The Cedars-Sinai Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Institute will host a free patient/family brain tumor conference featuring new research, treatments, and support services. Experts in the field will discuss various topics, including current treatment approaches and potential therapies.
A Yale study found that patients with mental illnesses are significantly less likely to undergo cardiovascular procedures, including angioplasty and coronary bypass surgery, compared to those without mental disorders. This disparity was not explained by the severity of cardiac illness or regional differences.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine reported a groundbreaking case of tuberculosis transmission from a cadaver to an embalmer, revealing the first documented instance of such a transmission. The study emphasizes the need for updated guidelines and precautions to prevent similar incidents in funeral homes.
Researchers at Yale University have identified a gene and protein responsible for stopping axon regrowth in the brain and spinal cord after nervous system injury. This discovery offers hope for reversing the failure of functional recovery in many brain and spinal injuries, including human spinal cord injury.
A new study reveals that over 600 areas in the Gulf of Mexico experience natural oil seeps, releasing twice an Exxon Valdez spill worth of oil annually. The oil breaks down into carbon dioxide and is harmless to marine animals, with surface tension spreading it thinly across the ocean surface.
The American Association for the Advancement of Science has awarded a $10,000 prize to a web site that teaches students the science behind the weather. The 'Web Weather for Kids' site allows children in grades five through eight to predict precipitation and temperatures, with scores compared to those of local meteorologist Mike Nelson.
A new collaboration aims to provide comprehensive asthma management to poor urban communities through a team-based approach, combining healthcare professionals and community health workers. The goal is to improve prevention-oriented care and close follow-up for low-income children with asthma.
A study in rats found that olive oil reduced precancerous tissue and tumours, while increasing the production of anti-cancer prostaglandin E. The research suggests that other constituents of olive oil, such as squalene, flavonoids, and polyphenols, may also protect against cancer.
A new study from Penn State suggests that healthy eating habits and good health status can help maintain the ability to fight off germs and reduce illness in older adults. The research found that well-nourished women between 60 and 80 years old have immune systems that function similarly to younger women.
A large-scale study found that young black children have slightly higher scores for combined black and adolescents' self-esteem than their white counterparts. The researchers analyzed over half a million participants across various studies.
New research published in Gut journal found no evidence that measles virus is associated with Crohn's disease. The study isolated particles from the gut tissue of patients and compared them to healthy tissue samples, but found high levels of related cells in all types of samples.
A high fibre diet was found to lower PSA levels in men, suggesting a potential link between soluble fibre and reduced prostate cancer risk. The study also supported existing advice to eat more vegetable foods and less animal products in preventing prostate cancer.
Scientists have pinpointed abnormalities in gene expression that occur before signs of spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 (SCA1) appear. Researchers found six genes whose expression pattern is altered by the abnormal SCA1 gene, including a gene involved in regulating calcium levels in neurons.
Researchers developed a non-toxic peptide that prevents metastatic prostate cancer from spreading to other organs in laboratory rats. The peptide, PHSRN, was effective even when primary tumors were allowed to grow before treatment began.
Research suggests that children allergic to eggs are not at a higher risk of anaphylaxis from the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine. A growing body of evidence shows that only minor reactions may occur in some cases.
A study by Purdue University researchers found that transgenic fish can threaten native populations due to their larger size, which gives them a mating advantage. The
Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology developed a cockpit display system called CDTI, which provides pilots with real-time information on surrounding aircraft speeds. This enables pilots to respond quickly and safely to air traffic controller commands, improving air traffic efficiency and safety.
A recent study in the Netherlands found that children's obesity rates have almost doubled between 1980 and 1997. The researchers attribute this increase to factors such as poor diet, lack of physical activity, and early maturation. Children from large cities with poorly educated parents are at greatest risk of obesity.
A UCSF study reveals that many California communities face a significant dentist shortage, particularly in rural and urban areas. The report highlights the need for increased access to dental care, especially for vulnerable populations.
Researchers tested commercial household disinfectants against various disease-causing organisms and found them highly effective. Natural products such as vinegar and baking soda were less successful in killing microbes, raising questions about their use for disinfection.
A recent study by Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center reveals that celiac disease is not as rare in the United States as previously believed. The condition affects an estimated 1 in 150-200 people in Europe and can be asymptomatic for many years, then trigger symptoms with exposure to gluten.
