A new study from the University of Pittsburgh found that balloon mitral valvotomy yields similar long-term results to commissurotomy, a traditional surgical method. The procedure uses an inflated balloon to break scar tissue and improve valve function.
A study by Stanford researchers reveals that global warming is causing a significant shift in marine species distribution, with many vulnerable intertidal creatures already struggling to cope. Rising temperatures are pushing species over their thermal tolerance range, leading to declines and potential extinctions.
A new study found that blacks have a higher mortality rate than whites after coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG), with hypertension being a significant factor. The study suggests that blacks may be more prone to severe and frequent ventricular hypertrophy, an enlargement of the heart's chambers.
Despite an increasingly difficult patient population, Emory's success rate in angioplasty has progressively increased, while complications have decreased. The institution's 20-year experience shows reduced hospital stay lengths and lower costs.
A study conducted at Yale suggests that non-overweight women with abdominal fat have exaggerated responses to cortisol, a stress hormone. This leads to increased visceral fat, related to worse health outcomes like heart disease and diabetes.
A study of over 2000 heart attack admissions in Yorkshire hospitals found that women tend to be older than men but less likely to be smokers or have underlying coronary artery disease. As a result, they are almost 80% more likely to die before discharge, highlighting the need for age-adjusted treatment protocols.
The Walking A Good Path calendar is an inspirational and educational resource developed by NIDA and American Indian organizations. The calendar shares current science-based information on drug abuse, addiction, prevention, and treatment, highlighting the health risks and effective strategies for Native American communities.
Researchers found that eating and drinking before flying increases cardiac output and improves oxygen levels in the brain and organs. This can reduce the risk of fainting spells and heart attacks by up to 21%.
The National Center for Eco-Industrial Development aims to facilitate job growth and sustainable industrial expansion in economically distressed communities. The new center will encourage industrial ecology, establish eco-industrial parks and expand the use of processes to maximize communities' development potential.
Emory researchers discovered that abnormal gene silencing, caused by overexpression of methyltransferase enzymes, can lead to breast cancer progression. The silencing of the TMS-1 gene, responsible for programmed cell death, may contribute to tumor growth and resistance to conventional therapies.
A study of 300 people found that those with heart disease laughed less and displayed more anger and hostility. Researchers suggest incorporating laughter into daily activities as a potential heart-healthy habit.
A long-term study on transmyocardial revascularization (TMR) using a carbon dioxide Heart Laser demonstrates significant pain relief for five years. TMR has been shown to improve the quality of life for severe angina patients with no other treatment options.
The Val-HeFT study showed significant effects of an AT1-receptor blocker on mortality and morbidity in patients with heart failure when added to ACE inhibitor therapy. The CHARM study programme aims to provide more definitive data on the benefits of AT1-receptor blockers in treating heart failure.
The European Commission has designated Mylotarg as an orphan medicinal product for treating patients with CD33-positive relapsed acute myeloid leukemia. The compound represents a novel anticancer therapy and has shown promising results in clinical trials.
The Chicago HeartSave Program successfully reduced sudden cardiac deaths at O'Hare and Midway Airports by placing AEDs one minute apart, making them easy to spot. The devices helped minimize critical response times to emergency care and improved survival rates for victims of ventricular fibrillation.
The conference will examine the latest research efforts towards understanding and treating neurodegenerative diseases. Novel approaches using stem cells, vaccines, gene therapy and hormone modulation will be discussed.
A new study found that enrolling patients with chest pain in clinical trials takes an average of 8+ minutes longer than treating them directly. Despite this delay, researchers believe the potential benefits of participation outweigh the time difference, and doctors should enroll more patients in trials.
Researchers found that the Ku protein plays a key role in mediating mammalian telomere capping, preventing chromosomal fusion. The discovery sheds light on cellular growth control and aberrations leading to cancer. Mouse cells lacking Ku develop chromosome fusions.
A large-scale survey of over 65,000 people in Norway found that women are more susceptible to the damaging effects of cigarette smoke. Women reported higher rates of respiratory symptoms and asthma compared to men, particularly among those who smoked more cigarettes daily.
A study published by the American Heart Association suggests that laughing often and exuberantly can help reduce the risk of heart disease. Researchers compared humor responses in 150 heart patients to 150 healthy controls, finding that heart patients were 40% less likely to laugh in various situations.
