A U.S.-Russian team has made a significant breakthrough in the fight against drug-resistant tuberculosis, with a new compound showing marked decreases in lung presence and symptoms. The SciClone Pharmaceuticals-Verta project is a milestone for scientific collaboration between U.S. industry and former Soviet researchers.
A recent UCSF-led study found that fluoroquinolones were widely prescribed to patients discharged from the hospital despite narrow-spectrum antibiotics being appropriate. The study highlights the serious erosion of effectiveness due to overuse and increasing bacterial resistance, particularly in cystic fibrosis patients.
Researchers found that early intervention improves self-esteem and social connections for older people who become housebound. Services such as home help, day centres, or sheltered housing can make a positive impact, even if the support is not ideal.
Researchers from CU-Boulder will conduct cell biology experiments in microgravity, mimicking normal functioning kidney cells and studying molecular responses to infections. Plant growth experiments will also explore the role of gravity on plant development, with potential applications in timber and pharmaceutical industries.
University of Pittsburgh researchers have developed a urinary catheter that can directly measure blood flow and oxygen utilization in the body. This innovation allows for more timely monitoring of trauma patients and could lead to better outcomes by providing insights into mechanisms of organ failure.
Researchers identified Kir6.2 as a protective mechanism against stress in the heart, which helps maintain equilibrium under peak workloads. The study found that mice lacking this protein experienced severe cardiac distress and died, while those with it survived stress tests.
Researchers will use computational biolinguistics to analyze protein sequences and understand their structure, dynamics, and function. This project aims to extract information from gene sequences that may lead to developing drugs to fight degenerative diseases.
A recent survey of over 100 academic medical centers found that anesthesiology faculty members and residents have substance abuse rates of 1% and 1.6%, respectively, during their personal time. The most commonly abused medication is fentanyl, often discovered through overdose or by tracking dispensed drugs.
A phase II study of 100 patients with previously untreated HIV found that kaletra held the virus at undetectable levels for four years, with 72% maintaining suppressed viral loads. The results suggest that Kaletra remains a crucial option for initial therapy, helping to prolong time to resistance development.
Experts will share insights on developing and marketing natural medicinal products for economic feasibility and public health. The summit aims to draft a consensus statement on the safety and effectiveness of these products, which have gained popularity with numerous claims but lack research support.
The initiative involves over 50 investigators in Seattle and Vancouver, B.C., aiming to develop improved therapies for men with recurrent or advanced disease. Prostate cancer affects one in six men, with an estimated 189,000 diagnoses this year and 30,200 deaths.
Research found that reducing blood pressure to less than the standard goal also lowered artery stiffness in patients with high blood pressure. The study involved 142 nondiabetic patients who received antihypertensive drugs, resulting in a significant decrease in artery stiffness for those with lower target pressures.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic developed a new calculator to determine baseline prognosis and treatment benefits for patients with resected melanoma. The tool calculates patient potential living with no recurring cancer or after surgery and interferon therapy, empowering informed treatment decisions.
A new agreement between NIDA and SAMHSA will facilitate the dissemination of research findings from NIDA's treatment research to practitioners across the US, enhancing treatment practices. The initiative aims to reduce the time between discovering an effective treatment and its adoption in community-based care.
Researchers found that 43% of participants with mild cognitive impairment had psychiatric symptoms, and 75% of those with dementia did. The study highlights the importance of recognizing and treating these symptoms to improve patient outcomes.
Researchers at the Mayo Clinic document a safer treatment approach for atrial fibrillation, utilizing adequate anticoagulation medication to reduce the risk of stroke and thromboembolism. The study, conducted from 1990-1994, involved 834 successful cardioversions performed in 717 patients, with an incidence rate of less than 1%.
The study reveals how aluminum floc forms in polluted streams, binding to toxic metals and transporting them downstream, harming fish and other aquatic animals. Understanding the molecular pathways of this process may lead to practical solutions to prevent the reactions.
A recent study found that stent-assisted angioplasty reduced the need for repeat revascularization by 14% compared to CABG. Additionally, patients who received angioplasty experienced a lower risk of subsequent heart attack (5%) than those given CABG (8%).
A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine finds that Ecstasy use can cause severe brain dopamine deficits and potentially lead to parkinsonism in humans. The researchers administered MDMA to squirrel monkeys and observed significant neuronal injury.
A new study found that a combination of peginterferon alfa-2a and ribavirin can offer superior efficacy without increasing common side effects, particularly in patients infected with hepatitis C genotype 1. The treatment approach showed a higher sustained response rate compared to standard therapy.
