Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have shed light on the process of hereditary retinal degeneration, revealing that the death of rod cells ultimately leads to the demise of cone cells. This chain of events is an elegant demonstration of how the body compensates when one of its functions is compromised.
The team designed a unique mathematical system for analyzing genetic data based on a computer algorithm that clusters information into relevant categories. The algorithm mimics unassisted learning, categorizing tissue samples into separate clusters according to their gene expression profiles.
Children with severe asthma are at risk of bone loss due to inadequate dietary calcium. Taking a daily calcium supplement can help prevent this condition. Researchers found that only 5-10% of children at the study site were taking a calcium supplement, highlighting the need for increased awareness and supplementation.
A cross-sectional study found that only 35% of elderly patients with delirium were diagnosed in the emergency department, highlighting the need for improved detection methods. The study emphasizes the importance of developing better tools to identify delirium in ER settings.
A definitive study led by John Kirkwood at the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute found that high-dose interferon alfa 2b extends both overall survival and relapse-free survival in surgically treated high-risk melanoma patients. This regimen significantly outperforms a comparison vaccine, GMK, in terms of survival impact.
The Smoke-Free Families National Dissemination Office aims to increase cessation rates by up to 70% through counseling and strong social support. The office will disseminate current best practices and conduct research to integrate effective quitting methods into clinical settings.
A University of Pittsburgh study found laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery to be a safe and effective procedure for significant weight loss in morbidly obese individuals. The study showed a low rate of complications, short hospital stay, and rapid recovery.
Rockefeller University's centennial symposium marks a historic achievement in chemistry, recognizing research in nucleic acids and proteins as a National Historic Chemical Landmark. The university has ties to 21 Nobel laureates, including Bruce Merrifield and Paul Greengard.