Researchers identified a novel gene target, SREBP-1c, which controls the expression of lipogenic enzymes. Synthetic compounds binding to LXRa were also discovered, offering potential therapeutic targets for treating disorders like diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
The Pennsylvania State University School of Nursing was awarded the top prize for its innovative approach to gerontological nursing education, which emphasizes health and illness, developmental, holistic care. The university's curriculum incorporates separate courses, clinical sites, and partnerships with community resources.
The American Chemical Society recognizes Wallace H. Carothers' groundbreaking research in the chemistry of giant molecules, which led to the development of nylon and neoprene. Carothers' work established modern polymer science, paving the way for today's plastics, synthetic fibers, and rubber industries.
A systematic study of Greek quarries may help archaeologists pinpoint the source of famous sculptures like the Elgin Marbles. The research used stable isotopic composition and geochemical structure to deduce specific origins for ancient marble, providing new dimensions to the growing field of marble studies.
Scientists have identified a new species of right whale in the North Pacific Ocean, which is genetically distinct from other populations. The discovery was made using DNA analysis of historical specimens and suggests that there may be fewer than 300 individuals remaining in this population.
A study published in Nature reveals that individual neurons in the human medial temporal lobe selectively alter their firing rates depending on the stimulus the subjects imagined. This discovery sheds new light on how the 'mind's eye' works, providing insight into the neural mechanisms underlying visual recall and imagery.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a new description of microbial kinetics based on chemiosmotic theory, providing a fundamental explanation for microbial metabolism. The unified theory predicts results from experiments under various conditions and offers a simple explanation for threshold substrate concentrations.
A study published in the journal AIDS identifies a genetic risk factor for HIV infection, specifically a variation in the RANTES gene that increases susceptibility but also slows down disease progression. Researchers found that this SNP is associated with up to twice the risk of HIV infection and takes about 40% longer to develop AIDS.
Dr. May L. Wykle receives the Doris Schwartz Gerontological Nursing Research Award for her pioneering research on minority caregivers and its impact on clinical practice and healthcare policy. Her work has mentored many doctoral students and influenced their research in gerontological nursing.
Research suggests that moving from welfare to low-wage work has no significant impact on mental health indicators among women. The study of 1,848 women found no differences in depression, self-esteem, or emotional support scores between those who remained on cash assistance and those who left the rolls for work.
Scientists at Duke University have developed a neural system that enables monkeys to control a robot arm using their brain signals, detected by implanted electrodes. The system could form the basis for a brain-machine interface to help paralyzed patients control prosthetic limbs.
A new JAMA series aims to teach doctors and nurses how to manage end-of-life care issues, as physicians are not adequately trained in this area. The series will cover topics such as symptom management, hospice care, and cross-cultural differences in dealing with death.
Researchers have uncovered a crucial interaction between an enzyme and osteoclasts, cells responsible for removing bone in the body. The connection may provide a novel target for future medications to block bone erosion associated with osteoporosis and cancers.
Researchers used contrast-enhanced MRI to assess heart damage in 50 patients. The technique distinguished between reversible and irreversible injury, allowing for more accurate prediction of surgery success.
Researchers propose that deep mantle volcanic plumes caused a sudden increase in oxygen levels, allowing for the emergence of life. The theory suggests that these plumes, rich in iron oxide, were fueled by buried magma and led to the formation of glaciers.
Yale researchers found that early life stress enhances vulnerability to drug addiction. Rat pups separated from their mothers experienced increased self-administration of cocaine as adults. The study highlights the need for targeted interventions for children with early life traumas.
A study by Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center found that heart attack survivors experience blood vessel disease progression three to four times faster than those without heart disease. Low levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and smoking history significantly accelerate this process.
Carolina scientists have identified and purified hepatic stem cells, which can regenerate liver and bile duct tissue. The accomplishment marks a milestone for future liver regeneration through cellular therapy, potentially reducing the need for whole-organ transplants in patients with various liver diseases.
A recent study found that adolescents with both alcohol and antisocial problems exhibit an increase in serotonin function, contradicting previous research on Type II alcoholism. This suggests that serotonin dysregulation may be key to high-risk behaviors, rather than low or high levels of the neurotransmitter.
A study of 196 people with and without Parkinson's disease found that coffee use was associated with a lower risk of developing the disease. Heavier coffee drinkers exhibited fewer instances of the disease, while tobacco chewers and alcoholics were also less likely to develop the condition.
A recent study published in Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research examines the influence of peer and partner drinking on adults during the year before marriage. The research reveals that individual characteristics and friends' drinking behaviors are both significant factors in shaping adult drinking habits, with the spouse's fri...
