A study published in Nature found that mice without a serotonin receptor gene exhibit anxiety-like behaviors, indicating the gene plays a crucial role in regulating emotional circuitry. The research suggests that anxiety may be laid down during early development, and that adult brains without the serotonin receptor create normal behavior.
Most childhood cancer survivors report general good health, but therapies used to cure the disease may lead to increased risks of impaired pulmonary function, obesity, and depression. Research also highlights disparities in health outcomes among female and brain tumor survivors.
Researchers develop genetic fingerprint technique to distinguish between various subtypes of adult soft-tissue sarcomas, leading to improved diagnosis and targeted therapies. The technology also helps predict patient outcome and resistance to treatment.
A study found that 40% of patients experienced improved lung cancer symptoms after taking the experimental pill ZD 1839, leading to a longer survival and better quality of life. The pill, which targets the epidermal growth factor receptor, was found to be well-tolerated with minimal side effects.
In a phase II trial, bevacizumab slowed tumor growth by two and a half times, with a highly statistically significant effect. The drug targets the angiogenic process, neutralizing VEGF protein to inhibit blood vessel growth and prevent tumor progression.
A new study by UC Davis Cancer Center found that patients need practical information about how to participate in clinical trials. Informed patients are more likely to have autonomy, be satisfied with their treatment, and stick with a clinical trial through its completion.
A new treatment option called TheraSphere appears safe and effective in reducing liver tumors and improving quality of life for patients with advanced stage hepatocellular carcinoma. The novel treatment emits beta rays via microscopic glass beads, delivering a higher dose to the liver than standard radiotherapy.
The study found patients who received the high-dose regimen had significantly longer overall and disease-free survival rates than those who received a lower dose. The company plans to initiate a Phase III trial of GVAX prostate cancer vaccine in the first half of 2003.
The study demonstrated that gemcitabine was well-tolerated in patients with superficial bladder cancer, with no or very low levels of the drug found in plasma samples. The results suggest that gemcitabine may be a suitable alternative to current standard treatments, which often cause toxic side effects.
Researchers have found that a new FOLFOX4 regimen significantly improves outcomes for patients with advanced colorectal cancer, leading to longer survival times and reduced side effects. The regimen has been shown to extend median patient survival by four months and reduce tumor progression time.
Researchers evaluated 407 patients who had surgery to remove their cancer and were at high risk for recurrence. The study found no significant difference between radiation alone and chemotherapy plus radiation in reducing cancer recurrence or improving overall survival rates.
Researchers have developed a new breast cancer therapy that combines heat therapy, chemotherapy, and fat liposomes to deliver drugs directly to tumors. The treatment has shown promising results, destroying tumors and saving patients' breasts from surgical removal.
A study by Philip Breitfeld shows that initial hospital treatment costs can top $75,000 per child, but the average cost per year of life saved is just $2,700. Insurers lack access to data to justify spending on curative cancer therapies, leading to denied payments for high-priced procedures.
Neuropathic pain is a complex condition that can be difficult to treat, but research suggests that psychological factors play a crucial role. Dr. Bushnell's work highlights the importance of catching pain early and treating it aggressively, as well as exploring alternative approaches such as meditation and drawing
Dr. James Henry studies the electrical activity of nerve cells to understand how pain is transmitted to the brain. He hopes to establish collaborations among pain researchers and medical professionals to improve treatment options for patients suffering from chronic pain.
The HVDDT program aims to bring a safe and effective HIV vaccine closer to reality by partnering academic research centers with private industry. Early tests in monkeys showed promising results, with vaccinated animals developing strong immune responses that protected against disease.
Researchers found strong connection between common IL-1 gene variations and elevated CRP levels, a protein marker of inflammation. The study's findings may help physicians identify patients at risk earlier and monitor disease progression.
Dr. Robin Cohen developed the McGill Quality of Life (MQOL) Questionnaire to measure existential, physical, psychological, and social well-being in terminally ill patients. She emphasizes the importance of addressing cognition, emotion, and spiritual aspects of pain management.
The Mayor of London is at the center of a complex pattern of governance, with partnerships between organizations playing a crucial role. Business sectors have been successful in getting their needs represented to the Mayor, but NGOs have struggled to organize effectively.
A team of NYU biologists developed a new method to silence neurons by controlling electrical activity, revealing the central role of electrical activity in governing circadian rhythms. The breakthrough may lead to more effective treatments for diseases caused by aberrant electrical activity.