A new report suggests that soot particles could have a significant impact on global warming, with potential policy implications. The study's findings introduce new uncertainty into climate models and shift responsibility for reducing pollution to developing nations like China and India.
This year's winners include C. Jeffrey Brinker, Claire M. Fraser, Bruce T. Goodwin, Keith O. Hodgson, Saul Perlmutter, Benjamin D. Santer, and Paul J. Turinsky for their groundbreaking work in materials research, genome analysis, nuclear physics, environmental science, and more.
University of Pittsburgh scientist highlights sub-lethal mechanical trauma's effect on red blood cells, potentially shortening lifespan. Dr. Kameneva discusses the impact on artificial heart development and suggests understanding blood flow and cell interactions to improve device designs.
The tolerance-hyperbaric test (THT) can identify pregnant women at high risk for gestational high blood pressure and preeclampsia up to 23 weeks before clinical confirmation. The test's sensitivity reaches 99% by the third trimester, providing early prevention opportunities.
A new healthcare model is being launched at Duke University Medical Center, focusing on personalized health planning, coaching, and disease prevention. The initiative aims to reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and diabetes by empowering patients to make lifestyle changes.
A NASA study suggests that black carbon particles are responsible for changes in precipitation patterns over China, leading to increased flooding in the south and droughts in the north. The study used climate computer models and aerosol data to analyze the effects of black carbon on hydrologic cycles in China and India.
Researchers discovered the chemical principles to reorganize liquids, creating new 'symphonic compositions' with desired optical and electronic properties. The team engineered molecules into glasses and liquids, manipulating their structure to produce changes in properties.
Researchers used genome-wide scanning to uncover genetic causes of Hirschsprung disease, a complex disorder resulting from subtle gene mutations. The study identified two key genes, RET and EDNRB, which must co-exist to cause the disease, providing new insights into its underlying mechanisms.
A study by Cornell University researchers found that urban areas in the US now have an average of 10 more very warm nights a year than rural areas, which has significant implications for heat problems. The growth was highest on the East Coast, with cities like Miami and Los Angeles showing the most extreme temperature trends.
Perlmutter's discovery of the universe's accelerating expansion using supernovae as standard candles revolutionized our understanding of the cosmos. His work, done through the Supernova Cosmology Project, has far-reaching implications for our knowledge of the fundamental nature of the universe.
Women with endometriosis have a higher prevalence of autoimmune inflammatory diseases, hypothyroidism, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, allergies, and asthma. A 10-year delay between symptom onset and diagnosis is common, prompting doctors to consider endometriosis in girls and women with pelvic pain.
Research suggests that drinking water can improve a person's ability to stand and reduce the likelihood of fainting, particularly for individuals who donate blood. Healthy participants were tested using tilt-table testing, with results showing an average increase of 40.9 minutes in tolerated standing time when hydrated.
USC researchers are testing a prototype 'e-textile' that can detect faint sounds, specifically distant vehicle movements on future battlefields. The fabric functions as a supersensitive detection array and can be deployed in various ways, such as a parachute or camouflage net.
Researchers examine the mechanisms underlying inactivation of BRCA1 and its impact on patient management. The study assesses the potential usefulness of BRCA1 as a prognostic tool and predictive marker for response to different classes of drugs.
The international Type 1 Diabetes Genetics Consortium will collect and analyze genetic data from 2,500 families worldwide to identify genes contributing to the disease. The consortium aims to clarify the complex interaction between genetics and environment in type 1 diabetes.
A recent study found that nonoxynol-9 spermicide may increase the risk of HIV-1 infection in women due to vaginal lesions caused by frequent use. In contrast, low-frequency use showed no harm or benefit. The findings highlight the need for alternative vaginal microbicides.
SMU and UNC researchers discovered that the E(Z) protein silences genes by modifying a specific chromatin protein, a mechanism found to be conserved in both humans and Drosophila. This breakthrough sheds light on how Polycomb-group proteins regulate gene expression during development.
Researchers at University of Melbourne warn of potential risks in pesticide control due to widespread resistance discovered in Drosophila melanogaster fly species. The gene Cyp6g1 confers resistance by producing more protein that breaks down pesticides, posing significant challenges for future pest management options.
A population-based study of 2,786 diabetic and non-diabetic postmenopausal women found that HRT had a positive effect on blood levels of fats and glucose. Diabetic women on HRT had significantly lower fasting levels of total cholesterol and higher levels of beneficial high-density lipoprotein.
A study found that azithromycin improved forced expiratory volume in one second's exhalation (FEV1) by around 5% in some children with cystic fibrosis. The drug was well-tolerated and showed no significant difference in quality-of-life assessments compared to placebo.
