A study found that women are more likely to get regular cancer screenings if they have a well-organized primary care system. Women in private HMOs were also more likely to receive regular screenings compared to uninsured or underinsured women.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have traced cellular pathways that enhance the action of antifungal drugs used to treat fungal infections in people with compromised immune systems. Combining fluconazole with cyclosporin or FK506 was found to potently kill fungal cells, and the team elucidated the molecular targets involved.
Georgetown University Medical Center's research found that 53% of medical schools lack training in clinical pharmacology and adverse drug reactions for third- and fourth-year students. Most residency programs offer lectures on the topic but have limited reporting of adverse events.
Researchers found diverse bacterial photosynthetic genes in ocean plankton, actively harnessing energy from light, revealing new types of phototrophs. This discovery has significant implications for oceanic food web models and global carbon budget management.
Groundwater contamination with naturally occurring arsenic poses a significant health risk in Bangladesh and West Bengal. The researcher aims to understand why arsenic levels are high in groundwater and how they will change over time and space.
The NIH panel recommends surgically removing tumors over 6cm in size, while those between 4-6cm may be removed based on hormone production. Minimally invasive surgery is suitable for smaller, non-cancerous tumors.
Scientists have identified the PKHD1 gene as the cause of autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD), a life-threatening genetic disorder. The discovery provides a genetic roadmap for understanding how the disease progresses, paving the way for more accurate diagnoses and treatments.
Researchers suggest scopolamine could prevent many deaths from nerve agent attacks by reversing physostigmine toxicity in the brain and central nervous system. Studies show improved survival rates with scopolamine compared to atropine, a standard treatment for nerve agent poisoning.
A new study found that caregivers with higher perceived stress levels had infants who experienced more wheezing episodes during the first 14 months of life. Additionally, exposure to German cockroach allergen was associated with increased risk of asthma attacks in susceptible children. Researchers also developed a molecular model of th...
Researchers at the University of Melbourne have developed a potential allergy vaccine using a modified rye grass protein that reduces allergenic response while boosting immune system. The vaccine, delivered in its pure form, may significantly reduce risk of anaphylactic shock and increase immunotherapy efficacy.
Researchers mapped areas of Africa at risk for RVF outbreaks, identifying conditions necessary for breeding mosquitoes that transmit the virus. Satellite data also suggested a link between dry to wet changes in tropical regions and Ebola outbreaks.
Researchers investigate how electrical impulses travel through cardiac tissue and how impaired cell communication affects heart health. They develop a computer model that shows how electrical activity spreads like a fire in a forest, and find that spiral waves breaking up into multiple spirals may be similar to the patterns that cause ...
Researchers found that high-dose, short-term chlorambucil treatment resulted in sustained inflammation reduction for 77% of patients with severe, non-infectious uveitis. The study's findings suggest that chlorambucil may become a preferred treatment option for these patients.
A study found that two forms of bias in cause-of-death classification affect the results of randomized trials on cancer screening. Sticky-diagnosis bias biases against screening, while slippery-linkage bias biases in favor of screening. The authors suggest using all-cause mortality to accurately assess the value of screening.
Researchers found that response rates, survival rates, and quality-of-life outcomes are similar between elderly patients (ages 70+) and younger patients with non-small-cell lung cancer. Additionally, studies report an increased risk of lung cancer after Hodgkin's disease treatment, especially in smokers, and analyzed cost-effectiveness...
A Dartmouth study found biases in cancer screening trials that may have overestimated its benefits, suggesting a need for alternative mortality analysis methods. The research recommends using all-cause mortality alongside disease-specific mortality to ensure accurate assessment of screening's value.
Biologists at Princeton University discovered a protein that initiates biofilm formation in E. coli bacteria, using a 'touch sensor' mechanism to sense solid surfaces. This finding suggests disrupting this sensing mechanism could be an effective strategy for developing new antibacterial agents targeting biofilms.
Researchers plan to use cycler spacecraft, which would constantly ferry people and materials between Earth and Mars, to enable human exploration and colonization of the Red Planet. The cyclers would rotate slowly to create artificial gravity and provide comfortable accommodations for passengers on long trips.
A Stanford study shows that hormone therapy can improve mental health and reduce depression in women experiencing hot flashes, but may have negative effects on those without symptoms. The research suggests that women should discuss their individual risks and benefits with their doctor before making a decision.
A statewide study found that people who used tanning lamps were 2.5 times more likely to develop squamous cell carcinoma and 1.5 times more likely to develop basal cell carcinoma than non-users. The risk of these skin cancers increased with younger age at use.
