Researchers hope to achieve a treatment that prevents total paralysis after partial spinal cord injury by adding T-cells to the immune response. In laboratory animal tests, rats with partial spinal cord injuries regained motor activity in their paralyzed legs, while untreated rats developed increasing paralysis.
A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that lutein and zeaxanthin, two types of carotenoids, have a protective effect against colon cancer. The antioxidants in these compounds help neutralize oxygen radical species and reduce the risk of colon cancer, particularly in younger individuals.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that immune system cells can attack normal cells carrying mimic molecules, leading to autoimmune diseases like arthritis. The study suggests subtle changes that could underlie many autoimmune diseases and offers a starting point for investigating environmental or genetic triggers.
Researchers have discovered the cause of enhanced S-cone syndrome (ESCS), a disorder that affects sensitivity to blue light and development of night blindness. Mutations in the photoreceptor gene NR2E3 were found in 94% of DNA samples from ESCS-affected individuals.
This issue of Annals of Internal Medicine offers guidance on identifying and treating depression in terminally ill patients. A new program combining physical therapy and exercise is shown to effectively manage osteoarthritis symptoms, potentially delaying surgery for affected adults. Meanwhile, a pet parrot infection has been transmitt...
A study found that unfiltered coffee increases plasma homocysteine concentrations in healthy volunteers, equating to a 10% overall increase in risk for heart attack or stroke. Individuals at risk of cardiovascular diseases should limit their consumption of unfiltered coffee.
The University of California, San Francisco is set to conduct a pioneering study on liver and kidney transplantation in HIV-infected patients. The research aims to determine the safety and efficacy of these procedures in individuals with end-stage liver and kidney disease, which are often fatal due to co-infection with hepatitis C virus.
A new report by WHO found that US 15-year-olds are less likely to watch television, smoke, or engage in regular physical activity. In contrast, 11-year-old US students began smoking at rates comparable to other countries.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center analyzed over 3,000 patients in triple-drug combination trials and found that those taking fewer pills had better treatment outcomes. Patients on simpler regimens with as few as four pills per day had significantly higher success rates compared to those on complex regimens.
The ACP-ASIM End-of-Life Care Consensus Panel provides guidance on identifying and managing depression in dying patients, which can improve their quality of life. The panel's recommendations are based on state-of-the-art psychosocial interventions and/or drug treatments.
Researchers found Madh6 gene and Smad6 protein play crucial role in cardiovascular system, causing heart valve and blood vessel abnormalities. This discovery provides potential target for developing novel therapies to treat cardiovascular disease.
A groundbreaking study led by Northwestern University aims to understand the health needs of delinquent children over time. The longitudinal study examines factors such as service integration, treatment effectiveness, and HIV/AIDS risk behaviors among 1,800 racially diverse youth.
Researchers develop a mouse model for intrauterine growth retardation and find that administering indomethacin during pregnancy can rescue underweight fetuses. The study provides promising insights into the underlying biochemistry of IUGR and identifies a potential therapeutic approach.
Researchers found that men with Antisocial Personality Disorder have significant deficiencies in the prefrontal cortex, a brain region enabling moral sensibilities and self-restraint. The study bolsters the link between damage to this region and the acquisition of antisocial behavior.
Eight scientists have been selected for the Gerhard Hess prize for their groundbreaking work in humanities, biology, and medicine. The winners include Dr. Martin Wallraff for his critical edition of a Christian author's chronography, and Dr. Thomas Behr for developing radioimmunotherapies to treat tumours.
A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that smokers who received vitamin C supplements showed a substantial 3-fold increase in vitamin C levels, while nonsmokers and placebo recipients showed minimal changes. Vitamin C is significantly depleted by smoking, making supplementation beneficial for smokers.
Multiple studies show that psyllium can effectively lower total and LDL cholesterol levels in adults with hypercholesterolemia. Psyllium husks, a non-soluble fiber, may increase bile acid excretion and secondarily reduce cholesterol from the liver.
The American Liver Foundation will honor Dr. John M. Vierling for his significant advances in understanding autoimmune and alloimmune liver diseases, as well as Dr. Andrew J. Conrad for his impact on chronic viral infections diagnosis and management. The foundation's recognition dinner will take place on February 11.
A new study suggests that planetary systems similar to ours are not common in the galaxy, with only 44.7% of stars capable of supporting such systems. This finding contradicts the theory that planetary systems are necessary for extraterrestrial life.