Dr. Marianne Legato receives the American Medical Women's Association Woman in Science Award for her groundbreaking research on gender-specific medicine, aiming to redefine traditional health models and improve women's health outcomes.
A new study funded by a $350,000 grant aims to examine how alcohol impairs women's ability to recognize and respond to risk of sexual aggression. The research will provide information on resistance strategies to help women engage in safer dating situations.
Scientists have identified a family of six proteins, called ZIGs, responsible for maintaining the wiring of the nervous system. The discovery was made in C. elegans and suggests that analogous human ZIG proteins may play a role in neurological disease pathology.
Decitabine has been shown to be effective in treating patients who don't respond to traditional treatment, reducing symptoms and improving quality of life. The study found that decitabine works by increasing fetal hemoglobin production, which can help alleviate the severity of sickle cell symptoms.
Researchers at Emory University Health Sciences Center are launching a three-year pilot study to evaluate the effectiveness of progesterone in treating traumatic brain injury. The study aims to determine whether giving progesterone to victims of moderate to severe traumatic brain injury can save lives and preserve mental function.
Dr. Johnston's research focuses on reducing infant pain in preterm babies, finding skin-to-skin contact and sugar administration can be effective soothing methods. She also coaches pediatric nurses and promotes a pain awareness campaign to improve treatment options for infants and their families.
Research suggests that individuals with coronary artery disease are less tolerant to anaemia during non-cardiac surgery. A study of 2059 patients found those with anaemia had a five-fold higher in-hospital mortality rate after bypass surgery despite blood transfusions, indicating the need for further investigation before surgery.
New studies suggest that vitamin D may help prevent colon cancer by activating the detoxification of lithocholic acid, a known carcinogen. Researchers found that vitamin D acts as a sensor for the toxic chemical, triggering proteins to clear it from the body.
A University of Florida chemistry professor has created a nanomotor from a single DNA strand, which is more practical and easier to control than previous designs. The device can be used in biosensors to detect specific DNA sequences related to disease and may also play a role in clinical treatment by targeting cancer cells with precision.
Researchers at Imperial College London have successfully grown human lung cells in mice, paving the way for potential lung transplants. The breakthrough could address chronic organ shortages and rejection issues, offering new treatment options for life-threatening lung diseases.
A study of 679 black women in Detroit's low-income neighborhoods found that tangible aids like child care, transportation, and money are crucial for their overall well-being. The research suggests that strengthening both emotional and instrumental support is necessary to reduce chronic stress and promote better health outcomes.
Researchers analyzed iridium levels and magnetic fields to correlate with plant and animal life, suggesting a comet or asteroid impact led to the rise of dinosaurs in the Jurassic period. This impact is thought to have cleared the way for other species to adapt, ultimately paving the way for dinosaur dominance.
A team of researchers will study the role of Rac2, a protein important in phagocytic blood cell function, using mice that lack a functional Rac2 gene and exhibit immune system defects. The long-term goal is to develop novel approaches to control phagocyte function and disease.
Rockefeller University scientists have discovered how transcription begins in bacteria, a crucial step for developing new antibiotics. The structure of the RNA polymerase holoenzyme reveals a novel protein-protein interaction that regulates transcription initiation.
Researchers have discovered a link between keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) concentrations and protection against bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in premature infants. Additionally, a new pH test offers a simple method to evaluate airway inflammation in diseases such as asthma and COPD.
A new synthetic antithrombotic drug, fondaparinux, has been shown to reduce the risk of deep-vein thrombosis (DVT) in patients after hip-replacement surgery. The study found a 26% reduction in DVT risk among patients given fondaparinux.
A recent California quake occurred near a forecasted anomaly within the margin of error of its location, validating the University of Colorado's earthquake forecasting method. The scientists used a 'state vector' to characterize seismic activity in southern California and developed a probability index to predict large earthquakes.
Researchers at the University at Buffalo's Buffalo Neuroimaging Analysis Center are providing new insights into multiple sclerosis using advanced MRI brain imaging methods. They have found that the brain's gray matter, where higher functioning is centered, is involved in MS and has identified a potential target for treatment.
Researchers at UCR discovered that animal cells use RNA silencing to protect themselves from viral infections, a mechanism also found in plants. This breakthrough could lead to new gene therapies and vaccine designs for treating recalcitrant human and animal viral diseases.
