A PET scan study found impaired endothelium-dependent coronary artery vasodilator function in healthy young smokers, indicating increased risk of heart attack and stroke. The study suggests that smoking begins to cause damage much earlier than previously thought, even in those without apparent coronary disease.
A new imaging procedure using a radiotracer has revealed the extent of myocardial tissue injury after a heart attack, even in patients who have been successfully revascularized. The study found that 81% of patients showed persistent cellular damage and 90% had perfusion defects.
A US study found that 26% of men and 28% of women were obese by age 35-37, with black women and Hispanic men at higher risk. Obesity is linked to various health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, and stroke.
Research found that alcoholics exhibit blunted heart-rate responses to public speaking despite similar anxiety levels, indicating a disconnection between perception and physiological response. This impairment may contribute to social functioning and emotional experiences in individuals recovering from severe alcohol dependence.
Researchers at UC Santa Barbara study spider dragline silk's mechanical properties, revealing its elastic and strong nature. The protein unfolds into a modular structure with sacrificial bonds that reform under load, making it a promising material for bulletproof vests, armor, and tethers.
Researchers developed a formula to accurately determine water-use efficiency in typical soils, showing that no-till techniques can improve crop yields while reducing runoff and drainage losses. Soils with higher clay content and greater capacity to retain water produce better results, highlighting the importance of soil type management.
H. William Strauss is a pioneer in cardiovascular nuclear medicine and has published extensively on the subject. He recently received the de Hevesy Pioneer Award for his groundbreaking contributions to the field of nuclear medicine.
Dr. Barrio has made significant contributions to Parkinson's and Alzheimer's Disease research, including the first PET study on plaque visualization in living brains. He also supports nuclear medicine research through various committees and publications.
A study found that participants who watched TV programs with sex or violence had impaired memory for advertised products compared to those who watched neutral programs. The results suggest that sex and violence can impair commercial memory, potentially deterring advertisers from sponsoring such content.
Researchers at the University at Buffalo found that consuming a high-fat meal causes an increase in inflammatory components in the blood. However, taking antioxidant vitamins E and C before consumption can nullify this effect.
Researchers have identified a gene mutation that predisposes children to the most common type of pediatric brain tumor, medulloblastoma. This discovery could lead to new treatment options and improve survival rates. The study also found that the same signaling pathways affected in medulloblastomas are disrupted in other cancers.
Researchers found that early treatment with insulin-resistant drugs saves about 30% more beta cells than late intervention, preventing type 2 diabetes. The study suggests that lessening the workload on beta cells can prevent or slow disease onset.
A new study by University at Buffalo researchers found that insulin sensitizer rosiglitazone (Avandia) has a significant anti-inflammatory effect in Type 2 diabetes patients. The drug decreased levels of oxygen free radicals and inflammatory markers, reducing the risk of heart disease.
Buszaki's research published in Science and Nature reveals the neural code used by brain cells to communicate, including wave-like bursts that shape connections in the newborn brain. This breakthrough has significant implications for understanding how memories are formed and how the brain develops.
Researchers created a mouse model of hair loss syndrome, which sheds light on the complex interactions between genes and their effects on human diseases. The study found that genetic background plays a significant role in determining the severity of the condition, and could potentially inform gene therapy approaches.
Researchers have identified HsfA1 as a master regulator of the tomato heat stress response, playing a crucial role in protecting plants from high temperatures. Transgenic tomatoes with over-expressed HsfA1 showed increased resistance to heat stress, while those deficient in HsfA1 were more susceptible.
Researchers at Ohio State University identified 14 genes over-expressed and 12 genes under-expressed in lung cells affected by cancer. The study provides new insights into the genetic basis of lung cancer and could lead to earlier detection methods.
Researchers at Ohio State University have developed an intensification therapy regimen that combines chemotherapy and radiation to treat advanced head and neck cancers. The treatment has shown promising results, with a significant increase in survival rates and minimal patient non-compliance.
Researchers discovered that brightly colored and patterned spiny spiders in Australia are more effective at catching prey due to their vibrant colors. The spiders use their colors to mimic food sources like flowers, attracting visually oriented insects.
Georgia Tech will focus on aeropropulsion and power technologies, bridging technology gaps for revolutionary engine components. The institute aims to develop innovative propulsion and power technologies, enabling NASA and industry to produce more efficient engines.