A recent study by Ohio State University found that premature birth is associated with a higher risk of learning disabilities, with 40-50% of affected children having special educational services. The research also identified behavioral issues in young children born prematurely, with those who struggled during testing being more likely ...
The Cranfield Impact Centre estimates that 5.6 million children under two fly worldwide each year, often without proper protection. Experts advocate for child safety seats to ensure equal protection for adults and children during flights.
Scientists at Human Genome Sciences and the CRC Beatson Institute discovered a new protein that blocks a key receptor on eosinophils, cells that induce allergic reactions. This breakthrough could lead to the development of a new drug to treat asthma and allergies.
A new molecular engineering technique, inspired by centuries-old concept of principal axes of inertia, can help researchers identify functional regions on proteins crucial for drug delivery. This method may aid in developing molecular-modeling software to streamline the search process.
A new study reveals that large institutional investors, particularly mutual fund managers, are responsible for driving daily changes in the stock market. Stocks owned predominantly by institutions surge and drop more sharply than other stocks on days of significant market movement.
A new study investigates the association between emotional abuse and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in women. The research found that those who experienced emotional abuse scored higher on measures of self-blame and self-silencing, leading to increased stress which exacerbates IBS symptoms.
A new study by Gillian Stevens reveals that sociological opportunities and maturational constraints tied to age at onset of language learning play a crucial role in shaping the English proficiency levels of foreign-born residents in the United States. The research found that immigrants with native-born spouses report higher levels of p...
A new study found that hostile individuals experience increased blood pressure and vessel constriction in response to mild social stressors, such as discussing capital punishment with a calm opponent. This suggests that individuals with high levels of mistrust and suspicion anticipate trouble in interpersonal situations.
Researchers have successfully cloned mice using embryonic stem cells, achieving the highest efficiency to date. The new technology allows for modification of genetic material before cloning, improving understanding of cloning challenges and potential benefits in biomedical research and agriculture.
A research team at the Max Planck Institute of Neurobiology has discovered a new genetic cause for muscular dystrophy, uncovering a subtle disturbance in muscle fibre architecture. This breakthrough could improve diagnosis and therapeutic strategies for degenerative muscle disorders.
A new study in mice suggests that increasing copies of the SMN2 gene can produce sufficient amounts of survival motor neuron (SMN) protein, potentially treating human SMA patients. The research found that activating the expression of this gene may provide a strategy for treating human SMA patients.
Astronomer Alberto Conti and colleagues have developed a new technique to analyze massive galaxy data using computer analysis. By combining theoretical analysis with statistical techniques, they aim to uncover the most important attributes of galaxies that can be observed.
A study found that people are willing to support green spaces in their communities, but are reluctant to pay for them directly. The researchers used Contingent Valuation surveys to gauge willingness to pay and found significant differences between self-reported and actual payments.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that protein gelsolin plays a crucial role in disassembling the inner skeleton of cells, which can lead to cancer development. By understanding how gelsolin works, scientists hope to develop new cancer-fighting drugs by stimulating or blocking its activation.
A new chemical probe has revealed the tiny movements of DNA's chemical base pairs, which last only a fraction of a second. This discovery may improve drug design and help doctors understand diseases caused by genetic mutations, such as cancer.
A study of 1,081 older men found that hostility is linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, with high levels associated with obesity, upper body fat distribution, and insulin resistance. The researchers also found that fewer years of education correlated with higher hostility levels.
Researchers have developed a revolutionary material derived from the small intestine of pigs that can heal chronic sores, treat urinary incontinence in women, and repair internal organs. The material, called SIS, functions as a natural framework for repairing tissue and contains growth factors that signal the healing process.
A study by Ohio State University researchers has found that microtubules harbor important proteins the cells need for signaling, gene expression and cell division. This link could provide clinicians with important potential targets for new drugs against diverse diseases like cancer, heart disease and certain inflammatory ailments.
A new study by Ohio State University researchers found that US legislators who successfully pass bills receive more campaign contributions from political action committees. The study analyzed the relationship between legislative effectiveness and PAC funding, revealing a significant positive correlation.
A University of Florida study found that nearly half of senior women use herbal products to prevent or treat health problems. However, they rarely inform their healthcare providers, which can lead to dangerous drug interactions. The most commonly used herbal remedies were ginkgo biloba, garlic tablets, and glucosamine with chondroitin.
