Researchers at MetaPhore Pharmaceuticals developed a new class of anti-inflammatory drugs that simulate superoxide dismutase, combating inflammation and degradation in medical implants. The treatment resulted in a dose-dependent anti-inflammatory effect, including reduced acute and chronic inflammation.
The Phase III study data demonstrated a median decrease of 38 percent in LDL-C and a mean increase of up to 18.7 percent in HDL-C with Lescol XL. This reduction is clinically meaningful for coronary heart disease patients, who carry an increased risk of cardiovascular events.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins found that using both cocaine and alcohol increases the risk of brain damage. The study showed that cocaine use can lower the amount of alcohol needed to impair cognitive abilities, while heavy drinking impairs executive functions.
A new Yale-led study reveals that negative views of aging can have a direct impact on cardiovascular health. Participants who were exposed to positive stereotypes showed significant decreases in blood pressure, while those exposed to negative stereotypes saw an increase in stress measures.
The report reveals big variations between countries, with France, Germany, and the UK carrying out more than half of all IVF treatments. Scandinavian countries and the Netherlands have the highest availability of IVF treatment, resulting in a significant number of children being born through IVF.
The trillion-dollar chemical industry showed a two percent increase in production in 1999, but sales grew faster than profits, leading to decreased profitability among leading companies. A bright spot was the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sector, which saw combined sales increase by 29 percent.
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases has launched four public-private partnerships to accelerate the development of promising HIV/AIDS vaccines. The partnerships aim to tap into the skills of both private industry and academic research centers, with a focus on developing vaccines for use around the world.
A multicenter study published in the American Journal of Cardiology found that adding Benecol spread to a patient's diet can lower LDL-C and total cholesterol levels by 17% and 12%, respectively. The study also showed that the cholesterol-lowering effect of Benecol was evident as early as the second week of treatment.
Researchers are using lasers to aid embryonic development by precision-drilling the 'shell' of human eggs. This technique has shown improved IVF success rates and increased implantation rates, allowing embryos to embed themselves in the womb more effectively.
Researchers identified a novel subset of T-cells called CD4-CD8- double negative regulatory T cells that can regulate killer T-cells and prevent rejection of donor tissue. These cells act as a kind of decoy, binding to the same antigen as killer T-cells and being destroyed, thereby inhibiting the immune response.
Researchers have restored vision in a mouse model of Leber congenital amaurosis, a severe retinal degenerative disease. The treatment, which involves orally administering a chemical compound derived from vitamin A, has shown promising results in restoring visual function.
A new study by Dr. Laurie A. Leshin found that the crust of Mars may hold two to three times more water than scientists had previously believed. The research compares the amount of deuterium in a meteorite with the Martian atmosphere, suggesting that significant groundwater reservoirs currently exist on the planet.
Two new Phase III studies published in Neurology show that Reminyl (galantamine) significantly improves cognition, global function, and behavioral symptoms of Alzheimer's disease over a period of 12 months. The treatment also maintains activities of daily functioning for patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease.
A study of 217,000 Medicare patients found that mortality rates were significantly lower for patients whose anesthesia was directed by an anesthesiologist. The researchers found that higher nurse-to-bed ratios, larger hospital size, and direct involvement of the anesthesiologist were independently associated with better patient survival.
The Virginia Tech Transportation Institute has secured a $15 million contract from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to conduct advanced safety research. The consortium will explore human factors research using data collected on actual roadways, test facilities, and simulated driving conditions.
The American Academy of Neurology has issued guidelines to help determine whether people with Alzheimer's disease should continue driving. Drivers with Alzheimer's have a substantially increased rate of accidents and driving performance errors, posing a significant traffic safety risk.
A new study found that people with disabilities are more liberal than the general population, with a strong streak of skepticism about government. Despite this, they feel underrepresented in politics and lack power to bring about change, presenting opportunities for political growth and engagement.
The Express Scripts 1999 Drug Trend Report reveals a record 17.4 percent increase in prescription drug spending, with senior citizens facing the biggest cost increases. The average cost of a prescription rose 9.6 percent in 1999, driven by higher prices and greater drug utilization.
A study by American Academy of Neurology found that 80% of people with cluster headaches also have signs of obstructive sleep apnea, a condition that can trigger the attacks. Treatment of sleep apnea may reduce or eliminate headaches and other related problems.
Researchers found that ERT increased blood flow to areas involved in memory formation, such as the hippocampus and parahippocampal gyrus. The study suggests ERT may lower susceptibility to age-related memory problems and Alzheimer's disease.
Scientists use quantum mechanical simulations to explain silicon's fracture anisotropy, which shows cracks prefer certain crystallographic directions. The simulations reveal a key difference in bond breaking behavior between easy and difficult propagation directions.