According to a survey, allowing sex selection in Germany and the UK would be unlikely to skew biological sex balance. However, experts argue that selecting the sex of offspring raises ethical concerns about parental desires vs. unconditional acceptance of children. Most respondents have no intention of using sex selection techniques, r...
A 57-year study found that hereditary retinoblastoma patients have a significantly higher risk of developing a second primary cancer, with an increased incidence of melanomas and sarcomas. The risk is independent of radiotherapy treatment.
Researchers identified a link between LKB1, an enzyme that reduces blood glucose levels, and AMPK, which inhibits cell growth. This connection could lead to more effective anti-diabetes drugs, such as metformin, also being used to treat cancer. The study found that LKB1 plays a crucial role in preventing tumor growth by activating AMPK.
Researchers will use single-celled social amoeba Dictyostelium discoideum to uncover genes and molecular pathways underlying sociality. The project aims to understand how social forces create evolutionary pressures and control opportunistic behavior.
A Phase III trial found that docetaxel significantly improved survival rates and overall response rates compared to paclitaxel in women with advanced, incurable breast cancer. The median survival time was 15.4 months for docetaxel patients versus 12.7 months for paclitaxel patients.
Researchers found that resistance exercise can alter the expression of clock genes in human skeletal muscle, causing a phase shift similar to winding on (resetting) the muscle clock. This suggests that peripheral clocks can regulate themselves independently of the central clock.
A multi-center study found improved overall survival and time to disease progression for women with metastatic breast cancer treated with Taxotere, compared to paclitaxel. The results suggest that Taxotere may be a more effective treatment option for this patient population.
The study found that uninsured patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms are more likely to be diagnosed late, leading to a higher mortality rate. Insured patients who received timely treatment had lower death rates, highlighting the importance of access to regular medical care.
A new study found significant gray matter loss in the insular cortex and basal ganglia of advanced heart failure patients. The insular cortex was affected on both sides, with greater loss on the right side, while basal ganglia damage was also observed.
Researchers found that dissatisfied shift workers experienced lower morning testosterone levels, while satisfied workers had no significant differences in cortisol or prolactin. The study suggests that low testosterone levels may contribute to shift intolerance due to disturbed sleep and increased need for recovery.
Prostate cancer mortality rates are falling fast in the US and Europe due to earlier diagnosis and hormonal treatments. Research shows that prompt surgery and hormonal therapy can improve 10-year survival rates for both prostate and breast cancers.
A new study by OHSU scientists explores the impact of hydrologic alteration on salmon populations, revealing a 52% reduction in shallow water habitat due to diking. The research also shows that flow-cycle alteration would have reduced spring-freshet shallow water habitat by 29%.
Researchers at Rutgers University have developed a bio-nano motor using virus-based proteins that can perform linear opening and closing motion. The tiny motor is small enough to line up with human hair, enabling potential use in systems for sensing temperature or position.
A new study has found that intense gymnastics training during childhood and adolescence does not have significant effects on resting testosterone or sexual maturation in male gymnasts. The research, published in the Journal of Applied Physiology, recruited 21 elite gymnasts and 24 age-matched boys to compare their physical and pubertal...
The San Clemente loggerhead shrike's federal recovery program has hindered the species' co-existence with island foxes. Researchers propose shifting funds from predator control to habitat restoration to support both species. This approach may enable species co-existence, benefiting conservation efforts.
A new trial found a significant survival benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy in non-small cell lung cancer, increasing patient lifespan by 4.1%. The study suggests that toxicity is still a major concern and calls for better tools to identify patients who will benefit from treatment.
An environmental epidemiologist from UGA aims to investigate how air pollution affects pregnant women and their unborn babies, building on his earlier research in Peru. He plans to measure personal pollution exposure of 100 pregnant women in Trujillo and analyze blood, urine, and cord blood samples.
Research supports ranches as effective biodiversity protectors, surpassing nature reserves. Ranches showed higher ground- and shrub-nesting bird densities compared to rural developments and nature reserves.
Long-term health consequences of cancer therapy affect nearly all organ systems in pediatric cancer survivors, leading to impaired physical functioning and mental health issues. Women are 40% more likely than men to experience long-term problems.
