Men with constipation were nearly three times as likely to develop Parkinson's disease over the next 24 years compared to those without constipation. The study suggests a potential link between bowel movement frequency and the risk of developing Parkinson's, highlighting the importance of understanding how the disease progresses.
A large-scale clinical trial tested two investigational drugs, remacemide and Coenzyme Q10, to slow the progression of Huntington's disease. While Coenzyme Q10 seemed to improve the condition after one year, the overall results are inconclusive as to its effectiveness in slowing down the disease.
Researchers unveil a new technique for analyzing tiny airway biopsies, revealing a new disease suspect in asthma - the NKCC1 gene. The technique quickly measures multiple gene activities, supporting current hypotheses about asthma mechanisms while pointing to an unexpected role in excess mucus secretion.
Researchers identify genes from a rare Austrian plant that allow it to accumulate large amounts of nickel, enabling the potential to engineer crops to clean up polluted sites. This discovery could also lead to functional foods with micronutrients and improved crop nutrition.
A study of 347 patients found that CoQ10 slowed the decline of patients with Huntington's disease by an average of 15 percent, improving cognitive skills and daily responsibilities. However, the results are inconclusive due to limited patient numbers, and more research is needed before CoQ10 can be recommended as a treatment.
A US study of 415 people found that patients taking donepezil maintained their level of functioning 72% longer than those receiving a placebo. Another study involving 286 people in Scandinavia and the Netherlands showed similar results, highlighting donepezil's effectiveness in preserving daily activities.
The Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center has received a $2.5 million gift from the Avon Products Foundation to support innovative breast cancer research and clinical care initiatives, including immune response-based treatments and access to quality care for medically underserved women.
Researchers at McGill University have isolated novel stem cells from the dermis of adult rodents that can differentiate into various cell types, including neurons and muscle cells. These multipotent stem cells, known as SKPs, hold promise for treating Parkinson's disease and other neural disorders.
A new validated method measures HHMA in body fluids, establishing it as a likely contributor to Ecstasy's side effects. The detection of HHMA may provide new insights into the drug's effects and long-term toxicity.
Researchers used NMR technology to analyze lipoprotein size and concentration in 262 patients with high-risk heart disease. The study found that a commonly prescribed statin, pravastatin, was equally effective in lowering bad cholesterol levels regardless of LDL particle size.
The first public human genome sequence was successfully assembled using GigAssembler, a computer program developed by James Kent and David Haussler. The program utilized a greedy algorithm to assemble nearly 400,000 DNA sequence pieces, resulting in an 88% complete draft.
Researchers have found that aging rats exhibit fragmented behavioral rhythms, taking naps when they should be active. The study suggests that the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) cells, responsible for regulating circadian rhythms, may be losing their ability to mark time as individuals age.
A study of 350 men and women found that mental aging begins in the 20s with continuous declines in processing power. By mid-60s, people may notice a decline in everyday activities. An increase in experience and knowledge can compensate for losses until age 50.
Researchers developed a new processing method to enhance protein content in spaghetti using corn gluten meal, increasing it from approximately 8g to 10g per two-ounce serving. The modified pasta has good flavor and texture, making it a potential market opportunity for food manufacturers.
The UC-SMART program is allocating $1.5 million over four years to support cutting-edge semiconductor research at the University of California, Santa Barbara. Researchers will focus on developing novel materials and devices for optical and electronic applications, including organic chromophores, nanoparticle patterning, self-assembled ...
Researchers at UCSF have found that two existing drugs, quinacrine and chlorpromazine, can effectively treat mouse cells infected with prions, which cause rare neurodegenerative diseases. The study suggests that these drugs may also be effective in patients with advanced disease, paving the way for potential new treatment options.