Researchers analyzed 37 randomized controlled trials and found that most showed no significant improvement in pain, appetite, weight gain, quality of life, or performance status for patients receiving a placebo. Individual patient responses to placebos were also variable, with some improvements observed in certain symptoms.
A study found that statin use doesn't reduce reproductive hormone levels in premenopausal, perimenopausal, or postmenopausal women with coronary risk factors. The results provide reassurance on the safety of statins for women in child-bearing age.
Researchers discovered that Sox2 is a crucial transcription factor involved in the specification of three embryonic cell lineages. The study found that Sox2-deficient embryos exhibit fatal defects, highlighting its importance in maintaining cellular pluripotency and embryo formation.
A recent study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that combination hormone therapy was associated with a 3-5% increase in breast density, while estrogen alone had no effect. This suggests that increased breast density may be a valid marker for the effect of interventions on breast cancer risk.
Researchers found alterations in airway structure due to cigarette smoke exposure in utero may cause symptoms and abnormal lung function in exposed infants. A potential therapy for premature babies with bronchopulmonary dysplasia has been identified as low molecular weight catalytic antioxidant.
A study found no significant association between exposure to contaminated poliovirus vaccine and the incidence of pleural mesothelioma, a rare lung cancer. Incidence rates increased among older males, but remained stable or decreased in younger age groups.
A recent study found that women with negative Pap and HPV tests are at low risk for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 3 or cancer, while those with a positive HPV test remain at risk. Researchers also discussed the challenges of analyzing DNA microarray data and recommended ways to improve its interpretation.
Researchers from Virginia Tech have validated a mathematical model of cell division using experiments on frog egg extracts. They found that the control system is bi-stable and hysteretic, requiring specific levels of cyclin to regulate mitosis.
A recent study uses sunflowers to predict the likelihood of genes from hybrid crops entering wild populations. The research found that domesticated crop genes can persist even when hybrids perform poorly, suggesting a challenge for controlling their spread.
William J. Rutter, cofounder of Chiron Corporation and biotechnology pioneer, is the latest recipient of the Biotechnology Heritage Award from CHF and BIO. The award recognizes his significant contributions to biotechnology through discovery, innovation, and public understanding.
In mutualistic relationships, the slower-evolving species tends to gain a disproportionate share of benefits. This phenomenon, dubbed the Red King effect, is particularly pronounced when one side has little room to negotiate, forcing the other side to give up more if they want to continue the relationship.
A new study found that moderate beer drinking is associated with lower heart attack risk, as shown by decreased cholesterol levels, increased antioxidants, and reduced fibrinogen levels. The study also discovered structural changes in fibrinogen caused by beer consumption, which may serve as a new diagnostic indicator for heart attack ...
A study found that teens who engage in extreme dieting are more likely to smoke, use marijuana, and experience suicidal thoughts. Moderate dieters were less likely to exhibit these behaviors, suggesting a link between extreme dieting and underlying issues of self-esteem or peer influence.
Researchers have discovered that combining Avastin with chemotherapy provides superior treatment for advanced colorectal cancer, increasing median survival by 8.3 months and response rates. The study's findings suggest a more effective and less toxic option for patients with this devastating form of cancer.
Research suggests that adult influence is a significant predictor of teen smoking, with ease of getting cigarettes from parents and non-parents linked to increased experimentation. The study highlights the importance of reducing social availability of tobacco to minors.
A study published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association found that children's consumption of 100 percent real juice flat-lines at age 7, while intake of fruit-flavored beverages increases. By age 13, they are drinking nearly four times more carbonated soft drinks than 100 percent juice.
The new Methods of Soil Analysis Book, Methods 4, expands on previous editions with comprehensive techniques for carrying out soil physical measurements. It features advanced methods such as geostatistics, fractals, and fuzzy sets, providing a standard reference for soil physics technology.
A genetic defect in muscle growth and survival is linked to human heart failure, causing the heart muscle to lose its ability to adapt to stress. Researchers identified a specific gene mutation that disrupts normal stretch activity, leading to enlarged hearts with thin ventricular walls.
Researchers found that desflurane improved neurologic outcomes in piglets undergoing low-flow cardiopulmonary bypass, reducing brain injury and abnormal heart rhythms. The study suggests desflurane may protect the brain and nervous system during heart surgery, improving quality of life for survivors.
A study by University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that disabled medical faculty often face significant challenges in their careers due to the lack of ramps and accommodations. The researchers believe that with limited changes in academic criteria and improved physical access, they can compete for promotions more successfully.