In a breakthrough study, monkeys were trained to move balls around on a screen using brain signals, achieving accuracy and speed comparable to normal arm movements. The technique has implications for people with paralysis who may be able to learn to control prosthetic limbs through thought control.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh's McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine have made significant breakthroughs in regenerative medicine. Filtering antibodies from blood may decrease the risk of organ rejection, with experiments showing a 40-60% reduction when coated with specific antigens. Additionally, injecting drag-re...
Brown University researchers will develop a research-based register of controlled trials related to ophthalmology and optometry. They aim to provide evidence-based treatments to patients, helping physicians and consumers make informed healthcare choices.
A phase II trial demonstrated the therapeutic benefit of an angiogenic growth factor in patients with painful blockages in the legs. Treated patients showed significant increases in peak walking times and improved scores in a blood pressure index, suggesting improved perfusion.
A survey found that few Americans are aware of ocular hypertension, with only 41% recognizing it as a factor in glaucoma risk. Many individuals over 40 years old are unaware they need routine screening for the condition, despite being at increased risk.
Geraldine Richmond, a renowned Oregon chemist and educator, has been recognized for her efforts to foster diversity in the chemical workplace. She founded the Committee on the Advancement of Women in Chemistry (COACh) to support women chemists and promote gender equality.
Researchers found that learning new motor skills does not occur in the cerebellum, but rather in other parts of the brain. The cerebellum does influence changes in performance, however.
A recent study found that pressure-lowering eye drops reduced the development of primary open-angle glaucoma by over 50 percent. The study suggests that treating people with elevated eye pressure may delay or prevent glaucoma, particularly in those at higher risk due to age, ethnicity, or ocular characteristics.
A team of scientists led by Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Professor Jun Abrajano refutes the Noah's Flood Hypothesis by presenting sediment evidence of sustained interaction between the Mediterranean and Black Seas. This contradicts the theory that a massive flood destroyed freshwater mollusks in the Black Sea.
Researchers found that melanocytes, pigment-producing skin cells, are resistant to chemotherapy and radiation due to a protective mechanism involving the MITF gene. This mechanism allows them to survive solar radiation, making melanoma treatment challenging.
Nancy Treasure, a chemistry teacher at Layton High School in Utah, has been recognized with the American Chemical Society Regional Award in High School Chemistry Teaching. She is known for her ability to tailor instruction to all ability levels, resulting in an advanced placement pass rate of 80-85 percent.
Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have identified six new breast cancer-susceptibility genes, expanding the current list of eight known genes. The discovery provides a promising lead for developing targeted treatments and genetic tests to gauge inherited breast cancer risk.
In a large clinical trial, patients with impaired glucose tolerance who took acarbose were 25% less likely to develop type-2 diabetes than those taking placebo. Acarbose also helped reversion of impaired glucose tolerance to normal glucose tolerance. The main side effects were flatulence and diarrhea.
A. Troy Pauli, a Wyoming chemist, has developed an automated flocculation titrimeter (AFT) that analyzes the stability and performance of asphalts made with mixtures of heavy oils and petroleum residues. The device helps maximize the recovery of distillate oil by measuring the amount of "coke" formed during the breakdown process.
Dopamine and ethanol act through independent mechanisms to produce a common cellular response sustaining voluntary drinking behavior in rats. The study suggests synergy between dopamine D2 and adenosine A2 receptors creates hypersensitivity to ethanol and beta gamma dimers are required for sustained drinking.
Researchers argue that the NY-ELCAP program cannot determine if screening saves lives due to a lack of control group. The study may harm participants, lead to overdiagnosis and make it harder to learn the true effect of spiral CT screening.
The LAT protein is essential for T-cell activation and a normal immune response. Mutations in the protein can lead to unbalanced signaling pathways, potentially causing autoimmune disorders.
Researchers at UC Riverside discovered a molecular switch called Rop that assists plant survival in low-oxygen conditions, such as flooding. The enzyme ADH is produced through a rheostat-like mechanism, which is controlled by the Rop switch.
A recent study found that eye drops can delay the onset of glaucoma by reducing intraocular pressure by approximately 20%. The Ocular Hypertension Treatment Study (OHTS) followed 1,636 participants with elevated eye pressure and showed a significant reduction in glaucoma development among those who received treatment. This breakthrough...
A study of Chinese in-patients with first-time schizophrenia reveals a genetic alteration associated with increased bodyweight and drug-induced weight gain. The research suggests a predictive test could determine a patient's likelihood of developing this side effect, allowing for personalized treatment.
