The new recommendations aim to lower average systolic blood pressure among Americans by 5 mmHg, resulting in a 14% drop in stroke deaths and 7% overall mortality. Proven behavioral changes such as regular physical activity, weight loss, and dietary potassium intake can also significantly lower blood pressure.
Scientists have developed a novel treatment using neural stem cells to track and target brain tumor cells that spread into normal brain tissue. The therapy involves genetically engineering neural stem cells to produce interleukin 12, an immune-stimulating chemical known to kill glioma cells. Mice treated with this approach survived sig...
A genome-wide scanning study has identified eight genes, including RET and EDNRB, as contributing to Hirschsprung disease, a complex disorder affecting bowel function. The research used gene chips and computer software to analyze thousands of genetic variations, providing new insights into the disease's causes.
The American College of Physicians' Task Force concludes that combined estrogen and progestin therapy has more likely to cause harm than benefit for most women. The evidence is insufficient to recommend hormone therapy alone or together for preventing chronic conditions in postmenopausal women with hysterectomies.
A study found that light to moderate drinking during pregnancy can lead to growth deficits in adolescents, affecting their weight, height, and head circumference. The researchers also identified a dose-response relation between gestational exposure and growth deficits, with effects seen even at low levels of alcohol consumption.
Researchers identified a gene on chromosome 1 linked to drinking patterns in individuals with anxiety-type behavior. The study suggests that studying quantitative measures of drinking may help identify genes involved in alcohol use and problematic drinking.
A new blood test has been developed to detect prostate cancer with high accuracy, helping identify men who need a biopsy and those who don't. The test correctly identified 36 of 38 prostate cancer cases, as well as 70 asymptomatic men with benign conditions.
A University of Toronto study reveals that women who undergo prophylactic bilateral mastectomy significantly overestimate their breast cancer risk, except for those with BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations. The study suggests that formal genetic counselling is essential for women considering the procedure to make an informed decision.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center have developed a gene therapy that significantly reduces bone cancer pain in mice. The therapy uses an inactivated herpes simplex virus to deliver the human gene for proenkaphalin, a naturally occurring painkilling peptide.
A 6-year study found that preventive sessions for mothers and children after divorce reduced mental health problems by 50% and improved behavior. The sessions led to fewer acts of aggression, drug and alcohol use, and promiscuity among teens.
Daily estradiol treatment for three weeks reduces mammary cancer incidence by 90% in rats. The study suggests a simple and safe hormonal prevention method for human breast cancer, comparable to full-term pregnancy or tamoxifen treatment.
A study published in Cancer Research found that COX-2 inhibitors, such as celecoxib, can delay the onset of breast cancer in genetically bred HER-2/neu mice. The mice treated with celecoxib experienced a significant reduction in tumor incidence and a longer time to disease progression compared to control mice.
A study of Japanese atomic bomb survivors found a significant association between radiation exposure and an increased risk of all nervous system tumors, with higher risks for schwannomas, men, and children. The authors suggest that these increased risks persist throughout lifetime, regardless of age at exposure.
Research suggests that moderate to high levels of maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy can lead to increased estrogen levels in the fetus. As a result, female offspring are more likely to develop breast tumors later in life.
Researchers evaluated saccadic performance in adults with a family history of alcoholism, finding they were slower than those without a history. The study suggests that adaptive response to alcohol is associated with a family-history status known to be associated with genetic influence on alcoholism risk.
A study of 74 patients with non-classic cystic fibrosis revealed that nearly a third had no detectable changes in their CFTR genes, sparking debate about the role of epigenetics and alternative causes. The findings may lead to improved diagnosis and treatment options for these patients.
A study recalculated cancer incidence rates from SEER data and found significant percentage changes (3-14%) between reporting-adjusted and unadjusted rates. The authors emphasize the importance of considering these corrections to accurately monitor trends in cancer incidence.
