A study in Manitoba found that altering drug benefits led to reduced prescriptions for inhaled corticosteroids among children with severe and mild to moderate asthma. Higher-income neighbourhoods were disproportionately affected. The authors emphasize the need for policies not to deter patients from using essential medications.
Scientists have discovered that variations in the Kif1C protein affect anthrax resistance in mice, potentially leading to better diagnostics and treatments. The research found that resistant strains had missense polymorphisms in the gene, increasing their ability to survive the toxin's effects.
A new analytical platform has been developed to rapidly identify and characterize proteins. The system uses Fourier-Transform Mass Spectrometry and a liquid-helium cooled superconducting magnet to analyze protein data, enabling efficient processing of multiple proteins simultaneously.
A study found that only 28% of adults received counseling on physical activity, despite 68% not exercising for the recommended 30 minutes a day. Health care providers were more likely to recommend exercise to certain groups, including women, older patients, and those with chronic illnesses.
A study published in Pediatrics found that over half of children who followed a ketogenic diet experienced at least a 50% reduction in seizures for three to six years after stopping the diet. Many children were also free from anticonvulsant medication and seizures entirely.
Residents from rural areas are less likely to receive preventive health services compared to urban residents, largely due to limited access to healthcare facilities, specialists, and insurance. Cultural factors such as traditional values and reluctance to seek medical care may also contribute to this disparity.
The NIH has awarded $3.9 million in new grants to support innovative treatments for autism and establish a nationwide network of major research centers. The grants will focus on aspects such as speech therapy, imitation skills, and biological effects of medications.
A long-term study of 150 children reveals that parents' emotional state and coping mechanisms play a significant role in the development of asthma. The research highlights two main risk factors: elevated IgE levels at six months and parenting difficulties, which increase the likelihood of asthma by 2-3 times.
The Cables protein inhibits cell growth through a chain reaction effect, prompting decreased division. Its expression may thwart uncontrolled cell growth indicative of cancer.
A study by Ohio State University researchers reveals minute genetic changes in normal colonic tissue that may signal later development of certain types of colon cancer. The changes, which occur through hypermethylation, appear to be age-related and associated with microsatellite instability.
Students at IIT's Interprofessional Program developed a blood sniffing e-nose that can identify hundreds of specific scent signatures, potentially cutting testing time down to minutes. The technology uses electronic noses sensitive to microscopic particles, similar to the receptors in the human nose.
The new centers will focus on reducing early childhood caries and addressing disparities in oral cancer screening among minority groups. Researchers will investigate the effects of tooth decay on quality of life, explore ways to involve pediatricians in prevention, and examine oral microbes that trigger tooth decay.
Researchers at UCSF have discovered that continuous expression of the HIF-1a gene can induce formation of new blood vessels in mice. This breakthrough has significant therapeutic potential for treating diseases such as diabetes and recalcitrant wounds.
Exisulind, a new selective apoptotic anti-neoplastic drug, delays disease progression in men with recurrent prostate cancer by slowing the rise of PSA levels. The study also found significant inhibition of tumor growth in mice, suggesting potential as a treatment option for advanced prostate cancer.
Scientists have developed a technique to map the circuitry underlying fundamental life processes, shedding light on diseases such as cancer. The study reveals a circular network of regulators regulating regulators controlling the cell cycle, providing new insights into cellular processes and potential therapeutic targets.
Players of the game are more likely to call 911 or see a doctor in case of an actual heart attack. The most interactive version shows the strongest gains, shifting intentions towards quick action and improved understanding of symptoms.
The Rush College of Nursing will integrate information on CAM therapies into undergraduate and graduate nursing curricula and develop continuing education programs for faculty and practicing nurses. The program aims to equip nurses with expertise to assess CAM use, critically appraise therapy safety, and provide patient guidance.
A study of 199 women planning in vitro fertilization found that a 50% pregnancy rate was significantly higher for those who had people praying for them compared to the non-prayer group. The researchers acknowledge the results are incredible and hope to provoke discussion on potential biological or other factors at play.
The NETT trial found that advanced emphysema patients with severe lung obstruction or evenly distributed damage should not undergo Lung Volume Reduction Surgery (LVRS). Instead, high-risk patients had a 30-day mortality rate of 16% and only slightly improved functional outcomes six months after surgery.
