Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute identified a gene signature that distinguishes leukemia patients who can be cured with intensive chemotherapy from those who require bone marrow transplantation. Patients with high HOX11 expression survived for three years and were most likely cured, while those without it had poorer outcomes.
Researchers from University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have found that the Nf1 gene is essential in endothelial cells, explaining why patients with NF1 are prone to cardiovascular problems. The discovery may lead to new therapeutics for NF1 and provide validation of an animal model for the disease.
Large planetary waves in the atmosphere led to a smaller Antarctic ozone hole in 2002. However, scientists emphasize that these weather patterns do not indicate the ozone layer is recovering and may return to previous sizes next year.
Research found that anti-racism messages can increase ambivalence and prejudice in some individuals, especially those with conflicting attitudes towards ethnic minorities. The studies suggest that these messages may not be effective in reducing prejudice and could even worsen it.
Abusive men tend to view stressful situations as personally threatening and repress emotional responses, leading to bursts of violent behavior. Men who show both tendencies are more likely to commit domestic violence, the study found.
A study of Parkinson's patients found that those with advanced disease are at greater risk for motor vehicle collisions due to motor and cognitive dysfunction. The study also revealed no correlation between self-reported moving violations and total collisions on the simulator.
Pittsburgh researchers identify a genetic change in the UMOD gene responsible for two juvenile onset renal diseases, FJHN and MCKD2. The discovery enables testing of clinically unaffected family members, allowing for early intervention and potential prevention of kidney disease progression.
Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have found a promising new treatment for patients receiving stem cell transplants. The combination therapy of sirolimus and tacrolimus reduced the risk of GVHD to 13%, compared to 30% in normal cases.
Most Americans oppose scientists working on human cloning (76%) and favor government regulation of reproductive genetic technologies. The public draws clear distinctions between health and non-health related applications, with two-thirds approving of testing for serious diseases.
Weintraub and Bary's study of T Tauri stars reveals that many older stars may still possess protoplanetary disks, which are invisible to Earth-based telescopes. This finding contradicts the prevailing assumption that most Sun-like stars lose their disks before planetary systems can form.
A recent study published in Archives of Internal Medicine found that individuals with depressive symptoms are more likely to experience unemployment or loss of income. The research suggests a significant economic impact of depression on employment and income, highlighting the need for increased awareness and treatment.
A study found a common genetic link between depression and cardiovascular disease, with increased frequency of specific gene variants in patients with severe depression. The combined presence of ACE-D and G-ß3-T alleles was associated with an elevated risk of cardiovascular disorders and depression.
A recent study found that hemispherectomy significantly reduces seizures in older children with Sturge-Weber syndrome, a rare disorder characterized by neurological abnormalities. The surgery was effective in more than 80% of patients, regardless of their age at operation.
Scientists analyzed 40 years of daily weather data to understand the NAO's two-week cycle and its effects on European winters. They found that positive NAO events lead to milder winters, while negative events bring colder temperatures and more precipitation.
The DOE grant aims to economically derive high-value chemicals and oils from lower value corn fiber, opening new markets for corn growers. The project will develop purification and characterization techniques and design a pilot plant to recover high-value carbohydrates.
A new study finds that nutrition counseling for high cholesterol patients significantly improves their ability to manage their condition while maintaining or improving their overall health. Patients who received personalized feedback and educational materials reported increased satisfaction with their care and healthier eating habits.
Researchers have found that traditional Chinese approaches combined with modern techniques can provide the same living conditions as high-rise structures while reducing energy consumption. The design incorporates natural ventilation, solar heating, and green spaces to create a comfortable and sustainable living environment.
A study found that a quadriplegic individual's brain preserves its ability to 'feel' and 'move' despite severe spinal cord injury. The findings indicate stability in the brain's motor patterns, suggesting a small portion of the spinal cord may still be intact.
A Keck School of Medicine study finds that black and Hispanic children are more insulin-resistant, but their bodies cope differently with resistance. Insulin resistance can worsen over time, leading to type 2 diabetes.
Researchers pinpoint high concentrations of air pollutants in eastern US, Europe, and China using data from NASA and European Space Agency satellites. The pollutants vary by season, affecting human health and air quality.
A recent study by researchers found that rice grown in areas with contaminated fields in Bangladesh has arsenic levels 10-fold higher than uncontaminated areas. The World Health Organization warns that the tubewell crisis in Bangladesh is the largest mass poisoning of a population in history, with potential health risks for millions.
A study published in PNAS found that intensive farming practices can reduce bee populations and limit the pollination services provided by native bees. However, careful land use management can support the flourishing of native bee species, which are capable of doing more pollinating than previously thought.
A team of Stanford engineers is working on a computer code capable of tracking massive internal waves that can contain enough energy to move pollutants and debris long distances. The SUNTANS project aims to identify vulnerable beaches and coastal habitats, allowing for early prediction and protection.
Results from THRIVE III study demonstrate that oral EXANTA is effective in preventing recurrence of VTE events by 84% compared to placebo. The data also show no significant increase in total bleeding events for EXANTA.
A new 'designer' drug has shown activity in treating acute myeloid leukemia (AML), with 13 of 15 patients experiencing reductions in abnormal white blood cell counts. The experimental compound targets a specific genetic flaw, offering a more targeted approach to conventional chemotherapy drugs.
Researchers found that active brain lesions are key predictors of seizure recurrence in patients with neurocysticercosis. The study suggests that anti-epileptic drugs should be continued until lesions are resolved, and further research on antihelminthic drug therapy is recommended.
In a Phase II clinical trial, VELCADE (bortezomib) produced partial responses in 32% of patients with relapsed or refractory myeloma. The overall response rate was 35%, with some patients continuing to show positive responses nearly a year after treatment.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School found that the West Nile virus capsid protein can cause inflammation and apoptosis in cells, leading to encephalitic inflammation. The study suggests that blocking the protein's pathogenicity may help slow down the virus.
The study found that conventional diesel buses produce nitrogen oxide pollutants contributing to photochemical smog and fine soot particles. Laser sensors measured pollutant levels in exhaust plumes from different bus types, revealing varying pollution problems.
A team of US researchers study Polish forest plots with 14 different temperate tree species to understand biodiversity and ecosystem structure. They investigate how tree species influence the environment, soil acidity, and decomposition.
New research from University of Minnesota presents promising findings on unrelated donor transplants, including a study showing improved survival rates and quality of life for leukemia/lymphoma patients. Another study explores the use of bone marrow-derived stem cells to treat Parkinson's disease.
Researchers found that climate change may weaken average El Niño events due to a decline in ocean-atmosphere coupling. However, individual El Niños could still be intense, even in a warmer world. The study simulated past and future behavior of El Niño using the NCAR Climate System Model.
A UMass scientist has identified a gene, Nhlh2, that regulates body weight, physical activity levels, and sex behaviors in mice. The knockout mice are severely obese and exhibit reduced physical activity, illustrating the critical role of the gene in regulating appetite and exercise.
A Phase II study of CC-5013, a thalidomide-like compound, has shown significant anti-myeloma activity with measurable responses in about 50 percent of evaluable patients. The drug has been well tolerated, with evidence that the daily dosing regimen has fewer side effects than the twice daily schedule.