A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that 20% of mammogram-detected breast cancers are in situ lesions with unknown aggressiveness. The research highlights the need for further understanding of DCIS to identify which cases may progress to invasive cancer.
Researchers have developed a test that analyzes protein patterns in blood serum samples to predict prostate cancer diagnosis. The technique proved effective in identifying 95% of cases and 78% of benign diseases, showing promise as a new tool for reducing unnecessary biopsies.
The new guide aims to overcome barriers for researchers to access and effectively use the wealth of freely available human genomic data. The NHGRI team provides practical instructions for searching and analyzing genomic data using major genome portals, such as Map Viewer, Genome Browser, and Ensembl.
Researchers at Penn State have discovered that adding as little as 10% vegetable oil to diesel fuel reduces friction and wear, achieving similar performance to high-sulfur diesel. The team's tests also showed that oxygen-treated vegetable oil mixtures can meet current emission regulations with minimal oil usage.
Dendritic cells may play a key role in accepting transplanted organs, and researchers are exploring a cell-based strategy to induce tolerance. Studies in nonhuman primates suggest that certain types of dendritic cells can regulate the immune response and prevent rejection.
A study in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that women undergoing prophylactic bilateral mastectomy often overestimate their breast cancer risk. Meanwhile, a separate study uncovered no association between antiperspirant use and increased breast cancer risk. Furthermore, researchers identified a serum protein expressi...
Dr. Francis White, a leading expert in neuropsychopharmacology, has received the prestigious MERIT Award from the National Institute on Drug Abuse. His research focuses on understanding the neurobiology of dopamine systems and their role in addiction, with implications for developing new treatments.
Researchers have found that a specific carcinogen in cigarette smoke causes mutations in the K-RAS gene, leading to lung cancer. The study uses a mapping technique pioneered by Dr. Tang to pinpoint the exact site of damage, providing concrete proof that smoking is a cause of lung cancer.
A recent study found that programs for children of divorce can have a positive impact on their long-term adjustment. The research, which followed 240 families over six years, showed that adolescents whose mothers attended parenting classes had fewer behavioral problems and reported fewer mental health issues.
A recent study published by Georgetown University Medical Center found that female rats exposed to alcohol in utero developed breast tumors at a significantly higher rate, with increased breast density and more estrogen receptors. The findings suggest that mothers who drink during pregnancy may increase their daughter's cancer risk.
Michael Prather, a leading researcher on atmospheric greenhouse gases and global climate change, has been appointed as the first holder of the new chair. His work aims to predict and understand changes in the atmosphere caused by human activities and natural factors.
Researchers are exploring a new stem cell therapy, called therapeutic angiogenesis, to grow new blood vessels in damaged heart muscle. The treatment, which uses cord blood stem cells, aims to improve outcomes for people with severe coronary artery disease and congestive heart failure.
A study in Denmark found that pregnant women's attitudes toward drinking during pregnancy exist independently of their knowledge of the subject. A majority of women considered some alcohol acceptable, mostly on a weekly level, while binge drinking was deemed harmful. The research highlights the need for targeted health information stra...
Researchers at NYU will evaluate effectiveness of educational and counseling interventions in helping breast cancer patients cope with diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. The proposed trial compares four groups receiving different approaches to education and counseling.
Researchers at Emory University Health Sciences Center found that early, aggressive treatment for acute coronary syndromes is more cost-effective over time due to decreased medical and other expenses. This approach offers the best prognosis for patients and reduces major cardiac events.
Research found that approximately 20% of the breast cancers detected by screening mammography were ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), and the rate of DCIS diagnoses per 1000 mammograms increased with age. Mammograms were also more sensitive at detecting DCIS than invasive breast cancer.
Studies suggest that moderate dietary restriction, exercise, and healthy diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids can delay breast cancer growth and reduce risk. Calorie restriction is effective in both spontaneous and chemically induced rodent tumor models, but may have adverse effects on bone density.