Researchers have discovered that the FoxM1B gene plays a crucial role in tissue healing and regeneration. The study found that the gene is essential for cells to divide and multiply, allowing tissues to repair and regenerate. Without FoxM1B, DNA duplication fails, leading to accelerated aging and age-related diseases.
Researchers analyzed debris from the collapsed towers and found no high levels of pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyls or other persistent organic pollutants. The study estimated that 100-1000 tons of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons were present in lower Manhattan dust, but these particles were too large to be inhaled deeply.
Cell division is necessary for fat cells to mature, according to a new study. The researchers found that primitive fat cells need to divide at least twice before they can store fat, and that interfering with this process could prevent the formation of new fat cells.
A study found that HIV patients with cognitive impairment who took medications three times a day had lower adherence rates than those on simpler schedules. Researchers suggest giving simpler dosing to help patients stick to their medication schedules.
Researchers have successfully created a delivery system using a vehicle derived from HIV itself to introduce synthetic siRNAs into human cells. This approach aims to prevent HIV infection by knocking out the CCR5 receptor, which is found on T-cells and plays a role in immune function.
A study of 137 adults with HIV found that simplifying their medication regimens can significantly improve adherence, particularly for those with memory and attention problems. The study suggests a two-way relationship between missed doses and disease progression, highlighting the need for more effective treatment strategies.
New studies aim to improve diagnosis and treatment for patients with Neuropsychiatric-SLE, a major cause of death among people with lupus. Researchers will investigate the underlying causes of NP-SLE using new tools and approaches.
USC researchers have successfully used gene therapy to prompt mouse cells to produce human collagen, a crucial step towards treating patients with dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new treatments for this debilitating skin condition, which causes blisters and permanent scars.
A large population-based study of over 5,000 subjects found no association between dietary fat and increased dementia risk. Researchers did not find a link between cholesterol lowering medications and reduced dementia risk.
Scientists have identified the gene responsible for Shwachman-Diamond syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that affects the pancreas, white blood cells, skeletal system, and causes severe infections. The discovery will aid in accurate diagnosis, clinical management, and potentially lead to new therapies.
Scientists have successfully transplanted human and porcine 'kidney precursor cells' into mice, resulting in functional kidneys that produce urine. The optimal time for transplantation is between 7-8 weeks (human) and 4 weeks (porcine), reducing the risk of immune rejection.
A study found that abusive supervisors lead to fewer discretionary actions by subordinates, hurting organizational effectiveness. Abused subordinates may feel obligated to perform extra-role behavior despite supervisor's abuse.
Kaye, a principal research physicist at PPPL, was recognized for his groundbreaking investigation of strongly heated plasmas and their characteristics. His work is crucial to predicting plasma performance in magnetic fusion energy devices.
Acorda Therapeutics has received a Phase 2 grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to develop a new treatment approach for multiple sclerosis (MS). The company's antibodies, sHIgM22 and sHIgM46, have shown promise in stimulating myelin regrowth in animal models.
UC Riverside biologists present a model system for studying the evolution of complex organs using guppy-like fish. They find that placentas have evolved independently three times in closely related species, suggesting that they can emerge on a relatively short time scale.
Researchers successfully differentiated stem cells from whole adult bone marrow into central nervous system cells. These cells may be used to treat various neurological conditions by replacing damaged brain cells.
Recent advances in aerosol technology, microbiology, and genetics pose a risk of misuse by terrorists, warns Johns Hopkins researcher Gigi Kwik. The 'Persephone effect' highlights how life sciences can be used for both good and evil, and the need for strict biosecurity measures to prevent the spread of biological weapons.
A new study found that combination therapy with divalproex can significantly reduce schizophrenia symptoms, even as early as the third day of treatment. The study showed that patients treated with the combination had better outcomes than those receiving antipsychotic drugs alone.
Research finds racial neighborhood segregation and economic disparities contribute to increased rates of sickness and death among African Americans. Environmental stressors, such as pollution and limited access to healthcare, exacerbate chronic diseases like high blood pressure.
Krommes received recognition for his research on plasma turbulence, a crucial aspect of fusion energy, while Parsells was cited for his ingenuity in adapting diamond wire cutting technology for the TFTR D&D Project.
Researchers studied rapamycin's molecular action and found it blocks tumor-cell growth by triggering stress responses, stopping cell proliferation. The study identified a new type of gene regulation involving the target of rapamycin (TOR) protein.