A new NASA study suggests that changes in rainfall patterns play a significant role in plant growth and carbon absorption in the United States. The research found that higher humidity combined with increased precipitation led to a 14% increase in plant growth between 1950 and 1993.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute have identified the first temperature-sensing molecule found in keratinocytes, the major type of cell in the skin, which can detect warm and hot temperatures above 33°C. This discovery opens up new possibilities for pain therapeutics.
Research suggests that baby brains are more efficient at recognizing faces than adults, particularly monkey faces. By six months old, infants can distinguish between individual humans and monkeys, but this ability declines with age.
Researchers found a mass extinction event occurred less than 30 thousand years before giant theropod dinosaurs emerged, linked to an asteroid or comet impact. The discovery was made in lake sediments from the Newark Supergroup basins, showing a quadrupling of iridium abundance and fern spore spikes.
A gene called Sir2, long studied in yeast and worms, has a counterpart in fruit flies that plays a dynamic role in genetic regulation of early development. The study found that Sir2 appears to play a dual role, acting as both a silencer and repressor gene.
A recent study suggests that infants 'tune in' to familiar face groups and perform better at recognizing faces of humans than other species. The researchers propose that this specialization occurs only with experience in viewing faces and may signal a general change in neural networks involved in early cognition.
Researchers at the University at Buffalo have developed a new semiconducting material that exhibits key properties for spintronic devices, including ferromagnetism and hysteresis. This breakthrough could lead to faster processing speeds, non-volatility, and potentially quantum computing capabilities.
Researchers are making progress in developing preventive HIV vaccines, with six potential candidates tested in clinical trials over the past five years. The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases is currently sponsoring multiple clinical trials, which will require tens of thousands of additional volunteers.
Six finalists from various industries are vying for the INFORMS Edelman Award, which recognizes outstanding examples of operations research. The winning company will have made a significant impact on their client organization's performance, with the top prize being $10,000.
A multicenter randomized trial found that chemoembolisation significantly improves survival rates compared to conservative treatment, with 82% and 63% survival probabilities at 1 year and 2 years, respectively.
New ice core samples reveal human activities account for approximately 25% of modern carbonyl sulfide in the atmosphere. Researchers can now develop a baseline to measure the effect of human activity on atmospheric carbonyl sulfide and sulfate aerosols.
A study found that young black males and females retain sodium even after stress subsides, leading to prolonged elevated blood pressure and increased cardiovascular load. Researchers suggest this impaired natriuresis mechanism contributes to the development of essential hypertension in blacks.
Researchers found that high-fat diets lead to an accumulation of lithocholic acid, a toxic compound produced when the body processes cholesterol. The vitamin D receptor plays a crucial role in eliminating this acid, which may help prevent colon cancer. However, excessive vitamin D intake can cause other health issues.
A new study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology found that outpatient antibiotic treatment for PID is just as effective as inpatient treatment. The study, known as PEACH, involved 831 women with PID and showed no significant differences in outcomes between those treated inpatient or outpatient.
A 12-week study found that Viagra improved erections for 71% of men, compared to 18% on placebo. The medication was well-tolerated with mild side effects, making it a good option for men who need to treat both high blood pressure and erectile dysfunction.
Pattern recognition receptors on mast cells play a crucial role in triggering an immune response and modulating inflammation. This receptor activation leads to the release of histamine and other pro-inflammatory mediators, contributing to various diseases such as allergic reactions and asthma.
A new method to prevent HIV from infecting healthy cells has been discovered by a team of researchers at the University of Illinois. The study found that reverse-chirality D-peptides can block the virus's entry into cells, providing a potential new therapeutic option.
A Yale research team identified a genetic mutation in the Wnt signaling pathway that leads to high bone density, a trait seen in one in a million people with no symptoms. The findings suggest a new route for developing medications to increase bone density and prevent osteoporosis without clinical side effects.
Researchers explore the role of dopamine in the placebo effect, which shows promise for treating Parkinson's disease, depression, and pain. Meanwhile, preclinical studies on bone-marrow stromal cells suggest potential therapeutic benefits for neural injury treatments like stroke.
Raman Imaging of Human Macular Pigments demonstrates a rapid screening technique for macular degeneration using Raman spectroscopy. The method provides insight into individual variations in spatial profiles and total amounts of macular carotenoid pigments.
A study led by Duke University ecologist Robert Jackson found that soil nitrogen availability constrains the capacity of ecosystems to absorb increased atmospheric CO2. The research suggests that natural systems will no longer be able to take up excess carbon dioxide, emphasizing the need for stringent emissions controls.