A recent study by the American College of Gastroenterology found that surgical treatment for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) does not eliminate the need for acid-reducing therapy. Despite lower medication costs in surgically managed patients, overall medical costs were higher due to surgery costs.
A study published in the journal Appetite found that energy density labels do not lead to increased food intake among normal-weight women. The research suggests that people take the same portion sizes regardless of calorie content, making it easier for manufacturers and restaurants to create healthier products.
Researchers have developed a novel system of gene therapy that targets lung stem cells to treat cystic fibrosis. By using a natural compound found in the lungs, the therapy enables airway cells to take up the therapeutic gene and shows substantial recovery from the disease defect.
Researchers have developed a highly sensitive automated test for detecting prions in cattle, sheep, deer, and elk, significantly improving the accuracy and speed of detection. The test, an immunological probe, uses novel antibodies to reveal and measure infectious abnormal prion protein.
A study involving 83 elderly women found that patients with depression, limited autonomy, and institutional living are at risk of toxicity and reduced treatment effectiveness. Dr. Gilles Freyer's research aims to evaluate risks and benefits for elderly patients with advanced ovarian cancer.
A ESMO survey found that almost all oncologists (92%) believe dying patients should receive anti-tumor therapy alongside end-of-life care. However, less than half routinely coordinate patient care or collaborate with support teams.
Research by Dr Anne Chantal Braud and her team has shown that older women with breast cancer can tolerate powerful medication, contradicting initial expectations. The study examined the effects of surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and hormone therapy on 179 women over 70 years old.
A controlled study found that memory training improved recalling people's names among participants with mild to minimal Alzheimer's Disease. Those who were more aware of their failing memories showed the most improvement.
A new information structure called Point of Information and Support (PIS) has been shown to reduce patients' anxiety and depression by providing personalized health information. The PIS comprises a library with booklets, videos, and essential information about cancer types and drugs.
A new programme, GOALS, has been developed to help cancer patients discuss their condition with family, friends, and colleagues. The five-step protocol focuses on identifying the right place and moment for conversation, acknowledging emotions, and developing a strategy to open discussion.
Researchers at Illinois and Stanford have compared simulated and experimental protein folding dynamics, achieving good agreement. The study used a small protein with 23 amino acids, which can fold rapidly, and demonstrated the heterogeneous nature of the folding event.
A report by Imperial College London reveals that children in deprived areas are disproportionately affected by road accidents, with rates three times higher than expected. The study recommends implementing traffic calming measures and speed management strategies to reduce injuries and inequality.
A recent study suggests that cancer patients who have smoking-related cancers such as lung, head and neck or bladder cancer are more likely to quit smoking. These patients were also more likely to have made attempts to quit in the previous 12 months and had not received radiotherapy or surgery.
As new genetic components are identified, clinical services must adapt to cope with the increasing demand. The role of genetic information in managing inherited cancers is becoming increasingly important, enabling tailored therapies for individual patients.
Researchers found that Cox-2 inhibitors preserve crucial growth-inducing chemicals that help lungs and tissues grow in premature babies. The study suggests these medications may prevent diseases such as bronchopulmonary dysplasia and retinopathy of prematurity, common complications of premature birth.
A study by Dr. Tony Mok and his team investigates the potential benefits of Chinese herbal medicine in reducing chemotherapy-induced toxicity in breast and colon cancer patients. Early results show a moderate reduction in symptoms, paving the way for further research into this alternative treatment approach.
Key findings from the ESMO Congress emphasize the need for better care and communication in cancer treatment. Patients must be informed and involved in their treatment decisions, while healthcare professionals should prioritize empathy and understanding. A European cancer patient coalition is proposed to amplify patients' voices.
A patient's view on clinical trials highlights the importance of thorough explanations, confidentiality, and compassionate communication. Sylvia Achin emphasizes that patients risk losing their priorities, relationships, and even support when faced with a life-threatening disease like cancer. Effective communication can help alleviate ...
A new chip technology is being developed to analyze cancer genes, promising faster and more accurate diagnoses. The technology uses DNA microarrays to screen thousands of genes simultaneously, allowing for quicker testing than current methods.
A three-year study found that changes to soil communities had no effect on the yield of plant life above ground or the amount of carbon stored in the soil. The researchers suggest that positive and negative effects of fauna in the soil cancel each other out, leading to no net ecosystem effects.