Researchers at Brigham Young University have successfully tested a new method to concentrate the impact of cancer drugs on specific tissues, sparing healthy areas. The method uses tiny water-soluble plastic particles and ultrasound to release the drug at the tumor site, significantly reducing tumor size in laboratory animals.
Researchers found that tiny differences in DNA can identify geographic ancestry, contradicting the idea that self-reported ancestry is a reliable diagnostic tool. Genetic analysis of 1,056 individuals from 52 populations worldwide revealed more genetic similarities than previously thought.
Researchers from UCSB and OSU have identified SAR 11 bacterioplankton, comprising up to 50% of the surface microbial community, using fluorescence in situ hybridization. This discovery opens up new avenues for understanding the role of microbes in natural systems and their impact on the ocean's ecosystem.
A study of 213 terminally-ill cancer patients found that only 7% expressed concern over losing dignity. The majority reported psychological distress and symptom distress instead. This highlights the need for dignity-conserving care in palliative care.
A study of over 5000 5th-8th graders found that 28% were exposed to extremely violent R-rated movies, including scenes of rape and murder. The researchers suggest better oversight of movie industry marketing practices and parental monitoring are needed to protect children.
The AAAS Top Ten Science Policy List for 2002 highlights concerns over new American security policies impacting scientific research. Human cloning, stem cell science, and sustainable development are among the top issues, with scientists facing a balancing act between global security and scientific progress.
A new study reveals that mercury in California rainwater originates from industrial emissions in Asia, particularly coal combustion and ozone production. High concentrations of mercury were found in coastal and inland sites, with urban smog influencing the oxidation rate.
Researchers explore the role of statins in preventing CNS leucocyte accumulation in multiple sclerosis, a condition that increases dementia risk. A review on mild cognitive impairment highlights the urgency to address these disorders.
Cornell University professor Bruce Ganem proposes an alternative chemical pathway for acrylamide formation in fried or baked foods. He suggests that enzymatic decarboxylation of asparagine is the key step in this process, leading to the loss of carbon dioxide and the formation of acrylamide.
A study found that folic acid fortification of grain foods in Ontario, Canada reduced the risk of neural tube defects from 1.13 to 0.58 per 1000 births. The researchers recommend adopting a programme of folic-acid food fortification and increased use of periconceptional folic acid tablets.
Scientists have identified a four-stage process to determine gene identity in complex diseases, using methods such as linkage analysis and sequence analysis. This will help establish definitive proof of gene involvement, benefiting research on conditions like Alzheimer's and Type 1 Diabetes.
A $1.4 million NIH-funded study will use genetically altered mice to find morphine-regulated genes that cause tolerance and dependence. The researchers aim to create better therapeutics and prevent dependence, with potential benefits for children born to drug-dependent mothers.
A recent study found that green sturgeon in Oregon's Rogue River have extremely small home ranges, making them vulnerable to habitat loss and exploitation. The fish can grow up to 19 feet long, but are only protected by regulations for those under five feet.
A recent study published in Media Psychology found that stereotypes can impact memory when identifying criminal suspects, with participants more likely to misidentify African-American suspects than White suspects. The study suggests that deeply imbedded biases can tamper with memories, leading to tragic consequences.
Purdue University's Burton D. Morgan Center for Entrepreneurship and Roche Diagnostics are hosting a $100,000 Life Sciences Business Plan Competition to support innovation in the field. Eight finalists will be chosen from written business plans and presented to a panel of judges on April 23, with prizes ranging from $50,000 to $7,500.
Researchers found that mid-season drainage of rice paddies in China led to significant reductions in methane emissions, a potent greenhouse gas. The study, which used NASA data and modeling, estimates that this practice saved around 5 million metric tons of methane per year.
Scientists have made a groundbreaking discovery about small RNAs controlling gene behavior, potentially leading to new research on cancer and stem cells. This advancement was named this year's top scientific achievement by the journal Science.
The Northeastern States Research Cooperative has awarded nearly $1.8 million in research grants for studies of the Northern Forest and its communities. These grants will support projects such as measuring invasive species movement, tracking land use impacts on water quality, and evaluating forest ecosystem services.
A study comparing limb reconstruction and amputation after trauma found that patients undergoing both procedures experienced similar functional recoveries, with 53% returning to work within two years. Despite medical advancements, those with amputations had higher rates of rehospitalization for complications.