Research studied deaths of 508 patients with terminal heart failure, finding that men were most likely to die near dawn, while women were at highest risk in the early morning. The study suggests hormonal patterns and daily biological ebb and flow may contribute to these findings.
The University of Houston's Texas Learning and Computation Center has received a $3.5 million EPA grant to develop a new computer model predicting ozone concentrations in the region's air. Researchers will examine factors such as population growth, emissions, and weather data to improve the model's accuracy.
The study provides strong evidence that several genes influence the development of late-onset Parkinson's and that age at onset and response to levodopa may be useful discriminators for genetic origins. Researchers detected evidence for genetic linkage to five distinct regions on chromosomes 5, 6, 8, 9, and 17.
Researchers at the University of Illinois discovered that estrogen regulates fluid reabsorption in the male reproductive tract by triggering a protein involved in sodium transport. This finding suggests that blocking estrogen receptors could provide a new target for developing effective contraceptives for men.
The North-Central California Center for AIDS Research aims to address HIV infection patterns, develop prevention strategies and improve treatment outcomes. The center will foster collaboration between researchers and clinicians to advance knowledge of HIV and its impact on rural communities.
The symposium explores the effects of genetics research on social organization, human nature, and what it means to be human. Experts discuss race, ethnicity, genes, and human potential, with a focus on values, ethics, and social impact.
A study led by Dr. Jeffery M. Vance found significant evidence of linkage between the tau gene and late-onset Parkinson's in three single nucleotide polymorphisms. The research suggests that normal variations in the tau protein may make individuals more susceptible to the disease.
A Mayo Clinic study found that approximately 80% of children with learning disabilities have primary academic issues in reading. The research suggests a higher incidence rate of reading disability among boys, emphasizing the importance of considering this diagnosis in differential diagnoses for children struggling with learning.
A study of 2,481 patients with heart disease found that treating depression and low social support did not reduce deaths or heart attacks. Despite improvements in psychological and social functioning, patients who received treatment showed no significant change in heart disease survival over a 3-year period.
The program will study the impact of distributed power on Southern California air quality, assess air quality impact, and design low-emission combustors for micro-turbine generators. The grant is funded through the Public Interest Energy Research (PIER) program to reduce California's reliance on the power grid.
The study reveals that new graduates spend less time looking for work, with most finding jobs within the Earth and space sciences. The majority are engaged in research, with many reporting high job satisfaction due to intellectual challenge and opportunities for continued learning.
A new study allows researchers to directly compare the pediatric brain with the adult brain using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). The findings reveal that children and adults use different brain strategies to perform tasks, suggesting distinct developmental pathways. By creating a template of healthy child brains, scienti...
Researchers stress the need for updated informed consent models for population-based genetic research. Older models may not adequately address risks and benefits, particularly in studies involving common gene variations with smaller disease impacts.
A systematic study confirms the potential of pharmacogenomics to improve drug therapies by selecting treatments based on a patient's genetic profile. However, the practice faces significant challenges, including inadequate training, funding, and concerns about racial inequities.
Researchers discover that compounds in garlic, such as disulfides, can inhibit malaria infection and kill cancer cells due to their similarity in glucose metabolism. These findings suggest potential uses for garlic-derived compounds in treating malaria and certain types of cancer.
Researchers find that heparin and compression stockings can effectively prevent deep-vein thrombosis (DVT) in people at high risk for clots, particularly those with a history of heart disease or stroke. Compression stockings were found to significantly reduce DVT incidence by 18.75 times compared to controls.
Aortic dissection is a life-threatening condition that can occur in people who have used crack cocaine, particularly those with high blood pressure or Marfan syndrome. Researchers found that 29% of cocaine users died from the condition compared to 17% of non-users.
Researchers have discovered a key link between cardiac gene mutations and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), potentially leading to earlier identification of at-risk infants. The study found two cases with SCN5A gene mutations, paving the way for further research into other causes of SIDS.
Researchers have successfully treated five patients with severe chest pain with injections of their own bone marrow cells, showing increased blood flow in treated areas. The treatment appears safe and relatively inexpensive with no reported side effects.
A retrospective study found that 87% of smokers who underwent low-dose CT scanning for lung cancer screening reported an increase in motivation to quit. Twenty-three percent of participants quit smoking after screening, with a median time between screening and quitting being six months.