A study found that 14- to 18-year-olds have a high prevalence of alcohol and drug disorders, with over half having used substances in the past year. A new screening tool, CRAFFT, was effective in identifying teens at risk.
A new study from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill found that Australian Aboriginals are more susceptible to diabetes due to excess weight. The researchers suggest lowering BMI guidelines to reduce the risk, which could potentially prevent up to 46% of diabetes cases.
New research reveals that brain activity associated with performing motor skills is separate from the process of learning those skills. The study, conducted by Dr. James Ashe and colleagues, used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to detect brain activity in the cerebellum during performance of learned motor skills.
A simple urine test can predict Alzheimer's disease by detecting increased brain oxidative damage in the form of isoprostanes in urine. The test may help doctors diagnose the disease earlier, allowing for slower progression and better treatment response.
The U-M artificial lung has improved blood flow and reduced risk of clotting, showing encouraging results in sheep tests. The device could potentially bridge lung disease patients to transplant, reducing the average wait time from two years.
A new device developed by Northwestern University uses a hollow-fiber membrane biofilm reactor to remove perchlorate and nitrate from contaminated water. The system exploits the natural biochemical process of electron transfer, reducing contaminants to harmless substances.
A pioneering neurosurgeon has successfully implanted an artificial vision system in eight blind patients, enabling them to drive cars and navigate their surroundings. The device, developed by the Dobelle Institute, stimulates the brain's visual cortex to create a semblance of sight.
The discovery of a Jupiter-like planet and the smallest known planet outside the solar system offers hope for finding life beyond Earth. The newly found planet orbits 55 Cancri at nearly the same distance as Jupiter orbits our sun, making it a near analog to our own solar system.
Researchers have discovered zebrafish produce enzymes similar to human COX enzymes, which could lead to new treatments for cardiovascular disease and cancer. The study also shows that drugs targeting COX-2 behave similarly in zebrafish as in humans.
Researchers identify Beta-gamma dimer as key molecule in the brain's response to alcohol, which amplifies dopamine release and contributes to cravings. Blocking this molecule may prevent excessive drinking and provide a novel target for medications.
A new analysis suggests that reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 2010 could prevent or mitigate some severe climate change effects. However, saving coral reefs is unlikely, while ocean currents and ice-sheet melting are more plausible but uncertain outcomes.
Mooney recognized for his work in plant physiological ecology and conservation efforts, including creating new methods to quantify environmental impact on plants. He also established the Global Invasive Species Program to raise awareness of human activities' effects on ecosystems through species introductions.
Researchers found that pressure-lowering eye drops reduced the development of primary open-angle glaucoma by more than 50% in high-risk individuals. The study also highlighted personal and ocular risk factors associated with glaucoma development.
A new study suggests that the placenta produces high levels of progesterone to interact with the sigma receptor, which disables the mother's immune system. This mechanism allows the fetus to survive without being rejected by the mother's immune system.
A recent study, TRAFFIC, found that intra-arterial infusions of recombinant fibroblast growth factor-2 (rFGF-2) improved exercise capacity in patients with moderate-to-severe intermittent claudication. Peak walking time increased by 1.77 minutes with single-dose rFGF-2 and 1.54 minutes with double-dose rFGF-2.
Researchers argue that NY-ELCAP cannot determine if spiral CT screening saves lives due to a lack of control group. The study's design flaw could lead to overdiagnosis and unnecessary treatment for some participants.
The CONTOUR mission will examine the 'heart' of comets, exploring their composition and dynamics through high-resolution images and gas analysis. The four-year mission will visit two comets, Encke and Schwassmann-Wachmann 3, and potentially a new comet in the outer solar system.
Researchers at Cornell University have created a single-atom transistor by implanting a molecule between two gold electrodes. The device demonstrates the potential for shrinking electronic components to smaller sizes and may be used as a chemical sensor.
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine shows that cardiac resynchronisation therapy systems improved NYHA functional class, six-minute walk distance, and quality of life for patients with moderate-to-severe heart failure. The treatment also reduced hospitalisations by 50% and hospital days by 77%.
Research shows that exotic honeybees significantly improve coffee crop yields by up to 50%. The study emphasizes the need to preserve natural habitats for these pollinators to maintain biodiversity and sustainable agriculture practices. By removing their natural habitats through intensive cultivation, we risk losing crucial pollinators.