The European Cancer Patient Coalition is hindered by language barriers, with fewer than 50% of Europeans speaking a second language, including English. Digital divide also persists, with varying internet access across countries, affecting the coalition's ability to operate effectively.
Researchers found significant racial and sex differences in nasal contribution to breathing during exercise, with African-Americans having a greater nasal contribution than Caucasians. Women had significantly less physical work capacity and breathing efficiency compared to men.
Researchers identify key genes involved in cancer development, including BRAF, and develop targeted drugs to combat the disease. A new approach to cancer treatment is being explored by targeting mutated genes, offering new hope for more efficient treatments.
Research by Schurbon and Fauth found that prescribed burning negatively impacts pine savannah amphibian diversity and abundance, with species declining in areas burned more recently. The study suggests a 5-year prescribed burn cycle and summer burns can balance the needs of amphibians and longleaf pines.
Researchers found that people with high blood pressure have reduced blood flow to the brain compared to those with normal blood pressure, leading to slightly worse scores on memory tests. This vascular remodeling may explain why some individuals experience subtle differences in mental tasks.
The live seafood trade is spreading non-native bivalves across the Pacific Northwest, posing a significant threat to local ecosystems. Researchers found that nearly as many ocean quahogs survived in the short-term as established species, highlighting the need for regulations and monitoring programs to control introductions.
Researchers develop a programmable credit card that lets users set daily limits, restrict spending to certain days or establishments, and enhance security. The technology could benefit consumers, parents, and employers by improving financial management and reducing fraudulent use.
A new coalition of cancer patients is working to promote better treatment, care, and research across Europe. The group hopes to influence European health policymaking and ensure access to high-quality screening, treatment, and care for all cancer patients.
A study published in The Journal of the American Medical Association found that women who performed below average in peak exercise capacity and recovery rate were more likely to die from heart disease. Regular exercise was shown to combat risk factors, with moderate physical activity improving exercise capacity by 15-30%.
A meta-analysis of 14 trials showed no survival benefit with chemotherapy, but adjuvant radiotherapy resulted in a 7% higher mortality rate. Professor Thatcher suggests further research is needed to confirm the result.
A recent study found that most adult childhood cancer survivors (10.9%) reported fair or poor health, despite 43.6% reporting some impairment from treatment. Factors associated with health problems were the same as those in the general population, including being female and having limited education.
A $899,996 National Science Foundation grant will fund a five-year study to create an infrastructure for remote monitoring of cattle health. The system aims to alert livestock producers and veterinarians to emerging disease and protect the confidentiality of herd health information.
A major axis within bone cells regulates bone production and loss, providing a potential new target for treating debilitating osteoporosis. Local regulation of bone mass is now believed to occur primarily in the bone, not in the brain as previously thought.
A new study finds that tai chi chih significantly increases immune cell levels and improves physical functioning in older adults with shingles. The exercise program was comparable to hip replacement surgery in boosting immunity and reducing symptoms.
The study found that eight out of twelve patients achieved periods of abstinence of more than 28 consecutive days, and all eight were drug-free at the time of publication. Patients reported significant reductions in craving and improvements in self-esteem, family relationships, and work activities.
Mt. Sinai researchers found that aspirin significantly reduces the risk of a first heart attack in apparently healthy individuals by one-third. The study's findings support treatment guidelines issued by the American Heart Association and U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, recommending aspirin use for those at high risk.
Researchers have isolated stem cells from parthenogenic monkey eggs that can differentiate into various cell types, including neurons and tissues. These findings hold promise for developing an unlimited number of neurons for treating Parkinson's disease.
Researchers will use gene expression profiling and other techniques to identify genes involved in asthma. The program aims to understand how environmental factors interact with genetic causes to affect the disease's progression.
Researchers identified specific genetic variations linked to differences in normal tissue radiation damage, potentially allowing for personalized treatment approaches. The study's findings suggest that a person's genetic pattern can predict their tolerance to radiotherapy, enabling more effective treatment and reduced side effects.
A study led by NYU Langone Health found that epilepsy drug GVG helped hard-core cocaine addicts stay clean for over 60 days. Forty percent of participants achieved sobriety without leaving their environment, gaining weight and living with their families.
Breast cancer patients participating in an online support group experienced improved well-being and empowerment through sharing personal experiences, asking for advice, and expressing emotions. The study highlights the importance of internet access for social support and low-income groups.
