A new study found that PET scans changed clinical management for 60% of women with recurrent breast cancer, including shifting from surgery to radiation therapy or medical treatment. The scan also significantly impacted disease staging, upstaging 28% and downstaging 8%, leading to more patients being classified as stage IV.
A new international survey reveals that people are largely unaware of their cholesterol risk, with 13% believing they're at high risk for heart disease. Despite having multiple risk factors, many individuals incorrectly assess their level of risk, highlighting the need for education and awareness campaigns.
The University of Pennsylvania team has developed a fuel cell that can run directly on liquid diesel, sidestepping the need to reform fuels into hydrogen. This breakthrough could enable wider adoption of fuel cells in transportation and other applications, offering a cleaner alternative to traditional energy sources.
A study of 300 airline staff found that current smokers took almost three times as much sick leave as non-smokers, while ex-smokers had lower rates of absenteeism. Ex-smokers were also 5% more productive than current smokers, with productivity increasing over time.
Researchers used gene therapy to treat mice with beta-glucuronidase deficiency, a condition that affects approximately 1 in 5,000 babies. The treatment showed promise by improving symptoms for up to a year, but six mice eventually developed cancer, raising questions about the long-term safety of this approach.
Scientists discovered microscopic differences in minicolumns, a group of brain cells involved in language, between humans and non-human primates. These findings suggest that the human brain is organized differently than its primate counterparts, which may explain the complexity of human communication.
A study found that law enforcement officers encourage the public to use gun locks to make stored guns less dangerous, but they don't seem to like using the locks themselves. Only half of the officers who received free keyed cable gun locks accepted them, and two-thirds of those who did later reported not using the locks.
A study of older cardiac patients found that shared decision-making between doctors and patients was scarce, with many feeling uninformed about their treatment options. The authors highlight the importance of patients' preferences in healthcare decisions, particularly for those with quality of life and life expectancy concerns.
The study found that at least 2733 events and organizations across the USA were sponsored by tobacco dollars. Motor sports lured almost two thirds of monies at $208 million. Tobacco industry sponsorship is a crucial sales, branding, and public relations tool.
Satellite data confirms that plant life above 40 degrees north latitude has been growing more vigorously since 1981, with Eurasia showing more pronounced greening than North America. The existing vegetation has increased in density, but the area of vegetation has not extended.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center identified 10 genes that help cancerous tumors thrive under oxygen-deficient conditions. The discovery could lead to new treatments for deadly forms of cancer and has implications for other diseases like stroke and heart disease.
A new drug breaks down collagen bonds in blood vessels, reducing stiffness in older individuals. This could be a treatment for high blood pressure, heart failure, and diabetes complications.
A study of 2170 Ontario respondents found that healthcare expenditures were related more to self-reported health status than income. The results suggest that the utilization of physicians' services in Ontario is based on need rather than income. The findings contradict common assumptions about healthcare financing.
A new study has found that the rate of clots forming inside stents is three times higher than generally appreciated, with a 3.5% risk for patients with acute coronary syndromes. This finding may prompt cardiologists to rethink their approach to stent placement and consider alternative treatments to lower this risk.
A study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that African-American patients receive fewer heart procedures than white patients, despite having a higher risk of heart disease. Researchers suggest various factors, including patient education and physician attitudes, may contribute to these disparities.
Researchers at University of Wisconsin-Madison successfully directed undifferentiated human embryonic stem cells to become primitive types of blood cells, which later develop into mature blood cells. This breakthrough technology holds promise for creating novel sources of blood cells for transfusion and transplant therapies.
A koala scoliosis study reveals that the condition takes different forms in marsupials compared to humans. The research, conducted by Emily Milbourne, aims to describe the normal anatomy of koalas and investigate the causes of scoliotic animals.
A recent randomized controlled trial suggests that preventing falls among elderly people remains a challenging task. Despite improvements in adherence to interventions, injuries and subsequent harm persist. Researchers emphasize the need for continued research and practice to address this critical public health issue.
A nationwide survey of over 800 adults found that patients who use both traditional and CAM therapies view their healthcare providers as part of a larger team. More than half of respondents believed CAM therapies were more helpful for certain conditions, but had equal trust in physicians as practitioners.
Exanta demonstrated improved safety and tolerability compared to warfarin in treating patients with medium to high risk for stroke and systemic embolism. The phase III SPORTIF programme enrolled over 6,200 patients and showed promising results. Exanta is being investigated as a simpler alternative to warfarin treatment.