A University of Florida professor's research indicates that complex computer models may underestimate pollution levels by up to 30% due to the effects of tiny particles on smog-forming gases. The study, set to appear in a leading international journal, suggests improvements are needed to air quality models.
Researchers developed a reliable blood test to diagnose diabetes in children at an early stage, allowing for prediction of the condition with a reliability of 50%. The test measures concentration of islet antibodies in a child's blood and combines it with DNA testing for hereditary susceptibility.
Researchers discovered a novel pathway controlling bone formation and density through the brain's hypothalamus, where leptin acts as a natural bone inhibitor. This finding offers potential treatment approaches for osteoporosis by manipulating the leptin pathway.
A research team has found that the immune system protein Crry is essential for fetomaternal tolerance in mice, preventing destruction of the developing fetus. Without this protein, complement components activate, leading to embryonic death and miscarriage.
A new report highlights the significant threat of emerging infectious diseases in wildlife to both human health and global biodiversity. The study reveals that many diseases have spread from domestic animals to wildlife populations through various means, including globalization, animal trade, and environmental changes.
Researchers at Yale have discovered new insights into the development of polycystic kidney disease (PKD), a life-threatening genetic disorder affecting millions. The study reveals crucial information about the PKD2 gene's role in normal development and its impact when mutated.
Researchers have produced the first 3-D structures of poliovirus in the moments after it attaches to and enters a host cell. The structures reveal tiny adjustments in the virus's protein shell that allow it to grab onto its host receptor more tightly.
Researchers at the University of Chicago discovered how neighboring skin cells adhere to form sealed barriers, a critical function for maintaining body fluids and keeping germs out. The study found that calcium concentration plays a crucial role in this process, enabling the formation of adherence junctions and 'puncta' between cells.
The percentage of Americans aged 65 and older in nursing homes has declined since the mid-1980s, with increasing numbers opting for assisted living and care within their own homes. This shift is attributed to declining disability rates among the elderly and the growing availability of alternative long-term care options.
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that routine preoperative tests do not improve outcomes or reduce complications from cataract surgery. The researchers analyzed data from over 19,000 patients and found no benefit to the testing, which adds an estimated $150 million to Medicare costs each year.
The 2000 AAAS Annual Meeting will bring together experts from various fields to share research news and discuss key topics such as nanotechnology, genome strategies, and social behavior among primates and humans. The meeting will also feature a special plenary address by U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright.
The PSLQ algorithm has found surprising relations in mathematics and physics, including a formula for calculating any binary digit of pi without prior calculations. This breakthrough uses high precision arithmetic to discover new mathematical relations among numbers.
University of New Orleans researchers have developed a nontoxic corrosion inhibitor for aluminum that inhibits corrosion as much as chromium without hazardous materials. The coating is environmentally acceptable and applies easily, making it safer for workers and the environment.
Researchers at UCSF discovered that prions, known for being deadly to cattle and humans, might serve a beneficial role in some organisms, including humans. They found evidence of prion-forming proteins in yeast species spanning 300 million years of evolution, suggesting prions aid survival.
A University of North Carolina Health Care study led by Lee Graves clarifies how cells grow and suggests new drug targets for cancer cells. The research focuses on the MAP kinase enzyme and its role in regulating cell growth.
University of Michigan physicists have created a database that stores and retrieves data in atomic quantum phase, a new approach to data storage. The study uses cesium atoms and ultrafast lasers to store and retrieve data, confirming theoretical predictions made by L.K. Grover.
Researchers found that genes involved in male reproductive processes, such as sperm production and morphology, have evolved at a faster rate than non-sexual genes in humans. This accelerated evolution is attributed to sexual pressure, including competition for mating success and internal sperm competition.
Archaeologists have uncovered a large Middle Kingdom temple in the Nile Delta, with traces of five earlier temples dating back to around 3100 BC. The discovery includes ritual objects and burial grounds, providing insight into ancient Egyptian temple rituals.
Butterflies have developed ultrasound-sensitive ears on their wings to detect bat calls and exhibit evasive flight manoeuvres. The study found that rare nocturnal butterfly species in Panama possess this unique adaptation, protecting them from bat predators.
A new trial found that lowering copper levels with a cheap compound called tetrathiomolybdate stabilized tumors and prevented their growth in five out of six patients. The copper strategy targets angiogenesis, a process allowing tumors to expand beyond a cluster of cells. Researchers hope it could contribute to cancer eradication in th...
