Researchers found genetically engineered mice lacking the A/C receptor had 8-12% lower blood pressure than normal mice. Blocking this subtype may offer a new approach to treating high blood pressure with reduced side effects.
The National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) is supporting the construction of four new 900 MHz NMR magnets, the largest size available. This funding will enable researchers to study the structure and behavior of biological molecules, revealing insights into normal cellular processes and shedding light on diseases.
Research suggests that the human immune system's complexity may be limiting the number of genes in the genome, as it requires more self-tolerance and kills off too many immune cells if there are too many genes. This could make further evolution for humans difficult.
In developed countries, cancer mortality is more than twice as high as in developing countries due to factors like tobacco consumption and Western nutrition. In contrast, up to 25% of malignancies in developing countries are caused by infectious agents, whereas chronic infections account for only 8% in developed nations.
A study found that patients taking olanzapine were at risk of developing diabetes, including diabetic ketoacidosis, with severe symptoms and even death. The researchers identified 289 cases of diabetes linked to the drug, highlighting a potential link between atypical antipsychotics and metabolic disorders.
Researchers found that chromosomal abnormalities in embryos were a common cause of unexplained recurrent miscarriages and implantation failure. By using Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD), normal embryos can be selected for transfer, leading to similar pregnancy rates as fertile women.
Brain scans reveal abnormal brain structure and function at an early stage, suggesting a powerful predictor of future illness. This finding may enable treatment to prevent distressing symptoms like hallucinations from developing.
A Wake Forest investigator has discovered a new mechanism by which alcohol affects the brain, revealing a complex interplay between pre- and post-synaptic processes. The findings suggest that alcohol may be more effective in certain individuals due to variations in sensitivity to its effects.
A study by Cornell University researchers found that low-income households and child-care facilities in New York state have high levels of air pollutants, including radon, lead, and mold. These pollutants can lead to serious health issues such as lead poisoning, asthma attacks, and allergies.
Researchers have discovered a gene, Ian5, that appears to affect the function of the thymus and is linked to the development of type 1 diabetes in rats. The identification of this gene may also contribute to human type 1 diabetes and help researchers understand the underlying mechanisms of the disease.
French fertility experts analyzed nearly 25,000 pregnancies, finding that babies in multiple pregnancies face significant risks of prematurity, mortality, and disability. They called for a reduction in multiple births through better embryo selection and monitoring to mitigate these risks.
A Wake Forest research team has identified a specific brain region, the thalamus, as being 'exquisitely sensitive' to alcohol consumption. The study found that this region produces characteristic spindle brain waves during stage II sleep, which are enhanced by low doses of alcohol but reduced later in the night.
Researchers found that a simpler fibular-based reconstruction method is more effective in restoring knee stability than the combined tibial and fibular-based approach. The study used 12 pairs of fresh cadaveric knees to compare the benefits of both procedures, and results showed that the fibular-based method takes less time in the oper...
Celebrating its 75th anniversary, Annals of Internal Medicine has published influential articles on Lyme disease, HIV/AIDS, and evidence-based medicine. The journal has continued to evolve with innovative features like structured abstracts and international discussions on editorial issues.
Researchers at USF Health successfully transplanted clonal human neurons into rats with severe spinal cord injuries, allowing some animals to bear weight on their hind legs. The study suggests that the transplanted cells can re-establish a neural connection, potentially paving the way for future rehabilitation and functional recovery.
Researchers discovered a direct link between sulfonylurea drugs and coronary arterial spasm, increasing blood pressure and heart damage. The study suggests that these common diabetes medications may pose an additional risk to diabetic patients already facing cardiovascular problems.
Research found that African populations with a fish-rich diet had lower leptin levels compared to those on a vegetarian diet. This association suggests that consuming fish may improve the body's sensitivity to leptin, which could help prevent obesity and related health issues.
Scientists are exploring the potential of Antarctica's subglacial lake to test sterile drilling techniques, which could also be used on Mars. The permafrost site is 2.8 kilometers below South Pole Station and contains a frozen mixture of ice and sediment.
Dr. David Bartel and colleagues have identified 16 novel miRNAs in Arabidopsis that regulate gene expression during development. The researchers demonstrate a plant homologue of the Dicer enzyme, CARPEL FACTORY (CAF), which processes plant miRNAs with sequence and structural similarities to animal miRNAs.
Researchers found that repeated exposure to online banner ads can lead to future sales, even if no clicks occur immediately. The study suggests that advertisers use banner ads strategically to smooth out sales and increase basket expenditures.
Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have discovered that Spot 42, a small RNA, differentially regulates gene expression in the E. coli galactose operon through an antisense mechanism. The study provides mechanistic insight into the process and answers long-standing biological questions.
The European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology has expressed deep concern over Italy's proposed policies on frozen embryos, which they claim are unethical and put women at risk. The proposals, set to be reviewed by the Italian Senate, limit embryo transfer to single births, posing significant risks to mothers and babies.
The new Stratospheric Satellites use NASA-developed super-pressure balloons to fly at 110,000 feet and provide 20 times higher resolution surface images of disasters than space-based satellites. With a projected life-cycle cost of $500,000 or less per unit, these satellites are poised to revolutionize disaster monitoring and telecommun...
A five-year, $14.8 million NIH-funded award will support HIV/AIDS research in China, focusing on epidemiologic and behavioral interventions, pathogenesis of the virus, safety and efficacy of anti-HIV drugs, and vaccine development. The award aims to improve HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention measures in resource-limited countries.
A two-year survey of nurses' unions and associations in 76 countries found that understaffing is the most frequently cited work-related problem. Nurses worldwide rank improved patient care and salaries as their top priorities, with stress, workplace bullying, and violence being significant concerns.
Researchers from the University at Buffalo have developed a programmable 'Sugazyme' that can efficiently attach unnatural amino acids to proteins. The technology has the potential to aid researchers working in proteomics by expanding the amino-acid repertoire for protein synthesis.
A study of 50 healthy postmenopausal women found that a specific exercise program reduced the risk of vertebral fractures and retained benefits for eight years after completion. The exercise group had lower bone density loss and better back strength than the control group.
A study by Dr. Eileen Trauth found that women in IT face unique challenges depending on their cultural background, family support, and personal experiences. The researcher suggests that respecting individual differences and providing tailored encouragement can help women resist social shaping and succeed in the field.
A CDC report confirms that residents of Appalachia, particularly those in rural areas, face higher risks of dying from cancer. The study, conducted by the Appalachian Cancer Network, shows significantly higher death rates for lung and cervical cancers in rural Appalachia compared to the national average.
Researchers have successfully used gene therapy to treat two young children with ADA-SCID, a rare form of SCID that requires regular injections of the bovine form of ADA enzyme. The new method involves removing bone marrow cells and engineering them to produce healthy immune cells, offering a potentially lower-risk alternative to bone ...
Researchers combine a gene that shuts off angiogenesis with a nanoparticle that selectively targets cancer tumor cells, effectively cutting off their blood supply and killing the tumor. This approach shows strong regression of large tumors in every system tested.
Research suggests that personality disorders change over time, with certain traits increasing in severity as individuals age. A 12-year follow-up study found that anxious and obsessive personality traits became more pronounced in patients, while flamboyant tendencies decreased.
A study of 219 patients with non-metastatic colon cancer found that laparoscopy-assisted colectomy (LAC) reduced perioperative morbidity, shortened hospital stays, and prolonged cancer-related survival. LAC was associated with a 60% lower risk of tumour relapse compared to open colectomy.
A new gene therapy protocol has successfully treated a child born without an immune system, reversing severe combined immunodeficiency. The procedure improved genetically altered stem cells, giving them a biological advantage and allowing them to prevail over the abnormal cells.
A single gene on the X chromosome, AGTR2, has been linked to mental retardation. The discovery could lead to new therapies and insights into normal brain development.
A previously unrecognized function of myeloperoxidase has been identified, affecting vasculature through a pathway independent of chlorine bleach production. This discovery may lead to the development of new drugs to treat inflammatory vascular diseases and conditions like septic shock.
A study by NIH/National Institute on Drug Abuse found that integrated medical and substance abuse treatment significantly increased patient continuation rates. Over half of patients who received comprehensive care entered outpatient substance abuse programs, compared to just 2.4% of those receiving standard care.
Researchers at Clemson University have identified a single gene, AGTR2, that may trigger mental retardation in males when it is abnormal. The study found mutations in eight male patients with unexplained mental retardation, offering new insights into the causes of brain development disorders.
Researchers at CWRU have developed a new cancer treatment using dual-release kinetics, which could potentially allow for more effective and safest local drug therapy. The device is designed to work in synergy with image-guided thermal ablation and aims to reduce exposure of normal tissues to drugs while increasing the dosage to the tum...
A new study suggests that taking aspirin three or more times a week for six months may reduce the risk of developing non-small cell lung cancer in women. However, larger studies are needed to confirm these findings and determine the optimal dose due to potential side effects like gastrointestinal bleeding.