A new Yale research program aims to bridge the knowledge gap on women and drug abuse, providing training opportunities for scholars to develop sex-specific treatments and prevention strategies. The five-year program will focus on understanding the etiology of drug abuse in women and its impact on families.
The Yale School of Medicine has launched a new center to study hypoglycemia, led by Dr. Robert Sherwin and Dr. Douglas Rothman. Researchers will use various technologies to investigate the causes and solutions for hypoglycemia, aiming to prevent severe episodes.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that artificially intensifying the heart's pumping action, known as aortic counterpulsation, showed modest but significant benefits for the sickest heart attack patients. The technique, combined with clot-busting drugs, reduced six-month mortality rates by 4% compared to treatment alone.
Researchers at Penn State and the University of Miami studied two fault lines in Baja California to understand how strain is partitioned between them. The team found that the Agua Blanco fault has little earthquake activity, while the San Miguel fault has most of the earthquakes.
A new non-invasive skin test can measure cholesterol levels in just three minutes, potentially offering a simple way to assess risk of heart disease. The test found that those with the highest skin cholesterol levels also had the greatest number of diseased arteries.
Researchers have found that transmyocardial revascularization (TMR) laser surgery can provide long-term relief from angina by creating channels for blood flow through the heart. The procedure has been shown to reduce chest pain in 60% of patients for at least five years, with some experiencing relief for up to eight years after treatment.
A UCSF study finds that eptifibatide helps preserve microvasculature and blood flow into the heart muscle, improving oxygen supply to patients undergoing angioplasty. The drug improves large artery blood flow by 39% and microvascular blood flow by 84%, potentially reducing irreversible heart injury.
A new blood marker, MIRF (Myocardial Ischemia Rating Function), has been found to be highly correlated with the incidence and severity of coronary artery disease. Combining this marker with age and gender can enhance disease predictability, allowing for a simple screening test.
A study found that earlier recognition of a child's prognosis by both parents and physicians can lead to stronger emphasis on treatment aimed at lessening suffering. The study also revealed that high-quality palliative care is more likely when both parties recognize the child's prognosis.
A survey conducted by Dr. Maria Silveira found that many patients and families in Oregon are unaware of their basic rights regarding end-of-life care. The results suggest a need for healthcare providers to actively educate patients about their options, including refusal of treatment, withdrawal of care, assisted suicide, and euthanasia.
Research on fossil Teleoceras teeth suggests a semi-aquatic lifestyle for the ancient rhinoceros, mirroring that of modern hippos. The study's findings indicate low variability in oxygen isotope compositions among aquatic mammals, contrasting with higher variability in land animals.
Researchers found that smokers with a past history of alcoholism have increased nicotine self-administration and rewarding effects, suggesting a link between the two addictive behaviors. The study suggests that medications to block nicotine dependence and counseling may be effective in helping these individuals quit smoking.
A study by American Heart Association finds that consuming heavy meals may trigger heart attacks, increasing risk by about four times within two hours. The research suggests that eating a large meal can lead to temporary rises in blood pressure and heart rate, potentially causing heart attacks or strokes.
A recent study found that men are twice as likely to develop Parkinson's disease compared to women. The risk of developing the disease increases with age for both men and women. Researchers are still unsure why Parkinson's is more common in men, but one theory suggests that estrogen may protect women from the disease.
A University of Maryland study found that high cholesterol hinders the effectiveness of aspirin in reducing platelet aggregation and preventing heart attacks. The study showed that 60% of patients with high cholesterol levels above 220mg/dL remained at increased risk despite taking daily aspirin doses.
Researchers have discovered a genetic biomarker that can be detected in tumor tissue and patient blood, helping doctors diagnose esophageal cancer more accurately. The biomarker, an altered APC gene, has been found in 92% of patients with esophageal adenocarcinoma and 50% of those with squamous cell carcinoma.
Family physicians face barriers to discussing resuscitation orders with patients, including personal discomfort and fear of damaging relationships. Despite being ideally situated for these discussions, recognizing these barriers is necessary to improve communication and self-awareness.
PUNCH provides a worldwide 'computational grid' allowing users to run programs remotely over the Internet, saving money for engineering students. The system can automatically find resources, including supercomputers, to complete jobs, making it a prototype for a large-scale infrastructure.
A team of geologists found evidence of powerful Ordovician earthquakes that caused widespread damage across the eastern United States, stretching from Kentucky to New York. The earthquakes likely had a magnitude of 7-9 and were triggered by the collision of North America with a volcanic island chain.