A study found that 12% of girls aged 12-14 experienced binge-eating episodes, while 7% engaged in self-induced vomiting to lose weight. Researchers recommend screening for eating disturbances among girls with higher body mass indexes.
The new guidance aims to address the under-treatment of heart failure by providing step-by-step recommendations for prescribing ACE inhibitors and beta-blockers. It is expected to encourage more doctors to adequately treat patients, improving survival and quality of life.
The new radar technology can measure wind speed, direction and turbulence, and can be used to predict weather patterns. It has been commercialized by Atrad and is being used in various applications, including flight trials of a supersonic transport aircraft and weather forecasting in the UK.
Researchers have uncovered evidence suggesting that genetic changes leading to breast cancer occur first in epithelial cells of breast tissue. LOH analysis reveals frequent mutations in both epithelial and stromal cells, indicating a multi-step process.
Researchers at Emory University found that growth factor BDNF stimulates the production of new neurons in several areas of the adult brain, including the striatum and hypothalamus. This discovery suggests a more profound capacity for neurogenesis in the adult forebrain than previously thought.
Cornell University researchers will create block copolymer electro-optical structures using low-cost materials and simple processing steps. The project aims to revolutionize routine lithographic nanopatterning and integrate soft materials onto silicon chips.
Researchers found that aggressive melanoma cells leave behind a molecular track in the extracellular matrix that contains information and cues. These cues can cause less aggressive tumor cells to become more aggressive when they interact with the same matrix.
Scientists have identified an important parallel between C. elegans and human NMD pathways, revealing a potential therapeutic strategy for masking genetic mutations. Inactivation of the human homolog of the C. elegans smg-1 gene inhibits NMD, allowing truncated proteins to accumulate and potentially compensate for genetic disorders.
The Howard Hughes Medical Institute is awarding $1 million each to 20 researchers who plan to revolutionize undergraduate science education. The selected HHMI Professors will receive grants to apply their creativity and enthusiasm to teaching, with a focus on fostering interdisciplinary research teams and mentorship.
A Mayo Clinic study found that over one-third of adults aged 45+ had plaque buildup on their aortic valves, increasing the risk of hardening and narrowing of the aorta. Lifestyle changes can help prevent life-threatening complications. Risk factors include male gender, high blood pressure, obesity, and elevated homocysteine levels.
Researchers at Texas A&M University have discovered a marine compound, pateamine A, with immunosuppressive properties. The study could lead to the development of new immunosuppressive drugs, and pharmaceutical companies are already inquiring about licensing the compound.
Scientists have produced new adult neurons from precursor cells using a growth factor, which could potentially treat neurological diseases. The technique, supported by the NIH, involves introducing brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) into the adult rat brain.
Researchers identified BONZAI1 as a central player in Arabidopsis plant growth homeostasis. The gene influences plant size at different temperatures, with mutant cells failing to grow normally at cooler temps. A related protein, BAP1, was also found to interact with BONZAI1 and is more highly expressed at lower temps.
A recent study published in Obstetrics and Gynecology found that a lower dose of mifepristone is as effective as higher doses when used with misoprostol for early pregnancy termination. The study showed that 72 out of 80 women experienced complete abortions after using the lower dose regimen.
Researchers propose allowing everyone over 62 to purchase Medicare at a community-rated premium, with subsidies for low-income individuals and tax-free savings accounts. The plan aims to make pre-medicare insurance more affordable without increasing government spending.
A UCSF/Harvard study analyzed 13,693 government inspections of nursing homes and found that for-profit facilities were cited for deficient care 46.5% more frequently than non-profits. For-profit homes had significantly lower staff-to-patient ratios, leading to concerns about the impact on patient care.
Researchers confirm a high degree of asymmetry between matter and antimatter, consistent with the Standard Model Theory. The finding sheds light on why the universe is made mostly of matter.
Professor Terrill Cool's research uses flame-sampling photoionization mass spectrometry to detect key-reaction intermediates in laboratory flames. The new facility will produce average photon fluxes 100 times larger than current sources, enabling more accurate predictive models of combustion kinetics.
A new model predicts a mega-tsunami could devastate the US coastline, with wave heights reaching 100 meters on the West Saharan shore and 50 kilometers high in Florida. The energy released would be equivalent to the electricity consumption of the entire United States in half a year.
The University of Maine will receive DuPont's papermaking technology, which aims to increase efficiency and environmental performance in paper mills. The school will conduct research to implement the technology at an industrial scale.