A new study found that individuals who used tanning devices were 2.5 times more likely to develop squamous cell carcinoma and 1.5 times more likely to develop basal cell carcinoma compared to those who did not use them. The risk of these cancers increased with the age at which participants started using tanning devices.
A new study found that a single session of moderately intense exercise improves cognitive function in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), particularly in verbal fluency. The effects are cumulative, suggesting that regular physical activity is necessary to maintain mental benefits.
A retrospective analysis of 574 patients with non-small cell lung cancer found that older patients tolerated chemotherapy regimens comparable to younger patients. However, psychological distress and neutropenia were more prevalent in the elderly population. The study suggests that functional status is a key factor in determining treatm...
A NASA-funded study utilizes satellite data on temperature and vegetation to forecast West Nile Virus transmission and identify high-risk areas. The analysis reveals that mosquito populations thrive in warmer, wetter conditions, allowing researchers to pinpoint disease hotspots and make predictions about future outbreaks.
A new bioremediation process, Bioavailability Enhancement Technology (B.E.T.), has been successfully tested at the Idaho National Laboratory's Test Area North. The technology accelerates the degradation of trichloroethene (TCE) in groundwater plumes, making it a cost-effective solution for cleaning up contaminated aquifers.
The Cornell and Contour Comet Challenge encourages students and teachers to create educational programs about the spacecraft's goal to study comets. The challenge includes two winning teams that will receive a trip to Kennedy Space Center and educational materials.
Researchers at Jefferson Medical College and University of Barcelona found that moderate drinking from one to four drinks a day improved heart function in men with alcohol-related heart failure. The study suggests a threshold drinking level for alcohol-related heart damage, below which there is no harm.
The new guidelines recommend a diet rich in carbohydrates or monounsaturated fats, with an emphasis on whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and low-fat milk. Increasing fiber intake from foods like grains, fruits, and vegetables is also recommended to improve diabetes control.
A five-year project aims to create a tool that allows researchers to compare DNA, proteins, and biological factors between cancerous and non-cancerous tissues. This database will be built on unidentifiable data from 1.6 million pathology reports and six million tissue blocks from various Indianapolis hospitals.
The HIV/AIDS epidemic in Mozambique is taking a toll on education, leading to reduced school enrollments, graduation rates, and quality of education. The report predicts that the country's economy will be smaller than expected by 2010 due to reduced productivity growth, population growth, human capital accumulation, and physical capita...
Scientists have identified ILT3 and ILT4, a key pair of molecules that function as a brake for the immune response. Increasing their activity on dendritic cells may create tolerance to foreign tissues, while decreasing it can enhance the immune response against malignant cells.
A Canadian study finds that home births attended by midwives have comparable perinatal outcomes to hospital births, including lower rates of maternal infection and neonatal complications. However, the authors recommend ongoing monitoring for rare adverse outcomes such as hemorrhage and ventilator support.
Recent studies found no link between intense training and stunted growth or maturation in young female athletes. Instead, body size seems to be appropriate for the sport, with parents of gymnasts being shorter than average. Further research is needed to understand the effects of training on growth.
A team of researchers has identified a family of six proteins, called ZIGs, responsible for maintaining the wiring of the nervous system in mature organisms. These proteins play a crucial role in keeping the anatomy of the nervous system intact, and their discovery may lead to new insights into neurological diseases.
A large study of men's health habits found that a prudent diet significantly reduces the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The study indicates that avoiding weight gain and eating a balanced diet may substantially reduce this risk, highlighting the importance of a healthy lifestyle in preventing the disease.
Researchers have identified a gene called LGI1 associated with a rare type of epilepsy characterized by auditory hallucinations and other symptoms. The discovery provides new insights into the cause of common epilepsy.
Researchers found that elevated carbon dioxide levels hinder nitrate assimilation in plants, leading to reduced protein content and increased risk of malnutrition. The study suggests a shift from nitrate to ammonium fertilizers may be necessary to maintain crop yields under high CO2 conditions.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic have identified the gene causing an inherited form of childhood kidney disease associated with renal failure and neonatal death. The discovery may improve prospects for gene testing and diagnosis of this life-threatening disease in young children, which affects one in 20,000 Americans.
As Alzheimer's symptoms progress, so do the costs of caregiver and patient care, with average six-month costs exceeding $29,000 per patient. Researchers urge earlier treatment to prevent increased costs and burden on caregivers.
Researchers at TSRI report a novel synergistic folding mechanism in two transcriptional proteins, CBP and p160, which become active when brought together. This discovery sheds light on the biological functions of intrinsically unstructured proteins and their role in cancer and other diseases.