Researchers found that forager bees have lower activity levels of a protein called acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in their brains, which may lead to enhanced cognitive performance. A study led by Gene E. Robinson at the University of Illinois showed that reducing AChE activity improved learning abilities in foragers.
Scientists have discovered a process in the brain's cannabinoid system that may lead to new medications preventing relapse to cocaine use. Researchers found blocking this receptor can prevent rats from seeking cocaine after exposure to cues or stress, offering hope for developing new treatments.
Researchers found that caterpillars produce distinct sounds when encountering intruders, which helps them defend their nests and attract predators. In 87% of tests, resident caterpillars successfully repelled intruders using these acoustic signals.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute develop a therapy to prevent misfolding diseases by incorporating a protein suppressor into the diseased protein, stabilizing it and preventing fibril formation. This approach may also work for other diseases with similar protein-protein interactions.
Researchers found that adding leptin to sibutramine increased weight loss in obese rats, as it prevented a decrease in leptin levels that normally occurs with weight loss. This study provides new clues on how to overcome the plateau effect and may lead to successful treatments for obesity.
Researchers discovered that fathers' cigarette consumption levels impact children's lung function, with higher levels associated with greater deficits. Non-asthmatic girls showed the greatest declines in pulmonary function tests, suggesting a potential link between paternal smoking and childhood respiratory health.
A University of Otago study found that intensive exercise and specific dietary changes can improve insulin sensitivity by up to 20% in otherwise-healthy individuals. The research, which included 79 participants aged 35-60, also showed a significant improvement in insulin action among Māori participants.
A UCSF study found that significant reductions in heart disease risk factors have saved over 430,000 deaths annually, with population-wide dietary changes and widespread use of medications being cost-effective.
A recent study by UT Southwestern Medical Center has identified a significant number of undiagnosed hypertension and diabetes cases in the Dallas County population. The project aims to reduce death and disability from coronary heart disease through analysis of collected data.
A new study by UI atmospheric scientists reveals a 54% chance that climate sensitivity exceeds the IPCC's upper bound, posing significant risks to humanity. The researchers propose an adaptive-decision strategy to mitigate uncertainty and facilitate robust climate-change policy.
Researchers at the University of Illinois and Wisconsin detected a Y-shaped ionized gas filament near the Big Dipper, believed to be produced by radiation from a white dwarf or low-luminosity source. The object's properties differ from other examples, making it difficult to identify its origin.
Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center have discovered a combination of two genes that selectively kill pancreatic cancer cells in test tube experiments. The mda-7 protein and K-ras antisense DNA combination prevents tumor growth in animals, offering a potential new treatment option for this aggressive disease.
Researchers will investigate the cause of substantial increases in Mnemiopsis leidyi population and determine the effects on coastal ecosystems. The study aims to understand the impacts of climate change on zooplankton populations and the local fishing industry.
Scientists successfully inserted a gene into chloroplasts, increasing tryptophan production by 10 times in tobacco plants. This approach could lead to improved yield and value in crops, as well as the production of pharmaceuticals like edible vaccines.
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison propose that anthocyanins in plants like maples and oaks produce vibrant autumn colors. The pigments shield sensitive photosynthetic tissue from excessive light and other stresses as trees reabsorb nutrients, allowing them to store energy.
A virtual lung model developed at PNNL may help predict pollutant impact on respiratory systems, providing new insights into asthma and other pulmonary diseases. The model simulates how pollutants enter, travel through, and collect in the lungs, enabling scientists to design targeted treatments.
A study in Matlab, Bangladesh reveals that improved family planning services decrease abortion rates without increasing population growth. The availability of better-quality services led to lower abortion rates compared to areas with standard government services.
A randomized trial shows that computer reminders can significantly boost vaccination rates for hospitalized patients, particularly those over 65. The system identified eligible candidates and prompted physicians to order vaccinations, resulting in a 51% increase in influenza vaccinations and a 36% increase in pneumonia vaccinations.
The CorCap Cardiac Support Device is a potential innovative treatment for heart failure that supports the heart and prevents further enlargement. Researchers have found that the device can slow or even halt the progression of heart failure by stopping the enlargement of the cardiac muscle.
Researchers discovered that ants and bees use dynamic sticky organs to adhere to various surfaces. The arolium footpad, which secretes a fluid for adhesion, is a key component of this complex system.
