorable biomarker profile, while the Western diet was linked to higher plasma levels of biomarkers for cardiovascular disease risk and l...
Professor Shuji Nakamura of University of California, Santa Barbara, has been awarded the 2000 Honda Prize for his inventions of blue, green, and white light emitting diodes (LEDs). The energy-efficient white LED will replace incandescent lights, reducing energy consumption by up to 50%.
Researchers at USC's Information Sciences Institute have developed an AI system called 'elves' to manage their daily lives, using GPS tracking and automated scheduling. The system has shown success in handling the team's professional lives over an extended period.
A team of researchers at UCSB has built a device that can repeatedly detect the emission of a single photon, paving the way for unconditional security in communication. This achievement is crucial for quantum cryptography, which ensures the secrecy of information by altering the key upon eavesdropping.
A new Mayo Clinic study found that heavy smokers who cut back their smoking rate may not see health benefits, contradicting the assumption that reducing smoking can lead to better health. The study of 23 heavy smokers over nine weeks showed mixed results, with some biomarkers improving and others worsening.
A UCSF study found that elderly women who consume a higher amount of animal-based protein compared to vegetable-based protein are at an increased risk of bone loss and hip fractures. The researchers believe this is due to the high acid content in animal products, which can lead to bone dissolution over time.
The Hauptman-Woodward Medical Research Institute and University at Buffalo have received $3.13 million to develop new methods for determining protein structure, crucial for designing new drugs. Researchers will use X-ray crystallography and NMR spectroscopy to determine protein structures.
A female Northern Right Whale has been tracked every step of her journey between northern feeding grounds and southern breeding grounds using a satellite tracking tag sponsored by the Office of Naval Research. The successful tracking demonstrates a critical tool in the conservation efforts of this endangered species.
A recent study found that US military members have lower physical fitness rates compared to civilians, with 37% exercising less than three times a week. However, military members who exercise tend to do so more regularly than civilians, and required physical training is an effective method for increasing overall activity levels.
President Bill Clinton emphasizes the importance of understanding basic scientific concepts, citing climate change, the human genome, and nanotechnology as key areas of research. He also proposes solutions to improve science education, including paying teachers more or bringing in new instructors.
A new UCLA study suggests that a high-fat diet may contribute to the development of osteoporosis by reducing bone density and mineral content. The research, published in Journal of Bone and Mineral Research, could lead to new treatment options for osteoporosis, a disease affecting over one million people annually.
A study found that consuming high-procyanidin chocolate increased plasma concentrations of a procyanidin metabolite and reduced serum leukotriene, promoting blood platelet aggregation. This compound may provide cardioprotective effects by inhibiting platelet aggregation.
The study aims to determine the scope and adequacy of adult day services in the US, identifying gaps in availability and utilization. It will help shape future directions for the field and inform planning at local, state, and federal levels.
A new microarray technique can decipher the function of master switches in a cell by identifying the circuit, or set of genes, they control across the entire genome. This technique allows researchers to unravel complex genetic information in a week, compared to years with conventional methods.
Researchers from UCSD and Japan have identified a new gene called NUDEL, which plays a critical role in regulating the function of motor-molecules that transport cellular cargo within cells. This discovery sheds light on how neurons in the developing brain become wired and provides insights into neurodegenerative diseases.
Researchers have identified a new genetic risk factor for late onset Alzheimer’s disease on chromosome 10, which may interact independently of the APOE4 gene. The study found a potential mechanism linking this region to elevated amyloid-beta levels in the brain, suggesting new therapeutic opportunities.