Iron fertilization of phytoplankton could lead to changes in atmospheric composition and climate, potentially offsetting CO2 removal benefits. This may also result in significant warming of ocean surface waters, affecting oceanic circulation and the climate.
A study by Professor Lesley Degner found that Canadian women with breast cancer and men with prostate cancer fare better emotionally and socially due to their positive attitude towards illness. The most important information patients want is 'What are my chances of a cure?' and 'How far has my disease spread?'.
A study by Professor Lesley Fallowfield found that psychosocial discussions are often overlooked in cancer treatment consultations. Training can help doctors and nurses discuss personal and sexual issues comfortably and sensitively, improving patient outcomes.
The grant will support five local projects focusing on stem cell transplantation, pneumococcal infection, combination drug therapy, gene therapy, and molecular biology of hemoglobin development. St. Jude sickle cell patients will have more opportunities for new therapies and participation in groundbreaking clinical trials.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins have identified a novel gene mutation causing Huntington's Disease-like 2 (HDL2), a condition identical to Huntington's but caused by a different mutation. The discovery provides a window into the mechanisms of brain cell death and could shed light on other neurodegenerative disorders.
Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital present findings on using amniotic fluid cells for tissue engineering, reducing complications in fetal biopsy. The hospital also highlights concerns about children's health in the event of a bioterrorism attack and environmental factors affecting school-going children.
Professor Edzard Ernst urges oncologists to be open to alternative medicines, as desperation drives patients to try anything. He warns that some therapies can be dangerous and advises patients to consult with healthcare professionals before trying new treatments.
Researchers have discovered a correlation between El Niño events and stalagmite growth in Belize, revealing changes in the carbon cycle of the overlying rainforest ecosystem. The findings suggest that stalagmites may record important information about weather and carbon fluxes on interannual time scales.
Researchers found that fermented cabbage produces cancer-fighting isothiocyanates, which may prevent the growth of various types of cancer. The fermentation process also creates healthy compounds like lactic acid, making cabbage easier to digest.
Two studies found that reducing air pollution through coal bans and emission controls leads to significant decreases in mortality rates, particularly for respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Estimated reductions include 116 respiratory deaths and 243 cardiovascular deaths per year.
A study published in Immunity reveals that the MEF protein plays a critical role in the development and function of natural killer cells, which can recognize and kill cancer cells. The findings provide a new target for therapeutic interventions, potentially improving bone marrow transplant strategies.
A new study found that genetic test results for HNPCC may motivate colonoscopy screening among those who test positive, increasing screening rates. The American Association for Cancer Research recommends more targeted training on screening recommendations for underserved communities.
A new theory explains how prion diseases get started and kill neurons by showing that small amounts of misfolded PrP in the cytosol can cause cell death. The research also reveals a mechanism for the conversion of normal PrP to its toxic form, which can then spread and aggregate.
The study found three catastrophic droughts in Africa 8,300, 5,200, and 4,000 years ago, which coincided with the formation of cities and social structures. The ice cores also showed a significant decline in oxygen-18 isotopes, indicating another severe drought event around 5,200 years ago.
UMass geoscientists are part of a team studying the retreat of Kilimanjaro's glaciers, using continuous data from a mountaintop weather station and monitoring the glaciers. The researchers found an 80% decrease in glacier area between 1912 and the end of the 20th century.
A severe shortage of geriatric-trained nurses and healthcare professionals threatens the well-being of older Americans, with only a few percent of RNs certified in geriatrics. The authors call for increased investment in geriatric education and training across all healthcare disciplines.
Scientists have found a way for single-celled organisms like Tetrahymena to protect themselves against harmful invaders by co-opting their attributes. This system, discovered by Martin Gorovsky and Kazufumi Mochizuki, helps regulate the cell's genome and prevent disastrous effects from genetic mutations.
UCSF's Institute for Global Health has been awarded $4.5 million by the CDC to assist in global AIDS programs, focusing on training, technical assistance, and research in resource-constrained countries. The consortium will also establish regional coordinating centers in Brazil, India, and Zimbabwe.
The study found that younger children focus on capturing moments and details, while older kids start to consider aesthetics and formal properties. Children's photography skills improve significantly as they age, reflecting their growing understanding of the relationship between the physical world and the resulting image.
High school chemistry teacher Crowley has been honored with a regional award for her efforts to challenge and inspire students, provide high-quality instruction, and participate in extracurricular activities. She leads her students in research projects, including analyzing omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in French fries.