Lee's research found that zeolites expand as fluid from the surrounding medium is squeezed into their tiny pores under great pressure, leading to potential applications as 'molecular sponges'. The discovery was made possible by using a technique called powder diffraction at Brookhaven's National Synchrotron Light Source.
A study found that people with type 2 diabetes experienced increased oscillatory potentials after dark adaptation, which decreased with oxygen inhalation. The researchers suggest that diabetic patients might benefit from a modified night-time illumination cycle during sleep to reduce oxygen consumption in the retina.
Researchers at the University of Washington discovered that fluid forces in the human body help invasive bacteria, such as E. coli, thrive and adhere to surfaces. This finding has significant medical implications, including the potential for improved biomedical device safety and a better understanding of urinary tract infections.
A study of 144 physicians found that treating substance-abusing patients leads to lower professional satisfaction rates compared to caring for patients with hypertension. The findings suggest that addressing physician dissatisfaction in drug abuse treatment may improve patient outcomes.
Researchers have designed rough-surfaced, fuzzy polymers to mesh with neurons, improving contact with brain tissue. The polymers' unique surface can fine-tune electrical signal conduction, enabling more efficient neural communication for brain-computer interfaces.
Researchers conducted two studies on venlafaxine XR, a SNRI medication, for social anxiety disorder (SAD) treatment. The results showed significant reductions in SAD symptoms as early as four or six weeks after treatment began, with continued improvements through week 12.
Researchers have found a new piece of the gene expression puzzle, revealing how histone proteins interact with each other and with other molecules to regulate gene activity. The discovery sheds light on potential causes of male infertility and highlights the complex mechanisms at play in chromatin.
The AT1-receptor blocker Atacand significantly reduces non-fatal strokes in elderly patients with mild hypertension while maintaining cognitive function. Lowering blood pressure also shows no significant increase in cognitive decline or dementia risk.
This study found that paclitaxel- and carboplatin-based regimens can prolong survival of patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer, with two-year survival rates similar to those achieved at one year with best supportive care. However, three-drug regimens were slightly more toxic and did not provide additional benefits.
A study by the NIH/National Institute on Drug Abuse found that active cocaine users had significantly lower adherence rates to antiretroviral therapy, leading to a higher risk of viral suppression failure. The study suggests that interventions should include assessing and treating cocaine use in patients with HIV infection.
Researchers discovered that degradation of SDF-1 protein is crucial for stem cell mobilization in bone marrow transplants. G-CSF growth factor triggers this process by reducing SDF-1 levels, allowing stem cells to flow into the bloodstream. The findings may lead to improved collection of stem cells for clinical transplantations.
Researchers found that gene swapping in mice leads to pro-B cell lymphomas, with amplifications of c-myc and IgH genes arising from chromosome translocations. The study uncovered a new mechanism for cancer formation involving the DNA-snipping enzyme RAG.
A study of 219 patients with non-metastatic colon cancer found that laparoscopy-assisted colectomy (LAC) reduced tumour relapse and death from all causes by 60% and 50%, respectively. LAC also resulted in shorter hospital stays and lower perioperative morbidity compared to open colectomy.
A new study found that the continuous stitching technique significantly reduced pain in women with perineal damage after childbirth. The method also resulted in fewer suture removals within three months compared to interrupted suturing. This could lead to cost savings and improved outcomes for patients.
A study of 373 intravenous drug users found significant reductions in emergency department use among those using needle-exchange programs, including Hispanics, men, and those with mental illness. The study suggests that needle-exchange-based health care services can reduce emergency department use among high-risk IDUs.
Researchers used computer simulations to track proton transport in basic solutions, revealing a complex process with different mobility mechanisms than acidic environments. This knowledge could aid in designing materials or processes that utilize proton conduction phenomena.
Researchers have discovered a new drug combination that outperforms existing treatments in patients with no prior treatment. The lopinavir-ritonavir combination demonstrates superior virus inhibition and reduces the risk of resistance, offering a more convenient regimen for patients.
A recent study reveals that girls tend to outshine boys academically, however, they suffer from increased internal distress and anxiety related to their performance. The research suggests that societal expectations and socialization can contribute to this phenomenon.
Physical aggression is a pervasive issue among young adults, with nearly three-quarters of participants reporting a personal experience with aggression. Bars are particularly common sites for male aggression, while homes are the most common setting for female aggression. The study highlights the need to address this widespread problem ...
A team of researchers has established the first-ever gene profile of the aging human retina, revealing expression changes in genes involved in stress response and energy metabolism. The study's findings may help scientists understand how age predisposes individuals to age-related diseases such as AMD.