Researchers discovered a new drug that can restore bowel function without affecting pain relief, enabling patients to recover faster and be discharged sooner. The study found significant improvements in recovery times for patients taking the 6mg dose of ADL 8-2698.
A third of U.S. adolescents suffer some form of dating violence, with most instances being psychological abuse. The study found that one in five adolescents reported only psychologic violence and about one in 10 reported physical violence.
Kansas State University researchers have created blue micro LEDs that can be used in smaller items like cell phone displays. The new technology increases efficiency by 60 percent compared to conventional LEDs, which can lead to significant energy savings worldwide.
The study reveals that endothelial cells emit signals to encourage the growth of emerging organs, such as the liver and pancreas, even before functioning blood vessels arise. This discovery may lead to a better understanding of organ development and regeneration.
Researchers at the University of Buffalo have discovered that cells 'wiggle' at high speeds when exposed to voltage changes, without relying on special proteins or lipids. This fundamental property of cells opens up new avenues for studying cell motility and its potential applications in medicine.
Researchers from Mayo Clinic and University of Minnesota found that tobacco industry sponsored research misled the public about the health risks of secondhand smoke. The study analyzed over 1.5 million pages of internal documents, revealing a campaign by the industry to deny health risks and preserve profits.
Researchers discovered that blood vessels signal pancreatic cell differentiation, challenging the long-held assumption that organs develop independently. The study found that removing blood vessels from pancreatic tissue disrupts normal gene expression and insulin production.
Research suggests that lifetime physical activity can significantly reduce breast cancer risk, particularly among women engaging in moderate-intensity occupational and household activities. The study found that vigorous activity had little impact on risk reduction, highlighting the importance of frequency and duration of total activity.
A team led by Jonathan M. Smith from the University of Pennsylvania aims to engineer better security features into mainstream computers through open-source collaboration.
A study found that patients with severe psoriasis who use ciclosporin are at a significantly higher risk of developing squamous cell cancer. The risk is particularly high for those using the medication long-term or for extended periods, highlighting the need for careful assessment of its safety.
Researchers at NIMH found that brain activity patterns are unique to each category of object, with even weak responses conveying information about attributes. The study suggests a 'topography' of responses in the ventral temporal lobe of the visual cortex, enabling the brain to represent complex attributes of objects and faces
A new study calls for UK childhood screening of medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (MCAD) deficiency, a metabolic disorder affecting up to 1 in 9000 people. The condition can be controlled with carbohydrate intake, but severe neurological damage occurs if diagnosed late.
A new genetic testing service using quantitative fluorescence PCR has been implemented in the UK NHS, providing rapid diagnosis of fetal genetic abnormalities. The service has shown high accuracy and efficiency, with all tested samples yielding results within 1.25 working days.
Combination therapy of perindopril and indapamide significantly lowers blood pressure and reduces recurrent stroke risk. The study found that treatment should be considered routinely for patients with a history of stroke or transient ischemic attack, regardless of their blood pressure level.
UK researchers have made significant progress in preserving fertility for women with cancer by grafting ovarian tissue from cancer patients into mice, demonstrating safety and feasibility. The study has raised hopes for women who require immediate treatment or lack a partner, offering an alternative to embryo freezing.
Researchers found that light reacts with iron-bound siderophores, making iron more available to marine bacteria. This process has significant implications for the ocean's iron cycle and carbon sequestration.
A study found hemochromatosis patients' blood is as safe as other donated blood, potentially alleviating a national blood shortage. The research suggests that patients with the condition can donate without increasing the risk of viral infections.
Fractal extremes help predict when surfaces will reach critical points of erosion or accumulation, enabling better material designs and reliable devices. The study uses scaling math and extreme-value statistics to model surface growth and erosion processes, providing a more accurate method for predicting these events.
Researchers found that bacteria in desert soil migrate towards water, not just light, and return to subsurface after drying out. This discovery has significant implications for understanding underground microbial ecology and potentially locating life on Mars.
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that premenopausal women using inhaled corticosteroids for persistent asthma experience accelerated bone loss in the hip compared to those not using the medication. The study suggests a potential long-term risk of hip fractures for these women.
The RANKL cytokine at 2.6 Å resolution provides detailed information on its structure and function in the body. Researchers used this high-resolution imaging technique to study RANKL's role in bone formation and immune system regulation.