A new study by Johns Hopkins Medicine suggests that nitroglycerin relief does not accurately predict coronary artery disease, challenging the long-held assumption. The study found that only 28% of patients with heart disease experienced chest pain relief from nitroglycerin.
The Val-HeFT study found that valsartan significantly reduced total heart failure hospitalizations and morbidity, with a 27.5% delay to first hospitalization. Valsartan also attenuated the increase in norepinephrine levels associated with heart failure.
The LIFE-SAVER trial found significant reductions in heart attacks and strokes among high-risk patients, including those with diabetes and low cholesterol levels. Statin treatment can prevent major vascular events in over 70% of patients.
A study of 19,000 children born between 1959 and 1965 found that even a modest increase in weight gain during infancy can significantly raise the risk of being overweight at age 7. Babies who gained 100 extra grams per month during the first four months of life were more than 25% likely to be obese by age 7.
Researchers found depressed heart attack survivors are less likely to adopt healthier behaviors, with those perceiving poor physical health showing the most resistance. This study emphasizes the importance of addressing post-heart attack depression and exploring biological markers associated with it.
Researchers found that diabetic patients with multiple heart disease risk factors have higher short-term death or heart attack risk. They are more likely to receive aggressive attention and may benefit from direct hospital admission.
A computer-controlled differential braking system can stabilize vehicles by reducing spin, which causes rollovers. The system has been developed to adjust brake forces on the right and left sides of the cab independently.
Researchers at Virginia Tech found that proteins making up the Golgi apparatus are constantly being renewed, allowing potential new medical applications such as targeted medicine delivery. The discovery also suggests a method to modify cells to produce compounds for pharmaceuticals.
A recent study published by the American Academy of Neurology found bupropion SR to be clinically effective for treating neuropathic pain. Approximately three-quarters of patients experienced a 30% reduction in pain symptoms with bupropion SR, while those on placebo saw little improvement.
Researchers discovered that individuals with positive attitudes were significantly less likely to develop heart disease, even after adjusting for traditional risk factors. The study followed 586 adults for an average of seven-and-a-half years and found that those in good spirits had lower levels of stress hormones.
Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) therapy is safe, well-tolerated, and highly effective in reducing seizure frequency in children with refractory epilepsy. The study found significant improvements in quality of life, including alertness, verbal communication, and school performance.
Researchers from Brown University and Seattle Biomedical Research Institute found high antibody levels against liver stage antigens (LSAs) correlate with malaria resistance. The study suggests LSAs may stimulate an immune response that protects against infection, paving the way for new malaria vaccine strategies.
Scientists at UNC Chapel Hill have discovered a highly ordered array of signaling molecules controlling the passage of chloride and other ions in healthy people. This breakthrough may lead to new treatments for cystic fibrosis by restoring CFTR function through genetic engineering or drug therapy.
Arjun Heimsath, a Dartmouth College researcher, measures dynamic land movement by calculating erosion rates in different parts of the world. Using cosmic isotopes extracted from rock and sediment samples, he determines how long material has been there and how fast it's eroding or breaking down.
A study published in Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health found that stroke victims are at twice the risk of suicide compared to the general population. The increased risk remains for up to five years after the stroke, with patients under 50 and those hospitalized for less than two weeks being particularly vulnerable.
A study of African-American residents aged 65 and older found that 23% had cognitive impairment without dementia, with rates increasing with age. The majority of cases lacked a medical cause, suggesting potential transient nature
A study of 27,541 full-time staff in Finland found that workers do not typically extend the weekend by taking sick leave on Mondays and Fridays. Despite the widespread assumption that these days are common absences due to illness, the research reveals that Monday and Friday absences were actually lower than other days of the week.
Researchers found a virus similar to HEV in rats in Los Angeles, which may contribute to the high rates of HEV antibodies in some inner city areas. The study suggests that infected rats could be a source of exposure for humans and highlights the need for further testing.
Research suggests that daily exposure to aircraft noise may raise blood pressure levels. People living in areas with higher average or maximum noise levels are more likely to develop hypertension.
A new study found that activating immune system cells called iNKT cells can protect mice from developing diabetes. The researchers discovered that increasing the production of these cells could be a basis for preventive treatments for people with a genetic risk of diabetes.