Researchers at Stanford Medicine identified a protein fragment called gliadin as the cause of gluten intolerance. They also proposed using a dietary enzyme to break down the fragment into harmless bits, offering hope for future treatment.
Key findings from a study suggest that patients prioritize personal service, therapist listening skills, and clear explanations over facility amenities. Researchers surveyed over 1,868 participants and found that adequate time spent on individual patient care is vital for patient satisfaction.
Researchers found that black single mothers in rural Georgia with good self-esteem and optimism implemented effective parenting practices, leading to higher levels of self-regulation in their children. This resulted in better academic performance, social skills, and reduced delinquency.
Researchers at the University of Melbourne discovered a key player in the brain's response to low glucose levels, shedding light on how diabetes and hypoglycemia are regulated. By studying Neuropeptide Y, scientists hope to develop new treatments for these conditions.
Researchers have developed a new treatment for fibroids using a combination of lasers and MRI, which has shown promising results in reducing fibroid volume and improving symptoms. The treatment has the potential to be an alternative to traditional surgery for selected patients, particularly those wishing to preserve their fertility.
A double-blind, randomized controlled trial found that taking aspirin at bedtime significantly reduced the risk of preterm labor and preeclampsia in pregnant women with high blood pressure. The study also showed significant weight gains in babies born to mothers who took aspirin at night.
A UC Riverside study sheds light on the emergence of bilaterian animals, suggesting they did not appear until 555 million years ago. The research analyzed trace fossils from the Proterozoic-Cambrian transition, providing evidence for the gradual increase in diversity and complexity of these ancient structures.
Researchers have identified a protein fragment in cereal grains that causes celiac sprue, an autoimmune disorder requiring strict gluten-free diets. A bacterial enzyme that breaks down this peptide may also offer relief to those with the condition, according to a study published in Science.
A large study found that non-dippers have higher levels of fibrinogen, a clotting factor, which could account for increased risk. Fibrinogen levels vary over the year, peaking in winter months, and a 75 mg/dL increase translates to an 85% increased risk for coronary events.
Researchers at Stanford University Hospital have discovered a bacterial enzyme that can rapidly degrade toxic fragments of gluten, potentially providing an alternative to a strict gluten-free diet. This breakthrough has the potential to improve the quality of life for millions of Celiac disease patients worldwide.
Dr. Michael Sporn, a renowned cancer researcher, has made significant contributions to cancer prevention through his work on chemoprevention and the development of new strategies to reduce cancer incidence and death. He is recognized for his pioneering studies on the role of Vitamin A and retinoids in cancer prevention.
Researchers used a climate change model on Earth to analyze Mars' polar regions, finding a correlation between the layers of ice and dust and changes in climate. The study suggests that Mars' climate changes can be explained by orbital theory, similar to Earth.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that patients taking losartan had a significantly lower combined rate of cardiovascular death, stroke, and heart attack compared to those taking atenolol. The results showed a 40% reduction in stroke risk and a lower overall mortality rate.
The National Science Foundation (NSF) has awarded UCSD a total of $22 million over five years to support research in information technology. The OptIPuter project, funded at $13.5 million, aims to develop a powerful distributed cyberinfrastructure for data-intensive scientific research and collaboration.
A new study demonstrates that learning and speech therapy can alter the way compensatory pathways in the brain work after a stroke. The research supports the hypothesis that brain pathways in the right hemisphere are directly involved in the recovery of language skills.
Researchers discovered a gene, Hsp27, that protects mature nerve cells from death following injury. Delivering this gene via therapy may lead to new treatments for neurodegenerative diseases and nerve injuries.
A University of Toronto professor has identified a key protein in the fight against plant disease, which could lead to genetically engineered crops resistant to various diseases. The discovery was made using a mutant strain of weed that lacks this protein, revealing its role in triggering systemic acquired resistance.
The Department of Education at Washington University in St. Louis has received a $10 million NSF grant to establish the Center for Integrating Science, Technology, and Learning (CISTL). CISTL will focus on supporting inquiry-based teaching and learning in K-12 science education through professional development and research projects.
Researchers studied brain activity in patients with epileptic seizures to understand how synchronized gamma waves contribute to conscious perception. The studies found that synchronized fast neural activity in the sensory area is necessary for perceiving simple stimuli.
Researchers have discovered a new viral structure that suggests a continuum in the evolution of viruses, revealing similarities between PRD1 and human adenoviruses. The findings provide insights into the evolutionary path taken by families of viruses and may lead to the development of new therapies for certain infections.