A new UCSF study reveals that working conditions and job type significantly influence a person's decision to continue working or leave the workforce after developing carpal tunnel syndrome. Women are more likely to make changes to their work situation due to poorer support at home and greater fatigue following diagnosis.
Researchers determine tensile strength of individual carbon nanotubes, finding they can withstand forces up to 63 GPa before breaking. This discovery suggests potential applications for ultra-lightweight, high-strength cables and composites.
The updated Guidelines recommend using recently developed tests to determine virus resistance, guiding the selection of new drug regimens. The Panel emphasizes goals of therapy, including suppression of plasma viral load, restoration of immunologic function, and improvement of quality of life.
HHMI researchers found that yeast prions can transmit phenotypes through protein-protein interactions, hinting at the presence of undiscovered protein-based 'genetic elements'. This discovery offers a powerful new technique for exploring cells' machinery by selectively turning off specific proteins.
A new polymer, polyethylene glycol (PEG), has been shown to rapidly repair damaged nerve membranes in live guinea pigs with severe spinal cord injuries. The treatment can be applied up to eight hours after the injury without losing benefits, offering promise for rescuing substantial portions of damaged spinal cord tissue.
Research finds that fetal and birth complications, such as hypoxic-ischemia-related complications, significantly increase the risk of developing psychotic disorders like schizophrenia. Additionally, trauma at labor and delivery may lead to brain structure anomalies associated with schizophrenia.
A study by Michigan State University found that one-quarter of respondents were unsure if their health plan included mental health services, while 43% equated mental health benefits to general medical services. The authors recommend increasing attention to mental health issues in primary care education.
A new mathematical model explains changing patterns in epidemics by analyzing historical data on measles outbreaks. The research reveals that increases or decreases in birth rates or vaccination rates cause dramatic changes in epidemic patterns.
University of Colorado researchers found that the production of antibiotic actinomycin D was 75% higher in space than on Earth, with a 20-fold increase in fermentation efficiency. This breakthrough has implications for developing new anti-cancer therapies.
Researchers visualize radiation-induced breakage of specific chemical bonds in protein, revealing a highly specific phenomenon. The findings have direct implications for improving data collection using X-ray crystallography and developing pharmacological means to protect against radiation damage.
Researchers have made significant breakthroughs in functional MRI technology, enabling accurate mapping of cortical columns, the brain's microprocessors. This advancement will greatly improve our understanding of human perception and higher cognitive functions.
Researchers found that carbon dioxide from human activities primarily ends up in the subtropical ocean, rather than the cold Southern Ocean. This new understanding challenges previous models and highlights the complexity of global ocean carbon sequestration.
A study by Professor Robert L. Brown suggests that maintaining a larger labor force and increasing productivity can mitigate the impact of baby boomers' retirement on society. By keeping workers in the workforce longer and investing in education and capital, it is possible to produce enough goods and services for the economy.
A study by UCSF researcher Shelley Adler found that only a third of women with breast cancer disclose using alternative treatments to their medical doctors. The main reasons for remaining silent were attitudes toward physicians and the perception that disclosure was not relevant to the doctor-patient relationship. Women tend to discuss...
A University of California, San Francisco study found that screening mammography in elderly women aged 66-79 reduced their risk of developing metastatic breast cancer by 43% compared to those who were not screened. This is the first evidence that mammography is beneficial for these women.
A study using satellite instruments reveals that the atmosphere has gotten warmer and wetter over the past decade. Water vapor levels in the atmosphere have increased by 2%, indicating a significant change in climate dynamics.
A Colorado State University professor believes that groundhogs emerge from hibernation based on their linoleic and linolenic acid levels. He suggests that these fatty acids affect the animal's activity levels during hibernation, rather than traditional shadow tricks.
Carnegie Mellon's Big Signal allows users to explore Antarctica remotely through Nomad's sensors and cameras. The project aims to engage students in remote geology and provide them with access to scientific data.
A new model predicts that expanding potent HIV therapies will limit infections and AIDS deaths, even with increased risk behavior and drug resistance. The model shows that treating more HIV-infected men will reduce infection rates and deaths below what they would be without treatment.
A new study found that flu in children results in substantial use of outpatient medical resources, including 10 physician visits and over half resulting in antibiotic prescriptions. The study suggests that recommending an annual flu vaccine for all children could be a cost-effective national policy.
Researchers use oxygen isotope fingerprinting to uncover evidence of lost Asian emerald sources in antiquity, tracing gems from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Colombia. The study reveals a significant role for the Spanish in introducing New World emeralds into Old World trade.