Researchers at USC's Doheny Retina Institute have made significant progress with a permanent retinal prosthesis, designed to restore vision to patients with retinitis pigmentosa and macular degeneration. The device has been implanted in the first patient as part of an FDA-approved trial.
A study by researchers at Indiana University found that self-esteem plays a significant role in the loss of virginity among adolescents. Young girls with high self-esteem were less likely to engage in early sexual activity, while young boys with high self-esteem were more likely to report being sexually active.
A UMass anthropologist has investigated the dental development of an extinct primate species, revealing that these early primates developed teeth rapidly to adapt to their environment. The study found that these ancient lemurs had highly developed teeth by birth, allowing them to survive on solid food shortly after birth.
Researchers found that premenopausal women who underwent mastectomy alone had similar survival outcomes regardless of the menstrual cycle phase. In contrast, those who received adjuvant oophorectomy and tamoxifen during the luteal phase experienced better disease-free and overall survival rates. Additionally, studies suggest socioecono...
A long-term follow-up study found that only four out of 166 children treated with tacrolimus developed chronic rejection. The patients who experienced rejection had been off immunosuppression for extended periods due to life-threatening infections or complications, but were able to recover once they resumed normal dosages.
Researchers at UMass Amherst used computer simulations to predict that microwaves can be used to separate chemicals in sponge-like solids, leading to energy-efficient technologies. The study found that it is possible to maintain two chemicals at different temperatures using microwave radiation.
Scientists have discovered that Dlx genes are required for normal mammalian limb development, suggesting homologous genes are responsible for the development of human limbs. The study also identifies two genes, Dlx5 and Dlx6, as candidate genes for split-hand/split-foot malformation (SHFM), a devastating congenital disorder.
The study found that patients given beta-blockers before bypass surgery had a 30-day mortality rate of 2.8%, compared to 3.4% for those not receiving the drug. The researchers also observed fewer instances of kidney problems and mechanical ventilation time in patients taking beta-blockers.
A new study found that error encouragement training improves performance for individuals with higher intelligence, openness to experience, and conscientiousness. In contrast, those with lower abilities benefit from error-avoidance training, which leads to higher self-confidence and better performance.
Researchers at Stanford Medicine have identified hundreds of new genes involved in multiple sclerosis (MS) progression. The study found genes expressed differently in acute and chronic attacks, including those associated with pregnancy and allergic responses, which could lead to new treatment strategies.
The University of Washington has been awarded a $16 million National Science Foundation grant to establish a center for materials and devices in information technology research. The center will receive funding over five years, with the potential for more than twice that amount over 10 years.
A new experimental approach has been developed to treat allergic diseases, with scientists creating a genetically engineered molecule called GE2 that connects two receptors on key immune system cells. The molecule short-circuits allergic reactions, including asthma and anaphylaxis, by cross-linking receptor molecules.
Researchers found that genistein in dietary supplements negates the tumor-fighting effects of tamoxifen for women with estrogen-dependent breast cancer. High doses of isoflavones, commonly used in US supplements, can stimulate breast cancer growth.
Researchers at UT Southwestern and M.D. Anderson have identified eight genes on chromosome 3 that act as tumor suppressors in lung cancer. These genes were found to inhibit tumor growth and induce cell death in human lung cancer cells, suggesting a potential new approach for treating the disease.
A new $4 million grant from the NIH will explore four sets of factors contributing to childhood stuttering, including language function, epidemiology, motor/physiological functions, and psychological factors. Researchers hope to identify risk factors and predictors for recovery.
The Odor Index is a new tool that relates the concentration of odorants to human perception, providing a comparative scale for measuring odors. The technology has shown significant reductions in odors in wastewater treatment plants and other industries.
A new study suggests that liver transplant matching based on histocompatibility could reduce disease recurrence in patients with hepatitis C and primary biliary cirrhosis. The University of Pittsburgh study analyzed data from over 3,000 liver transplants and found that a match significantly decreases the incidence of acute and chronic ...
Researchers predict that El Niño could lead to increased precipitation in the Southwest, alleviating water shortages and reducing wildfire danger. The region has been experiencing severe drought conditions, with reservoirs struggling to meet demand.
A recent study found that revealing students' papers would be run through plagiarism-detection software significantly deterred students from plagiarizing. Existing software's success rate is high enough to merit use in various classroom situations.
Researchers found the warmest portion of a hurricane's eye is approximately 3.5 miles high, corresponding to falling pressure and destructive winds. The data provided a comprehensive 3D image of the inner core, revealing how heat from rising air powers the storm.
Researchers may use a super-fast laser pulse to observe and control nuclear reactions, potentially slowing or accelerating fission. The lasetron concept could also briefly produce massive magnetic fields, opening new experiments in astrophysics.
Researchers develop mouse model of sporadic and familial human meningioma, demonstrating NF2 loss is sufficient for tumor formation. The study provides novel insight into the role of the NF2 gene in meningioma development and enables testing of potential therapies.
A randomized controlled trial found that culturally and linguistically suitable outreach and direct mail interventions increased Pap testing rates among Chinese-American women. The study suggests these interventions can help reduce racial and ethnic health disparities in cervical cancer screening.
The Johns Hopkins team has successfully transplanted kidneys from incompatible donors using a filtering technique, achieving a 93% success rate. The patients underwent plasmapheresis treatments and medication to prevent antibody re-emergence, allowing them to receive organs from donors of any blood type.