A new blood test for congestive heart failure has shown high accuracy in diagnosing the condition, with nearly 90% of cases correctly identified. The BNP test detects elevated levels of a hormone released by the heart ventricles when pressure rises, and has been proven effective in emergency rooms worldwide.
The Ecological Society of America honored its 2002 award winners for their contributions to ecology, including George Mercer Award recipient Jonathon Levine's innovative approach to managing invasive species. The Eugene P. Odum Education Award was given to Margaret Lowman for her work in ecology education and research.
Researchers found that chloroquine-resistant parasites arose in multiple geographic locations and rapidly spread across continents, contradicting long-held theories. The genetic diversity of the malaria parasite suggests it has evolved over a timeframe coincident with human population expansion out of Africa.
Researchers at MGH Laboratory of Molecular Endocrinology found that GLP-1 causes adult islet stem cells to differentiate into functional beta cells. This discovery may help devise strategies for using islet stem cells to treat diabetes.
A new MIT technique involves growing cartilage cells within a novel gel, which is then delivered to damaged joints. The engineered tissue has mechanical and biochemical properties similar to native cartilage.
The Medicare+Choice program may stabilize enrollment, but its expansion is unlikely due to conflicting policy goals. The authors found that M+C plans provide significant added benefits to low-income beneficiaries.
A genetic variant of an immune system receptor appears to simultaneously dampen the body's immune response to bacteria and other microbial toxins and provide protection against atherosclerosis. The researchers believe this discovery suggests a possible new approach to anti-atherosclerosis drugs.
The AIM mission will investigate the sudden increase of noctilucent clouds near the equator, potentially linked to global warming. Temperature measurements indicate cooling at high altitudes, which may explain the rising cloud observations.
The £20 million grant will support the development of local and international partnerships to improve training and treatment delivery, with a focus on emulating the program's success in other countries. The initiative aims to reduce the burden of schistosomiasis in Africa by providing effective control measures.
The study found that cooperative behavior is intrinsically rewarding to the human brain, activating areas linked to reward processing. Mutual cooperation was common in games played with presumed human partners, even when a player was maximally rewarded for defecting.
Researchers found two Navajo patients missing the osteoprotegerin gene, leading to a rare bone disorder characterized by fast bone formation and breakdown. The study provides a genetic cause for Juvenile Paget's Disease (JPD) and sheds light on bone metabolism control.
Researchers will examine genes responsible for prostate cancer growth and identify potential diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets. The study aims to understand why prostate cancer spreads into bones, leading to a better understanding of this disease and potential treatments.