Researchers track Lyme disease ticks along riverbeds in Illinois and find they are migrating south-southwest towards the Mississippi River. The ticks need small mammals as hosts to become infected and deer as a preferred host for adult ticks.
Telomeres, protective caps on chromosome ends, are shorter in people exposed to arsenic, increasing cancer risk. Long-term arsenic exposure has been associated with accelerated telomere shortening, a potential biomarker for arsenic poisoning.
Researchers identified Dmp1 as a critical tumor suppressor gene that promotes tumorigenesis when mutated, providing new insights into cancer development. The study found that even one defective copy of the Dmp1 gene is sufficient to drive lymphoma progression in cells with normal p53 status.
A new protein test has been developed to improve heart attack detection, particularly in cases of non-ST segment elevation heart attack. The test shows significant predictive value and could lead to a doubling of identified patients with mild heart attacks.
Researchers from North Carolina State University isolated a new peptide antibiotic from hybrid striped bass mast cells, which could fight important bacterial pathogens in both fish and mammals.
Scientists from Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and Pharmacia have found that mice engineered to produce human COX-2 protein develop age-related memory loss, mirroring problems seen in Alzheimer's disease. The study suggests targeting the protein could prevent neurological diseases.
A Sea Grant study found no Asian or North American lung flukes in over 800 Chinese mitten crabs collected in the San Francisco Bay. The crabs were analyzed alongside more than 400 crayfish, all of which were also free of the parasites.
A study found that individuals with the ALDH2 gene tend to have a stronger unpleasant response to alcohol, which may reduce high-risk expectancies. This genetic factor influences what people learn about the benefits of drinking, particularly in men.
Researchers have made a breakthrough in stopping internal bleeding without surgery, using traditional ultrasound to locate bleeding combined with HIFU. The technique has been shown to be effective in stopping bleeding in blood vessels and solid organs like the liver and spleen, offering new hope for emergency medical treatment.
A recent Indiana University study found that nearly one in four older African Americans have measurable cognitive problems, with prevalence increasing with age. Researchers also discovered that a significant proportion of those with cognitive impairment may progress to dementia within 18 months.
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill researchers have found evidence that alcohol inhibits the actions of key proteins called N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA) receptors in specific regions of the brain. This new interaction affects brain regions involved in memory formation and higher mental functions.
This year, APS awarded several prestigious lectureships to outstanding researchers in physiology. The award winners include Allen Cowley, Pontus Persson, Adrian Morrison, and Albert Bennett, who will present their research on various topics including genomics, cardiovascular function, biomedical ethics, and more.
A University of Michigan study tracked weight changes among over 10,000 adults for 13 years, finding that about 51% of men and 55% of women remained in the same weight category. The study also revealed a significant 'yo-yo diet effect,' with nearly one-fifth of children aged 2-12 being overweight or at risk.
A new analysis method developed by Johns Hopkins Medicine allows for faster and more accurate determination of the human genome sequence. The technique identifies highly reliable data points within microarray sequences, enabling researchers to examine genetic variations linked to diseases such as high blood pressure and schizophrenia.
Acupuncture was found to significantly reduce sympathetic nerve activity in critically ill chronic heart failure patients, but blood pressure and heart rate remained unaffected. Further study is needed to confirm the treatment's effectiveness and potential benefits for patients with severe heart failure.
A 7-year clinical trial comparing aspirin and warfarin found that both drugs are safe and effective in preventing recurrent strokes in most patients. Aspirin slows clotting of blood platelets, while warfarin inhibits circulating clotting proteins.
A recent study has found that women with a particular gene sequence are at a higher risk of developing cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease. The study, conducted by researchers at UCSF and Axys Pharmaceuticals, followed over 2,800 women for seven years and found that those with the high-risk polymorphism were 30-40% more likely...
A pilot study demonstrates a new self-expanding cylindrical filter is effective in preventing plaque dislodgement and blockage in older vein grafts. The procedure collected plaque material from 77% of patients without complications, paving the way for further clinical trials.
Researchers developed a dendritic cell-based vaccination that targets opportunistic fungal infections, offering hope for prevention and treatment of these infections. The vaccine demonstrated promise in preclinical studies, paving the way for further investigation and potential clinical implementation.
Researchers used EBCT to screen coronary arteries for calcium deposits in former Kawasaki patients. Four out of 18 participants showed positive results, indicating moderate to high risk of coronary artery disease. The study suggests that EBCT can be an effective non-invasive screening method for detecting artery disease in these patients.
A recent study found that 2% of heart attack patients treated with thrombolytics had medical conditions that should have ruled them out, resulting in poorer outcomes. These patients were three times more likely to die and eight times more likely to experience bleeding complications.
The total number of living species is uncertain due to uneven taxonomic coverage and statistical barriers. Alroy estimates that one in five currently used species names may be invalid, posing a critical issue for species at risk of extinction.
A new treatment regimen combining chemotherapy and radiation therapy significantly improved failure-free survival rates for patients with early-stage Hodgkin's disease. The study also found that staging laparotomy could be avoided, leading to better patient outcomes.
Researchers found that snow shoveling increased tPA antigen levels and decreased PAI-1 activity in a way that didn't occur during automated snow removal or maximal treadmill exercise. Young, healthy individuals showed protective responses to moderate exercise that prevented heart attacks.
A single dose of enoxaparin sodium has been shown to prevent the development of blood clots in high-risk patients who undergo long-haul flights. Researchers found that only one superficial clot occurred among 82 participants receiving enoxaparin, compared to 3.6% DVT rates in those taking aspirin and 4.8% in those with no treatment. Th...
A new research project could help forecast floods and associated cholera outbreaks in Bangladesh, aiding farmers and improving quality of life. The team will use computer modeling to pinpoint Indian Ocean conditions and rainfall patterns, enabling local forecasts that can aid communities.
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.