A federally funded study reveals that China trade has led to massive job shifts, with over 34,900 jobs lost in the US and stagnating wages. The study also shows that large companies are targeting low-cost markets in China and abroad, contrary to expectations of rising wages and living standards.
A large population-based study in Nordic countries found no increased cancer risk for siblings of children with common non-inheritable cancers. Siblings younger than 10 years were at higher risk, but this decreased with age. The study suggests that childhood cancer is not a predictor of increased cancer risk in siblings.
Researchers discovered MTBE in over 70% of gasoline samples across Indiana, Illinois, and Michigan, raising concerns about its impact on drinking water. The widespread presence of the chemical, used as an oxygenate to reduce emissions, is attributed to tankers, storage tanks, and pipelines that carried reformulated gasoline.
A new protein called Fbw7 has been found to control cyclin E levels in cells, which is associated with cancer progression. The study suggests that the absence of Fbw7 in breast cancer-derived cell cultures may indicate a tumor suppressor gene, suggesting its potential role in preventing malignant change.
Researchers found that antioxidants like vitamin C can significantly reduce free radical generation and skin damage. Vitamin C was the most effective quencher, accumulating in the skin to neutralize free radicals.
Researchers at the University of Illinois discovered that fluids with high enough speed can slip over smooth solid surfaces, unlike textbook predictions. This phenomenon has significant implications for applications such as microfluidic devices and lubrication in computer hard drives.
Patients with dementia in the middle stages are five times more likely to experience intense emotional distress than those in early or late stages. The study found that caring for personal hygiene, particularly invasive care, triggers acute distress. Strategies like supervision and environmental changes can help mitigate reactions.
Researchers at Virginia Tech use in-situ infrared spectroscopy to observe and control the synthesis of carbon fiber precursors. The study demonstrates the benefits of real-time observation in enhancing reactivity and efficiency in the conversion process.
Researchers at the Gladstone Institute have discovered a new pathway that regulates the activity of NF-kB, a protein controlling key inflammatory and immune responses. The study reveals how acetylation and deacetylation control NF-kB's ability to trigger biological processes.
A new study from Georgia Institute of Technology suggests that buoyancy plays a crucial role in causing hot, partially molten rocks to rise and erupt through the surface at mid-ocean ridges. This finding contradicts the long-held assumption of passive sea-floor spreading.
A study of 100 middle-class Indian fathers found they are more socially connected to their families, engaging in lengthy discussions with their children on various topics. In contrast, American fathers tend to be less engaged and absorbed in their work lives.
A study of 102 heart attack patients reveals that 40% experienced PTSD symptoms, with those having significant symptoms showing stronger association with nonadherence and more serious adverse events. This association was not explained by other psychiatric disorders.
Daily functioning and psychological symptoms improved in patients participating in a meditation training program, with benefits lasting up to one year. The program, known as MBSR, included mindfulness meditation training and group therapy, leading to reduced stress, anxiety, and depression.
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found PET scans to be more accurate than CT scans in detecting cervical cancer spread. The imaging method reveals metabolic differences between cancer cells and normal tissue, identifying abnormal lymph nodes.
A new study suggests that climate change, particularly drought, plays a key role in shaping plant communities. The research found that grasslands thrive in dry conditions, while trees and shrubs prefer wetter environments. This challenges the long-held assumption that CO2 levels are the primary driver of vegetation changes.
A recent international trial has shown that oxytocin is more effective than misoprostol in reducing maternal blood loss immediately after childbirth. The study found that 4% of women taking misoprostol experienced excessive bleeding compared to 3% on oxytocin.
A new study suggests that Asian Americans' higher anxiety scores on social phobia and anxiety tests may be a result of their culturally adaptive sensitivity in social situations. The researchers found that perceptions about norms were not related to the anxiety inventory scores among white Americans, but were related to those among Asi...
A study found that an oral immune-enhancing nutritional supplement improved preoperative host defence, reduced postoperative infections, and preserved renal function in elderly and high-risk patients undergoing elective coronary artery bypass. The supplement contained L-arginine, 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, and yeast RNA.
Researchers have developed a technology to engineer proteins as widely adaptable bioelectronic sensors for detecting specific chemicals. The engineered proteins, when attached to electrodes, can produce an electric signal reflecting the chemical's identity and concentration.
Two Dartmouth researchers, Erland Schulson and Carl Renshaw, propose a theory that brittle materials like rocks and ice crack in the same manner. They identify a specific type of cracking mechanism, 'comb' cracks, which leads to collapse in both ice and rock.