A study found that a common newborn hearing test may give false positives in as many as 35% of cases, leading to unnecessary worry and costs for follow-up tests. In contrast, a more complex test gave normal-hearing babies a passing grade nearly all the time.
Scientists have found a novel gene, JM2, that causes an inherited form of type 1 diabetes and autoimmunity in boys. The mutations affect the protein's function, leading to hyperactive immune cells that destroy islet cells, resulting in diabetes and allergies.
A new UB study reveals a significant association between breast cancer risk and physical characteristics of insulin resistance, including abdominal fat distribution and higher-than-normal male and female sex hormones. Women with increased waist-to-hip ratio and oily skin are at greater risk of developing breast cancer.
Research in Tobacco Control found that young healthy smokers took more time off work than non-smokers, with a significant increase in hospital admissions and lost workdays. Men smokers were more likely to take time off work and be admitted to hospital, while women smokers had higher admission rates as well.
A new trial found that a radioactive compound called MIBG can not only image but also help kill neuroblastoma tumors. In the Phase I trial, 11 children with advanced neuroblastoma had positive responses and few side effects when treated with MIBG combined with chemotherapy and bone marrow transplant.
A new study by University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill experts finds that back belts do not reduce workplace back pain or worker compensation claims. The research emphasizes the importance of addressing psychosocial elements to mitigate back pain, a leading public health issue in industrialized countries.
A new operation developed at Johns Hopkins improves vision for nearly half of the first 100 patients treated with early-stage macular degeneration. Six months after surgery, 48% of patients could read an additional two lines on a standard eye chart or had vision of 20/100 or better, enough to legally drive in Maryland.
A study published in Tobacco Control found that adopting more ambitious UK smoking cessation targets could avoid over 14,500 fewer heart attack admissions by 2010 compared to current targets. Achieving these targets is expected to save the NHS £1.14 billion.
A recent study from Ohio State University found that stress levels can weaken the immune system's response to pneumonia vaccinations. After six months, vaccinated individuals who were highly stressed showed a weaker immune response compared to those with lower stress levels.
A team of researchers found that the protein alpha1-antichymotrypsin doubles the accumulation of Alzheimer's disease-associated amyloid plaque in mice brains, indicating a potential therapeutic target. The study suggests that reducing or inhibiting this protein's activity could help prevent plaque formation and brain damage.
Researchers at Penn State have discovered a new mechanism for an existing antiviral drug that can alter the genetic makeup of RNA viruses. The discovery uses ribavirin to change the structure of viral RNA, preventing the virus from producing faithful copies and ultimately leading to its collapse.
A cost-effectiveness study finds radiofrequency ablation effective in treating supraventricular tachycardia, improving quality of life and reducing hospital visits. However, the online availability of hydrazine sulfate, touted as a cancer treatment with few side effects, has raised safety concerns after a fatal case report.
The study predicts a significant shortage of critical care specialists, with demand for their services rising rapidly while supply remains near constant. By 2020, the shortfall is expected to reach 22%, increasing to 35% by 2030, posing a substantial challenge to healthcare systems.
Researchers at Princeton University discovered a web browser design flaw that allows sites to collect users' recent browsing histories. This technique, dubbed a 'timing attack,' is undetectable and defeats most available privacy measures.
Two pivotal trials of Zevalin radioimmunotherapy show overall response rates of 80% and 74%, with patients achieving complete responses to therapy. Toxicity was primarily hematologic, transient and reversible.
A study by Cornell University researchers found that each mating strategy in side-blotched lizards has its advantages and vulnerabilities, allowing them to coexist and perpetuate. The aggressive orange-throated males, loyal blue-throated males, and sneaky yellow-throated males all have a reasonable chance of reproductive success.
A study of over 8,000 Scottish children found that under-6s are at high risk of injury from bunk bed falls. Most injuries were classified as significant and included fractures, head trauma, and lacerations.