Researchers found rapid weight gain during the first four months of life significantly associated with an increased risk of being overweight at age seven. The study also found that even a modest increase in weight gain of 100 extra grams per month resulted in a 25% higher risk of being overweight.
A study of 4535 medical records found that autologous blood donation programs were used in only 18.6% of patients, despite being eligible, and reinfusion of blood was used in just 2.4% of all cases. Experts recommend greater cooperation among anesthetists, surgeons, and transfusionists to improve blood conservation techniques.
A survey of British public attitudes found strong support for mercy killing, with 84% in favour of doctors assisting patients to die. Those without religious convictions were more likely to back the practice, while people with strong faiths opposed it. The results suggest a shift in public opinion on the issue.
Three influential organizations of internal medicine physicians unveil a new charter on medical professionalism, outlining three fundamental principles and ten definitive professional responsibilities. The charter aims to promote an action agenda for the profession, addressing challenges in healthcare delivery, technology, and globaliz...
A study conducted in Harlem found that 30% of adult residents suffer from oral health problems, with those with public insurance only slightly more likely to receive care due to limited provider availability. The high rates of unemployment and lower household income may be contributing factors.
Female students place greater importance on attractive prices and destination image, while males prioritize partying and sexual opportunities. Researchers suggest targeted advertising and health education campaigns to attract both genders.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins have discovered that a protein called CNGA4 helps the brain adapt to smells by plugging a channel in odor receptor cells. The study found that mice without this protein can't adapt to odors, and the electrical signal from these neurons stays constant over time.
Researchers at Purdue University recommend consuming omega-3 rich foods like fish, lean meat, fruits, and vegetables to balance fatty acids. Limiting omega-6 fat sources, such as processed meats and vegetable oils, can also help reduce chronic diseases.
Researchers found sulforaphane's phase 2 enzymes protect cells against oxidants for up to three days, preventing damage from cancer, retinal degeneration, and other conditions. Eating large quantities of vegetables, especially cruciferous ones, helps fight disease by increasing antioxidant defenses.
Researchers have made a groundbreaking finding that may impact brain swelling research by discovering how the Aquaporin-4 protein is tethered to Syntrophin, leading to better understanding of the blood-brain barrier. The study's results suggest that AQP4 and Syntrophin play a crucial role in regulating water flow in the brain.
The MIT team's X-Cell 60 model rotorcraft performed a 360-degree aileron roll autonomously, marking the first-ever achievement in its kind. The helicopter's small size and low cost make it an attractive option for military reconnaissance or aerial filming.
A bodybuilder admitted to hospital with blackouts, abnormal heartbeat, and symptoms attributed to bromocriptine, a drug easily obtained online. Many professional bodybuilders use bromocriptine to burn fat during training, highlighting the ease of access to prescription-only drugs through the internet.
A recent study published in European Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that wild game meat and grass-fed beef contain a balance of essential fats, including healthy omega-3 fatty acids and lower levels of unhealthy omega-6 fat. This ratio is associated with reduced cholesterol levels and lower risk of cardiovascular disease.
The study found that all participants exceeded their maximum heart rate target, with slow heart-rate recovery common among them. Dr. Murray Mittleman cautions against warning off players, instead suggesting regular exercise throughout the year to mitigate cardiac risks.
The LIFOU 2000 survey discovered nearly 3000 species of mollusc living in a mere 5000 ha area on Lifou, outperforming the entire Mediterranean region. This staggering diversity includes many rare and unknown species, with some seen only once or represented by single examples.
A new theory proposes that exposure to ochratoxin A during pregnancy or early childhood can induce damage to testicular DNA, increasing the risk of testicular cancer. Testicular cancer is more common among people of higher socioeconomic levels, who are more likely to breastfeed.
Researchers at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center developed a nomogram to predict sarcoma patient outcomes, combining age, tumor size, and other factors to provide more accurate prognosis. The tool enables doctors to tailor treatments based on individual patient risk, potentially leading to better outcomes.
Scientists at Ohio State University developed a plastic material that becomes highly magnetic when exposed to blue light, but loses some magnetism with green light. The technology has potential for future applications in magneto-optical systems for writing and erasing data from computer hard drives.
Researchers tested BNP levels in 325 patients with dyspnea, finding those with high levels had a 51% chance of developing congestive heart failure or dying within six months. The study supports the use of BNP testing as a tool for diagnosing patients at risk of congestive heart failure.
Researchers found that hypocretin neurons from the hypothalamus establish direct connections with spinal cord nerve cells involved in pain perception. This discovery may lead to new treatments for pain, particularly in spinal cord injuries.