The study evaluated 27 surgeons in 23 centers and found that quality of surgery is independent of caseload. The parameters used included length of surgery, blood loss, postoperative continence, and PSA levels after surgery.
A new grant from NSF's ITR Program will support the development of an integrated system, AMADEUS, which uses IT for real-time data gathering and computational modeling. This can lead to safer, more efficient, and economical underground construction methods.
The Ward Hunt Ice Shelf's sudden break-up in 2002 led to the loss of a freshwater lake with unique biological communities. The rupture was attributed to long-term warming and climate changes.
A study published in Neurology reveals that Gulf War veterans under 45 have developed ALS, a neurodegenerative disorder, at an alarming rate. The Department of Veterans Affairs confirms the findings using a different method, raising questions about environmental exposures during the war and potential links to Gulf War syndrome.
Consuming foods containing trans fatty acids raises LDL cholesterol and the risk of coronary heart disease. Manufacturers can create these unhealthy fats by hydrogenating unsaturated oils, making them artery-cloggers.
A new HPV vaccine targeting high-risk types could prevent up to 84% of cervical cancer cases. Testing a cocktail of these virus types could provide sufficient guidance for clinical decisions and future screening programmes.
A study found that people with glaucoma and macular degeneration had lower rates of annual eye exams compared to those with diabetes. The study suggests that changes in medical practice are necessary to improve patient compliance and prevent visual loss.
The HealthGrades study found that hospital care quality differs markedly by state, with better-performing hospitals concentrated in northern states. States such as Florida, Colorado, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Michigan consistently ranked high across various procedures and diagnoses.
Michael Hsiao is developing graph-theoretic algorithms to reduce chip verification time, which could decrease costs and improve accuracy. His tools will be useful for the entire semiconductor industry, addressing the increasing complexity of modern chips.
Virginia Tech researchers are developing a brain impact monitoring system using the HITS sensor system, which measures impacts in football helmets. The system aims to identify the level at which impacts begin to result in injury and inform the design of better sports headgear.
The System 100 Fluid Removal System has been shown to be safe and effective in reducing fluid overload in heart failure patients. By removing excess fluid, patients experience improved symptoms and reduced hospital length of stay.
A new smart blending technique optimizes plastic materials for maximum effectiveness, enabling the creation of tougher, electrically conductive, and porous plastics. The technology, developed at Clemson University, has potential applications in food packaging, personal hygiene products, automotive uses, and even breakfast cereals.
A randomized, controlled clinical trial found that Tai Chi Chih increased immunity to the varicella zoster virus in older adults at risk for herpes zoster. The study showed significant improvements in both immunity and physical functioning without any negative effects.
A Phase III study shows that Avastin, an anti-angiogenic agent, extends patient survival time to 20.3 months when added to first-line chemotherapy. The treatment also improves response rates and duration of response across all relevant patient subgroups.
The discovery sheds light on early modern human biology and their archaic origins. The fossils, dating back 34,000-36,000 years, reveal a mix of modern and archaic characteristics.
The study finds that salmon farms have increased by fivefold since the late 1980s, while wild-caught salmon production has declined, threatening native communities' economic livelihoods. The report highlights ecological risks from farm escapees contaminating wild stocks and releasing untreated pollutants into the marine ecosystem.
Research reveals that the removal of great whales from the North Pacific Ocean led to a domino effect of ecosystem impacts. Killer whales preyed on other marine mammals, causing devastating effects on ecosystems.
Researchers find that one species of Brazilian stingless bee uses an abbreviated scent trail to communicate food location, avoiding broadcasting information to competitors. The unique trail has a teardrop shape and scent concentration that allows bees to pinpoint specific food sources.
A study of fossil records at Grotte XVI found that Neanderthals and Cro-Magnon both hunted a wide variety of game, including reindeer and red deer. The researchers also discovered a sharp drop in cave bear numbers from Neanderthal to Cro-Magnon times, suggesting competition for living space may have led to their extinction.
Researchers have developed a new test that can identify patients who may suffer serious late toxicity from radiotherapy. The test uses T-lymphocyte apoptosis to predict the risk of late toxicity and can help stratify patients for more aggressive treatment, resulting in improved cancer control with reduced side effects.