Men with stable chronic heart failure experienced improved sexual activity and quality of life after regular cycling. The study found significant improvements in endothelial function, measured through brachial artery dilation and oxygen uptake, resulting from the exercise routine.
A study of two recent anthrax cases among postal workers highlights the urgent need for better disease detection capacities in public health and clinical communities. The cases demonstrate the importance of rapid lines of communication between medicine and public health to diagnose and treat patients timely.
Researchers found that EECP therapy increases levels of angiogenic factors, promoting the development of collateral vessels and improving blood flow. The study suggests EECP may be an alternative to invasive procedures for treating some Americans with angina.
A new agency is proposed to enhance postmarketing surveillance and dissemination of information on adverse drug reactions. The current system relying on pharmaceutical companies' voluntary warnings may not be adequate, highlighting the need for a parallel agency to protect patients.
Older people living in inadequately heated homes are three times as likely to suffer from chronic ill health. Those who reported being cold most of the time during winter were nearly five times as likely to experience reduced daily activities and poor health.
The new guidelines aim to support Starbucks' commitment to environmentally and socially responsible coffee production. The program rewards suppliers who meet key standards in four categories: quality, social conditions, environmental concerns, and economic issues.
Researchers found that moderate alcohol consumption can lower arterial stiffness in people over 50, with the greatest benefit seen at older ages. The study, which examined data from 563 volunteers between 20 and 90 years old, suggests that a daily drink may be beneficial for cardiovascular health.
A new study funded by the NHLBI shows that a type of implantable heart pump can extend and improve the lives of terminally ill patients with end stage heart failure. The HeartMate LVAD was shown to have a 52% one-year survival rate, compared to 25% for those receiving standard medical management.
Researchers found that chest blows from objects such as baseballs or swings can lead to commotio cordis, a type of sudden cardiac death. The study identified 124 cases, with most victims being male children under 12 years old, and emphasized the importance of public education and awareness in preventing these incidents.
Electrons accelerated by supernova shock waves can achieve speeds approaching light speed, according to a new study. The research uses computer simulations to investigate the behavior of electrons in magnetic fields and oscillating electric fields, suggesting a novel method for producing high-energy charged particles.
Research finds that first-time fathers struggle to reconcile their roles as providers with being supportive partners and home builders. The study highlights the tension between societal expectations of the 'good father' ideal and the reality of modern family dynamics, which can impact men's psychological wellbeing.
A new study has identified the key step in simple motor learning, which involves the reduced response to glutamate in Purkinje cells. By examining this process, researchers hope to create a mouse that can't reduce the number of glutamate receptors on its Purkinje cells and test if it affects learning.
Men with shorter legs are more likely to develop insulin resistance, a precursor to diabetes and an increased risk of heart disease. Leg length is linked to nutritional and environmental factors during childhood, suggesting it as a key indicator for disease risk.
Researchers identified a toxin gene in Chlamydia trachomatis that causes blindness and debilitating genital tract infections. The discovery offers new avenues for treating or preventing these diseases.
Dr. Waddell presents two studies showing viscosupplementation is safe and effective for patients with advanced osteoarthritis, delaying total knee replacements by up to 1 year.
Healthcare experts analyze their responses to the 9/11 attacks, highlighting the importance of public first aid training and critical incident stress debriefing to prevent PTSD. Improved disaster management planning can save lives in future disasters.
A Phase 2 double-blind, placebo-controlled study found that 40 patients with ankylosing spondylitis achieved a significant clinical response when treated with ENBREL (etanercept), with 80% of patients showing improvement in outcome measures. The treatment was generally well-tolerated with no serious adverse events or withdrawals.
Phase 3 results of ENBREL (etanercept) demonstrated significant improvement in signs and symptoms of psoriatic arthritis, with 72% of patients experiencing treatment response after 12 weeks. The study also showed improvements in skin manifestations and psoriasis activity.
A new study found that Actonel 35mg taken once a week was equally effective to 5mg daily in improving bone density in postmenopausal women. The treatment also showed a comparable adverse event profile. This alternative dosing regimen may be beneficial for some patients and physicians.
Individuals with normal low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol may still be at increased risk of coronary artery disease (CAD), particularly if they carry additional risk factors like central obesity and insulin resistance. Targeting atherogenic dyslipidemia, including abdominal obesity, is recommended to prevent CAD risk.