Astronomers have identified a vivid scar in the Centaurus A Galaxy, composed of clusters of young blue stars formed after the galaxy absorbed a smaller satellite galaxy 200 million to 400 million years ago. The discovery suggests absorption of smaller galaxies may contribute to galactic halo formation.
A preliminary study found that the peritoneal fluid of women with early-stage endometriosis reduces ciliary beat frequency by around a quarter compared to fertile controls. This reduction may be linked to impaired ciliary action and tubal transport, which could negatively impact fertility.
Researchers at Cornell University have developed a tiny atomic battery that can run for decades unattended, converting radioactive energy into motion. The device uses nickel-63 isotope and has potential applications in sensors for missiles and medical devices.
A new Center for Health Disparities Solutions will bring together resources from Johns Hopkins and Morgan State University to conduct research, training, and interventions to address health disparities. The center plans to educate participants on conducting research on disparities and establish connections with healthcare advocacy groups.
Researchers used precancerous breast cells from patients with Li-Fraumeni syndrome to test the effectiveness of chemopreventive agents in preventing cancer. Treatment with tamoxifen, a p53-rescue drug, and PPAR-ã agonist showed promise in stopping cancer development, suggesting new potential therapies for high-risk individuals.
The Big Ten university consortium is enhancing its research and training reactors to improve nuclear education and infrastructure. The four universities will share $1.97 million in funding to design the next generation of nuclear research facilities.
Researchers discovered that the Tryptophan cage protein, composed of 20 amino acids, folds into its three-dimensional shape at an unprecedented rate. The protein achieves this in just four-millionths of a second, beating any other protein by about four times.
Researchers discover that the Earth's magnetic field remained stable during a superchron period 95 million years ago, suggesting a single mechanism governs the field. The study also indicates that humanity may face a surprise in the future with possible pole reversals within centuries.
The study found that older men are more likely to have sperm with genetic mutations causing Apert syndrome, which increases the risk of having a child with the disease. The scientists suggest that the number of cell divisions in making sperm plays a role in this link.
Researchers have successfully measured electrical resistance and magnetic properties of lithium under extreme conditions. The discovery reveals multiple transitions in the element's structure, reevaluating its properties.
A randomized, double-blind trial found that magnesium supplementation had no effect on 30-day mortality in patients with acute STEMI. The study's results support current coronary care practice and suggest that routine administration of intravenous magnesium is not indicated.
Researchers have discovered a new way to prevent cell death in the brain, which could lead to treatments for stroke, schizophrenia, and other neurological disorders. By enhancing the interaction between two proteins, they may be able to design medications that target specific brain functions.
Research reveals that people near freeways are exposed to 30 times more ultrafine particles, linked to neurological changes and cardiovascular problems. The study measured particle concentrations near two major freeways in Los Angeles, finding a significant decrease in particle concentration with distance from the freeway.
A recent study reveals that asthma affects over 42,000 US households, with moderate to severe persistent disease prevalent among individuals. Additionally, the research highlights the significant impact of asthma on daily activities, affecting two-thirds of respondents.
Researchers at Ohio State University and MIT found that a specific protein misfolding in an organelle leads to the transmission of transmissible spongiform encephalopathies. The misfolded proteins accumulate in the cytosol, altering cell metabolism and killing neural cells.
Magnussen fostered diversity through outreach programs, including Texas A&M's Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) program, which now supports female faculty and students. She also promotes positive role models and organizes research competitions for young science enthusiasts.
Researchers discovered that telomere shortening is a common feature in high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (HGPIN), the precursor to prostate cancer. Shortened telomeres were found in 93% of HGPIN lesions, suggesting their role as potential biomarkers for early detection and prevention.
Researchers tracked a star's orbit around a suspected black hole in the Milky Way, revealing its massive gravitational pull. The observation provides key evidence for the existence of a supermassive black hole at the galaxy's center.
Research found that prenatal alcohol exposure can lead to insecurity in children, but a mother's emotional supportiveness can mitigate this effect. Children of moderate-heavy drinkers who had supportive mothers developed better coping skills than those without such support.
A Canadian study found a 353% increase in antidepressant prescriptions from 3.2 million to 14.5 million between 1981 and 2000, outpacing the country's population growth. The study suggests increased awareness and better understanding of depression may be contributing factors, but the underlying cause remains unclear.