Researchers found that mice lacking centromere protein B (CENP-B) suffer from reproductive failure due to defects in the uterus. The study suggests CENP-B plays a role in cell divisions that remodel the uterine lining during estrus and pregnancy.
A new study led by UCSF scientists found that giving patients more oxygen during and after anesthesia can cut the rate of surgical wound infections in half. The increased oxygen improves immune cells' ability to fight infections, reducing hospitalization time and costs.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University have used gene therapy to replace a damaged Rb2 gene with a healthy version, dramatically shrinking lung cancer tumors in mice. The study provides direct evidence that Rb2 is a tumor suppressor and demonstrates its potential as a target for human gene therapy trials.
A two-year public service project will screen people in 14 western NC counties for hemochromatosis, a genetic illness causing excessive iron absorption. The project aims to increase awareness and identify individuals at risk before chronic health conditions develop.
The new guidelines take into account the availability of new anti-retroviral drugs and expanded therapy choices. Recommendations include initiating therapy based on viral load and CD4 cell count, choosing individualized regimens, and monitoring treatment response with CD4 and HIV RNA levels.
A study by Washington University's Air Quality Laboratory found that rural vehicles emit between 200-300 milligrams of particulate matter per mile traveled, while urban vehicles emit between 30-40 milligrams. This measurement, known as ppvm, could help environmental agencies better address air quality challenges.
Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University have successfully cloned an identical monkey named Tetra using embryo splitting. This breakthrough method shows promise for accelerating discoveries in human diseases like Alzheimer's, AIDS, and cancer.
Researchers successfully engineered a genetic toggle switch to control the activity of genes between stable on and off states. The toggle represents core technology for genetic control devices with potential applications in diabetes, biological warfare agent detection, and cell-based computing.
Researchers at the University of Toronto have found a cellular communication method in the brain that could lead to improved treatments for schizophrenia and addiction. The study demonstrated how proteins can modify each other's function, including the ability of neurons to accept or reject dopamine and other neurochemicals.
Rescuers can locate avalanche victims four times faster using a robotic swarm search technique. Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories developed a computer program that enables humans to find buried skiers using mini-robots and simple radio equipment.
Methylnaltrexone reverses opioid-induced constipation in over 90% of patients, providing relief from debilitating symptoms. The drug is designed to block morphine's effects on gut motility without interfering with pain relief.
A new study links human breast cancer to the mouse mammary tumor virus, proposing that humans acquire the virus from infected mice. The authors found a similar viral sequence between human breast cancer and mouse mammary tumor virus, suggesting a potential preventive vaccine.
The new guidelines take into account the availability of new antiretroviral drugs and expanded therapy choices, recommending individualized treatment plans with a focus on convenience and adherence. Most patients with HIV infection can now live fully active lives with carefully monitored therapy and regimen changes.
A new study by Yale researchers reveals a significant difference in patient satisfaction between those with chronic illnesses and healthier individuals under managed care. The study, which analyzed data from over 16,000 employees, found that chronically ill patients are twice as likely to report dissatisfaction with their care.
Two case reports found that rosiglitazone, a new oral anti-diabetic drug, appeared to be associated with liver damage. In contrast, a large retrospective study on hepatitis C virus showed that infected individuals developed few liver-related illnesses, suggesting they may be at lower risk for progressive liver disease.
The National Library of Medicine is launching an initiative to increase internet access to health information, with a focus on underserved communities. The 49 funded projects will provide computers and teach computer skills to individuals in rural, inner-city, and suburban areas.
A new study by CSIRO, Southcorp Wines Pty Ltd, and the Viticulture CRC has found that grape yield and fruit quality can vary widely within small areas of vines. Precision viticulture offers a low-cost way to optimize both yield and quality, leading to improved financial outcomes and environmental sustainability.
A new study reveals that tiny increases in creatine kinase-myocardial band (CK-MB) can indicate heart damage and predict increased risk of death. Elevated CK-MB levels are associated with higher rates of stroke, shock, and other complications.
Researchers documented the earliest steps of tumor formation in mice and rats, showing that cancer cells can grow new blood vessels when just hundreds are present. The study suggests that angiogenesis inhibitors might be useful at the earliest stages of tumor development to prevent recurrence and spread.